The faithful souldier's reward, or, A glimpse of the saints happiness discovered in two sermons, occasioned by the death of that truly vertuous and religious gentle woman, Mrs. Katherine Disney : the former preached at Kirkstead, the place of her last abode here upon the earth, on the 18th day of May, 1690, being the Lord's Day, and the latter at Swinderly, near Lincoln, where she was interr'd the Tuesday following / by William Scoffin.

2 TIM. 4.7, 8.

I have fought a good Fight, I have finished my Course, I have kept the Faith. Hence∣forth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge shall give me at that Day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his Appearing.

THE deceased Gentlewo∣man, and our honoured Friend, whose Death hath occasioned our present Meeting, did some Years ago make choice of this Scripture, to be prea∣ched upon at her Funeral; and therefore it was recommended to me by her most affectionate (and

now sorrowful) surviving Husband. And had I been left unto my own choice, I could not have pitched up∣on a more suitable Subject; conside∣ring the Temptations and Conflicts she had, more than many other Christians do ever meet with.

The Life of every sincere Christi∣an is a continual Warfare, yet some are exercis'd with sharper Com∣bates than many others ever are; amongst whom may be reckoned our deceased Friend; being one that was assaulted with many Tempta∣tions, yet through the Captain of her Salvation, she did conquer and overcome. So that well might she apply this Scripture to her self, and (in Humility) say with the Apostle St. Paul;

I have fought a good Fight, I have finished my Course, I have kept the Faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, &c.

In which Scripture, the holy A∣postle asserteth these two Particu∣lars.

• 1. His Faithfulness in his Duty.
• 2. The Reward of his Faithfulness.

The First for Timothy's Imitation; the Second for his Encouragement.

I shall speak chiefly to the Latter of these; but will first consider the Context, and the Meaning of the Words; and then come to that Point of Doctrine, which I purpose to build my present Discourse upon.

In the three first Chapters of this Epistle, the Apostle directs Timothy to several Duties, and excites him to the faithful Discharge of the same; giving him also to understand what perillous Times there should come; and how that Troubles and Persecu∣tions were to be expected; and hereupon he further exhorteth him to Constancy in his Duty, chap. 3.1, — 14. Minding him also of his early Knowledg in the holy Scrip∣tures, and shewing the Excellency and Profitableness of them, ver. 15, — 17.

And lest Timothy should be discou∣raged, and grow remiss in his Duty, from the Opposition and Persecuti∣ons he should meet with from Men; the Apostle most earnestly chargeth him, as in the Presence of the All∣seeing God, and as he will answer it to Christ at the great Day of Judg∣ment, that he be faithful, serious and diligent, in the great Work and Du∣ties of the Ministry, chap. 4.1, 2.

And for the further pressing this Charge upon him, he lays before him the necessity of it, with respect to the Church's Welfare; For the time will come (saith he) when they will not endure sound Doctrine, but after their own Lust shall they heap to them∣selves Teachers, having itching Ears: And they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth, and shall be turned un∣to Fables, ver. 3, 4. And seeing it shall be so, therefore preach the Word, be instant in Season, and out of Season; i. e. Lay hold of all Opportunities for the bringing Persons to the Truth, and establishing them in it. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-Suffering and Doctrine; q. d. Suit thy

self and Discourse to every one's Case and Condition; reprove such as are faulty, rebuke gross Sinners, and exhort all Men, with unwearied Long-suffering and sound Doctrine; bearing with their Peevishness, Stub∣bornness, &c.

And in ver. 5. he renews his Charge, or Exhortation, to Timothy; saying, Watch thou in all things, &c. q. d. Seeing there will be such a sad Defection, as I have shewed thee there shall certainly be; therefore be thou the more vigilant and watchful, both over thy Self and Flock; and endure Affliction and Hardness, as a good Souldier of Christ. Do the Work of an Evangelist,* 1.1 in gathering and confirming Chur∣ches: make full proof of thy Ministry; i. e. perform it thorowly in all the parts of it, so as fully to approve thy self to be a faithful Minister of Christ. And then he backs his Ex∣hortation with a second Reason, and that is, the Nearness of his own Dis∣solution. Ver. 6. For I am now ready to be offer'd, and the time of my Depar∣ture is at hand; q. d. Within a while

I shall suffer Martyrdom, and seal the Truths which I have preach'd, with my own Blood;* 1.2 and shall there∣by become an acceptable Sacrifice to God. Whether Paul came to know the Nearness of his Death, by the Carriage of Nero the Roman Em∣peror, under whom he suffered, or whether he had it by Revelation from God, is uncertain to us; but certain it is, that he did know it: And thereupon, lays it before Timo∣thy as an Argument to enforce his Exhortation upon him: q. d.

For∣asmuch, as within a while, the Church will be deprived of my Help, therefore it will need thy greater Care and Diligence: And as to thy self, while I am with thee, thou hast the help of my Instructi∣ons and Exhortations, and the Be∣nefit of my Example: but seeing I shall shortly be taken from thee, therefore thou oughtest to give the more earnest Heed to what I now write unto thee.

So much as to the Context.

And now I come to my Text; wherein the Apostle doth further

excite, and encourage Timothy to his Duty.

1. By declaring unto him what his own Practice had been: I have fought a good Fight, &c. Shewing hereby, that there was no Duty, which he had been exhorting Timo∣thy unto, but what he had constantly practis'd himself; and that with the greatest Diligence and Faithfulness.

2. By his shewing the Reward of his great Faithfulness and Dili∣gence: Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, &c. q. d. Consider well what my Practice hath been; and that I have not fought in vain, run in vain, nor laboured in vain; but shall have an eternal and inconceivable Reward conferr'd upon me: And let the Consideration of this, encourage thee to the greater Faithfulness and Diligence in Duty.

The Apostle seems to allude unto the Grecian Games, when he speaks of his fighting, running, and his be∣ing crowned.

I have fought a good Fight; q. d. My Life hath been a military Life,

even a continual Warfare; yet have I not fought the evil Fights of am∣bitious or quarrelsom Men: but the Fight which I have fought, is the good Fight of Faith: I have stoutly opposed the Enemies of my Salva∣tion, and through Christ (my Cap∣tain and Leader) have conquered and overcome.

The Life of a Christian is often is Scripture compared unto a War∣fare, because of those spiritual Ene∣mies which are continually Warring against us. There are three great Enemies, which every Christian has to grapple with. As,

1. The Devil, which is a very subtil, watchful and powerful E∣nemy, 2 Cor. 11.3, 14. He hath many Devices, Wiles and Stratagems, 2 Cor. 2.11. Ephes. 6.11. He's a ma∣licious and enraged Enemy, 1 Pet. 5.8. Who roveth about with unwearied Diligence, seeking whom he may de∣vour. He hath his fiery Darts to mo∣lest those, whom he cannot entice by his ensnaring Wiles; Ephes. 6.16. Yea, we have not only this great Ad∣versary, the Prince of Devils, to

grapple with, but whole Legions of Devils, even all the Powers of Dark∣ness, Ephes. 6.12.

2. Another Enemy of our Souls, is this evil World. There are two ways by which the World overcomes Multitudes.

• (1.) By its Smiles and Allurements, 1 Joh. 2.16.
• (2.) By its Frowns and Threats, Joh. 15.19, 20.

Thousands are drawn from God, and eternally ruined, by the Smiles and Allurements of this evil World. Some are taken with Pleasures, some with Riches, and some with Ho∣nours: These are Satan's Baits, whereby he catcheth Multitudes, and keeps them in his Power, Luke 14.16, — 20. Mar. 4.18, 19. 1 Tim. 6.9, — 12. Mat. 19.16, — 22.

Again; Many who have in some measure escaped the World's Al∣lurements, have been conquered and overcome by its Frowns and Threats, Mat. 13.20, 21. Joh. 12.42. Yea, such an Enemy is this evil World, that none can overcome it, but such as are spiritual; they who are Be∣lievers

indeed, and are born from above, 1 Joh. 5.4, 5.

3. Another Enemy that Christi∣ans have to grapple with, is Carnal∣self,* 1.3 or our unmortified Corrupti∣ons: I find a Law in my Members, warring against the Law of my Mind, and bringing me into Captivity to the Law of Sin, (saith the Apostle, Rom. 7.21, 23.) Now the Flesh, or Car∣nal-self, is a very dangerous and deceitful Enemy; Jer. 17.9. The Heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? It's an old saying, (and in this re∣spect a true one) that a Man has need of no worse an Enemy than he brings from home. For sure I am, there is no Man hath a more dange∣rous Enemy than Carnal-self. Our Enemies without could never hurt us, if it were not for this Enemy within. For, look as when an House is beset, then one Enemy within is much more dangerous than many without: So this home-bred and in∣dwelling Enemy, Carnal-self, lets in the Devil and the World, to the spoiling and undoing of the poor

Soul. No wonder then, that the first Lesson which Christ teacheth his Disciples, is a Lesson of Self-de∣nial, (Mat. 16.24.) If any Man will come after me, let him deny himself, &c. Keep down Self, and we conquer all; but if Carnal-self get the upper∣hand, the Devil and the World will easily overcome us. It is safe Ad∣vice therefore, which the Apostle gives, 1 Pet. 2.11. I beseech you as Strangers and Pilgrims, (saith he) ab∣stain from fleshly Lusts, which war a∣gainst the Soul.

These are the dangerous Enemies that Christians have to grapple with; and none can overcome them, but through Faith in Christ Jesus.

Now some may ask, why this Fight of Faith is call'd a good Fight?

Unto which I answer, It may be so called upon several accounts; As,

• 1. Because they that are ingag'd in this Warfare, do fight for a good Cause, the best that ever Souldiers fought for; they being God's Ene∣mies as well as theirs, whom they fight against; and his Glory as well

• as their own Salvation, is that which is contended for.
• 2. They have a good Captain, the best that ever Souldiers fought under; for the Lord Jesus Christ is their Captain and Leader, Heb. 2.10.
• 3. They are furnished with the best Armour and Weapons, that e∣ver Souldiers made use of. The Christian Armour lis Armour of proof; and their Weapons are spiri∣tual, and mighty through God, for the pulling down the strong Holds of Sin, Ephes. 6.10, — 17. 2 Cor. 10.3, 4, 5.
• 4. Their Wages are the best that ever Souldiers receiv'd; He that o∣vercometh, shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son, Rev. 21.7. So chap. 2.7, 10, 11, 17. chap. 3.5, 12, 21.

There is good reason you see, why the Life of a Christian may be compared to a Warfare; and why this spiritual Combate, or Fight of Faith, may be said to be a good Fight. Let us all then be perswaded to fight this good Fight of Faith. Never had Souldiers greater Encou∣ragement

to fight, than we have un∣der Christ's Banner; and never had Souldiers more need to fight than we; for we must either fight or die; fight couragiously, or perish e∣ternally. And if we will resolve up∣on this, we must see that our Faith be true and saving; for such as want a true Faith, cannot possibly fight the Fight of Faith; therefore la∣bour we for a lively Faith, and then live we in the lively Exercise of it.

Thus you see what is meant by the first Words in my Text, I have fought a good Fight. I proceed now to the next Words.

I have finished my Course; q. d. God appointed me a Race to run, both as a Christian, and also as an Apostle and Minister of Christ; the which Race I have now finished, and am come to the End and Period of my Days, Act. 20.22, — 24.

The Life of a Christian is often (in Scripture) compared to a Race, as well as to a Warfare, 1 Cor. 9.24, — 27. Heb. 12.1.

Well then, let us lay aside every Weight, and the Sin which doth so easi∣ly

beset us, and let us run with Patience the Race that is set before us. Let us press forward towards the Mark, as this great Apostle did, Phil. 3.13, 14. He ran the Christian Race with an holy Activity and Vigour, till he got to the Goal, and won the Prize: Let us so run, that we may obtain.

What a blessed Condition is that Person in, who can think of his Dis∣solution with Joy and Comfort, and can say with an holy Triumph, I have finished my Course? Such a Condition was this holy Apostle in, when he writ this Epistle to Timothy; he knew,* 1.4 that to die was his gain: having fought a good Fight, and thrô Christ overcome: Having run the Race that was set before him, and kept the Faith unto the end: i. e. adhered constantly in Judgment and Practice, to the Faith he professed, and prea∣ched to others; he could therefore say, with the fullest assurance,

Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, &c.

Heaven is express'd in Scripture by several Metaphorical Names; as sometimes it is called Paradise, 2 Cor. 12, 2, 4.

Sometimes it is called an House, Joh. 14.2. sometimes it is called a City, Heb. 11.16. sometimes it is called a Kingdom, Luke 12.32. And sometimes it is called a Crown, as here in my Text.

For the Pleasantness of it, it is called Paradise; to note our A∣bode and Rest in it, it is called an House; for the Amplitude of it, it is called a City; and for the Splendor of it, a Kingdom.

And to shew the exceeding Height of Glory that Believers are advanced to, it is called a Crown. Sometimes a Crown of Life, Jam. 1.12. some∣times a Crown of Glory, 1 Pet. 5.4. And here in my Text, a Crown of Righteousness.

Why is it called a Crown of Righte∣ousness?

Answ. It may be so called on seve∣ral accounts.

• 1. Because it is the Purchase of Christ's Righteousness, Ephes. 1.14. Heb. 9.12. Rom. 5.18.
• 2. Because it is given as a free Re∣ward, to such as lead a righteous Life, Rom. 2.7, 10. chap. 6.23. Isa. 3.10.

