to_o one_o husband_n even_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.7_o and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o wife_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n rev._n 19.8_o 9_o now_o if_o you_o think_v you_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o this_o notion_n ask_v yourselves_o have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o agreement_n between_o christ_n and_o your_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n represent_v by_o a_o marriage-covenant_n have_v you_o penitent_o and_o thankful_o accept_v he_o for_o you_o and_o give_v up_o yourselves_o entire_o to_o be_v he_o to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v thus_o accept_v and_o receive_v he_o he_o gives_z power_n and_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v you_o renounce_v all_o other_o lover_n do_v you_o prefer_v he_o alone_o abandon_v all_o competitor_n and_o rival_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v for_o another_o but_o for_o he_o hos_fw-la 3.3_o the_o like_a we_o read_v psal_n 45.10_o 11._o harken_v o_o daughter_n and_o consider_v and_o incline_v thy_o ear_n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o desire_v thy_o beauty_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o be_v there_o a_o supreme_a superlative_a correspondent_a affection_n on_o your_o part_n to_o he_o who_o have_v say_v that_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o a_o bride_n so_o will_v he_o rejoice_v over_o thou_o isa_n 62.5_o be_v this_o express_v by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n eph._n 3.23_o and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o time_n only_o but_o for_o ever_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o and_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o lousng-kindness_n and_o in_o mercy_n the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o this_o marriage_n will_v be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o conduct_v his_o spouse_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o more_o full_o to_o evidence_n his_o love_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n our_o readiness_n therefore_o for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n imply_v our_o hearty_a choice_n of_o he_o and_o consent_v to_o be_v his_o to_o love_n serve_v honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o faithfulness_n diligence_n and_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n second_o christ_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o housholder_n and_o lord_n who_o be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o have_v entrust_v his_o servant_n with_o various_a talent_n which_o they_o be_v to_o employ_v according_a to_o his_o order_n and_o trade_n with_o for_o his_o service_n expect_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o at_o his_o return_n luk._n 19.23_o though_o our_o lord_n be_v go_v to_o heaven_n he_o have_v leave_v a_o family_n upon_o earth_n and_o commit_v a_o trust_n to_o every_o of_o his_o servant_n now_o our_o fidelity_n and_o care_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o use_v of_o our_o talent_n will_v be_v our_o readiness_n for_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v to_o be_v responsible_a to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n natural_a or_o spiritual_a that_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o we_o have_v no_o right_n in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n we_o be_v but_o steward_n he_o be_v the_o proprietor_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o kind_n of_o our_o talent_n he_o expect_v proportionable_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o good_a steward_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o will_v be_v require_v every_o one_o have_v some_o talent_n some_o trust_n our_o reason_n and_o our_o health_n our_o time_n our_o part_n reputation_n estate_n interest_n authority_n power_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o any_o kind_n that_o we_o have_v be_v talent_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n who_o at_o his_o lord_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v so_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n herein_o be_v our_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v for_o he_o may_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n when_o we_o expect_v it_o not_o luk._n 16.2_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v ready_a we_o must_v be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n and_o not_o bury_v our_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o waste_v our_o lord_n good_n but_o be_v sound_v faithful_o do_v his_o business_n in_o the_o place_n and_o relation_n he_o have_v set_v we_o in_o this_o consist_v that_o readiness_n for_o his_o come_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blessing_n luk._n 12.43_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v who_o can_v come_v up_o to_o this_o who_o be_v able_a to_o be_v always_o thus_o diligent_o employ_v who_o then_o can_v be_v ready_a let_v we_o therefore_o three_o distinguish_v concern_v this_o readiness_n there_o be_v a_o habitual_a readiness_n and_o actual_a the_o one_o of_o our_o state_n and_o the_o other_o of_o our_o frame_n 1._o a_o habitual_a readiness_n which_o concern_v our_o state_n when_o our_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n so_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v with_o he_o in_o peace_n at_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.14_o when_o we_o have_v so_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o great_a day_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v naked_a 2_o cor._n 5.3_o when_o we_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o atone_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o great_a day_n rev._n 3.17_o person_n of_o this_o character_n will_v manifest_v in_o their_o course_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o expect_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n by_o walk_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 3.10_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n they_o will_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n as_o those_o that_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n tit._n 2.12_o 13._o but_o because_o all_o that_o be_v ready_a as_o to_o their_o state_n and_o as_o to_o their_o general_a course_n be_v not_o so_o as_o to_o their_o frame_n therefore_o consider_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o actual_a readiness_n as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o upon_o the_o near_a prospect_n and_o approach_v of_o any_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n this_o actual_a readiness_n we_o shall_v all_o endeavour_v after_o that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a degree_n of_o that_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o preparedness_n of_o spirit_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o very_o little_a warn_v be_v prepare_v and_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o