as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o building_n the_o rock_n of_o their_o strength_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o fullness_n and_o their_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o peace_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o demonstration_n as_o natural_a thing_n tend_v to_o their_o centre_n by_o a_o direct_a motion_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v direct_v in_o their_o motion_n to_o christ_n at_o dissolution_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o beggar_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n be_v bosom_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v by_o angel_n only_o by_o conduct_v it_o in_o its_o motion_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o carry_v a_o friend_n to_o a_o unknown_a place_n by_o direct_v in_o the_o way_n or_o whether_o by_o assistance_n in_o the_o motion_n and_o defence_n they_o be_v mighty_a in_o power_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o determine_v since_o the_o soul_n move_v according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o angelical_a guide_n and_o companion_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n bring_v unto_o christ_n its_o desire_a end_n and_o rest_n iii_o demonst_a three_o all_o the_o saint_n stand_v in_o near_a and_o unchangeable_a relation_n unto_o christ_n through_o regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a adoption_n unto_o god_n the_o full_a comfort_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o they_o can_v enjoy_v while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o though_o death_n part_v the_o near_a friend_n and_o dear_a relation_n on_o earth_n yet_o it_o bring_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n together_o the_o force_n of_o relation_n be_v very_o strong_a relation_n be_v of_o the_o least_o entity_n but_o the_o strong_a efficacy_n witness_v the_o strong_a affection_n and_o cord_n of_o love_n whereby_o person_n natural_o relate_v be_v tie_v to_o each_o other_o what_o bowel_n have_v parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o child_n again_o unto_o they_o what_o endear_a affection_n between_o love_a yokefellowe_n and_o how_o strong_a be_v the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a love_n all_o which_o long_o after_o and_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a presence_n each_o of_o other_o such_o be_v the_o relation_n and_o much_o more_o powerful_a between_o christ_n and_o every_o beleiver_n not_o only_o god_n himself_o but_o christ_n be_v their_o father_n and_o they_o his_o child_n isa_n 9.6_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o his_o spouse_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n he_o be_v their_o brother_n and_o they_o his_o brethren_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v conform_v rom._n 8.29_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n many_o other_o relation_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n between_o they_o he_o be_v their_o king_n and_o they_o his_o subject_n their_o captain_n and_o they_o his_o soldier_n their_o friend_n and_o they_o his_o favourite_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o they_o his_o servant_n and_o their_o shepherd_n and_o they_o his_o flock_n and_o what_o engagement_n and_o affection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o any_o or_o all_o these_o relation_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n through_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o powerful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o yet_o be_v absent_a from_o each_o other_o while_o beleiver_n be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n they_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o and_o what_o a_o joyful_a greeting_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o they_o let_v the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n declare_v who_o be_v eye_n witness_n thereof_o welcome_o then_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o death_n shall_v call_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n to_o their_o father_n house_n their_o spouse_n to_o her_o belove_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o first_o beget_v when_o the_o loyal_a subject_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v crown_v and_o the_o spiritual_a soldier_n receive_v the_o price_n of_o their_o reward_n when_o the_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o redeemer_n who_o love_v they_o to_o the_o death_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n when_o the_o sheep_n shall_v return_v to_o their_o shepherd_n who_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v iv_o demonstr_n four_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o beleiver_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o can_v inherit_v till_o they_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n thus_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.8_o the_o saint_n be_v heir_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o general_a promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.21_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n which_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n through_o which_o though_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n have_v strong_a consolation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o his_o counsel_n and_o oath_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v lie_v yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o hope_n and_o not_o in_o hand_n and_o therefore_o through_o patience_n they_o wait_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o who_o they_o be_v joynt-heire_n bear_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n with_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o heb._n 6.19_o 20._o which_o hope_v we_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o which_o enter_v into_o that_o within_o the_o veil_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v even_o jesus_n make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedech_n thus_o beleiver_n wait_v in_o hope_n for_o what_o they_o see_v not_o and_o receive_v not_o in_o this_o present_a life_n as_o the_o patriarch_n heb._n 11.13_o who_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n therefore_o belove_v be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10.36_o which_o promise_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v thus_o we_o have_v show_v you_o though_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o