for_o he_o best_a know_v to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o precious_a and_o vile_a wherefore_o if_o in_o his_o judgement_n any_o thing_n be_v precious_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v precious_a indeed_o put_v the_o question_n then_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v and_o how_o may_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v precious_a and_o the_o answer_n be_v give_v because_o it_o please_v god_n to_o account_v it_o so_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o long_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o of_o god_n mere_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n unto_o they_o and_o because_o that_o he_o of_o his_o goodness_n do_v so_o account_v of_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v precious_a and_o not_o for_o any_o worthiness_n or_o desert_n of_o their_o own_o neither_o be_v this_o preciousness_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n suppose_v and_o imaginary_a but_o real_a and_o true_a the_o saint_n death_n be_v true_o and_o real_o precious_a for_o although_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o err_v in_o his_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o god_n it_o be_v true_a of_o man_n that_o in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o judgement_n he_o may_v take_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v precious_a and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n only_o because_o he_o do_v imagine_v and_o conceit_n with_o himself_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v precious_a but_o god_n can_v be_v so_o deceive_v but_o whatsoever_o he_o judge_v and_o pronounce_v precious_a it_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o precious_a and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o and_o thus_o it_o come_v about_o that_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v precious_a and_o upon_o this_o ground_n we_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v precious_a and_o we_o know_v it_o because_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n do_v account_n and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o confirmation_n to_o gather_v profit_n thereby_o we_o must_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o manner_n of_o argument_n this_o be_v second_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o proof_n the_o one_o call_v artificial_a the_o other_o inartificiall_a artificial_a proof_n be_v such_o as_o be_v fetch_v one_o way_n or_o other_o proof_n artificial_a proof_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o theme_n or_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v prove_v and_o of_o their_o own_o force_n or_o nature_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o disapprove_v this_o proof_n of_o david_n in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o such_o inartificiall_a proof_n be_v such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n proof_n inartificiall_a proof_n either_o divine_a or_o not_o divine_a such_o a_o proof_n be_v this_o that_o david_n here_o bring_v fetch_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o prove_v of_o a_o matter_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n howsoever_o it_o never_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o which_o be_v prove_v neither_o explicate_v nor_o illustrate_v it_o yet_o it_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n the_o great_a credit_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o matter_n that_o may_v be_v for_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v devise_v so_o forcible_a to_o procure_v faith_n and_o credit_n to_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d deus_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o god_n be_v simple_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o he_o affirm_v be_v great_a impiety_n in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o this_o testimony_n serve_v for_o this_o use_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o saint_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o doubt_v nor_o stagger_v through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v precious_a saint_n comfort_v over_o the_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n how_o full_a of_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o know_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n even_o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v precious_a and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o his_o sight_n howsoever_o the_o world_n do_v judge_v of_o it_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o comfortable_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n to_o cease_v the_o mourning_n thereof_o for_o the_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n let_v it_o sink_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o meditation_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v just_a cause_n of_o mourning_n for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o where_o find_v we_o this_o cause_n be_v it_o in_o themselves_o their_o life_n be_v holy_a their_o course_n be_v finish_v their_o death_n be_v precious_a their_o body_n be_v at_o rest_n their_o soul_n be_v in_o heaven_n their_o memorial_n be_v bless_v they_o shall_v arise_v to_o glory_n and_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n for_o evermore_o death_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o mourning_n for_o the_o saint_n death_n in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o mourning_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o remain_v alive_a there_o be_v many_o cause_n for_o when_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n die_v we_o see_v that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v enclose_v within_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n