we_o what_o plot_n and_o descent_n have_v he_o detect_v and_o defeat_v how_o have_v he_o baffle_v the_o profound_a policy_n of_o the_o subtle_a achitophel_n and_o make_v he_o prove_v according_a to_o his_o name_n in_o hebrew_n no_o better_a than_o the_o brother_n or_o cousin-germain_n to_o a_o fool_n oh_o then_o let_v we_o praise_v our_o god_n according_a to_o his_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o be_v wonderful_o deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n let_v we_o serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xii_o preach_v november_n 27._o 1692._o the_o sunday_n before_o the_o author_n die_v heb._n two_o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o former_a chap._n display_v the_o excellent_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o style_v he_o ver_fw-la 2._o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v we_o we_o far_o ver_fw-la 3._o that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o upholder_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o show_v how_o far_o christ_n transcend_v all_o the_o holy_a angel_n these_o he_o say_v be_v but_o servant_n and_o minister_a spirit_n but_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o command_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n christ_n but_o he_o have_v á_o throne_n a_o sceptre_n a_o sceptre_n of_o righteousness_n yea_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o own_o heavenly_a kingdom_n thus_o great_a thus_o glorious_a a_o person_n be_v christ_n heaven_n itself_o have_v nothing_o great_a and_o yet_o as_o great_a as_o glorious_a as_o he_o be_v his_o father_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v he_o in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n o_o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o heaven_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n be_v most_o willing_a to_o save_v poor_a sinner_n see_v he_o send_v to_o they_o and_o that_o his_o own_o son_n to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o salvation_n hence_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n have_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o prophet_n it_o have_v be_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a condescension_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o entreat_v rebel_n sinner_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o heaven_n and_o accept_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o stupendous_a love_n and_o mercy_n as_o do_v as_o much_o exceed_v our_o imagination_n as_o it_o do_v our_o desert_n st._n paul_n have_v thus_o dispiay_v the_o excellent_a majesty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o that_o he_o send_v his_o eternal_a son_n to_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tender_a salvation_n to_o lose_a and_o undo_v sinner_n he_o begin_v the_o 2d_o chapter_n with_o a_o serious_a and_o passionate_a admonition_n we_o therefore_o say_v he_o aught_o to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v if_o god_n have_v convey_v the_o gospel_n to_o christian_n as_o he_o do_v the_o law_n unto_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n we_o can_v not_o have_v slight_v it_o without_o gross_a ingratitude_n and_o our_o disobedience_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v ver_fw-la 2._o will_v have_v receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v we_o now_o he_o think_v worthy_a see_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o predicant_o see_v christ_n jesus_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o honour_n and_o value_v this_o gospel_n what_o earnest_a heed_n shall_v we_o give_v to_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o or_o preach_v from_o it_o whatever_o admonition_n exhortation_n or_o reproof_n minister_n give_v we_o out_o of_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o word_n of_o frail_a man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n christian_n therefore_o will_v be_v most_o inexcusable_a they_o of_o all_o man_n will_v deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n if_o they_o shall_v neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o because_o the_o danger_n be_v thus_o great_a our_o apostle_n be_v the_o more_o earnest_a and_o passionate_a in_o his_o exhortation_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o divine_a rhetoric_n to_o make_v christian_n sensible_a of_o their_o great_a privilege_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o great_a obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n have_v by_o this_o short_a preface_n lead_v you_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v fetch_v from_o thence_o these_o three_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_v great_a second_o that_o those_o christian_n which_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n must_v expect_v the_o severe_a punishment_n in_o hell_n three_o that_o minister_n may_v very_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o passionate_a in_o their_o exhortation_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n first_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_v great_a it_o be_v call_v great_a salvation_n in_o the_o text_n yea_o the_o apostle_n put_v a_o emphasis_n upon_o it_o and_o call_v it_o so_o great_a salvation_n learned_a man_n render_v it_o eximiam_fw-la ut_fw-la mire_n magnam_fw-la salutem_fw-la i._n e._n most_o admirable_a and_o most_o excellent_a salvation_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o large_a to_o be_v so_o from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n one_a the_o greatness_n of_o this_o salvation_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n that_o be_v pay_v for_o it_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v usual_o measure_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o price_n now_o how_o great_a be_v that_o price_n which_o be_v pay_v for_o this_o salvation_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o such_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v we_o offer_v a_o thousand_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n have_v we_o give_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n yea_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v whole_a hecatomb_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v not_o all_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v this_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v purchase_v it_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v man_n but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n too_o hence_o we_o be_v say_v express_o to_o be_v purchase_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n act._n 20._o 28._o we_o see_v a_o infinite_a price_n