if_o we_o consider_v the_o vanity_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n abstract_v from_o the_o future_a it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o by_o death_n than_o come_v into_o it_o by_o birth_n but_o other_o understand_v it_o rather_o as_o special_o refer_v to_o the_o death_n of_o good_a man_n who_o be_v thereby_o not_o only_o free_v from_o trouble_n here_o but_o instate_v in_o true_a happiness_n &_o felicity_n hereafter_o and_o this_o sense_n as_o it_o appear_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n truth_n and_o phraseology_n so_o likewise_o seem_v not_o obscure_o to_o be_v hint_v here_o from_o its_o close_a connexion_n with_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o it_o be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a name_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o death_n be_v just_o prefer_v to_o his_o birth_n for_o a_o good_a name_n do_v unquestionable_o suppose_v true_a worth_n and_o virtue_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o basis_n and_o though_o the_o epithet_n of_o good_a be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o hebrew_n but_o simple_o a_o name_n which_o be_v prefer_v to_o precious_a ointment_n yet_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v the_o sense_n that_o it_o express_v it_o with_o the_o great_a emphasis_n as_o insinuate_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o name_n at_o all_o properly_z speaking_z it_o be_v chief_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o i_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n to_o lie_v though_o i_o will_v not_o total_o exclude_v the_o former_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o expression_n for_o i_o think_v scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n where_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n will_v natural_o bear_v it_o without_o contorsion_n and_o strain_v and_o therefore_o the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n that_o i_o here_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v prefeferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o when_o the_o parallel_n be_v only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n consider_v as_o miserable_a abstract_v from_o the_o future_a so_o far_o more_o be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n preferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o parallel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n but_o inclusive_a also_o of_o the_o future_a in_o which_o general_n proposition_n as_o we_o may_v see_v both_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n conjoin_v as_o be_v no_o way_n opposite_a dissonant_n or_o exclusive_a the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o so_o we_o may_v observe_v they_o so_o conjoin_v as_o notwithstanding_o to_o remain_v distinct_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n disjoin_v they_o again_o in_o order_n to_o a_o distinct_a handle_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o prosecute_v yet_o since_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o premise_v some_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v therefore_o distinct_o and_o apart_o propose_v both_o sense_n in_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o precede_a general_n doctrine_n first_o proposition_n the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o when_o the_o parallel_n be_v only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n consider_v as_o miserable_a abstract_v from_o the_o future_a i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o that_o considerate_o and_o serious_o ponder_v this_o proposition_n but_o will_v easy_o assent_v unto_o it_o since_o i_o do_v not_o here_o bare_o and_o naked_o reflect_v on_o the_o notion_n of_o birth_n &_o death_n in_o themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o life_n simple_o consider_v but_o only_o draw_v the_o parallel_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o life_n as_o miserable_a or_o to_o speak_v plain_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o i_o suppose_v none_o can_v due_o consider_v this_o but_o must_v instant_o be_v enforce_v to_o prefer_v the_o exit_z from_o misery_n to_o the_o intrat_fw-la into_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n be_v understand_v by_o death_n and_o birth_n for_o let_v we_o but_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o go_v a_o dangerous_a tedious_a and_o afflictive_a journey_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o misery_n pain_n and_o trouble_n and_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v to_o we_o whether_o we_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o end_n and_o close_n of_o it_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o and_o our_o entry_n upon_o it_o i_o reasonable_o conclude_v abstract_v from_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o place_n whether_o that_o journey_n may_v lead_v we_o that_o our_o answer_n will_v be_v in_o the_o affirmative_a from_o the_o melancholy_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o journey_n and_o now_o what_o else_o be_v our_o life_n in_o this_o miserable_a world_n but_o such_o a_o tedious_a and_o afflictive_a peregrination_n for_o we_o be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o enter_v by_o birth_n into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o live_n but_o our_o infant_n cry_v and_o tear_n become_v a_o sad_a prelude_n to_o a_o succeed_a sorrowful_a scene_n our_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v whole_o vanity_n and_o spend_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o seem_v rather_o to_o breathe_v than_o live_v and_o our_o propensity_n then_o to_o extravagancy_n and_o sin_n oblige_v our_o best_a friend_n to_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o necessary_a though_o to_o we_o afflictive_a correction_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o arrive_v to_o something_o of_o further_a maturity_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v immediate_o beset_v with_o care_n and_o incumberance_n the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o worldly_a business_n then_o do_v our_o heart_n run_v out_o impetuous_o after_o the_o trifle_n of_o time_n the_o nicknamed_a honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o the_o game_n which_o ambitious_a covetous_a and_o wanton_a spirit_n fly_v at_o the_o fine_a varnish_n and_o gaudy_a show_n of_o guild_a dross_n and_o dung_n take_v we_o and_o after_o it_o be_v our_o endeavour_n bend_v here_o care_v to_o get_v this_o world_n dross_n care_v to_o keep_v it_o care_n to_o increase_v it_o and_o care_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o eat_v out_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o little_a time_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o rise_n up_o early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o transitoriness_n thwart_v our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n beside_o that_o oft_o a_o secret_a curse_n from_o god_n blast_v our_o endeavour_n and_o break_v our_o measure_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v riches_n and_o estate_n take_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n to_o receive_v a_o new_a disposal_n and_o the_o fair_a image_n and_o shadow_n of_o honour_n grandeur_n and_o pleasure_n pass_v away_o and_o leave_v our_o mind_n perplex_v and_o trouble_v for_o the_o disappointment_n thus_o do_v we_o seek_v for_o the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v distance_n and_o separation_n from_o our_o best_a friend_n eat_v out_o the_o seem_a comfort_n we_o may_v enjoy_v in_o their_o company_n want_v pain_n sickness_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o disappointment_n swallow_v up_o any_o little_a pleasure_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o drown_v the_o sense_n of_o enjoyment_n otherwise_o comfortable_a and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o ourselves_o immediate_o we_o be_v ofttimes_o call_v to_o be_v sad_a spectator_n of_o the_o many_o tragedy_n act_v in_o the_o world_n we_o see_v national_a and_o church_n calamity_n and_o family_n and_o personal_n distress_n and_o ofttimes_o the_o nearness_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o other_o oblige_v we_o by_o something_o more_o than_o sympathy_n to_o suffer_v with_o they_o and_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v impartial_o reflect_v on_o if_o we_o return_v with_o solomon_n ch_z 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o consider_v the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o how_o destitute_a not_o only_o the_o oppress_a but_o the_o oppressor_n also_o be_v of_o true_a comfort_n on_o that_o account_n i_o say_v consider_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v ground_n with_o he_o to_o praise_v the_o dead_a rather_o than_o the_o live_n yea_o to_o conclude_v that_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o these_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n object_n how_o can_v
indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o principal_a part_n since_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v and_o live_v as_o well_o out_o of_o it_o as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o the_o original_a of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v reckon_v rather_o than_o from_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n now_o if_o according_o we_o compute_v the_o birth_n of_o a_o saint_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o threefold_a birth_n which_o result_v from_o the_o consideration_n the_o one_a be_v by_o creation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v and_o place_v in_o the_o body_n which_o indeed_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n also_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o body_n to_o be_v form_v as_o to_o its_o due_a perfection_n with_o respect_n to_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n till_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o soul_n infusion_n therein_o if_o with_o the_o school_n i_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o use_v such_o a_o word_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o creando_fw-la infunditur_fw-la &_o insundendo_fw-la creature_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n derive_v its_o original_n from_o god_n immediate_a create_v it_o and_o not_o ex_fw-la traduce_n i_o speak_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o learned_a and_o worthy_a person_n of_o another_o judgement_n may_v seem_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v but_o from_o that_o one_o scripture_n zech._n 12._o 1._o especial_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v its_o connexion_n with_o what_o precede_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o first_o birth_n of_o man_n to_o speak_v proper_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n which_o as_o to_o priority_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v instantaneous_o upon_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o egress_n of_o the_o child_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o we_o be_v most_o take_v with_o what_o be_v most_o sensible_a to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v understand_v especial_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o calculate_v in_o its_o expression_n as_o to_o use_v word_n common_o in_o use_n &_o understand_v by_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christian_n only_o howsoever_o we_o use_v word_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o say_v that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n for_o whatever_o have_v these_o two_o constituent_a part_n of_o man_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o no_o other_o class_n but_o that_o of_o mankind_n the_o 2._o birth_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regeneration_n or_o conversion_n of_o which_o christ_n speak_v joh._n 3._o call_v it_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n from_o above_o v._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 3._o birth_n be_v in_o glorification_n and_o this_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a period_n viz._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o at_o death_n when_o it_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o become_v from_o that_o moment_n perfect_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a happiness_n above_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o just_a person_n even_o then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o 23._o 2._o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n when_o reunite_v at_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v call_v the_o adoption_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8._o 23._o now_o from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o make_v some_o tolerable_a estimate_n of_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o 1._o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v birth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o man_n egress_n from_o the_o womb_n and_o his_o ingress_n into_o the_o society_n of_o mortal_n here_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n since_o we_o be_v ourselves_o mortal_a see_v and_o converse_v only_o with_o mortal_a object_n as_o all_o thing_n external_a here_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n time_n on_o earth_n even_o from_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o one_o night_n as_o be_v import_v psal_n 49._o 14._o when_o the_o resurrection_n be_v emphatical_o term_v the_o morning_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o night_n of_o time_n precede_v and_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n about_o to_o succeed_v and_o hence_o also_o our_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v call_v a_o sleep_n wherein_o we_o rather_o dream_v of_o thing_n than_o real_o apprehend_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v first_o thorough_o awake_v by_o death_n we_o may_v see_v this_o plain_o hint_v psal_n 17._o 15._o whereas_o 2._o that_o which_o we_o call_v common_o death_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unpin_v our_o mortal_a tabernacle_n and_o the_o manumit_v we_o into_o the_o immortal_a region_n of_o light_n love_n and_o liberty_n of_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o scripture_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o familiar_a dialect_n of_o put_v off_o a_o suit_n of_o old_a apparel_n for_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a one_o thus_o paul_n call_v it_o a_o be_v unclothe_v as_o to_o the_o body_n and_o clothe_v upon_o by_o have_v mortality_n swallow_v up_o of_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o peter_n call_v it_o a_o put_v off_o this_o his_o tabernacle_n 2_o eph._n 1._o 14._o again_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v death_n the_o right_a notion_n whereof_o will_v become_v more_o facile_a to_o our_o apprehension_n by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v of_o life_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v that_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v so_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o fall_v under_o consideration_n here_o the_o 1._o be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o at_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n we_o be_v shape_v in_o sin_n and_o conceive_v in_o iniquity_n and_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n than_o life_n since_o we_o be_v expose_v thereby_o to_o sin_v and_o suffer_v to_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o 2._o be_v a_o death_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v upon_o at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v death_n but_o though_o it_o disunite_v soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o may_v rather_o be_v call_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o translate_v it_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o regeneration_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a birth_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n yet_o since_o that_o be_v but_o a_o deliverance_n in_o part_n therefore_o it_o be_v by_o death_n only_o that_o we_o come_v total_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n though_o i_o grant_v that_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v more_o illustrious_o display_v at_o the_o great_a period_n of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o the_o last_o enemy_n death_n come_v to_o be_v total_o destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 54._o so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n whereas_o our_o dissolution_n or_o the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v proper_o a_o death_n to_o sin_n or_o a_o manumission_n and_o freedom_n give_v we_o both_o from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o to_o both_o these_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n we_o may_v not_o injust_o invert_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n ignorance_n vanity_n and_o misery_n whereas_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v just_o repute_v to_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n of_o purity_n knowledge_n light_n and_o rest_n but_o two_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o thing_n we_o call_v life_n be_v which_o the_o two_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n enter_v we_o upon_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o we_o can_v only_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o preferableness_n of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o true_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a take_v that_o to_o be_v life_n which_o have_v little_o more_o of_o
both_o relative_a and_o personal_a as_o she_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o serious_a in_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n there_o seek_v the_o appoint_a food_n of_o your_o soul_n where_o she_o both_o often_o seek_v and_o find_v it_o to_o dedicate_v some_o part_n of_o your_o precious_a time_n every_o day_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n devout_a meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v she_o constant_a course_n as_o long_o as_o her_o health_n and_o strength_n will_v permit_v in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v serious_a religion_n your_o main_a business_n as_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_o she_o and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o this_o call_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o call_v of_o god_n word_n and_o that_o monitory_a providence_n that_o you_o be_v now_o under_o so_o as_o heedful_o to_o tread_v in_o your_o pious_a mother_n step_n as_o dear_a child_n follow_v she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o show_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o god_n and_o persist_v in_o this_o course_n to_o the_o end_n of_o your_o life_n then_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o for_o your_o comfort_n that_o although_o death_n have_v at_o present_a make_v a_o separation_n between_o she_o and_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a season_n and_o than_o you_o shall_v again_o live_v together_o in_o the_o glorious_a and_o bright_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la a_o funeral_n sermon_n by_o robert_n fleming_n v._o d._n m._n preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n eccles_n seven_o 1._o better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n as_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v become_v miserable_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o lead_n and_o directive_n faculty_n the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n be_v signal_o so_o for_o beside_o the_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n natural_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a than_o that_o universal_a darkness_n and_o stupidity_n which_o they_o be_v under_o as_o to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a for_o although_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v remanent_fw-la upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o imperfect_a râ—dera_fw-mi of_o the_o true_a impression_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o some_o secret_a persuasion_n