Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ

AND let it be remembered, that I do here suppose what is written on this Subject in the ensuing Discourse, as being designed to prepare the minds of the Readers for the due Improvement of it.

AND let it be remembred, that I do here suppose what is written on this Subject in the ensuing Discourse, as being designed to prepare the minds of the Readers for the due Improvement of it.

AS unto this present Life, it is well known what it is unto the most of them, who concern themselves in these things. Temptations, Afflictions, Changes, Sorrows, Dangers, Fears, Sickness and Pains, do fill up no small part of it. And in the other hand, all our Earthly Relishes, Refreshments and Comforts, are uncertain, transitory, and unsatisfactory; all things of each sort being embittered by the Remainders of sin. Hence every thing wherein we are concerned, hath the Root of Trouble and Sorrow in it. Some labour under Wants, Poverty, and Straits, all their days; and some have very few hours free from Pains and Sickness. And all these things, with others of an alike Nature are heightened at present, by the Calamitous Season wherein our lot is fallen. All things almost in all Nations are filled with Confusions, Disorders, Dangers, Distresses and Troubles; Wars and Rumours of Wars, do abound, With Tokens of farther approaching Judgments; Distress of Nations, with perplexities, mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth. There is in many places no Peace unto him that goeth out, nor to him that cometh in, but great Vexations are on the Inhabitants of the World; Nation is destroyed of Nation, and City of City, for God doth vex them with all Adversity. And in the mean time, Vexation, with the ungodly deeds of wicked men, doth greatly further the Troubles of Life; the sufferings of many also for the Testimony of their Consciences are deplorable, with ⟨image 6⟩the Divisions and Animosities that abound amongst all sorts of Christians.

AS unto this present Life, it is well known what it is unto the most of them, who concern themselves in these things. Temptations, Afflictions, Changes, Sorrows, Dangers, Fears, Sickness and Pains, do fill up no small part of it. And in the other hand, all our Earthly Relishes, Refreshments and Comforts, are uncertain, transitory, and unsatisfactory; all things of each sort being embittered by the Remainders of sin. Hence every thing wherein we are concerned, hath the Root of Trouble and Sorrow in it. Some labour under Wants, Poverty, and Straits, all their days; and some have very few hours free from Pains and Sickness. And all these things, with others of an alike Nature are heightened at present, by the Calamitous Season wherein our lot is fallen. All things almost in all Nations are filled with Confusiens, Disorders, Dangers, Distresses and Troubles; Wars and Rumors of Wars, do abound, With Tokens of farther approaching Judgments; Distress of Nations, with perplexities, mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth. There is in many places no Peace unto him that goeth out, nor to him that cometh in, but great Vexations are on the Inhabitants of the World; Nation is destroyed of Nation, and City of City, for God doth vex them with all Adversity. And in the mean time, Vexation, with the ungodly deeds of wicked men, doth greatly further the Troubles of Life; the sufferings of many also for the Testimony of their Consciences are deplorable, with