he_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v i_o be_o ready_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n yea_o to_o die_v there_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n act_v 21.13_o all_o holy_a person_n though_o habitual_o ready_a do_v not_o reach_v this_o some_o cry_n out_o with_o david_n lord_n remove_v thy_o stroke_n from_o i_o spare_v i_o a_o little_o long_a psal_n 39_o or_o as_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o message_n of_o death_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v isa_n 38._o but_o if_o we_o have_v warn_v of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o actual_o to_o prepare_v to_o trim_v our_o lamp_n and_o set_v our_o soul_n in_o order_n review_v our_o life_n renew_v our_o repentance_n exercise_v our_o grace_n exciting_a our_o hope_n recollect_v our_o past_a experience_n get_v our_o evidence_n ready_a and_o the_o promise_n on_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n henceforth_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o and_o with_o our_o lord_n himself_o father_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n or_o with_o holy_a stephen_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v it_o christian_n be_v we_o not_o too_o unready_a the_o best_a of_o we_o as_o to_o frame_n and_o actual_a preparation_n do_v we_o sit_v as_o loose_v from_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o personal_a and_o relative_n comfort_n of_o it_o that_o accommodate_v the_o bodily_a lise_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v we_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o familiarize_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o grave_a to_o that_o
whole_a gospel_n and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o two_o word_n viz._n repent_v and_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o two_o be_v set_v in_o the_o very_a front_n as_o the_o text_n to_o all_o his_o ministry_n mark_v 1.15_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o import_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v account_v as_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a where_o these_o two_o grace_n be_v not_o conjoin_v gild_n remain_v and_o sin_n reign_v but_o where_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o any_o soul_n as_o that_o person_n be_v justify_v so_o that_o heart_n be_v save_o change_v and_o that_o nature_n be_v in_o measure_n sanctisied_a and_o the_o life_n of_o that_o man_n for_o the_o future_a will_v be_v proportionable_o universal_o holy_a will_v the_o genius_n of_o the_o present_a age_n allow_v i_o to_o use_v metaphor_n in_o soul-concernments_a i_o shall_v think_v that_o i_o do_v then_o best_o explicate_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n when_o i_o do_v call_v faith_n the_o daughter_n of_o knowledge_n the_o sister_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o love_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n come_v in_o by_o hear_v ro._n 10.17_o that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o that_o god_n have_v give_v this_o person_n the_o true_a seed_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v evident_a by_o its_o fruit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o ro._n 8.9_o and_o also_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o many_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n ro._n 8.16_o now_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_v able_a to_o judge_n i_o have_v seldom_o see_v a_o die_a person_n manifest_a more_o of_o a_o christ-like_a spirit_n than_o she_o do_v that_o be_v i_o never_o see_v more_o of_o a_o spirit_n thirst_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n of_o a_o spirit_n more_o contemn_v the_o world_n of_o a_o spirit_n more_o deep_o bow_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o spirit_n more_o patient_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o more_o submit_v to_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n indeed_o i_o know_v once_o a_o person_n that_o do_v exceed_v she_o herein_o and_o it_o be_v her_o renown_a father_n a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o deserve_a name_n for_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n for_o humility_n and_o patience_n of_o all_o man_n in_o or_o near_o the_o city_n that_o i_o have_v know_v who_o fear_v no_o pain_n or_o torture_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n but_o this_o only_a viz._n lest_o they_o shall_v tempe_n he_o to_o the_o least_o unbecoming_a groan_n in_o some_o great_a paroxysm_n of_o the_o stone_n the_o submit_v of_o our_o will_n to_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o practical_a religion_n here_o and_o the_o full_a consorm_v of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o mind_n be_v the_o height_n and_o top_n of_o all_o man_n happiness_n hereafter_o to_o enjoy_v this_o privilege_n of_o full_a conformity_n to_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o none_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o perform_v that_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o he_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o but_o very_o few_o yet_o this_o decease_a person_n be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v this_o rare_a jewel_n to_o be_v wear_v in_o her_o bosom_n who_o do_v seem_v with_o john_n to_o lie_v very_o near_o the_o heart_n of_o her_o saviour_n very_o signal_n and_o conspicuous_a be_v the_o discriminate_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o some_o person_n more_o than_o towards_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n '_o and_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n seem_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o that_o he_o be_v both_o just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o notable_a or_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v some_o object_n of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v his_o segulah_n his_o peculiar_a one_o in_o who_o god_n do_v especial_o delight_n and_o unto_o who_o god_n do_v do_v good_a with_o his_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 32.41_o as_o god_n do_v suffer_v most_o man_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o do_v bestow_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o do_v full_o and_o final_o choose_v so_o he_o will_v himself_o choose_v as_o he_o will_v and_o he_o will_v do_v with_o his_o own_o gratuitous_a favour_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v and_o he_o will_v give_v no_o account_n to_o any_o of_o his_o own_o matter_n a_o great_a instance_n hereof_o be_v this_o now_o bless_a person_n of_o who_o i_o may_v say_v that_o her_o whole_a life_n be_v full_a of_o god_n goodness_n and_o that_o mercy_n and_o truth_n do_v follow_v she_o even_o all_o her_o day_n which_o day_n the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v many_o because_o it_o do_v ordain_v that_o her_o sorrow_n and_o her_o temptation_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o time_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dress_a