to_o life_n he_o have_v bring_v sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o meat_n out_o of_o the_o eater_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o and_o therefore_o death_n as_o well_o as_o lise_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o inventory_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o saint_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o because_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n 2._o his_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a not_o only_o discover_v the_o possibility_n of_o our_o resurrection_n and_o give_v we_o a_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o declare_v the_o sufficiency_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n that_o therefore_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v live_v and_o with_o his_o dead_a body_n arise_v rom._n 8.14_o isa_n 26.19_o but_o be_v punctual_o effect_v according_a to_o his_o prediction_n and_o promise_n it_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n unto_o all_o believer_n he_o have_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o death_n and_o roll_v away_o the_o heavy_a stone_n from_o the_o grave_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v now_o become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n rev._n 1.18_o even_o the_o two_o most_o formidable_a enemy_n be_v under_o his_o dominion_n who_o though_o once_o he_o be_v dead_a do_v now_o live_v for_o evermore_o and_o for_o this_o very_a end_n do_v god_n raise_v he_o up_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o blessedness_n of_o another_o life_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o yea_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v that_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o more_o to_o see_v corruption_n act._n 13.34_o god_n say_v i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n which_o death_n shall_v not_o dissolve_v isa_n 55.3_o and_o his_o be_v rise_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o his_o precious_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n heb._n 13.20_o establish_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v it_o true_o everlasting_a for_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n heb._n 7.16_o and_o therefore_o know_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n encouragement_n and_o joy_n in_o who_o we_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v unto_o that_o day_n what_o we_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o to_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v phil._n 1.6_o and_o at_o last_o present_v we_o blameless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n judas_n 24._o v._o for_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o he_o in_o god_n we_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n col._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o because_o he_o live_v we_o shall_v live_v also_o and_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o 4._o let_v we_o consider_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o blessedness_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n that_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v what_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o of_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o 1._o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o invisible_a world_n and_o the_o future_a glory_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v they_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n they_o complain_v to_o god_n and_o man_n of_o corruption_n temptation_n and_o sin_n and_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o bless_a deliverance_n from_o all_o these_o by_o death_n and_o a_o perfect_a felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n after_o their_o dissolution_n but_o unbelief_n make_v they_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v that_o such_o a_o transcendent_a glory_n will_v be_v consequent_a to_o die_v do_v they_o but_o sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v it_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n some_o of_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n have_v be_v desperate_a in_o their_o choice_n of_o death_n only_o as_o the_o period_n of_o present_a calamity_n but_o other_o who_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o consequence_n have_v yet_o entertain_v it_o with_o a_o hearty_a welcome_n as_o socrates_n for_o instance_n who_o profess_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n because_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o who_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n after_o death_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o depart_v a_o confirm_a faith_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a and_o adviseable_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o the_o rather_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n who_o if_o he_o can_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o crown_n will_v rob_v we_o of_o our_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o it_o if_o he_o can_v prevent_v out_o future_a glory_n will_v render_v we_o deject_v in_o our_o passage_n thither_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v to_o exclude_v and_o banish_v we_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n will_v darken_v our_o present_a comfort_n by_o the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o prospect_n and_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o that_o be_v his_o hour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n but_o by_o this_o shield_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v even_o in_o that_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o dissolution_n eph._n 6.11.16_o 2._o the_o pain_n of_o death_n they_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v hasten_v his_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o eligible_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o be_v loath_a their_o own_o prayer_n shall_v be_v answer_v and_o the_o end_n and_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n obtain_v through_o the_o discourage_a apprehension_n they_o admit_v of_o a_o die_a hour_n will_v we_o not_o be_v with_o the_o the_o lord_n and_o know_v he_o better_o and_o love_v he_o more_o and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o and_o shall_v we_o stick_v at_o a_o little_a pain_n as_o introductory_n to_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n a_o pain_n that_o will_v speedy_o convey_v we_o to_o eternal_a ease_n and_o rest_n which_o thousand_o of_o holy_a soul_n in_o glory_n have_v endure_v more_o of_o than_o we_o can_v fear_v but_o suppose_v the_o agony_n of_o death_n be_v never_o so_o frightful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o our_o redeemer_n a_o rod_n and_o staff_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n ps_n 23.4_o do_v he_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o how_o much_o we_o dread_v it_o do_v he_o not_o understand_v our_o weakness_n remember_v our_o frailty_n pity_v our_o infirmity_n and_o bid_v we_o ask_v for_o support_v and_o strength_n yea_o have_v he_o not_o promise_v that_o when_o heart_n and_o flesh_n shall_v fail_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 73.26_o shall_v ignorant_a hopeless_a heathen_n without_o god_n in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o expectation_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o immortality_n as_o to_o dispatch_v themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o executioner_n to_o force_v a_o escape_n from_o the_o body_n and_o shall_v we_o resist_v and_o struggle_v draw_v back_o and_o fear_n object_n and_o be_v unwilling_a when_o our_o saviour_n call_v we_o to_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a felicity_n be_v not_o this_o the_o last_o experiment_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o holy_a resolution_n the_o last_o essay_n of_o our_o christian_a courage_n be_v not_o the_o antecedent_n pain_n of_o die_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n no_o less_o than_o the_o throw_v and_o pang_n of_o travel_a woman_n and_o be_v the_o latter_a tolerable_a in_o hope_n of_o child_n and_o their_o own_o deliverance_n and_o may_v we_o not_o support_v the_o former_a by_o the_o assistance_n
like_a calamity_n beforehand_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o do_v not_o that_o inflict_v as_o much_o of_o the_o evil_a before_o as_o it_o take_v off_o afterward_o for_o such_o 28._o such_o parker_n demonst_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nat._n part_n 1._o §._o 28._o a_o fore_n sight_n and_o expectation_n can_v be_v without_o anxiety_n and_o many_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n i_o mean_v upon_o principle_n mere_o philosophical_a it_o can_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o disputable_a point_n among_o that_o fort_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v best_a to_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o evil_a or_o to_o pre-meditate_a and_o foresee_v its_o approach_n both_o grant_v we_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v miserable_a think_v upon_o it_o beforehand_o say_v the_o one_o sort_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v it_o the_o less_o never_o think_v of_o it_o before_o say_v the_o other_o with_o equal_a reason_n that_o you_o may_v not_o feel_v it_o twice_o but_o other_o more_o plausible_o and_o with_o some_o weight_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v you_o know_v a_o part_a time_n must_v come_v you_o know_v the_o matrimonial_a union_n may_v easy_o and_o sudden_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v by_o death_n what_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o you_o and_o your_o relation_n must_v die_v or_o do_v you_o not_o live_v together_o with_o this_o design_n to_o help_v and_o prepare_v one_o another_o for_o death_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v