and_o infinite_o the_o best_a company_n there_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o lean_v our_o head_n on_o christ_n bosom_n and_o tell_v he_o all_o our_o most_o concern_v secret_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v our_o dear_a friend_n and_o companion_n for_o ever_o there_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o become_v their_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-worshipper_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o all_o the_o glorify_a saint_n the_o patriarch_n king_n priest_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n and_o eminent_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o as_o bright_a cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v get_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o and_o there_o among_o other_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o endear_a embrace_n our_o love_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o relative_n that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o shall_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o celestial_a region_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o mansion_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o also_o with_o one_o another_o 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n this_o be_v yet_o another_o blessing_n that_o attend_v the_o true_a life_n for_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o reproach_n and_o to_o under_o calumny_n and_o evil_a report_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o though_o i_o grant_v god_n can_v turn_v this_o as_o other_o evil_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v one_o superad_v misery_n to_o the_o many_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o that_o we_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o escape_v this_o contagion_n that_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o dross_n and_o refuse_v of_o mankind_n as_o the_o very_o vile_a of_o miscreant_n by_o a_o blind_a mad_a world_n fame_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o goddess_n of_o ambitious_a and_o high_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a nonsense_n to_o talk_v of_o perpetuate_a one_o name_n here_o since_o the_o further_a that_o the_o fame_n of_o any_o can_v go_v be_v but_o to_o the_o limit_n of_o time_n and_o space_n fame_n and_o good_a name_n then_o be_v jewel_n of_o the_o eternal_a crown_n of_o happiness_n wherewith_o god_n do_v adorn_v such_o only_a as_o he_o admit_v to_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o than_o that_o conquer_v the_o universe_n have_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o true_a fame_n which_o god_n bestow_v only_o on_o such_o who_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v to_o overcome_v sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o he_o also_o who_o have_v leave_v his_o name_n behind_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o a_o hundred_o learned_a volume_n have_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o perpetual_a fame_n except_o he_o have_v also_o attain_v to_o have_v his_o name_n engrave_v and_o enrol_v in_o the_o eternal_a register_n and_o record_n of_o heaven_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o have_v we_o all_o the_o forementied_a qualification_n of_o true_a and_o perfect_a life_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v but_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n in_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o their_o continuance_n and_o permanency_n this_o one_o suspicious_a thought_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o dump_n all_o our_o satisfaction_n with_o respect_n to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v life_n every_o way_n happy_a and_o perfect_a this_o superadded_a qualification_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v in_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v hence_o lead_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a life_n here_o since_o all_o our_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v transitory_a and_o fade_a as_o be_v momentary_a and_o confine_v within_o the_o narrow_a limit_n and_o precinct_n of_o year_n day_n hour_n and_o minute_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o even_o that_o which_o we_o call_v life_n here_o be_v itself_o but_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a and_o then_o vanish_v away_o yea_o such_o a_o vapour_n as_o have_v not_o so_o much_o a_o be_v as_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n thereof_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v james_n ch_z 4._o v._n 14._o point_v it_o forth_o very_o expressive_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o vapour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n this_o add_v to_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n that_o all_o the_o enyoyment_n and_o blessing_n there_o be_v permanent_a and_o eternal_a no_o rust_n do_v there_o corrupt_v they_o nor_o thief_n steal_v they_o nor_o age_n waste_v they_o nor_o death_n devour_v they_o they_o that_o once_o enter_v upon_o the_o actual_a fruition_n of_o such_o enjoyment_n do_v ever_o retain_v their_o possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o true_a life_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v which_o since_o they_o only_a quadrate_n with_o the_o future_a life_n of_o perfection_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conclude_v with_o solomon_n that_o death_n to_o a_o saint_n be_v far_o preferable_a on_o all_o account_n to_o his_o birth_n or_o to_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o very_a word_n better_a be_v the_o day_n of_o such_o a_o one_o death_n than_o the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o improvement_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o come_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o doctrine_n to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o serious_a improvement_n thereof_o which_o i_o design_n shall_v be_v judgement_n and_o regulative_a of_o our_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o both_o one_a the_o information_n of_o our_o judgement_n although_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v with_o this_o design_n to_o rectify_v our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n far_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o and_o indeed_o necessary_o infer_v hence_o 1._o infer_v we_o