We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18.
The faith of the Gospel stamps vanity upon the righteousness, glory, and happiness of every object short of Jesus. When the soul beholds the King in his glory, it pours contempt upon all things beside. All the transient objects of time and sense die in esteem while the crucified Saviour is in view. He is our greatest gain, our chief glory. Far, infinitely beyond all the reasonings of vain philosophy, is the christian's sight by faith, to reconcile his mind to afflictions, endue with patience, and give victory over them. Thus Moses "endured, seeing Him who is invisible." Heb. 11:27.
Though the eye of nature hath not seen, nor the uncircumcised ear heard, nor can the carnal heart conceive the spiritual things of God's covenant, Jesus' incarnation and the Spirit's revelation; yet the enlightened, heaven-born soul, sees these things in open vision by the eye of faith. To look at them is our chief delight and joy, to obtain clearer views of them our daily study, to converse and be more familiar with them our chief happiness, our heaven begun on earth. A. strange mystery to himself and to the carnal world is the believing soul. To prove and converse with an unseen Saviour, look to invisible objects, derive all happiness from things that are not seen: no marvel that there is so great opposition from fallen nature and carnal reason against such a life.
Ever remember with humility and thankfulness our dear Saviour saith, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God." Mark 4:11. "These things are hid from the wise and prudent." O disciple, whilst thou dost adore the Father's love, rejoice in the Son's grace, remember thou art wholly indebted for all this rich discovery to the Divine Spirit. Give him equal glory. Grieve not the Spirit, who is the glorifier of Jesus, by looking to any other object for righteousness, peace, and happiness.
Is Christ thy all? Are the unseen things of his kingdom thy portion? Be a chaste virgin to thy Lord. "Where thy treasure is, there let thy heart be also." Happy for thee to find with Paul, "I die daily." I am dying to the world, while living in it. I find and feel many pains and disorders in my frail body, as sure forebodings of hastening dissolution. I know perfectly that the day of the Lord is coming, that each breath I draw brings nearer this solemn advent. What then should I look to? on what place my affections, but on things above, where Christ is? Col. 3:1.
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