A discourse of the glory to which God hath called believers by Jesus Christ delivered in some sermons out of the I Pet. 5 Chap. 10 ver. : together with an annexed letter / both by that eminent and worthy minister of the Gospel, Mr. Jonathan Mitchil, late pastor to the church at Cambridge in New-England.

SERMON II.

MOreover there will be a special commu∣nion with each person of the sacred Trinity, God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, according to their several special operations for us, and manifestations of themselves to us.

1. The face of the Fathers love will be seen in its Glory and sweetness, in electing, chu∣sing, giving his Son, transacting with him, Justifying, Adopting, &c. and to see him a∣gainst whom we had sinned, smiling on us with complacence and delight, taking us into his bosom, and loving us with the same love wherewi••h he loves his own Son, how ravish∣ing will that be? You shall then be in the Fa∣thers house, Joh. 14.2. and under the pour∣ings out of the Fathers love, Joh. 16.27, 28. & 14.21, 23. & 17.21, 23, 24.

Going to Heaven, is called (or explained by) going to the Father, Joh. 14.2, - 6. It is the Journy's end, and the last and highest rest of the souls of the Saints, and of all their de∣sires, hopes, prayers, breathings (as Joh. 14.8.) to behold the Fathers Face (Mat. 18.10.) and to have a full sight and enjoyment of his Love and Communion. From this we were cut off by sin, by our fall from God as Creator, and hence seperated from his presence, and never since sin came in, could the Father have to do with us in an immediate way. And while sin hangs upon the Saints, they have more dark and doubtful, and distant thoughts of the Fathers Love: We can more readily see the Love of Christ who is the next to us, and con∣verses immediatly with sinners: But now after that the effect of Christs Redemption and Me∣diation shall be finished; and their full Re∣storation into the Bosom of the Fathers Love accomplished, by him who is the way thither, Joh. 14.6. and sin utterly abolished, and the Saints perfectly restored to the Image of God and made like their Heavenly Father: And so Christ shall deliver up his Kindom; i. e. the pre∣sent militant and mediate administration of his Kingdom, and present it in its compleat, perfect and unchangeable state, as the Effect and final Issue of that Negotiation, which he hath exercis••d in the time of this World, 1 Cor.

15.24, - 28. Then will God the Father (with the Son and Spirit) more immediatly (in an unspeakable manner) Communicate himself to the Saints, and bare the face of his Love; take them into his more Immediate presence, fill them with his goodness, and be all in all to them. And then shall the Saints see and ascend unto the Fountain-love of the Father, the ori∣ginal of the whole Mystery of Christ, and of all the grace and salvation by him, the Well-head of all gracious Dispensations and Communi∣cations, in a fuller manner then now they can. They shall everlastingly be drinking down, and Bathing themselves in those Rivers of Love that have been running down from Everlasting, and from the well-spring of Election have issued forth in the whole Dis∣pensation of Christ: From the Father they were given to Christ, Joh. 17.6. To him they shall then be presented, Heb. 2.13. Jude 24. and by Christ brought into the nearest Union and Communion with him that possible can be, Joh. 17.21, - 22, - 26. The Scripture speaks much of the Fathers Love, 2 Cor. 13.13. 1 Joh. 16.27. Rom. 8.39.

And that (often) antecedent to the sending of Christ, and all benefits by him as the ori∣ginal and fountain thereof, Joh. 3.16. 1 Joh. 4.8, 9, 10. Ephes. 3.3, - 6. Tit. 3.4, - 6. This will then be seen and enjoyed in the fullest

manner and measure, according to the capacity of glorified Saints. God the Father will be letting forth, and pouring out his love into the souls of the Saints, (shedding it abroad in greater measures than now, Rom. 5.5.) and they drinking down the sweetness thereof for evermore, beholding and tasting what manner of love that is, which here they can see and conceive but a little of, 1 Joh. 3.1, 2. and as Ephes. 3.18, 19. They also making re∣turns of love unto him, and sweetest ebulli∣tions thereof, loving God then actually with all the heart, soul, strength and mind, as is commanded. This loving communion with God the Father (or communion with him in love) shall the Saints enjoy in Heaven in the fullest manner for evermore.

2. The Son of God who is incarnate, the Lord Jesus Christ who is Man as well as God, his face shall be seen, and his company en∣joyed by the Saints in Heaven, in a peculiar and most immediate manner; you shall see the man Christ with bodily eyes, as Job 19.27. you shall ascend to him then, and be with him, enjoy his immediate company and com∣munion, see him face to face, Job 19.25, 26, 27. Philip. 1.23. 2 Cor. 5.8. 1 Thes. 4.17. 1 Joh. 3.2. You shall hear him speak to you, and discourse of the great things of God, each word of whose lips will be more sweet than

ten thousands of Gold and Silver; you shall behold him pouring forth himself and his love, yea the love of God to you, and the disco∣veries and communications of his grace and goodness, through, the lips and expressions of a man; you shall then have full communion with the man Christ Jesus, that everlasting Mediator between God and Man. Why the company of a good man, a loving friend, a gracious Saint here, that breaths much of Christ, how sweet is it? What then is the company of Christ himself, who is full of grace and truth, and that with the fulness of an head to derive like Grace, and so now like Glory to all his members? For as he is the merito∣rious and dispensing cause, so also the exem∣plary cause, as of all Grace here, so of Glory hereafter, as Joh. 1.16. so you shall have Glory for Glory, Glory in your measure like unto his Glory; the Glory that he shines with in Heaven, you must share in it, and have; you shall have the same Glory for kind and nature, though for measure and degree not equal, but he will still have the preheminence, Joh. 17.22. Rom. 8.29. 1 Joh. 3.2. you shall live in the same Heaven with him, Joh. 14.3. partake of the same love of the Father, Joh. 17.23. drink of the same pleasures, live the same life of holiness and happiness, reign with him in the same Kingdom, Rom. 8.17. Rev.

