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thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o j._n dunton_n and_o a._n chandler_n 1691_o to_o the_o much_o honour_a m_n r_n elizabeth_n barnardiston_n madam_n the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o sermon_n and_o your_o relation_n to_o she_o who_o die_a request_n be_v fulfil_v in_o my_o preach_v it_o do_v style_v the_o dedication_n you_o though_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v of_o your_o excellent_a daughter_n be_v less_o than_o other_o will_v have_v say_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a yet_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o her_o preparedness_n and_o willingness_n to_o die_v methinks_v that_o shall_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o mitigate_v your_o sorrow_n and_o prevent_v its_o excess_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n instruction_n concern_v they_o who_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o sorrow_n as_o do_v other_o who_o have_v no_o hope_n such_o be_v the_o egyptian_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o they_o that_o they_o mourn_v long_o for_o the_o death_n of_o old_a jacob_n than_o his_o own_o son_n joseph_n do_v i_o know_v the_o time_n of_o her_o death_n give_v a_o accent_n to_o the_o calamity_n that_o before_o your_o mourn_a weed_n be_v lay_v aside_o for_o one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o husband_n who_o have_v a_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o you_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o continue_v the_o same_o or_o put_v on_o more_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o a_o child_n in_o the_o prime_n of_o her_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o beauty_n a_o loss_n for_o which_o you_o do_v not_o mourn_v alone_o since_o many_o other_o be_v partner_n of_o your_o grief_n not_o by_o sympathy_n only_o as_o pity_v you_o but_o from_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o affection_n to_o she_o and_o their_o own_o concern_v at_o her_o departure_n but_o as_o your_o affliction_n abound_v god_n can_v make_v your_o consolation_n by_o christ_n abound_v much_o more_o and_o such_o loss_n as_o these_o though_o some_o of_o the_o smart_a and_o most_o afflictive_a to_o humane_a nature_n may_v turn_v to_o your_o spiritual_a gain_n and_o even_o this_o rod_n like_o that_o of_o aaron_n may_v blossom_n and_o produce_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o their_o company_n god_n himself_o be_v more_o depend_v on_o as_o your_o all_o in_o all_o if_o their_o removal_n out_o of_o this_o world_n promote_v your_o mortification_n to_o it_o if_o their_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n assist_v your_o preparation_n and_o excite_v your_o desire_n to_o follow_v god_n have_v already_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n promise_n in_o a_o very_a peculiar_a manner_n to_o those_o who_o he_o give_v and_o have_v take_v from_o you_o and_o i_o trust_v will_v do_v so_o as_o to_o those_o who_o remain_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o serve_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o see_v the_o felicity_n of_o his_o choose_a that_o they_o may_v tread_v in_o 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all_o who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o who_o way_n be_v judgement_n i_o be_o london_n jan._n 25._o 1681_o 2._o madam_n your_o most_o affectionate_a humble_a servant_n john_n shewer_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o be_v earnest_o desire_v both_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o decease_a gentlewoman_n and_o by_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o follow_a funeral_n sermon_n to_o testify_v what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o gracious_a and_o wonderful_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o person_n during_o her_o life_n i_o can_v not_o but_o yield_v to_o their_o importunate_a request_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o have_v know_v she_o from_o her_o childhood_n and_o have_v very_o much_o observe_v her_o conversation_n of_o late_a and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v her_o several_a visit_n in_o her_o sickness_n i_o do_v believe_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o god_n do_v give_v she_o a_o sound_a repentance_n for_o and_o a_o full_a remission_n of_o all_o her_o sin_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o can_v assure_v thou_o reader_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o she_o have_v a_o awaken_v sight_n of_o her_o sin_n accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o they_o i_o discern_v also_o in_o her_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o i_o hear_v she_o open_v her_o self-condemnation_n thereupon_o i_o find_v in_o she_o also_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o now_o covenant_n together_o with_o a_o right_a apprehensionof_n the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v through_o grace_n bestow_v upan_n some_o penitent_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o covenant_n it_o be_v thereby_o unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o consequent_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o do_v receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o atonement_n with_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o his_o 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the_o abridgement_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o other_o young_a person_n take_v very_o often_o to_o their_o prejudice_n and_o ruin_n as_o a_o singular_a advantage_n and_o favour_n from_o heaven_n §_o 14._o in_o some_o part_n of_o her_o sickness_n she_o have_v some_o humble_a become_a doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o her_o own_o state_n but_o have_v impart_v they_o to_o a_o reverend_a person_n well_o acquaint_v in_o the_o family_n and_o hear_v his_o resolution_n and_o answer_n she_o be_v better_o satisfy_v and_o express_v her_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o love_v she_o and_o wash_v she_o from_o her_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n yea_o so_o far_o be_v she_o from_o question_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n so_o far_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o alsufficiency_n of_o christ_n mediation_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o receive_v return_v sinner_n that_o the_o 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as_o the_o jew_n report_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o die_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o god_n o_o death_n where_o be_v now_o thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v now_o thy_o victory_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o dead_a that_o thus_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n §_o 20._o will_v to_o god_n that_o the_o account_v here_o give_v may_v effectual_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o death_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o unholy_a of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o sinner_n may_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o holy_a parent_n and_o a_o good_a education_n and_o encourage_v parent_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o faithfal_n to_o be_v serious_a prudent_a and_o affectionate_a in_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n because_o such_o a_o deportment_n be_v most_o 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sickness_n and_o death_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n on_o the_o decease_n of_o m_o r_n eliz._n shower_n who_o die_v the_o 24_o of_o aug._n 1691._o by_o john_n spademan_n minister_n of_o the_o english_a church_n at_o rotterdam_n london_n print_v for_o j._n dunton_n and_o a._n chandler_n 1691._o to_o my_o honour_a friend_n mr._n shewer_n sir_n when_o after_o a_o unpleasing_a separation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v opportunity_n of_o renew_v our_o converse_n in_o your_o habitation_n i_o promise_v myself_o a_o unmixed_a satisfaction_n during_o my_o stay_n with_o you_o and_o as_o none_o be_v more_o oblige_v to_o rejoice_v in_o all_o the_o good_a which_o you_o or_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o so_o none_o can_v be_v more_o hearty_o dispose_v to_o do_v it_o indeed_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v your_o society_n sweeten_v the_o fatigue_n of_o a_o voyage_n which_o after_o many_o year_n absence_n i_o late_o make_v unto_o my_o own_o country_n in_o which_o i_o 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ordinary_a possession_n with_o willingness_n be_v a_o kin_n to_o that_o patience_n which_o be_v exercise_v under_o merit_a punishment_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n have_v no_o glory_n or_o commendation_n in_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v a_o heroic_a spirit_n a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o dignify_v the_o father_n of_o all_o who_o believe_v to_o give_v up_o a_o rare_a and_o endear_n treasure_n and_o if_o any_o consideration_n have_v strength_n to_o work_v this_o noble_a disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n have_v it_o be_v this_o which_o lead_v my_o thought_n unto_o the_o meditation_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n which_o though_o much_o below_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a be_o willing_a to_o make_v thus_o
