Selected quad for the lemma: world_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
world_n law_n sin_n transgression_n 4,002 5 11.2412 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59840 A practical discourse concerning death by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1689 (1689) Wing S3312; ESTC R226804 147,548 359

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

unknown_a happiness_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o now_o we_o have_v such_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o 2._o nor_o be_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o encouragement_n to_o bad_a man_n that_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v unknown_a for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o god_n have_v threaten_v very_o terrible_a punishment_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o that_o what_o these_o punishment_n be_v be_v unknown_a make_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o formidable_a for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n wrath_n who_o know_v how_o miserable_a god_n can_v make_v bad_a man_n this_o make_v it_o a_o senseless_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o harden_v themselves_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o world_n because_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o then_o can_v they_o tell_v though_o they_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o all_o know_a misery_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o punishment_n as_o they_o can_v bear_v that_o they_o be_v unknown_a argue_v that_o they_o be_v something_o more_o terrible_a than_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v represent_v indeed_o by_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n by_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o but_o bad_a man_n think_v this_o can_v be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fire_n to_o burn_v soul_n and_o torment_v they_o eternal_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o if_o they_o believe_v these_o threaten_n they_o must_v believe_v that_o some_o terrible_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o if_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n serve_v only_o for_o metaphor_n to_o describe_v these_o torment_n by_o what_o will_v the_o real_a suffering_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o describe_v thing_n by_o such_o metaphor_n as_o be_v great_a than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o bad_a man_n encourage_v himself_o in_o sin_n because_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v this_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o the_o great_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o they_o since_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n not_o only_o the_o happiness_n but_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v great_a not_o less_o than_o we_o expect_v chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o under_o what_o notion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v death_n and_o what_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v learn_v from_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n once_o to_o die_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o remain_v it_o be_v reserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n will_v desire_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o those_o who_o live_v long_a at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o fatal_a stroke_n there_o be_v two_o man_n indeed_o enoch_n and_o elias_n who_o do_v not_o die_v as_o death_n signify_v the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n without_o die_v but_o this_o be_v the_o general_a law_n for_o mankind_n from_o which_o none_o be_v except_v but_o those_o who_o god_n by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o for_o wise_a reason_n think_v fit_a to_o except_v which_o have_v be_v but_o two_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o will_v be_v no_o more_o till_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o those_o who_o be_v alive_a at_o christ_n second_o come_v shall_v not_o die_v but_o shall_v be_v change_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 51_o 52._o behold_v i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o trump_n for_o the_o trumpet_n shall_v sound_v and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v incorruptible_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v change_v this_o be_v such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o death_n it_o put_v we_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a and_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n rise_v again_o sect_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v death_n for_o all_o men._n but_o before_o i_o show_v you_o what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o must_v all_o certain_o die_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a this_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o a_o earthly_a body_n shall_v die_v and_o dissolve_v again_o into_o dust_n it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a wonder_n to_o see_v a_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n preserve_v in_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o vigour_n without_o any_o decay_n of_o nature_n without_o be_v sick_a or_o grow_a old_a but_o this_o be_v a_o question_n among_o we_o or_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o question_n yet_o it_o be_v what_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n since_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o as_o frail_a and_o brittle_a as_o these_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v yet_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v he_o have_v not_o die_v when_o god_n create_v man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o paradise_n he_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n thou_o may_v free_o eat_v but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v 2._o gen._n 16_o 17._o and_o when_o notwithstanding_o this_o threaten_n our_o first_o parent_n have_v eat_v of_o it_o god_n confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o sentence_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 19_o what_o this_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o what_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v for_o we_o understand_v neither_o of_o they_o which_o make_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n to_o fly_v to_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o though_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v this_o if_o i_o can_v yet_o i_o must_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v it_o a_o mystery_n as_o i_o find_v it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o be_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o mortality_n which_o be_v pronounce_v on_o adam_n fall_v on_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 21_o 22._o that_o by_o man_n come_v death_n and_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o prove_v 5._o rom._n 12_o 13_o 14._o wherefore_o by_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v for_o until_o the_o law_n sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n nevertheless_o death_n reign_v from_o adam_n till_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o who_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n die_v or_o be_v mortal_a not_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v by_o this_o argument_n because_o though_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n have_v sin_v yet_o till_o the_o give_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n against_o sin_n but_o only_o that_o law_n give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n which_o no_o man_n else_o ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v transgress_v but_o he_o now_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o any_o man_n to_o death_n before_o there_o be_v any_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n against_o it_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v reckon_v to_o die_v for_o those_o sin_n which_o no_o law_n punish_v with_o death_n upon_o what_o account_n then_o say_v the_o apostle_n can_v those_o man_n die_v who_o live_v between_o adam_n and_o moses_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v which_o threaten_v death_n and_o yet_o die_v they_o all_o do_v even_o those_o who_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n who_o have_v neither_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n nor_o sin_v against_o any_o other_o express_a law_n threaten_v death_n this_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o sin_n but_o adam_n he_o
imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la septemb_n 11_o 1689._o a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxxix_o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o two_o honourable_a society_n of_o the_o temple_n my_o much_o honour_a friend_n one_o reason_n of_o publish_v this_o plain_a discourse_n be_v because_o i_o can_v now_o preach_v to_o you_o as_o former_o i_o have_v do_v and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v of_o discharge_v my_o duty_n to_o you_o but_o by_o make_v the_o press_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o pulpit_n part_v of_o this_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v the_o rest_n have_v i_o enjoy_v the_o same_o liberty_n still_o which_o god_n restore_v to_o i_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a if_o not_o his_o will_n be_v do_v and_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o this_o dedication_n be_v to_o make_v this_o public_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n before_o i_o be_o force_v from_o you_o if_o i_o must_v be_v so_o unhappy_a of_o your_o great_a respect_n and_o many_o singular_a favour_n to_o i_o which_o have_v be_v always_o so_o free_a and_o generous_a that_o they_o never_o give_v time_n nor_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o i_o to_o ask_v especial_o that_o oblige_v welcome_a you_o give_v i_o at_o my_o first_o come_n i_o mean_v your_o present_n of_o a_o house_n which_o beside_o the_o conveniency_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o delightful_a habitation_n have_v afford_v i_o that_o which_o i_o value_v much_o more_o the_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o your_o conversation_n though_o i_o be_o able_a to_o make_v you_o no_o better_o return_n than_o thanks_o i_o hope_v that_o great_a master_n who_o i_o serve_v will_n and_o that_o god_n will_v multiply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n on_o you_o be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v the_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o gentlemen_z your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o the_o several_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o 4_o sect_n i._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o death_n that_o it_o be_v our_o leave_v this_o world_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o 6_o sect_n ii_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o death_n that_o it_o be_v our_o put_v off_o these_o body_n 35_o sect_n iii_o death_n consider_v as_o our_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a state_n of_o life_n 69_o chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n 89_o sect_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v death_n for_o all_o man_n 92_o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o improve_v this_o consideration_n that_o we_o must_v certain_o die_v 110_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n and_o the_o proper_a improvement_n of_o it_o 125_o sect_n i._o that_o the_o general_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v fix_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o very_o short_a 128_o sect_n ii_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n 184_o sect_n iii_o what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o the_o fix_a term_n of_o humane_a life_n 144_o sect_n iu._n what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n 162_o sect_n v._o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n death_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n 185_o sect_n vi_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o die_v be_v unknown_a and_o uncertain_a to_o we_o 196_o sect_n vii_o that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o or_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o unchangeable_a state_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o 234_o chap._n iv._o concern_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o remedy_n against_o it_o 328_o the_o conclusion_n 351_o errata_fw-la page_n 130._o l._n 8._o for_o unreasonable_a read_v unanswerable_a p._n 214._o l._n 13._o r._n at_o present_a a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n 9_o hebrew_n 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n once_o to_o die_v the_o introduction_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o revive_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o serious_o to_o meditate_v on_o what_o we_o common_o call_v the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a man_n shall_v live_v such_o careless_a life_n shall_v so_o whole_o devote_v themselves_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v either_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o cold_a and_o formal_a devotion_n be_v they_o possess_v with_o a_o warm_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v who_o know_v that_o we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n either_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o eternal_a punishment_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o which_o first_o present_v itself_o to_o our_o thought_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v death_n a_o very_a terrible_a thing_n the_o very_a name_n of_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o chill_v our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o draw_v a_o dark_a veil_n over_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n we_o must_v as_o sure_o die_v as_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a law_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o though_o man_n be_v make_v of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o be_v by_o nature_n mortal_a for_o that_o which_o be_v make_v of_o dust_n be_v by_o nature_n corruptible_a and_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o dust_n again_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o sin_v he_o shall_v never_o have_v die_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a by_o grace_n and_o therefore_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o immortality_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n plant_v in_o paradise_n but_o now_o by_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v 5_o rom._n 12._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v now_o to_o improve_v this_o meditation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v what_o death_n be_v and_o what_o wisdom_n that_o shall_v teach_v we_o 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v 3._o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n it_o must_v be_v once_o but_o when_o we_o know_v not_o 4._o the_o natural_a fear_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n or_o our_o natural_a aversion_n to_o it_o and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v allay_v and_o sweeten_v chap._n i._n the_o several_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o 1._o what_o death_n be_v and_o i_o shall_v consider_v three_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v our_o leave_v this_o world._n 2._o our_o put_v off_o these_o earthly_a body_n 3._o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a state_n of_o life_n for_o when_o we_o die_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o profound_a sleep_n into_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o we_o only_o change_v our_o place_n and_o our_o dwell_n we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o leave_v our_o body_n to_o sleep_v in_o the_o earth_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n live_v still_o in_o a_o invisible_a state._n i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v these_o thing_n but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o you_o all_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o that_o our_o body_n rot_v and_o putrify_v in_o the_o grave_n need_v no_o proof_n for_o we_o see_v it_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n can_v die_v but_o be_v by_o nature_n immortal_a have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o god_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v be_v most_o of_o they_o no_o other_o but_o dead_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o funeral_n of_o the_o
