heaven_n and_o happiness_n not_o upon_o any_o good_a work_n he_o have_v do_v but_o upon_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o he_o though_o he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_n as_o himself_o say_v yet_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o nothing_o and_o desire_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o whatever_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n sinner_n may_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o service_n in_o their_o health_n and_o prosperity_n when_o death_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n seem_v to_o be_v many_o year_n distant_a from_o they_o or_o whatever_o man_n may_v say_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o a_o dispute_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n yet_o certain_o they_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n when_o death_n lay_v hold_v of_o they_o with_o its_o cold_a hand_n and_o when_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n be_v hurry_v they_o on_o to_o make_v their_o appearance_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o be_v few_o if_o any_o that_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o merit_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n no_o death_n and_o judgement_n convince_v and_o alter_v man_n mind_n make_v they_o speak_v quite_o another_o language_n than_o what_o they_o do_v former_o it_o be_v not_o then_o lord_n deal_n with_o i_o according_a to_o my_o desert_n but_o lord_n deal_v with_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o offence_n o_o lord_n not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n but_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o die_a saviour_n this_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o sinner_n upon_o a_o death_n bed_n then_o a_o bellarmine_n will_v confute_v himself_o and_o cry_v out_o oh_o it_o be_v safe_a trust_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o read_v luk._n 2.13_o 14._o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o this_o very_a errand_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n and_o salvation_n for_o sinner_n the_o angel_n those_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n of_o heaven_n proclaim_v the_o tiding_n thereof_o to_o the_o shepherd_n say_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man._n not_o only_o be_v man_n command_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o god_n himself_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o for_o man_n god_n make_v he_o for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a that_o as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v man_n high_a happiness_n so_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v his_o chief_a end_n and_o unless_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o all_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o comfortable_a to_o we_o the_o scripture_n command_v this_o as_o our_o great_a duty_n that_o we_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o supreme_a end_n in_o all_o our_o action_n matth._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n for_o what_o end_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v your_o father_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n so_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n yea_o in_o heaven_n where_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v full_o and_o complete_o happy_a yet_o shall_v it_o be_v their_o eternal_a exercise_n to_o ascribe_v blessing_n honour_n glory_n and_o praise_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o rev._n 5.13_o and_o not_o only_o be_v man_n command_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o god_n himself_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n the_o work_n of_o providence_n the_o work_n of_o redemption_n they_o be_v all_o transact_v here_o in_o time_n and_o perfect_v in_o eternity_n that_o god_n thereby_o may_v be_v glorify_v our_o next_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v concern_v the_o great_a qualification_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n now_o by_o holiness_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o one_o single_a grace_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o the_o universal_a operation_n or_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o saint_n holiness_n be_v a_o real_a inward_a through_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o heart_n be_v purge_v from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n from_o the_o dominion_n and_o practice_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v that_o also_o whereby_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v carry_v out_o in_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o grace_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n now_o that_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a qualification_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n abundant_o manifest_v psal_n 15.1_o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o thy_o holy_a hill_n the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o that_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n matth._n 5.6_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n heb_fw-mi 12.14_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heaven_n be_v so_o holy_a a_o place_n that_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v in_o any_o wise_a enter_v therein_o act_n 26.18_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a qualification_n of_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n not_o that_o holiness_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o happiness_n no_o that_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n holiness_n be_v only_o that_o which_o qualify_v and_o make_v a_o believer_n fit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n col._n 1.12_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n who_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 there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessary_a connexion_n between_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n holiness_n be_v heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v holiness_n holiness_n be_v heaven_n begin_v and_o heaven_n be_v holiness_n consummate_v they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o great_o differ_v in_o degree_n holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n here_o be_v mix_v with_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o so_o be_v imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n but_o now_o in_o heaven_n holiness_n shall_v be_v without_o imperfection_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v the_o holiness_n of_o a_o saint_n holiness_n be_v there_o