a_o help_n or_o blessing_n to_o the_o public_a and_o though_o he_o belong_v to_o die_v for_o himself_o know_v it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o his_o advantage_n because_o when_o he_o depart_v hence_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a yet_o he_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o for_o he_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v and_o will_v be_v more_o needful_a for_o other_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o defer_v our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o other_o benefit_v by_o we_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o christian_n second_o positive_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o some_o case_n to_o desire_v death_n and_o thus_o none_o but_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v true_o desire_v to_o die_v now_o there_o be_v three_o case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n first_o when_o god_n bring_v a_o 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good_a and_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o any_o duty_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n in_o the_o 42_o psalm_n as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v athirst_a for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o power_n and_o his_o glory_n so_o as_o he_o have_v see_v he_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n if_o a_o christian_a now_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o sin_n and_o pollution_n go_v along_o with_o they_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v he_o not_o much_o more_o than_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o all_o sinful_a mixture_n that_o here_o be_v a_o continual_a grief_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o a_o just_a provocation_n to_o a_o 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glory_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o wish_v for_o that_o absolute_o for_o though_o the_o holy_a apostle_n desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o be_v he_o in_o a_o strait_a and_o what_o to_o choose_v he_o tell_v we_o he_o wist_v not_o and_o we_o know_v how_o he_o qualify_v and_o debate_v the_o business_n and_o what_o the_o issue_n come_v to_o you_o may_v read_v in_o 1_o phil._n 21.22_o 23._o still_o therefore_o in_o all_o our_o desire_n after_o death_n in_o general_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o we_o must_v always_o say_v not_o our_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n o_o lord_n be_v do_v this_o holy_a desire_n of_o death_n now_o be_v that_o which_o can_v only_o be_v find_v in_o the_o godly_a for_o they_o only_o can_v desire_v death_n upon_o good_a ground_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o a_o willingness_n to_o die_v even_o in_o wicked_a man_n and_o sometime_o they_o may_v die_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o though_o death_n be_v never_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v sometime_o die_v willing_o and_o peaceable_o be_v often_o see_v they_o may_v have_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n as_o other_o have_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o under_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n because_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n conscience_n do_v not_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n by_o terrible_a reflection_n upon_o their_o former_a wicked_a life_n god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o possess_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o for_o the_o devil_n he_o will_v not_o vex_v and_o trouble_v they_o that_o be_v not_o for_o his_o advantage_n for_o he_o know_v while_o they_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o security_n and_o senselessness_n he_o have_v they_o fast_o enough_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o torment_v they_o before_o their_o time_n lest_o they_o shall_v get_v out_o of_o his_o clutch_n but_o all_o be_v very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n and_o they_o die_v as_o it_o be_v common_o express_v by_o ignorant_a person_n as_o quiet_a as_o a_o lamb_n this_o may_v be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n he_o may_v die_v quiet_o without_o any_o doubt_n upon_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o his_o eternal_a state_n as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o and_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o ever_o not_o that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o god_n reconcile_v nor_o that_o his_o conscience_n have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o trouble_v he_o because_o it_o be_v silent_a no_o the_o worm_n of_o conscience_n be_v hungry_a and_o have_v matter_n enough_o to_o torment_v he_o in_o hell_n to_o eternity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o prey_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o sinner_n as_o yet_o this_o peace_n and_o juietness_n that_o he_o now_o enjoy_v be_v not_o from_o any_o knowledge_n of_o his_o good_a estate_n but_o from_o his_o ignorance_n how_o bad_a his_o state_n be_v he_o see_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n nor_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n set_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o go_v on_o quiet_o to_o his_o grave_n as_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquietness_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n in_o death_n be_v because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n so_o the_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o death_n be_v because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o badness_n of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n if_o a_o godly_a man_n die_v under_o fear_n and_o trouble_n it_o be_v not_o because_o his_o state_n be_v not_o good_a but_o because_o he_o know_v not_o that_o