§. 51. Of eternall Salvation.
OF the salvation here intended, See Chap. 1. vers. 14. §. 159. & Chap. 2. ver. 10. §. 95.
The more to commend this salvation, whereof Christ is the author, it is here said to be a 1.1 eternall. The Greek Adjective is derived from that word which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 translated b 1.2 •…•…ver. Of Eternity see the Guide to go to God, or my Explanation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lords Prayer, §. 224.
Here it is taken for an everlasting continuance, without date or end. In this sense it is here said that salvation is eternall. This is that which is styled, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eternall, Matth. 25. 46. And an inheritance incorruptible, that fadeth not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 1 Pet. 1. 4.
Thus is this salvation set forth to manifest and magnifie the greatnesse of his Majesty, the riches of his mercy, and the worth of his sacrifice that is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof.
- 1. We have good ground hereupon to preferre this salvation before honour,* 1.3 ease, profit, pleasure, or any thing else that this world can afford. For this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and all things therein are transitory. What shall it then profit a man to gain the whole world, which soon passeth away; and lose salvation which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉? Consider how desirous men are of such inheritances of land and houses in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 world, which have no date nor time of expiration; and yet expire they will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must. There is no worldly inheritance so setled on any, but he must leave it, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will leave him: but here is an everlasting inheritance, which shall never decay, •…•…∣ver be taken away.
- 2. Well may we patiently endure whatsoever the Lord shall be pleased to lay 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.4 us, because Our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a farre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exceeding and eternall weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.
This made Martyrs so patient and joyfull in all their sufferings. See more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Martyrs sufferings, and of their joyfull manner of suffering in my Sermon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A Recovery from Apostacy, on Luk. 15. 31. § 23, 25, 26.