i_o find_v not_o that_o the_o contrary_a mind_a have_v make_v any_o exception_n against_o this_o proof_n that_o be_v worthy_a any_o serious_a consideration_n and_o for_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a for_o what_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n unite_v for_o these_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o spirit_n much_o less_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men._n obj._n but_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o angel_n that_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v call_v their_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n indeed_o ans_fw-fr the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o call_v in_o some_o sense_n or_o respect_n but_o whether_o in_o that_o text_n they_o be_v so_o call_v and_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o angel_n be_v mention_v just_a before_o as_o be_v intimate_v and_o they_o be_v never_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o scripture_n 2._o because_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o make_v perfect_a as_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v imperfect_a be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o degree_n for_o so_o the_o original_n signify_v now_o the_o holy_a angel_n never_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o perfection_n that_o their_o nature_n need_v since_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v only_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a that_o there_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o spirit_n or_o soul_n while_o in_o the_o body_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v not_o make_v perfect_a but_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sinful_a imperfection_n in_o they_o not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n of_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v already_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n or_o context_n favour_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o concern_v their_o state_n on_o earth_n and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o body_n on_o earth_n nor_o at_o the_o resurrection_n than_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n they_o be_v they_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o before_o they_o be_v they_o must_v certain_o be_v more_o happy_a also_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v from_o rev._n 14.13_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n have_v urge_v several_a scripture_n for_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o any_o person_n doubt_n whether_o this_o will_v prove_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o doubtful_a religion_n but_o for_o the_o business_n let_v we_o note_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v i_o hear_v say_v st._n john_n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v to_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o note_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o man_n as_o live_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o heaven_n but_o of_o they_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o fear_n bless_v be_v those_o dead_a it_o be_v add_v from_o henceforth_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o die_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v say_v bless_a be_v those_o dead_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v some_o bless_a privilege_n by_o die_v if_o death_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o hurt_v to_o their_o body_n then_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n assert_v it_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n together_o with_o one_o part_n or_o property_n of_o their_o blessedness_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o their_o trouble_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o rest_n must_v include_v a_o positive_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o their_o gracious_a god_n for_o a_o mere_a negative_a or_o privative_a rest_n consist_v in_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n partake_v of_o when_o the_o horse_n be_v dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o his_o weariness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o believe_v that_o a_o dead_a christian_n that_o show_v himself_o such_o in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o a_o better_a state_n present_o after_o death_n than_o a_o dead_a beast_n can_v be_v and_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v any_o thing_n strong_a than_o his_o atheism_n will_v account_v this_o text_n a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o humble_o implore_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o make_v good_a my_o method_n and_o so_o to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o exception_n and_o defend_v it_o from_o that_o violence_n which_o some_o have_v offer_v unto_o it_o sect_n vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n vindicate_v as_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o unlawful_a strife_n by_o clear_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o objection_n be_v not_o unnecessary_a and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o some_o may_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o before_o i_o answer_v man_n cavil_n against_o this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o that_o will_v dissuade_v we_o from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n say_v they_o shall_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a for_o we_o whether_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v happy_a in_o their_o separation_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v kindness_n or_o crossness_n religion_n or_o sin_n that_o move_v man_n to_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v so_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o below_o we_o to_o search_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n if_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o which_o that_o we_o may_v i_o trust_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n thing_n reveal_v do_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v reveal_v may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v by_o what_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o grant_v it_o a_o truth_n will_v never_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o comfortable_a one_o whatsoever_o also_o christian_n may_v undervalue_v methinks_v they_o shall_v not_o despise_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o will_v hold_v when_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o very_o delightful_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o confident_a cavil_n of_o deceive_v sinner_n yet_o to_o prevent_v their_o mischief_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o bestow_v a_o few_o line_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o scripture_n that_o they_o use_v to_o oppose_v this_o truth_n by_o it_o be_v especial_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n ps_n 6.5_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o but_o must_v not_o they_o be_v very_o quick-sighted_a that_o can_v find_v in_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n a_o argument_n against_o this_o encourage_n doctrine_n but_o how_o little_a this_o text_n make_v against_o it_o a_o few_o word_n will_v show_v for._n 1._o the_o psalmist_n do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o god_n after_o death_n but_o thus_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v in_o death_n or_o under_o death_n power_n even_o the_o body_n or_o then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o remembrance_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n for_o the_o
of_o righteousness_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n have_v perfect_v all_o its_o grace_n and_o deliver_v it_o from_o all_o the_o darkness_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o evil_n as_o he_o that_o be_v free_v from_o his_o debt_n be_v secure_v from_o all_o arrest_n and_o trouble_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o our_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o do_v out_o of_o sovereignty_n and_o without_o respect_n to_o his_o creature_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v job_n affliction_n come_v on_o he_o in_o that_o way_n yet_o divine_v agree_v that_o god_n do_v never_o lay_v affliction_n on_o his_o people_n but_o while_o they_o have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n after_o death_n be_v rid_v of_o all_o other_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o of_o sin_n they_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o more_o disturb_v by_o any_o enemy_n of_o their_o peace_n the_o region_n of_o the_o unseen_a world_n they_o be_v then_o in_o shall_v be_v always_o serene_a the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n shall_v be_v calm_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o then_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o mock_v of_o the_o profane_a the_o snarl_v and_o censure_n of_o proud-hearted_a hypocrite_n these_o shall_v follow_v the_o upright_a no_o far_o than_o the_o grave_a for_o their_o end_n be_v peace_n psal_n 37.37_o how_o find_v and_o substantial_a will_v the_o soul_n joy_n be_v when_o it_o see_v itself_o safe_a in_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n love_n beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n which_o shall_v move_v it_o to_o bear_v the_o more_o content_o the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o transitory_a life_n in_o particular_a the_o gracious_a soul_n shall_v then_o have_v the_o excellency_n that_o be_v most_o essential_a to_o true_a happiness_n and_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n st._n paul_n himself_o though_o he_o