shall_v be_v redeem_a he_o free_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n though_o they_o be_v bitter_a thing_n that_o the_o incense_a father_n require_v of_o man_n surety_n but_o so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v it_o please_v he_o to_o become_v a_o object_n of_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n of_o a_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o make_v himself_o poor_a destitute_a of_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o accommodation_n the_o fox_n have_v hole_n but_o he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n he_o can_v indeed_o turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o ever_o he_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o sustain_v his_o own_o hunger_n but_o trust_v himself_o entire_o to_o his_o father_n keep_n it_o be_v true_a he_o complain_v with_o loud_a passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o not_o from_o despair_n or_o the_o least_o mistrust_n of_o god_n fail_v he_o for_o with_o confidence_n he_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o a_o quick_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o that_o unusual_a change_n in_o his_o father_n countenance_n it_o touch_v he_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o the_o belove_a father_n shall_v look_v so_o full_a of_o anger_n upon_o his_o most_o belove_a son_n it_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o see_v a_o cloud_n and_o severe_a frown_n upon_o that_o beauteous_a face_n which_o always_o use_v to_o shine_v upon_o he_o with_o a_o please_a aspect_n now_o especial_o whilst_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v perform_v a_o act_n high_o acceptable_a to_o his_o father_n observe_v yet_o far_o and_o imitate_v his_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o heart_n always_o there_o his_o discourse_n tend_v thither_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v ever_o predominant_a in_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o take_v fit_a occasion_n to_o improve_v all_o occurrence_n to_o spiritual_a purpose_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n to_o the_o thing_n above_o he_o seek_v opportunity_n of_o retirement_n that_o he_o may_v have_v frequent_a and_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n his_o father_n those_o hour_n wherein_o nature_n call_v for_o ease_n and_o sleep_n he_o very_o often_o employ_v in_o his_o devotion_n spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n he_o sit_v loose_a from_o the_o world_n perfect_o dead_a to_o it_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a lesson_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v no_o affection_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o they_o appear_v not_o worth_a his_o thought_n but_o yet_o his_o contempt_n of_o they_o be_v decent_a and_o generous_a he_o do_v not_o with_o proud_a disdain_n spurn_v at_o they_o as_o a_o rude_a stoic_a will_v have_v do_v he_o do_v not_o affront_v man_n of_o quality_n and_o title_n but_o pay_v all_o become_a respect_n to_o those_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v not_o such_o regard_n for_o as_o to_o assume_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o his_o common_a conversation_n he_o be_v very_o oblige_v affable_a courteous_a always_o in_o good_a humour_n converse_v free_o even_o with_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o make_v they_o if_o possible_a wise_a and_o better_a he_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o put_v the_o most_o fair_a and_o candid_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o man_n ready_a to_o make_v the_o best_a excuse_n for_o they_o that_o their_o case_n will_v admit_v of_o with_o any_o tolerable_a show_n or_o colour_n of_o reason_n willing_a to_o impute_v their_o fault_n and_o neglect_v to_o infirmity_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o flesh_n or_o mind_n rather_o than_o to_o malice_n or_o ill_a design_n when_o the_o case_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n but_o he_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o vile_a usage_n and_o ill_a language_n yet_o he_o revile_v not_o again_o but_o by_o cool_a and_o good_a argument_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o outrage_n how_o calm_o do_v he_o receive_v even_o judas_n himself_o in_o a_o act_n of_o the_o base_a treachery_n with_o the_o title_n of_o friend_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o come_v when_o his_o mind_n be_v load_v with_o grief_n to_o that_o extremity_n that_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n no_o murmur_a fretful_a or_o discontent_a word_n drop_v from_o he_o he_o retain_v his_o temper_n as_o well_o as_o his_o integrity_n when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n in_o most_o excessive_a pain_n no_o uneasiness_n of_o spirit_n appear_v but_o he_o be_v quiet_o submissive_a to_o his_o father_n will._n his_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o charity_n always_o do_v good_a to_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n heal_v their_o disease_n raise_v their_o dead_a to_o life_n and_o at_o last_o die_v himself_o a_o accurse_a death_n that_o his_o enemy_n his_o enemy_n that_o use_v he_o despiteful_o that_o hate_v he_o to_o the_o death_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v our_o call_v christian_n this_o be_v our_o pattern_n let_v we_o go_v and_o do_v likewise_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o live_v if_o we_o can_v thus_o love_v then_o be_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o we_o may_v begin_v with_o amazement_n to_o cry_v out_o who_o then_o can_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o seem_v to_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v undo_v we_o by_o his_o example_n have_v