3.21. Be thrown into the same Ocean of Joy (though Vessels of different quantity will take in different measures, and so difference in de∣grees between the Saints themselves, much more between the Saints and Christ.) Yea, pro∣bably the Saints in Heaven may have Commu∣nion with Christ in the Acts of Grace, as here in this life they have Communion with him in the habits of Grace; i. e. that the same Actings, the same Contemplations, Tasts, Ap∣prehensions, Ebullitions of heart, the same springing of Love, Joy, Delight and sweet Affection, that the man Christ hath, shall run through Heaven and be in their measure com∣municated to all the Saints there: For Glory properly stands in, and results from the lively Acting of Grace; and therefore Communion in Glory, may import Communion in the Acts of Grace, &c. But however, to be sure, they shall be like him, 1 Joh. 3.2. And bear his Glorious Heavenly Image there, 1 Cor. 15.48, 49. Like him in Soul, Pure, Heavenly, Holy, inlarged in Love to God, and to his Glory as he is, and like him in body too, Phil. 3.21. And enjoy his Blessed Converse and Com∣pany.

What the particular Imployment and manner of Converse of the man Christ, with and among the Saints in Heaven will be, we cannot now tell you, you shall know it when you come

there; to be sure it will be most Holy, ex∣cellent and Glorious, and full of mutual joy and delight; I may suggest this meditation. Look what Christ did in Converse with his Disciples after his Resurrection, when he was then entred into a Glorified estate, he then opened to them the Scriptures, so as their hearts burnt within them, Luk. 24.27, 32, 44, 45. And spake of things of the Kingdom of God, Act. 13. Then indeed but in order to the carrying on of the Kingdom of Grace, and in such a measure as suited that end. But why may we not think that he will then in Heaven in such a manner and measure, as suites the Kingdom of Glory, expound the Scriptures, lay open the depths of the Book of God, and the Mysteries of Divinity, those fully and clear∣ly that were here known but in a little part, and other points that were not known at all, the wonders of Law and Gospel, of the Word and Works of God, the depths and know∣ledge of Wisdom: But especially the depths of Love and Grace (the things that tend to the praise of the Glory of Gods Grace; the great end of all his dealings with his people, Ephes. 1.6.) those will he open and lay forth in a glorious manner: And oh the burnings and flames, and sparkling Impressions of Sera∣phical Affections that all the Saints about him will then be filled with. Never such a Preacher,

and never such Hearers for Attention and Af∣fection (no Sleeping, no Dulness, no Weariness) as there will be. In a word, Ordinances then shall cease, but the quintessence and extract of all Ordinances shall be then enjoyed (that power and Glory of God, that beauty of the Lord be seen in the Sanctuary of Heaven, that here were but glimpses through Glasses) Mat. 26.29. Glo∣rious and sweet Communion do the Saints here enjoy with Christ at a Sacrament, in that Ordinance of the Lords Supper: But in Hea∣ven (in the Kingdom of his Father) he will (as I may say) celebrate that Sacrament, i. e. give them the quintessence, comfort and Commu∣nion of it in another manner; in new, fresh and immediate Communications of his Grace and sweetness. There shall not be now need of any outward Elements, Bread or Wine; but the Inward part, the Spiritual Communion; they shall have it new and fresh (in a more lively and better, fuller manner then here) whence they shall be as men full of new Wine, filled with the Springs of Heavenly Affection and Consolation. Wine is oft used to express Joy, Gladness, Comfort, Psal. 104.15. The Com∣munion between Christ and the Saints in the Coelestial Life, will compleat, perfect, and far transcend that that is but in a weak and mean degree, begun in Ordinances here. Con∣sider also that the Union and Communion be∣tween

Christ and the faithful, being set forth by that of the Conjugal relation in Scripture, our present state is but an Espousal, the Con∣summation of the Marriage is at the day of Judgment; thence follows the full enjoyment each of other in Heaven, when Christ hath carried his Spouse home to his Fathers house, Ineffable, Mutual Delight, Communion, Com∣munication of Secrets and Hearts each to o∣ther, Joy and Contentment will thence ensue. Then will those words be most fully verified, Isa. 62.4, 5. and 54.4, 5, 8. Zeph. 3.17. Then will the Book of Canticles (that Book of Loves between Christ and his Church) be understood and fully practised: But thus in Heaven you shall have Immediate and full Communion with the Lord Jesus. You hear of him now, but you shall see him then, and be ever with him; there was flocking to see him, when on earth in his Humiliation, Luk. 19.3, 4. And the Spiritually minded then saw Glory in him, Joh. 14. But what will it be then to see him in Heaven in his Glorified estate? And not only to see him as a stranger, as a Glorious person: But to see and enjoy him as thy Friend, as thy Brother, Saviour, Husband, Cant. 5.16. One who sometimes powered out his Heart-blood for thee, and will now power out his Heart-love to thee for evermore.

3. The Saints shall have full Communion

with the Holy Ghost, they shall have the Ever∣lasting fulness and presence of the Spirit, and so have a fulness of Gifts and Graces, of Holi∣ness and Comfort for evermore. The Saints have somewhat of the Communion of the Ho∣ly Ghost now, 2 Cor. 13.14. But they shall have it in perfection then. We have but the first fruits of the Spirit, but an earnest penny now, Rom. 8.23. 2 Cor. 1.22. and 5.5. There∣fore there is an Harvest, the whole sum, a ful∣ness of the Spirit that shall be imparted then. And as the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Grace and Comfort now, by whose Presence and As∣sistance we are upheld in both, so will he be then; only in such a way, manner and measure as suits a state of Perfection; then he will rest upon you as a Spirit of Glory, so hath he done in a great degree on some Martyrs here, 1 Pet. 4.14. but there, in Perfection on all the Saints.

