find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o david_n sickness_n psal_n 38.3_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n as_o a_o heavy_a burden_n they_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o belove_a people_n will_v not_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o see_v the_o disease_n and_o danger_n which_o they_o bring_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o man_n will_v not_o be_v greedy_a of_o the_o dainty_a meat_n if_o he_o know_v it_o be_v mix_v with_o ratsbane_n nor_o be_v proud_a of_o the_o fine_a clothes_n if_o he_o know_v they_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o pestilence_n so_o if_o people_n see_v the_o plague_n pock_n dropsy_n fever_n and_o the_o consumption_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o oath_n and_o lie_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o covetousness_n it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o of_o sickness_n and_o therefore_o look_v not_o upon_o sin_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o your_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n as_o it_o appear_v at_o a_o alehouse_n maypole_n or_o maurice-dance_a or_o cockpit_n or_o bear-bait_n or_o stage-play_a for_o there_o thou_o can_v not_o see_v sin_n for_o its_o pleasure_n but_o look_v upon_o thyself_o on_o a_o bed_n of_o languish_v and_o there_o see_v thy_o sin_n stand_v in_o order_n before_o thou_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o what_o fruit_n thou_o have_v in_o these_o thing_n look_v upon_o thyself_o as_o hang_v over_o the_o lake_n of_o brimstone_n and_o then_o call_v thy_o drunken_a companion_n about_o thou_o and_o bid_v they_o pour_v out_o their_o flagon_n and_o quaff_v off_o their_o cup_n and_o see_v whether_o all_o these_o can_v make_v thou_o merry_a when_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n begin_v to_o catch_v and_o kindle_v in_o thy_o guilty_a soul_n call_v in_o thy_o lie_n and_o injustice_n to_o bring_v thou_o thy_o treasure_n of_o wickedness_n and_o lay_v they_o under_o thy_o pillow_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o can_v bring_v thou_o ease_v when_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n stand_v present_a before_o thou_o and_o my_o brethren_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o we_o sin_n in_o our_o sickness_n we_o shall_v see_v far_o more_o evil_a in_o it_o then_o as_o it_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o disease_n as_o we_o shall_v look_v further_o into_o a_o sickness_n then_o as_o it_o cause_v present_a ache_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o body_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o death_n and_o eternity_n which_o come_v after_o so_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o evil_a and_o danger_n in_o sin_n then_o as_o it_o bring_v such_o a_o disease_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v not_o spend_v in_o that_o therefore_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o provoke_a god_n to_o punish_v we_o with_o disease_n and_o with_o death_n and_o hell_n which_o disease_n be_v lose_v we_o into_o the_o second_o end_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n now_o we_o be_v true_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o we_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v empty_a of_o that_o good_a which_o must_v free_v a_o sinful_a man_n from_o misery_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o true_a happiness_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o vanity_n when_o a_o man_n may_v be_v miserable_a with_o it_o and_o happy_a without_o it_o now_o christ_n appoint_v disease_n as_o mean_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o as_o one_o say_v witty_o the_o world_n be_v the_o devil_n chessboard_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o move_v forward_o nor_o backward_a but_o the_o devil_n attache_n he_o with_o some_o creature_n or_o other_o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 2.12_o which_o do_v so_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o world_n that_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n be_v nothing_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o this_o sin_n be_v call_v a_o deny_v god_n that_o be_v above_o job_n 31.24_o 25_o 28._o and_o agur_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v full_a of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v apt_a to_o deny_v god_n and_o to_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n prov._n 30.9_o oh_o what_o poor_a scornful_a thought_n a_o covetous_a proud_a secure_a worldling_n have_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o saint_n and_o ordinance_n and_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v one_o great_a use_n of_o sickness_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o convince_a argument_n for_o i_o dare_v challenge_v all_o the_o worldling_n which_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v own_v to_o name_v i_o that_o earthly_a creature_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o i_o shall_v call_v it_o which_o can_v heal_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n or_o can_v take_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n or_o of_o which_o a_o man_n can_v true_o say_v here_o be_v a_o treasure_n which_o a_o lump_n of_o phlegm_n can_v take_v from_o i_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v this_o of_o the_o creature_n i_o grant_v thou_o may_v use_v it_o for_o thy_o good_a but_o be_v rule_v by_o a_o friend_n never_o choose_v it_o for_o thy_o portion_n but_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v hereby_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o ourselves_o sickness_n move_v david_n to_o beg_v wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o know_v how_o frail_a he_o be_v psal_n 39.4_o and_o this_o make_v job_n compare_v himself_o to_o a_o leaf_n and_o to_o the_o dry_a stubble_n and_o to_o a_o flower_n and_o shadow_n job_n 13.25_o and_o cap._n 14.2_o and_o we_o read_v that_o this_o be_v the_o use_n of_o sickness_n to_o hide_v pride_n from_o man_n job_n 33.17_o that_o be_v to_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o to_o be_v see_v no_o more_o and_o if_o we_o do_v look_v on_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v usual_o proud_a of_o as_o it_o will_v prove_v on_o a_o sick_a bed_n or_o deathbed_n it_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o abase_v we_o and_o to_o hide_v pride_n from_o we_o belove_a it_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v unchangeable_o entail_v upon_o all_o such_o mat._n 5.3_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereby_o a_o man_n be_v sweet_o qualify_v for_o every_o duty_n faith_n never_o act_v with_o more_o integrity_n and_o strength_n then_o when_o it_o act_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o man_n own_o emptiness_n for_o when_o self_n be_v most_o deny_v christ_n be_v most_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v then_o do_v a_o man_n most_o hearty_o and_o strong_o receive_v and_o rest_v upon_o christ_n to_o justify_v and_o to_o save_v he_o when_o he_o see_v what_o a_o guilty_a condemn_v lose_a wretch_n he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o see_v what_o a_o weak_a helpless_a creature_n he_o be_v then_o do_v he_o most_o trust_n to_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o also_o do_v exceed_o endear_v his_o heart_n in_o love_n to_o god_n when_o he_o see_v that_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o so_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o choose_v and_o call_v and_o pardon_v and_o save_v such_o a_o vile_a and_o loathsome_a creature_n as_o he_o then_o repentance_n be_v most_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n with_o job_n abhor_v himself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.6_o and_o this_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o prayer_n for_o prayer_n beg_v of_o god_n what_o a_o man_n want_v in_o himself_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n see_v himself_o poor_a and_o empty_a of_o all_o good_a and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v be_v supply_v from_o himself_o then_o do_v he_o pray_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n now_o i_o say_v sickness_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o his_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n for_o hereby_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v bare_a and_o empty_a of_o all_o those_o creature-comfort_n which_o seem_v to_o fill_v he_o before_o and_o now_o he_o see_v that_o nothing_o will_v fill_v he_o but_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o to_o make_v up_o this_o fullness_n second_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o great_a man_n oh_o what_o be_v a_o prince_n or_o a_o nobleman_n or_o gentleman_n when_o the_o pox_n or_o the_o fever_n or_o the_o consumption_n will_v insult_v over_o he_o and_o scorn_v he_o and_o make_v nothing_o of_o he_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o
hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o godly_a in_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n david_n pray_v on_o his_o sick_a bed_n that_o his_o visitation_n may_v be_v sanctify_v to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 39.4_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o this_o improvement_n make_v heman_n of_o his_o sickness_n when_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o soul_n cause_v wasting_n and_o disease_n in_o his_o body_n psal_n 88.3_o 4_o 5._o for_o my_o soul_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o my_o life_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o the_o grave_n and_o this_o be_v good_a hezekiah_n his_o frame_n in_o his_o sickness_n isa_n 38.10_o 11_o 12._o i_o say_v in_o the_o cut_n off_o my_o day_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n i_o be_o deprive_v of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o shall_v behold_v man_n no_o more_o with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o age_n be_v depart_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o i_o as_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n i_o have_v cut_v off_o like_o a_o weaver_n my_o life_n he_o will_v cut_v i_o off_o with_o pine_a sickness_n from_o day_n even_o to_o night_n will_v thou_o make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o so_o when_o job_n be_v almost_o throttle_v with_o a_o disease_n for_o say_v he_o job_n 30.8_o it_o bind_v i_o about_o as_o the_o collar_n of_o my_o coat_n he_o make_v this_o gracious_a use_n of_o his_o visitation_n vers_fw-la 23._o i_o know_v that_o thou_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o death_n and_o to_o the_o house_n appoint_v for_o all_o live_n so_o that_o by_o all_o we_o see_v that_o sickness_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n end_v 4._o to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n beloved_n our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v senseless_a of_o god_n as_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o mercy_n therefore_o god_n often_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o change_n of_o our_o life_n which_o make_v we_o more_o apt_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o alteration_n as_o when_o corn_n grow_v in_o its_o ordinary_a course_n first_o the_o blade_n than_o the_o ear_n than_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n few_o observe_v the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n herein_o but_o when_o god_n by_o frost_n hail_n or_o blast_a destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o field_n so_o that_o it_o neither_o yield_v bread_n to_o the_o eater_n nor_o seed_n to_o the_o sour_a hereby_o his_o hand_n be_v more_o remarkable_o see_v and_o observe_v so_o whilst_o god_n continue_v man_n in_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o strength_n few_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o goodness_n herein_o but_o when_o he_o fill_v their_o body_n with_o ache_n pain_n and_o disease_n than_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o observe_v in_o such_o visitation_n hence_o say_v job_n cap._n 10.17_o thou_o renewe_v thy_o witness_n against_o i_o as_o god_n mercy_n be_v call_v his_o witness_n his_o do_v good_a and_o give_v rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n act._n 14.17_o so_o sickness_n and_o other_o judgement_n be_v fit_o call_v god_n witness_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v to_o declare_v and_o testify_v of_o god_n to_o we_o oh_o say_v the_o pestilence_n he_o be_v a_o terrible_a god_n that_o send_v i_o and_o say_v the_o fever_n he_o be_v a_o mighty_a god_n that_o send_v i_o and_o say_v the_o consumption_n he_o be_v a_o just_a god_n that_o send_v i_o if_o you_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n will_v you_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o affliction_n certain_o every_o sickness_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v will_v testify_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o minister_n preach_v to_o you_o consider_v further_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o special_a aptness_n in_o disease_n to_o convince_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n then_o in_o divers_a other_o thing_n which_o yet_o will_v leave_v we_o inexcusable_a as_o it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o outward_a mercy_n to_o commend_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o care_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o heart_n and_o a_o man_n may_v improve_v every_o mercy_n so_o as_o out_o of_o it_o to_o fill_v his_o heart_n with_o god_n but_o there_o be_v snare_n and_o temptation_n in_o these_o to_o steal_v the_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o lose_v god_n and_o to_o forget_v he_o when_o they_o be_v most_o full_a of_o these_o mercy_n so_o in_o injury_n form_n man_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n from_o man_n which_o be_v thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n say_v david_n psal_n 17.14_o but_o we_o be_v usual_o so_o fill_v with_o anger_n and_o revenge_n towards_o man_n that_o we_o forget_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o now_o in_o a_o sickness_n the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v more_o clear_o know_v and_o see_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o provision_n for_o lust_n in_o a_o sickness_n as_o in_o the_o mercy_n here_o be_v no_o profit_n nor_o credit_n nor_o pleasure_n for_o lust_n to_o feed_v upon_o and_o here_o be_v no_o instrument_n to_o quarrel_v with_o will_v a_o man_n be_v angry_a with_o a_o fever_n or_o be_v revenge_v on_o a_o consumption_n no_o we_o must_v own_v the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o visitation_n end_v 5._o christ_n send_v disease_n to_o turn_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n unto_o himself_o hence_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o as_o a_o great_a disappointment_n amos_n 4.10_o i_o have_v send_v among_o you_o the_o pestilence_n to_o cause_v you_o turn_v to_o i_o yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o a_o sickness_n god_n do_v blast_v that_o which_o make_v the_o snare_n to_o hold_v our_o heart_n from_o god_n as_o we_o know_v much_o of_o the_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o other_o lust_n be_v in_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o preferment_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o be_v all_o these_o to_o a_o sick_a man_n his_o sickness_n do_v as_o it_o be_v block_n up_o all_o provision_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o now_o he_o may_v see_v that_o none_o but_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n