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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
if_o we_o consider_v the_o vanity_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n abstract_v from_o the_o future_a it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o by_o death_n than_o come_v into_o it_o by_o birth_n but_o other_o understand_v it_o rather_o as_o special_o refer_v to_o the_o death_n of_o good_a man_n who_o be_v thereby_o not_o only_o free_v from_o trouble_n here_o but_o instate_v in_o true_a happiness_n &_o felicity_n hereafter_o and_o this_o sense_n as_o it_o appear_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n truth_n and_o phraseology_n so_o likewise_o seem_v not_o obscure_o to_o be_v hint_v here_o from_o its_o close_a connexion_n with_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o it_o be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a name_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o death_n be_v just_o prefer_v to_o his_o birth_n for_o a_o good_a name_n do_v unquestionable_o suppose_v true_a worth_n and_o virtue_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o basis_n and_o though_o the_o epithet_n of_o good_a be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o hebrew_n but_o simple_o a_o name_n which_o be_v prefer_v to_o precious_a ointment_n yet_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v the_o sense_n that_o it_o express_v it_o with_o the_o great_a emphasis_n as_o insinuate_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o name_n at_o all_o properly_z speaking_z it_o be_v chief_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o i_o conceive_v the_o proper_a meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n to_o lie_v though_o i_o will_v not_o total_o exclude_v the_o former_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o expression_n for_o i_o think_v scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n where_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n will_v natural_o bear_v it_o without_o contorsion_n and_o strain_v and_o therefore_o the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n that_o i_o here_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o day_n 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consider_v and_o prosecute_v yet_o since_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o premise_v some_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v therefore_o distinct_o and_o apart_o propose_v both_o sense_n in_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o precede_a general_n doctrine_n first_o proposition_n the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v preferable_a to_o the_o day_n of_o one_o birth_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o when_o the_o parallel_n be_v only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n consider_v as_o miserable_a abstract_v from_o the_o future_a i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o that_o considerate_o and_o serious_o ponder_v this_o proposition_n but_o will_v easy_o assent_v unto_o it_o since_o i_o do_v not_o here_o bare_o and_o naked_o reflect_v on_o the_o notion_n of_o birth_n &_o death_n in_o themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o life_n simple_o consider_v but_o only_o draw_v the_o parallel_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o life_n as_o 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melancholy_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o journey_n and_o now_o what_o else_o be_v our_o life_n in_o this_o miserable_a world_n but_o such_o a_o tedious_a and_o afflictive_a peregrination_n for_o we_o be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o enter_v by_o birth_n into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o live_n but_o our_o infant_n cry_v and_o tear_n become_v a_o sad_a prelude_n to_o a_o succeed_a sorrowful_a scene_n our_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v whole_o vanity_n and_o spend_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o seem_v rather_o to_o breathe_v than_o live_v and_o our_o propensity_n then_o to_o extravagancy_n and_o sin_n oblige_v our_o best_a friend_n to_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o necessary_a though_o to_o we_o afflictive_a correction_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o arrive_v to_o something_o of_o further_a maturity_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v immediate_o beset_v with_o care_n and_o incumberance_n the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o worldly_a business_n then_o do_v our_o heart_n run_v out_o impetuous_o after_o the_o trifle_n of_o time_n the_o nicknamed_a honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o the_o game_n which_o ambitious_a covetous_a and_o wanton_a spirit_n fly_v at_o the_o fine_a varnish_n and_o gaudy_a show_n of_o guild_a dross_n and_o dung_n take_v we_o and_o after_o it_o be_v our_o endeavour_n bend_v here_o care_v to_o get_v this_o world_n dross_n care_v to_o keep_v it_o care_n to_o increase_v it_o and_o care_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o eat_v out_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o little_a time_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o rise_n up_o early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o transitoriness_n thwart_v our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n beside_o that_o oft_o a_o secret_a curse_n from_o god_n blast_v our_o endeavour_n and_o break_v our_o measure_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v riches_n and_o estate_n take_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n to_o receive_v a_o new_a disposal_n and_o the_o fair_a image_n and_o shadow_n of_o honour_n grandeur_n and_o pleasure_n pass_v away_o and_o leave_v our_o mind_n perplex_v and_o trouble_v for_o the_o disappointment_n thus_o do_v we_o seek_v for_o the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v distance_n and_o separation_n from_o our_o best_a friend_n eat_v out_o the_o seem_a comfort_n we_o may_v enjoy_v in_o their_o company_n want_v pain_n sickness_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o disappointment_n swallow_v up_o any_o little_a pleasure_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o drown_v the_o sense_n of_o enjoyment_n otherwise_o comfortable_a and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o ourselves_o immediate_o we_o be_v ofttimes_o call_v to_o be_v sad_a spectator_n of_o the_o many_o tragedy_n act_v in_o the_o world_n we_o see_v national_a and_o church_n calamity_n and_o family_n and_o personal_n distress_n and_o ofttimes_o the_o nearness_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o other_o oblige_v we_o by_o something_o more_o than_o sympathy_n to_o suffer_v with_o they_o and_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v impartial_o reflect_v on_o if_o we_o return_v with_o solomon_n ch_z 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o consider_v the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o how_o destitute_a not_o only_o the_o oppress_a but_o the_o oppressor_n also_o be_v of_o true_a comfort_n on_o that_o account_n i_o say_v consider_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v ground_n with_o he_o to_o praise_v the_o dead_a rather_o than_o the_o live_n yea_o to_o conclude_v that_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o these_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n object_n how_o can_v