see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v not_o only_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o state_n but_o of_o a_o immediate_a happiness_n and_o glory_n also_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a pass_n into_o at_o death_n when_o the_o poor_a beggar_n die_v he_o be_v carry_v by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n luk._n 16._o 26._o and_o the_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v on_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n in_o misery_n on_o the_o cross_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o paradise_n with_o he_o luk._n 23._o 43._o and_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a columbus_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n who_o first_o make_v a_o voyage_n and_o return_v again_o in_o time_n as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 1_o 4_o etc._n etc._n can_v never_o reflect_v afterward_o upon_o that_o paradise_n which_o he_o then_o see_v but_o with_o earnest_a breathe_n to_o be_v there_o again_o as_o we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1._o 23._o and_o indeed_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v never_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n but_o may_v then_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 89._o 47._o wherefore_o have_v thou_o make_v all_o man_n in_o vain_a and_o be_v not_o this_o glorious_a life_n and_o state_n to_o be_v enter_v upon_o by_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n immediate_o at_o death_n it_o will_v great_o damp_n the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a reflection_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o have_v thereof_o then_o 2._o infer_v we_o have_v hence_o also_o a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o give_v to_o all_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v put_v up_o by_o any_o against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o now_o since_o we_o hint_v before_o some_o doubt_n that_o natural_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o first_o proposal_n and_o idea_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n brief_o answer_v the_o same_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v wherefore_o 1._o since_o atheistical_a and_o anti-scriptural_a person_n cry_v out_o upon_o this_o doctrine_n as_o ridiculous_a from_o a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o existence_n when_o separate_a from_o the_o body_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o imagination_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o reason_n itself_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o noble_a active_a and_o intelligent_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v mere_o dependent_a on_o the_o body_n and_o have_v only_o its_o duration_n for_o a_o short_a space_n in_o this_o vain_a world_n especial_o 2._o since_o we_o see_v that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o a_o appearance_n than_o a_o reality_n as_o all_o thing_n
of_o happiness_n a_o fullness_n of_o glory_n both_o subjective_n and_o objective_n glory_n shine_v in_o they_o and_o glory_n shine_v upon_o and_o round_o about_o yea_o into_o they_o transfuse_v its_o bright_a beam_n through_o they_o a_o fullness_n of_o honour_n infinite_o transcend_v all_o those_o fade_a title_n which_o advance_v one_o man_n so_o high_a above_o another_o in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o joy_n satisfaction_n and_o delight_n even_o those_o pure_a refine_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a 11._o psal_n 16._o v._n 11._o hand_n for_o evermore_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o neither_o our_o word_n nor_o thought_n can_v reach_v be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o all_o they_o shall_v certain_o attain_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o course_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n which_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o consider_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n in_o order_n namely_o iii_o that_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o connection_n between_o the_o qualification_n import_v in_o the_o forego_n character_n and_o that_o glorious_a felicity_n unto_o which_o all_o that_o bear_v it_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v advance_v between_o a_o christian_n course_n and_o his_o crown_n between_o his_o seek_n for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o way_n here_o describe_v and_o that_o eternal_a life_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v final_o enjoy_v all_o that_o he_o seek_v for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o connection_n between_o they_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a inasmuch_o as_o the_o one_o be_v attainable_a no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o other_o and_o of_o what_o kind_n this_o connection_n be_v i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v and_o in_o short_a it_o be_v easy_a forus_fw-la to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o connection_n be_v not_o natural_a and_o necessary_a but_o ordinate_a not_o such_o as_o do_v necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v here_o connect_v but_o such_o as_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o gracious_a ordination_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v attentive_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a and_o adequate_a proportion_n between_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a christian_n present_a service_n and_o his_o future_a eternal_a reward_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o obvious_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o connection_n that_o be_v between_o they_o be_v not_o found_v in_o merit_n but_o in_o free_a grace_n for_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o must_v say_v we_o 10._o luk._n 17._o v._n 10._o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v only_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a for_o any_o one_o to_o think_v to_o merit_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o just_a debt_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o eternal_a life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o gift_n as_o obtain_v only_o by_o the_o free_a donation_n of_o god_n and_o not_o as_o a_o possession_n accrue_v to_o we_o by_o any_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o eternal_a death_n