CIV. Upon a pair of Spectacles.
[ C] I Look upon these, not as Objects, but as Helps; as not meaning that my Sight should rest in them, but passe through them, and by their aide discern some other things which I desire to see.
Many such glasses my Soul hath and useth. I look through the glasse of the Creatures at the power and wisdome of their Maker: I look through the glasse of the Scriptures at the great Mystery of Redemption, and the glory of an Hea∣venly inheritance: I look through Gods Favours at his infinite Mercy, through his Judgements at his incomprehensible Justice.
But as these Spectacles of mine presuppose a faculty in the Eye, and cannot give me Sight when I want it, but only clear that sight which I have; no more [ D] can these glasses of the Creatures, of Scriptures, of Favours and Judgements inable me to apprehend those blessed Objects, except I have an eye of Faith whereto they may be presented. These helps to an unbelieving man are but as Spectacles to the blinde. As the Natural Eyes, so the Spirituall, have their degrees of dimnesse. But I have ill improved my Age, if as my Naturall eyes decay, my Spirituall eye be not cleared and confirmed: but at my best I shall never but need Spectacles, till I come to see as I am seen.