it_o than_o the_o very_a show_n and_o appearance_n life_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a thing_n than_o we_o imagine_v when_o consider_v in_o its_o right_a notion_n and_o idea_n we_o talk_v of_o a_o vegetative_a and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o if_o in_o philosophy_n these_o must_v needs_o creep_v in_o as_o distinct_a species_n thereof_o yet_o divinity_n will_v refine_v our_o thought_n of_o it_o a_o little_a further_o for_o since_o life_n be_v one_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o design_n himself_o ofttimes_o the_o live_a god_n we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v something_o high_a and_o sublime_a therein_o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o life_n to_o other_o so_o it_o be_v only_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v so_o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o ourselves_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o our_o nostril_n and_o we_o depend_v every_o moment_n on_o god_n for_o new_a supply_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o find_v it_o the_o property_n of_o god_n only_o to_o have_v life_n in_o him-self_n yea_o and_o such_o a_o property_n as_o be_v only_o communicable_a to_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 26._o for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n with_o a_o special_a mark_n of_o observation_n joh._n 1._o 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o notion_n of_o life_n for_o we_o may_v plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o very_a term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o life_n here_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o as_o plain_o and_o necessary_o presuppose_v these_o periodical_a term_n be_v make_v use_n of_o now_o this_o life_n herein_o presuppose_v must_v either_o be_v the_o present_a life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v the_o present_a life_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o solomon_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o death_n to_o the_o commence_v it_o at_o first_o by_o birth_n and_o those_o very_a mean_a thought_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o noble_a designation_n of_o life_n as_o be_v rather_o a_o shadow_n thereof_o than_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o future_a life_n that_o be_v here_o import_v than_o it_o present_v we_o with_o a_o noble_a idea_n of_o true_a life_n indeed_o as_o inclusive_a of_o true_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o good_a reason_n death_n be_v here_o prefer_v to_o birth_n but_o though_o this_o last_o sense_n give_v we_o the_o fair_a prospect_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n determination_n of_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v to_o include_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o life_n as_o presuppose_a clear_o in_o the_o text._n for_o as_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n express_o between_o birth_n and_o death_n so_o his_o do_v thus_o do_v manifest_o presuppose_v that_o he_o have_v run_v the_o parallel_n also_o between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n for_o except_o the_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n have_v respect_n to_o these_o they_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o stand_v as_o cipher_n here_o without_o any_o significancy_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indubitable_a that_o solomon_n run_v the_o parallel_n here_o between_o life_n present_a and_o future_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o compare_v they_o as_o be_v both_o include_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n and_o so_o as_o species_n under_o the_o same_o genus_fw-la but_o rather_o as_o two_o opposite_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o present_a life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n or_o state_n of_o death_n and_o so_o to_o vendicate_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a life_n to_o the_o future_a only_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o when_o i_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v rather_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n whereas_o our_o death_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v more_o proper_o our_o birth_n into_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n so_o i_o say_v now_o of_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v rather_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o die_v into_o when_o we_o be_v bear_v whereas_o the_o future_a life_n be_v that_o only_a which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n as_o be_v that_o state_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o that_o period_n which_o we_o call_v death_n and_o though_o this_o invertion_n of_o term_n may_v seem_v strange_a at_o first_o to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o sense_n as_o not_o to_o reflect_v on_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o entertain_v genuine_a conception_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o what_o concern_v these_o we_o will_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o rectification_n of_o vulgar_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n be_v oft_o detain_v contrary_a to_o reason_n itself_o from_o a_o misapplication_n of_o mere_a word_n wherefore_o since_o i_o take_v life_n for_o that_o which_o either_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n or_o which_o derivative_o be_v communicate_v to_o subject_n capable_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v make_v so_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o ensue_a reflection_n