make_v thou_o my_o only_a portion_n and_o treasure_n let_v i_o seek_v thy_o favour_n value_v thy_o love_n prize_v thy_o presence_n in_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n thou_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n all_o creature_n be_v but_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v little_a or_o none_o and_o how_o unexpected_o may_v they_o be_v dry_v up_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o who_o or_o what_o be_v there_o desirable_a on_o earth_n beside_o thou_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n who_o answer_v this_o design_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o frame_n by_o such_o a_o stroke_n three_o god_n may_v sometime_o intend_v to_o try_v our_o sincerity_n and_o improve_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o alone_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o let_v it_o be_v know_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o whether_o we_o can_v love_v he_o as_o a_o father_n though_o we_o feel_v his_o rod_n whether_o we_o can_v stoop_v to_o his_o dispose_v authority_n and_o 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dear_o love_v that_o it_o may_v be_v less_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o part_v with_o the_o remainder_n that_o our_o proud_a heart_n be_v humble_v and_o our_o stubborn_a will_n bow_v we_o may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o bear_v and_o suffer_v and_o lose_v as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a we_o need_v be_v instruct_v a_o good_a while_n in_o the_o school_n of_o affliction_n perfect_o to_o learn_v patience_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o difficult_a a_o lesson_n as_o that_o of_o self-denial_n will_v not_o be_v learn_v all_o at_o one_o time_n one_o instance_n of_o a_o calm_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n may_v dispose_v we_o for_o another_o that_o be_v more_o difficult_a for_o if_o we_o can_v give_v up_o our_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o resign_v ourselves_o if_o the_o footman_n tire_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o contend_v with_o horse_n if_o we_o can_v part_v with_o the_o life_n of_o a_o friend_n we_o love_v how_o shall_v we_o surrender_v our_o own_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v we_o to_o do_v so_o if_o we_o send_v up_o our_o impatient_a murmur_n to_o heaven_n when_o any_o of_o they_o die_v though_o it_o be_v peaceable_o on_o their_o bed_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n or_o to_o die_v at_o a_o stake_n if_o that_o shall_v ever_o become_v our_o duty_n if_o the_o calamity_n common_a to_o man_n be_v so_o heavy_a for_o our_o shoulder_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o a_o fiery_a trial_n therefore_o god_n in_o wisdom_n remember_v our_o ignorance_n and_o frailty_n and_o consider_v our_o weakness_n and_o according_o he_o train_v up_o and_o prepare_v we_o by_o degree_n five_o the_o last_o and_o general_a reason_n of_o all_o such_o stroke_n be_v to_o mind_n survive_v relation_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o to_o prepare_v to_o follow_v all_o the_o frequent_a warning_n of_o god_n which_o you_o have_v late_o have_v of_o this_o kind_n speak_v very_o loud_o 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the_o prevention_n of_o immoderate_a sorrow_n and_o irregular_a mourn_v which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o many_o person_n seek_v for_o comfort_n in_o such_o case_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v and_o hope_v to_o encourage_v and_o support_v themselves_o from_o weak_a mistake_v or_o deceitful_a principle_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o lean_v on_o some_o break_a reed_n that_o will_v not_o sustain_v but_o pierce_v we_o under_o this_o and_o the_o other_o leaf_n we_o seek_v for_o consolation_n and_o find_v a_o serpent_n lurk_v there_o but_o all_o our_o turn_n of_o device_n prove_v but_o like_o the_o potter_n clay_n which_o break_v and_o moulder_n between_o our_o finger_n we_o will_v fain_o draw_v the_o water_n of_o comfort_n out_o of_o this_o brook_n or_o the_o other_o puddle_n instead_o of_o go_v to_o jacob_n well_o the_o true_a and_o only_a fountain_n i_o mean_v instead_o of_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n in_o vain_a stretch_v our_o imagination_n and_o busy_a our_o inquire_a thought_n to_o find_v out_o remedy_n against_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v but_o till_o we_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n we_o search_v in_o vain_a all_o the_o precept_n and_o instruction_n of_o philosopher_n be_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o a_o christian_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o afflictive_a evil_n or_o whole_o to_o extirpate_v our_o own_o affection_n will_v be_v find_v impossible_a fatal_a necessity_n assert_v by_o some_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o contingency_n and_o chance_n explain_v by_o other_o will_v not_o quiet_a or_o satisfy_v a_o afflict_a mourner_n to_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v constant_o expect_v this_o and_o the_o
truth_n yea_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o person_n with_o who_o i_o live_v and_o so_o journ_v in_o yonder_o world_n who_o sincere_a affection_n i_o so_o much_o value_v who_o delightful_a useful_a company_n i_o so_o much_o prize_v who_o sickness_n and_o removal_n i_o so_o much_o lament_v etc._n etc._n but_o lest_o i_o run_v too_o far_o let_v i_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a let_v we_o therefore_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v resolve_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v depart_v by_o contemplate_v what_o they_o be_v and_o where_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o do_v and_o what_o they_o possess_v and_o by_o rejoice_v in_o their_o blessedness_n more_o than_o we_o will_v have_v do_v for_o their_o temporal_a advancement_n in_o any_o kind_n on_o earth_n let_v we_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_v they_o as_o we_o can_v by_o imitate_v their_o temper_n and_o work_v above_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delightful_a thankful_a 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vision_n these_o fruition_n these_o service_n and_o employment_n be_v not_o like_o what_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a world_n and_o yet_o which_o be_v the_o quintessence_n and_o spirit_n of_o all_o this_o happiness_n shall_v last_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o after_o million_o of_o age_n be_v as_o far_o from_o end_v as_o when_o at_o first_o begin_v fit_v we_o lord_n for_o such_o a_o day_n and_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o amen_n the_o end_n prepare_v to_o follow_n or_o the_o second_o discourse_n from_z matth_n xxiv_o 44._o occasion_v by_o the_o death_n of_o m_o r_n eliz._n gearing_n prepare_v to_o follow_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o death_n of_o m_o r_n elizabeth_n gearing_n late_a wife_n of_o mr._n henry_n gearing_n who_o depart_v