HEAVENS IOY OR HEAVEN BEGVN VPON Earth Wherein there is discouered more plainely then euer formerly The happy and surpassing glorious estate of a Iustified Person or a Saint on Earth Also that greater happinesse at the day of Iudgement And a small tast of that greatest and most glorious Estate prepared for vs in the highest Heauens Also the Writer will bee ready to defend what is here written against all opposers whatsoeuer PHILIP 4.13 I can doe all things through Christ that strengtheneth me LONDON Printed by T. C. and B. A. for Iohn Harrison and are to be sold in Pater-Noster-Row at the signe of the Golden Anker 1616. TO THE READER BEloued Reader if thou be desirous of Nouelties here 's Newes worth thy hearing It is the Report of the Scituation the Beauty and comlinesse of a Citizen of Newe Hierusalem which I shall shewe thee the rather I doe attempt it because of the slanders that generation of Hypocrites doe cast vpon this Citie They doe tell thee faintly that here is much good to be found but when thou hearest their vncertaine relation and viewest their tottred Habite and considerest their leannes and how much they are distracted it makes thee much to question the trueth of their Report They tel thee they are inhabitants of it And if thou question further of the qualities of those Citizens Thou shalt heare them say they all are Peacemakers Ioyfull Holy Wise bold Rich and Humble people But when thou takest a viewe of their Pride seest their Pouertie perceiuest their feares obseruest their folly knowest their filthinesse considerest their heauinesse and are acquainted with their contentions This I say makes thee to question the trueth of their report Wherefore in hope of thy desire to get this Possession I was emboldened to rehearse what by experience I knowe and by diligent triall I vnderstand of that Royall Citie Thou shalt haue nothing here but wordes of trueth and sobernesse and that which thou thy selfe shall finde written in the Booke of Life And because there are many inhabitants of this City that being but newly entred are scarce acquainted with the Glory Maiestie the Content Riches Wisdome and safetie it affoords I haue desired to impart to such what they may finde if they proceede in the course they haue well begunne And I doe the rather endeuour it that as men are holpen by reading to discouer counterfaite Trauellers so men may be assisted to find out the false brags and vaine boastings these Hypocrites doe make and howbeit I knowe some of them will learne by this Booke the more craftily to deceiue and wil be able better to colour their estate to others yet knowing also that Heauen shal reueile such iniquitie and the God of vengeance will take vengeance of the abuse of such paines I commend it to the protection of that most Powerfull God and rest yet a while Faults escaped in Printing Pag. 3. marg b 4. 16. line 23. earth p. 9. f Ps 38. p. 11. m Heb. 10.18 p. 13. t 57. 19. p. 15. l. 7. an vn p. 16. a 1. 8. p. 17. l. 4. Heads p. 22. s Phil. 2.6.7.8 p. 26. l. 22. learne that p. 27. l. 1. were redeemed p. 31. l. 23. soule p. 41. l. 4. is euident p. 47. c Mat. 26. p. 48. d. Rom. 10.10 p. 50. l. 3. this caused p. 61. l. 23. blot out all p. 63. l. 4. translated p. 98. c Isa p. 90. l. 19. willing but by p. 98. l. 17. store p. 99. l. 9. As if p. 103. l. 27. forth for trouble p. 119. i Ps 16. p. 122 l. 1. them p. 127. l. 11. b Iohn 14.3 p. 154. l. 17. as blessed p. 159. l. 5. for God read good If it be not wel pointed the next Impression may helpe that There is a little Booke called Christs Kingdome discouered which is worth thy reading HEAVENS IOY OR HEAVEN BEGVNNE VPON Earth THis small Treatise of Hell being fitted for the presse it was thought fit by the learned examiner that it should not passe alone but that as much at least of Heauen should be added to it that as the reader should be driuen by Iudgements so hee might also be drawne by Mercies to turne vnto God by true vnfeigned Repentance Now therefore that what is expected may be performed here shall also be obserued the same order as neere as may be that was before obserued As first that there is a Heauen or place of Blessednesse Secondly what this Heauen is Thirdly where it is and shall be Fourthly for whom it is prepared Lastly how long it shall continue And first That there is a Heauen This albeit none can denie when they doe behold the glorious firmament so wonderfully adorned and beautified with a bright and great light for the Day a glorious though lesse light for the Night so trimmed and decked with a many of glittering Starres each differing from other in Glory this cannot but enforce all wise men to conceiue of a higher place and farre more excellent then this is yet because nothing doth so well satisfie the Conscience as the wholesome words of our Lord Iesus Christ let vs see it made euident by plaine Scriptures as where it is written That Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands but into Heauen it selfe now to appeare in the presence of God for vs. a Heb. 9.24 Also at the last day it is written that the Lord himselfe shall descend from Heauen b 1. Thes 4. Also where we reade that the Apostles looked vp stedfastly toward heauen at our Lords Ascension it is written That two men stood by them in white apparell which also saide yee men of Galilee why stand yee gazing vp into Heauen This same Iesus who is taken vp from you into Heauen shall so come in like manner as you haue seene him goe into Heauen c Act. 1.10.11 Also the Saints that are persecuted on eath are willed to Reioyce and to be exceeding glad yea to leape for Ioy because their reward is great in Heauen d Mat. 