that_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o the_o word_n express_v this_o different_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o true_a life_n or_o perfection_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o i_o be_o here_o to_o consider_v which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o appear_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o run_v the_o parallel_n a_o little_a between_o the_o present_a and_o future_a life_n as_o we_o call_v they_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o admit_v of_o the_o conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o to_o the_o preferableness_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o first_o which_o methinks_v the_o apostle_n express_v well_o when_o he_o call_v the_o future_a life_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d life_n assign_v to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o designation_n of_o mortality_n only_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o those_o qualification_n of_o life_n be_v that_o denominate_v it_o excellent_a happy_a and_o desirable_a and_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o in_o word_n common_a and_o know_v to_o all_o that_o the_o impression_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a and_o now_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o conveniency_n or_o true_a qualification_n of_o life_n want_v where_o these_o seven_o thing_n concur_v viz._n 1._o perfect_a health_n 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a 3._o unmixed_a and_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o joy_n 4._o the_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o abode_n 5._o the_o most_o excellent_a company_n 6._o a_o untainted_a good_a name_n 7._o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o all_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o qualification_n or_o property_n of_o life_n with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a that_o we_o may_v see_v whether_o our_o passage_n by_o birth_n into_o the_o one_o or_o by_o death_n into_o the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o perfect_a health_n by_o this_o we_o understand_v perfect_a rectitude_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v where_o this_o rare_a jewel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v without_o which_o all_o our_o other_o comfort_n be_v insipid_a and_o tasteless_a sure_o it_o cant_v be_v acquire_v in_o this_o miserable_a world_n either_o as_o to_o mind_n or_o body_n for_o as_o to_o our_o mind_n how_o uncultivated_a be_v our_o judgement_n as_o to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o vain_a be_v our_o thought_n how_o perverse_a our_o will_n how_o irregular_a our_o affection_n how_o treacherous_a our_o memory_n and_o how_o lame_a and_o defective_a be_v our_o action_n and_o performance_n even_o to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o as_o to_o our_o body_n do_v we_o not_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o the_o principle_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o death_n itself_o and_o what_o innumerable_a pain_n and_o malady_n be_v we_o here_o subject_a to_o every_o day_n to_o most_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o some_o new_a exercise_n or_o other_o
most_o serious_a meditation_n on_o this_o sorrowful_a occasion_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n etc._n etc._n a_o scripture_n that_o be_v eminent_o exemplify_v in_o her_o life_n and_o be_v now_o more_o full_o accomplish_v and_o make_v good_a to_o she_o in_o her_o death_n and_o upon_o both_o account_n i_o hope_v so_o much_o the_o more_o adapt_v for_o our_o present_a instruction_n in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o awaken_n and_o teach_v providence_n which_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o this_o discourse_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v design_v both_o for_o a_o instructive_a lesson_n to_o the_o live_n and_o a_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o cast_v it_o into_o such_o a_o method_n and_o form_n as_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accommodate_v to_o both_o part_n of_o that_o design_n but_o to_o the_o latter_a in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o former_a as_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o such_o sacred_a discourse_n in_o the_o word_n we_o have_v two_o thing_n more_o general_o offer_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n 1._o the_o descriptive_a character_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o future_a blessedness_n they_o be_v such_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n 2._o the_o final_a happiness_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o gracious_a designation_n and_o appointment_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o this_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o those_o two_o comprehensive_a word_n eternal_a life_n which_o indeed_o be_v both_o too_o big_a for_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o dark_a imperfect_a state_n and_o be_v only_o thorough_o understand_v where_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o they_o be_v full_o enjoy_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v full_a &_o extensive_a the_o felicity_n that_o await_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o course_n be_v great_a and_o glorious_a and_o the_o connection_n that_o be_v between_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o certain_a result_v from_o that_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o the_o context_n that_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o make_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o person_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o proper_a rule_n of_o judgement_n and_o will_v therefore_o render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n and_o so_o with_o little_a variation_n we_o may_v sum_n up_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n viz._n doct._n that_o all_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 shall_v at_o last_o obtain_v the_o full_a possession_n of_o what_o they_o seek_v after_o in_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o that_o indubitable_a certainty_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o deny_v at_o once_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o remunerative_a justice_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o his_o final_a distribution_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o and_o that_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o