death_n in_o that_o their_o death_n bring_v they_o immediate_o unto_o christ_n according_a to_o my_o text_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_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 i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o subject_a and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o all_o and_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n i_o shall_v wield_v this_o text_n as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n strike_v both_o way_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a to_o saint_n and_o sinner_n to_o beleiver_n and_o unbeleiver_n use_v i._n first_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o inform_v we_o from_o hence_o of_o the_o sad_a miserable_a and_o woeful_a state_n of_o every_o carnal_a sinful_a and_o christless_a soul_n that_o shall_v die_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o may_v never_o die_v but_o for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o mean_a portion_n of_o creature_n comfort_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n but_o to_o have_v your_o portion_n here_o and_o that_o for_o so_o short_a a_o season_n as_o the_o time_n of_o this_o present_a life_n only_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v it_o
his_o usual_a benedictory_n salutation_n first_o he_o declare_v his_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o continuance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o 5_o verse_n second_o his_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v as_o he_o be_v persuade_v through_o charity_n to_o judge_v in_o they_o all_o by_o their_o future_a and_o final_a perseverance_n unto_o the_o eight_o verse_n three_o his_o prayer_n for_o their_o increase_n and_o abound_v in_o fruitfulness_n unto_o the_o 11._o verse_n then_o from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 18._o verse_n he_o labour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o concern_v the_o consequent_a event_n of_o his_o present_a suffering_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o for_o the_o furtherance_n than_o hindrance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o because_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v hereby_o make_v know_v and_o divulge_v both_o in_o nero_n palace_n and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a city_n second_o because_o by_o his_o suffering_n many_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v make_v more_o bold_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n think_v thereby_o to_o add_v to_o his_o affliction_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o that_o he_o rejoice_v because_o christ_n be_v the_o more_o preach_v in_o the_o 19_o verse_n the_o apostle_n discover_v the_o gracious_a and_o sweet_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n under_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o firm_a confidence_n he_o have_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a and_o turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n as_o the_o return_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o through_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v hold_v out_o under_o his_o trial_n according_a to_o his_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_n that_o through_o his_o steadfastness_n and_o boldness_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n whereof_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n verse_n 21._o for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v that_o be_v if_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v honour_v christ_n by_o my_o life_n and_o if_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v honour_v he_o by_o my_o death_n and_o that_o death_n shall_v be_v my_o gain_n according_a to_o his_o confidence_n before_o express_v that_o it_o shall_v turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n but_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v live_v he_o shall_v have_v fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n or_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o live_v for_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v preach_v christ_n which_o will_v be_v the_o gain_n of_o other_o as_o his_o death_n will_v be_v his_o own_o now_o in_o these_o thought_n paul_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n what_o to_o choose_v or_o desire_v whether_o to_o live_v or_o die_v for_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v expect_v as_o well_o to_o die_v as_o to_o live_v and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o he_o debate_v the_o case_n and_o controversy_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o distinct_a part_n first_o aequilibrium_fw-la animi_fw-la the_o even_a balance_n of_o paul_n mind_n in_o respect_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o second_o inclinatio_fw-la affectionum_fw-la the_o inclination_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n three_o status_fw-la vel_fw-la determinatio_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o determination_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v far_o better_a before_o i_o lay_v down_o the_o intend_a doctrine_n or_o proposition_n from_o this_o scripture_n i_o will_v brief_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o text_n to_o justify_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a deduction_n from_o the_o text._n 〈◊〉_d text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o i_o be_o straigth_o hold_v on_o both_o side_n so_o beza_n translate_v it_o or_o i_o be_o press_v of_o two_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a s._n paul_n present_v unto_o himself_o life_n and_o death_n two_o different_a object_n of_o his_o choice_n and_o election_n and_o both_o sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la boni_fw-la appear_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v real_o good_a for_o he_o but_o which_o of_o these_o to_o close_o withal_o and_o pitch_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o live_v or_o to_o die_v but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v either_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o his_o present_a thought_n which_o way_n he_o have_v best_o incline_v himself_o as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o with_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o now_o imprison_v for_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_o better_a upon_o all_o account_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v