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both_o have_v their_o perfect_a work_n in_o she_o she_o be_v now_o go_v to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n in_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o my_o christian_a friend_n the_o great_a honour_n and_o respect_n that_o we_o can_v pay_v to_o her_o bless_a memory_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o live_v among_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v her_o worthy_a example_n every_o one_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o that_o way_n wherein_o she_o seek_v and_o have_v now_o obtain_v all_o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o unto_o you_o all_o as_o i_o desire_v also_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o myself_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o you_o her_o near_a survive_a relative_n who_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o other_o by_o your_o nearness_n to_o her_o most_o exemplary_a course_n of_o life_n as_o a_o excellent_a pattern_n for_o you_o to_o imitate_v and_o therefore_o as_o she_o have_v do_v worthy_o in_o serve_v god_n and_o her_o generation_n according_a to_o his_o 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love_v your_o soul_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n &_o to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o action_n do_v speak_v out_o loud_o than_o any_o verbal_a expression_n and_o certain_o if_o you_o have_v the_o heart_n attentive_o to_o consider_v and_o understand_v it_o you_o can_v be_v unapprehensive_a that_o your_o mother_n example_n call_v aloud_o upon_o you_o all_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n with_o serious_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o she_o do_v to_o get_v your_o thought_n and_o affection_n abstract_v and_o draw_v off_o from_o this_o world_n and_o fix_o set_v upon_o thing_n above_o as_o hers_z were_z to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n
indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o principal_a part_n since_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v and_o live_v as_o well_o out_o of_o it_o as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o the_o original_a of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v reckon_v rather_o than_o from_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n now_o if_o according_o we_o compute_v the_o birth_n of_o a_o saint_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o threefold_a birth_n which_o result_v from_o the_o consideration_n the_o one_a be_v by_o creation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v and_o place_v in_o the_o body_n which_o indeed_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n also_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o body_n to_o be_v form_v as_o to_o its_o due_a perfection_n with_o respect_n to_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n till_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o soul_n infusion_n therein_o if_o with_o the_o school_n i_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o use_v such_o a_o word_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o creando_fw-la infunditur_fw-la &_o insundendo_fw-la creature_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n derive_v its_o original_n from_o god_n immediate_a create_v it_o and_o not_o ex_fw-la traduce_n i_o speak_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o learned_a and_o worthy_a person_n of_o another_o judgement_n may_v seem_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v but_o from_o that_o one_o scripture_n zech._n 12._o 1._o especial_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v its_o connexion_n with_o what_o precede_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o first_o birth_n of_o man_n to_o speak_v proper_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n which_o as_o to_o priority_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v instantaneous_o upon_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o egress_n of_o the_o child_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o we_o be_v most_o take_v with_o what_o be_v most_o sensible_a to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v understand_v especial_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o calculate_v in_o its_o expression_n as_o to_o use_v word_n common_o in_o use_n &_o understand_v by_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christian_n only_o howsoever_o we_o use_v word_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o say_v that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n for_o whatever_o have_v these_o two_o constituent_a part_n of_o man_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o no_o other_o class_n but_o that_o of_o mankind_n the_o 2._o birth_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regeneration_n or_o conversion_n of_o which_o christ_n speak_v joh._n 3._o call_v it_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n from_o above_o v._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 3._o birth_n be_v in_o glorification_n and_o this_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a period_n viz._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o at_o death_n when_o it_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o become_v from_o that_o moment_n perfect_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a happiness_n above_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o just_a person_n even_o then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o 23._o 2._o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n when_o reunite_v at_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v call_v the_o adoption_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8._o 23._o now_o from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o make_v some_o tolerable_a estimate_n