6.22_o when_o gideon_n perceive_v he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n gideon_n say_v alas_o o_o lord_n god_n for_o because_o i_o have_v see_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n face_n to_o face_n therefore_o he_o think_v he_o must_v die_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o forego_n verse_n an_o so_o manoah_n when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v wondrous_o judge_n 13.23_o manoah_n say_v to_o his_o wife_n we_o shall_v sure_o dâ—e_v because_o we_o have_v see_v god_n or_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v before_o manoah_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n entertain_v angel_n with_o joy_n as_o abraham_n do_v the_o three_o angel_n in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n gen._n 18.8_o who_o accept_v his_o invitation_n and_o do_v eat_v before_o he_o what_o he_o have_v dress_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o likewise_o the_o two_o angel_n which_o come_v to_o lot_n in_o sodom_n gen._n 19.1_o he_o make_v they_o a_o feast_n and_o they_o stay_v with_o he_o all_o night_n sure_o that_o man_n be_v great_o honour_v of_o god_n unto_o who_o in_o favour_n he_o thus_o send_v his_o angel_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o motive_n unto_o christian_n to_o hospitality_n heb._n 13.2_o be_v not_o forgetful_a to_o entertain_v stranger_n for_o thereby_o some_o have_v entertain_v angel_n unaware_o what_o will_v that_o honour_n be_v then_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v entertain_v with_o angel_n and_o to_o dwell_v with_o angel_n and_o to_o have_v familiarity_n and_o fellowship_n with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o glorious_a angel_n yea_o with_o those_o angel_n that_o have_v be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n for_o their_o good_a heb._n 1.14_o be_v not_o they_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n with_o those_o angel_n that_o rejoice_v at_o their_o conversion_n luke_n 15.10_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beleiver_n after_o death_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v and_o dwell_v with_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n but_o be_v also_o as_o the_o angel_n angel_n of_o god_n math._n 22.30_o they_o shall_v live_v as_o angel_n without_o these_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o comfortable_a relation_n they_o shall_v neither_o marry_v nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n themselves_o move_v up_o and_o down_o as_o the_o angel_n and_o join_v in_o consort_n with_o the_o whole_a choir_n of_o angel_n in_o sing_v hallelujah_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o eternal_a majesty_n second_o they_o shall_v have_v full_a and_o perpetual_a fellowship_n with_o glorify_a saint_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a communion_n with_o saint_n on_o earth_n in_o gospel_n fellowship_n whereby_o beleiver_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n each_o with_o other_o in_o spiritual_a administration_n be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a privilege_n in_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.1_o which_o he_o also_o urge_v as_o a_o motive_n to_o the_o believe_a philippian_n to_o persevere_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o condord_v phil_n 2.1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like-minded_n have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o here_o below_o beside_o the_o intermission_n thereof_o partly_o through_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o their_o affection_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n quench_v and_o withdraw_v each_o from_o other_o and_o partly_o through_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o occasional_a offence_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o mutual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n however_o let_v not_o these_o accidental_a inconvenience_n and_o obstruction_n beget_v in_o you_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n of_o this_o holy_a fellowship_n but_o remember_v how_o your_o heart_n have_v be_v warm_v your_o affection_n quicken_v your_o resolution_n confirm_v and_o your_o hand_n strengthen_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o close_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n you_o have_v have_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n that_o your_o esteem_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o your_o love_n so_o far_o increase_v as_o to_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n and_o coheir_n with_o you_o of_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n consider_v that_o you_o shall_v short_o live_v together_o with_o christ_n when_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v with_o he_o those_o who_o you_o have_v never_o see_v but_o have_v love_v in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o their_o grace_n with_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o witness_n go_v before_o you_o and_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o joyful_a meeting_n will_v there_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v dwell_v together_o in_o their_o father_n house_n be_v make_v perfect_o one_o as_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v one_o what_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n will_v there_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o first-born_a shall_v keep_v a_o perpetual_a sabbath_n and_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o how_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a will_v be_v the_o heavenly_a festival_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o celebrate_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n when_o they_o shall_v all_o come_v together_o and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n four_o and_o last_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n with_o christ_n for_o christ_n give_v his_o sheep_n eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v john_n 10.28_o and_o this_o be_v his_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o therefore_o say_v paul_n we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.1_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o father_n house_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o eternal_a foundation_n a_o everlasting_a rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o the_o unchangeable_a essence_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o support_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o proper_o eternal_a but_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o as_o time_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o successive_a and_o changeable_a creature_n so_o eternity_n be_v the_o immensurable_a duration_n of_o the_o immutable_a