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 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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 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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
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
of_o a_o great_a and_o better_a hope_n be_v they_o at_o all_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a our_o fear_n if_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o promise_a salvation_n to_o sollow_v on_o our_o departure_n be_v they_o comparable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o evil_a to_o the_o bless_a life_n they_o lead_v we_o to_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a or_o comparable_a to_o the_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n which_o unpardoned_a sinner_n meet_v with_o in_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o do_v we_o not_o think_v they_o great_a and_o make_v they_o worse_o by_o our_o foolish_a fear_n than_o most_o do_v find_v they_o be_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n remove_v and_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n prepare_v and_o promise_v and_o be_v it_o a_o reasonable_a request_n that_o god_n shall_v vary_v from_o his_o settle_a course_n and_o sixed_a law_n upon_o our_o sole_a account_n will_v nothing_o else_o content_a and_o please_v we_o but_o that_o heaven_n must_v descend_v to_o earth_n or_o we_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n translate_v thither_o to_o prevent_v our_o pain_n and_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o dissolution_n which_o we_o fear_v will_v be_v so_o attend_v as_o a_o proper_a remedy_n in_o the_o present_a case_n let_v we_o samiliarize_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n by_o frequent_a serious_a meditation_n let_v we_o view_v it_o often_o in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o may_v not_o meet_v we_o with_o so_o much_o terror_n at_o our_o journey_n end_v let_v we_o admit_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o departure_n with_o particular_a application_n to_o ourselves_o and_o improve_v the_o funeral_n of_o our_o friend_n as_o a_o seasonable_a memento_n that_o our_o own_o be_v near_o let_v we_o lay_v open_a the_o picture_n of_o death_n naked_a to_o our_o view_n and_o urge_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o infinite_a glory_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o take_v in_o the_o death_n and_o promise_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o will_v reconcile_v we_o more_o to_o a_o departure_n and_o help_v to_o overcome_v our_o unreasonable_a fear_n of_o pain_n and_o sickness_n antecedent_n to_o it_o 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o declension_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v another_o ground_n of_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o to_o a_o degenerate_a soul_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n a_o everlasting_a distance_n will_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o a_o local_a presence_n for_o that_o can_v not_o make_v he_o happy_a he_o will_v still_o be_v as_o far_o remove_v from_o bliss_n by_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o millstone_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n will_v be_v from_o moisture_n but_o the_o company_n and_o converse_n of_o those_o we_o love_v must_v needs_o be_v eligible_a and_o the_o more_o we_o love_v they_o the_o strong_a will_n still_o be_v our_o desire_n of_o be_v with_o they_o and_o the_o more_o impatient_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o every_o delay_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o seize_v and_o secret_a language_n of_o our_o heart_n who_o have_v we_o in_o heaven_n but_o christ_n and_o be_v we_o not_o desirous_a to_o forsake_v this_o earth_n to_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n certain_o the_o growth_n and_o strength_n and_o exercise_v of_o holy_a love_n to_o christ_n will_v even_o render_v our_o dissolution_n grateful_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o make_v our_o heart_n rejoice_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n as_o it_o do_v old_a jacob_n to_o see_v the_o wagon_n that_o be_v send_v to_o fetch_v we_o to_o our_o belove_a jesus_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o that_o country_n whither_o we_o be_v go_v 4._o immoderate_a love_n to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o our_o temporal_a life_n be_v we_o crucify_v to_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a joy_n to_o worldly_a honour_n and_o earthly_a riches_n we_o shall_v less_o regret_n the_o thought_n of_o die_v and_o more_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v not_o ordinary_o so_o violent_a and_o intolerable_a to_o one_o who_o strength_n be_v waste_v by_o a_o pine_a sickness_n as_o to_o he_o who_o be_v arrest_v sudden_o in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n so_o will_v he_o more_o easy_o leave_v this_o world_n who_o for_o some_o time_n past_a have_v be_v die_v to_o it_o be_v we_o more_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o we_o by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.14_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o affectionate_o hug_v the_o carcase_n of_o a_o dead_a enemy_n who_o we_o ourselves_o have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v but_o wait_v for_o the_o time_n and_o long_o for_o the_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o and_o be_v go_v to_o our_o eternal_a rest_n let_v we_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a method_n of_o mortification_n and_o look_v on_o this_o world_n as_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o ourselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o as_o exile_n from_o our_o own_o country_n and_o hasten_v to_o it_o and_o we_o can_v but_o wish_v ourselves_o at_o home_n and_o desire_v a_o departure_n as_o necessary_a thereto_o and_o in_o the_o interim_n sigh_v to_o think_v of_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o