• 3. Because the Righteous God hath promised it, and therefore will bestow it, Jam. 1.12. Heb. 6.10.

Now the whole Verse may be thus paraphras'd, [Henceforth, or as to what remains, there is appointed, pre∣pared, and in safe keeping for me, eter∣nal Life and Happiness, an immortal Crown of Glory; which the Righteous God hath promised, and therefore will bestow it; a Crown which is the Pur∣chase of Christ's Righteousness, and am∣ple Reward of mine, though I have no ways merited or deserved it. Another kind of Crown is this, than what the Conquerors used to have in the Grecian Games, even a great and most excellent Reward; a Glory with which my whole Man shall be encompassed, as a Man's Head is with a Crown.

Such a Crown of Righteousness will the Lord the righteous Judg give me at the Day of Judgment;* 1.5 (when all shall be rewarded according to their Works:) and not to me only shall this Crown be given as my particular Reward; but whosoever shall truly be∣lieve in Christ, and shall so lead their Lives in this World, as that they can

desire, wait for, and be well pleased, with the Thoughts and Hopes of his coming to Judgment, unto them will he give the same Reward also.

Thus much shall suffice for Expli∣cation.

I come now to the Doctrine. And that which I shall build my present Discourse upon, and which natural∣ly ariseth from the Words of my Text, is as followeth.

Doct. There is eternal Life and Happiness, an immortal Crown of Glory, yea, the highest Felicity that the Heart of Man can wish or desire, appointed, purchased, and prepared for every believing Soul, who overcomes in the spi∣ritual Warfare, and continues faithful unto the Death.

Jam. 1.12. Blessed is the Man that endureth Temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Rev. 21.7. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son.

1 Cor. 2.9. Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, neither have entred into the Heart of Man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

The Eye may have seen much, and the Ear may have heard of more; but the Heart may conceive of a far greater Happiness than ei∣ther Eye hath seen, or Ear hath heard of; yet all comes infinitely short of that Happiness, which God hath prepared for his faithful Peo∣ple.

Mat. 13.43. Then shall the Righte∣ous shine forth as the Sun, in the King∣dom of their Father.

Rev. 2.10. Be thou faithful unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life.

Many more Scriptures might be brought for the proof of the Point laid down; but these which I have mentioned, are sufficient to evidence the Truth thereof.

Now the Method which I shall observe in speaking to this Doctrine, will be to shew you, (so far as the Lord shall enable me)

• 1. When Believers shall come to the Enjoyment of this Happiness.
• 2. Wherein it will chiefly consist.
• 3. Ʋpon what account the Lord will confer it upon them. And,
• 4. Make Application.

[unspec I] I. Then, When shall Believers come to the Enjoyment of this Happi∣ness?

I answer, They shall enjoy it in part at their Death, but fully at the Resurrection. For,

1. At Death, the Souls of the Faithful do immediately pass into Heaven, and their Bodies lie asleep in their Graves, as in Beds of Rest. (Isa. 57.2.) They shall enter into Peace, they shall rest in their Beds.

The Death of the Righteous is a sweet Sleep, out of which they shall be awaked; and their Graves in like manner, are Beds of Rest, out of which they shall rise again.

That the Bodies of the Saints do thus rest in their Graves till the ge∣neral Resurrection, I know none that will deny; but that their Souls (the mean while) are in the actual En∣joyment of Happiness with Christ, is denied by some: though I know not the least Grounds they have to deny it. And it has often been a wonder to me, (as it may be to any who considerately reads the Scrip∣tures) that ever so plain a Truth as this is, should be so much as questio∣ned by any. Yet some (professing the Christian Religion) do positive∣ly deny it; affirming that the Soul doth sleep with the Body till the ge∣neral Resurrection. But surely St. Paul would never have been in a Strait, (as he expressed himself to be, Phil. 1.23.) if he were to be re∣duced upon his Dissolution into a Condition of stupid Sleep, without any Capacity of glorifying or en∣joying God:* 1.6 I am in a Strait betwixt two (saith he) having a Desire to de∣part, and to be with Christ, which is far better.

To be with Christ, is to be in Heaven, for there Christ

is at the Right-hand of God, (Col. 3.1.) Now the Apostle speaketh not this in regard of his Body, but in regard of his Soul; for his Body could not be with Christ presently upon his Dissolu∣tion, till it was raised up at the Last-day: but he knew that his Soul should, and that it would be in a far better State than the e∣state it enjoyed here.

But is it not better (you will say) to remain here, and serve God, than to depart hence?

It were so, if the Soul was in a State wherein we neither know, nor love Christ? Yea it would certainly be far worse for Paul, to have his Body rotting in the Grave, and his Soul without all Fruition of God, if this were true.

But he well knew, that if once his Soul was separated from the Body, he should enjoy a far greater Happi∣ness than he was capable of enjoying whilst he was here.

Many more Scriptures might be brought for the proof of this Truth; I shall name a few.

Luk. 16.22. And it came to pass, that the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's Bosom.

By the Bosom of Abraham is meant Heaven, and Hell is oppo∣sed to it; and 'tis explain'd, ver. 25. He is comforted, but thou art tormented.

Heaven is a Place of Comfort, and Hell is a Place of Tor∣ment: No sooner did Lazarus die, but he was carried by the Angels into Heaven: No sooner did the rich Man die, but he was dragged by the Devils into Hell. (Ver. 23, 24.) And in Hell he lift up his Eyes being in Torment, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his Bosom.

There∣fore I argue, not only from La∣zarus his being in Abraham's Bo∣som, but also from the rich Man's being in Hell; for God is not more prone to punish, than he is to reward. If the Wicked be in Torment as soon as they die, then the Saints are in their Hap∣piness presently upon their Dis∣solution.

Another Place is Luke 16.9. And I say unto you, make to your selves

Friends of the Mammon of Ʋnrighte∣ousness, that when ye fail, they may re∣ceive you into everlasting Habitations. i. e. Do good with your worldly Riches, and thereby evidence your Faith to be true, and so consequent∣ly make God your Friend; that when you come to die, he may re∣ceive you into Heaven, 1 Tim. 6.17, — 19. Luk. 19.8. Act. 10.4. Mat. 25.34,—36.

When ye fail;

What is that time failing? It cannot be meant of Condemnation in the Judgment, for there is no escaping or rever∣sing that Sentence; therefore 'tis meant of the Hour of Death; then are Believers received into ever∣lasting Habitations, and their e∣verlasting Habitation is in Hea∣ven.

Another Argument which pro∣veth this Truth, is that with which Christ silenc'd the Sadduces, Mat. 22.31, 32. Have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; God is not the God of the Dead, but of the

Living.

The Sadduces denied the Immortality of the Soul, as well as the Resurrection of the Body; and Christ disproveth both by this Argument: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.* 1.7 These words were spoken by God unto Moses long after the Decease of Abra∣ham, Isaac and Jacob; and it is not said, I was, but I am the God of Abraham, &c.

Now saith Christ, God is not the God of the Dead, but of the Living: therefore Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (though long ago deceased) are yet alive: So the Souls of all the Faithful departed out of this World, do live to God in Heaven, Luke 20.38.

Another Scripture which clearly proves this Truth, is Luke 23.43. The penitent Thief had desired Christ to remember him, when he came into his Kingdom: And Christ answered him again, and said, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

Christ shew∣eth, that he would not defer his Hope, but his Desire should be

accomplished that Day; 'tis not adjourned to many Days, Months or Years, but to Day, saith Christ; q. d. Thou shalt immediately en∣joy thy Desire. Now what Christ promised to him, he promised it to him as a penitent Believer; and what belongeth to one Believer, belongeth to all in a like Case. Therefore if his Soul in the very Day of his Death was translated to Paradise, the Souls of other Believers will be so in like manner.

Rev. 2.7. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

No doubt but by Paradise is meant Heaven, and so the A∣postle explaineth it, 2 Cor. 12.2, 4.

Thither the penitent Thief went immediately after his Death, and so doth every believing Soul.

Another Scripture that proves this Truth, and the last that I shall name, is 2 Cor. 5.8. We are confident, I say, and willing, rather to be absent from the Body, and to be present with the Lord.

This is so plain a Text for the proof of this Truth, that if we had no other Scripture to prove it by, even this alone were sufficient: For we know (saith the Apostle) that whilst we are at home in the Body, we are absent from the Lord, ver. 6. But are will, rather to be absent from the Body, and to be present with the Lord, ver. 8. So that as soon as the Souls of the Faithful are separated from the Body, they are taken immedi∣ately into the Presence of the Lord; in whose Presence there is Fulness of Joy,* 1.8 and at whose Right-hand there are Pleasures for evermore.

And thus I have sufficiently prov'd, that the Souls of the Faith∣ful at Death, do immediately pass in∣to Heaven, and their Bodies lie a∣sleep in their Graves, as in Beds of Rest. Now,

2. At the general Resurrection, when Christ shall come to Judgment, the Bodies of the Saints shall be raised in Glory, and re-united unto their Souls, even these very self same Bodies which now we have. 1 Thess.

4.16. For the Lord himself shall de∣scend from Heaven with a Shout, with the Voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God, and the Dead in Christ shall rise first. So Joh. 5.28, 29. Marvel not at this, (saith Christ) for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the Graves, shall hear his Voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the Resurrection of Life, and they that have done evil, unto the Resurrection of Damnation.

This will be a joyful Day to eve∣ry believing Soul, but a Day of Ter∣ror and Amazement to the Wicked; When the Lord Jesus Christ shall be thus revealed from Heaven, with his mighty Angels, in flaming Fire, taking Vongeance on then that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting Destruction, from the Pre∣sence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power: When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, 2 Thess. 1.7,—10.

The Thoughts of this most Bles∣sed Day (which Job foresaw by

Faith) did much refresh his Soul, under his heavy Afflictions.

Job 19.25, 26, 27. I know (saith he) that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter Day upon the Earth: And though after my Skin Worms destroy this Body, yet in my Flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for my self, and mine Eyes shall be∣hold, and not another, though my Reins be consumed within me. Job was well assured, that the self-same Body which had suffered so much in the World, and which should not in the Earth, and be eaten with Worms, should be raised again at the last Day.

Yet this we must know, that tho the same Body shall be raised again, yet a very great Change shall pass upon it. 1 Cor. 15.42,—44. It is sown in Corruption, it is raised in In∣corruption; it is sown in Dishonour, it is raised in Glory: it is sown in Weak∣ness, it is raised in Power: It is sown a natural Body, it is raised a spiritual Body. So Phil. 3.20, 21. Our Con∣versation is in Heaven, (saith the A∣postle there) from whence also we

look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile Body, that it may be fashioned like unto his Glorious Body, according to the Work∣ing whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

O blessed Change indeed! They shall be fashioned like unto his glo∣rious Body! Now the Bodies of the Saints are vile, but then they shall be glorious. For Christ's Body now glorified in Heaven, is surely a glo∣rious Body indeed* 1.9: And the Bo∣dies of the Saints shall be like his.

O how joyfully will the Soul re∣unite with the Body, when this glo∣rious Change is passed upon it! And what a blessed Union will this be, nevermore to be broken! O then will the Saints be in a Capacity of enjoying the highest Felicity.

3. Their Bodies and Souls thus re-united, shall be received into Man∣sions of Bliss and Glory, where they shall for ever be with the Lord, and be perfectly happy to all Eternity. And O how should the Thoughts of this chear our Hearts, and fortify us

under all our Trials. Let not your Hearts be troubled,* 1.10 (saith Christ) ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a Place for you: And if I go and prepare a Place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto my self, that where I am, there ye may be also. O comfortable Words in∣deed! Yea, and Christ has left them for our Comfort: Wherefore comfort one another with these Words,* 1.11 (saith the Apostle.) With what words? Why that Jesus Christ will come in the Clouds,* 1.12 and meet Believers in the Air, and they shall for ever be with the Lord.

O blessed and glorious Day, when Christ shall pronounce that blessed Sentence to such as have been his faithful Followers!* 1.13 Come ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom pre∣pared for you from the Foundation of the World.

The Members of Christ are now look'd upon by the World, as a Company of Hypocrites and vile Miscreants, even such as are unfit

to live in a Common-wealth; but Christ pronounceth them Blessed. The World saith,* 1.14 Away with such Fellows from the Earth, for it is not fit that they should live; but Christ saith,* 1.15 Come ye Blessed.

And Christ calls them the Bles∣sed of his Father; shewing there∣by the Orignal Cause and Foun∣tain of all our Happiness. The beginning of our Salvation was from an higher Cause than our own Holiness; yea, than Christ's Merit; even from the free Grace and Favour of God the Father, He is the principal efficient Cause of the Saints Blessedness. Christ as Mediator, is but the way to the Father, (Joh. 14.6.) It is the Father that appointed Christ, and gave him to Sinners, (Joh. 3.16.) And in time brings them to close with him, (Joh. 6.44.) It is the Father that prepared this King∣dom for them before the Founda∣tion of the World.

They are not less beloved and blessed by the Father, than by the Son who re∣deemed them; but whosoever is

dear unto the Son, is dear also unto the Father.

O what Soul-enravishing Joys will the Saints be filled with, when Christ shall pronounce this blessed Sentence, Come ye Blessed of my Father!