for_o he_o to_o die_v by_o a_o violent_a hand_n or_o to_o be_v enlarge_v as_o a_o further_a instrument_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o propate_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v david_n case_n when_o he_o be_v to_o choose_v one_o of_o those_o three_o judgement_n propose_v unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 24.13_o 14._o shall_v seven_o year_n famine_n come_v in_o thy_o land_n or_o will_v thou_o fly_v three_o month_n before_o thy_o enemy_n while_o they_o pursue_v thou_o or_o that_o there_o be_v three_o day_n pestilence_n in_o thy_o land_n and_o david_n say_v unto_o gad_n i_o be_o in_o a_o great_a straight_o let_v we_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o straight_a in_o respect_n of_o evil_n and_o he_o choose_v well_o for_o he_o choose_v the_o least_o in_o all_o circumstance_n for_o the_o time_n the_o nature_n and_o the_o immediate_a inflictor_fw-la of_o the_o evil_a or_o judgement_n but_o paul_n strait_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o good_a object_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o best_a be_v his_o present_a controversy_n whether_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v and_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o die_n to_o preach_v he_o both_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o former_a will_v be_v his_o own_o gain_n the_o latter_a the_o gain_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n be_v the_o less_o unto_o he_o because_o if_o he_o live_v it_o be_v but_o the_o defer_v of_o his_o heavenly_a reward_n and_o his_o affection_n sometime_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v a_o total_a deprivation_n thereof_o for_o the_o jew_n sake_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o myself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n love_n desire_v impossibility_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o great_a the_o apostle_n straight_o be_v betwixt_o live_v and_o die_v as_o a_o needle_n hang_v between_o two_o loadstone_n of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o desire_n or_o great_o desire_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o his_o great_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o christ_n for_o who_o he_o be_v now_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v a_o vehement_a desire_n or_o a_o ardent_a and_o hot_a desire_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o say_v he_o do_v desire_v but_o have_v a_o desire_n which_o beza_n translate_v to_o contend_v in_o desire_n locum_fw-la desire_n plus_fw-fr est_fw-fr animo_fw-la ferri_fw-la &_o contendere_fw-la quam_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la cupere_fw-la beza_n in_o locum_fw-la answerable_a to_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n luke_n 22.15_o with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passeover_n with_o you_o before_o i_o suffer_v so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v paul_n look_v sole_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o immediate_a presence_n wave_v all_o former_a consideration_n whereby_o this_o fervent_a desire_n be_v limit_v and_o himself_o straighten_v so_o that_o paul_n natural_a if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o desire_v and_o inclination_n be_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o
6.22_o when_o gideon_n perceive_v he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n gideon_n say_v alas_o o_o lord_n god_n for_o because_o i_o have_v see_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n face_n to_o face_n therefore_o he_o think_v he_o must_v die_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o forego_n verse_n an_o so_o manoah_n when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v wondrous_o judge_n 13.23_o manoah_n say_v to_o his_o wife_n we_o shall_v sure_o dâ—e_v because_o we_o have_v see_v god_n or_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v before_o manoah_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n entertain_v angel_n with_o joy_n as_o abraham_n do_v the_o three_o angel_n in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n gen._n 18.8_o who_o accept_v his_o invitation_n and_o do_v eat_v before_o he_o what_o he_o have_v dress_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o likewise_o the_o two_o angel_n which_o come_v to_o lot_n in_o sodom_n gen._n 19.1_o he_o make_v they_o a_o feast_n and_o they_o stay_v with_o he_o all_o night_n sure_o that_o man_n be_v great_o honour_v of_o god_n unto_o who_o in_o favour_n he_o thus_o send_v his_o angel_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o motive_n unto_o christian_n to_o hospitality_n heb._n 13.2_o be_v not_o forgetful_a to_o entertain_v stranger_n for_o thereby_o some_o have_v entertain_v angel_n unaware_o what_o will_v that_o honour_n be_v then_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v entertain_v with_o angel_n and_o to_o dwell_v with_o angel_n and_o to_o have_v familiarity_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o glorious_a angel_n yea_o with_o those_o angel_n that_o have_v be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o their_o good_a heb._n 1.14_o be_v not_o they_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n with_o those_o angel_n that_o rejoice_v at_o their_o conversion_n luke_n 15.10_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beleiver_n after_o death_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v and_o dwell_v with_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n but_o be_v also_o as_o the_o angel_n angel_n of_o god_n math._n 22.30_o they_o shall_v live_v as_o angel_n without_o these_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o comfortable_a relation_n they_o shall_v neither_o marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n themselves_o move_v up_o and_o down_o as_o the_o angel_n and_o join_v in_o consort_n with_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n in_o sing_v hallelujah_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o eternal_a majesty_n second_o they_o shall_v have_v full_a and_o perpetual_a fellowship_n with_o glorify_a saint_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a communion_n with_o saint_n on_o earth_n in_o gospel_n fellowship_n whereby_o beleiver_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n each_o with_o other_o in_o spiritual_a administration_n be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a privilege_n in_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.1_o which_o he_o also_o