of Heaven page 129. Bucan Lot Com. page 422. 4. Spiritualness v. 44. Not that the Body shall be then turned into a Spirit or lose the nature of a true Body But 1. The Body shall then live as Spirits and Angels do without Meat Drink Sleep and such like External Elementary Bodily supports as we need in this Animal-life being then sustained by the All-preserving All-quickning Spirit of God without the help of such means Mat. 22.30 2. The Body shall be perfectly conformable obedient and subservient to the operations of the Spirit or Soul as also to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God The ready instrument of the Soul aptly imployed in spiritual work As when the Spirit or Soul serves the Carnal So when the flesh the Body readily serves the Spirit it may well be termed Spiritual Now in this Life the Soul is taken up in serving the Body the greatest part of our time Labour Strength Study is spent in the providing Meat and Clothing and Comforts for the Body and feeding that Eccles 6.7 But then the Body not needing those things shall be wholly serviceable to the Soul The Body shall be no more such a Troublesome Cumbersome thing as now it is needing so much tendance and adoe about it and oft interrupting Spiritual work thereby But then it shall be a more Spiritual and Heavenly peace alwayes free and ready for Soul work for Spiritual Heavenly imployment Your Contemplations Studies Sweet Affections and Communion with God never broken off and interrupted by Eating and Drinking by Dressing and Undressing c. as here they are 3. Activity Agility Lightness Nimbleness and speed in motion may also be implyed in this Spiritualness of the Body Not dull slow heavy-moulded as now but in Agility and Activity more like to Spirits Hence easily made to ascend to meet the Lord in the Aire 1 Thes 4.17 and afterward to go up with him to the third Heaven And able no doubt in a very little time though not properly in an instant to move through those vast spaces and distances of those Heavenly Mansions and from one quarter of the Coelestial World to another 3. The Glorious Company of Saints and Angels is another Additional part of Heavens Glory The fruition of God is the main Essence of it But this is an Accessional Adjunct or Concomitant that is full of Comfort Yea it is a necessary Concomitant for God will be enjoyed by his people in a Communion forever not in a single seperate way but in Conjunction and Society Mat. 8.11 and that Communion will be an help to their enjoyment of God a way and means of their Communion with God When we speak of our Immediate Communion with God in Heaven we are not to understand it absolutely that there shall be no mediums between us and the transcendant Majesty of God for there will be the Humane nature of Christ and the Communion of Saints who in a Coelâ—stial way and manner will be helpful and useful one to another to convey much of God to one another But Immediate compared with what we have here and so as these inferiour instituted means and helps and Glasses that we have here shall he laid aside But the Communion of Saints will then be in its Perfection and fullest Excellency in the Church triumphant And Love Holiness and Communicativeness which is the life of Communion then will flourish 1 Cor. 13.8 You must there enjoy Christ your Head not alone but in fellowship with all his Mystical Body Hence I said in the Description All together they shall have fruition of God All together in the Highest Heaven for evermore Heb. 11.22 23. We now come and are joyned to that body by Mystical Relation but then by way of actual Communion Consider here 1. There will be only true and Blessed Saints together in Heaven no mixture of unsound ones or secret enemies there the Communion will be absolutely pure such as is not to be expected nor no rule allowes us to expect or insist upon in the Church on earth for here there will be a mixture of Corne and Chaffe Wheat and Tears Sheep and Goats good and bad Fish while the World stands But then a perfect separation of Goates from the Sheep and the Latter alone go into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 25.34 46. 2. There will after the last day be all the Saints together all the Vessels of Glory gathered together the whole Congregation of the Righteous Psal 1.5 the whole general Assembly of the first born All the faithful seed of Abraham which are as the Stars in Heaven and as the Sand on the Sea-shore all that ever were are or shall be of the Elect and saved blessed number and this adds much to the Glory of it We know numerous and great Assemblies here on earth are very solemn and affecting The very faces of many Saints together are quickning each to other Psal 42.4 for a multitude to go and be together in the house of God is no small thing But what an Assembly will then be what an Heart-ravishing Congregation when all the Millions of Glorified Saints shall meet together all their faces shining with the Image of God to praise and Glorifie God and joyning in the same Hallelujah Revel 19.1 2 3. 3. There shall be a knowledge one of another the Saints in Heaven shâ—ll know one another Society without acquaintance is not comfortable this shall not be wanting in that place of Bliss Yea you shall know not only those that were of your acquaintance here but all the faithful even strangers whom you never knew before you shall be able to say as Mr. Bolton speaks this is Abraham Jacob David Paul this was Luther Calvin Bradford c. As may be gathered from the Apostles knowing Moses and Elias whom they had never seen before in that glimpse of Heaven at Christs Transfiguration And from Adams knowing Eve and whence she was at first sight without any humane information of which Argument Luther Discoursed the Evening before his death and thence concludâ—d the thing in hand viz. That we shall know one another in the life to come Melch. Adam in vita Lutheri pag. 154. and all Comfortable knowledge will be then vouchsafed but this is one part of it Yea if it should ask time to come acquainted with every one to be sure there will be time enough there remembering also the quickness and accuteness of understanding memory c. But a Superiour and more immediate way of this knowledge there may well be supposed 4. There will be most sweet Holy and comfortable Converse of the Saints together Though we cannot tell you the particular manner and order of it now it will excel in order as well as otherwise Yet to be sure it will be Precious and Glorious and full of sweetness and Comfort And there will be full time season and opportunity for it at large Moses and Elias were talking together with Christ in
are departed this Life Luk. 16.22 Mat. 8.11 The Souls or Spirits of Isaac and Jacob are gathered to their people Genes 35.29 and 49.33 4. It is carried up by the Angels into the third Heaven there to be with Christ untill his second coming Luk. 16.22 with Mat. 8 11. Luk. 23.43 i. e. in his Soul for his Body was detained here on the Earth and thrown into the Grave By Paradise is meant the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12.2 with ver 4. so 2 Cor. 5.1 2. When the Soul goes out of the Tabernacle of this frail Body it enters into the Heavenly house that is Eternal It is not Harbour-less when turned out of all house and Harbour in this lower World The Soul of a Saint being departed out of the Body is with Christ Philip. 