affect_a manner_n to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n by_o that_o consideration_n i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a at_o his_o appearance_n and_o his_o kingdom_n or_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o kingdom_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o the_o jew_n know_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v as_o a_o judge_n by_o the_o traditional_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n which_o begin_v with_o those_o word_n the_o lord_n shall_v come_v this_o they_o understand_v long_o before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o begin_v their_o writ_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n with_o those_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n the_o lord_n shall_v come_v as_o if_o beside_o all_o other_o punishment_n they_o bind_v over_o the_o excommunicate_v person_n to_o the_o last_o great_a assize_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o this_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n i.e._n accurse_v with_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a excommunication_n the_o lord_n shall_v come_v for_o so_o they_o call_v it_o from_o the_o first_o word_n as_o we_o often_o give_v name_n to_o writ_n and_o other_o instrument_n by_o recite_v the_o first_o word_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o he_o shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o slame_a sire_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n to_o render_v vengeance_n to_o they_o which_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n 2_o thes_n 1.7_o 9_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v make_v to_o stand_v before_o his_o judgment-seat_n 2_o cor._n 5.10_o 14._o rom._n 14.10_o and_o every_o one_o shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a he_o be_v delegated_a and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o every_o way_n fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o undertake_v it_o act_n 17.31_o ii_o the_o suddenness_n and_o vnexpectedness_n of_o his_o come_v again_o the_o hour_n of_o it_o no_o man_n know_v no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v surprise_v mankind_n as_o the_o deluge_n do_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n the_o time_n of_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o heaven_n and_o we_o have_v no_o key_n that_o will_v open_v it_o neither_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n or_o the_o time_n of_o his_o call_v we_o by_o death_n to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v certain_o know_v behold_v i_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o my_o death_n we_o may_v every_o one_o say_v with_o isaac_n gen._n 27.2_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o time_n and_o season_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o privilege_n to_o know_v it_o act_n 1.7_o if_o it_o have_v be_v fit_a and_o become_a adviseable_a and_o expedient_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o know_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o own_o death_n or_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n if_o it_o will_v have_v add_v any_o whit_n to_o our_o spiritual_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n if_o it_o will_v not_o have_v much_o better_o promote_v our_o watchfulness_n and_o serious_a diligence_n and_o forward_v our_o preparation_n to_o have_v remain_v ignorant_a he_o will_v not_o have_v draw_v such_o a_o veil_n over_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n but_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o write_v in_o fair_a character_n but_o he_o every_o way_n consult_v our_o interest_n and_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n by_o hide_v this_o knowledge_n from_o we_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o magistrate_n influence_n under_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n will_v very_o much_o be_v weaken_v if_o every_o man_n do_v certain_o know_v beforehand_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n our_o usefulness_n to_o other_o will_v be_v very_o much_o check_v and_o the_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o be_v so_o if_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v not_o outlive_v such_o a_o year_n or_o such_o a_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o relation_n and_o friend_n will_v then_o be_v immoderate_a our_o carriage_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n will_v be_v more_o unbecoming_a our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o time_n the_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o preparation_n for_o another_o will_v all_o be_v very_o much_o hinder_v by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o call_v we_o to_o judgement_n therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o a_o hour_n we_o think_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v it_o shall_v be_v sudden_o when_o he_o be_v not_o expect_v and_o therefore_o all_o shall_v be_v ready_a it_o be_v sometime_o represent_v by_o the_o travail_a pang_n of_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n which_o may_v overtake_v she_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o her_o own_o house_n when_o she_o look_v not_o for_o it_o 1_o thes_n 5.3_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o thief_n enter_v the_o window_n of_o a_o house_n by_o night_n when_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n little_o expect_v he_o rev._n 16.15_o behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_v be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o again_o we_o be_v tell_v as_o a_o snare_n shall_v it_o come_v upon_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n luk._n 21.35_o when_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o secure_a and_o confident_a of_o long-life_n when_o they_o be_v