difference_n between_o the_o slender_a entertainment_n of_o our_o inn_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n of_o our_o father_n house_n 5._o blot_a evidence_n and_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n concern_v our_o title_n to_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o this_o we_o all_o pretend_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v a_o sadducee_n be_v loath_a to_o die_v lest_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o all_o a_o unprepared_a sinner_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v miserable_a and_o a_o doubt_v christian_a because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o happiness_n or_o misery_n shall_v be_v his_o portion_n after_o his_o departure_n for_o be_v we_o well_o assure_v we_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n for_o ever_o we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v dissolve_v have_v we_o any_o better_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o god_n our_o covenant-father_n that_o heaven_n will_v be_v our_o inheritance_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n we_o may_v rejoice_v to_o think_v of_o our_o departure_n when_o and_o how_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v we_o when_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n he_o can_v bold_o venture_v upon_o death_n and_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o darkness_n without_o fear_n of_o evil_a psal_n 23.4_o 6._o but_o when_o distress_n have_v bring_v his_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v of_o his_o condition_n he_o cry_v o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a long_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v psal_n 39.13_o can_v you_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o canticle_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o cant._n 6.3_o you_o may_v cheerful_o join_v your_o amen_o when_o you_o hear_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v in_o the_o revelation_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o rev._n 20.22_o therefore_o try_v your_o state_n and_o examine_v yourselves_o afresh_o and_o endeavour_v with_o your_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o obtain_v a_o well_o ground_a assurance_n found_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o compare_v the_o promise_n of_o remission_n and_o eternal_a life_n with_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o shall_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o even_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n to_o which_o end_n let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o daily_a act_n of_o repentance_n to_o obtain_v a_o daily_a pardon_n let_v we_o sum_n up_o our_o account_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o every_o page_n i_o mean_v reflect_v every_o night_n on_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o precede_a day_n that_o we_o may_v rest_v on_o our_o bed_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o daily_a pardon_n and_o be_v as_o sit_v to_o die_v as_o we_o be_v to_o sleep_v 6._o our_o fond_a affection_n to_o our_o friend_n on_o earth_n may_v make_v we_o loath_a to_o die_v though_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n but_o be_v not_o his_o bosom_n more_o desirable_a than_o the_o arm_n and_o embrace_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n must_v we_o not_o abandon_v and_o hate_v they_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n luke_n 14.26_o i_o e._n use_v they_o as_o contemptible_a and_o hate_a thing_n if_o they_o keep_v we_o from_o he_o have_v we_o not_o solemn_o engage_v to_o do_v so_o by_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o stand_v to_o our_o agreement_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o our_o friend_n on_o earth_n
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
follower_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v with_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n let_v this_o then_o be_v remember_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mourn_v fun._n mourn_v see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr mortalitate_fw-la ad_fw-la sinem_fw-la greg._n narianz_n orat._n deca_v in_o laudem_fw-la caesarii_fw-la fratris_fw-la fun._n as_o stranger_n to_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o sin_v the_o egyptian_n mourn_v long_o for_o jacob_n than_o joseph_n do_v even_o threescore_o and_o ten_o day_n they_o that_o have_v little_a knowledge_n and_o expectation_n concern_v another_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a may_v more_o excusable_o extend_v their_o funeral_n sorrow_n and_o grieve_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o and_o equal_a the_o day_n of_o their_o mourn_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o so_o tedious_a a_o funeral_n solemnity_n will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o joseph_n faith_n have_v he_o show_v himself_o more_o a_o son_n by_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o natural_a affection_n in_o mourn_v long_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o less_o a_o patriarch_n when_o god_n restore_v to_o job_n after_o his_o long_a trial_n double_a for_o all_o his_o cattle_n and_o good_n which_o he_o have_v lose_v as_o fourteen_o thousand_o sheep_n for_o seven_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n he_o give_v he_o but_o the_o same_o number_n of_o child_n again_o for_o they_o be_v not_o real_o lose_v though_o death_n remove_v they_o they_o be_v alive_a in_o another_o state_n and_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a person_n he_o have_v the_o like_a number_n in_o heaven_n as_o god_n give_v he_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o a_o christian_a mourner_n to_o consider_v that_o his_o decease_a friend_n be_v not_o lose_v but_o live_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n must_v take_v place_n of_o i_o i_o know_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o and_o absolute_o resign_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o be_v i_o