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i_o be_o persuade_v be_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n §_o 1._o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o praise_v of_o the_o dead_a have_v be_v scandalous_o abuse_v as_o a_o more_o close_a way_n of_o flatter_a the_o live_a relation_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v cautious_a what_o i_o speak_v on_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o do_v remarkable_o appear_v and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v and_o follow_v he_o shall_v be_v honour_v to_o mention_v what_o be_v real_o imitable_a and_o praiseworthy_a needs_o no_o apology_n or_o excuse_v the_o matter_n carry_v its_o own_o justification_n §_o 2._o you_o of_o this_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v her_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n every_o month_n in_o the_o other_o solemnity_n of_o the_o 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guilty_a of_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o thanksgiving_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o such_o concern_v who_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o ready_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o month_n and_o more_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o we_o do_v thus_o review_v the_o action_n of_o every_o day_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o §_o 5._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o her_o faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o affection_n affability_n and_o friendly_a carriage_n in_o every_o relation_n with_o divers_a other_o thing_n very_o commendable_a in_o her_o life_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n concern_v her_o last_o sickness_n which_o after_o ten_o day_n determine_v in_o death_n §_o 6._o her_o patience_n submission_n and_o resignation_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o her_o character_n and_o deportment_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n when_o sometime_o by_o interval_n her_o distemper_n do_v affect_v her_o head_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o a_o compose_a mind_n very_o pertinent_a and_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o heaven_n discover_v the_o holy_a seriousness_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o frame_n when_o she_o can_v hardly_o speak_v more_o than_o yes_o or_o no_o yet_o she_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v her_o assent_n and_o cordial_a approbation_n of_o any_o seasonable_a religious_a discourse_n that_o be_v make_v to_o she_o §_o 7._o she_o own_v her_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o under_o the_o disorder_n of_o so_o painful_a and_o violent_a a_o fever_n yet_o acknowledge_v she_o have_v peace_n within_o §_o 8._o the_o day_n before_o she_o die_v she_o tell_v a_o near_a relation_n that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o when_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v yet_o one_o moment_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o she_o very_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o i_o so_o it_o will_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o be_v with_o he_o §_o 9_o the_o evening_n before_o her_o departure_n after_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o she_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a relation_n and_o friend_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o commend_v her_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n i_o ask_v she_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o she_o whether_o she_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o whether_o she_o have_v not_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o he_o again_z and_o again_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n and_o soul_n entire_o and_o without_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_v humane_a infirmity_n and_o backslide_n repent_v of_o except_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v as_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o some_o other_o such_o question_n that_o may_v assist_v she_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o grace_n etc._n etc._n she_o answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a with_o extraordinary_a modesty_n humility_n thankfulness_n and_o affection_n and_o give_v i_o her_o hand_n at_o part_v with_o thanks_o for_o my_o prayer_n and_o assistance_n beg_v of_o god_n the_o best_a of_o blessing_n for_o i_o and_o i_o which_o be_v she_o own_o word_n §_o 10._o after_o which_o in_o a_o difficult_a struggle_n with_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n we_o hope_v and_o trust_v she_o be_v support_v by_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o that_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n etc._n etc._n god_n grant_v those_o lively_a impression_n of_o death_n and_o another_o world_n which_o the_o relation_n then_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n may_v not_o easy_o wear_v off_o or_o lose_v their_o proper_a influence_n and_o now_o christian_n let_v we_o mix_v our_o sorrow_n for_o our_o decease_a friend_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o account_n of_o she_o be_v make_v meet_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n some_o sorrow_n be_v allowable_a be_v it_o but_o as_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n but_o she_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n and_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o promise_a blessedness_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o joy_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v so_o of_o she_o
like_a calamity_n beforehand_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o do_v not_o that_o inflict_v as_o much_o of_o the_o evil_a before_o as_o it_o take_v off_o afterward_o for_o such_o 28._o such_o parker_n demonst_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nat._n part_n 1._o §._o 28._o a_o fore_n sight_n and_o expectation_n can_v be_v without_o anxiety_n and_o many_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n i_o mean_v upon_o principle_n mere_o philosophical_a it_o can_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o disputable_a point_n among_o that_o fort_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v best_a to_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o evil_a or_o to_o pre-meditate_a and_o foresee_v its_o approach_n both_o grant_v we_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v miserable_a think_v upon_o it_o beforehand_o say_v the_o one_o sort_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v it_o the_o less_o never_o think_v of_o it_o before_o say_v the_o other_o with_o equal_a reason_n that_o you_o may_v not_o feel_v it_o twice_o but_o other_o more_o plausible_o and_o with_o some_o weight_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v you_o know_v a_o part_a time_n must_v come_v you_o know_v the_o matrimonial_a union_n may_v easy_o and_o sudden_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v by_o