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
both_o relative_a and_o personal_a as_o she_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o serious_a in_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n there_o seek_v the_o appoint_a food_n of_o your_o soul_n where_o she_o both_o often_o seek_v and_o find_v it_o to_o dedicate_v some_o part_n of_o your_o precious_a time_n every_o day_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n devout_a meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v she_o constant_a course_n as_o long_o as_o her_o health_n and_o strength_n will_v permit_v in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v serious_a religion_n your_o main_a business_n as_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_o she_o and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o this_o call_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o call_v of_o god_n word_n and_o that_o monitory_a providence_n that_o you_o be_v now_o under_o so_o as_o heedful_o to_o tread_v in_o your_o pious_a mother_n step_n as_o dear_a child_n follow_v she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o show_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o god_n and_o persist_v in_o this_o course_n to_o the_o end_n of_o your_o life_n then_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o for_o your_o comfort_n that_o although_o death_n have_v at_o present_a make_v a_o separation_n between_o she_o and_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a season_n and_o than_o you_o shall_v again_o live_v together_o in_o the_o glorious_a and_o bright_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la a_o funeral_n sermon_n by_o robert_n fleming_n v._o d._n m._n preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n eccles_n seven_o 1._o better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n as_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v become_v miserable_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o lead_n and_o directive_n faculty_n the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n be_v signal_o so_o for_o beside_o the_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n natural_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a than_o that_o universal_a darkness_n and_o stupidity_n which_o they_o be_v under_o as_o to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a for_o although_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v remanent_fw-la upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o imperfect_a râ—dera_fw-mi of_o the_o true_a impression_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o some_o secret_a persuasion_n of_o a_o sovereign_a be_v to_o which_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_n and_o continuance_n yet_o alas_o what_o sad_a conception_n do_v man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o immaterial_a and_z and_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a heathen_n but_o from_o innumerable_a and_o daily_a instance_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o meridian_n light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o constant_a experience_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n sufficient_o confirm_v scripture-testimony_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o require_v a_o subjective_n as_o well_o as_o objective_n spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o however_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n end_n in_o reveal_v his_o word_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v through_o his_o blessing_n upon_o pain_n and_o industry_n attain_v to_o rectify_v notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o momentous_a to_o be_v right_o know_v by_o we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n unto_o we_o so_o particular_o of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o quisitive_a solomon_n who_o have_v undertake_v a_o speculative_a journey_n into_o all_o the_o region_n of_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n return_v a_o experience_a ecclesiaste_n or_o preacher_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o think_v may_v be_v of_o universal_a use_n to_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o have_v rub_v off_o the_o fine_a varnish_n and_o gaudy_a paint_n of_o earthly_a object_n with_o which_o they_o insinuate_v themselves_o at_o first_o view_v as_o beautify_v to_o our_o vain_a imagination_n he_o here_o represent_v they_o impartial_o to_o our_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n to_o we_o of_o this_o we_o may_v adduce_v many_o instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o word_n before_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o rectification_n of_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o for_o first_o whereas_o man_n usual_o prefer_v riches_n to_o a_o good_a name_n we_o be_v here_o instruct_v that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v better_a &_o more_o valuable_a than_o precious_a ointment_n i._n e._n than_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o earthly_a wealth_n and_o riches_n for_o thus_o i_o take_v the_o word_n according_a to_o prov._n 22._o 1._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o comment_n on_o this_o or_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v here_o figurative_o import_v for_o precious_a ointment_n be_v esteem_v of_o old_a among_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o prince_n as_o we_o see_v isa_n 39_o 2._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o prov._n 15._o 30._o a_o good_a name_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o bone_n sit_v and_o again_o whereas_o man_n general_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n solomon_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o case_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n according_a to_o which_o position_n he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v be_v better_a than_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v and_o sorrow_n preferable_a to_o laughter_n v._o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o these_o only_a that_o i_o be_o direct_v to_o consider_v at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n a_o strange_a paradox_n and_o enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o all_o such_o as_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o have_v their_o interior_a sense_n spiritual_o exercise_v to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o many_o even_o serious_a christian_n may_v find_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v their_o thought_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o hand_n i_o foresee_v objection_n what!