come_v to_o its_o full_a growth_n and_o high_a perfection_n for_o there_o be_v holiness_n and_o nothing_o but_o holiness_n now_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o glory_n that_o be_v the_o expect_a consummation_n of_o a_o saint_n happiness_n hereafter_o it_o show_v the_o great_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v that_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a here_o now_o how_o holiness_n qualify_v for_o heaven_n and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n will_v appear_v in_o two_o particular_n one_o be_v because_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o the_o great_a unsuitableness_n between_o heaven_n and_o a_o unholy_a soul_n first_o there_o be_v a_o agreeableness_n yea_o a_o sameness_n between_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o that_o a_o saint_n shall_v there_o outshine_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o heat_n to_o cold_a to_o nakedness_n or_o want_n that_o there_o he_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o disease_n sickness_n and_o death_n itself_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o meat_n drink_v and_o clothing_n no_o nor_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o melodious_a song_n and_o hallilujah_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v in_o heaven_n
arise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n and_o glorification_n that_o this_o be_v he_o that_o with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n not_o only_o buy_v their_o pardon_n but_o purchase_v that_o glorious_a inheritance_n for_o they_o which_o now_o they_o be_v instate_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o must_v needs_o put_v a_o new_a life_n of_o joy_n into_o their_o soul_n and_o create_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o happiness_n in_o they_o which_o they_o never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o understand_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o joy_n of_o angel_n the_o delight_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o in_o who_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o he_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n love_n and_o kindness_n which_o be_v sometime_o hide_v and_o conceal_v be_v now_o lay_v open_a in_o heaven_n to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n o_o with_o what_o ravish_v joy_n and_o delight_n than_o must_v those_o soul_n be_v eternal_o fill_v with_o that_o live_v in_o the_o sight_n &_o possession_n of_o he_o as_o they_o for_o ever_o be_v not_o his_o love_n better_o than_o wine_n will_v not_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o the_o soul_n administer_v more_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v than_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o o_o be_v not_o this_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a soul_n his_o love_n be_v life_n yea_o his_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n o_o how_o shall_v thou_o chide_v thyself_o o_o believe_a soul_n who_o faith_n give_v thou_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o his_o appearance_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o go_v unto_o he_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n who_o be_v all_o love_n all_o life_n all_o joy_n all_o peace_n a_o frightful_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o thou_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o die_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o who_o thou_o call_v thy_o saviour_n have_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o redeem_v thou_o and_o will_v he_o now_o make_v a_o eternal_a slave_n of_o thou_o what_o have_v his_o ascension_n into_o glory_n change_v his_o nature_n and_o render_v he_o less_o lovely_a or_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o less_o desirable_a no_o certain_o he_o be_v not_o less_o lovely_a in_o himself_o because_o of_o his_o exaltation_n into_o glory_n but_o the_o more_o nor_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o less_o but_o the_o more_o desirable_a and_o the_o more_o easy_o to_o be_v obtain_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v by_o his_o death_n much_o more_o be_v reconcile_v shall_v we_o be_v save_v by_o his_o life_n and_o because_o he_o live_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o shall_v believer_n live_v with_o he_o there_o and_o therefore_o also_o shall_v they_o be_v the_o more_o desirous_a to_o be_v there_o because_o he_o be_v there_o awake_v therefore_o o_o you_o drowsy_a saint_n rouse_v yourselves_o up_o out_o of_o your_o security_n and_o slothfulness_n for_o a_o careless_a indifferent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o be_v expectant_n of_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o redeemer_n and_o of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n as_o be_v the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o o_o what_o a_o holy_a impatience_n and_o vnquietness_n of_o soul_n shall_v rather_o be_v find_v in_o believer_n after_o this_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v it_o not_o he_o by_o who_o you_o expect_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o to_o make_v a_o oblation_n for_o your_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o he_o who_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o your_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o he_o who_o to_o deliver_v you_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v himself_o make_v a_o curse_n for_o you_o be_v it_o not_o he_o by_o who_o alone_o you_o escape_v everlasting_a burn_n and_o hope_v to_o obtain_v a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v comparable_a to_o he_o look_v upon_o he_o well_o o_o believe_a soul_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o he_o once_o be_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o he_o now_o be_v and_o you_o can_v but_o say_v he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o love_n henceforth_o therefore_o wonder_v not_o o_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a world_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n express_v such_o passionate_a long_a desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o bless_a jesus_n but_o rather_o wonder_v at_o yourselves_o that_o such_o blindness_n and_o darkness_n shall_v be_v find_v within_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v those_o excellency_n and_o that_o loveliness_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n open_v have_v you_o but_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v bestow_v upon_o you_o to_o see_v into_o those_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n you_o will_v then_o say_v we_o see_v now_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n