5.11.12 Luck 6.23 Againe it is written Thaâ— Ioy shall be in Heauen ouer one sinner that repenteth more then ouer ninetie and nine iust persons that neede no repentance e Luc. 15.7 Also wee reade that in the resurrection They neither marry nor are giuen in marriage but are as the Angels of God in Heauen f Mat. 22.30 And this shall suffice to proue that there is a Heauen Now to shewe what this Heauen is This is the great difficultie which doth amaze all that shall endeuour to expresse it heare they all come short this is that which is so surpassing Glorious and so Excellent as that no heart can conceiue nor tongue expresse much lesse any pen describe or set forth the wonderfull and vnsearchable excellency thereof as it is euident by that the Apostle speaking out of the Prophet of the beginnings of it euen here saith Eye hath not seene nor
and I knowe my selfe to be in Christ by that I am a newe creature And when I take a viewe of my Folly and ignorance how brutish I haue beene it doeth euen couer mee with blushing and shame and when withall I doe call to minde what aboundance of wisedome I haue obtained since Christ became my wisedome yea when I consider Gods wonderfull liberalitie in opening to me his treasury of wisedome and knowledge and bidding mee aske what I will this doeth many times amaze me and wonderfully astonish mee that so vile a person as I am should bee trusted with Treasures of such value and Pearles of such price I doe thinke thus with my selfe what am I that I should be so regarded as that my mouth should be made a Well of Life my lippes should know what is acceptable that they should feede many and that other should seeke the Lawe at my mouth That such Wisedome and Spirit should be giuen me that all mine aduersaries should not be able to gainsay or resist oh blessed be my God for euermore oh let my tongue neuer cease to sound foorth his prayses and to tell of his louing kindnesse from day to day And when I looke without me me thinkes the Communion of Saints doeth rauish me the feruent Loue which we haue amongst our selues whereas I was once a companion of Murderers such I meane as vnaduisedly would breake out into anger wrath and rage disclose secrets breake couenants carry tales to shedde blood amongst whom though I sometimes blessed my selfe yet was my condition fearefull for I could expect nothing but death euery day such was the vncertaintie of any staiednesse in their familiaritie But now I am a Companion of the Sonnes of Peace All my Familiars are Peacemakers wee are one an others Keepers Many wholesome exhortations Louing instructions and Amiable reprooffes doe passe betweene vs. Manie are the feruent Prayers we put vp one for another yea all that wee haue we account not our owne in one anothers necessitie Our Loue is not in word and in Tongue but in deed and in Truth It is continually increased and doeth daily Flourish Oh what comfort is it to meete in great Assemblies in the time of Peace to heare the Word break Bread togither and to ioyne in heartie prayers and praises to our louing Father Also I now doe plainly see that we haue more with vs then against vs For I was wont to consider of the multitude of wicked men in the world and how they bandie themselues and conspire against the Saintes but now I see their attempts are exceeding weake for wee haue our Seate on high and are compassed round with a Wall of Fyre yea the Angels of God as Chariots of Fire and Horses of Fyre doe compasse vs round continually Yea they also beholde our Fathers face in Heauen readie to execute vengeance on our aduersaryes and to beare vs in theyr hands that wee hurt not our foote against a stone Besides all this the Creatures were at enmitie with me the Sunne Moone and Starres in theyr courses the Earth would haue swallowed the Water drowned the Fire consumed me yea the Winde would haue throwne downe Trees and Houses vpon mee the very stones of the Fielde were at oddes with mee the Beasts Fowles and Creaping things at variance The Corne Wine and Oyle these did as it were disdaine or refuse to yeeld me strength whereas now on the contrarie the sweete Familiaritie which is betweene vs is exceeding great The Sunne will not hurt me by day nor the Moone by night the Heauens doe as it were smyle vpon mee the Fire warmes me the water yeelds me moysture the Earth habitation the Ayre refreshing What shall I say Mee thinkes I see the Fire comming from Heauen the Water preparing the Earth opening wide her mouth the Ayre threatning yea all the Creatures mustering themselues and in continuall readinesse to execute vengeance vpon such as shal euer dare to touch me for hurt And all these are accompanyed with aboundance of all necessaries for my selfe and my children and whereas before I was in continuall want in the midst of plenty and euer caring for more though I had enough Now haue I abundance of all thinges with gteat Contentment that hundred fold gaine by Godlinesse yea I can truely say I can be abased and I can abounde I haue learned in what estate so euer therewith to be content Yea I know that I shall neuer want any thing that is good neyther shall my children beg their bread And when to this I can adde the sure continuance of this estate and doe knowe that I shall neuer be remoued neither is my estate subiect to Change but I shall increase not decrease growe not dye goe forwards not backwards flourish decay and that I am in Christ as stable firme and vnmooueable as God is stable firme and vnmooueable this doeth so rauish me with comfort that it drawes teares from mine eyes I cannot but reioyce exceedingly And yet further when I thinke on my estate to come