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pardon_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n sure_o thy_o heart_n must_v be_v hard_a than_o a_o adamant_n if_o death_n that_o king_n of_o terror_n have_v no_o dart_n that_o can_v pierce_v it_o what_o say_v he_o do_v thou_o not_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o fear_n god_n thus_o great_a thus_o remarkable_a be_v his_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow-thief_n but_o alas_o how_o cold_n be_v that_o charity_n which_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n express_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o though_o they_o have_v be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n factor_n for_o hell_n and_o save_v the_o devil_n the_o labour_n of_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v delight_v former_o in_o put_v the_o bottle_n to_o their_o neighbour_n mouth_n and_o even_o glory_v when_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o drink_v they_o into_o brute_n though_o they_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o all_o their_o debauchery_n yet_o in_o 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he_o be_v a_o die_a we_o find_v in_o the_o text_n he_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o just_a person_n even_o when_o he_o be_v number_v among_o transgressor_n he_o pronounce_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n have_v pronounce_v he_o worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v hang_v between_o two_o thief_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a prodigious_a faith_n indeed_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o exert_v more_o prodigious_a act_n than_o these_o for_o he_o far_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o that_o a_o kingdom_n of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n what_o a_o strong_a prodigious_a faith_n be_v here_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o jew_n dream_v of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yea_o his_o own_o disciple_n be_v deficient_a in_o this_o great_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v for_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o some_o worldly_a empire_n nay_o after_o christ_n have_v give_v several_a check_n to_o their_o misguide_a ambition_n we_o find_v they_o still_o harp_v on_o this_o string_n and_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o ascension_n put_v this_o foolish_a question_n to_o he_o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n act._n 1._o 6._o but_o this_o penitent_a thief_n desire_v no_o earthly_a glory_n he_o beg_v not_o to_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n or_o at_o his_o left_a but_o lord_n say_v he_o remember_v i_o after_o death_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n these_o be_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a act_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o all_o that_o be_v here_o record_v in_o the_o
text_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v he_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o mediator_n hence_o we_o find_v he_o make_v solemn_a and_o earnest_a address_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n lord_n say_v he_o remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o his_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n his_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o his_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a faith_n i_o say_v one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n how_o short_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o by_o way_n of_o overplus_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o concern_v it_o this_o day_n say_v our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n sure_o that_o repentance_n must_v be_v sincere_a and_o perfect_a which_o enter_v into_o heaven_n pass_v into_o paradise_n and_o make_v so_o notorious_a a_o thief_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a so_o fit_a a_o companion_n for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o now_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o matter_n of_o comfort_n here_o can_v be_v for_o the_o bold_a dare_a sinner_n of_o the_o time_n have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o lively_a vigorous_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n the_o age_n of_o miracle_n do_v expire_v long_o ago_o and_o god_n have_v abundant_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o find_v such_o a_o wonderful_a faith_n wrought_v in_o those_o profligate_v wretch_n who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n time_n despise_a god_n minister_n quench_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n trample_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o shameful_o abuse_v all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v in_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n such_o a_o prodigious_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o this_o penitent_a thief_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o he_o be_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v as_o charitable_a to_o these_o penitent_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n will_v allow_v i_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n to_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o send_v for_o their_o debauch_a companion_n to_o remind_v they_o of_o eternity_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o delay_v their_o repentance_n nay_o far_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o