carry_v the_o mark_n so_o high_a and_o propose_v such_o condition_n of_o salvation_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v never_o reach_v to_o can_v never_o hope_v upon_o these_o term_n to_o be_v make_v meet_a partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n four_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v if_o they_o be_v possible_a how_o these_o qualification_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v true_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n corrupt_a flesh_n and_o blood_n especial_o can_v never_o advance_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o live_v as_o our_o saviour_n live_v and_o can_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a fit_v itself_o for_o a_o admittance_n into_o that_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n but_o the_o comfort_n be_v we_o do_v not_o go_v forth_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n promise_v and_o give_v to_o every_o baptize_v christian_n which_o sanctify_v our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o in_o much_o great_a measure_n 1.9_o heb._n 1.9_o and_o be_v anoint_v above_o all_o his_o fellow_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o speak_v whether_o angel_n or_o man_n for_o the_o advance_n and_o perfect_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o though_o it_o may_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v act_v so_o powerful_o in_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n he_o will_v certain_o act_v as_o effectual_o and_o afford_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o by_o degree_n will_v lead_v we_o on_o towards_o that_o perfection_n as_o will_v fit_v we_o to_o dwell_v with_o the_o saint_n above_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n can_v give_v we_o no_o just_a reason_n to_o despair_v when_o we_o have_v a_o god_n work_v in_o we_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v his_o part_n but_o yet_o though_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v we_o there_o be_v something_o for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o great_a work_n there_o lie_v our_o danger_n therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o care_n the_o advice_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o offer_v shall_v be_v this_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o to_o be_v very_o constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v for_o a_o qualification_n for_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o fit_a but_o a_o last_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o constancy_n in_o religious_a practice_n let_v every_o morning_n and_o evening_n at_o least_o have_v its_o fix_a time_n for_o private_a devotion_n with_o serious_a application_n of_o mind_n let_v we_o every_o day_n look_v over_o and_o examine_v well_o our_o account_n between_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a expedient_a to_o make_v short_a reckon_n at_o last_v he_o that_o make_v even_o with_o god_n every_o day_n by_o repentance_n be_v every_o night_n qualify_v for_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o day_n to_o account_v for_o when_o ever_o he_o die_v read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n digest_v it_o well_o by_o meditation_n this_o supply_v the_o soul_n with_o its_o daily_a food_n for_o spirit_n must_v be_v nourish_v as_o well_o as_o body_n be_v continual_o feed_v with_o good_a thought_n or_o they_o will_v languish_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o grow_v brutish_a and_o devilish_a in_o their_o proper_a season_n public_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v due_o attend_v and_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o self-examination_n fix_v but_o i_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o those_o private_a daily_a performance_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a in_o earnest_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o true_a spirit_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o persuade_v to_o these_o but_o they_o be_v once_o secure_v the_o rest_n will_v easy_o follow_v the_o gospel-mean_n be_v not_o empty_a dead_a ceremony_n like_o those_o of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v live_v ordinance_n they_o be_v body_n with_o a_o soul_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n accompany_v the_o due_a performance_n of_o they_o which_o as_o at_o first_o convey_v with_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o by_o every_o sermon_n prayer_n or_o sacrament_n right_o perform_v take_v fresh_a possession_n and_o come_v in_o with_o new_a degree_n of_o strength_n a_o diligent_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n of_o religion_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a as_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v and_o secure_v this_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o keep_v your_o eye_n always_o fix_v upon_o your_o inheritance_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n animate_v our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o go_v through_o with_o his_o difficult_a undertake_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n set_v open_a to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o view_n give_v into_o those_o region_n of_o happiness_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v to_o duty_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o our_o way_n thither_o more_o knowledge_n of_o heaven_n may_v do_v hurt_v at_o present_a may_v exalt_v we_o into_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o make_v we_o impatient_a of_o tarry_v here_o god_n have_v therefore_o wise_o proportion_v these_o discovery_n to_o our_o present_a circumstance_n and_o necessity_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o to_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o heaven_n which_o it_o afford_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o impression_n upon_o that_o mind_n that_o be_v full_a of_o heaven_n he_o walk_v therefore_o with_o the_o world_n under_o his_o foot_n have_v his_o heart_n always_o with_o his_o treasure_n above_o and_o he_o that_o live_v above_o the_o world_n at_o present_a where_o shall_v he_o live_v but_o in_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thus_o make_v meet_v to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n let_v he_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o father_n and_o with_o joyful_a lip_n bless_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o begin_v his_o eternal_a praise_n to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