of_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o 1._o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v birth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o man_n egress_n from_o the_o womb_n and_o his_o ingress_n into_o the_o society_n of_o mortal_n here_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n since_o we_o be_v ourselves_o mortal_a see_v and_o converse_v only_o with_o mortal_a object_n as_o all_o thing_n external_a here_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n time_n on_o earth_n even_o from_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o one_o night_n as_o be_v import_v psal_n 49._o 14._o when_o the_o resurrection_n be_v emphatical_o term_v the_o morning_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o night_n of_o time_n precede_v and_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n about_o to_o succeed_v and_o hence_o also_o our_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v call_v a_o sleep_n wherein_o we_o rather_o dream_v of_o thing_n than_o real_o apprehend_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v first_o thorough_o awake_v by_o death_n we_o may_v see_v this_o plain_o hint_v psal_n 17._o 15._o whereas_o 2._o that_o which_o we_o call_v common_o death_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unpin_v our_o mortal_a tabernacle_n and_o the_o manumit_v we_o into_o the_o immortal_a region_n of_o light_n love_n and_o liberty_n of_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o scripture_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o familiar_a dialect_n of_o put_v off_o a_o suit_n of_o old_a apparel_n for_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a one_o thus_o paul_n call_v it_o a_o be_v unclothe_v as_o to_o the_o body_n and_o clothe_v upon_o by_o have_v mortality_n swallow_v up_o of_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o peter_n call_v it_o a_o put_v off_o this_o his_o tabernacle_n 2_o eph._n 1._o 14._o again_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v death_n the_o right_a notion_n whereof_o will_v become_v more_o facile_a to_o our_o apprehension_n by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v of_o life_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v that_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v so_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o fall_v under_o consideration_n here_o the_o 1._o be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o at_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n we_o be_v shape_v in_o sin_n and_o conceive_v in_o iniquity_n and_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n than_o life_n since_o we_o be_v expose_v thereby_o to_o sin_v and_o suffer_v to_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o 2._o be_v a_o death_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v upon_o at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v death_n but_o though_o it_o disunite_v soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o may_v rather_o be_v call_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o translate_v it_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o regeneration_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a birth_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n yet_o since_o that_o be_v but_o a_o deliverance_n in_o part_n therefore_o it_o be_v by_o death_n only_o that_o we_o come_v total_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n though_o i_o grant_v that_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v more_o illustrious_o display_v at_o the_o great_a period_n of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o the_o last_o enemy_n death_n come_v to_o be_v total_o destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 54._o so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n whereas_o our_o dissolution_n or_o the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v proper_o a_o death_n to_o sin_n or_o a_o manumission_n and_o freedom_n give_v we_o both_o from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o to_o both_o these_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n we_o may_v not_o injust_o invert_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n ignorance_n vanity_n and_o misery_n whereas_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v just_o repute_v to_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n of_o purity_n knowledge_n light_n and_o rest_n but_o two_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o thing_n we_o call_v life_n be_v which_o the_o two_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n enter_v we_o upon_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o we_o can_v only_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o preferableness_n of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o true_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a take_v that_o to_o be_v life_n which_o have_v little_o more_o of_o
it_o than_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n life_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a thing_n than_o we_o imagine_v when_o consider_v in_o its_o right_a notion_n and_o idea_n we_o talk_v of_o a_o vegetative_a and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o if_o in_o philosophy_n these_o must_v needs_o creep_v in_o as_o distinct_a species_n thereof_o yet_o divinity_n will_v refine_v our_o thought_n of_o it_o a_o little_a further_o for_o since_o life_n be_v one_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o design_n himself_o ofttimes_o the_o live_a god_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v something_o high_a and_o sublime_a therein_o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o life_n to_o other_o so_o it_o be_v only_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v so_o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o ourselves_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o our_o nostril_n and_o we_o depend_v