urge_v as_o a_o motive_n to_o the_o believe_a philippian_n to_o persevere_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o condord_v phil_n 2.1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like-minded_n have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o here_o below_o beside_o the_o intermission_n thereof_o partly_o through_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o their_o affection_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n quench_v and_o withdraw_v each_o from_o other_o and_o partly_o through_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o occasional_a offence_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o mutual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n however_o let_v not_o these_o accidental_a inconvenience_n and_o obstruction_n beget_v in_o you_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n of_o this_o holy_a fellowship_n but_o remember_v how_o your_o heart_n have_v be_v warm_v your_o affection_n quicken_v your_o resolution_n confirm_v and_o your_o hand_n strengthen_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o close_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n you_o have_v have_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n that_o your_o esteem_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o your_o love_n so_o far_o increase_v as_o to_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n and_o coheir_n with_o you_o of_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n consider_v that_o you_o shall_v short_o live_v together_o with_o christ_n when_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v with_o he_o those_o who_o you_o have_v never_o see_v but_o have_v love_v in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o their_o grace_n with_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o witness_n go_v before_o you_o and_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o joyful_a meeting_n will_v there_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v dwell_v together_o in_o their_o father_n house_n be_v make_v perfect_o one_o as_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v one_o what_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n will_v there_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o first-born_a shall_v keep_v a_o perpetual_a sabbath_n and_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o how_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a will_v be_v the_o heavenly_a festival_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o celebrate_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n when_o they_o shall_v all_o come_v together_o and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o and_o last_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n with_o christ_n for_o christ_n give_v his_o sheep_n eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v john_n 10.28_o and_o this_o be_v his_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o therefore_o say_v paul_n we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.1_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o father_n house_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o eternal_a foundation_n a_o everlasting_a rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o the_o unchangeable_a essence_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o support_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o proper_o eternal_a but_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o as_o time_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o successive_a and_o changeable_a creature_n so_o eternity_n be_v the_o immensurable_a duration_n of_o the_o immutable_a essence_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a without_o shadow_n of_o turn_v or_o the_o least_o variation_n in_o be_v so_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5.20_o as_o their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o so_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o through_o christ_n who_o live_v by_o the_o father_n and_o now_o live_v with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o more_o rev._n 1.18_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o and_o because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14.19_o nay_o belove_a this_o eternal_a life_n be_v begin_v already_o in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o you_o as_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n john_n 4.14_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17.3_o and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n john_n 6.47_o he_o that_o beleive_v on_o the_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o your_o full_a possession_n thereof_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o your_o mortal_a body_n when_o you_o shall_v never_o suffer_v change_n more_o so_o as_o to_o see_v any_o weakness_n or_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o corruption_n then_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 4_o as_o
gracious_a person_n to_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n who_o among_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o hope_n in_o christ_n his_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n suffering_n and_o sorrow_n and_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a portion_n and_o inheritance_n let_v the_o spiritual_a echo_n and_o silent_a answer_n of_o all_o true_a bear_v israelite_n resolve_v this_o question_n who_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o make_v the_o great_a affliction_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n so_o light_a unto_o they_o while_o they_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4.18_o and_o therefore_o reckon_v with_o paul_n that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o they_o rom._n 8.18_o hence_o be_v those_o earnest_a groan_n and_o long_a desire_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o be_v unclothe_v and_o clothe_v upon_o with_o their_o house_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o they_o symbolize_v and_o sympathize_v with_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.23_o and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o ourselves_o also_o which_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o we_o ourselves_o groan_v within_o ourselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n use_v 3_o use_v of_o inquiry_n if_o it_o be_v the_o desirable_a privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v bring_v immediate_o unto_o christ_n by_o their_o death_n