of_o it_o i_o purpose_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o other_o world_n it_o be_v here_o set_v forth_o as_o a_o state_n of_o light_n ii_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o the_o sure_a title_n they_o have_v to_o it_o it_o be_v their_o inheritance_n iii_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o iu._n how_o these_o qualification_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v that_o so_o we_o may_v upon_o good_a ground_n give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o signify_v by_o a_o state_n of_o light_n light_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a word_n to_o express_v a_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v the_o word_n light_n whether_o 1._o in_o its_o common_a or_o natural_a sense_n for_o a_o bodily_a quality_n a_o visible_a lustre_n or_o glory_n or_o 2._o for_o knowledge_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v light_n or_o 3._o for_o purity_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o ingredient_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o concur_v to_o complete_a its_o happiness_n as_o to_o the_o first_o if_o light_n be_v take_v in_o its_o vulgar_a sense_n for_o a_o visible_a lustre_n and_o glory_n light_n seem_v in_o this_o sense_n to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o heaven_n for_o heaven_n be_v the_o seat_n the_o country_n of_o light_n the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v body_n great_a and_o glorious_a yet_o these_o be_v but_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o outer_a court_n of_o heaven_n serve_v to_o beautify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o low_a world_n for_o the_o heavenly_a palace_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o st._n john_n style_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n that_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o these_o light_n they_o shine_v not_o there_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n above_o the_o divine_a apostle_n rev._n 21._o have_v collect_v every_o thing_n that_o appear_v at_o present_a most_o bright_a and_o gay_a to_o help_v we_o to_o conceive_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o heavenly_a city_n he_o represent_v its_o wall_n and_o gate_n as_o build_v of_o the_o most_o glister_a pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n as_o pave_v with_o gold_n that_o there_o be_v no_o night_n but_o a_o perpetual_a day_n no_o need_n of_o sun_n or_o moon_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v enlighten_v it_o for_o god_n be_v light_a and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 23._o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n will_v sully_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a brightness_n of_o that_o region_n that_o be_v fit_v only_o to_o serve_v the_o use_n of_o this_o elementary_a world_n be_v a_o gross_a light_n a_o mere_a kitchin-fire_n if_o compare_v to_o that_o most_o refine_a light_n with_o which_o god_n be_v clothe_v as_o with_o a_o garment_n light_v inaccessible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a capacity_n but_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n of_o light_n i_o pray_v god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o happy_a lot_n of_o all_o here_o present_a they_o shall_v have_v their_o organ_n strengthen_v fit_v to_o approach_n and_o enjoy_v that_o light_n for_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o light_n and_o dress_v up_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o country_n their_o earthly_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o glorious_a body_n such_o as_o their_o saviour_n wear_v now_o in_o heaven_n 13.43_o mat._n 13.43_o for_o they_o shall_v shine_v then_o as_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n he_o have_v assure_v they_o their_o body_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o glory_n among_o the_o saint_n themselves_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o magnitude_n as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n say_v daniel_n 12.3_o shall_v shine_v as_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o they_o especial_o that_o have_v suffer_v with_o christ_n shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v with_o he_o they_o that_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o their_o god_n but_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o die_v for_o their_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v die_v for_o they_o their_o mangle_a body_n shall_v shine_v next_o to_o he_o in_o glory_n this_o imperfect_a account_n of_o that_o state_n of_o light_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o for_o light_n be_v pleasant_a to_o behold_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o one_o that_o have_v eye_n to_o behold_v it_o as_o that_o i_o need_v not_o quote_v solomon_n for_o it_o light_n give_v beauty_n to_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o paint_n and_o