to_o be_v with_o christ_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n 5.8_o â—_o cor._n 5.8_o and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n with_o that_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o have_v compassion_n on_o i_o when_o as_o a_o ignorant_a blasphemer_n i_o persecute_v his_o member_n who_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o enable_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o own_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o have_v hitherto_o comfort_v i_o in_o all_o my_o tribulation_n i_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o i_o may_v be_v with_o he_o with_o he_o not_o with_o the_o bless_a angel_n or_o depart_a saint_n though_o their_o society_n will_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n not_o the_o former_a they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n and_o menial_a servant_n employ_v under_o he_o and_o though_o they_o shine_v as_o star_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o enliven_a sun_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o lustre_n and_o borrow_v all_o their_o glory_n not_o the_o latter_a they_o have_v no_o blessedness_n but_o by_o his_o donation_n and_o purchase_n no_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o what_o he_o put_v on_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v with_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o that_o make_v he_o thus_o groan_v to_o be_v dissolve_v thus_o earnest_o desire_v to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a simple_o and_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a by_o much_o more_o better_a the_o comparative_a be_v double_a in_o the_o greek_a text_n and_o yet_o i_o wot_v not_o what_o to_o choose_v for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o love_n to_o the_o philippian_n who_o need_v his_o prefence_n many_o false_a teacher_n be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o 24._o v._o 24._o make_v he_o willing_a to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o defer_v his_o own_o felicity_n for_o a_o time_n upon_o their_o account_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n presence_n on_o the_o other_o and_o his_o own_o unspeakable_a advantage_n by_o it_o make_v he_o desirous_a of_o a_o departure_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o determine_v for_o the_o former_a and_o be_v content_a to_o live_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v some_o secret_a intimation_n from_o heaven_n that_o all_o his_o work_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o yet_o finish_v yet_o he_o grant_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v simple_o more_o eligible_a 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_o which_o word_n be_v not_o more_o suitable_a to_o a_o funeral_n solemnity_n than_o expressive_a of_o the_o die_a thought_n and_o temper_v of_o our_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v choose_v by_o she_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n and_o that_o i_o may_v comprehend_v the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o live_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o on_o what_o ground_n and_o principle_n a_o christian_n may_v expect_v a_o future_a blessedness_n with_o christ_n after_o his_o departure_n so_o as_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v his_o desire_n after_o it_o 4._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o even_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n be_v yet_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o remedy_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o such_o 5._o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a particular_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o be_v it_o warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v this_o inquiry_n may_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n as_o a_o natural_a or_o penal_a evil_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o rational_a desire_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o long_a life_n as_o the_o encouragement_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v a_o hasty_a death_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o impiety_n if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n desire_v union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o unavoidable_o dread_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o if_o torture_v pain_n and_o loathsome_a disease_n be_v the_o usual_a antecedent_n of_o die_a if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n and_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a till_o the_o general_a resurrection_n be_v the_o certain_a consequent_a of_o our_o dissolution_n we_o can_v but_o think_v of_o death_n as_o a_o natural_a evil_n and_o as_o such_o decline_n and_o fear_v it_o much_o less_o desirable_a will_v it_o appear_v if_o consider_v as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o just_a sentence_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n but_o how_o far_o our_o dissolution_n in_o this_o latter_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o reference_n to_o believer_n be_v another_o question_n and_o will_v more_o proper_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o three_o inquiry_n 2._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v desire_v only_o as_o a_o freedom_n from_o temporal_a evil_n as_o preventive_a of_o present_a suffering_n or_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o uneasy_a circumstance_n of_o a_o prison_n or_o the_o continual_a hardship_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o adversary_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o desire_n to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_v be_v burden_v 5.3.4_o 2_o cor._n 5.3.4_o he_o add_v the_o limitation_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n not_o to_o be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n not_o mere_o to_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o our_o abode_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o