To the Wicked he will say, De∣part, but to the Saints, Come: as the Quintessence of all Misery li∣eth in the one, so the Consum∣mation of all Blessedness lieth in the other.

We see here, what the Sentence will be at the Grat Day; the reason of this Sentence followeth;

For, I was an hungred, and ye gave me Meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me Drink; I was a Stranger, and ye took me in; Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in Prison, and ye came unto me; (Mat. 25.35, 36.) These good Works are mentioned by Christ, and given as a Reason of the Sentence, (not as if Heaven was merited by them, but) as the undoubted Evidences and Fruits of a true and saving Faith.

And that a true Faith is implied in the Works here mentioned, is very clear and evident;

1. From the Expression it self, For I was an hungred, and ye gave me Meat, (saith Christ;) 'twas Christ they respected in his Members.

Now it requireth Faith to see Christ in a poor needy Person, or Pri∣soner; to love Christ in them above our worldly Goods; and to part with our Wealth for their Relief, because they belong to Christ. This is a great Piece of Self-denial, and doubbless the Fruit of a saving Faith; for 'tis not meerly the relieving the Poor, but the doing of it, as in, and to Christ.

2. Faith and good Works are very nearly linked together; for Faith is not sound and saving, unless it pro∣duce these good Works; and these Works are not acceptable, unless they proceed from Faith, and are done in Faith, (Heb. 11.6. 1 Tim. 1.5.)

Where there is true Faith, there will also be good Works, as the ge∣nuine Effects and Fruits of it; yet

certain it is, that the best of those Works do no ways deserve Heaven, (Luk. 17.10. Ephes. 2.8, 9.) And the Saints will be so far from plea∣ding their Works, in a way of De∣sert or Merit, that they will rather altogether disown them; being sen∣sible of their many and great Im∣perfections, and how far short they came of their Duty.

Then shall the Righteous answer him, saying,* 1.16 Lord, when saw we thee an hun∣gred, and fed thee; or thirsty, and gave thee Drink?* 1.17 When saw we thee a Stranger, and took thee in; or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick,* 1.18 or in Prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer, and say unto them,* 1.19 Verily, I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me.

By the way, we may observe these three or four Particulars;

1. The wonderful Love and Hu∣mility of the Lord Jesus Christ, the

King of Glory, in owning the poor∣est,* 1.20 and least of his Members for his Brethren.

—In as much as ye have done it (saith he) unto one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me. O wonderful condescending Love! that the great God should take such poor Worms as we, into so near a Relation unto himself.

2. Observe, that Christ takes that which is done to his Members, as done to himself: I was an hugred (saith he) and ye gave me Meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me Drink; I was a Stranger, and ye took me in; Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in Prison, and ye came unto me:— For in as much as ye have done it to one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me.

So that we see, whatever Favours are shewed to Christ's poor Mem∣bers,* 1.21 whatever Acts of Mercy and Charity are exercis'd towards them; Christ takes all as done to himself.

And on the other hand, whatso∣ever is done against the Members of Christ, whatsoever Unmercifulness, or Acts of Cruelty are exercis'd to∣wards them, Christ takes it all as done against himself. When ever they are slighted and neglected, he looks upon himself as concerned therein.

I was an hungred,* 1.22 (will he say) and ye gave me no Meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no Drink;* 1.23 I was a Stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in Prison, and ye visited me not.

—For in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these my poor Mem∣bers,* 1.24 ye did it not to me.

So Act. 9.4, 5. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (saith Christ); And Saul said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord answered him, and said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecu∣test.

Why, the Lord Jesus was in Hea∣ven, quite above Saul's reach; How the could Saul persecute him? It was in his Members. For Saul had been persecuting the poor Members of

Christ, and was now going to Da∣mascus on the same Design; and Christ took all those Acts of Cruelty which were exercised towards his Members, as if they had been done to his own Person.

Thus also saith the Prophet to the People of the Lord, Zech. 2.8.—He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of my Eye.

This speaks Comfort to the Mem∣bers of Christ, who are hated, and persecuted for Righteousness sake; but sure it speaks Terrour to their Enemies.* 1.25 For the Day is coming when the Lord will vindicate his own Cause, and will call all such to a Reckoning. And then they will assuredly find it hard, to have kick'd against the Pricks, Act. 9.5.

3. We may further observe, how very acceptable unto the Lord the Works of Mercy and Charity are. These are the only Works which are mentioned in the Description of the Last Judgment.

The Lord takes delight in nothing more than he doth in shewing of Mercy; no wonder then,* 1.26 that Acts

of Mercy are so very acceptable un∣to him.

Jam. 1.27. Pure Religion and un∣defiled before God and the Father, is this, to visit the Fatherless and Wi∣dows in their Afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the World.

And on the other hand, as God is well pleased with Acts of Mercy; so he's greatly provok'd with Ʋn∣mercifulness, and Acts of Cruelty. As he will say to the Righteous and Merciful, Come, ye Blessed; So he will say to the Wicked and Un∣merciful, Depart, ye Cursed. He shall have Judgment without Mer∣cy, that hath shewed no Mercy, Jam. 2.13.

4. Observe the different Tempers of the Righteous and Wicked in Judgment. The Righteous who have done many good Works, will be asham'd to hear any of them mentioned by Christ, so sensible are they of their great Imperfections: Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? &c. (will they say.) But the Wicked who have done lit∣tle or no good at all, will be ready

to excuse and justify themselves; saying, When saw we thee an hungred,* 1.27 or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in Prison, and did not mi∣nister unto thee? But their vain Ex∣cuses will do them no good; For these shall go into everlasting Punish∣ment;* 1.28 but the Righteous unto Life Eternal.

[unspec II] And now I come to the Se∣cond Thing propounded; which is to shew you (as the Lord shall enable me) wherein the Happiness of Belie∣vers (in the other World) will chiefly consist.

And I humbly conceive, it will chiefly consist in these two Particu∣lars following.

• 1. In a perfect freedom from all that is really Evil.
• 2. In the full enjoyment of all that is truly Good.

There is no Tongue indeed can possibly express the greatness of the

Saints Happiness. Yet so much may we conceive thereof, by seriously considering these two Particulars, as might fill our Souls with breathing Desires after the Enjoyment of it; and with admiration of God's won∣derful Love, in providing such an Happiness for us.

Quest. What then are those Evils that Believers shall be freed from at Death?

Why,* 1.29 1. They'l be freed from all their Sins, Infirmities, Weaknesses, and Imperfections. And O what an Happiness will this be, to be per∣fectly freed from Sin! You that groan under the burden of Sin, can set your Seal to this Truth, that a perfect Freedom from all our Cor∣ruptions will make us happy indeed. Chear up then, believing Soul, whose Infirmities and Weaknesses are thy greatest Burden; for a time of Re∣freshment will shortly come. Yet a little while, and thou shalt sin no more, nor sorrow any more. Thou art now troubled for thy Unbelief, thy hardness of Heart, and deadness

of Spirit; and that thy Affections are so flat and low, thy Corruptions so strong, and thy Failings so many; and that thou walk'st on so heavily in the Ways of God, and canst not do the good thou wouldst: but Death will knock off all these Fetters, and set thee free within a while.

O that I might never sin more against my good and gracious God!* 1.30 (says a poor gracious Soul.) Why, I tell thee, poor Soul, (and take it for thy comfort) that it is but a little while, and thou shalt sin no more, nor sorrow any more, nor dishonour thy gra∣cious God any more; which is now the chief cause of thy greatest Sor∣row.

There is no Comfort ariseth from hence, to such as are in Love and in League with Sin: but to those whose Sin is their great Grief and Burden, it affordeth matter of very great Com∣fort.

2. Believers shall likewise be freed from all their Temptations and Enemies.* 1.31 Now they are troubled on every side, and molested with many Temptations; but Death (with∣in

a while) will set them free. For if the time will come, when God's People here on Earth shall obtain Freedom from their Enemies in a very great measure, how much more when they come to Heaven? (See Isa. 11.9. and chap. 65.17, — 25. Rev. 20.1, 2, 3.) Chear up, then Be∣lieving Soul, who art here surrounded with many Temptations; for there is no Tempter in Heaven, either to entice thee to Sin, or to trouble and molest thee: there are no Snares there to en∣tangle thee; no Enemy there, that shall in any-wise hurt thee. No, no, thou'lt have none but Friends in Heaven, and the best of Friends.

There Triumph over Sin is won, The Devil and Death defac'd, The Kingdom of the Just begun, And there in Glory plac'd. There Tyrants nothing have to do, Nor Rack, nor Rope is known: Tormentors all, and Satan too, Are fully overthrown.

As one thus expresseth it in Metre.

3. Believers shall be perfectly freed from all their Sicknesses, Pains and Sorrows. Rev. 7.16, 17. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the Sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them un∣to living Fountains of Water: and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes. So chap. 14.13. Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their Labours. And again, chap. 21.4. God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes; and there shall be no more Death, neither Sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

O how sweet is Health, after a long pining Sickness! How sweet is Ease, after racking Pains! How sweet is Peace, after great Troubles! And how sweet is Rest, after hard Labours! Why, in Heaven there will be perfect Health, and perfect Ease, and perfect Peace, and Rest, and Happiness, and that for evermore.

Chear up then, Believing Soul, who art here exercised with pining Sick∣ness, or with racking Pains; whose Sufferings and Sorrows are many, and great: for yet a little while, and all Tears shall be wip'd from thine Eyes; and thou shalt be sick no more, nor in pain any more; but shalt shortly take an eternal Farewel of all thy Sufferings, Pains and Sor∣rows.

4. Believers shall be freed from Hell, and from all Fears of Dam∣nation. Joh. 5.24. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my Words, and believeth on him that sent me,* 1.32 hath everlasting Life, and shall not come in∣to Condemnation, but is passed from Death unto Life. So Rom. 8.1. There is no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. O what would the Damned in Hell give, to purchase such a Freedom!* 1.33 What shall it profit a Man (saith Christ) if he shall gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul? or what shall a Man give in exchange for his Soul? Why, no doubt but the Damned in

Hell would give ten thousand Worlds (if they had them) to have their Souls freed from that State of Misery. But alas, it must not be, if they had Millions of Worlds to give for it. O dread∣ful will be the condition of those that must be eternally separated from God, and lie under his heavy Wrath for ever! Who knows the Power of thy Wrath? (saith the Psalmist, Psal. 90.11.) There is none can express it; no, nor any conceive it, but the Damned in Hell that lie under it. Do those then know what they do, who are run∣ning headlong to that State of Mi∣sery? And that cannot endure to be controul'd, or stop'd in their Course thither? O what Pains do many take to undo themselves! And what haste do they make to their own Perdition? As if they could not be in Hell too soon: or else do ima∣gine it to be but a Fancy. How many are there in these our Days, that can dare the Great God to damn them? As if they would have the World to know, that

they have Courage enough to be Damned. O dreadful! what do these Persons think? Their Dam∣nation sure will come soon enough, without their so often calling for it. And O it will be very sad indeed,* 1.34 to lie in a Lake of Fire and Brimstone! where the Worm dieth not, and the Fire shall never be quenched! And where will be nothing but howl∣ing, and yelling, weeping, and wail∣ing, and gnashing of Teeth! No Heart can conceive what Horrour and Anguish will seize the Souls of the Damned in Hell, and even fill them with Rage, and everlasting Desparation. Oh! how will they roar, and tear themselves, both from the Sense of their Loss and Pain?

Surely, then to escape Hell de∣serves our uttermost Care and Di∣ligence. No Labours should be thought too much, no Pains accoun∣ted too great, for the obtaining Freedom from such Miseries.

O happy Souls most sure are they,* 1.35 whom the Lord shall save from the Wrath to come.* 1.36 Yea, these are the

Persons that are happy indeed. And who are they? Why, all that truly believe in Christ, and that overcome in the Spiritual Warfare.

Chear up then, Believing Soul, whom the Lord will free from Hell and Damnation, for thou art the Person that hast cause to be chearful.* 1.37 Now it may be, thou art full of Fears, lest Hell should be thine eternal Portion;* 1.38 but Death (within a while) will put all out of doubt, and free thee from all thy Fears of Damnation.

John 10.27, —29. My Sheep hear my Voice, (saith Christ) and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal Life, and they shall never perish; neither shall any Man pluck them out of my Hand. My Fa∣ther which gave them me, is greater than all; and none can pluck them out of my Father's Hand. Well then, every believing Soul is safe,* 1.39 (though now it may be they have many Doubts) for the Lord will make good his Promifes to them, and will set them far above the reach of Danger.

5. At the general Resurrection, when Christ cometh to Judgment, the Bodies of the Faithful shall be freed from Corruption, and be rai∣sed again most Glorious Bodies.* 1.40 For this Corruptible must put on Incorrupti∣on, and this Mortal must put on Im∣mortality. And Christ shall change our vile Body,* 1.41 that it may be fashioned like unto his Glorious Body. And then will it be fitted for the nearest Uni∣on, with a pure, immortal, and glorify'd Soul. And the Body and Soul thus reunited, will be capable of enjoying the highest Good.

Which is the next thing in order to be enquired into, under this Se∣cond General Head.