water_v their_o couch_n with_o their_o tear_n and_o make_v most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n if_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a health_n suppose_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o afford_v they_o a_o cordial_n or_o any_o solid_a comfort_n from_o this_o example_n of_o the_o text_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o i_o think_v it_o impossible_a we_o may_v hope_v well_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v they_o any_o such_o assurance_n as_o this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o wise_a minister_n for_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o minister_n be_v not_o omniscious_a as_o our_o saviour_n be_v they_o can_v pass_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o such_o a_o late_a repentance_n when_o esau_n have_v lose_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n do_v not_o he_o shed_v as_o hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a tear_n as_o these_o suppose_a penitent_n can_v do_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n do_v not_o judas_n run_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v he_o not_o confess_v public_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n nay_o do_v he_o not_o throw_v down_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o sure_a if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o earnest_n such_o a_o covetous_a wretch_n will_v never_o have_v part_v with_o his_o money_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v his_o repentance_n be_v not_o right_a alas_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o ghastly_a apparition_n of_o death_n will_v force_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o because_o they_o proceed_v from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o not_o from_o the_o love_n of_o he_o nay_o let_v i_o add_v yet_o far_o that_o sad_a experience_n have_v set_v its_o seal_n to_o this_o observation_n that_o many_o such_o penitent_n who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n when_o god_n have_v restore_v they_o in_o mercy_n to_o their_o former_a health_n they_o have_v with_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o their_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o their_o wallowing_n in_o the_o mire_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n in_o the_o text_n be_v so_o remarkable_a so_o wonderful_a so_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o will_v afford_v little_a solid_a comfort_n to_o repent_v sinner_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n 4_o this_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v be_v find_v yet_o far_a extraordinary_a and_o such_o as_o can_v afford_v little_a comfort_n to_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n he_o have_v to_o grapple_v with_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o his_o worst_a estate_n in_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o humiliation_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n no_o form_n no_o comeliness_n in_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o elder_n mock_v he_o all_o that_o pass_v by_o revile_v he_o wag_v their_o head_n of_o his_o own_o disciple_n some_o deny_v he_o and_o all_o of_o they_o shameful_o and_o most_o ungrateful_o forsake_v he_o this_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v the_o only_a confessor_n he_o have_v and_o what_o inducement_n have_v he_o at_o this_o time_n to_o own_v he_o he_o can_v expect_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n all_o that_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o be_v only_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v now_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n only_o so_o for_o such_o his_o confession_n his_o torment_n will_v have_v be_v enhance_v and_o he_o persecute_v as_o a_o martyr_n and_o can_v now_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n show_v we_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a repentance_n be_v christ_n now_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o ignominy_n that_o he_o be_v then_o do_v not_o all_o our_o creed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o will_v it_o be_v any_o such_o heroic_a act_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o seek_v unto_o such_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a saviour_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n the_o thief_n have_v no_o inducement_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o succour_n and_o these_o have_v none_o to_o fly_v to_o but_o their_o saviour_n there_o be_v therefore_o but_o little_a solid_a comfort_n for_o such_o penitent_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o text._n 5_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v yet_o further_o be_v find_v extraordinary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a time_n but_o a_o time_n when_o god_n be_v show_v a_o public_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n god_n at_o this_o time_n be_v give_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v proper_a and_o well_o become_v so_o solemn_a a_o time_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o this_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o may_v possible_o deserve_v your_o serious_a observation_n that_o god_n almighty_n do_v always_o something_o extraordinary_a to_o grace_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n we_o know_v at_o his_o nativity_n a_o glorious_a star_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n
