The Glory and Interest of Nations Professing the Gospel

Preached before the English Parliament in 1659, this sermon exposits Isaiah 4:5 to argue that the true glory of any nation lies not in its armies, wisdom, or wealth, but in the presence of Christ among his people. Owen contends that a nation's preservation and prosperity flow from God's elect remnant within it, drawing on Old Testament typology — the pillar of cloud and fire, the Ark, the mercy-seat — to illuminate New Testament promises. He closes with urgent application: labor for personal faith, oppose the flood of profaneness, and honor those in whom Christ truly dwells.