at that day which will be a dreadfull day to the wicked I finde that all this which I haue cald to minde is very little yea scarse a handfull of the whole sand of the Sea in comparison of that blessednesse then to bee receiued Then when our glorious Lord the Lord of Glory shall descend from Heauen with a shout with the voyce of an Arch-angell and which the Trumpe of God when hee shall come most gloriously in his owne Glory his fathers Glory and the Glory of all his holy and mightie Angels attended with tenne thousands of his Saints in flaming fire to be glorified in them When he shal sit vpon the throne of his Glory and all nations shall bee gathered before him and he shal seperate them one from another as the shepherd diuideth his sheepe from the Goates and hauing set the sheepe on his right hand then shall this King of Glory say vnto them on his right hand Come yee blessed of my Father inherite the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundations of the world Then shall I with the rest of Gods redeemed ones passe away with great triumph and in a glorious manner enter those heauenly Mansions to take possession of my euerlasting habitation There I shall see God face to face Yea I shall know him euen as I am knowen Then shall I be like him for I shall see him as he is And when this my corruptible body hath put on Incorruption and this Mortall bopy hath put on immortalitie then shal be fully and perfectly brought to passe for mee and all the elect that which before was truely beleeued That death is swallowed vp in victory And will not this bee a wonderfull and most glorious estate when I shall shine foorth as the Sunne in his greatest glitter and most glorious brightnesse when I shall bee as the Angels in Heauen alwaies beholding the face God Where I shall haue no companions but
Bodie I cannot tell God knoweth such a one caught vp into the third Heauen And I knowe such a man whether in the body or out of the body God knoweth how that hee was caught vp into Paradise l 2. Cor. 12.2.3.4 So Eliah went vp by a whirlwinde into Heauen m 2. Kings 2.11 And let vs call to minde the saying of our Lorde to Marie when she drew neer to him at his Resurrection Iesus saith vnto her Touch mee not for I am not yet ascended to my Father but goe to my Brethren and say vnto them I ascend to my Father to your Father to my God and your God n Io. 20.17 This is most plaine where the Church groanes desiring to be cloathed vpon with her house which is from Heauen o 2. Cor. 5. Also our Conuersation is in Heauen from whence we looke for the Sauiour the Lorde Iesus Christ p Phil. 3.21 And so by these Scriptures it is most manifest that the Hauen of eternall happinesse and fulnesse oâ— Ioye is not on Earth but in the glorious Heauens yea aboue the Firmament which we behold and that alâ— conceits of men of corrupt mindes that Heauen shall bee enioyed on Earth are to bee reiected as most false and Diuellish Now it followeth in order to be shewed for whom it is ordained This the Scriptures doe make manifest as it appeareth where it is written That Grace â—nd Glory is giuen to such as walke vprightly a Psal 84.11 Also the Righteous â—hall shine foorth at the sunne in the â—ingdome of their Father b Mat. 13.43 Such â—s are washed with the washing of reâ—eneration and renewed by the holy â—host c Tit. 3.5 Such as repent and beâ—eeue in Christ as it is written Reâ—ent and be conuerted that your sins â—ay be blotted out when the time of â—efreshing shall come from the preâ—ence of the Lord d Act. 3.19 Such as are Mercifull as it is written Then â—hall the King say to them on his â—ight hand come yee blessed of my Faâ—her inherit the Kingdome prepared â—or you from the foundation of the â—orld For I was an hungred and â—ee gaue me meate I was thirsty and â—ee gaue mee drinke I was a stranger and yee tooke me in naked anâ— yee clothed me I was sicke and yeâ— visited me I was in prison and yeâ— came vnto me Then shall the Righâ—â—teous answere him saying Wheâ—â— sawe wee thee a stranger and tookâ— thee in or naked and clothed thee or when saw wee thee sicke or in priâ—son and came vnto thee And thâ— King shall answere and say vntâ— them Verily I say vnto you in aâ—â—much as you haue done it to one of thâ— least of these my brethren yee hauâ— done it to me And these shall go into eternall life e Mat. 25.34.40 Vers 46. The poore of thâ— world as it is written Blessed be yeâ— poore for yours is the Kingdome oâ— God f Luc. 6.20 But more plainely Iame hath written thus Hearken my beâ—loued brethren hath not God choseâ— the poore of this world ritch in Faitâ— and heires of the Kingdome which heâ— hath promised to them that loue him g Iam. 2.5 And Paul writeth plainely of this â—n these wordes Brethren you see â—our calling how that not many wise â—en after the flesh not many mighty â—ot many noble are called But God â—ath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of â—he world to confound the things which are mightie And base things â—f the world and things which are despised hath God chosen and things which are not to bring to nought â—hings which are h 1. Cor. 1 26.2.2â— Such as are â—ated and reproched persecuâ—ed and afflicted here for these â—s euerlasting life ordained as â—t appeareth plainely where it is written Blessed are yee when men shall hate you and when they shall seperate you from their company and shall reproch you and cast out your name as euill for the Sonne of Mans sake reioyce in that day anâ— leape for Ioy for behold your rewarâ— is great in Heauen i Luc. 6.22.23 Also blesseâ— are they which are persecuted foâ— Righteousnesse sake for theirs is thâ— Kingdome of