i_o find_v not_o that_o the_o contrary_a mind_a have_v make_v any_o exception_n against_o this_o proof_n that_o be_v worthy_a any_o serious_a consideration_n and_o for_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a for_o what_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n unite_v for_o these_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o spirit_n much_o less_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men._n obj._n but_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o angel_n that_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v call_v their_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n indeed_o ans_fw-fr the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o call_v in_o some_o sense_n or_o respect_n but_o whether_o in_o that_o text_n they_o be_v so_o call_v and_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o angel_n be_v mention_v just_a before_o as_o be_v intimate_v and_o they_o be_v never_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o scripture_n 2._o because_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o make_v perfect_a as_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v imperfect_a be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o degree_n for_o so_o the_o original_n signify_v now_o the_o holy_a angel_n never_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o perfection_n that_o their_o nature_n need_v since_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v only_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a that_o there_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o spirit_n or_o soul_n while_o in_o the_o body_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v not_o make_v perfect_a but_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sinful_a imperfection_n in_o they_o not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n of_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v already_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n or_o context_n favour_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o concern_v their_o state_n on_o earth_n and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o body_n on_o earth_n nor_o at_o the_o resurrection_n than_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n they_o be_v they_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o before_o they_o be_v they_o must_v certain_o be_v more_o happy_a also_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v from_o rev._n 14.13_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n have_v urge_v several_a scripture_n for_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o any_o person_n doubt_n whether_o this_o will_v prove_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o doubtful_a religion_n but_o for_o the_o business_n let_v we_o note_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v i_o hear_v say_v st._n john_n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v to_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o note_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o man_n as_o live_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o heaven_n but_o of_o they_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o fear_n bless_v be_v those_o dead_a it_o be_v add_v from_o henceforth_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o die_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v say_v bless_a be_v those_o dead_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v some_o bless_a privilege_n by_o die_v if_o death_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o hurt_v to_o their_o body_n then_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n assert_v it_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n together_o with_o one_o part_n or_o property_n of_o their_o blessedness_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o their_o trouble_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o rest_n must_v include_v a_o positive_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o their_o gracious_a god_n for_o a_o mere_a negative_a or_o privative_a rest_n consist_v in_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n partake_v of_o when_o the_o horse_n be_v dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o his_o weariness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o believe_v that_o a_o dead_a christian_n that_o show_v himself_o such_o in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o a_o better_a state_n present_o after_o death_n than_o a_o dead_a beast_n can_v be_v and_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v any_o thing_n strong_a than_o his_o atheism_n will_v account_v this_o text_n a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o humble_o implore_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o make_v good_a my_o method_n and_o so_o to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o exception_n and_o defend_v it_o from_o that_o violence_n which_o some_o have_v offer_v unto_o it_o sect_n vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n vindicate_v as_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o unlawful_a strife_n by_o clear_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o objection_n be_v not_o unnecessary_a and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o some_o may_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o before_o i_o answer_v man_n cavil_n against_o this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o that_o will_v dissuade_v we_o from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n say_v they_o shall_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a for_o we_o whether_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v happy_a in_o their_o separation_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v kindness_n or_o crossness_n religion_n or_o sin_n that_o move_v man_n to_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v so_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o below_o we_o to_o search_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n if_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o which_o that_o we_o may_v i_o trust_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n thing_n reveal_v do_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v reveal_v may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v by_o what_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o grant_v it_o a_o truth_n will_v never_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o comfortable_a one_o whatsoever_o also_o christian_n may_v undervalue_v methinks_v they_o shall_v not_o despise_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o will_v hold_v when_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o very_o delightful_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o confident_a cavil_n of_o deceive_v sinner_n yet_o to_o prevent_v their_o mischief_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o bestow_v a_o few_o line_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o scripture_n that_o they_o use_v to_o oppose_v this_o truth_n by_o it_o be_v especial_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n ps_n 6.5_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o but_o must_v not_o they_o be_v very_o quick-sighted_a that_o can_v find_v in_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n a_o argument_n against_o this_o encourage_n doctrine_n but_o how_o little_a this_o text_n make_v against_o it_o a_o few_o word_n will_v show_v for._n 1._o the_o psalmist_n do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o god_n after_o death_n but_o thus_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v in_o death_n or_o under_o death_n power_n even_o the_o body_n or_o then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o remembrance_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n for_o the_o