such_o a_o suitable_a relation_n to_o you_o for_o so_o many_o year_n may_v he_o not_o have_v make_v this_o breach_n soon_o you_o aught_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o such_o a_o blessing_n so_o long_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v add_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o disease_n they_o have_v what_o art_n and_o care_n can_v do_v to_o preserve_v their_o life_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n be_v add_v if_o it_o do_v consist_v but_o with_o his_o holy_a pleasure_n that_o they_o may_v be_v long_o spare_v and_o after_o all_o they_o die_v quiet_o on_o 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be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o weep_v and_o mourn_v you_o can_v call_v back_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o eye_n to_o life_n again_o you_o only_a torment_n and_o hurt_v yourself_o for_o heaviness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n make_v it_o stoop_v it_o dry_v the_o bone_n and_o deaden_v the_o spirit_n and_o very_o much_o unfit_v for_o the_o duty_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o be_v worse_o immoderate_a sorrow_n for_o your_o depart_a friend_n do_v but_o prove_v that_o you_o love_v this_o world_n too_o well_o it_o show_v too_o plain_o that_o your_o faith_n concern_v the_o invisible_a future_a world_n be_v very_o weak_a that_o you_o your_o self_n as_o yet_o be_v too_o unprepared_a to_o die_v or_o count_v upon_o tarry_v long_o here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v god_n intend_v you_o shall_v these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n have_v all_o their_o influence_n and_o use_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o our_o support_n but_o of_o themselves_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v four_o thing_n among_o other_o that_o a_o christian_a mourner_n ought_v to_o consider_v for_o his_o relief_n 1._o who_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o give_v the_o stroke_n who_o it_o be_v that_o do_v it_o 2._o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o covenant_n promise_n notwithstanding_o any_o such_o providence_n 3._o the_o gain_n of_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n by_o our_o loss_n of_o their_o company_n 4._o our_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o meet_v they_o again_o with_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n and_o let_v i_o add_v our_o expectation_n of_o know_v they_o there_o for_o that_o to_o i_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a first_o we_o shall_v not_o grieve_v immoderate_o when_o dear_a relation_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o do_v it_o he_o who_o have_v a_o 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settle_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o resign_v our_o will_n to_o he_o it_o be_v he_o have_v do_v it_o who_o have_v purchase_v a_o people_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v collect_v they_o one_o after_o another_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a and_o have_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n upon_o earth_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o many_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bring_v to_o heaven_n for_o which_o end_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a and_o dye_v if_o we_o and_o other_o shall_v have_v our_o wish_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v who_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o please_v but_o our_o relation_n shall_v be_v except_v it_o be_v he_o have_v do_v it_o who_o tell_v we_o
their_o death_n too_o if_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v to_o prepare_v for_o our_o own_o but_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v the_o impression_n wear_v off_o of_o such_o awaken_n spectacle_n it_o may_v be_v the_o ghastly_a look_n or_o die_a groan_n of_o dear_a friend_n or_o depart_a relative_n gasp_v out_o their_o last_o breath_n and_o just_a pass_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o the_o present_n may_v affect_v we_o a_o little_a it_o may_v be_v when_o we_o see_v a_o open_a coffin_n in_o our_o own_o house_n or_o a_o grave_a gape_v to_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o one_o we_o know_v and_o love_v and_o late_o converse_v with_o this_o may_v move_v and_o startle_v we_o a_o little_a it_o may_v be_v when_o we_o behold_v the_o mournful_a look_n and_o habit_n the_o funeral_n pomp_n and_o solemnity_n that_o attend_v they_o to_o the_o house_n of_o darkness_n some_o serious_a thought_n be_v excite_v our_o mind_n be_v awe_v into_o some_o reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o mortality_n but_o when_o the_o 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i_o be_o persuade_v be_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n §_o 1._o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o praise_v of_o the_o dead_a have_v be_v scandalous_o abuse_v as_o a_o more_o close_a way_n of_o flatter_a the_o live_a relation_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v cautious_a what_o i_o speak_v on_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o do_v remarkable_o appear_v and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v and_o follow_v he_o shall_v be_v honour_v to_o mention_v what_o be_v real_o imitable_a and_o praiseworthy_a needs_o no_o apology_n or_o excuse_v the_o matter_n carry_v its_o own_o justification_n §_o 2._o you_o of_o this_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v her_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n every_o month_n in_o the_o other_o solemnity_n of_o the_o supper_n her_o early_a attendance_n here_o before_o the_o public_a worship_n begin_v tho'_o she_o live_v at_o a_o more_o remote_a distance_n than_o many_o of_o you_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o imitation_n §_o 3._o her_o strict_a seriousness_n in_o family-worship_n and_o closet_n duty_n by_o which_o the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o practical_a godliness_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v up_o they_o who_o know_v she_o best_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o §_o 4._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o her_o daily_a course_n which_o shall_v shame_v and_o awaken_v most_o professor_n viz._n the_o conscientious_a daily_a practice_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o examination_n review_v and_o call_v over_o the_o passage_n of_o every_o day_n in_o the_o evening_n she_o make_v conscience_n every_o night_n to_o look_v back_o on_o the_o duty_n she_o have_v perform_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o on_o the_o mercy_n she_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o error_n weakness_n and_o omission_n she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o thanksgiving_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o such_o concern_v who_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o ready_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o month_n and_o more_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o we_o do_v thus_o review_v the_o action_n of_o every_o day_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o §_o 5._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o her_o faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o affection_n affability_n and_o friendly_a carriage_n in_o every_o relation_n with_o divers_a other_o thing_n very_o commendable_a in_o her_o life_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n concern_v her_o last_o sickness_n which_o after_o ten_o day_n determine_v in_o death_n §_o 6._o her_o patience_n submission_n and_o resignation_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o her_o character_n and_o deportment_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n when_o sometime_o by_o interval_n her_o distemper_n do_v affect_v her_o head_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o a_o compose_a mind_n very_o pertinent_a and_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o heaven_n discover_v the_o holy_a seriousness_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o frame_n when_o she_o can_v hardly_o speak_v more_o than_o yes_o or_o no_o yet_o she_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v her_o assent_n and_o cordial_a approbation_n of_o any_o seasonable_a religious_a discourse_n that_o be_v make_v to_o she_o §_o 7._o she_o own_v her_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o under_o the_o disorder_n of_o so_o painful_a and_o violent_a a_o fever_n yet_o acknowledge_v she_o have_v peace_n within_o §_o 8._o the_o day_n before_o she_o die_v she_o tell_v a_o near_a relation_n that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o when_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v yet_o one_o moment_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o she_o very_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o i_o so_o it_o will_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o be_v with_o he_o §_o 9_o the_o evening_n before_o her_o departure_n after_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o she_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a relation_n and_o friend_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o commend_v her_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n i_o ask_v she_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o she_o whether_o she_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o whether_o she_o have_v not_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o he_o again_z and_o again_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n and_o soul_n entire_o and_o without_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_v humane_a infirmity_n and_o backslide_n repent_v of_o except_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v as_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o some_o other_o such_o question_n