we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o our_o long_v for_o happiness_n have_v god_n cast_v thou_o o_o christian_n upon_o a_o bed_n of_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v it_o likely_a to_o prove_v thy_o deathbed_n be_v there_o such_o symptom_n of_o thy_o departure_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o tell_v thou_o plain_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v o_o do_v not_o reply_v and_o say_v it_o be_v too_o soon_o yet_o thou_o be_v too_o young_a to_o die_v and_o go_v to_o heaven_n what_o though_o god_n call_v thou_o to_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n soon_o than_o thou_o expect_v yet_o shame_v not_o thyself_o grieve_v not_o other_o that_o behold_v thou_o much_o more_o disparage_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n nor_o of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_o enjoy_v there_o by_o thy_o unwillingness_n to_o go_v thither_o second_o may_v some_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o evil_n to_o encounter_v with_o that_o will_v create_v we_o so_o much_o fear_v and_o trouble_v and_o withal_o so_o many_o pain_n will_v befall_v we_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o think_v of_o death_n we_o be_v so_o affright_v at_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a a_o christian_n can_v expect_v to_o die_v without_o assault_n of_o enemy_n nor_o without_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n but_o yet_o a_o christian_a need_v not_o fear_n nor_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v for_o all_o this_o first_o one_o discouragement_n may_v be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o then_o fear_n will_v stare_v their_o conscience_n in_o the_o face_n and_o how_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o it_o they_o know_v not_o but_o know_v o_fw-fr christian_n if_o sin_n have_v lose_v its_o throne_n in_o thy_o soul_n if_o it_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o thy_o affection_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o embrace_v with_o any_o love_n or_o delight_n it_o shall_v never_o ruin_v or_o condemn_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n where_o sin_n do_v not_o rule_n there_o sin_n shall_v never_o damn_v he_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v enable_v to_o mortify_v his_o sin_n and_o all_o sinful_a affection_n and_o inclination_n thereunto_o and_o by_o a_o penitential_a conversion_n of_o soul_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n have_v forsake_v his_o sinful_a way_n all_o his_o former_a provocation_n though_o never_o so_o great_a lose_v their_o damn_v power_n for_o where_o sin_n be_v once_o in_o the_o exercise_n or_o godly_a sorrow_n confess_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v by_o he_o gracious_o pardon_v nay_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o 1_o john_n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v not_o only_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a but_o he_o will_v be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n and_o what_o great_a security_n can_v a_o christian_a desire_n for_o his_o support_n than_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v second_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o may_v startle_v a_o christian_n confidence_n and_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n who_o will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v not_o only_o to_o hinder_v our_o future_a happiness_n but_o to_o interrupt_v our_o comfortable_a passage_n through_o death_n it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n will_v be_v very_o active_a in_o a_o die_a hour_n but_o be_v not_o discourage_v give_v not_o place_n to_o his_o temptation_n for_o where_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o it_o be_v to_o all_o believer_n what_o have_v the_o devil_n wherewith_o to_o shake_v a_o christian_n confidence_n or_o to_o undermine_v his_o hope_n and_o expectance_n but_o what_o be_v build_v upon_o lie_n and_o falshood_n if_o therefore_o you_o will_v give_v credit_n unto_o this_o father_n of_o lie_n when_o he_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v those_o certain_a assurance_n the_o great_a god_n have_v give_v you_o of_o his_o resolve_a design_n to_o save_v such_o as_o you_o be_v and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v disturb_v and_o confound_v in_o your_o thought_n about_o your_o present_a and_o future_a state_n you_o must_v blame_v yourselves_o till_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o sin_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o not_o pardon_v that_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o yet_o the_o soul_n perish_v and_o undo_v till_o god_n or_o christ_n prove_v either_o forgetful_a unable_a or_o false_a be_v not_o deject_v it_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o disquiet_v a_o believer_n with_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n but_o what_o be_v bottom_v on_o these_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o though_o satan_n may_v be_v furious_a in_o his_o last_o assault_n yet_o o_o christian_n remember_v when_o thou_o be_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n thou_o walk_v not_o alone_a in_o that_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a valley_n god_n have_v his_o rod_n and_o his_o staff_n in_o readiness_n for_o thy_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o know_v further_o o_o believe_a soul_n that_o christ_n our_o compassionate_a high_a priest_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o subtlety_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o tempter_n by_o smart_a experience_n and_o his_o sympathy_n have_v teach_v he_o pity_n and_o because_o he_o be_v our_o head_n he_o will_v not_o forget_v his_o member_n under_o their_o afflict_a temptation_n in_o that_o hour_n for_o though_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o retain_v the_o same_o bowel_n and_o affection_n now_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n which_o he_o have_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o do_v continual_o improve_v his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o benefit_n security_n and_o relief_n of_o his_o afflict_a people_n in_o their_o great_a danger_n and_o extremity_n if_o any_o poor_a believer_n shall_v here_o object_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n as_o be_v so_o great_a and_o to_o their_o apprehension_n insupportable_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o sudden_a and_o though_o they_o be_v make_v by_o god_n our_o necessary_a passage_n into_o glory_n yet_o they_o shall_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o forget_v when_o the_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o body_n and_o take_v its_o flight_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o alas_o what_o be_v the_o die_a pain_n and_o groan_a gasp_n of_o depart_a saint_n compare_v to_o the_o gripe_v and_o stinging_n of_o a_o awake_v conscience_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o horrid_a fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v by_o other_o because_o inward_a yet_o be_v they_o the_o frequent_a and_o daily_a torment_a exercise_n of_o sinner_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o though_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o a_o die_a hour_n may_v sometime_o 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