know_v much_o more_o of_o christ_n than_o most_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n too_o great_a to_o be_v utter_v 2_o cor._n 12._o yet_o his_o knowledge_n have_v a_o real_a imperfection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o and_z vers_n 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o as_o it_o follow_v than_o i_o shall_v know_v as_o i_o be_o know_v i_o will_v not_o play_v the_o critic_n on_o that_o phrase_n nor_o search_v curious_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o our_o purpose_n clear_a enough_o for_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o know_v in_o part_n if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v especial_o of_o the_o state_n at_o the_o resurrection_n i_o shall_v not_o gainsay_v it_o but_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v apply_v also_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n for_o as_o the_o particle_n now_o do_v confess_o denote_v the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n so_o the_o particle_n then_o do_v as_o plain_o intimate_v any_o time_n or_o state_n after_o this_o life_n end_v and_o he_o may_v express_v it_o so_o if_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o primary_o mean_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n as_o when_o he_o say_v phil._n 1._o i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v confess_o intend_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o soul._n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o soul_n be_v be_v with_o christ_n after_o death_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o any_o in_o this_o life_n if_o therein_o it_o have_v not_o perfection_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o on_o earth_n he_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o they_o and_o be_v daily_o tend_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n rom._n 8._o sure_o therefore_o a_o holy_a soul_n will_v not_o want_v for_o knowledge_n when_o it_o have_v leave_v the_o world._n how_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o perfect_o light_a in_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o and_o glorious_o present_a with_o he_o and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v we_o what_o a_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n this_o must_v be_v if_o i_o can_v know_v my_o god_n and_o saviour_n with_o such_o a_o powerful_a spiritual_a and_o affect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o good_a man_n have_v have_v on_o earth_n my_o heart_n shall_v be_v glad_a and_o my_o spirit_n rejoice_v though_o i_o be_v utter_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o one_o hour_n health_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n yet_o all_o their_o knowledge_n here_o be_v imperfect_a as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o how_o much_o better_a shall_v that_o state_n be_v where_o all_o sinful_a imperfection_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o be_v such_o a_o glorious_a thing_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o o_o then_o what_o abundant_a matter_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o joy_n will_v it_o yield_v to_o all_o those_o bless_a soul_n to_o who_o it_o do_v real_o and_o eternal_o belong_v and_o to_o who_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o with_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o be_v full_o discover_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o revelation_n 2._o another_o privilege_n that_o holy_a soul_n shall_v have_v after_o their_o departure_n hence_o be_v their_o company_n they_o shall_v then_o converse_v with_o the_o best_a of_o creature_n and_o such_o as_o never_o offend_v their_o good_a god_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a angel_n after_o death_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v free_a of_o that_o company_n and_o see_v themselves_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a society_n unite_v in_o and_z under_z the_o same_o head_n christ_n jesus_n now_o indeed_o if_o they_o shall_v see_v but_o one_o of_o those_o immortal_a spirit_n stand_v be_v before_o they_o with_o his_o crown_n of_o glory_n compass_v they_o about_o with_o a_o light_n bright_a than_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n offer_v to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o they_o and_o ask_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o great_a jehovah_n such_o a_o sight_n probable_o will_v more_o astonish_v they_o than_o rejoice_v they_o because_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n may_v cast_v a_o damp_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o heavenly_a employment_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v full_o conform_v to_o their_o maker_n will_n and_o as_o free_v from_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a be_v member_n of_o that_o happy_a society_n which_o divine_v use_v to_o call_v the_o church_n triumphant_a and_o therefore_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o far_o near_a and_o noble_a relation_n than_o that_o of_o fellow_n creature_n of_o which_o the_o learned_a may_v consult_v polanus_fw-la in_o syntag._n and_o h._n altingii_n theol._n nou._n problemat_fw-la p._n 616._o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n their_o angel_n math._n 18.10_o and_o we_o can_v think_v that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n above_o that_o have_v minister_v to_o they_o and_o by_o god_n appointment_n take_v charge_n of_o they_o and_o especial_o rejoice_v at_o their_o conversion_n luke_o 15.10_o i_o say_v we_o can_v think_v they_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o joyful_o congratulate_v their_o safe_a arrival_n at_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o peace_n and_o chief_o as_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o christ_n sure_o the_o holy_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o best_a world_n will_v not_o be_v strange_a to_o holy_a soul_n when_o they_o come_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v they_o like_o the_o foolish_a hypocrite_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o delight_n to_o show_v themselves_o proud_a and_o scornful_a and_o look_v with_o a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o the_o welfare_n of_o other_o 3._o as_o i_o question_v not_o a_o holy_a communion_n and_o converse_n between_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_v spirit_n of_o the_o just_a so_o hitherto_o i_o can_v as_o little_o doubt_v their_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o and_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o happiness_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n at_o least_o and_o especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v before_o more_o near_o relate_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o join_v together_o in_o god_n service_n and_o
happiness_n at_o hand_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o j._n b._n rector_n of_o finchamsted_n in_o the_o county_n of_o berks._n psal_n 63.3_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n qui_fw-la cupit_fw-la dissolvi_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la haud_fw-la patient_fw-la moritur_fw-la sed_fw-la patient_fw-la vivit_fw-la &_o delectabiliter_fw-la moritur_fw-la aug._n license_v july_n 2._o 1686._o london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o l._n meredith_n at_o the_o king_n head_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1687._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o worshipful_a and_o my_o most_o worthy_o honour_a friend_n dr._n robert_n woodward_n chancellor_n of_o my_o lord_n bishop_n court_n at_o sarum_n worthy_a sir_n as_o i_o have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o way_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v scarce_o more_o easy_a for_o uncharitable_a mind_n to_o blame_v i_o for_o it_o than_o for_o your_o kindness_n and_o courtesy_n to_o excuse_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v account_v i_o presumptuous_a in_o so_o do_v i_o can_v true_o tell_v they_o that_o i_o have_v a_o very_a great_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a temptation_n to_o it_o for_o gentleman_n of_o good_a repute_n and_o judgement_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v but_o i_o may_v bear_v the_o reflection_n of_o ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o imprudence_n if_o have_v a_o opportunity_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v some_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o worship_n for_o those_o great_a instance_n of_o your_o undeserved_a friendship_n which_o bless_v be_v god_n i_o so_o happy_o receive_v in_o those_o public_a circumstance_n that_o make_v i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n accept_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n this_o plain_a piece_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o the_o unfeigned_a thanks_o that_o i_o must_v ever_o owe_v you_o and_o sir_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o beg_v your_o acceptance_n of_o it_o because_o the_o doctrine_n defend_v be_v apparent_o own_a by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o it_o find_v in_o the_o main_a that_o honour_n and_o favour_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o profane_a malignant_a world._n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n follow_v you_o still_o with_o his_o goodness_n grant_v you_o many_o happy_a day_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o when_o your_o time_n be_v end_v the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o they_o that_o dye_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o pray_v reft_v good_a sir_n your_o worship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n and_o most_o effectual_o oblige_v john_n brandon_n a_o