Heauen Blessed are yeâ— when men shall reuile and persecutâ— you and shall say all manner of euiâ— against you falsely for my sake saitâ— the Lord Christ reioyce and be exâ—ceeding glad for great is your rewarâ— in Heauen k Matt. 5.10.11.12 Also Iames Blesseâ— is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried hee shall receiuâ— the Crowne of Life which the Lorâ— hath promised to them that loue him l Iam. 1.12 â— And to this Peeter assenteth wheâ— he writeth thus Blessed be the Goâ— and Father of our Lord Iesus Chrisâ— which according to his abundant meâ—â—cy hath begotten vs againe to a liue hope by the resurrection of Iesus froâ— the Dead to an inheritance incorrupâ—tible and vndefiled thâ—â—â—deth not away reserued in Heauen for you wherein yee greatly reioyce Though now for a season yee are in heauinesse through manifold temptations m 1. Pet. 1.3.4.5.6 Also It is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you and to you which are troubled rest with vs n 2. Thes 2.5.7 When the Lord Iesus shall be reueiled from Heauen with his mightie Angels Thus it is plaine that Euerlasting life is prepared for the righteous or vpright the regenerate or such as haue repented and doe beleeue in Christ the mercifull the poore the foolish weake and despised the hated reproched scorned persecuted and troubled ones Such in a word as the world knoweth not but doe basely esteeme and account as the off-scouring of the earth These being rich in Faith are those thâ— shall enioy Eternall Happinesse in the Heauens Obiect But some may say you seem hereby to exclude all rich and mightie ones out of this Blessednes Answ Farre be it For then shuld be condemned the generation of the Iust and the Scriptures teach that wee pray for Kings and all that are in Authoritie o 1. Tim. 2.1 and that because God will haue all men to be saued p v. 4. That is not the whole worlde of men created as some peruert it to their own destruction but men of all Degrees Kings as well as meaner people as the Scriptures doe make it plainely to appeare and plentifully doe confirme it that fewest great and mighty ones yea very fewe of them shall be saued q Matt 19.23.24 Psal 49.12.14.19 Thus this glorious Estate of the Saintes here and hereafter beeing manifest and for whom it is prepa red wee shall see in the last place how long it shall continue This the Scriptures doe clearly shew to be for euer yea to be Euerlasting as GOD is euerlasting For so we finde That their Fulnesse of Ioy in Gods presence and the pleasures
h Is 55.12 And amongst other blessings that the Church is promised when shee shall bee glorious euen on earth this is one that they shall build houses and inhabite them and they shall plant vineyards and eate the fruite of them i Is 65.21 So spake our Lord of Zacharias This day is saluation come to this House for so much as he is also the Sonne of Abraham k Luc. 19.9 This is very manifest if wee consider the blessings and the Curses promised and denounced to and against the obedient and disobedient l Louit 26. Deut. 28. So that hence we may now truly conclude That the earnest expectation of the Creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sonnes of God For the Creature was made subiect to vanitie not willing by reason of him who hath subiected the same in hope Because the Creature it selfe also shall be deliuered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious Libertie of the Children of God For we knowe that the whole Creation groaneth and trauaileth in paine togither vntill now m Rom. 8.19 20.21.22 And it is euident that the creatures are freed from bondage when Gods children are made manifest to bee such as it is plaine by this one Scripture if there were no more A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruell n Pro. 12.10 But all this being but a passage to this Loue of the Creatures to vs when we are once reconciled to God and the restitution of them to their former libertie we will come yet to that which shall manifestly discouer this as where it is written That the man whom God chasteneth whom he maketh sore and bindeth vp whom he woundeth and his hands make whole Such an one shall be deliuered in six troubles and in seuen none euill shall touch him He shall not bee affraid of the Beastes of the Earth for hee shall bee in league with the stones of the Field and the beastes of the Field shall be at Peace with him o Iob. 5.17.23 Also where God speakes of reconciling a people to himselfe wee haue the same thing set forth thus That Day I will make a couenant for them with the Beastes of the Field and with the foules of Heauen and with the creeping thinges of the ground and I will breake the Bowe and the Sword and the Battell out of the Earth and I will make them to lye downe safely And I will betroth thee vnto me for euer Yea I will betroth thee vnto me in Righteousnes and in Iudgement in louing kindnesse and in mercies I will euen betroth thee vnto me in Faithfulnesse and thou shalt knowe the Lord. And it shall come to passe in that Day I will heare saith the Lord I will heare the Heauens and they shall heare the Earth And the Earth shall heare the Corne and the Wine and the Oyle and they shall heare Iezreel p Hos 2.18.22 Also wee haue the expresse promise of God where it is written Thus saith the Lord that created thee ô Iacob and hee that formed thee ô Israel feare not for I haue redeemed thee I haue called thee by thy name thou art mine when thou passest through the waters I wil be with thee and through the riuers they shall not ouerflowe thee when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle vpon thee For I am the Lord thy God the