death_n what_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o you_o and_o your_o relation_n must_v die_v or_o do_v you_o not_o live_v together_o with_o this_o design_n to_o help_v and_o prepare_v one_o another_o for_o death_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n continue_v such_o a_o suitable_a relation_n to_o you_o for_o so_o many_o year_n may_v he_o not_o have_v make_v this_o breach_n soon_o you_o aught_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o such_o a_o blessing_n so_o long_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v add_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o disease_n they_o have_v what_o art_n and_o care_n can_v do_v to_o preserve_v their_o life_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n be_v add_v if_o it_o do_v consist_v but_o with_o his_o holy_a pleasure_n that_o they_o may_v be_v long_o spare_v and_o after_o all_o they_o die_v quiet_o on_o their_o bed_n and_o go_v to_o the_o grave_a in_o peace_n and_o die_v lament_a and_o the_o last_o office_n of_o friendship_n be_v perform_v at_o their_o funeral_n etc._n etc._n moreover_o you_o know_v not_o but_o they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v for_o notwithstanding_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o national_a deliverance_n thus_o far_o some_o of_o we_o may_v live_v to_o see_v the_o cup_n of_o tremble_v that_o our_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n have_v drink_v of_o come_v round_o to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v account_v more_o happy_a than_o the_o live_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v jer._n 22.10_o weep_v not_o for_o the_o dead_a but_o weep_v for_o he_o that_o go_v forth_o and_o escape_v death_n you_o know_v not_o but_o such_o a_o calamity_n may_v befall_v this_o land_n this_o city_n or_o their_o own_o family_n or_o dear_a friend_n as_o will_v have_v make_v their_o life_n bitter_a and_o miserable_a if_o they_o have_v be_v prolong_v and_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o weep_v and_o mourn_v you_o can_v call_v back_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o eye_n to_o life_n again_o you_o only_a torment_n and_o hurt_v yourself_o for_o heaviness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n make_v it_o stoop_v it_o dry_v the_o bone_n and_o deaden_v the_o spirit_n and_o very_o much_o unfit_v for_o the_o duty_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o be_v worse_o immoderate_a sorrow_n for_o your_o depart_a friend_n do_v but_o prove_v that_o you_o love_v this_o world_n too_o well_o it_o show_v too_o plain_o that_o your_o faith_n concern_v the_o invisible_a future_a world_n be_v very_o weak_a that_o you_o your_o self_n as_o yet_o be_v too_o unprepared_a to_o die_v or_o count_v upon_o tarry_v long_o here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v god_n intend_v you_o shall_v these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n have_v all_o their_o influence_n and_o use_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o our_o support_n but_o of_o themselves_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v four_o thing_n among_o other_o that_o a_o christian_a mourner_n ought_v to_o consider_v for_o his_o relief_n 1._o who_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o give_v the_o stroke_n who_o it_o be_v that_o do_v it_o 2._o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o covenant_n promise_n notwithstanding_o any_o such_o providence_n 3._o the_o gain_n of_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n by_o our_o loss_n of_o their_o company_n 4._o our_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o meet_v they_o again_o with_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n and_o let_v i_o add_v our_o expectation_n of_o know_v they_o there_o for_o that_o to_o i_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a first_o we_o shall_v not_o grieve_v immoderate_o when_o dear_a relation_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o do_v it_o he_o who_o have_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o unquestionable_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o they_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a i_o take_v away_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o eye_n with_o a_o stroke_n i_o have_v do_v it_o say_v the_o lord_n we_o mistake_v our_o tenure_n if_o we_o think_v he_o may_v not_o call_v for_o for_o his_o own_o whensoever_o he_o please_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v we_o must_v adore_v and_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n in_o both_o he_o be_v not_o responsible_a at_o our_o bar_n or_o accountable_a to_o we_o for_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o matter_n he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o answer_v all_o our_o question_n or_o say_v all_o he_o can_v to_o vindicate_v the_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o present_a proceed_n therefore_o why_o do_v thou_o strive_v with_o he_o job_n 33.13_o asa_n ruler_n it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v show_v we_o reason_n enough_o in_o the_o general_a for_o such_o providence_n but_o as_o our_o absolute_a lord_n and_o owner_n he_o need_v not_o it_o may_v be_v we_o importunate_o pray_v for_o their_o recovery_n that_o god_n will_v spare_v they_o long_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v with_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n our_o very_a prayer_n be_v a_o provocation_n and_o we_o need_v to_o repent_v and_o mourn_v for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o all_o holy_a parent_n pray_v more_o earnest_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n and_o yet_o you_o know_v they_o be_v not_o all_o answer_v in_o kind_n if_o they_o be_v all_o the_o world_n will_v be_v save_v for_o doubtless_o holy_a noah_n pray_v for_o all_o his_o child_n and_o they_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a will_v do_v so_o for_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o do_v we_o not_o daily_o supplicate_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n government_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o unerring_a will_n and_o shall_v we_o repine_v and_o murmur_v when_o our_o prayer_n be_v answer_v consider_v then_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v it_o be_v he_o have_v take_v who_o give_v thou_o that_o and_o all_o thy_o other_o mercy_n and_o prolong_v innumerable_a one_o which_o thou_o have_v forfeit_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o good_a job_n 2.10_o especial_o since_o he_o may_v have_v the_o same_o kind_n and_o merciful_a design_n in_o take_v as_o he_o have_v in_o give_v and_o have_v promise_v that_o all_o thing_n this_o not_o except_v shall_v work_v for_o good_a it_o be_v he_o have_v do_v it_o who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o gracious_a who_o love_v and_o pity_n and_o spare_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v a_o child_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n his_o sovereignty_n may_v just_o silence_v we_o but_o his_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v calm_v and_o settle_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o resign_v our_o will_n to_o he_o it_o be_v he_o have_v do_v it_o who_o have_v purchase_v a_o people_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v collect_v they_o one_o after_o another_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a and_o have_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n upon_o earth_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o many_o son_n and_o daughter_n be_v bring_v to_o heaven_n for_o which_o end_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a and_o dye_v if_o we_o and_o other_o shall_v have_v our_o wish_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v who_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o please_v but_o our_o relation_n shall_v be_v except_v it_o be_v he_o have_v do_v it_o who_o tell_v we_o