happiness_n at_o hand_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o j._n b._n rector_n of_o finchamsted_n in_o the_o county_n of_o berks._n psal_n 63.3_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n qui_fw-la cupit_fw-la dissolvi_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la haud_fw-la patient_fw-la moritur_fw-la sed_fw-la patient_fw-la vivit_fw-la &_o delectabiliter_fw-la moritur_fw-la aug._n license_v july_n 2._o 1686._o london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o l._n meredith_n at_o the_o king_n head_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1687._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o worshipful_a and_o my_o most_o worthy_o honour_a friend_n dr._n robert_n woodward_n chancellor_n of_o my_o lord_n bishop_n court_n at_o sarum_n worthy_a sir_n as_o i_o have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o way_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v scarce_o more_o easy_a for_o uncharitable_a mind_n to_o blame_v i_o for_o it_o than_o for_o your_o kindness_n and_o courtesy_n to_o excuse_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v account_v i_o presumptuous_a in_o so_o do_v i_o can_v true_o tell_v they_o that_o i_o have_v a_o very_a great_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a temptation_n to_o it_o for_o gentleman_n of_o good_a repute_n and_o judgement_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v but_o i_o may_v bear_v the_o reflection_n of_o ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o imprudence_n if_o have_v a_o opportunity_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v some_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o worship_n for_o those_o great_a instance_n of_o your_o undeserved_a friendship_n which_o bless_v be_v god_n i_o so_o happy_o receive_v in_o those_o public_a circumstance_n that_o make_v i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n accept_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n this_o plain_a piece_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o the_o unfeigned_a thanks_o that_o i_o must_v ever_o owe_v you_o and_o sir_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o beg_v your_o acceptance_n of_o it_o because_o the_o doctrine_n defend_v be_v apparent_o own_a by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o it_o find_v in_o the_o main_a that_o honour_n and_o favour_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o profane_a malignant_a world._n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n follow_v you_o still_o with_o his_o goodness_n grant_v you_o many_o happy_a day_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o when_o your_o time_n be_v end_v the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o they_o that_o dye_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o pray_v reft_v good_a sir_n your_o worship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n and_o most_o effectual_o oblige_v john_n brandon_n a_o word_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n if_o thou_o ask_v why_o i_o publish_v this_o discourse_n i_o can_v safe_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v thou_o but_o possible_o thou_o may_v expect_v some_o further_a account_n which_o take_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o subject_a here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o so_o common_o handle_v as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n about_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o pocket-volume_n that_o i_o can_v find_v write_v upon_o it_o purposely_o plain_o and_o practical_o and_o those_o that_o have_v speak_v occasional_o of_o it_o in_o large_a piece_n contain_v various_a subject_n have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v prove_v about_o it_o i_o can_v show_v a_o pretty_a many_o page_n relate_v to_o it_o that_o afford_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o good_a substantial_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o most_o doctrine_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o much_o better_a than_o some_o that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o contend_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o seem_v to_o afford_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o support_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o pious_a soul._n for_o though_o the_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o top_n of_o our_o felicity_n whether_o we_o enjoy_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a yet_o i_o think_v the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n may_v be_v agreat_a addition_n to_o a_o christian_n joy._n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o special_a yea_o strong_a consolation_n to_o think_v and_o believe_v on_o scripture_n ground_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o his_o dissolution_n have_v his_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o angel_n before_o his_o body_n be_v with_o worm_n and_o dust_n and_o see_v the_o eternal_a light_n and_o love_n as_o soon_o as_o death_n have_v draw_v the_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o it_o may_v assist_v thou_o christian_n reader_n in_o the_o cheerful_a service_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a heaven_n that_o thou_o can_v hope_v for_o here_o on_o earth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v prove_v well_o may_v he_o serve_v his_o god_n with_o gladness_n that_o hope_v so_o short_o to_o see_v his_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o herein_o because_o i_o fear_v no_o opposer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v its_o friend_n to_o say_v in_o the_o burial_n service_n o_fw-la god_n with_o who_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o joy_n and_o felicity_n and_o if_o i_o be_o oppose_v by_o its_o enemy_n it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o small_a regard_n with_o i_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o shall_v employ_v