be_v with_o he_o which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v earnest_a agreeable_a to_o his_o earnest_a expectation_n or_o stretch_v forth_o of_o the_o hand_n in_o look_v as_o that_o word_n denote_v in_o the_o 20._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o depart_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v dissolve_v according_a to_o other_o or_o to_o die_v as_o the_o apopostle_n have_v say_v in_o the_o 21._o verse_n to_o die_v be_v gain_v the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o strain_v himself_o for_o a_o word_n that_o he_o may_v set_v forth_o so_o gainful_a a_o death_n as_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o which_o sometime_o he_o call_v a_o dissolve_v of_o this_o earthy_a tabernacle_n and_o a_o unclothing_n 2_o cor._n 5.1.4_o peter_n style_v it_o a_o put_v off_o of_o this_o tabernacle_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o pleasant_a and_o allure_a expression_n as_o to_o sleep_v to_o be_v change_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o father_n and_o in_o this_o place_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n paul_n be_v in_o christ_n always_o by_o grace_n and_o christ_n reveal_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n by_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n and_o come_v behind_o none_o of_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o his_o labour_n and_o suffering_n for_o he_o and_o as_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n so_o to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v immediate_o enjoy_v he_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n the_o state_n of_o happiness_n be_v often_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n luke_n 23.43_o this_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n rom._n 6.8_o now_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o and_o 1_o thes_n 4.17_o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v far_o better_a 〈◊〉_d better_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o very_o much_o better_a that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v then_o to_o live_v though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o needful_a for_o they_o as_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o glory_n with_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v far_o better_o if_o we_o consider_v as_o paul_n do_v that_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o light_a affliction_n as_o he_o so_o they_o esteem_v comparative_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v beyond_o expression_n hyperbolem_fw-la expression_n christus_fw-la &_o caelum_fw-la non_fw-la patiuntur_fw-la hyperbolem_fw-la and_o therefore_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v as_o paul_n here_o style_v it_o far_o better_o have_v thus_o open_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n only_o from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o handle_v that_o as_o suitable_a to_o this_o present_a occasion_n and_o solemnity_n doct._n that_o it_o be_v the_o desirable_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v bring_v immediate_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o departure_n hence_o by_o death_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v and_o clear_v these_o three_o general_a head_n the_o handle_n whereof_o will_v take_v in_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a text_n itself_o first_o what_o be_v that_o death_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o that_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v immediate_o unto_o christ_n second_o what_o be_v it_o or_o what_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o this_o phrase_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n three_o how_o do_v the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n bring_v they_o immediate_o to_o christ_n at_o their_o departure_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o soul_n depart_v to_o christ_n first_o what_o it_o that_o death_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o that_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v immediate_o to_o christ_n 1._o negative_o every_o death_n or_o the_o death_n of_o every_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v he_o or_o his_o soul_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o death_n bare_o and_o in_o itself_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o life_n by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o nature_n and_o part_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n otherwise_o what_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o paul_n which_o here_o he_o so_o great_o desire_v more_o than_o of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n but_o that_o judas_n go_v not_o to_o christ_n but_o to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v evident_a act_v 1.25_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a die_v alike_o in_o respect_n of_o natural_a dissolution_n eccl._n 2.26_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n as_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a distinction_n or_o mark_v of_o difference_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o external_a thing_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n but_o all_o thing_n fall_v out_o a_o like_a to_o all_o man_n that_o no_o man_n may_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o what_o be_v before_o he_o but_o by_o what_o be_v within_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o heart_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o righteous_a be_v discern_v from_o the_o reprobate_n by_o any_o visible_a character_n of_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o departure_n and_o dissolution_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o death_n both_o be_v subject_a unto_o in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n as_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o godly_a and_o wicked_a may_v both_o die_v of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o body_n as_o fever_n consumption_n dropsy_n yea_o the_o most_o painful_a disease_n as_o the_o gout_n and_o the_o stone_n and_o also_o of_o the_o most_o noy_n some_o and_o uncomfortable_a distemper_n as_o the_o small_a pox_n and_o the_o plague_n