room_n to_o eternity_n the_o short_a it_o be_v the_o soon_o do_v holy_a soul_n enter_v into_o the_o more_o immemediate_v presence_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n it_o be_v reckon_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o a_o act_n of_o very_o great_a kindness_n show_v by_o hegai_n the_o king_n chamberlain_n unto_o esther_n that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o her_o purisication_n and_o for_o her_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o love_n of_o her_o design_a husband_n the_o great_a king_n ahashuerus_n be_v give_v to_o she_o more_o speedy_o than_o to_o other_o whereby_o a_o quick_a access_n to_o the_o king_n be_v afford_v she_o and_o the_o crown_n be_v so_o much_o the_o soon_o set_v upon_o she_o head_n the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v deal_v something_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o this_o young_a virgin_n for_o the_o work_n of_o sanctisication_n be_v hasten_v in_o she_o that_o she_o may_v the_o more_o early_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o may_v be_v present_v holy_a and_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n few_o page_n and_o few_o hour_n allot_v i_o for_o this_o work_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o enumerate_v the_o many_o special_a favour_n that_o be_v shour_v down_o upon_o this_o person_n while_o she_o live_v i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o her_o birth_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o her_o family_n which_o be_v great_a neither_o will_v i_o mention_v her_o natural_a endowment_n of_o part_n or_o beauty_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n bless_a be_v god_n that_o she_o herself_o though_o young_a have_v learn_v before_o her_o death_n to_o reckon_v such_o enjoyment_n as_o these_o to_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o poor_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o she_o they_o be_v love_n token_n of_o a_o great_a value_n which_o i_o do_v observe_v to_o be_v confer_v upon_o she_o and_o these_o be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o that_o i_o may_v say_v that_o she_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n and_o i_o may_v add_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v she_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_v and_o the_o same_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o end_n do_v also_o ordain_v the_o mean_n according_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o order_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o and_o bring_v up_o by_o very_o pious_a and_o religious_a parent_n and_o few_o person_n do_v ever_o enjoy_v more_o spiritual_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n or_o have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o prayer_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o than_o this_o gentle_a voin_n in_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o ossspring_n another_o singular_a mercy_n which_o do_v promote_v her_o salvation_n be_v the_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o modesty_n virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v afford_v she_o by_o her_o elder_a sister_n the_o instluence_n of_o a_o good_a example_n be_v always_o great_o advantageous_a but_o when_o it_o be_v find_v in_o near_a relation_n it_o be_v much_o more_o oblige_v and_o efficactous_a another_o great_a blessing_n much_o conduce_v to_o her_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v this_o that_o in_o her_o youth_n she_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o attend_v upon_o such_o a_o eminent_a mimstry_n that_o the_o very_a enemy_n thereof_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o learned_a and_o most_o rational_a and_o further_o they_o know_v not_o
by_o satan_n by_o his_o sinful_a suggestion_n his_o subtle_a device_n and_o snare_n and_o his_o fiery_a dart_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v our_o integrity_n assault_v our_o peace_n of_o conscience_n unsettle_a and_o our_o perseverance_n endanger_v our_o conflict_n with_o he_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o battle_n as_o to_o what_o depend_v on_o we_o so_o very_o uncertain_a that_o we_o be_v often_o ready_a to_o throw_v down_o our_o arm_n and_o give_v up_o all_o as_o lose_v for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o conquer_a and_o baffle_v adversary_n through_o the_o victory_n which_o our_o captain_n have_v obtain_v against_o he_o yet_o we_o can_v now_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o abandon_v this_o world_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4.4_o and_o get_v above_o that_o air_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n eph._n 2.2_o that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n moreover_o how_o do_v our_o deprave_a nature_n continual_o cast_v forth_o mire_n and_o dirt_n what_o remain_v filthiness_n be_v there_o yet_o to_o be_v purge_v what_o powerful_a lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v which_o indispose_v we_o for_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o derive_v a_o damp_n and_o deadness_n upon_o all_o our_o religious_a exercise_n which_o cool_a our_o zeal_n and_o abate_v the_o servour_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o redeemer_n which_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n and_o shame_v our_o face_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o better_a to_o part_v with_o the_o body_n of_o flesh_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o and_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o perfect_a purity_n do_v we_o not_o complain_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o bless_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n of_o our_o earthliness_n and_o unbelief_n of_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a thing_n of_o proud_a imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o his_o work_n and_o word_n of_o languish_a and_o imperfect_a grace_n to_o be_v recover_v and_o perfect_v &_o c_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n where_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o be_v not_o god_n dishonour_v and_o provoke_v by_o our_o frequent_a omission_n and_o slight_a performance_n of_o duty_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v and_o quench_v and_o sadden_fw-mi his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v we_o not_o often_o grieve_v by_o god_n rebuke_n and_o frown_n by_o the_o wound_n and_o smart_n regret_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o we_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o will_v he_o be_v merciful_a no_o more_o be_v not_o our_o holy_a purpose_n inconstant_a and_o our_o best_a resolution_n waver_a and_o unstedy_a and_o very_o quick_o very_o easy_o shatter_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o small_a temptation_n have_v we_o not_o a_o constant_a watch_n to_o keep_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n a_o perpetual_a war_n to_o manage_v with_o the_o infernal_a