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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 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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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in_o thing_n natural_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a than_o that_o universal_a darkness_n and_o stupidity_n which_o they_o be_v under_o as_o to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a for_o although_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v remanent_fw-la upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o imperfect_a râ—dera_fw-mi of_o the_o true_a impression_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o some_o secret_a persuasion_n of_o a_o sovereign_a be_v to_o which_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_n and_o continuance_n yet_o alas_o what_o sad_a conception_n do_v man_n entertain_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o immaterial_a and_z and_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a heathen_n but_o from_o innumerable_a and_o daily_a instance_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o meridian_n light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o constant_a experience_n do_v in_o this_o 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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
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 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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
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
merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o fancy_v not_o that_o your_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n must_v go_v partner_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n lest_o thereby_o you_o impeach_v the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n of_o defectiveness_n and_o claim_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v account_v your_o own_o saviour_n but_o endeavour_n with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 9_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v your_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n 3._o mind_v the_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n salvation_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o diligence_n for_o what_o profit_n will_v it_o be_v untoyou_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o you_o lose_v your_o soul_n or_o what_o can_v you_o give_v in_o exchange_n again_o for_o they_o if_o once_o they_o be_v lose_v therefore_o trifle_v not_o away_o precious_a time_n and_o golden_a opportunity_n in_o do_v nothing_o or_o it_o may_v be_v thing_n worse_o than_o nothing_o lest_o you_o be_v force_v at_o length_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o great_a grotius_n do_v when_o die_v ah_o vitam_fw-la perdidi_fw-la operose_fw-la nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la be_v not_o so_o besot_v as_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o your_o hope_n upon_o a_o imaginary_a deathbed_n repentance_n but_o since_o now_o you_o have_v a_o price_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o get_v wisdom_n with_o beg_v and_o endeavour_v after_o that_o happy_a part_n and_o lot_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o you_o when_o once_o attain_v 2._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o body_n and_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o my_o thought_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o watch_v against_o your_o body_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o snare_n to_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v i_o fear_v to_o many_o in_o more_o than_o one_o respect_n for_o 1._o how_o oft_o do_v our_o sense_n deceive_v and_o cheat_v the_o soul_n and_o present_v it_o with_o innumerable_a object_n to_o distract_v and_o disturb_v it_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o more_o noble_a thing_n and_o 2._o the_o fancy_n and_o unruely_a imagination_n do_v no_o less_o oft_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o reason_n by_o innumerable_a chimera_n in_o the_o form_n and_o produce_v of_o which_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n strange_o fruitful_a yea_o 3_o the_o want_n of_o the_o body_n prove_v ofttimes_o a_o great_a remora_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o spiritual_a operation_n by_o give_v occasion_n to_o solicitude_n and_o anxious_a care_n about_o what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o wherewithal_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v and_o how_o we_o shall_v prevent_v such_o and_o such_o evil_n and_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o respect_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n both_o to_o watch_v over_o and_o to_o watch_v against_o our_o body_n 2._o live_v above_o your_o body_n let_v not_o your_o thought_n and_o care_n terminate_v only_o there_o what!_o shall_v a_o mortal_a fade_v carcase_n swallow_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o enhance_v our_o affection_n when_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o death_n will_v at_o one_o blow_v cut_v down_o the_o same_o whereon_o we_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o pain_n in_o vain_a yea_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o this_o beautiful_a outside_n will_v stink_v and_o turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o then_o worm_n must_v nestle_v in_o those_o hole_n where_o sprightly_a eye_n do_v once_o shine_v and_o all_o our_o graceful_a and_o well_o proportion_v member_n and_o part_n moulder_v down_o into_o deformity_n and_o rottenness_n therefore_o let_v we_o hence_o learn_v to_o live_v above_o our_o body_n 3._o be_v content_a to_o be_v unbodied_a for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v this_o way_n alone_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o see_v god_n full_o and_o to_o reach_v the_o happy_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o work_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o hearty_a contentment_n in_o and_o satisfaction_n with_o this_o