repentance_n they_o know_v it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o a_o camel_n with_o his_o great_a bunch_n upon_o his_o back_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n as_o for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n make_v gross_a with_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o year_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o with_o felix_n they_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n they_o think_v they_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v when_o sickness_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o pay_v their_o last_o debt_n to_o nature_n indeed_o few_o man_n love_v their_o sin_n so_o well_o as_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o however_o they_o live_v they_o earnest_o desire_v they_o may_v die_v like_o christian_n with_o balaam_n they_o wish_v their_o death_n may_v be_v like_o the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v not_o to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n but_o 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consideration_n one_a the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o put_v off_o repentance_n to_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o death_n we_o can_v say_v solomon_n boast_v ourselves_o of_o to_o morrow_n we_o can_v command_v the_o next_o fleet_a minute_n death_n lurk_v in_o every_o corner_n and_o wait_v for_o we_o in_o every_o place_n there_o be_v not_o a_o crumb_n of_o bread_n we_o eat_v nor_o a_o drop_n of_o liquor_n that_o we_o drink_v but_o if_o it_o go_v a_o little_a a-wry_a physician_n tell_v we_o may_v be_v our_o ruin_n history_n afford_v we_o a_o thousand_o instance_n of_o sudden_a death_n manlius_n torquatus_n die_v whilst_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n cn._n bebius_n ask_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n meet_v with_o his_o last_o hour_n two_o of_o the_o rome_n emperor_n step_v into_o their_o grave_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v put_v on_o their_o shoe_n c._n servilius_n die_v whilst_o he_o be_v stand_v in_o the_o market_n m._n terentius_n whilst_o he_o be_v a_o write_n and_o to_o name_v but_o one_o more_o and_o that_o out_o of_o our_o own_o chronicle_n mr._n h._n morris_n die_v at_o a_o game_n of_o tennis_n thus_o uncertain_a be_v the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o their_o madness_n be_v both_o great_a and_o certain_a who_o procrastinate_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o this_o may_v come_v we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v surprise_v we_o be_v not_o zimri_n and_o cosbi_n smite_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n be_v not_o ammon_n and_o belshazzar_n take_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o drunken_a cup_n corah_n and_o his_o factious_a crew_n be_v sweep_v away_o in_o their_o rebellion_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a fool_n in_o the_o gospel_n receive_v his_o summons_n to_o another_o world_n even_o when_o he_o be_v sing_v a_o requiem_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n what_o folly_n then_o will_v it_o be_v to_o put_v off_o repentance_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n but_o since_o man_n be_v of_o this_o humour_n let_v we_o for_o once_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o try_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v one_o day_n at_o least_o before_o they_o die_v this_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v because_o they_o know_v their_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o earnest_n if_o they_o be_v unfeigned_o resolve_v to_o repent_v one_o day_n before_o they_o die_v they_o must_v begin_v the_o work_n this_o very_a day_n for_o what_o know_v they_o but_o this_o may_v be_v their_o last_o day_n sure_o they_o have_v not_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n or_o a_o agreement_n with_o hell_n sure_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o time_n and_o season_n their_o breath_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o hear_v what_o solomon_n say_v eccles._n 9_o 12._o man_n know_v not_o his_o time_n as_o the_o fish_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o a_o evil_a net_n and_o as_o the_o bird_n be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n so_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n snare_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n when_o it_o come_v sudden_o upon_o they_o if_o therefore_o man_n have_v any_o real_a kindness_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o a_o uncertain_a futurity_n they_o will_v rather_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n advice_n mat._n 25._o 13._o watch_n for_o you_o do_v not_o know_v the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v 2_o a_o late_a repentance_n will_v further_o be_v find_v a_o thing_n full_a of_o danger_n if_o not_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v a_o very_a improper_a and_o unseasonable_a time_n for_o repentance_n if_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v by_o sudden_a death_n or_o snatch_v away_o in_o wrath_n before_o the_o pot_n perceive_v the_o thorn_n as_o the_o psalmist_n phrase_n it_o yet_o how_o often_o be_v they_o seize_v on_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o disease_n as_o render_v their_o repentance_n a_o thing_n impossible_a seneca_n speak_v of_o a_o morbus_fw-la insanabilis_fw-la qui_fw-la animo_fw-la afficiat_fw-la &_o mentem_fw-la concutiat_fw-la such_o a_o violent_a distemper_n as_o either_o deprive_v man_n whole_o of_o their_o reason_n or_o