his_o pen_n to_o disprove_v the_o main_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o point_n he_o may_v be_v attend_v to_o if_o god_n grant_v life_n and_o leisure_n i_o can_v easy_o judge_v that_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v manage_v by_o other_o than_o by_o i_o yet_o that_o must_v not_o hinder_v i_o from_o do_v it_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o my_o imperfect_a do_v of_o it_o may_v anger_v any_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o move_v he_o to_o do_v it_o better_o i_o shall_v think_v i_o have_v write_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o to_o request_n of_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o thou_o will_v read_v over_o this_o discourse_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o better_a at_o hand_n for_o which_o i_o need_v urge_v no_o other_o motive_n than_o the_o smallness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o subject_a 2._o that_o thou_o read_v it_o with_o a_o charitable_a eye_n and_o a_o christian_a aim_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n not_o reject_v any_o thing_n thou_o find_v to_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o thou_o think_v to_o be_v weak_a 3._o that_o thou_o will_v beseech_v god_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o such_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o such_o as_o may_v fit_v we_o both_o in_o his_o due_a time_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o this_o small_a book_n be_v design_v to_o discover_v i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o to_o subscribe_v myself_o thy_o servant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n john_n brandon_n finchamsted_n berks_n may_v 10_o 1686._o a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o introduction_n with_o some_o presupposition_n relate_v to_o the_o point_n viz._n the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o its_o capableness_n of_o be_v happy_a out_o of_o the_o body_n page_n 1_o section_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n assert_v and_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o discover_v pag._n 12_o sect_n ii_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n after_o death_n prove_v from_o phil._n 1.23_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n exception_n pag._n 17_o sect_n iii_o the_o point_n prove_v from_o luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o exception_n pag._n 26_o sect_n iv_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o heb._n 12.23_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a pag._n 31_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v
this_o i_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o heinous_a sin_n or_o such_o a_o dangerous_a case_n for_o example_n if_o through_o melancholy_n or_o satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n than_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o despair_n of_o be_v pardon_v and_o though_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o no_o true_a christian_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n even_o such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o 2._o and_o for_o other_o reason_n that_o need_v not_o now_o be_v name_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v fear_v he_o be_v under_o it_o and_o very_o think_v so_o i_o remember_v mr._n fox_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o mr._n john_n glover_n a_o person_n of_o exemplary_a piety_n so_o that_o despair_n in_o such_o person_n and_o on_o such_o ground_n may_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n which_o our_o god_n do_v pardon_n of_o course_n to_o his_o adopt_a child_n in_o christ_n he_o be_v what_o he_o be_v style_v their_o heavenly_a father_n mat._n 6._o and_o we_o can_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n be_v incomparable_o safe_a by_o his_o father_n hold_n of_o he_o than_o by_o any_o hold_v that_o he_o can_v take_v of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v their_o god_n for_o ever_o ps_n 48.14_o and_o no_o darkness_n or_o discomfort_n no_o terror_n of_o life_n or_o shadow_n of_o death_n shall_v ever_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o disannul_v his_o purpose_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v towards_o they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v ob._n 6._o but_o after_o all_o this_o you_o may_v perhaps_o when_o your_o turn_n come_v be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o die_v as_o other_o be_v answ_n very_o like_v so_o i_o can_v say_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o can_v i_o tell_v in_o the_o least_o how_o it_o will_v be_v with_o i_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n at_o my_o last_o hour_n i_o well_o know_v that_o of_o myself_o i_o be_o as_o nothing_o and_o all_o my_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god._n i_o shall_v therefore_o fear_v the_o last_o enemy_n either_o much_o or_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o according_a as_o that_o king_n eternal_a shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v or_o to_o withhold_v the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o he_o shall_v leave_v i_o to_o myself_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o doubt_n and_o sin_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o know_v my_o spirit_n will_v fail_v on_o a_o sudden_a and_o i_o shall_v look_v like_o those_o that_o have_v be_v seven_o day_n dead_a but_o good_a reader_n how_o weak_a soever_o i_o or_o other_o may_v be_v yet_o our_o god_n be_v strong_a and_o faithful_a and_o true_a and_o the_o empyrean_a heaven_n may_v soon_o fall_v and_o perish_v than_o the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o promise_a goodness_n fail_v go_v on_o therefore_o o_o christian_n in_o the_o good_a way_n with_o a_o good_a courage_n and_o resolution_n live_v upon_o christ_n and_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o serve_v that_o bless_a lord_n with_o joyfulness_n of_o heart_n fear_v not_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o revile_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v glory_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o walk_v more_o and_o more_o as_o become_v his_o gospel_n and_o then_o never_o value_v a_o thousand_o hard_a censure_n and_o disgraceful_a name_n or_o any_o other_o cruel_a art_n that_o hell_n can_v invent_v to_o discourage_v religion_n by_o for_o ever_o long_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n thou_o shall_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o thy_o enemy_n when_o thou_o remove_v from_o the_o best_a of_o thy_o friend_n on_o earth_n thou_o shall_v dwell_v with_o those_o that_o love_v thou_o better_o when_o thy_o soul_n shall_v leave_v this_o malignant_a world_n it_o shall_v see_v the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o free_a that_o full_a that_o