because_o of_o adam_n sin_n and_o see_v that_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o feel_v what_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n vengeance_n and_o be_v so_o wound_v therewith_o as_o it_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o sorrow_n because_o of_o our_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v commit_v again_o when_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n die_v we_o lose_v a_o help_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o zion_n i_o mean_v of_o our_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n a_o help_n to_o the_o gospel_n a_o help_n in_o the_o house_n a_o intercessor_n to_o god_n a_o love_a friend_n and_o a_o shine_a star_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a it_o be_v best_o for_o we_o to_o keep_v such_o man_n still_o with_o we_o but_o for_o they_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o depart_v hence_o and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n for_o when_o such_o be_v take_v from_o we_o our_o lord_n chastise_v we_o and_o show_v we_o a_o sign_n that_o except_o we_o speedy_o repent_v he_o be_v mind_v to_o diminish_v his_o grace_n unto_o us._n the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o of_o they_o that_o do_v most_o good_a in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o we_o be_v always_o a_o threaten_n unto_o us._n and_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o threaten_a and_o feel_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o mourn_v for_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o yet_o so_o let_v we_o mourn_v comfort_n comfort_n that_o withal_o we_o remember_v to_o keep_v a_o measure_n in_o our_o mourning_n and_o to_o pacify_v ourselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o their_o death_n be_v precious_a and_o that_o god_n call_v they_o hence_o to_o free_v they_o from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o do_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v the_o application_n of_o this_o proof_n to_o the_o present_a matter_n in_o as_o much_o as_o david_n affirm_v the_o saint_n death_n to_o be_v precious_a upon_o this_o ground_n because_o it_o be_v so_o in_o god_n sight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o god_n do_v so_o esteem_v it_o out_o of_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o doct._n 7_o doct._n the_o right_a judgement_n of_o matter_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o god_n do_v do_v to_o judge_v aright_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o thing_n as_o god_n do_v they_o be_v precious_a and_o good_a that_o he_o approve_v of_o but_o they_o be_v vile_a and_o naught_o which_o he_o disapprove_v use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o how_o much_o do_v this_o condemn_v the_o people_n of_o our_o age_n for_o be_v not_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o most_o world_n against_o follow_v only_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o never_o regard_v what_o account_n god_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n but_o only_o whether_o man_n do_v esteem_v of_o it_o or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o see_v it_o in_o esteem_n with_o man_n be_v not_o that_o enough_o yea_o they_o care_v for_o no_o more_o they_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v never_o look_v whether_o god_n do_v like_a or_o dislike_v that_o which_o they_o fancy_n or_o set_v themselves_o against_o and_o they_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v teach_v they_o they_o will_v neither_o see_v
dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v live_v unto_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o accuse_v terrifi_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o thereby_o occasion_v or_o urge_v they_o to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o death_n and_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o law_n in_o four_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o most_o rigorous_a and_o severe_a exact_v of_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n eternal_a 7.6_o act._n 15.10_o rom._n 6.14_o 15._o and_o 7.6_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o curse_n and_o damnatory_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o breach_n thereof_o because_o christ_n be_v become_v a_o surety_n for_o we_o have_v fulfil_v that_o exact_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n for_o we_o and_o perform_v that_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o for_o we_o have_v undergo_v &_o bear_v yea_o and_o overcome_v the_o curse_n and_o punishment_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n 7.8_o rom._n 7.8_o whereby_o as_o a_o occasion_n it_o provoke_v &_o stir_v up_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o hart_n in_o the_o unregenerat_a four_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 1.17_o act._n 15._o 1_o cor._n 9.1_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 3.17_o heb._n 9.10_o john_n 1.17_o of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o proper_o pertain_v only_o to_o the_o policy_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rutorship_n of_o the_o ancient_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v the_o law_n concern_v sacrifice_n and_o the_o whole_a outward_a worship_n prescribe_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o law_n among_o they_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v always_o bind_v all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o death_n to_o they_o nor_o no_o free_v therefrom_o world_n 3._o a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n three_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a death_n which_o the_o saint_n feel_v in_o themselves_o by_o which_o they_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o