1.23 and Christ is in Heaven and there continues till his second coming 1 Pet. 3.22 Act. 3.12 Hence the Soul of a Saint of the Saint departed hath the knowledge and actual active fruition of its own Blessedness is comforted and rejoyced therein and actually drinking in those Pleasuâ—es and Joyes that are in the presence of God Luk. 16.25 Psal 16.11 with 2 Cor. 5.8 compared with which its state on Earth was but a state of absence from him v. 6. and hath an assurance of an Happy re-union with the Body and of all that fulness of Glory that the whole person shall enjoy at the Resurrection for which it waits and longs Rom. 8.23 till it be accomplished it is waited for Psal 16.9 Rev. 6.9 10 11. According to most Interpreters vid. Parens Dutch Diodate in Loc. Calvin opusc pag. 460. Bucan Loc. Com. pag. 447. in that Text is held forth that the Souls of the Saints departed being at present clothed with Robes of Glory do long for their consummate felicity in the full Redemption of the Church c. which shall be at the last Judgement A truth in it self whether the proper intendment of that place or no vid. Brightman in Lâ—c. 2 Tim. 4.8 All the Saints as on Earth so in Heaven do love and long for not with any disquâ—eting Impatience but with an Holy Expectation the appearing of Christ when they shall also appear with him in Glory But as there is an expectation of the future Glory of the Body the whole Person so there is a present enjoyment of Glory and Blessedness by the Soul while the Body is a vile and loathsome Carkass buried under the Clods fed on by the Worms and turned to dust the Soul is Shining and Triumphing in Glory Swimming in fulness of Joy in the presence of Christ and among the Spirits of the Just Hearing and Seeing after its intellectual way those things in Paradise that cannot now be uttered What some of the Saints and Prophets in Scripture have tasted of in raptures and Extasies and Paul in 2 Cor. 12.1 4. for a little see Mr. Norton's Orthodox Evang. pag. 339.341 wherein the Soul abstracted from use of bodily helps and Organs had a more immediate visional Contemplation of Objects presented that and more then that doth the Soul departed enjoy even a perpetual Vision of God and fruition of the Joyes of Heaven without the Body from Death to the Resurrection That conceit that some have had of the Souls sleeping or being in an unsensible unactive condition without the exercise of understanding memory or affections till the Resurrection is fond and foolish and contrary to the plain Testimonies of Scripture before cited which hold forth an actual enjoyment of Glory and Glorious Communion with God immediatly after Death as Well as to the nature of the Soul And was long since largely confuted by Calvin in his Psychopanychia Opuse pag. 449.476 one of the first things he wrote 1. How kind is God to his people that he will not put them off so long as the Resurrection before they enter into this Glory though the Body cannot according to appointed order come at it before yet the Soul shall have possession presently When Death must send the Body to the Grave Heb. 9.27 then he will take the Soul into Heaven and have its company there 2. This may sweeten Death to the Faithful and make them cheerfully yield up their Spirits into the hand of God who stands ready to receive them There is a present object of Glory before them a Joy immediatly to be enjoyed set before them which may make them cheerfully pass into it through the dark entry of Death Though there be a Land and Grave of darkness for the Body which yet is sweetned by the Burial of Christ yet an Inheritance of the Saints â—n light which the Soul shall presently pass into this is that that over-ballances Death and absence from the Body leaving the World even the presence of the Lord being with Christ which is best of all This should make us willing to leave the Body 2 Cor. 5.8 leave the old Crazy Rotten-house of the Body to go into the new building and into the bosome of Christ into Heaven 2 Cor. 5.1 4. And this is presently to be enjoyed you shall presently be with Christ when you leave this Body things remote affect not so much but this is near and just before you as Christ comforted them with that this day Luk. 23.43 The day of your dying is the day of your living in Paradise in Glory The day of your falling into the Earth as to the Body is the day of your ascending and being taken up to Heaven Luk. 9.51 Going to the Grave and going to Heaven they go together to the Faithtful inseparably together and there is more Comfort in the latter than discomfort in the former No sooner dissolved but you are in the Angels Arms to be carried into Christs Bosom even before you can be upon Friends Shoulders to be carried to the Grave The same step whereby you leave the World you go to the Father as Joh. 16.28 You no sooner depart hence but you are with Christ Philip. 1.23 are gathered to him and that Blessed company and people that are with him Genes 35.29 Oh how should this lift up all the Saints above the feat of that that can but kill the Body but pull out the Pins of this old house and dissolve that that is the furthest that all created power can go Luk. 2.4 Mat. 10.28 But Death and all the Instruments of Death are so far from killing the Soul that it lets that but out of Prison and sends it unto Life Eternal 2. Now consider what further Glory shall be added to the Saints for the full compleating and Consummation of their Glory and Happiness at and after the Resurrection upon the re-union of the Soul and Body It is a more incompleat or as some call it an Inchoate enjoyment of Heavenly Glory that the Saints have in their separate estate of their Souls But at the Resurrection of the Body and re-union thereof to the Soul they shall have the compleat fulness and Consummation
understanding the Joy unspeakable and Glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 the ravishing Consolations in the sense of the Love of God which the faithful have at times been feasted with such as in Comparison whereof all the Comforts of the whole World all the Riches Honours Pleasures upon Earth are but a dry Chip such as the surpassing sweetness and Glory whereof cannot be expressed And yet this but a little taste of Heaven as a drop to the Ocean of the same kind indeed with the Glory that is there but as an earnest Penny of a great and Rich Bargain A drop of the Joy of the Holy Ghost excells all the Rivers of Worldly outward sensual Comforts and Joyes which the men of the World swim in Psal 4.6 7. but infinite drops of Worldly Joy together it will not make Heaven but of Spiritual Joy it will but this is but a drop there is an Ocean of such Joy in Heaven which the Saints shall Swim and Bath themselves in to all Eternity 3. The Visible Glory and Peace of the Church that may be enjoyed in this World before the coming of Christ Great things are spoken in Scripture of the Glorious times that are yet to come wherein Jews and Gentiles shall walk together in the Lord and the Church shall enjoy freedom from open enemies and Persecutions Isa 60.18 plenty and purity of Ordinances Ezek. 37.26 Isa 66.21 23. plentiful Effusion of the Spirit and of the Graces thereof Ezek. 39.29 Prevalency and Eminency of Truth Holiness and Peace Joel 3.17 Zephan 3.9 Godly and Gracious Civil Rulers who shall make their business to promote Truth and Holiness the honour of Christ and the welfare of his people Isa 49.23 Rev. 11.15 The special presence of God in all the wayes and means thereof among them Isa 60.19 20. Revel 21.23 And hence Honour and esteem in the sight of all men Isa 62.7 and 25.8 Revel 21.24 Why this condition of the Church will be a little Heaven upon Earth hence conceived to be described by sundry terms taken from the Kingdom of Glory in Heaven Rev. 21. and 22. and there will be much Glory in it Isa 60.1 2 7. But yet it will be far short of Heaven indeed no state of the Church on Earth shall equal the state of the Church in Heaven There will still in the best time on Earth be sin and Imperfection and Temptation and Flesh and Allurements of the World to conflict withall and many particular afflictions too from the hand of God We in this remote Corner of the World have for a long time as may be well conceived enjoyed not a little tast and specimen of this peaceable and flourishing Condition of the Church but yet we find it is not Heaven we find Corruption enough in our own hearts and in one another to keep us in a continual conflict c. In the best estate of the Church on Earth there will be still cause to sigh and groan for the coming of Christ in the day of full Redemption Rev. 22.20 The greatest Glory that ever the Church shall enjoy on Earth before the Coming of Christ to Judgment will in comparison of Heaven be inglorious for that will alwayes be a truth in this world 1 Joh. 3.3 2. But if so much Glory and such great things be to be enjoyed on Earth what then will Heaven be The thought or expectation of Glorious and Happy times on Earth instead of Carnal drawing down our minds it should raise and lift them up thither For all is but an Hansell a Taste a beginning and Inchoation of what will there be Consummate All the pledges and tasts which God does or ever will give his people on Earth they are but to quicken them to press after the prize a full draught and rest that is reserved for them Comp. 3. Consider the great sufferings troubles sorrows and afflictions that the faithful some of them especially have endured in this life those are a little matter as nothing to the future Glory in Heaven there is no Comparison between them which shews that Glory to be exceeding great Rom. 8.18 Paul's Sufferings were very great few have ever gone through more then he did had you seen much more had you felft them you would have thought them exceeding heavy 2 Cor. 11.23 27. and 6.4 5. 