be_v pay_v heaven_n to_o purchase_v this_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o allow_v the_o apostle_n emphasis_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n 2_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o salvation_n will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o those_o evil_n it_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o seneca_n lenocinium_fw-la est_fw-la gaudii_fw-la antecedens_fw-la metus_fw-la the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n use_v to_o commend_v and_o enhance_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o deliverance_n now_o how_o great_a be_v the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o how_o great_a those_o evil_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v we_o a_o most_o tragical_a description_n of_o the_o infernal_a tophet_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o rebellious_a sinner_n chap._n 30._o 31._o tophet_n say_v he_o be_v prepare_v of_o old_a the_o pile_n thereof_o be_v fire_n and_o much_o wood_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o stream_n of_o brimstone_n do_v kindle_v it_o continual_o see_v how_o each_o word_n be_v arm_v with_o terror_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o eternal_a tophet_n prepare_v for_o all_o
remember_v such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o these_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1._o thess._n 5._o 21._o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n 2._o pet._n 3._o 17._o nay_o st._n jude_n carry_v the_o duty_n one_o step_n high_o and_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n minister_n must_v contend_v by_o their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n magistrate_n and_o gentry_n by_o their_o power_n interest_n and_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o if_o st._n jude_n will_v have_v the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o bare_o own_o but_o even_o contend_v and_o that_o earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o groan_v under_o the_o heavy_a persecution_n of_o pagan_a emperor_n sure_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v so_o who_o live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o most_o gracious_a king_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o than_o these_o two_o motive_n to_o back_o the_o exhortation_n and_o to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o disow_v it_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v the_o treasurer_n of_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o heaven_n for_o to_o it_o belong_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n to_o it_o appertain_v the_o covenant_n the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n here_o we_o may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n yea_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o apostle_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v my_o text_n every_o christian_a do_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v a_o habitation_n where_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v and_o manifest_v his_o special_a presence_n by_o the_o save_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n happy_a soul_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o privilege_n to_o lodge_v and_o entertain_v their_o god_n what_o joy_n and_o comfort_n will_v now_o crowd_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o attend_v this_o glorious_a guest_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a for_o much_o great_a happiness_n for_o these_o happy_a believer_n as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v be_v now_o become_v fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n such_o be_v here_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v a_o just_a improvement_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v afford_v they_o they_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o what_o tongue_n be_v able_a to_o express_v this_o happiness_n how_o great_a a_o honour_n how_o great_a a_o privilege_n be_v it_o think_v of_o old_a to_o be_v a_o free_a citizen_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o office_n and_o franchise_n of_o that_o imperial_a city_n so_o high_o valuable_a be_v this_o freedom_n that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o the_o act_n tell_v we_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v it_o but_o with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o mony_n to_o these_o privilege_n s._n paul_n allude_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n and_o in_o they_o all_o christian_n that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n than_o they_o be_v fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v denizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o free_a of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v above_o even_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o thou_o city_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o heb._n 12._o that_o here_o dwell_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o glorious_a angel_n the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a that_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n the_o first-born_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophet_n martyr_n confessor_n and_o all_o those_o just_a man_n that_o be_v already_o make_v perfect_a nay_o far_o yet_o here_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o vouchsale_n his_o glorious_a presence_n and_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v citizen_n therefore_o of_o this_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o most_o ravish_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o paradise_n with_o the_o holy_a jesus_n it_o be_v to_o lie_v with_o lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n feed_v continual_o on_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o drink_v of_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n which_o run_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n but_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o can_v unless_o it_o be_v what_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n namely_o the_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o dare_v disow_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o can_v give_v you_o a_o true_a prospect_n of_o their_o sad_a condition_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 10._o 33._o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o my_o word_n before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n how_o many_o woe_n be_v crowd_v into_o this_o one_o sentence_n i_o will_v deny_v he_o it_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o a_o