to_o one_o husband_n even_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.7_o and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o wife_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n rev._n 19.8_o 9_o now_o if_o you_o think_v you_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o this_o notion_n ask_v yourselves_o have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o agreement_n between_o christ_n and_o your_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n represent_v by_o a_o marriage-covenant_n have_v you_o penitent_o and_o thankful_o accept_v he_o for_o you_o and_o give_v up_o yourselves_o entire_o to_o be_v he_o to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v thus_o accept_v and_o receive_v he_o he_o gives_z power_n and_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v you_o renounce_v all_o other_o lover_n do_v you_o prefer_v he_o alone_o abandon_v all_o competitor_n and_o rival_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v for_o another_o but_o for_o he_o hos_fw-la 3.3_o the_o like_a we_o read_v psal_n 45.10_o 11._o harken_v o_o daughter_n and_o consider_v and_o incline_v thy_o ear_n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o desire_v thy_o beauty_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o be_v there_o a_o supreme_a superlative_a correspondent_a affection_n on_o your_o part_n to_o he_o who_o have_v say_v that_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o a_o bride_n so_o will_v he_o rejoice_v over_o thou_o isa_n 62.5_o be_v this_o express_v by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n eph._n 3.23_o and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o time_n only_o but_o for_o ever_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o and_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o lousng-kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o this_o marriage_n will_v be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o conduct_v his_o spouse_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o more_o full_o to_o evidence_n his_o love_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n our_o readiness_n therefore_o for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n imply_v our_o hearty_a choice_n of_o he_o and_o consent_v to_o be_v his_o to_o love_n serve_v honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o faithfulness_n diligence_n and_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n second_o christ_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o housholder_n and_o lord_n who_o be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o have_v entrust_v his_o servant_n with_o various_a talent_n which_o they_o be_v to_o employ_v according_a to_o his_o order_n and_o trade_n with_o for_o his_o service_n expect_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o at_o his_o return_n luk._n 19.23_o though_o our_o lord_n be_v go_v to_o heaven_n he_o have_v leave_v a_o family_n upon_o earth_n and_o commit_v a_o trust_n to_o every_o of_o his_o servant_n now_o our_o fidelity_n and_o care_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o use_v of_o our_o talent_n will_v be_v our_o readiness_n for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v to_o be_v responsible_a to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n natural_a or_o spiritual_a that_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o we_o have_v no_o right_n in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n we_o be_v but_o steward_n he_o be_v the_o proprietor_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o kind_n of_o our_o talent_n he_o expect_v proportionable_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o good_a steward_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o will_v be_v require_v every_o one_o have_v some_o talent_n some_o trust_n our_o reason_n and_o our_o health_n our_o time_n our_o part_n reputation_n estate_n interest_n authority_n power_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o any_o kind_n that_o we_o have_v be_v talent_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n who_o at_o his_o lord_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v so_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n herein_o be_v our_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v for_o he_o may_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n when_o we_o expect_v it_o not_o luk._n 16.2_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v ready_a we_o must_v be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n and_o not_o bury_v our_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o waste_v our_o lord_n good_n but_o be_v sound_v faithful_o do_v his_o business_n in_o the_o place_n and_o relation_n he_o have_v set_v we_o in_o this_o consist_v that_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blessing_n luk._n 12.43_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v who_o can_v come_v up_o to_o this_o who_o be_v able_a to_o be_v always_o thus_o diligent_o employ_v who_o then_o can_v be_v ready_a let_v we_o therefore_o three_o distinguish_v concern_v this_o readiness_n there_o be_v a_o habitual_a readiness_n and_o actual_a the_o one_o of_o our_o state_n and_o the_o other_o of_o our_o frame_n 1._o a_o habitual_a readiness_n which_o concern_v our_o state_n when_o our_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n so_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v with_o he_o in_o peace_n at_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.14_o when_o we_o have_v so_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v naked_a 2_o cor._n 5.3_o when_o we_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o atone_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o great_a day_n rev._n 3.17_o person_n of_o this_o character_n will_v manifest_v in_o their_o course_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o expect_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n by_o walk_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 3.10_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n they_o will_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n as_o those_o that_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n tit._n 2.12_o 13._o but_o because_o