Quest. 2. What then is that Good, or that Blessedness, which Believers shall enjoy in Heaven? Why,

1. Their Graces shall there be perfected, and the Image of God restored in them. They have here but some small Resemblances there∣of; but in Heaven they'l be tho∣rowly renewed to it. Their Holi∣ness, Knowledg, and Love to God,

will there be perfect and compleat. Their Graces (alas) are now but weak; but then they shall be strong. Here they enjoy but a small Mea∣sure; but there they shall enjoy a Fulness. They now greatly long, and breath after Holiness, and after the Knowledg and Love of God; and there they shall have their De∣sires fulfilled.

Chear up then, Believing, Soul, who dost now much bewail thy great Imperfections; and art often (with Sighs and Groans) breathing forth such longing Desires as these; O that I was more Holy, and more truly Gracious! that I knew God better, and could love him more!* 1.42 O that I could attain to a State of Perfe∣ction! How happy then should I be? Why, the Time is drawing on a-pace, when thou shalt be Holy,* 1.43 as God is Holy; and Know, as thou art Known; and Love, as thou art Be∣loved of Him.

O Blessed Condition indeed! With what raised Affections will the Faithful serve God, when once

they arrive to this State of Perfecti∣on? How will they contemplate his incomparable Excellencies? And how joyfully then will they sing forth his Praises?

They'l never cease to love, and admire, and therefore never cease to praise their God. Their Hearts will be there eternally enflamed, and their Mouths eternally opened to glorify him. But with the highest Veneration they'l adore his Goodness, and sing aloud of his Mercy.

* 1.44 I will sing of thy Power, O Lord, (saith David) yea, I will sing aloud of thy Mercy. And again, (saith he in another Place) I will sing of the Mercies of the Lord for ever.* 1.45 'Tis certain that the glorify'd Saints in Heaven, will have such a Sense of God's Mercy and Love, as shall fill their Mouths with Eternal Praises.* 1.46 O how will they admire and adore that Love, that pitied them in their lost Estate, when no Eye pitied them! That Love that provided a Re∣deemer for them, and in time brought them to close with him!

That Love, that in such an admi∣rable manner conducted them through the World, and ordered all things here below to their Spiri∣tual and Eternal Advantage! Yea, and they'l always be under the Beams of his Love, which will be vigorously reflected in their joyful Praises. It will there be the highest Felicity, to contemplate his most excellent Perfections; their great∣est Pleasure to love and please him; and their highest Honour to glorify him.

They'l there be employed in the noblest Work, and excited by the highest Mo∣tives.

I will speak of the glorious Ho∣nour of thy Majesty, and of thy won∣drous Works, (saith David, Psal. 145.5.) And again, They shall a∣bundantly utter the memory of thy great Goodness, and shall sing of thy Righteousness, Ver. 7. Now if the Saints while here on Earth, do thus love, and praise, and adore the Lord; how much more when they come into Heaven?

Their affecti∣onate Praises will there be re∣newed,

without any let or inter∣mission, because the Divine Fa∣vours are there renewed every Moment.

O Blessed and Glori∣ous Employment indeed! Who would not strive to be thus em∣ployed?

All thy Works shall praise thee,* 1.47 O Lord; and thy Saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom; and talk of thy Power.* 1.48 Thy Kingdom is an everlast∣ing Kingdom; and thy Dominion en∣dureth throughout all Generations. O help us to love and praise thee now, that we may be more fitted for Eternal Praises!

2. The glorify'd Saints and An∣gels will be a Believer's everlasting Companions. And what a blessed Society will this be, and how much will it add to our Happiness? 'Tis comfortable to meet with the Saints of God now, though it be but in a Mourning-Duty: but most sure it is, their Communion there will be quite another thing. For then they'l be perfectly and eternally freed from

all their Infirmities and Weak∣nesses.* 1.49 Now alas! their many In∣firmities do much hinder the pleasure of their Society: but most delight∣ful then will their Company be. Here their Affections are flat and low, and they are often dull, and out of frame; but in Heaven it will be otherwise. There we shall have the most raised Affections, and shall always be in a serious Frame. And this will indear us to one ano∣ther, and will make our Commu∣nion most pleasing and delightful.

David esteemed the Saints of God the most excellent Persons upon Earth;* 1.50 and declared, that in the Society of them, he took the great∣est Delight. And this indeed is the true Character of a Heaven-born Citizen of Zion; He is one that greatly loves (and delights in) the Company and Society of the Saints.

The Wicked desire not their Soci∣ety, and shall therefore be eternally separated from it; but the Faithful do greatly love and value it, and therefore shall eternally enjoy it.

3. The Faithful shall then see the Face, and enjoy the Presence of their Glorious Redeemer. Joh. 17.24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the Foundation of the World.* 1.51 The Souls of the Faithful shall be with Christ, immediately after Death; and both Body and Soul shall be with him, at the Gene∣ral Resurrection.

Joh. 14.2, 3. In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto my self, that where I am, there ye may be also.

At Death,* 1.52 Christ sends his Angels to conduct the Soul to Heaven. But at the general Re∣surrection, he will come himself in Person, and will fetch us thi∣ther in State; which will make our Access to Heaven the more

glorious. He will then come to lead his Flock to their everlast∣ing Fold; to present his Bride unto God,* 1.53 decked and apparelled with Glory. And O what a glorious Sight will it be, to see Christ and his Followers with Crowns on their Heads! To see their triumphant Entrance into those everlasting Mansions; and the Angels welcoming them with Shouts of Joy! And then to see Christ on his Throne of Glory, and they themselves placed round about him; beholding him there with open Face, in his greatest Splendour and Dignity! What a Soul-enravishing Sight will this be?

Happy are thy Men,* 1.54 and happy are these thy Servants, which stand conti∣nually before thee, and hear thy Wis∣dom, (said the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon.) But O how much more happy will they be, who shall stand before Christ, and see his Glory! Why thus shall his Faithful Servants do. Joh. 12.26. If any Man serve me, let him follow

me; and where I am, there shall also my Servant be: if any Man serve me, him will my Father honour. It will be an Honour, and Happiness in∣deed, to be ever in the Presence of their glorious Redeemer, and there to be glorified with him.

What Comfort and Encourage∣ment doth this afford to the Faith∣ful Souldiers of Christ?

To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his Throne. Rev. 3.21.

O how should this animate and encourage us against the Spiritual Enemies of our Souls? If we now fight couragiously under Christ's Banner, we shall one Day be crown∣ed with Glory and Honour. And this assuredly will make amends for all that we can do, or suffer for him. Moses was well assured of it; and therefore esteemed Re∣proaches for Christ,* 1.55 above all the Treasures in Egypt: for he had re∣spect ('tis said) unto the recompence of the Reward. He knew that to be for ever with Christ, to behold his

Glory, and to be glorify'd with him; to sit on his Throne, and to reign with him,* 1.56 would beyond comparison make amends, for all that he could do, or suffer for his sake.

Christ is now the Desire of the Saints, and in Heaven he will be their everlasting Delight. O how will the glorify'd Saints then rejoyce, in the view of the surprizing Wonders of his Love! From Everlasting he loved them; and to Everlasting they'l love him again. There will no Love be lost betwixt Christ and his Members, when once they get to Heaven: for their Love to him there, will be a correspon∣dent Affection, according to their utmost Capacity. All those Af∣fections that were scattered here below, will there be concentred in him for ever. And most sure, he infinitely deserves their Love; having ransomed them from the worst of Miseries, and purcha∣sed an everlasting Inheritance for them; and all this with

the dearest Price of his own most Precious Blood.

O love the Lord, all ye his Saints, who hath loved you at so dear a rate; and who will give you yet greater Discoveries of his Love, when he takes you into his glorious Presence.

4. The Faithful shall then enjoy the clearest Sense of God's Love un∣to them; and shall also have their Souls enflam'd with the most ardent Love to him. And O what Soul-ravishing Comforts will this afford unto them!

There is nothing which doth now more trouble the Saints, than the great coldness of their Love to God, and the want of a Sense of God's Love to them.

Psal. 30.5, 7. — In his Favour is Life: weeping may endure for a Night, but Joy cometh in the Mor∣ning. Lord, by thy Favour thou hast made my Mountain to stand strong: but thou didst hide thy Face, and I was troubled. If God hides his Face

but never so little, and with-holds but the Sense of his Love from the Saints; how are their Souls over∣whelmed with Trouble? But a Sense of his Favour,* 1.57 and the Light of his Countenance, doth soon fill the Soul with enravishing Comforts; and make all Troubles vanish, and quite disappear. What unspeakable Joys and Comforts then will the Souls of the Saints be filled with when they come to enjoy the most feeling Sense of God's dearest Love unto them?

5. They shall then enjoy God ful∣ly, and shall see him Face to Face; and the Beatifical Vision will be unto them,

• 1. A Transforming
• 2. A Soul-satisfying

Vision, Ps. 17.15.

1. It will be unto the Saints a Transforming Vision. The sight which we have of the Lord in the Gospel, transformeth us in some measure, 2 Cor. 3.18. For we all with open Face, beholding as in a

Glass the Glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image, from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spi∣rit of the Lord. If by looking upon the Lord through the Light of the Spirit, we are made like him in some measure; then surely in Glory, when we see him Face to Face, we shall be more like him. 1 John 3.2. We know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. The Apostle gives this as a Reason, why the Saints in Glory shall be like the Lord; because they shall see him as he is. To see the Lord as he is, will be a transforming Sight.

For look as in a Glass held up against the Sun, hath the Image and Brightness of the Sun re∣flected upon it: So the more clearly we behold the Lord of Glory, the more of his Image shall we bear upon us. And O what a blessed thing will it be, for us poor Creatures to be made like unto the Lord!

Now this Likeness and Con∣formity makes way for Love;

and Love makes way for De∣light; and Delight makes way for Fruition: For the more we love God, the more shall we delight in him; and the more we delight in God, the more will God delight in us; and will give us the actual Fruition of himself, for our highest Feli∣city and Blessedness.

2. Therefore the Beatifical Vi∣sion will be unto the Saints (as a transforming, so also) a Soul-satis∣fying Vision: For herein the Soul will fully enjoy God. And then will God be unto every Saint an over-flowing Fountain of all Feli∣city.

Here a Believer's Joy and Comfort admits of increase, and decrease: but there the Soul will be so filled with Joy, that it can receive no more.

Psal. 16.11. In thy Presence is ful∣ness of Joy, and at thy right Hand there are Pleasures for evermore.

The Fruition of God's imme∣diate Presence is not like the Joys of the World, which can

neither fill nor satisfy a Man: But in our seeing and enjoying him, we shall have full content, and compleat Felicity.

The ful∣ness of Joy is suspended till then, that we may desire (and long for) that Day; and it will be a joyful Day indeed unto every Believing Soul.

Ye now have Sorrow, (saith Christ) but your Heart shall rejoyce, and your Joy no Man taketh from you. John 16.21.

Believers (while under deep Troubles here) do rejoyce in hopes of the Glory of God:* 1.58 Yea, their Hearts are sometimes so filled with Joy, as that they can scarcely con∣tain themselves. 1 Pet. 1.8. Whom having not seen, ye love: in whom though now ye see him not, yet be∣lieving, ye rejoice with Joy unspeak∣able, and full of Glory. Now if the hopes of this blessed and glorious Estate, breedeth such Joy, what will Fruition do? If a Glimpse or Taste be so sweet, what will the full Enjoyment be?

Psal. 17.15. I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy Likeness. This is that which will yield the fullest Satisfaction to the Soul; to see God, and to be like him, and to enjoy him to all Eternity. Oh the greatness, the exceeding greatness of the Saints Blessedness in Hea∣ven! There is no Tongue can ex∣press it,* 1.59 no Heart can conceive it. And in this Blessedness they shall abide for ever.

Mat. 25.46. These shall go away into everlasting Punishment: but the Righteous into Life Eternal.

As the Punishment of the Wick∣ed, so the Happiness of the Saints, will endure for ever and ever. And the Thoughts of this, will greatly increase the Saints Joy, and the Damneds Misery.

* 1.60Eternity! Eternity! Thou mak'st hard Hearts to bleed; The Thoughts of thee in Misery, Will make Men wail indeed!

For the Damned thus to think with themselves, What, must I ne∣ver

have Ease again? Must I ne∣ver obtain the least Freedom from these racking (Soul-tormenting) Pains? No, never! never! O most grievous, and insupportable Mise∣ries! An Eternal Tooth-ach, an Eternal Head-ach, an Eternal pain of the Stone or Gout, or an E∣ternal Burning-Feaver, would be very sad and grievous. But what (alas!) are all these to the Eternal Torments of Hell?

When any of us are under some racking Pains of Body, then the Hopes of a Freedom from such Pains, gives some Ease and Refresh∣ment.

But supposing a Person should have ground to fear, that he must endure some such racking Pains (without the least Ease or Inter∣mission) for an hundred Years to∣gether, the Thoughts of this would even double his Misery. How then will the Thoughts of a miserable Eternity, torment and tear the Hearts of the Damned? This will make them roar out in the Bitterness of their Spirits, O

miserable! miserable! miserable! Yea, it will exceedingly heighten their Miseries to think, that when thou∣sands, and ten thousand times ten thousands of Years are at an end, their Torments and Miseries will not be ended.

But now on the contrary: This is it, which will increase and com∣pleat the Happiness of the Saints in Heaven; to be fully assured that it shall never have an end: and without this they could never be happy.