have_v such_o vehement_a desire_n after_o he_o be_v so_o covetous_a of_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o behold_v of_o his_o glory_n for_o what_o soul_n that_o know_v he_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o his_o love_n and_o experience_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o it_o but_o do_v most_o earnest_o wish_v not_o only_o to_o see_v he_o but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o o_o my_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o then_o that_o thou_o that_o can_v say_v thou_o love_v he_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o sincerity_n do_v yet_o make_v it_o no_o more_o thy_o daily_a care_n and_o study_n to_o gain_v more_o and_o far_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_z a_o more_o dear_a and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o that_o so_o thou_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o more_o full_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o o_o thou_o infinite_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v all_o loveliness_n and_o amiableness_n in_o thou_o look_v down_o gracious_o upon_o thy_o poor_a creature_n and_o discover_v unto_o they_o more_o of_o those_o ravish_a transcendent_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o let_v we_o every_o day_n have_v more_o and_o far_a insight_n into_o those_o never_o to_o be_v full_o know_v perfection_n of_o glory_n and_o loveliness_n that_o be_v in_o thyself_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o commend_v thou_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o feel_o and_o affectionate_o unto_o other_o but_o may_v thereby_o also_o win_v upon_o yea_o command_v the_o affection_n and_o desire_v of_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o thou_o unto_o thou_o that_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o eternal_a glory_n may_v satisfy_v and_o content_v we_o or_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v continual_o be_v cry_v out_o in_o that_o know_a language_n of_o thy_o church_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o four_o and_o last_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o there_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v always_o where_o he_o be_v see_v his_o face_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n now_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o will_v be_v most_o beneficial_a now_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o this_o great_a and_o mysterious_a part_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o many_o high_a and_o lofty_a expression_n call_v it_o sometime_o a_o see_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n rev._n 22.4_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n sometime_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o our_o become_a like_a unto_o god_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v so_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o no_o nor_o can_v it_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
most_o beautiful_a person_n or_o object_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o transform_a power_n come_v from_o they_o to_o work_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o complexion_n of_o the_o beholder_n render_v he_o the_o more_o beautiful_a by_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o person_n or_o object_n he_o may_v carry_v away_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o those_o person_n or_o object_n that_o he_o have_v behold_v in_o his_o mind_n which_o may_v delight_v his_o fancy_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n make_v in_o he_o but_o the_o same_o deformity_n and_o blemish_n remain_v still_o notwithstanding_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o heaven_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o holy_a god_n make_v the_o saint_n that_o behold_v he_o to_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o glory_n for_o so_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o belove_a apostle_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o he_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n but_o their_o likeness_n to_o god_n here_o and_o their_o likeness_n to_o he_o in_o heaven_n great_o differ_v the_o likeness_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v unto_o god_n in_o this_o life_n be_v both_o a_o imperfect_a likeness_n and_o a_o grow_a likeness_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n capable_a of_o in_o heaven_n first_o the_o likeness_n they_o have_v to_o god_n here_o be_v a_o imperfect_a likeness_n in_o some_o thing_n they_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n and_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o wherein_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n they_o be_v comely_a but_o wherein_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o world_n they_o be_v deform_v and_o therefore_o uncomely_a it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o church_n who_o christ_n call_v his_o love_n and_o his_o fair_a one_o that_o she_o be_v comely_a but_o yet_o she_o be_v black_a also_o cant._n 1.5_o i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a she_o be_v comely_a with_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v her_o likeness_n unto_o christ_n and_o that_o make_v she_o so_o lovely_a but_o yet_o she_o be_v black_a with_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v her_o imperfection_n and_o deformity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v cant._n 6.10_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n now_o the_o moon_n though_o she_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n yet_o have_v she_o her_o spot_n and_o the_o morning-light_n be_v but_o small_a and_o imperfect_a unto_o a_o noon-day-brightness_n and_o therefore_o it_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n here_o grace_n give_v they_o a_o likeness_n unto_o god_n but_o with_o the_o moon_n they_o have_v their_o spot_n sin_n and_o corruption_n still_o remain_v in_o they_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n but_o now_o the_o saint_n likeness_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o the_o vision_n they_o have_v of_o he_o there_o it_o be_v such_o a_o likeness_n as_o exclude_v all_o sin_n and_o all_o imperfection_n they_o be_v so_o like_a unto_o god_n that_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v not_o as_o to_o his_o be_v and_o essence_n for_o that_o be_v incommunicable_a but_o in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o bless_a state_n will_v this_o be_v when_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o in_o we_o but_o what_o we_o partake_v of_o from_o god_n and_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n like_o unto_o he_o second_o