1 Cor. 4 9 11 12 13. 2 Tim. 3.11 yet there was no Comparison between the evil and trouble of all these and the Comfort of that Glory this did infinitely over-ballance them they hold no weight against it as the word imports 2 Cor. 4.17 Nâ—t that the affliction in these was light but because the other end of the ballance was exceeding heavy As you know though there be a considerable weight in one Scale yet if you put a far greater in the other as several hundreds against ten or twenty pound weight why the far greater fetches up the other as if it were a light thing a Feather a very nothing Why thus put into one Scale all the Afflictions that ever you felt or have seen others feel about you all Sicknesses Pains Diseases Wearisome nights and dayes thereby such Griefs as those in Job 6.2 3. All the Sufferings of the Martyrs Racks Strappadoes Burnings and exquisite new-devised Torments all the Deaths Stripes Pains Bonds Wants Reproches Afflictions that Paul went through from first to last heap them on altogether in one Scale yet Eternal Glory in Heaven being put into the other Scale it is a weight exceedingly exceeding all this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this speak the exceeding greatness of this Glory that so far so exceeding Hyperbolically weighs down all the Heaviest Afflictions that they are but as a Feather as nothing to it And yet some one of these Afflictions will weigh down all the good and Comfort of this World Let a man have a dangerous Sickness a sore Tormenting pain upon him it imbitters all yea he would willingly part with all he hath though great Riches c. to be freed from it Job 2.4 Mark 5.26 But put them altogether and they will be over-ballanced and weighed down by the Glory of Heaven even as a few Sands by a Mountain Comp. 4. Consider the Excellency and Glory of this lower World and the Cost Riches and stately workmanship that God hath expended and laid out thereupon and upon the entertainment he gives to all his Creatures there in What then is the Glory of the third Heaven and of those upper and Coelestial Mansions Gods own dwelling place And what is the Entertainment that he will give there to the Inhabitants thereof This lower World is but as a stage that is set up for a while to be taken down again It is but as the hovels and out-houses where all sorts of Creatures are kept but Heaven is the Palace the dwelling house of the Great King and appointed to be the everlasting habitation of the Blessed Joh. 14.2 1 King 8.39 43. If you should come to any Great or Wealthy
mans Place and there find the Barnes and Out-houses excellently and Substantially built and much Cost laid out about them ample accommodations therein for every Beast and Creature about the house and liberal Provision for them every thing compleat and excellent you would say what is the Dwelling-house and what is the Furniture thereof Sure that is wonderful Rich and Stately and both the Building and Furniture beyond measure exquisite The application is obvious Even this lower World is a curious and costly piece The Earth which is but the dregs of Nature is full of Gods Riches Psal 104.24 In the Bowels of it is Gold Silver Precious Stones Mettals of all sorts the surface of it is in the Summer-season clothed with a pleasant dress delightful to the sense and profitable for use It is arrayed with more Glory than Solomon had in his greatest Splendor Mat. 6.28 30. Hos 14.5 6 7. Psal 65.12 The Sea is full of Riches and of the admirable Works of God Psal 104.24 25 26. The Air is a Treasury of fruitful showers and other admirable Meteors Deut. 28.12 The Aetherial Heaven is garnished with Stars Job 26.13 Therein is a Tabernacle for the Sun that admirable work of God travelling his dayly and yearly Circuit to give Light and Heat to all things on the Earth Psal 19.4 5 6. In these visible Heavens is such Divine Workmanship as may ravish all beholders Psal 8.3 and 136.4 5 7 8 9. and look upon the entertainment God gives unto all his Creatures here in this lower World all the multitudes that are down-lying and up-rising in this great house of his what Commodious and large Provision he makes for them even Inferior Creatures besides and beneath man Psal 104 27 28. The wild Asse hath the range of the Mountains for his pasture Job 39.6 8. There is enough to spare for him and all other wild Creatures that live upon the Grass in the Wilderness their table lyes alwayes spread and there is enough and to spare by the stately bounty of the large Creator The feeble Conies want not their houses and fortifications Psal 104.18 Nor the Birds their resting places ver 12.17 The young Ravens are not forgotten of God Job 38.41 Psal 147.9 Why is there such work and such Riches filling this lower World Earth and Sea and Water and the Starry Region what then is Heaven And what are the Riches and Glory that are laid up there What is the Entertainment there given to men yea to Saints and Members of Christ Jesus Christ uses that Argument as to this World Mat 6.26 much more may we use it as to the World to come when God shall pour out the fulnâ—ss of the Riches of his goodness upon the chosen Vessels thereof If such workmanship be laid out upon the Earth and the râ—st of this house of time what a curious piece is Heaven that house of Eternity 2 Cor. 5 1. the City and Palace of the King the very Region and place of Heaven the Fathers House where all his Children must be lodged and accomodated and dwell forever it does as far excel and is far above the Earth as the height of it and the ends and uses of it do excel The Pearls and Precious Stones c. that are found in the Earth will scarce serve to make the Walls of that City as appears by these Metaphorical Descriptions of the Heavenly Jerusalem which it meant of the Church on Earth is far excelled by the Glory of Heaven Revel 21.18 21. and if the outside be so Glorious that the best of the things on Earth are scarce worthy or fit to be shadows or resemblancs thereof what then is the outside What is the Furniture within and entertainment there Why it stands not in Carnal outward things and delights as the Mahomitan Paradice and the Heathen Elysian Fields they cannot be raised up to such an height as to make Heaven But Spiritual holy Delights and Joyes in the frution of God and those in their height and fulness compared wherewithal the Glory and Joy of the World is but a trifâ—le And the External condition of the Body shall in Glory Beauty Vigour Strength Spiritual Activity and Comfort every way unspeakably exceed what it is or can be conceived here Comp. 5. Consider the vast preparation God maketh for the Glorifying his Saints in Heaven The great preparation he maketh both to prepare Glory for them Mat. 25.34 Joh. 14.2 3. Heb. 11. 