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 can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v also_o be_v with_o god_n with_o angel_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a now_o such_o glorious_a company_n can_v but_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n exceed_v great_a as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a by_o consider_v in_o particular_a what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v first_o with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o three_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o christ._n one_a let_v we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n and_o how_o the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n be_v enhance_v by_o such_o glorious_a company_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o godly_a here_o below_o that_o with_o daniel_n they_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o den_n with_o lion_n or_o else_o converse_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v at_o ephesus_n with_o man_n that_o do_v more_o true_o deserve_v 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
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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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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resolution_n now_o though_o all_o this_o do_v abundant_o show_v a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o dangerous_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a and_o yet_o see_v this_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o most_o serious_a importance_n 5_o i_o will_v in_o the_o five_o place_n add_v one_o consideration_n more_o which_o will_v show_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a and_o pray_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o death_n come_v sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o yet_o before_o their_o death_n they_o may_v sin_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o forfeit_v this_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v the_o vain_a fancy_n of_o such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o day_n of_o life_n run_v parallel_n and_o that_o as_o long_o 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but_o this_o still_a voice_n if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o thou_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o thou_o do_v ill_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n but_o when_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v lose_v upon_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a admonition_n of_o his_o father_n and_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o heaven_n he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n till_o at_o last_o he_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n by_o murder_v righteous_a abel_n his_o season_n of_o grace_n be_v then_o go_v and_o god_n tell_v he_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v then_o accurse_v from_o the_o earth_n now_o this_o happen_v unto_o he_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o his_o death_n another_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o esau_n who_o the_o apostle_n style_v a_o profane_a person_n he_o be_v a_o idle_a unprofitable_a fellow_n one_o who_o spend_v too_o much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o game_n and_o impertinent_a recreation_n and_o to_o all_o his_o other_o sin_n he_o add_v the_o fell_n of_o his_o birthright_n on_o which_o be_v entail_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n with_o a_o witness_n one_o that_o prefer_v his_o sport_n and_o recreation_n before_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n now_o this_o great_a sin_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n so_o that_o his_o day_n of_o grace_n expire_v some_o 50_o year_n before_o his_o death_n as_o divine_n compute_v and_o though_o now_o he_o endeavour_v to_o regain_v his_o birthright_n though_o he_o seek_v the_o blessing_n earnest_o and_o with_o tear_n yet_o he_o be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o place_n find_v for_o repentance_n heb._n 12._o 17._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o example_n of_o wicked_a saul_n god_n have_v strive_v with_o saul_n many_o way_n and_o many_o time_n he_o have_v give_v he_o riches_n and_o honour_n yea_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o when_o saul_n multiply_v his_o transgression_n and_o notwithstanding_o such_o signal_n token_n of_o his_o favour_n rebel_v against_o the_o lord_n god_n then_o cast_v he_o off_o yea_o he_o send_v a_o evil_a spirit_n to_o torment_v he_o and_o will_v no_o long_o hearken_v to_o his_o cry_n as_o he_o sad_o confess_v to_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n now_o this_o rejection_n happen_v 36_o year_n before_o he_o die_v according_a to_o iosephus_n chronology_n thus_o god_n do_v withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o sinner_n long_o before_o they_o die_v in_o their_o life_n time_n he_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o of_o giddiness_n he_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o sear_v their_o conscience_n and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o for_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v if_o 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this_o several_a way_n one_a by_o divert_v their_o power_n and_o their_o rage_n otherwise_o than_o they_o first_o intend_v the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n he_o turn_v they_o whithersoever_o he_o will_v prov._n 21._o 1._o thus_o nazianzen_n report_v of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n that_o when_o he_o have_v design_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o christian_n god_n cut_v he_o out_o work_v elsewhere_o and_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o go_v first_o against_o the_o persian_n by_o who_o he_o be_v overthrow_v so_o this_o sennacherib_n in_o the_o text_n you_o will_v find_v isaiah_n 10._o 5._o call_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o staff_n of_o his_o indignation_n