that_o likeness_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v unto_o god_n here_o be_v a_o grow_a likeness_n that_o grace_n and_o holiness_n believer_n have_v in_o this_o life_n wherein_o consist_v their_o likeness_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v always_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n here_o be_v like_a unto_o newborn_a babe_n who_o be_v always_o desirous_a of_o the_o breast_n for_o their_o nourishment_n and_o growth_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o newborn_a babe_n that_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o no_o saint_n or_o servant_n of_o god_n ever_o attain_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n here_o but_o still_o there_o be_v something_o lack_v in_o his_o faith_n something_o defective_a in_o his_o love_n something_o want_v in_o his_o patience_n something_o that_o may_v be_v add_v to_o his_o heavenly-mindedness_a to_o his_o meekness_n to_o his_o humility_n and_o to_o all_o his_o other_o grace_n hence_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o add_v to_o their_o spiritual_a stature_n to_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o explain_v this_o truth_n no_o far_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n that_o be_v from_o one_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n unto_o another_o believer_n be_v now_o like_a unto_o god_n but_o this_o likeness_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o while_o they_o be_v here_o they_o be_v still_o grow_v into_o a_o great_a conformity_n unto_o he_o but_o now_o in_o heaven_n grace_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v in_o its_o perfection_n heaven_n be_v a_o place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n be_v make_v perfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o advancement_n the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o excellency_n it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o for_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v infinite_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o wisdom_n almighty_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o be_v he_o only_o say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o holiness_n so_o we_o read_v exod._n 15.11_o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n now_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n holiness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o great_a eminency_n and_o perfection_n and_o because_o herein_o they_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o god_n they_o also_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n for_o they_o shall_v then_o have_v as_o much_o of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o they_o can_v desire_v or_o as_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o have_v for_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o o_o what_o a_o bless_a state_n will_v that_o be_v when_o the_o saint_n shall_v have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a nor_o nothing_o that_o be_v want_v or_o defective_a but_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o like_a unto_o god_n himself_o perfect_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n three_o the_o saint_n sight_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v happy_a and_o joyful_a a_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a happy_a person_n in_o all_o the_o world_n his_o life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o continual_a joy_n either_o he_o do_v or_o he_o may_v always_o rejoice_v he_o have_v always_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o have_v always_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o have_v always_o the_o hope_n shall_v i_o say_v nay_o he_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o promise_n continual_o set_v before_o he_o and_o who_o may_v rejoice_v if_o he_o may_v not_o he_o have_v the_o great_a the_o almighty_a god_n for_o his_o shield_n and_o protection_n here_o and_o to_o be_v his_o exceed_a great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o shall_v not_o such_o a_o one_o rejoice_v be_v not_o here_o cause_n of_o joy_n o_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o such_o be_v command_v to_o rejoice_v evermore_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o nay_o in_o the_o most_o afflict_a state_n and_o condition_n such_o have_v cause_n of_o rejoice_v i_o be_o say_v the_o apostle_n exceed_v joyful_a in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n and_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n matth._n 5.11_o 12._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o
for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n thus_o whatever_o condition_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v in_o yet_o still_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o they_o have_v the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o and_o where_o that_o be_v there_o be_v frequent_a though_o secret_a discovery_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o how_o often_o do_v god_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o such_o whilst_o they_o be_v attend_v upon_o he_o in_o holy_a duty_n secret_o whisper_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a vouchsafe_v to_o they_o some_o discovery_n of_o the_o invisible_a and_o unseen_a but_o yet_o real_a glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v even_o ravish_v with_o a_o excess_n of_o strange_a and_o unusual_a joy_n and_o delight_n beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v whilst_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v believer_n walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n now_o if_o this_o little_a sight_n and_o these_o small_a enjoyment_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v of_o god_n here_o which_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o enjoy_v of_o god_n hereafter_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o sight_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1.8_o who_o as_o yet_o have_v not_o see_v if_o this_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n be_v only_o our_o believe_v in_o god_n if_o this_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n with_o so_o great_a joy_n and_o delight_n what_o then_o shall_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n do_v if_o faith_n and_o hope_n do_v so_o ravish_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n with_o joy_n and_o delight_n even_o then_o whilst_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n if_o yet_o the_o joy_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o great_a o_o what_o then_o shall_v the_o joy_n of_o vision_n be_v when_o believer_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n but_o shall_v be_v