a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o queen_n march_z the_o sixteenth_o 1691._o by_o edward_n pell_v d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n and_o rector_n of_o petworth_n in_o sussex_n publish_a by_o her_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green-dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n mdc_o xcii_o coloss._n i._n 12._o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o father_n which_o have_v make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o render_v thus_o and_o more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o original_a who_o have_v fit_v we_o for_o a_o share_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n which_o st._n chrysostom_n do_v reckon_v to_o be_v a_o very_a signal_n act_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o tender_v we_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n but_o moreover_o qualify_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o double_a favour_n to_o offer_v and_o to_o fit_v we_o too_o honour_n be_v lose_v when_o it_o be_v throw_v away_o upon_o a_o improper_a and_o unfit_a person_n and_o hence_o st._n chrysostom_n argue_v that_o though_o god_n prepare_v a_o kingdom_n for_o we_o be_v a_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n not_o merit_v in_o the_o least_o by_o any_o performance_n of_o we_o yet_o the_o prepare_v of_o we_o for_o that_o kingdom_n the_o fit_v of_o we_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n the_o great_a work_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v here_o give_v god_n such_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o make_v we_o meet_v or_o fit_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n in_o discourse_v upon_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v i._n first_o show_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o another_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o they_o in_o this_o ii_o wherein_o that_o fitness_n do_v consist_v or_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o direct_o serve_v to_o fit_v we_o iii_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v draw_v down_o this_o speculation_n to_o our_o practice_n 1._o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o another_o world_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v fit_v for_o they_o in_o this_o to_o be_v make_v meet_v and_o apt_a and_o right_o qualify_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o though_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n prayer_n the_o receive_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a though_o we_o believe_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o though_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o confident_a expectation_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n yet_o beside_o and_o beyond_o all_o this_o there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n such_o a_o disposition_n and_o frame_n of_o soul_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o happiness_n for_o after_o all_o the_o nice_a dispute_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o happiness_n must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n result_v from_o the_o congruity_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o desire_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v prepare_v to_o make_v one_o happy_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o good_a he_o can_v find_v true_a happiness_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o his_o mind_n or_o short_a of_o his_o desire_n so_o that_o he_o can_v enjoy_v it_o with_o complacency_n and_o delight_n because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n one_o soul_n will_v be_v unsatisfied_a and_o uneasy_a which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n especial_o such_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n enjoy_v heaven_n itself_o can_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n to_o such_o soul_n as_o can_v love_v or_o relish_v so_o divine_a entertainment_n nor_o care_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o for_o by_o heaven_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o a_o glorious_a place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o misery_n and_o pain_n but_o moreover_o a_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v full_o prepare_v which_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o every_o holy_a soul_n do_v reach_v after_o here_o with_o a_o greedy_a and_o restless_a appetite_n as_o the_o only_a proper_a object_n for_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o include_v a_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n do_v with_o transcendent_a pleasure_n perceive_v whatever_o the_o understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v and_o a_o perfection_n of_o enjoyment_n whereby_o the_o will_n be_v with_o transcendent_a satisfaction_n gratify_v with_o whatever_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o desire_v to_o render_v therefore_o this_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o consevent_o this_o happiness_n perfect_a there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o correspondence_n and_o suitableness_n between_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n the_o faculty_n must_v be_v of_o such_o a_o disposition_n and_o temper_n as_o answer_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n force_a enjoyment_n can_v never_o be_v delightful_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o so_o perfect_o delightful_a as_o enjoyment_n that_o we_o desire_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n so_o to_o mould_v our_o temper_n and_o so_o to_o transform_v our_o mind_n that_o our_o whole_a soul_n may_v be_v of_o a_o complexion_n and_o frame_n agreeable_a to_o that_o heavenly_a state_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o do_v it_o now_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o between_o this_o world_n and_o another_o but_o death_n and_o that_o can_v never_o alter_v a_o man_n whole_a state_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o before_o death_n do_v only_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o passage_n into_o another_o world_n it_o do_v not_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o habit_n those_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o be_v here_o a_o long_a while_n contract_n and_o consequent_o must_v require_v a_o long_a time_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v they_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o instant_a but_o be_v acquire_v by_o degree_n by_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o virtuous_a act_n nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o co-operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n sow_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o seminal_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o