of_o a_o sovereign_a be_v to_o which_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_n and_o continuance_n yet_o alas_o what_o sad_a conception_n do_v man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o immaterial_a and_z and_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a heathen_n but_o from_o innumerable_a and_o daily_a instance_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o meridian_n light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o constant_a experience_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n sufficient_o confirm_v scripture-testimony_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o require_v a_o subjective_n as_o well_o as_o objective_n spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o however_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n end_n in_o reveal_v his_o word_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v through_o his_o blessing_n upon_o pain_n and_o industry_n attain_v to_o rectify_v notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o momentous_a to_o be_v right_o know_v by_o we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n unto_o we_o so_o particular_o of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o quisitive_a solomon_n who_o have_v undertake_v a_o speculative_a journey_n into_o all_o the_o region_n of_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n return_v a_o experience_a ecclesiaste_n or_o preacher_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o think_v may_v be_v of_o universal_a use_n to_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o have_v rub_v off_o the_o fine_a varnish_n and_o gaudy_a paint_n of_o earthly_a object_n with_o which_o they_o insinuate_v themselves_o at_o first_o view_v as_o beautify_v to_o our_o vain_a imagination_n he_o here_o represent_v they_o impartial_o to_o our_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n to_o we_o of_o this_o we_o may_v adduce_v many_o instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o word_n before_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o rectification_n of_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o for_o first_o whereas_o man_n usual_o prefer_v riches_n to_o a_o good_a name_n we_o be_v here_o instruct_v that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v better_a &_o more_o valuable_a than_o precious_a ointment_n i._n e._n than_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o earthly_a wealth_n and_o riches_n for_o thus_o i_o take_v the_o word_n according_a to_o prov._n 22._o 1._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o comment_n on_o this_o or_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v here_o figurative_o import_v for_o precious_a ointment_n be_v esteem_v of_o old_a among_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o prince_n as_o we_o see_v isa_n 39_o 2._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o prov._n 15._o 30._o a_o good_a name_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o bone_n sit_v and_o again_o whereas_o man_n general_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n solomon_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o case_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n according_a to_o which_o position_n he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v be_v better_a than_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v and_o sorrow_n preferable_a to_o laughter_n v._o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o these_o only_a that_o i_o be_o direct_v to_o consider_v at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n a_o strange_a paradox_n and_o enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o all_o such_o as_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o have_v their_o interior_a sense_n spiritual_o exercise_v to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o many_o even_o serious_a christian_n may_v find_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v their_o thought_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o hand_n i_o foresee_v objection_n what!_o will_n the_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n say_v be_v it_o better_o not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a will_n the_o carnal_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n object_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n itself_o shall_v be_v preferable_a to_o its_o be_v and_o continuance_n nay_o even_o many_o poor_a christian_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o tell_v i_o that_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o prefer_v death_n which_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o sin_n and_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v destroy_v to_o prefer_v i_o say_v this_o to_o life_n itself_o wherein_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o multitude_n cry_v out_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o and_o many_o such_o worldling_n there_o be_v what!_o death_n better_a than_o life_n here_o be_v strange_a doctrine_n indeed_o what!_o leave_v all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n friend_n and_o possession_n and_o that_o for_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a who_o can_v have_v faith_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o well_o friend_n here_o be_v that_o which_o may_v silence_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o answer_v all_o your_o question_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o will_v give_v ear_n to_o god_n himself_o that_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o birth_n but_o i_o must_v supersede_n the_o satisfy_n you_o as_o to_o your_o particular_a scruple_n in_o this_o matter_n till_o i_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o must_v now_o lest_o i_o act_v preposterous_o previous_o inquire_v into_o and_o here_o though_o the_o word_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o very_o plain_a that_o i_o see_v no_o momentous_a variation_n among_o critic_n in_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v some_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o expositor_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o some_o understand_v the_o text_n of_o all_o mankind_n with_o respect_n only_o to_o this_o present_a life_n lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a state_n as_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n be_v undoubted_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o
we_o prefer_v death_n to_o birth_n and_o consequent_o to_o life_n since_o even_o solomon_n himself_o ch_z 9_o v._n 4_o 5._o do_v plain_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o life_n for_o a_o live_a dog_n be_v better_a say_v he_o than_o a_o dead_a lion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a or_o uncommon_a for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o come_v under_o different_a consideration_n at_o some_o time_n and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a according_o to_o deduce_v quite_o different_a yea_o and_o opposite_a conclusion_n from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o it_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o life_n in_o ch_z 9_o in_o another_o dialect_n than_o he_o do_v here_o in_o my_o text_n since_o he_o reflect_v here_o and_o there_o upon_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o quite_o different_a consideration_n for_o 1._o in_o ch_z 9_o he_o compare_v life_n and_o death_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o life_n as_o be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o here_o solomon_n do_v not_o compare_v these_o opposite_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o a_o accidental_a consideration_n only_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n our_o life_n here_o be_v expose_v to_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n hence_o as_o we_o have_v explain_v 2._o solomon_n in_o ch_z 9_o do_v not_o only_o consider_v life_n in_o itself_o but_o under_o the_o notion_n also_o of_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n through_o the_o right_a improvement_n whereof_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v put_v out_o of_o capacity_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n further_o for_o their_o soul_n for_o say_v he_o to_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o live_n there_o be_v hope_n but_o the_o dead_a have_v no_o more_o portion_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n which_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o he_o more_o clear_o unfold_v v._o 10._o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n because_o there_o be_v no_o work_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o in_o this_o place_n solomon_n speak_v of_o life_n abstract_v from_o its_o relation_n and_o use_v this_o way_n and_o consider_v it_o mere_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o misery_n and_o trouble_n and_o therefore_o his_o inference_n here_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o native_o result_v from_o such_o a_o consideration_n thereof_o 3._o solomon_n in_o the_o 9th_o ch_z seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v of_o life_n and_o death_n with_o respect_n to_o wicked_a man_n chief_o if_o not_o only_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v certain_a life_n be_v far_o preferable_a to_o death_n since_o as_o he_o say_v v._o 10._o there_o be_v no_o preparation_n work_v to_o be_v do_v after_o death_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o whilst_o there_o be_v life_n there_o be_v still_o hope_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v repent_v and_o reform_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a as_o he_o intimate_v v._o 4._o and_o according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n sperandum_fw-la est_fw-la vivis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la spes_fw-la ulla_fw-la sepultis_fw-la but_o now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o seem_v not_o obscure_o to_o be_v hint_v here_o that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n as_o refer_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o special_o to_o the_o saint_n who_o through_o grace_n and_o holiness_n have_v