busy_a in_o pursuit_n of_o great_a thing_n for_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n when_o they_o be_v big_a with_o mighty_a project_n and_o design_n for_o hereafter_o when_o they_o enlarge_v their_o imagination_n to_o contrive_v the_o satisfaction_n they_o shall_v have_v for_o many_o year_n to_o come_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o dignity_n and_o wealth_n which_o they_o count_v upon_o beforehand_o when_o they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_v i_o have_v yet_o time_n enough_o to_o get_v ready_a then_o shall_v this_o day_n overtake_v they_o when_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n that_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o in_o a_o hour_n that_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a luk._n 12.46_o iii_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n of_o be_v ready_a because_o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o suddenness_n of_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n where_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o readiness_n and_o explain_v something_o of_o it_o second_o show_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o amplify_v it_o in_o several_a consideration_n to_o urge_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_o upon_o all_o to_o make_v ready_a i._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o readiness_n in_o the_o general_a it_o be_v express_v by_o two_o or_o three_o evangelist_n under_o the_o term_n of_o watch_v which_o as_o the_o summary_n preparation_n for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o everlasting_a world_n as_o awake_v out_o of_o security_n foresee_v our_o danger_n provide_v against_o it_o carrying_z it_o suitable_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n look_v for_o wait_v for_o pray_v for_o hasten_v to_o or_o hasten_v of_o the_o coming_z of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n it_o comprehend_v a_o awaken_v heart_n a_o active_a faith_n a_o lively_a hope_n a_o diffusive_a charity_n and_o persevere_v diligence_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o at_o last_o lie_v hold_v of_o eternal_a life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v confidence_n at_o christ_n appearance_n and_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o exceed_v joy_n this_n in_o general_a under_o the_o name_n of_o watch_v and_o be_v ready_a be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o 2._o beside_o this_o general_n account_v we_o may_v consider_v some_o of_o the_o particular_a metaphor_n under_o which_o our_o lord_n represent_v himself_o or_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n when_o he_o come_v again_o first_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o so_o our_o readiness_n consist_v in_o our_o accept_n he_o and_o choose_v he_o in_o such_o a_o relation_n i_o have_v espouse_v you_o
follower_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v with_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n let_v this_o then_o be_v remember_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mourn_v fun._n mourn_v see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr mortalitate_fw-la ad_fw-la sinem_fw-la greg._n narianz_n orat._n deca_v in_o laudem_fw-la caesarii_fw-la fratris_fw-la fun._n as_o stranger_n to_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o sin_v the_o egyptian_n mourn_v long_o for_o jacob_n than_o joseph_n do_v even_o threescore_o and_o ten_o day_n they_o that_o have_v little_a knowledge_n and_o expectation_n concern_v another_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a may_v more_o excusable_o extend_v their_o funeral_n sorrow_n and_o grieve_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o and_o equal_a the_o day_n of_o their_o mourn_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o so_o tedious_a a_o funeral_n solemnity_n will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o joseph_n faith_n have_v he_o show_v himself_o more_o a_o son_n by_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o natural_a affection_n in_o mourn_v long_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o less_o a_o patriarch_n when_o god_n restore_v to_o job_n after_o his_o long_a trial_n double_a for_o all_o his_o cattle_n and_o good_n which_o he_o have_v lose_v as_o fourteen_o thousand_o sheep_n for_o seven_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n he_o give_v he_o but_o the_o same_o number_n of_o child_n again_o for_o they_o be_v not_o real_o lose_v though_o death_n remove_v they_o they_o be_v alive_a in_o another_o state_n and_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a person_n he_o have_v the_o like_a number_n in_o heaven_n as_o god_n give_v he_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o a_o christian_a mourner_n to_o consider_v that_o his_o decease_a friend_n be_v not_o lose_v but_o live_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n must_v take_v place_n of_o i_o i_o know_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o and_o absolute_o resign_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o be_v i_o or_o can_v hope_v to_o see_v his_o face_n i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v short_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o eye_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o adore_v and_o not_o charge_n god_n foolish_o but_o methinks_v i_o know_v with_o sensible_a support_a insluence_n from_o such_o a_o thought_n that_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_v she_o be_v not_o lose_v but_o live_v and_o if_o i_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v meet_v she_o there_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o redeemer_n and_o then_o the_o company_n of_o our_o holy_a relative_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a than_o ever_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o though_o the_o bless_a