glorious_a love_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o strong_a than_o death_n which_o make_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n glad_a and_o fill_v the_o seraphin_n with_o sacred_a joy._n a_o postscript_n attempt_v the_o resolution_n of_o a_o weighty_a question_n with_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o 13_o section_n concern_v christ_n filiation_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o learned_a author_n sir_n i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o your_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n or_o at_o least_o the_o expediency_n of_o answer_v those_o opposer_n who_o inquire_v how_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o soul_n can_v act_n when_o it_o be_v without_o its_o body_n to_o act_v in_o since_o it_o apparent_o depend_v on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o operation_n and_o its_o act_n be_v evident_o hinder_v when_o the_o body_n be_v indispose_v by_o sleep_n or_o sickness_n etc._n etc._n which_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o part_n be_v solve_v by_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v depend_v on_o the_o body_n in_o some_o of_o its_o act_n do_v only_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v need_v of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o present_a state_n wherein_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o act_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n do_v act_n in_o some_o way_n very_o much_o when_o the_o body_n lest_o contribute_v to_o its_o operation_n even_o in_o sleep_n itself_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o whole_o unactive_a for_o it_o then_o act_v by_o thought_n and_o dream_n and_o as_o some_o tell_v we_o they_o seldom_o wake_v but_o out_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o dream_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o dream_n or_o exercise_v a_o think_v power_n in_o their_o deep_a sleep_v for_o that_o may_v be_v though_o they_o do_v not_o remember_v it_o some_o man_n fancy_n and_o conscience_n have_v act_v most_o strange_o when_o their_o body_n have_v lie_v as_o dead_a many_o hour_n together_o declare_v when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o sense_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n they_o have_v be_v in_o and_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v in_o hell._n 3._o that_o its_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n do_v not_o prove_v its_o dependence_n on_o it_o in_o all_o or_o in_o those_o that_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o it_o as_o understanding_n and_o willing_a hope_v or_o fear_v joy_v or_o sorrow_v 4._o that_o god_n who_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o it_o be_v immortal_a and_o can_v be_v kill_v math._n 10.28_o do_v know_v how_o to_o preserve_v its_o operate_a power_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o die_a body_n if_o its_o life_n and_o be_v do_v not_o depend_v upon_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n why_o shall_v we_o conceive_v its_o operation_n and_o apprehension_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o 5._o though_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n be_v without_o its_o terrestrial_a body_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v conclude_v to_o have_v no_o body_n to_o act_n in_o for_o it_o may_v have_v a_o aërial_a body_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v count_v absurd_a by_o the_o ancient_n that_o they_o do_v suppose_v the_o angel_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n embody_a creature_n and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v not_o mean_v some_o such_o thing_n when_o he_o say_v we_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o verse_n 4._o not_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o 6._o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v in_o his_o rapture_n to_o the_o three_o heaven_n such_o divine_a discovery_n as_o he_o can_v not_o utter_v he_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v we_o in_o what_o state_n he_o have_v they_o whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n i_o can_v tell_v 2_o cor._n 12.2_o 3._o which_o it_o seem_v be_v very_o remarkable_a since_o it_o be_v mention_v twice_o in_o those_o verse_n now_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v those_o revelation_n in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o it_o if_o the_o soul_n without_o its_o terrestrial_a body_n be_v a_o unactive_a and_o insensible_a thing_n sir_n i_o have_v also_o consider_v far_o about_o the_o great_a point_n we_o be_v discourse_v of_o whether_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n and_o for_o the_o negative_a i_o will_v humble_o offer_v these_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o affirmative_a seem_v to_o enervate_v the_o argument_n that_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v to_o prove_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o real_a and_o eternal_a generation_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o argue_v about_o it_o for_o they_o will_v say_v what_o need_v any_o man_n seek_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o his_o sonship_n if_o he_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o far_o different_a account_n 2._o because_o christ_n be_v not_o therefore_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o any_o scripture_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 1.35_o and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o call_v in_o that_o place_n on_o that_o account_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a nerve_n that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o contrary-minded_n be_v fasten_v on_o which_o methinks_v shall_v afford_v no_o cogent_a argument_n for_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v consequential_a as_o well_o as_o causal_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n or_o context_n that_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v causal_n and_o possible_o the_o conjunctive_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v make_v against_o it_o 3._o relationes_fw-la se_fw-la mutuò_fw-la ponunt_fw-la if_o therefore_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o several_a ground_n he_o must_v have_v several_a filiation_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o one_o son_n of_o god_n unless_o a_o man_n suppose_v his_o miraculous_a conception_n to_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o will_v never_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o orthodox_n so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o assert_v by_o any_o at_o all_o 4._o it_o seem_v needless_a for_o christ_n to_o have_v any_o other_o filiation_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v ground_v on_o eternal_a generation_n