for_o it_o i_o conceive_v the_o latter_a word_n faithful_a may_v be_v explicative_a of_o the_o former_a epithet_n good_a the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o servant_n chief_o consist_v in_o his_o fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a be_v call_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o he_o and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o most_o that_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n at_o present_a be_v very_o little_o compare_v with_o what_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o he_o hereafter_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o what_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o have_v in_o hope_n i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o enjoyment_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a time_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o bountiful_o with_o his_o own_o child_n when_o they_o come_v to_o heaven_n than_o he_o ever_o do_v while_o they_o remain_v upon_o earth_n 2._o the_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o adjudge_v he_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n we_o must_v not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o accommodate_v every_o word_n in_o a_o parable_n to_o that_o spiritual_a truth_n that_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o it_o i_o will_v not_o determine_v whether_o these_o word_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n do_v pure_o serve_v for_o the_o set_n off_o the_o parabolical_a narration_n or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o former_a notion_n they_o be_v expressive_a of_o a_o kind_a master_n treatment_n of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n have_v experience_v his_o fidelity_n in_o small_a matter_n he_o entrust_v he_o with_o great_a and_o advance_v he_o to_o a_o high_a station_n according_a to_o the_o latter_a notion_n they_o be_v expressive_a of_o that_o great_a felicity_n which_o christ_n will_v confer_v upon_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v further_a hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n whereby_o be_v certain_o intend_v the_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n this_o be_v express_v by_o joy_n because_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o will_v produce_v a_o triumphant_a and_o unspeakable_a joy_n in_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o thus_o psal_n 16.11_o in_o thy_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o thy_o right-hand_a be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o that_o probable_o on_o a_o double_a account_n 1._o because_o in_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o felicity_n will_v consist_v though_o there_o be_v many_o jewel_n in_o that_o never_o fade_a crown_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o believer_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v the_o bright_a and_o most_o sparkle_a when_o our_o lord_n pray_v for_o the_o final_a happiness_n of_o his_o people_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v my_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o joh._n 17.24_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n phil._n 1.23_o 2._o because_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n be_v the_o exemplar_n and_o pattern_n of_o that_o which_o his_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v they_o shall_v enter_v into_o that_o joy_n which_o he_o as_o their_o forerunner_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v possess_v the_o same_o glory_n in_o all_o respect_n that_o christ_n have_v for_o his_o personal_a glory_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o as_o mediator_n be_v incommunicable_a but_o they_o shall_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o and_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3.2_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o his_o human_a soul_n in_o purity_n and_o felicity_n and_o their_o body_n shall_v be_v fashion_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n a_o enter_v into_o this_o joy_n may_v denote_v the_o plenitude_n and_o abundance_n of_o it_o here_o joy_n enter_v into_o we_o but_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o joy_n we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o a_o fathomless_a ocean_n of_o pure_a and_o unallay_v pleasure_n i_o proceed_v four_o to_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o this_o speech_n be_v deliver_v if_o we_o look_v back_o into_o the_o 19_o verse_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o his_o servant_n hereby_o our_o lord_n second_o come_v in_o visible_a glory_n to_o judge_v both_o quick_a and_o dead_a be_v evident_o intend_v of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a account_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v our_o ascend_v lord_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n to_o convene_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n before_o his_o judgment-seat_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o deed_n do_v in_o the_o body_n and_o to_o pass_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o particular_a judgement_n which_o immediate_o follow_v after_o death_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n it_o appear_v before_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o supreme_a judge_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o stewardship_n and_o then_o receive_v a_o irreversible_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n or_o absolution_n but_o i_o conceive_v our_o lord_n chief_o respect_v the_o general_n judgement_n when_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v public_a the_o sentence_n pronounce_v with_o the_o most_o awful_a solemnity_n and_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o