attain_v worthy_o to_o deserve_v a_o good_a name_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o and_o as_o i_o judge_v more_o native_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v distinct_o consider_v in_o the_o follow_a thesis_n second_o proposition_n the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v far_o preferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o parallel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n but_o inclusive_a also_o of_o the_o future_a i_o do_v say_v that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v actual_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n and_o to_o life_n since_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o choose_v life_n before_o death_n for_o even_o paul_n himself_o after_o a_o struggle_n with_o himself_o on_o this_o account_n whether_o he_o shall_v prefer_v death_n or_o life_n phil._n 1._o 23._o 24._o have_v impartial_o weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n conclude_v v._o 25._o that_o consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v prefer_v to_o death_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v here_o that_o the_o saint_n attain_v always_o to_o prefer_v death_n to_o life_n no_o alas_o there_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o that_o get_v this_o length_n even_o a_o hezekiah_n will_v weep_v sâ—re_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o chatter_v like_o a_o crane_n or_o swallow_v and_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o that_o account_n isa_n 38._o 3_o 14._o and_o a_o david_n also_o will_v on_o this_o account_n at_o sometime_o be_v make_v to_o cry_v out_o psal_n 39_o 13._o o_o spare_v i_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v here_o in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o be_v that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v preferable_a to_o his_o birth_n because_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o if_o as_o we_o show_v before_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o birth_n mere_o because_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o overbalance_v and_o weigh_v down_o by_o the_o sorrow_n of_o time_n then_o sure_o the_o conclusion_n be_v much_o more_o strong_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n and_o lay_v it_o also_o in_o the_o scale_n over_o and_o above_o for_o who_o then_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o entry_n upon_o happiness_n which_o be_v by_o death_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o entry_n upon_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o which_o be_v by_o birth_n and_o as_o this_o proposition_n so_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o text_n thus_o explain_v seem_v so_o clear_a in_o itself_o so_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o thing_n will_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o further_a doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n further_o which_o be_v do_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o improve_v it_o the_o proof_n and_o now_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o show_v the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n give_v and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o by_o explain_v the_o term_n here_o use_v of_o birth_n and_o death_n 2._o by_o consider_v more_o direct_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o these_o two_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n enter_v the_o saint_n upon_o and_o first_o i_o shall_v brief_o reflect_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n and_o here_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n i_o find_v a_o lameness_n and_o defectiveness_n in_o word_n by_o which_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n be_v often_o cloud_v and_o almost_o lose_v and_o therefore_o though_o i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o to_o rectify_v these_o term_n as_o vulgar_o use_v yet_o the_o present_a subject_n necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o some_o rectification_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o have_v it_o may_v be_v from_o education_n too_o easy_o imbibê°d_v for_o if_o in_o ordinary_a converse_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n quod_fw-la loquendum_fw-la cum_fw-la vulgo_fw-la i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o subjoin_v in_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o thing_n quod_fw-la sentiendum_fw-la cum_fw-la dâ—ctis_fw-la and_o though_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o such_o rectify_a notion_n of_o thing_n as_o other_o may_v have_v reach_v yet_o since_o this_o fall_n in_o my_o way_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v what_o estimate_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o birth_n and_o death_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o saint_n and_o 1_o as_o to_o birth_n though_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o saint_n as_o all_o other_o man_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o his_o two_o constituent_a part_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n which_o chief_o denominate_v the_o man_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n our_o body_n be_v call_v our_o tent_n or_o tabernacle_n wherein_o we_o lodge_v for_o a_o time_n so_o that_o though_o the_o body_n be_v
it_o than_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n life_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a thing_n than_o we_o imagine_v when_o consider_v in_o its_o right_a notion_n and_o idea_n we_o talk_v of_o a_o vegetative_a and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o if_o in_o philosophy_n these_o must_v needs_o creep_v in_o as_o distinct_a species_n thereof_o yet_o divinity_n will_v refine_v our_o thought_n of_o it_o a_o little_a further_o for_o since_o life_n be_v one_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o design_n himself_o ofttimes_o the_o live_a god_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v something_o high_a and_o sublime_a therein_o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o life_n to_o other_o so_o it_o be_v only_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v so_o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o ourselves_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o our_o nostril_n and_o we_o depend_v every_o moment_n on_o god_n for_o new_a supply_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o find_v it_o the_o property_n of_o god_n only_o to_o have_v life_n in_o him-self_n yea_o and_o such_o a_o property_n as_o be_v only_o communicable_a to_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 26._o for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n with_o a_o special_a mark_n of_o observation_n joh._n 1._o 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n for_o we_o may_v plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o very_a term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o life_n here_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o as_o plain_o and_o necessary_o presuppose_v these_o periodical_a term_n be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o this_o life_n herein_o presuppose_v must_v either_o be_v the_o present_a life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v the_o present_a life_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o solomon_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o death_n to_o the_o commence_v it_o at_o first_o by_o birth_n and_o those_o very_a mean_a thought_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o noble_a designation_n of_o life_n as_o be_v rather_o a_o shadow_n thereof_o than_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o future_a life_n that_o be_v here_o import_v than_o it_o present_v we_o with_o a_o noble_a idea_n of_o true_a life_n indeed_o as_o inclusive_a of_o true_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o good_a reason_n death_n be_v here_o prefer_v to_o birth_n but_o though_o this_o last_o sense_n give_v we_o the_o fair_a prospect_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n determination_n of_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v to_o include_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o life_n as_o presuppose_a clear_o in_o the_o text._n for_o as_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n express_o between_o birth_n and_o death_n so_o his_o do_v thus_o do_v manifest_o presuppose_v that_o he_o have_v run_v the_o parallel_n also_o between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n for_o except_o the_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n have_v respect_n to_o these_o they_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o stand_v as_o cipher_n here_o without_o any_o significancy_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indubitable_a that_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n here_o between_o life_n present_a and_o future_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o compare_v they_o as_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o so_o as_o species_n under_o the_o same_o genus_fw-la but_o rather_o as_o two_o opposite_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o present_a life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n or_o state_n of_o death_n and_o so_o to_o vendicate_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a life_n to_o the_o future_a only_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o when_o i_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v rather_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n whereas_o our_o death_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v more_o proper_o our_o birth_n into_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n so_o i_o say_v now_o of_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o die_v into_o when_o we_o be_v bear_v whereas_o the_o future_a life_n be_v that_o only_a which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n as_o be_v that_o state_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o that_o period_n which_o we_o call_v death_n and_o though_o this_o invertion_n of_o term_n may_v seem_v strange_a at_o first_o