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
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
of Christs kingdoms flourishing he saith In that day there shall be a roote of Iesse which shall stand vp for an ensigne to the people to it shall the Gentiles seeke and the Rest shall bee glorious Å¿ Isa 11.10 And the same Prophet in another place â—aith thus from the Lord Behold I â—reate the fruite of the lips Peace Peace to him that is a farre off and to him that is neare saith the Lord and I will heale him t Isa 57.13 Also speaking of the Church The Lord by that Prophet saith thus Behold I will extend Peace to her like a Riuer u Isa 66.12 And this is that Peace which our blessed Redeemer speaketh of where he saith Peace I leaue with you my Peace I giue vnto you not as the world giueth giue I vnto you let not your hearts be troubled neither let it be afraide x Io. 14.27 Here this Peace is directly opposed to the feares and terrors the trouble and disquiet of such as haue it not Hence it is that such as hearken to wisedome are promised to dwell safely and to be quiet from feare of euill yea this is manifest in Dauid when he had once ouercome he could say Returne to thy Rest O my soule for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee And turning him to the Lord he saith Thou hast deliuered my soule from Death mine eyes from teares and my feete from falling y psal 116 7.8 In this comfortable estate was Hezechiah when Isaiah comes vnto him with terrible tidings and that from the Lord telling him That the daies come that all that was in his house that which his fathers had laide vp in store vnto this day should be carried away into Babylon and that the Lord had said that nothing should be left And that his sons which should issue from him and which he should beget they should take away and they should be Eunuches in the Pallace of the king of Babylon At this terrible and dreadfull tydings hee is not disquieted but hee doth manifest his peaceable â—nd most comfortable estate yea â—â—t he had obtained this Peace and â—â—st the inseparable companions â—r effects of righteousnesse by his â—ouing amiable most temperate answer where he saith Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken And to this he added Is it not good if Peace and Truth bee in my daies z 2. Kin. 20.17.18.19 And is not this and vnspeakeable benefite to haue such a blessed change wrought to haue such surpassing Peace and Rest in this Life If there were no more but this it is worth all the paines we suffer and all the afflictions we vndergoe and yet men are so ouerâ—ome with doubtings and vnbeâ—efe that they struggle not for this Rest and surely the Reason is because â—hey beleeue not the Scriptures To this Peace which passeth all vnderstanding is added Ioy which is vnspeakeable and ful of Glory a 1. pet 18. Thâ— is that ioy of the holy Ghost thaâ— blessed and glorious Comforâ—er Ioy. aâ— it is written The kingdome of Goâ— is not Meate and Drinke but Righteousnesse and Peace and Ioy of thâ— holy Ghost b Rom. 14.17 The difference betweene this and the Ioy of Hypocrites is knowne by these The Ioy oâ— Hypocrites is very short and it dotâ— vanish at length and come to nothing as it is written The triumphing of the wicked is short and thâ— Ioy of the Hypocrite but for a moment Though his excellency mount vâ— to the Heauens and his head reacâ— vnto the Clouds yet he shall perisâ— for euer like his owne dung and theâ— which haue seene him shall say wherâ— is he He shall flie away as a dreame and shall not be found yea he shall bâ— chased away as a visioÌ„ of the night c Iob. 20.5.6.7.8 But the ioy of the Saints is euerlasting as it is written The Redeeâ—ed of the Lord shall returne and â—ome with singing to Sion euerlaâ—ting Ioy shall be vpon their Heards they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall flye away d Is 35.10 Isa 51.11 It shall neuer be taken from them as it is written I will see you againe and your heart shall reioyce â—nd your Ioy no man taketh from you e Io. 16.22 This continually increaseth as it is written that our Lord saith to his Disciples As my Father hath loued mee so haue I loued you continue yee in my Loue. These things haue I spoken vnto you that my Ioy might remaine in you and that your â—oy might be full f Io. 15.9.11 And this is the â—irst difference betweene the Ioy of Hypocrites and our Ioy. Theirs is short or momentany ours euerlasting â—heirs is taken from them ours neuer â—heirs vanisheth ours increaseth A second difference is that the Ioy of the Hypocrite is not accompanied with Peace and