dwell_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o building_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n not_o mere_o to_o find_v relief_n and_o deliverance_n from_o our_o present_a burden_n 4.3_o job_n 7.13_o jon._n 4.3_o when_o through_o melancholy_n or_o discontent_n we_o be_v weary_a of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v set_v our_o heart_n on_o somewhat_o we_o can_v obtain_v or_o struggle_v with_o some_o difficulty_n we_o can_v master_v or_o be_v impatient_a under_o bodily_a pain_n or_o quite_o dispirited_a by_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o approach_a calamity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o wish_v for_o death_n and_o desire_v to_o depart_v be_v unbecoming_a the_o character_n the_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o will_v the_o gallantry_n of_o a_o roman_a or_o a_o philosopher_n legitimate_a the_o desire_n of_o death_n only_o to_o prevent_v slavery_n or_o avoid_v disgrace_n or_o miss_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a object_n as_o cato_n resolve_v to_o die_v that_o he_o may_v not_o behold_v victorious_a caesar_n who_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o ruin_v 1._o â—icero_fw-la in_o â—uscul_fw-la â—est_n lib._n 1._o and_o cicero_n say_v express_o of_o he_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o choice_n be_v just_a and_o that_o cato_n ought_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o see_v the_o face_n of_o a_o tyrant_n but_o we_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n for_o 3._o we_o must_v not_o design_o precipitate_v or_o hasten_v our_o own_o departure_n nor_o wilful_o neglect_v any_o probable_a mean_n to_o preserve_v our_o life_n how_o desirous_a so_o ever_o we_o be_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n we_o acknowldge_n god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o owner_n of_o our_o life_n and_o shall_v we_o presume_v to_o dispose_v of_o what_o be_v his_o without_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o consent_n and_o order_n to_o authorise_v we_o be_v we_o bind_v by_o the_o six_o commandment_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o may_v we_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o our_o own_o be_v not_o every_o man_n near_o to_o himself_o than_o any_o other_o can_v be_v and_o be_v not_o self-murder_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o condemn_v by_o a_o general_a suffrage_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v it_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o ourselves_o that_o
we_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n whereas_o we_o may_v not_o do_v this_o or_o any_o other_o evil_a though_o the_o great_a good_n may_v come_v of_o it_o he_o that_o haste_v to_o be_v rich_a â—6_n prov._n 28._o â—6_n even_o in_o this_o sense_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a we_o must_v be_v entire_o devote_v to_o serve_v and_o glorify_v the_o redeemer_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v and_o rather_o die_v upon_o the_o spot_n than_o quit_v our_o station_n without_o the_o order_n of_o our_o general_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o shipwreck_n our_o health_n or_o expose_v our_o life_n to_o hazard_v without_o a_o warrant_n from_o heaven_n 4._o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v consistent_a with_o some_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o a_o reprovable_a unwillingness_n to_o depart_v and_o be_v dissolve_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o be_v usual_o urge_v in_o vindication_n of_o a_o natural_a sensitive_a fear_n of_o death_n viz._n the_o discovery_n thereof_o which_o he_o make_v by_o his_o agony_n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n but_o a_o socinian_n only_o will_v assert_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n than_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v be_v because_o of_o the_o exquisite_a temper_n and_o tender_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o ordinary_a in_o his_o case_n whereas_o he_o be_v to_o conflict_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v the_o curse_n and_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n &c_n &c_n otherwise_o his_o own_o innocency_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o prospect_n and_o assurance_n of_o victory_n and_o reward_n will_v certain_o have_v prevent_v his_o terrible_a agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n and_o importunate_a cry_n that_o if_o possible_a the_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o however_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o timorous_a temper_n may_v render_v some_o person_n extreme_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o on_o that_o account_n unwilling_a to_o depart_v though_o they_o be_v true_o desirous_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n other_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n or_o overmuch_o concern_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o grant_v it_o unspeakable_o better_a to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v choose_v it_o as_o their_o portion_n and_o final_a happiness_n may_v yet_o be_v loath_a to_o pass_v through_o the_o dark_a valley_n they_o can_v join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v though_o they_o can_v speak_v it_o from_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o desire_n be_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o keep_v they_o upright_o and_o yet_o not_o efficacious_a so_o as_o to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n or_o interpose_v death_n how_o unwelcome_a be_v the_o message_n of_o death_n to_o a_o upright_a hezekiah_n even_o then_o when_o he_o can_v plead_v his_o integrity_n before_o the_o lord_n he_o turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o isa_n 38.3_o 5_o v._o compare_v but_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v his_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o sinful_a weakness_n because_o he_o may_v well_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o