which_o be_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v call_v wage_n as_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o it_o do_v most_o just_o deserve_v rom._n 6._o 23._o for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n under_o the_o title_n of_o mercy_n as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o onesiphorus_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 18._o the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o day_n and_o so_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o 21._o judas_n v._n 21._o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o connection_n that_o be_v between_o the_o christian_n service_n and_o reward_n his_o course_n and_o his_o crown_n be_v not_o found_v in_o merit_n but_o in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o undeserved_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o alone_o that_o gracious_a promise_n or_o covenant_n be_v entire_o owe_v whereby_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o establish_v a_o immutable_a order_n between_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v infallible_o consequent_a upon_o the_o other_o but_o the_o connection_n be_v never_o the_o less_o firm_a or_o certain_a for_o be_v so_o found_v as_o it_o be_v but_o rather_o the_o more_o so_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o more_o immediate_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n not_o 5._o 2_o sam._n 23_o v._n 5._o only_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o also_o sure_a forasmuch_o as_o the_o divine_a eternal_a veracity_n be_v engage_v to_o make_v good_a every_o article_n of_o it_o to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v regular_o lay_v hold_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o its_o condition_n come_v to_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o for_o although_o god_n be_v unlimited_o free_a before_o he_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o establish_v his_o gracious_a covenant_n with_o we_o yet_o that_o be_v once_o do_v he_o be_v oblige_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o so_o though_o in_o strictness_n he_o can_v owe_v nothing_o to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o his_o own_o promise_n and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v be_v glorify_v not_o only_o as_o the_o free_a and_o magnificent_a donor_n of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n but_o also_o as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o fulfil_v all_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o he_o 4._o 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 4._o have_v make_v unto_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o therefore_o unto_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o render_v eternal_a life_n and_o have_v thus_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o the_o subject_n can_v well_o admit_v finish_v what_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v doctrinal_o from_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o magnanimity_n and_o nobleness_n of_o spirit_n true_a live_a christianity_n do_v inspire_v those_o in_o who_o it_o take_v place_n elevate_a and_o raise_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n above_o this_o perish_a world_n and_o all_o its_o fade_a transitory_a enjoyment_n steady_o incline_v they_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o 1._o col._n 3._o v._n 1._o insomuch_o that_o nothing_o low_a than_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o immortal_a honour_n can_v now_o content_v they_o or_o compose_v their_o desire_n into_o a_o complacential_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n while_o other_o that_o be_v act_v by_o the_o forbid_v abject_a and_o base_a spirit_n of_o this_o world_n lie_v grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o this_o earth_n drudge_a and_o toil_a for_o what_o be_v only_o accommodate_v unto_o their_o mortal_a part_n the_o live_a christian_n be_v make_v alive_a to_o god_n through_o 11._o rom._n 6._o v._n 11._o jesus_n christ_n his_o lord_n and_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o god_n be_v continual_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12._o aspire_v upward_o in_o heavenly_a thought_n desire_n and_o aim_n ever_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o actual_a fruition_n of_o all_o in_o eternal_a life_n 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v serve_v also_o to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o preposterous_a folly_n of_o their_o presumptuous_a hope_n who_o think_v at_o last_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n though_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o seek_v it_o in_o that_o way_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v prescribe_v and_o in_o which_o only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v promise_v to_o none_o as_o a_o absolute_a irrespective_a gift_n but_o as_o a_o reward_n consequent_a upon_o service_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o be_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n of_o the_o present_a state_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o shall_v short_v of_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o future_a
and_o then_o the_o high_a their_o presumptuous_a and_o groundless_a hope_n have_v be_v raise_v the_o great_a will_v their_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n be_v when_o they_o and_o their_o hope_n shall_v perish_v together_o 3._o the_o firm_a and_o certain_a connection_n which_o the_o gracious_a promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n have_v make_v and_o settle_v between_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n here_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o may_v further_o serve_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o his_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a servant_n under_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n affliction_n and_o sorrow_n exercise_n and_o trial_n which_o they_o undergo_v here_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o obedience_n he_o that_o have_v obtain_v a_o clear_a prospect_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o incorruption_n which_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_o enjoy_v there_o by_o all_o 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will_n and_o now_o 9_o rev._n 14._o v._n 13._o heb._n 4._o v._o 9_o rest_v from_o