enlarge_n upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o as_o ridiculous_a to_o go_v about_o to_o give_v light_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o it_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v to_o make_v the_o least_o question_n of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v serious_o argue_v with_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o a_o good_a life_n which_o the_o psalmist_n here_o express_v by_o keep_v innocency_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_o will_v certain_o bring_v a_o man_n this_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o and_o first_o it_o will_v bring_v he_o everlasting_a peace_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o establish_v a_o stand_n and_o never_o fail_a connexion_n between_o repentance_n and_o pardon_n it_o be_v the_o very_a purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o now_o repentance_n may_v be_v unto_o life_n and_o according_o it_o be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o hope_n and_o probable_a expectation_n but_o it_o be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n indeed_o repentance_n be_v now_o no_o where_o in_o vain_a but_o among_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o with_o we_o too_o have_v not_o christ_n die_v and_o satisfy_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o upon_o that_o satisfaction_n erect_v a_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o law_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v must_v die_v penitent_n or_o impenitent_a but_o it_o be_v the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n that_o now_o if_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v with_o it_o and_o not_o without_o it_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n so_o far_o undertake_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o repent_v and_o live_v well_o but_o that_o we_o may_v repent_v to_o purpose_v he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o make_v our_o repentance_n unnecessary_a but_o only_o to_o render_v it_o useful_a and_o efficacious_a to_o the_o end_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n so_o that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o only_a possible_a mean_n to_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v second_o to_o bring_v we_o peace_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n nothing_o else_o can_v do_v it_o but_o this_o and_o this_o can_v and_o most_o certain_o will_v as_o a_o good_a life_n give_v we_o a_o firm_a title_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n so_o will_v it_o give_v we_o a_o good_a comfortable_a assurance_n of_o that_o title_n which_o be_v always_o a_o unspeakable_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o especial_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o life_n well_o spend_v a_o good_a man_n do_v his_o duty_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o great_a his_o present_a joy_n be_v very_o savoury_a and_o refresh_a but_o his_o after-comfort_n be_v much_o more_o so_o but_o of_o all_o the_o review_n of_o his_o life_n none_o yield_v he_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o last_o general_n review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v then_o he_o have_v most_o need_n of_o comfort_n than_o he_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o relish_v it_o and_o then_o he_o have_v most_o of_o it_o with_o what_o strange_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v he_o then_o reflect_v upon_o his_o past_a life_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o it_o those_o joy_n and_o consolation_n which_o before_o maintain_v a_o gentle_a course_n within_o their_o own_o channel_n now_o begin_v to_o swell_v above_o their_o bank_n and_o overflow_v the_o man._n a_o kind_n of_o heavenly_a light_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o shine_v forth_o into_o his_o face_n and_o his_o hope_n and_o his_o desire_n his_o thought_n and_o his_o affection_n his_o presage_n and_o his_o expectation_n his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n yea_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v full_a of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o want_v in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o have_v rather_o make_v this_o his_o exercise_n and_o constant_a concern_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n and_o as_o he_o recollect_n this_o with_o pleasure_n so_o he_o build_v upon_o it_o with_o confidence_n and_o according_o resign_v up_o his_o soul_n into_o his_o maker_n hand_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o that_o good_a god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v in_o his_o life_n will_v take_v care_n of_o he_o and_o reward_v he_o after_o death_n and_o for_o such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o 119._o love_n thy_o law_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o 32._o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o say_v the_o prophet_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n 17._o and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o say_v the_o great_a apostle_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o 12._o 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 in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v 3.14_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n say_v saint_n john_n and_o again_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o 21._o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o controversy_n between_o the_o reform_a and_o the_o romish_a doctor_n concern_v this_o matter_n the_o latter_a general_o deny_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v or_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n now_o though_o it_o may_v and_o perhaps_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a faith_n nothing_o be_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o assurance_n but_o for_o which_o we_o have_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v say_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n in_o particular_a but_o only_o of_o the_o general_a and_o conditional_a proposition_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o scripture_n with_o many_o other_o too_o numerous_a and_o obvious_a to_o allege_v that_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a life_n may_v be_v