to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o reflect_v on_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o entertain_v genuine_a conception_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o what_o concern_v these_o we_o will_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o rectification_n of_o vulgar_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n be_v oft_o detain_v contrary_a to_o reason_n itself_o from_o a_o misapplication_n of_o mere_a word_n wherefore_o since_o i_o take_v life_n for_o that_o which_o either_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n or_o which_o derivative_o be_v communicate_v to_o subject_n capable_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v make_v so_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o ensue_a reflection_n that_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o the_o word_n express_v this_o different_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o true_a life_n or_o perfection_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o i_o be_o here_o to_o consider_v which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o appear_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o run_v the_o parallel_n a_o little_a between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n as_o we_o call_v they_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o admit_v of_o the_o conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o to_o the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o first_o which_o methinks_v the_o apostle_n express_v well_o when_o he_o call_v the_o future_a life_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d life_n assign_v to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o designation_n of_o mortality_n only_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o those_o qualification_n of_o life_n be_v that_o denominate_v it_o excellent_a happy_a and_o desirable_a and_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o in_o word_n common_a and_o know_v to_o all_o that_o the_o impression_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a and_o now_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o conveniency_n or_o true_a qualification_n of_o life_n want_v where_o these_o seven_o thing_n concur_v viz._n 1._o perfect_a health_n 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a 3._o unmixed_a and_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o joy_n 4._o the_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o abode_n 5._o the_o most_o excellent_a company_n 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o qualification_n or_o property_n of_o life_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a that_o we_o may_v see_v whether_o our_o passage_n by_o birth_n into_o the_o one_o or_o by_o death_n into_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o perfect_a health_n by_o this_o we_o understand_v perfect_a rectitude_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v where_o this_o rare_a jewel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v without_o which_o all_o our_o other_o comfort_n be_v insipid_a and_o tasteless_a sure_o it_o cant_v be_v acquire_v in_o this_o miserable_a world_n either_o as_o to_o mind_n or_o body_n for_o as_o to_o our_o mind_n how_o uncultivated_a be_v our_o judgement_n as_o to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o vain_a be_v our_o thought_n how_o perverse_a our_o will_n how_o irregular_a our_o affection_n how_o treacherous_a our_o memory_n and_o how_o lame_a and_o defective_a be_v our_o action_n and_o performance_n even_o to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o as_o to_o our_o body_n do_v we_o not_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o the_o principle_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o death_n itself_o and_o what_o innumerable_a pain_n and_o malady_n be_v we_o here_o subject_a to_o every_o day_n to_o most_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o some_o new_a exercise_n or_o other_o
and_o infinite_o the_o best_a company_n there_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o lean_v our_o head_n on_o christ_n bosom_n and_o tell_v he_o all_o our_o most_o concern_v secret_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v our_o dear_a friend_n and_o companion_n for_o ever_o there_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o become_v their_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-worshipper_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o all_o the_o glorify_a saint_n the_o patriarch_n king_n priest_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n and_o eminent_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o as_o bright_a cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v get_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o and_o there_o among_o other_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o endear_a embrace_n our_o love_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o relative_n that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o shall_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o celestial_a region_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o mansion_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o also_o with_o one_o another_o 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n this_o be_v yet_o another_o blessing_n that_o attend_v the_o true_a life_n for_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o reproach_n and_o to_o under_o calumny_n and_o evil_a report_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o though_o i_o grant_v god_n can_v turn_v this_o as_o other_o evil_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v one_o superad_v misery_n to_o the_o many_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o that_o we_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o escape_v this_o contagion_n that_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o dross_n and_o refuse_v of_o mankind_n as_o the_o very_o vile_a of_o miscreant_n by_o a_o blind_a mad_a world_n fame_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o goddess_n of_o ambitious_a and_o high_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a nonsense_n to_o talk_v of_o perpetuate_a one_o name_n here_o since_o the_o further_a that_o the_o fame_n of_o any_o can_v go_v be_v but_o to_o the_o limit_n of_o time_n and_o space_n fame_n and_o good_a name_n then_o be_v jewel_n of_o the_o eternal_a crown_n of_o happiness_n wherewith_o god_n do_v adorn_v such_o only_a as_o he_o admit_v to_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o than_o that_o conquer_v the_o universe_n have_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o true_a fame_n which_o god_n bestow_v only_o on_o such_o who_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v to_o overcome_v sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o he_o also_o who_o have_v leave_v his_o name_n behind_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o a_o hundred_o learned_a volume_n have_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o perpetual_a fame_n except_o he_o have_v also_o attain_v to_o have_v his_o name_n engrave_v and_o enrol_v in_o the_o eternal_a register_n and_o record_n of_o heaven_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o have_v we_o all_o the_o forementied_a qualification_n of_o true_a and_o perfect_a life_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v but_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n in_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o their_o continuance_n and_o permanency_n this_o one_o suspicious_a thought_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o dump_n all_o our_o satisfaction_n with_o respect_n to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v life_n every_o way_n happy_a and_o perfect_a this_o superadded_a qualification_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v in_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v hence_o lead_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a life_n here_o since_o all_o our_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v transitory_a and_o fade_a as_o be_v momentary_a and_o confine_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n and_o precinct_n of_o year_n day_n hour_n and_o minute_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o even_o that_o which_o we_o call_v life_n here_o be_v itself_o but_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a and_o then_o vanish_v away_o yea_o such_o a_o vapour_n as_o have_v not_o so_o much_o a_o be_v as_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n thereof_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v james_n ch_z 4._o v._n 14._o point_v it_o forth_o very_o expressive_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o vapour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o add_v to_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n that_o all_o the_o enyoyment_n and_o blessing_n there_o be_v permanent_a and_o eternal_a no_o rust_n do_v there_o corrupt_v they_o nor_o thief_n steal_v they_o nor_o age_n waste_v they_o nor_o death_n devour_v they_o they_o that_o once_o enter_v upon_o the_o actual_a fruition_n of_o such_o enjoyment_n do_v ever_o retain_v their_o possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o true_a life_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v which_o since_o they_o only_a quadrate_n with_o the_o future_a life_n of_o perfection_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conclude_v with_o solomon_n that_o death_n to_o a_o saint_n be_v far_o preferable_a on_o all_o account_n to_o his_o birth_n or_o to_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o very_a word_n better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o such_o a_o one_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o improvement_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o come_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o doctrine_n to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o serious_a improvement_n thereof_o which_o i_o design_n shall_v be_v judgement_n and_o regulative_a of_o our_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o both_o one_a the_o information_n of_o our_o judgement_n although_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v