as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o building_n the_o rock_n of_o their_o strength_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o fullness_n and_o their_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o peace_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o demonstration_n as_o natural_a thing_n tend_v to_o their_o centre_n by_o a_o direct_a motion_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v direct_v in_o their_o motion_n to_o christ_n at_o dissolution_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o beggar_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n be_v bosom_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v by_o angel_n only_o by_o conduct_v it_o in_o its_o motion_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o carry_v a_o friend_n to_o a_o unknown_a place_n by_o direct_v in_o the_o way_n or_o whether_o by_o assistance_n in_o the_o motion_n and_o defence_n they_o be_v mighty_a in_o power_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o determine_v since_o the_o soul_n move_v according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o angelical_a guide_n and_o companion_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n bring_v unto_o christ_n its_o desire_a end_n and_o rest_n iii_o demonst_a three_o all_o the_o saint_n stand_v in_o near_a and_o unchangeable_a relation_n unto_o christ_n through_o regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a adoption_n unto_o god_n the_o full_a comfort_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o they_o can_v enjoy_v while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o though_o death_n part_v the_o near_a friend_n and_o dear_a relation_n on_o earth_n yet_o it_o bring_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n together_o the_o force_n of_o relation_n be_v very_o strong_a relation_n be_v of_o the_o least_o entity_n but_o the_o strong_a efficacy_n witness_v the_o strong_a affection_n and_o cord_n of_o love_n whereby_o person_n natural_o relate_v be_v tie_v to_o each_o other_o what_o bowel_n have_v parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o child_n again_o unto_o they_o what_o endear_a affection_n between_o love_a yokefellowe_n and_o how_o strong_a be_v the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a love_n all_o which_o long_o after_o and_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a presence_n each_o of_o other_o such_o be_v the_o relation_n and_o much_o more_o powerful_a between_o christ_n and_o every_o beleiver_n not_o only_o god_n himself_o but_o christ_n be_v their_o father_n and_o they_o his_o child_n isa_n 9.6_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o his_o spouse_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n he_o be_v their_o brother_n and_o they_o his_o brethren_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v conform_v rom._n 8.29_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n many_o other_o relation_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n between_o they_o he_o be_v their_o king_n and_o they_o his_o subject_n their_o captain_n and_o they_o his_o soldier_n their_o friend_n and_o they_o his_o favourite_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o they_o his_o servant_n and_o their_o shepherd_n and_o they_o his_o flock_n and_o what_o engagement_n and_o affection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o any_o or_o all_o these_o relation_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n through_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o powerful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o yet_o be_v absent_a from_o each_o other_o while_o beleiver_n be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n they_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o and_o what_o a_o joyful_a greeting_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o they_o let_v the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n declare_v who_o be_v eye_n witness_n thereof_o welcome_o then_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o death_n shall_v call_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n to_o their_o father_n house_n their_o spouse_n to_o her_o belove_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o first_o beget_v when_o the_o loyal_a subject_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v crown_v and_o the_o spiritual_a soldier_n receive_v the_o price_n of_o their_o reward_n when_o the_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o redeemer_n who_o love_v they_o to_o the_o death_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n when_o the_o sheep_n shall_v return_v to_o their_o shepherd_n who_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v iv_o demonstr_n four_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o beleiver_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o can_v inherit_v till_o they_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n thus_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.8_o the_o saint_n be_v heir_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o general_a promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.21_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n which_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n through_o which_o though_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n have_v strong_a consolation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o his_o counsel_n and_o oath_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v lie_v yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o hope_n and_o not_o in_o hand_n and_o therefore_o through_o