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rather_o seek_v it_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o church_n let_v not_o therefore_o these_o speech_n be_v hear_v among_o we_o this_o i_o say_v and_o this_o thou_o say_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v certain_a book_n of_o god_n to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o stand_v we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o try_v our_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n demonstrate_v by_o man_n teach_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n set_v therefore_o aside_o all_o such_o matter_n let_v they_o show_v forth_o the_o church_n if_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o speech_n and_o rumour_n of_o the_o african_n not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o disputer_n not_o in_o vision_n and_o revelation_n not_o in_o sign_n and_o false_a miracle_n because_o god_n word_n have_v abundant_o prepare_v we_o and_o make_v we_o ready_a against_o these_o thing_n but_o let_v they_o declare_v it_o out_o of_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o song_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o the_o pastor_n himself_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o no_o let_v they_o declare_v only_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o be_v the_o instruction_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n these_o be_v the_o supporter_n of_o our_o cause_n thus_o far_o st._n austin_n and_o because_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o full_a to_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o further_a authority_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o she_o trent_n catechism_n that_o no_o church_n be_v catholic_n that_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n she_o must_v not_o hold_v any_o new_a faith_n say_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v of_o old_a by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o catechism_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v well_o to_o add_v the_o word_n apostolic_a to_o their_o creed_n say_v i_o believe_v one_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n namely_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v apostolic_a that_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o romanist_n and_o protestant_n own_v to_o be_v so_o and_o indeed_o without_o this_o all_o those_o other_o mark_n which_o be_v pretend_v will_v signify_v nothing_o unity_n without_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v find_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n
we_o read_v also_o gal._n 2._o 9_o 11._o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rebuke_v st._n peter_n open_o at_o antioch_n but_o also_o take_v of_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n now_o we_o can_v suppose_v st._n peter_n supremacy_n but_o we_o must_v convict_v st._n paul_n either_o of_o gross_a ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n or_o of_o great_a rudeness_n when_o he_o take_v place_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o yet_o so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o that_o in_o memory_n of_o it_o the_o pope_n own_o seal_n have_v st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n engrave_v upon_o it_o and_o st._n paul_n be_v allow_v to_o hold_v the_o dexter_a point_n 2._o if_o we_o examine_v by_o scripture_n that_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o depose_v doctrine_n we_o shall_v find_v which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n for_o how_o do_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o abhor_v and_o detest_v that_o most_o disloyal_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n observe_v let_v every_o soul_n of_o what_o rank_n quality_n or_o degree_n soever_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v st._n chrysostome_n upon_o these_o word_n though_o thou_o be_v a_o apostle_n though_o a_o evangelist_n though_o a_o prophet_n yea_o what_o ever_o thou_o be_v thou_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n thus_o say_v st._n paul_n yea_o st._n peter_n also_o from_o who_o the_o pope_n pretend_v to_o derive_v his_o power_n be_v so_o far_o from_o challenge_v any_o power_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n either_o for_o himself_o or_o successor_n that_o he_o require_v christian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o not_o unto_o he_o but_o unto_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a nay_o he_o will_v have_v they_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o teach_v all_o her_o member_n to_o pay_v active_a obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o prince_n and_o when_o their_o command_n interfere_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o to_o resist_v but_o to_o obey_v passive_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n be_v make_v in_o a_o language_n well_o know_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o such_o as_o will_v tend_v if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o sure_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o st._n paul_n have_v spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o for_o in_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 14._o if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o again_o ver_fw-la 16._o how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v again_o v_o 19_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n these_o be_v plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o show_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v apostolical_a 4._o the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v the_o laity_n the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v for_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v the_o cup_n to_o his_o disciple_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o mat._n 26._o 27._o and_o s._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o people_n partake_v of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o