of_o work_v it_o be_v true_a the_o work_n there_o be_v not_o toilsome_a and_o laborious_a but_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a and_o that_o make_v the_o saint_n delightful_o spend_v a_o eternity_n therein_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o saint_n be_v to_o perform_v a_o eternal_a work_n as_o they_o be_v there_o to_o enjoy_v a_o eternal_a reward_n both_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n first_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a work_n for_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o much_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v that_o happiness_n which_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n and_o more_o be_v there_o of_o sweetness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o than_o word_n can_v express_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o the_o happiness_n thereof_o as_o some_o ignorant_a person_n do_v gross_o imagine_v and_o wish_v to_o themselves_o as_o if_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n where_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v altogether_o unactive_a and_o unemployed_a enjoy_v only_o their_o ease_n and_o rest_n and_o so_o void_a of_o care_n and_o fear_n pass_v away_o a_o eternity_n this_o may_v be_v the_o low_a and_o brutish_a apprehension_n that_o profane_a sinner_n may_v have_v concern_v heaven_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v no_o way_n become_v the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o holy_a place_n for_o that_o rest_v the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n be_v a_o operative_a work_v rest_n or_o it_o be_v rest_n and_o exercise_n at_o once_o for_o though_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n do_v rest_n from_o their_o labour_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o rest_v from_o their_o work_n now_o if_o any_o ask_v what_o that_o work_n be_v in_o which_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o heaven_n i_o answer_v they_o shall_v always_o be_v blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n there_o according_a to_o that_o in_o rev._n 5.13_o blessing_n honour_n and_o glory_n unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o continual_o be_v those_o bless_a one_o behold_v admire_a and_o adore_v of_o god_n and_o burn_v in_o love_n to_o each_o other_o and_o mutual_o rejoice_v all_o in_o god_n and_o in_o one_o another_o this_o now_o be_v that_o eternal_a work_n that_o a_o saint_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o employ_v about_o in_o his_o everlasting_a rest_n a_o work_n so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o it_o can_v be_v intermit_v or_o forbear_v by_o the_o saint_n to_o eternity_n second_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a reward_n that_o shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o saint_n a_o reward_n so_o great_a and_o so_o glorious_a as_o be_v beyond_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n much_o more_o beyond_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o poor_a mortal_a creatue_n to_o discover_v when_o all_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v still_o be_v there_o something_o of_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o sweetness_n and_o delight_n in_o this_o glorious_a reward_n that_o exceed_v all_o expression_n and_o apprehension_n rack_n and_o torture_v the_o whole_a creation_n extract_v the_o quintessence_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n beauty_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o one_o man_n for_o his_o happiness_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shadowy_a representation_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v hereafter_o let_v the_o desire_n thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n be_v bend_v upon_o imagine_v and_o contrive_v what_o it_o be_v they_o can_v desire_v that_o will_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o any_o one_o happy_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o the_o heavenly_a reward_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o participate_v of_o that_o happiness_n or_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a and_o beyond_o it_o the_o desire_n of_o man_n soul_n may_v run_v out_o after_o great_a thing_n which_o if_o they_o can_v attain_v they_o question_v not_o but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a but_o man_n imagination_n can_v go_v much_o far_o even_o to_o the_o covet_v after_o that_o in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o almost_o to_o desire_v but_o let_v the_o desire_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v enlarge_v and_o widen_v never_o so_o great_o and_o insatiable_o after_o a_o happiness_n that_o may_v satisfieand_v content_v they_o yet_o still_o they_o come_v infinite_o short_a both_o in_o desire_n and_o in_o imagination_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o heavenly_a reward_n and_o if_o desire_v if_o thought_n if_o imagination_n can_v reach_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o reward_n sure_o all_o word_n though_o ntter_v with_o the_o great_a eloquence_n to_o represent_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o it_o so_o many_o good_a thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o reward_n that_o they_o exceed_v number_n so_o great_a thing_n that_o they_o exceed_v desire_n and_o so_o precious_a that_o they_o exceed_v estimation_n nay_o this_o reward_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a that_o it_o exceed_v both_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o people_n of_o god_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o great_a thing_n and_o god_n love_v to_o have_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o