so_o moral_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o irresolution_n about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o will_v deny_v this_o must_v oblige_v himself_o to_o maintain_v one_o of_o these_o two_o proposition_n either_o that_o a_o man_n can_v understand_v what_o condition_n be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o a_o salvable_a state_n or_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o certainty_n judge_v of_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v qualify_v according_a to_o those_o condition_n the_o former_a of_o which_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a in_o necessary_a thing_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v redound_v too_o much_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o understanding_n since_o according_a to_o this_o proposition_n a_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n contrary_a to_o which_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v in_o that_o question_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n 11._o of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o strict_a certainty_n neither_o of_o science_n nor_o of_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o a_o moral_a and_o human_a assurance_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o the_o premise_n and_o therefore_o since_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n that_o which_o contain_v my_o own_o qualification_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o human_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a testimony_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assurance_n that_o rise_v from_o the_o whole_a can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o human_a or_o moral_a assurance_n but_o that_o be_v enough_o
prince_n for_o this_o those_o school_n and_o nursery_n of_o immorality_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o society_n of_o man_n free_a from_o it_o to_o this_o if_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o unnatural_a feud_n of_o relation_n the_o ungrateful_a return_v of_o oblige_a person_n the_o treachery_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n the_o falsness_n of_o friend_n the_o ill_a office_n of_o neighbour_n and_o the_o intolerable_a practice_n of_o revenge_n not_o only_o upon_o pretence_n of_o honour_n among_o the_o duellift_n but_o as_o they_o be_v general_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o great_a man_n by_o the_o corrupt_a and_o vexatious_a method_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o common_a malice_n of_o the_o world_n if_o i_o say_v i_o shall_v add_v this_o and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v what_o a_o picture_n shall_v i_o draw_v of_o mankind_n and_o what_o intelligent_a spirit_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a if_o such_o a_o account_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o beforehand_o to_o be_v bear_v into_o or_o to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o but_o thus_o it_o be_v immediate_o upon_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n thus_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v till_o the_o archangel_n trump_n shall_v at_o once_o awaken_v we_o from_o the_o sleep_n of_o death_n and_o from_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o time_n itself_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o no_o soon_o have_v god_n finish_v his_o creation_n and_o declare_v all_o thing_n good_a in_o it_o and_o begin_v to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n but_o through_o envy_n of_o the_o devil_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o untune_v the_o proportion_n of_o its_o new_a set_a harmony_n and_o be_v once_o plant_v in_o the_o earth_n it_o like_v the_o soil_n and_o increase_v and_o multiply_v by_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o fast_o as_o mankind_n can_v by_o the_o benediction_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o god_n who_o not_o long_o before_o be_v represent_v by_o moses_n as_o create_a man_n upon_o the_o most_o considerate_a pause_v of_o counsel_n and_o deliberation_n be_v now_o bring_v in_o repent_v that_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v he_o and_o 6.6_o according_o he_o first_o shorten_v his_o day_n and_o that_o expedient_a fail_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o severe_a judgement_n and_o issue_v forth_o a_o sentence_n to_o destroy_v he_o from_o the_o 5._o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o and_o again_o the_o text_n say_v that_o god_n look_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o behold_v it_o be_v corrupt_a for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o 12._o the_o earth_n and_o true_o it_o be_v incredible_a almost_o to_o think_v to_o what_o a_o pitch_n of_o villainy_n and_o wickedness_n the_o world_n be_v then_o arrive_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o world_n then_o like_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a sinner_n be_v young_a in_o year_n and_o old_a in_o debauchery_n it_o look_v as_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v new_o throw_v out_o of_o heaven_n be_v in_o the_o very_a height_n of_o his_o malice_n and_o resentment_n and_o to_o retrieve_v again_o the_o lose_a field_n endeavour_v to_o increase_v his_o number_n to_o double_v his_o rank_n by_o make_v man_n as_o very_a devil_n as_o himself_o for_o vice_n seem_v to_o reign_v absolute_a and_o uncontrolled_a and_o to_o have_v take_v full_a possession_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n so_o that_o except_v only_o four_o person_n abel_n seth_n enos_n and_o enoch_n we_o read_v not_o of_o one_o good_a man_n from_o adam_n to_o noah_n so_o extreme_o wicked_a and_o debauch_v be_v the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o high_o deserve_v of_o that_o emphatical_a character_n which_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n give_v of_o it_o call_z it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 5._o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o state_n direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a millennium_n to_o that_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o dwell_v righteousness_n but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v at_o a_o time_n when_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o express_a