varnish_v of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o for_o when_o light_n break_v in_o upon_o we_o it_o awaken_v and_o give_v new_a life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o brisk_v the_o spirit_n and_o put_v they_o in_o tune_n for_o joy_n and_o mirth_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o darkness_n be_v signify_v a_o state_n of_o melancholy_n and_o misery_n the_o scene_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n be_v black_a the_o afflict_a shut_v out_o the_o light_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o to_o darkness_n darkness_n be_v a_o sad_a ingredient_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o hell_n it_o be_v the_o essential_a character_n of_o that_o place_n of_o horror_n for_o the_o melancholy_a abode_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v express_v to_o we_o by_o a_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n of_o utter_a extreme_a darkness_n the_o very_a blackness_n of_o darkness_n this_o make_v the_o sorrow_n of_o that_o place_n more_o oppressive_a to_o the_o spirit_n its_o terror_n more_o frightful_a and_o amaze_a beside_o darkness_n give_v scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o rage_n of_o guilty_a conscience_n we_o know_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o our_o thought_n be_v always_o most_o tyrannical_a in_o the_o dark_a and_o sting_v most_o severe_o when_o any_o thing_n lie_v cross_a or_o heavy_a upon_o the_o spirit_n then_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o think_v have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v it_o nor_o the_o too_o common_a refuge_n of_o drink_n to_o drown_v its_o care_n nor_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o business_n to_o employ_v it_o for_o a_o moment_n the_o steady_a remembrance_n then_o of_o the_o mad_a folly_n of_o a_o brutish_a life_n be_v reflect_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o continual_o repeat_v with_o fresh_a vexation_n of_o spirit_n must_v of_o necessity_n strike_v deep_a pierce_v to_o the_o quick_a and_o wound_n to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul_n one_o prospect_n of_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n one_o serious_a thought_n of_o it_o will_v quick_o teach_v we_o what_o abundant_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o as_o my_o text_n exhort_v who_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 2._o light_n be_v frequent_o put_v for_o knowledge_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o the_o state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n may_v proper_o be_v style_v a_o state_n of_o light_n knowledge_n be_v spiritual_a light_n it_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o light_v upon_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n knowledge_n be_v pleasant_a as_o light_v it_o cheer_v the_o soul_n it_o bring_v in_o day_n upon_o it_o it_o open_v the_o world_n as_o light_n and_o give_v a_o prospect_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o see_v into_o the_o very_a heaven_n it_o take_v in_o past_a and_o future_a age_n into_o its_o view_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n even_o eternity_n itself_o knowledge_n give_v confidence_n and_o security_n the_o understand_a man_n go_v on_o free_o and_o cheerful_o as_o he_o that_o travel_n in_o the_o day_n he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o shadow_n and_o false_a light_n whereas_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n hide_v and_o shut_v up_o every_o thing_n in_o obscurity_n the_o ignorant_a man_n be_v like_o one_o lock_v up_o in_o a_o close_a room_n or_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a night_n he_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o thing_n about_o he_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v he_o stumble_v and_o wander_v and_o fear_v every_o step_n all_o the_o danger_n that_o a_o benight_a fancy_n can_v represent_v knowledge_n be_v often_o express_v by_o light_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n particular_o the_o gospel-revelation_n be_v
emphatical_o call_v the_o light_n and_o he_o that_o bring_v this_o wonderful_a discovery_n to_o the_o world_n be_v therefore_o himself_o style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n enlighten_v every_o man_n come_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n be_v a_o great_a light_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o discovery_n which_o be_v make_v before_o insomuch_o as_o the_o ancient_a father_n well_o observe_v the_o very_a child_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o their_o catechism_n teach_v to_o stammer_v forth_o great_a mystery_n and_o sublime_a truth_n than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yet_o this_o bright_a revelation_n be_v but_o dark_a in_o respect_n of_o vision_n we_o do_v as_o yet_o see_v but_o as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o have_v a_o good_a right_n title_n and_o sure_a promise_n but_o promise_n be_v but_o glimpse_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o that_o full_a possession_n with_o which_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v invest_v that_o therefore_o be_v well_o style_v a_o state_n of_o light_n because_o a_o state_n of_o most_o certain_a enlarge_a and_o exalt_a knowledge_n the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v real_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n we_o see_v but_o in_o part_n truth_n be_v infinite_a as_o god_n a_o small_a portion_n of_o it_o be_v allot_v we_o at_o present_a we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v we_o into_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o entertain_v we_o here_o and_o to_o secure_v our_o eternal_a interest_n hereafter_o but_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o