itself_o of_o which_o hezekiah_n be_v sick_a unto_o death_n 2_o king_n 20.1_o again_o they_o may_v both_o die_v by_o a_o violent_a hand_n stephen_n be_v stone_v to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o achan_n they_o may_v both_o also_o die_v by_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o sudden_a providence_n as_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o luke_n 13.4_o which_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v great_a sinner_n than_o other_o moreover_o they_o may_v both_o die_v in_o the_o full_a number_n of_o their_o day_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v live_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o be_v accurse_v isai_n 65.20_o and_o though_o wicked_a man_n sometime_o through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n do_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n yet_o the_o godly_a may_v die_v in_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa_n 57.1_o last_o they_o may_v die_v alike_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a peace_n and_o calm_a or_o trouble_v and_o disturbance_n of_o spirit_n a_o godly_a man_n may_v want_v assurance_n upon_o a_o death_n bed_n and_o a_o wicked_a may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n like_o a_o lamb_n with_o peace_n and_o presumption_n and_o a_o quiet_a dissolution_n psal_n 73.4_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n 2._o but_o positive_o that_o death_n which_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n in_o death_n as_o holy_a righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n die_v that_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o his_o death_n who_o death_n be_v his_o gain_n and_o his_o departure_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n to_o this_o the_o scripture_n bear_v clear_a and_o rich_a testimony_n prov._n 14.32_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o end_n ps_n 37.37_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v mark_v with_o this_o privilege_n mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n behold_v the_o upright_a the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v
his_o usual_a benedictory_n salutation_n first_o he_o declare_v his_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o continuance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o 5_o verse_n second_o his_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v as_o he_o be_v persuade_v through_o charity_n to_o judge_v in_o they_o all_o by_o their_o future_a and_o final_a perseverance_n unto_o the_o eight_o verse_n three_o his_o prayer_n for_o their_o increase_n and_o abound_v in_o fruitfulness_n unto_o the_o 11._o verse_n then_o from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 18._o verse_n he_o labour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o concern_v the_o consequent_a event_n of_o his_o present_a suffering_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o for_o the_o furtherance_n than_o hindrance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o two_o argument_n first_o because_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v hereby_o make_v know_v and_o divulge_v both_o in_o nero_n palace_n and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a city_n second_o because_o by_o his_o suffering_n many_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v make_v more_o bold_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n think_v thereby_o to_o add_v to_o his_o affliction_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o that_o he_o rejoice_v because_o christ_n be_v the_o more_o preach_v in_o the_o 19_o verse_n the_o apostle_n discover_v the_o gracious_a and_o sweet_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n under_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o firm_a confidence_n he_o have_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a and_o turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n as_o the_o return_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o through_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v hold_v out_o under_o his_o trial_n according_a to_o his_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_n that_o through_o his_o steadfastness_n and_o boldness_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n whereof_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n verse_n 21._o for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v that_o be_v if_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v honour_v christ_n by_o my_o life_n and_o if_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v honour_v he_o by_o my_o death_n and_o that_o death_n shall_v be_v my_o gain_n according_a to_o his_o confidence_n before_o express_v that_o it_o shall_v turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n but_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v live_v he_o shall_v have_v fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n or_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o live_v for_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v preach_v christ_n which_o will_v be_v the_o gain_n of_o other_o as_o his_o death_n will_v be_v his_o own_o now_o in_o these_o thought_n paul_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n what_o to_o choose_v or_o desire_v whether_o to_o live_v or_o die_v for_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v expect_v as_o well_o to_o die_v as_o to_o live_v and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o he_o debate_v the_o case_n and_o controversy_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o distinct_a part_n first_o aequilibrium_fw-la animi_fw-la the_o even_a balance_n of_o paul_n mind_n in_o respect_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o second_o inclinatio_fw-la affectionum_fw-la the_o inclination_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n three_o status_fw-la vel_fw-la determinatio_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o determination_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v far_o better_a before_o i_o lay_v down_o the_o intend_a doctrine_n or_o proposition_n from_o this_o scripture_n i_o will_v brief_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o text_n to_o justify_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a deduction_n