we_o have_v all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n but_o i_o need_v not_o produce_v any_o more_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o in_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n we_o find_v these_o expression_n notwithstanding_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o decree_v and_o determine_v that_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o cup._n it_o seem_v they_o find_v some_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o apostle_n but_o our_o church_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o stick_v close_o to_o both_o 5._o the_o church_n of_o england_n condemn_v transubstantiation_n as_o be_v contradictory_n to_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n our_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n and_o not_o flesh_n after_o consecration_n our_o reason_n will_v not_o allow_v one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n to_o be_v in_o million_o of_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n s._n paul_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 26._o etc._n etc._n call_v it_o bread_n at_o least_o three_o time_n after_o consecration_n but_o though_o we_o have_v all_o this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o be_v anathamatize_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o we_o refuse_v as_o they_o say_v to_o believe_v as_o plain_a word_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n for_o what_o can_v be_v plain_o say_v they_o than_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n but_o in_o truth_n if_o these_o word_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o sacrifice_v both_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n to_o our_o faith_n but_o if_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o they_o take_v they_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o learned_a man_n be_v very_o much_o divide_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o ask_v they_o only_o what_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o what_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o demonstrative_a pronoun_n hoc_fw-la or_o this_o and_o you_o will_v find_v they_o mighty_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o it_o for_o scotus_n say_v it_o be_v hoc_fw-la ens_fw-la this_o entity_n be_v my_o body_n aquinas_n this_o substance_n bellarmine_n these_o species_n of_o bread_n the_o sarbone_n this_o individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la and_o the_o famous_a glossary_a hoc_fw-la nihil_fw-la or_o this_o nothing_o now_o if_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o they_o say_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a their_o learned_a man_n shall_v differ_v so_o much_o and_o at_o last_o make_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o indeed_o if_o we_o take_v they_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n as_o protestant_n use_v to_o do_v they_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a enough_o for_o the_o demonstrative_a particle_n hoc_fw-la or_o this_o must_v needs_o relate_v to_o bread_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n it_o seem_v what_o our_o saviour_n take_v bless_a break_v and_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v bread_n and_o of_o this_o and_o nothing_o else_o can_v he_o speak_v when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n now_o this_o bread_n be_v my_o body_n be_v false_a if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o bread_n be_v not_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n this_o bread_n be_v i._n e._n do_v signify_v christ_n body_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o dialect_n or_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o scripture_n gen._n 41._o 26._o we_o read_v these_o word_n concern_v pharaoh_n dream_n the_o seven_o cow_n be_v seven_o year_n i._n e._n they_o signify_v seven_o year_n so_o again_o exod._n 12._o 11._o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n passover_n i._n e._n it_o signify_v the_o lord_n pass_v the_o child_n of_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o destroy_v all_o the_o first-born_a of_o egypt_n now_o if_o according_a to_o this_o know_a dialect_n of_o scripture_n we_o interpret_v our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n the_o meaning_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o natural_a this_o bread_n do_v signify_v or_o represent_v my_o body_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o cup_n namely_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n which_o must_v
shine_v the_o bright_a when_o other_o be_v unsettled_a by_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o time_n or_o by_o the_o crafty_a subtlety_n of_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o the_o honourableness_n of_o such_o steadfastness_n will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a by_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o steadfastness_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n have_v former_o take_v just_a pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o ignorance_n be_v a_o stain_n to_o human_a nature_n so_o knowledge_n on_o the_o contrary_a must_v be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o general_n be_v thus_o honourable_a so_o no_o knowledge_n be_v so_o honourable_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v the_o chief_a concern_v of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o ignorance_n of_o this_o be_v the_o 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man_n have_v always_o be_v covetous_a and_o ambitious_a of_o and_o there_o be_v none_o think_v they_o have_v a_o better_a title_n to_o it_o than_o such_o as_o change_v their_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o temporal_a interest_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v wise_a as_o as_o to_o worldly_a affair_n and_o by_o renounce_v their_o religion_n they_o may_v make_v better_a provision_n for_o the_o remainder_n of_o