holy one of Israel thy Sauior a Is 43.1.2.3 Also behold I haue created the smith that bloweth the coales in the fire and that bringeth foorth an instrument for his worke and I haue created the water to destroy No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and euery tongue that shal rise against thee in Iudgment thou shalt condemne b Is 54.16 Of this league betweene Gods reconciled children and the Creatures there are many examples found in Scriptures yea such as God hath but respected outwardly haue receiued this priuiledge As of the readinesse to fight for Gods children and take part with such as God hath fauoured as the readinesse of the sea and the wind to make way for the children of Israel to passe thorow as on dry land c Ex. 14.21 And of the earth how ready was it to open her mouth d Num. 16.32.33 and to swallow vp Corah Dathan and Abiram and all their rebellious company who were Moses aduersaries Also how ready was the fire to consume 250. more of that proude Conspiracy e ver 35. How ready was the Sunne and Moone to stay their course till Ioshua and the people of Israel had auenged themselues on their enemies f Ios 10.13 Also that glorious Song of Deborah They fought from Heauen the Starres in their courses fought against Sisera g Iudge 5.20 How readily did the Rauens bring fleshe and bread morning and euening to refresh Elijah h 1. King 17.6 How readily came those Beares to teare the children that mocked Elisha i 2. King 2.24 Also how readily did that fire descend from Heauen to consume those two proude Captaines and their fifties k 2. King 1.10.12 How readily did the fire drowne those valiant men that vndertooke the casting of the three Children into the firie fornace l Dan. 3.22 Also how speedily did those Lions euen breake all the bones in peeces of Daniels enemies ere they came at the ground On the contrary we see their vnwillingnes to touch Daniell for hurt m Dan. 6.22.25 And of the three children Shadrach Meshach and Abednego That freedom from the fire is wonderfull of whom wee reade That when they came forth out of the midst of the fire And the Princess Gouernour Captaines and the Kings Counsellours being gathered together saw them vpon whose bodies the fire had no Power nor was an haire of their head sindged neither were their coates changed nor the smell of fire had passed on them n Dan. 3.26 27. And of Daniel it is recorded That where he was taken out of the Lions denne no manner of hurt was found vpon him because he beleeued in his God o Dan. 6.23 And thus you haue the Loue of the creatures and the certainty of their reconciliation â—o the Children of God when â—â—nce they themselues are reconciâ—ed For if they haue beene so orâ—ered before their reconciliation â—hat they haue not touched them â—or hurt but haue fought for them â—ow much more when they are reâ—onciled and made manifest inâ—eed to be the Sons and Daughâ—ers of the Lord Almightie And â—urely this is no small outward beâ—efit neither is it slightly to be pasâ—ed ouer as many vse but seriously â—o be weighed and considered of â—hat the praise of that may be renâ—red vnto the giuer thereof as wel â—s for the rest Another outward Benefit which â—uch enioy is the Aboundance of â—ll good things for the body
shall dwell on high his place of defence shall bee the Munitions of Rockes o Is 33.15.16 Thus by these it appeareth plainly that the children of God are so safe and firme and their estate is so stable and vnmoueable as that they cannot fall no not so much as be shaken for they are built vpon the Rocke Christ euen the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles And the gates of hell shall neuer preuaile against it So that our condition is not fickle subiect to change or vncertaintie but we are confident that hee that hath begunne a good worke wil finish it p Phil. 1.6 Wheresoeuer hee beginnes it to the day of the Lord Iesus Christ And our Lord saith My sheepe heare my voyce and I know them and they followe mee And I giue vnto them eternall life and they shall neuer perish neither shall any man plucke them out of my hand My Father which gaue them me is greater then all and no man is able to plucke them out of my Fathers hands I and my Father are one q Io. 11.27.28.29.30 But some obiect that men may tast the heauenly gift Ob. be pertakers of the holy Ghost taste the good word of God and the powers of the world to come yea bee so enlightened that they receiue the knowledge of the Trueth and bee sanctified by the blood of the Couenant and yet after all this fall away and become aduersaries a Heb. 6.4.5.6 Heb. 10.26.26.28.29 Yea turne from the holy Commaundement b 2. Pet. 2.20.21 I answere these are saide to receiue the knowledge of the trueth and afterwards to fall away and to turne from the holy Commaundements are such as are lifted vp with Capernaū with a seeming blessednesse c Mat. 11 2◠They onely thinke they stand d 1. Cor. 10.12 the vncleane spirit is cast out but they remaine emptie swept and garnished e Mat. 12.43.44.45 they haue escaped some corruptions in the world and cast vp their vomit like the dogge but with a purpose to resume it againe f 2. Pet. 2.22 And so their sanctification by the blood of the Couenant is onely seeming sanctification They haue no such thing as it is euident where it is written Whosoeuer hath to him shall be giuen and from him that hath not shall be taken away euen that which he seemeth to haue g Luke 8.18 Mat. 13.12 the 25.29 So that it is euident that whatsoeuer in this kind may bee had and lost was neuer truely hadde but onely in seeming Thus we haue now seene the excellent estate of Gods children vpon earth after