Rest for these are alwayes the effects of Righteousnesse And we know that there is no Peace to the wicked for the Lord hath spoken it g Is 48.22 And who knowes not that an Hypocrite is a wicked man in the highest degree But the Ioy of the righteous is alwayes accompanied with Peace and Rest as it is euident where Righteousnesse and Peace and Ioy of the holy Ghost are ioyned together as inseperable coÌ„panions and that very often in Scriptures as where it is written The Kingdome of God is not meate and drinke but Righteousnesse and Peace and Ioy of the holy Ghost h Rom. 14.17 As if it should haue beene saide in more plaine wordes it is not the obseruation of meates and drinkes and such other outward things that discouers vs to bee of the Kingdome of Christ but it is Righteousnesse and Peace and Ioy of the holy Ghost these are indeede the things that makes vs manifest to our selues and others to be Christs subiects also the same Apostle saith to the same Saints Now the God of hope fill you with all Ioy and Peace in beleeuing i Rom. 15.13 Loe heare Ioy and Peace are ioyned together in true beleeuers Also wee being iustified by Faith haue Peace with God and reioyce in hope of the glory of God k Rom. 5.1.2 Also in that excellent Psalme Then are they glad because they be at quiet and so he bringeth them to their desired hauen Heare is also gladnesse and rest Also the Prophet Isaiah speaking of the Church saith Thus saith the Lord behold I will extend Peace to her like a Riuer and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing streame then shall yee sucke and be borne vpon her sides and dandled vpon her knees as one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and yee shall be comforted in Ierusalem And when ye see this your heart shall reioyce and your bones shall flourish like an hearbe m Is 66.12.13.14 Here is Peace and Ioy to the Saints And this is another manifest difference betweene the Ioy
ô Lord through thy cōmandements hast made me wiser then mine Enemies for they are euer with me that is thy cōmandemēts are euer with me I haue more Vnderstanding then all my Teachers for thy testimonies are my Meditation I vnderstand more then the Ancients because I keepe thy Precepts c ps 119.97 98.99.100 Also it is saide of Steuen that his Aduersaries were not able to resist the Wisedome and Spirit by which he spake d Act. 6.10 Yea the Saints are saide to be so Wise as that their mouthes are as wels of Life e Prou. 10.11 Their Tongues as choyse siluer f Vers 20. Their mouthes bring foorth Wisedome g Vers 31. Their lippes know what is acceptable h Vers 32. Their lippes g Vers 31. feed many i Vers 21. Their fruite is a Tree of Life k Pro. 11.30 They are all as well watered gardens and as springs of water whose waters faile not l Is 58.11 Yea our Lord hath saide That such as drinke of the water that hee shall giue him whosoeuer it be shall neuer thirst but the water that hee shall giue him shall be in him a well of water springing vppe into Euerlasting Life m Io. 4.13.14 Also hee hath saide If any man thirst let him come vnto mee and drinke Hee that beleeueth on me as the Scripture hath saide out of his belly shall flowe Riuers of water of Life n Io. 7.37.38 This hee spake of the Spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue And how can it be but they should be Wise that are become so familiar with God as to be called his friendes as was Abraham o Is 41.8 iam 2.23 of whome God saide shall I hide from Abraham the thing I doe For I knowe him p Gen. 17.18.19 And speaking of beleeuers he saith yee are my friends if yee doe whatsoeuer I commaund you I shall no more call you seruants that is when once you doe indeede beleeue in me For the seruant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I haue called you friendes for all things that I haue heard of my Father I haue made knowen vnto you q Io. 15.14.15 And surely the Lord will doe nothing but hee reueileth his secrets to his seruants the Prophets r Amos. 3.7 Adde to this The secret of the Lord is with them that feare him and hee will shewe them his Couenant ſ ps 25.14 Yea these haue the mind of Christ As it is written of Paul My speech and my preaching was not with entising wordes of mans Wisedome but in demonstration of the Spirit and Power Howbeit wee speake Wisedome among them that are perfect yet not the Wisedome of this world nor of the princes of this world which come to nought But wee speake the Wisedome of God in a Mystery euen the hidden Wisedome which God or dained before the world vnto our Glory Yea eye hath not seene nor eare heard neither