their_o life_n here_o but_o alas_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n esau_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o very_a profane_a person_n when_o he_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o judas_n make_v but_o a_o sorry_a bargain_n when_o for_o 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have_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o advancement_n of_o which_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o possible_a to_o please_v god_n more_o than_o by_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o religion_n hear_v what_o honour_n our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o put_v upon_o such_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n say_v christ_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 8._o however_o sincere_a christian_n may_v be_v revile_v and_o evil_o entreat_v by_o a_o wicked_a world_n it_o seem_v they_o will_v be_v own_a and_o honour_a by_o their_o dear_a saviour_n and_o if_o there_o be_v one_o crown_n of_o glory_n large_a than_o another_o he_o will_v bestow_v it_o on_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n i_o may_v if_o the_o time_n and_o your_o patience_n will_v permit_v add_v several_a other_o argument_n to_o show_v the_o honourableness_n of_o those_o person_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n but_o these_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v suffice_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n beseech_v you_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v not_o be_v prudence_n in_o i_o to_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o other_o church_n but_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v say_v without_o offence_n that_o i_o know_v not_o any_o church_n this_o day_n upon_o earth_n with_o which_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o communicate_v than_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v deserve_o reckon_v one_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o christendom_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v baronius_n one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o their_o historian_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v senior_n to_o it_o more_o than_o five_o year_n the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v know_v to_o be_v episcopal_a that_o government_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o be_v the_o only_a government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o this_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n so_o we_o have_v have_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n to_o this_o present_a day_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o godwin_n catalogue_n of_o bishop_n and_o parker_n antiquitates_fw-la britannicae_n the_o faith_n which_o our_o church_n profess_v may_v be_v find_v in_o her_o creed_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n the_o nicene_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o only_a creed_n which_o be_v own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n so_o that_o if_o we_o may_v be_v save_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n we_o need_v not_o seek_v a_o new_a one_o from_o any_o church_n in_o christendom_n no_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o loyal_a principle_n or_o recommend_v itself_o more_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n by_o the_o constant_a fidelity_n of_o its_o member_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o also_o be_v that_o church_n which_o enjoy_v lucius_n the_o first_o christian_n king_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o have_v bear_v in_o it_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n and_o empress_n namely_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o religious_a helena_n these_o be_v great_a and_o signal_n honour_n such_o as_o no_o other_o church_n be_v able_a to_o boast_v of_o and_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o great_a than_o they_o all_o namely_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o king_n charles_n i._o the_o first_o royal_a martyr_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n this_o certain_o be_v a_o church_n none_o of_o we_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o as_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o since_o we_o be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o their_o present_a majesty_n gracious_a protection_n i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o asmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n vi._n luke_n xxiii_o 39_o 43._o and_o one_o of_o the_o malefactor_n which_o be_v hang_v rail_v on_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v christ_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o but_o the_o other_o answer_v rebuke_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o not_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o we_o indeed_o
just_o for_o we_o receive_v the_o due_a reward_n of_o our_o deed_n but_o this_o man_n have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o jesus_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n as_o repentance_n be_v own_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o consequent_o most_o seasonable_a to_o be_v perform_v at_o all_o time_n so_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n who_o refuse_v to_o set_v about_o a_o duty_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n in_o this_o time_n of_o lent_n i_o have_v already_o press_v this_o duty_n on_o you_o by_o several_a argument_n one_o you_o may_v remember_v be_v take_v from_o that_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o loyalty_n in_o he_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v our_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o those_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n which_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o sure_o then_o he_o must_v not_o pretend_v the_o least_o tittle_n to_o loyalty_n who_o live_v in_o actual_a disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a command_n of_o his_o superior_n when_o they_o require_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o most_o absolute_a necessity_n now_o we_o all_o know_v that_o our_o superior_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o repent_v in_o this_o season_n of_o lent_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o will_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o most_o absolute_a necessity_n where_o then_o be_v that_o loyalty_n we_o use_v to_o boast_v of_o will_v he_o think_v you_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o small_a matter_n who_o deny_v obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o of_o eternal_a importance_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o 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then_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o make_v man_n so_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n for_o though_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v repentance_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n yet_o they_o believe_v it_o may_v be_v do_v sufficient_o when_o they_o be_v a_o die_a they_o think_v they_o may_v safe_o dedicate_v the_o fair_a blossom_n of_o their_o youth_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n provide_v they_o be_v careful_a to_o bequeath_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o their_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o they_o be_v high_o encourage_v to_o this_o vain_a and_o most_o dangerous_a belief_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v choose_v this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o part_n of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o examine_v at_o this_o time_n but_o only_o show_v you_o from_o they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o for_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n and_o second_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o impenitent_a thief_n show_v you_o that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o dangerous_a if_o not_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a first_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o little_a encouragement_n there_o be_v for_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o penitent_a thief_n indeed_o this_o famous_a story_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n seem_v at_o first_o view_n to_o give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o relation_n of_o a_o dying-man_n one_o lade_v with_o many_o and_o great_a sin_n sin_n of_o such_o a_o heinous_a nature_n as_o deserve_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n the_o great_a of_o punishment_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o the_o cross._n as_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o rob_v and_o steal_v sin_n which_o seldom_o want_v the_o company_n of_o other_o enormity_n so_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o join_v also_o at_o the_o first_o with_o the_o other_o thief_n in_o revile_v our_o saviour_n hence_o the_o other_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o the_o thief_n revile_v he_o so_o great_a so_o notorious_a a_o sinner_n be_v this_o poor_a thief_n and_o yet_o upon_o his_o turn_n to_o god_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o his_o humble_a confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o express_v his_o sorrow_n for_o they_o his_o pardon_n be_v seal_v the_o arm_n of_o mercy_n open_v themselves_o wide_a to_o embrace_v he_o and_o christ_n give_v he_o a_o promise_n that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o very_a day_n in_o paradise_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o dare_v now_o bode_v ill_a to_o the_o clinic_n of_o our_o age_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n and_o thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n who_o labour_v daily_o to_o swear_v god_n almighty_a out_o of_o heaven_n who_o with_o solomon_n youngman_n rejoice_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n why_o shall_v we_o say_v they_o disturb_v our_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n with_o the_o melancholy_a thought_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o think_v of_o heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o stay_v no_o long_o upon_o earth_n a_o few_o salt_n tear_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n a_o little_a confession_n to_o a_o priest_n attend_v with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a atonement_n for_o our_o former_a miscarriage_n god_n mercy_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o penitent_a thief_n will_v also_o serve_v our_o turn_n at_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o minister_n shall_v never_o make_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o darling_n lust_n we_o be_v not_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o be_v cheat_v so_o easy_o of_o all_o our_o pleasure_n let_v they_o if_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o vulgar_a hearer_n we_o be_v too_o learned_a ever_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o begin_v so_o soon_o to_o think_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n but_o how_o sad_o how_o fatal_o be_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n mistake_v though_o the_o text_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o a_o die_a man_n return_v from_o great_a sin_n to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n such_o as_o will_v make_v even_o the_o bold_a sinner_n to_o tremble_v and_o i_o hope_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v more_o early_a provision_n for_o his_o immortal_a soul_n for_o in_o some_o thing_n this_o example_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o their_o condition_n and_o in_o many_o other_o it_o be_v above_o their_o imitation_n so_o that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n they_o will_v find_v they_o so_o remarkable_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o this_o example_n can_v be_v no_o safe_a rule_n for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o for_o one_a let_v we_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n this_o be_v the_o first_o call_v that_o be_v give_v this_o thief_n to_o repent_v it_o be_v the_o first_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o christ._n the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n hear_v what_o account_n st._n austin_n give_v of_o this_o penitent_a thief_n ad_fw-la consequendam_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la fuit_fw-la illi_fw-la extrema_fw-la hora_fw-la sed_fw-la prima_fw-la nec_fw-la religionem_fw-la ante_fw-la nec_fw-la christum_fw-la scivit_fw-la non_fw-la remedia_fw-la status_fw-la svi_fw-la in_o momenta_fw-la ultima_fw-la