to_o denote_v that_o the_o great_a of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o must_v expect_v the_o direction_n of_o a_o superior_a cause_n hence_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o 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infelici_fw-la fraud_n posuit_fw-la if_o say_v this_o father_n we_o respect_v his_o opportunity_n for_o attain_v faith_n his_o repentance_n be_v not_o late_o but_o early_o he_o take_v the_o very_a first_o season_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o descry_v christ_n and_o religion_n he_o ready_o embrace_v they_o he_o do_v not_o wretched_o cheat_v himself_o of_o the_o remedy_n of_o his_o miserable_a condition_n he_o do_v not_o adjourn_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o a_o late_a uncertain_a futurity_n which_o seldom_o or_o never_o succeed_v well_o let_v now_o the_o bold_a presumptuous_a sinner_n of_o our_o time_n compare_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o text_n let_v they_o see_v if_o they_o can_v extract_v any_o comfort_n or_o encouragement_n from_o hence_o will_v they_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o never_o have_v any_o call_n to_o repentance_n will_v they_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v never_o offer_v they_o any_o opportunity_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o christ_n alas_o how_o oft_o have_v christ_n be_v crucify_a before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n how_o oft_o have_v they_o see_v he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n bleed_v for_o their_o sin_n have_v they_o not_o have_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n have_v they_o not_o have_v private_a and_o public_a admonition_n how_o many_o national_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n have_v call_v aloud_o for_o their_o humiliation_n how_o many_o public_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n have_v invite_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n sure_o then_o they_o can_v draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o their_o own_o case_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n they_o can_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n expect_v any_o comfort_n or_o consolation_n from_o his_o example_n two_o consider_v how_o remarkable_a how_o wonderful_a how_o extraordinary_a the_o repentance_n of_o this_o thief_n be_v as_o jewel_n contain_v vast_a riches_n in_o a_o little_a room_n so_o his_o short_a life_n of_o 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grave_a thus_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n do_v general_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o repentance_n but_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o honest_a penitent_a thief_n be_v not_o only_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n and_o willing_a to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o it_o but_o he_o show_v great_a charity_n to_o his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o labour_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o hearty_a humiliation_n for_o his_o transgression_n see_v how_o his_o compassion_n to_o his_o soul_n display_v itself_o in_o his_o passionate_a expostulation_n with_o he_o what_o say_v he_o do_v thou_o not_o fear_v god_n be_v this_o a_o time_n for_o thou_o to_o revile_v this_o innocent_a person_n who_o have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o it_o will_v better_o become_v thou_o to_o reflect_v upon_o thy_o former_a life_n to_o call_v thy_o past_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o spend_v that_o little_a breath_n which_o be_v leave_v thou_o in_o sue_v for_o a_o 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 their_o sickness_n how_o seldom_o do_v they_o send_v for_o their_o boon_n companion_n how_o seldom_o do_v they_o endeavour_v to_o rid_v their_o soul_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n if_o their_o brethren_n in_o iniquity_n come_v at_o any_o time_n unsent_a for_o and_o have_v so_o much_o civility_n as_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o their_o sickness_n how_o frothy_a at_o least_o how_o unseasonable_a be_v their_o discourse_n when_o do_v we_o hear_v they_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o former_a debauchery_n tell_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o by_o ghostly_a admonition_n labour_v to_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o since_o they_o be_v so_o unlike_o this_o penitent_a thief_n in_o their_o charity_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o encourage_v themselves_o by_o his_o example_n but_o 3_o consider_v far_o what_o a_o strong_a prodigious_a faith_n do_v live_v and_o act_v in_o this_o penitent_a thief_n when_o 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
before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n let_v nothing_o hinder_v to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o luke_n xxiv_o 43._o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o the_o context_n we_o find_v ver._n 33._o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v crucify_a betwixt_o two_o theives_n or_o malefactor_n though_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n chap._n 53._o 12._o now_o one_o of_o these_o malefactor_n begin_v to_o rail_v on_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o vers_fw-la 39_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o desperate_a wickedness_n to_o insult_v over_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o defy_v almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o use_n to_o avenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o malefactor_n rebuke_n he_o ver_fw-la 40._o saying_n do_v not_o thou_o fear_v god_n especial_o since_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n such_o as_o be_v in_o prosperity_n do_v ordinary_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o time_n of_o adversity_n most_o man_n will_v consider_v when_o they_o be_v approach_v towards_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n they_o be_v then_o general_o serious_a the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a