16 And to prepare them for Glory Rom. 9.23 2 Cor. 5.5 Col. 1.12 Election Redemption Christs Ascennsion and Intercession Vocation Sanctification Christs second coming Joh. 14.3 are all to make way and fit for and bring unto to this Glory When we see great and vaâ—â— preparations for a thing much time and cost spent therein as for a Kings Coronation for a Funeral for a Wedding we conclude it will be very magnificent â—n this preparation for Glory there is much time spent all the time of this life the Believer is fitting for it nay from before the foundation of the World from all eternity preparation hath been making Mat. 25.34 and all the time of Christs being in Heaven By his possessing it as our head Intercession c. Joh. 14.3 And great Cost all Ordinances are to this end to fit us for Heaven and all Providences Christs Death Bloodshed Ascention Intercession 1 Pet. 5.10 c. And all the Gracious operations of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5.5 All the promises point thither speak of that Glory and empty themselves there There and then viz. in the Glory of Heaven and not till then they shall be fully accomplished All the great and magnificent things which have so high a sound in all the promises in the Book of God they are fully found and met together there All the great expectations and hopes of the Saints Center and Issue there All which shew that the Glory of Heaven must needs be exceeding great and excellent And so the difficulty of it might be another Argument For difficilia quae pulchrà it cost Christ dear his Pains his Blood Life and it must cost the Christian not a little in Praying waiting watching striving Travelling Suffering the oppositions of Hell Flesh and World and not without great difficulty at last he gets to Heaven 1 Pet. 4.18 Mat. 7.14 Comp. 6. I might mention the Titles that are given to this Heavenly Glory in Scripture It 's called an Inheritance Ephes 1.18 Act. 20.32 that is amongst the best things on Earth A good Inheritance what care to obtain settle make sure of that a Rich Heir is counted happy though he wait long e're he come to Age But this is an Inheritance not Earthly but Heavenly Colos 1.12 1 Pet. 1.4 A Kingdom Mat. 25.34 Luk. 12.32 A Crown Jam. 1.12 1 Pet. 5.4 Crowns and Kingdoms are counted the top of Humane felicity on Earth the highest that mens Hopes Desires Ambitions Climbe what Scuffling and Strugling all the Earth over to be
indisposedness to good you shall never complain of or be troubled with a body of death more Rom. 7.24 Perfect blessedness will take away that wretchedness 2. In the act of it from the greatest to the least no act of sin shall ever be done in Heaven which is a place of perfect holiness when once there you shall never have vain thought more never swerve from the rule of holiness either in thought word or deed not a sinful omission or defect of loving delighting in praising glorifying God of acting your faculties and affections upon God shall then be found with you Oh what an Heaven of happiness is there in this alone one particular to be freed from sin Sin is the heaviest burden of the Saints here and that that makes their lives bitter to them that they cannot live without sinning against God Let all the world smile on them this makes them go up and down with heavy hearts If the Lord should say to any gracious heart here Ask what I shall give thee thou wouldst say Lord that I might be rid of sin thou wouldst rather have this than Crowns and Kingdoms Why this desire shall be fully granted then These corruptions that have dogged thee up and down the world and oft prevail'd shall never trouble thee more The sins thou hast been groaning under all thy life long since any spark of spiritual life was put into thee once on Canaan shore thou shalt see those Egyptians no more for ever No pride no passion no sloathfulness no carnal mindedness no fleshliness no coldness deadness of heart and affections no uneven walking no grieving of the Spirit of God or of the spirits of Fellow-Brethren no unholy action or conversation shall ever be heard of more There in that Canaan above the Lord will give you rest from all your Enemies and from those especially Hebr. 4.9 10. Those Canaanites that have been so long thorns in your sides you shall see an end of them that then will be perfectly fulfilled Zech. 14.21 and triumph over all behold that fully done Micah 7.19 and then sing as Exod. 15.1 4. All the works of the Devil all the train of that Hellish band hath he utterly destroyed v. 5 6. 2. From sorrow or misery all manner of afflictive evils sin and misery go together as the body and the shaddow when the former is abolished the latter also shall altogether cease As viz. 1. Satans temptations tending either to sin or discomfort to defile or disquiet us Once in Heaven you shall never have temptation more That evil one shall never cast in a bad thought or tempting inticement or a troublesome fear and discouragement or vexing disquietment He shall never fling a fiery dart at thee more none of his messengers shall ever buffet thee any more Here he cannot destroy a Saint but there he shall not so much as disquiet For Satan's walk and rend'vouz is on the earth Job 1.7 But he never came in Heaven since he was a Devil nor ever shall come there the highest room where he comes in is the Aire Epes 2.2 this Elemental world but never mounts so high as the third Heaven He is cast down into Hell and shall never come in Heaven 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude 6. While the Saints tread on the earth where that Serpent Crawles he may bite nible at their heel But when once they are with their head in Heaven in their state of Exaltation there they are quite out of his reach though both Christ and Christians in their Humiliation-time here on earth were lyable to be tempted and troubled by the Devil Then the Saints shall fully triumph over this Hellish Pharaoh the Devil him and all his host or train when he shall be cast into the Sea and deep of that full torment that is prepared for the Devil and his Angels into which he shall be actually cast after the last Judgment Now is his Tempting but then shall be his Tormenting time Mat. 8.29 His tempting time and his ranging about for that purpose 1 Pet. 5.8 will be then at an end Satan is said to be shut up and bound during the prosperous and flourishing times of the Church in this world Revel 20.23 But much more fully and absolutely shall he be bound from molesting the Saints of their triumphant state in Heaven then shall he and all his Complices be in torment Revel 20.10 While the Saints reign in Peace for ever Oh the sad Annoyance that even Gods dear children have from that Belzebub here Zech. 3.1 but they shall be fully forced from that hereafter 2. Injuries and molestations from evil and wicked men there will be none of them in Heaven neither as Job 3.17 18. true of the Grave but much more of the state of the Saints happiness of the life to come No wicked man no Injurious Adversary no Papistical or Atheistical hater of God and his people shall ever come within Heaven doors none but Saints shall be there alone together much less be able to trouble or molest there Then shall the promise be fully acomplished 2 Sam. 7.10 Whatsoever Corner of the earth you retire or remove into and plant in you see the children of wickedness can follow you thither and afflict you The Saints shall never be planted in a place that is absolutely their own till they come to Heaven Oh get a Patent for that take up a Lot and build and plant there in Heaven and then you shall have a place of your own what you send thither aforehand your Hope your Treasure c. is safe and when your persons are there once none shall ever molest you more no fear of invasion no enemies to annoy of one nature or other no Pirates by Sea nor Parties by Land no Sword nor weapon of destruction there no going into Captivity no Garments rolled in blood no sound of the Trumpet or Alarm of War It may be when you came into this Wilderness you thought that this would be a place of your own and that none would ever trouble themselves to come into this Corner to trouble you But alas New-England is but Earth and not Heaven No place on Earth is exempted from molestation by the Devil and his Instruments but Heaven is that and that alone and that fully there the Children of wickedness and the Sons of violence shall not afflict you any more as before time then will those prayers be fully and compleatly answered which the poor children of God have oft need to power out before him Psal 140.1 2 3 4 7 8 and 17.4 the Saints may then triumph over all wicked Adversaries as Psal 9.6 7. Also the troubles that arise from the mixtures of the Wicked among the Godly as here there is a mixture of bad with good and much trouble thence ariseth will there be ended there is no Mesech nor Tent of Keder to be complained of as Psal 120.5 6. nor as Psal 57.4 nor yet false Brethren unfaithful unsound Heteredox or