_o will_n the_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n say_v be_v it_o better_o not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a will_n the_o carnal_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n object_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n itself_o shall_v be_v preferable_a to_o its_o be_v and_o continuance_n nay_o even_o many_o poor_a christian_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o tell_v i_o that_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o prefer_v death_n which_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o sin_n and_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v destroy_v to_o prefer_v i_o say_v this_o to_o life_n itself_o wherein_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o multitude_n cry_v out_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o and_o many_o such_o worldling_n there_o be_v what!_o death_n better_a than_o life_n here_o be_v strange_a doctrine_n indeed_o what!_o leave_v all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n friend_n and_o possession_n and_o that_o for_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a who_o can_v have_v faith_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o well_o friend_n here_o be_v that_o which_o may_v silence_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o answer_v all_o your_o question_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o will_v give_v ear_n to_o god_n himself_o that_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o birth_n but_o i_o must_v supersede_n the_o satisfy_n you_o as_o to_o your_o particular_a scruple_n in_o this_o matter_n till_o i_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o must_v now_o lest_o i_o act_v preposterous_o previous_o inquire_v into_o and_o here_o though_o the_o word_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o very_o plain_a that_o i_o see_v no_o momentous_a variation_n among_o critic_n in_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v some_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o expositor_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o some_o understand_v the_o text_n of_o all_o mankind_n with_o respect_n only_o to_o this_o present_a life_n lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a state_n as_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n be_v undoubted_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_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
and_o infinite_o the_o best_a company_n there_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o lean_v our_o head_n on_o christ_n bosom_n and_o tell_v he_o all_o our_o most_o concern_v secret_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v our_o dear_a friend_n and_o companion_n for_o ever_o there_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o become_v their_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-worshipper_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o all_o the_o glorify_a saint_n the_o patriarch_n king_n priest_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n and_o eminent_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o as_o bright_a cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v get_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o and_o there_o among_o other_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o endear_a embrace_n our_o love_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o relative_n that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o shall_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o celestial_a region_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o mansion_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o also_o with_o one_o another_o 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n this_o be_v yet_o another_o blessing_n that_o attend_v the_o true_a life_n for_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o reproach_n and_o to_o under_o calumny_n and_o evil_a report_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o though_o i_o grant_v god_n can_v turn_v this_o as_o other_o evil_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v one_o superad_v misery_n to_o the_o many_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o that_o we_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o escape_v this_o contagion_n that_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o dross_n and_o refuse_v of_o mankind_n as_o the_o very_o vile_a of_o miscreant_n by_o a_o blind_a mad_a world_n fame_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o goddess_n of_o ambitious_a and_o high_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a nonsense_n to_o talk_v of_o perpetuate_a one_o name_n here_o since_o the_o further_a that_o the_o fame_n of_o any_o can_v go_v be_v but_o to_o the_o limit_n of_o time_n and_o space_n fame_n and_o good_a name_n then_o be_v jewel_n of_o the_o eternal_a crown_n of_o happiness_n wherewith_o god_n do_v adorn_v such_o only_a as_o he_o admit_v to_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o than_o that_o conquer_v the_o universe_n have_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o true_a fame_n which_o god_n bestow_v only_o on_o such_o who_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v to_o overcome_v sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o he_o also_o who_o have_v leave_v his_o name_n behind_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o a_o hundred_o learned_a volume_n have_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o perpetual_a fame_n except_o he_o have_v also_o attain_v to_o have_v his_o name_n engrave_v and_o enrol_v in_o the_o eternal_a register_n and_o record_n of_o heaven_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o have_v we_o all_o the_o forementied_a qualification_n of_o true_a and_o perfect_a life_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v but_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n in_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o their_o continuance_n and_o permanency_n this_o one_o suspicious_a thought_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o dump_n all_o our_o satisfaction_n with_o respect_n to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v life_n every_o way_n happy_a and_o perfect_a this_o superadded_a qualification_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v in_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v hence_o lead_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a life_n here_o since_o all_o our_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v transitory_a and_o fade_a as_o be_v momentary_a and_o confine_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n and_o precinct_n of_o year_n day_n hour_n and_o minute_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o even_o that_o which_o we_o call_v life_n here_o be_v itself_o but_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a and_o then_o vanish_v away_o yea_o such_o a_o vapour_n as_o have_v not_o so_o much_o a_o be_v as_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n thereof_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v