kingdom_n after_o his_o decease_n lest_o the_o faithful_a shall_v be_v stagger_v and_o the_o people_n revolt_v to_o idolatry_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a successor_n to_o advance_v the_o reformation_n so_o hopeful_o begin_v for_o manasses_n be_v not_o then_o bear_v be_v but_o twelve_o year_n old_a when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v and_o we_o know_v that_o hezekiah_n have_v fifteen_o year_n add_v to_o his_o life_n 2_o king_n 20.6_o 5._o though_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o be_v peremptory_a as_o to_o any_o determinate_a time_n but_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n for_o the_o season_n of_o our_o departure_n though_o with_o job_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v 14.15_o job_n 14.15_o when_o god_n do_v call_v yet_o with_o humility_n and_o resignation_n we_o must_v expect_v his_o summons_n and_o wait_v till_o our_o change_n come_v though_o the_o day_n of_o our_o appoint_a time_n shall_v be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a though_o in_o a_o dutiful_a observance_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o return_v home_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o and_o the_o felicity_n of_o his_o presence_n shall_v render_v it_o desirable_a yet_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o unerring_a wisdom_n must_v be_v practical_o acknowledge_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o season_n he_o alone_o of_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o determine_v how_o long_o we_o shall_v tarry_v or_o how_o soon_o we_o shall_v depart_v even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v teach_v we_o this_o â—1_n seneca_n epist_n 24._o â—1_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o we_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o prescribe_v the_o time_n but_o immediate_o subjoin_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v 6._o not_o the_o time_n only_o but_o the_o kind_a and_o manner_n of_o our_o dissolution_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o god_n some_o have_v wish_v for_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o other_o have_v pray_v against_o it_o some_o have_v desire_v to_o die_v by_o one_o disease_n and_o other_o by_o another_o some_o holy_a person_n of_o a_o timorous_a temper_n and_o a_o tender_a body_n will_v choose_v to_o depart_v by_o a_o consumption_n not_o only_o as_o allow_v they_o a_o long_a time_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n but_o as_o a_o easy_a kind_n of_o death_n than_o several_a other_o whereas_o beside_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o that_o disease_n it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o the_o languishment_n of_o a_o pine_a sickness_n may_v be_v as_o irksome_a and_o insupportable_a as_o the_o short_a pain_n of_o more_o violent_a distemper_n but_o god_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o must_v submit_v as_o the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o event_n not_o only_o of_o the_o time_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o departure_n not_o only_a how_o long_o we_o shall_v sojourn_v in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n but_o what_o shall_v dissolve_v and_o pull_v it_o down_o 7._o our_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v rash_a and_o hasty_a but_o the_o result_n of_o many_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a thought_n compare_v both_o state_n together_o and_o understand_v the_o difference_n the_o apostle_n know_v his_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o master_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v willing_a to_o live_v but_o he_o know_v withal_o it_o be_v far_o better_a in_o itself_o to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o as_o such_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o a_o due_a comparison_n between_o our_o present_a and_o our_o future_a life_n our_o inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o felicity_n in_o the_o next_o be_v proper_a to_o regulate_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n therefore_o 2._o in_o what_o respect_n be_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n what_o be_v the_o vast_a difference_n between_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o latter_a shall_v even_o make_v death_n and_o dissolution_n desirable_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o felicity_n after_o death_n here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o depart_v and_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v present_a with_o he_o 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o future_a blessedness_n by_o be_v with_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o sensible_a representation_n of_o it_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n such_o as_o our_o ignorant_a earthly_a mind_n can_v bear_v and_o may_v be_v most_o affect_v with_o but_o when_o once_o the_o vail_n of_o darkness_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v purify_v and_o enlarge_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o bless_a company_n and_o work_v above_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o our_o
