OUR blessed Lord and Saviour having in the foregoing Chap­ter acquainted his Disciples with His departure from them out of this world, He comes here in this, and the three fol­lowing Chapters, to give them his last fare-well-Sermon, and therein He endeavours principally to comfort the sad hearts of His Disciples, who [Page 4]were now disconsolate, and cast down in the spirits, under the sense of so great and sad a los [...] as the losse of their great and only Lord an Master, Jesus Christ: For whom they had le [...] and lost all: Christ having acquainted them wit [...] His going out of the world, they thereupon pre­sently begin to be dejected and cast down at thi [...] sad news. Lord, said they, have we left all, an [...] followed Thee, and wilt thou now leave us? shall we now be exposed to the difficultie and dangerous of the wide world? No, saith our Saviour, bi [...] not discouraged, let not your hearts be troubled it is for your good that I go away: In my Fa­thers, House are many Mansions, I go to prepar a place for you: And if I go, I will come again and receive you. You shall be no losers by My going away from you, I will surelie make you a [...] mends for all your losse: There are Mansions of joy in Heaven, that will abundantlie counter vail all your wordlie losses. If I go away, it is for your good, for I go to prepare a place for you: And though you have not my bodilie presence, yet you shall have my spirituall presence: I will send you another Comforter that shall abide with you for ever. I will not leave you com­fortlesse, I will come unto you: That is, by My Spirit, to guide you and direct you into all truth, and to bear up your hearts under all those troubles and temptations, which ye shall meet withall in the world.

Having thus briefly given you the scope of [...]he whole, I come now to the words themselves, [...]com whence I raise these four Propositions? first, that there are mansions of glory in hea­ven for the people of God hereafter: In my Fa­thers House are many mansions. 2. I note from [...]ence, that Christs ascension was to prepare a place for Believers; I go to prepare a place for you. 3. That Christ will certainly come again [...]nd receive Believers to Himself: I will come [...]gain and receive you. 4. and lastly, which shall briefly insist upon, I note from hence, [...]hat those mansions of glory prepared by Christ or Believers in Heaven, will abundantly recom­ense and make good all the losses and all the crosses which Believers may meet withall in the world.

I shall begin with the first of these, that there [...]re mansions of Glory for Believers hereafter. The point is so plain from the words themselves, that I shall onely give you a place or two of Scri­pture; in the 84. Psalm, vers. 11. The Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will [...]e withhold from them that walk uprightly. Eye [...]ath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath is [...]ntred into the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath provided for them that love him. Cor. 2.9. Come ye blessed (saith your Saviour) inherit the kingdom prepared for you, Mat. 25.34. [Page 6]Severall other Scriptures I might give you, b [...] I shall proceed to the uses of this usefull poin [...] Is it so then, that there are Mansions of Glor [...] for the godly hereafter? then I note from henc [...] the unspeakable miserie of all wicked men bo [...] here and hereafter: Is there glory in heaven f [...] Believers? What is there then in hell for Unb [...] ­lievers? if glorie be the portion of the godly, wh [...] will the lot and portion of wicked men b [...] The wicked (saith Psal. 9.17.) shall be turm [...] into hell, and all the Nations that forget Go [...] Wicked men shall have no part nor portion those glorious Mansions, they are prepated onl [...] for the godlie: Wicked men may indeed (whic [...] shall but further agravate their sorrow) behold t [...] Saints received by Christ into glorie, as Dives b [...] held La Zarus in Abrahams bosome, but it w [...] afar off. Wicked men may at the last day he [...] that blessed sentence fo Come ye blessed, but the again also they shal hear, I and that with a venge­ance too, that wofull sentence of, Go ye curs [...] into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil an [...] his Angels. It is impossible for wicked men, I me [...] such as live and die in sin unrepented of, to ent [...] into heaven. Know ye not (saith the Apostle, 1 Co [...] 6.9.) that the unrighteous shall not inherit [...] Kingdom of God. The Evangelist St. John, Re [...] 20.21. speaking of the world to come, which [...] foresaw in his heavenlie vision, I saw (saith he) t [...] [Page 7]dead, small and great stand before God, and the Books were opened, and another Book was open­ed, which is the Book of Life: And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in those Books, according to their works. All the wayes of men, both good and bad, are exactlie written down both in the Book of Gods ever­lasting Rememberance, and in the Book of mans own particular Conscience? And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; And Death and Hell (that is the grave) delivered up the dead which were in them; And they were judged every man according to their works. And whosoever was not found written in the Lambs book of life, was cast into the lake of fire: There's the event of this judgement to the wicked. But what suc­cesse the Righteous shall there have he sets down in Chap 21. Verse 3. Behold (saith he) the Ta­bernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes. And there shall be no more death neither sorrow, nor cursing: neither shall there be any more pain. He that overcometh shall inherit all thing [...] and I will be his God, and he shall be [...] [...]on. A blessed priviledge indeed, but what remains for the wicked? See what follows in the eight Verse. The fearfull and unbelieving, the abo­minable [Page 8]and murtherers, whoremongers, sorce­rers, and idolaters, and all lyars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brim­stone. A most dreadfull Scripture; the Lord awaken every secure sinner, and give them hearts to consider these things before it be too late: For as the Prophet Malachy faith, Mal. 4.1. The day cometh that shall burn as an Oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day cometh that shall burn them up (saith the Lord Hosts) that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Then shall they call upon the mountains to cover them, and [...]pon the [...]lls to fall upon them, to hide them from the fierceness of the wrath of God. O consider this all you that forget God, lest he tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you.

