Thirdly, In regard of his absence, do things of the world present and keep their glory before the eyes of men; for what is the reason that worldly things (which men in their judgements say are vain) yet they are of such price with men! It is with them as it is with Glow-worms and Stars that keep their shining, and are very glorious because the Sun is set; so Christ is hid in his glory, and whilst men are led more by sense than by faith, men dote upon these things; they know nothing more vain, yet nothing more glorious: When Christ comes a man shall see all the world, the honour, comforts, wealth, crowns, greatness of it buried before his eyes; and when an end of these things shall be seen, now the Lord will be precious; as doubtless when they saw the Ark floating upon the water, happy are they that are there might they say; and hence Mal. 3. ult. those that said the proud were happy, what was the reason of it? but because of this, The day of the Lord was not yet come to make up his Jewels? Now when once the eye is bewitched with the glory of the world, nothing causeth security sooner; as strange fancies in the head work a man first asleep: Psal. 73. When David beheld the prosperity of the wicked, he began to dislike all Religion, and to account it simplicity to be holy, until at last he saw the end of these things.
Thirdly, In regard of his absence, do things of the world present and keep their glory before the eyes of men; for what is the reason that worldly things (which men in their judgements say are vain) yet they are of such price with men! It is with them as it is with Glow-worms and Stars that keep their shining, and are very glorious because the Sun is set; so Christ is hid in his glory, and whilst men are led more by sence than by faith, men doat upon these things; they know nothing more vain, yet nothing more glorious: When Christ comes a man shall see all the world, the honor, comforts, wealth, crowns, greatness of it buried before his eyes; and when an end of these things shall be seen, now the Lord will be precious; as doubtless when they saw the Ark floating upon the water, happy are they that are there might they say; and hence Mal. 3. ult. those that said the proud were happy, what was the reason of it? but because of this, The day of the Lord was not yet come to make up his Iewels? Now when once the eye is bewitched with the glory of the world, nothing causeth security sooner; as strange fancies in the head work a man first asleep: Psal. 73. When David beheld the prosperity of the wicked, he began to dislike all Religion, and to account it simplicity to be holy, until at last he saw the end of these things.