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 christian_a into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v god_n more_o honour_n and_o glory_n by_o his_o death_n than_o by_o his_o life_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o samson_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n the_o philistine_n have_v bring_v he_o into_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n though_o partly_o through_o his_o own_o sin_n yet_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v destroy_v many_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n he_o beg_v strength_n from_o he_o thereunto_o which_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n grant_v he_o for_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n and_o so_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o the_o philistine_n slay_v thereby_o more_o at_o his_o death_n than_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o life_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n who_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o desirous_a to_o die_v know_v that_o their_o death_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o their_o blood_n second_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o offend_v of_o god_n sin_n be_v a_o miserable_a thraldom_n and_o bondage_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o nature_n within_o he_o that_o be_v continual_o incline_v he_o unto_o and_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a and_o provoke_a unto_o god_n be_v that_o which_o a_o holy_a soul_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o bear_v oh_o to_o find_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n always_o war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v his_o life_n burdensome_a to_o he_o this_o i_o know_v work_n little_a upon_o wicked_a man_n for_o when_o they_o be_v act_v of_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o their_o element_n but_o to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n unto_o who_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o david_n speak_v be_v better_a than_o life_n to_o such_o a_o one_o a_o sinful_a impure_a nature_n whereby_o he_o offend_v and_o displease_v god_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v continual_o make_v out_o after_o that_o state_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o sin_n while_o he_o be_v here_o he_o know_v he_o can_v be_v free_a from_o all_o sin_n but_o yet_o he_o follow_v after_o it_o if_o he_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o he_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v arrive_v to_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v but_o sin_n whilst_o he_o be_v here_o and_o that_o die_v only_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o sin_v therefore_o he_o belong_v for_o death_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o end_n of_o sin_v three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o that_o holy_a agony_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o death_n now_o that_o which_o we_o love_v we_o wish_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o consequent_o we_o desire_v to_o use_v those_o mean_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o our_o lord_n himself_o in_o joh._n 17._o pray_v for_o all_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v where_o he_o be_v that_o they_o may_v behold_v and_o enjoy_v his_o glory_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v by_o which_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n also_o and_o indeed_o true_a love_n unto_o christ_n will_v put_v we_o upon_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a love_n always_o to_o manifest_v a_o ardent_a and_o strong_a desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o belove_a object_n if_o now_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o if_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o 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 holy_a god_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o face_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o delight_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o who_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o or_o to_o desire_v death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o must_v take_v in_o these_o caution_n that_o for_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n we_o must_v still_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o glorify_v god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o absolute_o wish_v for_o death_n so_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o treacherous_a and_o may_v easy_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o deceive_v we_o herein_o and_o though_o to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_v from_o sin_n be_v a_o holy_a wish_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o wish_v that_o absolute_o neither_o but_o must_v herein_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n how_o long_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o conflict_n with_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n bear_v about_o with_o we_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a wish_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o
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 sensible_a that_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o fault_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v and_o even_o in_o this_o their_o spirit_n in_o they_o strive_v against_o this_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o end_n they_o conquer_v their_o fear_n and_o overcome_v their_o backwardness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v according_a to_o that_o gracious_a promise_n in_o psal_n 29.11_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v strength_n unto_o his_o people_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v his_o people_n with_o peace_n the_o nature_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v work_v itself_o through_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n both_o as_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o when_o once_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n be_v open_v to_o look_v within_o the_o vail_n and_o to_o discover_v something_o of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n interest_n therein_o nothing_o then_o satisfy_v such_o a_o soul_n but_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n a_o godly_a man_n act_v as_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v one_o that_o be_v always_o desirous_a of_o death_n because_o he_o know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n will_v not_o only_o be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o better_a also_o than_o any_o day_n of_o his_o life_n now_o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v always_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v there_o be_v several_a argument_n that_o shall_v encourage_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v but_o name_v a_o few_o in_o general_n first_o the_o affliction_n and_o distress_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o
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