every_o moment_n on_o god_n for_o new_a supply_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o find_v it_o the_o property_n of_o god_n only_o to_o have_v life_n in_o him-self_n yea_o and_o such_o a_o property_n as_o be_v only_o communicable_a to_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 26._o for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n with_o a_o special_a mark_n of_o observation_n joh._n 1._o 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n for_o we_o may_v plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o very_a term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o life_n here_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o as_o plain_o and_o necessary_o presuppose_v these_o periodical_a term_n be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o this_o life_n herein_o presuppose_v must_v either_o be_v the_o present_a life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v the_o present_a life_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o solomon_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o death_n to_o the_o commence_v it_o at_o first_o by_o birth_n and_o those_o very_a mean_a thought_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o noble_a designation_n of_o life_n as_o be_v rather_o a_o shadow_n thereof_o than_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o future_a life_n that_o be_v here_o import_v than_o it_o present_v we_o with_o a_o noble_a idea_n of_o true_a life_n indeed_o as_o inclusive_a of_o true_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o good_a reason_n death_n be_v here_o prefer_v to_o birth_n but_o though_o this_o last_o sense_n give_v we_o the_o fair_a prospect_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n determination_n of_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v to_o include_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o life_n as_o presuppose_a clear_o in_o the_o text._n for_o as_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n express_o between_o birth_n and_o death_n so_o his_o do_v thus_o do_v manifest_o presuppose_v that_o he_o have_v run_v the_o parallel_n also_o between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n for_o except_o the_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n have_v respect_n to_o these_o they_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o stand_v as_o cipher_n here_o without_o any_o significancy_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indubitable_a that_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n here_o between_o life_n present_a and_o future_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o compare_v they_o as_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o so_o as_o species_n under_o the_o same_o genus_fw-la but_o rather_o as_o two_o opposite_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o present_a life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n or_o state_n of_o death_n and_o so_o to_o vendicate_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a life_n to_o the_o future_a only_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o when_o i_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v rather_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n whereas_o our_o death_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v more_o proper_o our_o birth_n into_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n so_o i_o say_v now_o of_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o die_v into_o when_o we_o be_v bear_v whereas_o the_o future_a life_n be_v that_o only_a which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n as_o be_v that_o state_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o that_o period_n which_o we_o call_v death_n and_o though_o this_o invertion_n of_o term_n may_v seem_v strange_a at_o first_o to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o reflect_v on_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o entertain_v genuine_a conception_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o what_o concern_v these_o we_o will_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o rectification_n of_o vulgar_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n be_v oft_o detain_v contrary_a to_o reason_n itself_o from_o a_o misapplication_n of_o mere_a word_n wherefore_o since_o i_o take_v life_n for_o that_o which_o either_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n or_o which_o derivative_o be_v communicate_v to_o subject_n capable_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v make_v so_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o ensue_a reflection_n that_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o the_o word_n express_v this_o different_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o true_a life_n or_o perfection_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o i_o be_o here_o to_o consider_v which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o appear_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o run_v the_o parallel_n a_o little_a between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n as_o we_o call_v they_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o admit_v of_o the_o conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o to_o the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o first_o which_o methinks_v the_o apostle_n express_v well_o when_o he_o call_v the_o future_a life_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d life_n assign_v to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o designation_n of_o mortality_n only_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o those_o qualification_n of_o life_n be_v that_o denominate_v it_o excellent_a happy_a and_o desirable_a and_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o in_o word_n common_a and_o know_v to_o all_o that_o the_o impression_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a