Here we see the Father’s _grace_, Beaming in the Saviour’s _face_.
In Christ Jesus the glory of God shines, and God is glorified in _him_; and God glorified Christ, as man-mediator in himself, when _he_ brought _him_ from the dead, and set _him_ at _his_ own right hand. Gave _him_ to be head over all things, and to fill _his_ people with spiritual good. _He_ was deeply humbled, and sorely tried—_he_ was sharply tempted, and sadly afflicted, before _his_ exaltation, and we must be conformed to _his_ image. Before honor, is humility. Christ found it so, and all _his_ followers must. But when troubles abound, is it not strange? that though this is the very time the Saviour is most _tender_, most _careful_, and most _indulgent_ of us, as a parent is of a sick child, more than the strong and healthy. Yet these are the very seasons we have most fears, most cares, and most terrors; when, in reality, we have the least reason. How then, is that text? For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, nor my ways as your ways, saith the Lord. And it is very remarkable, that the greatest part of the precious promises are made to the tried people of God. I pray the God of all grace, to strengthen our faith in _his_ love, in _his_ grace, in _his_ truth, and in _his_ word. O that when we open the Bible, we could always think we are opening, and looking into the very heart of God _himself_; as a God of love; but we are too apt to read for others, and say, O what sweet things are here for God’s children. Yes, they are for us, and whatever suits us, that is ours. Whatsoever things were written afore time, were written for us, that _we_ might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, and we have fled; trouble, guilt, sin, fear, Satan, world, and conscience has pursued; but as faith gathers strength in the person, and work of Christ, we find they cannot hurt us. Thy vengeance will not strike us _here_; nor Satan dares our souls invade. Frighten us he may, but reign, _he_ never can any more. No, our hearts are bespoke. Christ is the lover, and faith, prayer, desire, and intreaty has said most sincerely, Take my poor heart! Set me as a seal upon thine heart. Lord, take and make me thine! take me as I am. Amen.