or_o can_v hope_v to_o see_v his_o face_n i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v short_o follow_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o eye_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o adore_v and_o not_o charge_n god_n foolish_o but_o methinks_v i_o know_v with_o sensible_a support_a insluence_n from_o such_o a_o thought_n that_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_v she_o be_v not_o lose_v but_o live_v and_o if_o i_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v meet_v she_o there_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o redeemer_n and_o then_o the_o company_n of_o our_o holy_a relative_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a than_o ever_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o though_o the_o bless_a vision_n of_o god_n be_v our_o chief_a hope_n and_o joy_n yet_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n will_v make_v a_o real_a though_o subordinate_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o delight_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o heavenly_a state_n that_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v one_o great_a motive_n why_o we_o love_v they_o so_o well_o now_o if_o we_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o know_v and_o love_v they_o after_o death_n we_o ought_v to_o love_v they_o but_o as_o earthly_a transitory_a thing_n and_o not_o as_o heir_n of_o heaven_n with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o last_o for_o ever_o neither_o can_v it_o well_o be_v imagine_v how_o the_o process_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o judgment-day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o it_o can_v be_v manage_v by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o lord_n redeemer_n clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n without_o our_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o be_v acquaint_v and_o converse_v together_o in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a the_o present_a relation_n by_o marriage_n and_o blood_n will_v then_o cease_v but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o relation_n must_v also_o cease_v yea_o their_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n of_o we_o and_o their_o affection_n to_o we_o who_o we_o know_v and_o love_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v abolish_v but_o perfect_v by_o die_v doubtless_o the_o angel_n who_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o particular_a sinner_n and_o the_o depart_v saint_n too_o do_v know_v more_o even_o of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n than_o we_o do_v who_o be_v 331._o be_v mr._n baxter_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n part_v 3._o p._n 331._o acquaint_v with_o so_o very_o little_a a_o part_n and_o spot_n of_o it_o which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v check_v anâ—_n inordinate_a fond_a desire_n of_o live_v to_o see_v glorious_a time_n on_o earth_n for_o if_o we_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o be_v like_a to_o know_v much_o more_o of_o those_o happy_a time_n than_o if_o we_o remain_v alive_a in_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o as_o to_o our_o mutual_a knowledge_n in_o the_o heavenly_a state_n shall_v those_o who_o we_o relieve_v on_o earth_n welcome_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luk._n 16._o and_o shall_v not_o the_o depart_a saint_n know_v one_o another_o in_o glory_n shall_v we_o then_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v the_o thessalontan_n be_v the_o joy_n and_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v he_o not_o know_v they_o or_o they_o he_o who_o prosit_v by_o his_o ministry_n do_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n know_v abraham_n afar_o off_o in_o heaven_n and_o can_v we_o think_v a_o bless_a lazarus_n shall_v not_o for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o parable_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o shall_v it_o aggravate_v the_o misery_n of_o lose_a soul_n to_o meet_v their_o wicked_a companion_n in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n as_o few_o deny_v or_o doubt_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o rejoice_v the_o bless_a to_o meet_v their_o holy_a friend_n who_o they_o know_v in_o this_o world_n do_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n know_v moses_n and_o elias_n in_o the_o transsignration_n who_o they_o never_o see_v before_o and_o we_o read_v not_o that_o christ_n tell_v they_o '_o who_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v upon_o earth_n and_o help_v one_o another_o to_o heaven_n utter_o forget_v and_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thought_n and_o proper_a to_o support_v under_o the_o death_n of_o those_o we_o have_v honour_v and_o love_v and_o profit_v by_o on_o earth_n to_o think_v that_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v meet_v and_o know_v several_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o preach_v and_o converse_v and_o write_n have_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v then_o meet_v and_o know_v several_a of_o our_o holy_a relation_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o who_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o meet_v often_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o we_o confer_v about_o the_o mystery_n and_o and_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o a_o time_n discourse_v together_o of_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n believe_o to_o foresee_v and_o consider_v that_o though_o they_o be_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v meet_v they_o again_o at_o the_o last_o great_a supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n in_o the_o celestial_a kingdom_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o suppose_v such_o a_o distinct_a and_o personal_a knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n of_o one_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o world_n and_o educate_v i_o in_o his_o fear_n who_o instruct_v my_o