Robert Traill (The Lord's Prayer, John 17:24), Works 2:117-118:
Faith is sometimes opposed to sight, as sight is taken for full enjoyment, 2 Cor. 5:7; and faith is sometimes expressed by sight, as faith is a real apprehending of its object; as Heb. 11:1, 13, 27; 2 Cor. 3:18, and 4:18, and in innumerable places, both in the Old and New Testament. And this eye is simply needful, even where the light of God’s word shineth most. The Jews had the Old Testament; and yet knew not Christ, and saw no glory in him, as was foretold of them, Isa. 53:2, 3. They saw him, and yet believed not, but hated him. So it is with all men to whom the gospel cometh, until faith be given. No eye but that of faith, can see and take up Christ and his glory; for two causes. (1.) Christ and his glory is out of our sight now. And, (2.) It is always beyond the reach of any power in us, but faith given by God.
Faith is sometimes opposed to sight, as sight is taken for full enjoyment, 2 Cor. 5:7; and faith is sometimes expressed by sight, as faith is a real apprehending of its object; as Heb. 11:1, 13, 27; 2 Cor. 3:18, and 4:18, and in innumerable places, both in the Old and New Testament. And this eye is simply needful, even where the light of God’s word shineth most. The Jews had the Old Testament; and yet knew not Christ, and saw no glory in him, as was foretold of them, Isa. 53:2, 3. They saw him, and yet believed not, but hated him. So it is with all men to whom the gospel cometh, until faith be given. No eye but that of faith, can see and take up Christ and his glory; for two causes. (1.) Christ and his glory is out of our sight now. And, (2.) It is always beyond the reach of any power in us, but faith given by God.