can_v answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o you_o will_v propound_v to_o a_o friend_n on_o a_o sick_a bed_n who_o be_v just_a upon_o his_o flight_n into_o eternity_n will_v you_o provide_v he_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n or_o a_o rich_a suit_n of_o clothes_n or_o offer_v he_o some_o place_n of_o preferment_n no_o no_o show_v he_o a_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o save_v his_o poor_a soul_n show_v he_o a_o happiness_n which_o will_v make_v he_o bless_v when_o he_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o all_o which_o sickness_n and_o death_n can_v take_v from_o he_o moreover_o it_o appear_v that_o sickness_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o a_o mean_n for_o our_o conversion_n because_o this_o and_o every_o affliction_n call_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o word_n call_v we_o unto_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastene_v 94.12_o o_o lord_n and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o thy_o law_n this_o make_v a_o man_n a_o bless_a man_n when_o in_o his_o chastening_n he_o be_v full_a of_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o law_n hence_o we_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o micah_n 6.9_o belove_a the_o rod_n speak_v as_o well_o as_o strike_v and_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o rod_n as_o well_o as_o feel_v the_o rod_n now_o what_o do_v the_o rod_n speak_v i_o answer_v the_o rod_n speak_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n who_o smite_v with_o it_o the_o rod_n and_o the_o word_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n therefore_o we_o shall_v see_v our_o sickness_n full_a of_o scripture_n oh_o say_v the_o dropsy_n turn_v to_o the_o god_n that_o send_v i_o and_o say_v the_o ague_n make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n that_o send_v i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o every_o disease_n which_o come_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v often_o so_o bless_v and_o sanctify_v a_o sickness_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o many_o other_o dispensation_n as_o for_o example_n god_n send_v to_o allure_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n hos_fw-la
hinder_v their_o salvation_n but_o still_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o christ_n be_v work_v and_o prevail_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n end_v 8._o christ_n by_o sickness_n do_v change_v his_o people_n more_o and_o more_o into_o his_o own_o likeness_n so_o that_o as_o the_o fire_n melt_v and_o soften_v the_o gold_n and_o thereby_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o stamp_n so_o these_o sickness_n soften_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o thereby_o fit_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o stamp_n of_o god_n image_n hence_o many_o a_o saint_n come_v more_o full_a of_o god_n from_o a_o sick_a bed_n than_o he_o do_v from_o a_o sermon_n or_o sacrament_n for_o many_o a_o day_n before_o to_o this_o purpose_n agree_v the_o say_n of_o learned_a and_o holy_a rolloc_n on_o his_o sick_a bed_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a say_v he_o to_o profess_v that_o i_o never_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v gain_v by_o this_o sickness_n the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o all_o our_o correction_n heb._n 12.10_o he_o chasten_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n if_o we_o lose_v by_o correction_n one_o way_n as_o in_o our_o health_n liberty_n or_o estate_n profit_n come_v in_o another_o way_n in_o holiness_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o comfort_n there_o be_v a_o fit_a proof_n of_o this_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o though_o the_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n in_o v_o 12._o as_o be_v observe_v before_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o death_n work_v in_o they_o death_n be_v busy_o work_v to_o take_v away_o their_o life_n well_o say_v he_o but_o though_o the_o outward_a man_n perish_v that_o be_v though_o the_o body_n and_o bodily_a thing_n perish_v and_o decay_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o be_v the_o new_a man_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o particular_a case_n we_o often_o see_v that_o whilst_o sickness_n be_v wither_v and_o waste_v the_o body_n the_o outward_a man_n there_o come_v a_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o quicken_v and_o renew_v the_o inward_a man_n so_o that_o although_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v feeble_a speech_n weak_a and_o hand_n weak_a and_o limb_n weak_a yet_o look_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o prime_n faith_n strong_a and_o love_v strong_a and_o patience_n strong_a and_o comfort_v strong_a so_o that_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v waste_v and_o fall_v towards_o the_o earth_n the_o inward_a man_n be_v rise_v and_o ripen_v towards_o heaven_n end_v 9_o christ_n visit_v his_o people_n with_o sickness_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o he_o thus_o visit_v they_o belove_a you_o often_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n i_o shall_v therefore_o acquaint_v you_o what_o this_o trial_n be_v whereby_o you_o will_v more_o clear_o understand_v this_o end_n of_o god_n visitation_n a_o trial_n be_v that_o whereby_o god_n put_v his_o people_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n and_o experiment_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o question_n between_o god_n and_o satan_n concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o job_n god_n testify_v of_o job_n c._n 1.8_o that_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a satan_n deny_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v job_n to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o dissembler_n vers_fw-la 9_o 10_o 11._o do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o no_o marvel_n if_o he_o fear_v thou_o thou_o pay_v he_o well_o for_o it_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o that_o no_o body_n must_v hurt_v he_o but_o he_o make_v but_o a_o trade_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o throw_v down_o the_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o he_o will_v quick_o throw_v down_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n now_o upon_o this_o job_n be_v put_v to_o the_o trial_n but_o though_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n he_o be_v change_v from_o a_o man_n of_o great_a riches_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o poor_a job_n yet_o still_o he_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n as_o god_n witness_v of_o he_o job_n 2.3_o afterward_o arise_v another_o question_n whether_o job_n will_v prove_v a_o hypocrite_n if_o god_n visit_v he_o with_o sickness_n for_o sa_o be_v satan_n job_n 2.5_o touch_v his_o bone_n and_o his_o flesh_n and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n upon_o this_o job_n be_v put_v to_o another_o trial_n he_o be_v sore_o and_o sad_o disease_v from_o top_n to_o toe_n v_o 7._o yet_o his_o heart_n prove_v sound_a still_o v_o 10._o in_o all_o this_o do_v not_o job_n sin_n with_o his_o lip_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o trial_n though_o the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n appear_v in_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v never_o be_v baffle_v out_o of_o his_o integrity_n and_o at_o last_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o furnace_n like_o gold_n job_n 23.13_o and_o thus_o god_n often_o visit_v his_o people_n to_o try_v their_o grace_n i_o shall_v leave_v this_o particular_a only_o i_o shall_v direct_v you_o how_o to_o prove_v sound_n in_o all_o the_o trial_n which_o can_v befall_v you_o as_o thus_o make_v that_o