compendious_a expression_n of_o hell_n a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n comprise_v in_o a_o word_n oh_o the_o ineffable_a horror_n that_o will_v seize_v the_o poor_a sinner_n when_o he_o stand_v arraign_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o heaven_n when_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o shall_v see_v his_o very_a advocate_n become_v his_o accufer_n and_o hear_v his_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o his_o merciful_a saviour_n the_o very_a hear_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o punishment_n anticipate_v the_o execution_n and_o now_o if_o i_o can_v give_v you_o a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o guilt_n and_o horror_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o paint_v out_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n on_o the_o other_o i_o may_v then_o hope_v to_o show_v you_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n as_o shall_v be_v thus_o disow_v and_o deny_v by_o his_o saviour_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o shall_v find_v more_o ingredient_n of_o horror_n in_o this_o condemnation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o christ_n threaten_v to_o deny_v such_o a_o sinner_n before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o room_n for_o comfort_n after_o the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n it_o will_v be_v this_o of_o be_v execute_v in_o secret_a but_o it_o seem_v the_o sinner_n folly_n must_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o all_o his_o baseness_n rip_v up_o before_o the_o whole_a world_n christ_n will_v now_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n compare_v himself_o who_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o be_v deny_v together_o he_o will_v now_o parallel_v his_o infinite_a merit_n with_o a_o lust_n and_o lay_v eternity_n in_o the_o balance_n with_o a_o trifle_n he_o will_v now_o propose_v that_o worthy_a price_n for_o which_o he_o be_v deny_v he_o will_v hold_v it_o up_o to_o open_a view_n he_o will_v call_v upon_o man_n and_o angel_n say_v behold_v that_o piece_n of_o dirt_n that_o windy_a applause_n that_o corruptible_a dower_n that_o poor_a transitory_a satisfaction_n for_o which_o i_o be_v dishonour_v and_o my_o truth_n disow_v for_o which_o life_n eternity_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v scorn_v yea_o trample_v on_o by_o this_o vile_a wretched_a sinner_n judge_v all_o the_o world_n whether_o what_o he_o despise_v in_o the_o other_o life_n he_o deserve_v to_o enjoy_v in_o this_o how_o will_v the_o vile_a wretched_a sinner_n then_o crawl_v forth_o and_o appear_v in_o all_o his_o filth_n he_o will_v then_o call_v in_o vain_a upon_o the_o
come_v now_o four_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o reason_n and_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o one_a our_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o preserve_v that_o save_a growth_n in_o grace_n the_o pious_a christian_a have_v already_o attain_v to_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n can_v total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n according_a to_o these_o man_n sentiment_n he_o that_o be_v once_o sincere_o righteous_a will_v infallible_o hold_v on_o and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n now_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a this_o exhortation_n will_v be_v vain_a but_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n hear_v what_o st._n peter_n say_v chap._n 1._o of_o this_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v he_o to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v you_o see_v he_o put_v a_o if_o in_o the_o case_n such_o as_o fair_o imply_v that_o we_o may_v neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n rom._n 11._o 20._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o this_o dangerous_a opinion_n we_o can_v desire_v than_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n no_o all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v thus_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v fall_v away_o from_o that_o save_a state_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o secure_v his_o steadfastness_n than_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n our_o apostle_n it_o seem_v think_v so_o for_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n beware_v brethren_n lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n he_o present_o subjoin_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o fall_v but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n that_o it_o be_v in_o natural_n for_o as_o a_o man_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o natural_a action_n preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n so_o the_o christian_a by_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n preserve_v his_o spiritual_a life_n the_o musician_n screw_v up_o his_o peg_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v low_o than_o the_o true_a note_n even_o so_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o aspire_v to_o the_o less_o danger_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o of_o fall_v low_o than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o this_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o continue_v these_o our_o serious_a endeavour_n 2_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o a_o further_a growth_n in_o grace_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n will_v give_v the_o pious_a christian_a a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o hide_a manna_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n which_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o delight_n now_o nothing_o beside_o a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n can_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o create_v this_o full_a assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o these_o heroic_a attainment_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grace_n be_v that_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v mark_v and_o seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o certain_o the_o bright_a and_o more_o evident_a that_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a will_v it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o the_o full_a our_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n many_o good_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o yet_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o comfortable_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n which_o do_v often_o accompany_v these_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o more_o