this_o life_n the_o second_o of_o july_n 1691._o by_o john_n shower_n 2_o sam_n 12.23_o but_o now_o he_o be_v dead_a wherefore_o shall_v i_o fast_v can_v i_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o i_o london_n print_v for_o j._n dunton_n and_o a._n chandler_n 1691._o prepare_v to_o follow_n or_o a_o discourse_n from_z matth_n 24.44_o therefore_o be_v you_o also_o ready_a for_o in_o such_o a_o hour_n as_o you_o think_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v upon_o a_o like_a exhortation_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_v the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v bold_a to_o ask_v the_o question_n whether_o it_o concern_v only_o the_o apostle_n or_o be_v speak_v to_o all_o luke_n 12.41_o the_o answer_n whereto_o do_v sufficient_o express_v the_o universal_a obligation_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n for_o our_o lord_n reply_v bless_a be_v that_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n who_o when_o his_o lord_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v do_v his_o master_n work_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o by_o another_o evangelist_n where_o the_o like_a parable_n be_v apply_v with_o this_o addition_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_z mark_v 13._o last_o which_o watch_v be_v the_o general_a comprehensive_a word_n for_o be_v ready_a this_o be_v the_o repeat_v voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n wherever_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o second_o come_v this_o be_v the_o distinct_a and_o loud_o call_v of_o his_o providence_n unto_o this_o congregation_n by_o the_o death_n and_o funeral_n of_o one_o of_o our_o number_n you_o know_v i_o mean_v our_o friend_n mrs._n gearing_n which_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n to_o all_o of_o we_o be_v you_o also_o ready_a and_o be_v desire_v on_o this_o occasion_n to_o preach_v from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v reserve_v the_o mention_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v instructive_a and_o exemplary_a in_o the_o decease_a for_o the_o close_a of_o my_o discourse_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n consider_v this_o seasonable_a admonition_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n therefore_o be_v you_o also_o ready_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o such_o a_o hour_n as_o you_o think_v not_o of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v part_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n question_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n v._o 3._o tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o state_n of_o eternity_n which_o will_v thereupon_o follow_v they_o inquire_v of_o both_o to_o gether_o as_o reckon_v his_o come_v and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v at_o once_o and_o throughout_o this_o chapter_n we_o find_v our_o lord_n answer_n to_o both_o question_n be_v intermix_v some_o whereof_z refer_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o his_o come_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o that_o nation_n and_o other_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereof_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o figure_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o passage_n refer_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n several_a of_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o come_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v a_o little_a before_o their_o destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n as_o josephus_n and_o tacitus_n and_o other_o mention_n particular_o the_o 15._o and_o 16._o verse_n when_o you_o therefore_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n and_o again_o 34._o v._n he_o say_v this_o generation_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v there_o be_v yet_o no_o reason_n to_o confine_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o be_v but_o as_o a_o type_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n precede_v the_o final_a doom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o some_o passage_n do_v as_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o â—â—s_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n sound_v the_o trumpet_n and_o of_o two_o man_n in_o the_o field_n and_o of_o two_o woman_n grind_v at_o the_o mill_n one_o take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v refer_v to_o the_o great_a discrimination_n of_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 36._o verse_n of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n no_o man_n know_v no_o not_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n but_o my_o father_n only_o and_o by_o another_o evangelist_n the_o son_n himself_o be_v exclude_v from_o know_v that_o hour_n mark_v 13.33_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n know_v the_o time_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o temple_n city_n and_o nation_n when_o he_o himself_o foretell_v the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o those_o word_n in_o the_o 35._o v._o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o transition_n from_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o answer_v the_o other_o question_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereupon_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o 42._o v._o watch_n for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o hour_n your_o lord_n will_v come_v but_o know_v this_o or_o you_o do_v know_v this_o as_o the_o original_a word_n will_v bear_v and_o may_v better_o be_v
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
will_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o support_v your_o soul_n when_o christ_n shall_v call_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o prepare_v will_v not_o be_v too_o much_o to_o enable_v we_o cheerful_o to_o commend_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n in_o expectation_n of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v reveal_v and_o promise_v then_o all_o the_o grace_n you_o have_v treasure_v up_o will_v be_v little_a enough_o for_o that_o be_v a_o time_n to_o use_v it_o not_o to_o get_v it_o our_o strong_a faith_n will_v hardly_o be_v sufficient_a the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o the_o most_o apropriate_a particular_a applicatory_a faith_n say_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v will_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o give_v we_o confidence_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o know_v of_o none_o can_v help_v you_o if_o then_o you_o can_v look_v to_o christ_n with_o hope_n if_o the_o devil_n say_v this_o sinful_a soul_n be_v i_o and_o christ_n disow_v thou_o and_o say_v so_o too_o what_o shall_v overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n no_o wonder_n if_o doubt_n and_o fear_n arise_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o grace_n our_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n our_o folly_n and_o offence_n and_o manifold_a backslide_n our_o familiarity_n with_o this_o world_n and_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o conquer_v all_o these_o and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o now_o diligent_a to_o get_v ready_a 11._o consider_v for_o your_o encouragement_n that_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n shall_v be_v accept_v as_o your_o habitual_a readiness_n we_o be_v under_o a_o merciful_a covenant_n and_o serve_v a_o gracious_a redeemer_n we_o find_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o though_o the_o former_a who_o have_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n have_v many_o fault_n for_o they_o slumber_v as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a when_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v actual_o wake_v and_o watch_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o your_o conformity_n to_o christ_n shall_v be_v complete_a and_o your_o weak_a imperfect_a grace_n shall_v be_v perfect_v 12._o remember_v this_o also_o that_o if_o your_o diligent_a preparation_n be_v a_o difficult_a work_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n the_o allot_v season_n to_o watch_n and_o work_v and_o wrestle_v to_o strive_v and_o run_v