else_o disturb_v the_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o though_o he_o speak_v but_o of_o one_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n yet_o physician_n tell_v of_o many_o in_o their_o book_n such_o as_o the_o coma_n the_o lethargy_n the_o carus_n the_o apoplexy_n the_o catoche_n catalepsiis_fw-la erisipylas_n frenzy_n mania_n and_o several_a other_o now_o have_v any_o presumptuous_a sinner_n a_o protection_n from_o heaven_n against_o these_o 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to_o die_v soon_o be_v press_v with_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n if_o i_o consult_v myself_o and_o my_o own_o good_a it_o be_v doubtless_o better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v and_o enter_v present_o into_o happiness_n but_o then_o if_o i_o consult_v your_o convenience_n it_o be_v better_a i_o shall_v live_v long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o your_o edification_n now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v suppose_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v have_v sleep_v after_o death_n and_o not_o present_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o fruition_n of_o bliss_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o strait_a in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o dispute_n but_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v still_o in_o the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v in_o a_o constant_a sleep_n or_o in_o a_o senseless_a state_n of_o stupidity_n and_o inactivity_n from_o all_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sleep_v after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o among_o we_o fancy_n but_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o bliss_n as_o lazarus_n be_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o the_o thief_n here_o in_o the_o text_n into_o paradise_n use_v and_o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v celebrate_v their_o funeral_n with_o joy_n and_o feast_v we_o use_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o friend_n in_o this_o world_n and_o they_o much_o more_o at_o their_o happiness_n in_o a_o better_a they_o do_v not_o therefore_o as_o we_o do_v now_o hang_v their_o house_n and_o church_n with_o mourn_v but_o as_o prudentius_n tell_v we_o with_o white_a the_o emblem_n of_o joy_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n as_o their_o birthday_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n and_o their_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n as_o a_o entrance_n upon_o the_o incomprehensible_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a and_o indeed_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o rejoice_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v possess_v of_o and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n by_o these_o two_o thing_n one_a they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ._n two_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n one_a the_o godly_a after_o death_n be_v say_v to_o be_v with_o christ._n now_o how_o great_a be_v the_o happiness_n which_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n of_o heaven_n nay_o far_o we_o must_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o sure_o such_o company_n can_v but_o enhance_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n society_n be_v ordinary_o style_v sal_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la the_o salt_n of_o life_n without_o this_o the_o life_n of_o man_n will_v be_v most_o unsavoury_a and_o unpleasant_a we_o know_v god_n say_v at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o it_o seem_v paradise_n itself_o will_v have_v be_v a_o valley_n of_o bacha_n little_o less_o than_o a_o comfortless_a solitude_n without_o the_o refreshment_n of_o society_n that_o therefore_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v to_o complete_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o paradise_n above_o st._n paul_n heb._n 12._o 22._o give_v we_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o that_o glorious_a company_n we_o shall_v converse_v with_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v come_v say_v he_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n from_o which_o place_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o we_o 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the_o name_n of_o beast_n how_o be_v righteous_a lot_n vex_v daily_o with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n how_o do_v david_n mourn_v that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n and_o sojourn_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n the_o good_a man_n whilst_o he_o live_v in_o this_o world_n have_v his_o eye_n daily_o bloodshot_a with_o murder_n his_o ear_n unhallowed_a with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n his_o nostril_n offend_v with_o the_o drunkard_n vomit_n and_o his_o memory_n make_v too_o often_o the_o cabinet_n of_o vain_a frothy_a or_o obscene_a discourse_n so_o that_o with_o good_a lucullus_n in_o tully_n he_o frequent_o desire_v his_o memory_n be_v worse_o or_o that_o he_o can_v learn_v the_o art_n of_o oblivion_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o godly_a shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o vile_a and_o troublesome_a company_n here_o there_o will_v be_v no_o murderer_n no_o whoremonger_n no_o drunkard_n no_o dog_n to_o molest_v they_o rev._n 22._o 15._o in_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n there_o will_v be_v no_o canaanites_n to_o be_v