than_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v it_o &_o cheerful_o submit_v unto_o death_n as_o that_o they_o tremble_v at_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o sly_a from_o it_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v still_o in_o bondage_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n notwithstanding_o the_o sting_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grave_n perfume_v as_o a_o bed_n of_o spice_n by_o christ_n lie_v therein_o now_o therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o to_o remove_v and_o cure_v this_o uncomfortable_a distemper_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o brief_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n whence_o this_o fear_n may_v arise_v first_o it_o may_v arise_v from_o a_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n for_o god_n have_v plant_v this_o instinct_n of_o nature_n in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o labour_v to_o preserve_v its_o be_v and_o secure_v itself_o from_o dissolution_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o nature_n abhor_v avacuity_n or_o emptiness_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n because_o it_o tend_v to_o destruction_n for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o cause_v in_o the_o creature_n motion_n contrary_a to_o their_o inclination_n cause_v the_o air_n to_o descend_v to_o fill_v up_o vacuity_n in_o the_o earthly_a element_n and_o the_o water_n to_o ascend_v contrary_a to_o its_o nature_n to_o supply_v the_o room_n and_o absence_n of_o the_o force_a air_n which_o we_o see_v in_o several_a experiment_n and_o ordinary_a invention_n and_o this_o principle_n appear_v in_o every_o particular_a creature_n natural_o avoid_v whatsoever_o threaten_v or_o tend_v to_o its_o destruction_n but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o case_n of_o humane_a dissolution_n we_o natural_o shun_v whatsoever_o we_o apprehend_v may_v offer_v violence_n to_o we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o sudden_a passion_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o cruelty_n yea_o nature_n put_v in_o mind_n of_o a_o weakness_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n make_v strong_a reparation_n and_o fortify_v that_o place_n where_o a_o breach_n be_v make_v a_o break_a bone_n well_o set_v become_v strong_a than_o before_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o through_o fear_n we_o decline_v any_o eminent_a danger_n and_o labour_n to_o preserve_v our_o natural_a being_n resist_v dissolution_n as_o the_o great_a natural_a evil_a therefore_o the_o philosopher_n call_v death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o terrible_a of_o terrible_n and_o job_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n job_n 18.14_o this_o natural_a fear_n be_v in_o christ_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v man_n when_o he_o approach_v his_o death_n and_o suffering_n who_o through_o a_o conflict_n of_o nature_n desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o mat._n 26.39_o o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a desire_n and_o that_o for_o a_o moment_n sudden_o overcome_v by_o reason_n and_o deliberation_n or_o a_o short_a suspension_n quick_o subdue_v by_o a_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o firm_a resolution_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n weak_a in_o christ_n himself_o but_o grace_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v to_o deny_v self_n but_o be_v also_o powerful_a to_o subdue_v our_o natura_fw-la will_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v second_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o immoderate_a love_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a proneness_n in_o believer_n themselves_o to_o â—ive_a too_o much_o liberty_n to_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o to_o take_v too_o much_o delight_n and_o content_v in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v but_o bona_fw-la corporis_fw-la the_o good_n of_o the_o body_n these_o thing_n be_v snare_n unto_o we_o in_o our_o life_n and_o as_o stock_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o time_n of_o departure_n how_o loath_a be_v we_o to_o let_v go_v our_o tenure_n and_o hold_v of_o these_o delight_n upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n to_o take_v our_o last_o farewell_n and_o shake_v hand_n with_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o have_v our_o eye_n close_v and_o no_o more_o to_o be_v open_v upon_o these_o visible_a comfort_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o pillow_n to_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o our_o head_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v up_o our_o spirit_n to_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o free_a passage_n certain_o if_o we_o be_v more_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o stranger_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v far_o more_o willing_o leave_v it_o whereas_o through_o the_o love_n of_o it_o we_o be_v still_o hope_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o that_o god_n will_v still_o add_v either_o more_o year_n to_o our_o day_n or_o at_o least_o more_o day_n to_o our_o year_n be_v not_o the_o stake_n of_o our_o worldly_a delight_n drive_v so_o deep_a and_o strong_o fasten_v in_o the_o earth_n our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n will_v more_o easy_o be_v dissolve_v the_o creature_n in_o themselves_o be_v good_a and_o life_n be_v not_o only_o sweet_a in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v also_o ratio_fw-la possidendi_fw-la our_o tenure_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o for_o one_o life_n without_o renew_v the_o lease_n thereof_o therefore_o for_o the_o loosen_a of_o these_o cord_n and_o stake_n consider_v how_o much_o better_a one_o christ_n be_v than_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o one_o god_n than_o a_o thousand_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n than_o the_o superficial_a varnish_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n if_o you_o be_v christian_n and_o rise_v with_o christ_n take_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n col._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n therefore_o say_v he_o mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n and_o covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n christian_n take_v heed_n of_o fasten_v your_o affection_n here_o it_o may_v be_v christ_n may_v require_v you_o shall_v testify_v your_o love_n to_o he_o by_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o unto_o the_o death_n and_o if_o worldly_a affection_n discompose_v
expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o you_o if_o you_o can_v yet_o read_v they_o in_o scripture_n not_o deface_v or_o blot_v out_o through_o unthankful_a for_o getfulness_n take_v also_o a_o new_a survey_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o your_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n what_o have_v be_v your_o desire_n after_o he_o how_o have_v you_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o what_o communion_n with_o he_o what_o delight_n in_o he_o what_o service_n have_v you_o do_v for_o he_o how_o faithful_a have_v you_o be_v to_o he_o what_o have_v be_v your_o private_a affection_n in_o duty_n and_o your_o public_a zeal_n in_o your_o profession_n how_o have_v you_o improve_v his_o talent_n and_o increase_v your_o spiritual_a stock_n of_o grace_n what_o growth_n in_o meekness_n self-denial_n patience_n faith_n love_n knowledge_n holiness_n and_o purity_n what_o be_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o your_o heart_n after_o so_o much_o mean_n and_o season_n of_o grace_n so_o long_o enjoy_v be_v it_o more_o humble_a more_o heavenly_a more_o unmoveable_a and_o fix_v upon_o god_n and_o last_o be_v you_o more_o fruitful_a and_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o can_v you_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o growth_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o hereby_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v full_a and_o christ_n joy_n shall_v dwell_v in_o you_o john_n 15.11_o what_o a_o glorious_a evidence_n hereby_o have_v the_o believe_v thessalonian_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v in_o their_o commendation_n that_o their_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o and_o their_o love_n one_o towards_o another_o abound_v 2_o thes_n 1.3_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o can_v ascend_v this_o mountain_n of_o assurance_n and_o take_v a_o sight_n as_o from_o mount_n pisgah_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n cry_v out_o with_o saint_n john_n in_o admiration_n 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o but_o if_o your_o evidence_n be_v lose_v or_o hardly_o legible_a for_o the_o renew_n ard_n preserve_v of_o they_o take_v this_o next_o direction_n direct_v iii_o three_o then_o perfect_a holiness_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n attaineable_a upon_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a privilege_n and_o promise_n of_o grace_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o because_o we_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_a so_o as_o to_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o all_o infirmity_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1_o john_n 1.8_o therefore_o take_v this_o necessary_a caution_n of_o propose_v any_o measure_n unto_o yourselves_o thereby_o to_o limit_v your_o utmost_a endeavour_n after_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n you_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o for_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a example_n set_v before_o we_o even_o god_n himself_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o and_o also_o of_o christ_n that_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o aught_o also_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o john_n 2.6_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_a yet_o with_o paul_n forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o we_o may_v press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o wherefore_o belove_v lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v you_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n or_o leader_n and_o the_o finisher_n of_o your_o faith_n heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o since_o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n with_o who_o you_o hope_v to_o appear_v mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o labour_v to_o conquer_v all_o your_o corruption_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a leaven_n and_o to_o wash_v your_o heart_n from_o iniquity_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o your_o very_a thought_n and_o desire_n be_v exceed_v careful_a to_o suppress_v and_o quench_v every_o motion_n arise_v from_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v defile_v the_o conscience_n and_o thereby_o cloud_v your_o comfort_n and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o your_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o obedience_n to_o every_o command_n and_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o as_o you_o have_v at_o any_o time_n hear_v how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o 1_o thes_n 4.1_o that_o you_o may_v at_o last_o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n hereby_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a phil._n 2.14_o col._n 4.12_o wherefore_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n to_o and_o virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n patience_n godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o rather_o give_v diligence_n herein_o that_o you_o may_v make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 10._o direct_v iv_o redeem_v your_o precious_a time_n and_o the_o season_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o time_n be_v short_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o the_o time_n of_o life_n be_v short_a the_o of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v short_a and_o consequent_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o be_v short_a therefore_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o redeem_v the_o time_n or_o season_n because_o the_o day_n be_v not_o only_o short_a but_o evil_n eecl_n 5.15_o 16._o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o snare_n thereof_o but_o of_o the_o peril_n and_o affliction_n the_o trouble_n and_o tribulation_n that_o attend_v the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n to_o be_v short_a have_v but_o a_o while_n to_o remain_v upon_o earth_n take_v all_o occasion_n to_o finish_v his_o father_n work_n who_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n john_n 9.4_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o be_v not_o your_o night_n christian_n come_v on_o and_o your_o sun_n near_o set_v when_o the_o light_n of_o this_o