Iustification by these inward and outward benefits which haue bene named This passing Peace and glorious Ioy this feruent Loue and stedfast Hope this vndanted Boldnesse and freedome from reigning sinne this deepe and vnsearchable Wisedome this happy fellowship with the Saints in light this powerfull host of Angels this perfect League with all the Creatures this Abundance of all good things for them and their children this certain Assurance of al such blessednes for euer Adde to these those gratious promises which are also enioyed euen on earth and more clearely seene in the life to come That such shall eate of the tree of life which is in the middest of the Paradise of God They shall not be hurt of the second death They shall eat of the hidden Manna and shall receiue a white Stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it They shall haue power ouer the nations And shal rule them with a Rod of Iron as the vessels of a Potter shall they be broken to shiuers Euen as Christ receiued of his Father they shall receiue the morning starre They shall bee clothed in white raiment their names shall not be blotted out of the booke of life but shall be confessed by their Lord before his Father and before his Angels They shall bee Pillers in the temple of God and shall go no more out They shal haue the name of God written vpon them and the name of the Cittie of God new Ierusalem which commeth downe out of heauen from God euen Christs new name Yea such as ouercome shall sit with Christ in his Throne h Reuel 2 7.11.17.26.27.28 Reuel 3.5.12.21 And all these are yet but small tastes and very little beginnings of that infinite blessednesse which is prepared for the Saints hereafter Yea albeit if these duely weighed they be exceeding great yet by comparison as earst before so say I now againe They are but as a very small drop of a whole riuer a handfull of sand that is on the sea shore the dust of the ballance or a small point of the compasse of Heauen if wee respect that inconceiuable glorious condition that abideth for them in Heauen This may appeare somthing plainly vnto vs if wee take a view of the Scriptures which doe concerne that Estate which are these In Gods presence there is fulnesse of Ioy and at his right hand pleasures for euermore i ps 11.11 Euerlasting life k Ma. 19.29 They shall be as the Angels in heauen l Mat. 22.38 They shall haue a great reward in heauen m Mat. 5.12 They shall shine foorth as the Sunne in the kingdome of their Father n Mat. 13.43 They shall behold Christs glory o Io. 1.24 They shall haue eternall life p Rom. 2.7 An exceeding q 2. Cor. 4.17 and eternall waight of glory q 2. Cor. 4 17. Their vile bodies shall be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie r Phil. 3.21 1. Thes 4.17 They shall bee euer with the Lord s 1. Cor. 9.27 They shall haue an incorruptible Crownes A Crowne of Righteousnesse t 2. Tim. 4.8 An inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled that fadeth not away is reserued in heauen for them v 1. pet 1.4 They shall haue the Crowne of life u Iam. 1.12 When he shall appeare they shall be like him for they shall see him as he is w 1. Io. 3.2 They shall haue heauenly bodies yea incorruptible glorious powerfull and spirituall for they shall beare the Image of the Lord of heauen y Adde to all this that they shall inherite the kingdome prepared for them from the foundation of the worlda And is not this wonderfull blessednesse which is reserued to be reueiled in the last times b What should be more said to expresse it and wee are plainely taught that it doeth not yet appeare what wee shall bee c 1. Io. 3.2 Yet by these Scriptures we may take a view a farre off and see as in a glasse darkely the infinit glory and most happie condition which shall then bee enioyed by these we may know in part the excellency of our condition then how vile and base soeuer it is esteemed in this Life As to liue euerlastingly in such a Paradise of Pleasures to be at
Gods right hand to enioy his presence and in his presence perfect Ioy. It is a great priuiledge to stand before an earthly Prince and to solace our selues familiarly with the Kings of this world Oh what then wil the estate be to such as shall stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords nay which is more shall be feasted by him yea and he himselfe shall gird himselfe and serue thee d Luc. 12.37 Oh happie are the people that bee in such a case yea blessed are the people whose God is the Lord Iehouah Could the Queene of Sheba say to Salomon happy are thy men and happy are these thy seruants which stand before thee continually and heare thy wisedome e 2. Chron. 9.7 What shall we say that doe not onely heare a report of such a glorious King and such happy seruants nay more such a louing Father and such blessed children but we know it to be trueth yea the one halfe of it nay the least iot of it not one part of many 100000. can possibly be discouered Is it a small thing said Dauid to be a kings son in law is it a smalthing may it be truly said to be as the Angels in Heauen to receiue that infinite reward to shine as the Sunne in Gods Kingdome eternally were Salomons seruants happy that heard his Wisedome and sawe his Glory and shall not those be happy that shal behold the glory and maiestie of Christ and that eternally yea enioy themselues an exceeding waight of Glory when they shall bee fashioned like vnto Christ Iesus himselfe and beare his image hauing Spirituall powerfull Glorious Incorruptible and Heauenly Bodies crowned as Kings and possessing a perpetuall Kingdome prepared from eternitie for them to inherite yea me thinkes I clearely see as great a