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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…
Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints under spiritual decays : in two chapters, from John XVII, xxiv / by the late Reverend John Owen ...Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints under spiritual decayes : in two chapters, from John XVII, xxiv / by the late Reverend John Owen ...
London: printed by J.A. for William Marshall, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
THERE are three sorts of them unto whom the Gospel is preached, in whom there are various Obstructions of this view.
1. THERE is in obstinate unbelievers a darkness that is an effect of the power of Satan on their minds, in blinding of them, which makes it impossible for them to behold any thing of the Glory of Christ. So the Apostle declares it, If our Gospel be hid, it is hid unto them that are lost, in whom the God of this World hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God, should shine unto them, 2 Cor. 4. 3, 4. Of these we do not speak.
2. THERE is in all men, a corrupt, natural darkness; or such a depravation of their minds by nature, as that they cannot discern this Glory of Christ in a due manner. Hence the Light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not, John. 1. 5. For the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Hence it is that although Christ be preached among us continually, yet there are very few who discern any Glory or Beauty in him, for which he should be desired, as the Prophet complains, Isa. 53. 1, 2. But I speak not of this natural darkness in general. But even these persons have their minds filled with prejudices against the Gospel and darkened as unto the Glory of Christ according as corrupt lusts and affections are prevalent in •hem, see