75. The glory which Thou hast given Me I have given them, (John xvii. 22,) is a declaration which proves that there is such a thing as heavenly or spiritual glory, as, every one knows, there is such a thing as earthly or worldly glory. It proves further, that the heavenly or spiritual glory comes from Jesus Christ, and is the effect of the reception of His Word in the heart and life. And it proves yet further, that heavenly glory is of the internal or spiritual man, as earthly glory is of the external or natural man. But how few, alas! discern the incomparable pre-eminence of the former glory above the latter.
76. When the Divine image and likeness are formed in man, then everything is pronounced very good, (see Genesis i. 31,) to instruct us, that the principles of man’s life, previous to reformation and regeneration, howsoever excellent and heavenly they may be, are yet defective in that qualification which is necessary to give them their true value and importance, viz. the qualification derived from the humble, thankful acknowledgment on the part of man that they are not properly his own, but Divine gifts. When this acknowledgment is made from the heart, then what was good is pronounced and becomes very good, because it is at once more acceptable to God, and more beneficial and blessed to man.
77. In the regenerate mind, as in the court of Solomon, there are distinct principles answering to the several officers, as described in 1 Kings iv. 1–20. Thus there is a priest, scribes, a recorder, a commander
