VMPIEN.1.1111111t .111.1141111,_ PREFACE. CHRISTIAN READER, THE design of the ensuing discourse, is to declare some part of that glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is revealed in the scripture, and proposed as the prin- cipal object of our faith, love, delight, and admiration. But, alas! after our utmost andmost diligent inquiries, we must say, how little a portion is it of him that we can understand! His glory is incomprehensible, and his praises are unutterable. Some things an illumina- ted mind may conceiveof it; but what we can express in comparison of what it is in itself is even less than nothing. But as for those whohave forsaken the only true guide herein, endeavouring to be wise about what is written, and to raisetheir contemplations by fancy and imagination above scripture-revelation, (as many have done) they have darkened counsel by words without knowledge, uttering things which they understand not, which have no substance ofspiritual food offaith in them. Howbeit, that real view which we may have of Christ and his glory in this world by faith, however weak and . obscure, that knowledgewhichwe may attain of them by divine revelation is inexpressibly to be preferred above all other wisdom, understanding, or knowledge what- ever. So it is declared by him, who will be acknow- ledged a competent judge in these things: Yea, doubtless (saith he), and I account all these things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. He who loth not so, bath no part in him. The revelation made of Christ in the blessed gospel, is far more excellent, more glorious, and more filled with rays of divine wisdom and goodness, than the Whole creation, and the just comprehension of it, ifat- tainable, can contain or afibrrl.Without the know- ledge hereof, the mind of man, however priding itself . in other inventions and discoveries, is wrapped up in darkness and confusion. This therefore deserves the severest of our thoughts, best of our meditations, and our utmost diligence in a them. For ifour future blessedness shall consist in being where he is, and beholding of his glory; what better preparation can there be for it, than in a constant pre- vious contemplation of that glory in the revelation that is made in the gospel, unto this very end, that by a view of it, we may be gradually transformed into the same glory. I shall not thereforeuse any apology for the publish- ing of the ensuing meditations, intended first for the exercise of my own mind, and then for the edification of a private congregation, which is like to be the last service I shall do them in that kind. Some may by the consideration of them be called to attend unto the same duty with more diligence than formerly, and receive directions for the discharge of it; and some may be provoked to communicate their greater light and knowledge unto the good of many. And that which I design farther in the present discourse, is to give a briefaccount of the necessity and use, in life and death, of the duty exhorted unto. Particular motives unto the diligent discharge of this duty, will be pressed in the discourse itself. . Here some things more general only shall be premised. For all persons not immersed in sensual pleasures, not over- drenched in the love of this world and present things, who have any generous or noble thoughts about their own nature, being, and end, are under the highest obligation to betake themselves unto this contemplation of Christ and his glory. Without this they shall never attain true rest or satisfaction in their own minds. He it is alone in whom the race of mankind may boast and glory, on whom all its felicities do depend. For, 1. He it is in whom our nature, which was debased as low as hell by apostacy from God, is exalted above the whole creation. Our nature in the original consti- tution of it, in the persons of our first parents, was crowned with honour and dignity. The image of God
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