bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o evil_n but_o our_o future_a blessedness_n quite_o exclude_v all_o those_o evil_n there_o be_v nothing_o admit_v to_o embitter_v that_o pleasant_a state_n rev._n 21.4_o and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n for_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o the_o holy_a soul_n shall_v then_o no_o more_o complain_v of_o any_o dolorous_a hour_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n be_v a_o place_n unacquainted_a with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o troublesome_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o saint_n felicity_n for_o as_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o evil_n so_o shall_v they_o also_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o that_o god_n where_o all_o the_o stream_n of_o goodness_n do_v final_o empty_v themselves_o bless_v be_v the_o pure_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n matth._n 5.8_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o not_o as_o now_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n 1_o cor._n 13.12_o they_o shall_v as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n matth._n 18.10_o in_o who_o presence_n as_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal._n 16.11_o o_o the_o unspeakable_a delectability_n of_o the_o saint_n future_a state_n where_o the_o most_o bless_a god_n shine_v forth_o in_o his_o glory_n where_o the_o beam_n of_o beauty_n ravish_v the_o beholder_n who_o stand_v continual_o in_o his_o presence_n receive_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n sure_o if_o the_o faint_a expectation_n of_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o virtuous_a man_n in_o their_o fancy_a elysium_n do_v instigate_v some_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n how_o much_o more_o persuasive_a shall_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v where_o the_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o converse_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o holy_a angel_n and_o take_v into_o the_o bless_a society_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a where_o all_o those_o imperfection_n that_o embitter_v our_o communion_n here_o be_v remove_v where_o the_o holy_a soul_n shall_v see_v jesus_n the_o bless_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o who_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o sinner_n now_o sit_v in_o glory_n and_o majesty_n not_o crown_v as_o once_o he_o be_v with_o thorn_n nor_o wear_v a_o purple_a robe_n but_o have_v on_o his_o head_n the_o most_o transplendent_a diadem_n and_o clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o beauty_n methinks_v the_o thought_n of_o behold_v this_o glory_n and_o participate_v of_o so_o much_o felicity_n shall_v excite_v the_o most_o lazy_a to_o follow_v holiness_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v half_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o future_a felicity_n the_o bless_a apostle_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o all_o hyperbolical_a expression_n fall_v short_a in_o describe_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o where_o he_o style_v it_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o he_o tell_v we_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v pepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o for_o although_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o reward_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n yet_o the_o most_o glorious_a part_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o viator_n it_o be_v only_o those_o who_o taste_v the_o honeycomb_n that_o can_v best_o discover_v its_o sweetness_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v prodigious_o strange_a that_o the_o imperfect_a glance_n of_o future_a glory_n that_o man_n may_v here_o behold_v be_v so_o ineffectual_a to_o form_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o man_n who_o know_v they_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a if_o they_o will_v study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o think_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v notice_v i_o confess_v if_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a god_n have_v not_o promise_v this_o state_n of_o blessedness_n and_o discover_v by_o revelation_n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v dream_v of_o partake_v of_o so_o much_o happiness_n the_o heathen_a world_n can_v never_o be_v ascertain_v by_o nature_n dim_a light_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n immortal_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o wise_a of_o their_o philosopher_n by_o their_o most_o laborious_a search_n be_v exceed_o confuse_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o it_o and_o can_v at_o the_o most_o only_o entertain_v some_o probable_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n found_v upon_o moral_a argument_n which_o can_v never_o perfect_o conquer_v their_o doubt_n they_o do_v indeed_o think_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a will_v in_o another_o life_n since_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o this_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v the_o bad_a but_o they_o can_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n ascertain_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o the_o most_o celebrate_a socrates_n who_o part_v with_o this_o life_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a plain_o tell_v his_o friend_n it_o be_v god_n only_o who_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o future_a felicity_n or_o not_o much_o less_o can_v either_o he_o or_o any_o other_o without_o revelation_n discover_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o future_a state_n and_o indeed_o although_o they_o entertain_v some_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o a_o future_a life_n of_o bliss_n for_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o never_o