directory_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o be_v then_o leave_v to_o the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n which_o at_o best_o be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a twilight_n and_o be_v withal_o apt_a to_o be_v cloud_v and_o corrupt_v by_o ill_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v with_o the_o damp_n of_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o how_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n when_o god_n have_v trim_v the_o dim_a lamp_n of_o natural_a conscience_n when_o revelation_n have_v illustrate_v the_o obscure_a text_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o moral_a like_o the_o natural_a world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o great_a as_o well_v as_o by_o a_o lesser_a light_n now_o sure_a one_o will_v expect_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o day_n and_o that_o work_v of_o darkness_n shall_v disappear_v like_o mist_n before_o the_o rise_n sun_n and_o questionless_a it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n be_v considerable_o better_v by_o this_o new_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o that_o there_o be_v less_o vice_n and_o more_o goodness_n among_o those_o who_o enjoy_v it_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n than_o among_o the_o rude_a heathen_a who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v god_n visit_v they_o with_o this_o his_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a and_o give_v light_a to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n but_o only_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o guide_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n in_o comparison_n therefore_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n this_o be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o yet_o vice_n have_v still_o the_o upper_a hand_n and_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o number_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n the_o world_n may_v still_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o particular_a vice_n of_o that_o perverse_a and_o untractable_a people_n the_o fews_n their_o superstition_n their_o idolatry_n their_o infidelity_n their_o rebelliousness_n their_o lust_n and_o luxury_n their_o uncharity_n their_o covetousness_n and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o state_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n as_o if'twere_v quite_o overgrow_v with_o wickedness_n and_o as_o if_o virtue_n be_v a_o stranger_n among_o the_o dwelling_n of_o men._n thus_o the_o psalmist_n help_v i_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o godly_a 12._o man_n leave_v the_o faithful_a be_v minish_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n and_o again_o the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v understand_v and_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o result_n of_o this_o scrutiny_n why_o they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v altogether_o become_v abominable_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v 14._o good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o again_o say_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v spy_v unrighteousness_n and_o strife_n in_o the_o city_n day_n and_o night_n they_o go_v about_o within_o the_o wall_n thereof_o mischief_n also_o and_o sorrow_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o of_o it_o wickedness_n be_v therein_o deceit_n and_o 55._o guile_n go_v not_o out_o of_o their_o street_n and_o again_o more_o large_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a 74._o of_o darkness_n and_o gruel_n habitation_n and_o again_o last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o they_o will_v not_o be_v learned_a nor_o understand_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v out_o of_o 82._o course_n thus_o miserable_o deform_v be_v the_o face_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n and_o period_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v only_o the_o moral_n of_o man_n universal_o corrupt_a but_o they_o have_v debauch_v and_o corrupt_v their_o very_a principle_n too_o and_o deface_v the_o map_n that_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o as_o well_o as_o lose_v their_o way_n they_o have_v almost_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o natural_a reason_n so_o that_o by_o that_o time_n our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n what_o by_o ill_a gloss_n and_o worse_a practice_n
that_o special_a and_o excellent_a portion_n of_o it_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o according_a to_o the_o former_a sense_n then_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v to_o be_v perpetual_o mindful_a of_o our_o mortality_n and_o that_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o another_o world_n and_o must_v short_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o this_o to_o have_v a_o constant_a prospect_n into_o that_o other_o world_n which_o must_v be_v our_o last_o home_o and_o to_o be_v always_o look_v beyond_o the_o horizon_n of_o time_n to_o the_o long_a day_n of_o eternity_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n heaven_n hell_n death_n and_o judgement_n how_o great_a they_o be_v in_o their_o consequence_n how_o certain_a in_o the_o event_n and_o how_o near_o in_o their_o approach_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o all_o this_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v for_o our_o great_a and_o final_a change_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o according_a 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bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n last_o to_o contemplate_v all_o this_o not_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o or_o as_o a_o uncertain_a reversion_n or_o imaginary_a utopia_n but_o as_o a_o state_n that_o will_v short_o and_o certain_o be_v and_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v to_o dwell_v converse_v and_o have_v our_o civil_a life_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v as_o if_o we_o be_v already_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n and_o actual_a member_n of_o that_o sacred_a policy_n and_o community_n this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o heavenly-mindedness_a which_o the_o great_a apostle_n who_o have_v