As the fore-cited Poet has well ex∣pressed it.

Eternity! Eternity!* 1.61 Oh, were it not for thee, The Saints in Bliss and Happiness Could never happy be!

If there were the least ground to fear, that their Happiness would have an end; the Thoughts of this, would put a damp upon their Comforts, and make them even miserable in the midst of their

Enjoyments. But so long as the Lord Jefus Christ lives, so long shall their Happiness last; and that shall be for ever and ever.

John 14.19. Because I live, ye shall live also.

He tasted Death for them, and swallowed it up in Victory: and thereby obtain∣ed Eternal Redemption for them, Heb. 9.12. The Felicity above is durable; it is an abiding Hap∣piness. The Lord of Life will uphold the Saints in that blessed State for ever.

I am he that li∣veth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Rev. 1.18. And because I live,* 1.62 ye shall live also. Comfortable Words indeed!

The Happiness of the Saints would be incompleat, if it were not everlasting: Yea, the least fear of losing it, would disturb their peaceful Fruition. For as hope in Misery allays Sorrow, so fear in Happiness lessens Joy.

The Apprehension of losing such an Happiness, would cause Torment: but the full assurance of its Perpetuity, will fill them

with unexpressible Joy.

That which will terrify the Damned in Hell, will afford Joy and Comfort to the Saints in Bliss; and that is the Thoughts of Eternity. The Thoughts of this will transport the Saints, and will fill them with Songs of Joy and Triumph. O who would not strive, and la∣bour, and pray, for a blessed and happy Eternity?

[unspec III] And now I come to the Third Particular; which is to shew you up∣on what account, this Happiness is conferr'd on Believers. And

1. Then, it is not conferred up∣on them, on the account of any Worthiness of theirs; nor do they merit, or deserve such an Happi∣ness either in whole or in part. No, though we should serve God a thousand Years, we could not me∣tit to be one Day in Heaven. The Happiness is too great to be merited by Man, though the Works of the Saints were more perfect: For Finite Things carry no pro∣portion

to an Infinite and Eternal Happiness. And besides, alas, the Works of the best are so many ways imperfect, that they may rather expect Punishment for them, than any (the least) Reward. Believers do fight the good Fight of Faith, but they do not merit Heaven thereby; nor is an Immortal Crown of Glory conferred upon them on that account. It is true, God will reward their Faithfulness; but their Faithfulness doth not deserve that Reward. The Heavenly Happiness most sure is such, as is not, nor can it be earned by the Saints. But,

2. It is partly the free Gift of God, and partly the Purchase of Christ. As to any thing therefore that we have done, or can do, it is altogether free.

1. It is freely given us of God, and by him was prepared for us. 'Twas his own Love and most Free Grace, that inwardly moved him to do this for us. Luke 12.32. Fear not, little Flock; for 'tis your

Father's good Pleasure to give you the Kingdom. So 1 Cor. 2.9. Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, nei∣ther have entred into the Heart of Man, the Things which God hath pre∣pared for them that love him.* 1.63 And again, Mat. 25.34. Come, ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World. This was the Prepa∣ration of God's Decree. He loved his People from the Foundation of the World, so as that he decreed to give his only Son for them;* 1.64 that by his precious Blood, and merito∣rious Death, he might purchase for them an Everlasting Inheritance. And in the Fulness of Time (as he had decreed) he sent his Beloved Son into the World;* 1.65 and most freely bound himself by his Covenant and Promise, to confer this Inhe∣ritance upon all true Believers.

2. Christ by his precious Blood, hath purchased this Eternal Inhe∣ritance for us.* 1.66 Heb. 9.12, 15. By his own Blood, he entred once into the Holy Place, having obtained Eternal

Redemption for us. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testa∣ment, that by means of Death, for the Redemption of the Transgressions that were under the First Testament, they which are called, might receive the Pro∣mise of Eternal Inheritance. Christ having purchas'd it by his Death, and God the Father having graci∣ously promis'd it; therefore all they that are effectually called, shall have it conferred upon them.* 1.67 For Christ is ascended up into Heaven, to take Possession of it in our Name. I go (saith he) to prepare a Place for you,* 1.68 John 14.2. By his Death he purchased for us a Right and Title to Heaven; and by his Intercession he prosecuteth and applieth that Right. The merit of his Sacrifice pleads for Believers, that the Bles∣sedness of Heaven may be conferred upon them.

Now as Christ has purchased Heaven for the Saints, and the Fa∣ther will freely bestow it upon them; so he freely gives them his Holy Spirit, to fit and prepare them

for the Enjoyment of it. And without this all the rest would be of none effect. For certainly 'twould not avail us any thing, to have Heaven prepared for us, unless we be also prepared for Heaven. An unrenewed, unholy Soul, would find little satisfaction in that Holy Place, supposing such might be admitted into it: But there is no unclean Thing shall enter there.* 1.69

The Divine Life is no way suitable to the Nature of an Un∣regenerate Person. Alas! such cannot love God here, nor do him any acceptable Service; but do loath that which he most loves, and love that which he abhor∣reth. They are altogether un∣capable of that imperfect Com∣munion with him, which Rege∣rate Persons do here partake of. How then can they live in that perfect Love of him, Delight in him, and Communion with him,* 1.70 which is the Blessedness of Hea∣ven?

It is the Holy Spirit must make us meet to be Partakers of the Hea∣venly Inheritance.* 1.71 Except a Man be born from above, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Joh. 3.3, 5.

It is God (by his Spirit) that draws Sinners unto Christ,* 1.72 and powerfully worketh true Faith in their Souls; giving them thereby a Title to Heaven:* 1.73 and then by re∣newing and sanctifying their Na∣tures, doth fit and prepare them for the enjoyment of it. It is certain∣ly therefore of God's Free Grace, that any of us are prepared for Heaven; as well as that Heaven is prepared for us. Ephes. 2.8. By Grace ye are saved, through Faith, and that not of your selves; it is the Gift of God. Faith (as well as Sal∣vation) is God's Free Gift.* 1.74 Belie∣vers are said to be Vessels of Mercy, which God hath aforehand prepared unto Glory. And again, He that hath wrought us for the self-same Thing is God; who also hath given to us the earnest of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 5.5. It is not therefore on the account

of any thing that the Saints have done, or can do, that Heaven is prepared for them, or that they are prepared for Heaven; but all is of Free Grace. Tit. 3.5, 6, 7. Not by Works of Righteousness which we have done, but according to his Mercy he saved us, by the washing of Rege∣neration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his Grace, we should be made Heirs, according to the hope of Eternal Life.

Objection.

But doth not God command us to work out our own Salvation; and promise to reward us according to our Works? Phil. 2.12. Mat. 16.27. Rev. 22.12. chap. 20.12.

Answer.

Yes, he doth so: But yet these Scriptures do no ways imply, that the best of our Works are merito∣rious.

And as to the First, where we are commanded to work out our own Salvation; it presently fol∣lows, that it's God which works in us, both to will and to do of his good Pleasure, Phil. 2.13.

We must indeed be diligent, and serious in the Work and Service of the Lord; and must yield sin∣cere and constant Obedience to all his Holy Commands; striving to put forth that Power to the ut∣most, that he hath already given us; and must wait upon him in the use of means, that we may obtain more.

And without thus doing, we can∣not be saved;* 1.75 neither for thus do∣ing shall any be saved. There is a great difference, between our be∣ing rewarded [according] to our Works, and our being rewarded [for] our good Works. 'Tis true, there are none can obtain Heaven without Regeneration and Holi∣ness:* 1.76 And 'tis also as true, that none shall obtain it upon the account of their Holiness. Good Works are therefore necessary to Salvation,

but they are not meritorious. No, if we could do all those Things which are commanded us, we must say,* 1.77 we are unprofitable Servants.

1. Because we shall have done no more, than what was our Duty to do, Luke 17.10. We are many ways bound to obey God's Com∣mands, though the Heavenly Hap∣piness had never been promised. God has an absolute Right to all that we are, or have, or can do.

First, By Creation,* 1.78 and as he is the Supream Soveraign of the World.

Secondly, By Preservation,* 1.79 or as he is our Maintainer, and Uphol∣der; on whose Goodness and Boun∣ty we daily live.

Thirdly, By Redemption,* 1.80 he ha∣ving laid down a Price of inesti∣mable value for us.

Now on all these accounts, the best that we can do is absolutely

due unto God. And a Servant that hath done no more than his Duty, yea, that cometh very far short of his Duty, can plead nothing of Merit.

2. Because the best of our Works can add nothing at all unto God. Psal. 16.2. Thou art my Lord (saith David) my Goodness extendeth not to thee. So Job 22.2. Can a Man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? If thou be Righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine Hands? Chap. 35.7, 8. The more we abound in Works of Righteous∣ness, the better it will be for our selves: But no Profit or Advan∣tage will accrue unto God, by any thing that we can do. And there∣fore we can merit nothing at his Hands.

3. Because It is God that works in us,* 1.81 both to will and to do of his good Pleasure. Phil. 2.13. By the Grace of God we are what we are, as to any Good that is in us: and by

his Grace it is that we do what we do,* 1.82 as to any Good that is done by us. 1 Cor. 15.10.* 1.83 I can do all Things (saith the Apostle) but how? why, through Christ which strengthneth me, Phil. 4.13. Yea, and without me (saith Christ) ye can do nothing, John 15.5. i. e. Nothing in a way of Fruitfulness: Yea, further, no∣thing that is truly good and accep∣table in the Sight of God.

Now can we do nothing that is truly Good, but what would have been our Duty to do, though no Reward had been promised? Can we do nothing that is any ways profitable or advantageous to God? Yea, Can we do nothing that he will accept of, but what we do by the help of his Grace? Then sure∣ly when we shall have done our best, we may say, we are unprofitable Servants. Nay, I may further add, that the best Works of the Saints are so full of Imperfections, that they rather need a Pardon, than deserve the least Reward.

It is not therefore upon the ac∣count of any good Works which the Saints have done, that the Hea∣venly Glory is conferred upon them;* 1.84 but it is freely given unto them of God, Christ having by his Death obtained it for them.

We must therefore take heed (as we love our own Souls) of thinking to merit Heaven by our Works.* 1.85 It's a Popish Principle; yea, and that indeed which all Men naturally are inclined to. And for certain it is a most dangerous Principle, and has been the undoing of many.

A Saving Faith will produce good Works,* 1.86 as the genuine Effects and Fruits of it. Such Persons therefore as are destitute thereof,* 1.87 can have no ground to hope for Salvation. We must press after Holiness with all our Might,* 1.88 and endeavour to be Fruitful in every good Work: but yet we must beware, that we do not think of meriting Heaven there∣by.

We may indeed assure our selves,* 1.89 and that upon good Grounds; that in doing well, we shall fare well: for so hath God promised for our Encouragement. Isa. 3.10, 11. Say ye to the Righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the Fruit of their doing. But wo unto the Wicked, it shall be ill with him: for the Reward of his Hands shall be given him. 'Tis not said of the Righte∣ous, that they shall have what they have earned; but they shall eat the Fruit of their doings; i. e. They have done well, and they shall fare well. But now as to the Wicked, they shall have their due desert; the Reward of his Hands shall be given him. Death is the just Wages of Sin:* 1.90 but Eternal Life is God's Free Gift, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And now I come to apply the Doctrine, and what hath been spo∣ken from it.

Ʋse I.

And the First Ʋse may be for our Information, in these two or three Par∣ticulars.

As, 1. We may see how vastly different the State of Believers and Unbelievers will be, when they come to die. God deals with them now in a different manner, but then the Difference will be most apparent. See Isa. 65.13, 14. Be∣hold, (saith the Lord) my Servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: be∣hold, my Servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my Servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my Servants shall sing for Joy of Heart, but ye shall cry for Sorrow of Heart, and shall howl for Vexation of Spirit. Now if God deals thus differently with the Righteous and the Wicked, even here in this World, (as he oftentimes doth) how much more in the World to come? 'Tis true, the Wicked are often exempted from those Suffer∣ings

which the Righteous do meet with in the World; and hereupon (for want of a right Sense of Things) do conclude, that themselves are the happier Persons. But Death will make them of another Mind; and shew them the Folly of their Self-flattering Conceits: For then shall Believers immediately go to God, and Unbelievers shall go to the De∣vil; the one pass into Eternal Glory, and the other into Misery and ever∣lasting Punishment.

They have now (while they are here) very different Natures, and hereafter they shall have as different Rewards. The Righteous Man hath his worst things here,* 1.91 and his best he shall have hereafter.* 1.92 And the Wick∣ed (on the contrary) hath his best Things here, and his worst he shall have hereafter. The Conclusion will assuredly be dreadful to these, but exceeding comfortable to the Righ∣teous; for everlasting Misery will be the Portion of the one, and ever∣lasting Happiness the Portion of the other. Eternity is affixed to both:

Mat. 25.46. These shall go away into everlasting Punishment: but the Righ∣teous into Life Eternal. The Happiness of the Saints will endure for ever, and so will the Miseries of the Damned; yea, when thousands and thousands of Years are at an end, they will both be as fresh as at the very first Moment.

O how great is that Happiness which the Damned will lose? and how great are those Miseries which the Saints will escape? How great are the Torments which the Dam∣ned shall endure? and how great are the Joys of which the Saints shall partake?