with_o this_o design_n to_o rectify_v our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n far_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o and_o indeed_o necessary_o infer_v hence_o 1._o infer_v we_o see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v not_o only_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o state_n but_o of_o a_o immediate_a happiness_n and_o glory_n also_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a pass_n into_o at_o death_n when_o the_o poor_a beggar_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n luk._n 16._o 26._o and_o the_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n in_o misery_n on_o the_o cross_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o paradise_n with_o he_o luk._n 23._o 43._o and_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a columbus_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n who_o first_o make_v a_o voyage_n and_o return_v again_o in_o time_n as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 1_o 4_o etc._n etc._n can_v never_o reflect_v afterward_o upon_o that_o paradise_n which_o he_o then_o see_v but_o with_o earnest_a breathe_n to_o be_v there_o again_o as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1._o 23._o and_o indeed_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v never_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n but_o may_v then_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 89._o 47._o wherefore_o have_v thou_o make_v all_o man_n in_o vain_a and_o be_v not_o this_o glorious_a life_n and_o state_n to_o be_v enter_v upon_o by_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n immediate_o at_o death_n it_o will_v great_o damp_n the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a reflection_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o have_v thereof_o then_o 2._o infer_v we_o have_v hence_o also_o a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o give_v to_o all_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v put_v up_o by_o any_o against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o now_o since_o we_o hint_v before_o some_o doubt_n that_o natural_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o first_o proposal_n and_o idea_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n brief_o answer_v the_o same_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v wherefore_o 1._o since_o atheistical_a and_o anti-scriptural_a person_n cry_v out_o upon_o this_o doctrine_n as_o ridiculous_a from_o a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o existence_n when_o separate_a from_o the_o body_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o imagination_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o reason_n itself_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o noble_a active_a and_o intelligent_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v mere_o dependent_a on_o the_o body_n and_o have_v only_o its_o duration_n for_o a_o short_a space_n in_o this_o vain_a world_n especial_o 2._o since_o we_o see_v that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o a_o appearance_n than_o a_o reality_n as_o all_o thing_n
we_o here_o converse_v with_o be_v also_o or_o 2._o if_o the_o carnal_a rationalist_n and_o philosopher_n further_a object_n and_o argue_v against_o this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o death_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o there_o be_v no_o such_o destruction_n of_o nature_n by_o death_n as_o many_o imagine_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o destroy_v by_o it_o but_o act_n and_o life_n more_o noble_o than_o before_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n proper_o destroy_v but_o only_o reduce_v into_o its_o first_o principle_n in_o order_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v and_o more_o glorious_o re-edify_v than_o before_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o two_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o man_n remain_v in_o be_v man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v destroy_v for_o though_o the_o immediate_a tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v loose_v yet_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o one_o another_o continue_v even_o when_o the_o actual_a union_n be_v suspend_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v principal_o the_o man_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o reckon_v that_o the_o man_n be_v in_o be_v still_o even_o when_o unbodied_a but_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o death_n be_v not_o prefer_v to_o birth_n or_o life_n mere_o as_o it_o be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n as_o now_o exist_v but_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a life_n which_o death_n be_v the_o passage_n into_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n prefer_v death_n to_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o not_o for_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v say_v he_o but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n but_o 3._o as_o to_o what_o many_o poor_a sincere-christians_a be_v apt_a to_o object_n against_o this_o point_n from_o the_o expression_n that_o sometime_o death_n go_v under_o in_o scripture_n of_o its_o be_v as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n our_o enemy_n and_o to_o be_v destroy_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 26._o i_o will_v for_o answer_n propose_v to_o they_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v this_o one_o consideration_n that_o though_o death_n be_v indeed_o our_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n since_o the_o fall_n yet_o it_o have_v now_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o saint_n since_o christ_n death_n especial_o christ_n have_v slay_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n thereof_o indeed_o death_n pass_v still_o upon_o all_o man_n but_o in_o very_o different_a respect_n for_o to_o the_o wicked_a death_n be_v still_o continue_a as_o a_o grim_a messenger_n and_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o as_o for_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v now_o become_v christ_n servant_n to_o convey_v home_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o to_o himself_o therefore_o as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v abolish_v death_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o so_o he_o be_v say_v also_o rev._n 1._o 18._o to_o have_v take_v into_o his_o custody_n and_o keep_n the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v perceive_v what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o fear_v death_n when_o he_o act_v only_o in_o commission_n under_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o also_o so_o bless_v a_o guide_n as_o he_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o grovel_a mortal_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o death_n that_o it_o rob_v they_o of_o and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o their_o comfort_n friend_n possession_n enjoyment_n and_o hope_n i_o answer_v that_o where_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o any_o i_o must_v needs_o grant_v they_o have_v reason_n to_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n if_o thou_o have_v all_o thy_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v to_o see_v thou_o prefer_v earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o dust_n to_o gold_n but_o o_o poor_a wretch_n be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o objection_n which_o militate_v indeed_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o against_o this_o doctrine_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o who_o we_o here_o speak_v will_v tell_v thou_o that_o whereas_o death_n separate_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o comfort_n it_o be_v in_o that_o way_n alone_o that_o they_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o full_a harvest_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o 3._o infer_v we_o may_v see_v hence_o also_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o life_n and_o death_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o all_o comfort_n be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o give_v way_n to_o strange_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o what_o follow_v it_o as_o there_o be_v many_o poor_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n live_v in_o mean_a celles_fw-fr and_o cottage_n in_o some_o obscure_a corner_n who_o low_a mind_n have_v never_o travel_v from_o the_o smell_n of_o their_o native_a thatch_n and_o turf_n represent_v the_o world_n to_o themselves_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o idea_n which_o a_o barren_a spot_n of_o earth_n of_o a_o few_o mile_n circumference_n have_v afford_v they_o so_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o pre-occupied_n with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o sense_n and_o custom_n as_o never_o to_o have_v suitable_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o right_a reason_n may_v not_o obscure_o conclude_v from_o scripture_n premise_n concern_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o if_o our_o thought_n be_v more_o enure_v to_o such_o divine_a meditation_n we_o will_v despise_v the_o vanity_n of_o a_o fade_a life_n more_o since_o we_o converse_v here_o but_o with_o imaginary_a comfort_n and_o joy_n though_o with_o too_o real_a grief_n and_o misery_n 2d_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o practice_n as_o practise_v be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n so_o my_o design_n in_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sincere_a &_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o the_o doctrine_n handle_v do_v call_v for_o from_o you_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v i_o to_o lay_v they_o impartial_o before_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o do_v this_o since_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n call_v for_o a_o particular_a and_o become_a consideration_n this_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v with_o what_o succinctness_n be_v convenient_a