think_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n although_o it_o be_v true_a the_o felicity_n they_o form_v be_v more_o congruous_a by_o far_o to_o satisfy_v sensual_a appetite_n than_o rational_a soul_n the_o poet_n elysium_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o mahometan_a paradise_n exact_o accommodate_v to_o their_o flesh_n and_o sense_n in_o these_o thick_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n do_v the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_n walk_v exceed_o perplex_v they_o be_v what_o to_o think_v their_o doubt_n be_v great_a than_o their_o hope_n but_o the_o arise_v of_o the_o sunshine_n of_o righteousness_n have_v whole_o dispel_v all_o that_o darkness_n the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o and_o have_v undoubted_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o holiness_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o happiness_n sect_n 3._o holiness_n the_o only_a safe_a way_n to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v fear_n be_v a_o passion_n so_o extreme_o violent_a and_o repugnant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o nothing_o imaginable_a be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o conquer_v the_o unruly_a will_n of_o man_n to_o duty_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o even_o humane_a law_n be_v much_o more_o secure_v by_o punishment_n than_o reward_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o forcible_a enough_o to_o work_v upon_o our_o rebellious_a will_n we_o have_v a_o map_n of_o eternal_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n to_o excite_v our_o fear_n and_o to_o affright_v we_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n and_o that_o draw_v so_o exact_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o man_n will_v notwithstanding_o slight_a holiness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o evite_v these_o last_a torture_n in_o sacred_a writ_n the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v represent_v by_o such_o terrify_a expression_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n they_o impress_v not_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n upon_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n the_o apostle_n st._n judas_n describe_v hell_n call_v it_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o judas_n 7_o 13._o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n call_v it_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 20.10_o 15._o our_o saviour_n more_o emphatical_o describe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fire_n that_o can_v never_o be_v quench_v and_o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o mark_v 9.46_o all_o which_o phrase_n do_v most_o significant_o express_v the_o severity_n and_o intolerableness_n of_o the_o torment_n for_o
the_o book_n of_o life_n or_o not_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n need_v not_o fear_v any_o latent_fw-la decree_n concern_v his_o reprobation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n to_o dream_v that_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n elect_v they_o to_o life_n the_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v so_o perfect_o opposite_a to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v quite_o impossible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o agreement_n betwixt_o he_o and_o sinner_n no_o more_o than_o there_o can_v be_v betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o psalmist_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v the_o righteous_a these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o he_o esteem_v his_o child_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n belong_v in_o the_o last_o place_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v prove_v so_o effectual_a to_o comfort_v man_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n as_o the_o sweet_a thought_n of_o their_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n how_o unspeakable_o comfortable_a be_v it_o for_o man_n when_o they_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o good_a life_n they_o have_v lead_v and_o that_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o bosom_n conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n this_o be_v indeed_o that_o noble_a and_o sovereign_a cordial_n that_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o valley_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o make_v their_o comfort_n abound_v and_o overflow_v death_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o some_o man_n think_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n now_o nothing_o can_v free_v man_n from_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o but_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o can_v be_v have_v without_o holiness_n which_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o it_o will_v afford_v man_n little_a pleasure_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o earthly_a pleasure_n they_o have_v enjoy_v these_o thing_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well_o do_v make_v man_n salute_v death_n without_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n with_o joy_n because_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n approach_v but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o their_o sin_n stare_v they_o in_o their_o face_n and_o so_o terrify_v and_o affright_v they_o that_o no_o wonder_n though_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o agony_n they_o prefer_v strangle_v and_o death_n to_o life_n if_o holy_a job_n do_v so_o heavy_o complain_v of_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n how_o much_o more_o terrify_v shall_v the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o severe_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n be_v to_o the_o unsanctified_a and_o pollute_a to_o think_v how_o short_o he_o must_v be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o enjoy_v here_o