his_o state_n be_v good_a and_o if_o a_o wicked_a man_n die_v in_o peace_n it_o be_v not_o because_o his_o state_n be_v not_o bad_a but_o because_o he_o know_v not_o that_o his_o state_n be_v bad_a do_v a_o godly_a man_n know_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n his_o trouble_n and_o fear_n will_v soon_o be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o rejoice_n and_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n know_v the_o badness_n of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n his_o peace_n and_o quietness_n will_v soon_o be_v turn_v into_o mourning_n and_o lamentation_n and_o though_o now_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n yea_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o satan_n also_o may_v flatter_v he_o yet_o death_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n and_o undeceive_v he_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v know_v for_o ever_o by_o sad_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o 57_o of_o esay_n last_o verse_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v the_o lord_n unto_o the_o wicked_a now_o as_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v die_v willing_o yea_o peaceable_o so_o in_o a_o godly_a man_n there_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v though_o a_o godly_a man_n act_v as_o a_o godly_a man_n ought_v he_o be_v always_o desirous_a of_o death_n that_o there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n a_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 37.20_o now_o i_o pray_v thou_o o_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n let_v my_o supplication_n be_v accept_v before_o thou_o that_o thou_o cause_v i_o not_o to_o return_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jonathan_n the_o scribe_n lest_o i_o die_v there_o and_o our_o lord_n forewarn_v peter_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v carry_v whither_o he_o will_v not_o john_n 21.18_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o lot_n who_o though_o his_o righteous_a soul_n be_v vex_v day_n by_o day_n by_o behold_v the_o unclean_a conversation_n of_o the_o sodomite_n 2_o pet._n 2.18_o yet_o o_o how_o he_o linger_v when_o god_n will_v have_v take_v he_o from_o thence_o as_o you_o may_v see_v gen._n 19.16_o so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o while_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n be_v always_o vex_v not_o only_o with_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o also_o with_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o be_v they_o if_o not_o unwilling_a yet_o not_o so_o willing_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o this_o unwillingness_n of_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o grace_n in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n there_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n sin_n and_o corruption_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n sin_n and_o corruption_n prevail_v over_o grace_n as_o sometime_o they_o do_v no_o won-wonder_n if_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v those_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o do_v believe_v do_v yet_o believe_v but_o in_o part_n and_o though_o the_o spirit_n be_v ready_a in_o they_o yet_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a but_o though_o there_o be_v some_o unwillingness_n in_o the_o best_a to_o die_v yet_o they_o know_v and_o be_v 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heaven_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o when_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v into_o dust_n that_o he_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n which_o death_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n death_n can_v do_v he_o he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o be_v can_v but_o welcome_a death_n and_o embrace_v it_o not_o only_o with_o contentment_n but_o with_o delight_n and_o joy_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v struggle_v and_o strive_v to_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o body_n with_o what_o holy_a long_v and_o vehemency_n of_o desire_n will_v he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o chap._n iu._n of_o willingness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v difference_n between_o christian_n in_o reference_n unto_o 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be_v afflictive_a unto_o sense_n yet_o it_o often_o happen_v through_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o their_o fear_n in_o life_n exceed_v their_o pain_n in_o death_n and_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n do_v not_o gripe_v so_o hard_o nor_o stab_v so_o painful_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v and_o if_o he_o do_v god_n many_o time_n come_v in_o with_o such_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o depart_a soul_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n to_o and_o presence_n with_o they_o as_o turn_v their_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n into_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o manifest_v himself_o thus_o comfortable_o unto_o some_o for_o their_o support_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o fear_n by_o undergo_a great_a pain_n in_o death_n yet_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o stroke_n be_v give_v the_o pain_n be_v go_v and_o their_o fear_n be_v over_o how_o quick_o do_v the_o first_o open_n of_o that_o eternal_a morning_n swallow_v up_o all_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o die_a sorrow_n o_o when_o the_o joy_n and_o vision_n of_o our_o god_n invade_v and_o exercise_v our_o depart_a soul_n then_o come_v the_o great_a and_o welcome_a pledge_n of_o our_o eternal_a conquest_n of_o this_o last_o enemy_n and_o after_o a_o short_a sleep_n of_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n whilst_o soul_n return_v to_o god_n the_o trump_n will_v sound_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v the_o world_n shall_v perish_v or_o be_v refine_v by_o flame_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o die_v no_o more_o and_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n but_o some_o may_v say_v we_o can_v willing_o die_v but_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o hereafter_o we_o can_v tell_v
