that_o it_o can_v afford_v for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o and_o now_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o declare_v my_o sentiment_n herein_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o be_v far_o inform_v and_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o concession_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o compositum_fw-la or_o whole_a man_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v his_o righteous_a servant_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2._o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o life_n that_o may_v be_v call_v a_o blessedness_n which_o yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o no_o small_a imperfection_n because_o they_o daily_o lodge_v a_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o they_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o but_o 3._o that_o a_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n have_v not_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n or_o less_o of_o happiness_n than_o it_o need_v or_o desire_v this_o i_o can_v comply_v with_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o the_o just_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n which_o on_o any_o account_n they_o have_v need_n of_o and_o such_o a_o happiness_n i_o think_v we_o may_v just_o call_v perfect_a and_o be_v all_o that_o i_o wish_v to_o my_o own_o soul_n in_o its_o absence_n from_o the_o body_n now_o for_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o sanctify_a soul_n after_o their_o removal_n from_o their_o body_n they_o have_v certain_o life_n and_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a perfection_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o spiritual_a substance_n st._n stephen_n doubtless_o will_v not_o have_v say_v when_o his_o enemy_n be_v kill_v he_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n if_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v continue_v in_o its_o spiritual_a be_v after_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a now_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o if_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v than_o they_o must_v know_v so_o much_o or_o not_o if_o we_o say_v they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v hardly_o prove_v that_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o and_o so_o comply_v with_o the_o socinian_n dream_n of_o the_o soul_n sleep_v after_o death_n and_o in_o reason_n what_o be_v they_o more_o like_a to_o know_v than_o their_o own_o state_n but_o if_o then_o they_o know_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o any_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v that_o knowledge_n must_v be_v matter_n of_o trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o at_o that_o rate_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v in_o part_n real_o unhappy_a which_o those_o that_o judge_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o believe_v 2._o if_o in_o their_o separate_a state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o those_o that_o know_v wherein_o happiness_n consist_v and_o that_o in_o that_o state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v one_o will_v think_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v evident_a for_o nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o perfect_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o comfort_n in_o him._n the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o nothing_o but_o their_o iniquity_n that_o can_v separate_v between_o they_o and_o their_o god_n he_o mean_v apparent_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n esay_n 59.2_o but_o their_o iniquity_n we_o have_v see_v already_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n their_o soul_n be_v not_o under_o the_o defilement_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o leave_v the_o body_n and_o go_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o no_o evil_n shall_v dwell_v with_o he_o 3._o to_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o special_a glorious_a presence_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o very_a top_n of_o our_o felicity_n and_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o 18._o and_o this_o happiness_n the_o depart_a spirit_n of_o the_o just_o do_v partake_v of_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n say_v st._n paul_n phil._n 1.23_o and_o in_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o the_o one_o prove_v the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o such_o the_o other_o as_o well_o prove_v the_o perfect_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o such_o go_v on_o therefore_o o_o faithful_a christian_a in_o thy_o christian_a course_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n with_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n magnify_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o shall_v short_o want_v for_o no_o felicity_n sect_n xii_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v come_v unto_o these_o point_n i_o be_o in_o the_o depth_n indeed_o and_o may_v well_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n but_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o service_n it_o be_v fit_a i_o shall_v go_v on_o with_o it_o and_o perform_v it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o here_o then_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v the_o happy_a privilege_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o 1._o its_o sanctification_n i_o mean_v full_a and_o perfect_a by_o which_o it_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a and_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12.23_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v general_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o under_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n the_o dust_n the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o eccles_n 12.7_o and_o st._n stephen_n in_o like_a sort_n commend_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o saviour_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n acts._n 7.59_o and_o in_o that_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n can_v signify_v nothing_o but_o their_o soul_n because_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o angel_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o from_o who_o therefore_o they_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v and_o their_o be_v make_v perfect_a must_n need_v be_v mean_v of_o perfection_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n for_o as_o to_o any_o perfection_n in_o a_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v it_o as_o much_o