A53708:47
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.
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.
THAT which will enable us hereunto, in an eminent manner, is that View and Consideration of the Glory of Christ, which is the subject of the ensuing Meditations. For be who is now possessed of all that Glory, underwent this Dissolution of Nature as truly and really as ever we shall do.
THIRDLY; There is required hereunto, a Readiness to comply with the Times and Seasons wherein God would have us depart and leave this World. Many think they shall be willing to dye when their time is come; but they have many reasons, as they suppose, to desire that it may not yet be, which for the most part arise merely from Fear, and an Aversation of Death. Some desire to live that they may see more of that glorious Work of God for his Church, which they believe he will accomplish. So Moses prayed that he might not dye in the Wilderness, but go over Jordan and see the good Land, and that goodly Mountain, and Lebanon, the Seat of the Church, and of the Worship of God; which yet God thought meet to deny unto him. And this Denial of the request of Moses, made on the highest consideration possible, is instructive unto all in the like case. Others may judge themselves to have some work to do in the World, wherein they suppose that the Glory of God, and Good of the Church is concerned, and therefore would be spared for a Season. Paul knew not clearly whether it were not best for him to abide a while longer in the flesh on this account. And David often deprecates the present season of Death, because of the work which he had to do for God in the World. Others rise no higher than their own private Interests or concerns with respect unto their Persons, their Families, their Relations, and Goods in this World. They would see these things in a better or more settled condition, before they dye, and then they shall be most willing so to do. But it is the Love of Life that lies at the bottom of all these desires in Men, which of itself will never forsake them. But no Man can dye cheerfully or comfortably, who lives not in a constant Resignation of the time and season of his death unto the Will of God, as well as himself with respect unto Death it self. Our times are in his hand, at his Sovereign disposal, and his Will in all things must be complied withal. Without this Resolution, without this Resignation, no Man can enjoy the least solid peace in this World.