and_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o be_v ready_a be_v not_o long_o and_o christ_n may_v say_v will_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n that_o you_o may_v lift_v up_o your_o head_n with_o joy_n at_o my_o appear_v and_o then_o dwell_v with_o i_o for_o ever_o o_o how_o soon_o will_v the_o labour_n of_o repentance_n and_o humble_a self-denying_a diligence_n in_o our_o preparatory_a work_n be_v all_o over_o soon_o will_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v over_o all_o these_o little_a thing_n which_o man_n call_v business_n be_v past_a and_o go_v those_o i_o mean_v of_o trade_n and_o money_n of_o farm_n and_o merchandise_n they_o will_v all_o be_v over_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o so_o will_v the_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_v of_o holy_a serious_a diligence_n in_o make_v ready_a for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n be_v over_o too_o now_o we_o must_v fight_v and_o wrestle_v and_o hold_v on_o unto_o victory_n but_o the_o time_n of_o triumph_n be_v approach_v now_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n but_o the_o promise_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o rest_v be_v not_o far_o off_o now_o our_o life_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n ever_o long_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o full_a answer_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o our_o enemy_n be_v under_o our_o foot_n never_o to_o disturb_v or_o tempt_v or_o disquiet_v or_o indauger_v we_o more_o for_o ever_o it_o all_o depend_v upon_o our_o sincere_a and_o persevere_v diligence_n to_o get_v ready_a for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o improvement_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o lament_v our_o great_a and_o manifest_a unpreparedness_n for_o this_o come_v of_o christ_n 1._o many_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o have_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n be_v yet_o too_o unready_a for_o want_v of_o frequent_a believe_a consideration_n concern_v this_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o for_o want_v of_o actual_a preparation_n for_o it_o how_o many_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o care_n and_o hurry_v of_o worldly_a affair_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v time_n enough_o to_o retire_v and_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o their_o preparation_n flow_v alas_o we_o be_v but_o too_o unready_a our_o unmortified_a affection_n to_o earthly_a thing_n and_o unbecoming_a fear_n of_o our_o lust_n enemy_n do_v plain_o prove_v it_o the_o many_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n by_o particular_a backslide_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v unready_a the_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n discover_v by_o a_o undue_a conformity_n to_o this_o world_n show_v that_o we_o be_v unready_a the_o excess_n of_o our_o passion_n upon_o worldly_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n attest_v it_o too_o plain_o the_o declension_n of_o lively_a hope_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v by_o regeneration_n the_o grieve_v and_o quench_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n show_v that_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o unready_a the_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o must_v venture_v our_o everlasting_a hope_n be_v not_o study_v and_o understand_v digest_v and_o apply_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a our_o desire_n of_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n our_o prayer_n for_o the_o hasten_v of_o it_o our_o anticipate_v joy_n in_o the_o fore-thought_n of_o it_o be_v so_o low_a and_o so_o imperfect_a to_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o they_o prove_v we_o be_v unready_a we_o do_v not_o labour_n and_o watch_n pray_v and_o hope_v with_o a_o resolve_v persevere_v zeal_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a for_o his_o come_v 2._o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v bewail_v that_o multitude_n fancy_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v ready_a when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o o_o how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v too_o well_o prepare_v already_o to_o learn_v to_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o warning_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o word_n make_v no_o impression_n on_o they_o because_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o concern_v though_o they_o have_v never_o accept_v christ_n as_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o a_o humble_a penitent_a unfeigned_a dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o love_v please_v and_o obey_v he_o above_o all_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v reflect_v and_o search_v must_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a steward_n of_o their_o many_o talent_n as_o expect_v to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n 3._o the_o general_a vnconcernedness_n of_o the_o most_o about_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o be_v ready_a ought_v great_o to_o be_v lament_a the_o most_o reckon_v it_o at_o that_o distance_n they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v prepare_v or_o no._n other_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o own_o unreadiness_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o care_v to_o think_v of_o die_v though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o may_v be_v call_v for_o many_o young_a and_o more_o likely_a to_o live_v have_v dye_v this_o last_o year_n parent_n may_v survive_v 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thou_o of_o thy_o danger_n by_o bad_a company_n i_o urge_v thou_o to_o flee_v youthful_a lust_n i_o tell_v thou_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n and_o issue_n i_o forewarn_v thou_o of_o this_o day_n and_o of_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n that_o christ_n have_v threaten_v and_o of_o thy_o too_o late_a repentance_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v see_v thou_o condemn_v to_o hell_n without_o be_v able_a to_o pity_v thou_o and_o now_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o i_o can_v but_o approve_v the_o righteous_a sentence_n of_o the_o glorious_a judge_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o prepare_v and_o get_v ready_a for_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o thy_o many_o warning_n and_o call_n from_o god_n and_o man_n to_o do_v it_o moreover_o 5._o labour_v to_o strengthen_v faith_n concern_v the_o certainty_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n appear_v and_o the_o most_o important_a awful_a consequence_n of_o it_o both_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a 1._o as_o 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tremble_v shall_v they_o as_o guilty_a prisoner_n be_v make_v to_o stand_v before_o his_o judgement_n seat_n what_o kill_v despair_n will_v seize_v their_o heart_n what_o paleness_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n will_v cover_v their_o face_n what_o convulsion_n and_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n will_v then_o torment_v they_o where_o can_v they_o go_v where_o can_v they_o hide_v how_o can_v they_o appear_v how_o can_v they_o avoid_v appear_v what_o can_v they_o say_v how_o can_v they_o answer_v the_o charge_n or_o deny_v the_o accusation_n or_o evade_v the_o sentence_n or_o put_v off_o the_o execution_n for_o a_o day_n or_o bear_v it_o for_o a_o moment_n since_o they_o can_v never_o escape_v the_o trial_n or_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n or_o be_v pardon_v after_o judgement_n or_o get_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v reprieve_v or_o the_o execution_n defer_v it_o will_v then_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cry_v for_o mercy_n for_o now_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n without_o pity_n and_o of_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n be_v come_v what_o friend_n will_v thou_o go_v to_o then_o where_o be_v they_o who_o can_v plead_v for_o thou_o or_o save_v thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v not_o