Hence the Saints in Heaven having the ful∣ness of the Spirit, shall be replenished with all those Excellencies and endowments that are the Effects and fruits of the presence and special operation of the Spirit, filled with all the fulness of God. As 1. With singular Di∣vine Guifts of knowledge, wisdom, inlarge∣ment of understanding (as 1 King. 4.29.) and utterance, (For there will be use of utterance in Heaven, in Glorious Conference and Con∣verse

of the Saints.) Here are Gifts given for the Kingdom of Grace by the Spirit, 1 Cor. 12.4, 8, 11. But there are Guifts suiting the Kingdom of Glory. 2. With all Graces of Holiness or Sanctification; those now brought to per∣fection, and kept up in act and exercise. Sancti∣fication of the Spirit (2 Thes. 2.13.) will then be perfect (of which further afterward con∣cerning the Glory of the Soul) and there will be the constant un-interrupted Presence and Assistance of the Spirit to actuate every Grace, to keep it up in its full exercise: The heart ever inlarged for God, ever fixed and tuned to sing his Praise, as Psal. 57.7, 8. Thy Glory (Heart and Tongue) shall be ever awake, thy Harp ever in Tune then, the Spirit of Grace everlastingly filling and quickning thy Heart, and holding thee up in Heavenly, Spiritual activity and inlargement. 3. With abundant Comfort and Consolation. The Holy Ghost will then fully do that work of a Comforter, and dwell in all the Saints as such, (Joh. 14.16.) in his Choicest and most Glorious Com∣forting Operations. That in Rom. 5.5. will then be fully done: Then perfect Assurance and sense of the Love of God, without all mix∣ture of doubt, or fear, or darkness; full Assu∣rance shall be wanting to never a Saint in Hea∣ven; the meanest shall see the Love of God more clearly than the strongest did here: That

great question, will then be out of question for∣ever. The light of Gods Countenance shall be then lifted up, and shine upon your souls as a Sun that never sets, nor is overcast with clouds. The knowledge and sense of that one thing, [that the Infinite God loves thee with an everlasting love] which is more worth than ten thousand, thousand worlds, shall live in thy heart, and be the Life and Joy of thy Soul; and fill thee with peace that passeth all under∣standing. The joy of the Holy Ghost (that is a manifest and eminent part of our Com∣munion with the Holy Ghost) shall then be at its full height, which now we have but some tasts and drops of, Rom. 14.17. That that Christ hath been so long aiming and driving at, will then be attained, Joh. 15.11. and 16.24. Their Joy is the Element the Saints in Heaven live in, (they breath in no other Aire but that) the Ocean they swim in: It is that they enter and go into, Mat. 25.21, 23. Joy at once expresses Heaven, and Hea∣venly Glory: It is a Mass or Heap of Joy, a Region of Joy, an Aire and Element of Joy (the Joy of the Lord God, the Joy of the Holy Ghost) into which they are brought, and where they breath and live, and swim in the fulness thereof for ever, Psal. 16.11.

2. A second thing considerable in the po∣sitive Happiness of the Saints in Heaven, is

their inherent personal (subjective, the former particular pointeth chiefly to their obj••ctive Glory, though they go together; and ther••fore both there and here somewhat of both) Glory, or perfection both of Soul and Body. This partly makes them capable of that foresaid full enjoyment of God, and partly results from it. For our present frail, weak and distempered faculties are not capable of that Glory and Glo∣rious Communion, 1 Cor. 15.50. and 2.9. they must therefore be raised up to an higher state of Perf••ction in order thereunto. And the enjoyment of that Communion with God continually reflects unspeakable Glory and Happiness, inherent Excellencies upon the whole man. But hence the person of each Saint is Glorified (filled with Glorious Excel∣lency and Perfection both of Soul and Body:) All that be there are Glorified Persons, Rom. 8.17, 18, 30. Col••ss. 3.4. Glorious or Glorified they are both in their Souls and Bodies i. e. considering them as they shall be after the Re∣surrection and last Judgment. Consider there∣fore a little. 1. Of the Glory of the Soul. 2. Of the Body of a Saint.

1. The Glory, Felicity and Perfection of the Soul of a Glorified Saint. The Soul is lifted up to its full Perf••ction, Hebr. 12.23. endowed with all those Excellencies and Perfections that are proper to it, especially the perfect Resto∣ration

of the Image of God, and all the good and Excellency that resulteth thence, made like unto the Soul of Jesus Christ, 1 Joh. 3.2.

The most proper and principal subj••ct of Heavens Glory, is the Soul. Hence it's cal∣led the Salvation of our Souls, 1 Pet. 1.9. that is, the great Vessel that holds the Riches of Glory that are powered in there, Rom. 9.23. The Soul of man is capable of more Glory and good, than is in all this whole lower world put together, all the Pleasures and Treasures of it cannot fill one Soul: (no not as its now on earth in its narrow capacity; for it shall be far larger when in its Glorified inlarged capa∣city in Heaven.) But then it shall be filled full as it can hold: All the Excellency that a Created Soul is capable of, shall then be put upon it; and all the good and Glory its ca∣pable of holding, poured into it. Consider it in those two faculties of the Soul, Understand∣ing and Will. 1. The Understanding shall be. 1. Strengthned and enlarged, enabled to see much and far; raised and heightned to great quickness and deep Comprehensions of Understanding, Isa. 11.2, 3. So when the spirit of Glory shall rest on the Saints in Hea∣ven, (the Members of Christ) it shall make them of quick and large Understandings; yea quick to discerne and conceive of Spiritual objects, and things which here we are dull and

slow in. Some men here on earth (in this dark lumpish house of Clay) have been of accute understandings, quick apprehensions, and vast Parts and Abilities; what then shall Saints in Heaven be. Solomon had a large Understand∣ing, that held as many Notions and Concep∣tions, as there are Sands on the Sea-shore, 1 King. 4.29.