her_o labour_n in_o that_o everlasting_a sabbatism_n which_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n into_o which_o she_o enter_v on_o the_o close_a of_o that_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v by_o we_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n every_o one_o to_o do_v likewise_o and_o more_o particular_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o unto_o you_o her_o hopeful_a offspring_n her_o dear_a child_n for_o who_o she_o put_v up_o many_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v you_o all_o his_o child_n and_o let_v i_o earnest_o exhort_v you_o never_o to_o forget_v what_o a_o mother_n you_o have_v what_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o wholesome_a counsel_n she_o often_o give_v you_o and_o what_o a_o teach_a example_n she_o set_v before_o you_o by_o which_o be_v now_o dead_a she_o yet_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v your_o great_a concern_v as_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n &_o to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o action_n do_v speak_v out_o loud_o than_o any_o verbal_a expression_n and_o certain_o if_o you_o have_v the_o heart_n attentive_o to_o consider_v and_o understand_v it_o you_o can_v be_v unapprehensive_a that_o your_o mother_n example_n call_v aloud_o upon_o you_o all_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n with_o serious_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o she_o do_v to_o get_v your_o thought_n and_o affection_n abstract_v and_o draw_v off_o from_o this_o world_n and_o fix_o set_v upon_o thing_n above_o as_o hers_z were_z to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n
we_o prefer_v death_n to_o birth_n and_o consequent_o to_o life_n since_o even_o solomon_n himself_o ch_z 9_o v._n 4_o 5._o do_v plain_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o life_n for_o a_o live_a dog_n be_v better_a say_v he_o than_o a_o dead_a lion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a or_o uncommon_a for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o come_v under_o different_a consideration_n at_o some_o time_n and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a according_o to_o deduce_v quite_o different_a yea_o and_o opposite_a conclusion_n from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o it_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o life_n in_o ch_z 9_o in_o another_o dialect_n than_o he_o do_v here_o in_o my_o text_n since_o he_o reflect_v here_o and_o there_o upon_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o quite_o different_a consideration_n for_o 1._o in_o ch_z 9_o he_o compare_v life_n and_o death_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o life_n as_o be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o here_o solomon_n do_v not_o compare_v these_o opposite_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o a_o accidental_a consideration_n only_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n our_o life_n here_o be_v expose_v to_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n hence_o as_o we_o have_v explain_v 2._o solomon_n in_o ch_z 9_o do_v not_o only_o consider_v life_n in_o itself_o but_o under_o the_o notion_n also_o of_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n through_o the_o right_a improvement_n whereof_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v put_v out_o of_o capacity_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n further_o for_o their_o soul_n for_o say_v he_o to_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o live_n there_o be_v hope_n but_o the_o dead_a have_v no_o more_o portion_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n which_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o he_o more_o clear_o unfold_v v._o 10._o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n because_o there_o be_v no_o work_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o in_o this_o place_n solomon_n speak_v of_o life_n abstract_v from_o its_o relation_n and_o use_v this_o way_n and_o consider_v it_o mere_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o misery_n and_o trouble_n and_o therefore_o his_o inference_n here_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o native_o result_v from_o such_o a_o consideration_n thereof_o 3._o solomon_n in_o the_o 9th_o ch_z seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v of_o life_n and_o death_n with_o respect_n to_o wicked_a man_n chief_o if_o not_o only_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v certain_a life_n be_v far_o preferable_a to_o death_n since_o as_o he_o say_v v._o 10._o there_o be_v no_o preparation_n work_v to_o be_v do_v after_o death_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o whilst_o there_o be_v life_n there_o be_v still_o hope_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v repent_v and_o reform_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a as_o he_o intimate_v v._o 4._o and_o according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n sperandum_fw-la est_fw-la vivis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la spes_fw-la ulla_fw-la sepultis_fw-la but_o now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o seem_v not_o obscure_o to_o be_v hint_v here_o that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n as_o refer_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o special_o to_o the_o saint_n who_o through_o grace_n and_o holiness_n have_v attain_v worthy_o to_o deserve_v a_o good_a name_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o and_o as_o i_o judge_v more_o native_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v distinct_o consider_v in_o the_o follow_a thesis_n second_o proposition_n the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v far_o preferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o parallel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n but_o inclusive_a also_o of_o the_o future_a i_o do_v say_v that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v actual_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n and_o to_o life_n since_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o choose_v life_n before_o death_n for_o even_o paul_n himself_o after_o a_o struggle_n with_o himself_o on_o this_o account_n whether_o he_o shall_v prefer_v death_n or_o life_n phil._n 1._o 23._o 24._o have_v impartial_o weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n conclude_v v._o 25._o that_o consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v