religious_a exercise_n which_o cool_a our_o zeal_n and_o abate_v the_o fervour_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o redeemer_n which_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n and_o shame_v our_o face_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o part_v with_o the_o body_n of_o flesh_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 7.2_o rom._n 7.2_o and_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o perfect_a purity_n do_v we_o not_o complain_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o bless_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n of_o our_o earthliness_n and_o unbelief_n of_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a thing_n of_o proud_a imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o his_o work_n and_o word_n of_o languish_a and_o imperfect_a grace_n to_o be_v recover_v and_o perfect_v &_o c_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_o be_v with_o christ_n where_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o be_v not_o god_n dishonour_v and_o provoke_v by_o our_o frequent_a omission_n and_o slight_a performance_n of_o duty_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v and_o quench_v and_o sadden_fw-mi his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v we_o not_o often_o grieve_v by_o god_n rebuke_n and_o frown_n by_o the_o wound_n and_o smart_n regret_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o we_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o will_v he_o be_v merciful_a no_o more_o be_v not_o our_o holy_a purpose_n inconstant_a and_o our_o best_a resolution_n waver_a and_o unsteady_a and_o very_o quick_o very_o easy_o shatter_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o small_a temptation_n have_v we_o not_o a_o constant_a watch_n to_o keep_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n a_o perpetual_a war_n to_o manage_v with_o the_o infernal_a trinity_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v we_o know_v his_o rage_n and_o malice_n and_o serpentine_a policy_n with_o the_o multitude_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o temptation_n how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v foil_v already_o and_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o a_o sinless_a state_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n where_o no_o tempter_n no_o temptation_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v yea_o have_v we_o no_o corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o yet_o our_o concern_n at_o god_n dishonour_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a to_o depart_v as_o much_o more_o desirable_a than_o our_o abode_n on_o earth_n 24.4_o job_n 24.9_o 〈◊〉_d 24.4_o which_o be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o defile_v by_o its_o inhabitant_n where_o the_o very_a air_n be_v infect_v with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n profane_a discourse_n and_o filthy_a talk_n where_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v question_v his_o providence_n deny_v and_o his_o authority_n mock_v where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v disparage_v and_o despise_v his_o law_n contradict_v his_o worship_n pollute_v his_o institution_n subvert_v and_o his_o holy_a name_n make_v a_o cloak_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n trample_v on_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o pride_n and_o scorn_v by_o man_n at_o ease_n and_o force_v to_o own_o his_o truth_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n and_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o or_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v such_o a_o place_n and_o company_n that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o blessedness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o dissolution_n this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o effect_n or_o influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v our_o departure_n while_o we_o disbelieve_v or_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o soul_n existence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n 2._o 2_o cor._n 12_o 2._o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o doubt_n to_o this_o great_a apostle_n if_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v live_v but_o in_o it_o neither_o can_v he_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n if_o after_o his_o departure_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o all_o and_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n we_o have_v as_o full_a a_o assurance_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n 1_o thess_n 4.17_o joh._n 17.24_o matth._n 25.23_o rev._n 3.21_o etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o text_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o be_v the_o blessedness_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o depart_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n of_o a_o departure_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v cancel_v the_o handwriting_n against_o we_o and_o put_v away_o sin_n 1.7_o eph._n 1.7_o which_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o way_n be_v now_o open_a for_o we_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n by_o his_o blood_n not_o for_o our_o prayer_n only_o but_o our_o person_n 10.19_o heb._n 10.19_o he_o have_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n even_o by_o permit_v he_o to_o bruise_v his_o heel_n by_o crucify_a his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v only_o vestigium_fw-la deitatis_fw-la 2.15_o 2_o sam._n 23_o 21._o heb._n 2.15_o as_o benaiah_n slay_v the_o egyptian_a with_o his_o own_o spear_n have_v destroy_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v those_o who_o be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o have_v set_v his_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o adversary_n disarm_v it_o of_o its_o weapon_n and_o robe_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o abolish_v the_o ugliness_n and_o poison_n of_o it_o he_o have_v dismount_v hell_n and_o damnation_n from_o behind_o he_o who_o sit_v on_o the_o pale-horse_n 6.8_o rev._n 6.8_o whether_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v bury_v in_o calvary_n where_o the_o second_o be_v crucify_v as_o some_o affirm_v i_o need_v not_o inquire_v we_o know_v that_o his_o death_n be_v our_o victory_n and_o his_o cross_n may_v be_v our_o triumph_n since_o the_o devil_n be_v conquer_v and_o death_n sanctify_v and_o the_o grave_a perfume_a by_o his_o burial_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o lodge_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v sleep_v yea_o since_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n there_o be_v a_o amiable_a ruddiness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o death_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justice_n be_v