Owen - BV4501 O84 1844

OF SPIPi.ITUAI. MINDEDNESS. 101 the whole of its excellency and efficacy, it is a princi- pal way of the working of Christ as inhabiting in us ; Col. i. 27. Christ in you the hope of glory. Where Christ evidenceth his presence with us, he gives us an infallible hope of glory ; he gives us an assured pledge of it, and worketh our souls to an expectation of it. Hope in general is but an uncertain expectation of a future good which we desire ; but as it is a gospel- grace, all uncertainty is removed from it, which would hinder us of the advantage intended in it. It is an earnest expectation, proceeding from faith, trust, and confidence, accompanied with longing desires of en- enjoyment. From a mistake of its nature it is that few Christians labor after it, exercise themselves to it, or have the benefit of it; for to live by hope, they sup- pose infers a state not only beneath the life of faith, and all assurance in believing, but also exclusive of them. They think to hope to be saved is a condition of men who have no grounds of faith or assurance. But this is to turn a blessed fruit of the spirit into a common affection of nature. Gospel hope is a fruit of faith, trust, and confidence; yea, the height of the actings of all grace issues in a well grounded hope, nor can it rise any higher. Rom. v. 2 -5. Now the reason why men have no more use of, no more benefit by, this excellent -grace, is because they do not abide in the thoughts and contemplaiton of the things hoped for. The especial object of hope is eternal glory. Col. i. 27. Rom. v. 2. The peculiar use of it, is to support, comfort, and refresh the soul in all trials, under all weariness and despondences, with a firm expectation of a speedy entrance into that glory, with an earnest desire after it. Wherefore, unless we acquaint ourselves, by continual meditation, 9,

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