from_o the_o text._n 〈◊〉_d text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o i_o be_o straigth_o hold_v on_o both_o side_n so_o beza_n translate_v it_o or_o i_o be_o press_v of_o two_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a s._n paul_n present_v unto_o himself_o life_n and_o death_n two_o different_a object_n of_o his_o choice_n and_o election_n and_o both_o sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la boni_fw-la appear_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v real_o good_a for_o he_o but_o which_o of_o these_o to_o close_o withal_o and_o pitch_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o live_v or_o to_o die_v but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v either_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o his_o present_a thought_n which_o way_n he_o have_v best_o incline_v himself_o as_o the_o case_n be_v now_o with_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o now_o imprison_v for_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_o better_a upon_o all_o account_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v for_o he_o to_o die_v by_o a_o violent_a hand_n or_o to_o be_v enlarge_v as_o a_o further_a instrument_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o propate_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v david_n case_n when_o he_o be_v to_o choose_v one_o of_o those_o three_o judgement_n propose_v unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 24.13_o 14._o shall_v seven_o year_n famine_n come_v in_o thy_o land_n or_o will_v thou_o fly_v three_o month_n before_o thy_o enemy_n while_o they_o pursue_v thou_o or_o that_o there_o be_v three_o day_n pestilence_n in_o thy_o land_n and_o david_n say_v unto_o gad_n i_o be_o in_o a_o great_a straight_o let_v we_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n this_o be_v his_o straight_a in_o respect_n of_o evil_n and_o he_o choose_v well_o for_o he_o choose_v the_o least_o in_o all_o circumstance_n for_o the_o time_n the_o nature_n and_o the_o immediate_a inflictor_fw-la of_o the_o evil_a or_o judgement_n but_o paul_n strait_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o good_a object_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o best_a be_v his_o present_a controversy_n whether_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v and_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o die_n to_o preach_v he_o both_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o former_a will_v be_v his_o own_o gain_n the_o latter_a the_o gain_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n be_v the_o less_o unto_o he_o because_o if_o he_o live_v it_o be_v but_o the_o defer_v of_o his_o heavenly_a reward_n and_o his_o affection_n sometime_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v a_o total_a deprivation_n thereof_o for_o the_o jew_n sake_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o myself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n love_n desire_v impossibility_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o great_a the_o apostle_n straight_o be_v betwixt_o live_v and_o die_v as_o a_o needle_n hang_v between_o two_o loadstone_n of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o desire_n or_o great_o desire_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o his_o great_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o christ_n for_o who_o he_o be_v now_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n to_o depart_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v a_o vehement_a desire_n or_o a_o ardent_a and_o hot_a desire_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o say_v he_o do_v desire_v but_o have_v a_o desire_n which_o beza_n translate_v to_o contend_v in_o desire_n locum_fw-la desire_n plus_fw-fr est_fw-fr animo_fw-la ferri_fw-la &_o contendere_fw-la quam_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la cupere_fw-la beza_n in_o locum_fw-la answerable_a to_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n luke_n 22.15_o with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passeover_n with_o you_o before_o i_o suffer_v so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v paul_n look_v sole_o upon_o christ_n and_o his_o immediate_a presence_n wave_v all_o former_a consideration_n whereby_o this_o fervent_a desire_n be_v limit_v and_o himself_o straighten_v so_o that_o paul_n natural_a if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o desire_v and_o inclination_n be_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o
up_o their_o tabernacle_n for_o 2_o cor._n 5.1_o we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o carthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_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 when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v no_o more_o have_v movable_a dwelling_n but_o abide_v mansion_n and_o that_o in_o their_o father_n house_n john_n 14.2_o 3._o in_o my_o father_n house_n say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n comfort_v of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d many_o mansion_n i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o that_o where_n i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o last_o the_o word_n be_v also_o expound_v to_o be_v deliver_v liberari_fw-la so_o beza_n make_v it_o the_o same_o in_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n or_o from_o this_o mortal_a body_n or_o as_o diodate_v paraphrase_v upon_o that_o text_n o_o that_o i_o be_v but_o out_o of_o this_o animal_n and_o terrestrial_a life_n during_o which_o sin_n do_v dwell_v in_o i_o and_o through_o it_o i_o be_o yet_o under_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_a and_o that_o i_o be_v transport_v into_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n child_n in_o the_o life_n of_o happiness_n st._n paul_n see_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n under_o which_o bondage_n he_o groan_v for_o deliverance_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n conducible_a the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o sin_n while_o they_o be_v in_o he_o body_n because_o sin_n receive_v its_o power_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n not_o whole_o mortify_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o call_v