vision_n of_o god_n be_v our_o chief_a hope_n and_o joy_n yet_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n will_v make_v a_o real_a though_o subordinate_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o delight_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o heavenly_a state_n that_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v one_o great_a motive_n why_o we_o love_v they_o so_o well_o now_o if_o we_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o know_v and_o love_v they_o after_o death_n we_o ought_v to_o love_v they_o but_o as_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n and_o not_o as_o heir_n of_o heaven_n with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o last_o for_o ever_o neither_o can_v it_o well_o be_v imagine_v how_o the_o process_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o judgment-day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o it_o can_v be_v manage_v by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o lord_n redeemer_n clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n without_o our_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o be_v acquaint_v and_o converse_v together_o in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a the_o present_a relation_n by_o marriage_n and_o blood_n will_v then_o cease_v but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o relation_n must_v also_o cease_v yea_o their_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n of_o we_o and_o their_o affection_n to_o we_o who_o we_o know_v and_o love_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v abolish_v but_o perfect_v by_o die_v doubtless_o the_o angel_n who_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o particular_a sinner_n and_o the_o depart_v saint_n too_o do_v know_v more_o even_o of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n than_o we_o do_v who_o be_v 331._o be_v mr._n baxter_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n part_v 3._o p._n 331._o acquaint_v with_o so_o very_o little_a a_o part_n and_o spot_n of_o it_o which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v check_v anâ—_n inordinate_a fond_a desire_n of_o live_v to_o see_v glorious_a time_n on_o earth_n for_o if_o we_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o be_v like_a to_o know_v much_o more_o of_o those_o happy_a time_n than_o if_o we_o remain_v alive_a in_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o as_o to_o our_o mutual_a knowledge_n in_o the_o heavenly_a state_n shall_v those_o who_o we_o relieve_v on_o earth_n welcome_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luk._n 16._o and_o shall_v not_o the_o depart_a saint_n know_v one_o another_o in_o glory_n shall_v we_o then_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v the_o thessalontan_n be_v the_o joy_n and_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v he_o not_o know_v they_o or_o they_o he_o who_o prosit_v by_o his_o ministry_n do_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n know_v abraham_n afar_o off_o in_o heaven_n and_o can_v we_o think_v a_o bless_a lazarus_n shall_v not_o for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o parable_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o shall_v it_o aggravate_v the_o misery_n of_o lose_a soul_n to_o meet_v their_o wicked_a companion_n in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n as_o few_o deny_v or_o doubt_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o rejoice_v the_o bless_a to_o meet_v their_o holy_a friend_n who_o they_o know_v in_o this_o world_n do_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n know_v moses_n and_o elias_n in_o the_o transsignration_n who_o they_o never_o see_v before_o and_o we_o read_v not_o that_o christ_n tell_v they_o '_o who_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v upon_o earth_n and_o help_v one_o another_o to_o heaven_n utter_o forget_v and_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thought_n and_o proper_a to_o support_v under_o the_o death_n of_o those_o we_o have_v honour_v and_o love_v and_o profit_v by_o on_o earth_n to_o think_v that_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v meet_v and_o know_v several_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o preach_v and_o converse_v and_o write_n have_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v then_o meet_v and_o know_v several_a of_o our_o holy_a relation_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o who_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o meet_v often_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o we_o confer_v about_o the_o mystery_n and_o and_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o a_o time_n discourse_v together_o of_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n believe_o to_o foresee_v and_o consider_v that_o though_o they_o be_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v meet_v they_o again_o at_o the_o last_o great_a supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n in_o the_o celestial_a kingdom_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o suppose_v such_o a_o distinct_a and_o personal_a knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n of_o one_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o world_n and_o educate_v i_o in_o his_o fear_n who_o instruct_v my_o tender_a year_n and_o teach_v i_o early_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n or_o this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n to_o convince_v i_o of_o my_o sin_n and_o reclaim_v i_o from_o the_o error_n of_o my_o way_n this_o be_v he_o or_o she_o who_o tender_v my_o salvation_n as_o their_o own_o who_o watch_v over_o i_o and_o pray_v for_o i_o and_o with_o i_o and_o often_o tell_v i_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o receive_v return_v penitent_n at_o first_o and_o even_o backslider_v afterward_o this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n to_o encourage_v strengthen_v revive_v and_o comfort_v my_o despond_v my_o doubt_v my_o unbelieving_a heart_n and_o establish_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o