his_o people_n greatn_v and_o enlarge_v towards_o himself_o of_o abraham_n it_o be_v say_v that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n or_o above_o hope_n but_o in_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n we_o can_v believe_v above_o hope_n that_o be_v we_o can_v believe_v above_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o whatever_o we_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o heaven_n that_o which_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v there_o will_v be_v above_o it_o and_o beyond_o it_o it_o be_v true_a at_o present_a we_o know_v not_o what_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v certain_o find_v that_o they_o exceed_v both_o our_o faith_n and_o our_o hope_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v that_o which_o exceed_v all_o those_o expression_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v please_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o great_a thing_n be_v there_o speak_v concern_v this_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o there_o be_v still_o abundant_o more_o to_o be_v reveal_v and_o enjoy_v than_o what_o that_o holy_a book_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o so_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o it_o exceed_v word_n exceed_v thought_n exceed_v faith_n exceed_v hope_n it_o be_v too_o great_a for_o word_n to_o express_v too_o great_a for_o thought_n to_o conceive_v too_o great_a for_o faith_n to_o believe_v too_o great_a for_o hope_v to_o expect_v for_o though_o faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n and_o hope_n expect_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v yet_o faith_n do_v not_o believe_v nor_o do_v hope_n expect_v the_o greatness_n and_o fullness_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o enjoy_v by_o the_o saint_n for_o say_v the_o evangelical_n prophet_n from_o who_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n isa_n 64.4_o and_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n man_n have_v not_o hear_v nor_o perceive_v by_o the_o ear_n neither_o have_v the_o eye_n see_v o_o god_n beside_o thou_o what_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o wait_v for_o he_o so_o great_a shall_v this_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v know_v but_o by_o enjoyment_n there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o to_o eternity_n that_o shall_v be_v afflictive_a or_o troublesome_a but_o a_o aggregation_n or_o meet_v together_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v and_o delightful_a with_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o be_v a_o sweet_a scripture_n and_o give_v we_o the_o full_a description_n of_o that_o state_n of_o blessedness_n in_o so_o few_o word_n rev._n 21.17_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o make_v any_o one_o happy_a for_o in_o this_o scripture_n we_o have_v both_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o saint_n reward_v and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v inherit_v i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n the_o fullness_n of_o it_o in_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o god_n be_v or_o
continue_a perseverance_n and_o improvement_n of_o grace_n here_o for_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o give_v it_o the_o same_o name_n change_v 2_o corinth_n 3.18_o from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n that_o be_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n in_o a_o spark_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fire_n in_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n as_o in_o the_o ocean_n so_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n in_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o happiness_n now_o indeed_o be_v the_o infancy_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o be_v the_o mature_a age._n now_o the_o twilight_n than_o the_o noon-tide_n glory_n of_o it_o but_o still_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o reward_v good_a and_o holy_a work_n with_o glory_n because_o they_o be_v the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o now_o before_o i_o put_v a_o period_n to_o my_o discourse_n concern_v this_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a subject_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n i_o shall_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v draw_v some_o useful_a and_o necessary_a inference_n in_o order_n unto_o practice_n and_o so_o conclude_v and_o first_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v hereafter_o how_o be_v they_o then_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o let_v out_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n inordinate_o towards_o any_o worldly_a enjoyment_n o_o how_o many_o low_a base_a spirit_v person_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o seek_v no_o great_a nor_o high_a good_a than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v they_o can_v they_o but_o attain_v so_o many_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o can_v they_o compass_v such_o a_o earthly_a possession_n or_o enjoyment_n o_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v all_o the_o portion_n they_o crave_v for_o themselves_o but_o sure_o such_o noble_a affection_n as_o god_n have_v endow_v man_n withal_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o lavish_o lay_v out_o upon_o such_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v a_o earthly_a conversation_n be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a hope_n and_o expectation_n have_v thou_o o_o christian_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n above_o what_o then_o do_v thy_o heart_n and_o affection_n so_o much_o here_o below_o be_v