as_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v no_o need_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o little_a need_n of_o it_o as_o to_o we_o because_o his_o eternal_a sonship_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o ennoble_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o put_v a_o glorious_a value_n upon_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o i_o have_v not_o consult_v author_n upon_o this_o occasion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n which_o may_v have_v need_n of_o rectification_n and_o the_o whole_a sir_n be_v humble_o submit_v to_o your_o favourable_a yet_o impartial_a censure_n by_o your_o oblige_a servant_n j._n b._n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o luke_n meredith_n at_o the_o king_n head_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o pastor_n and_o parishioner_n touch_v the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o the_o most_o material_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o receive_v that_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o way_n thereto_o discover_v to_o be_v both_o plain_a and_o pleasant_a very_o useful_a for_o private_a christian_n in_o these_o scrupulous_a time_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n fit_v for_o that_o occasion_n and_o a_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n for_o the_o use_v of_o private_a family_n by_o michael_n altham_n vicar_n of_o latton_n in_o essex_n the_o second_o edition_n rest_v for_o the_o heavy-laden_a promise_a by_o our_o only_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o sincere_a believer_n practical_o discourse_v upon_o by_o clement_n elis_n rector_n of_o kirkby_n in_o nortinghamshire_n author_n of_o the_o gentile_a sinner_n some_o query_n to_o protestant_n answer_v and_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n in_o four_o great_a point_n consider_v 1._o concern_v their_o church_n 2._o their_o worship_n 3._o justification_n 4._o civil_a government_n errata_fw-la page_n 56_o line_n 20_o for_o great_a read_v gross_a
christian_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v that_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n after_o death_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o st._n paul_n but_o belong_v also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n be_v you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o believe_a corinthian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o other_o faithful_a christian_n and_o certain_o he_o mean_v it_o be_v they_o in_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n for_o their_o good_a and_o lead_v to_o their_o happiness_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o and_o if_o all_o thing_n work_v for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n death_n shall_v also_o and_o do_v they_o a_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.28_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v any_o comparison_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o case_n or_o set_v himself_o above_o they_o in_o any_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n he_o declare_v they_o to_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o acceptance_n for_o his_o sake_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 34._o he_o make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 1.6_o phil._n 4.19_o my_o god_n shall_v supply_v all_o your_o need_n according_a to_o his_o riches_n in_o glory_n through_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o s._n paul_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o i_o can_v think_v worth_a while_o so_o to_o do_v sect_n iii_o the_o point_n prove_v from_o luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o exception_n among_o the_o many_o scripture_n that_o confirm_v this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n these_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o die_a penitent_n the_o joyful_a news_n this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o soul._n whether_o his_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v that_o day_n in_o heaven_n or_o only_o tend_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o paradise_n for_o that_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o a_o place_n and_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o christ_n favourable_a presence_n can_v make_v any_o place_n a_o paradise_n for_o delight_n and_o more_o delightful_a than_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n ever_o be_v this_o text_n be_v so_o strong_a on_o our_o side_n that_o our_o great_a opposer_n can_v hardly_o tell_v what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o espouse_v that_o wretched_a evasion_n of_o the_o foresay_a racovian_a doctor_n val._n smalcius_n viz._n change_a the_o sentence_n by_o misplace_v the_o comma_n and_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o very_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n namely_o some_o time_n or_o other_o as_o if_o this_o day_n be_v mean_v of_o christ_n speak_v and_o not_o of_o the_o penitent'_v enjoy_v modus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la hebraicus_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o speak_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o use_v to_o express_v themselves_o so_o when_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o matter_n of_o special_a remark_n as_o deut._n 30.18_o if_o you_o worship_v other_o god_n and_o serve_v they_o i_o denounce_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n that_o you_o shall_v sure_o perish_v but_o if_o they_o gain_v the_o cause_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n clear_v luk._n 23.43_o clear_v let_v they_o take_v all_o and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o heresy_n for_o sacred_a and_o say_v truth_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o turn_v â—â—â—th_o into_o error_n and_o sense_n into_o nonsense_a by_o mispointing_a any_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n and_o when_o man_n make_v so_o bold_a with_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o may_v fit_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o censure_v their_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a for_o first_o they_o show_v we_o no_o good_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v i_o say_v unto_o thou_o this_o day_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v that_o christ_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o say_v so_o in_o that_o day_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v he_o use_v such_o a_o expression_n in_o any_o place_n or_o on_o any_o great_a occasion_n for_o when_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n he_o say_v not_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n but_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o like_a of_o his_o be_v own_v by_o the_o