414 CHRIST ADMIRED AND GLORIFIED [DISC. IV. in glory, in the midst of our weakness, the apostle en- courages himself to ajoyful hope : Now, says he, I can even glory in my infirmities, so far as they are without sin, that the power of Christ may rest upon me ; when L' am weak in myself, I am strong in the Lord." Are not the most diseased patients the chief honours of the phy- sician that bath healed them ? And must not these appear eminently in that day, when he displays to the sight of the world the noblest monuments of his healing power ? When cripples and invalids gain the victoryover mighty enemies, is not the skill and conduct of their leader most admired ? You are the persons then in whom Christ will be glorified, be of good chear, receive his offered grace, and wait forhis salvation. Use III. The next use I shall make of this discourse is to draw a word of advice from it. " Learn to despise those honours and ornaments in this world, in which Christ shall have no share in the world to come." I do not say, cast them all away, for many things are needful in this life, that can have no immediate regard to the other ; but learn to despise them, and set light by them, because they reach no further than time, and shall be forgotten in eternity. Never put the higher esteem on yourselves, or your neighbours, because of the gay glit- terings of silk or silver; nor let these employ your eyes and your thoughts in the time of worship, when the things of the future world should fill up all your atten- tion ; nor let them entertain your tongues in your friendly visits, so as to exclude the discourse of divine ornaments, and the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus. When I am to put on my best attire, let me consider, if I am hung round with jewels and gold, these must pe- rish before that solemn day, or melt in the last great burning, they can add no beauty to me in that assembly. If I put on love and faith, and humility, I shall shine in these hereafter, and Christ shall have some rays of glory from them. Omay your souls and mine be dressed in those graces which are " ornaments of great price in the sight of God !" 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4. Such as may command the respect of angels, and reflect honour upon Christ in that solemnity ! I confess, we dwell in flesh and blood, and human nature, in the best of us, is too much hil- 1
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=