essence_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a without_o shadow_n of_o turn_v or_o the_o least_o variation_n in_o be_v so_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v their_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5.20_o as_o their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o so_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o through_o christ_n who_o live_v by_o the_o father_n and_o now_o live_v with_o the_o father_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o more_o rev._n 1.18_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o and_o because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14.19_o nay_o belove_a this_o eternal_a life_n be_v begin_v already_o in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o you_o as_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n john_n 4.14_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17.3_o and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n john_n 6.47_o he_o that_o beleive_v on_o the_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o your_o full_a possession_n thereof_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o your_o mortal_a body_n when_o you_o shall_v never_o suffer_v change_n more_o so_o as_o to_o see_v any_o weakness_n or_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o corruption_n then_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 4_o as_o
his_o usual_a benedictory_n salutation_n first_o he_o declare_v his_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o continuance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o 5_o verse_n second_o his_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v as_o he_o be_v persuade_v through_o charity_n to_o judge_v in_o they_o all_o by_o their_o future_a and_o final_a perseverance_n unto_o the_o eight_o verse_n three_o his_o prayer_n for_o their_o increase_n and_o abound_v in_o fruitfulness_n unto_o the_o 11._o verse_n then_o from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 18._o verse_n he_o labour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o concern_v the_o consequent_a event_n of_o his_o present_a suffering_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o for_o the_o furtherance_n than_o hindrance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o because_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v hereby_o make_v know_v and_o divulge_v both_o in_o nero_n palace_n and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a city_n second_o because_o by_o his_o suffering_n many_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v make_v more_o bold_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n think_v thereby_o to_o add_v to_o his_o affliction_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o that_o he_o rejoice_v because_o christ_n be_v the_o more_o preach_v in_o the_o 19_o verse_n the_o apostle_n discover_v the_o gracious_a and_o sweet_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n under_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o firm_a confidence_n he_o have_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a and_o turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n as_o the_o return_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o through_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v hold_v out_o under_o his_o trial_n according_a to_o his_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_n that_o through_o his_o steadfastness_n and_o boldness_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n whereof_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n verse_n 21._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 that_o be_v if_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v honour_v christ_n by_o my_o life_n and_o if_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v honour_v he_o by_o my_o death_n and_o that_o death_n shall_v be_v my_o gain_n according_a to_o his_o confidence_n before_o express_v that_o it_o shall_v turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n but_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v live_v he_o shall_v have_v fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n or_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o live_v for_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v preach_v christ_n which_o will_v be_v the_o gain_n of_o other_o as_o his_o death_n will_v be_v his_o own_o now_o in_o these_o thought_n paul_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n what_o to_o choose_v or_o desire_v whether_o to_o live_v or_o die_v for_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v expect_v as_o well_o to_o die_v as_o to_o live_v and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o he_o debate_v the_o case_n and_o controversy_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o distinct_a part_n first_o aequilibrium_fw-la animi_fw-la the_o even_a balance_n of_o paul_n mind_n in_o respect_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o second_o inclinatio_fw-la affectionum_fw-la the_o inclination_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n three_o status_fw-la vel_fw-la determinatio_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o determination_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v far_o better_a before_o i_o lay_v down_o the_o intend_a doctrine_n or_o proposition_n from_o this_o scripture_n i_o will_v brief_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o text_n to_o justify_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a deduction_n from_o the_o text._n 〈◊〉_d text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o i_o be_o straigth_o hold_v on_o both_o side_n so_o beza_n translate_v it_o or_o i_o be_o press_v of_o two_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a s._n paul_n present_v unto_o himself_o life_n and_o death_n two_o different_a object_n of_o his_o choice_n and_o election_n and_o both_o sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la boni_fw-la appear_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v real_o good_a for_o he_o but_o which_o of_o these_o to_o close_o withal_o and_o pitch_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o live_v or_o to_o die_v but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v either_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o his_o present_a thought_n which_o way_n he_o have_v best_o incline_v himself_o as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o with_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o now_o imprison_v for_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_o better_a upon_o all_o account_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v for_o he_o to_o die_v by_o a_o violent_a hand_n or_o to_o be_v enlarge_v as_o a_o further_a instrument_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o propate_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v