A53708:202
Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ
Meditations and discourses on the glory of Christ, in his person, office, and grace with the differences between faith and sight applied unto the use of them that believe / by the late Reverend John Owen, D.D.
London: printed by B.A., 1691
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 3: The Glory of Christ in the Mysterious Constitution of his Person.
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.
THE Design of this Discourse is no more, but that when by Faith we have attained a View of the Glory of Christ, in our Contemplations on his Person, we should not pass it over as a Notion of Truth which we assent unto, namely, that he is thus glorious in himself; but endeavour to affect our Hearts with it, as that wherein our own principal Interest doth lie; wherein it will be effectual unto the Transformation of our Souls into his Image.
THE Design of this Discourse is no more, but that when by Faith we have attained a View of the Glory of Christ, in our Contemplations on his Person, we should not pass it over as a Notion of Truth which we assent unto, namely, that he is thus glorious in himself; but endeavor to affect our Hearts with it, as that wherein our own principal Interest doth lie; wherein it will be effectual unto the Transformation of our Souls into his Image.
BUT some it may be will say, at least I fear some may truly say, That these things do not belong unto them, they do not find that ever they had any Benefit by them: They hope to be saved as well as others by the Mediation of Christ; but as unto this beholding of his Glory by constant Meditation and Actings of Faith therein, they know nothing of it, nor are concerned in it. The Doctrine which they are taught out of the Scripture concerning the Person of Christ, they give their Assent unto; but his Glory they hope they shall see in another World, here they never yet enquired after it.
SO it will be. It is well if these things be not only neglected, because the Minds of Men are carnal, and cannot discern spiritual things; but also despised, because they ⟨p. 57⟩have an Enmity unto them. It is not for all to walk in these retired Paths. Not for them who are negligent and slothful, whose Minds are earthly and carnal. Nor can they herein sit at the Feet of Christ with Mary, when she chose the better part, who like Martha, are cumbered about many things here in this World. Those whose principal Design is to add unto their present Enjoyments (in the midst of the prosecution whereof, they are commonly taken from them, so as that their Thoughts do perish, because not accomplished) will never understand these things. Much less will they do so, whose Work it is to make provision for the Flesh to fulfil it in the Lusts thereof.