ever_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v he_o as_o he_o be_v sure_o this_o joy_n must_v needs_o be_v unspeakable_o great_a and_o glorious_a indeed_o this_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o will_v not_o only_o amaze_v the_o eye_n with_o wonder_n but_o ravish_v the_o heart_n with_o eternal_a ecstasy_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n four_o the_o saint_n sight_n and_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v permanent_a and_o perpetual_a in_o this_o life_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v not_o always_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o nor_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o but_o be_v often_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o either_o they_o sin_v away_o god_n presence_n from_o they_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_a or_o else_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n see_v good_a to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o for_o a_o time_n and_o when_o either_o of_o these_o happen_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a time_n with_o such_o soul_n especial_o if_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o such_o therefore_o walk_v very_o deject_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o case_n be_v very_o sad_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v experience_v see_v how_o the_o church_n complain_v esa_n 49.14_o but_o zion_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v i_o my_o god_n have_v forget_v i_o so_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.6_o i_o open_v to_o my_o belove_a but_o my_o beloved_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o my_o soul_n fail_v when_o he_o speak_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v he_o i_o call_v he_o but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n former_o so_o sad_a experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v so_o with_o many_o of_o they_o still_o sometime_o they_o enjoy_v something_o of_o god_n his_o presence_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o in_o a_o duty_n and_o o_o how_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a be_v it_o to_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o thus_o meet_v with_o god_n it_o be_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n but_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o last_v for_o when_o duty_n be_v end_v the_o people_n of_o god_n grow_v careless_a and_o remiss_a yield_v to_o temptation_n give_v way_n to_o sin_n become_v vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o so_o lose_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v no_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o insomuch_o that_o their_o soul_n be_v even_o ready_a to_o faint_v and_o sink_v within_o they_o under_o a_o despair_n of_o mercy_n this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n sometime_o he_o have_v the_o benign_a instuence_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n dart_v into_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v he_o great_o to_o rejoice_v but_o what_o god_n thus_o gracious_o give_v he_o do_v not_o wise_o and_o holy_o retain_v these_o joyful_a season_n abide_v not_o always_o with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o soon_o lose_v they_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n be_v eclipse_v and_o his_o face_n hide_v from_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o foolishness_n but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o in_o heaven_n no_o sin_n come_v there_o to_o intercept_v between_o the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o those_o holy_a soul_n for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o complain_v of_o any_o saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o but_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o those_o holy_a one_o as_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v now_o with_o their_o angel_n matth._n 18.10_o they_o shall_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n this_o bless_a object_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v never_o be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o to_o eternity_n nor_o shall_v their_o sight_n ever_o be_v weary_v with_o behold_v of_o it_o nay_o without_o this_o constant_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n heaven_n will_v not_o be_v a_o happiness_n great_a enough_o to_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o saint_n their_o soul_n be_v so_o raise_v so_o capacious_a that_o they_o can_v be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n even_o in_o heaven_n itself_o unless_o they_o enjoy_v god_n there_o shall_v god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n shall_v he_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o shall_v he_o add_v to_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n nay_o shall_v he_o add_v to_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o cherubim_n in_o heaven_n yet_o still_o they_o will_v say_v they_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a for_o all_o these_o be_v not_o god_n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v give_v heaven_n to_o the_o saint_n he_o must_v there_o give_v they_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o account_v themselves_o happy_a nay_o i_o will_v go_v a_o little_a far_o still_o it_o be_v not_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o a_o little_a time_n suppose_v it_o be_v for_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n nay_o be_v it_o for_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o this_o will_v not_o give_v their_o soul_n full_a satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n unless_o they_o can_v eternal_o enjoy_v god_n this_o only_a can_v make_v they_o complete_o happy_a and_o now_o and_o never_o till_o now_o do_v they_o say_v they_o have_v enough_o and_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v this_o word_n ever_o unto_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o ever_o to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n ever_o to_o have_v he_o smile_v upon_o the_o soul_n ever_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n ever_o to_o have_v his_o presence_n with_o it_o and_o ever_o to_o be_v under_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n here_o here_o be_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n indeed_o thus_o to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v god_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n what_o kind_n of_o sight_n or_o vision_n of_o god_n the_o saint_n shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n second_o wherein_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o vision_n of_o god_n