the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n rom._n 8.13_o our_o member_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal_n 5.24_o but_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o death_n of_o their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o put_v off_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n o_o happy_a death_n that_o bring_v the_o old_a man_n of_o sin_n to_o his_o grave_n and_o the_o new_a man_n in_o grace_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n when_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o tempt_v unto_o sin_n no_o more_o trouble_v with_o sin_n but_o perfect_o free_v from_o all_o motion_n lust_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o depart_v hence_o unto_o christ_n second_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n unto_o who_o the_o saint_n be_v bring_v by_o their_o depart_n hence_o by_o death_n that_o none_o of_o the_o father_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o christ_n ascension_n be_v but_o a_o popish_a fiction_n and_o delusion_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a sense_n and_o express_v doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o name_n no_o more_o in_o those_o two_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n gen._n 5.24_o and_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o he_o be_v not_o for_o god_n take_v he_o and_o of_o elijah_n 2_o king_n 2.11_o and_o elijah_n go_v up_o into_o heaven_n by_o a_o whirlwind_n but_o the_o question_n may_v be_v make_v which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v how_o these_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n can_v be_v with_o christ_n when_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o incarnate_a neither_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v only_o assert_v and_o brief_o prove_v that_o though_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n in_o his_o humane_a nature_n yet_o he_o be_v there_o with_o the_o godly_a depart_v and_o they_o with_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v coessential_a so_o it_o be_v coeternal_a in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n john_n 1.1_o and_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earch_n he_o speak_v of_o himself_o as_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o in_o heaven_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n john_n 1.18_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o so_o also_o john_n 3.13_o no_o man_n have_v of_o cend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o his_o prayer_n for_o himself_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o believer_n he_o thus_o petition_v his_o father_n john_n 17.5_o and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v thou_o i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v but_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n do_v put_v off_o its_o glory_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o exinanition_n and_o humiliation_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o inquire_v much_o less_o to_o clear_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n when_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n have_v lay_v by_o his_o glory_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o learned_a beza_n note_v 5._o note_v hâ_fw-la autem_fw-la gloriâ_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la illius_fw-la ottinet_fw-la in_o salutis_fw-la no_o strae_fw-fr mysterio_fw-la quodam_fw-la modo_fw-la seize_v abdicaverat_fw-la filius_fw-la in_o servi_fw-la formâ_fw-la durante_fw-la suae_fw-la illius_fw-la exinonitionis_fw-la spatio_fw-la beza_n in_o johan_n 17._o verse_n 5._o but_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n in_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o both_o glorify_a i_o return_v to_o show_v you_o the_o saint_n privilege_n of_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o he_o at_o the_o terminus_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la of_o the_o soul_n motion_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n first_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n be_v or_o to_o be_v local_o present_a with_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v personal_o and_o local_o in_o heaven_n i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o suspect_v your_o faith_n by_o be_v numerous_a in_o scripture_n quotation_n acts._n 1.11_o the_o angel_n say_v to_o the_o disciple_n you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n act_n 3._o 21._o that_o the_o heaven_n must_v receive_v he_o until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n stephen_n see_v he_o in_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v suffer_v for_o he_o act_v 7.56_o behold_v i_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o infallible_a truth_n to_o all_o beleiver_n col._n 3.1_o if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n now_o christ_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o shall_v be_v also_o john_n 14.2_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v john_n 12.26_o now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o desirable_a as_o well_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n christian_n be_v thou_o never_o affect_v in_o read_v the_o evangelical_n story_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o singular_a privilege_n which_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o their_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o he_o and_o continuance_n with_o he_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o to_o be_v his_o bosom_n friend_n and_o familiar_a companion_n and_o do_v thou_o not_o wish_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v thy_o happy_a lot_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o comfortable_a and_o glorious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o joyful_a presence_n to_o the_o disciple_n for_o while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o
