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 principal object of our faith, love, delight, and admiration. But, alas!
after our utmost and most 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 illuminated mind may conceive of it;
but what we can express in comparison of what it is in itself, is even less
than nothing. But as for those who have forsaken the only true guide herein,
endeavouring to be wise above what is written, and to raise their
contemplations by fancy and imagination above Scripture revelation (as many
have done), they have darkened counsel without knowledge, uttering things which
they understand not, which have no substance or spiritual food of faith 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 knowledge
which we may attain of them by divine revelation, — is inexpressibly to be
preferred above all other wisdom, understanding, or knowledge whatever. So it
is declared by him who will be acknowledged a competent judge in these things.
“Yea, doubtless,” saith he, “I count all these things but loss, for the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” He who does not so has 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, if
attainable, can contain or afford. Without the knowledge 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,
the best of our meditations, and our utmost diligence in them. For if our
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 previous
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?