I have now done with this subject: only before I finish, one word more. Sometimes I have observed that many precious souls, in their endeavours after grace, holiness, sanctification, have been frequent in the use of such and such means, duties, ordinances; wherein I cannot say, but they have done well; and for their help I therefore composed that piece called Media; but of all the ordinances of Christ, this Looking unto Jesus is made least use of, though it be chief of all: It is Christ (when all is done) that is that great Ordinance appointed by God for grace and holiness; and certainly those souls which trade immediately with Jesus Christ, will gain more in a day, than others in a month, in a year. I deny not other helps, but amongst them all, if I would make choice which to fall upon, that I may become more and more holy, I would set before me this glass, (i.e.) Christ's holy life, the great exemplar of holiness; we were at first created after his Image in holiness, and this Image we lost through our sin, and to this Image we should endeavour to be restored by imitation; And how should this be done, but by looking on Christ as our pattern? by running through the several Ages of Christ, and by observing all his graces, and gracious actings? in this respect I charge thee, O my soul (for to what purpose should I charge others, if I begin not at home, and with thee?) that thou make conscience of this practical Evangelical duty; O be much in the exercise of it! not only in the day intend Christ, but when night comes, and thou lyest down on thy bed, let thy pillow be as Christ's bosom, in which John the beloved Disciple was said to lean; there lean thou with John; yea, lye thou between his breast; and Let them lye all night betwixt thy breasts; thus mayest thou lye down in peace and sleep, 1and the Lord only will make thee to dwell in safety; and when day returns again, have this in mind, yea, in all thy thoughts, words, and deeds, even look unto Jesus as thy holy exemplar; Say to thy self, If Christ my Saviour were now upon earth, would these be his thoughts, words, and deeds? would he be thus disposed as I now feel my self? would he speak these words that I am now uttering? would he do this that I am now putting my hand unto? O let me not yield my self to any thought, word, or action, which my dear Jesus would be ashamed to own!
I have now done with this subject: only before I finish, one word more. Sometimes I have observed that many precious souls, in their endeavours after grace, holiness, sanctification, have been frequent in the use of such and such means, duties, ordinances; wherein I cannot say, but they have done well; and for their help I therefore composed that piece called Media; but of all the ordinances of Christ, this Looking unto Jesus is made least use of, though it be chief of all: It is Christ (when all is done) that is that great Ordinance appointed by God for grace and holiness; and certainly those souls which trade immediately with Jesus Christ, will gain more in a day, than others in a moneth, in a year. I deny not other helps, but amongst them all, if I would make choice which to fall upon, that I may become more and more holy, I would set before me this glass, (i.e.) Christ's holy life, the great examplar of holiness; we were at first created after his Image in holiness, and this Image we lost through our sin, and to this Image we should endeavour to be restored by imitation; And how should this be done, but by looking on Christ as our pattern? by running through the several Ages of Christ, and by observing all his graces, and gracious actings? in this respect I charge thee, O my soul (for to what purpose should I charge others, if I begin not at home, and with thee?) that thou make conscience of this practical Evangelical duty; O be much in the exercise of it! not only in the day intend Christ, but when night comes, and thou lyest down on thy bed, let thy pillow be as Christ's bosom, in which John the beloved Disciple was said to lean; there lean thou with John; yea, lye thou between his breast; and Let them lye all night betwixt thy breasts; thus mayest thou lye down in peace and sleep, 1and the Lord only will make thee to dwell in safety; and when day returns again, have this in mind, yea, in all thy thoughts, words, and deeds, even look unto Jesus as thy holy examplar; Say to thy self, If Christ my Saviour were now upon earth, would these be his thoughts, words, and deeds? would he be thus disposed as I now feel my self? would he speak these words that I am now uttering? would he do this that I am now putting my hand unto? O let me not yield my self to any thought, word, or action, which my dear Jesus would be ashamed to own!
- 1Cant. 1.13. Psal. 4.8.