word_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n if_o thou_o ask_v why_o i_o publish_v this_o discourse_n i_o can_v safe_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v thou_o but_o possible_o thou_o may_v expect_v some_o further_a account_n which_o take_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o subject_a here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o so_o common_o handle_v as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n about_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o pocket-volume_n that_o i_o can_v find_v write_v upon_o it_o purposely_o plain_o and_o practical_o and_o those_o that_o have_v speak_v occasional_o of_o it_o in_o large_a piece_n contain_v various_a subject_n have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v prove_v about_o it_o i_o can_v show_v a_o pretty_a many_o page_n relate_v to_o it_o that_o afford_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o good_a substantial_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o most_o doctrine_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o much_o better_a than_o some_o that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o contend_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o seem_v to_o afford_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o support_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o pious_a soul._n for_o though_o the_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o top_n of_o our_o felicity_n whether_o we_o enjoy_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a yet_o i_o think_v the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n may_v be_v agreat_a addition_n to_o a_o christian_n joy._n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o special_a yea_o strong_a consolation_n to_o think_v and_o believe_v on_o scripture_n ground_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o his_o dissolution_n have_v his_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o angel_n before_o his_o body_n be_v with_o worm_n and_o dust_n and_o see_v the_o eternal_a light_n and_o love_n as_o soon_o as_o death_n have_v draw_v the_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o it_o may_v assist_v thou_o christian_n reader_n in_o the_o cheerful_a service_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a heaven_n that_o thou_o can_v hope_v for_o here_o on_o earth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v prove_v well_o may_v he_o serve_v his_o god_n with_o gladness_n that_o hope_v so_o short_o to_o see_v his_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o herein_o because_o i_o fear_v no_o opposer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v its_o friend_n to_o say_v in_o the_o burial_n service_n o_fw-la god_n with_o who_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o joy_n and_o felicity_n and_o if_o i_o be_o oppose_v by_o its_o enemy_n it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o small_a regard_n with_o i_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o shall_v employ_v his_o pen_n to_o disprove_v the_o main_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o point_n he_o may_v be_v attend_v to_o if_o god_n grant_v life_n and_o leisure_n i_o can_v easy_o judge_v that_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v manage_v by_o other_o than_o by_o i_o yet_o that_o must_v not_o hinder_v i_o from_o do_v it_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o my_o imperfect_a do_v of_o it_o may_v anger_v any_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o move_v he_o to_o do_v it_o better_o i_o shall_v think_v i_o have_v write_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o to_o request_n of_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o thou_o will_v read_v over_o this_o discourse_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o better_a at_o hand_n for_o which_o i_o need_v urge_v no_o other_o motive_n than_o the_o smallness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o subject_a 2._o that_o thou_o read_v it_o with_o a_o charitable_a eye_n and_o a_o christian_a aim_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n not_o reject_v any_o thing_n thou_o find_v to_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o thou_o think_v to_o be_v weak_a 3._o that_o thou_o will_v beseech_v god_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o such_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o such_o as_o may_v fit_v we_o both_o in_o his_o due_a time_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o this_o small_a book_n be_v design_v to_o discover_v i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o to_o subscribe_v myself_o thy_o servant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n john_n brandon_n finchamsted_n berks_n may_v 10_o 1686._o a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o introduction_n with_o some_o presupposition_n relate_v to_o the_o point_n viz._n the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o its_o capableness_n of_o be_v happy_a out_o of_o the_o body_n page_n 1_o section_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n assert_v and_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o discover_v pag._n 12_o sect_n ii_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n after_o death_n prove_v from_o phil._n 1.23_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 together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n exception_n pag._n 17_o sect_n iii_o the_o point_n prove_v from_o luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o exception_n pag._n 26_o sect_n iv_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o heb._n 12.23_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a pag._n 31_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v
be_v that_o no_o persecutor_n can_v damn_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v teach_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n in_o so_o dark_a a_o manner_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o kill_n mean_v damnation_n in_o that_o place_n when_o it_o signify_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o other_o scripture_n other_o can_v fancy_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o man_n can_v kill_v the_o soul_n for_o ever_o for_o for_o good_a and_o all_o as_o we_o say_v but_o that_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o the_o former_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o say_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o body_n for_o they_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n for_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v alive_a after_o death_n have_v do_v its_o worst_a it_o shall_v be_v raise_v incorruptible_a 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o this_o mortal_a must_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o that_o the_o word_n kill_v in_o st._n matthew_n must_v be_v mean_v of_o kill_v for_o ever_n no_o proof_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o either_o from_o the_o phrase_n or_o circumstance_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deny_v it_o without_o confute_v it_o other_o again_o will_v evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n matthew_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o luk._n 12.4_o fear_v not_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v where_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o kill_v the_o soul._n and_o indeed_o as_o a_o kingdom_n be_v most_o in_o danger_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o so_o religion_n they_o perceive_v be_v most_o powerful_o resist_v when_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n by_o that_o bless_a word_n which_o be_v at_o once_o its_o rule_n and_o support_v but_o it_o can_v be_v use_v for_o so_o ill_a a_o purpose_n without_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o great_a perverseness_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o say_a objection_n for_o first_o both_o these_o text_n be_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o however_o the_o latter_a be_v express_v yet_o the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o he_o real_o mean_v as_o he_o speak_v therein_o and_o if_o man_n can_v any_o way_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o live_a soul_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o say_v that_o they_o can_v kill_v it_o since_o on_o that_o supposal_n they_o may_v do_v as_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v proper_o call_v kill_v or_o no_o nor_o will_v that_o man_n well_o escape_v the_o imputation_n of_o a_o blasphemer_n that_o shall_v say_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v speak_v so_o vain_o on_o any_o occasion_n obj._n but_o yet_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o so_o express_v it_o and_o st._n matthew_n say_v some_o may_v be_v expound_v by_o s._n luke_n sol._n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n yet_o where_o it_o be_v so_o express_v i_o desire_v the_o liberty_n of_o believe_v it_o true_a 2._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o this_o affair_n of_o expound_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v it_o may_v seem_v fit_a to_o expound_v luk._n 12.4_o by_o mat._n 10.28_o than_o contrary_o for_o that_o of_o matthew_n be_v more_o special_a and_o particular_a than_o that_o of_o luke_n and_o if_o any_o will_v say_v our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o soul_n immortality_n in_o the_o former_a because_o he_o do_v not_o mention_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v their_o confidence_n to_o carry_v it_o as_o we_o say_v or_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v unless_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o mr._n hobbs_n profoundness_n or_o a_o great_a man_n infallibility_n have_v suppose_v and_o in_o part_n prove_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n remain_v