difference betweene the best estate of the most happy man vpon earth and this estate in Heauen reserued for the Saints as there is between Similitude a man alone in the middest of a mightie storme beaten vpon with tempestuous winds in a very darke night farre from any succour terrified with terrible thunderings and scorching flashes of fearefull lightnings yea compassed round with Diuels And another man in the middest of a strong Citie in a faire house with great lighes in a bright day well attended on by comely waiters in the company of his beloued friends at a royall table well furnished with all sortes of dainties hauing a most melodious Harmony of the best Musicke being in perfect health of body and of a sound minde Here is great difference betweene these two conditions yet is the estate of men on earth and the Saints in heauen farre more different yea the estate of Gods own deare ones is so different here and hereafter that when they haue gotten all the priuiledges before mentioned Similitude yet they differ farre more then a child in his mothers wombe yet vnborne and a man in his perfect age and full strength yet great is the difference betweene these if we consider the weakenesse of the one the strength of the other the ignorance of the one and the knowledge of the other the darkenesse with which the one is compassed and enclosed and the light with which the other is comforted the solitarinesse of the one and the multitudes of companies the other enioyeth Oh blessed estate happy life glorious condition for which we waite It is no wonder then that the Saints groane for it and wonderfully desire it f 2. Cor. 5.1.2 Rom. 8.23 Yea hereby we see that all the hardnesse they endure the tribulation they goe through the afflictions and persecutions and fiery trials they passe the shame and torment they suffer all the distresses necessities stripes imprisonments tumults labours watchings fastings may be termed iustly light and momentany in comparison of this exceeding and eternall waight of Glory which Gods children shall obtaine To conclude let vs with all sobrietie praise God that such an estate is prepared for vs and not prie too farre what estate it is or shall bee For secrete things belong to the Lord our God but those things which are reueiled to vs and to our children for euer a Deut. 29.29 Now followeth to bee shewed where these Pleasures and this fulnesse of Ioy with al that hath beene mentioned and more then can possibly bee expressed where or in what place this shall bee enioyed This is very euident by the Scriptures that it shall bee aboue the Heauens which our eyes doe behold and not vpon Earth as some doe dreame and that it shall be aboue let vs consider these Scriptures which as so many witnesses doe all testifie this Trueth That whereas our Lord saide to his Disciples I goe to prepare a place for you and if I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you to my selfe that where I am there ye may be also b 1. Iob. 14.3 Also this is witnessed by our Lords glorious Ascension where it is written After the Lord hadde spoken vnto them hee was receiued vp into Heauen and sate at the right hand of God c Mar 16.19 Also it came to passe while he blessed them hee was parted from them and carried vp into Heauen d Luc 24.51 Adde to this That when many were gathered togither while they beheld he was taken vp and a cloude receiued him out of their sight e Act 1.9 Also it is written That the heauens must receiue Christ vntil the time of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Prophets since the world began f Act. 3.20.21 Also Stephens glorious vision when being ful of the holy Ghost he looked vp into heauen and saw the glory of God and Iesus standing at the right hand of God And he said behold I see the heauens opened and the sonne of man standing at the right hand of God g Act. 7.55.56 By these Scriptures and many more it is euident that our Lord ascended vp from earth to heauen And hee hath said that where he is wee shall also bee as it appeareth where it is written that he saith Father I will that they also whō thou hast giuen me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory which thou hast giuen me h Io. 17.24 Also The dead in Christ shall arise first then wee also which are aliue and remaine shall be caught vp togither with them into the clowds to meet the Lord in the Aire so we shal be euer with the Lord. i 1. Thess 4.17 Also our Lord said vnto the thiefe on the Crosse To day thou shalt be with me in Paradise k Lu 23.43 This Paradise Paule speaketh of tearmeth it also the Third Heauen or place of Blessednes as it is writtē where he saith I know a man in Christ about fourteen yeares ago whether in the Body I cannot tell or whether out of the
at his right hand are for euermore a psal 16.11 Also the Righteous is an euerlasting Foundation b pro. 10.25 And our Lord himselfe saith that such as followe him in the Regeneration and euery one that forsaketh ought for his Names sake shall receyue in this present an hundred folde more with persecutions and shall inherite Euerlasting life c Mat 19.29 Also hee saith againe That at the last day b Luc 18.30 the Righteous shall goe away into eternall life d Matt. 25.46 Also whosoeuer belieueth in Christ shall haue euerlasting life e Io 3.15.16.36 Also the Apostle telles vs That our light afflictions which are but for a moment work for vs a farre more exceeding eternal wait of Glorie f 2. Cor. 4.17.18 Also the same Apo saith We shal be euer with the Lord. g 1. Thess 4.17 Therfore it is termed an incoorruptible crowne h 1 Cor. 9.25 And an InheritaÌ„ce that fadeth not i 1 Pet. 1.4 Also a Crowne