Secondly, if there be such mansions of Glory for Believers hereafter, I note from hence the desperate folly and madnesse of all those who neglect or despise their own salvation. Ye will not come to me (saith our Saviour, Joh. 5.40.) that ye might have life. This is the condemnation; that light is come into the world, and men love darknesse rather then light, because their deeds are evil. Christ and salvation is freely offered to all in the Gospel: Christ invites all to come; Ho, every one that thirsteth, come to the waters, Isa. 55.1. Rev. 22.17. The Spirit, and the Bride [Page 9]say, Come: and let him that is athirst, come: and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. And as Christ invites all to come, so he receives all that doth come: He that comes to me, I will in no wayes cast him out (saith our Saviour, Joh. 6.37. What think you sinners of these Scriptures? will ye come to Christ and accept of life and salvation, or will ye wilfully cast away your own souls for ever? You see here Christ offers himself to you freely, if you will but receive him. Come unto me saith our Saviour, Mat. 11.28.) all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. What [...] of the [...] will ye come [...] and be saved [...] you be so de [...]peratly mad as to destroy your own most pre­cious and immortall souls? When I behold the lives of most men, my very heart trembles to think what will, everlastingly, become of their precious souls; all the care they take is for their bodies, how does money come in, and how they shall get riches; but they never consider how it goes with their souls: Ah sinners, are your bo­dies everlasting? Is this world everlasting? Can any thing but heaven make you happy? Are not your souls everlasting? will ye rather cast a­way your souls, then leave your lusts, for sin and you must part, orelse heaven and your souls will never meet? He that doth not leave his sins on [Page 10]this side the grave by Repentance, shall find [...] sins to meet him on the other side the gravel [...] condemn him. If you live in your sins, ye sha [...] die in your sins: Yea, die everlastinglie for you sins. Sinners, I beseech you consider, are yo [...] fit to die, are you fit to live in another world are you prepared for heaven? If not, let me te [...] you, you are fit for nothing but hell, and hell [...] prepared for you. Sinners, what do you do What do you mean to do are you yet a sleep? Al [...] Lord, what a harvest will hell have in these sin full daies? What preparations do men make so heaven? Are not they that were filthie. filthi [...] st [...]ll? What men were, that they are still: Thoug [...] God is every day tumbling men into their graves yet no man mends his pace for heaven. Sinners you hear all this, but can you bear all this? Le [...] me give you two or three properties of a man fitted for hell, and I beseech you try and examin [...] your own souls by them.

The first propertie of a man fitted for hell, i [...] Obduration: A stone you know is fitted to de­scend, it is its propertie to fall, downwards: Hard­nesse makes fitnesse. The way to Hell is from burning to burning, from a seared Conscience to a damned soul.

A second propertie of a man fitted for wrath is alienation; estrangednesse to God speaks fit­ness to wrath, and it is a sign that the Soul is [Page 11]fitted for utter darknesse. There are but two steps to death, first, the sinner saith he will have no fellowship with God: And secondlie, God saith, he shall have no fellowship with him: Now is the sinner judged, now fit for hell, then judge ye, the Execution onlie is wanting: And the Devil is not usuallie backward to perform his of­fice: The sinner is upon the Gallows as it were, he wants but turning off, unlesse Christ steps in with a reprieve, that soul is utterlie lost.

A third propertie of a man fi [...]ted for Hell, is Prophanenesse: Prophanenesse is the badge of a wicked person: Wickednesse in the life speaks out a cursed soul. You may know what Coun­trie men are of by their Language: By their Fruits ye shall know them. When mens words and works are the Language of Hell, what need any further inquirie what Countrie men, or to what place they belong: You may read Hell in their very faces. The tree is known by his fruit, saith our Saviour, Mat. 7.20. Mens lives fore­shew what their ends are like to be: As the Tree falls, so it lyes: As sinners live, so they usuallie die: Every mans life lively bespeaks what they are, and what they shall be hereafter: If men will go on in the broad way of sin, you know where their journies end will be: Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, Mat. 7.13. I know not what lives you live, but to be sure you [Page 12]may either spell Heaven or Hell in them. If ye would know the frame of your souls, then view your lives; your souls breath out themselves either into the bosom of God or the Devils and into whose bosom you breath out your souls here in this life, into that bosom you will cer­tainly b [...]eath them out in death. Fitting grace for heaven you see is no trifle, your eternall e­state depends upon it. Sinners, why do you put off this work as a trisle, and why do you put it off till death? I dare say, that man would ne­ver be holy if be could help it, that will not be holy till he die; he would never have to do with Christ if he could avoid, that will not be ac­quainted with him before he is ready to leave this world: when death is fitting the soul for hell, then, and never till then to be looking af­ter heaven. Ah, Lord, that ever those men should have precious and immortall Souls to damn themselves: they that look no after hea­ven till they come to their death-beds, are usual­ly crost in their folly; they are then either sur­prized with infirmities of body, and so disinabled to perform so great a work; or else surprized in their souls, and so unfitted and indisposed to it: either they have no strength or no heart to it, and so dye in their sins, and perish eternally. Wicked men would never leave sinning, if they did not cease living, and that is one reasont to ju­stifie [Page 13]the infinitnesse or everlastingnesse of the punishment of wicked men in hell. The dam­ned in hell are under easelesse and endlesse suf­ferings, because they would have sinned alwayes, if they had lived alwayes: wicked men would have no end of their lives here, they would live ever, that they might sin ever; therefore the Lord giveth them a life, not such a one as they would have, but such a one as they deserve to have, which is indeed a death for ever: wicked men shall die eternally for sin, because they would have lived eternally in sin.

In the third place, I beseech you note from hence, what a blessed thing it is to be a Child of God: Is it so, that there are mansions of Glory for Believers in Heaven hereafter, then Believers are the onely happy Men and Women in the World. Were it not for the hopes of Heaven, the condition of Gods Children might be sad enough. if in this life onely we had hope, we were of all men most miserable, 1 Cor. 15.19. But the hopes of Gods Chil­dren are in the life to come; therefore they are of all men most blessed. The happinesse of a Child of God is not in what he enjoyes here below, but in what he shall enjoy hereafter in Glory. The best things of a Child of God are unseen things: Whilst we look not (saith the Apostle) at the things which are seens, but a the [Page 14]things Which are not seen: For the things which are seen are temporal but the things that are no [...] seen are eternall, 2 Cor. 4.18. And in 1 Pet. [...] 3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundance mercy hath begotten us again unto a lived hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dea [...] To an Inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled that fadeth not away; reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God, through Faith unto Salvation. The Apostle here excellent [...] sets forth the condition of a Child of God, and that in severall Regards. First, They are b [...] gotten again, by Christ, to an Inheritance possiblie they may lose all here below for H [...] sake: But yet here is the comfort of a Child [...] God, he is Heir to a great Estate in the ne [...] World: There is an Inheritance for him, an [...] that is a sure one: In six Regards: First, I [...] not a corruptible, but an incorruptible one. S [...] condly, it's an undefiled one: And thirdlie, it [...] a lasting, yea, an everlasting one, it fadeth no [...] away. Fourthly, it's reserved for them ti [...] they come to age. Gods Children, in this life are not at full age, therefore they are nor cap [...] ­ble of enjoying so great a happinesss, which God will hereafter bestow upon them. Fifthlie, it reserved for them in a safe place. Many mo [...] leave great estates here for their children, whi [...] [Page 15]they are often cheated of; But the Inheritance of Gods Children is reserved by God for them in Heaven where neither Moth doth corrupt, nor Theis steals away. And lastlie, as the Inhe­ritance is reserved for the Children of God, so the People of God are preserved for their Inhe­ritance: Henven if reserved for them, and they are preserved for Heaven: They are kept by the mightie power of God through faith un­to Salvation.