all_o that_o be_v ready_a as_o to_o their_o state_n and_o as_o to_o their_o general_a course_n be_v not_o so_o as_o to_o their_o frame_n therefore_o consider_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o actual_a readiness_n as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o upon_o the_o near_a prospect_n and_o approach_v of_o any_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n this_o actual_a readiness_n we_o shall_v all_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a degree_n of_o that_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o preparedness_n of_o spirit_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o very_o little_a warn_v be_v prepare_v and_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v i_o be_o ready_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n yea_o to_o die_v there_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n act_v 21.13_o all_o holy_a person_n though_o habitual_o ready_a do_v not_o reach_v this_o some_o cry_n out_o with_o david_n lord_n remove_v thy_o stroke_n from_o i_o spare_v i_o a_o little_o long_a psal_n 39_o or_o as_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o message_n of_o death_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v isa_n 38._o but_o if_o we_o have_v warn_v of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o actual_o to_o prepare_v to_o trim_v our_o lamp_n and_o set_v our_o soul_n in_o order_n review_v our_o life_n renew_v our_o repentance_n exercise_v our_o grace_n exciting_a our_o hope_n recollect_v our_o past_a experience_n get_v our_o evidence_n ready_a and_o the_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n henceforth_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o and_o with_o our_o lord_n himself_o father_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n or_o with_o holy_a stephen_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v it_o christian_n be_v we_o not_o too_o unready_a the_o best_a of_o we_o as_o to_o frame_n and_o actual_a preparation_n do_v we_o sit_v as_o loose_v from_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o personal_a and_o relative_n comfort_n of_o it_o that_o accommodate_v the_o bodily_a lise_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v we_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o familiarize_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o grave_a to_o that_o
one_o will_v wonder_v what_o apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n such_o careless_a christian_n have_v who_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o disbelieve_v or_o deny_v the_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o yet_o feel_v no_o correspondent_a impression_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n weight_n and_o tendency_n of_o such_o thing_n let_v i_o ask_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o have_v neglect_v hitherto_o to_o make_v ready_a do_v thou_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v receive_v thy_o depart_a soul_n at_o death_n or_o no_o will_v he_o acquit_v and_o own_v thou_o in_o the_o judgement_n or_o no_o what_o say_v thou_o have_v thou_o inquire_v and_o examine_v and_o make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o know_v this_o and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o it_o how_o be_v it_o that_o thy_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o thought_n thy_o mouth_n with_o other_o talk_n and_o thy_o time_n employ_v about_o other_o thing_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v so_o 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you_o may_v enter_v what_o will_v depart_v soul_n that_o die_v unready_a give_v for_o such_o a_o call_v of_o god_n hold_v a_o little_a tremble_v and_o believe_v and_o delay_v no_o long_o for_o direction_n in_o the_o general_n since_o the_o bridegreom_o will_v come_v and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o hour_n when_o you_o do_v not_o look_v for_o he_o see_v that_o you_o have_v oil_n in_o your_o vessel_n and_o lamp_n as_o those_o that_o wait_v for_o the_o come_v of_o their_o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o oil_n buy_v it_o if_o thou_o have_v burn_v it_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o wedding_n garment_n get_v one_o if_o thou_o have_v put_v it_o on_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n never_o leave_v till_o the_o holy_a flame_n be_v kindle_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o in_o truth_n exercise_n and_o use_v it_o as_o one_o that_o expect_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n more_o particular_o 1._o seek_v reconciliation_n to_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n dedication_n of_o yourselves_o to_o god_n in_o 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special_a love_n of_o christ_n what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o think_v we_o be_v pardon_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o ever_o long_o to_o find_v ourselves_o mistake_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n you_o must_v now_o understand_v your_o danger_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v save_v from_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o law_n give_v to_o judge_v ourselves_o by_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o by_o at_o last_o therefore_o retire_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o can_v observe_v the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n upon_o your_o heart_n whether_o you_o can_v review_v your_o conversation_n and_o course_n as_o transact_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n whether_o this_o sanctify_a spirit_n have_v draw_v out_o your_o desire_n after_o holiness_n and_o your_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n his_o worship_n and_o his_o servant_n so_o as_o to_o wean_v you_o from_o the_o world_n and_o make_v you_o place_v your_o hope_n and_o happiness_n above_o choose_v god_n for_o your_o only_a portion_n and_o christ_n for_o your_o teacher_n saviour_n and_o lord_n enable_v you_o to_o live_v with_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o believe_a expectation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v prefer_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a life_n and_o if_o upon_o serious_a search_n your_o heart_n condemn_v you_o not_o you_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n without_o examine_v and_o how_o can_v you_o have_v this_o confidence_n without_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o how_o can_v you_o think_v of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n with_o comfort_n without_o some_o such_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 4._o you_o shall_v likewise_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o every_o relation_n and_o condition_n as_o expect_v to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n when_o your_o lord_n shall_v come_v do_v nothing_o now_o but_o you_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v of_o then_o nothing_o that_o you_o will_v be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o have_v rip_v