haue entred into the heart of man the thinges which God hath reuealed to vs by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deepe things of God Yea hee that is spirituall discerneth all things yet hee himselfe is discerned of no man For who hath knowne the minde of the Lord that he may instruct him But wee haue the minde of Christ ſ 1. Cor. 2.4.5.6.7.9.10.15.16 Lo here as in a glasse the wonderfull Wisedome of a Child of God in whom Christ dwelleth whereas before he walked in darkenesse and knewe not whither he went because that darkenesse had blinded his eyes t 1. Io. 2.11 He was held captiue vnder the Power of it u Col. 1.13 Act. 26.18 He was foolish and ignorant euen as a beast u ps 73.22 Yea Isaiah saith that the Oxe knoweth his owner and the Asse his maisters Crib w Is 1.3 But rebellious People doe not knowe they doe not consider And Ieremiah telles vs that wicked men are brutish in knowledge x Ier. 10.8.14 And Salomon tearmes them Prating fooles y Pro. 10.8.10 and simple ones z Pro. 1.22 And the Wisedome of this world is foolishnes with God For it is written He taketh the wise in their owne craftinesse a 1. Cor. 3.19 Thus the inward Priuiledges which at this time shall be touched being dispatched in the next place the outward benefits are to bee handled These are also manifold whither we respect the neere communion of the Saints the glorious seruice of Angels the wonderfull reconciliation of all the creatures the abundance of all things necessary for the body to our selues and children and the certaine continuance of all this blessednesse All these with many more as clearely shine foorth in Scripture as the former from within Howsoeuer the last which is the certainety of the continuance of such a blessed estate pertaineth to both outward and inward benefits And first of the Communion of Saints Cōmunion of Saints This is not the least benefit that they enioy vpon Earth nor the least tast of Heauens happinesse here begun to knowe that wee haue neere fellowship and true familiaritie with all the Saints in the world though we neuer sawe them face to face nor euer so much as heard of them by name This was vsed as one helpe to comfort Elijah in his distresse when he complained That he onely was left and they sought his life to take it away He receiued an answere That God had left him seuen thousand in Israel all the Knees which had not bowed vnto Baal euery mouth which hath not kissed him a 1. King 19 14.18 And it is no small comfort to the children of God to knowe that albeit they liue where they haue but little fellowship with Gods children yet are they not destitute of their fellowship but doe enioy the helpe of the effectuall feruent prayers of all the Saints in the world b Iam. 5.16 Howbeit the enioying of their sweete Communion face to face and that in great multitudes in times of Peace as in the Apostles time when they continued daily with one accord togither and breaking bread from house to house did eate their meate with gladnesse and singlenesse of heart Praysing God c Act. 2.46.47 This sweete Communion of the Saints face to face and their bold familiaritie in the seruice and worship of God is a most glorious priuiledge and an excellent Benefit e This Beautie and comelinesse in these exercises of Prayer and Prophecy and breaking Bread is noted wher Christ saith of this his Spouse Thou art beautifull O my Loue as Tirzah comely as Ierusalem terrible as an Armie with Banners Also in the same place Who is shee that looketh foorth as the Morning Faire as the Moone cleare as the Sunne terrible as an Army with Banners d Cant. 6.4.10 Mee thinkes I heare Christ also speaking of such an assembly Thou hast rauished my heart my sister my spouse
thou hast rauished my heart with one of thine eyes with one chaine of thy necke e Cant. 4.9 And if Christ himselfe bee rauished with Comfort much more are the Saints who haue beene sometimes oppressed with sorow horror because that they sawe themselues vnworthy of being present at such glorious and beautifull assemblies by reason of their sinnes when these doe see and knowe themselues so blessed as that they are now by Grace become the Sonnes and Daughters of God then they reioyce and say with Iohn Behold what manner of Loue the Father hath shewed vnto vs that we should be called the Sons of God f 1. Io. 3.1 That he should seperate vs to be the Sonnes and Daughters of the Lord Almighty g 2. Cor. 6.18 That wee should haue Fellowship not onely with the Father and the Sonne but such vnspeakable comfort amongst the Saints in Light h 1. Io. 1.3.7 Col. 1.12.13 And surely