we_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_o our_o grace_n shine_n the_o more_o comfortable_a will_v our_o assurance_n be_v and_o the_o clear_a our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n read_v st._n paul_n 11_o chap._n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o he_o set_v down_o a_o large_a calendar_n of_o god_n eminent_a saint_n such_o as_o advance_v into_o the_o high_a form_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o you_o will_v find_v their_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o be_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o their_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o their_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n for_o st._n paul_n describe_v their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 1._o call_v it_o the_o substance_n or_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 3_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o will_v secure_v our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a so_o they_o will_v hereafter_o advance_v we_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n we_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n even_o as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o say_v st._n paul_n shall_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v splendour_n dispar_fw-la caelum_fw-la common_a the_o saint_n shall_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o yet_o like_a star_n they_o shall_v shine_v with_o different_a ray_n of_o glory_n now_o these_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n will_v be_v confer_v on_o such_o who_o arrive_v at_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n hence_o when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n john_n 14._o 2._o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n tertullian_n remark_n thus_o upon_o the_o place_n quomodo_fw-la multae_fw-la mansiones_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la pro_fw-la varietate_fw-la meritorum_fw-la wherefore_o say_v he_o shall_v our_o saviour_n mention_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n if_o there_o be_v not_o several_a room_n of_o different_a size_n and_o glory_n provide_v for_o his_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o desert_n indeed_o heaven_n have_v room_n enough_o to_o lodge_v all_o the_o godly_a but_o as_o in_o other_o magnificent_a palace_n so_o in_o this_o of_o heaven_n there_o be_v high_a and_o low_o large_a and_o lesser_a mansion_n in_o which_o god_n saint_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o those_o service_n they_o have_v perform_v upon_o earth_n their_o reward_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o their_o obedience_n here_o see_v then_o what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n these_o it_o seem_v will_v create_v a_o heaven_n in_o our_o soul_n whilst_o we_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n these_o will_n at_o our_o death_n carry_v our_o soul_n as_o high_a as_o heaven_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o they_o will_v lodge_v they_o in_o the_o best_a mansion_n there_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o our_o apostle_n chap._n 1._o 11._o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v then_o shall_v a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o until_o we_o appear_v before_o our_o god_n in_o zion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n
to_o die_v soon_o be_v press_v with_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n if_o i_o consult_v myself_o and_o my_o own_o good_a it_o be_v doubtless_o better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v and_o enter_v present_o into_o happiness_n but_o then_o if_o i_o consult_v your_o convenience_n it_o be_v better_a i_o shall_v live_v long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o your_o edification_n now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v suppose_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v have_v sleep_v after_o death_n and_o not_o present_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o fruition_n of_o bliss_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o strait_a in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o dispute_n but_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v still_o in_o the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v in_o a_o constant_a sleep_n or_o in_o a_o senseless_a state_n of_o stupidity_n and_o inactivity_n from_o all_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sleep_v after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n as_o some_o among_o we_o fancy_n but_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o bliss_n as_o lazarus_n be_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o the_o thief_n here_o in_o the_o text_n into_o paradise_n use_v and_o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v celebrate_v their_o funeral_n with_o joy_n and_o feast_v we_o use_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o friend_n in_o this_o world_n and_o they_o much_o more_o at_o their_o happiness_n in_o a_o better_a they_o do_v not_o therefore_o as_o we_o do_v now_o hang_v their_o house_n and_o church_n with_o mourn_v but_o as_o prudentius_n tell_v we_o with_o white_a the_o emblem_n of_o joy_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n as_o their_o birthday_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n and_o their_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n as_o a_o entrance_n upon_o the_o incomprehensible_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a and_o indeed_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o rejoice_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v possess_v of_o and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n by_o these_o two_o thing_n one_a they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ._n two_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n one_a the_o godly_a after_o death_n be_v say_v to_o be_v with_o christ._n now_o how_o great_a be_v the_o happiness_n which_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n of_o heaven_n nay_o far_o we_o must_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o sure_o such_o company_n can_v but_o enhance_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n society_n be_v ordinary_o style_v sal_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la the_o salt_n of_o life_n without_o this_o the_o life_n of_o man_n will_v be_v most_o unsavoury_a and_o unpleasant_a we_o know_v god_n say_v at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o it_o seem_v paradise_n itself_o will_v have_v be_v a_o valley_n of_o bacha_n little_o less_o than_o a_o comfortless_a solitude_n without_o the_o refreshment_n of_o society_n that_o