§. 157. Of hope of heaven.
THe mention of the Vaile, in this phrase, that within the vaile, further sheweth that* 1.1 heaven is the object of a believers hope. The Apostles description of the hope of Gods calling, doth evidently demonstrate thus much, Eph. 1. 18. but more cleerly doth another Apostle thus set it out, God hath begotten us again, unto a lively hope, to an inheritance incorruptible, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 3, 4. The Apostle therefore joyneth these two together, the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of Christ, Tit. 2. 13. It is hereupon stiled, hope of salvation, 1 Thes. 5. 8. An helmet of salvation, Ephes. 6. 17. The Apostle takes this for granted, where he saith, If in this life onely we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. 15. 19. and in this respect, saith the wiseman, the righteous hath hope in his death, Prov. 14. 32. Heaven is the highest, and chiefest of all Gods promises: it is the end of them all. For the purchase here∣of Christ came down from heaven.
- 1. Herein lyeth another difference betwixt the hope of Saints and worldings. The hope of worldlings ariseth no farther then the earth. The hope of Saints ariseth as far as heaven.
- 2. Hereby proof may be made of the truth and excellency of a Christians hope. If it be fixed on things below, it's base and false.
- 3. In all losses and crosses, let us have an eye to this object of our hope. So long as heaven abides, we need not be over carefull. This makes believers think them∣selves happy, when the world accounts them miserable.