which_o they_o more_o and_o more_o bid_v sin_n farewell_o 6.14_o 1_o cor._n 15.31_o gal._n 6.14_o and_o sever_v themselves_o from_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v a_o bless_a death_n spring_v from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o virtue_n and_o power_n derive_v therefrom_o for_o the_o beat_n down_o and_o kill_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o that_o be_v his_o member_n for_o that_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o support_v his_o manhood_n so_o that_o he_o sink_v not_o when_o he_o stand_v charge_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o even_o that_o same_o divine_a power_n work_v in_o all_o his_o member_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n through_o his_o death_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o every_o true_a believer_n die_v more_o and_o more_o to_o sin_n continual_o and_o this_o now_o can_v but_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a death_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n of_o who_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o in_o who_o he_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n bear_v witness_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o 5.19_o matth._n 3.17_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o but_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o that_o death_n which_o david_n here_o mean_v we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v that_o other_o kind_n of_o death_n which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o saint_n be_v subject_a unto_o saint_n bodily_a death_n attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n of_o which_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o local_a separate_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n fora_fw-la time_n this_o death_n of_o the_o body_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o death_n which_o david_n do_v especial_o mean_a in_o this_o place_n the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n first_o this_o very_a mention_v of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v imply_v this_o much_o which_o i_o note_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o some_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a people_n that_o live_v among_o we_o who_o i_o desire_v well_o to_o mark_v it_o and_o to_o learn_v from_o this_o sermon_n that_o doctr._n 1_o doct._n some_o be_v saint_n in_o this_o life_n and_o namely_o all_o god_n people_n even_o all_o that_o be_v save_v die_v god_n people_n be_v all_o saint_n before_o they_o die_v be_v saint_n before_o their_o death_n this_o very_a speech_n the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n impli_v thus_o much_o and_o it_o be_v according_a to_o our_o creed_n in_o the_o nine_o article_n whereof_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n but_o also_o of_o the_o saint_n upon_o earch_n and_o thus_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n for_o diverse_a of_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n 1.2_o ephes_n 1.1_o philip._n 1.1_o col._n 1.2_o and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n and_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v at_o colosse_n in_o all_o which_o place_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o saint_n god_n faithful_a servant_n then_o alive_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o so_o be_v it_o now_o 9.13_o psal_n 30.4_o and_o 31.23_o and_o 34.9_o and_o 37.28_o and_o 50.5_o and_o 52.9_o and_o 79.2_o and_o 85_o 8._o and_o 89.7_o and_o 97.10_o and_o 13_o 29_o 16._o and_o 145.10_o and_o 148.14_o and_o 149.1_o 5_o 9_o psal_n 16.3_o act._n 9.13_o as_o many_o faithful_a servant_n as_o god_n have_v among_o mankind_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o many_o saint_n there_o be_v live_v at_o this_o day_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o word_n saint_n be_v take_v above_o a_o dozen_o time_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psal_n in_o one_o place_n whereof_o express_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n in_o the_o sixteenth_o psalm_n at_o the_o three_o verse_n be_v these_o word_n but_o to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n ananias_n say_v lord_n i_o have_v hear_v by_o many_o of_o this_o man_n how_o much_o evil_a he_o have_v do_v to_o thy_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o paul_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o agrippa_n declare_v his_o life_n from_o his_o childhood_n have_v these_o very_a word_n 26.10_o act._n 26.10_o and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v take_v otherwise_o then_o of_o some_o that_o then_o be_v alive_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o aaron_n while_o he_o live_v and_o be_v envy_v of_o some_o be_v call_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o envy_v moses_n also_o in_o the_o camp_n 106.16_o psal_n 106.16_o and_o aaron_n the_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sunshine_n that_o there_o be_v saint_n in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a catholic_a church_n for_o we_o to_o believe_v according_a to_o our_o creed_n nor_o any_o one_o man_n nor_o woman_n live_v at_o this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n question_n who_o then_o be_v the_o saint_n now_o alive_a upon_o the_o earth_n answer_n answer_n saint_n lambert_n in_o his_o paradox_n cap._n 2._o parad._n 31_o &_o 36._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mac._n hom_n 17._o why_o god_n child_n on_o earth_n be_v call_v saint_n lambert_n shall_v tell_v thou_o they_o be_v saint_n say_v he_o that_o be_v translate_v from_o profane_a or_o worldly_a thing_n to_o godly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v holy_a and_o consecrate_a unto_o god_n and_o again_o all_o true_a faithful_a people_n be_v saint_n otherwise_o thus_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o live_v just_o and_o holy_o every_o such_o be_v a_o saint_n and_o such_o be_v call_v