i_o will_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o world_n appear_v in_o thy_o case_n among_o those_o that_o shall_v then_o be_v find_v naked_a and_o unready_a and_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n sit_v to_o be_v now_o consider_v believe_v and_o prepare_v for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n what_o but_o a_o play_n a_o game_n a_o trifle_n to_o these_o thing_n 2._o to_o the_o righteous_a the_o bridegroom_n departure_n be_v not_o upon_o a_o divorce_n he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v admire_v of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v they_o shall_v see_v he_o and_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o air_n and_o say_v yonder_o be_v he_o who_o our_o soul_n love_v yonder_o be_v the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o once_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o 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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 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guilty_a of_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o thanksgiving_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o such_o concern_v who_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o ready_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n every_o month_n and_o more_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o we_o do_v thus_o review_v the_o action_n of_o every_o day_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o §_o 5._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o her_o faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o affection_n affability_n and_o friendly_a carriage_n in_o every_o relation_n with_o divers_a other_o thing_n very_o commendable_a in_o her_o life_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n concern_v her_o last_o sickness_n which_o after_o ten_o day_n determine_v in_o death_n §_o 6._o her_o patience_n submission_n and_o resignation_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o her_o character_n and_o deportment_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n when_o sometime_o by_o interval_n her_o distemper_n do_v affect_v her_o head_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o a_o compose_a mind_n very_o pertinent_a and_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o heaven_n discover_v the_o holy_a seriousness_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o frame_n when_o she_o can_v hardly_o speak_v more_o than_o yes_o or_o no_o yet_o she_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v her_o assent_n and_o cordial_a approbation_n of_o any_o seasonable_a religious_a discourse_n that_o be_v make_v to_o she_o §_o 7._o she_o own_v her_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o under_o the_o disorder_n of_o so_o painful_a and_o violent_a a_o fever_n yet_o acknowledge_v she_o have_v peace_n within_o §_o 8._o the_o day_n before_o she_o die_v she_o tell_v a_o near_a relation_n that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o when_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o die_v yet_o one_o moment_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o she_o very_o affectionate_o cry_v out_o i_o so_o it_o will_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o be_v with_o he_o §_o 9_o the_o evening_n before_o her_o departure_n after_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o she_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a relation_n and_o friend_n and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o commend_v her_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n i_o ask_v she_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o she_o whether_o she_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o whether_o she_o have_v not_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o he_o again_z and_o again_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n and_o soul_n entire_o and_o without_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_v humane_a infirmity_n and_o backslide_n repent_v of_o except_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v as_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o some_o other_o such_o question_n that_o may_v assist_v she_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o grace_n etc._n etc._n she_o answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a with_o extraordinary_a modesty_n humility_n thankfulness_n and_o affection_n and_o give_v i_o her_o hand_n at_o part_v with_o thanks_o for_o my_o prayer_n and_o assistance_n beg_v of_o god_n the_o best_a of_o blessing_n for_o i_o and_o i_o which_o be_v she_o own_o word_n §_o 10._o after_o which_o in_o a_o difficult_a struggle_n with_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n we_o hope_v and_o trust_v she_o be_v support_v by_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o that_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n etc._n etc._n god_n grant_v those_o lively_a impression_n of_o death_n and_o another_o world_n which_o the_o relation_n then_o present_a seem_v to_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n may_v not_o easy_o wear_v off_o or_o lose_v their_o proper_a influence_n and_o now_o christian_n let_v we_o mix_v our_o sorrow_n for_o our_o decease_a friend_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o account_n of_o she_o be_v make_v meet_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n some_o sorrow_n be_v allowable_a be_v it_o but_o as_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n but_o she_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n and_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o promise_a blessedness_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o joy_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v so_o of_o she_o
but_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v so_o as_o to_o be_v acquaint_v not_o only_o with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o with_o the_o power_n thereof_o these_o man_n do_v say_v that_o the_o character_n which_o the_o other_o do_v give_v of_o this_o eminent_a person_n teach_v be_v most_o true_a and_o they_o do_v further_o also_o say_v that_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a clear_a and_o convince_a most_o evangelical_n and_o scriptural_a great_o practical_a and_o profitable_a and_o yet_o very_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a now_o reader_n consider_v whether_o many_o if_o any_o such_o have_v final_o miscarry_v who_o nature_n be_v gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v who_o heart_n be_v soft_a and_o tender_a who_o have_v the_o benesit_n of_o such_o education_n and_o such_o example_n who_o enjoy_v such_o teach_v abroad_o as_o well_o as_o such_o counsel_n at_o home_n and_o all_o accompany_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o she_o do_v not_o want_v it_o be_v report_v of_o her_o father_n that_o his_o custom_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n 119.164_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o moreover_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o this_o decease_a gentlewoman_n be_v observe_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o closet_n prayer_n of_o late_a consider_v then_o i_o say_v whether_o we_o may_v not_o hope_v confident_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v save_o and_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o she_o who_o be_v both_o visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o who_o heart_n also_o god_n have_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v by_o such_o special_a mean_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o she_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o god_n deal_v with_o she_o in_o her_o last_o sickness_n whereby_o god_n do_v seem_v to_o seal_v instruction_n deep_o upon_o she_o soul_n her_o distemper_n be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o small_a pox_n at_o her_o first_o be_v take_v she_o have_v strong_a apprehension_n that_o she_o shall_v die_v she_o therefore_o do_v fall_v close_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o examination_n desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o minister_n therein_o and_o she_o be_v visit_v by_o many_o she_o open_v her_o case_n to_o we_o