2 Thessalonians 1:12

REFLECTIONS

READER! it were well, if truly regenerated souls would frequently, and with a suitable solemnity of holy joy, contemplate the great day of Christ's coming, which the Apostle here proposeth to the Church, as the sure support to all the exercises and trials of life. For what damps the highest prosperity of sinners, becomes the richest encouragement to comfort, under all the pressure of evil, to the saints. And, if the people of God would learn, under grace, to connect with their prospect of Christ's coming, their union and interest in that glory in which he comes, what a joy unspeakable and full of glory would this bring with it to their souls. And, as the human nature of Christ united to his divine, gives a right and interest in all that is divine, and the glory of the Godhead is communicated to the human nature, and dwells in it; so our union with Christ gives a right and interest in all that belongs to Christ, as Christ, for communication in all that is communicable, and we derive out of his fullness, grace here, and glory hereafter. This was the very end for which the Church was predestinated, that we might be conformed to his image. May the Lord, give to all his redeemed ones, grace, so to contemplate Christ, and so to wait for his coming, that his precious name may be glorified in his people, and they in him, according to the grace of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.