and_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n to_o have_v his_o portion_n with_o the_o damn_a in_o devour_a flame_n to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a resident_a in_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v continual_o torment_v with_o that_o gnaw_a worm_n that_o never_o die_v these_o be_v the_o amaze_a thought_n that_o will_v seize_v upon_o the_o sinner_n his_o conscience_n then_o will_v not_o sleep_v nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o allay_v those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o sin_n at_o death_n man_n be_v general_o wise_a than_o at_o other_o time_n then_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v be_v do_v and_o call_v themselves_o fool_n a_o thousand_o time_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n the_o smoke_n of_o worldly_a care_n that_o former_o blind_v their_o eye_n be_v now_o dispel_v they_o see_v their_o folly_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v no_o more_o yet_o balaam-like_a they_o will_v cry_v o_o that_o i_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a chap._n iu._n frivolous_a cavil_n and_o objection_n remove_v the_o former_a chapter_n have_v discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n that_o excite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o one_o who_o weigh_v all_o this_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o equity_n can_v as_o any_o man_n will_v think_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o strange_a prodigy_n that_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n shall_v raiss_v of_o its_o effect_n and_o find_v the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o master_n of_o reason_n so_o monstrous_o foolish_a in_o reject_v it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o frivolous_a and_o very_a fallacious_a cavil_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v resolute_a impiety_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o bench_n and_o make_v judge_n and_o no_o wonder_n though_o it_o pass_v a_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o condemn_v holiness_n because_o of_o its_o opposition_n to_o vice_n the_o common_a imputation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o wicked_a man_n load_v holiness_n with_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o the_o four_o follow_a head_n first_o holiness_n lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v which_o make_v humane_a life_n joyless_a and_o uneasy_a they_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a first_o with_o peace_n and_o second_o with_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n second_o experience_n inform_v we_o that_o wicked_a man_n enjoy_v pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o way_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o jovial_a and_o merry_a as_o they_o and_o that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o holiness_n be_v sullen_a and_o melancholy_a and_o be_v expose_v to_o heavy_a suffering_n and_o trial_n three_o it_o be_v singularity_n and_o ambition_n that_o prevail_v more_o with_o man_n than_o any_o other_o motive_n to_o be_v holy_a four_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o impudence_n for_o man_n to_o quit_v with_o present_a pleasure_n for_o mere_a uncertainty_n the_o first_o be_v the_o most_o material_a objection_n i_o shall_v therefore_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o examine_v it_o and_o in_o do_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v desire_v these_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a second_o that_o vice_n be_v much_o more_o troublesome_a and_o difficult_a than_o virtue_n three_o that_o holiness_n conduce_v both_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n and_o four_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n than_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a but_o extreme_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a be_v a_o truth_n i_o have_v already_o make_v plain_a when_o i_o discourse_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o exceed_o suitable_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v be_v grievous_a to_o they_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a but_o very_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a account_v of_o what_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o our_o christianity_n enjoin_v viz._n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n all_o which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n prompt_v man_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o full_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o reason_n but_o the_o impetuous_a lust_n of_o man_n that_o determine_v a_o holy_a law_n to_o be_v grievous_a and_o uneasy_a and_o indeed_o no_o wonder_n though_o this_o unjust_a judge_n make_v holiness_n appear_v formidable_a and_o represent_v it_o as_o grievous_a to_o mankind_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o partial_a judge_n to_o condemn_v it_o as_o criminal_a and_o to_o decry_v it_o as_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o most_o innocent_a shall_v pass_v uncondemned_a when_o a_o enemy_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o judgement-seat_n to_o pass_v sentence_n our_o bless_a saviour_n must_v be_v pronounce_v guilty_a by_o pilate_n although_o even_o this_o