before_o in_o this_o world_n yea_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n without_o the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a imperfection_n than_o before_o it_o be_v in_o now_o ponder_v with_o thyself_o reader_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o think_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n this_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v style_v bless_a who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v psal_n 32.1_o how_o bless_v then_o may_v they_o be_v account_v that_o have_v all_o their_o iniquity_n pardon_v and_o remove_v also_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v if_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o lament_v the_o in-being_a of_o sin_n complain_v that_o when_o he_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o he_o rom._n 7._o and_o call_v himself_o wretched_a man_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n how_o glad_a may_n we_o think_v will_v he_o have_v be_v if_o at_o that_o very_a hour_n he_o can_v have_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o any_o more_o a_o privilege_n which_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v perfect_o instate_v in_o if_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o i_o have_v read_v of_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o that_o physician_n that_o have_v cure_v he_o of_o his_o faint_a sleep_v and_o frightful_a dream_n o_o then_o with_o what_o transcendent_a joy_n and_o gladness_n will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n reflect_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o its_o redeemer_n when_o he_o have_v free_v it_o from_o all_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o heal_v all_o its_o infirmity_n for_o ever_o oh_o what_o sacred_a and_o satisfy_a irradiation_n will_v it_o receive_v from_o the_o sun_n
christian_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v that_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n after_o death_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o st._n paul_n but_o belong_v also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n be_v you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o believe_a corinthian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o other_o faithful_a christian_n and_o certain_o he_o mean_v it_o be_v they_o in_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n for_o their_o good_a and_o lead_v to_o their_o happiness_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o and_o if_o all_o thing_n work_v for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n death_n shall_v also_o and_o do_v they_o a_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.28_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v any_o comparison_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o case_n or_o set_v himself_o above_o they_o in_o any_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n he_o declare_v they_o to_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o acceptance_n for_o his_o sake_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n colos_n 34._o he_o make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 1.6_o phil._n 4.19_o my_o god_n shall_v supply_v all_o your_o need_n according_a to_o his_o riches_n in_o glory_n through_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o s._n paul_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v when_o i_o can_v think_v worth_a while_o so_o to_o do_v sect_n iii_o the_o point_n prove_v from_o luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o exception_n among_o the_o many_o scripture_n that_o confirm_v this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n these_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o die_a penitent_n the_o joyful_a news_n this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o soul._n whether_o his_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v that_o day_n in_o heaven_n or_o only_o tend_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o paradise_n for_o that_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o a_o place_n and_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o christ_n favourable_a presence_n can_v make_v any_o place_n a_o paradise_n for_o delight_n and_o more_o delightful_a than_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n ever_o be_v this_o text_n be_v so_o strong_a on_o our_o side_n that_o our_o great_a opposer_n can_v hardly_o tell_v what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o espouse_v that_o wretched_a evasion_n of_o the_o foresay_a racovian_a doctor_n val._n smalcius_n viz._n change_a the_o sentence_n by_o misplace_v the_o comma_n and_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o very_o i_o say_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n namely_o some_o time_n or_o other_o as_o if_o this_o day_n be_v mean_v of_o christ_n speak_v and_o not_o of_o the_o penitent'_v enjoy_v modus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la hebraicus_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o speak_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o use_v to_o express_v themselves_o so_o when_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o matter_n of_o special_a remark_n as_o deut._n 30.18_o if_o you_o worship_v other_o god_n and_o serve_v they_o i_o denounce_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n that_o you_o shall_v sure_o perish_v but_o if_o they_o gain_v the_o cause_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n clear_v luk._n 23.43_o clear_v let_v they_o take_v all_o and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o heresy_n for_o sacred_a and_o say_v truth_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o turn_v â—â—â—th_o into_o error_n and_o sense_n into_o nonsense_a by_o mispointing_a any_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n and_o when_o man_n make_v so_o bold_a with_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o may_v fit_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o censure_v their_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a for_o first_o they_o show_v we_o no_o good_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v i_o say_v unto_o thou_o this_o day_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v that_o christ_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o say_v so_o in_o that_o day_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v he_o use_v such_o a_o expression_n in_o any_o place_n or_o on_o any_o great_a occasion_n for_o when_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n he_o say_v not_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n but_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o like_a of_o his_o