Fourthly, are there such Mansion of glorie for Believers hereafter, then I beseech you try and examine your own souls, whether or no ye be in the faith: And let me exhort you in the Name of Christ, seriouslie to set about the work of Salvation. You see what great and glorious things there are laid in store for Gods Children hereafter: Then I beseech you, labour to get an interest in Christ here, that so you may partake of those glorious Mansions hereafter. How greatlie should the consideration of these things draw out our hearts, in longings and pan­tings after God? When shall I come and ap­pear before God? saith David, Psalm 42.1. As the Hart panteth after the Water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God: My soul thirsteth for God for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? And if David and such longings after the enjoyment of God [Page 16]in his Ordinances here, what desires th­ought we to have after the full enjoyment God himself in glory hereafter. Are there [...] mansions of glory to be had hereafter, W [...] manner of persons ought we to be then in all ma­ner of godlinesse?

And then lastly, If there be such Mansi [...] of glory, then let me exhort you all, even now this your day, to set your hearts at work seeking after those great things of Eterni [...]. Let every Soul of you thus reason with you selves, Are there such glorious things hereaf­ter, and am I the man or woman that shall [...] ­joy them? I remember a story of Gauls, w [...] having once tasted the sweet Wine of Ita [...] presently enquired after the Countrie, and [...] ­ver rested till they had gotten it. I have he [...] given you, as it were, a fore-taste of that H [...] ­venly Wine which Believers shall drink here­after in Glory; now if you find any sweetne [...] in it, let not your hearts be at rest till you com [...] to the Countrie it self, where are Rivers those sweet Pleasures, and that for evermore. Martyr suffering death, one asked him the cau [...] why he suffered? Saith he in the words of t [...] Apostle, Eye hath not seen, ear hath nor heart neither hath it entred into the heart of man [...] conceive the things which God hath prepared f [...] them that love him. The naming of wh [...] [Page 17]wrought so effectually on the mans heart, that [...]e immediately became a Christian, and after [...]ffered death of His Names sake. You have [...]ad not onely one, but very many Scriptures [...]pened to you, I beseech you let not all be in [...]ain. We read in Mark 10.17. how the young [...]an came running to Christ, saying, Good Ma­ter , what shall I do to inherit eternall life? O that you, ever you that hear me this day, would [...]ow also come running unto Christ, saying, What shall we do to partake of these glorious [...]hings here revealed? Methinks, those things [...]hould greatly incourage you all, old and young [...]ich and poor, now to get an interest in Christ. [...]ou that are poor, and have but little in this world, consider there are as great things in [...]he world to come for you, as for others. The [...]oorest Beggar shall have as great a portion in [...]he world to come, as the greatest Prince. No­thing in this world can satisfie a chils of God: [...]ll the glory of the world its but the portion of Reprobate: and will a Reprobates portion [...]erve you? will a Dogs portion satisfie you? I [...]ccount all things in the world (saith the Apo­ [...]le) but as dung. Phil. 3.4. There are other [...]hings to be sought after; See what our Saviour [...]aith, Mat. 6.33. Seek ye first the king dome of [...]eaven and the righteousnesse thereof: let that [...] your first indeavour. Strive to enter in at the [Page 18]strait gate, though the passage benever so stra [...] yet if it be the way to glory, strive to enter [...] thereat. Consider, God hath given you N [...] ­tures, capable of such glorious things as [...] are, God might have made you bruit Bea [...] and then there had been an end of you: [...] God hath made you creatures capable of [...] highest excellency, and therefore being of [...] a Nature, it highly concerns you to seek af [...] such things as may give satisfaction to you [...] souls. Men live as if they were capable of [...] things else but meat, and drink, and cloaths; if there were no higher things which conce [...] our souls hereafter. The heathens could [...] lieve that man was created for greater thing then these here below: and if we who have [...] great and glorious things revealed to us in [...] Gospel, shall we neglect the looking after then how just shall our condemnation be? For [...] shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvati­on? Heb. 2.3.

I come now to the second Point, and that [...] this; That Christs Ascension was to prepar [...] place for Believers: I go to prepare a place [...] you. As Christ came down from heaven to [...] for sinner, so Christ ascended up to Heaven that believing sinners might live with him hen [...] after. Had not Christ ascended into Heaven He had not finisht the work of our redemption [Page 19]and indeed the great support of a Child of God [...] yes in his consideration. It's Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, and now sits at the right hand of God, making intercession for us, Rom. 8.34. Father, I will (saith Christ, John 17.24.) that those whom thou hast given [...]me, may be with me where I am. If Christ be not risen (saith the Apostle) then is our preach­ing vain, and our Faith is vain, and we are yet in our sins. But, as sureas Christ died. so the Apostle proves. 1 Cor. 15. that he rose again, and ascended up into heaven. That's an excel­lent Scripture, Rom. 4.25. He was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justifi­cation. Our blessed Saviour first appearing to Mary Magdalen after his Resurrection, pre­sently sends her to his Disciples with the joyfull news of his Ascension, John 20.17. Go to my Brethren, and say unto them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father; to my God, and your God. O how joyfull is the consideration of Christs Ascension to a Child of God? Now may a Child of God say, he hath a friend in the Court; and a friend in the Court, we use to say, is betcer then a penny in the purse. Every Be­liever hath Christ for his friend in the Court of Heaven, and that's more worth to them then thousands of gold and silver. Christ is in hea­ven pleading the cause for Believers: If any [Page 20]man sin (saith the Apostle, 1 Ioh. 2.2.) we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ righteous. And it is good for Believers [...] Jesus Christ is in heaven pleading their cause w [...] God: so it is good for them that he is there [...] senting and perfuming all their Prayers to [...] the Father. Whatsoever it is that we want that may do us good, Christ is ready to beg [...] us of His Father. Father (saith Christ) these may friends, and for them I have shed my blo [...] therefore, O Father, I will that they may with me, to behold my glory. That is an excel [...] Scripture, Heb. 7.25. Wherefore he is able [...] to save to the uttermost those that come unto [...] by him: seing he ever liveth to make interces [...] for them.