forgive_a virtue_n to_o give_v great_a occasion_n for_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o but_o a_o particular_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o such_o good_a man_n can_v secure_v they_o from_o be_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a nay_o we_o see_v this_o be_v not_o practicable_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n civil_a magistrate_n be_v force_v to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n or_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o bedlam_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v think_v such_o public_a execution_n of_o justice_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o law_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o not_o revenge_v ourselves_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o christian_n to_o be_v magistrate_n because_o hang_v or_o whip_v or_o pillor_a malefactor_n be_v not_o forgive_a they_o as_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a absurd_a doctrine_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v heathen_n in_o every_o nation_n to_o govern_v even_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v have_v no_o government_n at_o all_o though_o nominal_a and_o profess_a christian_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o government_n as_o ever_o any_o heathen_n have_v but_o this_o forgive_a enemy_n be_v only_o a_o private_a virtue_n not_o the_o rule_n of_o public_a government_n which_o show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v this_o virtue_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v only_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o that_o too_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n to_o defend_v those_o good_a man_n who_o must_v not_o avenge_v themselves_o now_o such_o virtue_n as_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o require_v we_o must_v conclude_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o next_o and_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o so_o well_o discern_v the_o reason_n and_o use_v of_o this_o divine_a charity_n here_o yet_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n require_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o now_o for_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v make_v any_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o the_o necessary_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n but_o only_o that_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o to_o relish_v those_o divine_a pleasure_n as_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v to_o perceive_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world._n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o method_n of_o our_o advancement_n to_o eternal_a glory_n not_o to_o dispute_v his_o command_n how_o uneasy_a or_o unreasonable_a soever_o they_o may_v now_o appear_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v so_o well_o understand_v now_o because_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o next_o world_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n know_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v quick_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o exercise_v all_o those_o height_n of_o virtue_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o these_o so_o will_v our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n abate_v in_o the_o other_o world._n 3_o though_o the_o state_n we_o enter_v on_o at_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n unknown_a to_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o the_o bad_a 1._o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n for_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n so_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o crown_n a_o eternal_a kingdom_n and_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n now_o will_v any_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v a_o mean_a and_o homely_a cottage_n to_o go_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n because_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v it_o though_o he_o have_v hear_v very_o glorious_a thing_n of_o it_o from_o very_o faithful_a and_o credible_a witness_n for_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v unknown_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o happiness_n as_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o it_o be_v like_o nothing_o which_o we_o have_v see_v or_o taste_v yet_o but_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v think_v this_o any_o disparagement_n to_o the_o other_o world_n though_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o real_a disparagement_n to_o it_o have_v it_o be_v like_o this_o world_n for_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a scene_n which_o make_v a_o fine_a show_n but_o have_v no_o real_a and_o solid_a joy_n good_a man_n have_v enough_o of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v make_v they_o happy_a and_o therefore_o can_v think_v it_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o try_v some_o unknown_a and_o unexperienced_a joy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o happiness_n to_o be_v find_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o they_o have_v not_o know_v yet_o something_o that_o this_o world_n do_v not_o afford_v 2._o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v unknown_a the_o only_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o such_o happiness_n so_o far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n we_o ever_o experience_v yet_o that_o we_o can_v form_v any_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o happiness_n we_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n wherein_o this_o happiness_n consist_v viz._n in_o see_v god_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o in_o praise_v our_o great_a creator_n and_o redeemer_n in_o converse_v with_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o how_o great_a how_o ravish_v and_o transport_v a_o pleasure_n this_o be_v we_o can_v tell_v because_o we_o never_o yet_o feel_v it_o our_o dull_a devotion_n our_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n can_v help_v we_o to_o guess_v what_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n how_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o will_v pierce_v our_o soul_n with_o what_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n we_o shall_v sing_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n with_o what_o melt_a affection_n perfect_a soul_n shall_v embrace_v what_o glory_n and_o wonder_n we_o shall_v there_o see_v and_o know_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v now_o methinks_v this_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n uneasy_a to_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o to_o conceive_v in_o this_o world_n for_o 3._o man_n be_v natural_o fond_a of_o unknown_a and_o untried_a pleasure_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o they_o that_o it_o raise_v our_o expectation_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v unknown_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n enjoyment_n usual_o lessen_v our_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o they_o and_o we_o always_o value_v that_o most_o which_o we_o have_v never_o try_v and_o methinks_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o despise_v before_o we_o try_v it_o all_o present_a thing_n be_v mean_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v enjoy_v but_o what_o ever_o expectation_n we_o have_v of_o the_o unknown_a happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o will_n as_o much_o exceed_v our_o big_a expectation_n as_o other_o thing_n usual_o fall_v below_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v with_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n when_o she_o see_v solomon_n glory_n that_o not_o the_o half_a of_o it_o be_v tell_v she_o it_o be_v some_o encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v too_o big_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o world_n for_o do_v we_o perfect_o know_v it_o now_o it_o can_v not_o be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o this_o
sin_v and_o bring_v death_n into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o his_o sin_n notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o be_v sinner_n for_o though_o they_o be_v sinner_n yet_o that_o they_o die_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o their_o own_o sin_n because_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o any_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n but_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n in_o adam_n all_o die_n now_o this_o be_v think_v very_o hard_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n shall_v bring_v death_n upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n that_o one_o man_n sin_v and_o all_o man_n must_v die_v and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v it_o improper_a to_o my_o present_a argument_n to_o give_v you_o such_o a_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o will_v evident_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o i._o in_o the_o first_o place_n than_o i_o observe_v that_o a_o immortal_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o original_a right_n of_o earthly_a creature_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god._n i_o call_v that_o a_o original_a right_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o proper_o speak_v no_o creature_n have_v any_o right_a either_o to_o be_v or_o to_o subsistence_n which_o be_v a_o continuance_n in_o be_v it_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o both_o make_v the_o world_n and_o uphold_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o therefore_o plato_n confess_v that_o the_o inferior_a god_n those_o immortal_a spirit_n which_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o divine_a honour_n be_v both_o make_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o do_v subsist_v by_o his_o will_n for_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n can_v annihilate_v they_o again_o when_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o their_o subsistence_n be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o their_o creation_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o natural_a gift_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a or_o above_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n what_o god_n make_v by_o nature_n immortal_a so_o that_o it_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o mortality_n in_o its_o constitution_n immortality_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v its_o natural_a right_n because_o it_o be_v by_o nature_n immortal_a as_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o hard_o that_o a_o whole_a race_n of_o immortal_a being_n shall_v be_v make_v mortal_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o which_o will_v be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o natural_a right_n to_o immortality_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o when_o any_o creature_n be_v immortal_a not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o supernatural_a grace_n god_n may_v bestow_v this_o supernatural_a immortality_n upon_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o man_n in_o innocence_n his_o body_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n immortal_a for_o a_o body_n make_v of_o dust_n will_v natural_o resolve_v into_o dust_n again_o and_o therefore_o without_o a_o supernatural_a power_n a_o earthly_a body_n must_v die_v for_o which_o reason_n god_n provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o mortality_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o he_o plant_v in_o paradise_n and_o without_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v immortal_a so_o that_o mortality_n be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o lose_a paradise_n for_o when_o he_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n he_o can_v have_v no_o remedy_n nor_o preservative_n against_o death_n now_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v question_v but_o god_n may_v very_o just_o turn_v adam_n out_o of_o paradise_n for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o then_o he_o must_v die_v and_o all_o his_o posterity_n die_v in_o he_o for_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n mortal_a must_v beget_v mortal_a child_n and_o have_v forfeit_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n he_o and_o his_o posterity_n who_o be_v all_o shut_v out_o of_o paradise_n with_o he_o must_v necessary_o die_v which_o take_v nothing_o from_o they_o to_o which_o any_o man_n have_v a_o right_a for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o paradise_n or_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n but_o only_o leave_v they_o to_o those_o law_n of_o mortality_n to_o which_o a_o earthly_a creature_n be_v natural_o subject_a god_n have_v