a_o ground_n of_o your_o religion_n which_o no_o trial_n can_v ever_o take_v away_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o it_o bring_v thou_o credit_v or_o profit_n etc._n etc._n then_o if_o a_o trial_n come_v and_o god_n and_o mammon_n clash_n and_o thou_o must_v be_v either_o a_o martyr_n or_o a_o apostate_n thy_o religion_n be_v then_o go_v and_o lose_v because_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v go_v but_o if_o thou_o trust_v god_n and_o love_n god_n because_o he_o command_v thou_o and_o because_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o good_a god_n here_o be_v a_o cause_n and_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o thy_o religion_n which_o nothing_o can_v take_v away_o and_o so_o thy_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n be_v everlasting_a because_o it_o be_v build_v and_o ground_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a foundation_n end_v 10._o to_o try_v his_o people_n whether_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o come_v to_o he_o in_o the_o other_o world_n belove_a we_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o world_n so_o as_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o a_o hour_n warning_n to_o leave_v all_o and_o to_o go_v into_o eternity_n now_o when_o god_n send_v a_o sickness_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o call_v into_o eternity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o willing_a and_o obedient_a answer_n job_n 14.1_o thou_o shall_v call_v that_o be_v say_v lavater_n call_v i_o out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o i_o will_v come_v i_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o fever_n or_o consumption_n etc._n etc._n god_n stand_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sick_a bed_n and_o call_v come_v away_o husband_n from_o thy_o wife_n come_v away_o wife_n from_o thy_o husband_n come_v away_o father_n from_o thy_o child_n now_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v all_o and_o to_o come_v home_o to_o god_n for_o this_o be_v one_o choice_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o yield_v up_o our_o life_n to_o god_n as_o his_o right_n and_o due_a when_o he_o call_v for_o they_o hence_o say_v paul_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v every_o believer_n shall_v look_v upon_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n sanctify_a and_o set_v apart_o for_o god_n and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v observable_a of_o moses_n deut._n 32.48_o 49_o 50._o god_n there_o appoint_v moses_n to_o go_v up_o to_o mount_n nebo_n and_o die_v and_o do_v not_o moses_n think_v you_o go_v up_o with_o a_o heavy_a heart_n no_o he_o cheerful_o and_o obedient_o submit_v and_o thither_o he_o go_v up_o and_o there_o he_o die_v deut._n 34._o so_o if_o god_n say_v to_o thou_o by_o his_o providence_n go_v into_o a_o fever_n and_o die_v or_o go_v into_o a_o dropsy_n and_o die_v go_v upon_o thy_o sickbed_n and_o die_v thou_o must_v yield_v thou_o must_v go_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o if_o believer_n do_v but_o clear_o see_v whither_o sickness_n and_o death_n will_v bring_v they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n hard_a duty_n to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v then_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v end_v 11._o to_o try_v his_o people_n if_o they_o will_v resign_v their_o friend_n to_o god_n when_o he_o call_v for_o they_o by_o sickness_n a_o friend_n be_v a_o choice_a treasure_n he_o
the_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n that_o lay_v i_o and_o the_o timber_n answer_v and_o cry_n make_v inquisition_n for_o the_o blood_n that_o lay_v i_o oh_o you_o that_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o deceit_n and_o live_v upon_o lie_n and_o injustice_n be_v your_o conscience_n awaken_v you_o may_v hear_v the_o very_a bread_n on_o your_o table_n and_o the_o money_n in_o your_o purse_n and_o the_o stone_n and_o timber_n of_o your_o house_n cry_v for_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o you_o and_o yet_o this_o infinite_o patient_a god_n bear_v with_o you_o last_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o god_n people_n cry_v aloud_o for_o vengeance_n against_o their_o persecutor_n and_o oppressor_n exod._n 3.7_o i_o have_v see_v the_o affliction_n of_o my_o people_n which_o be_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v hear_v their_o cry_n psal_n 12.4_o for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o sigh_v of_o the_o needy_a will_v i_o arise_v belove_a the_o godly_a be_v hate_v for_o their_o likeness_n to_o god_n this_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a for_o herein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o world_n and_o a_o man_n must_v either_o make_v god_n his_o enemy_n and_o the_o devil_n his_o father_n and_o be_v content_a to_o damn_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o else_o the_o world_n and_o he_o will_v never_o be_v friend_n 4.29_o but_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n now_o herein_o be_v glorify_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n when_o they_o that_o wrong_v his_o people_n rake_v in_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o yet_o this_o tender_a father_n stand_v by_o and_o see_v his_o child_n scorn_v and_o loathe_a and_o murder_v for_o choose_v and_o honour_v and_o fear_v and_o please_v he_o and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n bear_v all_o last_o the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o can_v always_o ease_v himself_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o yet_o he_o forbear_v god_n complain_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o isa_n 1.14_o and_o that_o they_o weary_v he_o isa_n 43.24_o and_o say_v he_o amos_n 2.13_o behold_v i_o be_o press_v under_o you_o as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v that_o be_v full_a of_o sheaf_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o if_o god_n do_v ease_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n isa_n 1.24_o ah_o i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o adversary_n ezek._n 5.13_o i_o will_v cause_v my_o fury_n to_o rest_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v comfort_v now_o god_n can_v sudden_o thus_o ease_v and_o comfort_v himself_o let_v he_o but_o command_v the_o pestilence_n the_o fever_n the_o pock_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v quick_o fetch_v they_o to_o hell_n never_o to_o trouble_v he_o more_o but_o in_o his_o infinite_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a he_o spare_v they_o and_o bear_v with_o they_o three_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o godly_a minister_n be_v so_o serious_a in_o show_v man_n their_o danger_n and_o press_v they_o to_o repentance_n because_o they_o see_v almighty_a god_n arm_v with_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o disease_n and_o judgement_n and_o death_n against_o man_n when_o a_o minister_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n to_o and_o long_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o see_v the_o disease_n and_o other_o judgement_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o every_o sinner_n and_o know_v that_o the_o want_n of_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v be_v the_o damnation_n of_o a_o soul_n or_o more_o before_o another_o opportunity_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v minister_n labour_v earnest_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n for_o a_o minister_n to_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o see_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o angel_n and_o devil_n and_o death_n and_o judgement_n look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n to_o preach_v as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o die_v