to_o one_o husband_n even_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.7_o and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o wife_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n rev._n 19.8_o 9_o now_o if_o you_o think_v you_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o this_o notion_n ask_v yourselves_o have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o agreement_n between_o christ_n and_o your_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n represent_v by_o a_o marriage-covenant_n have_v you_o penitent_o and_o thankful_o accept_v he_o for_o you_o and_o give_v up_o yourselves_o entire_o to_o be_v he_o to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v thus_o accept_v and_o receive_v he_o he_o gives_z power_n and_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v you_o renounce_v all_o other_o lover_n do_v you_o prefer_v he_o alone_o abandon_v all_o competitor_n and_o rival_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v for_o another_o but_o for_o he_o hos_fw-la 3.3_o the_o like_a we_o read_v psal_n 45.10_o 11._o harken_v o_o daughter_n and_o consider_v and_o incline_v thy_o ear_n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o desire_v thy_o beauty_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o be_v there_o a_o supreme_a superlative_a correspondent_a affection_n on_o your_o part_n to_o he_o who_o have_v say_v that_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o a_o bride_n so_o will_v he_o rejoice_v over_o thou_o isa_n 62.5_o be_v this_o express_v by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n eph._n 3.23_o and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o time_n only_o but_o for_o ever_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o and_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o lousng-kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o this_o marriage_n will_v be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o conduct_v his_o spouse_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o more_o full_o to_o evidence_n his_o love_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n our_o readiness_n therefore_o for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n imply_v our_o hearty_a choice_n of_o he_o and_o consent_v to_o be_v his_o to_o love_n serve_v honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o faithfulness_n diligence_n and_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n second_o christ_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o housholder_n and_o lord_n who_o be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o have_v entrust_v his_o servant_n with_o various_a talent_n which_o they_o be_v to_o employ_v according_a to_o his_o order_n and_o trade_n with_o for_o his_o service_n expect_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o at_o his_o return_n luk._n 19.23_o though_o our_o lord_n be_v go_v to_o heaven_n he_o have_v leave_v a_o family_n upon_o earth_n and_o commit_v a_o trust_n to_o every_o of_o his_o servant_n now_o our_o fidelity_n and_o care_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o use_v of_o our_o talent_n will_v be_v our_o readiness_n for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v to_o be_v responsible_a to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n natural_a or_o spiritual_a that_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o we_o have_v no_o right_n in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n we_o be_v but_o steward_n he_o be_v the_o proprietor_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o kind_n of_o our_o talent_n he_o expect_v proportionable_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o good_a steward_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o will_v be_v require_v every_o one_o have_v some_o talent_n some_o trust_n our_o reason_n and_o our_o health_n our_o time_n our_o part_n reputation_n estate_n interest_n authority_n power_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o any_o kind_n that_o we_o have_v be_v talent_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n who_o at_o his_o lord_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v so_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n herein_o be_v our_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v for_o he_o may_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n when_o we_o expect_v it_o not_o luk._n 16.2_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v ready_a we_o must_v be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n and_o not_o bury_v our_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o waste_v our_o lord_n good_n but_o be_v sound_v faithful_o do_v his_o business_n in_o the_o place_n and_o relation_n he_o have_v set_v we_o in_o this_o consist_v that_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blessing_n luk._n 12.43_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v who_o can_v come_v up_o to_o this_o who_o be_v able_a to_o be_v always_o thus_o diligent_o employ_v who_o then_o can_v be_v ready_a let_v we_o therefore_o three_o distinguish_v concern_v this_o readiness_n there_o be_v a_o habitual_a readiness_n and_o actual_a the_o one_o of_o our_o state_n and_o the_o other_o of_o our_o frame_n 1._o a_o habitual_a readiness_n which_o concern_v our_o state_n when_o our_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n so_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v with_o he_o in_o peace_n at_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.14_o when_o we_o have_v so_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v naked_a 2_o cor._n 5.3_o when_o we_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o atone_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o