every_o man_n complete_v have_v go_v through_o the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n i_o may_v raise_v several_a observation_n from_o they_o but_o that_o i_o may_v comply_v with_o my_o time_n i_o shall_v only_o speak_v to_o this_o proposition_n doct._n that_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v possess_v of_o a_o very_a joyful_a and_o happy_a state_n in_o the_o next_o in_o prosecute_a this_o point_n i_o shall_v i._o describe_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n ii_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o joyful_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o possess_v iii_o show_v the_o certain_a connexion_n between_o serve_v christ_n faithful_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o blissful_a state_n in_o the_o next_o iv_o make_v some_o application_n i._o i_o be_o to_o describe_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v own_a as_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n they_o may_v be_v describe_v 1._o from_o their_o state_n 2._o from_o their_o action_n the_o former_a be_v necessary_o presuppose_v to_o their_o serve_a christ_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o acceptance_n the_o service_n which_o they_o do_v for_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o latter_a 1._o their_o state_n may_v be_v describe_v â—n_o two_o particular_n 1._o they_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o by_o a_o person_n till_o he_o be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_o teach_v we_o by_o our_o lord_n himself_o joh._n 15.4_o 5._o now_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o â—aving_a on_o his_o righteousness_n be_v conjoin_v because_o they_o be_v inseparable_a phil._n 3.9_o they_o who_o be_v mystical_o one_o with_o christ_n must_v â—eeds_o be_v interest_v in_o his_o mediatory_a righteousness_n and_o so_o perfect_o justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n tho_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o servant_n be_v to_o be_v first_o accept_v and_o then_o the_o person_n on_o that_o account_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v and_o then_o the_o service_n nothing_o short_a of_o a_o investiture_n with_o christ_n perfect_a righteousness_n can_v render_v our_o person_n acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o till_o they_o become_v so_o our_o most_o splendid_a service_n will_v be_v abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n 2._o they_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n every_o acceptable_a service_n flow_v from_o a_o
a_o funeral_n sermon_n on_o mordecai_n abbott_n esq_n preach_v at_o lorimer_n hall_n april_n the_o seven_o 1700._o by_o thomas_n harrison_n psal_n 89.48_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n shall_v he_o deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o grave_a mat._n 24.46_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v london_n print_v for_o d._n brown_a at_o the_o black_a swan_n and_o bible_n without_o temple-bar_n and_o a._n bell_n at_o the_o cross-key_n and_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n 1700._o errata_fw-la page_n 7._o line_n antepenult_n put_v the_o comma_n after_o little_a p._n 15._o l._n ult_n for_o servant_n read_v service_n p._n 18._o l._n ult_n r._n they_o may_v both_o themselves_o acknowledge_v p._n 19_o l._n 2._o for_o but_o r._n and._n to_o the_o sorrowful_a widow_n of_o mordecai_n abbott_n esq_n madam_n though_o i_o ready_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n in_o preach_v the_o follow_a sermon_n i_o can_v not_o without_o some_o reluctancy_n consent_n to_o the_o print_n of_o it_o but_o my_o great_a obligation_n both_o to_o your_o decease_a husband_n and_o yourself_o give_v your_o request_n the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o have_v my_o prudence_n censure_v than_o my_o gratitude_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o study_v it_o under_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n both_o by_o reason_n of_o my_o bodily_a indisposition_n and_o those_o necessary_a affair_n that_o lay_v upon_o my_o hand_n which_o make_v i_o the_o more_o unwilling_a to_o publish_v it_o but_o if_o god_n who_o be_v a_o sovereign_a agent_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o useful_a to_o any_o that_o read_v it_o i_o shall_v find_v no_o reason_n to_o repent_v its_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o public_a stage_n i_o hope_v madam_n when_o you_o serious_o consider_v how_o suitable_a those_o word_n wâ—â—ch_v i_o preach_v upon_o be_v to_o the_o character_n of_o your_o depart_a relative_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o support_v you_o under_o that_o severe_a stroke_n which_o separate_v he_o from_o you._n he_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o faithful_a servant_n and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o he_o be_v now_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n his_o conversation_n upon_o earth_n give_v you_o solid_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o complete_a felicity_n and_o that_o sweet_a savour_n he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o perfume_v his_o family_n now_o his_o body_n be_v clothe_v with_o corruption_n it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v such_o a_o husband_n to_o your_o child_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o father_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v supply_v this_o loss_n by_o the_o more_o eminent_a vouchsafement_n of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n to_o you_o that_o he_o will_v adopt_v your_o fatherless_a child_n into_o his_o own_o family_n that_o the_o choice_a of_o his_o blessing_n may_v constant_o descend_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o madam_n your_o humble_a