all_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v she_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v jealous_a of_o the_o worst_a and_o to_o confess_v and_o condemn_v herself_o for_o her_o sin_n both_o of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n and_o humble_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o bless_v these_o last_o help_n as_o that_o none_o of_o we_o who_o visit_v she_o do_v doubt_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o convince_v she_o of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n do_v at_o length_n seal_v she_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o alpha_n the_o first_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o practical_a religion_n be_v that_o act_n whereby_o a_o soul_n do_v deliberate_o resolve_o free_o and_o express_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v itself_o unto_o god_n and_o his_o service_n thus_o the_o saint_n in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o the_o omega_n the_o last_o conclude_v and_o consummate_v work_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v its_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o do_v stephen_n act_v 17.59_o yea_o thus_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o luk._n 23.46_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o bless_a person_n she_o do_v i_o hope_v begin_v well_o in_o a_o early_a consecration_n of_o herself_o to_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o do_v end_n well_o and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o crown_v the_o work_n she_o do_v reckon_v that_o she_o have_v not_o full_o finish_v her_o course_n nor_o right_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n of_o her_o spiritual_a building_n so_o as_o to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o until_o she_o have_v most_o devout_o and_o humble_o offer_v up_o her_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o friend_n and_o minister_n according_o although_o it_o be_v midnight_n and_o although_o my_o habitation_n be_v far_o from_o she_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a last_o agony_n of_o her_o death_n she_o do_v send_v for_o i_o and_o with_o the_o clear_a use_n of_o her_o reason_n and_o the_o most_o servant_n desire_v of_o her_o soul_n she_o do_v entreat_v i_o that_o i_o will_v in_o her_o name_n solemn_o and_o express_o furrender_v and_o give_v up_o her_o soul_n into_o the_o arm_n and_o bosom_n of_o her_o saviour_n in_o who_o precious_a blood_n she_o do_v hope_n that_o all_o her_o sin_n be_v now_o full_o wash_v away_o i_o do_v ready_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o do_v comply_v with_o her_o desire_n for_o i_o do_v and_o do_v judge_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o she_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reader_n thou_o walt_z think_v as_o i_o do_v if_o thou_o shall_v read_v and_o observe_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n hereof_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n almost_o such_o another_o extraordinary_a impress_n as_o it_o may_v be_v think_v be_v make_v upon_o her_o spirit_n on_o occasion_n of_o this_o author_n be_v present_v she_o with_o a_o 9_o a_o exhortation_n to_o touth_n to_o prepare_v for_o judgement_n 11_o eccl._n 9_o funeral_n sermon_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v but_o a_o little_a kefore_o she_o be_v take_v sick_a which_o sermon_n she_o have_v receive_v and_o read_v and_o diligent_o consider_v she_o be_v hear_v to_o say_v that_o she_o do_v think_v that_o her_o own_o change_n will_v not_o be_v far_o off_o and_o that_o she_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o author_n may_v preach_v her_o funeral_n sermon_n also_o and_o she_o then_o name_v the_o text_n now_o insist_v upon_o and_o say_v that_o she_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v make_v her_o funeral_n sermon_n as_o profitable_a to_o other_o young_a one_o as_o the_o former_a sermon_n have_v be_v to_o herself_o her_o prognostic_n be_v too_o true_a as_o to_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n which_o she_o live_v after_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o she_o god_n grant_v that_o her_o hope_n be_v not_o frustrate_v but_o that_o all_o her_o die_a word_n may_v prove_v true_o prophetical_a and_o especial_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o profitable_a success_n of_o the_o sermon_n here_o before_o thou_o the_o author_n have_v do_v his_o part_n like_o himself_o as_o well_o in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a discourse_n oh_o that_o he_o may_v find_v as_o diligent_a and_o as_o consider_v reader_n as_o she_o be_v many_o excellent_a consideration_n very_a subservient_fw-fr and_o conduce_v to_o thy_o conviction_n and_o salvation_n be_v propose_v herein_o but_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n without_o thy_o own_o meditation_n and_o the_o spirit_n application_n concern_v the_o discourse_n i_o must_v say_v no_o more_o and_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n eccl._n 12.9_o and_o moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o this_o discourse_n he_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o have_v give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o argument_n for_o thy_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o moreover_o for_o prefer_v of_o death_n before_o life_n the_o lord_n convince_v thou_o by_o they_o and_o also_o carry_v thou_o comfortable_o through_o all_o time_n to_o eternity_n my_o paper_n be_v short_a and_o my_o time_n short_a i_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v for_o the_o sermon_n be_v whole_o print_v and_o stop_v only_o until_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o thy_o friend_n and_o soul_n servant_n s._n fairclough_n the_o saint_n desire_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n phil._n i._n 23._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a 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 saint_n paul_n write_v from_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o this_o chapter_n acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o bond_n and_o other_o discouragement_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n obtain_v thereby_o will_v turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v already_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o considerable_a success_n in_o that_o kind_n v._n 12_o 13_o 14._o to_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v it_o even_o in_o the_o court_n of_o caesar_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o if_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v
but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o heal_v and_o recover_v sick_a lazarus_n he_o send_v a_o most_o excellent_a remedy_n unto_o his_o sister_n to_o cure_v their_o mistake_n to_o ease_v and_o heal_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o this_o reply_n unto_o their_o importunate_a message_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o design_n 3._o the_o import_n of_o this_o answer_n i_o will_v make_v a_o few_o reflection_n upon_o the_o two_o former_a and_o then_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a affair_n i._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o obscurity_n and_o dubiousness_n of_o the_o former_a part_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n for_o the_o event_n do_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o this_o declaration_n which_o express_o deny_v that_o the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v unto_o death_n and_o yet_o laxarus_fw-la die_v this_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v render_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_v dubious_a and_o dark_a unto_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o this_o obscurity_n there_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o death_n as_o true_o answer_v that_o character_n viz._n such_o a_o privation_n of_o life_n as_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o it_o on_o which_o account_n it_o can_v true_o be_v say_v of_o the_o dead_a that_o their_o place_n know_v they_o no_o more_o and_o that_o they_o go_v the_o way_n whence_o they_o shall_v not_o return_v job_n 8.10_o c._n 16.22_o as_o also_o that_o they_o see_v corruption_n act_v 13.36_o the_o body_n quite_o