And yet (saith one, viz. Dr. Goodwin on Rom. 8.18. page 56.) the Soul of the least Child (i. e. that was a Child here, for vide Aquinas in supplement. Q 81. and Bolton of Heaven, page 129.) in Heaven, that went out of the World happily, when but newly come forth of his Mothers Womb, exceeds all the knowledge that Solomon had on earth. Adam before the Fall had a large and ready Understanding, as his so soon naming the Creatures according to their natures shewes: But Heaven restores the Saints to Adam's Primitive Perfection, and unto more then so. All those Defects, Wounds and Weaknesses in mans nature, and so in his Understanding, that came in by sin, as fruits or punishments thereof, (or that im∣port a miserable afflictive) Imperfection, or that unfit for the fruition of the appointed Glory; these are all removed from the Glo∣rified Saint. 2. Furnished, yea filled and sa∣tisfied with all useful, desirable, and Beatifical knowledge. The Glorified Saint shall be a∣bundantly

stored and furnished with Know∣ledge, of the Works of God, and the admirable rayes and beams of Gods wisdom that shine therein (in the frame of his Works of Creation, and natures of his Creatures, which men now gather up somthing of from Arts and Sciences. True Learning will then, and there come to, and be in its Per∣fection. The clear certain know∣ledge of all useful Truth will a∣bound in that Heavenly Academy; for this will be for the Glory and Honour of God, that he may have the Glory of his Works, and of his Wisdom therein, that it may not be lost and buried, as it would be, (most of it) if neve•• further seen into, and minded than it is here, Psal. 104.24.36. And it is a part of the per∣fection and excellency of the Rational Crea∣ture, an attaining of his end, who was made to behold the wisdom of God in the World, Job. 36.24, 25. And it was an Excellency he gave to Solomon, when he would be kind to him; therefore he will not deny it to his Saints in Heaven. And our present defect and dark∣ness in this knowledge, is a fruit of the fall, therefore shall then be removed.

2. Of the Word of God, and of all the deep Mysteries of Religion, the meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and of the hardest places therein; the solution of the most knotty, questi∣ons

in Divinity, the Explication of the most Glorious and ravishing Mysteries of God and Christ, of Creation, Providence, Redemption and Application, &c. shall then be fully known and understood. This is evident▪ for know∣ledge, especially in spiritual things, (matters of God and of Religion) shall then come to its full perfection, 1 Cor. 13.9, 12. And the beatifical vision compriseth this, Mat. 5.8. i. e. they shall see (with the understanding, as well as enjoy with the whole Soul) God in all those discoveries and manifestations of himself that Creature is capable of, and consequently in all truths concerning himself (all those Divine Truths) that make up that discovery. Yea, (I add) the mind shall be filled and satisfied with the knowledge and contemplation of those Glorious Truths and Objects, unto ra∣vishing Joy and Contentment. Here the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing▪ Eccles. 1.8. but then it shall, though of so vast a concavity, (as we see here, the mind of man is a vast thing, it can take in, and swallow down Heaps of Knowledge, and yet is greedy after more; it can grasp that World in its conception, &c. Much more large will this Vessel be, when widened to its Glorified capacity, yet) it shall be filled and satisfied, Psal. 17.15. There is that to be seen and known in God that sufficeth, Joh. 14.8 (there

is enough to suffice an infinite, therefore more than enough for a finite understanding.) I••••∣sight of what was to be seen in Solomon and Solomon's Court, and hearing of his wisdom, was so ravishing and satisfying to the Queen of Sheba, 1 King. 10.3.8 What then will the fight of the Face and Glory of God in Heaven be. The eye of a mans body is but a small thing, and the apple of it smaller, yet by the help of the Sun it is able to take in, and be∣hold half the world, the whole Hemisphere at once. How much more vast and large will the view and vision, and prospect of the eye of the understanding be, (what vast objects, delights and Glories will it take in) when it hath the light of the Glory of God in Heaven shining about it, yea into it, Psal. 36.8.9. It will take in great and wonderful discoveries of God, and even see his face, i. e. have a wonder∣full Glorious view and vision of him, and of all those clear manifestations of himself, which he shall then communicate; but how large so∣ever, it shall be filled unto full satisfaction, Psal. 17.15.

2. The Will, Heart and Affections shall also be.

1. Inlarged, or compleatly fitted, framed▪ disposed and sanctified to take in that Glory, or that Glorious Communion with God that is to be had in Heaven. The spirit will be per∣fect

(Hebr. 12.23.) in this respect, i. e. per∣••••ctly sanctified, filled full of holiness, and so everlastingly fitted and inlarged for that holy work of Glorifying God, that is the work of Heaven; alwayes in tune for that, never out of frame, as you often are here. The Image of God upon the Soul, shall then be perfectly re∣stored, as that part of it which stands in know∣ledge, Colos. 3.10. so also that of holiness and righteousness, Epes. 4.24. which is seated chief∣ly in the will and affections: your Souls shall be top full of Holiness. You that now long and cry out for Grace and Holiness, for an heart to love God, to fear him, to delight in him, to be inlarged for him, you shall then have your desire to the full; never feel a weak∣ness or impotency, or straitness of heart God∣ward more: never find your hearts at your left hand, but always dextrous in Holy works, and inlarged for it; then may each Saint say to another, as 2 Cor. 6.11. and to God de prae∣senti, as Psal. 119.32. I will run, &c. For thou dost inlarge my heart. And especially the af∣fection and Grace of Love, that shall be inlarged and flourish there: Love to God and to his Saints, the perfume of that will fill Heaven. Heaven is the place of Love, that is, the head-grace there alwayes acting, never failing, 1 Cor. 13.8.13. Those affections that bring pain with them, as tormenting fear and grief, 1 Jo••.