up_o open_v and_o discover_v in_o that_o day_n think_v with_o yourselves_o often_o be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o do_v the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o lead_v the_o design_n that_o i_o now_o pursue_v such_o as_o will_v be_v sweet_a or_o bitter_a to_o be_v remember_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o shame_n or_o honour_n to_o my_o joy_n or_o my_o confusion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reckon_a when_o i_o must_v stand_v before_o my_o judge_n how_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n may_v this_o repel_v how_o many_o necessary_a duty_n may_v this_o awaken_v we_o to_o perform_v especial_o towards_o relation_n it_o may_v now_o be_v a_o terrible_a thought_n to_o 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please_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o righteous_a sentence_n without_o any_o such_o bowel_n of_o pity_n towards_o they_o as_o now_o they_o feel_v and_o if_o we_o can_v imagine_v they_o to_o discourse_v together_o how_o may_v holy_a parent_n mind_n they_o of_o the_o various_a method_n they_o use_v to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o prayer_n with_o which_o they_o follow_v they_o from_o year_n to_o year_n i_o beget_v thou_o or_o bring_v thou_o forth_o i_o lay_v thou_o in_o my_o bosom_n i_o carry_v thou_o in_o my_o arm_n i_o take_v care_n of_o thou_o in_o infancy_n i_o instruct_v thou_o in_o childhood_n i_o look_v after_o thy_o education_n i_o bring_v thou_o to_o the_o public_a assembly_n i_o put_v thou_o upon_o secret_a prayer_n i_o warn_v
whole_a gospel_n and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o two_o word_n viz._n repent_v and_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o two_o be_v set_v in_o the_o very_a front_n as_o the_o text_n to_o all_o his_o ministry_n mark_v 1.15_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o import_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v account_v as_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a where_o these_o two_o grace_n be_v not_o conjoin_v gild_n remain_v and_o sin_n reign_v but_o where_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o any_o soul_n as_o that_o person_n be_v justify_v so_o that_o heart_n be_v save_o change_v and_o that_o nature_n be_v in_o measure_n sanctisied_a and_o the_o life_n of_o that_o man_n for_o the_o future_a will_v be_v proportionable_o universal_o holy_a will_v the_o genius_n of_o the_o present_a age_n allow_v i_o to_o use_v metaphor_n in_o soul-concernments_a i_o shall_v think_v that_o i_o do_v then_o best_o explicate_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n when_o i_o do_v call_v faith_n the_o daughter_n of_o knowledge_n the_o sister_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o love_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n come_v in_o by_o hear_v ro._n 10.17_o that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o that_o god_n have_v give_v this_o person_n the_o true_a seed_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v evident_a by_o its_o fruit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o ro._n 8.9_o and_o also_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o many_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n ro._n 8.16_o now_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_v able_a to_o judge_n i_o have_v seldom_o see_v a_o die_a person_n manifest_a more_o of_o a_o christ-like_a spirit_n than_o she_o do_v that_o be_v i_o never_o see_v more_o of_o a_o spirit_n thirst_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n of_o a_o spirit_n more_o contemn_v the_o world_n of_o a_o spirit_n more_o deep_o bow_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o spirit_n more_o patient_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o more_o submit_v to_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n indeed_o i_o know_v once_o a_o person_n that_o do_v exceed_v she_o herein_o and_o it_o be_v her_o renown_a father_n a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o deserve_a name_n for_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n for_o humility_n and_o patience_n of_o all_o man_n in_o or_o near_o the_o city_n that_o i_o have_v know_v who_o fear_v no_o pain_n or_o torture_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n but_o this_o only_a viz._n lest_o they_o shall_v tempe_n he_o to_o the_o least_o unbecoming_a groan_n in_o some_o great_a paroxysm_n of_o the_o stone_n the_o submit_v of_o our_o will_n to_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o practical_a religion_n here_o and_o the_o full_a consorm_v of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o mind_n be_v the_o height_n and_o top_n of_o all_o man_n happiness_n hereafter_o to_o enjoy_v this_o privilege_n of_o full_a conformity_n to_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o none_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o perform_v that_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o he_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o but_o very_o few_o yet_o this_o decease_a person_n be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v this_o rare_a jewel_n to_o be_v wear_v in_o her_o bosom_n who_o do_v seem_v with_o john_n to_o lie_v very_o near_o the_o heart_n of_o her_o saviour_n very_o signal_n and_o conspicuous_a be_v the_o discriminate_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o some_o person_n more_o than_o towards_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n '_o and_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n seem_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o that_o he_o be_v both_o just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o notable_a or_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v some_o object_n of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v his_o segulah_n his_o peculiar_a one_o in_o who_o god_n do_v especial_o delight_n and_o unto_o who_o god_n do_v do_v good_a with_o his_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 32.41_o as_o god_n do_v suffer_v most_o man_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o do_v bestow_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o do_v full_o and_o final_o choose_v so_o he_o will_v himself_o choose_v as_o he_o will_v and_o he_o will_v do_v with_o his_o own_o gratuitous_a favour_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v and_o he_o will_v give_v no_o account_n to_o any_o of_o his_o own_o matter_n a_o great_a instance_n hereof_o be_v this_o now_o bless_a person_n of_o who_o i_o may_v say_v that_o her_o whole_a life_n be_v full_a of_o god_n goodness_n and_o that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n do_v follow_v she_o even_o all_o her_o day_n which_o day_n the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v many_o because_o it_o do_v ordain_v that_o her_o sorrow_n and_o her_o temptation_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o time_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dress_a room_n to_o eternity_n the_o short_a it_o be_v the_o soon_o do_v holy_a soul_n enter_v into_o the_o