therefore_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v to_o complete_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o paradise_n above_o st._n paul_n heb._n 12._o 22._o give_v we_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o that_o glorious_a company_n we_o shall_v converse_v with_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v come_v say_v he_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n from_o which_o place_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v also_o be_v with_o god_n with_o angel_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a now_o such_o glorious_a company_n can_v but_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n exceed_v great_a as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a by_o consider_v in_o particular_a what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v first_o with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n and_o three_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o christ._n one_a let_v we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n and_o how_o the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n be_v enhance_v by_o such_o glorious_a company_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o godly_a here_o below_o that_o with_o daniel_n they_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o den_n with_o lion_n or_o else_o converse_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v at_o ephesus_n with_o man_n that_o do_v more_o true_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o beast_n how_o be_v righteous_a lot_n vex_v daily_o with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n how_o do_v david_n mourn_v that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n and_o sojourn_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n the_o good_a man_n whilst_o he_o live_v in_o this_o world_n have_v his_o eye_n daily_o bloodshot_a with_o murder_n his_o ear_n unhallowed_a with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n his_o nostril_n offend_v with_o the_o drunkard_n vomit_n and_o his_o memory_n make_v too_o often_o the_o cabinet_n of_o vain_a frothy_a or_o obscene_a discourse_n so_o that_o with_o good_a lucullus_n in_o tully_n he_o frequent_o desire_v his_o memory_n be_v worse_o or_o that_o he_o can_v learn_v the_o art_n of_o oblivion_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o godly_a shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o vile_a and_o troublesome_a company_n here_o there_o will_v be_v no_o murderer_n no_o whoremonger_n no_o drunkard_n no_o dog_n to_o molest_v they_o rev._n 22._o 15._o in_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n there_o will_v be_v no_o canaanites_n to_o be_v prick_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n but_o they_o shall_v converse_v for_o ever_o with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n and_o live_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a now_o what_o it_o be_v thus_o to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o distinct_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n one_a the_o godly_a shall_v know_v all_o the_o bless_a saint_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v dispute_v by_o any_o divine_n whether_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n shall_v know_v one_o another_o but_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v little_a comfort_n in_o society_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o a_o familiar_a acquaintance_n st._n austin_n therefore_o tell_v we_o in_o caelum_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la omnes_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la singuli_fw-la cognoscentur_fw-la in_o heaven_n say_v he_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v of_o every_o man_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v of_o all_o men._n it_o be_v report_v of_o luther_n that_o be_v reasonable_a well_o the_o night_n before_o he_o die_v he_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o discourse_n happen_v to_o be_v whether_o they_o shall_v know_v one_o another_o in_o heaven_n whether_o the_o father_n shall_v know_v his_o child_n a_o husband_n his_o wife_n and_o a_o friend_n his_o friend_n luther_n resolve_v the_o point_n in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o give_v this_o reason_n among_o other_o for_o it_o adam_n say_v he_o know_v eve_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v she_o and_o be_v sure_a our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v much_o great_a than_o his_o be_v in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n none_o will_v be_v strangger_n there_o but_o every_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v know_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n and_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o find_v mat._n 17._o 4._o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v christ_n transfiguration_n know_v moses_n and_o elias_n who_o they_o have_v never_o see_v before_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v full_o illuminate_v and_o perfect_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n know_v exact_o all_o the_o bless_a one_o though_o never_o acquaint_v with_o they_o upon_o earth_n this_o therefore_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 13._o 28._o they_o shall_v know_v all_o those_o worthy_n and_o hero_n that_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o or_o shall_v come_v thither_o after_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2_o we_o
eternal_o to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v and_o admire_v the_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o glorify_a jesus_n so_o we_o be_v tell_v 2_o thess._n 1._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v admire_v in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v 2_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v with_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o which_o be_v more_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o his_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o enjoy_v he_o and_o have_v sweet_a and_o ravish_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o bliss_n to_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v happiness_n great_a beyond_o our_o utmost_a imagination_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o as_o little_a drop_n if_o compare_v to_o that_o ocean_n of_o bliss_n which_o will_v flow_v into_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a say_n of_o luther_n that_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o hell_n with_o god_n presence_n than_o in_o heaven_n without_o it_o and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o able_a to_o convert_v even_o