alive_a after_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a the_o next_o particular_a i_o will_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a capable_a of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n after_o it_o leave_v the_o body_n according_o as_o it_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o like_o some_o sort_n of_o infect_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o winter_n that_o have_v a_o vital_a principle_n without_o motion_n or_o operation_n that_o be_v alive_a and_o seem_v as_o insensible_a as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a i_o know_v some_o will_v persuade_v we_o the_o soul_n sleep_v after_o death_n but_o their_o great_a error_n in_o other_o thing_n may_v full_o excuse_v we_o from_o believe_v they_o in_o this_o and_o i_o think_v it_o as_o strange_a a_o fancy_n as_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o head_n of_o any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o understanding_n well_o awake_a for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o god_n he_o that_o make_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o give_v sense_n to_o the_o body_n shall_v not_o it_o perceive_v especial_o since_o it_o live_v after_o it_o leave_v the_o body_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v sect_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n assert_v and_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o discover_v before_o the_o proof_n and_o vindication_n of_o this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o show_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o persuade_v it_o be_v true_a may_v not_o be_v over_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v false_a by_o show_v the_o judgement_n of_o eminent_a writer_n that_o be_v presume_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o i_o be_v to_o satisfy_v a_o romanist_n of_o it_o i_o may_v cite_v the_o note_a man_n of_o his_o church_n i.e._n 1._o aquin._n their_o great_a schoolman_n sum._n prim_fw-la 2_o dae_fw-la quest_n 4._o art._n 5._o aliqui_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la animae_fw-la separatae_fw-la ad_fw-la beatitudinem_fw-la non_fw-la perveniunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n some_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o good_a man_n soul_n come_v not_o to_o blessedness_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o this_o be_v plain_o false_a in_o like_a manner_n go_v bellarmine_n in_o his_o tract_n de_fw-fr arte_fw-la moriendi_fw-la and_o especial_o in_o lib._n de_fw-fr ascens_fw-la mentis_fw-la grad_v 2_o chap._n 5._o p._n 35._o quid_fw-la mirum_fw-la ait_fw-la si_fw-la angeli_fw-la &_o beatae_fw-la animae_fw-la etc._n etc._n where_o he_o join_v together_o the_o angel_n and_o just_a man_n soul_n doubt_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o one_o no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o so_o grad_v 7._o cap._n 5._o quibus_fw-la perpetuus_fw-la dies_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n speak_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v always_o day_n with_o they_o they_o know_v no_o darkness_n of_o sin_n or_o sorrow_n tho._n à _fw-fr kempis_n de_fw-fr imitat_fw-la christi_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 23._o sect._n 6._o drexel_n heliotrop_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o sect._n 4._o cajetan_n in_o philip._n 1.23_o most_o plain_o in_o several_a passage_n that_o i_o need_v not_o transcribe_v but_o i_o leave_v these_o and_o rather_o cite_v our_o protestant_a worthy_n musculus_fw-la in_o math._n 17._o mors_fw-la piorum_fw-la egressus_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la mundo_fw-la ad_fw-la patrem_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o death_n of_o godly_a one_o be_v a_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n therefore_o to_o be_v desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v dread_v zanchius_n in_o philip_n 1.23_o quanam_fw-la svi_fw-la parte_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o what_o respect_n do_v paul_n desire_v after_o his_o dissolution_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n apparent_o therefore_o of_o his_o soul_n therefore_o his_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n immediate_o after_o death_n other_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o follow_v d._n joh._n maccov_n de_fw-fr anim._n fept_v in_o explic_a theorem_fw-la 2._o ursin_n catech._n part_n 2._o resp_n ad_fw-la quest_n 42._o paraeus_n in_o rom._n 6._o resp_n ad_fw-la dub._n 9_o alsted_n theol._n casuum_fw-la p._n 172._o piscator_fw-la in_o philip._n 1._o essenius_n in_o triumpho_fw-la crucis_fw-la the_o satisf_n christi_fw-la lib._n 1._o sect_n 4_o cap._n 3_o part_n 1._o dan._n chamiet_a lib._n 25._o cap._n 2._o de_fw-fr beatitudine_fw-la jos_n stegman_n photin_n disp_n 52._o q._n 1._o jo._n scarpii_n cur_n theol_fw-it de_fw-fr purgatorio_fw-la palan_n syntagmo_fw-la l._n 7_o cap._n 5._o arnoldus_fw-la lux._fw-la in_fw-la tenebr_n p._n 418._o d._n henr._n altingius_n l._n c._n loc._n 5._o controver_n 2._o to_o who_o i_o may_v add_v a_o few_o of_o our_o english_a worthy_n and_o those_o be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o great_a many_o bp._n usher_n
that_o it_o can_v afford_v for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o and_o now_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o declare_v my_o sentiment_n herein_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o be_v far_o inform_v and_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o concession_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o compositum_fw-la or_o whole_a man_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v his_o righteous_a servant_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2._o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o life_n that_o may_v be_v call_v a_o blessedness_n which_o yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o no_o small_a imperfection_n because_o they_o daily_o lodge_v a_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o they_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o but_o 3._o that_o a_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n have_v not_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n or_o less_o of_o happiness_n than_o it_o need_v or_o desire_v this_o i_o can_v comply_v with_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o the_o just_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n which_o on_o any_o account_n they_o have_v need_n of_o and_o such_o a_o happiness_n i_o think_v we_o may_v just_o call_v perfect_a and_o be_v all_o that_o i_o wish_v to_o my_o own_o soul_n in_o its_o absence_n from_o the_o body_n now_o for_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o sanctify_a soul_n after_o their_o removal_n from_o their_o body_n they_o have_v certain_o life_n and_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a perfection_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o spiritual_a substance_n st._n stephen_n doubtless_o will_v not_o have_v say_v when_o his_o enemy_n be_v kill_v he_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n if_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v continue_v in_o its_o spiritual_a be_v after_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a now_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o if_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v than_o they_o must_v know_v so_o much_o or_o not_o if_o we_o say_v they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v hardly_o prove_v that_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o and_o so_o comply_v with_o the_o socinian_n dream_n of_o the_o soul_n sleep_v after_o death_n and_o in_o reason_n what_o be_v they_o more_o like_a to_o know_v than_o their_o own_o state_n but_o if_o then_o they_o know_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o any_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v that_o knowledge_n must_v be_v matter_n of_o trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o at_o that_o rate_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v in_o part_n real_o unhappy_a which_o those_o that_o judge_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o believe_v 2._o if_o in_o their_o separate_a state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o those_o that_o know_v wherein_o happiness_n consist_v and_o that_o in_o that_o state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v one_o will_v think_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v evident_a for_o nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o perfect_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o comfort_n in_o him._n the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o nothing_o but_o their_o iniquity_n that_o can_v separate_v between_o they_o and_o their_o god_n he_o mean_v apparent_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n esay_n 59.2_o but_o their_o iniquity_n we_o have_v see_v already_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n their_o soul_n be_v not_o under_o the_o defilement_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o leave_v the_o body_n and_o go_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o no_o evil_n shall_v dwell_v with_o he_o 3._o to_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o special_a glorious_a presence_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o very_a top_n of_o our_o felicity_n and_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o 18._o and_o this_o happiness_n the_o depart_a spirit_n of_o the_o just_o do_v partake_v of_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n say_v st._n paul_n phil._n 1.23_o and_o in_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o the_o one_o prove_v the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o such_o the_o other_o as_o well_o prove_v the_o