and_o now_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o conveniency_n or_o true_a qualification_n of_o life_n want_v where_o these_o seven_o thing_n concur_v viz._n 1._o perfect_a health_n 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a 3._o unmixed_a and_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o joy_n 4._o the_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o abode_n 5._o the_o most_o excellent_a company_n 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o qualification_n or_o property_n of_o life_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a that_o we_o may_v see_v whether_o our_o passage_n by_o birth_n into_o the_o one_o or_o by_o death_n into_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o perfect_a health_n by_o this_o we_o understand_v perfect_a rectitude_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v where_o this_o rare_a jewel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v without_o which_o all_o our_o other_o comfort_n be_v insipid_a and_o tasteless_a sure_o it_o cant_v be_v acquire_v in_o this_o miserable_a world_n either_o as_o to_o mind_n or_o body_n for_o as_o to_o our_o mind_n how_o uncultivated_a be_v our_o judgement_n as_o to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o vain_a be_v our_o thought_n how_o perverse_a our_o will_n how_o irregular_a our_o affection_n how_o treacherous_a our_o memory_n and_o how_o lame_a and_o defective_a be_v our_o action_n and_o performance_n even_o to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o as_o to_o our_o body_n do_v we_o not_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o the_o principle_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o death_n itself_o and_o what_o innumerable_a pain_n and_o malady_n be_v we_o here_o subject_a to_o every_o day_n to_o most_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o some_o new_a exercise_n or_o other_o
merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o fancy_v not_o that_o your_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n must_v go_v partner_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n lest_o thereby_o you_o impeach_v the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n of_o defectiveness_n and_o claim_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v account_v your_o own_o saviour_n but_o endeavour_n with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 9_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v your_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n 3._o mind_v the_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n salvation_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o diligence_n for_o what_o profit_n will_v it_o be_v untoyou_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o you_o lose_v your_o soul_n or_o what_o can_v you_o give_v in_o exchange_n again_o for_o they_o if_o once_o they_o be_v lose_v therefore_o trifle_v not_o away_o precious_a time_n and_o golden_a opportunity_n in_o do_v nothing_o or_o it_o may_v be_v thing_n worse_o than_o nothing_o lest_o you_o be_v force_v at_o length_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o great_a grotius_n do_v when_o die_v ah_o vitam_fw-la perdidi_fw-la operose_fw-la nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la be_v not_o so_o besot_v as_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o your_o hope_n upon_o a_o imaginary_a deathbed_n repentance_n but_o since_o now_o you_o have_v a_o price_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o get_v wisdom_n with_o beg_v and_o endeavour_v after_o that_o happy_a part_n and_o lot_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o you_o when_o once_o attain_v 2._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o body_n and_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o my_o thought_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o watch_v against_o your_o body_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o snare_n to_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v i_o fear_v to_o many_o in_o more_o than_o one_o respect_n for_o 1._o how_o oft_o do_v our_o sense_n deceive_v and_o cheat_v the_o soul_n and_o present_v it_o with_o innumerable_a object_n to_o distract_v and_o disturb_v it_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o more_o noble_a thing_n and_o 2._o the_o fancy_n and_o unruely_a imagination_n do_v no_o less_o oft_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o reason_n by_o innumerable_a chimera_n in_o the_o form_n and_o produce_v of_o which_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n strange_o fruitful_a yea_o 3_o the_o want_n of_o the_o body_n prove_v ofttimes_o a_o great_a remora_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o spiritual_a operation_n by_o give_v occasion_n to_o solicitude_n and_o anxious_a care_n about_o what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v and_o how_o we_o shall_v prevent_v such_o and_o such_o evil_n and_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o respect_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n both_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o to_o watch_v against_o our_o body_n 2._o live_v above_o your_o body_n let_v not_o your_o thought_n and_o care_n terminate_v only_o there_o what!