david_n case_n when_o he_o be_v to_o choose_v one_o of_o those_o three_o judgement_n propose_v unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 24.13_o 14._o shall_v seven_o year_n famine_n come_v in_o thy_o land_n or_o will_v thou_o fly_v three_o month_n before_o thy_o enemy_n while_o they_o pursue_v thou_o or_o that_o there_o be_v three_o day_n pestilence_n in_o thy_o land_n and_o david_n say_v unto_o gad_n i_o be_o in_o a_o great_a straight_o let_v we_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o straight_a in_o respect_n of_o evil_n and_o he_o choose_v well_o for_o he_o choose_v the_o least_o in_o all_o circumstance_n for_o the_o time_n the_o nature_n and_o the_o immediate_a inflictor_fw-la of_o the_o evil_a or_o judgement_n but_o paul_n strait_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o good_a object_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o best_a be_v his_o present_a controversy_n whether_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v and_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o die_n to_o preach_v he_o both_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o former_a will_v be_v his_o own_o gain_n the_o latter_a the_o gain_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n be_v the_o less_o unto_o he_o because_o if_o he_o live_v it_o be_v but_o the_o defer_v of_o his_o heavenly_a reward_n and_o his_o affection_n sometime_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v a_o total_a deprivation_n thereof_o for_o the_o jew_n sake_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o myself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n love_n desire_v impossibility_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o great_a the_o apostle_n straight_o be_v betwixt_o live_v and_o die_v as_o a_o needle_n hang_v between_o two_o loadstone_n of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o desire_n or_o great_o desire_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o his_o great_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o christ_n for_o who_o he_o be_v now_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v a_o vehement_a desire_n or_o a_o ardent_a and_o hot_a desire_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o say_v he_o do_v desire_v but_o have_v a_o desire_n which_o beza_n translate_v to_o contend_v in_o desire_n locum_fw-la desire_n plus_fw-fr est_fw-fr animo_fw-la ferri_fw-la &_o contendere_fw-la quam_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la cupere_fw-la beza_n in_o locum_fw-la answerable_a to_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n luke_n 22.15_o with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passeover_n with_o you_o before_o i_o suffer_v so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v paul_n look_v sole_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o immediate_a presence_n wave_v all_o former_a consideration_n whereby_o this_o fervent_a desire_n be_v limit_v and_o himself_o straighten_v so_o that_o paul_n natural_a if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o desire_v and_o inclination_n be_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o
the_o drop_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o ocean_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n in_o the_o huge_a mountain_n so_o shall_v the_o short_a moment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v forget_v when_o the_o bright_a morning_n of_o eternal_a joy_n shall_v break_v upon_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v that_o life_n and_o immortality_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o who_o you_o be_v hasten_v wait_v for_o the_o day_n of_o your_o depart_n hence_o that_o you_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a three_o how_o do_v the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n bring_v they_o immediate_o to_o christ_n a_o their_o departure_n &_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o soul_n depart_v the_o apostle_n join_v his_o depart_n and_o be_v with_o christ_n together_o by_o a_o small_a copulative_a particle_n as_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o soon_o with_o christ_n after_o dissolution_n as_o we_o can_v speak_v so_o short_a a_o word_n even_o in_o the_o next_o moment_n which_o be_v the_o three_o general_a head_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o explain_v whereof_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o die_v not_o with_o the_o body_n but_o immediate_o appear_v before_o god_n according_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o my_o text_n who_o therefore_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n for_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n immortal_a and_o that_o in_o paul_n perfect_a judgement_n it_o have_v be_v far_o better_o for_o he_o to_o have_v live_v then_o dye_v for_o to_o he_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n but_o in_o case_n he_o have_v dye_v he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o desire_n have_v not_o his_o soul_n survive_v his_o body_n therefore_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n i_o shall_v wave_v the_o needless_a controversy_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o last_o question_n in_o hand_n the_o truth_n and_o manner_n whereof_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a demonstration_n i._n demonst_a first_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v spiritual_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v unto_o christ_n he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o beleiver_n and_o though_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a or_o mortal_a because_o of_o sin_n yet_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n rom._n 8.10_o 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v quicken_v together_o with_o he_o through_o which_o both_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n be_v secure_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v inviolable_a therefore_o our_o life_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o calv._n 3.3_o cum_fw-la christ_n &_o in_o deo_fw-la est_fw-la exira_fw-la periculum_fw-la esse_fw-la calv._n and_o be_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o ever_o be_v separate_v for_o who_o or_o what_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8._o latter_a end_n i_o be_o persuade_v say_v paul_n neither_o life_n nor_o death_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v separate_v by_o his_o death_n so_o neither_o the_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n whereof_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o live_a member_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v so_o real_o spiritual_o and_o immediate_o unite_v that_o no_o state_n condition_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o can_v sever_v or_o