Two discourses I. of the punishment of sin in hell, demonstrating the wrath of…

That nothing may be wanting in this last place cited, to make up all the Particulars in the foregoing Sections insisted on: So it is, that the Apostle Peter doth further plainly insinuate, That this Salvation (here) consisteth in the Sight and Vision of Christ, (which was one Particular afore-mentioned) accompanied with Joy unspeakable, and glorious. The Coherence (if observed) makes this forth clearly: For whereas in the Verse ⟨p. 299⟩immediately foregoing, he had commended their present State of Faith by this, Whom [now] though you see not, yet believing, rejoice with Joy unspeakable, and glorious. That [Now] you see not, (in this Life) is set in opposition, and carries a promise with it of a time to come, wherein they should see, even as Christ said to his Disciples, Joh. 13. 33. & 36. compared, Whither I go, I [Now] say to you, ye cannot come; but thou shalt follow me [AFTERWARDS]. So here [NOW] believing, (which is the Principle at the present which you live upon) you see him not; but when the end of your faith shall come, you shall then see him; and in this it is consisteth the salvation of your soul. So that still it carries on what I have afore spoken unto, That when Faith ceaseth, Sight cometh; yea, perfects and swallows it up as was said even now, out of 1 Cor. 12, 13.

And let me add this, That the Apostle on purpose doth bring the mention of this supereminent fruit of faith, (Even now when we see not) that believing, ye yet rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious: On purpose, I say, to make way for the raising up their thoughts & apprehensions, how infinitely transcending that salvation of their souls must be, when Faith ending, ⟨p. 300⟩they attain to Sight, to see him face to face, whom their souls have loved: It is implicitly as if he had said unto them, Oh! think with your selves, what Joy, what Glory that must needs be, which exceedeth and surpasseth this that now accompanies your faith, in an answerable proportion, as much as sight of Christ's presence, and face to face, must be supposed to excel the knowledge of him by faith, which sees him but as absent, darkly!