angel_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n joh_n 1.51_o vain_a enough_o therefore_o be_v that_o author_n suggestion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o speak_v for_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o though_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v such_o phrase_n use_v i_o say_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o threat_n or_o of_o command_n but_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o promise_n or_o comfort_n our_o lord_n also_o have_v it_o very_o i_o say_v etc._n etc._n now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o such_o a_o solemn_a asseveration_n to_o tell_v the_o penitent_a thief_n when_o it_o be_v he_o speak_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o ear_n be_v sufficient_a so_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o happy_a change_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v so_o speedy_o and_o tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n here_o what_o can_v we_o suppose_v mean_v by_o thing_n in_o heaven_n reconcile_a piscator_fw-la expound_v tam_fw-la fideles_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o well_o the_o faithful_a receive_v to_o heaven_n as_o those_o still_o on_o earth_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v full_a enough_o to_o prove_v the_o faithful_a christian_n soul_n to_o be_v happy_a after_o death_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o almost_o despair_v of_o know_v it_o as_o to_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o seem_v very_o improper_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o they_o for_o how_o be_v they_o thing_n reconcile_v that_o never_o offend_v their_o god_n and_o so_o need_v not_o any_o reconciliation_n and_n there_o be_v in_o that_o chapter_n no_o discourse_n of_o enoch_n and_o elias_n or_o any_o thing_n to_o enforce_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o they_o and_o whether_o the_o express_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n not_o all_o person_n he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a depart_v i_o leave_v to_o other_o to_o consider_v of_o sect_n iv_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o heb._n 12.23_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a if_o other_o place_n shall_v not_o satisfy_v man_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a yet_o these_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o former_a st._n paul_n speak_v nothing_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o but_o join_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o very_a same_o privilege_n with_o himself_o we_o say_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v believe_v that_o when_o they_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o in_o a_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o contain_v more_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o he_o than_o any_o they_o can_v have_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o that_o their_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o they_o when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o any_o that_o make_v use_v of_o sober_a reason_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v the_o plain_a word_n and_o
in_o it_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n then_o reader_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o fair_a pretence_n and_o smooth_a speech_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v that_o their_o righteousness_n and_o religiousness_n be_v much_o alike_o and_o that_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v no_o more_o worth_a than_o the_o honesty_n of_o a_o common_a thief_n when_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o steal_v 4._o he_o be_v one_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o governor_n and_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o honour_v his_o king._n he_o desire_v not_o to_o separate_v what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o 1_o pet._n 2.17_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o some_o of_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o unjust_a people_n that_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n judas_n 8._o 5._o the_o just_a man_n be_v a_o merciful_a man_n also_o they_o the_o prophet_n call_v righteous_a be_v note_v to_o be_v merciful_a too_o esa_n 57.1_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o the_o just_a man_n who_o scripture_n style_v so_o be_v certain_o a_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o have_v real_a compassion_n in_o his_o soul._n yea_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o beast_n also_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n prov._n 12.10_o 6._o the_o just_a man_n be_v a_o humble_a man_n though_o he_o often_o look_v towards_o heaven_n yet_o he_o be_v lowly_a in_o heart_n whatsoever_o his_o apparel_n be_v he_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n god_n will_v save_v the_o humble_a person_n job_n 22.29_o and_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a to_o who_o his_o salvation_n belong_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37.39_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a in_o heart_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 16.5_o but_o certain_o the_o just_a man_n be_v not_o so_o 7._o a_o just_a man_n be_v a_o heavenly-minded_n person_n and_o will_v not_o be_v a_o worldling_n for_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n be_v worth_a though_o he_o thankful_o accept_v earthly_a blessing_n yet_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a be_v most_o in_o his_o esteem_n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n do_v mind_n chief_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o according_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o say_v 2_o cor._n 4.18_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a those_o that_o elsewhere_o he_o so_o sad_o lament_v as_o to_o weep_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o who_o end_n be_v destruction_n be_v people_n that_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o that_o be_v they_o mind_v these_o thing_n most_o and_o set_v their_o very_a heart_n as_o we_o call_v it_o upon_o they_o he_o that_o habitual_o and_o practical_o love_v the_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n more_o than_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o enjoy_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v not_o a_o saint_n for_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n but_o a_o foolish_a man_n for_o account_v himself_o so_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o disposition_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o be_v more_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o renew_a nature_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul._n he_o that_o be_v more_o