the comfort of such Communion is set foorth plainly where it is written The Ransomed of the Lord shall returne and come to Sion with Songs and euerlasting Ioy vpon their heads they shall obtaine Ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall flee away i 1. Is 35.10 Yea this is that feast spoken of where it is written And on this mountaine shall the Lord of hostes make vnto all people a feast of fatte things a feast of Wine on the Lees of fatte things full of Marrow of wine on the Lees well refined And he will destroy in this Mountaine the face of the couering cast ouer all people and the vaile that is spread ouer all Nations k Is 25.6.7 Also to this purpose is that where it is written of the Church Lift vp thine eyes round about and behold all these gather themselues together and come to thee as I liue saith the Lord thou shalt surely cloath thee with them all as with an ornament and binde them on thee as a Bride doth Thus saith the Lord God behold I will lift vp mine hand to the Gentiles and set vp my standerd to the people and they shall bring thy sonnes in their armes and thy daughters shall be carried vpon their shoulders And Kings l Is 49.18.22.23 shall be thy noursing Fathers Queenes thy noursing Mothers Also Thy watchmen shall lift vppe the voyce with the voyce togither shall they sing for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring againe Sion Breake foorth into Ioy sing togither yee wast places of Ierusalem for the Lord hath comforted his people he hath redeemed Ierusalem a Is 52.8.9 Also Thou shalt see and flow togither and thine heart shall feare and be inlardged because the abundance of the Sea shall bee conuerted vnto thee the forces of the Gentiles shall come vnto thee b Is 60.5 Also Reioyce yee with Ierusalem and bee glad with her all yee that loue her reioyce for Ioy with her all yee that mourne for her That yee may sucke and be satisfied with the breastes of her consolations that yee may milke out and be delighted with the aboundance of her Glory For thus saith the Lord Beholde I will extend Peace to her like a Riuer and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing streame then shall yee sucke and be borne vpon her sides and be dandled vpon her knees As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and yee shall be comforted in Ierusalem And when yee see this your heart shall reioyce and your bones shall flourish like an hearbe c Heb. 66.10.11.12.13.14 And how can they but reioyce in such assemblies who doe loue one another not in word and in tongue but in deed and trueth d 1. Io. 3.18 Yea their loue is feruent Loue out of pure hearts e 1. Pet. 1.22 yea such is the feruency of their loue as that they cannot onely bee content to part with goods but they can willingly lay downe their liues one for another f 1. Io. 3.16 This we see plainly in that example of Aquila and Priscilla g Rom. 16.3.4 who laide downe their owne neckes for Pauls life These are one anothers Keepers h Gen. 4.9 They doe watch ouer one another i Heb. 13.17 exhorting one another k Heh 3.13 and prouoking to loue and to good workes l Heb. 10.24 And to this ende they doe not only reioyce in great assemblies in times of Peace as before but euen in the hotest times of the most bloody persecution they cannot bee withholden but will come togither thogh it cost them their Liues m Act. 20.24 witnesse their often meetings in the time of the Apostles n Act. 4.12.17 Yea though they were drawen and haled out by violence before Magistrates o Iam. 2.6 yea they reioyce at the very sight one of another and receiue one another with feare and trembling p 2. Cor. 7.15.16 they are ready to performe the basest offices one for another as to wash one anothers feete q Io. 13.14.15 And the rather because of the high esteeme they haue one of another when they consider one another not as the sonnes and daughters of an earthly King which would procure an high esteeme if it were but so but they consider one another as the sonnes and daughters of the Lord Almightie r 1. Cor. 6.18 Io. 1.12.13 yea when they vnderstand themselues to bee no lesse then heires with God and coheires with Christ this is that which doeth knit them together and makes them to thinke that all they doe one for another to be too too little Å¿ Rom. 8.17 What should bee more spoken great is the comfort that Gods children haue one from another and the sweet Communion amongst the Saints is not to be expressed And how can it be but such as are Subiects of one Kingdome Å¿ Reuel 15.3 Citizens of one Citie t Eph. 3.14 Seruants of one Family u Eph. 3.14.15 Sonnes