servant_n tho._n harrison_n april_n 15_o 1700._o matth._n twenty-five_o 21._o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o our_o profession_n during_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n upon_o earth_n speak_v very_o much_o in_o parable_n according_a to_o the_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n hereby_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o hearer_n be_v represent_v by_o those_o earthly_a one_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o their_o understanding_n we_o have_v two_o parable_n in_o this_o chapter_n my_o text_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o begin_v with_o the_o 14_o and_o end_n with_o the_o 30_o verse_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o diligence_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o my_o text_n i_o shall_v consider_v four_o thing_n one_a the_o speaker_n 2_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o 3_o the_o speech_n itself_o 4thly_a the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v deliver_v a_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v give_v you_o further_a light_n into_o the_o whole_a parable_n one_a the_o speaker_n his_o lord_n hereby_o our_o lord_n intend_v himself_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n to_o ascend_v to_o the_o imperial_a heaven_n which_o be_v at_o a_o vast_a local_a distance_n from_o this_o lowly_a earth_n wherein_o he_o then_o sojourn_v he_o have_v a_o double_a lordship_n over_o all_o country_n viz._n essential_a and_o primitive_a as_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o derivative_a and_o dispensatory_a as_o mediator_n though_o many_o of_o the_o human_a race_n refuse_v to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o they_o be_v all_o his_o rightful_a servant_n and_o subject_n his_o dominion_n over_o they_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o their_o consent_n he_o be_v nevertheless_o their_o lord_n though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v so_o in_o short_a they_o that_o slight_a his_o authority_n now_o will_v find_v it_o exercise_v hereafter_o in_o the_o infliction_n of_o a_o deserve_a and_o severe_a punishment_n upon_o they_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 30_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n 2_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o two_o thing_n viz._n his_o receipt_n and_o his_o improvement_n 1._o his_o receipt_n this_o servant_n have_v receive_v five_o talent_n from_o his_o master_n all_o the_o blessing_n that_o the_o child_n of_o man_n enjoy_v flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n temporal_a good_a thing_n be_v dispense_v by_o he_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o spiritual_a as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n his_o favour_n be_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o in_o a_o equal_a measure_n we_o read_v of_o one_o servant_n that_o receive_v but_o one_o talon_n of_o another_o that_o receive_v two_o talent_n but_o this_o servant_n be_v entrust_v with_o five_o the_o supreme_a lord_n make_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o one_o and_o another_o by_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n one_o have_v no_o more_o than_o food_n and_o raiment_n just_o enough_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n another_o abound_v in_o wealth_n his_o cup_n be_v so_o full_a that_o it_o run_v over_o one_o life_n obscure_o and_o make_v no_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n another_o be_v in_o a_o exalt_a station_n one_o be_v very_o weak_a in_o his_o intellectual_n another_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o considerable_a stock_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sure_o the_o proprietor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v dispose_v of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v they_o that_o enjoy_v the_o least_o have_v more_o than_o they_o deserve_v they_o that_o enjoy_v the_o most_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o worthiness_n but_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n of_o their_o lord_n that_o have_v make_v they_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o 2._o his_o improvement_n he_o gain_v beside_o they_o five_o talent_n more_o he_o do_v not_o hide_v his_o five_o talent_n as_o his_o fellow_n servant_n do_v his_o one_o talon_n but_o lay_v they_o out_o and_o improve_v they_o he_o gain_v more_o by_o his_o five_o talent_n than_o the_o other_o man_n do_v by_o his_o two_o his_o improvement_n be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o receipt_n to_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o he_o require_v luke_o 12.48_o the_o more_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o more_o will_v he_o expect_v from_o we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o shall_v be_v lay_v out_o in_o his_o service_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o honour_n i_o proceed_v three_o to_o the_o speech_n itself_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n herein_o we_o have_v his_o lord_n commendation_n of_o he_o and_o the_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o adjudge_v he_o 1._o his_o lord_n commendation_n of_o he_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o few_o thing_n he_o approve_v of_o his_o service_n and_o commend_v he_o
principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 7.18_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v that_o grape_n shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o thorn_n oâ—_n fig_n of_o thistle_n as_o that_o a_o unsanctified_a person_n shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n rom._n 8.8_o their_o person_n can_v therefore_o their_o action_n can_v because_o they_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o nature_n at_o variance_n with_o he_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o law_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n be_v conform_v to_o his_o image_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v first_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o copy_v out_o in_o their_o life_n 2._o i_o shall_v describe_v they_o from_o their_o action_n only_o i_o will_v premise_v this_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o sin_n the_o most_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n offend_v in_o many_o thing_n their_o error_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v full_o understand_v they_o their_o best_a performance_n be_v imperfect_a be_v tincture_v with_o the_o remain_a corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v god_n be_v strict_a to_o mark_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o holy_a thing_n they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o he_o but_o 1._o they_o design_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o service_n which_o they_o do_v for_o he_o many_o carnal_a person_n do_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o this_o glorious_a lord_n and_o have_v a_o proper_a tendency_n to_o serve_v his_o interest_n but_o they_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o his_o glory_n in_o any_o of_o these_o action_n they_o only_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o own_o reputation_n the_o promotion_n of_o some_o secular_a interest_n or_o the_o quiet_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o they_o who_o sincere_o serve_v the_o bless_a jesus_n fix_v upon_o his_o glory_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o what_o good_a they_o do_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o a_o mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o the_o grand_a reason_n of_o their_o practical_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o great_a master_n but_o likewise_o proclaim_v it_o to_o other_o 2._o they_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n the_o character_n which_o christ_n give_v of_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.14_o agree_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n they_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o they_o do_v not_o slight_v any_o precept_n on_o which_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n they_o make_v conscience_n both_o of_o first_o and_o second_o table_n duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v personal_n and_o those_o that_o be_v relative_n of_o the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a of_o the_o most_o difficult_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o easy_a they_o will_v not_o say_v of_o any_o divine_a command_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o sort_n of_o work_n their_o master_n set_v they_o about_o however_o toilsome_a and_o laborious_a however_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o costly_a or_o hazardous_a they_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o place_n and_o station_n wherein_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o whether_o civil_a domestic_a or_o ecclesiastical_a they_o discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o country_n their_o family_n and_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v with_o integrity_n and_o diligence_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o 1._o they_o lay_v out_o all_o the_o talent_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v in_o his_o service_n as_o they_o be_v steward_n they_o improve_v what_o he_o have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o receive_v it_o have_v they_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n they_o do_v not_o spend_v it_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n nor_o do_v they_o covetous_o hoard_v it_o up_o but_o employ_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o in_o support_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n propagate_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n they_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o with_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o their_o increase_n be_v they_o advance_v to_o any_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v christ_n or_o his_o people_n with_o their_o interest_n they_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o such_o a_o purpose_n they_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o those_o part_n and_o ability_n with_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o that_o joyful_a and_o happy_a state_n whereof_o those_o faithful_a servant_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o possess_v and_o since_o it_o be_v express_v by_o joy_n in_o my_o text_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v that_o state_n very_o joyful_a or_o excite_v a_o triumphant_a joy_n in_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o then_o give_v you_o the_o property_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o result_v from_o these_o fruition_n one_a i_o shall_v mention_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v that_o state_n very_o joyful_a or_o excite_v a_o triumphant_a joy_n in_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 1._o a_o freedom_n from_o those_o infelicity_n which_o attend_v a_o mortal_a state_n as_o the_o privation_n of_o good_a be_v cause_n of_o sorrow_n so_o a_o deliverance_n from_o evil_n give_v a_o natural_a rise_n to_o joy_n will_v not_o a_o prisoner_n rejoice_v when_o relieve_v from_o that_o dungeon_n to_o which_o he_o be_v confine_v and_o free_v from_o those_o fetter_n wherewith_o he_o be_v shackle_a how_o joyful_a be_v a_o man_n when_o recover_v from_o a_o languish_a sickness_n and_o ease_v of_o rack_a pain_n sure_o our_o