lose_v that_o organization_n that_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o a_o humane_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o proper_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o under_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o see_v rom._n 5.12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 15.21_o 26_o 54_o 56._o not_o to_o mention_v several_a other_o place_n unto_o such_o a_o death_n the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v not_o his_o death_n be_v not_o a_o final_a period_n but_o only_o a_o short_a interruption_n or_o cessation_n of_o life_n which_o like_o some_o river_n which_o run_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o space_n only_o for_o a_o while_o disappear_v and_o then_o be_v again_o bring_v to_o light_n this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o darkness_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n have_v it_o so_o please_v the_o redeemer_n he_o can_v have_v speak_v in_o a_o much_o plain_a language_n he_o can_v have_v say_v though_o this_o sickness_n shall_v deprive_v lazarus_n of_o his_o life_n yet_o it_o shall_v soon_o be_v restore_v to_o he_o again_o though_o he_o shall_v true_o die_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o long_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n for_o i_o design_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thus_o can_v the_o redeemer_n have_v express_v himself_o have_v it_o so_o please_v he_o but_o he_o choose_v to_o speak_v obscure_o not_o only_a to_o these_o sister_n but_o afterward_o to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v v._o 11._o which_o metaphorical_a and_o dark_a way_n of_o speak_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o read_v v._o 13._o many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o that_o which_o this_o evangelist_n relate_v ch._n 16.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o as_o the_o language_n so_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n have_v obscurity_n in_o it_o his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o visible_a providence_n and_o invisible_a deal_n with_o the_o soul_n many_o there_o be_v who_o christ_n real_o love_v who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o labyrinth_n where_o they_o be_v strange_o perplex_v and_o be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v that_o their_o lord_n have_v quite_o forsake_v and_o cast_v they_o off_o when_o he_o retain_v the_o kind_a and_o most_o gracious_a purpose_n toward_a '_o they_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o place_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v his_o inheritance_n heb._n 11.8_o thus_o be_v abraham_n try_v and_o so_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n as_o indeed_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o probation_n in_o which_o we_o now_o be_v all_o that_o darkness_n and_o perplexity_n which_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o try_v and_o discover_v the_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v our_o grand_a concern_n to_o stand_v out_o this_o trial_n to_o undergo_v this_o probation_n aright_o and_o than_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v after_o a_o while_n scatter_v every_o cloud_n and_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a light_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v large_a reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o your_o own_o meditation_n can_v supply_v this_o defect_n nor_o may_v i_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o ii_o observable_a in_o the_o text_n the_o design_n of_o this_o answer_n make_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o afford_v present_a support_n unto_o the_o deject_a sister_n of_o lazarus_n he_o who_o eye_n discern_v the_o most_o hide_a and_o distant_a object_n know_v how_o their_o tender_a heart_n be_v disquiet_v and_o that_o such_o a_o spectacle_n as_o a_o decease_a die_a brother_n must_v wound_v and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o when_o their_o expectation_n be_v disappoint_v as_o to_o the_o speedy_a visit_n of_o christ_n what!_o might_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o argue_v not_o make_v so_o charitable_a so_o seasonable_a a_o visit_n to_o one_o who_o he_o love_v to_o one_o who_o need_v his_o help_n and_o must_v perish_v without_o it_o be_v this_o kindness_n to_o neglect_v a_o distress_a friend_n till_o life_n and_o all_o be_v go_v such_o disquiet_v thought_n will_v begin_v to_o rush_v into_o and_o disorder_v their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v to_o still_o this_o tempest_n that_o the_o redeemer_n send_v this_o reply_n to_o '_o they_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n though_o the_o danger_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o sickness_n join_v with_o my_o seem_a neglect_n of_o their_o brother_n will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n unto_o they_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o spirit_n yet_o let_v not_o their_o heart_n be_v trouble_v there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_v fear_n notwithstanding_o the_o dismal_a appearance_n this_o matter_n will_v have_v a_o happy_a and_o honourable_a issue_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o grant_v the_o expect_a relief_n yet_o he_o always_o provide_v support_n and_o consolation_n for_o his_o faithful_a follower_n when_o he_o determine_v to_o send_v away_o the_o multitude_n who_o have_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v they_o away_o fast_v lest_o they_o shall_v faint_v by_o the_o way_n mat._n 16.32_o though_o they_o must_v for_o a_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o his_o presence_n yet_o he_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v and_o perish_v this_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o more_o particular_o towards_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o when_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o though_o this_o request_n be_v not_o grant_v though_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o remove_v yet_o this_o most_o support_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o sometime_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n bear_v a_o aspect_n of_o unkindness_n and_o neglect_v but_o even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v employ_v to_o support_n it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n what_o care_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v to_o remove_v the_o suspicion_n of_o unkindness_n in_o the_o redeemer_n towards_o his_o friend_n lazarus_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o visit_v and_o recover_v as_o his_o sister_n request_v and_o expect_v for_o in_o the_o verse_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o answer_n of_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n add_v this_o caution_v remark_n now_o jesus_n love_v martha_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o lazarus_n his_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o intimate_v desire_n of_o