and Daughters of one Father â—nd Mother w Gal. 4.26 Lâ— 15.1.2.5 Branches of one vine â—iuely stones of one building x 1. Pet. 2. â— members of one body y 1. Cor. 12.27 yea one body one Spirit z Rom. 12.5 Eph 4.4 How is it possible but such should be neerely lincked togither â—n Loue haue so especiall familiaritie amongst themselues and be maruellous comfortable one to another And therefore these may bee iustly called A chosen generaâ—ion a Royall Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people a 1. Pet. 2.9 seeing by his Loue they do shew forth the praises of him who hath called them out of Darkenesse Guard of Angels into his maruellous Light And this is not the least beginning of Heauen vpon Earth nor the least tast of that vnspeakeable comfort the Saints shall enâ—oy at the right hand of God in the Heauens for euermore Adde to â—â—is the comforts wee haue by
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
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
of the Hypocrite and of the child of God Though the Hypocrite triumph and reioyce yet he is neuer at quiet But the childe of God hath also Peace and Rest A third difference is this the Ioy of the Hypocrite lifts him vp as before Though his excellency mount vp to the Heauens and his head reatch vnto the Cloudes n Iob. 20.6 This doeth plainely shew the exaltation of Hypocrites in their reioycing and triumph yea these are so exalted that they despise others which our blessed Lord obserued and discouered by a parable where it is written That he spake this parable to certaine men which trusted in themselues that they were righteous and despised others Two men went vp into the Temple to Pray the one a Pharisee the other a Publicane The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himselfe God I thanke thee that I am not as other men are o Luc. 18.9.10.11 Thus doe Hypocrites exalt themselues and are lifted vp with Capernaum to Heauen though they shall come down to Hell p Mat. 11.23 Hee is so caried away with the Loue of himselfe that hee basely accounteth of other But the Ioy of the Saints is neuer seuered from meekenesse and lowlinesse q Gal. 5.22.23 They are all clothed with humilitie r 1. Pet. 5.5 For these haue learned not to reioyce in themselues but in the Lord as it is written Reioyce in the Lord alway and againe I say reioyce let your Moderation be knowen vnto all men the Lord is at hand yea the same minde is in them which was also in Christ Iesus who being in the forme of God thought it no robbery to be equall with God but made himselfe of no reputation and tooke vpon him the forme of a seruant and was made in the likenesse of men And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himselfe and became obedient vnto Death euen to the Death of the Crosse Å¿ Phil. 4.4.5 So those that reioyce with exceeding great ioy when they saw that the Lambe had preuailed to open the Booke with seuen seales we reade that they fell downe before the Lambe t Reuel 5.8 And this is another manifest difference betweene the Hypocrites Ioy and the Ioy of the Saints The Hypocrites Ioy makes him proude and lifts him vp and causeth him to despise others The Ioy of the Saints doth humble him yea cast him downe before the Lord and is alwayes accompanied with Humilitie A fourth difference is this That the Ioy of the Hypocrite holdes not out in persecution as it is plaine where it is written Those on the Rocke are such which when they heare receiue the word with Ioy and these haue no roote which for a while beleeue and in time of Temptation fal away u Luc. 8.13 But Matthew writeth thus Hee that receiueth the seede in stony places the same is he which heareth the word and anone with Ioy receiueth it yet hath hee no roote in himselfe but dureth for a while for when Tribulation or Affliction ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended a Mat. 13.20.27 Whereas the Ioy of the childe of God that is indeed iustified by Faith in the blood of Christ doth increase in tribulation yea euen in the greatest trials such doe glory as it is written We glory in Tribulation b Rom. 5.3 And Iames also biddeth vs To account it all Ioy when wee fall into diuers Temptations c Iam. 1.2 Also Peter speaketh of this Ioy where speaking of manifold Temptations yet wee reioyce greatly in them all in the consideration of the liuely Hope and neuer fading inheritance which wee beleeue is laide vp for vs and shall be reuealed in the last time d 1. Pet. 1.5.6 We are as sorrowfull yet alway reioycing e 2. Cor. 6.10 This appeareth plainely in the examples of such Redeemed ones As the