prick_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n but_o they_o shall_v converse_v for_o ever_o with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n and_o live_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a now_o what_o it_o be_v thus_o to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o distinct_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n one_a the_o godly_a shall_v know_v all_o the_o bless_a saint_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v dispute_v by_o any_o divine_n whether_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n shall_v know_v one_o another_o but_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v little_a comfort_n in_o society_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o a_o familiar_a acquaintance_n st._n austin_n therefore_o tell_v we_o in_o caelum_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la omnes_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la singuli_fw-la cognoscentur_fw-la in_o heaven_n say_v he_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v of_o every_o man_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v of_o all_o men._n it_o be_v report_v of_o luther_n that_o be_v reasonable_a well_o the_o night_n before_o he_o die_v he_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o discourse_n happen_v to_o be_v whether_o they_o shall_v know_v one_o another_o in_o heaven_n whether_o the_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o child_n a_o husband_n his_o wife_n and_o a_o friend_n his_o friend_n luther_n resolve_v the_o point_n in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o give_v this_o reason_n among_o other_o for_o it_o adam_n say_v he_o know_v eve_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v she_o and_o be_v sure_a our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v much_o great_a than_o his_o be_v in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n none_o will_v be_v strangger_n there_o but_o every_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v know_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n and_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o find_v mat._n 17._o 4._o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v christ_n transfiguration_n know_v moses_n and_o elias_n who_o they_o have_v never_o see_v before_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v full_o illuminate_v and_o perfect_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n know_v exact_o all_o the_o bless_a one_o though_o never_o acquaint_v with_o they_o upon_o earth_n this_o therefore_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 13._o 28._o they_o shall_v know_v all_o those_o worthy_n and_o hero_n that_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o or_o shall_v come_v thither_o after_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2_o we_o
other_o nation_n and_o now_o be_v the_o time_n for_o god_n providence_n to_o step_v in_o and_o determine_v he_o to_o what_o object_n he_o think_v most_o proper_a he_o therefore_o direct_v the_o fury_n of_o this_o assyrian_a chief_o against_o israel_n and_o use_v he_o as_o a_o rod_n to_o chastise_v his_o own_o choose_a people_n and_o as_o god_n do_v thus_o employ_v the_o wicked_a as_o schoolmaster_n to_o correct_v his_o people_n so_o he_o also_o employ_v they_o as_o executioner_n to_o punish_v his_o enemy_n hence_o isaiah_n 13._o 17._o god_n be_v say_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o mede_n against_o the_o babylonian_n a_o people_n notorious_a for_o their_o enmity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n these_o mede_n and_o persian_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n call_v god_n sanctify_v one_o verse_n 3._o not_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o inherent_a righteousness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o but_o because_o like_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n set_v apart_o for_o god_n service_n and_o excite_v by_o a_o secret_a instinct_n of_o providence_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o wicked_a babylon_n thus_o god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n whither_o soever_o he_o please_v though_o their_o heart_n be_v very_o full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o cast_v up_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n of_o sin_n yet_o god_n providence_n shut_v up_o this_o sea_n with_o bar_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o break_v up_o these_o bar_n and_o let_v it_o rush_v sometime_o on_o his_o enemy_n to_o overwhelm_v they_o sometime_o on_o his_o own_o people_n to_o chastise_v they_o and_o wash_v away_o their_o filth_n 2_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o determine_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o object_n but_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la and_o measure_n of_o it_o if_o god_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n their_o little_a finger_n will_v be_v big_a than_o their_o loin_n be_v now_o and_o instead_o of_o chastise_v god_n people_n with_o whip_n like_o cruel_a rehoboam_n they_o will_v scourge_v they_o with_o scorpion_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o have_v set_v about_o job_n with_o what_o fury_n do_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n kill_v his_o servant_n drive_v his_o camel_n and_o spoil_v he_o of_o all_o his_o good_n nor_o do_v all_o this_o mischief_n satisfy_v satan_n malice_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v go_v further_o and_o make_v attempt_n upon_o his_o life_n but_o god_n here_o be_v please_v to_o set_v limit_n to_o his_o