one_o time_n he_o complain_v of_o his_o service_n and_o burden_n and_o desire_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o bear_v it_o any_o long_o num._n 11.14_o 15._o at_o another_o time_n he_o speak_v with_o indecent_a passion_n unto_o the_o israelte_v and_o than_o god_n pronounce_v the_o arrest_n which_o you_o read_v num._n 20.12_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o bring_v the_o israelite_n into_o the_o promised_n land_n now_o the_o execute_n of_o that_o sentence_n do_v glorify_v god_n because_o it_o manifest_v his_o holiness_n which_o can_v not_o behold_v the_o desil_a blemish_n that_o be_v in_o moses_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a favourite_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o obedience_n and_o resignation_n of_o sick_a and_o die_a believer_n when_o a_o christian_a exercise_n that_o submission_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n that_o he_o willing_o drink_v the_o bitter_a cup_n which_o his_o father_n give_v he_o how_o honourable_a must_v this_o be_v unto_o god_n i_o this_o last_o act_n of_o obedience_n crown_v the_o whole_a christian_a course_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o spectacle_n more_o grateful_a unto_o god_n than_o a_o christian_n cheerful_o yield_v back_o his_o soul_n unto_o he_o who_o give_v it_o it_o be_v a_o resign_v obedience_n that_o render_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n a_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n glorify_v by_o it_o though_o a_o die_a christian_a can_v offer_v a_o atone_n sacrifice_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o holocaust_n when_o his_o death_n be_v perfume_v with_o a_o choose_a submission_n unto_o the_o dispose_n will_v of_o god_n on_o this_o account_n the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n import_v the_o favourite_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 116.15_o 4._o the_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o inward_a support_n and_o refreshment_n which_o sick_a and_o die_a christian_n receive_v from_o he_o at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o daughter_n of_o music_n be_v bring_v low_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v without_o relish_n then_o to_o feel_v a_o invigorate_n strength_n which_o renew_v the_o inner_a man_n when_o the_o outer_a decay_n and_o be_v sall_v down_o this_o magnify_v the_o powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n who_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o may_v increase_v strength_n isa_n 40.29_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a courage_n will_v afford_v some_o support_n but_o it_o be_v divine_a grace_n alone_o which_o can_v enable_v a_o christian_n to_o triumph_v over_o the_o pain_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o mortal_a sickness_n 2_o cor._n 5.6_o 5._o especial_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o victory_n which_o a_o christian_a gain_n over_o death_n this_o last_o enemy_n be_v a_o very_a formidable_a one_o a_o alexander_n who_o can_v encounter_n the_o vast_a army_n of_o asian_a monarch_n who_o have_v despise_v the_o terror_n of_o battle_n in_o his_o last_o sickness_n be_v so_o afraid_a of_o death_n that_o his_o court_n be_v fill_v with_o diviner_n and_o victim_n and_o all_o imaginable_a method_n be_v try_v to_o preserve_v his_o life_n when_o therefore_o a_o christian_a though_o of_o the_o tender_a fearful_a sex_n be_v raise_v above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v confident_a and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6.5_o this_o do_v high_o honour_v the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o the_o redeemer_n through_o who_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n rom._n 8.36_o 37._o 6._o the_o redeemer_n be_v glorify_v in_o that_o blessedness_n which_o he_o immediate_o confer_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o decease_a friend_n no_o soon_o have_v the_o israelite_n pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o get_v upon_o free_a land_n but_o they_o send_v up_o their_o joyful_a praise_n and_o mention_v how_o glorious_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o their_o enemy_n what_o heart_n can_v conceive_v the_o song_n of_o praise_n which_o celebrate_v the_o lamb_n and_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n when_o one_o believe_v soul_n be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o transplant_v into_o the_o heavenly_a country_n when_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v imprison_v and_o fetter_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o heavenly_a habitation_n which_o the_o redeemer_n have_v prepare_v sure_o if_o those_o who_o hear_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o paul_n glorify_v god_n in_o he_o or_o on_o his_o account_n those_o who_o be_v witness_n and_o spectator_n of_o a_o far_o more_o surprise_v change_n can_v not_o be_v want_v in_o their_o admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o god_n who_o crown_n with_o unfading_a glory_n 7._o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a bring_v glory_n unto_o the_o redeemer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o astonish_a operation_n which_o will_v raise_v the_o dissolve_a body_n and_o transform_v it_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o own_o most_o glorious_a body_n the_o sinal_a conquer_a of_o the_o last_o enemy_n must_v be_v exceed_o glorious_a unto_o that_o power_n which_o effect_n it_o the_o raise_v of_o lazarus_n and_o reinstating_a his_o body_n in_o a_o perish_a life_n do_v glorify_v the_o redeemer_n and_o this_o he_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o in_o make_v this_o answer_n what_o then_o must_v be_v the_o raise_v of_o a_o corrupt_a body_n unto_o a_o bless_a immortality_n by_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v make_v like_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n read_v and_o consider_v that_o memorable_a passage_n 2_o thes_n 1.10_o let_v we_o now_o bries_o reflect_v upon_o the_o 2._o evidence_n which_o i_o propound_v viz._n how_o the_o sickness_n and_o death_n of_o christian_n glorify_v god_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o survive_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o near_o or_o distant_o relate_v and_o 1._o god_n be_v thus_o glorify_v on_o such_o occasion_n because_o he_o manifest_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o compensate_v and_o supply_v that_o loss_n when_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a christian_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n nothing_o but_o almighty_a power_n can_v fill_v up_o such_o a_o void_a empty_a space_n and_o raise_v up_o other_o to_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o church_n resemble_v that_o poetical_a tree_n in_o which_o as_o fast_o as_o one_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o another_o do_v spring_n in_o the_o same_o place_n thus_o when_o moses_n die_v god_n find_v a_o joshua_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o succeed_v he_o when_o a_o david_n be_v lay_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o see_v corruption_n god_n sill_n his_o throne_n with_o a_o solomon_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o survive_a relative_n or_o acquaintance_n do_v glorify_v god_n on_o such_o occasion_n when_o holy_a job_n upon_o the_o surprise_v death_n of_o all_o his_o child_n at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v adore_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v his_o name_n when_o he_o take_v his_o dear_a comfort_n away_o this_o do_v effectual_o refute_v the_o reproach_v accusation_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v a_o singular_a honour_n to_o god_n who_o be_v also_o 3._o glorify_a in_o the_o comfort_v of_o those_o who_o be_v trouble_v and_o cast_v down_o by_o such_o providence_n this_o be_v one_o glorious_a character_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o he_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v cast_v down_o 2_o cor._n 7.6_o do_v not_o his_o hand_n bound_v up_o the_o wound_n no_o other_o can_v do_v it_o all_o the_o consolation_n which_o a_o creature_n can_v present_v be_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o the_o support_v of_o the_o heavenly_a comforter_n be_v never_o more_o sensible_a than_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o afflictive_a providence_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o 4._o in_o the_o 4._o and_o last_o place_n the_o sickness_n and_o death_n of_o christian_n bring_v glory_n unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o survive_v as_o those_o fruit_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o tree_n and_o lie_v about_o it_o make_v the_o soil_n more_o fruitful_a such_o sorrowful_a providence_n be_v excellent_a instruction_n about_o our_o duty_n and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o excite_v we_o unto_o our_o great_a work_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v his_o bond_n be_v equal_o true_a concern_v his_o death_n they_o be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o how_o many_o have_v owe_v their_o conversion_n and_o establishment_n unto_o the_o counsel_n and_o example_n of_o die_a christian_n the_o history_n of_o every_o church_n abound_v with_o such_o instance_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v show_v 3._o on_o what_o account_v this_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o quiet_a and_o