trinity_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v we_o know_v his_o rage_n and_o malice_n and_o serpentine_a policy_n with_o the_o multitude_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o temptation_n how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v foil_v already_o and_o how_o soon_o we_o we_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o a_o sinless_a state_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n where_o no_o tempter_n no_o temptation_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v yea_o have_v we_o no_o corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o yet_o our_o concern_n at_o god_n dishonour_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a to_o depart_v as_o much_o more_o desirable_a than_o our_o abode_n on_o earth_n job_n 24.9_o which_o be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o defile_v by_o its_o inhabitant_n isa_n 24.4_o where_o the_o very_a air_n be_v infect_v with_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n profane_a discourse_n and_o filthy_a talk_n where_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v question_v his_o providence_n deny_v and_o his_o authority_n mock_v where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v disparage_v and_o despise_v his_o law_n contradict_v his_o worship_n pollute_v his_o institution_n subvert_v and_o his_o holy_a name_n make_v a_o cloak_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n trample_v on_o by_o the_o soot_n of_o pride_n and_o scorn_v by_o man_n at_o ease_n and_o force_v to_o own_o his_o truth_n with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n and_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o or_o be_v it_o not_o not_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v such_o a_o place_n and_o company_n that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o blessedness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o dissolution_n this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o effect_n or_o influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v our_o departure_n while_o we_o disbelieve_v or_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o soul_n existence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n 12.2_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o doubt_n to_o this_o great_a apostle_n if_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v live_v but_o in_o it_o neither_o can_v he_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n if_o after_o his_o departure_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o all_o and_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n we_o have_v as_o full_a a_o assurance_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o joh._n 17.24_o mat._n 24.25_o rev._n 3.22_o etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o text_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o be_v that_o blessedness_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o depart_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n of_o a_o departure_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v cancel_v the_o handwriting_n against_o we_o and_o put_v away_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n eph._n 1.7_o a_o way_n be_v now_o open_a for_o we_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n by_o his_o blood_n heb._n 10.19_o not_o for_o our_o prayer_n only_o but_o our_o person_n he_o have_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n even_o by_o permit_v he_o to_o bruise_v his_o heel_n by_o crucify_a his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v only_o vestigium_fw-la deitatis_fw-la as_o benaiah_n slay_v the_o egyptian_a with_o his_o own_o spear_n 2_o sam._n 23.21_o have_v destroy_v death_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v those_o who_o be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2.15_o he_o have_v set_v his_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o adversary_n disarm_v it_o of_o its_o weapon_n and_o robe_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o abolish_v the_o ugliness_n and_o poison_n of_o it_o he_o have_v dismount_v hell_n and_o damnation_n from_o behind_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o pale-horse_n rev._n 6.8_o whether_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v bury_v in_o calvary_n where_o the_o second_o be_v crucify_v as_o some_o affirm_v i_o need_v not_o inquire_v we_o know_v that_o his_o death_n be_v our_o victory_n and_o his_o cross_n may_v be_v our_o triumph_n since_o the_o devil_n be_v conquer_v and_o death_n sanctify_v and_o the_o grave_a perfume_a by_o his_o burial_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o lodge_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v sleep_v yea_o since_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n there_o be_v a_o amiable_a ruddiness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o death_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justice_n be_v now_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o way_n
much_o otherwise_o it_o be_v with_o they_o not_o long_o ago_o and_o can_v we_o wish_v they_o back_o again_o while_o we_o sigh_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v we_o know_v all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o from_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o be_v sing_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb._n they_o be_v now_o seed_v on_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o paradise_n and_o will_v we_o have_v they_o back_o again_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n and_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o affliction_n will_v we_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o the_o state_n of_o triumph_n after_o victory_n to_o engage_v again_o in_o new_a combat_n from_o the_o port_n and_o haven_n of_o eternal_a rest_n to_o be_v toss_v again_o upon_o a_o tempeltuous_a sea_n and_o this_o because_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d kindred_n and_o our_o relation_n for_o you_o do_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o faithful_a mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o since_o in_o former_a age_n that_o they_o be_v go_v to_o heâ—â—â—n_n the_o ancient_a christian_n keep_v day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o safe_a departure_n of_o such_o but_o how_o dear_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o we_o we_o be_v very_o unkind_a if_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v have_v tarry_v long_o when_o god_n have_v make_v they_o ready_a they_o be_v go_v to_o better_a friend_n than_o those_o they_o have_v lest_o behind_o and_o if_o you_o love_v i_o say_v christ_n you_o will_v rejoice_v that_o it_o say_v i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n the_o friend_n they_o have_v leave_v be_v imperfect_a sin_v sorrow_a troublesome_a and_o unsuitable_a compare_v with_o those_o they_o meet_v above_o and_o there_o only_o our_o friendship_n and_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o will_v be_v without_o any_o mixture_n of_o grief_n or_o sin_n