that_o may_v assist_v she_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o grace_n etc._n etc._n she_o answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a with_o extraordinary_a modesty_n humility_n thankfulness_n and_o affection_n and_o give_v i_o her_o hand_n at_o part_v with_o thanks_o for_o my_o prayer_n and_o assistance_n beg_v of_o god_n the_o best_a of_o blessing_n for_o i_o and_o i_o which_o be_v she_o own_o word_n §_o 10._o after_o which_o in_o a_o difficult_a struggle_n with_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n we_o hope_v and_o trust_v she_o be_v support_v by_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o that_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n etc._n etc._n god_n grant_v those_o lively_a impression_n of_o death_n and_o another_o world_n which_o the_o relation_n then_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n may_v not_o easy_o wear_v off_o or_o lose_v their_o proper_a influence_n and_o now_o christian_n let_v we_o mix_v our_o sorrow_n for_o our_o decease_a friend_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o account_n of_o she_o be_v make_v meet_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n some_o sorrow_n be_v allowable_a be_v it_o but_o as_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n but_o she_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n and_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o promise_a blessedness_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o joy_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v so_o of_o she_o
he_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a to_o live_v or_o die_v v._n 19_o 20._o for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v v._o 21._o his_o life_n he_o hope_v may_v advance_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o death_n will_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o same_o design_n by_o his_o further_a service_n if_o he_o live_v and_o by_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o die_v by_o his_o ministry_n suppose_v his_o life_n and_o by_o his_o martyrdom_n in_o case_n of_o his_o death_n but_o if_o i_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n v._o 22._o or_o it_o be_v worth_a my_o labour_n to_o glorsie_n the_o redeemer_n by_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o 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 to_o depart_v or_o be_v dissolve_v the_o original_a word_n be_v use_v both_o by_o christian_a and_o heathen_a writer_n for_o a_o departure_n from_o any_o place_n to_o return_v home_o luke_n 12.36_o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o approach_a death_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v a_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a desire_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o with_o that_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o have_v compassion_n on_o i_o when_o as_o a_o ignorant_a blasphemer_n i_o persecute_v his_o member_n who_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o enable_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o own_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o have_v hitherto_o comfort_v i_o in_o all_o my_o tribulation_n i_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o i_o may_v be_v with_o he_o with_o he_o not_o with_o the_o bless_a angel_n or_o depart_a saint_n though_o their_o society_n will_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n not_o the_o former_a they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n and_o menial_a servant_n employ_v under_o he_o and_o though_o they_o shine_v as_o star_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o enliven_a sun_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o lustre_n and_o borrow_v their_o glory_n not_o the_o latter_a they_o have_v no_o blessedness_n but_o by_o his_o donation_n and_o purchase_n no_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o what_o he_o put_v on_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v with_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o that_o make_v they_o thus_o groan_v to_o be_v dissolve_v thus_o earnest_o desire_v to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a simple_o and_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a by_o much_o more_o better_a the_o comparative_a be_v double_a in_o the_o greek_a text_n and_o yet_o i_o wot_v not_o what_o to_o choose_v for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o love_n to_o the_o philippian_n who_o need_v his_o presence_n many_o false_a teacher_n be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o defer_v his_o own_o felicity_n for_o a_o time_n upon_o their_o account_n v._o 24._o but_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n presence_n on_o the_o otherâ—_n and_o his_o own_o unspeakale_n advantage_n by_o it_o make_v he_o desirous_a of_o a_o departure_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o determine_v for_o the_o former_a and_o be_v content_a to_o live_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v some_o secret_a intimation_n from_o heaven_n that_o all_o his_o work_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o yet_o sinish_v yet_o he_o grant_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v simple_o more_o eligible_a have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_o which_o word_n be_v not_o more_o suitable_a to_o a_o funeral_n solemnity_n than_o expressive_a of_o the_o die_a thought_n and_o temper_v of_o our_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v choose_v by_o she_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n that_o i_o may_v comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o live_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o on_o what_o ground_n and_o principle_n a_o christian_n may_v expect_v a_o future_a blessedness_n with_o christ_n after_o his_o departure_n so_o as_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v his_o desire_n after_o it_o 4._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o even_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n be_v yet_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o remedy_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o such_o 5._o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a particular_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o be_v it_o warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v this_o inquiry_n may_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n as_o a_o natural_a or_o penal_a evil_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o rational_a desire_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o long_a life_n as_o the_o encouragement_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v a_o hasty_a death_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o impiety_n if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n desire_v union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o unavoidable_o dread_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o if_o torture_a pain_n and_o loathsome_a disease_n be_v the_o usual_a antecedent_n of_o die_a if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n and_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a till_o the_o general_a resurrection_n be_v the_o certain_a consequent_a of_o our_o dissolution_n we_o can_v but_o think_v of_o death_n as_o a_o matural_a evil_n and_o as_o such_o decline_n and_o fear_v it_o much_o less_o desirable_a will_v it_o appear_v if_o consider_v as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o just_a sentence_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n but_o how_o far_o our_o dissolution_n in_o this_o latter_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o reference_n to_o believer_n be_v another_o question_n and_o will_v more_o proper_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o three_o inquiry_n 2._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v desire_v only_o as_o a_o freedom_n from_o temporal_a evil_n as_o preventive_a of_o present_a suffering_n or_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o uneasy_a circumstance_n of_o a_o prison_n or_o the_o continual_a hardship_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o adversary_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o desire_n to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_v be_v burden_v he_o add_v the_o limitation_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n not_o to_o be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n not_o mere_o to_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o our_o abode_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o dwell_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o building_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o not_o mere_o to_o find_v relief_n and_o deliverance_n from_o our_o present_a burden_n when_o through_o melancholy_n or_o discontent_n we_o be_v weary_a of_o life_n job_n 7.13_o jon._n 4.3_o when_o we_o have_v set_v our_o heart_n on_o somewhat_o we_o can_v obtain_v or_o struggle_v with_o some_o difficulty_n we_o can_v master_v or_o be_v impatient_a under_o bodily_a pain_n or_o quite_o dispirited_a by_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o approach_a calamity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o wish_v for_o death_n and_o desire_v to_o depart_v be_v unbecoming_a the_o character_n the_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n much_o jess_n will_v the_o gallantry_n of_o a_o roman_a or_o a_o philosopher_n legitimate_a the_o desire_n of_o death_n only_o to_o prevent_v slavery_n or_o avoid_v disgrace_n or_o miss_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a object_n as_o