personal_o converse_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o see_v there_o more_o than_o he_o can_v utter_v propose_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o for_o which_o he_o esteem_v himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o example_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o show_v second_o what_o a_o reasonable_a and_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_a thus_o to_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v so_o let_v he_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o other_o life_n be_v the_o state_n we_o be_v chief_o intend_v for_o without_o respect_n to_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o considerable_a enough_o to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n that_o here_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v city_n no_o durable_a concern_n and_o consequent_o what_o a_o folly_n it_o be_v to_o let_v our_o thought_n dwell_v where_o we_o but_o sojourn_v ourselves_o that_o this_o present_a state_n both_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o shortness_n and_o other_o vanity_n be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n considerable_a than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o and_o a_o passage_n to_o the_o next_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a while_n for_o god_n to_o make_v it_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n and_o relation_n to_o something_o further_o that_o it_o be_v a_o short_a voyage_n and_o where_o the_o haven_n lie_v always_o in_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a short-sightedness_n imaginable_a not_o to_o see_v beyond_o so_o little_a a_o prospect_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o dotage_n to_o confine_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n on_o this_o side_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o state_n but_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v our_o great_a prudence_n to_o make_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v though_o it_o be_v more_o vain_a and_o contemptible_a than_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v our_o all_o it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o have_v our_o conversation_n on_o earth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o epicure_n proverb_n will_v then_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o any_o of_o solomon_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o dye_v but_o since_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o he_o who_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n and_o that_o our_o death_n be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o new_a and_o never_o to_o be_v end_v life_n this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v deserve_v and_o engross_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n our_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n than_o a_o ghost_n be_v that_o only_o come_v to_o do_v a_o message_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o his_o errand_n be_v over_o vanishes_z and_o disappear_v or_o if_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n condescend_v to_o interest_n ourselves_o in_o the_o affair_n or_o lawful_a entertainment_n of_o this_o life_n methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v only_o transient_o and_o by_o the_o by_o as_o the_o hungry_a disciple_n pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n just_a to_o serve_v a_o present_a necessity_n or_o as_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n in_o haste_n with_o our_o loin_n gird_v our_o 12._o shoe_n on_o our_o foot_n and_o our_o staff_n in_o our_o hand_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o as_o the_o other_o state_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o proper_a state_n of_o man_n so_o heaven_n be_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a centre_n of_o our_o rest_n our_o home_n and_o native_a region_n that_o the_o joy_n there_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n can_v taste_v such_o as_o his_o understanding_n can_v at_o present_v conceive_v and_o such_o as_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v joy_n that_o be_v without_o example_n above_o experience_n and_o beyond_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a creation_n want_v a_o comparison_n we_o a_o apprehension_n and_o even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o revelation_n that_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n which_o open_v to_o we_o a_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n yet_o he_o attempt_v not_o to_o give_v we_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n but_o think_v fit_v rather_o to_o cast_v that_o unexpressible_a scene_n of_o glory_n into_o a_o shade_n for_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o son_n of_o god_n go_v about_o to_o reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o we_o since_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o describe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v it_o as_o
rational_a motive_n for_o since_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n into_o heaven_n add_v new_a supplement_n of_o support_n to_o our_o hope_n of_o arrive_v thither_o his_o ascension_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o pattern_n of_o we_o it_o must_v needs_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fan_v the_o flame_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o make_v they_o tend_v upward_o with_o importunate_a reach_n towards_o heavenly_a object_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n which_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o philosophy_n have_v stamp_v for_o truth_n that_o the_o more_o our_o hope_n of_o any_o good_a be_v establish_v the_o more_o our_o desire_n after_o it_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o nothing_o soon_o cool_v the_o fever_n of_o the_o affection_n than_o despair_n of_o fruition_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n by_o add_v further_o encouragement_n to_o our_o hope_n become_v a_o rational_a motive_n to_o we_o to_o refine_v and_o elevate_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o that_o heaven_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o which_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o convince_a a_o assurance_n second_o as_o