The Notion therefore we can hence form of this glory, is only such as we may have of a large volume by a brief Synopsis or Table; of a magnificent fabric, by a small Module or Platform, a spacious Country by a little Landscape. He hath here given us a true representation of himself, not a full: such as will secure our apprehensions, being guided thereby, from error not from ignorance. So as they swerve not in apprehending this glory, though they still fall short. We can now apply our minds to contemplate the several perfections which the blessed God assumes to himself; and whereby he describes to us his own Being: and can in our thoughts attribute them all to him, though we have still but low defective conceptions of each one. As if we could at a distance, distinguish the Streets and Houses of a great City; but every one appears to us much less than it is; we can apprehend somewhat of whatsoever he reveals to be in himself, yet when all is done how little a portion do we t•ke up of him! Our thoughts are empty and languid, straight and narrow such as diminish and limit the holy one: Yet so far as ⟨p. 44⟩our apprehensions can correspond to the discovery he affords us of his several excellencies, we have a present view of the Divine glory. Do but strictly and distinctly survey the many perfections comprehended in his name, then gather them up and consider how glorious he is! Conceive one glory resulting from substantial wisdom, goodness, power, truth, justice, holiness; that is, beaming forth from him who is all these by his very Essence, necessarily, originally, infinitely, eternally; with whatsoever else is truly a perfection. This is the glory blessed Souls shall behold for ever.
The Notion therefore we can hence form of this glory, is only such as we may have of a large volume by a brief Synopsis or Table; of a magnificent fabrick, by a small Module or Platform, a spacious Countrey by a little Landskip. He hath here given us a true representation of himself, not a full: such as will secure our apprehensions, being guided thereby, from error not from ignorance. So as they swerve not in apprehending this glory, though they still fall short. We can now apply our minds to contemplate the several perfections which the blessed God assumes to himself; and whereby he describes to us his own Being: and can in our thoughts attribute them all to him, though we have still but low defective conceptions of each one. As if we could at a distance, distinguish the Streets and Houses of a great City; but every one appears to us much lesse than it is; we can apprehend somewhat of whatsoever he reveals to be in himself, yet when all is done how little a portion do we t•ke up of him! Our thoughts are empty and languid, straight and narrow such as diminish and limit the holy one: Yet so far as ⟨p. 44⟩our apprehensions can correspond to the discovery he affords us of his several excellencies, we have a present view of the Divine glory. Do but strictly and distinctly survey the many perfections comprehended in his name, then gather them up and consider how glorious he is! Conceive one glory resulting from substantial wisdom, goodness, power, truth, justice, holiness; that is, beaming forth from him who is all these by his very Essence, necessarily, originally, infinitely, eternally; with whatsoever else is truly a perfection. This is the glory blessed Souls shall behold for ever.
