Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ

THIS is that which in the most, greatly promoteth that imperfection, which is in our View of the Glory of Christ, by Faith in this Life. According to the proportion and degree of the prevalency of Affections, corrupt, earthly, selfish or sensual, filling the Heads and Hearts of Men with a multitude of thoughts about what they are fixed on, or inclined unto; so is Faith obstructed and weakened in this Work and Duty.

WHEREFORE, whereas there is a remainder of these Lusts, as to the Seeds of them in us all, tho more mortified in some than in others; yet having the same effects in the minds of all, according to the Degree of their remainder; thence it is as from an Efficacious cause of it, ⟨p. 184⟩that our View of the Glory of Christ by Faith, is in many so weak, imperfect and unsteady.

THIRDLY, We have interruption given unto the work of Faith herein, by the Temptations of Satan. His original great design, wherever the Gospel is preached, is to blind the Eyes of Men, that the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God, should not shine into them, or irradiate their Minds, 2 Cor. 4. 4. And herein he prevails unto astonishment. Let the Light of the Gospel in the preaching of the Word be never so glorious; yet by various means and artifices, he blinds the Minds of the most, that they shall not behold any thing of the Glory of Christ therein. By this means he continues his rule in the Children of Disobedience. With respect unto the Elect, God overpowers him herein. He shines into their Hearts to give them the Knowledge of his Glory in the face of Christ Jesus, vers. 6. Yet will not Satan so give over. He will endeavour by all ways and means to trouble, discompose, and darken the mind even of them that believe, so as that they shall not be able to retain clear and distinct Views of this Glory. And this he doth two ways.