patience_n they_o wait_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o who_o they_o be_v joynt-heire_n bear_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n with_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o heb._n 6.19_o 20._o which_o hope_v we_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o which_o enter_v into_o that_o within_o the_o veil_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v even_o jesus_n make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedech_n thus_o beleiver_n wait_v in_o hope_n for_o what_o they_o see_v not_o and_o receive_v not_o in_o this_o present_a life_n as_o the_o patriarch_n heb._n 11.13_o who_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n therefore_o belove_v be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10.36_o which_o promise_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v thus_o we_o have_v show_v you_o though_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o death_n in_o that_o their_o death_n bring_v they_o immediate_o unto_o christ_n according_a to_o my_o text_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o subject_a and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o all_o and_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n i_o shall_v wield_v this_o text_n as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n strike_v both_o way_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a to_o saint_n and_o sinner_n to_o beleiver_n and_o unbeleiver_n use_v i._n first_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o inform_v we_o from_o hence_o of_o the_o sad_a miserable_a and_o woeful_a state_n of_o every_o carnal_a sinful_a and_o christless_a soul_n that_o shall_v die_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o may_v never_o die_v but_o for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o mean_a portion_n of_o creature_n comfort_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n but_o to_o have_v your_o portion_n here_o and_o that_o for_o so_o short_a a_o season_n as_o the_o time_n of_o this_o present_a life_n only_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v it_o
be_v with_o he_o which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v earnest_a agreeable_a to_o his_o earnest_a expectation_n or_o stretch_v forth_o of_o the_o hand_n in_o look_v as_o that_o word_n denote_v in_o the_o 20._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o depart_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v dissolve_v according_a to_o other_o or_o to_o die_v as_o the_o apopostle_n have_v say_v in_o the_o 21._o verse_n to_o die_v be_v gain_v the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o strain_v himself_o for_o a_o word_n that_o he_o may_v set_v forth_o so_o gainful_a a_o death_n as_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o which_o sometime_o he_o call_v a_o dissolve_v of_o this_o earthy_a tabernacle_n and_o a_o unclothing_n 2_o cor._n 5.1.4_o peter_n style_v it_o a_o put_v off_o of_o this_o tabernacle_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o pleasant_a and_o allure_a expression_n as_o to_o sleep_v to_o be_v change_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o father_n and_o in_o this_o place_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n paul_n be_v in_o christ_n always_o by_o grace_n and_o christ_n reveal_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n by_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n and_o come_v behind_o none_o of_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o his_o labour_n and_o suffering_n for_o he_o and_o as_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n so_o to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v immediate_o enjoy_v he_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n the_o state_n of_o happiness_n be_v often_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n rom._n 6.8_o now_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o and_o 1_o thes_n 4.17_o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v far_o better_a 〈◊〉_d better_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o very_o much_o better_a that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v then_o to_o live_v though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o needful_a for_o they_o as_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o glory_n with_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v far_o better_o if_o we_o consider_v as_o paul_n do_v that_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o light_a affliction_n as_o he_o so_o they_o esteem_v comparative_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v beyond_o expression_n hyperbolem_fw-la expression_n christus_fw-la &_o caelum_fw-la non_fw-la patiuntur_fw-la hyperbolem_fw-la and_o therefore_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v as_o paul_n here_o style_v it_o far_o better_o have_v thus_o open_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n only_o from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o handle_v that_o as_o suitable_a to_o this_o present_a occasion_n and_o solemnity_n doct._n that_o it_o be_v the_o desirable_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v bring_v immediate_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o departure_n hence_o by_o death_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v and_o clear_v these_o three_o general_a head_n the_o handle_n whereof_o will_v take_v in_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a text_n itself_o first_o what_o be_v that_o death_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o that_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v