perfect_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o such_o go_v on_o therefore_o o_o faithful_a christian_a in_o thy_o christian_a course_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n with_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n magnify_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o shall_v short_o want_v for_o no_o felicity_n sect_n xii_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v come_v unto_o these_o point_n i_o be_o in_o the_o depth_n indeed_o and_o may_v well_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n but_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o service_n it_o be_v fit_a i_o shall_v go_v on_o with_o it_o and_o perform_v it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o here_o then_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v the_o happy_a privilege_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o 1._o its_o sanctification_n i_o mean_v full_a and_o perfect_a by_o which_o it_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a and_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12.23_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v general_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o under_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n the_o dust_n the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o eccles_n 12.7_o and_o st._n stephen_n in_o like_a sort_n commend_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o saviour_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n acts._n 7.59_o and_o in_o that_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n can_v signify_v nothing_o but_o their_o soul_n because_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o angel_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o from_o who_o therefore_o they_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v and_o their_o be_v make_v perfect_a must_n need_v be_v mean_v of_o perfection_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n for_o as_o to_o any_o perfection_n in_o a_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v it_o as_o much_o before_o in_o this_o world_n yea_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n without_o the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a imperfection_n than_o before_o it_o be_v in_o now_o ponder_v with_o thyself_o reader_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o think_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n this_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v style_v bless_a who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v psal_n 32.1_o how_o bless_v then_o may_v they_o be_v account_v that_o have_v all_o their_o iniquity_n pardon_v and_o remove_v also_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v if_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o lament_v the_o in-being_a of_o sin_n complain_v that_o when_o he_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o he_o rom._n 7._o and_o call_v himself_o wretched_a man_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n how_o glad_a may_n we_o think_v will_v he_o have_v be_v if_o at_o that_o very_a hour_n he_o can_v have_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o any_o more_o a_o privilege_n which_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v perfect_o instate_v in_o if_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o i_o have_v read_v of_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o that_o physician_n that_o have_v cure_v he_o of_o his_o faint_a sleep_v and_o frightful_a dream_n o_o then_o with_o what_o transcendent_a joy_n and_o gladness_n will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n reflect_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o its_o redeemer_n when_o he_o have_v free_v it_o from_o all_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o heal_v all_o its_o infirmity_n for_o ever_o oh_o what_o sacred_a and_o satisfy_a irradiation_n will_v it_o receive_v from_o the_o sun_n
praise_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n into_o a_o near_a union_n with_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o john_n 17.22_o and_o those_o argument_n divine_v bring_v for_o the_o saint_n knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o after_o the_o resurrection_n may_v seem_v almost_o as_o strong_a for_o their_o soul_n acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o in_o their_o absence_n from_o their_o body_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v that_o therein_o they_o be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o other_o their_o religious_a predecessor_n but_o they_o be_v not_o gather_v to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n 4._o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n shall_v be_v with_o christ_n phil._n 1.23_o when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n they_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o thing_n be_v this_o 1._o to_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o special_a and_o blissful_a presence_n to_o know_v love_n and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o clear_o continual_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o comfort_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o thus_o i_o say_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pure_a and_o persect_a joy_n to_o a_o christian_n soul._n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v full_o understand_v good_a reader_n the_o preciousness_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n but_o alas_o i_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o much_o more_o a_o heart_n to_o conceive_v it_o i_o be_o myself_o too_o little_a a_o christian_n to_o tell_v thou_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o consolation_n to_o discover_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o pure_a river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n can_v solace_v himself_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o have_v the_o company_n of_o his_o convert_n at_o rome_n if_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o see_v in_o london_n the_o florentine_a merchant_n that_o in_o some_o difficult_a case_n have_v befriend_v he_o beyond_o sea_n the_o expression_n of_o who_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n be_v so_o memorable_a that_o the_o learned_a dr._n hakwell_n think_v good_a to_o record_v they_o in_o his_o apology_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n if_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a have_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v to_o admiration_n at_o the_o come_n of_o some_o eminent_a unexpected_a friend_n though_o these_o be_v but_o die_a dust_n and_o have_v not_o any_o degree_n of_o comfort_n absolute_o at_o their_o command_n how_o unspeakable_o then_o must_v a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v refresh_v and_o most_o superlative_o satisfy_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o favour_n of_o that_o immortal_a majesty_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o the_o curse_n to_o make_v it_o happy_a sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v in_o the_o happy_a manner_n present_a with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world._n this_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n be_v his_o great_a desire_n for_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o where_o he_o be_v john_n 17.24_o the_o joy_n of_o which_o we_o may_v a_o little_a guess_n at_o by_o the_o thing_n that_o shall_v accompany_v this_o their_o presence_n with_o he_o as_o 1._o a_o full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_n or_o occasion_v they_o here_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o get_v a_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v it_o yea_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o privilege_v but_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o such_o sin_n as_o may_v darken_v all_o their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v david_n case_n psal_n 51._o but_o when_o once_o their_o soul_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o christ_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v ever_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n no_o such_o sad_a mist_n can_v cloud_v that_o soul_n which_o live_v under_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n here_o as_o they_o may_v have_v assurance_n so_o they_o may_v loose_v it_o again_o but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o they_o then_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o that_o may_v be_v tedious_a and_o tiresome_a unto_o they_o rev._n 14.13_o 2._o their_o presence_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o st._n paul_n sense_n will_v set_v they_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o care_n not_o only_o from_o disorderly_a and_o distrustful_a care_n but_o also_o from_o all_o natural_a necessary_a and_o prudential_a care_n which_o their_o present_a state_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o than_o their_o soul_n be_v above_o all_o want_n and_o necessity_n they_o want_v not_o for_o monies_n when_o they_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n they_o want_v for_o no_o friendship_n and_o good_a company_n when_o they_o be_v happy_o join_v to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n they_o take_v no_o care_n for_o food_n or_o sleep_n when_o they_o enjoy_v he_o who_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o partake_v of_o that_o eternal_a rest_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o take_v any_o care_n about_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o please_v their_o god_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n will_v then_o be_v over_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o only_o shall_v remain_v when_o they_o thus_o dwell_v with_o the_o holy_a