disjoin_a they_o and_o though_o every_o unfruitful_a branch_n may_v and_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o true_a vine_n by_o final_a apostasy_n ecclesiastical_a censure_n or_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n that_o shall_v pass_v upon_o every_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n shall_v require_v and_o take_v away_o his_o soul_n every_o true_a and_o live_a branch_n shall_v abide_v in_o he_o for_o ever_o through_o the_o skill_n and_o care_n of_o the_o father_n the_o great_a husbandman_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o christ_n stand_v in_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o his_o spouse_n contract_v together_o by_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n betroth_v in_o love_a kindness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o join_v together_o by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n through_o which_o they_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a embrace_n and_o mutual_a expression_n of_o their_o conjugal_a union_n and_o affection_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o particular_a christian_n shall_v by_o their_o dissolution_n be_v deprive_v of_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n and_o firm_a union_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o uncapable_a of_o suffer_v the_o least_o alteration_n in_o its_o essence_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n from_o which_o it_o be_v only_o separate_v as_o the_o life_n thereof_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n retain_v and_o still_o possess_v its_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o all_o supernatural_a and_o heavenly_a privilege_n in_o and_o with_o christ_n whereof_o it_o be_v far_o more_o capable_a and_o that_o more_o full_o and_o perfect_o to_o receive_v be_v separate_a then_o in_o the_o present_a body_n ii_o demonstr_n second_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v by_o a_o natural_a force_n and_o necessity_n detain_v from_o their_o desire_a presence_n with_o christ_n while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n and_o thus_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n bring_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o release_n their_o soul_n from_o the_o tie_n and_o bond_n of_o a_o absent_v estate_n therefore_o be_v we_o always_o confident_a say_v the_o apostle_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.6_o 8._o the_o body_n be_v the_o saint_n natural_a home_n wherein_o by_o a_o natural_a necessity_n they_o be_v keep_v absent_a from_o christ_n and_o yet_o a_o force_a absence_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o change_v their_o bodily_a home_n for_o a_o eternal_a house_n the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o body_n animae_fw-la carcerem_fw-la &_o pistrinum_fw-la the_o prison_n and_o gaol_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o so_o how_o welcome_a shall_v death_n be_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o set_v this_o prisoner_n free_a and_o enlarge_v the_o soul_n confinement_n but_o how_o the_o soul_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o deliver_v from_o the_o natural_a bond_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o body_n be_v immediate_o present_a with_o christ_n i_o shall_v explain_v with_o what_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v for_o the_o make_v good_a of_o this_o second_o demonstration_n first_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o godly_a as_o in_o all_o other_o man_n be_v join_v together_o by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o they_o as_o essential_a part_n of_o one_o person_n the_o humane_a nature_n consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o god_n himself_o breathe_v into_o the_o humane_a and_o organical_a body_n and_o whereby_o man_n become_v a_o live_a soul_n gen._n 2.7_o it_o be_v also_o a_o receive_a maxim_n in_o natural_a science_n that_o in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immediate_o create_v and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o body_n into_o which_o it_o be_v infuse_v in_o the_o very_a creation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o one_o man_n be_v say_v to_o beget_v another_o not_o that_o he_o do_v generate_v the_o soul_n but_o the_o body_n and_o the_o union_n of_o both_o god_n concur_v as_o the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n with_o the_o secondary_a and_o particular_a cause_n in_o their_o natural_a act_n and_o motion_n which_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v natural_a as_o of_o two_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a though_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n have_v a_o subsistence_n be_v separate_a from_o the_o body_n by_o dissolution_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o separate_a part_n and_o remain_v as_o a_o part_n during_o the_o time_n and_o
peace_n balaam_n be_v wish_v strong_o confirm_v it_o numb_a 23.10_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o latter_a end_n be_v like_o he_o and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o quotation_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n paul_n in_o my_o text_n appropriate_v this_o privilege_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v real_a christian_n true_a saint_n and_o unfeigned_a believer_n i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v therefore_o look_v what_o we_o be_v live_v such_o we_o be_v die_v death_n be_v but_o the_o term_n of_o life_n and_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n but_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o state_n grace_n must_v be_v wrought_v here_o but_o perfect_v hereafter_o in_o glory_n which_o be_v grace_n consummate_v and_o if_o no_o grace_n here_o no_o glory_n hereafter_o for_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v but_o if_o i_o shall_v draw_v the_o curtain_n that_o be_v about_o these_o die_a saint_n and_o consider_v how_o they_o die_v that_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o death_n i_o will_v propose_v it_o unto_o you_o brief_o in_o two_o or_o three_o expression_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o your_o information_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o godly_a die_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o heb._n 11.13_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n they_o die_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v christ_n in_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n rom._n 14.8_o whether_o we_o live_v we_o live_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o whether_o we_o die_v we_o die_v to_o the_o lord_n whether_o we_o live_v therefore_o or_o die_v we_o be_v the_o lord_n yea_o they_o die_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n rev._n 14.13_o