more_o immemediate_v presence_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n it_o be_v reckon_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o a_o act_n of_o very_o great_a kindness_n show_v by_o hegai_n the_o king_n chamberlain_n unto_o esther_n that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o her_o purisication_n and_o for_o her_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o love_n of_o her_o design_a husband_n the_o great_a king_n ahashuerus_n be_v give_v to_o she_o more_o speedy_o than_o to_o other_o whereby_o a_o quick_a access_n to_o the_o king_n be_v afford_v she_o and_o the_o crown_n be_v so_o much_o the_o soon_o set_v upon_o she_o head_n the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v deal_v something_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o this_o young_a virgin_n for_o the_o work_n of_o sanctisication_n be_v hasten_v in_o she_o that_o she_o may_v the_o more_o early_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o may_v be_v present_v holy_a and_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n few_o page_n and_o few_o hour_n allot_v i_o for_o this_o work_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o enumerate_v the_o many_o special_a favour_n that_o be_v shour_v down_o upon_o this_o person_n while_o she_o live_v i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o her_o birth_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o her_o family_n which_o be_v great_a neither_o will_v i_o mention_v her_o natural_a endowment_n of_o part_n or_o beauty_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n bless_a be_v god_n that_o she_o herself_o though_o young_a have_v learn_v before_o her_o death_n to_o reckon_v such_o enjoyment_n as_o these_o to_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o poor_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o she_o they_o be_v love_n token_n of_o a_o great_a value_n which_o i_o do_v observe_v to_o be_v confer_v upon_o she_o and_o these_o be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o that_o i_o may_v say_v that_o she_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n and_o i_o may_v add_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v she_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_v and_o the_o same_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o end_n do_v also_o ordain_v the_o mean_n according_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o order_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o and_o bring_v up_o by_o very_o pious_a and_o religious_a parent_n and_o few_o person_n do_v ever_o enjoy_v more_o spiritual_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n or_o have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o prayer_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o than_o this_o gentle_a voin_n in_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o ossspring_n another_o singular_a mercy_n which_o do_v promote_v her_o salvation_n be_v the_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v afford_v she_o by_o her_o elder_a sister_n the_o instluence_n of_o a_o good_a example_n be_v always_o great_o advantageous_a but_o when_o it_o be_v find_v in_o near_a relation_n it_o be_v much_o more_o oblige_v and_o efficactous_a another_o great_a blessing_n much_o conduce_v to_o her_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v this_o that_o in_o her_o youth_n she_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o attend_v upon_o such_o a_o eminent_a mimstry_n that_o the_o very_a enemy_n thereof_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o learned_a and_o most_o rational_a and_o further_o they_o know_v not_o
than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o latter_a shall_v even_o make_v death_n and_o dissolution_n desirable_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o felicity_n after_o death_n here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o depart_v and_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v present_a with_o he_o 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o future_a blessedness_n by_o be_v with_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o representation_n of_o it_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n such_o as_o our_o ignorant_a earthly_a mind_n can_v bear_v and_o may_v be_v most_o affect_v with_o but_o when_o once_o the_o vail_n of_o darkness_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v purify_v and_o enlarge_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o bless_a company_n and_o work_v above_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o our_o soul_n love_v and_o reap_v a_o happiness_n by_o do_v so_o big_a than_o our_o present_a hope_n and_o far_o above_o our_o high_a thought_n about_o it_o for_o in_o his_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v everlasting_a pleasure_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o blessedness_n purchase_v by_o infinite_a merit_n contrive_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o prepare_v by_o infinite_a power_n and_o bestow_v at_o length_n through_o infinite_a grace_n will_v in_o any_o thing_n be_v defective_a do_v not_o our_o apostle_n describe_v it_o best_o by_o assure_v we_o it_o can_v be_v describe_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o we_o ever_o see_v beyond_o what_o we_o ever_o hear_v and_o far_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ever_o think_v do_v not_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o see_v he_o revive_v our_o droop_a heart_n oh_o what_o will_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a sight_n be_v not_o the_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o harbinger_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n exceed_v comfortable_a oh_o what_o transcendent_a satisfaction_n will_v his_o presence_n give_v we_o we_o now_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o contemplation_n and_o one_o another_o with_o the_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o if_o our_o dark_a faith_n and_o our_o faint_a hope_n can_v give_v we_o such_o a_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v consequent_a to_o our_o dissolution_n into_o what_o ravish_v joy_n shall_v we_o enter_v by_o the_o open_a vision_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n be_v the_o encouragement_n and_o support_v of_o a_o christian_a now_o from_o his_o presence_n with_o we_o here_o and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v far_o better_o to_o to_o be_v present_a with_o he_o above_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o shall_v never_o question_v his_o love_n to_o we_o or_o doubt_v of_o we_o to_o he_o but_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o glorious_a exercise_n of_o the_o other_o and_o because_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v still_o increase_a our_o flame_n of_o love_n shall_v still_o rise_v high_o but_o what_o additional_a bliss_n the_o soul_n shall_v have_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o the_o judgement_n day_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n bless_a be_v god_n we_o know_v