by_o satan_n by_o his_o sinful_a suggestion_n his_o subtle_a device_n and_o snare_n and_o his_o fiery_a dart_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v our_o integrity_n assault_v our_o peace_n of_o conscience_n unsettle_a and_o our_o perseverance_n endanger_v our_o conflict_n with_o he_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o battle_n as_o to_o what_o depend_v on_o we_o so_o very_o uncertain_a that_o we_o be_v often_o ready_a to_o throw_v down_o our_o arm_n and_o give_v up_o all_o as_o lose_v for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o conquer_a and_o baffle_v adversary_n through_o the_o victory_n which_o our_o captain_n have_v obtain_v against_o he_o yet_o we_o can_v now_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o abandon_v this_o world_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o and_o get_v above_o that_o air_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n eph._n 2.2_o that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n moreover_o how_o do_v our_o deprave_a nature_n continual_o cast_v forth_o mire_n and_o dirt_n what_o remain_v filthiness_n be_v there_o yet_o to_o be_v purge_v what_o powerful_a lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v which_o indispose_v we_o for_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o derive_v a_o damp_n and_o deadness_n upon_o all_o our_o religious_a exercise_n which_o cool_a our_o zeal_n and_o abate_v the_o servour_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o redeemer_n which_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n and_o shame_v our_o face_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o part_v with_o the_o body_n of_o flesh_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o and_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o perfect_a purity_n do_v we_o not_o complain_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o bless_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n of_o our_o earthliness_n and_o unbelief_n of_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a thing_n of_o proud_a imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o his_o work_n and_o word_n of_o languish_a and_o imperfect_a grace_n to_o be_v recover_v and_o perfect_v &_o c_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n where_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o be_v not_o god_n dishonour_v and_o provoke_v by_o our_o frequent_a omission_n and_o slight_a performance_n of_o duty_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v and_o quench_v and_o sadden_fw-mi his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v we_o not_o often_o grieve_v by_o god_n rebuke_n and_o frown_n by_o the_o wound_n and_o smart_n regret_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o we_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o will_v he_o be_v merciful_a no_o more_o be_v not_o our_o holy_a purpose_n inconstant_a and_o our_o best_a resolution_n waver_a and_o unstedy_a and_o very_o quick_o very_o easy_o shatter_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o small_a temptation_n have_v we_o not_o a_o constant_a watch_n to_o keep_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n a_o perpetual_a war_n to_o manage_v with_o the_o infernal_a trinity_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v we_o know_v his_o rage_n and_o malice_n and_o serpentine_a policy_n with_o the_o multitude_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o temptation_n how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v foil_v already_o and_o how_o soon_o we_o we_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o a_o sinless_a state_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n where_o no_o tempter_n no_o temptation_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v yea_o have_v we_o no_o corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o yet_o our_o concern_n at_o god_n dishonour_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a to_o depart_v as_o much_o more_o desirable_a than_o our_o abode_n on_o earth_n job_n 24.9_o which_o be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o defile_v by_o its_o inhabitant_n isa_n 24.4_o where_o the_o very_a air_n be_v infect_v with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n profane_a discourse_n and_o filthy_a talk_n where_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v question_v his_o providence_n deny_v and_o his_o authority_n mock_v where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v disparage_v and_o despise_v his_o law_n contradict_v his_o worship_n pollute_v his_o institution_n subvert_v and_o his_o holy_a name_n make_v a_o cloak_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n trample_v on_o by_o the_o soot_n of_o pride_n and_o scorn_v by_o man_n at_o ease_n and_o force_v to_o own_o his_o truth_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n and_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o or_o be_v it_o not_o not_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v such_o a_o place_n and_o company_n that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o blessedness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o dissolution_n this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o effect_n or_o influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v our_o departure_n while_o we_o disbelieve_v or_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o soul_n existence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n 12.2_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o doubt_n to_o this_o great_a apostle_n if_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v live_v but_o in_o it_o neither_o can_v he_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n if_o after_o his_o departure_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o all_o and_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n we_o have_v as_o full_a a_o assurance_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o joh._n 17.24_o mat._n 24.25_o rev._n 3.22_o etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o text_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o be_v that_o blessedness_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o depart_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n of_o a_o departure_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v cancel_v the_o handwriting_n against_o we_o and_o put_v away_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n eph._n 1.7_o a_o way_n be_v now_o open_a for_o we_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n by_o his_o blood_n heb._n 10.19_o not_o for_o our_o prayer_n only_o but_o our_o person_n he_o have_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n even_o by_o permit_v he_o to_o bruise_v his_o heel_n by_o crucify_a his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v only_o vestigium_fw-la deitatis_fw-la as_o benaiah_n slay_v the_o egyptian_a with_o his_o own_o spear_n 2_o sam._n 23.21_o have_v destroy_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v those_o who_o be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2.15_o he_o have_v set_v his_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o adversary_n disarm_v it_o of_o its_o weapon_n and_o robe_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o abolish_v the_o ugliness_n and_o poison_n of_o it_o he_o have_v dismount_v hell_n and_o damnation_n from_o behind_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o pale-horse_n rev._n 6.8_o whether_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v bury_v in_o calvary_n where_o the_o second_o be_v crucify_v as_o some_o affirm_v i_o need_v not_o inquire_v we_o know_v that_o his_o death_n be_v our_o victory_n and_o his_o cross_n may_v be_v our_o triumph_n since_o the_o devil_n be_v conquer_v and_o death_n sanctify_v and_o the_o grave_a perfume_a by_o his_o burial_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o lodge_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v sleep_v yea_o since_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n there_o be_v a_o amiable_a ruddiness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o death_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justice_n be_v now_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o way_n
and_o our_o belove_a saviour_n how_o often_o be_v a_o unactive_a pity_n vouchsafe_v in_o the_o room_n of_o succour_n when_o they_o need_v our_o assistance_n or_o we_o intercede_v for_o they_o we_o know_v if_o they_o be_v unholy_a they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v on_o their_o account_n and_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a though_o we_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o they_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o they_o shall_v short_o come_v to_o we_o and_o can_v god_n instruct_v they_o in_o his_o fear_n order_n their_o condition_n dispose_v of_o their_o affair_n provide_v for_o their_o comfort_n and_o answer_v all_o our_o prayer_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o after_o our_o departure_n yea_o have_v he_o not_o often_o do_v so_o have_v we_o any_o friend_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v every_o way_n so_o accomplish_v as_o always_o to_o delight_v and_o please_v we_o or_o be_v we_o so_o perfect_o wise_a and_o good_a as_o never_o to_o disgust_v and_o disoblige_v they_o be_v there_o not_o some_o selfishness_n design_n and_o private_a interest_n some_o hypocrisy_n flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n some_o inequality_n unsuitableness_n or_o inconstancy_n in_o our_o friendship_n here_o be_v not_o the_o best_a of_o those_o we_o love_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v erroneous_a deceive_v weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o as_o likely_a to_o desile_a and_o grieve_v we_o by_o their_o corruption_n as_o to_o edify_v and_o rejoice_v we_o by_o their_o grace_n but_o hereafter_o when_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a be_v do_v away_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o most_o sincere_a and_o constant_a affection_n and_o be_v every_o way_n more_o fit_a for_o our_o content_a and_o joy_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o each_o other_o company_n we_o shall_v full_o understand_v one_o another_o mind_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n