promise_v paradise_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o adam_n himself_o who_o he_o create_v and_o place_v in_o paradise_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v nothing_o away_o from_o any_o man_n but_o from_o adam_n when_o he_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o paradise_n child_n indeed_o must_v follow_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o parent_n have_v adam_n preserve_v his_o right_n to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o have_v enjoy_v it_o too_o but_o he_o forfeit_v it_o we_o lose_v it_o in_o he_o and_o in_o he_o die_v we_o lose_v i_o say_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o but_o such_o a_o supernatural_a privilege_n as_o we_o may_v have_v have_v have_v he_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o he_o have_v do_v we_o no_o injury_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n mortal_a creature_n and_o he_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o mortal_a state_n and_o to_o withdraw_v favour_n upon_o a_o reasonable_a provocation_n be_v neither_o hard_a nor_o unjust_a ii_o for_o we_o must_v consider_v far_o when_o sin_n be_v once_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n a_o immortal_a life_n here_o become_v impossible_a without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n adam_n have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o corrupt_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o propagate_v a_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o his_o posterity_n his_o earthly_a passion_n be_v break_v loose_a he_o now_o know_v good_a and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n to_o refuse_v or_o choose_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o when_o the_o animal_n life_n be_v once_o awake_v in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o great_a dispute_n which_o way_n his_o affection_n will_v incline_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v evident_a enough_o in_o his_o posterity_n who_o boisterous_a passion_n act_v such_o tragedy_n in_o the_o world._n now_o suppose_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n that_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n will_v have_v preserve_v man_n immortal_a when_o no_o man_n will_v injure_v himself_o nor_o another_o when_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n from_o wild_a beast_n or_o a_o intemperate_a air_n or_o poisonous_a herb_n yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v but_o that_o even_o in_o paradise_n itself_o can_v we_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n adam_n may_v have_v be_v devour_v by_o a_o beast_n or_o kill_v with_o a_o stab_n at_o the_o heart_n or_o have_v there_o be_v any_o poison_n there_o it_o will_v have_v kill_v he_o have_v he_o eat_v or_o drink_v it_o or_o else_o he_o have_v another_o kind_n of_o body_n in_o paradise_n than_o we_o have_v now_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o thing_n will_v kill_v we_o consider_v then_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o fall_v and_o apostate_n state_n god_n shall_v preserve_v man_n immortal_a without_o work_a miracle_n every_o minute_n man_n passion_n be_v now_o very_o unruly_a and_o they_o fall_v out_o with_o one_o another_o and_o will_v kill_v one_o another_o if_o they_o can_v of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v a_o very_a early_a example_n in_o gain_n who_o slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n and_o all_o those_o murder_n and_o bloody_a war_n since_o that_o day_n put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n now_o this_o can_v never_o be_v prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v make_v our_o body_n invulnerable_a which_o a_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n some_o die_n by_o their_o own_o hand_n other_o by_o wild_a beast_n other_o by_o evil_a accident_n and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n of_o destroy_v these_o brittle_a body_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o last_v so_o long_o and_o yet_o adam_n body_n in_o paradise_n be_v as_o very_a earth_n and_o as_o brittle_a as_o our_o body_n be_v but_o all_o this_o have_v be_v prevent_v have_v man_n continue_v innocent_a they_o will_v not_o then_o have_v quarrel_v or_o fight_v they_o will_v not_o have_v die_v by_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o drink_v themselves_o into_o a_o fever_n nor_o overload_v nature_n with_o riotous_a excess_n there_o have_v be_v no_o wild_a beast_n to_o devour_v no_o infectious_a air_n or_o poisonous_a herb_n and_o then_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n will_v have_v repair_v all_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n
and_o then_o thou_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o see_v the_o god_n thou_o worship_v the_o earth_n shall_v short_o cover_v thou_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o mouth_n and_o belly_n full_a of_o clay_n and_o dust_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o will_v cool_v our_o desire_n to_o this_o present_a world_n will_v make_v we_o content_v when_o we_o have_v enough_o and_o very_o charitable_a and_o liberal_a of_o what_o we_o can_v spare_v for_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v with_o more_o in_o this_o world_n than_o will_v carry_v we_o through_o it_o what_o better_a and_o wise_a use_n can_v we_o make_v of_o such_o riches_n as_o we_o can_v carry_v with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n than_o to_o return_v they_o thither_o before_o hand_n in_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n of_o they_o in_o a_o better_a life_n that_o we_o may_v make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n when_o he_o find_v his_o mind_n begin_v to_o swell_v and_o to_o increase_v as_o his_o fortune_n and_o honour_n do_v lord_n think_v he_o what_o a_o bubble_n be_v this_o which_o every_o breath_n of_o air_n can_v blow_v away_o how_o vain_a a_o thing_n be_v man_n in_o his_o great_a glory_n who_o appear_v gay_a and_o beautiful_a like_o a_o flower_n in_o the_o spring_n and_o be_v as_o soon_o cut_v down_o and_o wither_a though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o change_n in_o our_o fortune_n here_o yet_o we_o shall_v sudden_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o scene_n of_o this_o life_n will_v change_v and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o earthly_a greatness_n and_o what_o a_o contemptible_a mind_n be_v that_o which_o be_v swell_v with_o die_a honour_n which_o look_v big_a indeed_o as_o a_o body_n do_v which_o be_v swell_v out_o of_o all_o proportion_n with_o a_o dropsy_n or_o timpany_n but_o that_o be_v its_o disease_n not_o a_o natural_a beauty_n what_o be_o i_o better_a than_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o beg_v a_o alm_n unless_o i_o be_v wise_a and_o more_o virtuous_a than_o he_o can_v land_n and_o house_n great_a place_n and_o title_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v keep_v make_v such_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o be_v these_o the_o riches_n be_v these_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v we_o not_o all_o make_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o must_v we_o not_o all_o die_v alike_o and_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n together_o and_o can_v the_o different_a part_n we_o act_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o scene_n of_o a_o play_n compare_v to_o a_o eternal_a duration_n make_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o man_n this_o will_v make_v man_n humble_a and_o modest_a in_o the_o high_a fortune_n as_o mind_v they_o that_o when_o they_o be_v get_v to_o the_o top-round_a of_o honour_n if_o they_o keep_v from_o fall_v yet_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v down_o again_o and_o lay_v as_o low_a as_o the_o dust_n thus_o when_o he_o find_v the_o body_n grow_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o intoxicate_v it_o with_o the_o love_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o remember_v that_o his_o body_n must_v die_v and_o all_o these_o pleasure_n must_v die_v with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o kill_v pleasure_n which_o kill_v a_o mortal_a body_n before_o its_o time_n that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o man_n who_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o pilgrim_n and_o a_o stranger_n here_o to_o study_v ease_n and_o softness_n and_o luxury_n that_o a_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o shall_v seek_v after_o more_o last_a pleasure_n which_o may_v survive_v the_o funeral_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o ravish_a joy_n when_o he_o be_v strip_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n these_o be_v the_o thought_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o death_n will_v suggest_v to_o we_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v always_o these_o thought_n at_o hand_n to_o be_v much_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o pageantry_n of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o transient_a honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o i_o think_v a_o very_a impracticable_a rule_n which_o some_o man_n give_v to_o live_v always_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o die_v the_o next_o moment_n our_o life_n shall_v always_o be_v as_o innocent_a as_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v always_o those_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o death_n about_o we_o which_o we_o have_v when_o we_o see_v it_o approach_v but_o though_o we_o can_v live_v as_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o to_o die_v which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n not_o only_o to_o all_o innocent_a mirth_n but_o to_o all_o the_o necessary_a business_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o believe_v no_o die_a man_n will_v concern_v himself_o for_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o live_v as_o those_o who_o must_v certain_o die_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v these_o thought_n continual_o about_o we_o as_o a_o guard_n upon_o our_o action_n for_o whatever_o be_v of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o we_o as_o death_n be_v if_o it_o be_v certain_a ought_v always_o to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n 2_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v die_v the_o very_a first_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n after_o we_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v to_o prepare_v for_o death_n that_o whenever_o death_n come_v we_o may_v be_v ready_a for_o it_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o this_o world_n for_o die_v be_v usual_o the_o last_o thing_n they_o take_v care_n of_o this_o be_v think_v a_o little_a unseasonable_a while_o man_n be_v young_a and_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a but_o beside_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a while_o we_o delay_v death_n may_v seize_v on_o we_o before_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o under_o the_o next_o head._n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o convince_v every_o consider_a man_n that_o a_o early_a preparation_n for_o death_n be_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n to_o make_v our_o life_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n while_o we_o do_v continue_v here_o nor_o shall_v i_o urge_v here_o how_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o only_o preparation_n for_o death_n tend_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o those_o mischief_n which_o the_o wildness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o more_o confirm_a debauchery_n of_o ripe_a year_n expose_v man_n too_o for_o this_o be_v proper_o the_o commendation_n of_o virtue_n not_o of_o a_o early_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v real_o a_o great_a engagement_n and_o motive_n to_o prepare_v betimes_o for_o death_n since_o such_o a_o preparation_n for_o death_n will_v put_v we_o to_o no_o great_a hardship_n and_o inconvenience_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o virtue_n as_o will_v prolong_v our_o life_n preserve_v or_o increase_v our_o fortune_n give_v we_o honour_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v we_o belove_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n but_o set_v aside_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v two_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a preparation_n for_o death_n which_o contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o 1._o that_o it_o betimes_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o consequent_o from_o most_o other_o fear_n 2_o that_o it_o support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o it_o betimes_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o sear_n of_o death_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v then_o only_a a_o man_n begin_v to_o live_v when_o he_o be_v get_v above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v man_n thoughtful_a and_o considerate_a death_n will_v hang_v over_o they_o in_o all_o their_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n like_o a_o fatal_a sword_n by_o a_o single_a hair_n it_o will_v sour_a all_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o strike_v terror_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o look_n but_o the_o security_n of_o most_o man_n be_v that_o they_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n as_o they_o do_v their_o preparation_n for_o it_o they_o live_v secure_a and_o free_a from_o danger_n only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o but_o these_o be_v such_o example_n as_o no_o
