A53708:526
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 13: The second Difference between our beholding the Glory of Christ by Faith in this World,…
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.
OTHERS there are, who will not deny the truth of these things. They dare not rise up in contradiction unto those express Testimonies of the Scripture, wherewith they are confirmed. And they do suppose that some are partakers of them, at least they were so formerly; but as for their parts, they have no experience of them, nor do judge it their duty to endeavour after it. They can make a shift to live on hopes of Heaven and future Glory: As unto what is present they desire no more, but to be found in the performance of some duties in answer unto their convictions, which gives them that sorry peace which they do enjoy. So do many countenance themselves in their spiritual sloth and unbelief, keeping themselves at liberty to seek for refreshment and satisfaction in other things, whilst those of the Gospel are despised. And these things are inconsistent. While men look for their chief refreshment and satisfaction in temporal things, it is impossible they should seek after those that are spiritual in a due manner. And it must be confessed, that when we have a due regard unto spiritual, evangelical Consolations and Joys, it will abate and take off our affections unto, and satisfaction in present enjoyments, Phil. 3 8, 9.
BUT there is no more sacred truth than this; That where Christ is present with Believers, where he is not withdrawn for a season from them, where they live in the view of his Glory by faith as it is proposed unto them in the Gospel, he will give unto them at his own seasons such intimations of his love, such supplies of his spirit, such holy joys and rejoicings, such repose of soul in assurance, as shall refresh their souls, fill them with joy, satisfy them with spiritual delight, and quicken them unto all acts of holy Communion with himself.
BUT there is no more sacred truth than this; That where Christ is present with Believers, where he is not withdrawn for a season from them, where they live in the view of his Glory by faith as it is proposed unto them in the Gospel, he will give unto them at his own seasons such intimations of his love, such supplies of his spirit, such holy joys and rejoycings, such repose of soul in assurance, as shall refresh their souls, fill them with joy, satisfie them with spiritual delight, and quicken them unto all acts of holy Communion with himself.