_o shall_v a_o mortal_a fade_v carcase_n swallow_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o enhance_v our_o affection_n when_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o death_n will_v at_o one_o blow_v cut_v down_o the_o same_o whereon_o we_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o pain_n in_o vain_a yea_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o this_o beautiful_a outside_n will_v stink_v and_o turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o then_o worm_n must_v nestle_v in_o those_o hole_n where_o sprightly_a eye_n do_v once_o shine_v and_o all_o our_o graceful_a and_o well_o proportion_v member_n and_o part_n moulder_v down_o into_o deformity_n and_o rottenness_n therefore_o let_v we_o hence_o learn_v to_o live_v above_o our_o body_n 3._o be_v content_a to_o be_v unbodied_a for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v this_o way_n alone_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o see_v god_n full_o and_o to_o reach_v the_o happy_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o work_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o hearty_a contentment_n in_o and_o satisfaction_n with_o this_o way_n method_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o order_n to_o consummate_v our_o felicity_n nay_o let_v i_o say_v further_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v but_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o this_o be_v paul_n attainment_n phil._n 1._o 23._o and_o not_o his_o only_a but_o that_o which_o be_v very_o common_a to_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o more_o heavenly_a time_n rom._n 8._o 23._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o yea_o the_o very_a inanimate_a creation_n have_v a_o earnest_a propensity_n this_o way_n groan_v for_o a_o dissolution_n as_o to_o its_o present_a form_n that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o pristine_a glory_n and_o splendour_n before_o it_o become_v the_o stage_n of_o sin_n and_o theatre_n of_o misery_n this_o we_o may_v see_v rom._n 8._o 19_o 21_o 22._o which_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o may_v well_o shame_v we_o out_o of_o our_o earthly_a frame_n that_o we_o have_v sink_v into_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o these_o deprave_a day_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reckon_v it_o a_o great_a attainment_n in_o a_o christian_a and_o comparative_o indeed_o with_o the_o frame_n of_o most_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v in_o submission_n to_o divine_a good_a pleasure_n yet_o desirous_a to_o live_v but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a attainment_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n stand_v in_o the_o inversion_n of_o the_o common_a order_n viz._n in_o be_v desirous_a to_o die_v yet_o content_a to_o live_v in_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o service_n to_o be_v do_v for_o god_n further_o and_o indeed_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v once_o taste_v of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o fore-tasts_a of_o the_o future_a glory_n he_o can_v scarce_o any_o long_o contain_v himself_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n constrain_a he_o from_o cry_v out_o o_o time_n be_v go_v o_o eternity_n make_v haste_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o long_a a_o come_n to_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o burst_v with_o longing_n after_o the_o immediate_a sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n forever_o do_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n both_o echo_n forth_o with_o a_o sweet_a pathos_fw-mi come_v lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o soul_n join_v in_o the_o consort_n and_o ingeminat_fw-la amen_o even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v come_v 3._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o advice_n i_o take_v up_o also_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o very_o brief_o propose_v first_o be_v careful_a to_o cultivate_v your_o soul_n that_o so_o you_o may_v grow_v daily_o in_o a_o meetness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o as_o there_o be_v two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n so_o according_o let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a study_n to_o adorn_v these_o with_o what_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o 1._o improve_v your_o understanding_n by_o dilate_v and_o enlarge_n they_o by_o further_a degree_n of_o true_a &_o spiritual_a knowledge_n grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o excellency_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o sum_n of_o all_o gospel-truths_n and_n promise_v and_o the_o legal_a precept_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v reveal_v as_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v 2._o improve_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n also_o by_o more_o and_o more_o grace_n that_o the_o habit_n thereof_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o repeat_v act_n and_o that_o so_o these_o habit_n thus_o strengthen_v may_v be_v exert_v &_o put_v forth_o the_o more_o sweet_o and_o free_o in_o the_o out-going_a of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o operation_n 2._o employ_v your_o soul_n always_o in_o god_n service_n this_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v your_o chief_a and_o constant_a work_n and_o business_n let_v we_o with_o complacency_n and_o cheerfulness_n employ_v ourselves_o this_o way_n that_o it_o may_v be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n what_o be_v our_o business_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o this_o for_o it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o serve_v god_n here_o that_o alone_o can_v make_v a_o saint_n content_a and_o willing_a to_o stay_v below_o in_o this_o dunghill_n world_n when_o