of_o a_o universal_a empire_n through_o a_o long_a series_n of_o event_n or_o meditate_v change_n and_o alteration_n of_o government_n of_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n by_o insensible_a step_n and_o method_n which_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o hopeful_a a_o project_n they_o can_v hope_v to_o live_v to_o see_v effect_v and_o therefore_o exceed_v their_o own_o bound_n and_o trouble_v the_o world_n at_o present_a with_o what_o no_o body_n now_o live_v may_v ever_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o undertake_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v whereas_o every_o age_n bring_v forth_o new_a project_n and_o counsel_n as_o it_o do_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o new_a scene_n of_o affair_n and_o a_o new_a set_v of_o politician_n will_v but_o man_n confine_v their_o care_n and_o project_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o mind_n only_o what_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o time_n and_o they_o will_v live_v more_o at_o ease_n and_o the_o world_n enjoy_v more_o peace_n and_o quiet_a than_o now_o it_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o do_v and_o yet_o one_o will_v think_v this_o very_a reasonable_a not_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o about_o the_o world_n any_o long_a than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o live_v in_o it_o to_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o posterity_n as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v for_o they_o without_o disturb_v the_o present_a peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o the_o next_o age_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v succeed_v and_o to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n of_o men._n 2._o since_o we_o know_v the_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o count_v our_o day_n and_o observe_v how_o our_o life_n waste_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n our_o time_n slide_v away_o insensible_o and_o fow_v man_n take_v notice_n how_o it_o go_v they_o find_v their_o strength_n and_o vigour_n continue_v without_o any_o decay_n and_o they_o reckon_v upon_o live_v threescore_o and_o ten_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o seldom_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n be_v already_o go_v that_o be_v the_o best_a half_a of_o their_o life_n they_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o by_o compute_v the_o whole_a duration_n of_o their_o life_n without_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o this_o be_v already_o past_a and_o how_o little_a of_o it_o be_v to_o come_v which_o if_o man_n will_v serious_o think_v of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o long_a life_n for_o no_o man_n account_v twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n a_o long_a life_n and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o they_o have_v to_o live_v now_o though_o they_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o long_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n much_o less_o can_v they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o long_a life_n when_o they_o can_v not_o probable_o reckon_v above_o fifteen_o or_o ten_o year_n to_o come_v and_o will_v man_n observe_v how_o their_o life_n shorten_v every_o day_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v they_o grow_v chary_a of_o their_o time_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o live_v that_o be_v of_o mind_v the_o true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o life_n of_o do_v the_o work_n for_o which_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o which_o they_o must_v do_v before_o they_o die_v or_o they_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o 3._o when_o man_n draw_v near_o the_o end_n of_o their_o reckon_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v be_v past_o the_o common_a reckon_n of_o mankind_n it_o more_o especial_o concern_v they_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o death_n for_o how_o vigorous_a soever_o their_o age_n be_v death_n can_v be_v far_o off_o it_o will_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o live_a much_o long_o who_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o the_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o be_v in_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a quarter_n of_o death_n and_o have_v already_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v borrow_v some_o year_n from_o the_o other_o world._n now_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o man_n prepare_v for_o death_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o they_o shall_v then_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o die_v that_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o late_a to_o begin_v such_o a_o work_n though_o if_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o before_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n high_a time_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o in_o the_o last_o minute_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o that_o little_a time_n that_o remain_v to_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n of_o god_n for_o spend_v a_o long_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o vanity_n and_o in_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o intend_v concern_v those_o who_o have_v think_v of_o die_v long_o before_o and_o govern_v their_o life_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o influence_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o whole_o unprepared_a for_o death_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o welcome_v it_o whenever_o it_o come_v but_o there_o be_v a_o decent_a way_n of_o meet_v death_n which_o become_v such_o man_n which_o i_o call_v a_o more_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o it_o that_o be_v when_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n will_v permit_v it_o to_o take_v a_o timely_a leave_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o business_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v place_v just_a in_o the_o confine_n of_o both_o world_n to_o direct_v their_o face_n whole_o to_o that_o world_n whither_o they_o be_v a_o go_v to_o spend_v the_o little_a remain_v of_o their_o life_n in_o converse_v with_o themselves_o with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o other_o world._n 1._o in_o converse_v with_o themselves_o which_o god_n know_v very_o few_o man_n do_v while_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n the_o care_n of_o life_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o our_o family_n or_o our_o friend_n or_o stranger_n themselves_o take_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a before_o man_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v recover_v the_o possession_n of_o themselves_o and_o grow_v a_o little_a more_o acquaint_v and_o intimate_v with_o themselves_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o more_o thorough_a review_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n what_o they_o have_v still_o to_o do_v to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n which_o they_o have_v not_o thorough_o repent_v of_o and_o hearty_o beg_v god_n pardon_n for_o any_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v their_o neighbour_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a restitution_n and_o reparation_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o quarrel_n with_o any_o man_n which_o be_v not_o compose_v and_o reconcile_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v former_o too_o much_o neglect_v as_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o wise_a education_n and_o instruction_n of_o their_o child_n and_o family_n and_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o it_o what_o distemper_n there_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n which_o still_o need_v to_o be_v rectify_v what_o grace_n be_v weak_a what_o passion_n be_v most_o disorderly_a and_o unmortified_a and_o to_o apply_v proper_a remedy_n to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n for_o death_n because_o it_o will_v give_v we_o great_a hope_n and_o assurance_n in_o die_v it_o give_v we_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n by_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o state_n and_o by_o rectify_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o it_o deliver_v our_o conscience_n from_o guilty_a fear_n and_o so_o disarm_v death_n of_o its_o sting_n and_o terror_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o when_o this_o sting_n be_v pull_v out_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o contend_v with_o but_o some_o little_a natural_a aversion_n to_o die_a which_o be_v more_o easy_o conquer_v 2._o thus_o in_o this_o preparatory_a retirement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v spend_v great_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o public_a or_o private_a devotion_n for_o common_o man_n of_o business_n be_v very_o much_o in_o arrear_n with_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n in_o their_o active_a age_n they_o have_v little_a time_n to_o spare_v or_o little_a mind_n to_o spare_v it_o for_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o retire_v some_o time_n before_o we_o die_v to_o
have_v have_v a_o good_a relish_n of_o it_o themselves_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v get_v loose_a from_o these_o restraint_n and_o fall_v into_o ill_a company_n and_o into_o the_o way_n of_o temptation_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o try_v another_o kind_n of_o life_n and_o to_o taste_v those_o pleasure_n which_o they_o see_v mankind_n so_o fond_a of_o and_o too_o often_o try_v so_o long_o till_o they_o grow_v as_o great_a stranger_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o vice_n before_o now_o if_o such_o man_n ever_o be_v reclaim_v again_o yet_o all_o their_o early_a beginning_n of_o life_n be_v lose_v for_o here_o be_v a_o long_a interruption_n and_o intermission_n of_o life_n which_o set_v they_o back_o in_o the_o account_n of_o eternity_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o every_o wilful_a sin_n we_o commit_v it_o make_v a_o break_n in_o our_o life_n do_v not_o only_o stop_v our_o progress_n for_o a_o while_n but_o set_v we_o backward_o but_o he_o who_o begin_v betimes_o to_o live_v without_o any_o or_o very_o few_o and_o very_o short_a interruption_n will_v be_v able_a to_o reckon_v a_o very_a long_a life_n by_o that_o time_n he_o attain_v to_o the_o common_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n 3._o especial_o if_o he_o live_v apace_o there_o be_v a_o live_n apace_o as_o some_o call_v it_o not_o to_o lengthen_v but_o to_o shorten_v life_n when_o man_n by_o mind_v their_o business_n well_o can_v in_o ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n destroy_v such_o a_o constitution_n of_o body_n and_o exhaust_v that_o vital_a heat_n and_o vigour_n which_o will_v have_v last_v another_o man_n sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n this_o be_v to_o live_v much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o life_n quick_o and_o the_o live_n apace_o i_o mean_v be_v to_o live_v much_o also_o in_o a_o little_a time_n but_o to_o double_a and_o treble_a our_o life_n not_o to_o shorten_v they_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a that_o ever_o we_o can_v for_o the_o more_o good_a we_o do_v the_o more_o we_o live_v life_n be_v not_o mere_a duration_n but_o action_n time_n be_v not_o life_n but_o we_o live_v that_o be_v we_o act_n in_o time_n and_o he_o who_o do_v two_o day_n work_v in_o one_o live_v as_o much_o in_o one_o day_n as_o other_o man_n do_v in_o two_o he_o who_o in_o one_o year_n do_v as_o much_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n worship_n god_n as_o much_o and_o more_o devout_o do_v as_o much_o good_a to_o the_o world_n in_o all_o capacity_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n as_o another_o man_n do_v in_o two_o or_o three_o or_o four_o he_o live_v so_o much_o proportionable_o long_o than_o those_o other_o man_n he_o do_v the_o work_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o this_o be_v equivalent_a to_o nay_o much_o better_a than_o be_v so_o much_o time_n for_o he_o who_o can_v have_v the_o reward_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o not_o live_v above_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o here_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o much_o happy_a man_n than_o he_o who_o spend_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o lengthen_v our_o life_n by_o live_v double_o and_o treble_o which_o will_v make_v a_o vast_a addition_n to_o our_o life_n in_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o they_o three_o if_o our_o life_n be_v so_o very_o short_a as_o most_o man_n complain_v they_o be_v sure_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o spend_v the_o whole_a of_o these_o short_a life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o a_o eternal_a reward_n what_o be_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n when_o compare_v to_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o set_v aside_o all_o the_o present_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o life_n of_o religion_n that_o this_o only_o be_v to_o live_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_v our_o own_o nature_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n a_o perpetual_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n a_o constant_a war_n with_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n can_v we_o endure_v all_o this_o so_o short_a a_o time_n for_o a_o endless_a reward_n man_n think_v their_o day_n work_n very_o well_o spend_v when_o they_o receive_v their_o wage_n at_o night_n and_o can_v go_v home_o and_o sup_v cheerful_o with_o their_o family_n and_o sleep_v sweet_o as_o labour_a man_n use_v to_o do_v all_o night_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n compare_v all_o the_o work_n and_o industry_n of_o our_o life_n to_o day-labourer_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n who_o at_o several_a hour_n of_o the_o day_n hire_a labourer_n to_o work_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o pay_v they_o their_o wage_n at_o night_n 20_o matth._n 1_o etc._n etc._n we_o all_o confess_v that_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n if_o we_o live_v so_o long_o be_v but_o a_o very_a short_a time_n in_o itself_o and_o quick_o pass_v away_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o all_o think_v so_o when_o it_o be_v go_v and_o yet_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o this_o time_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o infancy_n childhood_n and_o youth_n while_o we_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o parent_n and_o governor_n and_o be_v not_o our_o own_o man_n how_o much_o be_v spend_v in_o sleep_v in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o necessary_a diversion_n for_o the_o support_n and_o repair_v of_o these_o mortal_a body_n in_o our_o necessary_a business_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o public_a which_o god_n allow_v and_o require_v of_o we_o and_o account_v it_o serve_v himself_o while_o we_o live_v like_o man_n be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_a and_o faithful_a to_o our_o trust_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o our_o own_o sake_n and_o which_o all_o well_o govern_v society_n require_v of_o we_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a of_o this_o very_a short_a life_n spend_v pure_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o be_v this_o too_o much_o for_o a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n to_o complain_v of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o moral_a honesty_n as_o such_o unsufferable_a burden_n that_o a_o man_n have_v better_o be_v damn_v than_o submit_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o of_o all_o the_o wise_a government_n in_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n which_o brand_v all_o these_o vice_n with_o infamy_n and_o restrain_v and_o correct_v they_o with_o condign_a punishment_n it_o be_v to_o complain_v of_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v make_v all_o these_o vice_n infamous_a and_o to_o think_v it_o better_a to_o be_v damn_v than_o to_o live_v like_o man_n and_o yet_o above_o two_o three_o of_o our_o time_n require_v the_o exercise_n of_o few_o other_o virtue_n but_o these_o and_o whatever_o difficulty_n man_n may_v imagine_v in_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v possible_o think_v it_o so_o intolerable_a to_o love_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o ask_v the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n from_o he_o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o give_v if_o we_o faithful_o ask_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o scene_n of_o vanity_n emptiness_n or_o misery_n and_o to_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o great_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n wherein_o the_o very_a life_n of_o religion_n consist_v i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v such_o very_a difficult_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n which_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v difficult_a or_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v so_o yet_o they_o employ_v very_o little_a of_o our_o time_n and_o methinks_v a_o man_n may_v bear_v it_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o i_o be_o sure_a man_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n for_o this_o world_n than_o heaven_n will_v cost_v they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o dont_fw-fr live_v to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v think_v worth_a their_o while_n sure_o to_o spend_v a_o short_a life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o obtain_v a_o endless_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o advantageous_a spend_v our_o time_n and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o we_o think_v it_o not_o