this_o be_v that_o death_n and_o the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o these_o be_v be_v that_o departure_n whereof_o paul_n speak_v in_o my_o text_n and_o how_o desirable_a it_o be_v beyond_o this_o present_a life_n itself_o will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a and_o suitable_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o original_n which_o we_o translate_v to_o depart_v in_o which_o word_n as_o a_o alabaster_n box_n the_o apostle_n have_v enclose_v precious_a spikenard_n to_o anoint_v the_o saint_n against_o their_o funeral_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o gainful_a advantage_n of_o death_n to_o the_o godly_a as_o it_o look_v back_o to_o this_o present_a life_n as_o the_o terminus_fw-la a_o quo_fw-la or_o the_o bound_n from_o which_o they_o depart_v first_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o loosen_v the_o cable_n of_o a_o ship_n solvere_fw-la rudentes_fw-la a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o mariner_n who_o sail_n from_o one_o bank_n or_o port_n unto_o another_o it_o import_v a_o flit_a or_o sail_v from_o the_o state_n of_o this_o present_a life_n to_o our_o heavenly_a country_n affliction_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o water_n and_o the_o world_n be_v a_o troublesome_a sea_n to_o the_o saint_n over_o which_o they_o sail_v through_o many_o storm_n till_o they_o come_v to_o shore_n for_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_v 14.22_o many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n john_n 16._o last_o and_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n say_v paul_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o but_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o rom._n 8.18_o then_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n shall_v flee_v away_o when_o they_o shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n the_o cape_n of_o good_a hope_n heaven_n be_v the_o saint_n fair_a haven_n it_o be_v call_v the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n luk._n 16.23_o which_o gregory_n nyssen_n expound_v to_o be_v like_o a_o bay_n or_o bosom_n of_o the_o sea_n into_o which_o a_o godly_a man_n sail_v from_o hence_o put_v in_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o haven_n free_a from_o danger_n and_o tempest_n where_o it_o shall_v receive_v the_o fullness_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n second_o the_o word_n be_v translate_v reverti_fw-la to_o return_n believer_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o labour_n in_o this_o world_n and_o they_o be_v christ_n factor_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o heavenly_a gain_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n they_o trade_n for_o heaven_n by_o which_o their_o conversation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 3.20_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o city_n life_n or_o commerce_n or_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n whence_o we_o look_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v they_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n but_o they_o trade_n from_o home_n in_o a_o far_a country_n as_o merchant_n seek_v the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.44_o which_o have_v find_v they_o return_v home_o rich_o lade_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n death_n be_v the_o soul_n return_v to_o god_n eccles_n 12.7_o then_o shall_v the_o dust_n return_n to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o job_n say_v he_o shall_v return_v thither_o job_n 1.21_o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o greek_a scholies_n expound_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o god_n how_o joyful_a be_v the_o return_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o their_o heavenly_a home_n and_o their_o happy_a rest_n after_o their_o laborious_a travail_n and_o restless_a pain_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n attend_v with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o obedience_n bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n even_o so_o say_v the_o spirit_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o rev._n 14.13_o as_o the_o wagon_n which_o joseph_n send_v for_o his_o father_n jacob_n and_o his_o household_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n and_o to_o the_o full_a plenty_n of_o joseph_n provision_n so_o death_n bring_v the_o saint_n to_o their_o joyful_a rest_n and_o to_o christ_n their_o heavenly_a joseph_n death_n be_v the_o unharness_v of_o the_o saint_n at_o their_o final_a return_n to_o their_o full_a peace_n and_o everlasting_a inheritance_n vincula_fw-la inheritance_n solvuntiâ—_n sarcina_fw-la &_o vincula_fw-la three_o the_o word_n be_v apply_v sometime_o to_o the_o lose_n of_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o tent_n tobernaculorum_fw-la tent_n solvere_fw-la sunos_fw-la tobernaculorum_fw-la beleiver_n in_o this_o life_n and_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n dwell_v as_o in_o tent_n and_o tabernacle_n in_o a_o unsettle_a and_o changeable_a estate_n as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n have_v no_o continue_v city_n and_o therefore_o often_o remove_v their_o tent_n like_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a heb_fw-mi 11.9_o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o abraham_n say_v that_o by_o faith_n he_o sojourn_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n dwell_v in_o tabernacle_n with_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n the_o heir_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n for_o he_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n al_n the_o faithful_a be_v heir_n of_o eternal_a promise_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o they_o seem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o gazingstock_n unto_o they_o among_o who_o they_o sojourn_v for_o a_o time_n as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o have_v little_a favour_n and_o respect_n from_o it_o for_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o john_n 15.19_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v always_o account_v themselves_o stranger_a here_o psal_n 119.19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n say_v david_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o peter_n write_v to_o the_o jew_n 1_o pet._n 2.11_o i_o beseech_v you_o say_v he_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n how_o welcome_a then_o be_v that_o dissolution_n that_o loosen_v the_o cord_n of_o those_o tent_n and_o pull_v