Perhaps now, Sirs, you see little difference between the State to Be∣lievers and of Unbelievers, but the Time will certainly (yea and shortly) come, when you shall see Things in another manner.

Now it may be, ye account the proud happy, and think there's little profit in serving the Lord: but then shall ye

discern between the Righteous and the Wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. Mal. 3.14,—18.

2. From what hath been said, we may see God's wonderful Love to Believers, in preparing for them such a glorious Inheritance, and so freely conferring it on them.

What a Miracle of Mercy and Loving-Kindness is this,* 1.93 (and even that which might fill us with Ad∣miration) that the infinitely Blessed and Glorious God should take no∣tice of such Wretches as we? O wonderful Love indeed! that such Rebels and Traitors (as we have been) should have admittance into his glorious Presence, and be made Companions of the Holy Angels! That such Clods of Earth, such de∣spicable Worms, should be lifted up to the highest Heaven;* 1.94 that we might shine as Stars there, yea, as the Sun in the Kingdom of our Fa∣ther! And that this blessed State should be so freely provided, and

we taken into it on such gracious Terms. Admirable Love indeed! The Terms are Faith, and not Me∣rit, which the Gracious God doth stand upon. That's the Tenor of the New Covenant, Believe, and live, not do, and live. Good Works are an Evidence of the Truth of our Faith, and of our Interest in that Blessedness; but they do not any way merit or deserve it, either in whole or in part. No, but it's freely given to those that believe. John 3.36. He that believeth on the Son of God, hath everlasting Life. He hath it as sure as if he was in actual Possession of it. The Gracious God will ex∣clude none but such as exclude themselves by their Unbelief. Yea, so merciful is he unto poor lost Sin∣ners, that he sends his Ambassadors up and down the World, to offer Salvation unto them,* 1.95 and to pray and beseech them in the Name of Christ to accept thereof, on the most equitable Terms. Nothing doth the Lord require but this, that Sinners lay down their Rebellious Arms, and be reconciled unto him;

that they accept of Christ for their Lord and Soveraign, and be true to his Cause and Interest for the future. O wonderful condescending Love! How should we admire it! That the infinite Majesty of Heaven and Earth, should beseech vile Rebels to be reconciled to him!* 1.96 when as he is able to dash them in pieces, and even throw them into Hell with one Blast of his Mouth! Should we cry Day and Night unto God to be re∣concil'd unto us, there would be no∣thing of wonder in it; but that the offended God should beseech Offen∣ders to lay by their Enmity, and be at Peace with him; sure this is mat∣ter of Wonder and Astonishment! And yet how (alas) is his great Love abused, and his rich Offers slighted and disregarded by the most? As if the offered Salvation was meerly fictitious, or the Hea∣venly Happiness were not worth the accepting? O base Ingratitude and astonishing Madness, to slight and neglect so great Salvation!

3. From what hath been said, we may see the great Folly of Men in refusing such an Happiness.* 1.97 What is it but Happiness that all Men seek after? And for this they run, they labour and toil; and yet the most (alas, like the Dog in the Fable) while they catch at the Shadow, do lose the Substance. How eager are Men in pursuit of that which they imagine will make them happy? And what Cost and Pains will the most be at, for the obtaining a little of the World's Felicity? Whenas all world∣ly Pleasures, Riches and Honours, cannot possibly satisfy the Mind of Man: As one has in Metre well ex∣pressed it.

All Earthly Things Man's cravings answer not, Whose little Heart would all the World contain, (If all the World should fall to one Man's Lot) And notwithstanding empty still remain.

And supposing these Things could yield some Satisfaction,* 1.98 yet how soon must we take our eternal leave of them? Yet a little while, and all these Things will be unto us as if they had never been. But the Happiness above is substantial, and 'tis an abiding Happiness. What Folly and Madness is it then to pre∣fer Toys and Trifles before such an Happiness?

What powerful Charm is it that obstructs our true judging of Things? What Spirit of Errour hath possessed us? Can there possibly be a desire in Man of enjoying an Happiness beyond what is Eternal, yea, and Soul-satisfying and Infinite? O the wonderful Stupidity and Sot∣tishness of Men, so careless of Everlasting Felicity!

Eternal Things (alas) are quite out of sight,* 1.99 and therefore are they slight∣ed by the unbelieving World. And they look upon those who live by Faith, as the veriest Fools imagi∣nable; when they see them pressing on towards the Mark,* 1.100 for the Prize that is set before them, and exposing

themselves unto Sufferings for Christ,* 1.101 and in hopes of the promised Glory.

But we must become Fools in the World's esteem,* 1.102 if we will become wise to Salvation. And within a while shall the Wicked perceive whether Believers or themselves were the greater Fools.

As the Author of that Apocryphal Book which is called the Wisdom of Solomon,* 1.103 hath well expressed it, saying,

Then shall the Righteous Man stand in great boldness, before the Face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his Labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible Fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his Salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of Spirit, shall say within themselves, This was he whom we had sometimes in Derision, and a Proverb of Reproach. WE FOOLS accoun∣ted

his Life Madness, and his End to be without Honour. But how is he numbred among the Children of God, and his Lot is among the Saints? Therefore have we erred from the way of Truth; and the Light of Righte∣ousness hath not shined unto us, and the Sun of Righteousness rose not upon us.* 1.104 We wearied our selves in the way of Wicked∣ness and Destruction; but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it. What hath Pride profited us?* 1.105 Or what good hath Riches with our vaunt∣ing brought us? All those Things are passed away like a Shadow, and as a Post that hasted by.

— But the Righteous live for evermore, their Reward also is with the Lord:* 1.106 —Therefore shall they receive a Glorious King∣dom, and a beautiful Crown from the Lord's Hand.

Ʋse II.

For Excitation. A Second Ʋse may be for the stir∣ring us up to use our utmost Care and Diligence, for the getting and ex∣ercising a lively Faith, in order to our obtaining the Heavenly Blessed∣ness. And,

1. Let me turn my Discourse un∣to those that are yet in a State of Impenitency. Sure what hath been spoken, should excite all such to lay hold on the Hope that is set before them; and to strive and labour with all their Might, to make sure of an Interest in Jesus Christ: for without this we must never hope to partake of Eternal Blessedness. He that believeth not, shall not see Life; but the Wrath of God abideth on him, Joh. 3.36. O what should we strive and labour for, if not for Eternal Happiness? And what should we strive to escape,* 1.107 and flee from, if not from the Wrath to come? Why, Faith and Repentance are absolutely necessary, both for

obtaining the one and escaping the other. He that believeth not,* 1.108 shall be damned (saith Christ.) And except ye repent, ye shall all perish. Well, what is it then that you are now resolved for? And what are the chief Desires of your Souls? Are you for Everlasting Glory, or for the Pleasures of Sin for a Season?

Are you for accepting of Christ for your Soveraign;* 1.109 or for conti∣nuing still to be the Servants of Sin? Are you for sighting the good Fight of Faith; or for being the captivated Slaves of the Devil? What is it you resolve upon? for one of these must be your Choice. Are your Desires after God and Heaven? Or can that be your Blessedness which you do not desire? De∣ceive not your selves (I beseech you) with vain Conceits, but consider these Things, and shew your selves Men. Do you think that God will ever receive any such into his blessed and glorious Presence as are not at all desirous of it, or unto whom it shall be a Burden? No, no, God sets not so small a value upon it,

as to force it upon those that desire it not.

Mistake not then the Notion of Heaven,* 1.110 or the Nature of a Soul∣satisfying Blessedness. Do not you render it unto your selves a Composition of Sensual Enjoy∣ments; but look upon it, as chiefly consisting in perfect Holi∣ness and Communion with God. And then you cannot judge of your own Right to it, by a surer Rule than this, that the Blessed∣ness of Heaven shall be certainly theirs, whose Hearts are bent and directed towards it. Mat. 5.6, 8. Heb. 12.14. Phil. 3.8,—14.

Repent therefore, and believe the Gospel, and sleep not in the Bonds of Iniquity.* 1.111 You are earnestly call'd and invited to come and ac∣cept of Eternal Happiness; and the Lord is pleas'd to expostulate with you, saying, Sinners, Why will ye die?

Consider how dreadful your Con∣dition will be, if Death should find you in your Unbelief.* 1.112 It had been better for you never to have heard of a Saviour, than to live and die without an Interest in him. O! what will you have to say for your selves, when Christ as your Judge shall plead the Case with you? And say, Sinners,* 1.113 I sentence you to Hell and Damnation; for this is the fruit of your own fool∣ish Choice: No Invitations, Per∣swasions or Warnings could keep you from running into it. I offer∣ed unto you Eternal Happiness, but you did not regard either Me, or my Offers.* 1.114

You could love the most vain and foolish Tri∣fles, but you loved not Me, nor cared for my Presence.* 1.115 You had Thoughts enough and to spare for vain Things, but how seldom did you think of Me, be∣cause your Hearts were not with Me. I banish you therefore that Presence which you never loved; I deny you that Vision which

you did always shun,* 1.116 and the Impressions of my Likeness which you did ever hate. I eternally abandon you to the grossest Darkness, seeing Darkness was so grateful to you.

Depart from Me,* 1.117 and from the Happiness you slighted, into endless and easeless Miseries and Torments.

O! what will impenitent Sinners have to say when the Righteous Judge shall plead the Case with them, and shall pass the irrevo∣cable Sentence upon them? All Mouths (assuredly) will then be stopped, and their Conscience will tell them that the Sentence is just. Think of this therefore,* 1.118 and con∣sider it seriously, while a Door of Hope is yet open unto you. And if the Heavenly Happiness will not invite you,* 1.119 let the Terrours of Hell affright you from your Sins. For it's certain, if you slight the Glory that's offered, you will bring up∣on your selves Everlasting Confu∣sion.

Flee therefore unto Christ as your only Refuge,* 1.120 that he may deliver you from avenging Justice, and from the wrathful Displeasure of a provoked God. Psal. 2.12.

And O! let him not still have fresh cause to complain,* 1.121 Ye will not come to me, that ye might have Life.

2. It should also excite Believers to greater Diligence in the Service of God.* 1.122 For so an entrance shall be ministred unto us, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the Hopes and Fore thoughts of the Happiness above, will not ex∣cite and quicken us to our Duty, what will?

Let us then be convinced that there is such an Happiness; and when we believe, let us look for it, and long for it, and live in the hopeful expectation of it.

Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the Glorious Appearing of the Great

God,* 1.123 Tit. 2.13, 14. Now this Hope should put us upon serious Diligence, and earnest Pursuit after such a Blessedness.* 1.124 Let us therefore endeavour to live Heavenly Lives, as we hope to partake of the Hea∣venly Blessedness.

There is no∣thing should influence our Hearts below, but that which doth suit Christ's Heart above.* 1.125 All must be like the Lord, that are to live with him.

And if we do hope to be like him hereafter, then sure we should strive to resemble him here.* 1.126 Yea, And every Man (saith the Apostle) that hath this Hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure, i. e. as Christ is pure. Yea, certain it is, if we do not desire further degrees of Holiness, we cannot be said to desire Heaven; for Heaven is the persection of Ho∣liness. A lively Hope therefore of our Conformity to Christ, in Glory and Blessedness hereafter, will assu∣redly put us upon a vigorous pursuit of Conformity to him in Holiness here. O! were but our Hopes more strong and lively, they would give

us a Taste of the Blessedness a∣bove; and this Taste would set us upon earnest longing after the En∣joyment of it.* 1.127

2 Cor. 5.2. For in this we groan earnestly, desiring to be clothed upon with our House which is from Heaven.

So ver. 8. We are willing rather to be absent from the Body, and to be pre∣sent with the Lord.

Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him, ver. 9.

Let us labour then,* 1.128 by a lively Faith, to realize the Happiness of Heaven to our Souls; as also to get a well-grounded Hope of our Interest in this Happiness: That so our most frequent and serious Thoughts, and delightful Medita∣tions may be of it. For 'tis im∣possible a Man can hope for any Thing, but he will be thinking of it. And the more we think of the Happiness Above, the more we

shall long for it. And where there are longing Desires and Breathings after the Enjoyment of such an Happiness,* 1.129 there will also be a heed∣ful and cautelous Fear, lest we should miscarry, or fall short of it; and this accompanied with a dili∣gent Care and most earnest Endea∣vour to make sure.* 1.130

Well then,* 1.131 Let us make it ap∣pear, that our Faith is true, and our Hopes lively, by a more Holy Activity, Vigour, and Diligence in the Ways and Service of God. 1 Tim. 6.12. And let us wait with Patience for the expected Happi∣ness, against all Oppositions and Discouragements; For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal. 6.9.

I shall conclude this Use, with the Apostle's Exhortation, 1 Cor. 15.58. Therefore, my Beloved Brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your Labour is not in vain in the Lord. Now,

Ʋse III.

For Consolation. The Last Ʋse may be for Consolation to Believers, against Wants, Troubles, and Death it self. And,

1. It administers Comfort to Be∣lievers against all their Wants and Necessities. It may be now you are very poor,* 1.132 but there's durable Riches provided for you; even a full, incorruptible and glorious In∣heritance. Let the Fore-Thoughts of this support and comfort you under all your Straits and Necessi∣ties,* 1.133 for your best Days are yet to come. Consider, It is but a very little while that we shall have need of these outward Enjoyments: And while we do need them,* 1.134 we have good ground to hope for such a measure thereof as is convenient for us.

