Christ Set Forth

And yet the minds of many are so wholly taken up with their own hearts, that (as the Psalmist says of God) Christ is scarce in all their thoughts: But let these consider what a dishonour this must needs be unto Christ, that his train and favourites (our graces) should have a fuller Court and more frequent attendance from our hearts then himself, who is the King of Glory. And likewise what a shame also it is for believers themselves, who are his Spouse, to look upon their Husband no otherwise but by reflection and at second hand, through the intervention and assistance of their own graces, as Mediators between him and them?

And yet the minds of many are so wholly taken up with their own hearts, that (as the Psalmist sayes of God) Christ is scarce in all their thoughts: But let these consider what a dishonour this must needs be unto Christ, that his traine and favourites (our graces) should have a fuller Court and more frequent attendance from our hearts then himselfe, who is the King of Glory. And likewise what a shame also it is for beleevers themselves, who are his Spouse, to look upon their Husband no otherwise but by reflection and at second hand, through the intervention and assistance of their own graces, as Mediators between him and them?

Now to rectify this error, the way is not wholly to reject all use of such evidences, but to order them; both for the season, as also the issue of them: For the reason, so as that the use of them go not before, but still should follow after an address of faith first renewed, & acts thereof put forth upon Christ himself. Thus whensoever we would go down into our own hearts, and take a view of our graces, let us be sure first to look wholly out of our selves unto Christ, as our justification, and to close with him immediately; and this as if we had no present, or by past grace, to evidence our being in him. And if then whilst faith is thus immediately clasping about Christ, as sitting upon his Throne of Grace, we find either present or fore-past graces coming in as Hand-maids, to attend and witness to the truth of this adherence unto Christ, (as after such single and absolute acts of faith, it oftentimes falls out.) The Holy Ghost (without whose light they shine not) bearing witness with our spirits, that is, our graces, as well as to our spirits. And then again, for the issue of them, if in the closure of all, we again let fall our viewing and comforting our selves in them, or this their testimony, and begin afresh (upon this encouragement) to act faith upon Christ immediately with a redoubled strength: if thus (I say) we make such evidences to be subservient only unto faith, (whilst it makes Christ its Alpha & Omega, the beginning and end of all) this will be no prejudice at all to Christs glory or the workings of faith it self; for by this course the life of faith is still actually maintained, and kept upon wing in its full ure, and exercise towards Christ alone for justification. Whereas many Christians do habitually make that only but as a supposed or taken