present_a life_n shall_v vanish_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n o_o that_o you_o will_v keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o and_o the_o swiftness_n of_o that_o motion_n which_o will_v sudden_o have_v measure_v your_o appoint_a race_n and_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o double_a and_o redouble_v your_o diligence_n that_o you_o may_v be_v ready_a for_o the_o master_n call_v and_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n be_v that_o soul_n in_o that_o can_v say_v with_o saint_n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o and_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n but_o be_v it_o not_o otherwise_o with_o many_o poor_a soul_n who_o can_v wish_v for_o another_o life_n to_o be_v renew_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n they_o have_v neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v slight_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o that_o space_n they_o have_v idle_o squander_v the_o gather_n in_o of_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v pretermit_v and_o for_o the_o lay_n in_o of_o a_o store_n and_o stock_n of_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n by_o such_o rich_a advantage_n of_o trade_n and_o heavenly_a gain_n and_o profit_n which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o over_o slip_v who_o now_o begin_v to_o look_v back_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o year_n of_o plenty_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o heaven_n bewail_v their_o folly_n in_o not_o provide_v for_o the_o year_n of_o famine_n wherein_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o glean_n of_o
such_o fruitful_a season_n nevertheless_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o &_o the_o feeble_a knee_n up_o and_o be_v do_v &_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o your_o hand_n gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v attain_v be_v swift_a to_o hear_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v fulfil_v in_o you_o all_o the_o good_a pleaof_n his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n five_o that_o you_o may_v better_o redeem_v the_o present_a time_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n exercise_v your_o hope_n with_o all_o sobriety_n in_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n take_v heed_n of_o surfeit_v yourselves_o with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o creature_n delight_n lest_o your_o heart_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o and_o you_o sit_v down_o ready_a to_o take_v your_o lot_n on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n but_o be_v sober_a and_o hope_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.13_o you_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o day_n watch_n and_o be_v sober_a and_o with_o paul_n who_o example_n be_v imitable_a in_o this_o case_n labour_v to_o beat_v down_o your_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n that_o you_o be_v not_o cast_v away_o 1_o cor._n 9.21_o it_o be_v better_a to_o starve_v lust_n then_o by_o pamper_v the_o body_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o therefore_o study_v contentment_n in_o a_o mean_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n have_v but_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o supply_v the_o bare_a necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o your_o passage_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o content_v you_o for_o your_o portion_n because_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o precious_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o rich_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n whereof_o you_o shall_v short_o take_v possession_n in_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o wherefore_o if_o by_o christ_n the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o you_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n live_v above_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o fade_a and_o wither_v comfort_n and_o look_v not_o at_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o but_o use_v the_o world_n as_o if_o you_o use_v it_o not_o because_o all_o these_o thing_n perish_v in_o the_o use_n die_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o beauty_n thereof_o corrupt_v and_o vanish_v while_o your_o eye_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o your_o care_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n who_o if_o you_o cast_v your_o burden_n upon_o he_o will_v sustain_v you_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o content_v yourselves_o to_o live_v at_o his_o allowance_n in_o your_o minority_n and_o think_v not_o hardship_n unsuitable_a to_o your_o present_a state_n whereas_o if_o you_o be_v full_a you_o may_v forget_v the_o lord_n and_o less_o mind_n your_o home_n and_o your_o father_n house_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v enlarge_v your_o present_a estate_n upon_o earth_n content_v not_o yourselves_o in_o be_v rich_a unless_o you_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o deny_v yourselves_o in_o what_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o use_v and_o possess_v that_o you_o may_v do_v good_a in_o your_o generation_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v direct_v vi_o sixthly_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o holy_a sobriety_n of_o spirit_n act_n faith_n upon_o eternal_a promise_n and_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o heaven_n nothing_o do_v more_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o to_o look_v over_o the_o pale_a of_o time_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a this_o will_v make_v affliction_n light_a suffer_v easy_a the_o world_n contemptible_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n and_o work_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n comfortable_a while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n 4.18_o while_o faith_n feed_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o ey_v the_o great_a reward_n of_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n the_o soul_n faint_v not_o under_o its_o burden_n neither_o be_v discourage_v at_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o hope_n but_o become_v more_o lively_a and_o undaunted_a in_o contend_v with_o opposition_n that_o it_o may_v break_v through_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n yea_o how_o full_o be_v the_o soul_n satisfy_v in_o behold_v the_o