hell_n itself_o into_o heaven_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o will_v certain_o make_v heaven_n become_v what_o it_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n a_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o joy_n the_o quintessence_n of_o comfort_n the_o crown_n of_o blessedness_n and_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o heaven_n for_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v god_n we_o must_v needs_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n all_o that_o be_v good_a do_v at_o first_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o eminent_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o as_o in_o its_o fountain_n and_o original_a all_o that_o can_v delight_v our_o soul_n or_o ravish_v our_o heart_n all_o that_o be_v lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o great_a perfection_n well_o than_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v psal._n 16._o 11._o in_o thy_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o because_o so_o copious_a so_o pleasant_a and_o so_o edify_v a_o subject_a do_v deserve_v better_a than_o to_o be_v light_o touch_v in_o the_o close_a of_o a_o sermon_n i_o shall_v reserve_v the_o full_a handle_n of_o it_o till_o the_o next_o opportunity_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o top_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o exhort_v you_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o the_o trinity_n here_o the_o more_o capable_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n hereafter_o when_o therefore_o you_o go_v home_o meditate_v on_o the_o lesson_n and_o other_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o our_o church_n this_o day_n recommend_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o prepare_v yourselves_o for_o the_o happy_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o in_o heaven_n which_o god_n grant_v sermon_n ix_o luke_n xxiv_o 43._o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n i_o have_v former_o make_v some_o entrance_n upon_o these_o word_n and_o hope_v now_o to_o finish_v they_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v first_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n second_o the_o happiness_n be_v exceed_o great_a for_o it_o be_v say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n first_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o call_v psycho-pannicletes_a who_o hold_v the_o soul_n after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n sleep_v all_o the_o while_n till_o the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o consequent_o be_v neither_o in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n or_o misery_n but_o how_o do_v these_o man_n err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n for_o here_o in_o the_o text_n our_o saviour_n say_v unto_o the_o thief_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n paradise_n be_v a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o bliss_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n now_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v this_o honest_a thief_n to_o be_v that_o very_a day_n i_o name_v several_a text_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o truth_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n which_o you_o will_v find_v phil._n 1._o 21_o 22._o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o say_v st._n paul_n 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 nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v tell_v whether_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v long_o or_o die_v soon_o be_v press_v with_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n if_o i_o consult_v my_o own_o good_a it_o be_v doubtless_o better_a for_o i_o die_v and_o enter_v present_o into_o happiness_n but_o then_o if_o i_o consult_v your_o convenience_n it_o be_v better_a i_o shall_v live_v long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o your_o edification_n now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v suppose_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v have_v sleep_v after_o death_n and_o not_o present_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o fruition_n of_o bliss_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o strait_a in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o dispute_n but_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v still_o in_o the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v in_o a_o constant_a sleep_n or_o in_o a_o senseless_a state_n of_o stupidity_n and_o inactivity_n from_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sleep_v after_o death_n but_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o bliss_n as_o lazarus_n be_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o this_o honest_a thief_n in_o the_o text_n into_o paradise_n second_o this_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v exceed_v great_a for_o they_o be_v say_v one_a to_o be_v with_o christ._n and_o 2_o to_o be_v in_o paradise_n 1._o the_o godly_a after_o death_n be_v say_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o how_o great_a be_v the_o happiness_n which_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o word_n for_o we_o can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n so_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o heb._n 12._o 22_o 23._o we_o shall_v come_v say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v with_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v with_o god_n with_o angel_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o sure_o such_o glorious_a company_n can_v but_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n exceed_v great_a 1._o i_o show_v you_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o paradise_n be_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n nor_o shall_v we_o bare_o be_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o if_o the_o three_o disciple_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o christ_n transfiguration_n know_v moses_n and_o elias_n who_o they_o have_v never_o see_v before_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o be_v full_o illuminate_v and_o perfect_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n shall_v know_v all_o