both_o prevent_v and_o further_a we_o in_o all_o our_o work_n now_o this_o great_a work_n can_v be_v do_v but_o once_o and_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n for_o it_o for_o when_o death_n come_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o mend_n there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n in_o the_o grave_a nor_o any_o right_a repentance_n in_o hell_n itself_o though_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v sorrow_n where_o there_o be_v such_o torment_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sorrow_n not_o for_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o no_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o renew_v the_o heart_n the_o soul_n be_v still_o dispose_v as_o before_o like_o a_o wild_a creature_n that_o retain_v its_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v shut_v up_o within_o a_o grate_n heaven_n indeed_o be_v a_o place_n where_o a_o soul_n be_v perfect_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o change_v its_o habit_n and_o quality_n but_o by_o crown_v they_o with_o glory_n a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n be_v consummate_v and_o make_v unchangeable_a but_o not_o begin_v there_o in_o short_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o habitual_a bent_n and_o bias_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v total_o and_o final_o rectify_v mere_o by_o the_o pass_n of_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o one_o world_n into_o another_o and_o that_o too_o against_o its_o will_n and_o desire_n such_o a_o soul_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v happy_a among_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v it_o admit_v into_o that_o society_n because_o
a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o relish_v those_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n that_o it_o be_v at_o enmity_n against_o they_o and_o against_o god_n himself_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n have_v give_v we_o so_o many_o law_n of_o virtue_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v we_o vessel_n fit_a for_o glory_n fit_a for_o that_o happiness_n which_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n he_o have_v provide_v for_o all_o his_o poor_a creature_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o communicate_v to_o we_o all_o not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v though_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o though_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o such_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n here_o as_o be_v preferable_a to_o all_o the_o glory_n under_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o another_o day_n and_o in_o another_o place_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n considerable_a god_n who_o dwell_v himself_o in_o heaven_n know_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o live_v there_o and_o which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o a_o heavenly_a state_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o particular_a virtue_n may_v not_o at_o present_a be_v so_o obvious_a to_o our_o view_n yet_o god_n see_v they_o he_o know_v whither_o every_o virtue_n ultimate_o tend_v and_o how_o it_o serve_v to_o subdue_v to_o regulate_v to_o purify_v our_o mind_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o refine_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o cultivate_v our_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n now_o may_v spring_v up_o into_o a_o life_n of_o perfect_a glory_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o from_o which_o premise_n these_o four_o thing_n must_v follow_v 1._o first_o that_o we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a build_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n without_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o own_o for_o god_n decree_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v right_o prepare_v and_o as_o it_o be_v god_n purpose_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v he_o so_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v all_o possible_a sanctification_n of_o heart_n and_o body_n to_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n 2._o nor_o may_v we_o depend_v upon_o faith_n without_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n because_o that_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o ineffectual_a which_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o purify_v we_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a 3._o nor_o may_v we_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o repentance_n itself_o without_o such_o fruit_n as_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o renovation_n of_o heart_n as_o be_v productive_a of_o reformation_n of_o life_n there_o be_v no_o repentance_n unto_o salvation_n let_v the_o grief_n and_o remorse_n of_o mind_n be_v never_o so_o great_a 4._o much_o less_o may_v we_o trust_v to_o any_o outward_a severity_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n without_o the_o sanctification_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n though_o this_o solemn_a paschal_n fast_o be_v of_o very_o ancient_a institution_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o great_a purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v of_o great_a use_n still_o where_o people_n be_v careful_a to_o answer_v the_o end_v of_o it_o yet_o no_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v any_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o substantial_a holiness_n fast_v be_v a_o relative_n duty_n intend_v for_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v not_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o any_o preparative_a to_o happiness_n nor_o be_v those_o outward_a penance_n to_o be_v value_v at_o all_o which_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o late_a age_n have_v graft_v upon_o it_o in_o short_a consider_v how_o the_o holy_a scripture_n inculcate_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a spirit_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o like_a the_o only_a business_n we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n be_v to_o form_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o divine_a and_o noble_a disposition_n as_o may_v make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o render_v a_o life_n in_o heaven_n perfect_o agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o heart_n desire_v 2._o what_o those_o disposition_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o heavenly_a state_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o bless_a above_o because_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a idea_n and_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o form_v those_o disposition_n i_o speak_v of_o not_o that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v