what_o our_o future_a state_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n the_o desire_v we_o have_v of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n put_v we_o upon_o hope_v the_o best_a but_o our_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o many_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o our_o departure_n because_o we_o be_v under_o such_o uncertainty_n whither_o we_o shall_v go_v when_o death_n take_v we_o hence_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n either_o thou_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n or_o one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o unpardoned_a state_n i_o can_v wonder_v that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n nor_o can_v i_o blame_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v thou_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o make_v thou_o fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o death_n or_o what_o be_v to_o come_v after_o it_o if_o thou_o understand_v thy_o danger_n aright_o but_o what_o may_v fill_v thou_o with_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o consternation_n imaginable_a whatever_o thou_o fear_v be_v to_o come_v and_o may_v come_v quick_o for_o aught_o thou_o know_v be_v infinite_o far_a great_a and_o worse_o than_o what_o thou_o can_v now_o imagine_v what_o thou_o feel_v or_o fear_v be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n nay_o all_o the_o misery_n thou_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o life_n and_o all_o the_o pain_n that_o thou_o can_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o death_n fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o those_o unconceivable_a horror_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o for_o any_o comfort_n or_o relief_n against_o death_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o sinful_a state_n there_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v none_o thy_o work_n therefore_o must_v be_v speedy_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n labour_v to_o have_v thy_o sin_n pardon_v follow_v god_n with_o earnest_n cry_v tear_n and_o importunity_n of_o soul_n that_o thy_o sinful_a nature_n may_v be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o then_o let_v death_n come_v when_o it_o will_v though_o thou_o die_v under_o never_o such_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o thy_o future_a state_n yet_o eternal_a happiness_n attend_v thou_o and_o when_o death_n have_v once_o close_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o body_n the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n will_v quick_o be_v open_v to_o thy_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o consolation_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n but_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v because_o thou_o be_v uncertain_a how_o it_o may_v go_v with_o thou_o as_o to_o thy_o eternal_a state_n why_o then_o examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n whether_o these_o fear_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o thy_o own_o carelessness_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o thou_o many_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o increase_a thy_o knowledge_n for_o the_o strengthen_v thy_o faith_n for_o the_o enlarge_n thy_o love_n for_o the_o confirm_v thy_o hope_n for_o the_o establish_n thy_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v thou_o up_o unto_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thou_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o thou_o through_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v ground_o conclude_v the_o certainty_n of_o thy_o future_a happiness_n but_o thou_o have_v be_v slothful_a not_o put_v forth_o thyself_o with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o improve_n the_o help_n and_o advantage_n god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v so_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o under_o fear_n how_o it_o may_v go_v with_o thy_o soul_n for_o ever_o if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n go_v humble_a thy_o soul_n before_o god_n lie_v low_a in_o his_o presence_n beg_v earnest_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n towards_o thou_o and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v put_v forth_o the_o endeavour_n of_o thy_o soul_n unto_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o for_o the_o remove_n thy_o fear_n satisfy_v thy_o doubt_n increase_a thy_o knowledge_n confirm_v thy_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n provide_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v come_v in_o whilst_o thou_o be_v thus_o humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o and_o manifest_v his_o love_a kindness_n unto_o thy_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o however_o if_o he_o shall_v for_o some_o reason_n thou_o can_v not_o at_o present_a apprehend_v leave_v thou_o to_o walk_v under_o thy_o doubt_n and_o fear_n still_o yet_o if_o thou_o be_v sincere_a one_o that_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n in_o thy_o soul_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o these_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n about_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n if_o it_o be_v a_o distemper_n as_o it_o be_v become_v so_o natural_a to_o we_o all_o that_o it_o be_v with_o much_o difficulty_n cure_v in_o this_o present_a state_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o