shall_v see_v the_o king_n of_o king_n in_o all_o his_o beauty_n isaiah_n 33._o 17._o indeed_o the_o soul_n here_o below_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n seek_v she_o belove_v only_o in_o the_o dark_a behold_v his_o backpart_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o his_o creature_n read_v a_o little_a more_o of_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o taste_v a_o little_a more_o of_o he_o in_o his_o comfortable_a ordinance_n yet_o still_o she_o see_v he_o but_o dark_o and_o through_o the_o lattice_n and_o all_o be_v able_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o to_o make_v her_o sick_a of_o love_n but_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 12_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o schoolmans_n negative_a knowledge_n and_o be_v proud_a when_o we_o know_v only_o what_o god_n be_v not_o no_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o positive_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o as_o st._n john_n phrase_n it_o see_v he_o even_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o what_o strange_a expression_n be_v these_o how_o clear_a and_o how_o full_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o import_v we_o shall_v no_o long_o read_v of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v of_o he_o by_o his_o minister_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n yea_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o all_o that_o wonderful_a glory_n which_o be_v the_o light_n and_o sun_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n now_o how_o much_o such_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v increase_v our_o future_a happiness_n we_o may_v learn_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o story_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n the_o q._n of_o sheba_n hear_v indeed_o some_o imperfect_a report_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n in_o her_o own_o country_n but_o when_o she_o come_v and_o see_v his_o person_n hear_v his_o incomparable_a wisdom_n and_o have_v be_v a_o happy_a spectator_n of_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o royal_a magnificence_n of_o his_o court_n she_o be_v then_o sweet_o astonish_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o spirit_n leave_v in_o she_o even_o so_o when_o the_o pious_a soul_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o there_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o honour_n infinite_o beyond_o and_o above_o all_o she_o ever_o hear_v of_o he_o by_o his_o minister_n or_o read_v of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n when_o she_o shall_v behold_v the_o attendance_n of_o his_o throne_n even_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o angel_n and_o comprehend_v all_o those_o ineffable_a glory_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v with_o what_o please_a ecstasy_n of_o admiration_n will_v she_o then_o be_v transport_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2_o our_o happiness_n in_o paradise_n will_v not_o bare_o consist_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o eternity_n knowledge_n without_o fruition_n can_v only_o give_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o moses_n upon_o mount_n nebo_n at_o best_a but_o a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n but_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o see_v this_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o we_o shall_v taste_v the_o milk_n and_o the_o honey_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o see_v and_o know_v god_n but_o we_o shall_v also_o enjoy_v he_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v elegant_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o feast_n because_o friend_n usual_o enjoy_v themselves_o most_o when_o they_o feast_v together_o now_o what_o strange_a expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v those_o which_o we_o read_v rev._n 19_o 9_o where_o the_o angel_n bid_v s._n john_n write_v thus_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v call_v to_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n they_o use_v to_o have_v their_o great_a feast_n at_o supper_n but_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o not_o only_o by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o supper_n but_o also_o of_o a_o marriage_n supper_n to_o denote_v that_o more_o intimate_a and_o pleasant_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o saint_n may_v expect_v in_o heaven_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o this_o these_o emphatical_a word_n be_v add_v which_o perhaps_o you_o do_v not_o use_v much_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o now_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o do_v these_o say_v the_o angel_n be_v the_o true_a say_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v well_o believe_v the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o this_o happiness_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o though_o this_o which_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a text_n yet_o i_o think_v you_o will_v find_v one_o full_a to_o this_o purpose_n luk._n 12._o 37._o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v watch_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o here_o again_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o feast_n and_o our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o those_o feast_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o they_o call_v their_o saturnalia_fw-la when_o the_o master_n be_v oblige_v to_o provide_v sumptuous_a feast_n for_o their_o servant_n and_o to_o gird_v themselves_o and_o come_v forth_o and_o serve_v it_o seem_v god_n will_v deal_v thus_o with_o his_o poor_a unworthy_a servant_n he_o will_v prepare_v as_o great_a a_o feast_n for_o they_o as_o heaven_n can_v afford_v and_o will_v come_v forth_o himself_o and_o serve_v they_o in_o this_o world_n he_o make_v use_v of_o angel_n as_o minister_a spirit_n and_o employ_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a will_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o infinite_a that_o angel_n be_v but_o finite_a 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we_o heb._n 9_o 12._o joshua_n be_v deserve_o account_v a_o mighty_a saviour_n because_o have_v deliver_v israel_n from_o their_o malicious_a enemy_n he_o give_v they_o a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n how_o great_a a_o saviour_n be_v our_o joshua_n or_o jesus_n who_o have_v vanquish_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n 4_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o salvation_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o extent_n and_o amplitude_n of_o it_o this_o salvation_n be_v a_o universal_a salvation_n all_o man_n have_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o though_o salvation_n of_o old_a be_v only_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o now_o christ_n be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n god_n be_v now_o no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o 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