now_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n he_o have_v bring_v sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o meat_n out_o of_o the_o eater_n 3.21_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o and_o therefore_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o inventory_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o saint_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o because_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n 2._o his_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a not_o only_o discover_v the_o possibility_n of_o our_o resurrection_n and_o give_v we_o a_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o declare_v the_o sufficiency_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n 26.19_o rom._n 8.11_o be_v 26.19_o that_o therefore_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v live_v and_o with_o his_o dead_a body_n arise_v but_o be_v punctual_o effect_v according_a to_o his_o prediction_n and_o promise_n it_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n unto_o all_o believer_n he_o have_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o death_n â—0_n 1_o cor._n 15._o â—0_n and_o roll_v away_o the_o heavy_a stone_n from_o the_o grave_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v now_o become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n and_o
have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n 1._o rev._n 1._o even_o the_o two_o most_o formidable_a enemy_n be_v under_o his_o dominion_n who_o though_o once_o he_o be_v dead_a do_v now_o live_v yea_o live_v for_o evermore_o and_o for_o this_o very_a end_n do_v god_n raise_v he_o up_o 1.2_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o life_n yea_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v that_o 13.3_o act._n 13.3_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o more_o to_o see_v corruption_n god_n say_v i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n 55.3_o be_v 55.3_o or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n which_o death_n shall_v not_o dissolve_v and_o his_o be_v rise_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o his_o precious_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n â—_o heb._n 13._o â—_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n establish_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v it_o true_o everlasting_a for_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n and_o therefore_o know_v â—_o heb._n 7._o â—_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n encouragement_n and_o joy_n in_o who_o we_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v unto_o that_o day_n what_o we_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o 3.3_o 2_o tim._n 12._o phil._n 1._o judas_n 2._o col._n 3.3_o to_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v and_o at_o last_o present_v we_o blameless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_v joy_n for_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o he_o in_o god_n we_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v 3._o 1_o joh._n 3._o we_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o because_o he_o live_v we_o shall_v live_v also_o and_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 4._o let_v we_o consider_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o blessedness_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n that_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v what_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o of_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o 1._o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o invisible_a world_n and_o the_o future_a glory_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v they_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n they_o complain_v to_o god_n and_o man_n of_o corruption_n temptation_n and_o sin_n and_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o bless_a deliverance_n from_o all_o these_o by_o death_n and_o a_o perfect_a felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n after_o their_o dissolution_n but_o unbelief_n make_v they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v that_o such_o a_o transcendent_a glory_n will_v be_v consequent_a to_o die_v do_v they_o but_o sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v it_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n some_o of_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n have_v be_v desperate_a in_o their_o choice_n of_o death_n only_o as_o the_o period_n of_o present_a calamity_n but_o other_o who_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o consequence_n have_v yet_o entertain_v it_o with_o a_o hearty_a welcome_n as_o socrates_n for_o instance_n who_o profess_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n because_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o who_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n after_o death_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o depart_v a_o confirm_a faith_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a and_o adviseable_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o the_o rather_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n who_o if_o he_o can_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o crown_n will_v rob_v we_o of_o our_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o it_o if_o he_o can_v prevent_v our_o future_a glory_n will_v render_v we_o deject_v in_o our_o passage_n thither_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v to_o exclude_v and_o banish_v we_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n will_v darken_v our_o present_a comfort_n by_o the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o prospect_n and_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o that_o be_v his_o hour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n but_o by_o this_o shield_n of_o faith_n 6.11.16_o eph._n 6.11.16_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v even_o in_o that_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o dissolution_n 2._o the_o pain_n of_o death_n