so_o much_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n enough_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n and_o quicken_v our_o preparation_n and_o encourage_v our_o perseverance_n and_o let_v we_o bless_v he_o more_o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v such_o a_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n as_o we_o can_v full_o understand_v till_o death_n convey_v we_o to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o eligible_a in_o itself_o as_o expressive_a of_o our_o future_a glory_n but_o much_o rather_o to_o be_v desire_v if_o consider_v comparative_o therefore_o 2._o in_o what_o respect_n be_v it_o preferable_a to_o a_o abode_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o rather_o choose_v to_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o he_o than_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n and_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 1._o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o joy_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o to_o be_v continual_o harass_v with_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n we_o ordinary_o begin_v this_o world_n in_o tear_n and_o solemnize_v our_o own_o nativity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o funeral_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n as_o if_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a of_o that_o universal_a curse_n which_o have_v afflict_v mankind_n since_o the_o first_o transgression_n and_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o must_v afterward_o suffer_v and_o in_o all_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o little_a time_n what_o and_o how_o many_o do_v we_o every_v where_o encounter_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o we_o find_v be_v want_v both_o as_o to_o our_o accomplishment_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o how_o much_o be_v we_o disappoint_v if_o we_o look_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2.16_o earthly_a pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o what_o do_v rejoice_v and_o please_v we_o one_o day_n appear_v with_o another_o face_n when_o we_o view_v it_o next_o or_o if_o we_o think_v it_o will_v please_v we_o still_o it_o be_v go_v ere_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o with_o all_o our_o skill_n and_o power_n we_o can_v protract_v its_o duration_n do_v not_o evil_a accident_n overtake_v we_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o our_o most_o probable_a design_n miscarry_v in_o the_o birth_n as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n and_o there_o be_v no_o intelligent_a director_n to_o oversee_v and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o action_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a nor_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o eccl._n 11.9_o our_o pleasure_n flatter_v and_o deceive_v we_o and_o our_o affliction_n trouble_v and_o disquiet_v we_o we_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o misguide_a by_o our_o passion_n cross_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o frustrate_v in_o our_o hope_n grieve_v by_o present_a evil_n or_o perplex_v with_o the_o sear_n of_o future_a and_o our_o spirit_n for_o the_o most_o part_n discompose_v either_o by_o personal_a or_o relative_a calamity_n some_o rueful_a spectacle_n be_v ever_o now_o and_o then_o present_v before_o our_o eye_n some_o evil_a tiding_n or_o unpleasant_a sound_n do_v grate_v our_o ear_n we_o bewail_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o we_o can_v supply_v or_o envy_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o we_o can_v hinder_v or_o grieve_v at_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o we_o can_v remedy_v we_o have_v some_o suffer_a friend_n with_o who_o to_o sympathize_v some_o distress_a or_o decease_a relation_n to_o lament_v some_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o those_o we_o love_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o beside_o the_o treachery_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o our_o seem_a friend_n the_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o open_a enemy_n the_o scandalous_a action_n of_o profess_v christian_n their_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o themselves_o and_o their_o despiteful_a usage_n and_o entertainment_n from_o the_o world_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o miserable_a the_o groan_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o cry_v of_o the_o oppress_a and_o our_o own_o bodily_a infirmity_n weakness_n and_o pain_n etc._n etc._n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o make_v we_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o render_v we_o extreme_o willing_a to_o lay_v down_o and_o die_v if_o god_n think_v sit_v that_o we_o may_v be_v at_o rest_n especial_o have_v the_o expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n for_o otherwise_o even_a philosop_n even_a m._n anton._n lib._n arr._n epict._n lib._n 4._o c._n 10._o boâ—th_n consol_n philosop_n heathen_n have_v speak_v excellent_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o death_n as_o the_o period_n of_o our_o present_a sorrow_n 2._o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfect_a purity_n far_o better_o than_o a_o life_n of_o temptation_n corruption_n and_o sin_n how_o be_v we_o now_o buffet_v
but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o heal_v and_o recover_v sick_a lazarus_n he_o send_v a_o most_o excellent_a remedy_n unto_o his_o sister_n to_o cure_v their_o mistake_n to_o ease_v and_o heal_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o this_o reply_n unto_o their_o importunate_a message_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o design_n 3._o the_o import_n of_o this_o answer_n i_o will_v make_v a_o few_o reflection_n upon_o the_o two_o former_a and_o then_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a affair_n i._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o obscurity_n and_o dubiousness_n of_o the_o former_a part_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n for_o the_o event_n do_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o this_o declaration_n which_o express_o deny_v that_o the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v unto_o death_n and_o yet_o laxarus_fw-la die_v this_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v render_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_v dubious_a and_o dark_a unto_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o this_o obscurity_n there_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o death_n as_o true_o answer_v that_o character_n viz._n such_o a_o privation_n of_o life_n as_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o it_o on_o which_o account_n it_o can_v true_o be_v say_v of_o the_o dead_a that_o their_o place_n know_v they_o no_o more_o and_o that_o they_o go_v the_o way_n whence_o they_o shall_v not_o return_v job_n 8.10_o c._n 16.22_o as_o also_o that_o they_o see_v corruption_n act_v 13.36_o the_o body_n quite_o lose_v