4.14.) and those Actings that imply Imper∣fection in them; or a state of Imperfection ac∣companying them as prophesie, and that infe∣riour imperfect way and manner of know∣ledge that we have here, and those actings of faith and hope that are proper to this life, (in contra-distinction to the fight and presence of the good believed and hoped for; though the Grace of faith and hope it self, or dependance on God in Christ shall continue in Heaven) those I say shall cease, but Love is alwayes comfortable, Philip. 2.1. and the full acting of Love, implies perfection, 1 Joh. 4.18. (the more intensely and strongly Love acts and carries the Soul to God, the more perfect we are, (the strongest acts of faith are under our greatest Imperfections, wants and miseries, when the good of the promise is wanting, Heb. 11.1.) And Love is most directly the spirit of Holiness, and of actual sweet joyful Commu∣nion with God) and therefore Love shall emi∣nently continue and flourish in Heaven, and be alwayes in fullest act and exercise. 2. Filled and satisfied with good, the heart of man is a large Vessel, the desires have a vast reach, even after infinite good: This whole World cannot satisfie one heart; but then it shall be filled (that word full verified, Isa. 55.2) Brim∣ful of Comfort and Contentment in the fruiti∣on of God who is goodness it self, infinitely

good; enough to satisfie the endless reaches of the heart of man. You shall then have as much as you would have, when the will, the desire is opened to the widest, it shall be filled, Psal. 81.10. And whereas Love seeketh nearest Union and fullest Communion with the Beloved: If thy Soul love God, it would be drawn as near him as may be, Cant. 1.4. Why, Love shall be satisfied in this respect; the Soul shall be as near God as it would be, and have him as near as it would have, ever loving him, and ever loved of him, delighting in him, and de∣lighted in by him; lying in the arms and bo∣some of his Love: Christ and all the faithful, his Spouse will then give their Loves (Cant. 7.12. each to other, ever opening and exchang∣ing hearts. And so Joy will then be full, Psal. 16.11. All the liking affections (whereby the will goes out unto,. embraces and enjoyes good) shall then be fully satisfied, as Psal. 107 9. Jerem. 31.25. Psal. 36.8. And for the Soul of man to be closing with and satiated, actually satisfied in God the chief and infinite good, this is Happiness: this is the fruition that is beatifical.

2. Consider the Glory of the Body, viz. when that shall come to its Glorified estate, as it shall do at, and after its Resurrection. It shall then be Glorified as well as the Soul., be∣ing made like the Glorious Body of Christ,

Philip. 3.21. 1 Cor. What that is, was in some glimpse of it seen in Christs Transfiguration, Mat. 17.2. that was a little glimpse and speci∣men of the future visible Glory of Christ, and so of the Saints that shall be like him, So Mat. 13.43. Consider but those passages (to avoid curiosity here) in 1 Cor. 15.42, 43, 44. It shall be the self same Body for substance, but endow∣ed with new and Glorious qualities, viz.

1. Incorruption and Immortality, it is sown (i. e. as here buried) in Corruption: It is raised in Incorruption, so v. 53, 54. The Saints Bodies shall not be lyable to any Cor∣ruption, hurt or decay, by sickness, pain, old-age or death, but clothed with Immorta∣lity: All principle and power of dying being swallowed up, 2. Cor. 15.4. To live for ever without liableness to death. No fear of dying then, when once in that other happy World. The King of Terrours never sets foot there, Luk. 20.36: Adam might possibly have lived and not dyed, but these shall live and cannot die. And as not exposed to death, so not to any other hurt or aile, inward decay, or out∣ward violence: What abundance of Hurts and Ailes, Maimes, Accidents; as also Inward Diseases now? How many Tooles are at work to knock down this Clay-tabernacle? but then it shall be so strongly built, as to be Impreg∣nable by the assaults of Corruption.

2. Glory Splendor and Beauty, v. 43. The Body is now a vile thing (Philip. 3.21.) when under earthly Adams Image, especially in its decaying state, under Sickness, Sores, Maimes, Rheums, Wrinkles, &c. It is a sorry, poor, ill-looking, deformed, pale noisome thing: But then the Bodies of the Saints shall be Glo∣rious, Beautiful, Goodly, Amiable and Shining as the Sun: (whereof that of the shining of Moses his face, and of Christ in his Transfigu∣ration, was but a little glimpse.) And far above that of Adam in innocency, when neither shame nor deformity was yet known.

3. Strength and Power, v. 43. Now the Body is a weak, fraile, feeble thing, often un∣able to perform its needful operations, soon wearied, tyred with action, and at last sinking under its own frailty to the Grave: But then Strong, Vigorous, Lively, Healthy; freed from all defects and infirmities above weariness and weakness: And so from the Imperfection and weakness of Infancy, or decrepit Age. All the Saints, even such as die Children, (as Di∣vines most probably conclude) shall rise again in full strength and stature, such as the flower and vigour of years did, or would have given; as such as Adam at his Creation was made in (Vid. Aquin. Suppl. Quaest. 81. Bolton of Hea∣ven, page 129. Bucan. Lot. Com. page 422.]

4. Spiritualness v. 44. Not that the Body

shall be then turned into a Spirit, or lose the nature of a true Body. But 1. The Body shall then live as Spirits and Angels do, without Meat, Drink, Sleep, and such like External, E∣lementary, Bodily supports as we need in this Animal-life, being then sustained by the All-preserving, All-quickning Spirit of God, with∣out the help of such means, Mat. 22.30.

2. The Body shall be perfectly conformable, obedient and subservient to the operations of the Spirit, or Soul, (as also to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God) The ready instrument of the Soul aptly imployed in spiritual work. As when the Spirit, or Soul serves the Car∣nal: So when the flesh (the Body) readily serves the Spirit, it may well be termed Spiri∣tual. Now in this Life, the Soul is taken up in serving the Body; the greatest part of our time, Labour, Strength, Study, is spent in the providing Meat and Clothing, and Comforts for the Body, and feeding that, Eccles. 6.7. But then the Body (not needing those things) shall be wholly serviceable to the Soul. The Body shall be no more such a Troublesome, Cumbersome thing as now it is, needing so much tendance and adoe about it, and oft interrupting Spiritual work thereby. But then it shall be a more Spiritual and Heavenly peace, alwayes free and ready for Soul work, for Spiritual Heavenly imployment. Your Con∣templations,

Studies, Sweet Affections and Communion with God never broken off and interrupted by Eating and Drinking, by Dres∣sing and Undressing, &c. as here they are.