without_o any_o infirmity_n suspicion_n discontent_n or_o other_o allay_n by_o their_o weakness_n sin_n or_o suffering_n there_o shall_v we_o have_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o desire_n for_o our_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o for_o ourselves_o and_o converse_v continual_o together_o without_o be_v weary_a of_o one_o another_o company_n they_o have_v once_o such_o a_o vile_a body_n as_o we_o have_v and_o such_o disorderly_a passion_n such_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o actual_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o such_o temptation_n doubt_n and_o descrtion_n as_o we_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o probationarry_a state_n be_v now_o over_o their_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v their_o work_n do_v their_o race_n end_v their_o course_n finish_v and_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n oh_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v so_o while_o we_o weep_v and_o mourn_v partly_o for_o their_o departure_n and_o more_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o unfitness_n as_o yet_o to_o be_v with_o they_o but_o we_o have_v the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n the_o same_o way_n and_o rule_n the_o same_o bless_a recompense_n of_o reward_n propose_v and_o promise_v and_o prepare_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o assistance_n offer_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o persevere_v and_o overcome_v it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n since_o they_o have_v as_o malicious_a enemy_n to_o oppose_v and_o conquer_v and_o as_o difficult_a a_o work_n to_o mind_n as_o we_o and_o be_v as_o unlikely_a to_o hold_v out_o as_o some_o of_o we_o their_o inward_a and_o outward_a trouble_n be_v like_a to_o we_o their_o bodily_a weakness_n and_o spiritual_a distress_n like_v to_o we_o but_o they_o have_v overcome_v they_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v do_v so_o too_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n let_v we_o not_o then_o grieve_v immoderate_o be_v ourselves_o to_o follow_v so_o soon_o after_o to_o partake_v we_o hope_v in_o that_o blessedness_n with_o they_o for_o ever_o which_o we_o have_v often_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o they_o and_o for_o ourselves_o and_o this_o we_o need_v not_o question_n if_o we_o choose_v the_o same_o felicity_n 26._o felicity_n mr._n baxter_n life_n of_o faith_n ch_n 26._o as_o our_o end_n and_o christ_n as_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o direct_v and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n thither_o if_o we_o build_v on_o the_o same_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o like_a grace_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o spirit_n purpose_n and_o behaviour_n and_o hold_v on_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v his_o will_n with_o constancy_n to_o the_o death_n if_o we_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v short_o be_v with_o they_o and_o because_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o mourn_v with_o they_o when_o they_o mourn_v and_o to_o take_v part_n in_o their_o affliction_n let_v we_o do_v so_o in_o their_o joy_n also_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o felicity_n four_o the_o last_o argument_n for_o our_o support_n be_v the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a when_o we_o shall_v meet_v they_o and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o and_o open_o absolve_v and_o own_v they_o before_o all_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o comfort_n ourselves_o and_o one_o another_o with_o such_o joyful_a word_n it_o be_v comfort_n that_o there_o be_v a_o redeemer_n and_o that_o he_o be_v their_o redeemer_n as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o he_o live_v and_o will_v come_v again_o and_o that_o we_o know_v this_o on_o certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n and_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o by_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v it_o be_v comfort_n that_o even_o these_o body_n that_o must_v be_v bury_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o putrify_v in_o a_o silent_a grave_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o enliven_v and_o make_v like_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o our_o redeemer_n tho'_o death_n devour_v their_o beauty_n and_o the_o grave_n hold_v they_o prisoner_n for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v burn_v to_o ash_n or_o devour_v by_o worm_n beast_n or_o fish_n however_o crumble_v and_o divide_v into_o little_a part_n and_o these_o scatter_a and_o disperse_v into_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n yet_o he_o will_v raise_v and_o reunite_v and_o restore_v they_o fresh_a and_o spritely_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a that_o power_n which_o at_o first_o do_v form_n and_o fashion_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n have_v engage_v to_o do_v it_o this_o corruptible_a shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a put_v on_o immortality_n and_o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n what_o be_v sow_o in_o weakness_n shall_v then_o be_v raise_v in_o power_n our_o body_n shall_v then_o be_v active_a and_o nimble_a quick_a and_o free_a easy_o pass_v in_o a_o little_a space_n to_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o ready_o obey_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o glorify_a spirit_n what_o be_v sow_o a_o natural_a earthly_a body_n shall_v be_v raise_v spiritual_a suit_v to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o life_n and_o work_v of_o heaven_n not_o need_v the_o supply_n of_o food_n or_o physic_n or_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o now_o employ_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n and_o care_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o body_n in_o a_o word_n they_o shall_v be_v raise_v in_o glory_n however_o vile_a they_o now_o be_v as_o the_o body_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o shall_v shine_v bright_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o meridian_n splendour_n with_o a_o glory_n suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n exert_v in_o their_o resurrection_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o glorify_a soul_n suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n where_o they_o be_v to_o inhabit_v and_o of_o the_o noble_a service_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o especial_o suitable_a to_o their_o excellent_a exemplar_n the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n be_v the_o cause_n pattern_n and_o pledge_v of_o we_o and_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o for_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o leave_v we_o the_o earnest_a of_o his_o spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o our_o mortal_a body_n shall_v be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o he_o have_v carry_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o flesh_n into_o heaven_n with_o he_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o all_o his_o friend_n favourite_n and_o