altogether_o needless_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o direct_a proof_n or_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n among_o those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v further_o in_o speak_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o explain_v and_o then_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o on_o this_o sorrowful_a occasion_n in_o the_o explication_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v distinct_o consider_v and_o speak_v to_o viz._n 1._o the_o extensive_a import_n of_o the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o heir_n of_o future_a blessedness_n be_v here_o describe_v 2._o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o final_a happiness_n which_o do_v by_o the_o divine_a ordination_n and_o appointment_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o their_o everlasting_a inheritance_n 3._o what_o kind_n of_o connection_n there_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o i_o e._n between_o the_o qualification_n import_v in_o this_o character_n and_o that_o felicity_n to_o which_o all_o that_o bear_v it_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v advance_v 1._o that_o which_o do_v most_o fit_o come_v under_o our_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o extensive_a import_n of_o their_o excellent_a character_n who_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o as_o in_o the_o general_n we_o see_v they_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a tendency_n and_o scope_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o aim_n which_o be_v too_o high_a to_o be_v confine_v to_o this_o low_a world_n or_o to_o take_v up_o their_o rest_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v measure_v by_o time_n so_o more_o particular_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o this_o character_n to_o be_v distinct_o explain_v 1._o the_o great_a and_o noble_a object_n of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n and_o constant_a aim_n express_v here_o by_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n 2._o their_o soul_n actual_a motion_n towards_o this_o object_n here_o express_v by_o their_o seek_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 3._o the_o regular_a way_n and_o right_a line_n in_o which_o their_o desire_n move_v and_o their_o aim_n be_v direct_v towards_o this_o bless_a mark_n and_o that_o be_v a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n first_o we_o may_v understand_v somewhat_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o character_n here_o give_v we_o of_o the_o heir_n of_o future_a blessedness_n by_o consider_v the_o object_n of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n and_o steady_a aim_n which_o indeed_o be_v great_a and_o noble_a well-beseeming_a the_o dignity_n of_o a_o heavenborn_a soul_n even_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a incorruption_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o word_n that_o carry_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o they_o the_o two_o first_o express_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o they_o seek_v after_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o three_o subjoin_v partly_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o everlasting_a duration_n of_o both_o and_o partly_o to_o denote_v their_o own_o endless_a existence_n and_o continuance_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o once_o they_o shall_v have_v reach_v the_o mark_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v myself_o nor_o you_o with_o a_o needless_a enquiry_n into_o the_o more_o nice_a and_o critical_a distinction_n that_o some_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v between_o these_o two_o word_n as_o to_o the_o proper_a import_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o honour_n thus_o much_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o three_o word_n that_o be_v subjoin_v to_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o manifest_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n that_o they_o be_v principal_o design_v both_o together_o to_o denote_v that_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n sum_v up_o in_o those_o other_o two_o word_n eternal_a life_n intimate_v that_o to_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n chief_o seek_v after_o yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o aim_n whatsoever_o in_o this_o life_n be_v necessary_a as_o preparative_n and_o introductory_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o another_o much_o less_o exclude_v whatsoever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v in_o that_o future_a blessedness_n itself_o which_o can_v so_o apt_o be_v conceive_v of_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o glory_n and_o honour_n especial_o if_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o understand_v such_o as_o that_o eternal_a satisfaction_n that_o inexpressible_a joy_n and_o that_o inconceivable_a delight_n which_o will_v undoubted_o accompany_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o immortal_a state_n nothing_o short_a of_o that_o crown_n of_o glory_n 4._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4._o that_o fade_v not_o away_o can_v indeed_o ultimate_o terminate_v the_o desire_n or_o full_o answer_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o person_n of_o that_o singular_a and_o noble_a character_n which_o we_o be_v now_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o any_o worldly_a honour_n or_o greatness_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v advance_v never_o so_o high_a in_o those_o secular_a dignity_n which_o many_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o climb_v
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