our_o adverse_a state_n why_o do_v we_o repine_v and_o complain_v if_o we_o do_v indeed_o compare_v our_o mercy_n with_o our_o suffering_n our_o receipt_n with_o our_o merit_n or_o our_o condition_n with_o that_o of_o some_o other_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o folly_n but_o we_o still_o poor_a upon_o the_o sore_a all_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o and_o in_o exercise_n about_o our_o affliction_n if_o we_o will_v deal_v rational_o let_v we_o view_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n and_o see_v if_o we_o dare_v make_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.1_o forasmuch_o then_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o flesh_n let_v we_o arm_v our_o self_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n he_o suffer_v patient_o and_o calm_o for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o servant_n imitate_v their_o master_n and_o suffer_v the_o disaster_n they_o meet_v our_o rule_n yet_o how_o ready_a be_v we_o to_o despise_v it_o if_o in_o the_o least_o it_o cross_v our_o humour_n or_o carnal_a interest_n alas_o little_a do_v we_o consider_v that_o obedience_n be_v essential_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o that_o torment_n as_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a as_o they_o be_v last_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o disobedient_a it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o rebellious_a posterity_n of_o adam_n will_v but_o serious_o ponder_v what_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o audit_n sure_a i_o be_o the_o whole_a contexture_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a precept_n and_o doctrine_n be_v equitable_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o call_v for_o our_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o they_o the_o wise_a god_n never_o issue_v out_o any_o command_n which_o can_v not_o be_v obey_v he_o be_v not_o like_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n to_o require_v brick_n while_o there_o be_v no_o straw_n nay_o indeed_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n be_v couple_v together_o so_o close_o that_o if_o we_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v we_o may_v thank_v ourselves_o for_o the_o misery_n we_o have_v choose_v and_o as_o his_o obedience_n be_v set_v before_o we_o for_o imitation_n so_o be_v his_o love_n charity_n and_o compassion_n also_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v spend_v in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n how_o transcendent_a be_v his_o love_n in_o pity_v we_o in_o our_o degenerate_a and_o forlorn_a estate_n when_o we_o be_v at_o odds_o with_o heaven_n and_o incapable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o then_o even_o then_o do_v he_o commiserate_v our_o case_n and_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n reconcile_v we_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o love_n imaginable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.13_o and_o yet_o more_o wonderful_a be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n in_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o we_o who_o be_v but_o rebel_n and_o enenemy_n o_o how_o shall_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o boundless_a compassion_n transport_v and_o ravish_v we_o with_o love_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o the_o high_a endearment_n of_o love_n have_v not_o inflame_v our_o spirit_n and_o make_v love_n mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a affection_n of_o a_o noble_a original_n by_o which_o we_o resemble_v the_o best_a of_o being_n the_o great_a god_n be_v by_o the_o belove_a disciple_n describe_v to_o be_v love_n and_o indeed_o well_o do_v this_o description_n suit_n with_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n but_o alas_o how_o unlike_a be_v we_o to_o god_n in_o this_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o duty_n more_o frequent_o inculcate_v by_o our_o saviour_n than_o love_n john_n 15.12_o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a efficacy_n have_v either_o his_o precept_n or_o example_n with_o we_o bless_a redeemer_n how_o unworthy_a do_v since_o it_o have_v produce_v so_o little_a love_n in_o we_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o i_o need_v not_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o hereby_o we_o demonstrate_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o ungrate_a and_o just_o liable_a to_o the_o severe_a punishment_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o the_o great_a criminal_a it_o will_v be_v too_o prolix_a to_o enumerate_v the_o several_a instance_n wherein_o christ_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o our_o pattern_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o have_v by_o his_o example_n teach_v we_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o himself_o say_v in_o another_o case_n if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v they_o to_o sum_v up_o this_o section_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o obviate_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o very_o trivial_a although_o it_o be_v too_o common_o urge_v the_o objection_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o conform_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a ans._n i_o have_v already_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o those_o action_n he_o perform_v but_o in_o all_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v by_o his_o righteous_a precept_n and_o encourage_v we_o by_o his_o example_n to_o perform_v these_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n neglect_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o possibility_n of_o do_v these_o we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o by_o view_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a life_n of_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v we_o be_v command_v to_o a_o rigorous_a and_o strict_a conversation_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v the_o faithful_a in_o former_a age_n have_v run_v the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o they_o have_v full_o enough_o clear_v the_o possibility_n of_o our_o duty_n wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12.1_o for_o shame_v let_v we_o rather_o imitate_v the_o excellent_a holiness_n of_o primitive_a christian_n than_o the_o impure_a practice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o sacred_a covenant_n o_o the_o perfect_a love_n and_o imitable_a kindness_n of_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o purity_n what_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n