one_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o frame_v to_o his_o holy_a will._n to_o love_n god_n in_o perfection_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o without_o which_o heaven_n itself_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n to_o drink_v or_o to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o desire_a light_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n then_o remain_v in_o they_o to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v they_o from_o their_o gracious_a god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o as_o their_o be_v with_o christ_n secure_v they_o from_o all_o trouble_v so_o it_o shall_v afford_v they_o the_o true_a and_o strong_a consolation_n and_o that_o on_o these_o follow_a ground_n 1._o because_o they_o shall_v then_o see_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o their_o knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o to_o be_v they_o propriety_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n with_o what_o content_n do_v man_n many_o time_n speak_v even_o of_o those_o outward_a insufficient_a comfort_n which_o they_o can_v true_o call_v their_o own_o my_o money_n and_o my_o land_n my_o relation_n and_o my_o friend_n etc._n etc._n do_v usual_o sound_a with_o a_o accent_n of_o pleasure_n o_o what_o bless_a delight_n then_o must_v a_o pious_a soul_n be_v elevate_v with_o when_o it_o dwell_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o better_a world_n what_o triumphant_a exultation_n will_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o when_o it_o can_v say_v with_o full_a assurance_n my_o rock_n and_o my_o refuge_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o king_n my_o god_n and_o my_o saviour_n my_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o my_o redeemer_n 2_o when_o they_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v possess_v the_o eternal_a treasure_n and_o know_v perfect_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o very_a be_v with_o he_o necessary_o imply_v the_o enjoy_n of_o his_o love_n as_o the_o depart_v from_o he_o import_v the_o want_n of_o it_o mat._n 7.23_o and_o how_o great_a a_o happiness_n must_v that_o be_v and_o though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v it_o yet_o i_o may_v fit_o take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n xiii_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o death_n without_o this_o my_o small_a book_n will_v be_v too_o small_a and_o will_v speak_v i_o guilty_a of_o too_o great_a a_o oversight_n to_o be_v handsome_o excuse_v for_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v
hour_n wherein_o it_o may_v not_o overtake_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o though_o what_o i_o be_o now_o to_o add_v can_v be_v but_o little_a comfort_n to_o the_o careless_a ungodly_a world_n because_o religion_n will_v comfort_v none_o who_o it_o do_v not_o rule_n yet_o to_o the_o true_a conscientious_a christian_a i_o hope_v it_o may_v afford_v even_o strong_a consolation_n for_o what_o more_o effectual_a armour_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n can_v be_v show_v to_o such_o a_o one_o or_o be_v wish_v by_o he_o than_o this_o truth_n before_o we_o that_o death_n itself_o shall_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o prove_v a_o friend_n unto_o his_o soul._n if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o bleed_v so_o as_o to_o saint_n almost_o at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o as_o a_o mean_n against_o those_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a distemper_n that_o he_o feel_v or_o fear_n and_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o safety_n of_o it_o also_o may_v thereby_o reconcile_v he_o to_o it_o and_o make_v he_o not_o only_o content_a but_o glad_a also_o to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a of_o his_o blood._n much_o more_o may_v a_o godly_a christian_a be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o his_o life_n when_o god_n call_v for_o it_o while_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v real_o satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v safe_a and_o gainful_a and_o that_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n will_v be_v better_o to_o his_o soul_n than_o the_o life_n of_o his_o body_n and_o all_o create_a comfort_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o die_v be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o nor_o no_o absurdity_n neither_o well_o may_v he_o fear_v death_n that_o shall_v feel_v damnation_n after_o it_o if_o he_o die_v in_o the_o state_n he_o be_v yet_o in_o but_o for_o a_o religious_a person_n that_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o die_v o_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v strange_a for_o alas_o it_o be_v but_o too_o common_a with_o the_o best_a many_o be_v now_o of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n that_o shall_v stand_v without_o fear_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o such_o fear_n in_o such_o person_n be_v very_o needless_a and_o strange_o unreasonable_a as_o yet_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v less_o concern_v to_o fear_v than_o die_a for_o when_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n he_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 5.8_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n in_o a_o state_n far_o better_o as_o it_o be_v express_v elsewhere_o philip._n 1.23_o god_n have_v often_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n fear_v not_o and_o in_o esay_n 40.10_o he_o urge_v it_o to_o his_o servant_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o be_v not_o dismay_v for_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o may_v excuse_v they_o perhaps_o from_o fear_v ordinary_a evil_n but_o not_o from_o fear_v death_n i_o will_v then_o demand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o he_o can_v show_v any_o reason_n true_o so_o call_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o confute_v he_o therein_o than_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n as_o true_o and_o as_o comfortable_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n as_o at_o any_o other_o time_n and_o that_o death_n shall_v not_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.38_o but_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n which_o also_o with_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v obj._n 1_o when_o you_o have_v say_v all_o you_o can_v yet_o say_v some_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o die_v be_v a_o hard_a word_n and_o a_o hard_a thing_n and_o have_v such_o difficulty_n accompany_v it_o as_o be_v puzzle_v and_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o most_o of_o men._n answ_n what_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o most_o be_v little_a to_o my_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v of_o for_o it_o be_v not_o most_o man_n but_o good_a and_o upright_a christian_n that_o here_o i_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o die_v be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n to_o such_o person_n i_o think_v i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v confess_v it_o may_v seem_v so_o unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o for_o the_o difficulty_n be_v more_o fancifull_a than_o real_a and_o when_o they_o be_v most_o trouble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o die_v itself_o but_o snning_a and_o doubt_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o distress_n which_o as_o to_o the_o weak_a true_a christian_n they_o be_v pardon_v for_o christ_n sake_n so_o at_o death_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o see_v before_o sect._n 12._o christ_n death_n for_o they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.56_o 57_o so_o that_o they_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o live_v than_o of_o die_v for_o in_o life_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o variety_n of_o trouble_n and_o may_v often_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n but_o in_o die_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o they_o from_o thence_o forth_o their_o soul_n shall_v never_o see_v one_o evil_a hour_n they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v bless_v from_o thence_o forth_o and_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n rev._n 14.13_o obj._n 2._o but_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n we_o may_v expect_v satan_n fierce_a assault_n and_o strong_a temptation_n for_o he_o be_v never_o more_o apt_a to_o assail_v we_o than_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o weak_a as_o some_o report_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a mr._n pemble_n that_o when_o he_o lie_v on_o his_o deathbed_n the_o wicked_a one_o manage_v his_o subtle_a suggestion_n against_o he_o even_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n to_o baffle_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n to_o keep_v his_o soul_n from_o rest_v on_o that_o rock_n of_o salvation_n answ_n this_o need_v not_o to_o trouble_v any_o true_a heart_a christian_a for_o first_o he_o can_v conclude_v it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v his_o own_o case_n or_o that_o his_o last_o hour_n shall_v be_v in_o any_o sad_a sense_n a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n god_n deal_v very_o various_o with_o his_o people_n and_o order_v all_o their_o affair_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o own_o most_o merciful_a will_n and_o wisdom_n mr._n pemble_n and_o other_o have_v manifold_a temptation_n in_o their_o latter_a hour_n mr._n holland_n molinaeus_n mr._n robert_n bolton_n and_o multitude_n more_o have_v their_o heart_n then_o fill_v with_o heaven_n peace_n and_o though_o satan_n want_v not_o malice_n or_o knowledge_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o