we_o here_o converse_v with_o be_v also_o or_o 2._o if_o the_o carnal_a rationalist_n and_o philosopher_n further_a object_n and_o argue_v against_o this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o death_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o to_o speak_v proper_o there_o be_v no_o such_o destruction_n of_o nature_n by_o death_n as_o many_o imagine_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o destroy_v by_o it_o but_o act_n and_o life_n more_o noble_o than_o before_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n proper_o destroy_v but_o only_o reduce_v into_o its_o first_o principle_n in_o order_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v and_o more_o glorious_o re-edify_v than_o before_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o two_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o man_n remain_v in_o be_v man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v destroy_v for_o though_o the_o immediate_a tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v loose_v yet_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o one_o another_o continue_v even_o when_o the_o actual_a union_n be_v suspend_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v principal_o the_o man_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o reckon_v that_o the_o man_n be_v in_o be_v still_o even_o when_o unbodied_a but_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o death_n be_v not_o prefer_v to_o birth_n or_o life_n mere_o as_o it_o be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n as_o now_o exist_v but_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a life_n which_o death_n be_v the_o passage_n into_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n prefer_v death_n to_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o not_o for_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v say_v he_o but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n but_o 3._o as_o to_o what_o many_o poor_a sincere-christians_a be_v apt_a to_o object_n against_o this_o point_n from_o the_o expression_n that_o sometime_o death_n go_v under_o in_o scripture_n of_o its_o be_v as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n our_o enemy_n and_o to_o be_v destroy_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 26._o i_o will_v for_o answer_n propose_v to_o they_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v this_o one_o consideration_n that_o though_o death_n be_v indeed_o our_o enemy_n as_o it_o be_v inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n since_o the_o fall_n yet_o it_o have_v now_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o saint_n since_o christ_n death_n especial_o christ_n have_v slay_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n thereof_o indeed_o death_n pass_v still_o upon_o all_o man_n but_o in_o very_o different_a respect_n for_o to_o the_o wicked_a death_n be_v still_o continue_a as_o a_o grim_a messenger_n and_o king_n of_o terror_n but_o as_o for_o the_o saint_n death_n be_v now_o become_v christ_n servant_n to_o convey_v home_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o to_o himself_o therefore_o as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v abolish_v death_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o so_o he_o be_v say_v also_o rev._n 1._o 18._o to_o have_v take_v into_o his_o custody_n and_o keep_n the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v perceive_v what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o fear_v death_n when_o he_o act_v only_o in_o commission_n under_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o also_o so_o bless_v a_o guide_n as_o he_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o grovel_a mortal_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o death_n that_o it_o rob_v they_o of_o and_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o their_o comfort_n friend_n possession_n enjoyment_n and_o hope_n i_o answer_v that_o where_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o any_o i_o must_v needs_o grant_v they_o have_v reason_n to_o prefer_v life_n to_o death_n if_o thou_o have_v all_o thy_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v to_o see_v thou_o prefer_v earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o dust_n to_o gold_n but_o o_o poor_a wretch_n be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o objection_n which_o militate_v indeed_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o against_o this_o doctrine_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o who_o we_o here_o speak_v will_v tell_v thou_o that_o whereas_o death_n separate_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o comfort_n it_o be_v in_o that_o way_n alone_o that_o they_o expect_v to_o reap_v the_o full_a harvest_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o 3._o infer_v we_o may_v see_v hence_o also_o the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n as_o to_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o life_n and_o death_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o all_o comfort_n be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o give_v way_n to_o strange_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o what_o follow_v it_o as_o there_o be_v many_o poor_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n live_v in_o mean_a celles_fw-fr and_o cottage_n in_o some_o obscure_a corner_n who_o low_a mind_n have_v never_o travel_v from_o the_o smell_n of_o their_o native_a thatch_n and_o turf_n represent_v the_o world_n to_o themselves_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o idea_n which_o a_o barren_a spot_n of_o earth_n of_o a_o few_o mile_n circumference_n have_v afford_v they_o so_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o pre-occupied_n with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o sense_n and_o custom_n as_o never_o to_o have_v suitable_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o right_a reason_n may_v not_o obscure_o conclude_v from_o scripture_n premise_n concern_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o if_o our_o thought_n be_v more_o enure_v to_o such_o divine_a meditation_n we_o will_v despise_v the_o vanity_n of_o a_o fade_a life_n more_o since_o we_o converse_v here_o but_o with_o imaginary_a comfort_n and_o joy_n though_o with_o too_o real_a grief_n and_o misery_n 2d_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o practice_n as_o practise_v be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n so_o my_o design_n in_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sincere_a &_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o the_o doctrine_n handle_v do_v call_v for_o from_o you_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v i_o to_o lay_v they_o impartial_o before_o you_o at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o do_v this_o since_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n call_v for_o a_o particular_a and_o become_a consideration_n this_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v with_o what_o succinctness_n be_v convenient_a to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n here_o viz._n 1._o to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n practical_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n 2._o to_o improve_v it_o also_o