thy_o life_n hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o thy_o converse_n be_v so_o much_o with_o creature_n enjoyment_n as_o if_o thy_o life_n and_o happiness_n lie_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o god_n if_o thou_o look_v for_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n only_o in_o heaven_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n then_o that_o thy_o conversation_n be_v no_o more_o there_o do_v thou_o believe_v and_o count_v upon_o it_o as_o thy_o blessedness_n that_o thou_o shall_v one_o day_n with_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o ever_o see_v and_o enjoy_v god_n in_o heaven_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o thy_o desire_n and_o inclination_n go_v out_o so_o eager_o after_o the_o perish_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n now_o for_o shame_n o_fw-fr christian_n let_v thy_o hope_n of_o heaven_n moderate_v thy_o affection_n towards_o the_o world_n you_o that_o look_v for_o so_o much_o from_o god_n in_o another_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v content_a if_o he_o cut_v you_o short_a here_o giving_z you_o but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o heavenly_a hope_n than_o a_o earthly_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o observation_n that_o i_o once_o hear_v from_o a_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n now_o in_o heaven_n whereof_o i_o have_v since_o read_v other_o where_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o spot_n and_o blemish_n charge_v upon_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o instance_n of_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o godly_a man_n to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n the_o story_n of_o who_o life_n be_v blot_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o some_o affirm_v may_v it_o not_o well_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a astonishment_n unto_o we_o in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o professor_n sin_n so_o that_o profane_a man_n have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v more_o common_o unto_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o that_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o covetous_a person_n and_o that_o none_o be_v more_o eager_a in_o their_o pursuit_n after_o the_o world_n than_o those_o that_o make_v the_o great_a show_n and_o pretence_n for_o heaven_n for_o shame_n o_o christian_n wipe_v off_o this_o reproach_n from_o religion_n let_v not_o wicked_a man_n by_o behold_v thy_o scandalous_a practice_n herein_o blacken_v the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o godly_a with_o such_o reproachful_a aspersion_n as_o if_o to_o be_v covetous_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o thy_o hope_n of_o heaven_n can_v enable_v thou_o to_o live_v above_o the_o world_n yea_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v all_o its_o enjoyment_n sure_o thou_o may_v well_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a here_o who_o expect_v so_o much_o hereafter_o if_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o what_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o a_o believer_n in_o heaven_n do_v not_o take_v off_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n from_o inordinate_a pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n nothing_o will_n second_o have_v god_n provide_v a_o heaven_n for_o believer_n hereafter_o sure_o then_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o their_o way_n to_o it_o have_v the_o faithful_a god_n for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v promise_v to_o bestow_v heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o a_o believer_n though_o not_o for_o yet_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o holy_a obedience_n this_o shall_v certain_o take_v he_o off_o from_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o cross_n no_o christian_a but_o shall_v walk_v cheerful_o in_o that_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o shall_v find_v heaven_n at_o the_o end_n though_o he_o meet_v with_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n in_o his_o passage_n to_o it_o the_o cross_n shall_v never_o cause_v a_o believer_n to_o stumble_v in_o much_o less_o to_o turn_v out_o of_o that_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n no_o man_n shall_v think_v much_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o partake_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n speak_v that_o man_n know_v little_a what_o heaven_n mean_v that_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v hardly_o of_o any_o way_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n unto_o many_o when_o they_o be_v look_v heaven-ward_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o way_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n but_o know_v thou_o not_o o_o christian_n that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o any_o affliction_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o thy_o way_n to_o heaven_n know_v that_o thereunto_o thou_o be_v appoint_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v i_o thes_n 3.3_o and_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o conclude_v that_o heaven_n belong_v to_o thou_o because_o thou_o be_v afflict_v for_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n thou_o may_v just_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o suffering_n yet_o this_o thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o of_o that_o if_o thou_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a obedience_n because_o of_o suffering_n thou_o be_v for_o the_o present_a turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o love_n for_o thy_o soul_n and_o intend_v to_o bestow_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n upon_o thou_o he_o will_v reduce_v thou_o back_o though_o by_o some_o affliction_n and_o probable_o by_o some_o smart_n and_o severe_a one_o too_o but_o why_o o_o christian_n shall_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n discourage_v thou_o will_v not_o heaven_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o thou_o endure_v here_o what_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n st._n paul_n who_o doubtless_o undergo_v as_o many_o suffering_n as_o any_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o say_v he_o rom._n 8.18_o i_o reckon_v and_o his_o reckon_n be_v according_o to_o truth_n that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v