way_n method_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o order_n to_o consummate_v our_o felicity_n nay_o let_v i_o say_v further_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v but_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o this_o be_v paul_n attainment_n phil._n 1._o 23._o and_o not_o his_o only_a but_o that_o which_o be_v very_o common_a to_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o more_o heavenly_a time_n rom._n 8._o 23._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o yea_o the_o very_a inanimate_a creation_n have_v a_o earnest_a propensity_n this_o way_n groan_v for_o a_o dissolution_n as_o to_o its_o present_a form_n that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o pristine_a glory_n and_o splendour_n before_o it_o become_v the_o stage_n of_o sin_n and_o theatre_n of_o misery_n this_o we_o may_v see_v rom._n 8._o 19_o 21_o 22._o which_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o may_v well_o shame_v we_o out_o of_o our_o earthly_a frame_n that_o we_o have_v sink_v into_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o these_o deprave_a day_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reckon_v it_o a_o great_a attainment_n in_o a_o christian_a and_o comparative_o indeed_o with_o the_o frame_n of_o most_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v in_o submission_n to_o divine_a good_a pleasure_n yet_o desirous_a to_o live_v but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a attainment_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n stand_v in_o the_o inversion_n of_o the_o common_a order_n viz._n in_o be_v desirous_a to_o die_v yet_o content_a to_o live_v in_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o service_n to_o be_v do_v for_o god_n further_o and_o indeed_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v once_o taste_v of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o fore-tasts_a of_o the_o future_a glory_n he_o can_v scarce_o any_o long_o contain_v himself_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n constrain_a he_o from_o cry_v out_o o_o time_n be_v go_v o_o eternity_n make_v haste_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o long_a a_o come_n to_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o burst_v with_o longing_n after_o the_o immediate_a sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n forever_o do_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n both_o echo_n forth_o with_o a_o sweet_a pathos_fw-mi come_v lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v not_o our_o soul_n join_v in_o the_o consort_n and_o ingeminat_fw-la amen_o even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v come_v 3._o direct_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v with_o respect_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o advice_n i_o take_v up_o also_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o very_o brief_o propose_v first_o be_v careful_a to_o cultivate_v your_o soul_n that_o so_o you_o may_v grow_v daily_o in_o a_o meetness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o as_o there_o be_v two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n so_o according_o let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a study_n to_o adorn_v these_o with_o what_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o 1._o improve_v your_o understanding_n by_o dilate_v and_o enlarge_n they_o by_o further_a degree_n of_o true_a &_o spiritual_a knowledge_n grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o excellency_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o sum_n of_o all_o gospel-truths_n and_n promise_v and_o the_o legal_a precept_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v reveal_v as_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v 2._o improve_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n also_o by_o more_o and_o more_o grace_n that_o the_o habit_n thereof_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o repeat_v act_n and_o that_o so_o these_o habit_n thus_o strengthen_v may_v be_v exert_v &_o put_v forth_o the_o more_o sweet_o and_o free_o in_o the_o out-going_a of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o operation_n 2._o employ_v your_o soul_n always_o in_o god_n service_n this_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v your_o chief_a and_o constant_a work_n and_o business_n let_v we_o with_o complacency_n and_o cheerfulness_n employ_v ourselves_o this_o way_n that_o it_o may_v be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n what_o be_v our_o business_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o this_o for_o it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o serve_v god_n here_o that_o alone_o can_v make_v a_o saint_n content_a and_o willing_a to_o stay_v below_o in_o this_o dunghill_n world_n when_o
see_v meet_v to_o lay_v upon_o she_o yea_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o her_o weariness_n and_o pain_n when_o her_o eye_n have_v be_v hold_v wake_v and_o her_o sleep_n have_v flee_v from_o she_o she_o will_v often_o express_v the_o grateful_a sense_n which_o she_o have_v of_o the_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o she_o in_o the_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o please_v he_o to_o intermix_v it_o with_o her_o affliction_n consider_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v with_o she_o under_o her_o severe_a exercise_n than_o with_o many_o other_o of_o god_n dear_a child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v furnish_v with_o those_o external_a help_n &_o accommodation_n which_o by_o the_o distinguish_a goodness_n of_o god_n she_o enjoy_v which_o she_o will_v often_o speak_v of_o with_o great_a compassion_n to_o other_o and_o no_o less_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n upon_o her_o own_o account_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o late_a cold_a and_o pinch_a season_n wherein_o such_o be_v expose_v to_o very_o great_a hardship_n as_o have_v sickness_n add_v to_o poverty_n and_o thus_o the_o excellent_a character_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n be_v in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o