blessed Apostles when they were beaten departed from the Counsell reioycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christs name f Act. 5.41 So Paul and Silas when they were cruelly beaten and had receiued many stripes and were cast into prison yea thrust into the inner prison and their feete made fast in the stockes yet at midnight they prayed and sang praises vnto God so loude that the prisoners heard them g Act. 16.22.33.24.25 Thus hauing laid down some differences betweene the Ioy of Hypocrites and of the Saints as that their Ioy is but for a moment ours is euerlasting their Ioy doth exalt and lift them vp ours doth humble and cast vs downe theirs is seuered from Peace and Rest ours accompanied with them both theirs failes them when tribulation commeth ours holdes out nay which is more encreaseth in the most sharpe and fiery Trials And by this the false Ioy of the Hypocrite being discouered the true Ioy of the Saints is clearely seene Which Ioy doth so comfort them as that it is truely saide of them That the voyce of reioycing and saluation is in the dwellings of the Righteous h Ps 118.15 These are euer singing making melody in their hearts vnto the Lord. Speaking to themselues in Psalmes and Hymnes and spirituall songs i Ephes 5.19 singing with Grace in their hearts vnto the Lord k Col. 3.16 So we read of the huÌ„dred fourty foure thousand that were with the Lambe on mount Sion that they had the voyces of harpers harping with harpes and they sang as it were a new song before the Throne and before the foure Beastes and the Elders and no man could heare that song but the hundred fourty and â—ure thousand which were neuer â—edeemed from the Earth l Reuel 14.1.2.3 Also â—hen the Lambe had taken the â—ooke out of the hand of him that â—te vpon the Throne hauing also â—reuailed to open the seuen seales â—hereof wee reade that the foure â—eastes and the foure and twentie â—lders fell down before the Lambe â—auing euery one of them harpes â—nd golden Vials full of Odours which are the Prayers of Saintes And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Booke â—nd to open the Seales therof for thou vast slaine and hast Redeemed vs â—o God by thy blood out of euery â—indred and tongue and people and nation And hast made vs vnto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reigne on earth m Reu. 5.8 Also Iohn saith I saw as it were a Sea of Glasse mingled with fire and them that had gotâ—en the victory ouer the Beast and ouer his Image and ouer his markâ— and ouer the number of his Namâ— stand on the Sea of Glasse hauinâ— the Harpes of God And they sing thâ— Song of Moses the seruant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and maruellous are thy worke Lord God Almighty Iust and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints who shall not feare thee O Lord anâ— glorifie thy Name for thou onely arâ— holy for
all nations shall come anâ— worship before thee for thy Iudgements are manifest n Reu. 15.3.4.5 Here is a Tasâ— of the inward Comforts of Gods redeemed ones yea a beginning of that Fulnesse which they haue abiding for them in the Heauens whereas such as are out of Christ albeit Their way seeme right vnto them yet the ends therof are the waies of death yea in laughter their hearts are sorrowfull and the end of that mirth is heauinesse o Prou. 14.12.13 For as the â—rackling of thornes vnder a Pot 〈◊〉 is the laughter of a Foole p Eccl. 7.6 And â—he Prophet Isaiah telles vs that â—uch as take their owne courses â—o comfort themselues and do not â—rust in the name of the Lord and â—tay vpon their God that the end of such solace shall bee sorrow in â—hese words Behold all ye that kindle a Fire that compasse about with sparkes walke in the light of your fire and the sparkes that yee haue kindled This ye shall haue of mine hand ye shall lie downe in sorrow q Is 50.11 And so you haue these two sweet and comfortable fruites of the Spirit Peace and Ioy with which the children of God are maruellously cheared in this Life To these may bee added Loue this Loue is not the Loue of the world nor of men or Angels but the Loue of Christ or of God thâ— Father by Christ through the assistance of the holy Ghost This Loue wee reade of where it is written That the Loue of God is shed abroade in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is giuen vnto vs r Rom. 5.5 Also wee loue him because he loued vs first Å¿ 1. Io. 4.19 This Loue of Christ doth rauish the soule and makes it to mount on high yea to be aboue in heauenly Meditations As it appeareth by the Song which for the excellency is