appear_v in_o their_o life_n how_o ravish_a and_o splendent_a be_v their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n their_o patience_n in_o suffering_n their_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o death_n their_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n their_o equality_n and_o justice_n and_o their_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o earthly_a concern_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n these_o be_v the_o virtue_n they_o be_v adorn_v with_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o only_o holy_a soul_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o participate_v of_o that_o future_a felicity_n and_o these_o may_v without_o the_o least_o charge_n of_o presumption_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o for_o those_o vicious_a wretch_n who_o be_v whole_o pollute_v who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o commit_v sin_n with_o greediness_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o do_v evil_n how_o utter_o incapable_a be_v they_o if_o they_o continue_v such_o to_o dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n who_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n and_o now_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n it_o can_v be_v amiss_o if_o we_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o celestial_a felicity_n that_o it_o may_v more_o plain_o appear_v what_o a_o notable_a encouragement_n and_o motive_n it_o be_v to_o holiness_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o forcible_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o future_a state_n of_o bliss_n first_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o immunity_n from_o all_o evil_n and_o second_o a_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a first_o it_o be_v a_o blessedness_n whole_o exempt_a from_o evil_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o loss_n it_o be_v a_o happiness_n attend_v with_o no_o inconvenience_n nor_o dismal_a circumstance_n as_o the_o happy_a state_n here_o be_v we_o now_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o perplex_v doubt_n and_o fear_n temptation_n increase_v our_o inquietude_n and_o danger_n our_o continual_a fear_n our_o complaint_n be_v by_o far_o more_o numerous_a than_o our_o joy_n nay_o what_o be_v our_o whole_a life_n but_o a_o scene_n where_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n act_v their_o part_n man_n that_o be_v
contribute_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n delectable_a it_o be_v a_o way_n pleasant_a for_o its_o plainness_n and_o desirable_a for_o its_o end_n there_o be_v not_o indeed_o any_o thing_n want_v in_o it_o that_o usual_o draw_v out_o man_n delight_n all_o beauty_n fall_v inconceivable_o short_a of_o this_o it_o be_v holiness_n alone_o that_o make_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n without_o this_o all_o natural_a comeliness_n be_v imperfect_a and_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n express_v it_o be_v deceitful_a and_o vain_a prov._n 3â—_n 30_o and_o yet_o what_o a_o universal_a empress_n be_v external_a beauty_n become_v nothing_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n to_o attract_v the_o eye_n of_o beholder_n as_o it_o do_v how_o have_v she_o conquer_v the_o mighty_a and_o make_v the_o noble_n of_o the_o earth_n vassal_n to_o lackey_n after_o she_o there_o be_v a_o almost_o irresistible_a power_n and_o force_v in_o her_o charm_n which_o conquer_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n insensible_o now_o if_o beauty_n mix_v with_o so_o much_o deformity_n accompany_v with_o so_o much_o attendance_n and_o slavery_n be_v so_o enchant_a and_o attractive_a how_o much_o more_o powerful_o shall_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n perfect_a and_o unspotted_a and_o attend_v with_o no_o dismal_a accident_n raise_v our_o admiration_n and_o make_v we_o say_v as_o david_n of_o goliah_n sword_n there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o alas_o all_o earthly_a beauty_n will_v be_v quick_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n a_o little_a time_n will_v deface_v the_o fair_a face_n and_o make_v its_o beauty_n consume_v like_o a_o moth_n a_o unexpected_a accident_n may_v disfigure_v it_o and_o mar_v the_o most_o lovely_a feature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o old_a age_n which_o draw_v on_o apace_o will_v make_v wrinkle_n in_o the_o smooth_a face_n and_o make_v it_o wither_v as_o a_o flower_n but_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v last_v it_o fade_v not_o with_o time_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v impair_v by_o the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o nauseat_a disease_n since_o than_o pleasure_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o excite_v our_o affection_n and_o draw_v out_o our_o complacency_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o the_o noble_a the_o most_o satisfy_a and_o most_o lasting_a shall_v be_v so_o much_o contemn_v eccl._n 5.10_o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n all_o the_o caress_n of_o this_o world_n be_v unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n but_o how_o ravish_v be_v the_o joy_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v short_a and_o momentary_a be_v only_o as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v they_o for_o a_o season_n which_o quick_o pass_v but_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o lasting_a as_o unspeakble_v and_o this_o joy_n say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n no_o man_n shall_v take_v from_o you_o it_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n too_o alas_o how_o dimunitive_a do_v it_o make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o say_v they_o be_v short_a how_o exceed_o do_v this_o one_o circumstance_n diminish_v they_o but_o indeed_o this_o be_v not_o so_o very_o considerable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o no_o worse_a