perfect_a conception_n of_o the_o other_o world_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o know_v but_o little_a of_o because_o god_n have_v not_o be_v please_v particular_o to_o reveal_v the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o pry_v too_o narrow_o into_o that_o holy_a of_o holies_n or_o think_v to_o discover_v now_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v yet_o within_o the_o veil_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o yet_o so_o much_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v these_o five_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o bless_a saint_n be_v a_o life_n of_o perfect_a love_n and_o peace_n though_o we_o can_v now_o distinct_o conceive_v how_o spirit_n converse_v with_o one_o another_o and_o communicate_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v here_o come_v from_o idea_n present_v to_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o fine_a enough_o for_o spiritual_a representation_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o entire_a harmony_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n god_n himself_o the_o centre_n of_o happiness_n be_v love_n and_o as_o he_o display_v and_o communicate_v his_o love_n over_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n so_o the_o affection_n of_o that_o infinite_a host_n of_o bless_a spirit_n to_o he_o be_v reciprocal_a because_o it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o they_o be_v happy_a and_o because_o they_o be_v all_o like_o he_o and_o all_o love_v he_o and_o all_o derive_v their_o felicity_n from_o he_o their_o mutual_a love_n to_o each_o other_o must_v needs_o be_v inviolable_a and_o universal_a so_o that_o angel_n and_o saint_n make_v up_o but_o one_o society_n all_o unite_a together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o the_o same_o joy_n and_o in_o the_o same_o common_a love_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o charity_n never_o fail_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o and_o so_o he_o set_v it_o above_o faith_n and_o hope_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o singular_o communicative_a and_o beneficial_a in_o this_o world_n but_o chief_o because_o it_o have_v this_o peculiar_a prerogative_n that_o it_o be_v of_o endless_a duration_n in_o the_o next_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v whether_o there_o be_v tongue_n they_o shall_v cease_v whether_o there_o be_v knowledge_n it_o shall_v vanish_v away_o but_o charity_n shall_v never_o fail_v it_o will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a employment_n those_o war_n and_o fight_n which_o be_v among_o we_o now_o proceed_v from_o our_o lust_n that_o envy_v and_o strife_n which_o rage_v in_o this_o world_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a those_o hatred_n and_o animosity_n and_o division_n which_o attend_v our_o present_a warfare_n be_v effect_n and_o argument_n of_o carnality_n when_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n and_o concord_n will_v be_v at_o once_o the_o portion_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o triumphant_a 2._o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v a_o life_n of_o devotion_n by_o devotion_n i_o mean_v the_o offering_z up_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n from_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o of_o his_o boundless_a goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n whether_o the_o saint_n depart_v do_v offer_v up_o any_o prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a though_o some_o protestant_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v as_o a_o probable_a matter_n that_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o charity_n they_o pray_v in_o general_a for_o
the_o church_n militant_a yet_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o particular_a case_n or_o that_o they_o pray_v as_o mediator_n or_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v to_o themselves_o all_o this_o we_o utter_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n unquestionable_a that_o they_o adore_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o perfection_n admire_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n extol_v his_o majesty_n praise_v he_o continual_o and_o never_o rest_v from_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n this_o appear_v from_o many_o passage_n in_o st._n john_n revelation_n where_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v say_v not_o to_o rest_v day_n or_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o worship_n he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o with_o harp_n and_o golden_a vial_n full_a of_o odour_n to_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n unto_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o angel_n themselves_o with_o the_o beast_n and_o elder_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n say_v amen_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n and_o the_o like_a for_o though_o this_o be_v a_o visionary_a representation_n not_o a_o set_a history_n of_o the_o particular_a state_n of_o heaven_n yet_o the_o analogy_n it_o bear_v to_o it_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a do_v with_o the_o bless_a angel_n make_v up_o one_o heavenly_a chorus_n to_o adore_v the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o to_o chant_v out_o praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o he_o to_o everlasting_a age_n 3._o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v three_o that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v a_o life_n of_o the_o most_o divine_a contemplation_n also_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o appearance_n tell_v we_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v 1_o jo._n 3._o 2._o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o chr._n 13._o 12._o and_o again_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v by_o which_o several_a expression_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v very_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o glimpse_n of_o he_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o be_v finite_a creature_n to_o have_v a_o adequate_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o yet_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o they_o they_o shall_v clear_o and_o close_o perceive_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n with_o the_o most_o ravish_a satisfaction_n shall_v contemplate_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o as_o full_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a understand_v his_o perfection_n together_o with_o the_o astonish_a reason_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o operation_n whatever_o notion_n our_o soul_n have_v of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o gather_v by_o look_v into_o the_o glass_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o