PARTICULAR motives unto the diligent discharge of this Duty , will be pressed in the Discourse it self . Here some things more general only shall be promised . For all persons not immersed in sensual pleasures , not overdrencht 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 Apostasy from God , is exalted above the whole Creation . Our Nature in the Original Constitution of it , in the persons of our first Parents , was crowned with Honour and Dignity . The Image of God wherein it was made , and the Dominion over the lower World wherewith it was intrusted , made it the Seat of excellency , of Beauty and of Glory . But of them all it was at once devested and made naked by sin , and laid grovelling in the Dust from whence it was taken . Dust thou art , and to dust thou shalt return , was its righteous Doom . And all its internal faculties were invaded by deformed Lusts ; every thing that might render the whole unlike unto God , whose Image it had lost . Hence it became the contempt of Angels , the Dominion of Satan , who being the enemy of the whole Creation , never had any thing or place to reign in , but the debased nature of Man . Nothing was now more vile and base , its Glory was utterly departed . It had both lost its peculiar nearness unto God , which was its Honour , and was fallen into the greatest Distance from him of all Creatures , the Devils only excepted , which was its Ignominy and Shame . And in this state , as unto any thing in it self , it was left to perish eternally .

IN this Condition , Lost , Poor , Base , yea Cursed , the Lord Christ the Son of God found our Nature . And hereon in infinite Condescention and Compassion sanctifying a portion of it unto himself , he took it to be his own in an holy ineffable subsistence in his own Person . And herein again the same nature so depressed into the utmost misery , is exalted above the whole Creation of God . For in that very nature , God hath set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places , far above all Principalities , and Powers , and Might , and Dominion , and every Name that is named , not only in this World , but also in that which is to come . This is that which is so celebrated by the Psalmist , with the highest Admiration , Psal. 8. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. This is the greatest Priviledge we have among all our fellow-Creatures ; This we may glory in , and value our selves upon . Those who ingage this nature on the service of sensual Lusts and Pleasures , who think that its Felicity and utmost Capacities consist in their satisfaction with the accomplishment of other earthly temporary desires , are satisfied with it in its State of Apostasy from God . But those who have received the Light of Faith and Grace ; so as rightly to understand the Being and End of that Nature whereof they are partakers , cannot but rejoyce in its deliverance from the utmost Debasement into that glorious Exaltation , which it hath received in the Person of Christ . And this must needs make thoughts of him full of refreshment unto their Souls . Let us take care of our persons ; the Glory of our nature is safe in Him . For ,

2. IN him the Relation of our nature unto God , is eternally secured . We were created in a Covenant Relation unto God . Our Nature was related unto him in a way of Friendship , of Likeness , and Complacency . But the Bond of this Relation and Union was quickly broken by our Apostasy from him . Hereon our whole Nature became to be at the utmost Moral distance from God , and Enmity against him , which is the depth of Misery . But God in Infinite Wisdom and Grace did design once more to recover it , and take it again near unto himself . And he would do it in such a way , as should render it utterly impossible that there should ever be a Separation between him and it any more . Heaven and Earth may pass away , but there shall never be a Dissolution of the Union between God and our Nature any more . He did it therefore , by assuming it into a substantial Union with himself , in the Person of the Son . Hereby the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in it Bodily , or Substantially , and Eternally . Hereby is its Relation unto God eternally secured . And among all the Mysterious Excellencies which relate hereunto , there are two which continually present themselves unto our consideration .

1. THAT this Nature of ours , is capable of this glorious Exaltation and Subsistence in God . No Creature could conceive how Omnipotent Wisdom , Power and Goodness , could actuate themselves unto the Production of this Effect . The Mystery hereof , is the Object of the Admiration of Angels , and will be so of the whole Church unto all Eternity . What is revealed concerning the Glory , way and manner of it in the Scripture , I have declared in my Treatise concerning the Mystery of Godliness , or the Person of Christ . What mind can Conceive , what Tongue can Express , who can sufficiently Admire the Wisdom , Goodness and Condescention of God herein ! And whereas he hath proposed unto us this glorious Object of our Faith and Meditation , how vile and foolish are we , if we spend our thoughts about other things in a neglect of it !