worth_a the_o obedience_n and_o service_n of_o a_o few_o year_n how_o difficult_a soever_o that_o be_v 4h_o if_o our_o life_n be_v so_o very_o short_a at_o their_o utmost_a extent_n the_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n can_v be_v no_o great_a temptation_n when_o compare_v with_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o provoke_v his_o justice_n forfeit_v immortal_a life_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n can_v last_v no_o long_o than_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o little_a a_o while_n be_v that_o when_o we_o put_v off_o these_o body_n all_o bodily_a pleasure_n perish_v with_o they_o nay_o indeed_o as_o our_o body_n die_v and_o decay_v by_o degree_n before_o they_o tumble_v into_o the_o grave_a so_o do_v our_o pleasure_n sensible_o decay_v too_o as_o short_a as_o our_o life_n be_v man_n may_v outlive_v some_o of_o their_o most_o belove_a vice_n and_o therefore_o how_o luscious_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v such_o short_a and_o die_a pleasure_n ought_v not_o to_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o mifery_n what_o ever_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o value_n of_o they_o increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n that_o which_o will_v last_v our_o life_n and_o make_v they_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o wise_a man_n before_o the_o most_o ravish_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o day_n and_o a_o happiness_n which_o will_v outlast_v our_o life_n and_o reach_v to_o eternity_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o perish_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o short_a life_n unless_o man_n can_v think_v it_o better_a to_o be_v happy_a for_o threescore_o year_n than_o for_o ever_o nay_o unless_o man_n think_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o threescore_o year_n a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o eternal_a want_n and_o misery_n 5h_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o these_o argument_n against_o providence_n take_v from_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a for_o both_o of_o they_o be_v so_o short_a that_o they_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o account_n of_o eternity_n be_v this_o life_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o a_o future_a state_n the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v great_a but_o not_o u●ry_o great_a because_o a_o short_a happiness_n or_o a_o short_a misery_n chequer_a and_o intermix_v as_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v be_v not_o very_o considerable_a nor_o be_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n either_o to_o make_v objection_n against_o providence_n or_o to_o answer_v they_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o bad_a man_n who_o make_v these_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o take_v the_o world_n as_o they_o find_v it_o so_o they_o may_v have_v it_o without_o a_o providence_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o dislike_n of_o this_o world_n though_o many_o time_n they_o suffer_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o good_a man_n do_v which_o make_v they_o quarrel_n at_o providence_n but_o the_o dread_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n and_o this_o prove_v that_o they_o think_v this_o world_n a_o very_a tolerable_a place_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o short_a a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v be_v but_o tolerable_a it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n that_o this_o life_n be_v well_o enough_o for_o its_o continuance_n a_o very_a mix_v and_o imperfect_a state_n indeed_o but_o very_o short_a too_o such_o a_o state_n as_o bad_a man_n themselves_o will_v like_v very_o well_o without_o another_o world_n after_o it_o and_o such_o a_o state_n as_o good_a man_n like_o very_a well_o with_o another_o life_n to_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o a_o spite_n at_o humane_a life_n which_o make_v they_o reject_v a_o providence_n as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v who_o hear_v they_o object_v their_o own_o prosperity_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o good_a man_n as_o argument_n against_o providence_n both_o which_o they_o like_v very_o well_o and_o whatever_o there_o may_v be_v in_o these_o objection_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o yet_o when_o they_o all_o vanish_v at_o the_o very_a name_n of_o another_o life_n where_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o because_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o dispense_v with_o that_o exact_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n as_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v observe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o because_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v their_o just_a reward_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o become_v the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o atheist_n for_o they_o must_v first_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n before_o this_o argument_n can_v prove_v any_o thing_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n than_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a be_v a_o much_o better_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o where_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v more_o equal_o distribute_v thus_o when_o they_o dispute_v against_o providence_n from_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o good_a before_o this_o can_v prove_v any_o thing_n they_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o where_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o present_a prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a so_o that_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n dispute_v in_o a_o circle_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o either_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n or_o no_o life_n after_o this_o from_o the_o unequal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n because_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a prove_v ne●●her_o of_o they_o unless_o you_o take_v the_o other_o for_o grant_v and_o if_o you_o will_v prove_v they_o both_o by_o this_o medium_fw-la you_o must_v take_v they_o both_o for_o grant_v by_o turn_n and_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v without_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o wise_a man_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o proof_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o be_v of_o another_o world_n and_o a_o providence_n yet_o have_v the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o good_a continue_v some_o hundred_o year_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o much_o less_o objection_n when_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o answer_v as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o be_v yea_o thou_o shall_v diligent_o consider_v his_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v 37_o psal._n 10._o when_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o have_v be_v the_o spectator_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o prosperous_a villainy_n live_v to_o see_v a_o quick_a and_o sudden_a end_n of_o he_o i_o have_v see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a power_n and_o spread_v himself_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n yet_o he_o pass_v away_o and_o lo_o he_o be_v not_o yea_o i_o seek_v he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v 35_o 36_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o also_o to_o support_v the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n for_o this_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16_o 17._o sect_n v._o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n death_n be_v not_o determine_v
so_o long_o in_o it_o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o remove_v it_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o that_o it_o encourage_v man_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o they_o to_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n before_o they_o die_v and_o if_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o this_o undo_v so_o many_o man_n what_o will_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v those_o who_o be_v too_o wise_a and_o considerate_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o uncertain_a hope_n may_v be_v conquer_v by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o a_o long_a life_n this_o will_v take_v off_o all_o restraint_n from_o man_n and_o give_v free_a scope_n to_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n when_o they_o know_v that_o how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o die_v before_o their_o time_n be_v come_v and_o can_v never_o be_v surpize_v by_o death_n since_o they_o certain_o know_v when_o it_o will_v come_v which_o destroy_v one_o great_a motive_n to_o obedience_n that_o sin_n shall_v shorten_v man_n life_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v prolong_v they_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prolong_v day_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v 10_o prov._n 27._o such_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o these_o must_v be_v strike_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n shall_v god_n let_v all_o man_n know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n nay_o this_o will_v frustrate_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o reclaim_n sinner_n some_o time_n public_a calamity_n plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n alarm_n a_o wicked_a world_n and_o summon_v man_n to_o repentance_n sometime_o a_o dangerous_a fit_a of_o sickness_n awaken_v man_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o work_n in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o last_a repentance_n but_o all_o this_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a do_v man_n know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o that_o such_o public_a judgement_n or_o threaten_a sickness_n shall_v not_o kill_v they_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o constant_a watchfulness_n to_o a_o early_a and_o persevere_v piety_n but_o to_o know_v when_o we_o shall_v die_v can_v serve_v no_o good_a end_n but_o will_v increase_v the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v too_o great_a already_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o leave_v the_o time_n of_o death_n unknown_a and_o uncertain_a to_o we_o sect_n vii_o that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o or_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o unchangeable_a state_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n once_o to_o die_v there_o be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n as_o there_o be_v from_o die_v that_o as_o enoch_n and_o elias_n do_v not_o die_v so_o some_o have_v be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o such_o man_n die_v twice_o but_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o general_n that_o as_o all_o man_n must_v die_v once_o so_o they_o must_v die_v but_o once_o which_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o the_o daily_a experience_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v by_o it_o be_v this_o that_o once_o die_v determine_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o ever_o when_o we_o put_v off_o these_o mortal_a body_n we_o must_v not_o return_v into_o they_o again_o to_o act_v over_o a_o new_a part_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o former_a life_n death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n that_o in_o this_o sense_n what_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o be_v true_a if_o the_o tree_n fall_v towards_o the_o south_n or_o towards_o the_o north_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o tree_n fall_v there_o it_o shall_v be_v 11_o eccles._n 3_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o explain_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o 2._o death_n when_o ever_o it_o come_v as_o it_o put_v a_o final_a period_n to_o this_o life_n that_o we_o die_v once_o for_o all_o and_o must_v never_o live_v again_o as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o our_o work_n too_o that_o our_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o time_n of_o work_v for_o another_o world_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o three_o as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o both_o these_o once_o die_v put_v we_o into_o a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n 1._o that_o this_o life_n only_o be_v our_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o eternity_n whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o life_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o