immediate_o unto_o christ_n second_o what_o be_v it_o or_o what_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o phrase_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n three_o how_o do_v the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n bring_v they_o immediate_o to_o christ_n at_o their_o departure_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o soul_n depart_v to_o christ_n first_o what_o it_o that_o death_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o that_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v immediate_o to_o christ_n 1._o negative_o every_o death_n or_o the_o death_n of_o every_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v he_o or_o his_o soul_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o death_n bare_o and_o in_o itself_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o life_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n and_o part_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n otherwise_o what_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o paul_n which_o here_o he_o so_o great_o desire_v more_o than_o of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n but_o that_o judas_n go_v not_o to_o christ_n but_o to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v evident_a act_v 1.25_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a die_v alike_o in_o respect_n of_o natural_a dissolution_n eccl._n 2.26_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n as_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a distinction_n or_o mark_v of_o difference_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o external_a thing_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n but_o all_o thing_n fall_v out_o a_o like_a to_o all_o man_n that_o no_o man_n may_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o what_o be_v before_o he_o but_o by_o what_o be_v within_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o heart_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o righteous_a be_v discern_v from_o the_o reprobate_n by_o any_o visible_a character_n of_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o departure_n and_o dissolution_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o death_n both_o be_v subject_a unto_o in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o godly_a and_o wicked_a may_v both_o die_v of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o body_n as_o fever_n consumption_n dropsy_n yea_o the_o most_o painful_a disease_n as_o the_o gout_n and_o the_o stone_n and_o also_o of_o the_o most_o noy_n some_o and_o uncomfortable_a distemper_n as_o the_o small_a pox_n and_o the_o plague_n itself_o of_o which_o hezekiah_n be_v sick_a unto_o death_n 2_o king_n 20.1_o again_o they_o may_v both_o die_v by_o a_o violent_a hand_n stephen_n be_v stone_v to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o achan_n they_o may_v both_o also_o die_v by_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o sudden_a providence_n as_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o luke_n 13.4_o which_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v great_a sinner_n than_o other_o moreover_o they_o may_v both_o die_v in_o the_o full_a number_n of_o their_o day_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v live_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o be_v accurse_v isai_n 65.20_o and_o though_o wicked_a man_n sometime_o through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n do_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n yet_o the_o godly_a may_v die_v in_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa_n 57.1_o last_o they_o may_v die_v alike_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a peace_n and_o calm_a or_o trouble_v and_o disturbance_n of_o spirit_n a_o godly_a man_n may_v want_v assurance_n upon_o a_o death_n bed_n and_o a_o wicked_a may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n like_o a_o lamb_n with_o peace_n and_o presumption_n and_o a_o quiet_a dissolution_n psal_n 73.4_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n 2._o but_o positive_o that_o death_n which_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n in_o death_n as_o holy_a righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n die_v that_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o his_o death_n who_o death_n be_v his_o gain_n and_o his_o departure_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n to_o this_o the_o scripture_n bear_v clear_a and_o rich_a testimony_n prov._n 14.32_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o end_n ps_n 37.37_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v mark_v with_o this_o privilege_n mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n behold_v the_o upright_a the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v