Is it so then, that Christ Ascension was prepare a place for Believers, then this short encourage Believers to be willing to do or [...] any thing here for Christ: What was that made the Saint suffer so joyfully [...] Christ? was it not this, the assurance of God love in Christ to them? What was it that [...] up Iobs spirit so patiently under all his suff [...] ­ings? I know (saith he) though worms dest [...] my body, yet my Redeemer liveth, and I sh [...] see Him with these eyes. We know (saith the Apo­stle, 2 Cor. 5.1.) if our earthly house of this [Page 21]berna [...]er nalce were dissolved, we have a building of Jod, an house not made with hands, etrnall in the heavens. The assurance of heaven will make as willing to do or suffer any thing for Christ. There is that in heaven that will abundantly re­ [...]ompence and make good all our losses on earth. O Christians, I beseech you consider, you can [...] either do too much or suffer too much for the getting of heaven. The Apostles were as great sufferers for the Kingdom of Heaven as ever any were, and yet what account did they make of it? We reckon (say they) that the suffering of this present world, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8.18. If we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with Christ, 2 Tim. 2.12.

A third point I noted was this, That Christ wil come again, and receive Believers to Himself: The point is clear from the words themselves, I will come again and receive you. But a little to illustrate the Point, I shall en­deavour to shew you by Scripture that it is so: And secondly, how it is so. First, that it is so, that Christ will come again, see that positive Scripture in Acts 1.10. And while they looked stedfastly into heaven, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, Ye men of Galileo, why stand ye here gazing up into heaven? his same Iesus which is taken up from you into [Page 22]heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye ha [...] seen him go into heaven. Here is the point y [...] see confirmed by Scripture, and that by [...] mouths of Angles: As sure as Christ is gone heaven, and as sure as he now fitteth at Go [...] right hand in Heaven; so sure will he come gain at the last day, and receive Believers [...] Himself. And then how Christ will come: [...] shall come in power and great glory, Matth. [...] 30. And secondly, He will come sudden [...] even as a thief in the night. First, he sh [...] come in power; irresistible power against s [...] ­ners. I beseech you sinners consider, you [...] not be able to stand when He appears, for as [...] is all powerfull in himself, so will He come at [...] ­ded with an innumerable company of glori [...] Saints and Angels. Behold (saith Jude) [...] Lord commeth with ten thousand of His Sai [...] to execute judgement upon all, and to convi [...] all. 1 Thes. 1.7, 8, 9. The Lord Jesus shall [...] revealed from heaven with his mighty Angles [...] flamming fire, taking vengeance on them th [...] know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lo [...] Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everla [...] ­ing destruction from the presence of the Lord, a [...] from the glory of His power. Though God b [...] long suffering towards sinners, yet will he no [...] always suffer sinners to go unpunished. The So [...] of man shall come in His glory, & all the holy An­gels [Page 23]with him, Mat. 25.31. And second lie, he shal [...]ome suddenlie and swiftlie: Swiftlie, even as the [...]ightning. And suddenlie, as a thief in the night, [...] Pet. 3. Those scoffers there mocked and scof­ [...]ed at the doctrine of Christs comming to judge­ment; But saith the Apostle in the ninth verse, Though the Lord be long suffering, yet he is not [...]ack concerning his promise: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. Though sinners may think Christ long, yet they shall find him sure. The comming of Christ will be sudden to sinners in two respects: Sudden in re­gard of their expectation; He will come before they look for Him; and sudden, in regard of their unpreparednesse: Christ will come to sin­ners before they are ready for Him, they will be then to seek for Oyl in their Lamps. Christ (as one saith) though he hath leaden feet, yet he hath iron hands: though God be long ere he does strike, yet when He doth strike, He will be sure [...]o strike home. Yet a little while and He that [...]sh all come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the use which I shall make of this point shall be onely this: Will Christ come a­gain and receive Believers? then let me exhore you all to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ: Would you be received by Christ into glory, then I beseech you labour to receive Christ [...]nto your souls by believing. If Christ do not [Page 24]live in you by faith here, you shall never [...] with Christ in glory hereafter. It is unbe [...] that is the soul-damning sin: He that believe not is condemned already, Iohn 3.18. He that [...] ­lieveth shall he saved, but he that believeth [...] shall be damned, Mark. 16.16. He that believ [...] on the Son hath everlasting life; But he t [...] believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but [...] wrath of God abideth on him, John 3. 36.

Another Use which I must make of this poi [...] might be this, To comfort and encourage [...] people of God in all their sufferings and loss [...] Art thou in poverty? Doth the world frown [...] thee? Are thy afflictions and losses many a [...] great? Let not your hearts be troubled: Ch [...] is gone to prepare a place for you, and Ch [...] will come again and receive you; Therefore [...] not discouraged. What though you meet w [...] many rubs and stops in your way? Yet you m [...] be sure to get to glory at the last. Consider th [...] through many tribulations we must enter i [...] the Kingdom of Heaven.

The fourth and last Observation which I o [...] served, was this, That those Mansions of Glo [...] prepared by Christ for Believers in Heaven, w [...] abundantly recompense and make good all th [...] Losses and all the Crosses which Believers m [...] here meet withall in the world. Let not yo [...] hearts be troubled, in my Fathers house are m [...] [Page 25] [...]y mansions. Sell all (saith our Saviour) and follow me, & thou shalt have treasure in heaven.

For further prosecution of this usefull Point, I shall proceed to handle it first doctrinallie, and then Applicatorilie; And for the Doctrinal part, I shall endeavour to shew you first, what those Mansions of glorie are which are laid up for Be­lievers: And secondlie, what those losses are which Believers may here meet withall: And [...]hen lastly, how those Mansions of glorie do make good the losses and crosses which Believers meet with in the world: And to begin with the first, what those Mansions of glorie are which are [...]aid up for Believers in heaven: And all that [...]an be said of this, will be but as it were the light­ing of a Candle to the Sun: For it comes infi­ [...]telie short of the skill either of men or Angels [...]o expresse, as the Apostle saith, Eyes hath not [...]een, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entred in­ [...] the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath prepared for them that love him, 1 Cor. [...] 9. The glorie of the glorified Saints in hea­ [...]en is so exceeding glorious, that it is not pos­ [...]ble for all the tongues of men or Angels to ex­ [...]ess it. But by the way, to give you some glimp­ [...]s of this most excellent glorie, consider a little [...]hese following particulars.

First, in heaven we shall have the everlasting [...]refence of God Himself: there we shall see God [Page 26]as He is, not by faith, but by sight, clea [...] and fullie. I shall see him (saith holy J [...] with these eyes. Now we see as it were throug [...] glasse darkly, but there we shall see God fac [...] face. We shall see Him as we are seen. Th [...] and there we shall be ever with the Lord, as [...] Apostle hath it, 1 Thess. 4.17. We shall enjoy G [...] in heaven freely and fully without let or in [...] ­ruption; Though the Saints may possiblie m [...] with many and great impediments, and him rances in the way unto Heaven, yet in Hea [...] there shall be nothing to hinder or inter [...] their joy. It is possible that a Child of G [...] may have his skin pulled over his ears, as so [...] of the Apostles had in their way unto Hea [...] yet being gotten into Heaven, nothing shall [...] lest or trouble them at all. What an unspe [...] ­able inconceiveable comfort will it be, Chri [...] ­ans, to have and enjoy the presence of [...] God who is all, and hath all, and will be e [...] ­lastinglie all in all to His people for ever: Wh [...] having not seen (saith the Apostle) we sire to love: In whom believing, we rejoice w [...] joy unspeakable and full of glory. And if [...] fight of Gods presence by faith be so glori [...] what then will be full fruition and enj [...] ­ment of God Himself be? O! unspeakables [...] full of glorie.