perfect_a lineament_n of_o christ_n will_v then_o be_v draw_v upon_o it_o a_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o high_a attainment_n that_o any_o saint_n reach_v to_o here_o compare_v with_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o be_v also_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n yet_o even_o this_o imperfect_a grace_n and_o holiness_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o shine_v glorious_o here_o how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v glory_n that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o exceed_v in_o glory_n not_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v continual_o receive_v new_a addition_n to_o their_o grace_n or_o glory_n and_o so_o be_v make_v more_o and_o more_o like_a unto_o christ_n by_o the_o vision_n they_o shall_v there_o have_v of_o he_o no_o this_o be_v a_o saint_n work_v and_o employment_n here_o on_o earth_n whilst_o he_o behold_v christ_n only_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n thus_o to_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n but_o this_o sight_n of_o christ_n shall_v vanish_v away_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o saint_n shall_v have_v a_o immediate_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n shall_v thereby_o be_v change_v into_o a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a conformity_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n it_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v now_o but_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o they_o in_o its_o height_n and_o perfection_n the_o soul_n of_o believer_n upon_o their_o entrance_n into_o that_o holy_a place_n become_v perfect_o and_o complete_o glorious_a have_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o they_o without_o the_o least_o remainder_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o in_o this_o world_n the_o holy_a person_n be_v not_o total_o free_v from_o but_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o heaven_n and_o here_o first_o in_o heaven_n the_o understanding_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v knowledge_n be_v a_o necessary_a engredient_n unto_o the_o soul_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o happiness_n a_o ignorant_a soul_n can_v be_v a_o happy_a soul_n neither_o on_o earth_n nor_o in_o heaven_n ignorant_a person_n be_v look_v upon_o with_o pity_n and_o contempt_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o knowledge_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v good_a prov._n 19.2_o knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a ornament_n in_o any_o man_n but_o much_o more_o in_o a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n to_o have_v a_o insight_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v skilled_a in_o art_n and_o science_n to_o understand_v logic_n philosophy_n metaphysic_n and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o high_a and_o chief_a good_a of_o all_o and_o that_o be_v god_n and_o christ_n this_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n philip._n 3.9_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o john_n 17.2_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v this_o be_v excellent_a knowledge_n indeed_o to_o know_v god_n to_o know_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o understand_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a providence_n this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n wherein_o angel_n may_v delightful_o busy_v themselves_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o and_o not_o stoop_v below_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n something_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v into_o these_o object_n now_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v little_a we_o know_v of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n and_o providence_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v know_v in_o heaven_n some_o of_o these_o bless_a object_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n other_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o those_o mystery_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o love_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o in_o heaven_n our_o capacity_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v to_o take_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o high_a and_o glorious_a object_n in_o heaven_n god_n will_v take_v off_o the_o veil_n from_o his_o face_n that_o we_o may_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o will_v strengthen_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o and_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o excellency_n which_o otherwise_o will_v astonish_v and_o confound_v we_o there_o shall_v we_o see_v the_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n who_o for_o our_o sake_n be_v for_o a_o little_a while_n make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n all_o the_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n