with_o his_o fiery_a dart_n when_o he_o see_v they_o least_o able_a to_o resist_v yet_o we_o be_v sure_a his_o power_n be_v limit_v so_o that_o he_o can_v give_v they_o one_o minute_n disturbance_n more_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v who_o mercy_n we_o be_v tell_v be_v to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 103.17_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v turn_v from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell._n how_o well_o will_v they_o be_v satisfy_v if_o some_o of_o their_o best_a friend_n who_o kindness_n they_o have_v most_o experience_v have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o to_o order_v all_o circumstance_n that_o concern_v their_o death_n behold_v the_o matter_n be_v much_o safe_a than_o so_o and_o all_o their_o affair_n in_o a_o better_a hand_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o true_a affection_n and_o hearty_a love_n of_o the_o most_o compassionate_a parent_n upon_o earth_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n to_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o that_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o gracious_a saviour_n with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v call_v the_o shepherd_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o if_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o according_o and_o help_v they_o in_o their_o great_a need_n ob._n 3._o but_o the_o mere_a absence_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o body_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v its_o condition_n somewhat_o uncomfortable_a for_o philosopher_n common_o write_v of_o the_o desire_v it_o have_v to_o the_o body_n and_o a_o
edification_n of_o other_o or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o know_v negative_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o mean_v only_o in_o some_o respect_n or_o kind_a as_o when_o the_o prophet_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v no_o sound_a wellgrounded_n peace_n for_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n such_o as_o it_o be_v yea_o till_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o 1_o thes_n 5.3_o it_o follow_v who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o in_o the_o grave_n very_o sure_o that_o be_v no_o place_n for_o praise_n yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n may_v have_v a_o bless_a remembrance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o god_n and_o give_v he_o perpetual_a thanks_o in_o its_o way_n and_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n nor_o do_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n import_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o as_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o psalmist_n design_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o separate_a soul_n in_o that_o text_n so_o the_o soul_n itself_o when_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v not_o in_o the_o grave_a nor_o do_v it_o answer_v to_o the_o word_n who_o for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o a_o person_n but_o only_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o person_n with_o no_o less_o vanity_n be_v psal_n 146.4_o object_v against_o this_o point_n his_o breath_n go_v forth_o he_o return_v to_o his_o earth_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n his_o thought_n perish_v for_o man_n be_v thought_n in_o that_o scripture_n need_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o his_o earthly_a thought_n his_o counsel_n project_n and_o policy_n as_o to_o this_o world_n loc_n moller_n in_o loc_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o man._n which_o also_o to_o do_v be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o that_o place_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a man_n will_v be_v pitiful_a poor_a indeed_o if_o after_o death_n it_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o its_o thought_n or_o think_v power_n and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v desire_v to_o depart_v this_o life_n if_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n shall_v not_o have_v so_o much_o of_o life_n as_o a_o think_a faculty_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o there_o be_v some_o text_n urge_v by_o these_o man_n but_o chief_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n mean_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n therefore_o that_o blessedness_n signify_v thereby_o say_v they_o be_v reserve_v till_o that_o day_n and_o not_o give_v before_o but_o this_o argument_n be_v so_o far_o wide_a that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o come_v any_o thing_n close_o for_o their_o purpose_n for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o their_o happiness_n till_o then_o which_o be_v the_o most_o that_o it_o can_v prove_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o how_o happy_a soever_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o that_o case_n yet_o their_o person_n can_v enjoy_v the_o state_n of_o glory_n till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o personality_n in_o the_o union_n of_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v other_o text_n that_o some_o can_v fancy_n this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v oppose_v by_o but_o i_o pass_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confute_v it_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o concern_v it_o sect_n vii_o the_o point_n improve_v for_o confutation_n of_o error_n among_o the_o many_o good_a purpose_n for_o which_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v serviceable_a it_o may_v fit_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o disprove_v some_o principle_n that_o some_o people_n have_v too_o glad_o entertain_v 1._o that_o of_o the_o libertine_n that_o the_o soul_n at_o death_n lose_v its_o very_a be_v and_o vanish_v into_o air_n or_o what_o they_o please_v or_o that_o it_o then_o have_v a_o drowsy_a state_n if_o any_o and_o sleep_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a or_o other_o place_n doctrine_n exact_o calculate_v for_o the_o meridian_n of_o profaneness_n and_o may_v indifferent_o serve_v for_o all_o bad_a practice_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o a_o dismal_a aspect_n and_o malign_v influence_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o compare_v they_o to_o any_o more_o fit_o than_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o leviathan_n for_o they_o look_v as_o ugly_a though_o not_o just_a like_o they_o and_o as_o one_o day_n their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n so_o the_o present_a truth_n do_v full_o discover_v it_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o happiness_n as_o be_v prove_v certain_o than_o it_o lose_v not_o its_o be_v nor_o its_o apprehension_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v deem_v a_o senseless_a man_n here_o that_o think_v his_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o insensible_a hereafter_o and_o as_o plain_o do_v it_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n which_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o his_o brethren_n say_v have_v its_o difficulty_n as_o to_o those_o question_n about_o it_o which_o the_o church_n have_v not_o determine_v yet_o be_v strong_o assert_v by_o they_o as_o a_o place_n of_o real_a punishment_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v see_v happiness_n at_o last_o but_o must_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v purge_v and_o purify_v in_o that_o place_n of_o suffer_v which_o can_v hardly_o need_v any_o other_o confutation_n than_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o their_o departure_n from_o their_o body_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v be_v give_v from_o the_o text_n urge_v for_o that_o purpose_n sect_n viii_o for_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o just_a one_o that_o may_v just_o expect_v this_o approach_a felicity_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n for_o the_o just_a after_o death_n yea_o present_o after_o it_o so_o as_o that_o death_n itself_o become_v their_o advantage_n and_o lead_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o their_o saviour_n since_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v methinks_v it_o shall_v mighty_o move_v consider_v people_n to_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n and_o state_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o may_v warrant_v they_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o this_o happiness_n at_o hand_n which_o the_o word_n of_o our_o god_n discover_v to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v report_v any_o thing_n credible_o that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v shall_v have_v honour_n and_o preferment_n how_o easy_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v the_o suppose_a qualification_n at_o least_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o capable_a of_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o death_n will_v short_o disgrace_v all_o worldly_a glory_n much_o more_o shall_v man_n try_v whether_o they_o can_v yet_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o real_a happiness_n that_o shall_v come_v quick_o and_o last_v for_o ever_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v their_o interest_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o just_a or_o righteous_a person_n for_o it_o be_v the_o just_a that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o trouble_n prov._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o upright_a one_o who_o end_n be_v peace_n ps_n 37.37_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a that_o have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 14.32_o it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n esa_n 57.2_o and_o we_o know_v by_o a_o just_a or_o righteous_a man_n the_o scripture_n mean_v a_o godly_a or_o religious_a man._n there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a malachi_n 3_o psal_n 37._o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a math._n 5._o so_o that_o the_o question_n will_v be_v who_o be_v these_o just_a righteous_a religious_a people_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v answer_v 1._o negative_o 2._o positive_o 1._o negative_o they_o be_v not_o the_o just_a one_o that_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o mock_v at_o all_o that_o be_v call_v holy_a that_o be_v more_o take_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o leviathan_n than_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v rather_o hear_v of_o any_o