tender_a year_n and_o teach_v i_o early_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n or_o this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v at_o so_o 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one_o will_v wonder_v what_o apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n such_o careless_a christian_n have_v who_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o disbelieve_v or_o deny_v the_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o yet_o feel_v no_o correspondent_a impression_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n weight_n and_o tendency_n of_o such_o thing_n let_v i_o ask_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o have_v neglect_v hitherto_o to_o make_v ready_a do_v thou_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v receive_v thy_o depart_a soul_n at_o death_n or_o no_o will_v he_o acquit_v and_o own_v thou_o in_o the_o judgement_n or_o no_o what_o say_v thou_o have_v thou_o inquire_v and_o examine_v and_o make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o know_v this_o and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o it_o how_o be_v it_o that_o thy_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o thought_n thy_o mouth_n with_o other_o talk_n and_o thy_o time_n employ_v about_o other_o thing_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v so_o 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servant_n so_o as_o to_o wean_v you_o from_o the_o world_n and_o make_v you_o place_v your_o hope_n and_o happiness_n above_o choose_v god_n for_o your_o only_a portion_n and_o christ_n for_o your_o teacher_n saviour_n and_o lord_n enable_v you_o to_o live_v with_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o believe_a expectation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v prefer_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a life_n and_o if_o upon_o serious_a search_n your_o heart_n condemn_v you_o not_o you_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n without_o examine_v and_o how_o can_v you_o have_v this_o confidence_n without_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o how_o can_v you_o think_v of_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n with_o comfort_n without_o some_o such_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 4._o you_o shall_v likewise_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o every_o relation_n and_o condition_n as_o expect_v to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n when_o your_o lord_n shall_v come_v do_v nothing_o now_o but_o you_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v of_o then_o nothing_o that_o you_o will_v be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o have_v rip_v up_o open_v and_o discover_v in_o that_o day_n think_v with_o yourselves_o often_o be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o do_v the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o lead_v the_o design_n that_o i_o now_o pursue_v such_o as_o will_v be_v sweet_a or_o bitter_a to_o be_v remember_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o shame_n or_o honour_n to_o my_o joy_n or_o my_o confusion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reckon_a when_o i_o must_v stand_v before_o my_o judge_n how_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n may_v this_o repel_v how_o many_o necessary_a duty_n may_v this_o awaken_v we_o to_o perform_v especial_o towards_o relation_n it_o may_v now_o be_v a_o terrible_a thought_n to_o some_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o foresee_v that_o those_o of_o our_o relation_n who_o we_o most_o tender_o love_v be_v like_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o condemn_a sentence_n of_o christ_n and_o perish_v eternal_o you_o can_v hardly_o bear_v up_o now_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o thought_n will_v you_o not_o then_o awake_a to_o counsel_n warn_v reprove_v exhort_v admonish_v and_o entreat_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v your_o faithfulness_n shall_v be_v your_o comfort_n and_o their_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o diminish_v your_o happiness_n though_o it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o doom_n if_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o one_o relation_n suppose_v a_o wicked_a child_n to_o behold_v his_o parent_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o judge_n one_o or_o both_o of_o they_o own_v by_o christ_n rejoice_v in_o his_o love_n and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o righteous_a sentence_n without_o any_o such_o bowel_n of_o pity_n towards_o they_o as_o now_o they_o feel_v and_o if_o we_o can_v imagine_v they_o to_o discourse_v together_o how_o may_v holy_a parent_n mind_n they_o of_o the_o various_a method_n they_o use_v to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o prayer_n with_o which_o they_o follow_v they_o from_o year_n to_o year_n i_o beget_v thou_o or_o bring_v thou_o forth_o i_o lay_v thou_o in_o my_o bosom_n i_o carry_v thou_o in_o my_o arm_n i_o take_v care_n of_o thou_o in_o infancy_n i_o instruct_v thou_o in_o childhood_n i_o look_v after_o thy_o education_n i_o bring_v thou_o to_o the_o public_a assembly_n i_o put_v thou_o upon_o secret_a prayer_n i_o warn_v