a_o moral_a emblem_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n tend_v to_o our_o instruction_n and_o admonishment_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v copy_v out_o in_o kind_n as_o be_v set_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o imitation_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n but_o that_o they_o point_v out_o to_o we_o some_o resemble_v excellence_n and_o may_v be_v imitate_v though_o not_o literal_o yet_o in_o figure_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o although_o with_o he_o we_o can_v as_o yet_o loosen_v the_o band_n of_o death_n and_o break_v the_o prison_n of_o the_o grave_a yet_o we_o can_v now_o in_o some_o sense_n rise_v with_o he_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n not_o only_o enable_v but_o also_o admonish_v to_o do_v so_o and_o although_o as_o to_o his_o bodily_a ascension_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n we_o cannor_n follow_v he_o now_o yet_o we_o can_v in_o some_o sense_n ascend_v with_o he_o by_o a_o passionate_a elevation_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v also_o mystical_o invite_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o former_a the_o local_a and_o bodily_a ascension_n of_o christ_n call_v for_o a_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a ascent_n if_o i_o be_v lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v 32._o draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o much_o more_o powerful_a than_o ought_v this_o consideration_n to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o ascension_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o now_o what_o be_v then_o when_o his_o beauty_n be_v benight_a under_o a_o cloud_n that_o there_o be_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o for_o now_o be_v the_o mist_n scatter_v before_o the_o prevail_a sun_n he_o shine_v forth_o in_o his_o full_a glory_n and_o triumph_n yea_o he_o be_v now_o altogether_o lovely_a now_o therefore_o may_v the_o pious_a and_o seraphic_a soul_n bear_v up_o herself_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n love_n and_o desire_n and_o follow_v she_o ascend_v lord_n where_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wonder_a apostle_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v he_o and_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o elisha_n to_o his_o depart_a master_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v and_o as_o thy_o 2.2_o soul_n live_v i_o will_v not_o leave_v thou_o and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o have_v part_n in_o this_o first_o ascension_n for_o over_o he_o the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v by_o several_a consideration_n what_o a_o reasonable_a and_o become_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o much_o more_o so_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o heavenly_a dispensation_n of_o life_n and_o they_o be_v many_o but_o i_o shall_v consider_v only_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o they_o first_o this_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o those_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o which_o we_o renounce_v in_o our_o baptism_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a thing_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v assay_v by_o several_a method_n as_o by_o monastic_a engagement_n by_o retire_v into_o cloister_n and_o desert_n by_o vow_n of_o poverty_n and_o the_o like_a but_o these_o be_v rather_o natural_a than_o moral_a way_n of_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o last_o intercession_n for_o his_o disciple_n pray_v not_o 15._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o do_v this_o be_v by_o converse_v in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o indeed_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o external_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o own_o by_o compare_v which_o two_n together_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o worldly_a object_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o content_a and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o solomon_n take_v to_o convince_v himself_o and_o other_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o long_a way_n about_o and_o a_o way_n that_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o experience_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o meditation_n and_o reflection_n it_o be_v also_o a_o method_n fit_v only_o for_o fine_a and_o more_o elevate_a spirit_n those_o of_o a_o contemplative_a genius_n and_o of_o a_o nice_a discernment_n but_o to_o converse_v in_o heaven_n be_v a_o more_o compendious_a and_o easy_a method_n to_o contemn_v the_o low_a world_n more_o practicable_a to_o the_o common_a fort_n and_o those_o that_o can_v in_o the_o other_o way_n dispute_v and_o demonstrate_v may_v however_o in_o this_o be_v sensible_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o earth_n to_o we_o that_o dwell_v upon_o it_o seem_v a_o body_n of_o considerable_a magnitude_n but_o to_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o it_o from_o one_o of_o the_o high_a orb_n it_o will_v appear_v but_o as_o a_o point_n the_o same_o indeed_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v upon_o mathematic_a principle_n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v that_o and_o such_o a_o high_a raise_v prospect_n will_v save_v the_o 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to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v of_o abraham_n that_o 11.9_o by_o faith_n he_o sojourn_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n dwell_v in_o labernaole_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o do_v so_o more_o express_o follow_v for_o he_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n so_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o draw_v off_o abraham_n affection_n from_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n because_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o a_o far_o better_a country_n and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n second_o this_o be_v the_o best_a remedy_n to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o present_a life_n as_o it_o lessen_v the_o good_a so_o it_o lessen_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o too_o and_o will_v serve_v to_o support_v we_o under_o