A second thing which I would speak to, [...] [Page 27]indeed I must but speak to it, is the perfection of grace that shall be enjoyed in heaven? O Chri­stians, when ye come to heaven, then ye come to full age in heaven. The spirits of just men shal be made perfect, and the bodies of the Saints shal be made glorious even like the glorious body of Christ. There we shall do the will of God perfectlie. In heaven there is no sin, nor tem­ptation to sin, no not so much as a vain thought, or an idle word: And as there is no sin, so there is no Satan. There shall be no more need of Sermons, nor Sacraments, nor Prayers: But the whole work of the Saints in heaven will be to sing Praises and Hallelujahs to God for ever and ever.

Thirdlie, in Heaven there is fulnesse of joy, Rivers of pleasures at Gods Right hand, and that for evermore, Psalm 16.11. And those Ri­vers of pleasures shall flow in, and from the pre­sence of God himself, as the Fountain of all those joies, which have infinitenesse and eternitie in them, without the least dram of sorrow: For God shall then wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no more sorrow, Rev. 21.4. The Rivers of the Saints joy in Heaven, as they are without bank, so they are without bot­tom: Our Masters joy will then be so great, that we his Servants shall not be able to contain it: There is nothing in Heaven but what is [Page 28]matter of joy, our Fathers house, our Inhe [...] ­tance our Kingdome, our Crown and Glory our sight of Gods Face. That is an excellen [...] speech of David, Thou shalt make me (saith he full of joy with shy Countenance: Heaven is boundlesse, yea, a bottomlesse Ocean of joy an happinesse, the society of blessed Angels, at glorified Saints. In a word, the joies of Heave [...] far exceeds all the joies that can be thought o [...] upon earth: Not onely the joy of Marriag [...] and the joy of Harvest, but also they joy of Fait [...] and the joy of Ordinances, which are all swa [...] ­lowed up by this great Ocean of joy: Nothin [...] can disturb or diminish the joies of the Saints [...] Heaven.

Fourthly, as there is fulnesse of joy in Hea­ven, so there is excellency of glory; Perfection of glory shall be the Saints Robes: In Heaven they shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever Dan. 12.5. In the one and twentieth of the Re­velations, St. John speaking of the new Jerusa­lem, exactly describes the glory thereof: It is Citty, whose walls are Jasper, and the stre [...] ­pure Gold, clear as Christal, whose foundation are of precious Stones, and the gates thereof [...] Pearles: And if this new Jerusalem, the Church of God here below be so glorious, how exceed­ing glorious then is that heavenly Jerusalem which is above? Heaven, as one saith, is the [Page 29]Palace of the King of Glory, the Presence cham­ber of the great God, whose Presence it is that makes Heaven to be Heaven: There indeed would be no Heaven, if God Himself were not there. In Heaven God makes His Glory visi­ble, both to Saints and Angels: Thence it is called a Crown of Glory, an eternal weight of Glory: Glory shall then and there cover the Saints all over, from top to toe, both within and without, their Souls shall there be made glo­rious in knowledge, wisdom, and understand­ing, and their bodies shall be made like the glo­rious Body of Christ; The bodies of the Saints in Heaven shall be free from all necessities of nature, as food, and raiment, sleep, and the like. In Heaven there shall be no need of these things.

Secondly, in Heaven the bodies of the Saints shall be freed from all natural infirmities, and deformities, sicknesse: diseases, pains, or such like bodily infirmities: There shall be no Crip­ples, no Blinde nor Diseased ones in Heaven: Heaven is an healthful Countrie, there is no sicknesse, nor death, no poverty nor disgrace in Heaven: Our bodies shall be cloathed in Heaven with life and immortality by Christ: Christ will there change our vile bodies, and make them like His glorious Body, Phil. 2.21. Did Moses face shine when he beheld but the [Page 30]glorie of Gods out-side: Did Stephens face shin [...] with Angelicall splendor or brightnesse, ho [...] gloriouslie then shall the glorious bodies of th [...] Saints shine when they shall stand before the Lord of Glorie? The Saints then shall be, a [...] the Psalmist expresses it, All glorious within their cloathing shall be all wrought gold. Th [...] glorie which Gods People shall see and enjoy i [...] Heaven, will infinitely oblidge them to spen [...] eternity there. Take a little view, a foretast [...] as it were of the Saints glorie in Heaven. First it is great, an exceeding, excessive, and eter­nall weight of glory, as Saint Paul expresses [...] 2 Cor. 4.17. The glory of Heaven is the glor [...] of glories, joy unspeakable and full of glories unu [...]terable and unconceiveable: Therefore it called, Glory to be revealed, Rom. 8.18. S [...] a little the greatnesse of this heavenly glories these two things: First, the vessels that ta [...] it; Secondly, the resemblance that sets it forth. The vessels that take in this glorie are the sou [...] and bodies of Saints, whom the Apostle call Vessels of mercy prepared unto glory: First for the soul here in this life: The whole wor [...] is not able to fill or satisfie one souls. The so [...] is capable of more then the whole world is ab [...] to give it: But the glory of Heaven, th [...] will fill all the souls of all the Saints brim-full. W [...] read of some Saints that they live their full [Page 31] [...]aies: They had as it were their ballyful of [...]his life, but in the life to come all the Saints [...]hall be filled full of Glory. Secondly, for [...]he bodies of the Saints, though they are Ves­sels of lesse quantity then the soul, yet the world [...] not able to fill or satisfie the body to the full: [...]s to instance in the Eye and the Ear, those [...]ttle Members of our Bodie. We use to say of [...]ome, that their Eye is bigger then their Bel­ [...]le: The little Eye at one glance can take into [...] more then half the world; And what abun­dance of noise and found will the Ear receive at [...]nce. The Eye is not satisfied (as the Wise­man saith, Eccles. 1.8.) with seeing, nor the [...]ar with hearing. Those little members of our [...]ody are either clogged or tyred out, before [...]hey can be filled or satisfied with those things: [...]ut not only the souls, but even the bodies of The Saints in Heaven shall be filled top-full of Glory, from the crown of their heads to the sole of their feet. In Heaven the everlasting doors of our souls shall alwayes stand wide open to re­ceive the glory of Christ in the streams thereof: and then shall Christ the King of Glory come in, [...]nd dwell with them for ever.