know_v your_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o but_o do_v thou_o know_v thyself_o can_v thou_o tell_v i_o what_o thou_o be_v thyself_o thou_o that_o after_o this_o fashion_n do_v make_v a_o scorn_n of_o other_o man_n holiness_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a title_n of_o a_o saint_n i_o must_v tell_v thou_o plain_o that_o both_o thou_o and_o all_o other_o that_o make_v a_o scoff_n at_o holiness_n and_o that_o scorn_v the_o title_n of_o a_o saint_n you_o be_v none_o of_o god_n child_n you_o be_v unholy_a atheist_n and_o very_a devil_n incarnate_a consider_v well_o of_o it_o and_o pray_v god_n to_o enlighten_v you_o and_o turn_v our_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n holiness_n four_o comfort_n against_o reproach_n for_o holiness_n they_o have_v many_o good_a meditation_n to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o against_o these_o kind_n of_o reproach_n and_o namely_o these_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lord_n saint_n and_o if_o the_o ungodly_a will_v turn_v their_o glory_n in_o to_o shame_n yet_o as_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o have_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o when_o bee_n come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n so_o must_v they_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v themselves_o his_o saint_n which_o be_v their_o glory_n they_o must_v suffer_v none_o neither_o by_o reproach_n nor_o any_o other_o way_n to_o take_v this_o crown_n from_o they_o for_o the_o state_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v not_o such_o a_o state_n that_o they_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o second_o that_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o be_v his_o saint_n and_o make_v his_o promise_n with_o they_o to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v they_o and_o faithful_a be_v he_o that_o call_v they_o 5.24_o 1_o thess_n 5.24_o who_o also_o will_v do_v it_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o three_o that_o all_o the_o malice_n which_o man_n do_v bear_v they_o and_o the_o scoff_n that_o they_o be_v reproach_v with_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o holiness_n which_o be_v god_n gracious_a gift_n unto_o they_o their_o holiness_n be_v the_o cause_n which_o enrage_v the_o ungodly_a 4.4_o eccles_n 4.4_o as_o solomon_n say_v again_o i_o consider_v all_o travel_n and_o every_o right_a work_n that_o for_o this_o a_o man_n be_v envy_v of_o his_o neighbour_n this_o also_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n but_o god_n will_v arise_v and_o maintain_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o avenge_v all_o their_o wrong_n etc._n 2_o sam._n 10.7_o etc._n etc._n no_o otherwise_o than_o david_n do_v the_o indignity_n of_o his_o servant_n upon_o hanun_n the_o son_n of_o nahash_n the_o king_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n four_o that_o when_o ungodly_a man_n do_v stout_a they_o with_o their_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n that_o they_o be_v near_o and_o deaâ—â—_n unto_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o be_v his_o friend_n they_o be_v his_o people_n they_o be_v his_o servant_n his_o child_n his_o spouse_n yea_o as_o the_o tender_a member_n of_o his_o body_n unto_o he_o for_o as_o say_v the_o prophet_n zechariah_n 2.8_o zech._n 2.8_o he_o that_o touch_v you_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o some_o of_o he_o and_o do_v account_v they_o so_o near_o and_o dear_a unto_o himself_o they_o need_v not_o great_o cure_v for_o any_o reproach_n of_o man_n for_o his_o favour_n be_v enough_o to_o countervail_v all_o so_o that_o as_o elkanah_n say_v to_o hannah_n comfort_v she_o against_o her_o barrenness_n be_o not_o i_o better_o to_o thou_o â—_o 1_o sam._n 1._o â—_o than_o ten_o son_n so_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o all_o man_n reproach_v we_o and_o none_o care_v for_o we_o be_v not_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n better_a to_o we_o than_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n for_o holiness_n sake_n thus_o far_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o proposition_n now_o the_o consequent_a follow_v in_o these_o word_n be_v precious_a precious_a be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n or_o more_o plain_o the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n be_v precious_a what_o mean_v this_o the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n be_v precious_a for_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o paradox_n and_o beyond_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o man_n that_o the_o death_n or_o any_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v precious_a see_v death_n come_v by_o sin_n and_o be_v a_o common_a lookingglass_n and_o record_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n curse_n not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o folk_n but_o upon_o all_o mankind_n answer_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o honourable_a in_o god_n account_n and_o very_o profitable_a for_o themselves_o but_o not_o in_o itself_o but_o by_o accident_n only_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n turn_v clean_o about_o and_o make_v a_o excellent_a blessing_n remember_v it_o then_o that_o doct._n 5_o doct._n the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a price_n it_o be_v much_o set_v by_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n bern._n the_o saint_n death_n be_v precious_a mors_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la est_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o meta_fw-la laborum_fw-la consummatio_fw-la victoriae_fw-la