some_o of_o we_o be_v come_v to_o this_o place_n at_o this_o time_n as_o abraham_n at_o the_o cave_n of_o machpelah_n to_o bury_v the_o dead_a out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o be_v mourn_a for_o the_o departure_n of_o a_o near_a relation_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n unto_o they_o before_o i_o come_v to_o direct_v and_o counsel_n christian_n in_o general_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o exhort_v you_o free_o to_o resign_v your_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o mourn_v as_o those_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n which_o be_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o in_o the_o like_a case_n 1_o thess_n 4.13_o 14._o which_o he_o press_v with_o a_o strong_a argument_n for_o say_v he_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o even_o so_o they_o also_o which_o believe_v in_o jesus_n will_v god_n bring_v with_o he_o which_o impli_v that_o they_o be_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o become_v all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v silent_a in_o submit_v to_o every_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v record_v of_o aaron_n when_o his_o two_o son_n be_v slay_v by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o displeasure_n that_o after_o moses_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n levit._n 10.3_o when_o david_n understand_v the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n for_o which_o he_o mourn_v so_o exceed_o during_o the_o time_n of_o its_o sickness_n he_o rise_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o wash_v and_o anoint_a himself_o and_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o worship_v 2_o sam._n 12.20_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o example_n to_o all_o beleiver_n who_o when_o he_o have_v hear_v out_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o evil_a tiding_n which_o his_o sad_a messenger_n bring_v unto_o he_o of_o his_o great_a loss_n in_o estate_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sudden_a death_n of_o all_o his_o child_n glorify_v god_n under_o all_o job_n 1.21_o the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v christian_n not_o only_a labour_n to_o submit_v but_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o satisfy_v and_o quiet_v their_o spirit_n when_o they_o part_v with_o relation_n upon_o such_o comfortable_a term_n that_o no_o soon_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n but_o they_o be_v immediate_o with_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a nature_n be_v strong_a in_o her_o affection_n and_o loath_a to_o let_v go_v the_o possession_n of_o any_o present_a comfort_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o discover_v her_o passion_n when_o she_o be_v bereave_v of_o near_a enjoyment_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o breach_n and_o dissolution_n of_o natural_a bond_n even_o a_o long_a continue_a absence_n or_o a_o imagination_n of_o never_o see_v depart_v friend_n any_o more_o if_o not_o a_o conceit_n of_o annihilation_n and_o that_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o as_o ignorant_a person_n be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v strange_a notion_n thereof_o but_o however_o natural_a man_n may_v immoderate_o mourn_v upon_o such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o which_o we_o may_v add_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o own_o loss_n in_o such_o a_o case_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o value_v or_o prize_v a_o creature_n comfort_n with_o any_o moderation_n because_o they_o mind_v not_o a_o great_a and_o better_a portion_n yet_o where_o nature_n have_v be_v at_o school_n and_o under_o the_o teach_n and_o instruction_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o who_o understand_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n how_o shall_v all_o such_o manifest_a a_o more_o noble_a and_o heavenly_a principle_n ever_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o adorn_v their_o profession_n and_o justify_v the_o truth_n and_o worth_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o comely_a gracious_a solid_a and_o sweet_a behaviour_n and_o demeanour_n of_o themselves_o under_o such_o providence_n the_o faithful_a part_n with_o their_o spiritual_a relation_n at_o their_o dissolution_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a promotion_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o free_a than_o those_o that_o can_v take_v a_o joyful_a farewell_n of_o their_o near_a friend_n for_o the_o greatness_n of_o earthly_a preferment_n let_v the_o godly_a husband_n therefore_o rejoice_v under_o his_o sorrow_n and_o rather_o weep_v for_o joy_n that_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o bosom_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n and_o take_v into_o the_o presence_n and_o embrace_n of_o christ_n her_o heavenly_a head_n and_o husband_n now_o know_v she_o no_o more_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o natural_a relation_n be_v spiritualise_v by_o the_o medicinal_a union_n of_o fellow_n membership_n in_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v the_o offspring_n and_o child_n of_o such_o aparent_a no_o long_o look_v with_o tear_n upon_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v they_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v they_o suck_v and_o the_o tender_a bowel_n of_o she_o that_o now_o cease_v to_o care_n for_o they_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n and_o the_o orphan_n succour_v and_o relief_n when_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o cast_v their_o care_n and_o burden_n upon_o he_o how_o soon_o will_v tear_n dry_v upon_o our_o cheek_n and_o our_o sigh_n and_o sob_n turn_v into_o song_n can_v we_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_a and_o not_o only_a christ_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o our_o dear_a and_o godly_a relation_n depart_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n have_v put_v off_o the_o weed_n &_o rag_n of_o mortality_n and_o temporal_a misery_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o garment_n of_o praise_n and_o robe_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n such_o a_o sight_n the_o eye_n of_o faith_n can_v see_v which_o perice_v the_o heaven_n and_o see_v thing_n invisible_a therefore_o let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o the_o saint_n depart_v be_v less_o happy_a because_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o behold_v their_o heavenly_a advancement_n like_o jacob_n delude_v by_o joseph_n brethren_n and_o his_o coat_n of_o many_o colour_n which_o they_o present_v unto_o he_o as_o tear_v by_o wild_a beast_n whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o though_o yet_o alive_a and_o in_o the_o way_n to_o be_v advance_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o next_o unto_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o kingdom_n our_o godly_a relation_n though_o dead_a be_v yet_o alive_a and_o we_o