Whosoever he be that doth seek God's Kingdom and Righteousness above all other Things,* 1.135 and that waits upon God in a diligent use

of those Means that he hath appoin∣ted, shall certainly enjoy so much of these Things as the All-wise God sees requisite for him.* 1.136 And what can we desire more?

How soon (alas!) should we ruine our selves,* 1.137 if God should leave us to be our own Carvers; or should give us whatsoever we desire in the World?* 1.138 But it's well for us that we are under the care of so Wise and Gracious a Father, who will give us nothing but what's really good for us; nor deny us any thing here in the World, but that which he sees would be hurtful to us.

We are often desirous of several Things which are good in them∣selves, and good for some Persons, and which we apprehend may be good for us also; and yet God doth (in Mercy) deny us such Things as knowing them not for our good. And shall we not trust his infinite Wisdom before our own shallow and dark Understandings?* 1.139 Yes surely.

We need not therefore to trou∣ble our selves with distracting Thoughts, and with carking Cares,* 1.140 who have such a wise Father to care for us here,* 1.141 and provides so well for us hereafter.* 1.142 We have not yet received our Portion, but it is laid up, and in safe keeping for us; and within a while we shall come to enjoy it. Fear not lit∣tle Flock (saith Christ) it is your Father's good Pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12.32.

Sure you that are adopted the Children of God,* 1.143 and have thereby a Right to the Heavenly Inheritance, may well be content with your Con∣dition in this World; you being so much better provided for in the World to come. What if your Earthly Estate be sequestred, or any ways taken from you,* 1.144 so long as you have a better Estate in Hea∣ven that none can deprive you of, even Eternal Mansions of Bliss and Glory?

Let the Foresight (by Faith) of this Glorious Estate wean you from all inordinate Affections to Humane and Earthly Things.* 1.145 What are all the Pleasures, and Riches, and Ho∣nours in the World, in comparison of those that are Spiritual and Heavenly? These will not satisfy but increase our Desires, but those will afford us the fullest Satisfacti∣on. These are Temporal, and but for a Moment; but those are E∣ternal, and shall last us for ever. The greatest Things that are here upon the Earth, will appear to be (what they are indeed) but very small and trivial Things, to those that can look beyond them with an Eye of Faith, and take a view of the Heavenly Blessedness.

What is Earthly Majesty, and all Earthly Glories (if put toge∣ther) to the beholding the Lord Jesus Christ in all his Majesty and Glory?* 1.146 What are costly Garments, and the most rich Attire, to those Robes of Righ∣teousness,

and Garments of Sal∣vation,* 1.147 wherewith the Saints shall be clothed in the great Day of the Marriage of the Lamb? What are the most stately Pa∣laces here on Earth, compared with Heaven the Palace of God,* 1.148 and the Mansions of Blessed Spi∣rits? And what are all the Plea∣sures in the World,* 1.149 to those Ri∣vers of Pleasures which are at God's Right Hand? Or all the Riches and Inheritances in the World,* 1.150 to that Glorious Inhe∣ritance of the Saints in Light?

Whatsoever we want (as to outward Enjoyments) we may com∣fort our selves in the Hopes of Heaven; where all our Wants will be abundantly supplied with Spi∣ritual, Celestial, and much better Enjoyments.

2. It administers Comfort to Believers, against all their Afflicti∣ons and Troubles. It may be now you lie groaning under Bodily Weaknesses, as pining Sickness, or

racking Pains; rouling your self to and fro on your Bed, as a Door rouleth upon its Hinges; getting but very little Rest or Refresh∣ment, through the anguish of your Pains, and the weariness of your Flesh.

But in Heaven there will assured∣ly be perfect Ease, and perfect Health, and Rest, and Refreshment, and that for evermore.

We are very apprehensive of present Pain, and present Grie∣vances, but not of the Ease, Re∣freshment and Glory that shall succeed. But remember, and con∣sider well with your selves, that though the Pains be sharp, the Sickness lingring, and hangeth long upon you, yet present Time is quickly past, but Eternity will have no end.

For which cause we faint not,* 1.151 (saith the Apostle) but though our outward Man perish, yet the inward Man is renewed Day by Day. For our light Afflictions which are but for a Moment, work

for us a far more exceeding and eter∣nal weight of Glory. While we look not at the Things which are seen, but at Things which are not seen: for the things which are seen, are Temporal; but the Things which are not seen, are Eternal.

We pitch too much (alas!) upon a carnal Hope, but do not enough look after the Glory of the everlasting State: and this makes our Afflictions seem heavy and grievous. Whereas, a well∣grounded and lively Hope of the Heavenly Happiness and Glory, would make our greatest Afflicti∣ons to become light, and turn our Pains into Pleasure, yea, and Death it self into Life.

But now let me apply it to those especially that suffer for Righteous∣ness Sake.

Shall any of us shrink at Suffer∣ings for Christ,* 1.152 who shall be in Glory with him for ever? How short is the Suffering? how long

the Reward? How light the Af∣fliction? how weighty the Glory?

If we had but Wisdom to reckon aright, and would weigh these Things in the Ballance of the San∣ctuary, we should quickly see whe∣ther present Sufferings, or the fu∣ture Glory would turn the Scales. Rom. 8.18. For I reckon that the Sufferings of this present Time, are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us.

There are few that have met with greater Sufferings than this great Apostle was exercised with,* 1.153 and yet he looks upon them as next to nothing, when compared with the future Glory. I reckon (saith he.) And most surely he had learn∣ed to reckon aright, and this much refresh'd him under all his Trials. So 'tis said of the believing Hebrews also,* 1.154 that they took joyfully the spoil∣ing of their Goods, as knowing in themselves, that they had in Heaven a better and an enduring Substance.

And Moses esteemed Reproaches for Christ,* 1.155 greater Riches than the Treasures in Egypt: for he had re∣spect ('tis said) to the recompence of the Reward. He did not only bear his Sufferings with Patience, but did also esteem very highly of them, as knowing that Heaven would make amends for all.

This is it that chears the Hearts of God's Faithful People, in all their Troubles. I had fainted,* 1.156 (saith David) unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living.

Having Hopes of enjoying so great a Good, beyond all Time,* 1.157 to Eternity; we may well endure a far lesser Evil, when so short, even but for a Moment.

If we be reproached for the Name of Christ, we have reason to rejoice,* 1.158 and not to be ashamed: For on our Enemies part God is evil spoken of, but on our part he is glorified. And

if we glorify God here, by our patient continuance in well-doing,* 1.159 he will also glorify us hereafter with Christ, in Eternal Glory. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him; but if we deny him, he will also deny us. 2 Tim. 2.12.

Have any of us lost the love of Men,* 1.160 for our Sincerity and Faith∣fulness? Why what is this to the Love of God,* 1.161 which we shall en∣joy for ever? Are we (by our Enemies) cast into Prison? We shall shortly be in our Father's House,* 1.162 where there are Mansions of Bliss and Glory.

The worst that our Enemies can do us here,* 1.163 is only to kill the Body, and this they cannot do neither without the permission of God; and when God permits them to injure our Bodies,* 1.164 he thereby designs us good to our Souls. So that our Enemies are very unskilful, what∣soever Evil they design unto us; for when they impair the outward Man, they thereby better the in∣ward

Man:* 1.165 And if they root us out of the Earth, they do but send us the sooner to Heaven.

Yea,* 1.166 and the greater our Suffer∣ings are here in the World, the greater will be our Happiness here∣after. 'Twas a Saying of one of the Antient Fathers, when vilified by his Enemies.

He that willingly takes from my good Name, unwillingly adds to my Reward.

Surely then, the Hopes of Heaven should chear our Hearts under all our Trials.

3. It administers Comfort to Be∣lievers, even against Death it self. These Earthly Tabernacles must be dis∣solved,* 1.167 but what then? We have a Building of God, an House not made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens. We shall but leave a poor totter∣ing Cottage, to live in a Princely Palace; and forsake an unquiet and troublesome World, for a place

of everlasting Repose.* 1.168 Death to Believers is but a sweet Sleep, and the Grave but a Chamber of Rest; where the Body doth quietly repose it self till the general Resurrection: And then it shall certainly awake from its Sleep, and be raised again a most Glorious Body, Phil. 3.21. And while the Body doth thus quietly rest in the Grave, the Soul is in actual Joy and Felicity. It doth not sleep in the Grave with the Body,* 1.169 (as some do foolishly imagine) but is present with the Lord, and in a State of Activity. Death is to the Soul of every Be∣liever an immediate Passage into Glory. Believers may therefore look Death in the Face with a great deal of Joy and Comfort,* 1.170 for its Sting is taken away by Christ, and it is unto them a Translation. Their Life is not taken away, but changed; 'tis changed from a miserable and corruptible Life, to that which is Blessed and Eternal. There's a Glo∣rious State provided for Believers in the World to come, and Death is the ready Passage into it.

Wherefore comfort one another with these Words,* 1.171 (saith the Apostle.) With what Words? Why, that Je∣sus Christ shall come in the Clouds,* 1.172 and take Believers unto himself; and so shall we for ever be with the Lord.

Lastly, The Doctrine affords mat∣ter of Comfort, to the Dear Re∣lations of our Deceased Friend; who hath fought a good Fight, and hath finished her Course, and is now gone to receive the Crown which the Lord hath prepared for her.

She was one that was assaulted with many Temptations, but through the Captain of her Salvation she did conquer and overcome;* 1.173 and is now enjoying (as we have ground to hope) the Reward of a Faithful Souldier of Christ; even an immor∣tal Crown of Life and Glory; yea, the highest Felicity she is capable of receiving, till her Body and Soul be again reunited; and then will her Happiness be full and com∣pleat.

Ever since I knew her, I look'd upon her to be one that desired to make Religion her Business, or the chief concern of her Life.

She had very low and mean Thoughts of her self; and was greatly afraid of being mistaken, and of thinking her Condition to be better than it was. She has oft (in my hearing) lamented and be∣wail'd her Distractions of Mind in Duty; and would tell me she found it a very difficult thing to keep her Heart close unto God. And where is there a Christian indeed, that doth not experience this?

It was her practice every Day to read a considerable Portion of the Holy Scriptures, and to medi∣tate and pray in secret; besides her constant joyning in Family-Du∣ties. She would say that she found those two Soul-enriching Duties of Meditation, and Self-examination, very hard and difficult to perform them aright.

She had a very hearty Love (I be∣lieve) to all God's Faithful People;* 1.174 not only those that were of the same Judgment with her, but also to those that differed from her in some Circumstantials of Religion.

She was far from that factious and narrow Spirit (which too many have discovered in these our Days) that has no hearty Love for any but those that are of their own Perswasion. No, wheresoever she saw any thing of the Image of God,* 1.175 in Rich or Poor, or any Person that differed from her in Judgment, such Persons were always welcome to her; and she ever expressed an high esteem of them.* 1.176 She delighted most in the Society of those who truly feared the Lord.

She would speak her Mind freely, and with very great Zeal, in vin∣dicating God's Faithful Servants, when she heard any of them spoken against, or reflected on by others.

Her Humility was very conspi∣cuous and apparent to all that con∣versed much with her. And you of her Neighbours who knew her well, can give your Attestation to what I say. How free was she al∣ways in her Converse with you? And how familiar would she be with the poorest of you? The Poor was as welcome to her as the Rich; and more especially such as feared the Lord. She would visit the poorest of her Neighbours with delight, when she could have any hopes of doing them good, or of administring any Relief to them.

She went very modestly in her Apparel, (ever since I knew her) chusing rather to go below her Quality, than in the least to ex∣ceed. She could not endure those ridiculous Fashions which are now so much followed by many; those foolish and fantastical Dresses which abundance do please themselves with. And for my part, I verily believe that a great many Persons

amongst us, do please but a very few with their Dress, besides the Devil and themselves. And I wish the Lord may not bring upon these, what he brought upon the haughty Daughters of Zion, Isa. 3.16,—26. Jer. 15.9. chap. 14.1, — 18. and 52.1,—27. Many there are which seem not to approve of these fool∣ish, fantastical Fashions, and yet, forsooth, they must follow the same, lest they make themselves ridiculous. But our honoured Friend, the de∣ceased Gentlewoman, was not of their Mind; for she rather chose to be accounted ridiculous by proud and foolish Sinners, than to make her self so indeed, in the Sight of the All-seeing God. She spent lit∣tle time in dressing her self, and as little she spent in Idleness.

She would constantly be employ∣ed in one honest Business or other, as knowing it sinful (either in Poor or in Rich) to trifle and idle away precious Time.

She had indeed her Infirmities and Weaknesses (which none are free from while here in the World,) but these (I believe) were her great Grief and Burden. Naturally she seem'd to be inclined to Passion, the which I have heard her lament and bewail; and I hope, through Grace, she did very much conquer it.

Some of her Servants have told me, that when she has been most angry, her Back was no sooner turned but all her Passion was gone, and she would then be as mild and well pleased again, as if she had never been angry.

She was a very Tender and Af∣fectionate Wife, and as suitable (I believe) as ever Husband enjoy∣ed. Sure never did two live more comfortably together than these two Persons did. Their greatest Strife seem'd always to be which should exceed in their Love to each other.

She was a very careful and in∣dulgent Mother, and had a very tender love to her Children, yet would never indulge them in any thing that was bad.