soul_n it_o be_v dreadful_a to_o consider_v what_o a_o mass_n and_o mountainous_a bigness_n the_o sin_n of_o a_o poor_a carnal_a wretch_n arise_v unto_o if_o we_o lie_v they_o together_o his_o original_a sin_n actual_a sin_n sin_n of_o omission_n and_o commission_n his_o secret_a sin_n and_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n his_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o trade_n of_o sin_n and_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o he_o be_v sin_n the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n and_o his_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o sin_n and_o to_o his_o own_o sin_n personal_o commit_v we_o may_v add_v his_o other_o man_n sin_n either_o occasion_v countenance_v or_o allow_v now_o multiply_v these_o by_o their_o particular_n and_o individual_n and_o measure_n all_o by_o their_o sinful_a circumstance_n and_o then_o judge_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o every_o sinful_a ma_fw-fr that_o die_v in_o unbelief_n and_o without_o pardon_v grace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o wicked_a man_n be_v awaken_v immediate_o after_o death_n and_o dissolution_n to_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n natural_a conscience_n in_o carnal_a man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n peaceable_a &_o silent_a in_o this_o present_a life_n delight_n &_o custom_n in_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n and_o sear_v the_o conscience_n which_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v asleep_a by_o divert_v the_o thought_n to_o worldly_a object_n or_o to_o satisfy_v by_o a_o formal_a profession_n attend_v with_o some_o outward_a performance_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n this_o lion_n awake_v &_o sleep_v no_o more_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o act_n and_o exercise_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n whereby_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o he_o and_o set_v in_o order_n before_o his_o eye_n upon_o which_o his_o conscience_n shall_v reflect_v continual_o without_o diversion_n or_o intermission_n then_o the_o sin_n you_o have_v labour_v to_o forget_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o mind_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n and_o you_o shall_v ever_o behold_v they_o for_o which_o conscience_n shall_v charge_v and_o accuse_v you_o and_o in_o the_o fresh_a remembrance_n of_o they_o you_o shall_v lie_v down_o self-condemned_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v mark_v 9_o 48._o but_o shall_v gnaw_v your_o heart_n to_o eternity_n three_o hereupon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o man_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v see_v and_o approach_v the_o powerful_a and_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n upon_o their_o dissolution_n be_v apparent_a in_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o go_v upward_o eccles_n 3.21_o and_o to_o return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o chap._n 12.7_o as_o also_o by_o the_o particular_a judgement_n immediate_o consequent_a upon_o death_n whereby_o god_n appear_v to_o conscience_n decide_v and_o determine_v the_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o soul_n preparative_n to_o the_o last_o and_o glorious_a appear_v of_o christ_n at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n who_o shall_v then_o judge_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o you_o and_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n heb._n 9.27_o which_o may_v include_v this_o particular_a judgement_n after_o death_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v as_o well_o as_o the_o last_o and_o general_a judgement_n yet_o some_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a only_o but_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o soul_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v see_v god_n take_v in_o a_o few_o word_n death_n be_v the_o unclothing_n and_o put_v off_o off_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n remain_v naked_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o clothing_n which_o nakedness_n of_o the_o separate_a soul_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v cover_v and_o clothe_v upon_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o house_n in_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o in_o which_o state_n of_o nakedness_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a abide_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v quick_o and_o powerful_o apprehensive_a of_o god_n and_o of_o any_o impression_n and_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a of_o its_o clothing_n be_v tender_o sensible_a of_o heat_n or_o cold_a and_o any_o thing_n that_o approach_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o foul_a be_v separate_a from_o the_o body_n receive_v its_o object_n no_o more_o through_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n of_o discovery_n of_o they_o we_o know_v also_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o immediate_o wound_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n by_o let_v fall_n the_o drop_n of_o wrath_n upon_o it_o and_o thereby_o torment_v it_o which_o david_n call_v the_o rebuke_n of_o god_n ps_n 39.11_o when_o thou_o with_o rebuke_n do_v correct_v a_o man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v away_o like_o a_o moth_n moreover_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n can_v converse_v with_o spirit_n as_o the_o saint_n with_o angel_n and_o the_o damn_a with_o devil_n much_o more_o with_o god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o can_v discover_v himself_o unto_o they_o as_o he_o please_v but_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v here_o for_o though_o a_o gracious_a and_o and_z sanctify_a soul_n reconcile_v unto_o god_n have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o a_o father_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n through_o which_o it_o have_v comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o sinful_a soul_n of_o that_o than_o that_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n which_o apprehend_v god_n only_o as_o he_o appear_v to_o it_o in_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o now_o consider_v you_o that_o forget_v god_n can_v you_o see_v and_o behold_v