he_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a to_o live_v or_o die_v v._n 19_o 20._o for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v v._o 21._o his_o life_n he_o hope_v may_v advance_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o death_n will_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o same_o design_n by_o his_o further_a service_n if_o he_o live_v and_o by_o his_o suffering_n if_o he_o die_v by_o his_o ministry_n suppose_v his_o life_n and_o by_o his_o martyrdom_n in_o case_n of_o his_o death_n but_o if_o i_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n v._o 22._o or_o it_o be_v worth_a my_o labour_n to_o glorsie_n the_o redeemer_n by_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_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 to_o depart_v or_o be_v dissolve_v the_o original_a word_n be_v use_v both_o by_o christian_a and_o heathen_a writer_n for_o a_o departure_n from_o any_o place_n to_o return_v home_o luke_n 12.36_o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o approach_a death_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v a_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a desire_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o with_o that_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o have_v compassion_n on_o i_o when_o as_o a_o ignorant_a blasphemer_n i_o persecute_v his_o member_n who_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o enable_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o own_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o have_v hitherto_o comfort_v i_o in_o all_o my_o tribulation_n i_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o i_o may_v be_v with_o he_o with_o he_o not_o with_o the_o bless_a angel_n or_o depart_a saint_n though_o their_o society_n will_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n not_o the_o former_a they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n and_o menial_a servant_n employ_v under_o he_o and_o though_o they_o shine_v as_o star_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o enliven_a sun_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o lustre_n and_o borrow_v their_o glory_n not_o the_o latter_a they_o have_v no_o blessedness_n but_o by_o his_o donation_n and_o purchase_n no_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o what_o he_o put_v on_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v with_o they_o only_o or_o chief_o that_o make_v they_o thus_o groan_v to_o be_v dissolve_v thus_o earnest_o desire_v to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a simple_o and_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a by_o much_o more_o better_a the_o comparative_a be_v double_a in_o the_o greek_a text_n and_o yet_o i_o wot_v not_o what_o to_o choose_v for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o love_n to_o the_o philippian_n who_o need_v his_o presence_n many_o false_a teacher_n be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o defer_v his_o own_o felicity_n for_o a_o time_n upon_o their_o account_n v._o 24._o but_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n presence_n on_o the_o otherâ—_n and_o his_o own_o unspeakale_n advantage_n by_o it_o make_v he_o desirous_a of_o a_o departure_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o determine_v for_o the_o former_a and_o be_v content_a to_o live_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v some_o secret_a intimation_n from_o heaven_n that_o all_o his_o work_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o yet_o sinish_v yet_o he_o grant_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v simple_o more_o eligible_a 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_o which_o word_n be_v not_o more_o suitable_a to_o a_o funeral_n solemnity_n than_o expressive_a of_o the_o die_a thought_n and_o temper_v of_o our_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v choose_v by_o she_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n that_o i_o may_v comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o live_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o on_o what_o ground_n and_o principle_n a_o christian_n may_v expect_v a_o future_a blessedness_n with_o christ_n after_o his_o departure_n so_o as_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v his_o desire_n after_o it_o 4._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o even_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o far_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n be_v yet_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o what_o remedy_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o such_o 5._o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a particular_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n 1._o when_o and_o how_o far_o be_v it_o warrantable_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v this_o inquiry_n may_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n as_o a_o natural_a or_o penal_a evil_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o rational_a desire_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o long_a life_n as_o the_o encouragement_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v a_o hasty_a death_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o impiety_n if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n desire_v union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o unavoidable_o dread_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o if_o torture_a pain_n and_o loathsome_a disease_n be_v the_o usual_a antecedent_n of_o die_a if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n and_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a till_o the_o general_a resurrection_n be_v the_o certain_a consequent_a of_o our_o dissolution_n we_o can_v but_o think_v of_o death_n as_o a_o matural_a evil_n and_o as_o such_o decline_n and_o fear_v it_o much_o less_o desirable_a will_v it_o appear_v if_o consider_v as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o just_a sentence_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n but_o how_o far_o our_o dissolution_n in_o this_o latter_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o reference_n to_o believer_n be_v another_o question_n and_o will_v more_o proper_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o three_o inquiry_n 2._o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v desire_v only_o as_o a_o freedom_n from_o temporal_a evil_n as_o preventive_a of_o present_a suffering_n or_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o uneasy_a circumstance_n of_o a_o prison_n or_o the_o continual_a hardship_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o adversary_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o desire_n to_o depart_v but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_v be_v burden_v he_o add_v the_o limitation_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n not_o to_o