without_o the_o dread_n of_o absence_n or_o fear_v of_o separation_n now_o if_o we_o have_v some_o friend_n we_o have_v many_o enemy_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o but_o friend_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v so_o their_o person_n be_v more_o amiable_a and_o their_o society_n more_o desirable_a than_o now_o it_o can_v be_v now_o if_o we_o be_v please_v with_o their_o converse_n we_o may_v quick_o lose_v it_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o eye_n be_v take_v from_o we_o by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n ezek._n 24.16_o that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o value_v or_o love_v they_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o shall_v we_o be_v unwilling_a on_o their_o account_n to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n since_o they_o be_v hasten_v after_o we_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n absence_n we_o shall_v meet_v they_o again_o and_o dwell_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o 5._o the_o application_n remain_v which_o shall_v be_v only_o in_o four_o particular_n as_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o we_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n that_o notwitstand_v our_o fondness_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o body_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o death_n to_o our_o sensitive_a inclination_n that_o yet_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_n can_v urge_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o dissolution_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 2._o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o sleep_v in_o the_o grave_a with_o its_o companion_n the_o body_n until_o the_o resurrection_n but_o immediate_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o expedient_a for_o the_o philippian_n for_o he_o to_o live_v will_v be_v christ_n ver._n 21._o i.e._n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n how_o then_o be_v it_o better_a to_o depart_v or_o in_o what_o straight_o can_v he_o be_v whether_o he_o shall_v choose_v a_o long_a life_n or_o a_o present_a departure_n if_o no_o blessedness_n be_v expect_v till_o the_o final_a judgement_n and_o why_o do_v he_o mention_v his_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o make_v death_n desirable_a be_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n and_o our_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o world_n much_o more_o eligible_a than_o to_o sleep_v in_o the_o grave_a till_o doom_n day_n 3._o be_v it_o better_a to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o abide_v in_o the_o body_n then_o the_o fable_n of_o purgatory_n be_v hereby_o explode_v be_v we_o to_o be_v transport_v by_o our_o dissolution_n only_o from_o lesser_a pain_n to_o great_a or_o from_o a_o life_n of_o sorrow_n to_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v such_o as_o the_o romanist_n imagine_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o they_o though_o different_a in_o duration_n how_o be_v it_o far_o better_a to_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n 4._o be_v it_o the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n desire_n to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v that_o far_o better_a than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n then_o let_v we_o not_o grieve_v immoderate_o at_o the_o departure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v obtain_v their_o wish_n and_o enjoy_v their_o desire_n do_v they_o long_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o choose_v to_o be_v dissolve_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o be_v it_o their_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o do_v we_o express_v our_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o by_o repine_v at_o their_o felicity_n shall_v their_o desire_a repose_n and_o rest_v and_o happiness_n be_v our_o torment_n grief_n and_o sorrow_n will_v we_o that_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o wellgrounded_n inclination_n they_o shall_v continue_v long_o here_o on_o earth_n or_o return_v back_o again_o from_o heaven_n mere_o to_o gratify_v our_o fond_a affection_n have_v they_o obtain_v a_o speedy_a victory_n after_o a_o short_a conflict_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n as_o soon_o almost_o as_o they_o begin_v their_o christian_a race_n the_o glorious_a recompense_n of_o reward_n though_o they_o have_v wrought_v but_o one_o hour_n in_o the_o vineyard_n when_o other_o must_v labour_v twelve_o and_o shall_v we_o mourn_v like_o utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n will_v we_o delay_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o their_o salvation_n and_o deser_fw-ge their_o felicity_n in_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o be_v content_a that_o a_o voice_n shall_v be_v want_v in_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n rather_o than_o we_o be_v sadn_v by_o their_o departure_n will_v parent_n have_v their_o child_n continue_v in_o their_o swadling-cloath_n or_o when_o advance_v to_o ripe_a year_n wish_v they_o back_o again_o to_o infancy_n and_o hinder_v their_o possession_n of_o that_o inheritance_n which_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o dispose_v to_o enter_v on_o and_o enjoy_v be_v not_o you_o yourselves_o hasten_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o refresh_a thought_n to_o consider_v that_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o before_o you_o with_o their_o father_n and_o your_o father_n with_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o you_o i_o mean_v your_o holy_a clidren_n and_o friend_n who_o you_o dear_o love_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v the_o funeral_n of_o holy_a person_n with_o sing_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o felicity_n obtain_v by_o die_v and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v for_o the_o death_n of_o those_o who_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v so_o as_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n something_o it_o be_v true_a of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o nature_n duty_n custom_n and_o contract_a friendship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o decease_a for_o they_o be_v reckon_v to_o die_v miserable_a who_o be_v hurl_v into_o the_o grave_a without_o the_o attendance_n of_o a_o sigh_n or_o tear_v or_o funeral_n lamentation_n but_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o future_a glory_n they_o possess_v with_o christ_n which_o they_o themselves_o prefer_v to_o a_o long_a abode_n on_o earth_n shall_v wipe_v our_o eye_n and_o prevent_v excess_n we_o mourn_v that_o they_o be_v go_v and_o desire_v their_o company_n but_o we_o know_v they_o do_v not_o wish_v themselves_o back_o again_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o we_o no_o they_o be_v go_v to_o better_a friend_n above_o than_o those_o they_o have_v leave_v below_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o invisible_a
the_o abridgement_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o other_o young_a person_n take_v very_o often_o to_o their_o prejudice_n and_o ruin_n as_o a_o singular_a advantage_n and_o favour_n from_o heaven_n §_o 14._o in_o some_o part_n of_o her_o sickness_n she_o have_v some_o humble_a become_a doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o her_o own_o state_n but_o have_v impart_v they_o to_o a_o reverend_a person_n well_o acquaint_v in_o the_o family_n and_o hear_v his_o resolution_n and_o answer_n she_o be_v better_o satisfy_v and_o express_v her_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o love_v she_o and_o wash_v she_o from_o her_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n yea_o so_o far_o be_v she_o from_o question_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n so_o far_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o alsufficiency_n of_o christ_n mediation_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o receive_v return_v sinner_n that_o the_o 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but_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o her_o redeemer_n a_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n disposal_n and_o a_o prepare_a heart_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o appointment_n and_o so_o in_o one_o sense_n she_o be_v full_a of_o day_n though_o she_o die_v very_o young_a be_v satiate_v with_o the_o time_n she_o have_v live_v on_o earth_n and_o not_o importunate_a for_o a_o long_o stay_v §_o 17._o within_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o her_o dissolution_n of_o the_o approach_n whereof_o she_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a than_o those_o about_o she_o she_o be_v very_o desirous_a that_o a_o worthy_a minister_n who_o she_o name_v may_v immediate_o be_v send_v for_o f._n mr._n s._n f._n to_o commend_v her_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o according_o come_z tho'_o at_o midnight_n she_o herself_o join_v in_o that_o last_o office_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o affection_n and_o afterward_o return_v he_o her_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o his_o great_a kindness_n therein_o say_v 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as_o the_o jew_n report_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o die_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o god_n o_o death_n where_o be_v now_o thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v now_o thy_o victory_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o dead_a that_o thus_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n §_o 20._o will_v to_o god_n that_o the_o account_v here_o give_v may_v effectual_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o death_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o unholy_a of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o sinner_n