this_o life_n be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o the_o next_o that_o the_o great_a the_o only_a necessary_a business_n we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o god_n presence_n to_o finish_v the_o work_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o master_n rest_n i_o now_o add_v that_o the_o only_a time_n we_o have_v to_o do_v this_o in_o be_v while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o now_o if_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v and_o receive_v our_o final_a sentence_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n than_o our_o only_a time_n of_o trial_n and_o work_n be_v while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n for_o the_o future_a judgement_n relate_v only_o to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o body_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v even_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v 2_o rom._n 16._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v only_o for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world._n this_o life_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v represent_v as_o the_o time_n of_o work_v as_o a_o race_n a_o warfare_n a_o labour_a in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o other_o world_n as_o a_o place_n of_o recompense_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o as_o between_z fighting_z and_o conquer_a and_o receive_v the_o crown_n as_o between_o run_v a_o race_n and_o obtain_v a_o prize_n as_o between_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n then_o we_o must_v fight_v and_o conquer_v run_v our_o race_n and_o finish_v our_o work_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o many_o of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o this_o world_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o this_o life_n while_o the_o other_o world_n be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o to_o live_v and_o act_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a reward_n the_o government_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n necessary_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v body_n and_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o therefore_o these_o virtue_n can_v be_v exercise_v only_o while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n which_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v we_o to_o sensual_a excess_n to_o live_v above_o this_o world_n to_o despise_v the_o tempt_a glory_n of_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n only_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o and_o be_v tempt_v by_o it_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v
a_o gospel-grace_n only_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v content_v in_o all_o condition_n to_o trust_v god_n in_o the_o great_a danger_n to_o suffer_v patient_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n etc._n etc._n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o be_v virtue_n proper_a only_o for_o this_o world_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exercise_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v it_o a_o virtue_n to_o be_v patient_a and_o content_v with_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n thus_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n can_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o only_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o these_o body_n such_o as_o fornication_n adultery_n uncleanness_n riot_v drunkenness_n injustice_n murder_n theft_n oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o fatherless_a earthly_a pride_n and_o ambition_n covetuousness_n a_o fond_a idolatry_n of_o this_o world_n disobedience_n to_o parent_n and_o governor_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n must_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v only_o for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o life_n bad_a man_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o bodily_a pleasure_n which_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o the_o severe_a restraint_n of_o religion_n complain_v very_o much_o of_o this_o that_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n that_o they_o must_v spend_v this_o life_n under_o the_o awe_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o next_o that_o some_o few_o momentary_a pleasure_n must_v be_v punish_v with_o endless_a misery_n and_o that_o if_o they_o out-slip_v their_o time_n of_o repentance_n if_o they_o venture_v to_o sin_n on_o too_o long_o or_o die_v a_o little_a too_o soon_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o they_o for_o ever_o but_o let_v bad_a man_n look_v to_o this_o and_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o their_o choice_n i_o be_o sure_a how_o hard_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v eternal_o damn_v for_o the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o spend_v a_o short_a life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n may_v just_o require_v our_o service_n and_o obedience_n for_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o heaven_n be_v where_o can_v we_o do_v he_o this_o service_n but_o on_o earth_n if_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n must_v be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v if_o a_o earthly_a nature_n must_v be_v spiritualise_v and_o refine_a before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o live_v in_o heaven_n where_o can_v this_o be_v do_v but_o on_o earth_n while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o be_v encompass_v with_o sensible_a object_n this_o be_v the_o time_n for_o a_o divine_a soul_n which_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n to_o raise_v itself_o above_o the_o body_n to_o conquer_v this_o present_a world_n by_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n to_o awaken_v and_o exercise_v its_o spiritual_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o adorn_v itself_o with_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_v carry_v we_o up_o thither_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n between_o live_v in_o this_o body_n and_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o spirit_n happy_a when_o it_o go_v out_o of_o this_o body_n must_v be_v form_v and_o exercise_v while_o it_o be_v in_o it_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v two_o extreme_n and_o opposite_a state_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a immediate_o to_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o tother_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v whole_o sensualize_v by_o live_v in_o the_o body_n if_o it_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o body_n without_o any_o change_n can_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n for_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o life_n must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n such_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o both_o world_n he_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o world_n by_o his_o body_n which_o be_v make_v of_o earth_n and_o feel_v the_o impression_n of_o sensible_a object_n but_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o heaven_n by_o faith_n he_o contemplate_v those_o invisible_a glory_n and_o feel_v and_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o he_o who_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n while_o he_o live_v in_o this_o body_n be_v ready_o prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o ascend_v thither_o when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o it_o he_o pass_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n through_o the_o middle_a region_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a life_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o good_a government_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n shall_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o life_n this_o in_o many_o case_n lay_v restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n when_o the_o rod_n and_o axe_n of_o prince_n can_v reach_v they_o it_o over-awes_a they_o with_o invisible_a terror_n and_o make_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n it_o be_v own_o judge_n and_o tormenter_n it_o sower_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n stuff_v the_o adulterer_n pillow_n with_o thorn_n and_o mingle_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n with_o the_o drunkard_n cup_n it_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v under_o no_o other_o government_n who_o boundless_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n give_v they_o opportunity_n of_o do_v what_o mischief_n they_o please_v and_o give_v they_o impunity_n in_o do_v it_o but_o the_o most_o lawless_a tyrant_n who_o fear_v no_o other_o power_n yet_o feel_v the_o invisible_a restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o those_o secret_a and_o severe_a rebuke_n which_o make_v they_o tremble_v nay_o many_o time_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o world_n govern_v those_o who_o no_o present_a evil_n or_o punishment_n can_v govern_v man_n who_o will_v venture_v whatever_o they_o can_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n by_o their_o sin_n be_v yet_o afraid_a of_o hell_n and_o dare_v not_o venture_v that_o those_o who_o will_v venture_v be_v sick_a after_o a_o debauch_n who_o will_v venture_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o body_n their_o estate_n their_o reputation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n who_o be_v content_v to_o take_v their_o fortune_n at_o the_o gallow_n or_o at_o the_o whipping-post_n yet_o dare_v not_o venture_v lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o much_o be_v it_o for_o the_o present_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o humane_a law_n command_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o no_o humane_a law_n will_v punish_v as_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o love_n of_o enemy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o such_o a_o universal_a charity_n as_o do_v all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v to_o all_o men._n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o virtue_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n or_o that_o no_o humane_a law_n require_v the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o such_o noble_a measure_n and_o degree_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n allow_v scope_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o revengful_a man_n who_o will_v use_v all_o the_o extremity_n and_o all_o the_o vexatious_a art_n of_o prosecution_n unless_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v his_o revenge_n but_o blood_n and_o a_o speedy_a execution_n for_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o punish_v those_o injury_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o forgive_v and_o then_o some_o man_n may_v be_v undo_v by_o legal_a revenge_n and_o other_o damn_v for_o take_v it_o if_o no_o man_n shall_v do_v any_o good_a office_n for_o other_o but_o what_o the_o law_n command_v there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a good_a do_v in_o the_o world_n for_o law_n be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n but_o the_o act_n of_o a_o generous_a and_o bountiful_a charity_n be_v free_a and_o man_n may_v be_v as_o charitable_a as_o the_o law_n require_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o divine_a charity_n which_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o
to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n but_o thus_o much_o i_o will_v say_v and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v about_o it_o that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o have_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o to_o persevere_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n that_o many_o who_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o have_v think_v themselves_o and_o have_v be_v think_v by_o other_o to_o be_v true_o good_a man_n have_v afterward_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o impure_a lust_n of_o it_o that_o if_o such_o man_n ever_o be_v good_a man_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o fall_v from_o grace_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o path_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o those_o who_o do_v thus_o fall_v away_o who_o after_o promise_a beginning_n do_v all_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o such_o a_o state_n shall_v never_o enter_v into_o heaven_n we_o shall_v receive_v our_o final_a doom_n and_o sentence_n according_a to_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o death_n find_v we_o what_o be_v say_v upon_o another_o account_n that_o we_o must_v call_v no_o man_n happy_a before_o death_n be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n be_v a_o conqueror_n but_o he_o who_o die_v so_o those_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o who_o confident_o pretend_v to_o be_v still_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n because_o former_o they_o be_v good_a man_n though_o now_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o bad_a this_o be_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n without_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n which_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o will_v miserable_o deceive_v those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o better_a foundation_n for_o their_o hope_n 3._o we_o hence_o learn_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o die_v in_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n such_o man_n go_v into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o go_v to_o judgement_n with_o actual_a guilt_n upon_o they_o they_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o they_o can_v not_o repent_v of_o they_o before_o they_o die_v because_o they_o die_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o no_o pardon_n in_o the_o next_o world._n this_o have_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v the_o miserable_a and_o i_o fear_v the_o hopeless_a state_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sinner_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o not_o only_o drink_v themselves_o into_o a_o fever_n which_o take_v some_o time_n to_o kill_v they_o and_o give_v they_o some_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o ask_v god_n pardon_n but_o drink_v themselves_o dead_a or_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o as_o to_o this_o case_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o then_o fall_v from_o their_o horse_n or_o down_o a_o precipiece_n and_o perish_v by_o some_o evil_a accident_n or_o when_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o wine_n forget_v their_o old_a friendship_n and_o fall_v by_o each_o other_o hand_n how_o