continuance_n of_o its_o separation_n have_v a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o be_v reunite_v to_o its_o own_o body_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a though_o in_o heaven_n itself_o in_o all_o degree_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n whereof_o it_o be_v partaker_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v but_o a_o part_n it_o want_v the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o its_o relation_n and_o receive_v its_o happiness_n and_o glory_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o part_n wait_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o its_o body_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o sell_v of_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o there_o it_o be_v in_o its_o proper_a habitation_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n 2_o cor._n 5.6_o so_o that_o how_o strange_a soever_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n may_v be_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n by_o depart_v hence_o yet_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o detain_v till_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v it_o free_a as_o in_o a_o be-widdowed_n estate_n to_o remove_v to_o christ_n its_o wellbeloved_a and_o to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n for_o a_o time_n to_o visit_v those_o mansion_n wherein_o it_o shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o glory_n with_o the_o assume_v body_n make_v more_o suitable_a and_o spiritual_a for_o it_o at_o the_o resurrection_n it_o appear_v also_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o wilful_a murder_n and_o consequent_o a_o breach_n of_o a_o great_a command_n voluntary_o to_o endeavour_v or_o hasten_v the_o dissolution_n of_o these_o two_o unite_a part_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n nature_n and_o grace_n command_v and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o that_o by_o physic_n as_o well_o as_o food_n and_o other_o natural_a help_n to_o preserve_v this_o present_a life_n until_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n shall_v make_v a_o separation_n second_o believer_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n christ_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o local_a distance_n and_o also_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o their_o communion_n with_o he_o now_o though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o joyful_a yet_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o dark_a in_o comparison_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o which_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v beget_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o fervent_a love_n and_o a_o unspeakable_a joy_n in_o a_o absent_a and_o unseen_a saviour_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_n in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n nevertheless_o the_o communion_n the_o saint_n have_v with_o christ_n through_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o he_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o dark_a here_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o these_o grace_n appropriato_fw-la this_o present_a life_n and_o state_n shall_v cease_v through_o immediate_a vision_n and_o fruition_n whereby_o their_o love_n shall_v be_v perfect_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o its_o object_n for_o faith_n apprehend_v christ_n by_o spiritual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o sight_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o here_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v but_o obscure_a to_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o what_o we_o see_v through_o many_o medium_n be_v but_o dark_o see_v and_o though_o medium_n may_v be_v helpful_a to_o natural_a sight_n in_o case_n of_o weakness_n of_o the_o organ_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n yet_o such_o a_o sight_n fall_v short_a of_o a_o strong_a and_o clear_a inspection_n of_o something_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o at_o a_o due_a distance_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o far_o remote_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o perfection_n we_o look_v at_o they_o as_o through_o a_o glass_n and_o that_o dark_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o for_o we_o know_v in_o part_n and_o we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o now_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n we_o see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n through_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n in_o which_o glass_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o see_v these_o thing_n also_o as_o by_o reflection_n of_o their_o image_n according_a to_o that_o other_o expression_n of_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o for_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 this_o also_o be_v dark_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o make_v face_n or_o substantial_a glory_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o direct_a line_n and_o without_o reflection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v with_o open_a face_n the_o vail_n of_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v take_v away_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o face_n to_o face_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n naked_o and_o immediate_o unto_o we_o but_o what_o this_o darkness_n of_o knowledge_n be_v in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o word_n more_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o understand_v they_o and_o the_o lord_n condescend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n speak_v unto_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n now_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o we_o be_v not_o intuitive_a but_o discursive_a the_o rational_a soul_n use_v the_o organ_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o its_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o sensible_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o first_o species_n and_o impression_n make_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o understanding_n by_o discourse_n and_o reason_n form_v the_o notion_n of_o spiritual_a and_o insensible_a being_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o most_o thing_n that_o incur_v not_o immediate_o into_o the_o sense_n our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o dubious_a that_o in_o natural_a science_n we_o agree_v not_o but_o