shall_v short_o go_v to_o they_o though_o they_o return_v not_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o case_n but_o what_o christ_n say_v unto_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o towards_o his_o death_n lament_v he_o luke_n 23.28_o weep_v not_o for_o i_o but_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o &_o your_o child_n so_o weep_v we_o not_o forth_o dead_a in_o christ_n but_o let_v we_o weep_v for_o ourselves_o and_o mourn_v over_o our_o dead_a heart_n and_o their_o corruption_n that_o sin_n still_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o can_v honour_v christ_n as_o we_o desire_v nor_o do_v that_o which_o we_o will_v the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o follow_v christ_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o faith_n &_o footstep_n of_o those_o who_o be_v with_o he_o that_o when_o we_o depart_v we_o may_v also_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a thus_o i_o come_v at_o length_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o spiritual_a direction_n and_o counsel_n to_o christian_n in_o general_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a depart_n unto_o christ_n at_o their_o dissolution_n direct_v i._o labour_n to_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o exercise_v and_o act_v faith_n upon_o christ_n as_o spiritual_o to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o beleiver_n though_o all_o do_v not_o at_o all_o time_n attain_v nor_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v this_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o sweet_a temper_n of_o spirit_n but_o walk_v mournful_o and_o disconsolate_o depress_v by_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n deject_v by_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o cause_n either_o of_o sinful_a fall_n of_o distract_n infirmity_n or_o else_o darken_v and_o cloud_v by_o spiritual_a desertion_n and_o withdrawing_n of_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n former_o enjoy_v and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n sometime_o lift_v up_o upon_o they_o vex_v also_o by_o satan_n trouble_v their_o peace_n by_o his_o strong_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n who_o envy_v their_o
such_o fruitful_a season_n nevertheless_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o &_o the_o feeble_a knee_n up_o and_o be_v do_v &_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o your_o hand_n gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v attain_v be_v swift_a to_o hear_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v fulfil_v in_o you_o all_o the_o good_a pleaof_n his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n five_o that_o you_o may_v better_o redeem_v the_o present_a time_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n exercise_v your_o hope_n with_o all_o sobriety_n in_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n take_v heed_n of_o surfeit_v yourselves_o with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o creature_n delight_n lest_o your_o heart_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o and_o you_o sit_v down_o ready_a to_o take_v your_o lot_n on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n but_o be_v sober_a and_o hope_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.13_o you_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o day_n watch_n and_o be_v sober_a and_o with_o paul_n who_o example_n be_v imitable_a in_o this_o case_n labour_v to_o beat_v down_o your_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n that_o you_o be_v not_o cast_v away_o 1_o cor._n 9.21_o it_o be_v better_a to_o starve_v lust_n then_o by_o pamper_v the_o body_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o therefore_o study_v contentment_n in_o a_o mean_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n have_v but_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o supply_v the_o bare_a necessity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o your_o passage_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o content_v you_o for_o your_o portion_n because_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o precious_a promise_n and_o of_o a_o rich_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n whereof_o you_o shall_v short_o take_v possession_n in_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o wherefore_o if_o by_o christ_n the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o you_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n live_v above_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o fade_a and_o wither_v comfort_n and_o look_v not_o at_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n which_o pass_v away_o but_o use_v the_o world_n as_o if_o you_o use_v it_o not_o because_o all_o these_o thing_n perish_v in_o the_o use_n die_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o beauty_n thereof_o corrupt_v and_o vanish_v while_o your_o eye_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o your_o care_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n who_o if_o you_o cast_v your_o burden_n upon_o he_o will_v sustain_v you_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o content_v yourselves_o to_o live_v at_o his_o allowance_n in_o your_o minority_n and_o think_v not_o hardship_n unsuitable_a to_o your_o present_a state_n whereas_o if_o you_o be_v full_a you_o may_v forget_v the_o lord_n and_o less_o mind_n your_o home_n and_o your_o father_n house_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v enlarge_v your_o present_a estate_n upon_o earth_n content_v not_o yourselves_o in_o be_v rich_a unless_o you_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o deny_v yourselves_o in_o what_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o use_v and_o possess_v that_o you_o may_v do_v good_a in_o your_o generation_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v direct_v vi_o sixthly_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o holy_a sobriety_n of_o spirit_n act_n faith_n upon_o eternal_a promise_n and_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o heaven_n nothing_o do_v more_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o to_o look_v over_o the_o pale_a of_o time_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a this_o will_v make_v affliction_n light_a suffer_v easy_a the_o world_n contemptible_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n and_o work_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n comfortable_a while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n 4.18_o while_o faith_n feed_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o ey_v the_o great_a reward_n of_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n the_o soul_n faint_v not_o under_o its_o burden_n neither_o be_v discourage_v at_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o