prefer_v to_o death_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v here_o that_o the_o saint_n attain_v always_o to_o prefer_v death_n to_o life_n no_o alas_o there_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o that_o get_v this_o length_n even_o a_o hezekiah_n will_v weep_v sâ—re_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o chatter_v like_o a_o crane_n or_o swallow_v and_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o that_o account_n isa_n 38._o 3_o 14._o and_o a_o david_n also_o will_v on_o this_o account_n at_o sometime_o be_v make_v to_o cry_v out_o psal_n 39_o 13._o o_o spare_v i_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v here_o in_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o be_v that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v preferable_a to_o his_o birth_n because_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o if_o as_o we_o show_v before_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o birth_n mere_o because_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o overbalance_v and_o weigh_v down_o by_o the_o sorrow_n of_o time_n then_o sure_o the_o conclusion_n be_v much_o more_o strong_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n and_o lay_v it_o also_o in_o the_o scale_n over_o and_o above_o for_o who_o then_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o entry_n upon_o happiness_n which_o be_v by_o death_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o entry_n upon_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o which_o be_v by_o birth_n and_o as_o this_o proposition_n so_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o text_n thus_o explain_v seem_v so_o clear_a in_o itself_o so_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o thing_n will_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o further_a doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n further_o which_o be_v do_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o improve_v it_o the_o proof_n and_o now_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o show_v the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n give_v and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o by_o explain_v the_o term_n here_o use_v of_o birth_n and_o death_n 2._o by_o consider_v more_o direct_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o these_o two_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n enter_v the_o saint_n upon_o and_o first_o i_o shall_v brief_o reflect_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n and_o here_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n i_o find_v a_o lameness_n and_o defectiveness_n in_o word_n by_o which_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n be_v often_o cloud_v and_o almost_o lose_v and_o therefore_o though_o i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o to_o rectify_v these_o term_n as_o vulgar_o use_v yet_o the_o present_a subject_n necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o some_o rectification_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o have_v it_o may_v be_v from_o education_n too_o easy_o imbibê°d_v for_o if_o in_o ordinary_a converse_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n quod_fw-la loquendum_fw-la cum_fw-la vulgo_fw-la i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o subjoin_v in_o serious_a inquiry_n into_o thing_n quod_fw-la sentiendum_fw-la cum_fw-la dâ—ctis_fw-la and_o though_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o such_o rectify_a notion_n of_o thing_n as_o other_o may_v have_v reach_v yet_o since_o this_o fall_n in_o my_o way_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v what_o estimate_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o birth_n and_o death_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o saint_n and_o 1_o as_o to_o birth_n though_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o saint_n as_o all_o other_o man_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o his_o two_o constituent_a part_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n which_o chief_o denominate_v the_o man_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n our_o body_n be_v call_v our_o tent_n or_o tabernacle_n wherein_o we_o lodge_v for_o a_o time_n so_o that_o though_o the_o body_n be_v
it_o than_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n life_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a thing_n than_o we_o imagine_v when_o consider_v in_o its_o right_a notion_n and_o idea_n we_o talk_v of_o a_o vegetative_a and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o if_o in_o philosophy_n these_o must_v needs_o creep_v in_o as_o distinct_a species_n thereof_o yet_o divinity_n will_v refine_v our_o thought_n of_o it_o a_o little_a further_o for_o since_o life_n be_v one_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o design_n himself_o ofttimes_o the_o live_a god_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v something_o high_a and_o sublime_a therein_o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o life_n to_o other_o so_o it_o be_v only_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v so_o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o ourselves_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o our_o nostril_n and_o we_o depend_v every_o moment_n on_o god_n for_o new_a supply_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o find_v it_o the_o property_n of_o god_n only_o to_o have_v life_n in_o him-self_n yea_o and_o such_o a_o property_n as_o be_v only_o communicable_a to_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 26._o for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n with_o a_o special_a mark_n of_o observation_n joh._n 1._o 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n for_o we_o may_v plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o very_a term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o life_n here_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o as_o plain_o and_o necessary_o presuppose_v these_o periodical_a term_n be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o this_o life_n herein_o presuppose_v must_v either_o be_v the_o present_a life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v the_o present_a life_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o solomon_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o death_n to_o the_o commence_v it_o at_o first_o by_o birth_n and_o those_o very_a mean_a