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all_o who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o who_o way_n be_v judgement_n i_o be_o london_n jan._n 25._o 1681_o 2._o madam_n your_o most_o affectionate_a humble_a servant_n john_n shewer_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o be_v earnest_o desire_v both_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o decease_a gentlewoman_n and_o by_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o follow_a funeral_n sermon_n to_o testify_v what_o i_o know_v of_o the_o gracious_a and_o wonderful_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o person_n during_o her_o life_n i_o can_v not_o but_o yield_v to_o their_o importunate_a request_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o have_v know_v she_o from_o her_o childhood_n and_o have_v very_o much_o observe_v her_o conversation_n of_o late_a and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v her_o several_a visit_n in_o her_o sickness_n i_o do_v believe_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o god_n do_v give_v she_o a_o sound_a repentance_n for_o and_o a_o full_a remission_n of_o all_o her_o sin_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o can_v assure_v thou_o reader_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o she_o have_v a_o awaken_v sight_n of_o her_o sin_n accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o they_o i_o discern_v also_o in_o her_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o i_o hear_v she_o open_v her_o self-condemnation_n thereupon_o i_o find_v in_o she_o also_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o now_o covenant_n together_o with_o a_o right_a apprehensionof_n the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v through_o grace_n bestow_v upan_n some_o penitent_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v attain_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o covenant_n it_o be_v thereby_o unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o consequent_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o do_v receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o atonement_n with_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n save_v faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n be_v always_o inseparable_a and_o their_o conjunction_n do_v evidence_n and_o speak_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o save_a both_o these_o i_o do_v believe_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o decease_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v very_o great_a hope_n of_o she_o state_n all_o faith_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o where_o repentance_n be_v want_v i_o account_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o presumptuous_a confidence_n and_o all_o seem_a repentance_n which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o some_o faith_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o in_o the_o promise_n make_v thereof_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o cain_n or_o a_o judas_n his_o despair_n our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v as_o it_o be_v epitomise_v the_o
but_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v so_o as_o to_o be_v acquaint_v not_o only_o with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o with_o the_o power_n thereof_o these_o man_n do_v say_v that_o the_o character_n which_o the_o other_o do_v give_v of_o this_o eminent_a person_n teach_v be_v most_o true_a and_o they_o do_v further_o also_o say_v that_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a clear_a and_o convince_a most_o evangelical_n and_o scriptural_a great_o practical_a and_o profitable_a and_o yet_o very_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a now_o reader_n consider_v whether_o many_o if_o any_o such_o have_v final_o miscarry_v who_o nature_n be_v gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v who_o heart_n be_v soft_a and_o tender_a who_o have_v the_o benesit_n of_o such_o education_n and_o such_o example_n who_o enjoy_v such_o teach_v abroad_o as_o well_o as_o such_o counsel_n at_o home_n and_o all_o accompany_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o she_o do_v not_o want_v it_o be_v report_v of_o her_o father_n that_o his_o custom_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n 119.164_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o moreover_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o this_o decease_a gentlewoman_n be_v observe_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o closet_n prayer_n of_o late_a consider_v then_o i_o say_v whether_o we_o may_v not_o hope_v confident_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v save_o and_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o she_o who_o be_v both_o visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o who_o heart_n also_o god_n have_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v by_o such_o special_a mean_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o she_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o god_n deal_v with_o she_o in_o her_o last_o sickness_n whereby_o god_n do_v seem_v to_o seal_v instruction_n deep_o upon_o she_o soul_n her_o distemper_n be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o small_a pox_n at_o her_o first_o be_v take_v she_o have_v strong_a apprehension_n that_o she_o shall_v die_v she_o therefore_o do_v fall_v close_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o examination_n desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o minister_n therein_o and_o she_o be_v visit_v by_o many_o she_o open_v her_o case_n to_o we_o all_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v she_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v jealous_a of_o the_o worst_a and_o to_o confess_v and_o condemn_v herself_o for_o her_o sin_n both_o of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n and_o humble_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o bless_v these_o last_o help_n as_o that_o none_o of_o we_o who_o visit_v she_o do_v doubt_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o convince_v she_o of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n do_v at_o length_n seal_v she_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o alpha_n the_o first_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o practical_a religion_n be_v that_o act_n whereby_o a_o soul_n do_v deliberate_o resolve_o free_o and_o express_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v itself_o unto_o god_n and_o his_o service_n thus_o the_o saint_n in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o the_o omega_n the_o last_o conclude_v and_o consummate_v work_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v its_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o do_v stephen_n act_v 17.59_o yea_o thus_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o