hope_n but_o become_v more_o lively_a and_o undaunted_a in_o contend_v with_o opposition_n that_o it_o may_v break_v through_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n yea_o how_o full_o be_v the_o soul_n satisfy_v in_o behold_v the_o incomprehensible_a riches_n of_o eternity_n that_o when_o it_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n thereof_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o body_n as_o be_v transport_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o sensitive_a object_n this_o make_v david_n cease_v to_o envy_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o his_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o so_o ravish_v his_o soul_n that_o he_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o and_o this_o will_v ween_v your_o affection_n &_o desire_n from_o earthly_a contentment_n do_v you_o often_o by_o faith_n visit_v your_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o keep_v your_o thought_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o preparation_n for_o you_o which_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v the_o heart_n conceive_v and_o yet_o not_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v seven_o and_o last_o labour_v after_o a_o comply_a heart_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o every_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n towards_o you_o in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v willing_a to_o live_v or_o die_v to_o do_v or_o suffer_v follow_v every_o call_n of_o god_n who_o infinite_a wisdom_n dispose_v of_o your_o condition_n and_o who_o gracious_a power_n be_v present_a to_o assist_v and_o streng_v then_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o your_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v direct_v your_o path_n and_o commit_v your_o way_n to_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o heart_n take_v heed_n of_o self-will_n and_o sinful_a will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n but_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n with_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o humble_a resignation_n of_o yourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o let_v nothing_o move_v or_o terrify_v you_o neither_o count_v your_o life_n dear_a unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v finish_v your_o course_n with_o joy_n be_v content_v with_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v allot_v unto_o you_o in_o your_o present_a pilgrimage_n and_o travail_n homeward_o and_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o your_o approach_a ascension_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n sweeten_v every_o bitter_a cup_n which_o providence_n shall_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n &_o lighten_v every_o burden_n which_o god_n shall_v lay_v upon_o you_o know_v that_o your_o suffering_n be_v only_o temporal_a but_o your_o joy_n will_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o you_o have_v all_o your_o evil_n here_o but_o your_o good_a thing_n be_v to_o come_v o_o forget_v not_o that_o your_o treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o that_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o you_o may_v endure_v every_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n of_o all_o your_o suffering_n for_o christ_n count_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o you_o when_o you_o shall_v depart_v hence_o unâ—o_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a not_o only_o better_a than_o the_o present_a strait_n trouble_n tribulation_n and_o affliction_n which_o attend_v the_o gospel_n the_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o better_a than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o honourable_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o enjoy_v or_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o while_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n remain_v which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o counsel_n that_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o three_o degree_n o_o excellency_n attainable_a in_o this_o earthly_a state_n first_o it_o be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n which_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a and_o at_o least_o but_o create_a delight_n and_o creature_n enjoyment_n which_o saint_n john_n describe_v by_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 1_o john_n 2.15_o and_o labour_v to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o they_o by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n here_o be_v better_o than_o life_n itself_o psal_n 63.3_o how_o much_o more_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o love_n communicate_v without_o measure_n in_o the_o life_n that_o be_v eternal_a second_o it_o be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o service_n which_o the_o saint_n can_v do_v for_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o their_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n here_o below_o yea_o though_o we_o can_v say_v with_o saint_n paul_n to_o we_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n yet_o to_o die_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v gain_v and_o far_o better_a and_o though_o in_o keep_v of_o his_o commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o the_o godly_a have_v great_a peace_n therein_o yet_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v the_o crown_n of_o their_o holiness_n here_o and_o their_o reward_n with_o christ_n shall_v exceed_v all_o their_o labour_n and_o work_v for_o he_o last_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o most_o uninterrupted_a fellowship_n the_o saint_n be_v capable_a of_o with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o near_a and_o most_o spiritual_a approach_n in_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n or_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o immediate_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n &_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n surpass_v the_o clear_a discovery_n &_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o his_o choose_a and_o precious_a &_o faithful_a people_n upon_o earth_n therefore_o leâ—_n all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wait_v with_o joy_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o ascension_n when_o they_o shall_v depart_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v ascend_v far_o above_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o that_o you_o faint_v not_o implore_v his_o spiritual_a presence_n with_o his_o love-sick_a spouse_n cant._n 2._o last_o until_o the_o day_n break_v and_o the_o shadow_n flee_v away_o turn_v my_o belove_a and_o be_v thou_o like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o bether_o finis_fw-la