that_o organization_n that_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o a_o humane_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o proper_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o under_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o see_v rom._n 5.12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 15.21_o 26_o 54_o 56._o not_o to_o mention_v several_a other_o place_n unto_o such_o a_o death_n the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v not_o his_o death_n be_v not_o a_o final_a period_n but_o only_o a_o short_a interruption_n or_o cessation_n of_o life_n which_o like_o some_o river_n which_o run_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o space_n only_o for_o a_o while_o disappear_v and_o then_o be_v again_o bring_v to_o light_n this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o darkness_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n have_v it_o so_o please_v the_o redeemer_n he_o can_v have_v speak_v in_o a_o much_o plain_a language_n he_o can_v have_v say_v though_o this_o sickness_n shall_v deprive_v lazarus_n of_o his_o life_n yet_o it_o shall_v soon_o be_v restore_v to_o he_o again_o though_o he_o shall_v true_o die_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o long_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n for_o i_o design_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thus_o can_v the_o redeemer_n have_v express_v himself_o have_v it_o so_o please_v he_o but_o he_o choose_v to_o speak_v obscure_o not_o only_a to_o these_o sister_n but_o afterward_o to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v v._o 11._o which_o metaphorical_a and_o dark_a way_n of_o speak_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o read_v v._o 13._o many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o that_o which_o this_o evangelist_n relate_v ch._n 16.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o as_o the_o language_n so_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n have_v obscurity_n in_o it_o his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o visible_a providence_n and_o invisible_a deal_n with_o the_o soul_n many_o there_o be_v who_o christ_n real_o love_v who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o labyrinth_n where_o they_o be_v strange_o perplex_v and_o be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v that_o their_o lord_n have_v quite_o forsake_v and_o cast_v they_o off_o when_o he_o retain_v the_o kind_a and_o most_o gracious_a purpose_n toward_a '_o they_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o place_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v his_o inheritance_n heb._n 11.8_o thus_o be_v abraham_n try_v and_o so_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n as_o indeed_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o probation_n in_o which_o we_o now_o be_v all_o that_o darkness_n and_o perplexity_n which_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o try_v and_o discover_v the_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v our_o grand_a concern_n to_o stand_v out_o this_o trial_n to_o undergo_v this_o probation_n aright_o and_o than_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v after_o a_o while_n scatter_v every_o cloud_n and_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a light_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v large_a reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o your_o own_o meditation_n can_v supply_v this_o defect_n nor_o may_v i_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o ii_o observable_a in_o the_o text_n the_o design_n of_o this_o answer_n make_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o afford_v present_a support_n unto_o the_o deject_a sister_n of_o lazarus_n he_o who_o eye_n discern_v the_o most_o hide_a and_o distant_a object_n know_v how_o their_o tender_a heart_n be_v disquiet_v and_o that_o such_o a_o spectacle_n as_o a_o decease_a die_a brother_n must_v wound_v and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o when_o their_o expectation_n be_v disappoint_v as_o to_o the_o speedy_a visit_n of_o christ_n what!_o might_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o argue_v not_o make_v so_o charitable_a so_o seasonable_a a_o visit_n to_o one_o who_o he_o love_v to_o one_o who_o need_v his_o help_n and_o must_v perish_v without_o it_o be_v this_o kindness_n to_o neglect_v a_o distress_a friend_n till_o life_n and_o all_o be_v go_v such_o disquiet_v thought_n will_v begin_v to_o rush_v into_o and_o disorder_v their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v to_o still_o this_o tempest_n that_o the_o redeemer_n send_v this_o reply_n to_o '_o they_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n though_o the_o danger_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o sickness_n join_v with_o my_o seem_a neglect_n of_o their_o brother_n will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n unto_o they_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o spirit_n yet_o let_v not_o their_o heart_n be_v trouble_v there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_v fear_n notwithstanding_o the_o dismal_a appearance_n this_o matter_n will_v have_v a_o happy_a and_o honourable_a issue_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o grant_v the_o expect_a relief_n yet_o he_o always_o provide_v support_n and_o consolation_n for_o his_o faithful_a follower_n when_o he_o determine_v to_o send_v away_o the_o multitude_n who_o have_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v they_o away_o fast_v lest_o they_o shall_v faint_v by_o the_o way_n mat._n 16.32_o though_o they_o must_v for_o a_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o his_o presence_n yet_o he_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v and_o perish_v this_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o more_o particular_o towards_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o when_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o though_o this_o request_n be_v not_o grant_v though_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o remove_v yet_o this_o most_o support_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o sometime_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n bear_v a_o aspect_n of_o unkindness_n and_o neglect_v but_o even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v employ_v to_o support_n it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n what_o care_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v to_o remove_v the_o suspicion_n of_o unkindness_n in_o the_o redeemer_n towards_o his_o friend_n lazarus_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o visit_v and_o recover_v as_o his_o sister_n request_v and_o expect_v for_o in_o the_o verse_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o answer_n of_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n add_v this_o caution_v remark_n now_o jesus_n love_v martha_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o lazarus_n his_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o intimate_v desire_n of_o