state_n i_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v what_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o our_o understanding_n disturb_v our_o judgement_n and_o possess_v we_o with_o infinite_a variety_n of_o wild_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n to_o that_o excess_n as_o that_o it_o have_v pass_v into_o a_o proverb_n so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n we_o may_v multiply_v much_o far_o for_o it_o be_v seldom_o long_o that_o the_o same_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o darkness_n for_o truth_n be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o whatever_o differ_v from_o that_o must_v be_v error_n and_o darkness_n the_o wise_a man_n be_v here_o observe_v to_o have_v their_o blind_a side_n some_o mistake_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v remark_v all_o man_n have_v mote_n in_o their_o eye_n some_o have_v beam_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a what_o senseless_a error_n some_o have_v espouse_v the_o particular_n be_v innumerable_a and_o maintain_v with_o heat_n and_o fierceness_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v something_o pardonable_a if_o we_o discover_v our_o weakness_n only_o in_o tattle_n and_o common_a conversation_n when_o we_o profess_v to_o unbend_v our_o soul_n but_o what_o abomination_n do_v we_o see_v in_o the_o very_a worship_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o ridiculous_a folly_n and_o idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o at_o christian_a altar_n their_o understanding_n must_v needs_o want_v light_n that_o play_v the_o fool_n with_o their_o god_n when_o man_n will_v be_v think_v wise_a serious_n and_o profound_a how_o often_o do_v they_o betray_v the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o soul_n our_o very_a library_n be_v full_a of_o the_o blemish_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v too_o often_o stand_v monument_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o human_a understanding_n we_o smile_v and_o pity_v the_o rude_a ignorance_n or_o short-sightedness_n of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o but_o their_o cause_n will_v be_v revenge_v trust_v a_o ill-natured_a world_n for_o it_o when_o those_o that_o follow_v we_o will_v laugh_v at_o we_o but_o the_o comfort_n be_v we_o live_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a state_n of_o life_n when_o every_o man_n brain_n will_v be_v settle_v and_o all_o head_n set_v right_a when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v next_o appear_v he_o will_v infallible_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n he_o will_v then_o conduct_v all_o those_o to_o a_o state_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o knowledge_n who_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o such_o happiness_n all_o mist_n of_o error_n will_v then_o be_v scatter_v by_o a_o clear_a head_n a_o impartial_a reason_n and_o fervent_a charity_n a_o state_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o knowledge_n therefore_o i_o call_v it_o 1._o because_o there_o will_v be_v no_o body_n no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o cloud_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o disturb_v it_o in_o its_o reason_n no_o flesh_n and_o blood_n enter_v that_o kingdom_n for_o the_o natural_a body_n we_o be_v assure_v will_v be_v raise_v a_o spiritual_a body_n by_o which_o phrase_n we_o can_v well_o understand_v less_o than_o a_o more_o refine_a a_o more_o exalt_a state_n of_o matter_n far_o remove_v from_o its_o original_a clay_n purify_v perhaps_o into_o light_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a into_o spirit_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o suitable_a companion_n for_o the_o rational_a spirit_n of_o man_n a_o fit_a partner_n of_o its_o glory_n 2._o a_o state_n of_o pure_a light_n i_o call_v it_o because_o a_o state_n not_o of_o revelation_n but_o of_o vision_n in_o a_o state_n of_o revelation_n we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o the_o revealer_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v some_o glimpse_n only_o of_o thing_n the_o rest_n often_o reserve_v or_o wrap_v up_o as_o mystery_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o naked_a truth_n of_o thing_n then_o will_v be_v set_v to_o view_v the_o wonder_n of_o heaven_n the_o passage_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v at_o present_a a_o riddle_n will_v be_v explain_v the_o unfathomable_a depth_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o unsearchable_a and_o at_o present_a inconceiveable_a riches_n of_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n will_v then_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v lock_v up_o from_o eternity_n will_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o creature_n will_v be_v make_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o or_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o they_o then_o may_v be_v infuse_v new_a idea_n into_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o therefore_o unintelligible_a may_v then_o be_v clear_a to_o our_o view_n a_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n may_v possible_o then_o be_v understand_v 3._o a_o state_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o knowledge_n it_o will_v be_v because_o the_o saint_n be_v there_o admit_v into_o open_a and_o free_a converse_n with_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o being_n with_o the_o renown_a worthy_n of_o all_o age_n all_o those_o depart_v soul_n that_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n with_o that_o innumerable_a choir_n of_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n the_o wise_a angel_n of_o god_n