Secondly, the greatnesse of the Saints Glo­ry in Heaven may further appear by the resem­blances that sets it forth: First, the glory of Kings upon their Coronation day: That greatly [Page 32]sets forth and illustrates the greatnesse of Saints Glory in Heaven: For in Heaven Saints shall all be crowned Kings, and sh [...] reign as Kings for ever in Glory: They shall herit the Kingdom (as our Saviour saith, M [...] 25.34.) prepared for them from the foundation the World.

2. The Glory of the Stars that also resem [...] the Glory of the Saints in Heaven. One Star fereth from another in Glory, 1 Cor. 15.41. the very bodies of the Saints in heaven shall [...] shine all the Glory of all the Stars; Yea, the [...] Glory of the Sun it self, which out shiner all Glory of the Stars. See what our Saviour sa [...] Mat. 13.23. Then shall the Righteous shine fo [...] as the Sun, in the Kingdom of their Father.

3. The Glory of the glorious Angels, th [...] another resemblance of the Saints in Glo [...] the Glory of the Angels, that far exeeds all Glory of all the Stars, yea, and all the Kings Monarchs of the world: But the Saints in H [...] ­ven shall be like unto the very Angels, M [...] 22.30. Or as St. Luke hath it, Luk, 20. Equal to the Angles in Glory.

4. The Glory of Christ Himself, who is L [...] of Glory, that resembles and sets forth the Gl [...] of the Saints: When Christ comes to be glori [...] in his Saints at the last day, then shall the Sai [...] appear with Christ in Glory. Christ is the Glo [...] [Page 33] [...]f the Saints here, and Christ will be the Glory of the Saints hereafter: Christ will then put His Glory upon them, and they shall shine with the Glory thereof Then they shall be like Him, as St. [...]ohn saith 1 John 3.2. For we shall see him as he is. Then the bodies of the Saints, which have lien [...]n the dust, shall arise and put on beautifull gar­ [...]ents, even the Robes of Glory. Christ will then change their vile bodies, and make them like to [...]is glorious body: The Saints shall be made con­ [...]mable to Christ in Glory. Is not then the Glo­ry of the Saints in Heaven exceeding great? You [...]e it is a King-like, a Star-like, a Saint-like, an [...]ngel-like, yea, a Christ-like Glory.

Secondly, the Glory of Heaven is solid, sub­tantial, and weighty: the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4.17. [...]lls it, an exceeding eternall weight of Glory. [...]'s like to precious things, as Gold and Crowns, [...]e more weighty they are, the more worth is in [...]em: Hence the Original word sighifies both Weight and Glory. Whereas on the contrary, [...]orldly glory, that's light and frothy, having no [...]bstance nor reality in them, they are only sha­dows that appear, and then vanish away: A fashi­on, as the Apostle calls it, 1 Cor. 7.31. that passeth [...]way: It is like a Picture that hath only shape and colour, but no life; meer fantasie, a sound and no more.

Thirdly, Heavenly Glory that is permanent [Page 34]and durable, it is lasting; Yea, an eve [...] ­ing glory: It is perpetuall, it shall never nor decay: But worldly honour and glory, th [...] transitory, inconstant, perishing, and passing way like a feather in the air: it is only seen blown away with the wind, 1 Pet. 1.24. the glory of man is as the flower of the gra [...] in the morning it flourishes, but in the eve [...] it is cut down and withered.

Fourthly, the Glory of Heaven is satisfy and contenting; They that enjoy it shall fire no more: But for worldly glory, they have most of it, still desire more: but the S [...] in Heaven shall have as much of Glory as [...] can hold, yes, more then their hearts can [...] or desire. All the Saints in Heaven shall [...] We are rich, and are full, we have all, an [...] bound. 1. In Heaven there is plenty of wea [...] peace, and safety, rest, and reward: Plenty wealth without want. The Treasures of [...] ­ven cannot be corrupted: There is no moth rust, nor thieves to steal them away. Heaven Treasures can never fail, they are like the dows Oyl, they increase upon the Saints: T [...] are bags that wax not old, unsearchable rich Ephes. 3 8. The Gold of Glory can never be [...] or summed up. Secondly, in Heaven then plenty of peace without trouble, safety with danger, triumph without war: There all enem­ies [Page 35]shall cease, our bodily enemies shall [...]e be reconciled unto us: And the enemies [...]ur souls shall be all cast into the lake of fire brimstone. In Heaven there is no bloody [...]n to kill a righteous Abel; No luxurious So­ [...]ites to vex a righteous Lot; No Ishmael off; No Shimri to curse; No Esau to terri­ [...] No Rabshekah to rail; No Herod to perse­ [...] the people of God; No Judas to betray a our. In Heaven there is peace, not for tearm [...]ats, but for ever and ever. Thirdly, in [...]ven there is plenty of rest without weariness; [...]e is no work to do but what is pure delight; only work of the Saints in Glory will be to [...] Praises and Hallelujahs to God for ever and [...]. Heaven will be a place of ease and rest to wearie: There remaineth a rest for the [...]ple of God, Heb. 8.9. 'Tis possible they may [...]yred (as it were) here with doing the work God, or wearied with suffering persecutions the sake of Christ, But there remaineth a rest them hereafter. O what a sweet expression is [...]! Art thou troubled and turmoil'd here, thou it have rest hereafter. Blessed are the dead [...]th die in the Lord (said the Spirit) they rest [...]m their labours, and their works do follow [...]m, Rev. 14.13. Fourthly, in Heaven there is [...]nty of reward: Do you here suffer for righte­ousness sake great is your reward in heaven, saith [Page 36]our Saviour, Mat. 5.10. Do you suffer for Christ here, you shall reign with Christ hereafter glory. The light afflictions of a Saint here, we work for him an exceeding and eternall weig [...] of glory hereafter. Upon this account our bles­sed Saviour calls on us to rejoyce in our suffer­ings, Mat. 5.12. Rejoice (saith he) and be exceed­ing glade, for great is your reward in heaven What we suffer for God we suffer for the King­dom of God, and upon that score the Saints a [...] said to be counted worthy of the kingom of Go [...] 2 Thes. 1.5. The sufferings of this life are n [...] worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be in the life to come. Do you labour hard he [...] for God and his cause; do you spend, and a [...] you spent in his service? perhaps you may be bu [...] poorly requited by men: O but consider, heaven is a large recompense of everlasting reward. It said of Moses, Heb. 11. That he chose rather suffer afflictions with the people of God, then enjoy the pleasures (the seeming pleasures) of si [...] for a season. For indeed they are but seeming pleasures which continue but for a season: An [...] counted the reproach of Christ greater riches them [...] all the honours of Egypt. For, saith the Apostle [...] He had respect to the recompense of reward Moses could see glory to come through all the sufferings of this life. Heaven is our great Lor [...] and Masters joy, where all his faithfull servant [Page 37]shall be received and rewarded to all eternity. Fifthly, In Heaven there is good company, bles­sed society; God and Christ, and the holy Spi­rit: Millions of millions of blessed Saints and glorious Angels. Then shall the Saints be ga­thered to their Father, yea, to their fathers and [...]iends who are gone to Heaven before them. And is it not a happiness think you to be among our friends? do you not think that time well [...]ent here, which you spend in the enjoyment [...]nd embracements of your friends society, whose [...]ve and favour is altogether inconstant and [...]angeable? you may be taken from them, or they from you in a moment; O but your friends [...] Heaven they are immortall, and their love is [...]changeable; they and you shall then and there [...]ve for ever, and enjoy one another, and rejoice [...]ne with another for ever: but your dearest [...]iends on earth must die, they must leave you, [...]t your joy in Heaven shall no man take from [...]u. In Heaven there is God your Father, and Christ your Head, and Husband, and Saviour, there, even in his humane nature wherein he [...]ffered death on the Crosse for you: and your [...]omforter, God the holy Spirit is there, yea, [...]d all your friends. How mightily do children [...]ng to go home to their fathers house, or a wife [...] her husband: so earnestly should our souls [...]sire to go to heaven, our fathers house, to Christ [Page 38]our head and husband, where there is good pany only, and that to all eternity.