special_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o this_o present_a meeting_n and_o concourse_n and_o 1_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o general_n so_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o of_o you_o and_o what_o i_o have_v thus_o to_o say_v to_o you_o i_o will_v comprise_v and_o sum_v up_o in_o these_o three_o direction_n or_o rule_n 1._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o advice_n i_o will_v take_v up_o in_o these_o three_o part_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o be_v all_o concern_v serious_o to_o mind_n 1._o examine_v and_o try_v yourselves_o if_o god_n be_v your_o portion_n and_o christ_n your_o saviour_n what_o be_v you_o secure_a whilst_o you_o remain_v at_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v you_o have_v you_o renounce_v sin_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o sinful_a self_n have_v you_o accept_v christ_n whole_o in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o have_v you_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o as_o your_o alone_a saviour_n be_v careful_a my_o friend_n that_o you_o find_v not_o your_o hope_n on_o a_o mistake_n and_o thus_o build_v on_o the_o sand_n religion_n be_v more_o than_o a_o name_n and_o conversion_n more_o than_o a_o notion_n therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o impartial_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n lest_o you_o be_v judge_v to_o condemnation_n by_o god_n for_o your_o neglect_n to_o do_v so_o 2._o be_v sure_a what_o ever_o you_o do_v to_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o the_o
indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o less_o principal_a part_n since_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v and_o live_v as_o well_o out_o of_o it_o as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o the_o original_a of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v reckon_v rather_o than_o from_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n now_o if_o according_o we_o compute_v the_o birth_n of_o a_o saint_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o threefold_a birth_n which_o result_v from_o the_o consideration_n the_o one_a be_v by_o creation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v and_o place_v in_o the_o body_n which_o indeed_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n also_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o body_n to_o be_v form_v as_o to_o its_o due_a perfection_n with_o respect_n to_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n till_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o soul_n infusion_n therein_o if_o with_o the_o school_n i_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o use_v such_o a_o word_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o creando_fw-la infunditur_fw-la &_o insundendo_fw-la creature_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n derive_v its_o original_n from_o god_n immediate_a create_v it_o and_o not_o ex_fw-la traduce_n i_o speak_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o learned_a and_o worthy_a person_n of_o another_o judgement_n may_v seem_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v but_o from_o that_o one_o scripture_n zech._n 12._o 1._o especial_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v its_o connexion_n with_o what_o precede_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o first_o birth_n of_o man_n to_o speak_v proper_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n which_o as_o to_o priority_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v instantaneous_o upon_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o egress_n of_o the_o child_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o we_o be_v most_o take_v with_o what_o be_v most_o sensible_a to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v understand_v especial_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o calculate_v in_o its_o expression_n as_o to_o use_v word_n common_o in_o use_n &_o understand_v by_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christian_n only_o howsoever_o we_o use_v word_n i_o be_o confident_a to_o say_v that_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o womb_n for_o whatever_o have_v these_o two_o constituent_a part_n of_o man_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o no_o other_o class_n but_o that_o of_o mankind_n the_o 2._o birth_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regeneration_n or_o conversion_n of_o which_o christ_n speak_v joh._n 3._o call_v it_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n from_o above_o v._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 3._o birth_n be_v in_o glorification_n and_o this_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a period_n viz._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o at_o death_n when_o it_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o become_v from_o that_o moment_n perfect_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a happiness_n above_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o just_a person_n even_o then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o 23._o 2._o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n when_o reunite_v at_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v call_v the_o adoption_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8._o 23._o now_o from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o make_v some_o tolerable_a estimate_n of_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o 1._o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v birth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o man_n egress_n from_o the_o womb_n and_o his_o ingress_n into_o the_o society_n of_o mortal_n here_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n since_o we_o be_v ourselves_o mortal_a see_v and_o converse_v only_o with_o mortal_a object_n as_o all_o thing_n external_a here_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n time_n on_o earth_n even_o from_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o one_o night_n as_o be_v import_v psal_n 49._o 14._o when_o the_o resurrection_n be_v emphatical_o term_v the_o morning_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o night_n of_o time_n precede_v and_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n about_o to_o succeed_v and_o hence_o also_o our_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v call_v a_o sleep_n wherein_o we_o rather_o dream_v of_o thing_n than_o real_o apprehend_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v