of Life k Iam. 1.12 By all these and many more it appeareth euidently that the Blessed and most happie condition of the Saints is eternall or euerlasting Incorruptible it neuer fadeth but abideth for euermore Yea it may bee saide of this for the vnspeakeable comfort of all the Godly the poore hated despised scorned reproched and persecuted members of Christ Iesus that their momentaâ—y or light afflictions shall be recompenced with long and exceeding lardge continuance of happinesse in the Heauens yea their happinesse and Comfort there shall haue no end But when so many thousand yeeres are passed and gone away as there are Starres in the Firmament droppes of water in the Sea sands on the Sea shore grasses on the earth Leaues in Sommer haâ—â—es on the Bodies of liuing Creatures yea when an hundred thousand times so many shall bee passed away and gone ouer yet the ende of the wonderfull Ioyes and the Pleasures which the Righteous shall possesse is as farre as it was at the beginning Is it euen so that there is a Heauen that is of old prepared for the godly and is it so lasting and perpetuall is the blessednesse so exceeding great shall this excellent and most glorious estate be enioyed for euermore Then may Gods adopted sonnes and his deare children yea euery redeemed one may thus solace and comfort himselfe Happy day blessed houre yea thrice happie time that euer I was borne blessed bee the God that created mee the parents that brought me vp the earth that hath borne me the other creatures with which I haue beene nourished to this ende But a thousand times more blessed those times that mine eyes were opened mine heart turned and my sinnes pardoned What thankes shall I returne to the Lord for such mercy such vnspeakeable louing kindnesse Alasse in what case are my poore brethren and sisters which were created in the same Image but either liue in such Countries where they vtterly are depriued of all such meanes of Saluation as I haue had or else liuing in this land where it is doe vtterly neglect or wilfully reiect it oh that they did but knowe what Peace I feele what rest I haue obtained wheras they cannot deny but they are tossed vp and down as a shippe with waues in a terrible storme yea they knowe not where to rest them so that they are at their wits ende not knowing what to doe or which way to turne them Oh that they would hearken and heare that they might take the same course which I haue taken to obtaine this sweete Peace and blessed Rest Neither haue I onely such Rest and Peace but also my Ioy is vnspeakeable and glorious I haue formerly walked in seeming good wayes and haue kindled fires and compassed my selfe with sparkes but euen in laughing my heart was sorrowfull and the ende of that mirth was heauinesse But since I haue receiued the assurance of the Loue of God in Christ I haue beene so comforted for the most part that I haue beene constrained to breake foorth into singing yea the high prayses of God haue bin in my Mouth and I haue sung a loud vpon my bed yea night and day I haue had Melody in my Heart and albeit this hath sometimes beene lesse then at other times yet when I haue searcht my selfe duely and found out the cause and haue sought it againe diligently by fasting watching and prayer it hath returned with great aduantage And besides this I am so rauisht with the Loue of Christ that I can truely say my soule loueth him yea I account all things doung yea filthy and loathsome I desire so much to bee with him which is best of all yea many times I doe groane earnestly in this Tabernacle willing to bee absent from it and to bee present with the Lord Oh how easie is his yoke vnto mee now and how light his burden his Commandements are no longer grieuous but they are become the Ioy and reioycing of my heart whereas sometimes I was obstinate and rebellious and onely what I did was compelled by the terrors of God which made mee affraide and when I was reprooued for swearing lying breaking of the Saboth neglecting vtterly the worshippe of God and such like it makes me to blush in secret when I doe but thinke of my folly and ignorance with these I also am stayed to depend vpon God in all trialles and to waite for an issue yea I can beare any thing through the sweete Hope and blessed expectation of a good ende which the Lord will make yea I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ because I can waite for the Saluation that it bringeth Besides these I haue such wonderfull Boldnesse as cannot bee expressed with Pen whereas before the shaking of a leafe would put me in feare and great men would affright me with their high wordes But now I feare them not for I knowe they shall die and fade as grasse neither can the greatest oppressor touch one haire of my head for hurt As for death it is swallowed vp in victory by my Lord Iesus Christ And whereas formerly I was ledde violently to the committing of sinne and lust did raigne in me yea sinne had dominion ouer mee and I like a base Captiue bound hand and foote not able to resist did yeelde the seruice of my members to sin yea had not God in his aboundant mercy holden mee I had broken foorth into all foule sinnes But here behold the wonderfull mercy of God! and vnspeakeable louing kindnesse I haue gotten the victory through our Lord Iesus Christ Yea I can with comfort say O Death where is thy sting Yea I liue no more but Christ Iesus liueth in mee The strong man is cast out and the stronger hath taken possession neuer to be dispossessed I am now his Freeman he hath resisted the Diuell crucified the flesh and ouercome the world for me Yea olde things are passed away and all things are become newe