soul_n but_o for_o thy_o comfort_n o_o doubt_a believer_n know_v though_o these_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v sinful_a and_o thou_o do_v thereby_o provoke_v god_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v thy_o future_a happiness_n though_o they_o may_v and_o do_v often_o hinder_v thy_o present_a peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o damn_v a_o believe_a soul_n let_v such_o a_o one_o think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o himself_o for_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o thou_o be_v he_o yet_o god_n know_v all_o those_o that_o be_v he_o and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v eternal_o perish_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o thou_o shall_v die_v under_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n and_o thy_o soul_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n sit_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o tear_n this_o hinder_v not_o but_o it_o may_v arise_v in_o a_o fair_a morning_n of_o glory_n heaven_n only_o be_v a_o place_n privilege_v from_o tear_n and_o fear_n but_o may_v some_o soul_n say_v i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o die_v because_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v no_o grace_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v but_o little_a that_o i_o have_v for_o when_o i_o compare_v myself_o with_o other_o the_o most_o i_o can_v say_v of_o myself_o be_v this_o that_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o holiness_n lie_v in_o a_o love_n to_o grace_n and_o in_o a_o desire_n after_o holiness_n i_o hope_v through_o grace_n i_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n if_o i_o may_v have_v my_o choice_n that_o i_o desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v like_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o o_o how_o short_a do_v i_o fall_v both_o of_o my_o rule_n and_o of_o my_o desire_n my_o walking_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v very_o uneven_a and_o unconstant_a the_o corruption_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o frequent_o break_v forth_o by_o fleshly_a affection_n and_o worldly_a desire_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o grace_n within_o i_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o diseern_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o dare_v to_o think_v of_o die_v be_v grace_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a can_v i_o sensible_o find_v the_o strength_n increase_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o in_o a_o tendency_n towards_o perfection_n i_o can_v then_o think_v of_o die_v with_o some_o courage_n but_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o grace_n much_o discourage_v i_o that_o i_o can_v with_o any_o willingness_n and_o cheerfulness_n entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o in_o my_o soul_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v let_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n discourage_v thou_o o_o weak_a christian_a for_o death_n can_v no_o more_o shall_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o weak_a believer_n than_o of_o a_o strong_a believer_n it_o be_v true_a a_o strong_a faith_n may_v carry_v thou_o more_o comfortable_o to_o heaven_n but_o a_o weak_a faith_n will_v carry_v thou_o as_o true_o to_o heaven_n for_o faith_n save_v not_o as_o it_o be_v strong_a or_o weak_a but_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o a_o weak_a faith_n be_v true_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o every_o christian_a for_o without_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n but_o yet_o all_o christian_n be_v not_o equal_o holy_a there_o be_v a_o measure_n or_o stature_n to_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v
it_o be_v not_o my_o pleasure_n to_o part_v with_o it_o all_o that_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v do_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n now_o though_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n accomplish_v several_a end_n as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o procure_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o obtain_n heaven_n yet_o this_o also_o be_v one_o end_n of_o his_o death_n and_o a_o very_a comfortable_a one_o too_o and_o that_o be_v the_o overcome_v of_o death_n for_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n have_v by_o his_o death_n spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o triumph_v over_o they_o in_o his_o cross_n by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v not_o only_o destroy_v death_n but_o he_o also_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o lives-time_n subject_a unto_o that_o bondage_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v slay_v death_n enmity_n not_o that_o death_n be_v so_o destroy_v that_o believer_n shall_v not_o die_v but_o it_o be_v unstung_a it_o still_o wear_v its_o dart_n by_o which_o it_o strike_v all_o man_n but_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o hurt_v be_v death_n therefore_o ride_v upon_o its_o pale_a horse_n and_o make_v haste_n towards_o thou_o o_o believer_n fear_v it_o not_o be_v not_o dismay_v at_o it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o pain_n in_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o curse_n in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o a_o serpent_n without_o a_o sting_n thou_o may_v take_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n yea_o into_o thy_o bosom_n without_o danger_n death_n pour_v out_o all_o its_o poison_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n it_o fasten_v yea_o it_o lose_v its_o sting_n in_o his_o bless_a side_n and_o who_o will_v fear_v a_o enemy_n that_o be_v conquer_v death_n to_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a harmless_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n