preach_v and_o people_n be_v to_o die_v under_o his_o sermon_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5.10_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n whence_o he_o infer_v vers_fw-la 11._o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n belove_a we_o know_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v to_o we_o if_o we_o preach_v the_o word_n deceitful_o and_o damn_v the_o soul_n who_o we_o be_v send_v to_o save_v we_o know_v the_o doom_n of_o those_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n 2_o thes_n 1.8_o 9_o we_o know_v whither_o drunkard_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o blasphemer_n and_o worldling_n and_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v go_v and_o therefore_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n we_o be_v send_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o christ_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o devil_n to_o flatter_v you_o into_o hell_n sir_n it_o be_v not_o many_o week_n since_o i_o be_v even_o past_o preach_v and_o i_o know_v that_o death_n and_o i_o must_v short_o meet_v again_o and_o i_o know_v ere_o long_o you_o will_v be_v past_a hear_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v preach_v and_o live_v so_o that_o when_o sickness_n and_o death_n return_v i_o may_v be_v find_v labour_v to_o save_v myself_o 4.16_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v i_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o i_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o see_v million_o of_o death_n in_o his_o hand_n 6.8_o and_o every_o death_n hell_n follow_v it_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v mat._n 3.7_o belove_a a_o faithful_a minister_n will_v never_o tell_v you_o of_o your_o sin_n but_o to_o cause_v you_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o word_n hell_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o often_o in_o his_o pulpit_n but_o that_o he_o be_v afraid_a lest_o his_o people_n shall_v come_v there_o he_o have_v no_o secret_a grudge_n against_o you_o neither_o desire_v the_o woeful_a day_n god_n know_v jer._n 17.16_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o deceive_v you_o he_o dare_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o you_o in_o preach_v you_o and_o himself_o into_o hell_n the_o four_o inform_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o man_n why_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n god_n command_v a_o disease_n or_o some_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n to_o go_v and_o to_o fetch_v they_o away_o and_o they_o be_v go_v if_o any_o die_v god_n tell_v all_o the_o world_n who_o kill_v they_o i_o kill_v say_v he_o deut._n 32.39_o hence_o we_o see_v great_a man_n for_o a_o while_o fill_v a_o country_n and_o a_o frown_n of_o their_o face_n and_o a_o stamp_n of_o their_o foot_n make_v all_o to_o quake_v about_o they_o but_o they_o prove_v like_o pharaoh_n of_o who_o we_o read_v jer._n 46.17_o pharaoh_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v but_o a_o noise_n so_o they_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o country_n a_o while_n and_o then_o like_o a_o sound_n in_o the_o air_n pass_v away_o methinks_v a_o great_a man_n be_v like_o a_o great_a wind_n it_o blow_v violent_o and_o rage_v a_o while_n as_o if_o it_o will_v throw_v down_o all_o afore_o it_o but_o it_o prove_v but_o a_o wind_n which_o be_v soon_o spend_v and_o lay_v so_o a_o furious_a wicked_a man_n he_o bluster_v and_o ruffle_n a_o while_n as_o if_o he_o will_v blow_v down_o god_n and_o man_n but_o a_o disease_n and_o death_n come_v and_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o where_o be_v he_o david_n make_v this_o observation_n psal_n 37.35_o 36._o i_o have_v see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_v himself_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n observe_v he_o spread_v himself_o he_o enlarge_v his_o power_n and_o riches_n and_o greatness_n but_o see_v what_o follow_v yet_o he_o pass_v away_o and_o lo_o he_o be_v not_o yea_o i_o seek_v he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v for_o a_o sickness_n come_v and_o like_o a_o tempest_n take_v he_o away_o in_o a_o night_n job_n 27.20_o and_o so_o by_o the_o blast_n of_o god_n they_o perish_v job_n 4.9_o so_o we_o see_v other_o which_o will_v be_v as_o great_a sinner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a man_n for_o instrumenta_fw-la explicandae_fw-la nequitiae_fw-la desunt_fw-la as_o seneca_n speak_v they_o want_v instrument_n to_o do_v mischief_n these_o curse_a cow_n have_v short_a horn_n and_o so_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n oath_n drunkenness_n and_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n against_o god_n and_o godliness_n sin_v with_o that_o impudence_n as_o if_o they_o will_v outface_v and_o browbeat_a god_n and_o man_n and_o make_v death_n
man_n into_o eternity_n and_o sink_v he_o into_o hell_n when_o he_o come_v there_o drunkenness_n be_v a_o sin_n which_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n breed_v dropsy_n consumption_n and_o other_o disease_n as_o we_o read_v hos_fw-la 4.7_o the_o prince_n make_v themselves_o sick_a with_o bottle_n of_o wine_n and_o daily_a example_n witness_v the_o sudden_a and_o untimely_a death_n of_o many_o drunkard_n it_o be_v report_v of_o one_o that_o when_o he_o be_v drink_v as_o he_o be_v get_v up_o on_o his_o mare_n he_o say_v in_o a_o drunken_a frolic_a that_o his_o mare_n will_v carry_v he_o to_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o mare_n throw_v he_o down_o and_o break_v his_o neck_n sir_n do_v not_o venture_v to_o be_v drink_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o hell_n before_o you_o be_v sober_a the_o last_o sin_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o reprove_v be_v the_o beastly_a sin_n of_o whoredom_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o a_o man_n own_o body_n 2_o cor._n 6.18_o hence_o we_o read_v prov._n 6.26_o the_o adulteress_n will_v hunt_v for_o the_o precious_a life_n see_v further_o prov._n 7.22_o 26.27_o he_o go_v after_o she_o as_o a_o ox_n go_v to_o the_o slaughter_n for_o she_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n have_v be_v slay_v by_o she_o her_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o by_o this_o filthy_a sin_n man_n and_o woman_n sacrifice_v their_o health_n estate_n name_n body_n and_o soul_n to_o their_o stink_a lust_n carry_v a_o filthy_a and_o guilty_a soul_n in_o a_o rot_a body_n whilst_o they_o live_v and_o shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o heaven_n into_o hell_n when_o they_o die_v now_o that_o this_o use_n of_o reproof_n may_v leave_v some_o deep_a convection_n in_o your_o conscience_n consider_v what_o thy_o health_n and_o life_n be_v giuâ—n_v thou_o for_o viz._n that_o thou_o may_v have_v opportunity_n of_o serve_v and_o honour_v the_o great_a god_n and_o of_o provide_v for_o eternity_n now_o therefore_o what_o a_o bloody_a wretch_n be_v thou_o to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o shall_v by_o thy_o own_o sin_n shorten_v thy_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o put_v a_o sad_a period_n to_o all_o thy_o bless_a opportunity_n and_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o dispatch_v thyself_o beyond_o all_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n and_o hopâ—s_n and_o possibility_n oâ—_n salvation_n and_o so_o make_v thyself_o unable_a to_o live_v before_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v use_v 3_o of_o consolation_n to_o the_o true_o godly_a this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v see_v that_o all_o sickness_n danger_n and_o death_n come_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o father_n for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o sickness_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o their_o visitation_n