mercy-seat and the cherubim of glory, which were figures of the
angels, that love to be continually looking and prying into the
management of this second part of the priesthood of Christ in the
presence of God. For although themselves are not the persons so
immediately concerned therein as we, yet the management of it, I
say, is with so much grace and glory, and wisdom and efiectualness,
that it is a heaven to the angels to see it. O, to enjoy the odorous
scent and sweet memorial, the heart-refreshing perfumes that ascend
continually from the mercy-seat to the throne where God is, and also
to behold how effectual it is to the end for which it is designed,
is glorious; and he that is not somewhat let into this by the grace
of God, there is a great thing lacking to his faith, and he misseth
of many a sweet bit that he might otherwise enjoy. Wherefore, I say,
be exhorted to the study of this part of Christ's work in the
managing of our salvation for us.

They who are justified by the blood of Christ, should still look to
him for the remaining part of their salvation; and let them look for
it with confidence, for it is in a faithful hand. And for thy
encouragement to look and hope for the completing of thy salvation
in glory, let me present thee with a few things.

1. The hardest or worst part of the work of thy Saviour is over: his
bloody work, his bearing thy sin and curse, his loss of the light of
his Father's face for a time. His dying upon the cursed tree, that
was the worst, the sorest, the hardest, and most difficult part of
the work of redemption; and yet this he did willingly, cheerfully,
and without thy desires; yea, this he did, as considering those for
whom he did it in a state of rebellion and enmity to him.