last_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o omniscient_a god_n himself_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v but_o imperfect_a for_o it_o be_v but_o little_a that_o we_o know_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o they_o themselves_o but_o shadow_n of_o their_o maker_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n give_v wonderful_a delight_n at_o present_a and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ravish_a entertainment_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o acquaint_v with_o how_o transport_v then_o must_v that_o light_n be_v which_o show_v the_o creator_n himself_o face_n to_o face_n and_o give_v a_o close_a view_n of_o all_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o substance_n in_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n where_o they_o live_v under_o the_o immediate_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n of_o they_o all_o have_v the_o most_o lively_a and_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o they_o continual_o inject_v into_o the_o mind_n for_o spirit_n seem_v to_o converse_v by_o infusion_n of_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v he_o always_o communicative_a of_o himself_o if_o we_o now_o consider_v a_o thirsty_a soul_n a_o spirit_n that_o have_v a_o insatiable_a appetite_n after_o knowledge_n who_o thought_n be_v swift_a than_o lightning_n place_v not_o only_o in_o the_o prospect_n of_o but_o unite_v to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n a_o be_v that_o can_v never_o be_v think_v through_o that_o can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v by_o the_o eternal_a thirst_n of_o his_o creature_n the_o contemplation_n of_o infinite_a age_n how_o will_v such_o a_o soul_n continual_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n in_o bright_a and_o bright_a light_n till_o it_o kindle_v almost_o into_o a_o seraphim_n whither_o will_v such_o a_o spirit_n grow_v i_o can_v tell_v what_o bound_n to_o set_v to_o that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v grow_v to_o all_o eternity_n nor_o
how_o to_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o a_o humane_a soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o be_v such_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n capable_a of_o such_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n of_o infinite_a enjoyment_n what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v intrust_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n with_o such_o a_o precious_a jewel_n what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o this_o heavenborn_a creature_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o trifle_v away_o its_o time_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o wallow_v in_o filth_n and_o brutishness_n and_o at_o last_o descend_v into_o everlasting_a darkness_n and_o eternal_a wail_n curse_v and_o blaspheme_v of_o that_o god_n which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o admire_v and_o adore_v to_o love_n and_o praise_n to_o all_o eternity_n 3._o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o 3d_o acception_n of_o light_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o purity_n of_o heart_n holiness_n of_o life_n in_o reference_n to_o practice_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n above_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n because_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a purity_n in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n enjoin_v we_o to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n as_o that_o they_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o by_o our_o bright_a example_n be_v direct_v and_o enlighten_v in_o the_o path_n they_o shall_v walk_v in_o that_o by_o the_o beauty_n of_o our_o conversation_n they_o may_v be_v enamour_a and_o charm_v into_o a_o compliance_n and_o glorify_v god_n by_o a_o ambitious_a imitation_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n christian_n be_v therefore_o style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o 1_o joh._n 1._o the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o find_v it_o introduce_v by_o st._n john_n with_o a_o most_o pompous_a preface_n the_o four_o first_o verse_n be_v a_o solemn_a preparation_n to_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v light_a v._n 5._o and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o to_o full_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o understanding_n no_o impurity_n to_o bias_n his_o will_n he_o hate_v it_o therefore_o as_o be_v perfect_o contrary_a to_o his_o pure_a nature_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n impurity_n be_v indeed_o darkness_n it_o cloud_n the_o mind_n which_o be_v tincture_v with_o it_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n in_o practical_a matter_n much_o more_o in_o these_o especial_o the_o flesh_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o concern_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v benight_a and_o fool_v and_o often_o make_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o good_a reason_n the_o inconsistency_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n be_v every_o where_o notorious_a their_o brutish_a and_o perverse_a reason_n and_o act_n especial_o in_o moral_a matter_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continue_a course_n of_o folly_n and_o ill_a humour_n if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a say_v our_o saviour_n 6.23_o mat._n 6.23_o and_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n even_o as_o great_a as_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n and_o bear_v always_o a_o proportion_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o reign_a lust_n be_v a_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o