of_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o see_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o that_o imperfect_a vision_n we_o have_v be_v but_o a_o reflex_n vision_n by_o the_o help_n of_o weak_a consideration_n and_o discourse_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o apprehension_n be_v so_o childish_a in_o comparison_n we_o argue_v like_o child_n speak_v like_o child_n and_o understand_v like_a child_n who_o conception_n be_v rather_o dream_n and_o fancy_n than_o the_o result_v of_o solid_a and_o manlike_a reason_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a be_v do_v away_o the_o soul_n be_v blessed_v with_o a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a view_n of_o god_n with_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n how_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a god_n be_v and_o how_o wonderful_o righteous_a and_o gracious_a in_o all_o his_o work_n 4._o from_o this_o clear_a and_o intimate_a knowledge_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n enjoy_v it_o follow_v yet_o further_o that_o their_o life_n there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o purity_n because_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o and_o our_o saviour_n promise_n of_o see_v god_n particular_o belong_v to_o such_o as_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n math._n 5._o 8._o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n unclean_a from_o the_o very_a womb_n and_o as_o we_o grow_v up_o we_o contract_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n by_o meddle_v too_o much_o with_o the_o world_n and_o by_o suffer_v our_o foolish_a appetite_n to_o run_v out_o after_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o to_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v our_o soul_n and_o so_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o life_n of_o bliss_n and_o perfection_n with_o himself_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n here_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a sacrament_n by_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o that_o variety_n of_o holy_a law_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o virtue_n propose_v to_o our_o practice_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o this_o mortal_a state_n wherein_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o misery_n and_o temptation_n as_o moderation_n temperance_n meekness_n self-denial_n patience_n fortitude_n justice_n submission_n and_o the_o like_a for_o though_o these_o virtue_n be_v high_o consonant_a to_o human_a reason_n yet_o the_o great_a advantage_n they_o bring_v in_o order_n to_o a_o future_a life_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a excellency_n of_o they_o for_o all_o these_o serve_v in_o their_o several_a kind_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n some_o to_o subdue_v and_o tame_v our_o wild_a spirit_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o life_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n other_o to_o mortify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o our_o lust_n other_o to_o curb_v and_o bridle_v our_o passion_n other_o to_o defend_v we_o from_o temptation_n other_o to_o wean_v our_o affection_n off_o from_o the_o world_n all_o of_o they_o to_o spiritualise_v our_o nature_n to_o scour_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n and_o tin_n and_o in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o so_o to_o purge_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o it_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o appear_v pure_a and_o without_o blemish_n in_o that_o heavenly_a sanctuary_n whither_o nothing_o that_o be_v unclean_a can_v come_v this_o be_v that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o prepare_v the_o saint_n for_o the_o see_v of_o god_n and_o as_o this_o pure_a state_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n so_o do_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n fix_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o render_v it_o unchangeable_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o god_n only_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v with_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o full_a and_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v so_o employ_v and_o fix_v upon_o he_o that_o the_o will_n can_v possible_o be_v avert_v from_o enjoyment_n so_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o satisfactory_a the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n can_v permit_v any_o soul_n to_o wander_v in_o the_o least_o from_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v everlasting_o continue_v pure_a and_o spotless_a like_o the_o holy_a lamb_n of_o god_n who_o will_n be_v perfect_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n who_o know_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v any_o guile_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o mouth_n 5._o beside_o these_o positive_a felicity_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n enjoy_v i_o think_v there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a thing_n more_o which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o of_o their_o life_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o bear_v a_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 2._o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o yet_o distinct_o and_o full_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v
be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v some_o render_v the_o word_n when_o it_o shall_v appear_v mean_v when_o our_o future_a state_n shall_v come_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a read_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o glory_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o finite_a being_n and_o save_v the_o difference_n that_o ever_o must_v be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o immortal_a life_n this_o frail_a animal_n life_n be_v quit_v and_o change_v into_o a_o spiritual_a one_o and_o corruption_n be_v swallow_v up_o of_o incorruption_n but_o the_o great_a happiness_n will_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o mind_n without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o obliquity_n in_o the_o will_n without_o any_o disorder_n in_o the_o affection_n there_o will_v be_v a_o perfect_a rectitude_n in_o our_o nature_n resemble_v in_o all_o possible_a degree_n those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n who_o be_v absolute_o righteous_a holy_a and_o good_n now_o by_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v what_o disposition_n of_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o we_o to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a portion_n with_o they_o viz._n the_o same_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n have_v such_o