termed the Song of Songs where there shineth out the vnspeakeable Loue of Christ and the Church and of the louing speeches the Church vseth we find these amongst many Let him kisse mee with the kisses of his mouth for thy Loue is better then wine Also Drawe me and wee will runne after thee the King hath brought me into his Chambers wee will be glad and â—eioyce in thee we will remember thy Loue more then wine the vpright Loue thee a Cant. 1.2.4 Also as the Apple tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloued amongst the sonnes I sate downe vnder his shadowe with great delight and his fruite was sweete vnto my Tast Hee brought me vnto the banquetting house and his banner ouer me was Loue. Stay mee with Flagons comfort me with Apples for I am sicke of Loueh. b Can. 2.3.4.5 Also by night vpon my Bed I sought him whom my soule loueth I sought him but I found him not I will rise now and goe about the Citie in the Streetes and in the broad wayes I will seeke him whom my soule loueth I sought him but I found him not The watchmen that goe about the Citie found mee to whom I saide sawe yee him whom my solue loueth It was but a litle that I passed from them buâ— I found him whom my soule loueth held him and would not let him goe vntill I had brought him into my Mothers house and into the chamber of her that conceiued me c Can. 3.1.2.3.4 Herâ— is the wonderfull Loue of the Spousâ— to Christ yea wee see her soule loueth him yea she is sicke of Loue And this is a notable representation of the Loue of euery childe oâ— God to God they are euen sicke oâ— Loue. As is euident in the example of Paul where hee writeth thus I am in a strait betwixt two hauing a desire to depart to be with Christ which is farre better Neuertheles to abide in the flesh is more needefull for you d Phil. 1.23.24 Also where hee speaketh in the behalfe of all the Saints hee saith We knowe that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolued we haue a building with God an house not made with handes eternall â—n the heauens For in this we grone â—arnestly desiring te be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen If so be that being clothed wee shall not be found naked For wee that are in this Tabernacle doe groane being burdened Not for that we would be vnclothed but clothed vpon that mortalitie might be swallowed vp of life Now hee that hath wrought vs for the selfe same thing is God who also hath giuen vnto vs the earnest of the Spirit Therefore wee are alwayes confident knowing that whilest wee are at home in the Body we are absent from the Lord. For we walke by Faith and not by sight Wee are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord e 2. Cor. 5.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8 This also appeareth euidently where the same Apostle writeth thus Our selues which haue the first fruites of the Spirit euen we our selues groanâ— within our selues waiting for thâ— Adoption that is the Redemptioâ— of the Body f Rom. 8.23 Here is the Loue wherewith the soules of the children of God are rauished with a desire to see God face to face aâ— it is written g 1. Cor. 13 12. Now we see througâ— a Glasse darkely but then face to face And this none conceiue of buâ— such as feele it And this is not alâ— that may be saide of this Loue buâ— as it maketh vs desire to bee euer with the Lord so it doeth also exceedingly helpe vs to performe the will of God vpon Earth For such as doe thus Loue God they are content to doe his will yea his Lawe is within their Hearts And howsoeuer formerly they haue beene much grieued with the burden of the Lawe now it is the Ioy and Reioycing of their hearts to doe the will of God as it is plaine where it is written This is the Loue of God that we keepe his Commaundements and his Commaundements are not grieuous h 1 Io. 5.3 Also Dauid could say That the Lawe of the Lord was more to bee desired then Gold yea then much fine Gold sweeter also then the hony and the hony combe i Psa 19.7.10 Also The Lawe of thy mouth is better to me then thousands of Gold and Siluer k Ps 119.72 Also How sweete are thy wordes to my tast yea sweeter then hony vnto my mouth l Vers 103. Also I loue thy Commaundements aboue Gold yea aboue fine Gold m psa 119.127 This we see cleerely to appeare in the example of Abraham who being once Iustified by Faith in Christ deferred not to doe the will of God but speedily euen the same day hee performed what God commaunded as it is written And Abraham tooke Ismaell his sonne and all that were borne in his house and all that were bought with his money euery male among the men