Hypocritical persons that are secret adversaries to Truth and Piety as 2 Cor. 11.26 Psal 55.12 13. You shall have no discouraging company in Heaven that will clog and thwart and hinder you in that that is good none to oppose either Truth or Piety but all to joyn with one accord in the serving and Glorifying of God 3. Divisions differences and dissentions among the Godly which the state of Imperfection on earth is lyably to and lamentably cumbred with and trouble and disquietment multiplied thereby but no such thing in Heaven there is but one mind and one mouth in Heaven as there is but one truth not so much as a dissering apprehension among all the thousands and millions of Saints there There we shall fully attain what is exhorted to 1 Cor. 1.10 and prayed for Rom. 15.5 6 7. There that goodly sight is to be seen in perfection Psal 133.1 The state of perfection there implyes and infers this Hebr. 12.23 The Saints while children may wrangle and contend and differ but when grown up to their adult age and to a perfect man they will have more grace than so Ephes 4.13 14. That ignorance weakness and darkness whereby we are oft here mistaken and miss the truth and cannot see the same truth by the same light our knowing in part whence we may be mistaken in part ignorant in part will then be done away and hence perfect union in the truth which is but one 1 Cor. 13.9 10 11 12. Si non amplius in his terris te visurns sum said old Grineus writing to Chytraeus apud Milch Adam pag. 879. ibi tamen conveniemus ubi Luthero cum Luingleo optimè jam convenit Paul and Barnahas Hooper and Ridley Luther and Zuinglius are there fully reconciled and shall never differ or contend more Heaven is full both of peace and truth even of that peace that is knit in the bonds of truth and holiness The griefs and distractions that result from dissentions among the Godly here are there all swallowed up in perfect peace And so all the difficulties and weary travails and oppositions that Christ's Kingdom now conflicts with and must be carried on through are there ended Mans corruptions Satans temptations weakness on every hand cumbers even Gods work with difficulty and obstruction here but no such thing there the Militant state of Christ's Kingdom is then ended and it passeth into a state of victory and rest 4. Bodily ailes sicknesses pains weakness deformities infirmities of what kind soever you shall be freed from all these in the life to come Philip. 3.21 Do you think the body of Christ now glorified knows any pain or grief or weakness as when on earth no more shall the bodies of the Saints in Heaven but be in perfect health in your beauty strength and Glory for ever 1 Cor. 15.42 43. The Resurrection to that life to come will cure the oldest pain aile ache disease lameness that could not be cured here those ailes that you carry to your Graves with you you shall not bring them out of your Graves again you shall rise again but they shall be buried and lost and laid aside for ever nor shall the body be so troublesome as now need so much ado about it and so many shores and props of meat drink sleep cloathing c. You are groaning now under many bodily ailes and evils but then comes a day of Redemption of the body as well as soul actual perfect Redemption of it from all evil Rom. 8.23 5. All other afflictions from the hand of God all the remnants of the Curse that Christ leaveth upon us in this world for our chastisement and correction Rev. 21 4. if it shall be so comparatively i. e. compar'd with the troubles of former times in the more glorious times of the Church Militant much more will it be so absolutely in the glorified estate of the Church-Triumphant While sin is with us as here there will be sorrow but the abolition of sin will abolish sorrow too perfectly No sin and no sorrow neither in Heaven All tears shall be wiped away i. e. all afflictions or troubles that are the cause of tears shall be quite taken away No more of those tears that arise from the various tryals of this weary life wants straits losses crosses in Name Estate Relations Imployments the briars thorns and thistles that grow in every corner of the field of this world Ezek. 26.24 There will need no rod in Heaven not a frown nor a blow nor a stroke of correcting anger there As there is nothing but wrath in Hell so there will be nothing but love in Heaven Here on earth there is a mixture of both yea even to Gods own people while they have sin in them and are full of faults though Children their Father cannot but be angry with them now and then and they need a rod ever and anon Psal 89.32 33. but in Heaven as no sin so no anger no not for chastening there◠the Lord will never knit his brows nor chide or strike never hide his face there be here Soul-afflictive spiritual Agonies from a sense of Gods anger and doubts of his love those also shall cease but they shall live under the smiles of his face and light of his countenance without interruption But thus in that as to fredom from all evil as 2 Cor. 5.4 so sin is swallowed up of grace and holiness the remainders of sin and sorrow that hang about us in this state of Imperfection are utterly swallowed up and abolished by that perfect holiness and perfect happiness that there is and continues for ever 2. Perfect enjoyment of all good It is not a meer negative happiness that the Saints in Heaven partake of viz. a not being miserable an absence of evil but also the positive presence and enjoyment of all good Psal 16.11 Joy is from the presence of good and full joy from the satisfying fulness of all good Under this Head may be comprised those great and glorious things that make up and compleat the positive happiness of the Saints in Heaven and were pointed to in the description As viz. 1. Full fruition or enjoyment of God perfect glorious and full communion with God the God of Glory God Father Son and Holy Ghost This is the main and the essence of the Happiness of Heaven It is not a carnal or sensual thing standing in bodily carnal pleasures and delights as Pagans and Mahometans teach and sensual Spirits dream but spiritual divine and coelestial standing in the enjoyment of God and communion with him This we have some little tast of here but being there in perfection it makes up perfect blessedness for mans blessedness lies in fruition of God the chief Good whom he was made for and in whom is that infinite fulness of all good that is able to satisfie and make happy the soul of man and to be the endless joy thereof It is not Creatures Crowns Kingdoms not a
shall not be now need of any outward Elements Bread or Wine but the Inward part the Spiritual Communion they shall have it new and fresh in a more lively and better fuller manner then here whence they shall be as men full of new Wine filled with the Springs of Heavenly Affection and Consolation Wine is oft used to express Joy Gladness Comfort Psal 104.15 The Communion between Christ and the Saints in the Coelestial Life will compleat perfect and far transcend that that is but in a weak and mean degree begun in Ordinances here Consider also that the Union and Communion between Christ and the faithful being set forth by that of the Conjugal relation in Scripture our present state is but an Espousal the Consummation of the Marriage is at the day of Judgment thence follows the full enjoyment each of other in Heaven when Christ hath carried his Spouse home to his Fathers house Ineffable Mutual Delight Communion Communication of Secrets and Hearts each to other Joy and Contentment will thence ensue Then will those words be most fully verified Isa 62.4 5. and 54.4 5 8. Zeph. 3.17 Then will the Book of Canticles that Book of Loves between Christ and his Church be understood and fully practised But thus in Heaven you shall have Immediate and full Communion with the Lord Jesus You hear of him now but you shall see him then and be ever with him there was flocking to see him when on earth in his Humiliation Luk. 19.3 4. And the Spiritually minded then saw Glory in him Joh. 14. But what will it be then to see him in Heaven in