And others that have had as clear apprehensions and vigorous desires (at least) of the future state of glory as we can (with modesty) pretend to; have yet herein moderated themselves so, as to intend their present work with composed spirits. Take that one instance of the blessed Apostle; who, whilst, in this earthly tabernacle, he groaned, being burthened to be clothed, with glory, and to have mortality swallowed up of life being sensible enough, that during his abode, or presence in the body, he was absent from the Lord; yet notwithstanding the fervour and vehemency of these longings, with the greatest calmness, and resignation imaginable, (as to the termination,1 or continuance of his present state) he adds, that (though he had rather be absent from the body to be present with the ⟨p. 382⟩Lord) it was yet his chief ambition (as the word, he uses signifies) whether present or absent (as, if in comparison of that, to be present, or absent were indifferent though otherwise out of that comparison,2 he had told us he would be absent rather) to be accepted to appear grateful, and well pleasing in the eye of God; such that he might delight, and take content in (as his expression imports.) As if he had said; though I am not unapprehensive of the state of my case, I know well, I am kept out of a far more desirable condition, while I remain in this tabernacle; yet, may I but please and appear acceptable in the sight of God, whether I be sooner dismissed from this thraldom, or longer, continued in it, I contend not. His burden here, that so sensibly pressed him, was not a present evil so much as an a•sent good. He was not so burdened by what he felt, and could not remove, as by what he saw, and could not enjoy. His groans accordingly were not brutal; as those of a beast under a too heavy load; but rational, the groans of an apprehensive spirit panting after an alluring, inviting glory; which he had got the prospect of, but could not yet attain. And hence the same spiritual reason which did exercise, did also at once moderate his desires, so that as he saw there was reason to desire, so he saw there was reason his desires should be allayed by a submissive ingen•ous patience, till they might have a due […] seasonable accomplishment.
And others that have had as clear apprehensions and vigorous desires (at least) of the future state of glory as we can (with modesty) pretend to; have yet herein moderated themselves so, as to intend their present worke with composed spirits. Take that one instance of the blessed Apostle; who, whilest, in this earthly tabernacle, he groaned, being burthen'd to be cloth'd, with glory, and to have mortality swallowed up of life being sensible enough, that during his abode, or presence in the body, he was absent from the Lord; yet notwithstanding the fervor and vehemency of these longings, with the greatest calmness, and resignation imaginable, (as to the termination,1 or continuance of his present state) he adds, that (though he had rather be absent from the body to be present with the ⟨p. 382⟩Lord) it was yet his chief ambition (as the word, he uses signifies) whether present or absent (as, if in comparison of that, to be present, or absent were indifferent though otherwise out of that comparison,2 he had told us he would be absent rather) to be accepted to appear grateful, and well pleasing in the eye of God; such that he might delight, and take content in (as his expression imports.) As if he had said; though I am not unapprehensive of the state of my case, I know well, I am kept out of a far more desirable condition, while I remain in this tabernacle; yet, may I but please and appear acceptable in the sight of God, whether I be sooner dismist from this thraldom, or longer, continued in it, I contend not. His burden here, that so sensibly prest him, was not a present evil so much as an a•sent good. He was not so burden'd by what he felt, and could not remove, as by what he saw, and could not enjoy. His groans accordingly were not brutal; as those of a beast under a too heavy load; but rational, the groans of an apprehensive spirit panting after an alluring, inviting glory; which he had got the prospect of, but could not yet attain. And hence the same spiritual reason which did exercise, did also at once moderate his desires, so that as he saw there was reason to desire, so he saw there was reason his desi•es should be allayd by a submissive ingen•ous patience, till they might have a due 〈…〉 seasonable accomplishment.
- 12 Cor. 1. 9. [Greek or Hebrew].2 Cor. 1. 9. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
- 2[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉
