that_o it_o can_v afford_v for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o and_o now_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o declare_v my_o sentiment_n herein_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o be_v far_o inform_v and_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o concession_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o compositum_fw-la or_o whole_a man_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v his_o righteous_a servant_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2._o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o life_n that_o may_v be_v call_v a_o blessedness_n which_o yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o no_o small_a imperfection_n because_o they_o daily_o lodge_v a_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o have_v sin_n dwell_v in_o they_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o but_o 3._o that_o a_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n have_v not_o the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n or_o less_o of_o happiness_n than_o it_o need_v or_o desire_v this_o i_o can_v comply_v with_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o the_o just_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n which_o on_o any_o account_n they_o have_v need_n of_o and_o such_o a_o happiness_n i_o think_v we_o may_v just_o call_v perfect_a and_o be_v all_o that_o i_o wish_v to_o my_o own_o soul_n in_o its_o absence_n from_o the_o body_n now_o for_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o sanctify_a soul_n after_o their_o removal_n from_o their_o body_n they_o have_v certain_o life_n and_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a perfection_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o spiritual_a substance_n st._n stephen_n doubtless_o will_v not_o have_v say_v when_o his_o enemy_n be_v kill_v he_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n if_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n shall_v continue_v in_o its_o spiritual_a be_v after_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a now_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o if_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v than_o they_o must_v know_v so_o much_o or_o not_o if_o we_o say_v they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v hardly_o prove_v that_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o and_o so_o comply_v with_o the_o socinian_n dream_n of_o the_o soul_n sleep_v after_o death_n and_o in_o reason_n what_o be_v they_o more_o like_a to_o know_v than_o their_o own_o state_n but_o if_o then_o they_o know_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o any_o happiness_n that_o they_o need_v that_o knowledge_n must_v be_v matter_n of_o trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o at_o that_o rate_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v in_o part_n real_o unhappy_a which_o those_o that_o judge_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o believe_v 2._o if_o in_o their_o separate_a state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o those_o that_o know_v wherein_o happiness_n consist_v and_o that_o in_o that_o state_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v one_o will_v think_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v evident_a for_o nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o perfect_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o comfort_n in_o him._n the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o nothing_o but_o their_o iniquity_n that_o can_v separate_v between_o they_o and_o their_o god_n he_o mean_v apparent_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n esay_n 59.2_o but_o their_o iniquity_n we_o have_v see_v already_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n their_o soul_n be_v not_o under_o the_o defilement_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o leave_v the_o body_n and_o go_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o no_o evil_n shall_v dwell_v with_o he_o 3._o to_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o special_a glorious_a presence_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o very_a top_n of_o our_o felicity_n and_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o 18._o and_o this_o happiness_n the_o depart_a spirit_n of_o the_o just_o do_v partake_v of_o to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n say_v st._n paul_n phil._n 1.23_o and_o in_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o the_o one_o prove_v the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o such_o the_o other_o as_o well_o prove_v the_o perfect_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o such_o go_v on_o therefore_o o_o faithful_a christian_a in_o thy_o christian_a course_n with_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n with_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n magnify_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o shall_v short_o want_v for_o no_o felicity_n sect_n xii_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v come_v unto_o these_o point_n i_o be_o in_o the_o depth_n indeed_o and_o may_v well_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n but_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o service_n it_o be_v fit_a i_o shall_v go_v on_o with_o it_o and_o perform_v it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o here_o then_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v the_o happy_a privilege_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n in_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o 1._o its_o sanctification_n i_o mean_v full_a and_o perfect_a by_o which_o it_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a and_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12.23_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v general_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o under_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n the_o dust_n the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o eccles_n 12.7_o and_o st._n stephen_n in_o like_a sort_n commend_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o saviour_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n acts._n 7.59_o and_o in_o that_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n can_v signify_v nothing_o but_o their_o soul_n because_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o angel_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o from_o who_o therefore_o they_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v and_o their_o be_v make_v perfect_a must_n need_v be_v mean_v of_o perfection_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n for_o as_o to_o any_o perfection_n in_o a_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v it_o as_o much_o before_o in_o this_o world_n yea_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n without_o the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a imperfection_n than_o before_o it_o be_v in_o now_o ponder_v with_o thyself_o reader_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o think_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n this_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v style_v bless_a who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v psal_n 32.1_o how_o bless_v then_o may_v they_o be_v account_v that_o have_v all_o their_o iniquity_n pardon_v and_o remove_v also_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v if_o st._n paul_n so_o much_o lament_v the_o in-being_a of_o sin_n complain_v that_o when_o he_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o he_o rom._n 7._o and_o call_v himself_o wretched_a man_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n how_o glad_a may_n we_o think_v will_v he_o have_v be_v if_o at_o that_o very_a hour_n he_o can_v have_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o any_o more_o a_o privilege_n which_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v perfect_o instate_v in_o if_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o i_o have_v read_v of_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o that_o physician_n that_o have_v cure_v he_o of_o his_o faint_a sleep_v and_o frightful_a dream_n o_o then_o with_o what_o transcendent_a joy_n and_o gladness_n will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n reflect_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o its_o redeemer_n when_o he_o have_v free_v it_o from_o all_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o heal_v all_o its_o infirmity_n for_o ever_o oh_o what_o sacred_a and_o satisfy_a irradiation_n will_v it_o receive_v from_o the_o sun_n
from_o rev._n 14.13_o blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o dye_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 36_o sect_n vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n vindicate_v pag._n 39_o sect_n vii_o the_o point_n improve_v for_o confutation_n of_o error_n pag._n 45_o sect_n viii_o for_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o just_a one_o that_o may_v just_o expect_v this_o approach_a felicity_n pag._n 48_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o eight_o section_n be_v a_o character_n of_o that_o just_a person_n who_o soul_n shall_v short_o be_v so_o happy_a pag._n 71_o sect_n ix_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o point_n in_o two_o other_o particular_n pag._n 83._o sect_n x._o be_v a_o persuasive_a to_o several_a great_a duty_n pag._n 88_o sect_n xi_o contain_v the_o resolution_n of_o two_o great_a question_n pag._n 95_o sect_n xii_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v it_o pag._n 113_o sect_n xiii_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n all_o enjoy_v after_o death_n pag._n 132_o sect_n fourteen_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o what_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o sinner_n pag._n 142_o sect_n xv._o be_v other_o brief_a improvement_n of_o the_o point_n page_n 150._o sect_n xvi_o be_v a_o far_a improvement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n aforesaid_a as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n pag._n 157_o a_o postscript_n attempt_v the_o resolution_n of_o a_o weighty_a question_n with_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o 13_o section_n concern_v christ_n filiation_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o learned_a author_n pag._n 185_o happiness_n at_o hand_n the_o introduction_n with_o some_o presupposition_n relate_v to_o the_o point_n that_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o the_o way_n thereof_o peace_n and_o pleasantness_n be_v assure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o bless_a book_n which_o may_v save_v our_o soul_n but_o can_v deceive_v they_o and_o though_o religion_n be_v so_o good_a in_o this_o life_n that_o every_o good_a action_n may_v afford_v some_o degree_n of_o comfort_n as_o dr._n sibbs_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o under_o temptation_n and_o mistake_n yet_o the_o best_a of_o religion_n be_v reserve_v for_o another_o world_n and_o its_o strong_a consolation_n keep_v in_o store_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o that_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n where_o there_o be_v joy_n without_o sorrow_n peace_n without_o trouble_n sanctification_n without_o sin_n and_o all_o without_o end_n and_o that_o thy_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a consider_v christian_n reader_n what_o ground_n thou_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o happiness_n be_v at_o hand_n also_o and_o shall_v be_v possess_v in_o good_a part_n by_o thy_o soul_n in_o its_o separate_a state_n most_o certain_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o lord_n be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o will_v be_v better_o to_o thy_o spirit_n than_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o low_a world_n the_o discovery_n of_o which_o i_o be_o not_o present_o to_o attempt_v but_o rather_o to_o premise_v a_o few_o particular_n in_o order_n to_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o what_o follow_v be_v the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n which_o some_o have_v be_v so_o brutish_a as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n imagine_v that_o man_n die_v in_o all_o respect_n as_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o therefore_o live_v as_o if_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v rot_v together_o who_o folly_n therein_o i_o need_v on_o this_o occasion_n no_o far_o to_o show_v than_o by_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o viz._n mat._n 10.28_o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul._n in_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v plain_a enough_o nor_o can_v any_o subtlety_n in_o the_o earth_n evade_v the_o force_n of_o they_o or_o obscure_a to_o any_o purpose_n the_o clearness_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n immortality_n for_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n a_o encouragement_n i_o say_v against_o the_o fury_n of_o persecutor_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o will_v not_o have_v this_o dishearten_v they_o fear_v not_o say_v he_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul._n q._n d._n as_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o more_o against_o you_o than_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o do_v so_o the_o worst_a they_o can_v possible_o do_v to_o you_o can_v kill_v no_o more_o than_o your_o body_n your_o noble_a part_n your_o soul_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o their_o violence_n therefore_o fear_v they_o not_o in_o any_o discourage_a way_n will_v not_o any_o one_o that_o read_v that_o text_n with_o heedfulness_n and_o without_o prejudice_n be_v satisfy_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v design_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o express_v the_o soul_n immortality_n how_o can_v it_o be_v do_v more_o effectual_o and_o more_o plain_o in_o a_o few_o word_n but_o nothing_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o they_o that_o will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n the_o strength_n of_o which_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a may_v appear_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o those_o interpretation_n which_o the_o contrary_a mind_a have_v put_v upon_o this_o text._n 1._o say_v some_o the_o kill_v of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v mean_v of_o damn_v it_o they_o can_v kill_v it_o with_o eternal_a death_n or_o damnation_n ans_fw-fr that_o none_o of_o the_o great_a persecutor_n can_v kill_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o manner_n be_v very_o true_a but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n mat._n 10.28_o for_o the_o damn_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n kill_v but_o in_o the_o word_n destroy_v but_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n now_o to_o kill_n and_o to_o destroy_v be_v different_a word_n and_o as_o different_a thing_n the_o disobedient_a be_v threaten_v with_o a_o everlasting_a destruction_n 2_o thes_n 1.9_o but_o no_o where_n with_o a_o everlasting_a kill_n 2._o the_o kill_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v there_o deny_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o damnation_n because_o that_o be_v never_o express_v by_o that_o word_n in_o scripture_n let_v any_o man_n show_v so_o much_o as_o one_o text_n therein_o where_o the_o damnation_n either_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o of_o the_o person_n be_v call_v a_o kill_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v use_v of_o both_o which_o show_v it_o mean_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o both_o so_o that_o as_o the_o word_n everlasting_a mat._n 25.46_o speak_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o life_n or_o glory_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o therefore_o prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o be_v show_v elsewhere_o so_o the_o original_a word_n for_o kill_n 1_o kill_n everlasting_a fire_n no_o fancy_n cap._n 1._o sect._n 1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o say_a text_n concern_v the_o kill_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o body_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v according_o so_o that_o they_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o can_v kill_v the_o soul_n must_n need_v signify_v to_o we_o that_o the_o soul_n continue_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o soul_n when_o the_o body_n cease_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o body_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o perverseness_n and_o will_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o plain_a speech_n imaginable_a 4._o at_o that_o rate_n of_o interpretation_n which_o these_o objector_n use_v our_o saviour_n shall_v therein_o have_v speak_v no_o more_o of_o the_o soul_n than_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o body_n for_o man_n we_o know_v can_v damn_v the_o body_n no_o more_o than_o the_o soul._n but_o there_o we_o see_v the_o kill_n which_o be_v deny_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v grant_v of_o the_o body_n that_o can_n say_v our_o lord_n kill_v the_o body_n but_o can_v kill_v the_o soul._n and_o if_o any_o yet_o think_v the_o meaning_n
i_o find_v not_o that_o the_o contrary_a mind_a have_v make_v any_o exception_n against_o this_o proof_n that_o be_v worthy_a any_o serious_a consideration_n and_o for_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o convince_a for_o what_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n unite_v for_o these_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o spirit_n much_o less_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men._n obj._n but_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o angel_n that_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v call_v their_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n indeed_o ans_fw-fr the_o question_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o call_v in_o some_o sense_n or_o respect_n but_o whether_o in_o that_o text_n they_o be_v so_o call_v and_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o angel_n be_v mention_v just_a before_o as_o be_v intimate_v and_o they_o be_v never_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o scripture_n 2._o because_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o make_v perfect_a as_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v imperfect_a be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o degree_n for_o so_o the_o original_n signify_v now_o the_o holy_a angel_n never_o be_v destitute_a of_o any_o perfection_n that_o their_o nature_n need_v since_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v only_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a that_o there_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o spirit_n or_o soul_n while_o in_o the_o body_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v not_o make_v perfect_a but_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sinful_a imperfection_n in_o they_o not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n of_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v already_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o perfection_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n or_o context_n favour_v the_o interpret_n of_o it_o concern_v their_o state_n on_o earth_n and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o body_n on_o earth_n nor_o at_o the_o resurrection_n than_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n they_o be_v they_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o before_o they_o be_v they_o must_v certain_o be_v more_o happy_a also_o sect_n v._o the_o same_o doctrine_n prove_v from_o rev._n 14.13_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n have_v urge_v several_a scripture_n for_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o any_o person_n doubt_n whether_o this_o will_v prove_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o doubtful_a religion_n but_o for_o the_o business_n let_v we_o note_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v i_o hear_v say_v st._n john_n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v to_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o note_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o man_n as_o live_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o heaven_n but_o of_o they_o as_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o fear_n bless_v be_v those_o dead_a it_o be_v add_v from_o henceforth_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o die_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v say_v bless_a be_v those_o dead_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v some_o bless_a privilege_n by_o die_v if_o death_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o hurt_v to_o their_o body_n then_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n assert_v it_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n together_o with_o one_o part_n or_o property_n of_o their_o blessedness_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o their_o trouble_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o rest_n must_v include_v a_o positive_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o their_o gracious_a god_n for_o a_o mere_a negative_a or_o privative_a rest_n consist_v in_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n partake_v of_o when_o the_o horse_n be_v dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o his_o weariness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o believe_v that_o a_o dead_a christian_n that_o show_v himself_o such_o in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o a_o better_a state_n present_o after_o death_n than_o a_o dead_a beast_n can_v be_v and_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v any_o thing_n strong_a than_o his_o atheism_n will_v account_v this_o text_n a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o humble_o implore_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o make_v good_a my_o method_n and_o so_o to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o exception_n and_o defend_v it_o from_o that_o violence_n which_o some_o have_v offer_v unto_o it_o sect_n vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o just_a man_n soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n vindicate_v as_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o unlawful_a strife_n by_o clear_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o objection_n be_v not_o unnecessary_a and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o some_o may_v not_o expect_v it_o but_o before_o i_o answer_v man_n cavil_n against_o this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o that_o will_v dissuade_v we_o from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n say_v they_o shall_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a for_o we_o whether_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v happy_a in_o their_o separation_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v kindness_n or_o crossness_n religion_n or_o sin_n that_o move_v man_n to_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v so_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o below_o we_o to_o search_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n if_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o which_o that_o we_o may_v i_o trust_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n thing_n reveal_v do_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v reveal_v may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v by_o what_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o about_o it_o and_o he_o that_o grant_v it_o a_o truth_n will_v never_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o comfortable_a one_o whatsoever_o also_o christian_n may_v undervalue_v methinks_v they_o shall_v not_o despise_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o will_v hold_v when_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o very_o delightful_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o confident_a cavil_n of_o deceive_v sinner_n yet_o to_o prevent_v their_o mischief_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o bestow_v a_o few_o line_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o scripture_n that_o they_o use_v to_o oppose_v this_o truth_n by_o it_o be_v especial_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n ps_n 6.5_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o but_o must_v not_o they_o be_v very_o quick-sighted_a that_o can_v find_v in_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n a_o argument_n against_o this_o encourage_n doctrine_n but_o how_o little_a this_o text_n make_v against_o it_o a_o few_o word_n will_v show_v for._n 1._o the_o psalmist_n do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o god_n after_o death_n but_o thus_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o viz._n in_o that_o which_o be_v in_o death_n or_o under_o death_n power_n even_o the_o body_n or_o then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o remembrance_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n for_o the_o
edification_n of_o other_o or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o know_v negative_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o mean_v only_o in_o some_o respect_n or_o kind_a as_o when_o the_o prophet_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v no_o sound_a wellgrounded_n peace_n for_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n such_o as_o it_o be_v yea_o till_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o 1_o thes_n 5.3_o it_o follow_v who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o in_o the_o grave_n very_o sure_o that_o be_v no_o place_n for_o praise_n yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n may_v have_v a_o bless_a remembrance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o god_n and_o give_v he_o perpetual_a thanks_o in_o its_o way_n and_o according_a to_o its_o capacity_n nor_o do_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n import_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o as_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o psalmist_n design_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o separate_a soul_n in_o that_o text_n so_o the_o soul_n itself_o when_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v not_o in_o the_o grave_a nor_o do_v it_o answer_v to_o the_o word_n who_o for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o a_o person_n but_o only_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o person_n with_o no_o less_o vanity_n be_v psal_n 146.4_o object_v against_o this_o point_n his_o breath_n go_v forth_o he_o return_v to_o his_o earth_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n his_o thought_n perish_v for_o man_n be_v thought_n in_o that_o scripture_n need_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o his_o earthly_a thought_n his_o counsel_n project_n and_o policy_n as_o to_o this_o world_n loc_n moller_n in_o loc_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o man._n which_o also_o to_o do_v be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o that_o place_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a man_n will_v be_v pitiful_a poor_a indeed_o if_o after_o death_n it_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o its_o thought_n or_o think_v power_n and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v desire_v to_o depart_v this_o life_n if_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n shall_v not_o have_v so_o much_o of_o life_n as_o a_o think_a faculty_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o there_o be_v some_o text_n urge_v by_o these_o man_n but_o chief_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n mean_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n therefore_o that_o blessedness_n signify_v thereby_o say_v they_o be_v reserve_v till_o that_o day_n and_o not_o give_v before_o but_o this_o argument_n be_v so_o far_o wide_a that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o come_v any_o thing_n close_o for_o their_o purpose_n for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o their_o happiness_n till_o then_o which_o be_v the_o most_o that_o it_o can_v prove_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o separate_a state_n and_o how_o happy_a soever_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o that_o case_n yet_o their_o person_n can_v enjoy_v the_o state_n of_o glory_n till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o personality_n in_o the_o union_n of_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v other_o text_n that_o some_o can_v fancy_n this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v oppose_v by_o but_o i_o pass_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confute_v it_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o concern_v it_o sect_n vii_o the_o point_n improve_v for_o confutation_n of_o error_n among_o the_o many_o good_a purpose_n for_o which_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v serviceable_a it_o may_v fit_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o disprove_v some_o principle_n that_o some_o people_n have_v too_o glad_o entertain_v 1._o that_o of_o the_o libertine_n that_o the_o soul_n at_o death_n lose_v its_o very_a be_v and_o vanish_v into_o air_n or_o what_o they_o please_v or_o that_o it_o then_o have_v a_o drowsy_a state_n if_o any_o and_o sleep_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a or_o other_o place_n doctrine_n exact_o calculate_v for_o the_o meridian_n of_o profaneness_n and_o may_v indifferent_o serve_v for_o all_o bad_a practice_n they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o a_o dismal_a aspect_n and_o malign_v influence_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o compare_v they_o to_o any_o more_o fit_o than_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o leviathan_n for_o they_o look_v as_o ugly_a though_o not_o just_a like_o they_o and_o as_o one_o day_n their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n so_o the_o present_a truth_n do_v full_o discover_v it_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o separate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o happiness_n as_o be_v prove_v certain_o than_o it_o lose_v not_o its_o be_v nor_o its_o apprehension_n and_o well_o may_v he_o be_v deem_v a_o senseless_a man_n here_o that_o think_v his_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o insensible_a hereafter_o and_o as_o plain_o do_v it_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n which_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o his_o brethren_n say_v have_v its_o difficulty_n as_o to_o those_o question_n about_o it_o which_o the_o church_n have_v not_o determine_v yet_o be_v strong_o assert_v by_o they_o as_o a_o place_n of_o real_a punishment_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v see_v happiness_n at_o last_o but_o must_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v purge_v and_o purify_v in_o that_o place_n of_o suffer_v which_o can_v hardly_o need_v any_o other_o confutation_n than_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a in_o their_o departure_n from_o their_o body_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v be_v give_v from_o the_o text_n urge_v for_o that_o purpose_n sect_n viii_o for_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o just_a one_o that_o may_v just_o expect_v this_o approach_a felicity_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n for_o the_o just_a after_o death_n yea_o present_o after_o it_o so_o as_o that_o death_n itself_o become_v their_o advantage_n and_o lead_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o their_o saviour_n since_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v methinks_v it_o shall_v mighty_o move_v consider_v people_n to_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n and_o state_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o may_v warrant_v they_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o this_o happiness_n at_o hand_n which_o the_o word_n of_o our_o god_n discover_v to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v report_v any_o thing_n credible_o that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v shall_v have_v honour_n and_o preferment_n how_o easy_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v the_o suppose_a qualification_n at_o least_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o capable_a of_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o death_n will_v short_o disgrace_v all_o worldly_a glory_n much_o more_o shall_v man_n try_v whether_o they_o can_v yet_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o real_a happiness_n that_o shall_v come_v quick_o and_o last_v for_o ever_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v their_o interest_n in_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o just_a or_o righteous_a person_n for_o it_o be_v the_o just_a that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o trouble_n prov._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o upright_a one_o who_o end_n be_v peace_n ps_n 37.37_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a that_o have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 14.32_o it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n esa_n 57.2_o and_o we_o know_v by_o a_o just_a or_o righteous_a man_n the_o scripture_n mean_v a_o godly_a or_o religious_a man._n there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a malachi_n 3_o psal_n 37._o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a math._n 5._o so_o that_o the_o question_n will_v be_v who_o be_v these_o just_a righteous_a religious_a people_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v answer_v 1._o negative_o 2._o positive_o 1._o negative_o they_o be_v not_o the_o just_a one_o that_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o mock_v at_o all_o that_o be_v call_v holy_a that_o be_v more_o take_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o leviathan_n than_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v rather_o hear_v of_o any_o
in_o it_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n then_o reader_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o fair_a pretence_n and_o smooth_a speech_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v that_o their_o righteousness_n and_o religiousness_n be_v much_o alike_o and_o that_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v no_o more_o worth_a than_o the_o honesty_n of_o a_o common_a thief_n when_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o steal_v 4._o he_o be_v one_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o governor_n and_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o honour_v his_o king._n he_o desire_v not_o to_o separate_v what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o 1_o pet._n 2.17_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o some_o of_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o unjust_a people_n that_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n judas_n 8._o 5._o the_o just_a man_n be_v a_o merciful_a man_n also_o they_o the_o prophet_n call_v righteous_a be_v note_v to_o be_v merciful_a too_o esa_n 57.1_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o the_o just_a man_n who_o scripture_n style_v so_o be_v certain_o a_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o have_v real_a compassion_n in_o his_o soul._n yea_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o beast_n also_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n prov._n 12.10_o 6._o the_o just_a man_n be_v a_o humble_a man_n though_o he_o often_o look_v towards_o heaven_n yet_o he_o be_v lowly_a in_o heart_n whatsoever_o his_o apparel_n be_v he_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n god_n will_v save_v the_o humble_a person_n job_n 22.29_o and_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a to_o who_o his_o salvation_n belong_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37.39_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a in_o heart_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 16.5_o but_o certain_o the_o just_a man_n be_v not_o so_o 7._o a_o just_a man_n be_v a_o heavenly-minded_n person_n and_o will_v not_o be_v a_o worldling_n for_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n be_v worth_a though_o he_o thankful_o accept_v earthly_a blessing_n yet_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a be_v most_o in_o his_o esteem_n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n do_v mind_n chief_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o according_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o say_v 2_o cor._n 4.18_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a those_o that_o elsewhere_o he_o so_o sad_o lament_v as_o to_o weep_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o who_o end_n be_v destruction_n be_v people_n that_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o that_o be_v they_o mind_v these_o thing_n most_o and_o set_v their_o very_a heart_n as_o we_o call_v it_o upon_o they_o he_o that_o habitual_o and_o practical_o love_v the_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n more_o than_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o enjoy_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v not_o a_o saint_n for_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n but_o a_o foolish_a man_n for_o account_v himself_o so_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o disposition_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o be_v more_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o renew_a nature_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul._n he_o that_o be_v more_o at_o the_o command_n of_o his_o covetousness_n than_o of_o his_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v like_a to_o appear_v among_o the_o disobedient_a at_o last_o grace_n itself_o can_v fit_v a_o man_n for_o happiness_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o gain_v his_o heart_n to_o god._n 8._o the_o just_a man_n be_v so_o effectual_o fall_v out_o with_o sin_n that_o no_o art_n can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o any_o way_n of_o wilful_a wickedness_n so_o as_o to_o choose_v ordinary_o to_o walk_v therein_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o just_a man_n path_n be_v as_o the_o shine_v light._n therefore_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o give_v himself_o over_o to_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n nor_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n and_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v the_o contrary_a without_o suppose_v god_n grace_n to_o be_v give_v he_o in_o vain_a for_o how_o can_v he_o live_v worse_o than_o so_o if_o he_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o it_o the_o scripture_n describe_v god_n righteous_a servant_n by_o their_o true_a devotedness_n of_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a choice_n of_o his_o way_n to_o walk_v in_o which_o can_v stand_v with_o any_o common_a course_n of_o know_a wickedness_n psal_n 119.38_o establish_v thy_o word_n to_o thy_o servant_n who_o be_v devote_v to_o thy_o fear_n it_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 5_o the_o psalmist_n also_o set_v forth_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o chief_a bend_v of_o his_o will_n to_o it_o say_v i_o have_v choose_v thy_o precept_n i_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n psal_n 119.13.30_o the_o wicked_a be_v person_n of_o the_o contrary_a character_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 1.24_o and_o they_o choose_v the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o delight_v not_o i.e._n the_o way_n that_o he_o hate_v esa_n 65.12_o 9_o the_o just_a man_n in_o all_o and_o above_o all_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o just_a one_o he_o have_v his_o faith_n and_o love_n fix_v upon_o that_o infinite_o amiable_a object_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a if_o you_o can_v give_v he_o the_o uttermost_a of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o assure_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o ease_n and_o peace_n ten_o thousand_o year_n together_o yet_o christ_n be_v more_o to_o he_o than_o all_o this_o yea_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o all_o our_o religion_n i_o dare_v say_v be_v worth_a very_o little_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o more_o valuable_a with_o we_o than_o all_o this_o world_n for_o else_o we_o be_v worldling_n in_o heart_n and_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o sad_a sense_n that_o destruction_n be_v the_o end_n it_o tend_v to_o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a will_v make_v a_o man_n true_o and_o spiritual_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o sinsulness_n so_o as_o to_o know_v for_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o to_o see_v more_o need_n of_o christ_n than_o his_o eye_n have_v of_o light_n or_o his_o body_n of_o breath_n his_o heart_n yield_v assent_v to_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n for_o sinner_n and_o the_o deliverer_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 1.10_o yea_o the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o temporal_a good_a heb._n 5.9_o and_o according_o his_o people_n have_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o as_o altogether_o lovely_a cantic_a 5.10.16_o st._n paul_n great_a desire_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o trust_v to_o phil._n 3.9_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n st._n peter_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a that_o be_v most_o precious_a 1_o pet._n 2.7_o for_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n whole_o undervalue_v he_o if_o we_o prefer_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o he_o thus_o reader_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o character_n of_o that_o just_a person_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v happy_a after_o death_n and_o if_o it_o true_o agree_v to_o thou_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n happy_a here_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v thou_o miserable_a thou_o may_v if_o such_o safe_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o need_v not_o to_o live_v like_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o slave_n in_o fear_n i_o mean_v of_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o any_o adversity_n or_o extremity_n whatsoever_o for_o to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n and_o will_v never_o fail_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o psal_n 84.11_o heb._n 13.5_o sect_n ix_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o point_n in_o two_o other_o particular_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o may_v occasion_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n
praise_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n into_o a_o near_a union_n with_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o john_n 17.22_o and_o those_o argument_n divine_v bring_v for_o the_o saint_n knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o after_o the_o resurrection_n may_v seem_v almost_o as_o strong_a for_o their_o soul_n acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o in_o their_o absence_n from_o their_o body_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o faithful_a say_v that_o therein_o they_o be_v gather_v to_o their_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o other_o their_o religious_a predecessor_n but_o they_o be_v not_o gather_v to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o soul_n 4._o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n shall_v be_v with_o christ_n phil._n 1.23_o when_o absent_a from_o the_o body_n they_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o thing_n be_v this_o 1._o to_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o special_a and_o blissful_a presence_n to_o know_v love_n and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o clear_o continual_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o comfort_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.17_o thus_o i_o say_v to_o be_v with_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pure_a and_o persect_a joy_n to_o a_o christian_n soul._n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v full_o understand_v good_a reader_n the_o preciousness_n of_o such_o a_o privilege_n but_o alas_o i_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o much_o more_o a_o heart_n to_o conceive_v it_o i_o be_o myself_o too_o little_a a_o christian_n to_o tell_v thou_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o consolation_n to_o discover_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o pure_a river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n can_v solace_v himself_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o have_v the_o company_n of_o his_o convert_n at_o rome_n if_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v to_o see_v in_o london_n the_o florentine_a merchant_n that_o in_o some_o difficult_a case_n have_v befriend_v he_o beyond_o sea_n the_o expression_n of_o who_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n be_v so_o memorable_a that_o the_o learned_a dr._n hakwell_n think_v good_a to_o record_v they_o in_o his_o apology_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n if_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a have_v gather_v strength_n and_o revive_v to_o admiration_n at_o the_o come_n of_o some_o eminent_a unexpected_a friend_n though_o these_o be_v but_o die_a dust_n and_o have_v not_o any_o degree_n of_o comfort_n absolute_o at_o their_o command_n how_o unspeakable_o then_o must_v a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v refresh_v and_o most_o superlative_o satisfy_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o favour_n of_o that_o immortal_a majesty_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o the_o curse_n to_o make_v it_o happy_a sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v in_o the_o happy_a manner_n present_a with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world._n this_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n be_v his_o great_a desire_n for_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o where_o he_o be_v john_n 17.24_o the_o joy_n of_o which_o we_o may_v a_o little_a guess_n at_o by_o the_o thing_n that_o shall_v accompany_v this_o their_o presence_n with_o he_o as_o 1._o a_o full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_n or_o occasion_v they_o here_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o get_v a_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v it_o yea_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o privilege_v but_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o such_o sin_n as_o may_v darken_v all_o their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v david_n case_n psal_n 51._o but_o when_o once_o their_o soul_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o christ_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v ever_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n no_o such_o sad_a mist_n can_v cloud_v that_o soul_n which_o live_v under_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n here_o as_o they_o may_v have_v assurance_n so_o they_o may_v loose_v it_o again_o but_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o they_o then_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n from_o all_o that_o may_v be_v tedious_a and_o tiresome_a unto_o they_o rev._n 14.13_o 2._o their_o presence_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o st._n paul_n sense_n will_v set_v they_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o care_n not_o only_o from_o disorderly_a and_o distrustful_a care_n but_o also_o from_o all_o natural_a necessary_a and_o prudential_a care_n which_o their_o present_a state_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o than_o their_o soul_n be_v above_o all_o want_n and_o necessity_n they_o want_v not_o for_o monies_n when_o they_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n they_o want_v for_o no_o friendship_n and_o good_a company_n when_o they_o be_v happy_o join_v to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n they_o take_v no_o care_n for_o food_n or_o sleep_n when_o they_o enjoy_v he_o who_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o partake_v of_o that_o eternal_a rest_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o take_v any_o care_n about_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o please_v their_o god_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n will_v then_o be_v over_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o only_o shall_v remain_v when_o they_o thus_o dwell_v with_o the_o holy_a one_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o frame_v to_o his_o holy_a will._n to_o love_n god_n in_o perfection_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o without_o which_o heaven_n itself_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o holy_a soul_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o thirsty_a man_n to_o drink_v or_o to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o desire_a light_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n then_o remain_v in_o they_o to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v they_o from_o their_o gracious_a god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o as_o their_o be_v with_o christ_n secure_v they_o from_o all_o trouble_v so_o it_o shall_v afford_v they_o the_o true_a and_o strong_a consolation_n and_o that_o on_o these_o follow_a ground_n 1._o because_o they_o shall_v then_o see_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o their_o knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o to_o be_v they_o propriety_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n with_o what_o content_n do_v man_n many_o time_n speak_v even_o of_o those_o outward_a insufficient_a comfort_n which_o they_o can_v true_o call_v their_o own_o my_o money_n and_o my_o land_n my_o relation_n and_o my_o friend_n etc._n etc._n do_v usual_o sound_a with_o a_o accent_n of_o pleasure_n o_o what_o bless_a delight_n then_o must_v a_o pious_a soul_n be_v elevate_v with_o when_o it_o dwell_v with_o christ_n in_o a_o better_a world_n what_o triumphant_a exultation_n will_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o when_o it_o can_v say_v with_o full_a assurance_n my_o rock_n and_o my_o refuge_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o king_n my_o god_n and_o my_o saviour_n my_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o my_o redeemer_n 2_o when_o they_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v possess_v the_o eternal_a treasure_n and_o know_v perfect_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o very_a be_v with_o he_o necessary_o imply_v the_o enjoy_n of_o his_o love_n as_o the_o depart_v from_o he_o import_v the_o want_n of_o it_o mat._n 7.23_o and_o how_o great_a a_o happiness_n must_v that_o be_v and_o though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v it_o yet_o i_o may_v fit_o take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n xiii_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v enjoy_v after_o death_n without_o this_o my_o small_a book_n will_v be_v too_o small_a and_o will_v speak_v i_o guilty_a of_o too_o great_a a_o oversight_n to_o be_v handsome_o excuse_v for_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v
hour_n wherein_o it_o may_v not_o overtake_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o though_o what_o i_o be_o now_o to_o add_v can_v be_v but_o little_a comfort_n to_o the_o careless_a ungodly_a world_n because_o religion_n will_v comfort_v none_o who_o it_o do_v not_o rule_n yet_o to_o the_o true_a conscientious_a christian_a i_o hope_v it_o may_v afford_v even_o strong_a consolation_n for_o what_o more_o effectual_a armour_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n can_v be_v show_v to_o such_o a_o one_o or_o be_v wish_v by_o he_o than_o this_o truth_n before_o we_o that_o death_n itself_o shall_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o prove_v a_o friend_n unto_o his_o soul._n if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o bleed_v so_o as_o to_o saint_n almost_o at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o as_o a_o mean_n against_o those_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a distemper_n that_o he_o feel_v or_o fear_n and_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o safety_n of_o it_o also_o may_v thereby_o reconcile_v he_o to_o it_o and_o make_v he_o not_o only_o content_a but_o glad_a also_o to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a of_o his_o blood._n much_o more_o may_v a_o godly_a christian_a be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o his_o life_n when_o god_n call_v for_o it_o while_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v real_o satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v safe_a and_o gainful_a and_o that_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n will_v be_v better_o to_o his_o soul_n than_o the_o life_n of_o his_o body_n and_o all_o create_a comfort_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o die_v be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o nor_o no_o absurdity_n neither_o well_o may_v he_o fear_v death_n that_o shall_v feel_v damnation_n after_o it_o if_o he_o die_v in_o the_o state_n he_o be_v yet_o in_o but_o for_o a_o religious_a person_n that_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o die_v o_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v strange_a for_o alas_o it_o be_v but_o too_o common_a with_o the_o best_a many_o be_v now_o of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n that_o shall_v stand_v without_o fear_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o such_o fear_n in_o such_o person_n be_v very_o needless_a and_o strange_o unreasonable_a as_o yet_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v less_o concern_v to_o fear_v than_o die_a for_o when_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n he_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 5.8_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n in_o a_o state_n far_o better_o as_o it_o be_v express_v elsewhere_o philip._n 1.23_o god_n have_v often_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n fear_v not_o and_o in_o esay_n 40.10_o he_o urge_v it_o to_o his_o servant_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o be_v not_o dismay_v for_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o may_v excuse_v they_o perhaps_o from_o fear_v ordinary_a evil_n but_o not_o from_o fear_v death_n i_o will_v then_o demand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o he_o can_v show_v any_o reason_n true_o so_o call_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o confute_v he_o therein_o than_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o his_o people_n as_o true_o and_o as_o comfortable_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n as_o at_o any_o other_o time_n and_o that_o death_n shall_v not_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.38_o but_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n which_o also_o with_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v obj._n 1_o when_o you_o have_v say_v all_o you_o can_v yet_o say_v some_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o die_v be_v a_o hard_a word_n and_o a_o hard_a thing_n and_o have_v such_o difficulty_n accompany_v it_o as_o be_v puzzle_v and_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o most_o of_o men._n answ_n what_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o most_o be_v little_a to_o my_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v of_o for_o it_o be_v not_o most_o man_n but_o good_a and_o upright_a christian_n that_o here_o i_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o die_v be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n to_o such_o person_n i_o think_v i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v confess_v it_o may_v seem_v so_o unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o for_o the_o difficulty_n be_v more_o fancifull_a than_o real_a and_o when_o they_o be_v most_o trouble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o die_v itself_o but_o snning_a and_o doubt_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o distress_n which_o as_o to_o the_o weak_a true_a christian_n they_o be_v pardon_v for_o christ_n sake_n so_o at_o death_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o see_v before_o sect._n 12._o christ_n death_n for_o they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15.56_o 57_o so_o that_o they_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o live_v than_o of_o die_v for_o in_o life_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o variety_n of_o trouble_n and_o may_v often_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n but_o in_o die_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o they_o from_o thence_o forth_o their_o soul_n shall_v never_o see_v one_o evil_a hour_n they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v bless_v from_o thence_o forth_o and_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n rev._n 14.13_o obj._n 2._o but_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n we_o may_v expect_v satan_n fierce_a assault_n and_o strong_a temptation_n for_o he_o be_v never_o more_o apt_a to_o assail_v we_o than_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o weak_a as_o some_o report_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a mr._n pemble_n that_o when_o he_o lie_v on_o his_o deathbed_n the_o wicked_a one_o manage_v his_o subtle_a suggestion_n against_o he_o even_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n to_o baffle_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n to_o keep_v his_o soul_n from_o rest_v on_o that_o rock_n of_o salvation_n answ_n this_o need_v not_o to_o trouble_v any_o true_a heart_a christian_a for_o first_o he_o can_v conclude_v it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v his_o own_o case_n or_o that_o his_o last_o hour_n shall_v be_v in_o any_o sad_a sense_n a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n god_n deal_v very_o various_o with_o his_o people_n and_o order_v all_o their_o affair_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o own_o most_o merciful_a will_n and_o wisdom_n mr._n pemble_n and_o other_o have_v manifold_a temptation_n in_o their_o latter_a hour_n mr._n holland_n molinaeus_n mr._n robert_n bolton_n and_o multitude_n more_o have_v their_o heart_n then_o fill_v with_o heaven_n peace_n and_o though_o satan_n want_v not_o malice_n or_o knowledge_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o with_o his_o fiery_a dart_n when_o he_o see_v they_o least_o able_a to_o resist_v yet_o we_o be_v sure_a his_o power_n be_v limit_v so_o that_o he_o can_v give_v they_o one_o minute_n disturbance_n more_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v who_o mercy_n we_o be_v tell_v be_v to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 103.17_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v turn_v from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell._n how_o well_o will_v they_o be_v satisfy_v if_o some_o of_o their_o best_a friend_n who_o kindness_n they_o have_v most_o experience_v have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o to_o order_v all_o circumstance_n that_o concern_v their_o death_n behold_v the_o matter_n be_v much_o safe_a than_o so_o and_o all_o their_o affair_n in_o a_o better_a hand_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o true_a affection_n and_o hearty_a love_n of_o the_o most_o compassionate_a parent_n upon_o earth_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n to_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o that_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o gracious_a saviour_n with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v call_v the_o shepherd_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o if_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o according_o and_o help_v they_o in_o their_o great_a need_n ob._n 3._o but_o the_o mere_a absence_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o body_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v its_o condition_n somewhat_o uncomfortable_a for_o philosopher_n common_o write_v of_o the_o desire_v it_o have_v to_o the_o body_n and_o a_o