fury_n as_o we_o read_v job_n 2._o 6._o behold_v say_v god_n to_o satan_n he_o be_v now_o in_o thy_o hand_n only_o spare_v his_o life_n i_o need_v not_o spare_v much_o time_n in_o prove_v the_o boundless_a malice_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n against_o god_n people_n we_o may_v learn_v enough_o of_o this_o from_o that_o remarkable_a name_n the_o prophet_n bestow_v upon_o they_o isaiah_n 27._o 1._o in_o that_o day_n the_o lord_n with_o his_o great_a and_o strong_a sword_n shall_v punish_v leviathan_n the_o pierce_a serpent_n by_o leviathan_n in_o this_o place_n be_v general_o understand_v satan_n and_o his_o malicious_a instrument_n and_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v augmentation_n or_o addition_n intimate_v the_o boundless_a malice_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n who_o still_o desire_n to_o lay_v more_o burden_n on_o the_o godly_a to_o increase_v their_o trouble_n and_o augment_v their_o affliction_n but_o god_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o merciful_a and_o by_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n that_o his_o people_n be_v not_o tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o prophet_n tell_v we_o at_o verse_n 8._o that_o god_n allow_v satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o smite_v his_o people_n only_o in_o measure_n there_o be_v a_o great_a elegance_n in_o the_o hebrew_n than_o be_v express_v in_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o word_n which_o we_o render_v measure_n signify_v one_o of_o the_o small_a measure_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o measure_n which_o they_o call_v the_o sea_n contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o three_o part_n of_o a_o epha_n such_o you_o see_v be_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o curb_v and_o restrain_v the_o fury_n of_o those_o leviathan_n and_o though_o they_o think_v no_o stroke_n too_o many_o no_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o limit_n their_o malice_n and_o allow_v they_o only_o to_o smite_v in_o measure_n and_o with_o moderation_n 3_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v also_o determine_v the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o to_o its_o time_n and_o duration_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o sad_a truth_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ancient_a tragedian_n nullum_fw-la ad_fw-la nocendum_fw-la tempus_fw-la angustum_fw-la è_fw-la malis_fw-la no_o time_n say_v he_o be_v too_o little_a no_o time_n unseasonable_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o do_v mischief_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o comfort_n in_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o eccles._n 3._o 1_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o season_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v limit_v the_o wicked_a both_o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o their_o fury_n shall_v begin_v and_o also_o how_o long_o it_o shall_v continue_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v no_o soon_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v a_o bloody_a herod_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o it_o again_o afterward_o when_o he_o be_v to_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n we_o find_v satan_n carry_v he_o to_o a_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o that_o dangerous_a height_n and_o when_o all_o this_o prove_v 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shall_v last_v no_o long_o than_o forty_o two_o month_n now_o if_o we_o reckon_v these_o month_n by_o sabbath_n of_o year_n as_o the_o honest_a author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v teach_v to_o reckon_v they_o by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n they_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o two_o hundred_o ninety_o four_o year_n the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o ten_o first_o persecution_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o of_o these_o effect_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o that_o one_o be_v hint_v to_o i_o by_o a_o right_n reverend_a historian_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n it_o seem_v in_o queen_n mary_n day_n gardiner_n and_o the_o other_o bloody_a papist_n hope_v to_o continue_v their_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n till_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v they_o but_o god_n good_a providence_n allow_v they_o but_o a_o very_a short_a time_n to_o rage_n in_o for_o when_o queen_n mary_n fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o dropsy_n which_o physician_n call_v the_o mola_n the_o wise_a of_o her_o friend_n and_o physician_n be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v as_o to_o conclude_v she_o to_o be_v with_o child_n by_o this_o mean_v all_o physic_n be_v forbid_v till_o her_o distemper_n grow_v desperate_a and_o so_o her_o unexpected_a death_n put_v a_o speedy_a period_n to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o papist_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v employ_v about_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o fieri_fw-la whilst_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v but_o conceive_v and_o devise_v it_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o providence_n be_v employ_v about_o sin_n in_o facto_fw-la esse_fw-la after_o it_o be_v finish_v and_o bring_v forth_o into_o act._n though_o almighty_a god_n can_v wither_v the_o arm_n of_o a_o wicked_a jeroboam_fw-la