may_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o holy_a parent_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o encourage_v parent_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o faithfal_n to_o be_v serious_a prudent_a and_o affectionate_a in_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n because_o such_o a_o deportment_n be_v most_o 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sickness_n and_o death_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n on_o the_o decease_n of_o m_o r_n eliz._n shower_n who_o die_v the_o 24_o of_o aug._n 1691._o by_o john_n spademan_n minister_n of_o the_o english_a church_n at_o rotterdam_n london_n print_v for_o j._n dunton_n and_o a._n chandler_n 1691._o to_o my_o honour_a friend_n mr._n shewer_n sir_n when_o after_o a_o unpleasing_a separation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v opportunity_n of_o renew_v our_o converse_n in_o your_o habitation_n i_o promise_v myself_o a_o unmixed_a satisfaction_n during_o my_o stay_n with_o you_o and_o as_o none_o be_v more_o oblige_v to_o rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o good_a which_o you_o or_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o so_o none_o can_v be_v more_o hearty_o dispose_v to_o do_v it_o indeed_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v your_o society_n sweeten_v the_o fatigue_n of_o a_o voyage_n which_o after_o many_o year_n absence_n i_o late_o make_v unto_o my_o own_o country_n in_o which_o i_o 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ordinary_a possession_n with_o willingness_n be_v a_o kin_n to_o that_o patience_n which_o be_v exercise_v under_o merit_a punishment_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n have_v no_o glory_n or_o commendation_n in_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v a_o heroic_a spirit_n a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o dignify_v the_o father_n of_o all_o who_o believe_v to_o give_v up_o a_o rare_a and_o endear_n treasure_n and_o if_o any_o consideration_n have_v strength_n to_o work_v this_o noble_a disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n have_v it_o be_v this_o which_o lead_v my_o thought_n unto_o the_o meditation_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n which_o though_o much_o below_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a be_o willing_a to_o make_v thus_o
support_v a_o christian_a under_o such_o sorrowsul_n providence_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v this_o threefold_a account_n 1._o that_o love_n which_o a_o christian_a bear_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n make_v their_o honour_n dear_a unto_o he_o than_o any_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o and_o consequent_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o will_v sweeten_v all_o the_o cross_n that_o can_v oppress_v he_o when_o jeptha_n victory_n over_o the_o amonite_n have_v get_v he_o more_o than_o ordinary_a honour_n this_o be_v so_o please_v to_o his_o daughter_n that_o she_o be_v willing_a to_o endure_v the_o harsh_a effect_n of_o her_o father_n vow_n judg._n 10.36_o such_o a_o temper_n there_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o can_v declare_v that_o his_o chief_a expectation_n and_o design_n be_v that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnisied_a in_o his_o body_n whether_o by_o life_n or_o death_n phil._n 1.20_o 2._o a_o christian_a know_v that_o when_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v glorify_v than_o the_o grand_a purpose_n and_o end_v of_o god_n be_v attain_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bless_a god_n can_v design_v any_o gain_n or_o prosit_fw-la to_o himself_o in_o his_o act_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o get_v himself_o glory_n and_o it_o must_v be_v very_o delightful_a unto_o god_n when_o this_o council_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v 3._o a_o christian_a obtain_v his_o own_o chief_a request_n when_o god_n be_v glorify_v all_o his_o other_o petition_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o this_o he_o remember_v that_o the_o hallow_n or_o glorify_v of_o god_n name_n stand_v in_o the_o very_a first_o place_n in_o that_o exemplar_n prayer_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n do_v glorify_v himself_o though_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v grievous_a unto_o the_o humane_a nature_n yet_o a_o christian_a rejoice_v and_o now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o draw_v many_o instructive_a inference_n from_o this_o answer_n make_v by_o christ_n as_o 1._o it_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o surprise_v death_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o useful_a person_n applicat_fw-la applicat_fw-la be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n and_o government_n of_o god_n it_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o accuse_v their_o god_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o proceed_v to_o deny_v the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o some_o excellent_a and_o virtuous_a person_n be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o surprise_v death_n the_o epicurean_a who_o dispute_v against_o providence_n think_v his_o query_n unanswerable_a when_o he_o ask_v why_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n the_o two_o brave_a scipio_n be_v rout_v and_o slay_v by_o the_o carthaginian_n 3._o cicer._n de_fw-fr n._n d._n l._n 3._o with_o several_a such_o like_a question_n which_o be_v more_o tolerable_a in_o the_o gentile_n who_o know_v not_o god_n but_o it_o be_v inexcusable_a in_o those_o who_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n 2._o what_o adorable_a wisdom_n belong_v unto_o the_o bless_a god_n who_o can_v glorify_v himself_o by_o those_o very_a event_n that_o seem_v most_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n 1_o cor._n 1.25_o i_o e._n in_o those_o very_a event_n which_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o wisdom_n wherein_o god_n seem_v to_o act_v foolish_o yet_o in_o they_o he_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v in_o man_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v build_v trophy_n upon_o those_o very_a place_n which_o seem_v to_o swallow_v it_o up_o the_o cut_v off_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o cast_v away_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n at_o the_o first_o view_n appear_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o event_n draw_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o admire_a exclamation_n rom._n 11._o v._n 33._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 3._o how_o vast_a be_v the_o distance_n between_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o man_n isa_n 55.8_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o text_n give_v a_o memorable_a instance_n the_o sister_n of_o lazarus_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o their_o brother_n sickness_n and_o death_n will_v be_v on_o various_a account_n dishonourable_a unto_o christ_n 1._o as_o they_o seem_v to_o import_v unkindness_n or_o impotence_n in_o christ_n who_o on_o this_o occasion_n carry_v it_o as_o if_o he_o either_o neglect_v his_o friend_n or_o be_v unable_a to_o help_v he_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o seem_v to_o argue_v the_o unprofitableness_n of_o christ_n service_n when_o lazarus_n be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o his_o grave_n those_o who_o know_v the_o friendship_n of_o the_o redeemer_n unto_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o speak_v on_o this_o manner_n how_o little_a advantage_n have_v poor_a lazarus_n get_v by_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o service_n unto_o christ_n who_o if_o he_o have_v power_n to_o recover_v and_o prevent_v the_o death_n of_o his_o sick_a friend_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o strange_a unkindness_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n the_o sickness_n and_o death_n of_o lazarus_n do_v bring_v a_o far_o great_a honour_n unto_o christ_n than_o his_o recover_n will_v have_v do_v that_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v exalt_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o lean_v unto_o your_o own_o understanding_n but_o whenever_o the_o way_n of_o god_n have_v a_o perplex_v obscurity_n in_o they_o imitate_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 73.17_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o view_v they_o in_o scripture_n light_n this_o will_v discover_v a_o refresh_a brightness_n in_o those_o event_n which_o have_v the_o most_o horror_n in_o they_o 4._o how_o real_a and_o great_a a_o difference_n do_v convert_v grace_n make_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n the_o latter_a be_v whole_o insensible_a unto_o the_o consideration_n use_v in_o the_o text_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v no_o efficacy_n to_o quiet_a and_o support_v their_o mind_n argument_n take_v from_o their_o own_o reputation_n or_o interest_n have_v some_o force_n to_o moderate_a sorrow_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o excess_n but_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n by_o their_o cross_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o have_v no_o strength_n with_o they_o whereas_o it_o have_v the_o great_a with_o a_o christian_a to_o who_o nothing_o else_o need_v be_v represent_v our_o saviour_n well_o understand_v to_o who_o he_o make_v the_o answer_n in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v his_o sincere_a disciple_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o this_o consideration_n which_o afterward_o our_o saviour_n repeat_v unto_o martha_n v._o 40._o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o martha_n this_o will_v be_v a_o grateful_a and_o transport_v spectacle_n when_o a_o judas_n have_v far_o rather_o see_v thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n than_o this_o glory_n