be_v own_v by_o the_o angel_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v heaven_n open_a and_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n joh_n 1.51_o vain_a enough_o therefore_o be_v that_o author_n suggestion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o speak_v for_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o though_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v such_o phrase_n use_v i_o say_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o threat_n or_o of_o command_n but_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o promise_n or_o comfort_n our_o lord_n also_o have_v it_o very_o i_o say_v etc._n etc._n now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o such_o a_o solemn_a asseveration_n to_o tell_v the_o penitent_a thief_n when_o it_o be_v he_o speak_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o ear_n be_v sufficient_a so_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o happy_a change_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v so_o speedy_o and_o tend_v much_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n here_o what_o can_v we_o suppose_v mean_v by_o thing_n in_o heaven_n reconcile_a piscator_fw-la expound_v tam_fw-la fideles_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o well_o the_o faithful_a receive_v to_o heaven_n as_o those_o still_o on_o earth_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v full_a enough_o to_o prove_v the_o faithful_a christian_n soul_n to_o be_v happy_a after_o death_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o almost_o despair_v of_o know_v it_o as_o to_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o seem_v very_o improper_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o they_o for_o how_o be_v they_o thing_n reconcile_v that_o never_o offend_v their_o god_n and_o so_o need_v not_o any_o reconciliation_n and_n there_o be_v in_o that_o chapter_n no_o discourse_n of_o enoch_n and_o elias_n or_o any_o thing_n to_o enforce_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o they_o and_o whether_o the_o express_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n not_o all_o person_n he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a depart_v i_o leave_v to_o other_o to_o consider_v of_o sect_n iv_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o heb._n 12.23_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a if_o other_o place_n shall_v not_o satisfy_v man_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a yet_o these_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o former_a st._n paul_n speak_v nothing_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o but_o join_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o very_a same_o privilege_n with_o himself_o we_o say_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v believe_v that_o when_o they_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v but_o in_o a_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o contain_v more_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o he_o than_o any_o they_o can_v have_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o that_o their_o be_v thus_o present_a with_o they_o when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o any_o that_o make_v use_v of_o sober_a reason_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v the_o plain_a word_n and_o
i_o find_v not_o that_o the_o contrary_a mind_a have_v make_v any_o exception_n against_o this_o proof_n that_o be_v worthy_a any_o serious_a consideration_n and_o for_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a for_o what_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n unite_v for_o these_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o spirit_n much_o less_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men._n obj._n but_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o angel_n that_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v call_v their_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n indeed_o ans_fw-fr the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o call_v in_o some_o sense_n or_o respect_n but_o whether_o in_o that_o text_n they_o be_v so_o call_v and_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o angel_n be_v mention_v just_a before_o as_o be_v intimate_v and_o they_o be_v never_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o scripture_n 2._o because_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o make_v perfect_a as_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v imperfect_a be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o degree_n for_o so_o the_o original_n signify_v now_o the_o holy_a angel_n never_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o perfection_n that_o their_o nature_n need_v since_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v only_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a that_o there_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o spirit_n or_o soul_n while_o in_o the_o body_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v not_o make_v perfect_a but_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sinful_a imperfection_n in_o they_o not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n of_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v already_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n or_o context_n favour_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o concern_v their_o state_n on_o earth_n and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o body_n on_o earth_n nor_o at_o the_o resurrection_n than_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n they_o be_v they_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o before_o they_o be_v they_o must_v certain_o be_v more_o happy_a also_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v from_o rev._n 14.13_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n have_v urge_v several_a scripture_n for_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o any_o person_n doubt_n whether_o this_o will_v prove_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o doubtful_a religion_n but_o for_o the_o business_n let_v we_o note_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v i_o hear_v say_v st._n john_n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v to_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o note_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o man_n as_o live_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o heaven_n but_o of_o they_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o fear_n bless_v be_v those_o dead_a it_o be_v add_v from_o henceforth_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o die_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v