many_o other_o have_v perish_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o adultery_n or_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o quarrel_v for_o a_o strumpet_n in_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o lust_n how_o many_o die_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o theft_n and_o robbery_n all_o such_o man_n receive_v the_o present_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n and_o carry_v the_o unrepented_a guilt_n of_o they_o into_o the_o next_o and_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v who_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n such_o man_n condition_n be_v desperate_a and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o a_o wilful_a sin_n he_o may_v die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o it_o and_o then_o his_o repentance_n will_v come_v too_o late_o in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o so_o often_o happen_v that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o it_o but_o there_o be_v two_o sin_n especial_o which_o this_o consideration_n shall_v deter_v man_n from_o viz._n duel_v and_o self-murder_n when_o man_n have_v such_o a_o resentment_n of_o affront_v and_o injury_n as_o to_o revenge_v themselves_o with_o their_o sword_n and_o either_o to_o thirst_v after_o each_o other_o blood_n or_o at_o least_o to_o stake_v their_o life_n and_o to_o venture_v kill_v or_o be_v kill_v to_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n these_o man_n have_v the_o heart_n of_o murderer_n who_o will_v kill_v if_o they_o can_v or_o at_o least_o will_v venture_v kill_v their_o brother_n to_o appease_v their_o resentment_n or_o revenge_n which_o be_v a_o mortal_a and_o a_o murder_a revenge_n whether_o it_o murder_v or_o not_o and_o therefore_o if_o such_o man_n fall_v in_o the_o quarrel_n as_o many_o do_v without_o time_n to_o ask_v god_n pardon_n with_o their_o last_o breath_n they_o die_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o murder_n unrepented_a of_o though_o they_o do_v not_o kill_v but_o be_v kill_v yet_o they_o die_v with_o murderous_a intention_n with_o a_o mortal_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n for_o they_o will_v have_v kill_v if_o they_o can_v and_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 3._o 15._o so_o that_o these_o dueller_n do_v not_o only_o venture_v their_o life_n but_o their_o soul_n too_o if_o they_o fall_v in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o they_o value_v their_o life_n it_o be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o to_o pawn_v their_o soul_n upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n as_o for_o self-murder_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o commit_v it_o can_v repent_v of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o sin_n in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v not_o repent_v of_o in_o this_o and_o yet_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o murder_v ourselves_o as_o to_o murder_v our_o brother_n i_o can_v imagine_v for_o it_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o much_o murder_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o kill_v another_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o reason_n against_o murder_n be_v the_o same_o for_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n make_v he_o man_n 9_o gen._n 6_o and_o he_o who_o kill_v himself_o destroy_v god_n image_n as_o much_o as_o he_o who_o kill_v another_o man._n the_o more_o unnatural_a the_o sin_n be_v or_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o the_o person_n who_o we_o kill_v the_o great_a the_o sin_n be_v to_o murder_v a_o kind_a friend_n and_o a_o benefactor_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o to_o murder_v a_o stranger_n to_o murder_v a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n a_o wife_n or_o a_o husband_n be_v still_o a_o great_a evil_n because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o near_a ourself_n and_o if_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o relation_n increase_v the_o sin_n no_o body_n be_v so_o near_o to_o we_o as_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o this_o the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o self-murder_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o murder_n of_o any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o friend_n who_o we_o love_v like_o ourselves_o labour_v under_o intolerable_a pain_n or_o insupportable_a misfortune_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n though_o he_o shall_v importune_v and_o beseech_v we_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o suffering_n by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o miserable_a life_n though_o out_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o compassion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o kill_v he_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v allow_v this_o and_o yet_o if_o self-love_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o other_o man_n and_o will_v justify_v self-murder_n when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n when_o we_o either_o despise_v the_o world_n or_o think_v it_o best_o to_o make_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o it_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o we_o may_v not_o do_v the_o same_o kindness_n for_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o brother_n when_o he_o desire_v it_o as_o we_o may_v do_v for_o ourselves_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o justify_v both_o it_o can_v justify_v
die_a be_v to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o death_n do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o that_o our_o soul_n shall_v survive_v in_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n when_o our_o body_n shall_v rot_v in_o their_o grave_n and_o that_o these_o mortal_a body_n themselves_o shall_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trump_n rise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n immortal_a and_o glorious_a a_o man_n who_o believe_v and_o expect_v this_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n nay_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n not_o to_o fear_v death_n and_o that_o will_v reconcile_v he_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o though_o he_o tremble_v a_o little_a under_o the_o weakness_n and_o aversion_n of_o nature_n ii_o beside_o the_o natural_a aversion_n to_o death_n most_o man_n have_v contract_v a_o great_a fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o this_o world_n and_o that_o make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v it_o whatever_o glorious_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o another_o world_n they_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o and_o they_o like_v it_o so_o well_o that_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o mend_v themselves_o but_o if_o they_o be_v at_o their_o choice_n will_v stay_v where_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v a_o double_a death_n to_o they_o to_o be_v snatch_v away_o from_o their_o admire_a enjoyment_n and_o to_o leave_v whatever_o they_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o behind_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o these_o man_n to_o cure_v their_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o only_o to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o more_o dazzle_a glory_n of_o the_o next_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o this_o remedy_n must_v be_v different_o apply_v some_o man_n be_v whole_o sink_v into_o flesh_n and_o sense_n and_o have_v no_o taste_n at_o all_o of_o rational_a and_o manly_a pleasure_n much_o less_o of_o those_o which_o be_v pure_o intellectual_a and_o divine_a they_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n lay_v no_o restraint_n on_o their_o brutish_a appetite_n the_o world_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o dote_v on_o the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o as_o the_o only_a real_a and_o substantial_a good_n now_o these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n for_o when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n they_o will_v find_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o world_n in_o the_o next_o and_o thus_o their_o happiness_n and_o their_o life_n must_v end_v together_o it_o be_v fit_v they_o shall_v fear_v death_n for_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v not_o cure_v their_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n nothing_o else_o can_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o next_o world_n be_v a_o happy_a place_n than_o this_o but_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o set_v before_o they_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o next_o world_n those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n to_o ask_v they_o our_o saviour_n question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n these_o man_n ought_v to_o fear_v on_o till_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n cure_v their_o vicious_a passion_n and_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n and_o then_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v by_o degree_n cure_v itself_o other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v a_o true_a reverence_n for_o god_n and_o govern_v their_o inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o law_n they_o will_v not_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o injustice_n oppression_n or_o perjury_n they_o will_v not_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o purchase_v the_o honour_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v this_o world_n very_o well_o and_o be_v extreme_o delight_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o they_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n or_o a_o thrive_a trade_n or_o the_o favour_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o think_v this_o world_n a_o very_a pleasant_a place_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o now_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o man_n love_n of_o this_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o immoral_a and_o irregular_a passion_n they_o will_v be_v more_o afraid_a and_o more_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v it_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o earthly_a felicity_n it_o be_v difficult_a for_o very_o good_a man_n to_o have_v such_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o next_o world_n as_o to_o make_v they_o willing_a and_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o they_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o they_o be_v not_o overhasty_a in_o their_o desire_n they_o can_v be_v better_o please_v if_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o stay_v here_o a_o little_a long_o and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o a_o go_v be_v apt_a to_o cast_v back_o their_o eye_n upon_o this_o world_n as_o those_o who_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v this_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o exercise_v even_o good_a man_n with_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o wean_v they_o from_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o scene_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o raise_v their_o heart_n to_o heaven_n where_o true_a and_o unmixed_a happiness_n dwell_v the_o only_a way_n then_o to_o cure_v this_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v to_o mortify_v all_o remains_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n for_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o it_o to_o use_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o with_o great_a indifferency_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n to_o praise_v and_o adore_v the_o great_a maker_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n to_o mingle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n and_o possess_v our_o very_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n with_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o see_v god_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n of_o dwell_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n of_o converse_v with_o saint_n and_o angel_n this_o be_v to_o live_v like_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o like_a citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n for_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o traveller_n to_o leave_v a_o foreign_a country_n to_o return_v home_o this_o be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n it_o be_v our_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n it_o be_v our_o die_v to_o this_o world_n and_o live_v to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n the_o fear_n of_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o world_n be_v over_o for_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o world_n who_o be_v dead_a to_o it_o when_o we_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o here_o we_o live_v to_o god_n only_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a place_n for_o this_o divine_a life_n where_o god_n dwell_v so_o that_o in_o short_a a_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v our_o victory_n over_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v our_o victory_n over_o death_n too_o it_o disarm_v it_o of_o all_o its_o fear_n and_o terror_n it_o raise_v our_o heart_n so_o much_o above_o this_o world_n that_o we_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o body_n which_o keep_v we_o here_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o grave_a in_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n iii_o the_o most_o torment_a fear_n of_o death_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n which_o indeed_o be_v rather_o a_o fear_n of_o judgement_n than_o of_o death_n or_o a_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o it_o send_v we_o to_o judgement_n and_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o case_n be_v very_o different_a 1._o those_o who_o be_v very_o good_a man_n who_o have_v make_v it_o the_o care_n of_o their_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n 2._o those_o who_o have_v
