(48) Attributes makes a meeting of graces, in the person that sees it savingly. But you must remember, that this virtue will never be perfectly felt, till this glory be perfectly beheld in heaven, where we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And therefore since you cannot judge and try yourself by a perfect sanctification, try it by the beginnings of it; this transforming virtue, this sanctifying virtue is present with you, though you cannot discern it. But that you may, thro’ grace, discern something of it, let me ask you what makes you wrestle in secret sometimes against sin, if it be not some sanctifying virtue? What makes the prevalence of sin to humble you to the dust? What makes you lament your own unholiness and impurity ? What makes you long and groan for complete victory over, and freedom from sin? What makes you glad of any victory over your corruption, when this glory shines? What makes your heart to rise against sin ? and when sin prevails, what makes you find yourself uneasy, and out of your element, always till the Lord return, and until you get a new dip in the Jordan of the blood of the Lamb? You have no mercy on your lusts, and are at no peace with them, but still crying vengeonce upon them! Why, it is just the sanctifying virtue, that flows from this view of the glory of God in Christ, in whom Mercy and Peace meet with Truth and Righteousness If you fall and stumble at any time believer, is it not like the stumbling of a horse, that makes you run the faster? so as you get more good of one fall, than a natural man will get of a hundred duties, while it makes you ay the more humble and watchful, and circumspect and dependent. Why, by all this, it appears (whatever be the defeat of your sanctification) that having beheld the glory of God, you are changed into the same image from glory to glory; you have seen the glory, and felt the virtue of this harmonious meeting of divine Attributes in Christ. But then again ? 8. Hence, we may see ground of terror to all Christless unbelieving souls that never have seen the glory, nor felt the virtue of this harmonious meeting, and live careless about either of these. What shall I say ? If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost; 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.
Page:Harmony of the divine attributes displayed in the redemption and salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ.pdf/48