god_n sight_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v more_o right_a to_o than_o many_o other_o who_o can_v talk_v better_o and_o more_o as_o well_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o just_a caution_n in_o the_o admit_v person_n who_o may_v be_v vicious_a and_o scandalous_a however_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v under_o a_o great_a dread_a and_o fear_v to_o reject_v any_o poor_a soul_n in_o who_o i_o think_v i_o see_v though_o in_o a_o small_a degree_n and_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n aliquid_fw-la christi_fw-la any_o thing_n of_o christ_n image_n for_o i_o judge_v we_o err_v more_o safe_o on_o the_o side_n of_o charity_n if_o indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a so_o to_o err_v than_o on_o the_o side_n of_o a_o precipitant_n and_o presumptuous_a judge_v of_o one_o state_n and_o fitness_n from_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o prescribe_v when_o none_o can_v tell_v i_o what_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o grace_n be_v which_o god_n do_v accept_v and_o which_o give_v one_o right_a to_o participate_v of_o all_o ordinance_n she_o be_v a_o careful_a and_o impartial_a searcher_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o she_o read_v with_o great_a judgement_n and_o observation_n with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a help_n she_o can_v have_v for_o that_o end_n but_o though_o she_o study_v to_o understand_v every_o part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o she_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o more_o spiritual_a part_n thereof_o she_o take_v many_o a_o mental_a walk_n in_o the_o delicious_a garden_n of_o david_n psalm_n and_o sit_v oft_o with_o great_a pleasure_n under_o the_o close_a arbour_n of_o solomon_n song_n which_o as_o she_o learn_v over_o by_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o word_n in_o her_o childhood_n so_o attain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n both_o to_o understand_v and_o experience_n in_o her_o ripe_a year_n and_o together_o with_o the_o scripture_n she_o read_v with_o great_a pain_n and_o judgement_n many_o of_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o practical_a english_a writer_n as_o her_o book_n she_o have_v leave_v behind_o will_v witness_v to_o such_o as_o have_v they_o when_o they_o see_v the_o many_o marginal_a write_n wherewith_o she_o have_v fill_v they_o according_a as_o she_o be_v edify_v and_o affect_v herself_o with_o what_o she_o read_v and_o though_o her_o character_n be_v such_o as_o none_o can_v well_o understand_v yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o she_o thereby_o point_v at_o will_v discover_v both_o the_o judiciousness_n and_o seriousness_n of_o her_o spirit_n and_o i_o hope_v these_o very_a hint_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o distinct_o apprehend_v may_v be_v a_o lead_a example_n of_o seriousness_n and_o piety_n to_o her_o survive_a relative_n she_o be_v laborious_a and_o almost_o unwearied_a in_o duty_n especial_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o last_o ordinance_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a food_n she_o live_v on_o and_o the_o air_n she_o breathe_v in_o she_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v after_o god_n as_o the_o hart_n after_o the_o water_n book_n and_o will_v often_o pleasant_o reflect_v on_o a_o expression_n of_o mr._n rutherfoord_v to_o that_o purpose_n in_o his_o book_n of_o letter_n which_o she_o great_o delight_v in_o and_o say_v i_o think_v god_n feed_v i_o with_o hunger_n viz._n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n she_o be_v zealous_o bend_v to_o advance_v god_n honour_n and_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n which_o i_o hope_v other_o will_v imitate_v she_o in_o and_o use_v to_o say_v for_o what_o else_o have_v god_n give_v i_o life_n and_o any_o share_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n her_o temper_n be_v natural_o timorous_a she_o will_v oft_o with_o great_a earnestness_n complain_v of_o herself_o that_o she_o fear_v her_o fear_n be_v such_o as_o may_v dishonour_v god_n and_o disparage_v her_o profession_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o such_o as_o be_v without_o though_o yet_o her_o fear_n be_v more_o visible_a to_o herself_o than_o any_o else_o however_o this_o fearful_a temper_n do_v represent_v death_n to_o she_o oft_o in_o melancholy_a idea_n yet_o she_o will_v common_o say_v i_o fear_v not_o to_o be_v dead_a but_o only_o to_o die_v neither_o do_v i_o fear_v death_n so_o proper_o as_o the_o very_a fear_n thereof_o upon_o which_o account_n she_o will_v oft_o chide_v herself_o as_o act_v so_o irrational_o and_o unchristian_o but_o god_n give_v she_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o conquest_n over_o such_o fear_n before_o her_o death_n however_o this_o temper_n of_o she_o make_v she_o oft_o say_v that_o for_o she_o own_o part_n she_o can_v never_o join_v with_o that_o prayer_n in_o the_o service-book_n from_o sudden_a death_n deliver_v we_o for_o she_o fear_v a_o linger_a rather_o then_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n do_v satisfy_v she_o in_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o complain_n on_o whatever_o account_n she_o will_v still_o break_v out_o with_o a_o caution_n to_o herself_o but_o what_o do_v i_o i_o must_v praise_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v for_o my_o mercy_n be_v more_o than_o my_o want_n yea_o even_o my_o want_n may_v be_v my_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o she_o will_v beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o other_o in_o this_o work_n and_o say_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o praise_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v on_o my_o account_n yea_o which_o may_v seem_v strange_a notwithstanding_o her_o fear_n as_o to_o herself_o she_o be_v of_o a_o bold_a and_o confident_a temper_n in_o the_o public_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v shake_v in_o her_o resolution_n that_o way_n whatever_o opposition_n or_o reflection_n she_o may_v meet_v with_o on_o that_o account_n from_o a_o ignorant_a world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o thought_n or_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o serious_a piety_n she_o can_v not_o but_o with_o generous_a pity_n and_o compassion_n reflect_v upon_o they_o she_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a regard_n 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