thought_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o noble_a designation_n of_o life_n as_o be_v rather_o a_o shadow_n thereof_o than_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o future_a life_n that_o be_v here_o import_v than_o it_o present_v we_o with_o a_o noble_a idea_n of_o true_a life_n indeed_o as_o inclusive_a of_o true_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o good_a reason_n death_n be_v here_o prefer_v to_o birth_n but_o though_o this_o last_o sense_n give_v we_o the_o fair_a prospect_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n determination_n of_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v to_o include_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o life_n as_o presuppose_a clear_o in_o the_o text._n for_o as_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n express_o between_o birth_n and_o death_n so_o his_o do_v thus_o do_v manifest_o presuppose_v that_o he_o have_v run_v the_o parallel_n also_o between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n for_o except_o the_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n have_v respect_n to_o these_o they_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o stand_v as_o cipher_n here_o without_o any_o significancy_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indubitable_a that_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n here_o between_o life_n present_a and_o future_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o compare_v they_o as_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o so_o as_o species_n under_o the_o same_o genus_fw-la but_o rather_o as_o two_o opposite_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o present_a life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n or_o state_n of_o death_n and_o so_o to_o vendicate_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a life_n to_o the_o future_a only_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o when_o i_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v rather_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n whereas_o our_o death_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v more_o proper_o our_o birth_n into_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n so_o i_o say_v now_o of_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o die_v into_o when_o we_o be_v bear_v whereas_o the_o future_a life_n be_v that_o only_a which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n as_o be_v that_o state_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o that_o period_n which_o we_o call_v death_n and_o though_o this_o invertion_n of_o term_n may_v seem_v strange_a at_o first_o to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o reflect_v on_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o entertain_v genuine_a conception_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o what_o concern_v these_o we_o will_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o rectification_n of_o vulgar_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n be_v oft_o detain_v contrary_a to_o reason_n itself_o from_o a_o misapplication_n of_o mere_a word_n wherefore_o since_o i_o take_v life_n for_o that_o which_o either_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n or_o which_o derivative_o be_v communicate_v to_o subject_n capable_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v make_v so_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o ensue_a reflection_n that_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o the_o word_n express_v this_o different_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o true_a life_n or_o perfection_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o i_o be_o here_o to_o consider_v which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o appear_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o run_v the_o parallel_n a_o little_a between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n as_o we_o call_v they_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o admit_v of_o the_o conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o to_o the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o first_o which_o methinks_v the_o apostle_n express_v well_o when_o he_o call_v the_o future_a life_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d life_n assign_v to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o designation_n of_o mortality_n only_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o those_o qualification_n of_o life_n be_v that_o denominate_v it_o excellent_a happy_a and_o desirable_a and_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o in_o word_n common_a and_o know_v to_o all_o that_o the_o impression_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a and_o now_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o conveniency_n or_o true_a qualification_n of_o life_n want_v where_o these_o seven_o thing_n concur_v viz._n 1._o perfect_a health_n 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a 3._o unmixed_a and_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o joy_n 4._o the_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o abode_n 5._o the_o most_o excellent_a company_n 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o qualification_n or_o property_n of_o life_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a that_o we_o may_v see_v whether_o our_o passage_n by_o birth_n into_o the_o one_o or_o by_o death_n into_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o perfect_a health_n by_o this_o we_o understand_v perfect_a rectitude_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v where_o this_o rare_a jewel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v without_o which_o all_o our_o other_o comfort_n be_v insipid_a 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both_o relative_a and_o personal_a as_o she_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o serious_a in_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n there_o seek_v the_o appoint_a food_n of_o your_o soul_n where_o she_o both_o often_o seek_v and_o find_v it_o to_o dedicate_v some_o part_n of_o your_o precious_a time_n every_o day_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n devout_a meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v she_o constant_a course_n as_o long_o as_o her_o health_n and_o strength_n will_v permit_v in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v serious_a religion_n your_o main_a business_n