for_o if_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o affliction_n hence_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o phil._n 4.6_o 7._o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o that_o be_v do_v not_o torture_v and_o distract_v and_o break_v your_o heart_n with_o sinful_a care_n and_o fear_n but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n bring_v your_o heart_n and_o desire_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n perhaps_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v thy_o estate_n from_o loss_n nor_o thy_o body_n from_o ache_n and_o pain_n nor_o thy_o name_n from_o reproach_n nor_o thy_o life_n from_o death_n but_o however_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v thus_o keep_v the_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o be_v keep_v in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n thou_o may_v lose_v friend_n out_o of_o thy_o company_n riches_n out_o of_o thy_o estate_n health_n and_o ease_n out_o of_o thy_o body_n and_o yet_o thou_o may_v keep_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o in_o thy_o heart_n now_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v refresh_v with_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v show_v herein_o these_o five_o ground_n of_o comfort_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o visitation_n 2._o of_o the_o end_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o godly_a themselves_o who_o be_v visit_v 4._o in_o respect_n of_o death_n last_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o season_n of_o our_o visitation_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v choose_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a season_n to_o visit_v we_o in_o see_v 1_o pet._n 1.6_o wherein_o you_o great_o rejoice_v though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o our_o affliction_n come_v in_o a_o season_n when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o they_o husbandman_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o season_n when_o the_o ground_n have_v need_n of_o frost_n and_o snow_n and_o parent_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o season_n when_o their_o child_n have_v need_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o so_o there_o be_v season_n wherein_o we_o that_o be_v god_n husbandry_n 3.9_o and_o god_n child_n have_v need_n of_o his_o fatherly_a chastisement_n and_o in_o these_o time_n he_o choose_v to_o visit_v we_o i_o shall_v contract_v all_o that_o i_o will_v say_v of_o this_o in_o the_o application_n of_o a_o general_a truth_n to_o this_o particular_a case_n viz._n that_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o god_n remarkable_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n so_o we_o read_v gal._n 4.4_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n so_o that_o place_n seem_v something_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n eph._n 4.10_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o where_o note_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mysterious_a work_n of_o god_n to_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o full_a body_n all_o his_o elect_n that_o those_o which_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n with_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o now_o this_o work_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a work_n which_o god_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o ordinance_n mercy_n affliction_n disease_n death_n he_o be_v gather_v all_o his_o people_n together_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o body_n unto_o their_o head_n and_o i_o say_v this_o be_v all_o do_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o make_v a_o fullness_n of_o time_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v a_o time_n set_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o dispensation_n a_o time_n full_a of_o the_o decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o wherein_o his_o decree_n be_v fulfil_v so_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o time_n set_v by_o god_n 2._o when_o time_n be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o which_o respect_n also_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n time_n have_v be_v travel_v as_o it_o be_v for_o this_o many_o age_n prophecy_n and_o promise_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o expectation_n of_o believer_n be_v full_a of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o the_o time_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o come_n he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n whenever_o sickness_n or_o death_n come_v it_o be_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n 1._o in_o that_o time_n which_o be_v set_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o our_o father_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n he_o set_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o birth_n and_o of_o thy_o new_a birth_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n and_o of_o thy_o death_n which_o be_v all_o time_n appoint_v to_o demonstrate_v and_o glorify_v his_o infinite_a power_n and_o love_n towards_o thou_o 2._o they_o come_v in_o a_o time_n most_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n sin_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o head_n that_o its_o time_n for_o sickness_n or_o some_o
other_o affliction_n to_o come_v and_o bring_v it_o down_o grace_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o strength_n that_o now_o it_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o trial_n a_o storm_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v therefore_o say_v god_n now_o it_o be_v to_o time_n to_o fetch_v my_o child_n home_o the_o christian_a be_v grow_v so_o ripe_a that_o its_o time_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n as_o a_o shock_n of_o corn_n in_o its_o season_n thus_o you_o see_v for_o your_o comfort_n that_o sickness_n and_o death_n come_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a season_n sickness_n never_o come_v but_o to_o bring_v thou_o near_a heaven_n and_o death_n shall_v never_o come_v but_o to_o loose_v thou_o into_o heaven_n ah_o christian_n heaven_n and_o happiness_n never_o come_v out_o of_o season_n second_o comfort_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o all_o sickness_n and_o death_n they_o come_v from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o good_a we_o read_v 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n where_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a power_n work_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n as_o for_o example_n in_o a_o fever_n ague_n or_o consumption_n etc._n etc._n we_o feel_v a_o power_n work_v outward_o against_o we_o against_o our_o health_n strength_n case_n and_o life_n so_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a power_n work_v inward_o for_o we_o work_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n hence_o be_v that_o know_a and_o try_v scripture_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o try_a scripture_n it_o have_v comfort_v many_o thousand_o heart_n i_o mean_v rom._n 8.28_o 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 call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n methinks_v this_o scripture_n be_v a_o spring_n which_o always_o run_v with_o new_a and_o fresh_a comfort_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n to_o find_v comfort_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o our_o disease_n and_o other_o affliction_n through_o this_o scripture_n now_o to_o apply_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n consider_v what_o be_v that_o good_a which_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o and_o this_o you_o may_v know_v by_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a therefore_o say_v he_o vers_n 31._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o look_v upon_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o misery_n and_o then_o look_v upon_o our_o predestination_n vocation_n justification_n and_o glorification_n mention_v vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o and_o we_o may_v joyful_o conclude_v that_o see_v god_n be_v for_o we_o so_o as_o to_o predestine_v call_v justify_v and_o glorify_v we_o and_o these_o link_n can_v never_o be_v break_v then_o nothing_o can_v be_v against_o we_o but_o all_o shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o all_o thing_n work_v for_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o godly_a the_o great_a gallant_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o grace_n and_o peace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o all_o sickness_n disease_n and_o death_n and_o all_o other_o dispensation_n be_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o in_o this_o work_n to_o bring_v soulsaving_a good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o the_o clear_a cause_n of_o this_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n viz._n because_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o work_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o send_v and_o rule_n and_o govern_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o fatherly_a work_n in_o they_o because_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o father_n and_o saviour_n send_v they_o to_o we_o and_o order_n they_o for_o we_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n make_v clear_o for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 3.23_o death_n be_v you_o and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n sickness_n be_v we_o and_o for_o our_o good_a but_o why_o we_o answ_n because_o the_o lord_n of_o sickness_n and_o death_n be_v we_o hence_o we_o read_v phil._n 1.21_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v sickness_n be_v gain_v and_o death_n be_v gain_v to_o god_n child_n many_o a_o child_n of_o god_n gain_v more_o by_o a_o month_n sickness_n then_o by_o the_o outward_a mercy_n of_o many_o year_n and_o death_n will_v bring_v you_o more_o gain_n in_o one_o hour_n than_o all_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o sermon_n of_o a_o whole_a age_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o see_v your_o gain_n as_o real_a and_o present_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n as_o your_o pain_n trouble_n and_o loss_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o in_o your_o sad_a part_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o sickness_n and_o death_n take_v you_o from_o comfort_v your_o heart_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o bring_v you_o unto_o say_v farewell_o my_o dear_a and_o pleasant_a country_n thou_o have_v feed_v i_o well_o and_o clothe_v i_o well_o but_o i_o must_v leave_v thou_o for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a hebr._n 11.26_o farewell_o my_o inward_a and_o faithful_a friend_n farewell_o my_o dear_a jonathans_n how_o pleasant_a have_v you_o be_v to_o i_o your_o love_n to_o i_o be_v wonderful_a methinks_v when_o i_o be_o with_o you_o i_o feel_v the_o truth_n of_o tertullia_n say_v of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n animo_fw-la animáque_fw-la miscemur_fw-la our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n do_v enter_v into_o and_o be_v mingle_v and_o unite_v with_o one_o another_o many_o a_o sweet_a meeting_n and_o sad_a part_n i_o have_v have_v with_o you_o but_o i_o must_v leave_v you_o a_o while_n to_o go_v to_o better_a friend_n in_o heaven_n magnus_n illie_a nos_fw-la charorum_fw-la numerus_fw-la expectat_fw-la mortalitate_fw-la i_o have_v a_o great_a company_n of_o dear_a friend_n in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o look_v for_o i_o and_o will_v rejoice_v to_o see_v i_o with_o they_o with_o who_o i_o shall_v always_o be_v serious_a yet_o never_o sad_a always_o merry_a and_o yet_o never_o vain_a farewell_o my_o sweet_a sabbath_n savoury_a sermon_n melt_a sacrament_n farewell_o my_o dear_a bible_n and_o all_o the_o bless_a ordinance_n wherein_o i_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o must_v no_o long_o look_v in_o these_o glass_n but_o go_v where_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n 13.12_o farewell_o my_o dear_a yoke-fellow_n parent_n my_o sweet_a child_n my_o belove_a brother_n and_o sister_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o all_o to_o go_v to_o a_o better_a father_n and_o husband_n and_o brother_n in_o heaven_n farewell_o my_o good_a and_o convenient_a house_n my_o sweet_a place_n of_o secret_a and_o family-worship_n i_o must_v be_v go_v to_o my_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 5.1_o farewell_o my_o poor_a but_o precious_a body_n go_v thou_o and_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n in_o the_o earth_n whilst_o my_o soul_n be_v reign_v with_o jesus_n in_o heaven_n where_o i_o shall_v remember_v thou_o and_o long_o to_o see_v thou_o till_o i_o meet_v thou_o again_o clothe_v with_o immortality_n and_o glory_n these_o thing_n christian_n be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o sickbed_n the_o sweet_a joy_n of_o a_o deathbed_n 3._o comfort_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v visit_v herein_o be_v thy_o comfort_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a part_n and_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o all_o disease_n come_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o christ_n do_v to_o thou_o he_o do_v to_o himself_o i_o be_v sick_a say_v christ_n when_o his_o member_n be_v sick_a mat._n 25.36_o so_o when_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a the_o poor_a ghastly_a corpse_n continue_v still_o join_v and_o unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n and_o be_v call_v the_o dead_a in_o christ_n 1_o thes_n 4.14_o 16._o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sweet_a and_o savoury_a consideration_n when_o a_o man_n look_v on_o such_o a_o sad_a spectacle_n as_o a_o loathsome_a disease_a body_n or_o think_v on_o the_o rot_a carcase_n when_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a and_o sow_v in_o corruption_n then_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o his_o glorious_a head_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n as_o thus_o look_v on_o thy_o face_n cover_v with_o the_o small_a pox_n and_o then_o look_v on_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n look_v on_o thy_o bone_n stare_v upon_o thou_o in_o a_o consumption_n and_o then_o look_v upon_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nay_o go_v further_o look_v upon_o
whole_o turn_v and_o set_v for_o the_o service_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n may_v improve_v his_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n by_o all_o the_o advantage_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o creature_n and_o get_v his_o soul_n fill_v with_o the_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o bold_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infinite_o great_a and_o good_a father_n and_o all_o his_o glorious_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o love_n be_v on_o my_o side_n then_o he_o may_v look_v into_o the_o world_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n work_v busy_o about_o he_o and_o then_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n upon_o the_o wheel_n to_o bring_v happiness_n and_o salvation_n to_o i_o and_o to_o that_o body_n of_o which_o i_o be_o a_o member_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o may_v look_v in_o himself_o and_o see_v all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n unite_v in_o this_o great_a design_n to_o please_v and_o praise_n and_o enjoy_v god_n so_o that_o by_o these_o thing_n you_o may_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n