Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…

BUT as was said, it is a real experience of the Efficacy, that there is in the spiritual beholding of the Glory of Christ by Faith as proposed in the Gospel, to strengthen, increase and excite all Grace unto its proper exercise, so changing and transforming the Soul gradually into his likeness, which must secure us against all those Pretences; and so I return from this Digression.

BUT as was said, it is a real experience of the Efficacy, that there is in the spiritual beholding of the Glory of Christ by Faith as proposed in the Gospel, to strengthen, encrease and excite all Grace unto its proper exercise, so changing and transforming the Soul gradually into his likeness, which must secure us against all those Pretences; and so I return from this Digression.

HEREBY we may understand whether the Lord Christ doth so withdraw himself, as that we do not, as that we cannot behold his glory by Faith in a due manner, which is the thing enquired after. For if we grow weak in our Graces, unspiritual in our Frames, cold in our Affections, or negligent in the exercise of them by holy Meditation, it is evident that he is at a great distance from us, so as that we do not behold his Glory as we ought. If the weather grow cold, Herbs and Plants do whither, and the Frost begins to bind up the earth, all men grant that the Sim is withdrawn, and makes not its wonted approach unto us. And if it be so with our Hearts, that they grow cold, frozen, withering, lifeless in and unto spiritual Duties, it is certain that the Lord Christ is in some sense withdrawn, and that we do not behold his Glory. We retain Notions of Truth concerning his Person, Office and Grace; but faith is not in constant exercise, as to real views of him and his Glory. For there is nothing more certain in Christian Experience than this is, that while we do really by Faith behold the Glory of Christ, as proposed in the Gospel, the Glory of his Person and Office as before described, and so abide in Holy Thoughts and Meditations thereof, especially in our private Duties and Retirements, all Grace will live and thrive in us in some measure, especially love unto his Person, and therein unto all that belongs unto him. Let us but put it to the trial, and we shall infallibly find the promised event.