great_a day_n rev._n 3.17_o person_n of_o this_o character_n will_v manifest_v in_o their_o course_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o expect_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n by_o walk_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 3.10_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n they_o will_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n as_o those_o that_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n tit._n 2.12_o 13._o but_o because_o all_o that_o be_v ready_a as_o to_o their_o state_n and_o as_o to_o their_o general_a course_n be_v not_o so_o as_o to_o their_o frame_n therefore_o consider_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o actual_a readiness_n as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o upon_o the_o near_a prospect_n and_o approach_v of_o any_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n this_o actual_a readiness_n we_o shall_v all_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a degree_n of_o that_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o preparedness_n of_o spirit_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o very_o little_a warn_v be_v prepare_v and_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v i_o be_o ready_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n yea_o to_o die_v there_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n act_v 21.13_o all_o holy_a person_n though_o habitual_o ready_a do_v not_o reach_v this_o some_o cry_n out_o with_o david_n lord_n remove_v thy_o stroke_n from_o i_o spare_v i_o a_o little_o long_a psal_n 39_o or_o as_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o message_n of_o death_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v isa_n 38._o but_o if_o we_o have_v warn_v of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o actual_o to_o prepare_v to_o trim_v our_o lamp_n and_o set_v our_o soul_n in_o order_n review_v our_o life_n renew_v our_o repentance_n exercise_v our_o grace_n exciting_a our_o hope_n recollect_v our_o past_a experience_n get_v our_o evidence_n ready_a and_o the_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n henceforth_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o and_o with_o our_o lord_n himself_o father_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n or_o with_o holy_a stephen_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v it_o christian_n be_v we_o not_o too_o unready_a the_o best_a of_o we_o as_o to_o frame_n and_o actual_a preparation_n do_v we_o sit_v as_o loose_v from_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o personal_a and_o relative_n comfort_n of_o it_o that_o accommodate_v the_o bodily_a lise_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v we_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o familiarize_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o grave_a to_o that_o
their_o death_n too_o if_o we_o be_v not_o awaken_v to_o prepare_v for_o our_o own_o but_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v the_o impression_n wear_v off_o of_o such_o awaken_n spectacle_n it_o may_v be_v the_o ghastly_a look_n or_o die_a groan_n of_o dear_a friend_n or_o depart_a relative_n gasp_v out_o their_o last_o breath_n and_o just_a pass_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o the_o present_n may_v affect_v we_o a_o little_a it_o may_v be_v when_o we_o see_v a_o open_a coffin_n in_o our_o own_o house_n or_o a_o grave_a gape_v to_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o one_o we_o know_v and_o love_v and_o late_o converse_v with_o this_o may_v move_v and_o startle_v we_o a_o little_a it_o may_v be_v when_o we_o behold_v the_o mournful_a look_n and_o habit_n the_o funeral_n pomp_n and_o solemnity_n that_o attend_v they_o to_o the_o house_n of_o darkness_n some_o serious_a thought_n be_v excite_v our_o mind_n be_v awe_v into_o some_o reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o mortality_n but_o when_o the_o ceremony_n be_v over_o and_o we_o be_v go_v from_o such_o a_o spectacle_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v bury_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o engage_v among_o the_o live_a world_n again_o how_o soon_o alas_o be_v all_o this_o forget_v and_o how_o few_o be_v gainer_n by_o such_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v i._n e._n to_o take_v the_o warn_v to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o we_o which_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o we_o be_v already_o dead_a one_o help_v to_o get_v ready_a ourselves_o for_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o consider_v and_o improve_v the_o death_n of_o other_o either_o of_o such_o who_o be_v call_v and_o not_o ready_a who_o case_n speak_v loud_o to_o we_o not_o to_o delay_v and_o trifle_n as_o they_o do_v or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v prepare_v and_o fit_a to_o die_v their_o death_n have_v also_o the_o like_a voice_n of_o that_o in_o the_o text_n be_v you_o also_o ready_a our_o decease_a friend_n mrs._n gearing_n i_o be_o persuade_v be_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n §_o 1._o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o praise_v of_o the_o dead_a have_v be_v scandalous_o abuse_v as_o a_o more_o close_a way_n of_o flatter_a the_o live_a relation_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v cautious_a what_o i_o speak_v on_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o do_v remarkable_o appear_v and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o they_o who_o serve_v and_o follow_v he_o shall_v be_v honour_v to_o mention_v what_o be_v real_o imitable_a and_o praiseworthy_a needs_o no_o apology_n or_o excuse_v the_o matter_n carry_v its_o own_o justification_n §_o 2._o you_o of_o this_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v her_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n every_o month_n in_o