incomprehensible_a riches_n of_o eternity_n that_o when_o it_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n thereof_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n as_o be_v transport_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o sensitive_a object_n this_o make_v david_n cease_v to_o envy_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o his_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o so_o ravish_v his_o soul_n that_o he_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o and_o this_o will_v ween_v your_o affection_n &_o desire_n from_o earthly_a contentment_n do_v you_o often_o by_o faith_n visit_v your_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o keep_v your_o thought_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o preparation_n for_o you_o which_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v the_o heart_n conceive_v and_o yet_o not_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v seven_o and_o last_o labour_v after_o a_o comply_a heart_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o every_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n towards_o you_o in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v willing_a to_o live_v or_o die_v to_o do_v or_o suffer_v follow_v every_o call_n of_o god_n who_o infinite_a wisdom_n dispose_v of_o your_o condition_n and_o who_o gracious_a power_n be_v present_a to_o assist_v and_o streng_v then_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o your_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v direct_v your_o path_n and_o commit_v your_o way_n to_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o heart_n take_v heed_n of_o self-will_n and_o sinful_a will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n but_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n with_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o humble_a resignation_n of_o yourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o let_v nothing_o move_v or_o terrify_v you_o neither_o count_v your_o life_n dear_a unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v finish_v your_o course_n with_o joy_n be_v content_v with_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v allot_v unto_o you_o in_o your_o present_a pilgrimage_n and_o travail_n homeward_o and_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o your_o approach_a ascension_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n sweeten_v every_o bitter_a cup_n which_o providence_n shall_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n &_o lighten_v every_o burden_n which_o god_n shall_v lay_v upon_o you_o know_v that_o your_o suffering_n be_v only_o temporal_a but_o your_o joy_n will_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o you_o have_v all_o your_o evil_n here_o but_o your_o good_a thing_n be_v to_o come_v o_o forget_v not_o that_o your_o treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o that_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o you_o may_v endure_v every_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n of_o all_o your_o suffering_n for_o christ_n count_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o you_o when_o you_o shall_v depart_v hence_o unâ—o_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a not_o only_o better_a than_o the_o present_a strait_n trouble_n tribulation_n and_o affliction_n which_o attend_v the_o gospel_n the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o better_a than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o honourable_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o enjoy_v or_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o while_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n remain_v which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o counsel_n that_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o three_o degree_n o_o excellency_n attainable_a in_o this_o earthly_a state_n first_o it_o be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n which_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o at_o least_o but_o create_a delight_n and_o creature_n enjoyment_n which_o saint_n john_n describe_v by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 1_o john_n 2.15_o and_o labour_v to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n here_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63.3_o how_o much_o more_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o love_n communicate_v without_o measure_n in_o the_o life_n that_o be_v eternal_a second_o it_o be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o service_n which_o the_o saint_n can_v do_v for_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o their_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n here_o below_o yea_o though_o we_o can_v say_v with_o saint_n paul_n to_o we_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n yet_o to_o die_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v gain_v and_o far_o better_a and_o though_o in_o keep_v of_o his_o commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o the_o godly_a have_v great_a peace_n therein_o yet_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v the_o crown_n of_o their_o holiness_n here_o and_o their_o reward_n with_o christ_n shall_v exceed_v all_o their_o labour_n and_o work_v for_o he_o last_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o most_o uninterrupted_a fellowship_n the_o saint_n be_v capable_a of_o with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o near_a and_o most_o spiritual_a approach_n in_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n or_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o immediate_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n &_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n surpass_v the_o clear_a discovery_n &_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o his_o choose_a and_o precious_a &_o faithful_a people_n upon_o earth_n therefore_o leâ—_n all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wait_v with_o joy_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o ascension_n when_o they_o shall_v depart_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v ascend_v far_o above_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o that_o you_o faint_v not_o implore_v his_o spiritual_a presence_n with_o his_o love-sick_a spouse_n cant._n 2._o last_o until_o the_o day_n break_v and_o the_o shadow_n flee_v away_o turn_v my_o belove_a and_o be_v thou_o like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o bether_o finis_fw-la