say_v bless_a be_v those_o dead_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v some_o bless_a privilege_n by_o die_v if_o death_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o hurt_v to_o their_o body_n then_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n assert_v it_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n together_o with_o one_o part_n or_o property_n of_o their_o blessedness_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o their_o trouble_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o rest_n must_v include_v a_o positive_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o their_o gracious_a god_n for_o a_o mere_a negative_a or_o privative_a rest_n consist_v in_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n partake_v of_o when_o the_o horse_n be_v dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o his_o weariness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o believe_v that_o a_o dead_a christian_n that_o show_v himself_o such_o in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o a_o better_a state_n present_o after_o death_n than_o a_o dead_a beast_n can_v be_v and_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v any_o thing_n strong_a than_o his_o atheism_n will_v account_v this_o text_n a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o humble_o implore_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o make_v good_a my_o method_n and_o so_o to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o exception_n and_o defend_v it_o from_o that_o violence_n which_o some_o have_v offer_v unto_o it_o sect_n vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n vindicate_v as_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o unlawful_a strife_n by_o clear_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o objection_n be_v not_o unnecessary_a and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o some_o may_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o before_o i_o answer_v man_n cavil_n against_o this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o that_o will_v dissuade_v we_o from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n say_v they_o shall_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a for_o we_o whether_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v happy_a in_o their_o separation_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v kindness_n or_o crossness_n religion_n or_o sin_n that_o move_v man_n to_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v so_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o below_o we_o to_o search_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n if_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o which_o that_o we_o may_v i_o trust_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n thing_n reveal_v do_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v reveal_v may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v by_o what_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o grant_v it_o a_o truth_n will_v never_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o comfortable_a one_o whatsoever_o also_o christian_n may_v undervalue_v methinks_v they_o shall_v not_o despise_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o will_v hold_v when_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o very_o delightful_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o confident_a cavil_n of_o deceive_v sinner_n yet_o to_o prevent_v their_o mischief_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o bestow_v a_o few_o line_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o scripture_n that_o they_o use_v to_o oppose_v this_o truth_n by_o it_o be_v especial_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n ps_n 6.5_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o but_o must_v not_o they_o be_v very_o quick-sighted_a that_o can_v find_v in_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n a_o argument_n against_o this_o encourage_n doctrine_n but_o how_o little_a this_o text_n make_v against_o it_o a_o few_o word_n will_v show_v for._n 1._o the_o psalmist_n do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o god_n after_o death_n but_o thus_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v in_o death_n or_o under_o death_n power_n even_o the_o body_n or_o then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o remembrance_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n for_o the_o
happiness_n at_o hand_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a by_o j._n b._n rector_n of_o finchamsted_n in_o the_o county_n of_o berks._n psal_n 63.3_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n qui_fw-la cupit_fw-la dissolvi_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la haud_fw-la patient_fw-la moritur_fw-la sed_fw-la patient_fw-la vivit_fw-la &_o delectabiliter_fw-la moritur_fw-la aug._n license_v july_n 2._o 1686._o london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o l._n meredith_n at_o the_o king_n head_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1687._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o worshipful_a and_o my_o most_o worthy_o honour_a friend_n dr._n robert_n woodward_n chancellor_n of_o my_o lord_n bishop_n court_n at_o sarum_n worthy_a sir_n as_o i_o have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o your_o name_n in_o this_o way_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v scarce_o more_o easy_a for_o uncharitable_a mind_n to_o blame_v i_o for_o it_o than_o for_o your_o kindness_n and_o courtesy_n to_o excuse_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v account_v i_o presumptuous_a in_o so_o do_v i_o can_v true_o tell_v they_o that_o i_o have_v a_o very_a great_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a temptation_n to_o it_o for_o gentleman_n of_o good_a repute_n and_o judgement_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o doubt_v but_o i_o may_v bear_v the_o reflection_n of_o ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o imprudence_n if_o have_v a_o opportunity_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v some_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o worship_n for_o those_o great_a instance_n of_o your_o undeserved_a friendship_n which_o bless_v be_v god_n i_o so_o happy_o receive_v in_o those_o public_a circumstance_n that_o make_v i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n accept_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n this_o plain_a piece_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o the_o unfeigned_a thanks_o that_o i_o must_v ever_o owe_v you_o and_o sir_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o beg_v your_o acceptance_n of_o it_o because_o