luk._n 23.46_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o bless_a person_n she_o do_v i_o hope_v begin_v well_o in_o a_o early_a consecration_n of_o herself_o to_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o do_v end_n well_o and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o crown_v the_o work_n she_o do_v reckon_v that_o she_o have_v not_o full_o finish_v her_o course_n nor_o right_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n of_o her_o spiritual_a building_n so_o as_o to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o until_o she_o have_v most_o devout_o and_o humble_o offer_v up_o her_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o friend_n and_o minister_n according_o although_o it_o be_v midnight_n and_o although_o my_o habitation_n be_v far_o from_o she_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a last_o agony_n of_o her_o death_n she_o do_v send_v for_o i_o and_o with_o the_o clear_a use_n of_o her_o reason_n and_o the_o most_o servant_n desire_v of_o her_o soul_n she_o do_v entreat_v i_o that_o i_o will_v in_o her_o name_n solemn_o and_o express_o furrender_v and_o give_v up_o her_o soul_n into_o the_o arm_n and_o bosom_n of_o her_o saviour_n in_o who_o precious_a blood_n she_o do_v hope_n that_o all_o her_o sin_n be_v now_o full_o wash_v away_o i_o do_v ready_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o do_v comply_v with_o her_o desire_n for_o i_o do_v and_o do_v judge_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o she_o proceed_v from_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reader_n thou_o walt_z think_v as_o i_o do_v if_o thou_o shall_v read_v and_o observe_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n hereof_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n almost_o such_o another_o extraordinary_a impress_n as_o it_o may_v be_v think_v be_v make_v upon_o her_o spirit_n on_o occasion_n of_o this_o author_n be_v present_v she_o with_o a_o 9_o a_o exhortation_n to_o touth_n to_o prepare_v for_o judgement_n 11_o eccl._n 9_o funeral_n sermon_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v but_o a_o little_a kefore_o she_o be_v take_v sick_a which_o sermon_n she_o have_v receive_v and_o read_v and_o diligent_o consider_v she_o be_v hear_v to_o say_v that_o she_o do_v think_v that_o her_o own_o change_n will_v not_o be_v far_o off_o and_o that_o she_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o author_n may_v preach_v her_o funeral_n sermon_n also_o and_o she_o then_o name_v the_o text_n now_o insist_v upon_o and_o say_v that_o she_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v make_v her_o funeral_n sermon_n as_o profitable_a to_o other_o young_a one_o as_o the_o former_a sermon_n have_v be_v to_o herself_o her_o prognostic_n be_v too_o true_a as_o to_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n which_o she_o live_v after_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o she_o god_n grant_v that_o her_o hope_n be_v not_o frustrate_v but_o that_o all_o her_o die_a word_n may_v prove_v true_o prophetical_a and_o especial_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o profitable_a success_n of_o the_o sermon_n here_o before_o thou_o the_o author_n have_v do_v his_o part_n like_o himself_o as_o well_o in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a discourse_n oh_o that_o he_o may_v find_v as_o diligent_a and_o as_o consider_v reader_n as_o she_o be_v many_o excellent_a consideration_n very_a subservient_fw-fr and_o conduce_v to_o thy_o conviction_n and_o salvation_n be_v propose_v herein_o but_o all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n without_o thy_o own_o meditation_n and_o the_o spirit_n application_n concern_v the_o discourse_n i_o must_v say_v no_o more_o and_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n eccl._n 12.9_o and_o moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a therefore_o in_o this_o discourse_n he_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o have_v give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o argument_n for_o thy_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o moreover_o for_o prefer_v of_o death_n before_o life_n the_o lord_n convince_v thou_o by_o they_o and_o also_o carry_v thou_o comfortable_o through_o all_o time_n to_o eternity_n my_o paper_n be_v short_a and_o my_o time_n short_a i_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v for_o the_o sermon_n be_v whole_o print_v and_o stop_v only_o until_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o thy_o friend_n and_o soul_n servant_n s._n fairclough_n the_o saint_n desire_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n phil._n i._n 23._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a saint_n paul_n write_v from_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o this_o chapter_n acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o bond_n and_o other_o discouragement_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n obtain_v thereby_o will_v turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v already_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o considerable_a success_n in_o that_o kind_n v._n 12_o 13_o 14._o to_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v it_o even_o in_o the_o court_n of_o caesar_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o if_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v
but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o heal_v and_o recover_v sick_a lazarus_n he_o send_v a_o most_o excellent_a remedy_n unto_o his_o sister_n to_o cure_v their_o mistake_n to_o ease_v and_o heal_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o this_o reply_n unto_o their_o importunate_a message_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o design_n 3._o the_o import_n of_o this_o answer_n i_o will_v make_v a_o few_o reflection_n upon_o the_o two_o former_a and_o then_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a affair_n i._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o obscurity_n and_o dubiousness_n of_o the_o former_a part_n this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n for_o the_o event_n do_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o this_o declaration_n which_o express_o deny_v that_o the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v unto_o death_n and_o yet_o laxarus_fw-la die_v this_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v render_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_v dubious_a and_o dark_a unto_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v indeed_o notwithstanding_o this_o obscurity_n there_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o death_n as_o true_o answer_v that_o character_n viz._n such_o a_o privation_n of_o life_n as_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o it_o on_o which_o account_n it_o can_v true_o be_v say_v of_o the_o dead_a that_o their_o place_n know_v they_o no_o more_o and_o that_o they_o go_v the_o way_n whence_o they_o shall_v not_o return_v job_n 8.10_o c._n 16.22_o as_o also_o that_o they_o see_v corruption_n act_v 