first_o thorough_o awake_v by_o death_n we_o may_v see_v this_o plain_o hint_v psal_n 17._o 15._o whereas_o 2._o that_o which_o we_o call_v common_o death_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unpin_v our_o mortal_a tabernacle_n and_o the_o manumit_v we_o into_o the_o immortal_a region_n of_o light_n love_n and_o liberty_n of_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o scripture_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o familiar_a dialect_n of_o put_v off_o a_o suit_n of_o old_a apparel_n for_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a one_o thus_o paul_n call_v it_o a_o be_v unclothe_v as_o to_o the_o body_n and_o clothe_v upon_o by_o have_v mortality_n swallow_v up_o of_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o peter_n call_v it_o a_o put_v off_o this_o his_o tabernacle_n 2_o eph._n 1._o 14._o again_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v death_n the_o right_a notion_n whereof_o will_v become_v more_o facile_a to_o our_o apprehension_n by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v of_o life_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v that_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v so_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a death_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o fall_v under_o consideration_n here_o the_o 1._o be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o at_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o a_o sinful_a world_n we_o be_v shape_v in_o sin_n and_o conceive_v in_o iniquity_n and_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n than_o life_n since_o we_o be_v expose_v thereby_o to_o sin_v and_o suffer_v to_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o 2._o be_v a_o death_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v enter_v upon_o at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o tie_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v death_n but_o though_o it_o disunite_v soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o may_v rather_o be_v call_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o translate_v it_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o regeneration_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a birth_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n yet_o since_o that_o be_v but_o a_o deliverance_n in_o part_n therefore_o it_o be_v by_o death_n only_o that_o we_o come_v total_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n though_o i_o grant_v that_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v more_o illustrious_o display_v at_o the_o great_a period_n of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o the_o last_o enemy_n death_n come_v to_o be_v total_o destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 54._o so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v a_o death_n in_o sin_n whereas_o our_o dissolution_n or_o the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v proper_o a_o death_n to_o sin_n or_o a_o manumission_n and_o freedom_n give_v we_o both_o from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o to_o both_o these_o term_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n we_o may_v not_o injust_o invert_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o this_o world_n be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n ignorance_n vanity_n and_o misery_n whereas_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v just_o repute_v to_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n of_o purity_n knowledge_n light_n and_o rest_n but_o two_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o thing_n we_o call_v life_n be_v which_o the_o two_o period_n of_o birth_n and_o death_n enter_v we_o upon_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o we_o can_v only_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o preferableness_n of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o true_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a take_v that_o to_o be_v life_n which_o have_v little_o more_o of_o
or_o at_o least_o some_o tendency_n to_o it_o but_o then_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n forward_o upon_o that_o bless_a state_n that_o be_v to_o ensue_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o death_n we_o may_v there_o see_v this_o invaluable_a blessing_n actual_o attain_v no_o cloud_n do_v then_o offuscate_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n no_o vanity_n of_o thought_n no_o perverseness_n of_o will_n no_o irregularity_n of_o affection_n no_o treachery_n of_o memory_n no_o deficiency_n in_o duty_n i_o say_v none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o present_a to_o disturb_v or_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o great_a period_n of_o the_o resurrection_n come_v perfect_a health_n will_v be_v also_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o the_o body_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o grave_n in_o order_n to_o purification_n and_o preparation_n for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v even_o then_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15._o 2._o full_a enjoyment_n of_o good_n true_a life_n be_v not_o only_o inclusive_a of_o subjective_n but_o of_o objective_a happiness_n too_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v perfect_a health_n consider_v in_o its_o notion_n but_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o good_a even_o of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o supreme_a good_a but_o now_o let_v we_o reflect_v serious_o with_o ourselves_o if_o this_o be_v attainable_a here_o but_o what_o be_v we_o not_o absent_a from_o the_o lord_n whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o can_v be_v reckon_v to_o enjoy_v full_o true_a good_a whilst_o we_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a god_n himself_o it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v enjoy_v here_o some_o taste_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n but_o these_o be_v but_o some_o drop_n compare_v with_o the_o ocean_n of_o felicity_n do_v we_o not_o here_o complain_v cry_v and_o lament_v that_o we_o want_v this_o and_o the_o other_o good_a thing_n we_o be_v still_o crave_v and_o never_o satisfy_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o we_o want_v many_o thing_n needful_a and_o conducive_a to_o make_v our_o life_n true_o happy_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o can_v be_v want_v to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o enjoy_v god_n full_o