2. THIS is also an ineffable Pledge of the Love of God into our Nature . For although he will not take it in any other Instance , save that of the Man Christ Jesus , into this Relation with himself , by vertue of personal Union ; Yet therein he hath given a glorious Pledge of his Love unto , and Valuation of that Nature . For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels , but he took on him the seed of Abraham . And this kindness intends unto our Persons , as Participant of that Nature . For he designed this Glory unto the Man Christ Jesus , that he might be the first-born of the New Creation , that we might be made conformable unto him according to our measure ; and as the Members of that Body , whereof he is the Head , we are Participant in this Glory .

3. IT is he , in whom our Nature hath been carried successfully , and victoriously , through all the Oppositions that it is liable unto , and even Death it self . But the Glory hereof I shall speak unto distinctly in its proper place , which follows , and therefore shall here pass it by .

4. HE it is , who in himself hath given us a Pledge of the capacity of our Nature to inhabit those blessed Regions of Light , which are far above these aspectable Heavens . Here we dwell in Tabernacles of Clay , that are crushed before the Moth ; such as cannot be raised , so as to abide one foot breadth above the Earth we tread upon . The heavenly Luminaries which we can behold , appear too great and glorious for our Cohabitation . We are as Grashoppers in our own eyes , in comparison of those Gigantick Beings ; and they seem to dwell in places , which would immediately swallow up , and extinguish our Natures . How then shall we entertain an Apprehension of being carried and exalted above them all ? to have an everlasting subsistence in places incomprehensibly more glorious than the Orbs wherein they reside ? What capacity is there in our Nature of such an Habitation ? But hereof the Lord Christ hath given us a Pledge in himself . Our Nature in him , is passed through these Aspectable Heavens , and is exalted far above them . It s eternal Habitation is in the blessed Regions of Light and Glory ; and he hath promised that where he is , there we shall be , and that for ever .

OTHER Encouragements there are innumerable to stir us up unto diligence in the discharge of the Duty here proposed ; namely , a continual Contemplation of the Glory of Christ in his Person , Office , and Grace . Some of them , the Principal of them , which I have any Acquaintance with , are represented in the ensuing Discourse . I shall therefore here add the peculiar Advantage which we may obtain in the diligent discharge of this Duty . Which is , that it will carry us chearfully , comfortably , and victoriously , through Life and Death , and all that we have to conflict withal in either of them .

AND let it be remembred , that I do here suppose what is written on this Subject in the ensuing Discourse , as being designed to prepare the minds of the Readers for the due Improvement of it .

AS unto this present Life , it is well known what it is unto the most of them , who concern themselves in these things . Temptations , Afflictions , Changes , Sorrows , Dangers , Fears , Sickness and Pains , do fill up no small part of it . And in the other hand , all our Earthly Relishes , Refreshments and Comforts , are uncertain , transitory , and unsatisfactory ; all things of each sort being embittered by the Remainders of sin . Hence every thing wherein we are concerned , hath the Root of Trouble and Sorrow in it . Some labour under Wants , Poverty , and Straits , all their days ; and some have very few hours free from Pains and Sickness . And all these things , with others of an alike Nature are heightened at present , by the Calamitous Season wherein our lot is fallen . All things almost in all Nations are filled with Confusiens , Disorders , Dangers , Distresses and Troubles ; Wars and Rumors of Wars , do abound , With Tokens of farther approaching Judgments ; Distress of Nations , with perplexities , mens hearts failing them for fear , and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth . There is in many places no Peace unto him that goeth out , nor to him that cometh in , but great Vexations are on the Inhabitants of the World ; Nation is destroyed of Nation , and City of City , for God doth vex them with all Adversity . And in the mean time , Vexation , with the ungodly deeds of wicked men , doth greatly further the Troubles of Life ; the sufferings of many also for the Testimony of their Consciences are deplorable , with the Divisions and Animosities that abound amongst all sorts of Christians .