repentance_n they_o know_v it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o a_o camel_n with_o his_o great_a bunch_n upon_o his_o back_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n as_o for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n make_v gross_a with_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o year_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o with_o felix_n they_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n they_o think_v they_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v when_o sickness_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o pay_v their_o last_o debt_n to_o nature_n indeed_o few_o man_n love_v their_o sin_n so_o well_o as_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o however_o they_o live_v they_o earnest_o desire_v they_o may_v die_v like_o christian_n with_o balaam_n they_o wish_v their_o death_n may_v be_v like_o the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v not_o to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n but_o yet_o at_o present_a they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o death_n as_o this_o alas_o they_o be_v now_o young_a and_o healthful_a their_o pulse_n beat_v even_o and_o their_o blood_n move_v brisk_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o symptom_n of_o any_o distemper_n to_o make_v they_o fear_v the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o as_o yet_o they_o fancy_v they_o may_v safe_o delay_v their_o repentance_n they_o fancy_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v well_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v no_o long_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o in_o all_o his_o magazine_n a_o more_o deadly_a engine_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n so_o great_a so_o fatal_a be_v the_o danger_n which_o attend_v such_o practice_n that_o tremble_v be_v fit_a than_o word_n to_o express_v they_o however_o the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o they_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n appear_v in_o these_o follow_a consideration_n one_a the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o put_v off_o repentance_n to_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o death_n we_o can_v say_v solomon_n boast_v ourselves_o of_o to_o morrow_n we_o can_v command_v the_o next_o fleet_a minute_n death_n lurk_v in_o every_o corner_n and_o wait_v for_o we_o in_o every_o place_n there_o be_v not_o a_o crumb_n of_o bread_n we_o eat_v nor_o a_o drop_n of_o liquor_n that_o we_o drink_v but_o if_o it_o go_v a_o little_a a-wry_a physician_n tell_v we_o may_v be_v our_o ruin_n history_n afford_v we_o a_o thousand_o instance_n of_o sudden_a death_n manlius_n torquatus_n die_v whilst_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n cn._n bebius_n ask_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n meet_v with_o his_o last_o hour_n two_o of_o the_o rome_n emperor_n step_v into_o their_o grave_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v put_v on_o their_o shoe_n c._n servilius_n die_v whilst_o he_o be_v stand_v in_o the_o market_n m._n terentius_n whilst_o he_o be_v a_o write_n and_o to_o name_v but_o one_o more_o and_o that_o out_o of_o our_o own_o chronicle_n mr._n h._n morris_n die_v at_o a_o game_n of_o tennis_n thus_o uncertain_a be_v the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o their_o madness_n be_v both_o great_a and_o certain_a who_o procrastinate_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o this_o may_v come_v we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v surprise_v we_o be_v not_o zimri_n and_o cosbi_n smite_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n be_v not_o ammon_n and_o belshazzar_n take_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o drunken_a cup_n corah_n and_o his_o factious_a crew_n be_v sweep_v away_o in_o their_o rebellion_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a fool_n in_o the_o gospel_n receive_v his_o summons_n to_o another_o world_n even_o when_o he_o be_v sing_v a_o requiem_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n what_o folly_n then_o will_v it_o be_v to_o put_v off_o repentance_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n but_o since_o man_n be_v of_o this_o humour_n let_v we_o for_o once_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o try_v if_o they_o will_v repent_v one_o day_n at_o least_o before_o they_o die_v this_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v because_o they_o know_v their_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o earnest_n if_o they_o be_v unfeigned_o resolve_v to_o repent_v one_o day_n before_o they_o die_v they_o must_v begin_v the_o work_n this_o very_a day_n for_o what_o know_v they_o but_o this_o may_v be_v their_o last_o day_n sure_o they_o have_v not_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n or_o a_o agreement_n with_o hell_n sure_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o time_n and_o season_n their_o breath_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o hear_v what_o solomon_n say_v eccles._n 9_o 12._o man_n know_v not_o his_o time_n as_o the_o fish_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o a_o evil_a net_n and_o as_o the_o bird_n