dispute_v principle_n themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n god_n reveal_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a thing_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o wherein_o he_o speak_v our_o language_n and_o present_v heavenly_a thing_n unto_o we_o in_o earthly_a form_n as_o when_o he_o reveal_v and_o describe_v himself_o it_o be_v as_o have_v the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v figurative_o and_o not_o literal_o lest_o we_o become_v guilty_a of_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o carnal_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v nicodemus_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n to_o god_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.5_o nicodemus_n understand_v he_o at_o first_o literal_o and_o rather_o wonder_v then_o believe_v wherefore_o christ_n reprove_v he_o verse_n 13._o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n not_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o earthly_a thing_n though_o it_o must_v be_v a_o state_n upon_o earth_n and_o wrought_v while_o we_o be_v here_o but_o christ_n meaning_n be_v if_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o earthly_a manner_n and_o sensitive_a way_n by_o parable_n and_o similitude_n and_o yet_o you_o understand_v i_o not_o so_o as_o to_o believe_v how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o speak_v in_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a dialect_n and_o language_n now_o if_o we_o understand_v heavenly_a thing_n only_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v for_o they_o be_v therefore_o so_o reveal_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o what_o dark_a and_o low_a what_o short_a and_o weak_a apprehension_n have_v we_o of_o they_o therefore_o a_o gracious_a soul_n desire_v to_o be_v absent_a rather_o from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v
as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o building_n the_o rock_n of_o their_o strength_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o fullness_n and_o their_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o peace_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o demonstration_n as_o natural_a thing_n tend_v to_o their_o centre_n by_o a_o direct_a motion_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v direct_v in_o their_o motion_n to_o christ_n at_o dissolution_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.22_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o beggar_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n be_v bosom_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v by_o angel_n only_o by_o conduct_v it_o in_o its_o motion_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o carry_v a_o friend_n to_o a_o unknown_a place_n by_o direct_v in_o the_o way_n or_o whether_o by_o assistance_n in_o the_o motion_n and_o defence_n they_o be_v mighty_a in_o power_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o determine_v since_o the_o soul_n move_v according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o angelical_a guide_n and_o companion_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n bring_v unto_o christ_n its_o desire_a end_n and_o rest_n iii_o demonst_a three_o all_o the_o saint_n stand_v in_o near_a and_o unchangeable_a relation_n unto_o christ_n through_o regeneration_n and_o spiritual_a adoption_n unto_o god_n the_o full_a comfort_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o they_o can_v enjoy_v while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o though_o death_n part_v the_o near_a friend_n and_o dear_a relation_n on_o earth_n yet_o it_o bring_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n together_o the_o force_n of_o relation_n be_v very_o strong_a relation_n be_v of_o the_o least_o entity_n but_o the_o strong_a efficacy_n witness_v the_o strong_a affection_n and_o cord_n of_o love_n whereby_o person_n natural_o relate_v be_v tie_v to_o each_o other_o what_o bowel_n have_v parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o child_n again_o unto_o they_o what_o endear_a affection_n between_o love_a yokefellowe_n and_o how_o strong_a be_v the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a love_n all_o which_o long_o after_o and_o endeavour_v the_o mutual_a presence_n each_o of_o other_o such_o be_v the_o relation_n and_o much_o more_o powerful_a between_o christ_n and_o every_o beleiver_n not_o only_o god_n himself_o but_o christ_n be_v their_o father_n and_o they_o his_o child_n isa_n 9.6_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o his_o spouse_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n he_o be_v their_o brother_n and_o they_o his_o brethren_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v conform_v rom._n 8.29_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n many_o other_o relation_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n between_o they_o he_o be_v their_o king_n and_o they_o his_o subject_n their_o captain_n and_o they_o his_o soldier_n their_o friend_n and_o they_o his_o favourite_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o they_o his_o servant_n and_o their_o shepherd_n and_o they_o his_o flock_n and_o what_o engagement_n and_o affection_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o any_o or_o all_o these_o relation_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n through_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o powerful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o yet_o be_v absent_a from_o each_o other_o while_o beleiver_n be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n they_o desire_v to_o depart_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o and_o what_o a_o joyful_a greeting_n there_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o they_o let_v the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n declare_v who_o be_v eye_n witness_n thereof_o welcome_o then_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o death_n shall_v call_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n to_o their_o father_n house_n their_o spouse_n to_o her_o belove_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o first_o beget_v when_o the_o loyal_a subject_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v crown_v and_o the_o