3. Activity, Agility, Lightness Nimble∣ness and speed in motion, may also be imply∣ed in this Spiritualness of the Body: Not dull, slow, heavy-moulded as now: but in Agility and Activity more like to Spirits. Hence, easily made to ascend to meet the Lord in the Aire, 1 Thes. 4.17. and afterward to go up with him to the third Heaven: And able, no doubt, in a very little time, (though not pro∣perly in an instant) to move through those vast spaces and distances of those Heavenly Mansi∣ons, and from one quarter of the Coelestial World to another.

3. The Glorious Company of Saints and Angels is another Additional part of Heavens Glory. The fruition of God is the main Es∣sence of it. But this is an Accessional Adjunct, or Concomitant that is full of Comfort: Yea, it is a necessary Concomitant, for God will be enjoyed by his people in a Communion for∣ever, not in a single seperate way, but in Con∣junction and Society, Mat. 8.11. and that Communion will be an help to their enjoy∣ment of God, a way and means of their Com∣munion with God. When we speak of our Immediate Communion with God in Heaven,

we are not to understand it absolutely, that there shall be no mediums between us and the transcendant Majesty of God; for there will be the Humane nature of Christ, and the Com∣munion of Saints, who in a Coel••stial way and manner, will be helpful and useful one to ano∣ther, to convey much of God to one another: But Immediate compared with what we have here, and so as these inferiour instituted means and helps, and Glasses that we have here shall he laid aside. But the Communion of Saints will then be in its Perfection and fullest Ex∣cellency in the Church triumphant. And Love, Holiness and Communicativeness, which is the life of Communion, then will flourish, 1 Cor. 13.8. You must there enjoy Christ your Head, not alone, but in fellowship with all his My∣stical Body. Hence I said in the Description [All together] they shall have fruition of God All together, in the Highest Heaven for evermore, Heb. 11.22, 23. We now come and are joyned to that body by Mystical Relati∣on, but then by way of actual Communion.

Consider here. 1. There will be only true and Blessed Saints together in Heaven, no mixture of unsound ones, or secret enemies; there the Communion will be absolutely pure, such as is not to be expected, nor no rule al∣lowes us to expect or insist upon in the Church on earth; for here there will be a

mixture of Corne and Chaffe, Wheat and Tears, Sheep and Goats, good and bad Fish while the World stands: But then a perfect separation of Goates from the Sheep, and the Latter alone go into the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 25.34, 46.

2. There will (after the last day) be all the Saints together, all the Vessels of Glory ga∣thered together▪ the whole Congregation of the Righteous, (Psal. 1.5.) the whole gene∣ral Assembly of the first born: All the faithful seed of Abraham, which are as the Stars in Hea∣ven, and as the Sand on the Sea-shore (all that ever were, are or shall be of the Elect and saved blessed number) and this adds much to the Glory of it. We know numerous and great Assemblies here on earth, are very solemn and affecting. The very faces of many Saints together, are quickning each to other, (Psal. 42.4. for a multitude to go and be together in the house of God, is no small thing) But what an Assembly will then be, what an Heart-ravishing Congregation, when all the Millions of Glorified Saints shall meet toge∣ther, all their faces shining with the Image of God, to praise and Glorifie God, and joyn∣ing in the same Hallelujah, Revel. 19.1, 2, 3.

3. There shall be a knowledge one of ano∣ther; the Saints in Heaven sh••ll know one another. Society without acquaintance, is not

com∣fortable, this shall not be wanting in that place of Bliss. Yea, you shall know not only those that were of your acquaintance here; but all the faithful, even strangers whom you never knew before; you shall be able to say, (as Mr. Bolton speaks,) this is Abraham, Jacob, David, Paul, this was Luther, Calvin, Brad∣ford, &c. As may be gathered from the A∣postles knowing Moses and Elias, whom they had never seen before, in that glimpse of Heaven at Christs Transfiguration. And from Adams knowing Eve, and whence she was at first sight, (without any humane in∣formation) of which Argument Luther Dis∣coursed the Evening before his death, and thence conclud••d the thing in hand, viz. That we shall know one another in the life to come [Melch. Adam. in vita Lutheri, pag. 154.] and all Comfortable knowledge will be then vouchsafed, but this is one part of it. Yea, if it should ask time to come acquain∣ted with every one, to be sure there will be time enough there, remembering also the quickness and accuteness of understanding, memory, &c. But a Superiour and more im∣mediate way of this knowledge there may well be supposed.

4. There will be most sweet, Holy and comfortable Converse of the Saints together.

Though we cannot tell you the particular manner and order of it now, (it will excel in order, as well as otherwise.) Yet to be sure it will be Precious and Glorious, and full of sweetness and Comfort: And there will be full time, season and opportunity for it at large. Moses and Elias were talking together with Christ in that little representation of Heaven, Mat. 17.3. There will not want or∣derly Conference and Discourse, and speak∣ing one to another among that Heavenly company. There you may hear of all the wonderful things that God hath done for his Church in this World; yea, and for each particular person. The story's of the Expe∣riences of the Saints, (many of which are now lost and forgotten) the Lords admi∣rable variegate Dispensations; the embroi∣dered work of Providence, when the whole piece shall be made up and finished, the cu∣rious needle-work thereof (the Coat of many Colours that God hath made for his Church, and for all his Beloved ones in the varieties of his dealings with them.) It will then be spre••d abroad, declared, viewed, related, dis∣coursed of at large! Luther in his Comment on Genes. 5. Fol. 76. Considering how short∣ly Moses passeth over the story of those Ho∣nourable Fathers before the Flood; why that (saith he) is reserved for another World, the

last day, there will be talk for Heaven; then you shall see those Sages shining in Majesty and Glory, and then you shall hear of them, and from them what they did, and what God did (by, or for, or with them or others) in their times, the particular stories thereof: You shall then hear what Seth did, Enosh did, what Cainan did, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, did, and suffered too; the stories of which times shall live and be revived in Heaven, to the Glory of God, and joyful delight of the Saints; having also before that been repre∣sented at the great day of Judgement: the like you may see of other persons and times: For God will not lose any of his works, nor the Glory of them, Psal. 104.31. both of Creation and Providence. But consider how sweet is the Communion, Company and Con∣verse of Gracious Saints here on earth: How do your hearts burn in Godly Conference (as Luk. 24.32.) when you can get in; though much adoe to get into it here for worldly matters and unsavory hearts. But those that are Savory and Spiritual, and Breath much of Christ and Grace in their Speeches, what Life and Sweetness do you find therein; it may be you smell of their Company a good while after, your hearts are somewhat the more Savory for it. But what then will the Converse and Company of the Saints in Hea∣ven