Her nearest and dearest Relati∣ons and Friends,* 1.177 have cause to la∣ment and bewail their own Loss; but to rejoyce and take comfort in the hopes of her Gain.

Her Expressions and Carriage in her last Sickness, and the Morning before she was taken ill, were very remarkable and affecting: For im∣mediately before her last Sickness seiz'd her, she renew'd her Resolu∣tions of praising God more; and told her Affectionate (and now Sorrowful) Husband, that they would join together in singing God's Praises. And she also discoursed then with him of Death, and of the great Concerns of their Souls, and this with greater Affection and Freedom than usually she had done. And she further expressed her wil∣lingness

to die, if she had but more hopes of her fitness for it. And all this the same Morning before her Sickness seized her, which was therefore the more remarkable. And after she was taken Ill, and her Pains were very great upon her, she would justify God, and be speaking good of his Name; say∣ing,* 1.178 I will bear the Indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned a∣gainst him. Well, (would she say) God is still Good and Gracious, O! that I could love so Good a God more!

It is very affecting to hear a poor Soul (who is even ready to breath out her last) still breathing forth earnest Desires after God, and after a more ardent Love unto him. She desired to love him more while she was here: and O now she loves, even as she is beloved!

She renew'd her Resolutions of praising God more, and now she's gone to sing everlasting Allelujahs.

Let this therefore comfort her dearest Relations, and every one of us who truly loved her;* 1.179 that though her Death be a Loss unto us, yet it's far more gainful to her. We have ground to hope that her Soul is gone to the Spirits of the Just made perfect; where she shall sin no more, nor sorrow any more;* 1.180 but all Tears shall be wiped from her Eyes: and there shall be no more Death, neither Sickness, nor Pain; for the former Things are passed away.

Now the Use that we should make of what hath been spoken in the Praise and Commendation of our deceased Friend, is to follow and imitate her Example, in whatsoever was excellent and imitable in her.

She was much in reading the Word of God, in Meditation and Secret Prayer, and in that necessary (and too much neglected) Duty of Self-Examination.

Let us endeavour therefore to be much in the practice of these necessary and most profitable Duties, that we may live comfortably, and die happily, as we hope this deceas∣ed Gentlewoman did.

I am by no means for commen∣ding the Dead any further than may be for the good of the Living, and for the Praise and Glory of God. Yea, I look upon it as a very great Sin, to commend the deceased with∣out good ground for it; for in so doing God's People are grieved, and the Wicked more hardened in their Impenitency. And yet this (alas!) is a practice too common.

But I hope I have said nothing of our deceased Friend but what may be attested by many, and that which may be of good use to us all, if we be not wanting to our selves. Whatsoever Failings there∣fore we might see in her, let us labour to shun and avoid the like; and whereinsoever she did excel,

let us labour to imitate her.* 1.181 And let us always endeavour to be Fol∣lowers of those, who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,* 1.182 and to present you faultless before the Presence of his Glory with exceeding Joy, To the only-Wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Ma∣jesty, Dominion and Power, both now and ever. Amen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Chap. 2.3.
• * 1.2

  Psal. 116.15.
• * 1.3

  Gal. 5.17.
• * 1.4

  Phil. 1.21.
• * 1.5

  Mat. 16.27. Rom. 2.6, 10.
• * 1.6

  See Dr. Manton on 2 Cor. 5. v. 8. p. 67.
• * 1.7

  Exod. 3.6.
• * 1.8

  Psa. 16.11.
• * 1.9

  Rev. 1, 13,—16. Mat. 17.1, 2.
• * 1.10

  Joh. 14.1, 2, 3.
• * 1.11

  1 Thess. 4.18.
• * 1.12

  Ver. 16, 17.
• * 1.13

  Mat. 25.34
• * 1.14

  Act. 22.22,
• * 1.15

  Mat. 25.34
• * 1.16

  Mat. 25.37.
• * 1.17

  Ver. 38.
• * 1.18

  Ver. 39.
• * 1.19

  Ver. 40.
• * 1.20

  Joh. 20.17. Heb. 2.11, 12.
• * 1.21

  Mat. 10.40, 41, 42.
• * 1.22

  Mat. 25 42
• * 1.23

  Ver. 43.
• * 1.24

  Ver. 45.
• * 1.25

  Isa. 34.8.
• * 1.26

  Luk. 6.36.
• * 1.27

  Matth. 25.44.
• * 1.28

  Ver. 46.
• * 1.29

  Heb. 12.23 1 Cor. 13.10. Eph. 5.27.
• * 1.30

  Rom. 7.24.
• * 1.31

  2 Cor 7.5.
• * 1.32

  John 3.16, 18.
• * 1.33

  Mat. 8.36, 37.
• * 1.34

  Rev. 21.8. Mar. 9.43, —48. Mat. 13.41, 42. Isa. 65.14.
• * 1.35

  1 Thess. 1.10.
• * 1.36

  Chap. 5.9.
• * 1.37

  Heb. 2.14, 15.
• * 1.38

  Joh. 6.40.
• * 1.39

  1 Pet. 1.5.
• * 1.40

  1 Cor. 15.43, 53, 54.
• * 1.41

  Phil. 3.21.
• * 1.42

  Phil. 5.8, —14.
• * 1.43

  1 Cor. 13.9,—12. 1 Joh. 3.2, 3.
• * 1.44

  Psal. 59.16.
• * 1.45

  Psal. 89.1.
• * 1.46

  Ezek. 16.6, 8. Joh. 3.16. chap. 6.44. Jer. 31.3.
• * 1.47

  Psal. 145.10, 11.
• * 1.48

  Ver. 13.
• * 1.49

  Heb. 12.23
• * 1.50

  Psal. 16.3. & 119.63. Psal. 15.4. 1 Joh. 3.14.
• * 1.51

  Phil. 1.23.
• * 1.52

  Luk. 16.22.
• * 1.53

  Eph. 5.27.
• * 1.54

  2 Chron. 9.7.
• * 1.55

  Heb. 11.26.
• * 1.56

  Rom. 8.18.
• * 1.57

  Psal. 4.6, 7,
• * 1.58

  Rom. 5.2.
• * 1.59

  1 Cor 2.9.
• * 1.60

  The Day of Doom, pag. 76.
• * 1.61

  Pag. 74.
• * 1.62

  Joh. 14.19
• * 1.63

  Heb. 11.16 Mat. 20.23
• * 1.64

  Eph. 1.3,—11. 1 Pet. 1.18, 19, 20. Gal. 4.4, 7
• * 1.65

  Joh. 3.16.
• * 1.66

  1 Pet. 1.19
• * 1.67

  Heb. 6.20.
• * 1.68

  Heb 10.14 Chap. 9.24 & 7.25.
• * 1.69

  Rev. 21.27.
• * 1.70

  2 Cor. 6.14
• * 1.71

  Col. 1.12.
• * 1.72

  Joh. 6.44.
• * 1.73

  Joh. 1.12, 13.
• * 1.74

  Rom. 9.23.
• * 1.75

  Heb. 5.9.
• * 1.76

  Joh. 3.3. Heb. 12.14.
• * 1.77

  Luk. 17.10.
• * 1.78

  Prov. 16.4.
• * 1.79

  Lev. 22.31 Act. 17.24, 28.
• * 1.80

  1 Cor. 6.19, 20. 2 Cor. 5.15.
• * 1.81

  Eph. 2.10. Luk. 19.16, 18.
• * 1.82

  2 Cor. 3.5.
• * 1.83

  Heb. 13.20, 21.
• * 1.84

  Rom 6.23. Heb. 9.12, 15.
• * 1.85

  Rom. 9.30,—33. Chap. 10. 1, 2, 3.
• * 1.86

  Jam. 2.26.
• * 1.87

  1 Joh. 3.3.
• * 1.88

  2 Cor. 7.1.
• * 1.89

  Rev. 22.12 1 Cor. 15.58.
• * 1.90

  Rom. 6.23.
• * 1.91

  Luk. 16.25.
• * 1.92

  Isa. 3.10, 11.
• * 1.93

  1 Joh. 3.1, 2.
• * 1.94

  Mat. 13.43
• * 1.95

  2 Cor. 5.20
• * 1.96

  Job 4.9. Ps. 18.13,—15. Mat. 10.28
• * 1.97

  Prov. 1.22,—33.
• * 1.98

  Job 14.1, 2 Psal. 49.10,—13. Luk. 12.16,—21. Prov. 8.18, —21.
• * 1.99

  1 Cor. 2.12, 14.
• * 1.100

  Phil. 3.14.
• * 1.101

  Heb. 10.32,—34. chap. 11. 24,—26.
• * 1.102

  1 Cor. 3.18.
• * 1.103

  Wisd. ch. 5
• * 1.104

  Jer. 9.5.
• * 1.105

  1 Joh. 2.17
• * 1.106

  Jam. 1.12.
• * 1.107

  Mat. 3.7.
• * 1.108

  Mar. 16.16 Luk. 13.3,—5.
• * 1.109

  Joh. 8.34. 2 Tim. 2.26. 2 Pet. 2.19
• * 1.110

  Psa. 17.15. See Mr. How's Bles∣sedness of the Righ∣teous. Psal. 63.1,—8. Psal. 73.24,—28.
• * 1.111

  Isa. 55.1, 2. Joh. 3.16. Ez. 33.11.
• * 1.112

  Joh. 3.19.
• * 1.113

  Prov. 1.24,—31.
• * 1.114

  Job 21.14, 15.
• * 1.115

  Psal. 10.4.
• * 1.116

  Joh. 3.19, 20.
• * 1.117

  Luk. 13.27, 28.
• * 1.118

  Heb. 3.15, 18.
• * 1.119

  2 Cor. 5.11.
• * 1.120

  Josh. 20. with Heb. 6.18.
• * 1.121

  Joh. 5.40.
• * 1.122

  2 Pet. 1.5,—11.
• * 1.123

  1 Pet. 1.13
• * 1.124

  Phil. 3.20.
• * 1.125

  1 Joh. 3.2.
• * 1.126

  Ver. 3.
• * 1.127

  Rom. 5.2. Chap. 8.19, 23.
• * 1.128

  Heb. 11.1.
• * 1.129

  Heb. 4.1.
• * 1.130

  1 Cor. 9. 24,—27.
• * 1.131

  Phil. 3. 10,—14. Ver. 17, 20 Mat. 11.12 Rom. 8.25. Heb. 10.32, — 36.
• * 1.132

  Prov. 8.18, 21.1 Pet. 1.4.
• * 1.133

  Luk. 16.25.
• * 1.134

  Psal. 34.9, 10. Psal. 8.11.
• * 1.135

  Mat. 6.31, — 33.
• * 1.136

  Rom. 8.32.
• * 1.137

  Deut. 32.15.
• * 1.138

  Psal. 37.3,—9. Ver. 16. Rom. 8.28.
• * 1.139

  Pro. 3.5, 6.
• * 1.140

  Phil. 4.6.
• * 1.141

  1 Pet. 5.7.
• * 1.142

  Psal. 17.14, 15.1 Pet. 1.3, —5.
• * 1.143

  Joh. 1.12, 13. Rom. 8.17. Gal. 4.4,-7
• * 1.144

  Joh. 14.2.
• * 1.145

  1 Joh. 2.15, 16, 17.
• * 1.146

  Joh. 17.24
• * 1.147

  Isa. 61.10. Rev. 19.7, 8.
• * 1.148

  Joh. 14.2.
• * 1.149

  Psal. 36.8. & 16.11.
• * 1.150

  Col. 1.12.
• * 1.151

  2 Cor. 4.16, 17, 18.
• * 1.152

  Rom. 8.17.
• * 1.153

  2 Cor. 11.23,—33.
• * 1.154

  Heb. 10.32,—36.
• * 1.155

  Heb. 11.25, 26, 27.
• * 1.156

  Psal. 27.13.
• * 1.157

  2 Cor. 4.17.
• * 1.158

  1 Pet. 4.12,—19. Chap. 3.14,—17. & 2.20,—25.
• * 1.159

  Joh. 12.26 Rev. 3.21.
• * 1.160

  Isa. 66.5.
• * 1.161

  Rom. 8.33,—39.
• * 1.162

  Joh. 14.2.
• * 1.163

  Mat. 10.28
• * 1.164

  Rom. 8.28.
• * 1.165

  2 Cor. 4.16
• * 1.166

  Mat. 5.10, 11, 12.
• * 1.167

  2 Cor. 5.1.
• * 1.168

  Isa. 57.2. Rev. 14.13.1 Thess. 4.13, 14, 15.
• * 1.169

  2 Cor. 5.8. Phil. 1.23.
• * 1.170

  1 Cor. 15.55, 56, 57.
• * 1.171

  1 Thess. 4.18.
• * 1.172

  Ver. 16, 17.
• * 1.173

  Jam. 1.12. Rev. 2.10.
• * 1.174

  1 Joh. 3.14
• * 1.175

  Psal. 15.4. Psal. 16.2, 3.
• * 1.176

  Psal. 119.63.
• * 1.177

  1 Thess. 4.13,—18.
• * 1.178

  Mic. 7.9.
• * 1.179

  Phil. 1.21. Heb. 12.23.
• * 1.180

  Rev. 21.4.
• * 1.181

  Phil. 4.8, 9. Heb. 6.12.
• * 1.182

  Jude, ver. 24, & 25.