And then lastly, the Glory of Heaven is stant and permanent: In Heaven all is safe sure, all things continue there fixed and imm [...] ­able. Heaven is an Inheritance settled upon Saints for ever, and sealed unto them by broad Seal of Christs Blood.

I have shewed you in part what those [...] ­sions of glory are, which the Saints shall e [...] hereafter: I come now, and I must be brief [...] ­ving a little touch on it already, to show what those losses and crosses are which B [...] ­vers may meet withall here below: and first the losses which you may meet withall in [...] world. What are they? poor trifles, a [...] pebble-stones as it were; a little earthly t [...] sure it may be, such as is not considerable: S [...] little what those worldly enjoyments are wh [...] possibly thou mayest lose for Christs sake: F [...] thou losest nothing for Christ here, but wh [...] vanity and emptiness; broken Cistrens that [...] hold no water. For as one saith well. A w [...] ­full of honours or pleasures cannot satisfie one [...] with any solid comfort. Thou mayest as soon [...] thy Chest with Grace, as thy heart with Go [...] There is not that in the Creature which [...] look for: Experience tells us, a man may at o [...] have a house full of Gold, and yet a heart ful [...] [Page 39]sorrow: They that enjoy the most of the world cannot say they have enough, therefore the losse of it is not considerable, not to be comparers with the gain of Heaven. Seconly, there is nothing thou losest for Heaven, but what is the portion of the wicked: Wo [...]dly comforts are wicked mens portions: Yea, and [...]s all the por­tion that ever they shall have either here or hereafter, Son, remember (saith Abraham to Di­ves being in hell) that thou in thy life-time re­ [...]eivest thy good things. They that have their Heaven in this world shall have nothing in Hea­ven in the world to come. Thirdly, thou canst [...]ose nothing for Christ that can be profitable to [...]hee: All the outward good things of this life cannot sanctifie, nor purchase one dram of saving Grace for thee: They may prove share to [...]hee, or be occasions of sin to you, or draw you from Christ, as they did the Young-man in the Gospel, but they will never drive you to Christ: and commonly they that have most of Gold have [...]east of Grace, or rather no Grace at all. And as they cannot sanctifie you so they cannot save you: They can neither she [...]er you from the judgements of God here, of from the stroke of [...]eath; Neither can they preserve you from hell hereafter. Rich Dives went to hell, when poor Lozarus was carried unto Heaven; Wordly things cannot purchase Heaven, if the whole [Page 40]world would lend you their shoulders, th [...] could not lift you up to Heaven. Fourth there is nothing here below that is certain, [...] things under the Sun are mutable, sublu [...] enjoyments, more changeable then the Mo [...] inconstant even as the Winde, certain on [...] in uncertainties: And as they are uncerta [...] so they are corruptible and perishing. Ch [...] calls them meat that perisheth, Joh. 6.27. [...] things which either moths or rust may consu [...] or thieves may steal away from you, or they [...] be destroyed by fire: which if you do posse [...] while you live, yet you must leave them beh [...] you when you die: For as we brought noth [...] into the World, so it is certain we shall carry [...] thing out of the world. 1 Tim. 6.7.

Fifthly, outward enjoyments are often v [...] troublesome, they bring many fears, many ca [...] much sorrow and vexation: There is a car [...] get, and a care to keep riches, as the Wise n [...] faith, All is vanity, so is it also vexation of [...] ­rit. Worldly comforts they are like Roses, th [...] have sharp prickles as well as sweet flowers. man may have much bitternesse in his least [...] comforts here, therefore do not think much [...] part with all things here below for Christ; [...] thou shalt be no loser by the bargain; Thou sh [...] receive an hundred fold more in this life, and the world to come eternall life, Mark 10.30 [Page 41]I come now in the next place, in a word, to [...]ew you what these Crosses are which Belie­vers do oftentimes undergo for the Kingdom of Heavens sake: and they are very small and in­ [...]siderable also, in respect of the glory that fol­lows. The Apostles endured as much tribulati­ons for the Kingdom of heavens sake as possibly [...]ould be, yet what did they think of it? We [...]ckon (saith St. Paul) that the afflictions of this [...]se are not worthy to be compared with the glo­ly that shall be. For first, they are but light: our light afflictions. And as they are light, so they are [...]or short; they are but for a moment: Our light affliction (saith the Apostle) which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and [...]ternall weight of glory. Hence it is that the [...]ints of old were so joyfull in all their tribulati­ons: hence they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.

I shall come now to shew you how it is that [...]ose Mansions of glory in Heaven will make [...]ood all our losses and crosses upon earth: and his appears further for these reasons. For first, [...] you have heard already, the glory of the glo­ [...]fied Saint in heaven is infinite, and durable: [...]nd therefore must needs exceed and make good [...] their losses, which as you have also heard, are [...]te and uncertain. We use to account more of [...]ose things which are durable and lasting, than those things which are of no certainty.