shall_v be_v there_o unfold_v to_o we_o there_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n holiness_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n sweet_o reconcile_v and_o full_o satisfy_v and_o content_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o we_o shall_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n understand_v the_o deep_a and_o obscure_a mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o here_o the_o most_o profound_a scholar_n be_v never_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v there_o shall_v the_o most_o dark_a and_o difficult_a passage_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a book_n the_o scripture_n be_v make_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o our_o understanding_n there_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v how_o exquisite_o the_o several_a part_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v by_o the_o all_o wise_a and_o before_o see_v author_n of_o they_o god_n fit_v and_o adapt_v unto_o the_o several_a time_n place_n person_n and_o occurrence_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v we_o shall_v then_o plain_o see_v not_o only_o a_o reconcileableness_n but_o a_o friendship_n and_o perfect_a harmony_n between_o those_o sacred_a text_n in_o holy_a writ_n that_o seem_v most_o to_o jar_n and_o be_v at_o great_a variance_n yea_o there_o shall_v we_o discover_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o most_o dark_a and_o obscure_a passage_n of_o that_o sacred_a book_n but_o how_o fit_a it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o together_o with_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v write_v so_o obscure_o there_o it_o be_v that_o those_o riddle_n of_o divine_a providence_n shall_v be_v expound_v and_o lay_v open_a before_o we_o which_o have_v make_v not_o only_o wicked_a man_n to_o deny_v but_o tempt_v even_o good_a man_n themselves_o sometime_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infinite_a and_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o behold_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n to_o prosper_v grow_v rich_a and_o great_a have_v all_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v whilst_o upright_a and_o righteous_a one_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o poverty_n reproach_n and_o contempt_n there_o shall_v we_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o seem_a irregularity_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o be_v the_o wise_a production_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o belief_n hereof_o do_v to_o wise_a and_o understand_a person_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a self-denial_n yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v as_o high_o rational_a as_o now_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a man_n of_o himself_o be_v no_o fit_a judge_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o especial_o not_o in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o can_v see_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o providential_a working_n at_o once_o his_o day_n as_o job_n speak_v be_v but_o as_o a_o shadow_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o fly_v away_o so_o that_o he_o can_v see_v but_o little_a of_o what_o god_n be_v do_v but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o our_o view_n then_o shall_v all_o the_o revolution_n and_o occurrence_n of_o empire_n state_n
of_o any_o soul_n after_o they_o certain_o that_o object_n be_v god_n and_o that_o place_n be_v heaven_n where_o god_n be_v full_o and_o eternal_o to_o be_v enjoy_v and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o who_o there_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lovely_a and_o desirable_a but_o where_o there_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v lovely_a and_o desirable_a also_o we_o read_v frequent_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o many_o holy_a man_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o sacred_a writ_n who_o soul_n do_v more_o delightful_o vent_v itself_o in_o pathetical_a expression_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o holy_a david_n the_o book_n of_o psalm_n abound_v with_o they_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v athirst_a for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n psal_n 84.1_o 2._o how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n now_o all_o these_o expression_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n be_v but_o the_o streaming_n forth_o of_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o house_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o be_v then_o deprive_v of_o and_o if_o the_o mediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o comnication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v because_o therein_o it_o enjoy_v god_n and_o have_v thereby_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n much_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v where_o the_o soul_n shall_v stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n to_o confirm_v the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o it_o because_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o it_o or_o to_o interrupt_v the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v delight_v itself_o in_o he_o to_o eternity_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v though_o i_o experience_v not_o those_o ravish_a joy_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n that_o some_o servant_n of_o god_n attain_v unto_o though_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n unto_o those_o vehement_a long_n and_o holy_a pant_n of_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o heaven_n that_o