mouth_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o laughter_n and_o our_o tongue_n with_o sing_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o that_o mighty_a train_n of_o evil_n which_o adam_n fall_n bring_v into_o this_o low_a world_n how_o will_v our_o spirit_n exult_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v set_v at_o a_o vast_a distance_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o often_o make_v we_o sigh_v groan_n and_o weep_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o sorrowful_a and_o from_o all_o sinful_a evil_n 1._o from_o all_o sorrowful_a evil_n there_o be_v no_o more_o death_n nor_o sorrow_n nor_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n for_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o rev._n 21.4_o there_o be_v no_o infirmity_n of_o body_n no_o poverty_n no_o disgrace_n no_o treachery_n of_o pretend_a friend_n no_o persecution_n of_o open_a enemy_n there_o be_v no_o perplex_v care_n or_o torment_a fear_n no_o temptation_n from_o within_o or_o without_o no_o divine_a withdrawing_n how_o will_v the_o soul_n rejoice_v when_o it_o can_v say_v i_o feel_v abundance_n of_o pain_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n but_o now_o i_o enjoy_v perfect_a ease_n i_o be_v rack_v and_o torture_v with_o many_o care_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o they_o be_v all_o chase_v away_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n by_o the_o rise_a sun_n i_o be_v violent_o buffet_v by_o the_o wicked_a one_o but_o he_o be_v now_o bruise_v under_o my_o foot_n i_o have_v obtain_v a_o complete_a and_o final_a victory_n over_o he_o i_o be_o get_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o fiery_a dart_n and_o malignant_a suggestion_n 2._o from_o all_o sinful_a evil_n these_o be_v most_o grievous_a to_o a_o renew_a soul_n when_o in_o a_o right_a frame_n no_o pressure_n so_o heavy_a as_o that_o body_n of_o death_n which_o he_o continual_o carry_v about_o with_o he_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n make_v a_o very_a doleful_a complaint_n rom._n 7.34_o and_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n many_o actual_a sin_n do_v frequent_o stream_n but_o all_o vicious_a habit_n be_v entire_o root_v out_o of_o believer_n when_o translate_v into_o another_o world_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n above_o the_o rag_n of_o mortal_a defilement_n drop_v from_o they_o as_o elijah_n mantle_n do_v from_o he_o when_o mount_v up_o to_o that_o lofty_a region_n and_o none_o of_o those_o son_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o glory_n ever_o wander_v from_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v no_o more_o disconformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o their_o action_n than_o there_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o how_o will_v the_o holy_a soul_n exult_v when_o free_v from_o those_o fetter_n of_o corruption_n which_o so_o often_o keep_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n
divorce_v from_o their_o body_n in_o short_a when_o million_o of_o million_o of_o age_n be_v run_v out_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o heavenly_a pleasure_n their_o happiness_n will_v be_v no_o near_o to_o its_o period_n than_o at_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n 2._o it_o be_v undecay_v as_o they_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o rejoice_v so_o their_o joy_n will_v never_o be_v impair_v or_o diminish_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o cloud_n to_o obscure_v the_o splendour_n of_o that_o eternal_a day_n our_o happiness_n will_v be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o our_o perception_n of_o it_o equal_a throughout_o a_o endless_a eternity_n the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o celestial_a pleasure_n will_v not_o make_v we_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a variety_n in_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v true_o desirable_a be_v eminent_o enjoy_v in_o he_o a_o infinite_a good_a produce_v always_o the_o same_o pure_a equal_a complete_a joy_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o its_o intrinsic_n perfection_n that_o want_v no_o foil_n to_o commend_v it_o in_o a_o word_n this_o joy_n be_v no_o ravish_a rapture_n but_o a_o constant_a height_n of_o affection_n thus_o i_o dismiss_v the_o second_o general_n head_n i_o must_v but_o touch_v upon_o the_o iii_o to_o show_v the_o certain_a connexion_n between_o serve_v christ_n faithful_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o blissful_a state_n in_o the_o next_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n by_o way_n of_o merit_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o proper_a reward_n of_o our_o service_n since_o we_o owe_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o our_o lord_n can_v we_o yield_v that_o it_o will_v not_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v many_o flaw_n and_o defect_n in_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o claim_v so_o great_a a_o felicity_n on_o that_o account_n though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n shall_v certain_o follow_v upon_o the_o faithful_a serve_v of_o christ_n on_o earth_n i_o may_v produce_v several_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o two_o shall_v suffice_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n rom._n 2.6_o 7._o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n 6.8_o this_o glorious_a judge_n will_v at_o the_o grand_a assize_n pronounce_v a_o sentence_n upon_o every_o one_o suitable_a to_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n though_o not_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o his_o work_n then_o shall_v man_n return_v and_o discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o since_o all_o christ_n