carina_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la &_o perfectae_fw-la eternaequen_fw-la securitatis_fw-la ingressio_fw-la bern._n and_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_o precious_a as_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o labour_n the_o consumination_n of_o their_o victory_n the_o gate_n of_o life_n and_o a_o entrance_n into_o most_o perfect_a security_n we_o have_v a_o world_n of_o meditation_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o reason_n 1_o for_o first_o the_o lord_n affirm_v it_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v that_o precious_a be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v they_o die_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v reason_n 2_o second_o 16._o rom._n 14.8_o 1_o thess_n 4.14_o 16._o by_o death_n they_o be_v more_o near_o unite_v to_o their_o sovereign_a and_o chief_a good_a even_o to_o god_n almighty_a for_o the_o further_o off_o that_o any_o be_v from_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o near_o he_o be_v join_v to_o god_n that_o pure_a and_o perpetual_a and_o immortal_a good_a to_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v always_o with_o he_o who_o offspring_n he_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n 17.28_o act_n 17.28_o reason_n 3_o three_o because_o by_o death_n they_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n to_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o their_o own_o dear_a parent_n child_n brethren_n sister_n kinsfolk_n and_o friend_n which_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o this_o to_o jesus_n christ_n their_o redeemer_n into_o the_o house_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o which_o he_o have_v prepare_v a_o placefor_o we_o 10.20_o heb._n 6.20_o and_o 10.20_o into_o heaven_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v even_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o call_v us._n reason_n 4_o four_o because_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o care_n sorrow_n tear_n and_o misery_n to_o which_o all_o be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n for_o this_o cause_n death_n be_v prefer_v before_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o dead_a before_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o live_n 2._o eccles_n 4.1_o 2._o in_o ecclesiastes_n where_o solomon_n say_v so_o i_o return_v and_o consider_v all_o the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o behold_v the_o tear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v oppress_v and_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o oppressor_n there_o be_v power_n but_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a death_n take_v we_o away_o from_o their_o envy_n that_o now_o live_v and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o all_o fear_n of_o they_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v reason_n 5_o five_o because_o it_o lose_v the_o saint_n from_o the_o bond_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o
snare_n of_o sin_n and_o send_v they_o into_o true_a liberty_n as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n continue_v in_o the_o body_n the_o bond_n of_o temptation_n hang_v as_o fetter_n about_o it_o and_o bring_v it_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n neither_o can_v it_o get_v free_a from_o these_o bond_n and_o shackle_n but_o when_o it_o depart_v from_o the_o body_n it_o be_v loose_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o temptation_n and_o go_v into_o a_o bless_a and_o heavenly_a freedom_n to_o this_o effect_n say_v paul_n 6.6_o rom._n 6.6_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v free_v from_o sin_n after_o death_n the_o temptation_n cease_v which_o all_o the_o life_n time_n do_v tie_v the_o soul_n and_o lead_v it_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tie_n nor_o lead_v captive_a of_o the_o saint_n but_o a_o enjoy_n of_o perfect_a freedom_n for_o evermore_o reason_n 6_o sixthly_a because_o it_o take_v away_o the_o saint_n out_o of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n in_o which_o if_o they_o have_v outward_a peace_n which_o be_v also_o sickle_n and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v bodily_a pain_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o that_o sentence_n can_v be_v revoke_v 14.22_o job_n 14.22_o but_o his_o flesh_n upon_o he_o shall_v have_v pain_n and_o his_o soul_n within_o he_o shall_v mourn_v this_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o live_n neither_o can_v we_o be_v free_v from_o it_o until_o death_n come_v and_o a_o thousand_o thing_n there_o be_v to_o disquiet_v and_o grieve_v our_o mind_n but_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o risenesse_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a sodomite_n vex_v lot_n as_o peter_n witness_v say_v 8._o 2_o pet._n 2.7_o 8._o that_o righteous_a man_n dwell_v among_o they_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v vex_v his_o righteous_a soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n with_o their_o unlawful_a deed_n so_o the_o saint_n at_o this_o day_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v vex_v in_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o many_o enormous_a vice_n to_o be_v daily_o commit_v such_o rent_v of_o god_n in_o piece_n by_o fearful_a oath_n such_o curse_v and_o lie_v such_o excessive_a drink_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o break_n of_o the_o sabbath_n such_o device_n and_o slander_n to_o disgrace_v god_n child_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o thousand_o enormity_n more_o make_v every_o christian_a heart_n ache_v and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o vexation_n from_o day_n to_o day_n from_o this_o also_o death_n free_v us._n reason_n 7_o seventhly_a because_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a