his Glorified estate And not only to see him as a stranger as a Glorious person But to see and enjoy him as thy Friend as thy Brother Saviour Husband Cant. 5.16 One who sometimes powered out his Heart-blood for thee and will now power out his Heart-love to thee for evermore 3. The Saints shall have full Communion with the Holy Ghost they shall have the Everlasting fulness and presence of the Spirit and so have a fulness of Gifts and Graces of Holiness and Comfort for evermore The Saints have somewhat of the Communion of the Holy Ghost now 2 Cor. 13.14 But they shall have it in perfection then We have but the first fruits of the Spirit but an earnest penny now Rom. 8.23 2 Cor. 1.22 and 5.5 Therefore there is an Harvest the whole sum a fulness of the Spirit that shall be imparted then And as the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Grace and Comfort now by whose Presence and Assistance we are upheld in both so will he be then only in such a way manner and measure as suits a state of Perfection then he will rest upon you as a Spirit of Glory so hath he done in a great degree on some Martyrs here 1 Pet. 4.14 but there in Perfection on all the Saints Hence the Saints in Heaven having the fulness of the Spirit shall be replenished with all those Excellencies and endowments that are the Effects and fruits of the presence and special operation of the Spirit filled with all the fulness of God As 1. With singular Divine Guifts of knowledge wisdom inlargement of understanding as 1 King 4.29 and utterance For there will be use of utterance in Heaven in Glorious Conference and Converse of the Saints Here are Gifts given for the Kingdom of Grace by the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.4 8 11. But there are Guifts suiting the Kingdom of Glory 2. With all Graces of Holiness or Sanctification those now brought to perfection and kept up in act and exercise Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thes 2.13 will then be perfect of which further afterward concerning the Glory of the Soul and there will be the constant un-interrupted Presence and Assistance of the Spirit to actuate every Grace to keep it up in its full exercise The heart ever inlarged for God ever fixed and tuned to sing his Praise as Psal 57.7 8. Thy Glory Heart and Tongue shall be ever awake thy Harp ever in Tune then the Spirit of Grace everlastingly filling and quickning thy Heart and holding thee up in Heavenly Spiritual activity and inlargement 3. With abundant Comfort and Consolation The Holy Ghost will then fully do that work of a Comforter and dwell in all the Saints as such Joh. 14.16 in his Choicest and most Glorious Comforting Operations That in Rom. 5.5 will then be fully done Then perfect Assurance and sense of the Love of God without all mixture of doubt or fear or darkness full Assurance shall be wanting to never a Saint in Heaven the meanest shall see the Love of God more clearly than the strongest did here That great question will then be out of question forever The light of Gods Countenance shall be then lifted up and shine upon your souls as a Sun that never sets nor is overcast with clouds The knowledge and sense of that one thing that the Infinite God loves thee with an everlasting love which is more worth than ten thousand thousand worlds shall live in thy heart and be the Life and Joy of thy Soul and fill thee with peace that passeth all understanding The joy of the Holy Ghost that is a manifest and eminent part of our Communion with the Holy Ghost shall then be at its full height which now we have but some tasts and drops of Rom. 14.17 That that Christ hath been so long aiming and driving at will then be attained Joh. 15.11 and 16.24 Their Joy is the Element the Saints in Heaven live in they breath in no other Aire but that the Ocean they swim in It is that they enter and go into Mat. 25.21 23. Joy at once expresses Heaven and Heavenly Glory It is a Mass or Heap of Joy a Region of Joy an Aire and Element of Joy the Joy of the Lord God the Joy of the Holy Ghost into which they are brought and where they breath and live and swim in the fulness thereof for ever Psal 16.11 2. A second thing considerable in the positive Happiness of the Saints in Heaven is their inherent personal subjective the former particular pointeth chiefly to their objâ—ctive Glory though they go together and therâ—fore both there and here somewhat of both Glory or perfection both of Soul and Body This partly makes them capable of that foresaid full enjoyment of God and partly results from it For our present frail weak and distempered faculties are not capable of that Glory and Glorious Communion 1 Cor. 15.50 and 2.9 they must therefore be raised up to an higher state of Perfâ—ction in order thereunto And the enjoyment of that Communion with God continually reflects unspeakable Glory and Happiness inherent Excellencies upon the whole man But hence the person of each Saint is Glorified filled with Glorious Excellency and Perfection both of Soul and Body All that be there are Glorified Persons Rom. 8.17 18 30. Colâ—ss 3.4 Glorious or Glorified they are both in their
the love of God and of his people and those two go together 1 Joh. 4.20 and 5.1 Mat. 25.40 45. surely you are not principled for Heaven nor can have any good evidence of your going thither To be for God and for his people should be our All on Earth our whole desire and designe 2 Cor. 5.13 as that shall be our All in Heaven to enjoy Communion with God in the sweet Communion and Feâ—lowship of his Saints that is Heaven and that is the desire and aime of every Gracious Saint on Earth Of our Communion with Angels in Heaven I shall not speak particularly What it is and the manner of it will be known when you come there But as by Christ we are brought into a Fellowship and Coâ—munion with the Holy Elect Angels Hâ—b 12.22 who should else have been forever in Fellowship with Dâ—vils Mat. 25.41 so that Commuâ—â—on will thâ—â— be pâ—â—fâ—ctâ—d and knowâ— fully as it is hâ—râ— initiâ—l imperfâ—ct and but little known As the Saints when Glorified shall in their qualiâ—iâ—s and manner of â—â—â—ing be more like unto the Aâ—gelâ— Mâ—â— 22.30 So will â—hâ—â— then he câ—pâ—ble of moâ—â— Communion with tâ—â—m thâ—n now If there be joy among thâ— Angâ—lâ— wâ—en a sinnâ—r enters into the Kingdom of â—râ—câ— by Repentance Luk. 15.10 what joy wâ—ll then be when all the Saints shall come in the Kingdom of Glory The Angels Mâ—nister to the Saints by the way â—o Heaven Hebr. 1.14 and conduct them thither when thâ—y die Luk. 16.22 with what mutual joy will thâ—y all then be entertain'd there It will thâ—n be known what good Officâ—s the Holy Angels have done for the Saints here both for particular persons and Churches and places in their Ministring â—o and foâ— thâ—m how they have oâ—posed counterminâ—d thâ—â—r 〈◊〉 both Dâ—vils and wicked men what not able services those Courtiers and Curâ—iers of Heaven have been sent from Heaven upon by the Lord Jesus Christ on the behalf of his people into Courts of Princes and other great motions of the wheels of Divine Providence Dan. 10.13.20 Ezek. 1.5 How thâ—y have Guarded Defended Succoured in many dangers being faithfull to their Charge and Trust Psal 91.11 12. and 34.7 They now do us good turns and we know it not But surely all shall be known then as well as tâ—â—se pâ—rfect instances that are set down in Scripture But all to the Glory of God and Christ by whom thâ—y wâ—re imployed And to the further Joy and Comfort of the Faithful in the sense of Love of God who hâ—th so inclined and imployed the Glorious Angâ—ls to do for them And then will Saints and Angels in one Triumphant Society admirably joyn in Praising and Glorifying God for all his wonderful Works and in special for the Mâ—stâ—riâ—s of Christ and Marvels of his Redâ—mption which the Angels are eminently delightâ—d with 1 Pet. 1.12 Ephes 3.10 as â—uk 2.13.14 Oh that ever worms of Dust sinful man should be lift up to the place and state of Angels yea in some respects higher in regard of their nearer Relation to Christ their Head who as 1 Pet. 3.22 fellow Citizens and fellow Courtiers with them in the Heavenly place which was properly their own