the_o doctrine_n defend_v be_v apparent_o own_a by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o it_o find_v in_o the_o main_a that_o honour_n and_o favour_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o profane_a malignant_a world._n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n follow_v you_o still_o with_o his_o goodness_n grant_v you_o many_o happy_a day_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o when_o your_o time_n be_v end_v the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o blessedness_n of_o they_o that_o dye_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o pray_v reft_v good_a sir_n your_o worship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n and_o most_o effectual_o oblige_v john_n brandon_n a_o word_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n if_o thou_o ask_v why_o i_o publish_v this_o discourse_n i_o can_v safe_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v thou_o but_o possible_o thou_o may_v expect_v some_o further_a account_n which_o take_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o subject_a here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o so_o common_o handle_v as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n about_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o pocket-volume_n that_o i_o can_v find_v write_v upon_o it_o purposely_o plain_o and_o practical_o and_o those_o that_o have_v speak_v occasional_o of_o it_o in_o large_a piece_n contain_v various_a subject_n have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v prove_v about_o it_o i_o can_v show_v a_o pretty_a many_o page_n relate_v to_o it_o that_o afford_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o good_a substantial_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o most_o doctrine_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o much_o better_a than_o some_o that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o contend_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o seem_v to_o afford_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o support_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o pious_a soul._n for_o though_o the_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o top_n of_o our_o felicity_n whether_o we_o enjoy_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a yet_o i_o think_v the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n may_v be_v agreat_a addition_n to_o a_o christian_n joy._n may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o special_a yea_o strong_a consolation_n to_o think_v and_o believe_v on_o scripture_n ground_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o his_o dissolution_n have_v his_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o angel_n before_o his_o body_n be_v with_o worm_n and_o dust_n and_o see_v the_o eternal_a light_n and_o love_n as_o soon_o as_o death_n have_v draw_v the_o veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o that_o it_o may_v assist_v thou_o christian_n reader_n in_o the_o cheerful_a service_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a heaven_n that_o thou_o can_v hope_v for_o here_o on_o earth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v prove_v well_o may_v he_o serve_v his_o god_n with_o gladness_n that_o hope_v so_o short_o to_o see_v his_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o herein_o because_o i_o fear_v no_o opposer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v its_o friend_n to_o say_v in_o the_o burial_n service_n o_fw-la god_n with_o who_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o joy_n and_o felicity_n and_o if_o i_o be_o oppose_v by_o its_o enemy_n it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o small_a regard_n with_o i_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o shall_v employ_v his_o pen_n to_o disprove_v the_o main_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o point_n he_o may_v be_v attend_v to_o if_o god_n grant_v life_n and_o leisure_n i_o can_v easy_o judge_v that_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v manage_v by_o other_o than_o by_o i_o yet_o that_o must_v not_o hinder_v i_o from_o do_v it_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o my_o imperfect_a do_v of_o it_o may_v anger_v any_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o move_v he_o to_o do_v it_o better_o i_o shall_v think_v i_o have_v write_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o to_o request_n of_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o thou_o will_v read_v over_o this_o discourse_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o better_a at_o hand_n for_o which_o i_o need_v urge_v no_o other_o motive_n than_o the_o smallness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o subject_a 2._o that_o thou_o read_v it_o with_o a_o charitable_a eye_n and_o a_o christian_a aim_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n not_o reject_v any_o thing_n thou_o find_v to_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o thou_o think_v to_o be_v weak_a 3._o that_o thou_o will_v beseech_v god_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o such_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o such_o as_o may_v fit_v we_o both_o in_o his_o due_a time_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o that_o felicity_n which_o this_o small_a book_n be_v design_v to_o discover_v i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o to_o subscribe_v myself_o thy_o servant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n john_n brandon_n finchamsted_n berks_n may_v 10_o 1686._o a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o introduction_n with_o some_o presupposition_n relate_v to_o the_o point_n viz._n the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o its_o capableness_n of_o be_v happy_a out_o of_o the_o body_n page_n 1_o section_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n assert_v and_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o discover_v pag._n 12_o sect_n ii_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o good_a man_n soul_n after_o death_n prove_v from_o phil._n 1.23_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 together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o socinian_n exception_n pag._n 17_o sect_n iii_o the_o point_n prove_v from_o luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n and_o colos_n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o whether_o thing_n on_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o exception_n pag._n 26_o sect_n iv_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o heb._n 12.23_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a pag._n 31_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v