who_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a good_a the_o only_a suitable_a good_a and_o the_o all_o sufficient_a good_n o_o this_o bless_a feast_n upon_o the_o hive_n of_o sweetness_n the_o ocean_n of_o pleasure_n the_o treasure_n of_o happiness_n upon_o which_o the_o celestial_a inhabitant_n be_v ever_o feast_v and_o yet_o ever_o full_a who_o can_v conceive_v the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n which_o he_o there_o let_v out_o to_o the_o wonder_n and_o ravishment_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a soul_n who_o can_v express_v the_o joy_n the_o satisfaction_n the_o ecstasy_n that_o sill_n the_o thought_n and_o dilate_v the_o affection_n of_o those_o happy_a banquetter_n all_o tear_n be_v now_o wipe_v away_o from_o the_o saint_n once_o sorrowful_a and_o weep_a eye_n they_o have_v forget_v their_o former_a poverty_n and_o remember_v their_o misery_n no_o more_o o_o bless_a bless_a ever_o bless_v they_o who_o be_v now_o get_v safe_a into_o this_o banquet_a house_n and_o who_o have_v the_o banner_n of_o love_n display_v over_o they_o to_o the_o full_a o_o how_o pure_a how_o perfect_a be_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n what_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v want_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n they_o thirst_v no_o more_o but_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o live_a water_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v what_o their_o abundance_n and_o affluence_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v when_o we_o have_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v to_o they_o all_o in_o all_o 3._o true_a peace_n and_o joy_n and_o now_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o both_o subjective_n and_o objective_a happiness_n but_o undisturbed_a peace_n and_o unmixed_a joy_n which_o be_v such_o blessing_n as_o we_o have_v only_o some_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o here_o below_o for_o we_o all_o know_v or_o at_o least_o may_v know_v what_o allay_v these_o admit_v of_o here_o by_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n grief_n and_o fear_n that_o constant_o attend_v we_o and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o our_o rest_n be_v not_o here_o all_o our_o mirth_n joy_n and_o quiet_a here_o be_v fleshly_a vain_a and_o transitory_a our_o laughter_n be_v like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n and_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o the_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n thereof_o heaviness_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v here_o admit_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o face_n as_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n yet_o how_o quick_o do_v these_o remove_v from_o we_o whereby_o our_o sky_n become_v overcast_v again_o with_o new_a cloud_n which_o return_v after_o the_o rain_n but_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n within_o the_o vail_n we_o shall_v perceive_v true_a rest_n peace_n and_o joy_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o so_o much_o that_o even_o heaven_n itself_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n term_v single_o peace_n isa_n 57_o 1_o 2._o thete_n our_o praise_n shall_v be_v brim_n full_a with_o rapture_n of_o satisfaction_n joy_n and_o gladness_n 4._o the_o most_o delightful_a place_n of_o abide_v a_o pleasant_a situation_n be_v that_o which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o one_o abode_n here_o and_o a_o delightful_a seat_n and_o place_n to_o be_v in_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a convenience_n of_o life_n but_o can_v any_o spot_n of_o earth_n bear_v this_o character_n in_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n when_o the_o very_a ground_n be_v curse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o man_n sin_n no_o no_o we_o may_v just_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o meschesh_n and_o in_o the_o sun_n scorch_a tent_n of_o kedar_n we_o be_v here_o only_o in_o a_o wilderness_n state_n and_o though_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o eminent_a instance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n even_o of_o this_o low_a creation_n yet_o alas_o all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o dark_a shadow_n of_o the_o glorious_a lanskip_n of_o the_o upper_a paradise_n for_o it_o be_v heaven_n alone_o that_o can_v answer_v such_o a_o character_n as_o be_v a_o place_n whole_o make_v for_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n if_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a god_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a above_o the_o clay-cottage_n of_o those_o who_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n then_o let_v we_o entertain_v more_o suitable_a thought_n of_o that_o so_o desirable_a a_o place_n which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v never_o conceive_v any_o thing_n to_o bear_v any_o true_a resemblance_n unto_o it_o the_o most_o magnificent_a representation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n rev._n 21._o be_v only_o figurative_a and_o therefore_o far_o short_a of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o 5._o the_o most_o excellent_a company_n it_o be_v society_n that_o alleviat_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n our_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n here_o and_o make_v up_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o as_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o desirable_a than_o excellent_a and_o suitable_a company_n but_o though_o comparative_o speak_v some_o such_o may_v be_v find_v here_o yet_o our_o best_a company_n on_o earth_n be_v as_o other_o thing_n vain_a and_o short_a of_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o such_o a_o blessing_n the_o best_a man_n be_v man_n at_o best_a and_o subject_a to_o unruely_a passion_n and_o humour_n which_o be_v a_o great_a allay_n unto_o their_o company_n beside_o that_o ofttimes_o sin_n and_o scandal_n misery_n and_o want_n render_v the_o company_n of_o man_n but_o little_a acceptable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o disturb_v we_o yet_o all_o man_n be_v mortal_a and_o can_v enjoy_v one_o a-anoth_a but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n on_o earth_n but_o then_o if_o we_o turn_v our_o thought_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n we_o find_v our_o wish_n and_o desire_v this_o way_n full_o answer_v for_o there_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n of_o delight_n