eminent_o find_v in_o she_o who_o be_v indeed_o one_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 and_o then_o i_o may_v add_v that_o 5._o agreeable_o hereunto_o her_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n strong_a and_o lively_a except_o at_o such_o time_n as_o she_o be_v under_o cloud_n of_o melancholy_a arise_v from_o bodily_a distemper_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n look_v dark_a unto_o she_o while_o it_o prevail_v but_o most_o perceptible_o do_v she_o improve_v in_o their_o strength_n and_o vigour_n for_o some_o month_n before_o the_o expiration_n of_o her_o time_n whereby_o she_o do_v not_o only_o obtain_v a_o comfortable_a victory_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n over_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o have_v former_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a exercise_n unto_o she_o but_o be_v also_o great_o support_v and_o encourage_v under_o her_o continue_a remain_v trouble_n of_o life_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a word_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereon_o god_n have_v cause_v she_o to_o hope_v so_o by_o strengthen_v and_o increase_a her_o faith_n he_o enable_v she_o more_o close_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o herself_o and_o so_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o they_o when_o she_o need_v it_o most_o as_o under_o one_o of_o the_o last_o return_v of_o her_o distemper_n she_o do_v very_o frequent_o revolve_v in_o her_o mind_n those_o word_n of_o afflict_a but_o believe_v job_n chap._n 23._o v._n 10._o when_o he_o have_v try_v i_o i_o shall_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n and_o god_n enable_v she_o to_o mix_v that_o word_n with_o faith_n make_v it_o both_o at_o that_o time_n and_o afterward_o very_o useful_a to_o she_o and_o so_o in_o her_o last_o sickness_n even_o the_o night_n before_o her_o death_n after_o she_o have_v be_v exercise_v with_o grievous_a pain_n the_o whole_a night_n and_o day_n precede_v have_v a_o short_a interval_n of_o â—ase_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n while_o i_o be_v with_o she_o i_o observe_v she_o to_o repeat_v unto_o herself_o several_a time_n with_o great_a complacency_n as_o i_o apprehend_v from_o the_o pleasant_a tone_n of_o her_o voice_n though_o but_o low_a those_o encourage_v word_n of_o the_o devout_a psalmist_n psal_n 42._o 8._o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o daytime_n and_o in_o the_o night_n his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o and_o my_o prayer_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n add_v in_o the_o close_a lord_n thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n natural_a life_n spiritual_a life_n yea_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o my_o prayer_n be_v unto_o thou_o after_o which_o her_o pain_n and_o sickness_n again_o return_v she_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o she_o near_o approach_a dissolution_n and_o after_o a_o short_a space_n say_v to_o i_o as_o i_o stand_v by_o her_o bedside_n i_o have_v a_o dark_a valley_n to_o pass_v through_o whereupon_o encourage_v she_o to_o hope_v in_o god_n i_o say_v to_o she_o the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v be_v with_o you_o there_o and_o he_o will_v enlighten_v your_o darkness_n to_o which_o she_o very_o sweet_o reply_v and_o turn_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n into_o the_o morning_n and_o not_o long_o after_o she_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a word_n i_o bless_v god_n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n my_o eternal_a interest_n but_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o so_o little_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n as_o at_o another_o time_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o former_a i_o do_v not_o exact_o remember_v she_o say_v with_o some_o apparent_a concern_v to_o a_o dear_a friend_n stand_v by_o what!_o come_v so_o near_o to_o the_o confine_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o although_o that_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a joy_n which_o do_v sometime_o attend_v the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o last_o hour_n be_v as_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o hint_n withhold_v from_o she_o she_o be_v not_o without_o solid_a and_o great_a peace_n in_o believe_v which_o of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o substantial_a though_o not_o the_o more_o delectable_a enjoyment_n and_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o now_o she_o have_v the_o other_o also_o in_o a_o better_a way_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o great_a proportion_n than_o ever_o any_o have_v it_o in_o this_o world_n even_o fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o for_o faith_n and_o patience_n have_v both_o have_v their_o perfect_a work_n in_o she_o she_o be_v now_o go_v to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n in_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o my_o christian_a friend_n the_o great_a honour_n and_o respect_n that_o we_o can_v pay_v to_o her_o bless_a memory_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o live_v among_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v her_o worthy_a example_n every_o one_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o that_o way_n wherein_o she_o seek_v and_o have_v now_o obtain_v all_o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o unto_o you_o all_o as_o i_o desire_v also_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o myself_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o you_o her_o near_a survive_a relative_n who_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o other_o by_o your_o nearness_n to_o her_o most_o exemplary_a course_n of_o life_n as_o a_o excellent_a pattern_n for_o you_o to_o imitate_v and_o therefore_o as_o she_o have_v do_v worthy_o in_o serve_v god_n and_o her_o generation_n according_a to_o his_o 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 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