to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n here_o viz._n 1._o to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n practical_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n 2._o to_o improve_v it_o also_o special_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o this_o present_a meeting_n and_o concourse_n and_o 1_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o general_n so_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o of_o you_o and_o what_o i_o have_v thus_o to_o say_v to_o you_o i_o will_v comprise_v and_o sum_v up_o in_o these_o three_o direction_n or_o rule_n 1._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o advice_n i_o will_v take_v up_o in_o these_o three_o part_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o be_v all_o concern_v serious_o to_o mind_n 1._o examine_v and_o try_v yourselves_o if_o god_n be_v your_o portion_n and_o christ_n your_o saviour_n what_o be_v you_o secure_a whilst_o you_o remain_v at_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v you_o have_v you_o renounce_v sin_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o sinful_a self_n have_v you_o accept_v christ_n whole_o in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o have_v you_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o as_o your_o alone_a saviour_n be_v careful_a my_o friend_n that_o you_o find_v not_o your_o hope_n on_o a_o mistake_n and_o thus_o build_v on_o the_o sand_n religion_n be_v more_o than_o a_o name_n and_o conversion_n more_o than_o a_o notion_n therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o impartial_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n lest_o you_o be_v judge_v to_o condemnation_n by_o god_n for_o your_o neglect_n to_o do_v so_o 2._o be_v sure_a what_o ever_o you_o do_v to_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o the_o
or_o at_o least_o some_o tendency_n to_o it_o but_o then_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n forward_o upon_o that_o bless_a state_n that_o be_v to_o ensue_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o death_n we_o may_v there_o see_v this_o invaluable_a blessing_n actual_o attain_v no_o cloud_n do_v then_o offuscate_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n no_o vanity_n of_o thought_n no_o perverseness_n of_o will_n no_o irregularity_n of_o affection_n no_o treachery_n of_o memory_n no_o deficiency_n in_o duty_n i_o say_v none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o present_a to_o disturb_v or_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o great_a period_n of_o the_o resurrection_n come_v perfect_a health_n will_v be_v also_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o the_o body_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o grave_n in_o order_n to_o purification_n and_o preparation_n for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v even_o then_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15._o 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o good_n true_a life_n be_v not_o only_o inclusive_a of_o subjective_n but_o of_o objective_a happiness_n too_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v perfect_a health_n consider_v in_o its_o notion_n but_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o good_a even_o of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o supreme_a good_a but_o now_o let_v we_o reflect_v serious_o with_o ourselves_o if_o this_o be_v attainable_a here_o but_o what_o be_v we_o not_o absent_a from_o the_o lord_n whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o can_v be_v reckon_v to_o enjoy_v full_o true_a good_a whilst_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a god_n himself_o it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v enjoy_v here_o some_o taste_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n but_o these_o be_v but_o some_o drop_n compare_v with_o the_o ocean_n of_o felicity_n do_v we_o not_o here_o complain_v cry_v and_o lament_v that_o we_o want_v this_o and_o the_o other_o good_a thing_n we_o be_v still_o crave_v and_o never_o satisfy_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o we_o want_v many_o thing_n needful_a and_o conducive_a to_o make_v our_o life_n true_o happy_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o can_v be_v want_v to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o enjoy_v god_n full_o who_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a good_a the_o only_a suitable_a good_a and_o the_o all_o sufficient_a good_n o_o this_o bless_a feast_n upon_o the_o hive_n of_o sweetness_n the_o ocean_n of_o pleasure_n the_o treasure_n of_o happiness_n upon_o which_o the_o celestial_a inhabitant_n be_v ever_o feast_v and_o yet_o ever_o full_a who_o can_v conceive_v the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n which_o he_o there_o let_v out_o to_o the_o wonder_n and_o ravishment_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a soul_n who_o can_v express_v the_o joy_n the_o satisfaction_n the_o ecstasy_n that_o sill_n the_o thought_n and_o dilate_v the_o affection_n of_o those_o happy_a banquetter_n all_o tear_n be_v now_o wipe_v away_o from_o the_o saint_n once_o sorrowful_a and_o weep_a eye_n they_o have_v forget_v their_o former_a poverty_n and_o remember_v their_o misery_n no_o more_o o_o bless_a bless_a ever_o bless_v they_o who_o be_v now_o get_v safe_a into_o this_o banquet_a house_n and_o who_o have_v the_o banner_n of_o love_n display_v over_o they_o to_o the_o full_a o_o how_o pure_a how_o perfect_a be_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n what_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v want_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n they_o thirst_v no_o more_o but_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o live_a water_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v what_o their_o abundance_n and_o affluence_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v when_o we_o have_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v to_o they_o all_o in_o all_o 3._o true_a peace_n and_o joy_n and_o now_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o both_o subjective_n and_o objective_a happiness_n but_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o unmixed_a joy_n which_o be_v such_o blessing_n as_o we_o have_v only_o some_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o here_o below_o for_o we_o all_o know_v or_o at_o least_o may_v know_v what_o allay_v these_o admit_v of_o here_o by_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n grief_n and_o fear_n that_o constant_o attend_v we_o and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o our_o rest_n be_v not_o here_o all_o our_o mirth_n joy_n and_o quiet_a here_o be_v fleshly_a vain_a and_o transitory_a our_o laughter_n be_v like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o the_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n thereof_o heaviness_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v here_o admit_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o face_n as_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n yet_o how_o quick_o do_v these_o remove_v from_o we_o whereby_o our_o sky_n become_v overcast_v again_o with_o new_a cloud_n which_o return_v after_o the_o rain_n but_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n within_o the_o vail_n we_o shall_v perceive_v true_a rest_n peace_n and_o joy_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o much_o that_o even_o heaven_n itself_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n term_v single_o peace_n isa_n 57_o 1_o 2._o thete_n our_o praise_n shall_v be_v brim_n full_a with_o rapture_n of_o satisfaction_n joy_n and_o gladness_n 4._o the_o most_o delightful_a place_n of_o abide_v a_o pleasant_a situation_n be_v that_o which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o one_o abode_n here_o and_o a_o delightful_a seat_n and_o place_n to_o be_v in_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a convenience_n of_o life_n but_o can_v any_o spot_n of_o earth_n bear_v this_o character_n in_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n when_o the_o very_a ground_n be_v curse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o man_n sin_n no_o no_o we_o may_v just_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o meschesh_n and_o in_o the_o sun_n scorch_a tent_n of_o kedar_n we_o be_v here_o only_o in_o a_o wilderness_n state_n and_o though_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o eminent_a instance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n even_o of_o this_o low_a creation_n yet_o alas_o all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o dark_a shadow_n of_o the_o glorious_a lanskip_n of_o the_o upper_a paradise_n for_o it_o be_v heaven_n alone_o that_o can_v answer_v such_o a_o character_n as_o be_v a_o place_n whole_o make_v for_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n if_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a god_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a above_o the_o clay-cottage_n of_o those_o 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preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v we_o both_o more_o serviceable_a in_o our_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o glorify_v god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o worthy_a of_o our_o most_o earnest_a wrestle_n and_o great_a importunity_n for_o since_o i_o hope_v god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o himself_o through_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o our_o great_a mediator_n and_o so_o have_v accept_v our_o persous_n in_o justification_n through_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n i_o think_v the_o next_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o be_v daily_o intercede_v for_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a business_n of_o sanctification_n that_o so_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o a_o fitness_n for_o every_o duty_n and_o a_o meetness_n for_o the_o future_a state_n that_o we_o be_v hasten_v into_o it_o be_v long_o to_o produce_v all_o or_o many_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o may_v be_v give_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o