CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

In the next place Consider,¹ That it's lawful for the people of God in all the work they do for God, to encourage themselves with this, that there is an everlasting glory laid up for them: Even as Christ had an eye to this glory, so it's lawful for us; Thus Moses had an eye to the recompense of the reward, Heb. 11. The godly Rom. 2. are said to be such as seek for immortality and glory, Rom. 5.2. They rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and Paul accounted all these sufferings but light in respect of that eternal weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4.17. Indeed Gods glory is to be sought in the first place, and then our glory; so that it's a shame, if in all our doings and sufferings for God we are not full of joy, because of that unspeakable glory apprehended by faith, Faith makes it present as if we already were partakers of it; So that whatsoever temptations and discouragements are in the work of the Lord, this glory will abundantly make amends for it; Are there reproaches and disgrace in the world? All the while thou didst sin and the devils work, thou hadst the love and good-will of the world, but since thou hast betaken thy self to the service of God, thou art the scoff and reproach of all; O think of the glory God will crown thee with before all the world; Again, are all the works of God painful, difficult, and contrary to flesh and blood thou must strive and wrestle much in prayer, be always in a combat and conflict, Remember this everlasting glory, yea, God therefore doth many times put his Children upon all exercises and sad temptations, which make them ache at the very heart, and all is to increase their glory the more; Thus Job, thus Paul, they had extraordinary trials that they might have extraordinary glory: Furthermore is there self-denial required in Gods work? Must thou part with thy pleasures, with thy profit, thy delights? still remember, this glory will make thee no loser, for alas what proportion is there between these petty things thou leavest, and those everlasting treasures God hath provided for thee.

In the next place Consider,¹