ON THE GLORY OF CHRIST. 105 This is which we are called unto, Ise. xlv. Et. nal vision of the glory of God in Christ: and the nearer Look unto me, and be saved, all ye ends of the earth. On this look to Christ, on this view of his glory, de- pends our whole salvation: and thereforeall things that are needful thereunto, do so also: this is the way where- by we receive grace and glory. This is the direction given us by the Holy Ghost for the attaining of them. So is the same duty described, Mic. vii. 7. The church knew not any other way of relief, whatever her distresses were. A look unto Christ as crucified, (and how glorious he was therein, bath been declared) is made the cause and fountain of that godly sorrow, which is a spring unto all other graces, especially in those who have fallen under decays, Zech. xii. 10. And it is so also of de- siring strength from him, to enable us to endure all our trials, troubles, and afflictions, with patience unto the end. The only inquiry remaining, is, How a constant view of the glory of Christ, will produce this blessed effect on us? And it will do so several ways. 1. It will be effected by that transforming power and efficacy, which this exercise of faith is always ac- companied withal. This is that which changeth us every day more and more into the likeness of Christ, as bath been at large before declared. Herein all revi- vals and all flourishings are contained. To have agood measure of conformity unto Christ, isall whereof in this life we are capable: the perfection of it is eternal bless redness. According as areourattainments therein, so is the thrivingand flourishingofthelife ofgrace in us, which is that which isaimed at. Other ways and means it may be have failed us, let us put this to the trial; let us live in the constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, and virtue will proceed from him to repair all our de- cays, to renew a right spirit within us, and to cause us to abound in all duties of obedience. This way of pro- ducing these effects, flesh and blood will not reveal; it looks likewashing in Jordan to cure a leprosy: but the life of faith is a mystery known only unto them inwhom it is. 2. It will fix the soul unto that object which is suited to give it delight, complacency, and satisfaction. This in perfection, is blessedness, for it is caused by the eter- approaches we make unto this state, the better, the more spiritual, the more heavenly is the state of our souls. And this is to be obtained only by a constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, as bath been de- clared. And it is several ways effectual unto the end now proposed. For, 1st. The most of our spiritual decays and barrenness arise from an inordinate admission of other things into our minds; for these are they that weaken grace in all its operations. But when the mind is filled with thoughts of Christ and his glory, when the soul thereon cleaves unto him, with intense affections, they will cast out, or not give admittance unto those causes of spiritual weakness and indisposition, Col. iii. 1 -5. 2dly. Where we are engaged in this duty, it will stir up every grace unto its due exercise, which is that wherein the spiritual revival inquired after, cloth con- sist. This is all we desire, all we long for, this will make us fat and flourishing, namely, that every grace of the Spirit have its due exercise in us, lions. e. 8, 4y .5. Whereas, therefore, Christ himself is the first pro- per adequate object of all grace and all its exercise, (for it first respects him, and then other things for him) when the mind is fixed on him, and his glory, . every grace will be in readiness for its due exercise, and without this, we shall never attain it by any resolu- tions or endeavours ofour own, let us make the trial when we please. Lastly.. This will assuredly put us on a vigilant watch, and constant conflict against all the deceitful workings of sin, against all the entrances of temptation, against all the ways and means of surprisals into foolish frames, by vain imaginations, which are the causes of our de- cays. Our recovery or revival will not be effected, nor a fresh spring of gracebe obtained, in a carelessslothful courseof profession. Constant watching, fighting, con- tending against sin, with our utmost endeavour for an absolute conquest over it, are required hereunto. And nothingwill so much excite and encourage our souls hereunto, as a constant view of Christ and his glory: every thing in him bath a constraining power hereunto, as is known to all who have any acquaintancewith these things.
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