Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ

IF therefore we would behold the Glory of Christ, the present direction is, That on all occasions, and frequently when there are no occasions for it by the performance of other Duties, we would abound in thoughts of Him and his Glory. I intend not at present fixed and stated Meditations, which were spoken unto before; but such Thoughts as are more transient, according as our opportunities are. And a great Rebuke it ought to be unto us, when Christ hath at any time in a day been long out of our Minds. The Spouse affirms, That ere she was aware, her soul made her as the Chariots of Amminadeb, Cant. 7. 12. It so fell out, that when she had no thoughts, no design or purpose for attendance or communion with Christ, that she was surprised into a readiness and willingness unto it. So will it be with them that love him in sincerity. Their own Souls, without previous designs or outward occasions, will frequently engage them in holy thoughts of him, which is the most eminent character of a truly spiritual Christian.

4. THE next Direction is, That all our Thoughts concerning Christ and his Glory, should be accompanied with Admiration, Adoration, and Thanksgiving. For this is such an Object of our Thoughts and Affections, as in this Life we can never fully comprehend; an Ocean whose Depths we cannot look into. If we are spiritually renewed, all the Faculties of our Souls are enabled by Grace to exert their respective powers towards this glorious Object. This must be done in various Duties, by the Exercise of various Graces, as they are to be acted by the distinct powers of the Faculties of our Minds. This is that which is intended, where we are commanded to love the Lord with all our souls, with all our minds, with all our strength. All the distinct powers of our Souls, ⟨p. 55⟩are to be acted by distinct Graces and Duties, in cleaving unto God by Love. In Heaven, when we are come to our Centre, that State of Rest and Blessedness which our Nature is ultimately capable of, nothing but one infinite invariable Object of our Minds and Affections received by Vision, can render that State uninterrupted and unchangeable. But whilst we are here, we know, or see but in part, and we must also act our Faith and Love, on parts of that Glory, which is not at once entirely proposed unto us, and which as yet we cannot comprehend. Wherefore we must act various Graces in great Variety about it; some at one time, some at another, according unto the powers of all our renewed Faculties. Of this sort are those mentioned of Adoration, Admiration, and Thanksgiving; which are those Acts of our Minds wherein all others do issue, when the Object is incomprehensible. For unto them we are enabled by Grace.