BUT the Shortness , the Vanity , the Miseries of humane Life , have been the subject of the complaints of all sorts of considering Persons , Heathens as well as Christians ; nor is it my present business to insist upon them . My enquiry is only after the Relief which we may obtain against all these evils , that we faint not under them , that we may have the victory over them .

THIS in general is declared by the Apostle ; 2 Cor. 4. We are troubled on every side , yet not distressed ; we are perplexed , but not in despair ; persecuted , but not forsaken ; cast down , but not destroyed . But for this cause we faint not , but tho' our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day . For our light affliction , which is but for a moment worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory . While we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen : For the things which are seen , are temporal ; but the things which are not seen , are eternal .

OUR beholding by Faith things that are not seen , things spiritual and eternal , will alleviate all our Afflictions , make their burden light , and preserve our Souls from fainting under them . Of these things the Glory of Christ whereof we treat , is the principal , and in a due since comprehensive of them all . For we behold the Glory of God himself , in the face of Jesus Christ . He that can at all times retreat unto the comtemplation of this Glory , will be carried above the perplexing prevailing sense of any of these evils , of a confluence of them all . Crus nil sentit in nervo dum animus est in coelo .

IT is a woful kind of Life , when men scramble for poor perishing Reliefs in their Distresses . This is the Universal Remedy and Cure , the only Balsom for all our Diseases . Whatever presseth , urgeth , perplexeth ; if we can but retreat in our minds unto a view of this Glory , and a due consideration of our own Interest therein ; Comfort and Supportment will be administred unto us . Wicked men in their Distresses ( which sometimes overtake even them also ) are like a troubled Sea that cannot rest . Others are heartless and despond , not without secret repinings at the wise disposals of Divine Providence , especially when they look on the better Condition ( as they suppose ) of others . And the best of us are apt all to wax faint and weary , when these things press upon us in an unusal manner , or under their long continuance without a prospect of Relief . This is the strong hold which such Prisoners of hope are to turn themselves unto . In this Contemplation of the Glory of Christ , they will find Rest unto their own Souls . For ,

1. IT will herein , and in the discharge of this Duty , be made evident , how slight and inconsiderable all these things are from whence our Troubles and Distresses do arise . For they all grow on this root of an Over-valuation of Temporal things . And unless we can arrive unto a fixed judgment that all things here below are transitory and perishing , reaching only unto the outward man , or the body ( perhaps unto the killing of it ) that the best of them have nothing that is truly substantial or abiding in them , that there are other things wherein we have an assured Interest , that are incomparably better than they , and above them , it is impossible but that we must spend our lives in Fears , Sorrows , and Distractions . One real view of the Glory of Christ , and of our own concernment therein , will give us a full relief in this matter . For what are all the things of this Life , what is the good or evil of them , in comparison of an Interest in this transcendent Glory ? When we have due Apprehensions hereof , when our minds are possessed with thoughts of it , when our Affections reach out after its enjoyments , let Pain , and Sickness , and Sorrows , and Fears , and Dangers , and Death , say what they will , we shall have in readiness wherewith to Combat with them , and overcome them ; and that on this Consideration , that they are all outward , transitory , and passing away ; whereas our minds are fixed on those things which are eternal , and filled with incomprehensible Glory .

2. THE minds of men are apt by their Troubles to be cast into Disorder , to be tossed up and down , and disquieted with various Affections and Passions . So the Psalmist found it in himself , in the time of his Distress : whence he calls himself unto that account : Why art thou cast down , O my Soul ? and why art thou disquieted in me ? And indeed the mind on all such Occasions , is its own greatest Troubler . It is apt to let loose its Passions of Fear and Sorrow , which act themselves in innumerable perplexing thoughts , until it is carried utterly out of its own Power . But in this state a due Contemplation of the Glory of Christ , will restore and compose the mind , bring it into a sedate quiet frame , wherein Faith will be able to say unto the Winds and Waves of distempered Passions , Peace , be still , and they shall obey it .