james_n ch_z 4._o v._n 14._o point_v it_o forth_o very_o expressive_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o vapour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o add_v to_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n that_o all_o the_o enyoyment_n and_o blessing_n there_o be_v permanent_a and_o eternal_a no_o rust_n do_v there_o corrupt_v they_o nor_o thief_n steal_v they_o nor_o age_n waste_v they_o nor_o death_n devour_v they_o they_o that_o once_o enter_v upon_o the_o actual_a fruition_n of_o such_o enjoyment_n do_v ever_o retain_v their_o possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o true_a life_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v which_o since_o they_o only_a quadrate_n with_o the_o future_a life_n of_o perfection_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conclude_v with_o solomon_n that_o death_n to_o a_o saint_n be_v far_o preferable_a on_o all_o account_n to_o his_o birth_n or_o to_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o very_a word_n better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o such_o a_o one_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o improvement_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o come_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o doctrine_n to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o serious_a improvement_n thereof_o which_o i_o design_n shall_v be_v judgement_n and_o regulative_a of_o our_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o both_o one_a the_o information_n of_o our_o judgement_n although_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v with_o this_o design_n to_o rectify_v our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n far_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o and_o indeed_o necessary_o infer_v hence_o 1._o infer_v we_o see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v not_o only_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o state_n but_o of_o a_o immediate_a happiness_n and_o glory_n also_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a pass_n into_o at_o death_n when_o the_o poor_a beggar_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n luk._n 16._o 26._o and_o the_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n in_o misery_n on_o the_o cross_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o paradise_n with_o he_o luk._n 23._o 43._o and_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a columbus_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n who_o first_o make_v a_o voyage_n and_o return_v again_o in_o time_n as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 1_o 4_o etc._n etc._n can_v never_o reflect_v afterward_o upon_o that_o paradise_n which_o he_o then_o see_v but_o with_o earnest_a breathe_n to_o be_v there_o again_o as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1._o 23._o and_o indeed_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v never_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n but_o may_v then_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 89._o 47._o wherefore_o have_v thou_o make_v all_o man_n in_o vain_a and_o be_v not_o this_o glorious_a life_n and_o state_n to_o be_v enter_v upon_o by_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n immediate_o at_o death_n it_o will_v great_o damp_n the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a reflection_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o have_v thereof_o then_o 2._o infer_v we_o have_v hence_o also_o a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o give_v to_o all_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v put_v up_o by_o any_o against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o now_o since_o we_o hint_v before_o some_o doubt_n that_o natural_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o first_o proposal_n and_o idea_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n brief_o answer_v the_o same_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v wherefore_o 1._o since_o atheistical_a and_o anti-scriptural_a person_n cry_v out_o upon_o this_o doctrine_n as_o ridiculous_a from_o a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o existence_n when_o separate_a from_o the_o body_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o imagination_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o reason_n itself_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o noble_a active_a and_o intelligent_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v mere_o dependent_a on_o the_o body_n and_o have_v only_o its_o duration_n for_o a_o short_a space_n in_o this_o vain_a world_n especial_o 2._o since_o we_o see_v that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o a_o appearance_n than_o a_o reality_n as_o all_o thing_n
we_o here_o converse_v with_o be_v also_o or_o 2._o if_o the_o carnal_a rationalist_n and_o philosopher_n further_a object_n and_o argue_v against_o this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o death_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o there_o be_v no_o such_o destruction_n of_o nature_n by_o death_n as_o many_o imagine_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o destroy_v by_o it_o but_o act_n and_o life_n more_o noble_o than_o before_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n proper_o destroy_v but_o only_o reduce_v into_o its_o first_o principle_n in_o order_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v and_o more_o glorious_o re-edify_v than_o before_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o two_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o man_n remain_v in_o be_v man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v destroy_v for_o though_o the_o immediate_a tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v loose_v yet_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o one_o another_o continue_v even_o when_o the_o actual_a union_n be_v suspend_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v principal_o the_o man_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o reckon_v that_o the_o man_n be_v in_o be_v still_o even_o when_o unbodied_a but_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o death_n be_v not_o prefer_v to_o birth_n or_o life_n mere_o as_o it_o be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n as_o now_o exist_v but_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a life_n which_o death_n be_v the_o passage_n into_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n prefer_v death_n to_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o not_o for_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v say_v he_o but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n but_o 3._o as_o to_o what_o many_o poor_a sincere-christians_a be_v apt_a to_o object_n against_o this_o point_n from_o the_o expression_n that_o sometime_o death_n go_v under_o in_o scripture_n