ol4 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IL
dunghills whereon they live, and some stuff their minds with such filthy imaginations as make them an abomination to God, Mie. ii. 1, 2,—they are conversant only about their own lusts, and making provision to fulfil and satisfy them. But yet what are those things which the better and more refined part of mankind do search and inquire into? Things that came out of nothing, and are returning thitherward apace; things which, when they are known, do not much enrich the mind, nor'better it at all as to its eternal condition, nor contribute any thing to the advantage of their souls. But these things are eternal, glorious, mysterious, that have the character of all God’s excellencies enstamped upon them, whose knowledge gives the mind its perfection and the soul its blessedness, John xvii. 3. This made Paul cry out that he accounted all things to be “ but loss and dung” in comparison of an acquaintance with them, Phil. 111 8; and the prophets of old to “search diligently” into the nature of them, 1 Pet. i. 10-12, as the things which alone deserved to be inquired after; and which inquiry renders them “noble” in whom it is, Acts xvii. 11, and is that which alone differenceth men in the sight of God, Jer. ix. 23, 24.
(2.) Our interest and propriety in them. If we are believers, these are our things: The rich man is much in the contemplation of his riches, because they are his own; and the great man, of his power, because of his propriety in it. Men take little delight in being conversant in their minds about things that are not their own. Now, all these things are ours, if we are Christ’s, 1 Cor. iii, 22, 23. This salvation was prepared for us from all eternity, and we are the heirs of it, Heb.i. 14. It was purchased for us by Jesus Christ; we have redemption and salvation by his blood. It is made over unto us by the promise of the gospel, and conferred upon us by the Spirit of grace. Are these things to be despised? are they to be cast aside among the things wherein we are least concerned? or can there be any greater evidence that we have no propriety in them than that would be, if our hearts should not be set upon them? What! all these riches ours, all these treasures, this goodly inheritance, this kingdom, this glory, and yet not be constant in thoughts and medi- tations about them! It is doubtless asign, at least, that we question our title unto them, and that the evidences we have of them will not endure the trial. But woe unto us if that should be the end of our profession! and if it be otherwise, why are not our minds fixed on that which is our own, and which no man can take from us?
(3.) The profit and advantage which we shall have hereby, which will be much every way; for, [1.] By this means we shall grow up into a likeness and conformity unto these things in our inward man. Spiritual meditation will assimilate our minds and souls unto
VER. 2-4.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 315
that which is the object of it. So the apostle tells the Romans that they were delivered into the form of the doctrine preached unto them, chap. vi.17. Obeying it by faith, the likeness of it was brought forth upon their souls; and, by the renewing of their minds, they were transformed quite into another image in their souls, chap. xii. 2. This the apostle most excellently expresseth, 2 Cor. iii, 18. A constant believing contemplation of the glory of God in this salvation by Christ, will change the mind into the image and likeness of it, and that by various degrees, until we attain unto perfection, when “ we shall know even as we are known.” Accustoming of our minds unto these things will make them heavenly; and our affections, which will be conformed unto them, holy. This is the way to have Christ dwell plentifully in us, and for ourselves to “grow up into him who is our head.” And is it nothing, to get our minds purged from an evil habit, inclining unto earthly things, or continually forging foolish and hurt- ful imaginations in our hearts? This meditation will cast the soul into another mould and frame, making the heart “a good treasure,” out of which may be drawn at all times good things, new and old. [2.] Con- solation and supportment under all afflictions will from hence spring up in the soul. When the apostle would describe that property of faith whereby it enables a believer to do and suffer great things joy- fully and comfortably, he doth it by its work and effect in this matter. It is, saith he, “the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen,” Heb. xi. 1; that is, it brings into the soul, and makes evident unto it, the great things of this salvation, the great things of the love and grace of God therein. And this it doth no otherwise than by a constant contemplation and holy admiration of them. And when this is once done, he multiplies instances to evince what great effects it will produce, especially in its enabling of us to go through difficulties, trials, and afflictions. And the same also he ascribeth unto hope; which is nothing but the soul’s waiting and expectation to be made partaker of the fulness of this salvation, whose greatness and satisfactory excellency it doth admire, Rom. v. 2-5. When any affliction or tribulation presseth upon a believer, he can readily divert his thoughts from it unto the rich grace of God in this salvation; which will fill his heart with such a sense of his love as shall carry him above all the assaults of his trouble. And a direction to this purpose the apostle pursues at large, Rom. viii. 15-18, 24, 25, 31-39. This is a safe harbour for the soul to betake itself unto in every storm; as he teacheth us again, 2 Cor. iv. 16—18. Whatever befalls us in our “ outward man,” though it should press so sore upon us as to ruin us in this world, yet “we faint not,” we de- spond not; and the reason is, because those things which we suffer bear no proportion unto what we enjoy or expect. And the way whereby this consideration is made effectual unto us, is by a constant