13.36_o the_o body_n quite_o lose_v that_o organization_n that_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o a_o humane_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o proper_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o under_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o see_v rom._n 5.12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 15.21_o 26_o 54_o 56._o not_o to_o mention_v several_a other_o place_n unto_o such_o a_o death_n the_o sickness_n of_o lazarus_n be_v not_o his_o death_n be_v not_o a_o final_a period_n but_o only_o a_o short_a interruption_n or_o cessation_n of_o life_n which_o like_o some_o river_n which_o run_v under_o ground_n for_o a_o space_n only_o for_o a_o while_o disappear_v and_o then_o be_v again_o bring_v to_o light_n this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o darkness_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n have_v it_o so_o please_v the_o redeemer_n he_o can_v have_v speak_v in_o a_o much_o plain_a language_n he_o can_v have_v say_v though_o this_o sickness_n shall_v deprive_v lazarus_n of_o his_o life_n yet_o it_o shall_v soon_o be_v restore_v to_o he_o again_o though_o he_o shall_v true_o die_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o long_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n for_o i_o design_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thus_o can_v the_o redeemer_n have_v express_v himself_o have_v it_o so_o please_v he_o but_o he_o choose_v to_o speak_v obscure_o not_o only_a to_o these_o sister_n but_o afterward_o to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v v._o 11._o which_o metaphorical_a and_o dark_a way_n of_o speak_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o read_v v._o 13._o many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o that_o which_o this_o evangelist_n relate_v ch._n 16.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o as_o the_o language_n so_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n have_v obscurity_n in_o it_o his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v both_o with_o respect_n unto_o visible_a providence_n and_o invisible_a deal_n with_o the_o soul_n many_o there_o be_v who_o christ_n real_o love_v who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o labyrinth_n where_o they_o be_v strange_o perplex_v and_o be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v that_o their_o lord_n have_v quite_o forsake_v and_o cast_v they_o off_o when_o he_o retain_v the_o kind_a and_o most_o gracious_a purpose_n toward_a '_o they_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o place_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v his_o inheritance_n heb._n 11.8_o thus_o be_v abraham_n try_v and_o so_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n as_o indeed_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o probation_n in_o which_o we_o now_o be_v all_o that_o darkness_n and_o perplexity_n which_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o try_v and_o discover_v the_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v our_o grand_a concern_n to_o stand_v out_o this_o trial_n to_o undergo_v this_o probation_n aright_o and_o than_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v after_o a_o while_n scatter_v every_o cloud_n and_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a light_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v large_a reflection_n upon_o this_o subject_a but_o your_o own_o meditation_n can_v supply_v this_o defect_n nor_o may_v i_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o ii_o observable_a in_o the_o text_n the_o design_n of_o this_o answer_n make_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o afford_v present_a support_n unto_o the_o deject_a sister_n of_o lazarus_n he_o who_o eye_n discern_v the_o most_o hide_a and_o distant_a object_n know_v how_o their_o tender_a heart_n be_v disquiet_v and_o that_o such_o a_o spectacle_n as_o a_o decease_a die_a brother_n must_v wound_v and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o when_o their_o expectation_n be_v disappoint_v as_o to_o the_o speedy_a visit_n of_o christ_n what!_o might_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o argue_v not_o make_v so_o charitable_a so_o seasonable_a a_o visit_n to_o one_o who_o he_o love_v to_o one_o who_o need_v his_o help_n and_o must_v perish_v without_o it_o be_v this_o kindness_n to_o neglect_v a_o distress_a friend_n till_o life_n and_o all_o be_v go_v such_o disquiet_v thought_n will_v begin_v to_o rush_v into_o and_o disorder_v their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v to_o still_o this_o tempest_n that_o the_o redeemer_n send_v this_o reply_n to_o '_o they_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n though_o the_o danger_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o sickness_n join_v with_o my_o seem_a neglect_n of_o their_o brother_n will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n unto_o they_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o spirit_n yet_o let_v not_o their_o heart_n be_v trouble_v there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_v fear_n notwithstanding_o the_o dismal_a appearance_n this_o matter_n will_v have_v a_o happy_a and_o honourable_a issue_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o grant_v the_o expect_a relief_n yet_o he_o always_o provide_v support_n and_o consolation_n for_o his_o faithful_a follower_n when_o he_o determine_v to_o send_v away_o the_o multitude_n who_o have_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v they_o away_o fast_v lest_o they_o shall_v faint_v by_o the_o way_n mat._n 16.32_o though_o they_o must_v for_o a_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o his_o presence_n yet_o he_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v and_o perish_v this_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o more_o particular_o towards_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o when_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o though_o this_o request_n be_v not_o grant_v though_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o remove_v yet_o this_o most_o support_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o sometime_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n bear_v a_o aspect_n of_o unkindness_n and_o neglect_v but_o even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v employ_v to_o support_n it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n what_o care_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v to_o remove_v the_o suspicion_n of_o unkindness_n in_o the_o redeemer_n towards_o his_o friend_n lazarus_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o visit_v and_o recover_v as_o his_o sister_n request_v and_o expect_v for_o in_o the_o verse_n which_o immediate_o follow_v this_o answer_n of_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n add_v this_o caution_v remark_n now_o jesus_n love_v martha_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o lazarus_n his_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o intimate_v desire_n of_o