be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n not_o mere_o to_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o our_o abode_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o dwell_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o building_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o not_o mere_o to_o find_v relief_n and_o deliverance_n from_o our_o present_a burden_n when_o through_o melancholy_n or_o discontent_n we_o be_v weary_a of_o life_n job_n 7.13_o jon._n 4.3_o when_o we_o have_v set_v our_o heart_n on_o somewhat_o we_o can_v obtain_v or_o struggle_v with_o some_o difficulty_n we_o can_v master_v or_o be_v impatient_a under_o bodily_a pain_n or_o quite_o dispirited_a by_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o approach_a calamity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o wish_v for_o death_n and_o desire_v to_o depart_v be_v unbecoming_a the_o character_n the_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n much_o jess_n will_v the_o gallantry_n of_o a_o roman_a or_o a_o philosopher_n legitimate_a the_o desire_n of_o death_n only_o to_o prevent_v slavery_n or_o avoid_v disgrace_n or_o miss_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a object_n as_o
than_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o latter_a shall_v even_o make_v death_n and_o dissolution_n desirable_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o felicity_n after_o death_n here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o depart_v and_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v present_a with_o he_o 1._o the_o expression_n of_o our_o future_a blessedness_n by_o be_v with_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o representation_n of_o it_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n such_o as_o our_o ignorant_a earthly_a mind_n can_v bear_v and_o may_v be_v most_o affect_v with_o but_o when_o once_o the_o vail_n of_o darkness_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v purify_v and_o enlarge_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o bless_a company_n and_o work_v above_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o who_o our_o soul_n love_v and_o reap_v a_o happiness_n by_o do_v so_o big_a than_o our_o present_a hope_n and_o far_o above_o our_o high_a thought_n about_o it_o for_o in_o his_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v everlasting_a pleasure_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o blessedness_n purchase_v by_o infinite_a merit_n contrive_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o prepare_v by_o infinite_a power_n and_o bestow_v at_o length_n through_o infinite_a grace_n will_v in_o any_o thing_n be_v defective_a do_v not_o our_o apostle_n describe_v it_o best_o by_o assure_v we_o it_o can_v be_v describe_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o we_o ever_o see_v beyond_o what_o we_o ever_o hear_v and_o far_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ever_o think_v do_v not_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o see_v he_o revive_v our_o droop_a heart_n oh_o what_o will_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a sight_n be_v not_o the_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o harbinger_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n exceed_v comfortable_a oh_o what_o transcendent_a satisfaction_n will_v his_o presence_n give_v we_o we_o now_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o contemplation_n and_o one_o another_o with_o the_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o if_o our_o dark_a faith_n and_o our_o faint_a hope_n can_v give_v we_o such_o a_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v consequent_a to_o our_o dissolution_n into_o what_o ravish_v joy_n shall_v we_o enter_v by_o the_o open_a vision_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n be_v the_o encouragement_n and_o support_v of_o a_o christian_a now_o from_o his_o presence_n with_o we_o here_o and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v far_o better_o to_o to_o be_v present_a with_o he_o above_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o shall_v never_o question_v his_o love_n to_o we_o or_o doubt_v of_o we_o to_o he_o but_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o glorious_a exercise_n of_o the_o other_o and_o because_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v still_o increase_a our_o flame_n of_o love_n shall_v still_o rise_v high_o but_o what_o additional_a bliss_n the_o soul_n shall_v have_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o the_o judgement_n day_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n bless_a be_v god_n we_o know_v so_o much_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n enough_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n and_o quicken_v our_o preparation_n and_o encourage_v our_o perseverance_n and_o let_v we_o bless_v he_o more_o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v such_o a_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o redeemer_n as_o we_o can_v full_o understand_v till_o death_n convey_v we_o to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o eligible_a in_o itself_o as_o expressive_a of_o our_o future_a glory_n but_o much_o rather_o to_o be_v desire_v if_o consider_v comparative_o therefore_o 2._o in_o what_o respect_n be_v it_o preferable_a to_o a_o abode_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o rather_o choose_v to_o depart_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o he_o than_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n and_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 1._o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o joy_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o to_o be_v continual_o harass_v with_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n we_o ordinary_o begin_v this_o world_n in_o tear_n and_o solemnize_v our_o own_o nativity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o funeral_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n as_o if_o we_o be_v then_o sensible_a of_o that_o universal_a curse_n