Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ

WANT hereof is that fundamental Mistake which keeps many among us so low in their Grace, so regardless of their Privileges. They hear of these things, they assent ⟨p. 50⟩unto their Truth, at least they do not gainsay them: but they never solemnly meditate upon them. This they esteem a Work that is above them, or are ignorant totally of it, or esteem themselves not much concerned in it, or dislike it as Fanaticism. For it is that which no Considerations can engage a carnal Mind to delight in. The Mind must be spiritual and holy, freed from earthly Affections and Encumbrances, raised above things here below, that can in a due manner meditate on the Glory of Christ. Therefore are the most Strangers unto this Duty, because they will not be at the Trouble and Charge of that Mortification of earthly Affections, that Extirpation of sensual Inclinations, that Retirement from the Occasions of Life, which are required there unto. See the Treatise of Spiritual-mindedness.

WANT hereof is that fundamental Mistake which keeps many among us so low in their Grace, so regardless of their Priviledges. They hear of these things, they assent ⟨p. 50⟩unto their Truth, atleast they do not gainsay them: but they never solemnly meditate upon them. This they esteem a Work that is above them, or are ignorant totally of it, or esteem themselves not much concerned in it, or dislike it as Fanatacism. For it is that which no Considerations can ingage a carnal Mind to delight in. The Mind must be spiritual and holy, freed from earthly Affections and Encumbrances, raised above things here below, that can in a due manner meditate on the Glory of Christ. Therefore are the most Strangers unto this Duty, because they will not be at the Trouble and Charge of that Mortification of earthly Affections, that Extirpation of sensual Inclinations, that Retirement from the Occasions of Life, which are required there unto. See the Treatise of Spiritual-mindedness.

IT is to be feared that there are some who profess Religion with an Appearance of Strictness, who never separate themselves from all other Occasions to meditate on Christ and his Glory. And yet with a strange Inconsistency of Apprehensions, they will profess that they desire nothing more, than to behold his Glory in Heaven for ever. But it is evident even in the Light of Reason, that these things are irreconcilable. It is impossible that he who never meditates with delight on the Glory of Christ here in this World, who labours not to behold it by Faith as it is revealed in the Scripture, should ever have any real gracious Desire to behold it in Heaven. They may love and desire the Fruition of their own Imaginations, they cannot do so of the Glory of Christ whereof they are ignorant, and wherewith they are unacquainted. It is therefore to be lamented that Men can find time for, and have inclinations to think and meditate on other things, it may be earthly and vain; but have neither Heart nor Inclinations, nor Leisure to meditate on this glorious Object. What is the Faith and Love which such Men