be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n so_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n snare_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n when_o it_o come_v sudden_o upon_o they_o if_o therefore_o man_n have_v any_o real_a kindness_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o a_o uncertain_a futurity_n they_o will_v rather_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n advice_n mat._n 25._o 13._o watch_n for_o you_o do_v not_o know_v the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v 2_o a_o late_a repentance_n will_v further_o be_v find_v a_o thing_n full_a of_o danger_n if_o not_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v a_o very_a improper_a and_o unseasonable_a time_n for_o repentance_n if_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v by_o sudden_a death_n or_o snatch_v away_o in_o wrath_n before_o the_o pot_n perceive_v the_o thorn_n as_o the_o psalmist_n phrase_n it_o yet_o how_o often_o be_v they_o seize_v on_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o disease_n as_o render_v their_o repentance_n a_o thing_n impossible_a seneca_n speak_v of_o a_o morbus_fw-la insanabilis_fw-la qui_fw-la animo_fw-la afficiat_fw-la &_o mentem_fw-la concutiat_fw-la such_o a_o violent_a distemper_n as_o either_o deprive_v man_n whole_o of_o their_o reason_n or_o else_o disturb_v the_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o though_o he_o speak_v but_o of_o one_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n yet_o physician_n tell_v of_o many_o in_o their_o book_n such_o as_o the_o coma_n the_o lethargy_n the_o carus_n the_o apoplexy_n the_o catoche_n catalepsiis_fw-la erisipylas_n frenzy_n mania_n and_o several_a other_o now_o have_v any_o presumptuous_a sinner_n a_o protection_n from_o heaven_n against_o these_o drowsy_a stupify_v distemper_n such_o as_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o his_o reason_n and_o consequent_o incapacitate_v he_o for_o any_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n but_o suppose_v the_o sinner_n shall_v escape_v such_o disease_n as_o these_o do_v not_o other_o disease_n render_v the_o time_n of_o death_n a_o most_o improper_a season_n for_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n let_v but_o such_o a_o presumptuous_a sinner_n sometime_o bestow_v a_o visit_n on_o his_o sick_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n and_o then_o let_v he_o judge_v whether_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n to_o perform_v such_o a_o difficult_a and_o important_a work_n as_o repentance_n be_v may_v he_o not_o now_o see_v how_o trouble_a and_o disturb_v their_o thought_n be_v how_o uneasy_a and_o disturb_v their_o mind_n how_o strange_o do_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n decay_v how_o fast_o their_o memory_n and_o sense_n fail_v they_o whilst_o their_o body_n groan_v under_o great_a anguish_n and_o extremity_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v this_o think_v you_o a_o proper_a time_n to_o prepare_v for_o eternity_n be_v so_o much_o weakness_n able_a to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n be_v he_o who_o can_v help_v himself_o fit_a to_o encounter_v sin_n at_o its_o great_a strength_n and_o work_v in_o himself_o all_o the_o pious_a habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n we_o do_v not_o ordinary_o account_v they_o wise_a man_n who_o leave_v their_o worldly_a affair_n to_o be_v settle_v at_o this_o time_n what_o stupendous_a folly_n than_o will_v it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o our_o spiritual_a concern_v matter_n of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o importance_n to_o be_v transact_v at_o our_o die_a hour_n the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v so_o indispose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n that_o they_o be_v
the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v express_o luke_n 13._o 28._o that_o the_o godly_a hereafter_o shall_v see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o know_v all_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n nor_o shall_v we_o only_o know_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v have_v sweet_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o matt._n 8._o 11._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sit_v down_o that_o be_v as_o the_o original_a import_v they_o shall_v feast_v with_o they_o and_o this_o sure_a do_v not_o only_o denote_v their_o mutual_a knowledge_n each_o of_o other_o but_o also_o the_o high_a caress_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n such_o as_o this_o metaphor_n of_o feast_v be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o denote_v and_o this_o sure_a can_v but_o mighty_o enhance_v the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n david_n account_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n the_o most_o excellent_a person_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o their_o society_n but_o in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a there_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o those_o human_a infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n which_o use_v to_o allay_v the_o solace_n of_o their_o conversation_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o all_o those_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v their_o society_n most_o pleasant_a and_o desirable_a and_o indeed_o we_o find_v the_o disciple_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n be_v so_o satisfy_v with_o the_o company_n of_o moses_n and_o elias_n two_o of_o these_o glorious_a inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n that_o they_o present_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o and_o will_v have_v build_v tabernacle_n and_o have_v be_v content_a to_o have_v take_v their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n how_o much_o great_a will_v their_o happiness_n be_v who_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o most_o ravish_a society_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n