Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

SECT. III. Of desiring after Jesus in that respect.

3. WE must desire after Jesus carrying on the great work of our salvation in that Eternity. It is not enough to know & consider, but we must desire. Now, desire is a passion looking after the attainment of some good which we enjoy not, and which we imagine to be fitting for us. In this respect we cannot desire after Jesus, as now to carry on that work of our salvation before the World began, for that work is already perfectly done; But these things we may desire after, as, 1. After the manifestation of that work in us. 2. After God and Christ the complotters and actors of that great work for us. 3. After the full and utmost execution, whereby God effectually works in time according to all his workings, or decrees before time.

3. VVE must desire after Jesus carrying on the great work of our salvation in that Eternity. It is not enough to know & consider, but we must desire. Now, desire is a passion looking after the attainment of some good which we enjoy not, and which we imagine to be fitting for us. In this respect we cannot desire after Jesus, as now to carry on that work of our salvation before the World began, for that work is already perfectly done; But these things we may desire after, as, 1. After the manifestation of that work in us. 2. After God and Christ the complotters and actors of that great work for us. 3. After the full and utmost execution, whereby God effectually works in time according to all his workings, or decrees before time.

1. We must desire after the manifestation of this work in us. We have heard of marvellous, excellent, glorious things done by Jesus Christ for his Saints from all Eternity; & oh what desires now should be in us to know that we are of that number? when I hear and consider that there was such a project, and such counsels, and such love, and such a purpose, and such decrees, and such a Covenant betwixt God and Christ for salvation of souls; and withal, that they are but few in comparison concerning whom God and Christ hath all this care, will not this whet on my desires? and make me cry, and cry again, Oh that these loves were mine! how happy were I, if I had a share in these eternal thoughts of God? Methinks we should not hear of such transactions, but it should stir up our hearts in infinite desires; methinks we should pant after assurance, and still be wishing, Oh what is truth? and what is Christ? and what did Christ for me before I was, or before the World was? I would I knew him, I would I could enjoy him, I would I were assured that he had one good thought of me in that Eternity! Christians! if you have any share in those transactions, sooner or later you will feel these desires? nay, if my sinful