circumstance_n but_o that_o which_o most_o be_v a_o allay_n and_o damp_n to_o temporal_a pleasure_n be_v the_o consequence_n a_o painful_a and_o last_a eternity_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n it_o be_v this_o life_n that_o put_v a_o period_n and_o conclusion_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o wicked_a man_n whileas_o the_o pious_a have_v river_n of_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o to_o delight_v and_o ravish_v they_o it_o be_v at_o death_n that_o they_o enter_v into_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o subject_n so_o ravish_v and_o pleasant_a that_o i_o can_v without_o reluctancy_n conclude_v it_o o_o how_o unsatisfactory_a be_v all_o the_o delight_n of_o sense_n if_o compare_v with_o those_o spiritual_a joy_n the_o holy_a soul_n partake_v of_o the_o delight_n that_o the_o drunkard_n have_v in_o his_o cup_n and_o companion_n the_o covetous_a in_o his_o riches_n the_o ambitious_a in_o his_o preferment_n etc._n etc._n fall_v all_o incomparable_a short_a of_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o delight_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n enjoy_v do_v upon_o a_o double_a account_n far_o over-poise_n the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o the_o wicked_a first_o the_o present_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o holy_a soul_n taste_v of_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o the_o delight_n that_o arise_v from_o sense_n the_o soul_n that_o have_v once_o taste_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o mutual_a love_n than_o in_o all_o the_o feast_n of_o delight_n that_o sense_n be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v food_n be_v indeed_o sweet_a to_o the_o hungry_a and_o drink_v to_o those_o who_o be_v languish_v with_o thirst_n the_o taste_n do_v without_o doubt_n find_v some_o meat_n sweet_a and_o relish_v even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o extremity_n of_o hunger_n much_o more_o where_o it_o be_v for_o to_o the_o hungry_a every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a beauteous_n sight_n ravish_v the_o eye_n melodious_a music_n the_o ear_n and_o odoriferous_a thing_n please_v the_o smell_n but_o alas_o how_o far_o beyond_o these_o be_v the_o delight_n which_o the_o devout_a soul_n receive_v in_o ordinance_n the_o antipast_n of_o joy_n which_o their_o heavenly_a father_n bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v more_o delightful_a than_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o trouble_n can_v fetch_v more_o consolation_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n than_o the_o carnal_a man_n can_v from_o his_o pleasure_n unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n say_v the_o psalmist_n i_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n other_o thing_n can_v not_o avail_v he_o they_o can_v afford_v no_o relief_n but_o to_o have_v access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o complaint_n to_o our_o willing_a god_n this_o be_v more_o ravish_a than_o i_o can_v express_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v taste_v these_o joy_n who_o will_v part_v with_o they_o for_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o no_o man_n dare_v inveigh_v against_o those_o spiritual_a delight_n but_o stranger_n who_o intermeddle_v not_o with_o this_o joy_n the_o very_a heathen_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o virtue_n be_v a_o reward_n to_o itself_o they_o experiment_v more_o real_a satisfaction_n in_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n than_o in_o drink_v and_o whore_v but_o christianity_n give_v we_o more_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o joy_n that_o good_a man_n even_o in_o this_o state_n of_o absence_n taste_v of_o into_o what_o a_o rapture_n and_o unexpressible_a ecstasy_n of_o joy_n do_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n st._n paul_n meet_v with_o put_v he_o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n be_v so_o transport_v with_o joy_n when_o he_o do_v see_v christ_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n that_o he_o can_v not_o forbear_v cry_v master_n it_o be_v good_a be_v here_o how_o full_a of_o joy_n have_v martyr_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n what_o comfort_n have_v they_o even_o then_o express_v and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o evidence_n that_o the_o joy_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v more_o real_a more_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a than_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o in_o several_a season_n can_v afford_v no_o delight_n a_o little_a pain_n or_o disease_n be_v such_o a_o allay_n and_o damp_n to_o their_o pleasure_n that_o it_o quite_o extirps_fw-la they_o but_o beside_o those_o foretaste_n of_o joy_n that_o the_o holy_a soul_n experiment_n here_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v infinite_o overwhelm_v all_o trouble_n and_o pain_n that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o advance_v the_o joy_n of_o good_a man_n be_v those_o felicity_n above_o which_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o to_o these_o wicked_a man_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n their_o far_a prospect_n be_v confine_v to_o temporal_a delight_n what_o abundance_n of_o delight_n and_o unexpressible_a pleasure_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o holy_a soul_n above_o how_o delectable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a resident_n in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n who_o street_n be_v pure_a gold_n and_o who_o gate_n be_v pearl_n how_o ravish_a will_n it_o be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o his_o presence_n where_o there_o be_v stream_n and_o river_n of_o perpetual_a pleasure_n how_o sweet_a will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a society_n of_o the_o first-born_a in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o agreement_n