quality_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n we_o must_v have_v here_o such_o a_o heavenly_a conversation_n we_o must_v begin_v here_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o heart_n we_o must_v carry_v with_o we_o to_o the_o grave_a because_o as_o our_o inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n so_o they_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o some_o virtue_n be_v peculiar_a to_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o this_o weak_a mortal_a and_o militant_a condition_n even_o those_o virtue_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o grow_v and_o proceed_v in_o now_o because_o they_o help_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o its_o kind_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o better_a state_n but_o because_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v immediate_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o vigorous_a activity_n of_o such_o disposition_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a state_n therefore_o our_o great_a study_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v to_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o those_o disposition_n chief_o and_o to_o make_v they_o habitual_a to_o we_o by_o the_o familiar_a and_o delightful_a practice_n of_o they_o now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o heaven_n as_o in_o our_o proper_a element_n that_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n may_v be_v to_o our_o heart_n desire_n and_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o other_o world_n may_v be_v such_o as_o we_o will_v be_v in_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v in_o love_n with_o such_o as_o we_o may_v enjoy_v with_o the_o high_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v we_o catch_v up_o with_o st._n paul_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n or_o can_v we_o climb_v up_o ot_fw-mi the_o top_n of_o some_o solitary_a mountain_n there_o to_o pull_v out_o of_o our_o side_n all_o those_o briar_n and_o thorn_n which_o adam_n leave_v we_o and_o throw_v our_o grief_n and_o trouble_n away_o all_o at_o once_o and_o so_o take_v our_o flight_n into_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o good_a god_n what_o a_o orderly_a quiet_a and_o harmonious_a world_n shall_v we_o find_v there_o what_o a_o family_n of_o love_n what_o a_o consort_n of_o devout_a spirit_n what_o a_o angelical_a host_n with_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n what_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n every_o soul_n there_o resemble_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o bliss_n and_o sanctity_n 3._o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n accustom_v ourselves_o to_o the_o delightful_a practice_n of_o those_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o life_n in_o that_o day_n to_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o have_v fervent_a and_o perfect_a charity_n among_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o bitterness_n of_o mind_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n to_o love_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v here_o below_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o to_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praising_n and_o bless_v god_n in_o a_o great_a congregation_n to_o have_v god_n always_o in_o our_o thought_n increase_v daily_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o it_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v like_o he_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v as_o he_o be_v and_z by_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o another_o so_o much_o as_o we_o have_v of_o these_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n now_o so_o much_o we_o have_v of_o heaven_n in_o our_o possession_n already_o this_o we_o shall_v mind_v therefore_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o mind_n as_o long_o as_o we_o breathe_v because_o our_o eternal_a fortune_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o disposition_n and_o temper_n as_o i_o speak_v of_o now_o it_o do_v not_o only_o insure_v our_o title_n to_o the_o saint_n inheritance_n but_o it_o likewise_o render_v our_o entrance_n into_o it_o very_o easy_a and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a unto_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a advantage_n we_o get_v by_o the_o sincere_a practice_n and_o love_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o security_n to_o we_o against_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o life_n and_o against_o all_o our_o enemy_n round_o about_o we_o because_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o god_n particular_a providence_n and_o protection_n though_o it_o always_o bring_v with_o it_o such_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o in_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o though_o it_o fortify_v we_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n which_o be_v so_o unwelcome_a to_o nature_n and_o so_o terrible_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o our_o delight_v in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n bring_v we_o a_o advantage_n beyond_o all_o these_o it_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a life_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o after_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o no_o other_o state_n but_o the_o society_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o extreme_a folly_n of_o lewd_a and_o profligate_v wretch_n that_o while_o other_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n such_o excellent_a security_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v attain_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v treasure_v up_o all_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n they_o can_v and_o prepare_v that_o hell_n for_o themselves_o which_o god_n original_o prepare_v only_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n whither_o can_v we_o suppose_v atheistical_a spirit_n fit_a to_o go_v but_o to_o that_o dreadful_a place_n where_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o tremble_v and_o desperation_n or_o whither_o can_v man_n of_o black_a design_n of_o turbulent_a spirit_n of_o mischievous_a disposition_n and_o malicious_a mind_n whither_o think_v you_o can_v they_o be_v fit_a to_o go_v but_o to_o their_o confederate_n in_o iniquity_n those_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v a_o plague_n and_o torment_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o world_n heaven_n can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o devilish_a nature_n neither_o will_v god_n decree_n nor_o can_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o allow_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n to_o be_v joint-heir_n with_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v another_o war_n in_o