be, when there shall be no sin, no defect either in Sp••ak••r or H••arers, no imperti∣nencies in their speeches, ••o unsavoriness, every one full of God, full of wisdom and holiness, &c. You will truly say, it is good being here, when you have not M••ses and Elias only, but Christ withall the thousands of his Saints about you, as Mat. 17.4. It is a phrase often used of dying Saints in Scrip∣ture, that they were gathered to their people, Genes. 25.8. and 35.29. and 49.33. Numb. 20.24. Deutr. 32.50. there in the other world, in Heaven is the great Congregati∣on (gathering together, or Assembling of the peopl•• of God: there they meet, and come togeth••r, and shall be together forever. We think Death takes, and rends, and carries men away from their people, from their Friends, Relations, Brethren: But the Saints by Death are more properly gathered to ther people: (so the Scripture speaks, re∣specting not this inconsiderable, but the other world.) As the removal of the Travail∣er from the Inne s••parates him indeed from the people (i. e. strangers) at the Inne, but gathers him to his own people at home: So Death carries the Saints from a Forreign Co••••••ry to their home, and from strangers (in comparison) to their own people; to ••••ose that are wholly, and only (without

mixture their own people, Heb. 12.23. You must die, and go to H••aven, if you will c••me to the great meeting and Congregation of the people of God; there is the Center, the Country, the City where you shall find them all, there they shall all meet, and live to∣gether forever.

And hence by the way, mind one help to know whether you be like to go to Heaven or no, (men for Heaven,) viz. Are you for the Company, and Communion, and inse∣perable fellowship of the p••ople of God, the Saints and faithful in Christ; is your delight in them, (Psal. 16.3.) your love to them, (1 Joh. 3.14., 18.) would you have your lot among them: And if there be any person or people that have more of Gods Image upon them, Grace and Presence, in, and with them, than others, those you are most endear∣ed to? Do your hearts cleave to the people of God, and to their Holy Communion, and Fellowship, and Interest, desiring to be one of them, to stand and fall, to rejoyce and mourn, to live and die with them? Verily you must be gathered to the people of God now, if you will be gathered to them then; (for all that Communion, both with God and his people, that is perfected in Heaven, is begun on Earth) you must be their Companions now, (Psal. 119.63.) If

you will have their company then: You must be of them, and for them, and take your lot among them now, and desire to walk in Holy Fellowship with them in all the Ordi∣nances of God, if you will be so then. Yea, though they be under suffering and affliction, and contempt in the World; you must not let that pull you away, or make you stand off from them, Heb. 11.25, 26. As with Christ, so with his people, (for they go to∣gether) you must suffer with them, if you will reign with th••m; you must take your lot among them now, (whether of peace or trouble) if you will have a lot among them in Heavenly Glory. In the story of the Arrian Persecutions, there is a passage of one who was but a Youth, (a Boy) who when a Com∣pany of Holy Martyrs were to be put into a Ship and burned together, he hastened after to be among them, to whom a Seducer said; Why hastest thou (my prety Child) unto Death? let them go they are Mad; take my Couns••l, and thou shalt not only have life, but great ad∣vancement in the Kings Court. To whom the Lad answered, you shall not get me from the Fellowship of th••se Holy men who bred me up, with whom I lived in the fear of God, and with whom I desire to die, and with whom I trust I shall obtain the Glory to come. And so being

all put into the Ship, they were burned to∣gether. Oh, be with the people of God, and cleave to them one arth, (yea willing at Gods call in any regular way to suffer with them in a suffering condition. Think not, nay de∣sire not to stand when the people of God fall) if you would be with them in Heaven. If you Espouse or prefer another Interest (the Interest of Estate, that you love your Estates better than you love the people of God, or their welfare, or of ease, or of quiet, or worldly Greatness) before the Interest of the people of God, and you will stand at a distance from them for the sake of such things: If something else be more predo∣minant in you then the love of God, and of his people, (and those two go together, 1 Joh. 4.20. and 5.1. Mat. 25.40, 45.) surely you are not principled for Heaven; nor can have any good evidence of your going thither. To be for God and for his people, should be our All on Earth, (our whole desire and designe) 2 Cor. 5.13. as that shall be our All in Hea∣ven; to enjoy Communion with God in the sweet Communion and Fe••lowship of his Saints; that is Heaven, and that is the desire and aime of every Gracious Saint on Earth.

Of our Communion with Angels in Hea∣ven, I shall not speak particularly: What it

is, and the manner of it will be known when you come there. But as by Christ, we are brought into a Fellowship and Co••munion with the Holy Elect Angels, H••b. 12.22. (who should else have been forever in Fel∣lowship with D••vils, Mat. 25.41.) so that Commu••••on will th•••• be p••••f••ct••d and know•• fully as it is h••r•• initi••l, imperf••ct and but little known. As the Saints when Glorified, shall in their quali••i••s and manner of ••••••ing, be more like unto the A••gel••, M••••. 22.30. So will ••h•••• then he c••p••ble of mo•••• Communion with t••••m th••n now. If there be joy among th•• Ang••l•• w••en a sinn••r enters; into the Kingdom of ••r••c•• by Re∣pentance, Luk. 15.10. what joy w••ll then be when all the Saints shall come in the King∣dom of Glory. The Angels M••nister to the Saints by the way ••o Heaven: Hebr. 1.14. and conduct them thither when th••y die, Luk. 16.22. with what mutual joy will th••y all then be entertain'd there. It will th••n be known what good Offic••s the Holy Angels have done for the Saints here, both for par∣ticular persons and Churches, and places, in their Ministring ••o and fo•• th••m; how they have o••posed counter∣min••d th••••r 〈◊〉〈◊〉, both D••∣vils and wicked men; what not able services those Courtiers and Cur••iers of Heaven have