as_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_o she_o and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o this_o call_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o call_v of_o god_n word_n and_o that_o monitory_a providence_n that_o you_o be_v now_o under_o so_o as_o heedful_o to_o tread_v in_o your_o pious_a mother_n step_n as_o dear_a child_n follow_v she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o show_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o god_n and_o 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matter_n sufficient_o confirm_v scripture-testimony_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o require_v a_o subjective_n as_o well_o as_o objective_n spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o however_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n end_n in_o reveal_v his_o word_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v through_o his_o blessing_n upon_o pain_n and_o industry_n attain_v to_o rectify_v notion_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o momentous_a to_o be_v right_o know_v by_o we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n unto_o we_o so_o particular_o of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o quisitive_a solomon_n who_o have_v undertake_v a_o speculative_a journey_n into_o all_o the_o region_n of_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n return_v a_o experience_a ecclesiaste_n or_o preacher_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o think_v may_v be_v of_o universal_a use_n to_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o have_v rub_v off_o the_o fine_a varnish_n and_o gaudy_a paint_n of_o earthly_a object_n with_o which_o they_o insinuate_v themselves_o at_o first_o view_v as_o beautify_v to_o our_o vain_a imagination_n he_o here_o represent_v they_o impartial_o to_o our_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n to_o we_o of_o this_o we_o may_v adduce_v many_o instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o word_n before_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o rectification_n of_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o for_o first_o whereas_o man_n usual_o prefer_v riches_n to_o a_o good_a name_n we_o be_v here_o instruct_v that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v better_a &_o more_o valuable_a than_o precious_a ointment_n i._n e._n than_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affluence_n of_o all_o earthly_a wealth_n and_o riches_n for_o thus_o i_o take_v the_o word_n according_a to_o prov._n 22._o 1._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o comment_n on_o this_o or_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v here_o figurative_o import_v for_o precious_a ointment_n be_v esteem_v of_o old_a among_o the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o prince_n as_o we_o see_v isa_n 39_o 2._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o prov._n 15._o 30._o a_o good_a name_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o bone_n sit_v and_o again_o whereas_o man_n general_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n solomon_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o case_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n according_a to_o which_o position_n he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v be_v better_a than_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v and_o sorrow_n preferable_a to_o laughter_n v._o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o these_o only_a that_o i_o be_o direct_v to_o consider_v at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n a_o strange_a paradox_n and_o enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o all_o such_o as_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o have_v their_o interior_a sense_n spiritual_o exercise_v to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o many_o even_o serious_a christian_n may_v find_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v their_o thought_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o hand_n i_o foresee_v objection_n what!_o will_n the_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n say_v be_v it_o better_o not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a will_n the_o carnal_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n object_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n itself_o shall_v be_v preferable_a to_o its_o be_v and_o continuance_n nay_o even_o many_o poor_a christian_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o tell_v i_o that_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o prefer_v death_n which_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o sin_n and_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v destroy_v to_o prefer_v i_o say_v this_o to_o life_n itself_o wherein_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o multitude_n cry_v out_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o and_o many_o such_o worldling_n there_o be_v what!_o death_n better_a than_o life_n here_o be_v strange_a doctrine_n indeed_o what!_o leave_v all_o our_o earthly_a comfort_n friend_n and_o possession_n and_o that_o for_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a who_o can_v have_v faith_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o well_o friend_n here_o be_v that_o which_o may_v silence_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o answer_v all_o your_o question_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o will_v give_v ear_n to_o god_n himself_o that_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o birth_n but_o i_o must_v supersede_n the_o satisfy_n you_o as_o to_o your_o particular_a scruple_n in_o this_o matter_n till_o i_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o must_v now_o lest_o i_o act_v preposterous_o previous_o inquire_v into_o and_o here_o though_o the_o word_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o very_o plain_a that_o i_o see_v no_o momentous_a variation_n among_o critic_n in_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v some_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o expositor_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o some_o understand_v the_o text_n of_o all_o mankind_n with_o respect_n only_o to_o this_o present_a life_n lay_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a state_n as_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n be_v undoubted_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o