spiritual_a soldier_n receive_v the_o price_n of_o their_o reward_n when_o the_o true_a friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v enjoy_v their_o redeemer_n who_o love_v they_o to_o the_o death_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n when_o the_o sheep_n shall_v return_v to_o their_o shepherd_n who_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v iv_o demonstr_n four_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o beleiver_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o can_v inherit_v till_o they_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n thus_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.8_o the_o saint_n be_v heir_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o general_a promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.21_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n which_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n through_o which_o though_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n have_v strong_a consolation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o his_o counsel_n and_o oath_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v lie_v yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o hope_n and_o not_o in_o hand_n and_o therefore_o through_o patience_n they_o wait_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o who_o they_o be_v joynt-heire_n bear_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n with_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o heb._n 6.19_o 20._o which_o hope_v we_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o which_o enter_v into_o that_o within_o the_o veil_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v even_o jesus_n make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedech_n thus_o beleiver_n wait_v in_o hope_n for_o what_o they_o see_v not_o and_o receive_v not_o in_o this_o present_a life_n as_o the_o patriarch_n heb._n 11.13_o who_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n therefore_o belove_v be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10.36_o which_o promise_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v unto_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v thus_o we_o have_v show_v you_o though_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o death_n in_o that_o their_o death_n bring_v they_o immediate_o unto_o christ_n according_a to_o my_o text_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o straight_o betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o subject_a and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o all_o and_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n i_o shall_v wield_v this_o text_n as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n strike_v both_o way_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a to_o saint_n and_o sinner_n to_o beleiver_n and_o unbeleiver_n use_v i._n first_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o inform_v we_o from_o hence_o of_o the_o sad_a miserable_a and_o woeful_a state_n of_o every_o carnal_a sinful_a and_o christless_a soul_n that_o shall_v die_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o may_v never_o die_v but_o for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o mean_a portion_n of_o creature_n comfort_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n but_o to_o have_v your_o portion_n here_o and_o that_o for_o so_o short_a a_o season_n as_o the_o time_n of_o this_o present_a life_n only_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v it_o
blasphemy_n whereby_o the_o soul_n requoi_fw-fr leth_fw-mi against_a god_n through_o anguish_n thereof_o by_o this_o we_o may_v conceive_v how_o exquisite_a the_o torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v hereafter_o the_o soul_n eternal_o sin_v and_o continual_o add_v fresh_a oil_n to_o the_o flame_n of_o wrath_n for_o sin_n kindle_v wrath_n and_o wrath_n kindle_v hell_n and_o hell_n kindle_v sin_n and_o sin_n again_o wrath_n and_o so_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o action_n between_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o a_o poor_a unhappy_a soul_n to_o eternity_n god_n punish_v &_o the_o soul_n sin_v and_o the_o soul_n sin_v &_o god_n punish_v in_o which_o torment_v the_o body_n shall_v partake_v with_o the_o soulafter_o its_o resurrection_n be_v unite_v again_o &_o make_v so_o far_o capable_a to_o endure_v its_o torment_n as_o not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v or_o destroy_v by_o the_o extremity_n and_o eternity_n of_o they_o thus_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a man_n shall_v be_v ever_o die_v weep_a yell_a howl_a and_o sin_v under_o the_o intolerable_a pang_n of_o the_o second_o death_n rev._n 21.8_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbeleive_v and_o the_o abominable_a and_o murderer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n repent_v therefore_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n turn_v from_o your_o sin_n and_o forsake_v your_o way_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v this_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o this_o text_n and_o doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v again_o inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v desire_v their_o dissolution_n how_o desirable_a a_o privilege_n the_o departure_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v have_v be_v already_o open_v but_o for_o further_a direction_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o make_v up_o the_o bank_n to_o keep_v these_o desire_n in_o their_o right_a channel_n which_o otherwise_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v out_o into_o unlimited_a and_o unlawful_a current_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v this_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v the_o desire_n of_o death_n let_v every_o precious_a soul_n consider_v these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o it_o be_v altogether_o unwarrantable_a for_o beleiver_n to_o desire_v dissolution_n out_o of_o mere_a passion_n under_o the_o forest_n trouble_n affliction_n or_o trial_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o carnal_a man_n upon_o discontent_n to_o wish_v they_o may_v die_v who_o also_o under_o the_o burthensomness_n of_o corporal_a