been sent from Heaven upon by the Lord Jesus Christ on the behalf of his people; into Courts of Princes, and other great motions of the wheels of Divine Providence, Dan. 10.13.20. Ezek. 1.5. How th••y have Guarded, Defended, Succoured in many dangers, being faithfull to their Charge and Trust, Psal. 91.11, 12. and 34.7. They now do us good turns, and we know it not. But surely all shall be known then, as well as t••••se p••rfect instances that are set down in Scripture: But all to the Glory of God and Christ, by whom th••y w••re imployed. And to the further Joy and Comfort of the Faithful in the sense of Love of God, who h••th so inclined and im∣ployed the Glorious Ang••ls to do for them. And then will Saints and Angels in one Triumphant Society, admirably joyn in Praising and Glorifying God for all his wonderful Works; and in special for the M••st••ri••s of Christ and Marvels of his Re∣d••mption, (which the Angels are eminently delight••d with, 1 Pet. 1.12. Ephes. 3.10.) as ••uk. 2.13.14. Oh that ever worms of Dust (sinful man) should be lift up to the place and state of Angels; yea, in some respects higher, in regard of their nearer Relation to Christ their Head, who as 1 Pet. 3.22. (fellow Citizens and fellow Courtiers with them in the Heavenly place, which was pro∣perly

their own Habitation, Jud. 6. Mat. 22.30. Luk. 2 15.) to partake with them in the Beatifical Vision, Mat. 18.10. and to bear a part with them in the praises of God.

Ʋse, A word of Incouragement and E∣stablishment to the people of God, and that in the midst of troubles here in this World: They need heartning on while here below under Temptations and Tribulations, why a sight and thought of Heaven and of the Rest and Recompence there is enough to do it, Hebr. 11.25, 26. Even when the Interest of Piety and of the truly Pious is laid low in the World and despised among men, and they that are for Heaven in earnest, are counted a company of Foolish, Humoursom, Mad Fanatical people; why if that be to be foolish (to be for Heaven in good earnest, and sixed in the way thither, i. e. in the way of the Rule, not to be turned out of the way by the smiles or frowns of all the World) if that be folly, be more foolish still, as 2 Sam. 6.22. Heaven is the best choice when all is done, and it is the truest wisdome to chuse that, and not to stick at all the Tribulations that ley in the way. The Psalmist begun to think he had made an ill bargain when he was chasten∣ed all the day long, and the wicked prospered on earth, &c. But having God for his Portion Psal. 17, 24.73. And keeping with God in the

way of Faith and Obedience, that is the way to Heaven; fear not all this World, nor all the Tribulations thereof, Luk. 12.32. Consider 1. All that Satan or the World can do, cannot reach to Heaven where your Portion and Treasure lyes, Mat. 6.20. They work but upon the earth, the troubles about you here are but earthly troubles: But your business is in Heaven, your hope is laid up in Hea∣ven, Colos. 1.5. your trade is for Heaven if Christians indeed, and that cannot be ob∣structed by any imbargoes on Earth. 2. If God will bring you to Heaven, then he will not let you miscarry, or be lost in the mid-way: If he have called you to Eternal Glo∣ry by Christ Jesus, then all the Sufferings in the mean while shall not interrupt it, Rom. 8.30. (nothing can break that Chain) v. 31, 35, 39. nothing in all this World can, or shall cut you off from Heaven and Glory, or from the Everlasting Love and Fellowship of God to be enjoyed there. If that be indeed the choice of your Souls, (that you refuse all this World and choice Heaven, chuse the Fruition of God in Christ for your Por∣tion) if you make Moses's chooce Heb. 11.24, 26. and Paul's choice, 2 Cor. 4.18. (and that choice the Lord propounds to every one, Mark. 10.21.) why then Heaven you shall have, and God ingages it, and hath ap∣pointed

you to it, Heb. 11.16. why then he will not lose you b•• the way in the Croud of Worldly Tempta••••on•• or troubles▪ but will keep you, and carry you through by his own power, 1. Pet. 1.5. ••3. Instead of hindring all things, and espe••ially the oppositions and troubles of the Truth, shall but help you on toward Heaven, and further your Glory there, 2 Cor. 4.17. Sanct••fied Tribulati∣ons and Suffering for Christs sake, or in obe∣dience to his will; they help to greaten your Crown and Reward in Heaven, Mat. 5.11, 12. they help you with an Evidence for Hea∣ven, Rom. 8.17. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. 2 Thess. 1.4, 5.

And they help to quicken and drive you on in the way to Heaven, to make faster speed thither, being Sanctified unto the ex∣ercise of Grace, and to awake Faith, Prayer, Weanedness from the World, esteem of Hea∣ven, more Converse there, &c. Heb. 11.9, 10, 13 14, 16. Oh what can hurt the people of God whose faces are toward Heaven, (looking, seeking, pressing after that) and their back upon Earth and Mammon: The World comes to scourge and lash, when they seek to weary and ••••fl••ct them, and make them as miserable on earth as may be; why they do but drive them the nearer and faster into Heaven. Oh then let none none of those

things move you, but hold on stedfastly in the way to Heaven, the way of Faith and Holiness, the way of regular walking with God and cleaving to him and to his Truth, his Name, his Interest and his People. In the way of well doing, commit your selves to him, and be not Biassed from it by any thing in all this World: Let nothing on the earth (this vile miserable earth) hinder or divert you ••••om an Heavenly choice, or from an Heav••nly course; remembring the Cloud of Wi••nesses before you, and especial∣ly the great Example of Christ Jesus, Heb. 12.1, 2.

Notes

• Vide Bolton of Heaven, page 141, 142.
• Vid. Bu∣can Loc. com. page, 444.
• Clark's Mar∣tyrolog page 99.
• Greenhill on Ezek. 1.5. pag. 88.