whereby_o you_o may_v also_o see_v what_o be_v the_o enmity_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o sinner_n be_v against_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v fearful_o bend_v to_o hate_v and_o deny_v and_o despite_n he_o and_o god_n be_v against_o the_o sinner_n so_o as_o to_o blast_v and_o curse_v and_o damn_v he_o so_o that_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n sinner_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o death_n and_o danger_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v against_o thou_o because_o the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o be_v against_o thou_o i_o will_v therefore_o serious_o persuade_v you_o to_o come_v to_o agreement_n with_o god_n which_o that_o you_o may_v do_v let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o this_o day_n send_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n who_o have_v commit_v to_o i_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 5.19_o so_o that_o i_o have_v authority_n from_o he_o to_o offer_v most_o bless_a condition_n of_o peace_n viz._n if_o you_o will_v this_o day_n sincere_o turn_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o true_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a god_n to_o be_v your_o father_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v your_o husband_n and_o saviour_n the_o infinite_a and_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v your_o comforter_n you_o shall_v have_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o abide_v with_o you_o here_o and_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n to_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v hereafter_o sir_n be_v not_o these_o bless_a and_o honourable_a term_n well_o where_o lie_v the_o difference_n answ_n in_o nothing_o but_o sin_n now_o what_o a_o fearful_a case_n be_v this_o that_o after_o god_n the_o father_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o after_o he_o have_v die_v the_o most_o shameful_a painful_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o so_o many_o hundred_o sermon_n and_o offer_n of_o peace_n will_v thou_o now_o break_v with_o god_n for_o a_o base_a lust_n can_v thou_o endure_v hereafter_o to_o lie_v among_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a in_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o to_o see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o hear_v thy_o own_o conscience_n upbraid_v thou_o to_o all_o eternity_n that_o thou_o have_v lose_v heaven_n and_o do_v lie_v in_o hell_n for_o love_v thy_o cup_n oath_n whore_n or_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n better_a than_o jesus_n christ_n o_o sir_n repent_v and_o believe_v quick_o you_o have_v more_o need_n to_o do_v it_o then_o either_o to_o eat_v drink_v or_o sleep_v for_o ought_v you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n before_o such_o another_o offer_n be_v make_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v million_o of_o disease_n and_o death_n wait_v at_o your_o door_n to_o break_v up_o the_o treaty_n i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o in_o the_o word_n of_o eliphaz_n to_o job_n cap._n 22.21_o 22_o 23._o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n thereby_o good_a shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o receive_v i_o pray_v thou_o the_o law_n from_o his_o mouth_n and_o lay_v up_o his_o word_n in_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o return_v to_o the_o almighty_a thou_o shall_v be_v build_v up_o thou_o shall_v put_v away_o iniquity_n far_o from_o thy_o tabernacle_n four_o prize_n and_o improve_v godly_a minister_n and_o people_n whilst_o you_o have_v they_o see_v it_o appear_v by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o may_v be_v send_v for_o to_o heaven_n where_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v better_o respect_v now_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o you_o can_v show_v to_o godly_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n 1.22_o which_o they_o be_v preacher_n of_o minister_n be_v more_o honour_v by_o the_o conversion_n though_o of_o the_o poor_a servant_n then_o by_o the_o high_a commendation_n which_o the_o most_o able_a and_o learned_a doctor_n be_v able_a to_o express_v for_o this_o be_v their_o great_a glory_n to_o be_v instrument_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o poor_a soul_n for_o thereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v glorify_v 2_o thes_n 3.1_o by_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n minister_n may_v be_v cry_v up_o for_o person_n of_o excellent_a gift_n and_o part_n but_o this_o be_v their_o great_a glory_n when_o by_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 4.7_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n but_o beloved_n the_o ignorant_a unbelieve_a world_n know_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o godly_a minister_n or_o christian_n because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n which_o make_v they_o so_o precious_a the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o 1_o joh._n 3.1_o but_o whatever_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n think_v who_o can_v prize_v nothing_o but_o honour_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v dead_a and_o crucify_a i_o tell_v you_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n be_v the_o blessing_n of_o their_o age_n and_o those_o be_v the_o best_a kingdom_n and_o country_n and_o town_n and_o parish_n and_o family_n which_o have_v most_o of_o they_o and_o which_o love_v they_o best_o solomon_n tell_v we_o prov._n 10.11_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o well_o of_o life_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o a_o necessary_a public_a mercy_n a_o well_o of_o good_a and_o wholesome_a water_n be_v to_o the_o town_n or_o family_n where_o it_o spring_v now_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o well_o of_o life_n he_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o spiritual_fw-la aqua_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la many_o a_o poor_a sinner_n or_o sad_a swoon_v christian_a receive_v the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n or_o christian_n prov._n 15.4_o a_o wholesome_a tongue_n be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o paradise_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n to_o preserve_v man_n alive_a have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocence_n thus_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o this_o evil_a world_n he_o turn_v a_o family_n into_o a_o paradise_n where_o he_o grow_v and_o be_v prize_v so_o that_o many_o a_o man_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o many_o a_o faint_a child_n of_o god_n be_v quicken_v and_o revive_v by_o feed_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o wholesome_a tongue_n now_o my_o brethren_n the_o serious_a consideration_n that_o these_o blessing_n be_v by_o sickness_n and_o death_n ready_a to_o be_v take_v from_o we_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o esteem_v and_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a and_o savoury_a company_n how_o do_v elisha_n cleave_v to_o elijah_n when_o he_o know_v he_o be_v present_o to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o three_o time_n elijah_n to_o try_v elisha_n his_o constancy_n seem_v to_o shake_v he_o off_o but_o elisha_n every_o time_n answer_v most_o solemn_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v and_o as_o thy_o soul_n live_v i_o will_v not_o leave_v thou_o 2_o kin._n 2.2_o 3_o 6._o and_o if_o you_o read_v the_o story_n you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o prove_v well_o for_o elisha_n that_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o careful_a to_o improve_v that_o precious_a opportunity_n see_v act_n 20.25_o where_o paul_n use_v this_o