Habitation Jud. 6. Mat. 22.30 Luk. 2 15. to partake with them in the Beatifical Vision Mat. 18.10 and to bear a part with them in the praises of God Vse A word of Incouragement and Establishment to the people of God and that in the midst of troubles here in this World They need heartning on while here below under Temptations and Tribulations why a sight and thought of Heaven and of the Rest and Recompence there is enough to do it Hebr. 11.25 26. Even when the Interest of Piety and of the truly Pious is laid low in the World and despised among men and they that are for Heaven in earnest are counted a company of Foolish Humoursom Mad Fanatical people why if that be to be foolish to be for Heaven in good earnest and sixed in the way thither i. e. in the way of the Rule not to be turned out of the way by the smiles or frowns of all the World if that be folly be more foolish still as 2 Sam. 6.22 Heaven is the best choice when all is done and it is the truest wisdome to chuse that and not to stick at all the Tribulations that ley in the way The Psalmist begun to think he had made an ill bargain when he was chastened all the day long and the wicked prospered on earth c. But having God for his Portion Psal 17 24.73 And keeping with God in the way of Faith and Obedience that is the way to Heaven fear not all this World nor all the Tribulations thereof Luk. 12.32 Consider 1. All that Satan or the World can do cannot reach to Heaven where your Portion and Treasure lyes Mat. 6.20 They work but upon the earth the troubles about you here are but earthly troubles But your business is in Heaven your hope is laid up in Heaven Colos 1.5 your trade is for Heaven if Christians indeed and that cannot be obstructed by any imbargoes on Earth 2. If God will bring you to Heaven then he will not let you miscarry or be lost in the mid-way If he have called you to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus then all the Sufferings in the mean while shall not interrupt it Rom. 8.30 nothing can break that Chain v. 31 35 39. nothing in all this World can or shall cut you off from Heaven and Glory or from the Everlasting Love and Fellowship of God to be enjoyed there If that be indeed the choice of your Souls that you refuse all this World and choice Heaven chuse the Fruition of God in Christ for your Portion if you make Moses's chooce Heb. 11.24 26. and Paul's choice 2 Cor. 4.18 and that choice the Lord propounds to every one Mark 10.21 why then Heaven you shall have and God ingages it and hath appointed you to it Heb. 11.16 why then he will not lose you bâ— the way in the Croud of Worldly Temptaâ—â—onâ— or troubles but will keep you and carry you through by his own power 1. Pet. 1.5 â—3 Instead of hindring all things and espeâ—ially the oppositions and troubles of the Truth shall but help you on toward Heaven and further your Glory there 2 Cor. 4.17 Sanctâ—fied Tribulations and Suffering for Christs sake or in obedience to his will they help to greaten your Crown and Reward in Heaven Mat. 5.11 12. they help you with an Evidence for Heaven Rom. 8.17 2 Tim. 2.11 12. 2 Thess 1.4 5. And they help to quicken and drive you on in the way to Heaven to make faster speed thither being Sanctified unto the exercise of Grace and to awake Faith Prayer Weanedness from the World esteem of Heaven more Converse there c. Heb. 11.9 10 13 14 16. Oh what can hurt the people of God whose faces are toward Heaven looking seeking pressing after
up for them and will then actually and fully put upon them 2 Tim. 4 8. a Crown of Righteousness i. e. which the Righteous and Faithful God according to his Gracious Promises made to his own Grace in us and the appointment declared to all that run for the Prize of the Heavenly Calling will bestow on the Righteous It is the Saints Coronation-day and that must needs be a day of great Glory to them when they shall be openly Crowned before the World They are now Heirs and have Title c. to the Kingdom but that is their Coronation-day He that was before a Prince or lawful King yet at the Solemnity of Coronation appears in eminent Splendor and hath eminent Honour put upon him Such a day is the day of Judgment to the Saints they are now Princes and Kings unto God by Title c. But then they shall be brought forth and Crowned before all the World Actually installed into their Kingdom and into the fulness of the Glory thereof Mat. 25.34 So it is the Saints Marriage-day the Consummation of their Marriage with Christ after the Espousalls here wherein therefore they shall be brought forth in Robes of Glory befitting the Spouse of the King of Kings and that in the fight of all the World The Glory that God hath put upon his own Children and Christ upon his Spouse and Fellow-heirs shall then be manifested and openly revealed Hence 3. This Love of God and Christ to them in all this in all his wonderful works of Grace of wisdom power and goodness in all he hath done in and for them in Electing Calling Justifying Adopting Sanctifying preserving and keeping and carrying on by his power to Salvation and now fully Glorifying The whole Chain and Circle of his Love all the wonders of Mercy and Grace wherein he hath abounded toward his Saints shall then be revealed and discovered 1 Joh. 3.1 2. 2 Thes 1.10 The Glory of the Saints shall be so revealed as may Glorify God and make him admirable in all he hath done in and for them ver 11 12. As God will then reveal set forth and shew abroad his wrath and Justice on the Vessels of wrath Rom. 2.5 and 9.22 So he will reveal his Love Grace and Mercy towards the Vessels of Mercy in that day of Revelation The whole Mystery of Grace will be then unfolded in the Glory of it and to the Glory and Praise of God which as it is the last end of all Gods Dispensations toward the Elect Ephes 1.2 So that end shall then be attained We may say as Colos 1.26 27. Christ the whole mystery of Christ shall then appear in his full Glory and Grace is the sum and top of the whole mystery of Christ And this will be to the singular Comfort and Joy of the Saints as well as to the Glory of God the benefit of the compleat and final pardon of all their sins and this opened in its Glory what refreshment and joy will it be Act. 3.19 the like may be said of all the rest 4. The Superiority of the Saints over above the wicked and being preferred before them and in a Condition infinitly better and more Happy then they Psal 49.14 They the upright shall be the better men and better on 't then in a more Happy and Honourable Condition exalted far above them while they seemed to be the underlings of the world under Poverty and Persecution and this shall plainly appear and be seen in the morning of the Resurrection Then will that plainly appear that the Elder shall serve the Younger Gen. 25.23 The Esau's of the World the great Doers and Busslers and mighty Hunters therein shall come behind the younger Brother the despicable the more unlikely the Jacob's the plain men that dwell in Tents the pious and Godly though never so poor and mean and despicable in the World whose out-side promises not so much Here in this World men and things are oft mis-placed Servants on Horse-back Ham and Canaan Servants of Servants so the wicked are of servile busie ignoble Spirits and Conditions yet of him of such oft are the Nimrods the mighty Hunters in the Earth And Princes the Children of the King of Kings the Heirs of Heaven walking as Servants upon the Earth Eccles 10.7 6. But then all things shall be set to rights and put in their places then these Princes shall be on Thrones of Glory Luk 22.30 1 Cor. 6.2 3. And the wicked how high soever they have been here below at the Baâ— filled with shame and horrour Piety and Godliness shall then be honoured and advanced however it is despised now And the poor if Pious shall have the Crown Jam. 2.5 and 1.12 that will then appear Prov. 28.6 Yea and then the righteous Cause of the Lords people shall be judged owned and maintained which will tend to their Glory who have oft been condemned unjustly in this World as Christ himself was That Judgment-seat of Christ Jesus hath been oft appealed to by Martyrs and Sufferers and he will then receive those Appeals and judge them righteously