which_o have_v afflict_v mankind_n since_o the_o first_o transgression_n and_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o must_v afterward_o suffer_v and_o in_o all_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o little_a time_n what_o and_o how_o many_o do_v we_o every_v where_o encounter_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o we_o find_v be_v want_v both_o as_o to_o our_o accomplishment_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o how_o much_o be_v we_o disappoint_v if_o we_o look_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2.16_o earthly_a pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o what_o do_v rejoice_v and_o please_v we_o one_o day_n appear_v with_o another_o face_n when_o we_o view_v it_o next_o or_o if_o we_o think_v it_o will_v please_v we_o still_o it_o be_v go_v ere_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o with_o all_o our_o skill_n and_o power_n we_o can_v protract_v its_o duration_n do_v not_o evil_a accident_n overtake_v we_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o our_o most_o probable_a design_n miscarry_v in_o the_o birth_n as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n and_o there_o be_v no_o intelligent_a director_n to_o oversee_v and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o action_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a nor_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o eccl._n 11.9_o our_o pleasure_n flatter_v and_o deceive_v we_o and_o our_o affliction_n trouble_v and_o disquiet_v we_o we_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o misguide_a by_o our_o passion_n cross_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o frustrate_v in_o our_o hope_n grieve_v by_o present_a evil_n or_o perplex_v with_o the_o sear_n of_o future_a and_o our_o spirit_n for_o the_o most_o part_n discompose_v either_o by_o personal_a or_o relative_a calamity_n some_o rueful_a spectacle_n be_v ever_o now_o and_o then_o present_v before_o our_o eye_n some_o evil_a tiding_n or_o unpleasant_a sound_n do_v grate_v our_o ear_n we_o bewail_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o we_o can_v supply_v or_o envy_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o we_o can_v hinder_v or_o grieve_v at_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o we_o can_v remedy_v we_o have_v some_o suffer_a friend_n with_o who_o to_o sympathize_v some_o distress_a or_o decease_a relation_n to_o lament_v some_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o those_o we_o love_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o beside_o the_o treachery_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o our_o seem_a friend_n the_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o open_a enemy_n the_o scandalous_a action_n of_o profess_v christian_n their_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o themselves_o and_o their_o despiteful_a usage_n and_o entertainment_n from_o the_o world_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o miserable_a the_o groan_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o cry_v of_o the_o oppress_a and_o our_o own_o bodily_a infirmity_n weakness_n and_o pain_n etc._n etc._n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o make_v we_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o render_v we_o extreme_o willing_a to_o lay_v down_o and_o die_v if_o god_n think_v sit_v that_o we_o may_v be_v at_o rest_n especial_o have_v the_o expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n for_o otherwise_o even_a philosop_n even_a m._n anton._n lib._n arr._n epict._n lib._n 4._o c._n 10._o boâ—th_n consol_n philosop_n heathen_n have_v speak_v excellent_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o death_n as_o the_o period_n of_o our_o present_a sorrow_n 2._o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfect_a purity_n far_o better_o than_o a_o life_n of_o temptation_n corruption_n and_o sin_n how_o be_v we_o now_o buffet_v
by_o satan_n by_o his_o sinful_a suggestion_n his_o subtle_a device_n and_o snare_n and_o his_o fiery_a dart_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v our_o integrity_n assault_v our_o peace_n of_o conscience_n unsettle_a and_o our_o perseverance_n endanger_v our_o conflict_n with_o he_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o battle_n as_o to_o what_o depend_v on_o we_o so_o very_o uncertain_a that_o we_o be_v often_o ready_a to_o throw_v down_o our_o arm_n and_o give_v up_o all_o as_o lose_v for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o conquer_a and_o baffle_v adversary_n through_o the_o victory_n which_o our_o captain_n have_v obtain_v against_o he_o yet_o we_o can_v now_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o abandon_v this_o world_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o and_o get_v above_o that_o air_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n eph._n 2.2_o that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n moreover_o how_o do_v our_o deprave_a nature_n continual_o cast_v forth_o mire_n and_o dirt_n what_o remain_v filthiness_n be_v there_o yet_o to_o be_v purge_v what_o powerful_a lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v which_o indispose_v we_o for_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o derive_v a_o damp_n and_o deadness_n upon_o all_o our_o religious_a exercise_n which_o cool_a our_o zeal_n and_o abate_v the_o servour_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o redeemer_n which_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n and_o shame_v our_o face_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o part_v with_o the_o body_n of_o flesh_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o and_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o perfect_a purity_n do_v we_o not_o complain_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o bless_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n of_o our_o earthliness_n and_o unbelief_n of_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a thing_n of_o proud_a imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o his_o work_n