become_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n among_o we_o sinner_n to_o find_v that_o precious_a jewel_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o right_a reason_n most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o purify_a soul_n the_o only_a expedient_a therefore_o to_o restore_v light_n to_o a_o sinner_n soul_n be_v to_o purify_v it_o from_o its_o lust_n for_o this_o reason_n do_v baptism_n ancient_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o illumination_n as_o convey_v the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n into_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v by_o degree_n enlighten_v it_o here_o in_o this_o life_n as_o it_o pass_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o till_o at_o death_n it_o be_v complete_o sanctify_v and_o fit_v for_o its_o heavenly_a state_n of_o light_n especial_o when_o at_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n it_o shall_v be_v dress_v up_o with_o its_o spiritual_a and_o glorify_a body_n which_o will_v then_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o this_o fleshly_a tabernacle_n be_v now_o but_o will_v conspire_v with_o it_o in_o its_o operation_n in_o its_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o the_o business_n of_o heaven_n there_o will_v be_v right_a reason_n in_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o knowledge_n no_o darkness_n at_o all_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v bright_a and_o clear_a not_o one_o spot_n to_o be_v discover_v there_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o light_n indeed_o and_o let_v i_o far_o observe_v that_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o body_n be_v purify_v by_o grace_n here_o in_o this_o life_n shall_v it_o be_v more_o refine_a more_o spiritual_a and_o have_v bright_a degree_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v sight_n of_o god_n more_o clear_a its_o communication_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n more_o strong_a have_v its_o faculty_n extraordinary_o strengthen_v to_o behold_v the_o glorious_a godhead_n the_o more_o pure_a soul_n shall_v be_v peculiar_o fit_v to_o receive_v the_o strong_a impression_n of_o divine_a love_n for_o the_o state_n of_o light_n be_v a_o state_n of_o love_n if_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o commandment_n complete_a holiness_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o perfect_a love_n the_o top_n of_o heavenly_a happiness_n love_n be_v the_o beauty_n of_o angel_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o god_n be_v love_n and_o god_n be_v light_a his_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v often_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n love_n have_v its_o flame_n we_o all_o know_v the_o love_n of_o saint_n especial_o for_o inexpressible_a be_v the_o transport_v of_o a_o purify_a soul_n when_o admit_v into_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n when_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n give_v it_o of_o the_o best_a of_o being_n when_o it_o have_v all_o goodness_n for_o its_o object_n all_o perfection_n how_o quick_o like_o lightning_n its_o affection_n be_v kindle_v how_o vehement_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v all_o on_o fire_n and_o with_o a_o inflame_a appetite_n fly_v to_o its_o most_o belove_a excessive_a love_n place_v upon_o a_o creature_n be_v torment_n and_o do_v abuse_v the_o appetite_n because_o quick_o draw_v dry_a but_o when_o god_n be_v the_o object_n love_n can_v be_v excessive_a there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o give_v eternal_a satisfaction_n thrice_o happy_a soul_n infinite_o more_o than_o thrice_o happy_a who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o love_v they_o love_v always_o they_o love_v vehement_o and_o yet_o can_v never_o never_o love_v too_o much_o but_o beyond_o all_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o a_o sense_n of_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n of_o live_v always_o under_o the_o smile_n and_o shine_v of_o his_o countenance_n this_o indear_v all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o give_v they_o another_o infinity_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o a_o creature_n below_o ourselves_o be_v very_o oblige_v and_o do_v wonderful_o draw_v forth_o our_o affection_n to_o that_o little_a thing_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v when_o the_o great_a god_n then_o infuse_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n into_o the_o soul_n it_o transport_v it_o into_o such_o a_o ecstasy_n as_o be_v fit_a only_a for_o the_o other_o world_n mortality_n can_v bear_v it_o mortality_n can_v conceive_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o i_o stop_v here_o so_o near_o as_o i_o can_v conceive_v such_o as_o this_o be_v that_o state_n of_o light_n that_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o hope_n the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o if_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v have_v raise_v in_o any_o person_n desire_v of_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o this_o state_n of_o happiness_n i_o proceed_v two_o to_o consider_v the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o it_o our_o good_a title_n to_o it_o it_o be_v call_v a_o inheritance_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v the_o family_n of_o god_n he_o provide_v for_o it_o every_o day_n he_o give_v even_o the_o raven_n their_o food_n but_o man_n that_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n have_v a_o more_o particular_a relation_n to_o he_o by_o his_o natural_a likeness_n he_o will_v have_v appear_v a_o true_a son_n of_o god_n have_v he_o preserve_v his_o original_a character_n undefiled_a but_o what_o man_n lose_v