and that openly to the confusion of all the unrighteous Judgments that have passed here in the time of this World Devils shall then receive their doom and punishment for all their wicked molestations of the Saints and oppositions of Christs Kingdom in one way or other and all enemies destroyed and brought down under the feet not only of Christ but of his Church also And this final and total subduing of enemies and exalting of the Church shall be seen and known openly and beheld And this manifestation of the Sons of God is that which the whole Creation and all the works of Providence are in Travel for Rom. 8.19 22 23. The Glory of the Sons of God is formed and prepared in the womb of Providence now but that is the Birth-day of the manifestation of it then the mystery of God is finished and the work of God upon and in his Saints is brought forth in its full beauty and perfection Thus of the Manifestation of the Saints Glory at the last day Add we another consideration shewing the Compleatness and Consummation of their Glory then 5. At the last day the whole number of the Saints will be compleated and the Mystical Body of Christ entirely filled up and then will God compleatly and most Gloriously communicate himself to the whole at once Christ will then represent his Kingdom and Body compleat and entire every way come to its full growth and consistency Ephes 4.13 as it shall abide forever and in that compleat Estate he with the Father and the Spirit will Communicate himself thereto in the most perfect and Glorious manner as Heb. 11.40 So the Saints that are now in Heaven shall not be made perfect without their fellows and till the remnant of their Brethren as Rev. 6.11 have run through their militant course and be come in there is yet a further perfection they shall have
plainer evidence of a state of Perdition than to be an Enemy yea if but a secret enemy and hater of those who it may be your Consciences tell you are in a state of Salvation and are such as are like to get to Heaven For I speak not of pretended but real Saints or real as far as appears at least to be an enemy to those is the directest way you can take to everlasting Confusion Psal 129.5 and 34 21. As you love your Souls take heed of being found in the least opposition to the Interest of Christ or of his people 2. Consider how or in what way these impenitent unbelieving sinners do come to lose or miss of this Eternal Glory viz. in General By neglecting or not embracing the Call of the Gospel in this day of Grace and turning aside to vain things He calls us saith the Text to his Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus Hence look as by Effectual Calling i. e. by obeying and answering hearkning to and imbracing the Call of the Gospel the faithful obtain it and are brought into it so on the contrary others that live under the Gospel miss on 't by not hearkning to this Call by turning a deaf ear thereunto refusing and neglecting when called to come to Christ Jesus Prov. 1 24 27. They that hear not Christ when he sayes come Luk. 14.17 in the Kingdom of Grace shall nâ—ver hear him say come in reference to the Kingdom of Glory as Mat. 25.34 And they that hear not this latter Call come it will be because they would not hearken to the former The Lord Jesus now calls to every one of you come unto me and possess Grace and Glory in and with me If you attend to this Call by the obedience of Faith you shall hear him then say to you Come you Blessed c. Isa 55.3 But alas men lose and put away that Eternal Glory by neglecting resisting and refusing this Call of Grace Here therefore take these two or three Considerations 1. Every time you neglect or refuse the Call and offer of the Gospel you put away this Glory as Act. 13.46 The Lord Calls you on his part to Eternal Glory or to come and receive both Grace and Glory in and with Christ Jesus Rom. 6.23 Heaven is offered you when Christ is offered Hence you slight and refuse and turn your backs upon all the Glory of Heaven when you neglect the Call of the Gospel or dis-accept of Christ offered therein The Salvation of God Eternal Salvation is offered to you Act. 28.28 and you will not hear on 't you despise all the wonderfull Happiness of Heaven that we have been speaking of Oh fearful wickedness monstrous madness and miserable miss of Heaven So when you will not pray nor meditate nor hear nor wait at Christ's gates It is as much as to say that you are not for Eternal Glory which is to be sought and obtained in such wayes and how Justly how unexcusably do such perish The Lord is calling you to Eternal Glory but you turn away from it 2. Consider what it is for the sake whereof you lose or turn away from this Glory and neglect the way to it Why a vile lust a vain World these are chosen and Heaven refused these have your affections when Christ and all his Glory can have none of them And so for the sake of those for this present World a heap of vanities a fashion that passeth away you lose all the good of that to come The voice of the World calling us to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus cannot be heard for the voice of the World calling us to present Objects and things here And so for Earth men lose Heaven Mark 10.21 22. What a mad and foolish bargain and choice is this And yet thus it is there is never a sinner that misses Heaven but he chuses Earth before it 3. You lose and miss of this Glory when it was brought near to you in the Call and offer of the Gospel when according to the order of means you might have had it When you were called to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus viz. by the outward Call of the Gospel a real Call though not to you Effectual the reflection upon this will be one day bitter and tormenting From under a Call to Heaven to drop to Hell from under a word and call and offer of Salvation to Perdition what a dreadful thing will that be i. e. in the Eternal dispensation of it you that live in the visible Church you had an Interest in the Kingdom of Heaven it was in your hands as it were left with you and you had the offer of it the dispensation of it Job 4.22 now to lose it to let it go to be dâ—prived of it For the Children of the Kingdom to be cast out that will bring with a witness wailing and weeping and gnashing of teâ—th Mat 8 12. After you have been lifted up to Heaven it will be a fearful thing to fall down to Hell Mat. 11.23 24. 3. Consider the greatness of this loss and the bitterness thereof 1. From the exceeding greatness of the good that is lost viz. Eternal Glory all the Happinss of Heaven the sweet fellowship of the Father Son and Holy-Ghost wherein is fulness of Joy c. Psal 16.11 and all the Concomitants thereof that Heaven affords Oh it is beyond our Expression or Conception All that we have before spoken of about this future happiness presents matter of meditation here aggravating this loss Go over the particulars and say I wretched sinner continuing in that Estate or if I live in sin and unbelief must lose and be thrust out from all this be seperated from the sweet pâ—esence of God from the Love of the Father the Grace of the Son and the Consolation of the Holy Ghost Be stript of Glory both in Soul and Body utterly deprived of the Image of God each spark whereof is more worth than a World Be thrust out of the Company of Saints and Angels among damned Wights and Devils Be shut out of Heaven that place of Bliss and Glory and this perpetually everlastingly for ever and for ever more Others must go in and enjoy all this But I I for my brâ—iâ—ish sinning away my day of Grace if I should go on as I have thus long done be thrust out what wailing would that produce Luk. 13.28 2. Compare herewith Worldly losses the loss of good things in this World and remember what a griefe and torment that sometimes is If you had or were but in a fair probability and expectation to have and then should lose but a great sum of Money lose your house by Fire a Commodious Dwelling a fair Estate or all that ever you have though but a little by this or that occasion much more a Kingdom a Crown what a bitter thing would that be If you do but lose a dear Friend by death a sweet Relation a yoak-Fellow a pleasant Child how