but_o 2._o we_o shall_v not_o only_o enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o saint_n but_o of_o angel_n too_o so_o i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o from_o heb._n 12._o 22._o where_o it_o be_v say_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n angel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a creature_n than_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o far_a addition_n to_o our_o happiness_n three_o we_o shall_v also_o in_o paradise_n be_v with_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n with_o i_o who_o thou_o now_o see_v hanging_n on_o the_o cross._n it_o be_v one_o of_o st._n augustine_n three_o famous_a wish_n to_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o body_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n in_o paradise_n not_o bare_o to_o see_v christ_n body_n but_o also_o to_o see_v that_o glory_n god_n have_v adorn_v it_o with_o there_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 17._o 24._o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v my_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o we_o shall_v there_o see_v christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n high_o exalt_v above_o seraphim_n and_o cherubim_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o this_o glory_n will_v rejoice_v we_o the_o more_o because_o our_o human_a nature_n be_v glorify_v in_o he_o four_o the_o godly_a by_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o paradise_n shall_v also_o be_v with_o god_n himself_o st._n paul_n therefore_o give_v a_o full_a catalogue_n of_o that_o glorious_a company_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n tell_v we_o heb._n 12._o 22_o 23._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n but_o he_o add_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o to_o enjoy_v the_o company_n of_o saint_n angel_n and_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v happiness_n great_a beyond_o our_o utmost_a imagination_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o as_o little_a drop_n if_o compare_v to_o that_o ocean_n of_o bliss_n which_o will_v flow_v into_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v a_o noble_a say_v of_o luther_n that_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o hell_n with_o god_n presence_n than_o in_o heaven_n without_o it_o now_o if_o this_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o convert_v even_o hell_n itself_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o must_v certain_o make_v heaven_n become_v what_o it_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n a_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o joy_n the_o crown_n of_o blessedness_n and_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o heaven_n for_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v god_n we_o must_v needs_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n all_o that_o be_v good_a do_v at_o first_o flow_v from_o he_o and_o be_v therefore_o certain_o more_o eminent_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o as_o in_o its_o fountain_n and_o original_a all_o that_o can_v delight_v our_o soul_n or_o ravish_v our_o heart_n all_o that_o be_v lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o great_a perfection_n well_o then_o may_v the_o psalmist_n say_v psal._n 16._o 11._o in_o thy_o presence_n o_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o because_o this_o will_v be_v the_o quintessence_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n we_o will_v inquire_v wherein_o it_o will_v consist_v but_o 1._o give_v i_o leave_v to_o premise_v this_o caution_n that_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v those_o joy_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n they_o be_v such_o say_v st._n paul_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v you_o will_v find_v also_o st._n john_n speak_v the_o same_o truth_n 1._o joh._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 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 as_o god_n give_v moses_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n only_o from_o mount_n nebo_n so_o he_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o heavenly_a but_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o full_o here_o understand_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v some_o honour_n and_o advantage_n to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o but_o so_o far_o as_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n to_o we_o it_o will_v chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o observation_n one_a a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n two_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n one_a our_o happiness_n in_o paradise_n will_v chief_o consist_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n knowledge_n be_v the_o fair_a fruit_n that_o ever_o grow_v in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o paradise_n above_o shall_v be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o it_o knowledge_n be_v so_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o roman_a orator_n call_v it_o naturale_fw-la animâ—_n pabulum_fw-la the_o most_o grateful_a and_o palatable_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o say_v aristotle_n than_o our_o eye_n which_o be_v usual_o waste_v and_o wear_v away_o in_o pursuit_n after_o it_o now_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o general_n be_v thus_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o noble_a the_o object_n be_v which_o we_o know_v the_o sweet_a and_o more_o pleasant_a must_v the_o knowledge_n be_v now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o object_n so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a as_o almighty_a god_n he_o be_v infinite_a in_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o infinite_a and_o divine_a perfection_n must_v needs_o make_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n here_o it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n speak_v we_o