they_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v hasten_v his_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o eligible_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o be_v loath_a their_o own_o prayer_n shall_v be_v answer_v and_o the_o end_n and_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n obtain_v through_o the_o discourage_a apprehension_n they_o admit_v of_o a_o die_a hour_n will_v we_o not_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o know_v he_o better_o and_o love_v he_o more_o and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o and_o shall_v we_o stick_v at_o a_o little_a pain_n as_o introductory_n to_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n a_o pain_n that_o will_v speedy_o convey_v we_o to_o eternal_a ease_n and_o rest_n which_o thousand_o of_o holy_a soul_n in_o glory_n have_v endure_v more_o of_o than_o we_o can_v fear_v but_o suppose_v the_o agony_n of_o death_n be_v never_o so_o frightful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o our_o redeemer_n a_o rod_n and_o staff_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n 23.4_o ps_n 23.4_o do_v he_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o how_o much_o we_o dread_v it_o do_v he_o not_o understand_v our_o weakness_n remember_v our_o frailty_n pity_v our_o infirmity_n and_o bid_v we_o ask_v for_o support_v and_o strength_n 73.2_o ps_n 73.2_o yea_o have_v he_o not_o promise_v that_o when_o heart_n and_o flesh_n shall_v fail_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o shall_v ignorant_a hopeless_a heathen_n without_o god_n in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o expectation_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o immortality_n as_o to_o dispatch_v themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o executioner_n to_o force_v a_o escape_n from_o the_o body_n and_o shall_v we_o resist_v and_o struggle_v draw_v back_o and_o fear_n object_n and_o be_v unwilling_a when_o our_o saviour_n call_v we_o to_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a felicity_n be_v not_o this_o the_o last_o experiment_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o holy_a resolution_n the_o last_o essay_n of_o our_o christian_a courage_n be_v not_o the_o antecedent_n pain_n of_o die_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n no_o less_o than_o the_o throw_v and_o pang_n of_o travel_a woman_n and_o be_v the_o latter_a tolerable_a in_o hope_n of_o child_n and_o their_o own_o deliverance_n and_o may_v we_o not_o support_v the_o former_a by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o great_a and_o better_a hope_n be_v they_o at_o all_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a our_o fear_n if_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o promise_a salvation_n to_o follow_v on_o our_o departure_n be_v they_o comparable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o evil_n to_o the_o bless_a life_n they_o lead_v we_o to_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a or_o comparable_a to_o the_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n which_o unpardoned_a sinner_n meet_v with_o in_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o do_v we_o not_o think_v they_o great_a and_o make_v they_o worse_o by_o our_o foolish_a fear_n than_o most_o do_v find_v they_o be_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n remove_v and_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n prepare_v and_o promise_v and_o be_v it_o a_o reasonable_a request_n that_o god_n shall_v vary_v from_o his_o settle_a course_n and_o fix_a law_n upon_o our_o sole_a account_n will_v nothing_o else_o content_a and_o please_v we_o but_o that_o heaven_n must_v descend_v to_o earth_n or_o we_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n translate_v thither_o to_o prevent_v our_o pain_n and_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o dissolution_n which_o we_o fear_v will_v be_v so_o
design_n and_o private_a interest_n some_o hypocrysie_n flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n some_o inequality_n unsuitableness_n or_o inconstancy_n in_o our_o friendship_n here_o be_v not_o the_o best_a of_o those_o we_o love_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v erroneous_a deceive_v weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o defile_v and_o grieve_v we_o by_o their_o corruption_n as_o to_o edify_v and_o rejoice_v we_o by_o their_o grace_n but_o hereafter_o when_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a be_v do_v away_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o most_o sincere_a and_o constant_a affection_n and_o be_v every_o way_n more_o fit_a for_o our_o content_a and_o joy_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o each_o other_o company_n we_o shall_v full_o understand_v one_o another_o mind_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n without_o the_o dread_n of_o absence_n or_o fear_n of_o separation_n now_o if_o 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conflict_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n as_o soon_o almost_o as_o they_o begin_v their_o christian_a race_n the_o glorious_a recompense_n of_o reward_n though_o they_o have_v wrought_v but_o one_o hour_n in_o the_o vineyard_n when_o other_o must_v labour_v twelve_o and_o shall_v we_o mourn_v like_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o hope_n will_v we_o delay_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o their_o salvation_n and_o defer_v their_o felicity_n in_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o be_v content_a that_o a_o voice_n shall_v be_v want_v in_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n rather_o than_o we_o be_v sadn_v by_o their_o departure_n will_v parent_n have_v their_o child_n continue_v always_o in_o their_o swadling-cloath_n or_o when_o advance_v to_o ripe_a year_n wish_v they_o back_o again_o to_o infancy_n and_o hinder_v their_o possession_n of_o that_o inheritance_n which_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o dispose_v to_o enter_v on_o and_o enjoy_v be_v 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