of_o its_o be_v as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n our_o enemy_n and_o to_o be_v destroy_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 26._o i_o will_v for_o answer_n propose_v to_o they_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v this_o one_o consideration_n that_o though_o death_n be_v indeed_o our_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n since_o the_o fall_n yet_o it_o have_v now_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o saint_n since_o christ_n death_n especial_o christ_n have_v slay_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n thereof_o indeed_o death_n pass_v still_o upon_o all_o man_n but_o in_o very_o different_a respect_n for_o to_o the_o wicked_a death_n be_v still_o continue_a as_o a_o grim_a messenger_n and_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o as_o for_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v now_o become_v christ_n servant_n to_o convey_v home_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o to_o himself_o therefore_o as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v abolish_v death_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o so_o he_o be_v say_v also_o rev._n 1._o 18._o to_o have_v take_v into_o his_o custody_n and_o keep_n the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v perceive_v what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o fear_v death_n when_o he_o act_v only_o in_o commission_n under_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o also_o so_o bless_v a_o guide_n as_o he_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o grovel_a mortal_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o death_n that_o it_o rob_v they_o of_o and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o their_o comfort_n friend_n possession_n enjoyment_n and_o hope_n i_o answer_v that_o where_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o any_o i_o must_v needs_o grant_v they_o have_v reason_n to_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n if_o thou_o have_v all_o thy_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v to_o see_v thou_o prefer_v earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o dust_n to_o gold_n but_o o_o poor_a wretch_n be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o objection_n which_o militate_v indeed_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o against_o this_o doctrine_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o who_o we_o here_o speak_v will_v tell_v thou_o that_o whereas_o death_n separate_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o comfort_n it_o be_v in_o that_o way_n alone_o that_o they_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o full_a harvest_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o 3._o infer_v we_o may_v see_v hence_o also_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o life_n and_o death_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o all_o comfort_n be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o give_v way_n to_o strange_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o what_o follow_v it_o as_o there_o be_v many_o poor_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n live_v in_o mean_a celles_fw-fr and_o cottage_n in_o some_o obscure_a corner_n who_o low_a mind_n have_v never_o travel_v from_o the_o smell_n of_o their_o native_a thatch_n and_o turf_n represent_v the_o world_n to_o themselves_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o idea_n which_o a_o barren_a spot_n of_o earth_n of_o a_o few_o mile_n circumference_n have_v afford_v they_o so_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o pre-occupied_n with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o sense_n and_o custom_n as_o never_o to_o have_v suitable_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o right_a reason_n may_v not_o obscure_o conclude_v from_o scripture_n premise_n concern_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o if_o our_o thought_n be_v more_o enure_v to_o such_o divine_a meditation_n we_o will_v despise_v the_o vanity_n of_o a_o fade_a life_n more_o since_o we_o converse_v here_o but_o with_o imaginary_a comfort_n and_o joy_n though_o with_o too_o real_a grief_n and_o misery_n 2d_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o practice_n as_o practise_v be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n so_o my_o design_n in_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sincere_a &_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o the_o doctrine_n handle_v do_v call_v for_o from_o you_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v i_o to_o lay_v they_o impartial_o before_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o do_v this_o since_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n call_v for_o a_o particular_a and_o become_a consideration_n this_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v with_o what_o succinctness_n be_v convenient_a to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n here_o viz._n 1._o to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n practical_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n 2._o to_o improve_v it_o also_o special_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o this_o present_a meeting_n and_o concourse_n and_o 1_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o general_n so_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o of_o you_o and_o what_o i_o have_v thus_o to_o say_v to_o you_o i_o will_v comprise_v and_o sum_v up_o in_o these_o three_o direction_n or_o rule_n 1._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o advice_n i_o will_v take_v up_o in_o these_o three_o part_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o be_v all_o concern_v serious_o to_o mind_n 1._o examine_v and_o try_v yourselves_o if_o god_n be_v your_o portion_n and_o christ_n your_o saviour_n what_o be_v you_o secure_a whilst_o you_o remain_v at_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v you_o have_v you_o renounce_v sin_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o sinful_a self_n have_v you_o accept_v christ_n whole_o in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o have_v you_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o as_o your_o alone_a saviour_n be_v careful_a my_o friend_n that_o you_o find_v not_o your_o hope_n on_o a_o mistake_n and_o thus_o build_v on_o the_o sand_n religion_n be_v more_o than_o a_o name_n and_o conversion_n more_o than_o a_o notion_n therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o impartial_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n lest_o you_o be_v judge_v to_o condemnation_n by_o god_n for_o your_o neglect_n to_o do_v so_o 2._o be_v sure_a what_o ever_o you_o do_v to_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o the_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 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