blessedness_n indeed_o if_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n go_v away_o so_o glad_a and_o merry_a in_o heart_n for_o the_o goodness_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v they_o therein_o 2_o chron._n 7.10_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o comfort_n in_o their_o soul_n when_o providence_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o sorrow_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o make_v they_o sit_v in_o peace_n under_o their_o own_o vine_n neh._n 8.17_o if_o the_o wiseman_n rejoice_v so_o exceed_o when_o they_o see_v but_o our_o saviour_n star_n appear_v math._n 2.10_o o_o then_o what_o bless_a joy_n may_v we_o conceive_v to_o possess_v those_o happy_a soul_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoy_v those_o river_n of_o sacred_a pleasure_n that_o flow_v from_o his_o everlasting_a love_n be_v perfect_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o their_o love_n towards_o he_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v far_o better_a than_o the_o best_a condition_n here_o and_o how_o much_o better_o thou_o shall_v know_v christian_a reader_n at_o the_o fit_a season_n in_o a_o far_o better_a manner_n than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o tell_v thou_o sect_n xv._o be_v other_o brief_a improvement_n of_o the_o point_n this_o truth_n will_v true_o serve_v for_o other_o good_a purpose_n beside_o those_o already_o mention_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o may_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o comfortableness_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a man_n instead_o of_o reason_n against_o it_o do_v rather_o deal_v in_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a reproach_n cast_v on_o it_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o unpleasantness_n of_o it_o as_o they_o imagine_v and_o the_o opposition_n they_o suppose_v it_o to_o carry_v against_o man_n present_a comfort_n and_o content_a religion_n they_o confess_v be_v many_o time_n like_o fire_n a_o good_a servant_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v and_o therefore_o they_o think_v good_a it_o may_v be_v to_o have_v something_o of_o it_o and_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o their_o credit_n sake_n or_o other_o earthly_a end_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o account_v it_o a_o good_a master_n for_o if_o they_o come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o in_o their_o general_a course_n they_o think_v it_o will_v make_v they_o melancholy_n and_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o very_a joy_n of_o their_o life_n but_o assure_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v asray_v of_o piety_n for_o the_o causeless_a censure_n of_o ungodly_a sinner_n than_o why_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o mad_a man_n mock_v and_o rail_v at_o it_o let_v man_n but_o try_v the_o good_a way_n in_o truth_n and_o walk_v upright_o in_o it_o and_o then_o my_o life_n upon_o it_o it_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o main_a make_v they_o sad_a it_o shall_v much_o rather_o make_v they_o glad_a yea_o it_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o remember_v that_o they_o walk_v therein_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v in_o part_n be_v see_v from_o hence_o for_o the_o good_a way_n shall_v have_v a_o good_a end_n and_o bring_v they_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o to_o a_o happy_a state_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o death_n can_v do_v yea_o after_o it_o have_v do_v its_o worst_a upon_o they_o when_o they_o depart_v this_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a phil._n 1.23_o 2._o we_o may_v here_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o trouble_n that_o come_v upon_o good_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v but_o cross_n and_o not_o curse_n trial_n of_o grace_n and_o merciful_a visitation_n not_o vengeance_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o any_o effect_n of_o destructive_a wrath_n for_o sure_o that_o merciful_a father_n that_o will_v make_v they_o so_o happy_a after_o death_n do_v not_o mean_v any_o mischief_n to_o they_o in_o the_o affliction_n he_o lay_v on_o they_o in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o will_v make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a unto_o they_o that_o love_v he_o rom._n 8.28_o 3._o it_o may_v encourage_v christian_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o make_v they_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o how_o strenuous_o shall_v they_o now_o strive_v against_o sin_n since_o they_o shall_v short_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v they_o what_o difficulty_n shall_v make_v they_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v since_o they_o shall_v so_o certain_o and_o so_o speedy_o enter_v upon_o the_o eternal_a rest_n 4._o let_v christian_n serious_o consider_v this_o point_n and_o endeavour_v by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o all_o other_o good_a mean_n to_o get_v their_o heart_n more_o affect_v with_o this_o happiness_n that_o be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o to_o this_o end_n compare_v we_o the_o joy_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n make_v perfect_a with_o other_o matter_n of_o consolation_n that_o the_o scripture_n offer_v unto_o our_o thought_n o_o what_o gladness_n will_v it_o have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o pious_a christian_a to_o have_v see_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o temple_n to_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v to_o have_v see_v the_o multitude_n that_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v and_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v raise_v by_o he_o to_o have_v see_v he_o invite_v poor_a sinner_n to_o himself_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a day_n of_o the_o festival_n and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n whosoever_o be_v a-thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n especial_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o can_v have_v know_v his_o need_n of_o he_o and_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o what_o a_o joy_n will_v it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o conquest_n over_o death_n ascend_v to_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n to_o have_v stand_v among_o the_o celestial_a orb_n to_o behold_v how_o he_o pass_v through_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n how_o dark_a the_o bright_a star_n be_v make_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o maker_n glory_n but_o chief_o what_o a_o thing_n will_v it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a jesus_n at_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o have_v see_v the_o everlasting_a door_n set_v open_a for_o that_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o enter_v in_o together_o with_o that_o unconceivable_a welcome_n which_o he_o then_o receive_v of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a hierarchy_n angel_n and_o archangel_n cherubin_n and_o seraphin_n all_o the_o innumerable_a army_n of_o immortal_a spirit_n congratulate_v his_o incomparable_a victory_n over_o sin_n the_o devil_n and_o death_n offer_v up_o their_o praise_n to_o he_o and_o cast_v all_o their_o crown_n before_o he_o how_o joyful_a a_o thing_n may_v we_o well_o conceive_v this_o will_v have_v be_v or_o rather_o joyful_a beyond_o all_o our_o present_a conception_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o the_o perfect_v spirit_n of_o the_o just_o do_v enjoy_v more_o comfort_n than_o all_o this_o can_v amount_v to_o for_o though_o in_o such_o case_n a_o godly_a man_n eye_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n affect_v his_o soul_n yet_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v sinful_a it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o joyful_a as_o when_o it_o be_v free_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o while_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o enmity_n against_o god_n it_o abide_v in_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o comfort_n and_o withhold_v in_o some_o measure_n good_a thing_n from_o we_o sect_n xvi_o be_v a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o a_o world_n where_o die_v be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n shall_v be_v one_o will_v think_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o something_o if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v that_o may_v comfort_v he_o against_o that_o fatal_a stroke_n which_o he_o have_v so_o little_a hope_n of_o escape_v nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v how_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o lead_v a_o true_o comfortable_a life_n that_o be_v not_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n because_o there_o be_v no_o place_n or_o case_n no_o company_n or_o condition_n no_o day_n nor_o