state_n usual_o strike_v a_o awe_n into_o their_o soul_n but_o this_o thief_n be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a that_o even_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o death_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n he_o despise_v god_n and_o revile_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o other_o thief_n give_v ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rebuke_v his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o endeavour_n his_o conversion_n but_o he_o also_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n and_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o punishment_n as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n ver_fw-la 41._o if_o such_o scandalous_a person_n that_o be_v among_o we_o will_v when_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n thus_o take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o by_o a_o free_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n if_o they_o will_v send_v for_o such_o person_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o debauch_v either_o by_o their_o example_n or_o counsel_n and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n they_o then_o find_v in_o it_o they_o will_v give_v the_o world_n much_o better_a demonstration_n of_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o much_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_v their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o as_o this_o poor_a thief_n give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o he_o give_v also_o very_o good_a proof_n of_o a_o true_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o christ_n for_o ver_fw-la 42._o he_o say_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n you_o see_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n own_o disciple_n do_v nay_o far_o he_o own_v christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n even_o when_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v mock_v and_o persecute_v he_o yea_o when_o his_o own_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o st._n peter_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a have_v deny_v he_o thrice_o nay_o far_o yet_o how_o wonderful_a be_v his_o humility_n he_o only_o desire_v that_o christ_n will_v remember_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o ask_v that_o he_o may_v sit_v on_o christ_n right_a hand_n or_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v remember_v he_o a_o true_a penitent_a humble_a soul_n will_v think_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o mercy_n great_a enough_o or_o too_o great_a for_o he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o note_v all_o this_o because_o too_o many_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o poor_a thief_n they_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o yet_o be_v save_v if_o they_o repent_v on_o a_o sickbed_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n but_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o that_o god_n do_v give_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o much_o grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n how_o seldom_o do_v they_o give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n humility_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n now_o what_o answer_n do_v christ_n return_v to_o this_o honest_a thief_n the_o text_n will_v give_v you_o a_o fair_a account_n of_o this_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v a_o fair_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o this_o wretched_a body_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o lie_v and_o first_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n to_o day_n say_v christ._n second_o they_o do_v far_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o happiness_n they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n first_o these_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o depature_n from_o the_o body_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o call_v psychoparruychites_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n sleep_v all_o the_o while_n till_o the_o general_n resurrection_n and_o consequent_o be_v neither_o in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n nor_o misery_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v reunite_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o send_v with_o it_o either_o to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o christ_n do_v here_o promise_v this_o honest_a thief_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v that_o very_a day_n with_o he_o in_o paradise_n paradise_n be_v a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o bliss_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n now_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v the_o thief_n to_o be_v that_o very_a day_n so_o act._n 7._o 56._o st._n stephen_n see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o know_v the_o heaven_n be_v open_v for_o he_o and_o that_o christ_n stand_v there_o ready_a to_o receive_v he_o into_o glory_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v ver_fw-la 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n so_o again_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 8._o we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n it_o seem_v the_o pious_a soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n it_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n again_o revel_v 14._o 13._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o you_o see_v here_o the_o godly_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bless_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o die_v and_o not_o only_o to_o rest_v but_o also_o to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o good_a work_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o text_n more_o which_o you_o will_v find_v phil._n 1._o 21_o 22._o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o say_v st._n paul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v tell_v whether_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v long_o or_o