of_o god_n let_v we_o try_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n this_o will_v discover_v our_o state_n and_o our_o character_n and_o whether_o our_o patience_n under_o trial_n be_v a_o christian_a grace_n or_o but_o a_o philosophic_a virtue_n this_o latter_a grow_v from_o other_o principle_n when_o therefore_o our_o mind_n be_v quiet_v under_o deject_v providence_n without_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o support_n of_o the_o text_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n if_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o glory_n can_v overbalance_n the_o pain_n and_o loss_n that_o we_o be_v expose_v to_o we_o be_v very_o unlike_a to_o our_o redeemer_n who_o trouble_a soul_n be_v compose_v with_o this_o thought_n that_o his_o father_n name_n will_v be_v glorify_v by_o his_o accurse_a death_n john_n 12.27_o 28._o 5._o let_v we_o who_o this_o sorrowful_a occasion_n have_v draw_v together_o and_o all_o who_o but_o hear_v of_o it_o give_v diligence_n to_o correspond_v with_o the_o design_n that_o god_n have_v in_o this_o severe_a providence_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o make_v this_o breach_n only_o to_o open_v a_o passage_n unto_o sorrow_n and_o compassion_n much_o less_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o new_a matter_n of_o discourse_n no_o he_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n more_o than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o unto_o that_o particular_a application_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o and_o which_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o this_o providence_n as_o will_v bring_v glory_n unto_o god_n all_o that_o i_o
public_a that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o last_a monument_n of_o the_o gratitude_n and_o respect_n i_o owe_v unto_o your_o decease_a consort_n and_o with_o the_o divine_a blessing_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o those_o who_o may_v be_v call_v unto_o like_a trial_n many_o of_o your_o brethren_n will_v have_v perform_v this_o service_n with_o far_o more_o justice_n unto_o both_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n than_o one_o who_o be_v in_o a_o journey_a state_n but_o when_o yourself_o and_o some_o near_a relative_n desire_v this_o last_o office_n i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o comply_v especial_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o know_v by_o how_o singular_a a_o providence_n your_o marriage-union_n be_v bring_v about_o and_o how_o happy_a it_o be_v to_o you_o both_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o this_o sorrowful_a event_n make_v the_o thought_n of_o my_o intend_a voyage_n much_o more_o uneasy_a to_o i_o who_o must_v leave_v so_o dear_a a_o friend_n deprive_v of_o his_o delightful_a half_n but_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o whole_a deity_n who_o can_v die_v will_v abundant_o compensate_a this_o loss_n which_o together_o with_o your_o long_a continuance_n in_o temple_n service_n and_o the_o desirable_a success_n of_o your_o labour_n be_v with_o utmost_a earnestness_n pray_v for_o by_o london_n sept._n 1._o 1691._o sir_n your_o affectionate_a faithful_a servant_n j._n spademan_n sickness_n and_o death_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n etc._n etc._n john_n xi_o 4._o when_o jesus_n hear_v that_o he_o say_v this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v thereby_o the_o first_o hear_n of_o these_o word_n which_o speak_v of_o sickness_n and_o death_n may_v give_v some_o indication_n of_o the_o sorrowful_a occasion_n that_o have_v draw_v more_o than_o usual_a number_n unto_o this_o place_n from_o which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o alwise_a god_n to_o remove_v one_o who_o be_v a_o principal_a ornament_n of_o it_o one_o who_o constant_a attendance_n and_o christian_a deportment_n in_o it_o carry_v a_o exciting_a influence_n unto_o all_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o '_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o small_a loss_n unto_o this_o whole_a society_n that_o they_o shall_v no_o long_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o example_n but_o even_o the_o privation_n of_o such_o who_o life_n be_v exemplary_a be_v capable_a of_o afford_v very_o considerable_a advantage_n as_o we_o know_v that_o not_o only_o the_o light_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v useful_a unto_o this_o low_a world_n their_o eclipse_n have_v their_o advantage_n too_o which_o be_v therefore_o think_v worthy_a of_o peculiar_a observation_n it_o have_v be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n have_v a_o instructive_a signification_n by_o which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v warn_v and_o admonish_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o opinion_n have_v be_v question_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o do_v shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o instructive_a language_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o teach_v very_o profitable_a lesson_n unto_o they_o who_o survive_v such_o providence_n do_v indeed_o call_v unto_o mourning_n and_o sorrow_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a intention_n of_o they_o there_o be_v something_o of_o far_o great_a importance_n to_o employ_v our_o mind_n on_o such_o sad_a occasion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a instruction_n that_o be_v then_o present_v unto_o we_o it_o have_v be_v count_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o superstitious_a heathen_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o hideous_a noise_n whenever_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n darken_v and_o various_o express_v their_o fear_n of_o lose_v those_o luminary_n but_o make_v no_o useful_a inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o those_o phaenomena_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reproachful_a unto_o profess_v christian_n when_o they_o imagine_v that_o a_o passionate_a sorrow_n be_v the_o only_a or_o chief_a business_n that_o the_o death_n of_o christian_a friend_n call_v they_o to_o our_o deportment_n on_o such_o occasion_n shall_v correspond_v with_o our_o christian_a hope_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ_n be_v not_o lose_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n be_v a_o self-evident_a absurdity_n 1_o cor._n 15.18_o a_o decease_a christian_n be_v not_o only_o more_o safe_a but_o far_o more_o happy_a and_o honourable_a than_o he_o or_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o they_o need_v not_o our_o tear_n which_o yet_o on_o other_o account_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o they_o must_v not_o hinder_v our_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o uses_n of_o such_o a_o sorrowful_a object_n when_o therefore_o we_o have_v lose_v a_o live_a example_n in_o the_o decease_a mrs._n shower_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v such_o inquiry_n with_o relation_n unto_o her_o death_n that_o we_o may_v get_v some_o considerable_a and_o last_a advantage_n from_o it_o and_o in_o order_n unto_o this_o i_o have_v think_v these_o word_n of_o the_o redeemer_n speak_v upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n will_v afford_v seasonable_a meditation_n that_o may_v assist_v we_o to_o improve_v the_o late_a sorrowful_a providence_n and_o when_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o general_a instruction_n contain_v in_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o apply_v they_o unto_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o our_o sorrow_n to_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n read_v to_o you_o we_o need_v only_o look_v back_o to_o the_o few_o verse_n which_o precede_v the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n we_o find_v that_o a_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o christ_n lazarus_n the_o brother_n of_o martha_n and_o mary_n be_v arrest_v by_o a_o threaten_a sickness_n the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o exempt_v from_o sickness_n and_o death_n a_o lazarus_n who_o jesus_n love_v be_v sick_a and_o die_v his_o sister_n seem_v to_o have_v conclude_v that_o the_o affection_n which_o christ_n have_v for_o their_o brother_n shall_v have_v secure_v he_o from_o these_o calamity_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o think_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v hinder_v christ_n from_o relieve_v their_o brother_n case_n which_o therefore_o they_o take_v care_n to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o and_o send_v this_o sorrowful_a message_n unto_o the_o redeemer_n lord_n behold_v he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a ver_fw-la 3._o they_o choose_v indeed_o the_o fit_a argument_n to_o plead_v on_o this_o occasion_n with_o christ_n when_o they_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o interest_n that_o their_o brother_n have_v in_o his_o peculiar_a affection_n they_o do_v say_v he_o who_o be_v our_o brother_n and_o belove_v by_o we_o or_o he_o who_o love_v thy_o person_n and_o service_n be_v sick_a they_o know_v that_o such_o consideration_n though_o very_o forcible_a among_o man_n can_v have_v but_o little_a weight_n upon_o he_o who_o can_v be_v make_v a_o debtor_n by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o service_n that_o any_o can_v express_v towards_o he_o no_o they_o right_o conclude_v that_o the_o redeemer_n love_n be_v free_a and_o without_o any_o obligation_n and_o must_v be_v the_o only_a original_a of_o all_o that_o relief_n which_o he_o at_o any_o time_n bestow_v thus_o far_o i_o say_v these_o sister_n be_v in_o the_o right_a but_o the_o particle_n behold_v which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o admiration_n intimate_v the_o mistake_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o that_o they_o be_v surprise_v at_o the_o sickness_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o brother_n because_o he_o be_v one_o who_o jesus_n love_v have_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o scribe_n or_o a_o pharisee_n two_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v no_o kindness_n for_o this_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o they_o as_o it_o do_v that_o one_o who_o christ_n love_v shall_v languish_v under_o a_o painful_a and_o threaten_a disease_n no_o question_n they_o have_v often_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o redeemer_n express_v a_o peculiar_a kindness_n unto_o their_o brother_n who_o sickness_n and_o danger_n make_v he_o now_o a_o spectacle_n of_o pity_n and_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o together_o and_o therefore_o be_v incline_v to_o hope_n that_o his_o love_n unto_o their_o brother_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v a_o account_n of_o his_o danger_n will_v induce_v he_o to_o make_v the_o great_a haste_n to_o visit_v and_o heal_v he_o both_o which_o he_o have_v do_v unto_o other_o who_o be_v stranger_n but_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v neither_o he_o determine_v to_o delay_v his_o visit_n unto_o lazarus_n until_o he_o have_v be_v four_o day_n dead_a