at_o the_o command_n of_o his_o covetousness_n than_o of_o his_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v like_a to_o appear_v among_o the_o disobedient_a at_o last_o grace_n itself_o can_v fit_v a_o man_n for_o happiness_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o gain_v his_o heart_n to_o god._n 8._o the_o just_a man_n be_v so_o effectual_o fall_v out_o with_o sin_n that_o no_o art_n can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o any_o way_n of_o wilful_a wickedness_n so_o as_o to_o choose_v ordinary_o to_o walk_v therein_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o just_a man_n path_n be_v as_o the_o shine_v light._n therefore_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o give_v himself_o over_o to_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n nor_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n and_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v the_o contrary_a without_o suppose_v god_n grace_n to_o be_v give_v he_o in_o vain_a for_o how_o can_v he_o live_v worse_o than_o so_o if_o he_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o it_o the_o scripture_n describe_v god_n righteous_a servant_n by_o their_o true_a devotedness_n of_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a choice_n of_o his_o way_n to_o walk_v in_o which_o can_v stand_v with_o any_o common_a course_n of_o know_a wickedness_n psal_n 119.38_o establish_v thy_o word_n to_o thy_o servant_n who_o be_v devote_v to_o thy_o fear_n it_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 5_o the_o psalmist_n also_o set_v forth_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o chief_a bend_v of_o his_o will_n to_o it_o say_v i_o have_v choose_v thy_o precept_n i_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n psal_n 119.13.30_o the_o wicked_a be_v person_n of_o the_o contrary_a character_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 1.24_o and_o they_o choose_v the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o delight_v not_o i.e._n the_o way_n that_o he_o hate_v esa_n 65.12_o 9_o the_o just_a man_n in_o all_o and_o above_o all_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o just_a one_o he_o have_v his_o faith_n and_o love_n fix_v upon_o that_o infinite_o amiable_a object_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a if_o you_o can_v give_v he_o the_o uttermost_a of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o assure_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o ease_n and_o peace_n ten_o thousand_o year_n together_o yet_o christ_n be_v more_o to_o he_o than_o all_o this_o yea_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o all_o our_o religion_n i_o dare_v say_v be_v worth_a very_o little_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o more_o valuable_a with_o we_o than_o all_o this_o world_n for_o else_o we_o be_v worldling_n in_o heart_n and_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o sad_a sense_n that_o destruction_n be_v the_o end_n it_o tend_v to_o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a will_v make_v a_o man_n true_o and_o spiritual_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o sinsulness_n so_o as_o to_o know_v for_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o to_o see_v more_o need_n of_o christ_n than_o his_o eye_n have_v of_o light_n or_o his_o body_n of_o breath_n his_o heart_n yield_v assent_v to_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n for_o sinner_n and_o the_o deliverer_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 1.10_o yea_o the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o temporal_a good_a heb._n 5.9_o and_o according_o his_o people_n have_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o as_o altogether_o lovely_a cantic_a 5.10.16_o st._n paul_n great_a desire_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o trust_v to_o phil._n 3.9_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n st._n peter_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a that_o be_v most_o precious_a 1_o pet._n 2.7_o for_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n whole_o undervalue_v he_o if_o we_o prefer_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o he_o thus_o reader_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o character_n of_o that_o just_a person_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v happy_a after_o death_n and_o if_o it_o true_o agree_v to_o thou_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n happy_a here_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v thou_o miserable_a thou_o may_v if_o such_o safe_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o need_v not_o to_o live_v like_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o slave_n in_o fear_n i_o mean_v of_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o any_o adversity_n or_o extremity_n whatsoever_o for_o to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n and_o will_v never_o fail_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o psal_n 84.11_o heb._n 13.5_o sect_n ix_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o point_n in_o two_o other_o particular_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o may_v occasion_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n
praise_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n into_o a_o near_a union_n with_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o john_n 17.22_o and_o those_o argument_n divine_v bring_v for_o the_o saint_n knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o after_o the_o resurrection_n may_v seem_v almost_o as_o strong_a for_o their_o soul_n acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o in_o their_o absence_n from_o their_o body_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v that_o therein_o they_o be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o other_o their_o religious_a predecessor_n but_o they_o be_v not_o gather_v to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n 4._o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n shall_v be_v with_o christ_n phil._n 1.23_o when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n they_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o thing_n be_v this_o 1._o to_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o special_a and_o blissful_a presence_n to_o know_v love_n and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o clear_o continual_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o comfort_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o thus_o i_o say_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pure_a and_o persect_a joy_n to_o a_o christian_n soul._n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v full_o understand_v good_a reader_n the_o preciousness_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n but_o alas_o i_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o much_o more_o a_o heart_n to_o