more_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n upon_o a_o reprieve_n from_o death_n that_o she_o have_v providential_o get_v beyond_o expectation_n for_o a_o time_n and_o which_o she_o be_v apprehensive_a he_o have_v some_o hand_n in_o with_o other_o as_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n now_o methinks_v say_v she_o i_o have_v be_v say_v to_o you_o who_o i_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o your_o kindness_n to_o your_o friend_n when_o i_o seem_v to_o have_v get_v so_o near_o to_o the_o harbour_n of_o a_o hope_a for_o rest_n to_o use_v all_o your_o force_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o into_o this_o stormy_a and_o troublesome_a sea_n where_o i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v toss_v with_o new_a tempest_n before_o i_o get_v to_o shore_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o a_o much_o clear_a prospect_n than_o of_o any_o service_n i_o can_v do_v here_o in_o this_o world_n do_v i_o ever_o desire_v you_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o that_o i_o may_v be_v carry_v through_o the_o dark_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n but_o i_o must_v submit_v since_o i_o know_v you_o think_v you_o have_v act_v duty_n in_o this_o and_o since_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o this_o do_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o and_o i_o hope_v in_o all_o other_o dispensation_n concern_v i_o and_o now_o from_o these_o few_o expression_n as_o well_o as_o from_o what_o hint_n have_v be_v beside_o give_v of_o this_o pious_a person_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v what_o spirit_n she_o be_v of_o and_o what_o her_o great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n be_v she_o wise_o choose_v the_o better_a part_n which_o none_o can_v take_v from_o she_o the_o whole_a of_o her_o life_n be_v one_o continue_v declaration_n that_o she_o seek_v a_o better_a country_n as_o know_v that_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n or_o place_n of_o abode_n here_o through_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n she_o seek_v for_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o immortality_n both_o in_o health_n and_o sickness_n and_o though_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o spirit_n in_o god_n wise_a determination_n do_v incapacitate_v she_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n approach_n from_o have_v that_o sensible_a joy_n and_o ravishment_n which_o sometime_o the_o saint_n than_o have_v from_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o glory_n yet_o that_o faith_n and_o affiance_n that_o reverence_n and_o love_n and_o that_o resignation_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o she_o then_o express_v be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o her_o grace_n and_o such_o happy_a prognostic_n of_o that_o happiness_n she_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o we_o may_v just_o admire_v god_n mercy_n in_o all_o this_o both_o to_o she_o and_o us._n and_o now_o my_o friend_n obey_v the_o instruction_n and_o imitate_v the_o pattern_n that_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n set_v before_o you_o which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v let_v we_o fervent_o implore_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o serious_o improve_v the_o gospel-mean_n and_o then_o i_o question_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o due_a time_n to_o find_v this_o doctrine_n verify_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n amen_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o true_o religious_a mrs._n susanna_n soame_n who_o depart_v this_o life_n at_o thurlow_n in_o suffolk_n feb._n 14._o an._n dom._n 169_o 1_o 2._o art_fw-la thou_o then_o go_v thou_o sweet_a and_o humble_a mind_n leave_v thy_o friend_n thus_o sorrow_v behind_o and_o can_v our_o thought_n within_o our_o breast_n be_v pen_v since_o sorrow_n double_a be_v that_o have_v no_o vent_n no_o no_o my_o weeping_z muse_n shall_v drop_v a_o verse_n and_o offer_v at_o thy_o much_o lament_a hearse_n thy_o piety_n and_o worth_n deserve_v no_o less_o and_o if_o my_o line_n be_v in_o a_o humble_a dress_n it_o yet_o may_v mourner_n suit_v since_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o in_o black_a not_o gold_n shall_v be_v attire_v have_v i_o a_o pen_n drop_v from_o a_o angel_n wing_n or_o can_v i_o hear_v the_o anthem_n thou_o do_v sing_v since_o thou_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o choir_n above_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o rapture_n high_a of_o love_n my_o thought_n may_v then_o it_o be_v like_a my_o pen_n inspire_v with_o such_o like_a note_n as_o move_v wise_a sol'mons_n lyre_n when_o he_o do_v sing_v the_o mystic_a love_n between_o heaven_n glorious_a darling_n and_o his_o purchase_v queen_n for_o now_o that_o song_n thou_o love_v so_o here_o be_v know_v to_o thou_o since_o thou_o have_v reach_v the_o heavenly_a throne_n yet_o when_o i_o think_v how_o holy_a paul_n before_o though_o thus_o rapt_v up_o to_o heaven_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o only_o tell_v he_o see_v thing_n glorious_a which_o he_o nor_o can_v nor_o dare_v express_v to_o we_o i_o be_o therefore_o leave_v in_o silence_n to_o adore_v that_o hand_n which_o cast_v a_o veil_n such_o thing_n before_o and_o will_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v too_o great_a for_o this_o imperfect_a state_n where_o we_o await_v until_o we_o also_o from_o our_o corpse_n remove_v and_o mount_v all_o earthly_a dust_n and_o shade_n above_o wherefore_o i_o be_o leave_v to_o muse_v on_o what_o be_v past_a and_o on_o thy_o by-gone-lise_n some_o thought_n to_o cast_v and_o here_o methinks_v as_o present_v still_o to_o day_n i_o see_v thy_o face_n and_o hear_v thou_o thus_o to_o say_v a_o acrostical_a character_n of_o her_o life_n s_o oar_n fain_o i_o will_v above_o each_o earthly_a thing_n five_o unto_o my_o lord_n of_o all_o my_o joy_n the_o spring_n s_o such_o be_v my_o study_n but_o alas_o i_o find_v a_o will_v my_o attempt_n too_o weak_a too_o dark_a my_o mind_n n_n owe_v cloud_n bemist_n i_o grief_n o're-pow'r_n my_o soul_n n_n owe_v fear_n alternate_a like_o the_o wave_n do_v roll_v a_o and_o all_o my_o comfort_n joy_n and_o hope_n control_v s_o wete_z glance_n from_o my_o god_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o o_o blidge_v my_o soul_n from_o sorrow_n to_o refrain_v a_o and_o blast_v my_o grief_n and_o cause_v my_o fear_n to_o fly_v m_o y_z case_n thus_o change_v too_o and_o fro_o whilst_o i_o e_z ache_n day_n for_o heaven_n long_o yet_o fear_v to_o die_v yet_o though_o all_o be_v but_o folly_n that_o be_v say_v by_o live_v mortal_n of_o the_o immortal_a dead_a yet_o since_o we_o just_o do_v conclude_v thou_o be_v blessed_v and_o now_o from_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n all_o at_o rest_n methinks_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n from_o heaven_n high_a drop_v silent_a to_o my_o ear_n thus_o through_o the_o sky_n a_o acrostical_a character_n of_o her_o death_n soar_n now_o i_o do_v above_o each_o earthly_a thing_n unto_o my_o lord_n of_o all_o my_o joy_n the_o spring_n such_o be_v my_o aim_n below_o but_o then_o do_v find_v all_o my_o attempt_n too_o weak_a too_o dark_a my_o mind_n no_o cloud_n bemist_n i_o now_o and_o on_o my_o soul_n no_o grief_n or_o fear_v alternate_o do_v roll_v as_o a_o allay_v my_o comfort_n to_o control_v sweet_a sight_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n i_o do_v obtain_v o_o sweet_a my_o life_n sweet_a place_n where_o i_o remain_v angel_n and_o saint_n be_v now_o my_o company_n my_o friend_n below_o i_o will_v pity_v do_v not_o i_o expect_v to_o see_v they_o to_o eternity_n the_o epitaph_n underneath_o this_o stone_n do_v lie_v dust_n precious_a for_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o sweet_a saint_n who_o once_o do_v dwell_v in_o such_o a_o fade_v mortal_a cell_n who_o have_v get_v god_n pass_v take_v wing_n upward_o to_o heaven_n to_o live_v and_o sing_v triumphant_a hallelujah_n there_o and_o breath_n more_o free_a in_o sweeter_n air._n a_o acrostical_a memorial_n since_o upward_o soar_v all_o notion_n new_a attend_v see_v object_n ancient_a molestation_n e_o as_o the_o last_o expression_n of_o friendship_n on_o earth_n these_o line_n be_v offer_v by_o r._n f._n book_n print_v for_o john_n harris_n at_o the_o harrow_n against_o the_o church_n in_o the_o poultry_n and_o john_n salusbury_n at_o the_o rise_a sun_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1._o angliae_fw-la metropolis_n or_o the_o present_a state_n of_o london_n with_o memorial_n comprehend_v a_o full_a and_o succienct_a account_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a state_n thereof_o first_o write_a by_o the_o late_a ingenious_a tho._n de_fw-fr lawn_n gent._n and_o continue_v to_o this_o present_a year_n by_o a_o careful_a hand_n 2._o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o that_o old_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n mr._n hanserd_n knollys_n who_o die_v in_o the_o ninety_o three_o year_n of_o his_o age._n these_o two_o print_v for_o j._n harris_n 3._o the_o certain_o of_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n full_o evince_v by_o unquestionable_a history_n of_o apparition_n and_o witchcraft_n operation_n voice_n etc._n etc._n prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n the_o malice_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o justify_v by_o r._n baxter_n 4._o a_o end_n of_o doctrinal_a controversy_n which_o have_v late_o trouble_v the_o church_n by_o reconcile_a explication_n without_o much_o dispute_v by_o r._n baxter_n these_o two_o print_v for_o j._n salusbury_n corrigenda_fw-la serm_n 1._o pag._n 7._o lin_v 20_o after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d insert_v and._n p._n 17._o l._n 20._o after_o follow_v insert_v that_o p._n 28._o l._n 10._o after_o scripture_n insert_v express_v p._n 45._o l._n 1._o for_o she_o read_v they_o p._n 47._o l._n 14._o after_o which_o insert_v be_v p._n 48._o l._n 8._o after_o she_o insert_v to_o observe_v she_o serm._n 2._o p._n 55._o l._n ult_n after_o must_v insert_v not_o p._n 72._o l._n 7._o for_o eph._n read_v ep._n