and_o word_n of_o languish_a and_o imperfect_a grace_n to_o be_v recover_v and_o perfect_v &_o c_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n where_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o be_v not_o god_n dishonour_v and_o provoke_v by_o our_o frequent_a omission_n and_o slight_a performance_n of_o duty_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v and_o quench_v and_o sadden_fw-mi his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v we_o not_o often_o grieve_v by_o god_n rebuke_n and_o frown_n by_o the_o wound_n and_o smart_n regret_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o we_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o will_v he_o be_v merciful_a no_o more_o be_v not_o our_o holy_a purpose_n inconstant_a and_o our_o best_a resolution_n waver_a and_o unstedy_a and_o very_o quick_o very_o easy_o shatter_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o small_a temptation_n have_v we_o not_o a_o constant_a watch_n to_o keep_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n a_o perpetual_a war_n to_o manage_v with_o the_o infernal_a trinity_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v we_o know_v his_o rage_n and_o malice_n and_o serpentine_a policy_n with_o the_o multitude_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o temptation_n how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v foil_v already_o and_o how_o soon_o we_o we_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o a_o sinless_a state_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n where_o no_o tempter_n no_o temptation_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v yea_o have_v we_o no_o corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o yet_o our_o concern_n at_o god_n dishonour_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a to_o depart_v as_o much_o more_o desirable_a than_o our_o abode_n on_o earth_n job_n 24.9_o which_o be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o defile_v by_o its_o inhabitant_n isa_n 24.4_o where_o the_o very_a air_n be_v infect_v with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n profane_a discourse_n and_o filthy_a talk_n where_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v question_v his_o providence_n deny_v and_o his_o authority_n mock_v where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v disparage_v and_o despise_v his_o law_n contradict_v his_o worship_n pollute_v his_o institution_n subvert_v and_o his_o holy_a name_n make_v a_o cloak_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n trample_v on_o by_o the_o soot_n of_o pride_n and_o scorn_v by_o man_n at_o ease_n and_o force_v to_o own_o his_o truth_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n and_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o or_o be_v it_o not_o not_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v such_o a_o place_n and_o company_n that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o blessedness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o dissolution_n this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o effect_n or_o influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v our_o departure_n while_o we_o disbelieve_v or_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o soul_n existence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n 12.2_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o doubt_n to_o this_o great_a apostle_n if_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v live_v but_o in_o it_o neither_o can_v he_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n if_o after_o his_o departure_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o all_o and_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n we_o have_v as_o full_a a_o assurance_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o joh._n 17.24_o mat._n 24.25_o rev._n 3.22_o etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o text_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o be_v that_o blessedness_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o depart_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n of_o a_o departure_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v cancel_v the_o handwriting_n against_o we_o and_o put_v away_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n eph._n 1.7_o a_o way_n be_v now_o open_a for_o we_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n by_o his_o blood_n heb._n 10.19_o not_o for_o our_o prayer_n only_o but_o our_o person_n he_o have_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n even_o by_o permit_v he_o to_o bruise_v his_o heel_n by_o crucify_a his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v only_o vestigium_fw-la deitatis_fw-la as_o benaiah_n slay_v the_o egyptian_a with_o his_o own_o spear_n 2_o sam._n 23.21_o have_v destroy_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v those_o who_o be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2.15_o he_o have_v set_v his_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o adversary_n disarm_v it_o of_o its_o weapon_n and_o robe_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o abolish_v the_o ugliness_n and_o poison_n of_o it_o he_o have_v dismount_v hell_n and_o damnation_n from_o behind_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o pale-horse_n rev._n 6.8_o whether_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v bury_v in_o calvary_n where_o the_o second_o be_v crucify_v as_o some_o affirm_v i_o need_v not_o inquire_v we_o know_v that_o his_o death_n be_v our_o victory_n and_o his_o cross_n may_v be_v our_o triumph_n since_o the_o devil_n be_v conquer_v and_o death_n sanctify_v and_o the_o grave_a perfume_a by_o his_o burial_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o lodge_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v sleep_v yea_o since_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n there_o be_v a_o amiable_a ruddiness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o death_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justice_n be_v now_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o way_n