the_o other_o solemnity_n of_o the_o supper_n her_o early_a attendance_n here_o before_o the_o public_a worship_n begin_v tho'_o she_o live_v at_o a_o more_o remote_a distance_n than_o many_o of_o you_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o imitation_n §_o 3._o her_o strict_a seriousness_n in_o family-worship_n and_o closet_n duty_n by_o which_o the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o practical_a godliness_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v up_o they_o who_o know_v she_o best_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o §_o 4._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o her_o daily_a course_n which_o shall_v shame_v and_o awaken_v most_o professor_n viz._n the_o conscientious_a daily_a practice_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o examination_n review_v and_o call_v over_o the_o passage_n of_o every_o day_n in_o the_o evening_n she_o make_v conscience_n every_o night_n to_o look_v back_o on_o the_o duty_n she_o have_v perform_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o on_o the_o mercy_n she_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o error_n weakness_n and_o omission_n she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o thanksgiving_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o such_o concern_v who_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o ready_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o month_n and_o more_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o we_o do_v thus_o review_v the_o action_n of_o every_o day_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o §_o 5._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o her_o faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o affection_n affability_n and_o friendly_a carriage_n in_o every_o relation_n with_o divers_a other_o thing_n very_o commendable_a in_o her_o life_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n concern_v her_o last_o sickness_n which_o after_o ten_o day_n determine_v in_o death_n §_o 6._o her_o patience_n submission_n and_o resignation_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o her_o character_n and_o deportment_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n when_o sometime_o by_o interval_n her_o distemper_n do_v affect_v her_o head_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o a_o compose_a mind_n very_o pertinent_a and_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o heaven_n discover_v the_o holy_a seriousness_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o frame_n when_o she_o can_v hardly_o speak_v more_o than_o yes_o or_o no_o yet_o she_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v her_o assent_n and_o cordial_a approbation_n of_o any_o seasonable_a religious_a discourse_n that_o be_v make_v to_o she_o §_o 7._o she_o own_v her_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o under_o the_o disorder_n of_o so_o painful_a and_o violent_a a_o fever_n yet_o acknowledge_v she_o have_v peace_n within_o §_o 8._o the_o day_n before_o she_o die_v she_o tell_v a_o near_a relation_n that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o when_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v yet_o one_o moment_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o she_o very_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o i_o so_o it_o will_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o be_v with_o he_o §_o 9_o the_o evening_n before_o her_o departure_n after_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o she_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a relation_n and_o friend_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o commend_v her_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n i_o ask_v she_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o she_o whether_o she_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o whether_o she_o have_v not_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o he_o again_z and_o again_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n and_o soul_n entire_o and_o without_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_v humane_a infirmity_n and_o backslide_n repent_v of_o except_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v as_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o some_o other_o such_o question_n that_o may_v assist_v she_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o grace_n etc._n etc._n she_o answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a with_o extraordinary_a modesty_n humility_n thankfulness_n and_o affection_n and_o give_v i_o her_o hand_n at_o part_v with_o thanks_o for_o my_o prayer_n and_o assistance_n beg_v of_o god_n the_o best_a of_o blessing_n for_o i_o and_o i_o which_o be_v she_o own_o word_n §_o 10._o after_o which_o in_o a_o difficult_a struggle_n with_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n we_o hope_v and_o trust_v she_o be_v support_v by_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o that_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n etc._n etc._n god_n grant_v those_o lively_a impression_n of_o death_n and_o another_o world_n which_o the_o relation_n then_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n may_v not_o easy_o wear_v off_o or_o lose_v their_o proper_a influence_n and_o now_o christian_n let_v we_o mix_v our_o sorrow_n for_o our_o decease_a friend_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o account_n of_o she_o be_v make_v meet_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n some_o sorrow_n be_v allowable_a be_v it_o but_o as_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n but_o she_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n and_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o promise_a blessedness_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o joy_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v so_o of_o she_o