death_n be_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o believer_n it_o be_v they_o as_o a_o special_a privilege_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v a_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o death_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o he_o be_v then_o the_o plague_n of_o death_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o he_o swallow_v they_o up_o in_o victory_n so_o that_o now_o death_n drive_v but_o a_o poor_a trade_n among_o believer_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n and_o to_o affright_v some_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o victory_n over_o death_n be_v as_o sure_a to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o meditate_v upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o the_o faith_n the_o hope_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o eternity_n be_v build_v for_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n so_o he_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o rise_v the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v but_o vain_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v a_o christian_a shall_v not_o rise_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n there_o be_v no_o life_n everlasting_a if_o christian_n have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n christ_n be_v rise_v and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_v firm_a for_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n against_o which_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n do_v not_o so_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a a_o angel_n declare_v it_o matth._n 28.6_o he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o he_o say_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v holy_a man_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n hereof_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n when_o our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n in_o nine_o several_a apparition_n and_o once_o be_v he_o see_v of_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n together_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.24_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o pain_n or_o band_n of_o death_n be_v loose_v because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a death_n shall_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o it_o do_v he_o willing_o yield_v himself_o up_o unto_o it_o because_o as_o our_o surety_n he_o owe_v a_o death_n by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o and_o according_o he_o pay_v it_o otherwise_o death_n can_v not_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o he_o but_o though_o death_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o though_o it_o have_v possession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o grave_a yet_o it_o can_v not_o keep_v he_o there_o no_o that_o be_v impossible_a partly_o because_o he_o be_v life_n essential_o life_n so_o himself_n tell_v we_o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o death_n to_o hold_v life_n itself_o long_o under_o its_o power_n than_o he_o who_o be_v life_n it_o self_n please_v and_o then_o partly_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n in_o â—espect_n of_o we_o for_o have_v undertake_v the_o great_a work_n of_o restore_v we_o unto_o life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v subdue_v by_o death_n if_o he_o have_v be_v hold_v down_o a_o prisoner_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n we_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n but_o christ_n be_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o perfection_n though_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o die_v yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a death_n shall_v have_v dominion_n over_o he_o for_o ever_o christ_n therefore_o be_v rise_v and_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o say_v to_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o eph._n 2.6_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o believer_n resurrection_n but_o the_o security_n of_o his_o happy_a resurrection_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n now_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n do_v both_o assure_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a harvest_n so_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o believer_n by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o assure_v they_o of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o sanctify_v it_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n even_o unto_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o believer_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a who_o be_v in_o their_o time_n and_o order_n to_o be_v bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n give_v new_a birth_n or_o be_v unto_o those_o body_n which_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n seem_v to_o have_v none_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o whole_a harvest_n follow_v the_o first_o fruit_n so_o do_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o believer_n at_o the_o last_o day_n follow_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 12._o if_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v rise_v we_o can_v rational_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o own_o body_n because_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o exemplar_n of_o our_o resurrection_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o because_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v but_o one_o mystical_a body_n he_o the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n and_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n shall_v not_o always_o lie_v rot_v in_o the_o grave_a but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n arise_v also_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n