the_o wrath_n of_o his_o countenance_n do_v you_o not_o tremble_v in_o your_o very_a thought_n of_o he_o sure_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n will_v make_v every_o guilty_a soul_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o foot_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o he_o by_o his_o sergeant_n death_n the_o apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o god_n together_o make_v adam_n and_o eve_n to_o run_v behind_o the_o tree_n for_o fear_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o garden_n gen._n 3.8_o moses_n though_o a_o favourite_n yet_o when_o he_o see_v the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o earthquake_n the_o smoke_n and_o fire_n &_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n he_o say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v â—nd_o quake_v heb._n 12.21_o when_o elijah_n apprehend_v god_n be_v in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n he_o wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n â—nd_n go_v out_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o enter_v of_o the_o â—ave_n 1_o king_n 19.13_o when_o job_n come_v to_o see_v god_n with_o his_o eye_n he_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.6_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n make_v holy_a david_n flesh_n to_o tremble_v psal_n 119.120_o my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n the_o glorious_a vision_n which_o isaiah_n see_v how_o do_v it_o work_v upon_o that_o holy_a prophet_n isaiah_n 6.5_o when_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n and_o cry_v woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n &_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o people_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n â—he_v lord_n of_o host_n and_o if_o these_o saint_n so_o eminent_a for_o grace_n and_o holiness_n have_v tremble_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n manifest_v unto_o they_o in_o love_n and_o mercy_n how_o shall_v the_o unner_n and_o ungodly_a stand_n in_o his_o sight_n do_v thou_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o not_o thou_o shall_v see_v and_o believe_v but_o remember_v that_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v four_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n thus_o tremble_v before_o god_n the_o holiness_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o in_o wrath_n upon_o the_o soul_n to_o punish_v &_o torment_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o its_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a contrariety_n &_o opposition_n against_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n who_o
the_o spirit_n and_o render_v beleiver_n unfit_a for_o a_o natural_a dissolution_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o entangle_v in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o matth._n 16.23_o 24._o remember_v that_o christ_n be_v your_o life_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o if_o you_o lose_v life_n itself_o for_o he_o you_o will_v find_v it_o again_o in_o he_o nec_fw-la propter_fw-la vitam_fw-la vivendi_fw-la perdere_fw-la causam_fw-la venture_v not_o the_o lose_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o this_o life_n sake_n this_o be_v paul_n present_a case_n and_o condition_n in_o my_o text_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o by_o suffer_v for_o christ_n to_o depart_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a three_o this_o fear_n of_o death_n may_v flow_v from_o a_o want_n of_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n when_o a_o christian_n evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v dark_a and_o dubious_a the_o white_a stone_n slur_v and_o the_o new_a name_n hardly_o legible_a when_o neither_o his_o own_o spirit_n nor_o god_n spirit_n bear_v full_a witness_n or_o give_v in_o a_o clear_a testimony_n to_o adoption_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o this_o case_n eternity_n be_v terrible_a and_o the_o face_n of_o death_n and_o its_o appearance_n exceed_v ghastful_a sometime_o the_o death_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o straight_a passage_n and_o a_o dark_a entrance_n when_o together_o with_o the_o pang_n of_o dissolution_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n appear_v to_o conscience_n the_o wont_a favour_n of_o god_n be_v withdraw_v by_o remove_v his_o support_a presence_n and_o the_o devil_n by_o strong_a assault_n and_o temptation_n take_v advantage_n of_o weakness_n to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n strive_v and_o struggle_v for_o support_v and_o comfort_n methinks_v i_o hear_v such_o a_o heart_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 39.13_o o_o spare_v i_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o venture_v to_o launch_v forth_o into_o eternity_n upon_o uncertainty_n and_o without_o a_o hopeful_a at_o least_o if_o not_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a persuasion_n of_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n in_o this_o case_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o other_o help_n but_o to_o roll_n itself_o upon_o mercy_n by_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o christ_n to_o stay_v itself_o upon_o god_n though_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o strong_o to_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o let_v this_o comfort_n and_o support_v in_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o trouble_n and_o trial_n that_o when_o thou_o drop_v into_o eternity_n and_o seem_v to_o fall_v in_o the_o act_n