live_v very_o ungodly_a life_n and_o be_v now_o awaken_v by_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n to_o see_v a_o angry_a and_o provoke_v judge_n a_o injure_a saviour_n a_o righteous_a tribunal_n and_o think_v they_o hear_v that_o fatal_a doom_n and_o sentence_n pronounce_v on_o they_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n 3._o those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o fear_v the_o worst_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n they_o have_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n christ_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o all_o their_o fear_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o intercession_n for_o they_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o best_a man_n dare_v not_o stand_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a and_o impartial_a justice_n they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o so_o many_o sin_n or_o such_o great_a imperfection_n and_o defect_n that_o their_o only_a hope_n be_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n they_o can_v triumph_v over_o death_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v 57_o to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o destroy_v sin_n and_o pluck_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o triumph_v over_o death_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o raise_v all_o his_o true_a disciple_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o 25._o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v they_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n without_o terror_n where_o they_o see_v not_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_z a_o throne_n of_o grace_n where_o they_o see_v a_o father_n not_o a_o judge_n a_o saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n what_o a_o bless_a calm_a and_o serenity_n possess_v their_o soul_n nay_o what_o joy_n and_o triumph_n transport_v they_o how_o do_v their_o soul_n magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o spirit_n rejoice_v in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o they_o see_v he_o ready_a to_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v and_o to_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n who_o will_v not_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o desire_v that_o his_o latter_a end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o his_o latter_a end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o that_o in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o the_o grave_a no_o disturb_a thought_n may_v discompose_v he_o no_o guilty_a fear_n distract_v he_o but_o he_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o joyful_a presage_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o peace_n 2._o as_o for_o wicked_a man_n who_o never_o concern_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o another_o world_n while_o they_o be_v in_o health_n many_o time_n a_o dangerous_a sickness_n which_o give_v they_o a_o near_a view_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n awaken_v their_o conscience_n and_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o unsupportable_a terror_n of_o future_a vengeance_n then_o they_o begin_v to_o lament_v their_o ill-spent_a life_n to_o tremble_v before_o that_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n who_o they_o have_v provoke_v by_o repeat_v villainy_n who_o be_v they_o former_o deny_v or_o who_o power_n and_o justice_n they_o desy_v now_o they_o cry_v passionate_o to_o christ_n for_o mercy_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o saviour_n though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n nor_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n now_o these_o man_n be_v mighty_a earnest_n for_o comfort_n the_o minister_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o drollery_n before_o be_v send_v for_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v lull_v their_o conscience_n asleep_a and_o send_v they_o quiet_o into_o another_o world_n to_o receive_v their_o doom_n there_o now_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v to_o let_v these_o man_n know_v while_o they_o be_v well_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o be_v have_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o no_o man_n who_o know_v they_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o they_o without_o make_v a_o new_a gospel_n or_o corrupt_v the_o old_a one_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o but_o though_o we_o set_v aside_o all_o that_o and_o proceed_v upon_o the_o common_a principle_n that_o a_o true_a penitent_n whenever_o he_o sincere_o repent_v tho'_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n after_o a_o long_a life_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n yet_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v shall_v have_v any_o comfort_n without_o a_o vain_a and_o enthusiastic_a presumption_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o for_o himself_o or_o other_o to_o judge_v whether_o his_o repentance_n be_v true_a and_o sincere_a such_o a_o repentance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v long_o will_v reform_v his_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o other_o repentance_n but_o this_o can_v be_v accept_v by_o god._n now_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v this_o who_o begin_v his_o repentance_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n he_o may_v feel_v indeed_o the_o bitter_a pang_n and_o agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o may_v be_v sincere_o and_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o this_o every_o die_a sinner_n be_v who_o be_v sorrowful_a he_o be_v sincere_o sorrowful_a that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o sorrow_n but_o real_o feel_v it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o else_o to_o make_v sorrow_n sincere_a but_o that_o it_o be_v real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o to_o be_v sincere_o sorrowful_a be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o whoever_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v shall_v be_v save_v then_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v damn_v who_o do_v not_o die_v a_o atheist_n or_o stupid_a and_o distract_a or_o sudden_o without_o any_o warning_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o sinner_n who_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n and_o believe_v that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n not_o to_o feel_v a_o amaze_a remorse_n and_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o just_o a_o fall_n into_o hell._n a_o die_a sorrow_n then_o though_o it_o may_v be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o such_o a_o sorrow_n be_v not_o real_a and_o sincere_a be_v not_o save_v repentance_n and_o therefore_o though_o sinner_n may_v feel_v themselves_o very_o hearty_o sorrowful_a this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n they_o can_v have_v of_o their_o repentance_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o rely_v on_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o sorrow_n be_v very_o sincere_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v for_o all_o true_a sorrow_n be_v sincere_a but_o sinner_n who_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v damn_v since_o than_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a evidence_n such_o man_n can_v have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o mere_a die_a sorrow_n of_o sinner_n be_v any_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o this_o or_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n it_o be_v true_a repentance_n do_v at_o least_o include_v a_o change_n of_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o a_o abhorrance_n of_o ourselves_o for_o it_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o law_n as_o
heaven_n nothing_o but_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o next_o world_n can_v enforce_v these_o duty_n on_o we_o and_o this_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o these_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o future_a reward_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o complaint_n bad_a man_n may_v make_v that_o their_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n in_o this_o world_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o mankind_n will_v have_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o complain_v if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o for_o how_o miserable_a must_v it_o have_v make_v we_o to_o have_v certain_o know_v that_o we_o must_v be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o not_o to_o have_v as_o certain_o know_v how_o to_o escape_v the_o misery_n and_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v possible_o know_v if_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o have_v be_v reserve_v for_o a_o unknown_a state_n what_o a_o terrible_a thing_n have_v it_o be_v to_o die_v can_v no_o man_n have_v be_v sure_a what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o world_n as_o no_o man_n can_v have_v be_v upon_o this_o supposal_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n know_v what_o his_o reward_n shall_v be_v when_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v do_v his_o work_n that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v till_o he_o come_v into_o the_o next_o world._n but_o now_o since_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o body_n every_o man_n certain_o know_v what_o will_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o live_v so_o as_o to_o secure_v immortal_a life_n and_o what_o a_o bless_a state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v so_o joyful_a a_o prospect_n beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o to_o put_v off_o these_o body_n with_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v this_o present_a life_n a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o but_o to_o proceed_v 2._o if_o this_o life_n only_o be_v our_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o eternity_n than_o death_n as_o it_o put_v a_o final_a period_n to_o this_o life_n so_o it_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o our_o work_n too_o our_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o time_n of_o work_v for_o another_o world_n end_v with_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v easy_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o death_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o mere_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n to_o which_o death_n translate_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o die_v while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n there_o be_v no_o redemption_n for_o we_o because_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v already_o seize_v we_o the_o sentence_n be_v already_o execute_v and_o that_o be_v too_o late_o to_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n for_o in_o this_o case_n death_n answer_v to_o our_o cast_n into_o prison_n from_o whence_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v forth_o till_o we_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n as_o our_o saviour_n represent_v it_o 5_o matt._n 25_o 26_o for_o indeed_o sin_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o if_o they_o die_v before_o they_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o they_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v into_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o such_o dead_a soul_n and_o therefore_o our_o redemption_n from_o death_n by_o christ_n be_v begin_v in_o our_o die_n to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n 6_o rom._n 4._o this_o be_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v and_o if_o we_o die_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v rise_v with_o he_o also_o into_o immortal_a life_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v be_v perfect_v in_o the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n v_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 8_o rom._n 10_o 11._o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v our_o body_n be_v mortal_a and_o must_v die_v by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n which_o god_n pronounce_v against_o adam_n when_o he_o have_v sin_v but_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n have_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n a_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o it_o live_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o death_n when_o the_o body_n die_v but_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o be_v when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v quicken_v our_o soul_n and_o raise_v they_o into_o a_o new_a life_n though_o our_o body_n must_v die_v yet_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o also_o into_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o death_n arrest_v we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n we_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v alive_a to_o god_n by_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n before_o our_o body_n die_v they_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o a_o dead_a soul_n must_v die_v with_o its_o body_n that_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o death_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o live_a soul_n survive_v the_o body_n in_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o shall_v receive_v its_o body_n again_o glorious_a and_o immortal_a at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o this_o change_n of_o state_n must_v be_v make_v while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n a_o dead_a soul_n can_v revive_v in_o the_o other_o world_n nor_o a_o live_a soul_n die_v there_o and_o therefore_o this_o life_n be_v the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n the_o next_o world_n be_v the_o place_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n st._n peter_n give_v why_o god_n be_v not_o hasty_a in_o execute_v judgement_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o we_o ward_n be_v because_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 5._o hence_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o wherefore_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o do_v always_o err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n so_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o to_o day_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o this_o life_n or_o such_o a_o fix_a and_o determine_v day_n and_o season_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v end_v long_o before_o this_o life_n the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n of_o who_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n that_o be_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n seem_v to_o incline_v it_o to_o the_o latter_a sense_n for_o this_o sentence_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n be_v pronounce_v against_o they_o long_o before_o they_o die_v for_o which_o reason_n they_o wander_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o all_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a and_o if_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o example_n than_o we_o also_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o he_o may_v pronounce_v the_o final_a sentence_n on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o heaven_n long_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n our_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v