faithful_a servant_n be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v they_o shall_v certain_o be_v glorify_v they_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o meetness_n for_o it_o shall_v infallible_o enter_v into_o that_o delectable_a habitation_n there_o be_v such_o connexion_n between_o the_o fruit_n of_o elect_a love_n that_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v any_o one_o shall_v certain_o receive_v all_o the_o rest_n i_o proceed_v iv_o to_o make_v some_o application_n 1._o how_o high_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o since_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a importance_n how_o strict_a shall_v we_o be_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o due_a result_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n about_o it_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v whether_o the_o character_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o such_o person_n agree_v to_o we_o we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v be_v we_o diligent_a in_o it_o some_o talent_n be_v entrust_v with_o we_o all_o do_v we_o careful_o improve_v they_o if_o we_o loiter_v and_o be_v unfaithful_a we_o can_v conceal_v our_o infidelity_n from_o our_o omniscient_a lord_n though_o our_o fellow_n servant_n may_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o it_o deceitful_a plea_n and_o excuse_n will_v not_o avail_v we_o when_o we_o stand_v before_o that_o judge_n who_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n 2._o how_o sad_a will_v the_o condition_n of_o unfaithful_a servant_n be_v in_o the_o awful_a day_n of_o account_n if_o they_o that_o be_v faithful_a shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o eternal_a sorrow_n as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o their_o state_n and_o their_o action_n at_o present_a so_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v vast_o different_a hereafter_o they_o that_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n will_v receive_v dreadful_a wage_n even_o everlasting_a death_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o talent_n which_o be_v now_o entrust_v with_o they_o will_v inflame_v their_o reckon_a when_o they_o stand_v at_o their_o lord_n tribunal_n since_o they_o have_v sow_o to_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n think_v of_o this_o o_o sinner_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o time_n those_o estate_n those_o opportunity_n those_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n which_o you_o now_o profuse_o squander_v away_o must_v ever_o long_o be_v account_v for_o in_o a_o short_a time_n christ_n will_v say_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thy_o stewardship_n for_o thou_o may_v be_v no_o long_o steward_n and_o how_o sad_a a_o account_n will_v you_o give_v if_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n in_o your_o present_a state_n think_v what_o horror_n will_v seize_v you_o if_o not_o extreme_o stupid_a when_o death_n shall_v sit_v upon_o your_o quiver_a lip_n and_o your_o soul_n shall_v be_v just_o ready_a to_o take_v their_o flight_n into_o a_o eternal_a world_n how_o dreadful_a will_v the_o thought_n of_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o you_o when_o sensible_o approach_v his_o judgment-seat_n think_v of_o that_o awful_a day_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n how_o dreadful_a a_o spectacle_n will_v the_o supreme_a judge_n be_v to_o you_o who_o have_v slight_v and_o contemn_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o a_o pompous_a manner_n arm_v with_o almighty_a power_n and_o attend_v with_o a_o numerous_a train_n to_o pronounce_v a_o irreversible_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o you_o can_v you_o bear_v to_o dwell_v in_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o lie_v in_o unquenchable_a flame_n with_o legion_n of_o devil_n though_o you_o have_v high_o offend_v your_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o too_o late_o to_o find_v mercy_n he_o now_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o extend_v his_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o the_o great_a criminal_n come_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o his_o righteousness_n which_o will_v free_v you_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o your_o former_a infidelity_n and_o receive_v that_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o will_v capacitate_v you_o to_o serve_v he_o faithful_o the_o remainder_n of_o your_o day_n know_v that_o many_o who_o be_v once_o in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o yourselves_o be_v now_o reign_v in_o life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n 3._o what_o encouragement_n have_v believer_n to_o fidelity_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lord_n that_o assurance_n which_o you_o have_v of_o a_o future_a felicity_n shall_v encourage_v you_o to_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n at_o present_a the_o improvement_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15._o ult_n be_v a_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n since_o christ_n will_v bestow_v such_o a_o unspeakable_a happiness_n upon_o you_o hereafter_o how_o willing_a shall_v you_o be_v to_o do_v your_o utmost_a to_o serve_v he_o here_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o shall_v carry_v you_o cheerful_o through_o all_o the_o fatigue_n and_o difficulty_n of_o your_o present_a state_n 4._o this_o may_v comfort_v we_o under_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o godly_a friend_n and_o relation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o better_a they_o be_v the_o great_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o their_o removal_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o