distemper_n often_o desire_v a_o release_n from_o their_o present_a pain_n not_o know_v or_o consider_v that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v immediate_o fall_v from_o their_o bed_n into_o hell_n this_o also_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o godly_a through_o infirmity_n who_o passion_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o excusable_a thus_o it_o be_v with_o that_o holy_a prophet_n elijah_n when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v from_o the_o rage_n and_o persecution_n of_o jezebel_n who_o threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n 1_o king_n 19.34_o and_o when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o arise_v and_o go_v for_o his_o life_n and_o come_v to_o beersheba_n and_o leave_v his_o servant_n there_o but_o he_o himself_o go_v a_o day_n journey_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v and_o sit_v down_o under_o a_o juniper_n tree_n and_o he_o request_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v die_v and_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o now_o o_o lord_n take_v away_o my_o life_n for_o i_o be_o no_o better_a than_o my_o father_n elijah_n passion_n under_o this_o persecution_n be_v now_o alone_o tire_v and_o weary_a probable_o with_o his_o journey_n as_o well_o as_o assault_v and_o trouble_v with_o slavish_a fear_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o his_o request_n and_o supplication_n now_o if_o we_o compare_v with_o this_o story_n the_o expression_n of_o s._n james_n presenting_z elias_n as_o a_o example_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o this_o passion_n be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o this_o prophet_n james_n 5.17_o elias_n be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v etc._n etc._n the_o like_a instance_n we_o have_v of_o job_n who_o through_o passion_n gratify_v satan_n so_o far_o under_o his_o temptation_n as_o to_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o also_o through_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n under_o his_o affliction_n to_o wish_v and_o long_a for_o his_o grave_n job_n 3.20_o 21_o 22._o wherefore_o be_v light_n give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o bitter_a in_o soul_n which_o long_o for_o death_n and_o it_o come_v not_o and_o dig_v for_o it_o more_o than_o for_o hide_a treasure_n which_o rejoice_v exceed_o and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o can_v find_v the_o grave_n take_v also_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n for_o a_o example_n hereof_o who_o after_o he_o have_v preach_v destruction_n to_o nineveh_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o see_v not_o the_o execution_n thereof_o according_a to_o his_o prophecy_n be_v discontent_a at_o the_o patience_n and_o repenting_n of_o god_n towards_o that_o city_n and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n he_o may_v die_v jonah_n 4.3_o therefore_o now_o o_o lord_n take_v i_o beseech_v thou_o my_o life_n from_o i_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v then_o to_o live_v for_o which_o the_o lord_n check_v he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o verse_n when_o the_o gourd_n be_v wither_v and_o the_o wind_n and_o sun_n beat_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o faint_v he_o wish_v he_o may_v die_v again_o and_o passionate_o reply_v to_o god_n second_o rebuke_n of_o he_o i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a even_o unto_o the_o death_n second_o every_o christian_n look_v upon_o death_n as_o a_o privilege_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o christ_n ought_v no_o further_o to_o desireit_n then_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o willing_a subjection_n to_o his_o work_n and_o service_n in_o his_o generation_n to_o hasten_v death_n by_o unlawful_a mean_n be_v no_o less_o than_o self_n murder_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o hereby_o the_o desire_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n limit_v preservation_n of_o life_n by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o our_o time_n and_o season_n life_n and_o death_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n only_o of_o god_n the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o between_o who_o will_n and_o we_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o change_n and_o dispensation_n christ_n escape_v from_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o often_o seek_v to_o kill_v he_o because_o his_o hour_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v but_o then_o he_o refuse_v not_o but_o accept_v that_o bitter_a cup_n which_o his_o father_n give_v he_o to_o drink_v when_o job_n have_v recover_v himself_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o passion_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o appoint_v he_o a_o set_a time_n and_o he_o will_v wait_v job_n 14.14_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n will_v i_o wait_v till_o my_o change_n come_v we_o must_v not_o run_v home_o before_o we_o have_v do_v our_o work_n but_o mind_v our_o work_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reward_n god_n have_v appoint_v a_o particular_a service_n for_o every_o beleiver_n in_o his_o generation_n which_o he_o shall_v labour_v to_o finish_v with_o david_n before_o he_o fall_v asleep_a act_n 13.16_o for_o david_n after_o he_o have_v serve_v his_o own_o generation_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n fall_v asleep_a saint_n paul_n declare_v to_o timothy_n the_o near_a approach_n of_o his_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n forget_v not_o to_o mention_v the_o finish_n of_o his_o work_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o and_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n but_o till_o it_o be_v finish_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n notwithstanding_o his_o great_a desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text._n nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o and_o have_v this_o confidence_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v abide_v and_o continue_v with_o you_o for_o your_o furtherance_n and_o joy_n of_o faith_n three_o this_o be_v mind_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o a_o