combat_n in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o be_v force_v to_o endure_v as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v here_o and_o in_o which_o we_o must_v either_o suffer_v blow_n i_o mean_v the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o fall_v one_o of_o the_o two_o what_o do_v we_o always_o in_o this_o life_n but_o fight_v continual_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n beside_o we_o have_v combat_v with_o covetousness_n with_o inordinate_a lust_n with_o angrinesse_n with_o vainglory_n our_o mind_n be_v enclose_v and_o beset_v round_o about_o with_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o these_o come_v so_o thick_a one_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o meet_v with_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o they_o that_o it_o do_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o resist_v almost_o any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o covetousness_n be_v subdue_v lust_n arise_v if_o lust_n be_v master_v vainglory_n stir_n if_o vainglory_n be_v vanquish_v angrinesse_n come_v in_o place_n pride_n swell_v envy_n urge_v and_o heat_n of_o spirit_n break_v forth_o and_o make_v discord_n the_o world_n also_o and_o our_o own_o flesh_n make_v many_o assault_n upon_o we_o and_o much_o annoy_n us._n of_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o do_v death_n make_v a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o produce_v all_o the_o meditation_n that_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o psalmist_n here_o say_v be_v precious_a objection_n visible_a it_o by_o the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o some_o may_v think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o word_n and_o that_o he_o see_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o that_o they_o die_v as_o other_o man_n do_v if_o their_o death_n be_v so_o precious_a why_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v so_o answer_n their_o death_n be_v precious_a but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o first_o because_o it_o be_v no_o treasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o heavenly_a treasure_n i_o say_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v a_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o therefore_o hide_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o carnal_a eye_n in_o that_o treasury_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o death_n it_o be_v make_v precious_a second_o notwithstanding_o it_o appear_v not_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n for_o it_o even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o can_v lie_v witness_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v better_a for_o we_o than_o if_o it_o do_v appear_v for_o our_o eye_n may_v deceive_v we_o as_o they_o that_o take_v christ_n for_o a_o spirit_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v dim_a and_o not_o able_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n but_o god_n word_n can_v deceive_v we_o but_o put_v we_o out_o of_o doubt_n in_o the_o matter_n three_o the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o it_o must_v appear_v but_o it_o will_v come_v and_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o four_o though_o it_o appear_v not_o to_o mortal_a eye_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o by_o faith_n our_o eye_n be_v no_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o world_n be_v worse_a than_o our_o eye_n for_o the_o glory_n be_v not_o earthly_a nor_o know_v to_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o speak_v but_o the_o treasure_n be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n it_o be_v discern_v know_v thyself_o that_o by_o faith_n thou_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o thou_o that_o he_o die_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o live_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v he_o be_v thou_o have_v this_o faith_n and_o now_o come_v and_o see_v and_o thou_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o ruby_n and_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n less_o precious_a than_o the_o death_n of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v thy_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v comprehend_v more_o assurance_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o shall_v thou_o see_v the_o preciousness_n of_o it_o above_o all_o thy_o thought_n for_o who_o can_v comprehend_v how_o precious_a that_o be_v which_o be_v prcious_a in_o god_n sight_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o we_o behold_v in_o this_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n 8.28_o see_v god_n goodness_n in_o change_v evil_a to_o good_a to_o his_o child_n rom._n 8.28_o who_o change_v evil_a into_o good_a unto_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o it_o may_v be_v every_o way_n and_o for_o ever_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n all_o thing_n in_o general_a even_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o to_o hinder_v our_o felicity_n be_v make_v of_o god_n to_o serve_v as_o help_n and_o furtherance_n thereof_o when_o it_o come_v to_o death_n in_o which_o be_v some_o token_n of_o god_n wrath_n death_n be_v turn_v to_o our_o gain_n and_o profit_n so_o that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v in_o all_o respect_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v you_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o that_o be_v all_o be_v for_o your_o good_a use_v 2_o second_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o bodily_a death_n of_o the_o godly_a &_o of_o the_o ungodly_a ungodly_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o death_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o ungodly_a this_o appear_v