of_o dissolution_n into_o eternal_a sorrow_n than_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n be_v ready_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o death_n close_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o body_n thy_o soul_n shall_v see_v the_o glorious_a face_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o thy_o everlasting_a though_o unexpected_a joy_n therefore_o imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o christ_n thy_o forerunner_n who_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o desertion_n exercise_v faith_n upon_o the_o cross_n say_v mat._n 27.46_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o not_o cheerful_o submit_v unto_o it_o from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n and_o their_o happiness_n with_o god_n hereafter_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a axiom_n ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la we_o can_v desire_v what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o apprehend_v and_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o we_o know_v here_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o what_o we_o know_v not_o but_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n yet_o most_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o neglect_n &_o unexcusable_a ignorance_n in_o that_o they_o may_v know_v far_o more_o of_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o apostle_n assert_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v be_v like_v he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o altogether_o silent_a in_o reveal_v so_o the_o glorious_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a in_o our_o understanding_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n to_o behold_v so_o great_a a_o glory_n have_v it_o be_v full_o reveal_v yet_o so_o much_o be_v reveal_v thereof_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o promise_n thereof_o discern_v and_o contemplate_v as_o we_o do_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o reflection_n in_o still_a water_n for_o as_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 2.9_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n among_o which_o be_v profunda_fw-la coeli_fw-la the_o high_a or_o deep_a thing_n of_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o gather_v together_o those_o piece_n of_o heaven_n which_o like_o rich_a pearl_n and_o sparkle_a diamond_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o scripture_n let_v every_o high_a and_o heavenborn_a soul_n look_v more_o after_o his_o portion_n and_o spend_v more_o i_o be_o in_o survey_v that_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a &_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o the_o heaven_n for_o he_o this_o will_v sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n to_o encounter_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o strong_a pain_n for_o heavenly_a pleasure_n who_o will_v not_o shoot_v this_o gulf_n for_o eternal_a gain_n who_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o die_v once_o that_o he_o may_v live_v and_o never_o die_v more_o yea_o who_o will_v not_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n use_v 4._o then_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o first_o let_v every_o natural_a man_n accept_v of_o a_o friendly_a call_v to_o provide_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o his_o dissolution_n consider_v wherefore_o thou_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o how_o thou_o may_v close_v thy_o day_n in_o peace_n wherefore_o have_v god_n give_v thou_o a_o be_v and_o breathe_v into_o thy_o nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n why_o do_v not_o she_o that_o bear_v thou_o miscarry_v before_o she_o have_v reckon_v her_o month_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o untimely_a fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o stifle_v in_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o long_a expectation_n of_o he_o that_o beget_v thou_o frustrate_v with_o the_o news_n of_o a_o stilborn_a child_n or_o why_o die_v thou_o not_o in_o thy_o infancy_n as_o a_o blossom_n wither_v through_o sudden_a blast_n by_o how_o many_o prevent_n and_o preserve_v providence_n have_v thy_o life_n be_v renew_v and_o continue_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o still_o draw_v thy_o breath_n and_o swallow_a thy_o spittle_n what_o account_n can_v thou_o give_v of_o the_o golden_a talon_n of_o time_n god_n have_v betrust_v thou_o withal_o upon_o every_o moment_n whereof_o depend_v eternity_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o day_n that_o be_v past_a and_o go_v and_o shall_v return_v no_o more_o and_o examine_v the_o short_a period_n and_o division_n of_o time_n never_o to_o be_v recall_v which_o thou_o have_v spend_v either_o idle_o and_o impertinent_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n sinful_o and_o profane_o be_v thou_o bear_v to_o sin_n or_o do_v thou_o therefore_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v shorten_v thy_o day_n by_o hasten_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n why_o shall_v thou_o die_v before_o thy_o time_n be_v there_o no_o measure_n of_o sin_n or_o bound_n of_o profaneness_n that_o thou_o drink_v in_o sin_n as_o the_o fish_n the_o water_n and_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cart_n rope_n and_o the_o cord_n of_o vanity_n o_o make_v not_o so_o much_o haste_n to_o hell_n thou_o will_v be_v there_o too_o soon_o but_o turn_v at_o reproof_n and_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n who_o know_v