but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o heal_v and_o recover_v sick_a lazarus_n he_o send_v a_o most_o excellent_a remedy_n unto_o his_o sister_n to_o cure_v their_o mistake_n to_o ease_v and_o heal_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o this_o reply_n unto_o their_o importunate_a message_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o design_n 3._o the_o import_n of_o this_o answer_n i_o will_v make_v a_o few_o reflection_n upon_o the_o two_o former_a and_o then_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a affair_n i._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o obscurity_n and_o dubiousness_n of_o the_o former_a part_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n for_o the_o event_n do_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o this_o declaration_n which_o express_o deny_v that_o the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v unto_o death_n and_o yet_o laxarus_fw-la die_v this_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v render_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_v dubious_a and_o dark_a unto_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o this_o obscurity_n there_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o death_n as_o true_o answer_v that_o character_n viz._n such_o a_o privation_n of_o life_n as_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o it_o on_o which_o account_n it_o can_v true_o be_v say_v of_o the_o dead_a that_o their_o place_n know_v they_o no_o more_o and_o that_o they_o go_v the_o way_n whence_o they_o shall_v not_o return_v job_n 8.10_o c._n 16.22_o as_o also_o that_o they_o see_v corruption_n act_v 13.36_o the_o body_n quite_o lose_v that_o organization_n that_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o a_o humane_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o proper_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o under_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o see_v rom._n 5.12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 15.21_o 26_o 54_o 56._o not_o to_o mention_v several_a other_o place_n unto_o such_o a_o death_n the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v not_o his_o death_n be_v not_o a_o final_a period_n but_o only_o a_o short_a interruption_n or_o cessation_n of_o life_n which_o like_o some_o river_n which_o run_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o space_n only_o for_o a_o while_o disappear_v and_o then_o be_v again_o bring_v to_o light_n this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o darkness_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n have_v it_o so_o please_v the_o redeemer_n he_o can_v have_v speak_v in_o a_o much_o plain_a language_n he_o can_v have_v say_v though_o this_o sickness_n shall_v deprive_v lazarus_n of_o his_o life_n yet_o it_o shall_v soon_o be_v restore_v to_o he_o again_o though_o he_o shall_v true_o die_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o long_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n for_o i_o design_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thus_o can_v the_o redeemer_n have_v express_v himself_o have_v it_o so_o please_v he_o but_o he_o choose_v to_o speak_v obscure_o not_o only_a to_o these_o sister_n but_o afterward_o to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v v._o 11._o which_o metaphorical_a and_o dark_a way_n of_o speak_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o read_v v._o 13._o many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o that_o which_o this_o evangelist_n relate_v ch._n 16.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o as_o the_o language_n so_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n have_v obscurity_n in_o it_o his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o visible_a providence_n and_o invisible_a deal_n with_o the_o soul_n many_o there_o be_v who_o christ_n real_o love_v who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o labyrinth_n where_o they_o be_v strange_o perplex_v and_o be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v that_o their_o lord_n have_v quite_o forsake_v and_o cast_v they_o off_o when_o he_o retain_v the_o kind_a and_o most_o gracious_a purpose_n toward_a '_o they_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o place_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v his_o inheritance_n heb._n 11.8_o thus_o be_v abraham_n try_v and_o so_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n as_o indeed_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o probation_n in_o which_o we_o now_o be_v all_o that_o darkness_n and_o perplexity_n which_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o try_v and_o discover_v the_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v our_o grand_a concern_n to_o stand_v out_o this_o trial_n to_o undergo_v this_o probation_n aright_o and_o than_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v after_o a_o while_n scatter_v every_o cloud_n and_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a light_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v large_a reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o your_o own_o meditation_n can_v supply_v this_o defect_n nor_o may_v i_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o ii_o observable_a in_o the_o text_n the_o design_n of_o this_o answer_n make_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o afford_v present_a support_n unto_o the_o deject_a sister_n of_o lazarus_n he_o who_o eye_n discern_v the_o most_o hide_a and_o distant_a object_n know_v how_o their_o tender_a heart_n be_v disquiet_v and_o that_o such_o a_o spectacle_n as_o a_o decease_a die_a brother_n must_v wound_v and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o when_o their_o expectation_n be_v disappoint_v as_o to_o the_o speedy_a visit_n of_o christ_n what!_o might_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o argue_v not_o make_v so_o charitable_a so_o seasonable_a a_o visit_n to_o one_o who_o he_o love_v to_o one_o who_o need_v his_o help_n and_o must_v perish_v without_o it_o be_v this_o kindness_n to_o neglect_v a_o distress_a friend_n till_o life_n and_o all_o be_v go_v such_o disquiet_v thought_n will_v begin_v to_o rush_v into_o and_o disorder_v their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v to_o still_o this_o tempest_n that_o the_o redeemer_n send_v this_o reply_n to_o '_o they_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n though_o the_o danger_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o sickness_n join_v with_o my_o seem_a neglect_n of_o their_o brother_n will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n unto_o they_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o spirit_n yet_o let_v not_o their_o heart_n be_v trouble_v there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_v fear_n notwithstanding_o the_o dismal_a appearance_n this_o matter_n will_v have_v a_o happy_a and_o honourable_a issue_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o grant_v the_o expect_a relief_n yet_o he_o always_o provide_v support_n and_o consolation_n for_o his_o faithful_a follower_n when_o he_o determine_v to_o send_v away_o the_o multitude_n who_o have_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v they_o away_o fast_v lest_o they_o shall_v faint_v by_o the_o way_n mat._n 16.32_o though_o they_o must_v for_o a_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o his_o presence_n yet_o he_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v and_o perish_v this_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o more_o particular_o towards_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o when_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o though_o this_o request_n be_v not_o grant_v though_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o remove_v yet_o this_o most_o support_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o sometime_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n bear_v a_o aspect_n of_o unkindness_n and_o neglect_v but_o even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v employ_v to_o support_n it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n what_o care_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v to_o remove_v the_o suspicion_n of_o unkindness_n in_o the_o redeemer_n towards_o his_o friend_n lazarus_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o visit_v and_o recover_v as_o his_o sister_n request_v and_o expect_v for_o in_o the_o verse_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o answer_n of_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n add_v this_o caution_v remark_n now_o jesus_n love_v martha_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o lazarus_n his_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o intimate_v desire_n of_o