3. IT is the way and means of conveying a Sense of Gods Love unto our Souls , which is that alone wherein ultimately we find Rest in the midst of all the troubles of this Life , as the Apostle declares , Rom. 5. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. It is the Spirit of God , who alone communicates a Sense of this Love unto our Souls ; It is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost . Howbeit there are ways and means to be used on our part , whereby we may be disposed and made meet to receive these Communications of Divine Love . Among these the principal is the contemplation of the Glory of Christ insisted on , and of God the Father in him . It is the season , it is the way and means , at which and whereby the Holy Ghost will giva a sense of the Love of God unto us , causing us thereon to rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of Glory . This will be made evident in the ensuing Discourse . This will lift the minds and hearts of Believers above all the Troubles of this Life , and is the Soveraign Antidote that will expel all the Poyson that is in them , which otherwise might perplex and enslave their Souls .

I HAVE but touched on these things , as designing to enlarge somewhat on that which doth ensue . And this is the advantage we may have in the discharge of this Duty with respect unto Death it self . It is the assiduous Contemplation of the Glory of Christ , which will carry us chearfully and comfortably into it , and through it . My principal work having been now for a long season to Dye daily , as living in a continual expectation of my Dissolution , I shall on this occasion acquaint the Reader with some few of my thoughts and reliefs , with reference unto Death it self .

THERE are sundry things required of us , that we may be able to encounter Death chearfully , constantly and victoriously . For want of these , or some of them , I have known gracious Souls , who have lived in a kind of Bondage for fear of Death all their days . We know not how God will manage any of our minds and souls in that season , in that Tryal . For he acts towards us in all such things , in a way of Sovereignty . But these are the things which he requireth of us in a way of Duty .

1. PECULIAR actings of Faith to resign and commit our departing Souls into the hand of Him , who is able to receive them , to keep and preserve them , as also to dispose of them into a state of Rest and Blessedness , are required of us .

THE Soul is now parting with all things here below , and that for ever . None of all the things which it hath seen , heard or enjoyed , by its outward senses , can be prevailed with to stay with it one hour , or to take one step with it , in the Voyage wherein it is ingaged . It must alone by it self lanch into eternity . It is entring an Invisible World , which it knows no more of than it hath received by Faith . None hath come from the dead to inform us of the State of the other World . Yea , God seems on purpose so to conceal it from us , that we should have no evidence of it , at least as unto the manner of things in it , but what is given unto Faith by Divine Revelation . Hence those who died and were raised again from the dead , unto any continuance among men , as Lazarus , probably knew nothing of the Invisible State . Their Souls were preserved by the Power of God in their Being , but bound up as unto present Operations . This made a great Emperor cry out on the approach of Death ; O animula , tremula , vagula , blandula ; quae nunc abibis in loca horrida , squalida , &c. O poor trembling wandring Soul , into what places of darkness and defilement art thou going !

HOW is it like to be after the few moments , which under the pangs of Death we have to continue in this World ? Is it an Annihilation that lies at the door ; is Death the Destruction of our whole Being , so as that after it we shall be no more ? So some would have the state of things to be . Is it a state of subsistence in a wandring condition , up and down the World , under the Influence of other more powerful Spirits that rule in the Air , visiting Tombs and Solitary places , and sometimes making appearances of themselves by the Impressions of those more powerful Spirits , as some imagine from the story concerning Samuel and the Witch of Endor , and as it is commonly received in the Papacy , out of a compliance with their Imagination of Purgatory ? Or is it a state of universal misery and wo ? a state incapable of comfort or joy ? Let them pretend what they please , who can understand no comfort or joy in this Life , but what they receive by their Sences , they can look for nothing else . And whatever be the state of this Invisible World , the Soul can undertake nothing of its own conduct after its departure from the Body . It knows that it must be absolutely at the disposal of another .

WHEREFORE no man can comfortably venture on , and into this condition ; but in the exercise of that Faith , which enables him to resign and give up his departing Soul into the Hand of of God , who alone is able to receive it , and to dispose it into a Condition of Rest and Blessedness . So speaks the Apostle , I am not ashamed , for I know whom I have believed , and am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him , against that day .