conceive_v it_o i_o be_o myself_o too_o little_a a_o christian_n to_o tell_v thou_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o consolation_n to_o discover_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o pure_a river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n can_v solace_v himself_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o have_v the_o company_n of_o his_o convert_n at_o rome_n if_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o see_v in_o london_n the_o florentine_a merchant_n that_o in_o some_o difficult_a case_n have_v befriend_v he_o beyond_o sea_n the_o expression_n of_o who_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n be_v so_o memorable_a that_o the_o learned_a dr._n hakwell_n think_v good_a to_o record_v they_o in_o his_o apology_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n if_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a have_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v to_o admiration_n at_o the_o come_n of_o some_o eminent_a unexpected_a friend_n though_o these_o be_v but_o die_a dust_n and_o have_v not_o any_o degree_n of_o comfort_n absolute_o at_o their_o command_n how_o unspeakable_o then_o must_v a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v refresh_v and_o most_o superlative_o satisfy_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o favour_n of_o that_o immortal_a majesty_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o the_o curse_n to_o make_v it_o happy_a sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v in_o the_o happy_a manner_n present_a with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world._n this_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n be_v his_o great_a desire_n for_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o where_o he_o be_v john_n 17.24_o the_o joy_n of_o which_o we_o may_v a_o little_a guess_n at_o by_o the_o thing_n that_o shall_v accompany_v this_o their_o presence_n with_o he_o as_o 1._o a_o full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_n or_o occasion_v they_o here_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o get_v a_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v it_o yea_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o privilege_v but_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o such_o sin_n as_o may_v darken_v all_o their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v david_n case_n psal_n 51._o but_o when_o once_o their_o soul_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o christ_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v ever_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n no_o such_o sad_a mist_n can_v cloud_v that_o soul_n which_o live_v under_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n here_o as_o they_o may_v have_v assurance_n so_o they_o may_v loose_v it_o again_o but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o they_o then_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o that_o may_v be_v tedious_a and_o tiresome_a unto_o they_o rev._n 14.13_o 2._o their_o presence_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o st._n paul_n sense_n will_v set_v they_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o care_n not_o only_o from_o disorderly_a and_o distrustful_a care_n but_o also_o from_o all_o natural_a necessary_a and_o prudential_a care_n which_o their_o present_a state_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o than_o their_o soul_n be_v above_o all_o want_n and_o necessity_n they_o want_v not_o for_o monies_n when_o they_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n they_o want_v for_o no_o friendship_n and_o good_a company_n when_o they_o be_v happy_o join_v to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n they_o take_v no_o care_n for_o food_n or_o sleep_n when_o they_o enjoy_v he_o who_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o partake_v of_o that_o eternal_a rest_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o take_v any_o care_n about_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o please_v their_o god_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n will_v then_o be_v over_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o only_o shall_v remain_v when_o they_o thus_o dwell_v with_o the_o holy_a one_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o frame_v to_o his_o holy_a will._n to_o love_n god_n in_o perfection_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o without_o which_o heaven_n itself_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n to_o drink_v or_o to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o desire_a light_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n then_o remain_v in_o they_o to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v they_o from_o their_o gracious_a god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o as_o their_o be_v with_o christ_n secure_v they_o from_o all_o trouble_v so_o it_o shall_v afford_v they_o the_o true_a and_o strong_a consolation_n and_o that_o on_o these_o follow_a ground_n 1._o because_o they_o shall_v then_o see_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o their_o knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o to_o be_v they_o propriety_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n with_o what_o content_n do_v man_n many_o time_n speak_v even_o of_o those_o outward_a insufficient_a comfort_n which_o they_o can_v true_o call_v their_o own_o my_o money_n and_o my_o land_n my_o relation_n and_o my_o friend_n etc._n etc._n do_v usual_o sound_a with_o a_o accent_n of_o pleasure_n o_o what_o bless_a delight_n then_o must_v a_o pious_a soul_n be_v elevate_v with_o when_o it_o dwell_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o better_a world_n what_o triumphant_a exultation_n will_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o when_o it_o can_v say_v with_o full_a assurance_n my_o rock_n and_o my_o refuge_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o king_n my_o god_n and_o my_o saviour_n my_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o my_o redeemer_n 2_o when_o they_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v possess_v the_o eternal_a treasure_n and_o know_v perfect_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o very_a be_v with_o he_o necessary_o imply_v the_o enjoy_n of_o his_o love_n as_o the_o depart_v from_o he_o import_v the_o want_n of_o it_o mat._n 7.23_o and_o how_o great_a a_o happiness_n must_v that_o be_v and_o though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v it_o yet_o i_o may_v fit_o take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n xiii_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o death_n without_o this_o my_o small_a book_n will_v be_v too_o small_a and_o will_v speak_v i_o guilty_a of_o too_o great_a a_o oversight_n to_o be_v handsome_o excuse_v for_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v