some_o be_v acquaint_v with_o whereby_o they_o be_v ardent_o desirous_a of_o a_o dissolution_n yet_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o bless_v god_n i_o be_o very_a well_o content_a to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v not_o terrible_a and_o amaze_a to_o i_o but_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o yield_v myself_o up_o unto_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v good_a to_o call_v i_o hence_o this_o indeed_o be_v something_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a and_o that_o which_o god_n take_v well_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o if_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o good_a ground_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o god_n expect_v nor_o be_v it_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v and_o require_v the_o certain_a and_o sure_a principle_n of_o christianity_n found_v on_o the_o divine_a oracle_n will_v enable_v a_o believer_n to_o go_v further_o for_o it_o discover_v a_o unbodied_a state_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o holy_a soul_n in_o another_o world_n after_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o strong_a working_n and_o earnest_a groan_n as_o shall_v carry_v forth_o the_o soul_n in_o holy_a long_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o participation_n thereof_o and_o this_o now_o be_v not_o a_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o believer_n upon_o a_o death_n bed_n only_o but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o joyful_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o god_n and_o heaven_n have_v the_o same_o loveliness_n and_o desireableness_n in_o they_o at_o one_o time_n that_o they_o have_v at_o another_o in_o health_n that_o they_o have_v in_o sickness_n in_o life_n as_o they_o have_v in_o death_n and_o therefore_o they_o call_v for_o and_o deserve_v the_o same_o height_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o same_o strength_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o when_o a_o believer_n have_v the_o great_a enlargement_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n as_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o great_a confinement_n of_o adversity_n or_o sickness_n live_v therefore_o o_o believer_n with_o a_o holy_a long_v and_o desire_n of_o soul_n spring_v up_o in_o thou_o continual_o after_o heaven_n be_v earnest_o desirous_a after_o thy_o departure_n hence_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v with_o god_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a frame_n holy_a soul_n of_o old_a live_v in_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o in_o that_o excellent_a scripture_n 2_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 8._o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_n earnest_o that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n that_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o we_o groan_v be_v burden_a that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o yet_o again_o say_v he_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a or_o we_o do_v always_o with_o confidence_n expect_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n but_o why_o so_o oh_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o say_v he_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a or_o we_o be_v keep_v at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v content_a to_o die_n be_v a_o good_a temper_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v rare_o find_v in_o any_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v sure_a not_o upon_o good_a ground_n but_o true_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o much_o far_o a_o christian_n may_v go_v and_o what_o he_o be_v yet_o short_a of_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n methinks_v his_o present_a attainment_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a great_a thing_n for_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o expression_n be_v it_o and_o how_o harsh_o do_v it_o sound_a to_o say_v concern_v a_o believer_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v happy_a as_o to_o worldly_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a to_o say_v of_o any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o who_o say_v concern_v silver_n and_o gold_n that_o a_o man_n be_v content_a to_o be_v enrich_v with_o they_o no_o the_o common_a expression_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o that_o man_n be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a but_o that_o they_o be_v covetous_a after_o riches_n and_o so_o for_o honour_n and_o outward_a greatness_n we_o say_v not_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v honour_v and_o advance_v above_o their_o neighbour_n but_o they_o be_v ambitious_a in_o seek_v after_o promotion_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o christian_a only_o that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v happy_a content_a to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n now_o if_o worldly_a man_n desire_n work_v thus_o strong_o after_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a enjoyment_n which_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a when_o attain_v sure_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v work_v as_o strong_o after_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n which_o when_o attain_v can_v and_o will_v make_v they_o true_o and_o real_o happy_a and_o here_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n let_v the_o whole_a creation_n be_v ransack_v let_v earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v search_v there_o be_v nothing_o no_o person_n no_o object_n to_o be_v find_v in_o either_o that_o can_v