Secondly, The only, yea, all the treasures the Saints are laid up in Heaven; and what ne [...] any care for losing a few triffles so long as th [...] treasure is safe? If a man lose a few triff [...] yet if he have a safe treasury to go to, he [...] soon make good so small a losse. Beloved, all t [...] things you do enjoy here are but triffles; but t [...] things which you shall enjoy hereafter in h [...] ­ven, are no lesse then a treasure: a rich tr [...] ­sury, the store-house of God himself, into [...] which he hath been treasuring up for his Sai [...] from the foundation of the world. I might much larger herein: but I will conclude all i [...] word or two of Application.

Is it so then that those mansions of Glory p [...] pared by Christ for Believers in Heaven, [...] abundantly recompense and make good all [...] Losses and Crosses which Believers meet with in the World? The I beseech you set your fections upon things above, and not on things low. You see we live in slippery times, we ca [...] not say that any thing is certain here: O th [...] labour to be sure of something hereafter. If th [...] canst not keep thy earthly inheritance, then bout to get an inheritance in heaven.

Secondly, for I must be brief, If there be s [...] glorious mansions in heaven: then labour to p [...] pare your souls for heaven. But how shall we this, may some say? I answer, These five way

• 1. Wouldst thou prepare thy self for heav [...] [Page 43]be fruitfull then in well doing, alwayes abound­ing in the works of the Lord: be sure to get that work done which God sent you into the world to do; growing in grace is going to heaven: and grace here will make you fit and meet for glory hereafter.
• 2. Would you prepare for heaven? labour to purge your selves then from all sin, by being un­potted in the world; for as Heaven is a place of happiness, so it is a place of holiness, into which nothing that is unclean can enter: it is only the [...]ure in heart that shall see God, Mat. 5.8.
• 3. Would you prepare for heaven? then get [...]our selves into a posture of readinesse to leave he world and go to Heaven every day, that [...]ou may up and be gone when ever death calls [...]or you: so that when death comes, you may [...]ave nothing to do but to die. Death will not [...]ait when he cometh: if ye are not fit to die, ye [...]re not fit for heaven: death will not carry that [...]oul to heaven that is not ready when he comes. [...]f you are not ready to die when ever death [...]omes, let me tell you, ye are not fit to live in a­ [...]other world. You know not at what hour Christ [...]ay come or send his messenger Death for you: [...]erefore be alwayes ready for heaven, because [...]eaven is alwayes ready for you. When the [...]idegroom came, they that had Oil in their [...]mps, grace in their hearts, they went in to the [...]riage: but for those that wanted oil, the door [Page 44]was shut against them, and they were shut from the marriage-feast. They that have la [...] without oil, profession without grace, shall [...] ­ver enter into Heaven.
• 4. Would you prepare for Heaven? then your title to Heaven cleared and confirme [...] you: what man is there, that having purch [...] a great Estate, that will be so foolish as n [...] get a sure title to what he hath purchased? [...] we are strangers and pilgrims, as all our fa [...] were; but heaven that's our home, our coun [...] our Fathers House, our Inheritance: O should we then labour to make that sure to souls! and having made that sure, labour in the next place, to keep up your Evide [...] First, keep your Evidences for Heaven and fair, for Satan will endeavour to blot t [...] Secondly, keep them safe: the Devil wi [...] them from you if he can; and if ye lose Evidences, what have you to shew for Hea [...] If your writings be lost, how will you get Inheritance? Then, whatsoever you do, ge [...] [...] ­surance of heaven; for first, assurance of he will take off your hearts from the world: rance of those things above will make you [...]ing to part with all things here below, co [...] you in all your tribulations, and bear up hearts under all discouragements, as it did vids, Jobs and Pauls. Evidence for Heaven lie warm at your hearts when naturall hea [...] [Page 45] [...]yes; when you lie upon your death beds, they [...]ill be a sweet taste to your Souls: when you [...]eel no taste or comfort in meat or drink, assu­ [...]ance of Heaven will comfort you: when all [...]ings fail you, assurance of Heaven will pre­ [...]are you for all changes, it will fit you for your [...]eat change. Assurance of life eternall will [...]onquer the Grave for you, and unsting Death [...]o you: it will make you sing, yea, to triumph [...]n the way to heaven, over death and the grave. They that have Heaven assured to them, have more joy and gladness put into their souls, than [...]ll the world besides. Assurance of salvation will [...]ngage you to trust God for all things, and evi­ [...]ence God to your souls, it will make you to love [...]nd delight in him, fearfull to offend, carefull to [...]lease him. Thirdly, Assurance makes men [...]uspicious of themselves: they that are assur'd [...]hat they shall stand, will be sure to take heed [...]hat they do not fall: they that shall be saved, [...]ill labour to work it out with fear. Fourthly, [...]ssurance makes the soul humble; the higher the [...]oul is in assurance, the lower it will be in humi­ [...]ity. But how shall we know that our assurance [...]or heaven is right? Take these following Rules.
  • 1. Right assurance will make you more holy: every man that hath this hope purifies himself as God is pure. Right assurance for Heaven will [...]ngage your souls to be holy in all manner of conversation: Having therefore these promises. [Page 46]dearly beloved, cleanse your selves from all thinesse both of the flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 6.
  • 2. Right assurance will make the soul to pe [...] ­vere to the end; receiving the end of your fa [...] the salvation of your souls. But how shall get this assurance? 1. By having a godly [...] row for sin wrought in thy soul. Christ gives [...] to none but to the weary. 2. Examine your he [...] and lives by comparing them with the Word God. 3. Assurance is obtained by a holy, co [...] ­stant, and carefull use of the Ordinances of Go [...] in joining both the end and the means togeth [...] it will make you as carefull to use the means, confident to expect the end of your faith, the [...] ­vation of your souls. It doth not feed men w [...] vain hopes, that they shall escape hell thou they live in sin, and go on in the broad way t [...] leads to destruction. They that would come heaven must be carefull to use the means, [...] they must walk in that strait and narrow w [...] unto holinesse and righteousnesse, which on leads unto life and salvation.

And lastly, is it so then that Godlines is great g [...] yea, it is the best gain? Hath God made thee g [...] ­ly, The lines are fallen to thee in a pleasant place, t [...] hast a goodly heritage, Psal. 16.6. It is enough, th [...] hast all: though it may be thou hast but little the world yet thou hast a propriety in God: G [...] is thine, thy portion is Christ, he is thy Jes [...] thy all; Labour then to be conformable to Go [...] [Page 47]godliness is Gods likeness. Hath God given you [...]ace? God hath done more for you than if he [...]nd given you a thousand worlds. Are others [...]ch, and art thou poor? have others plenty of [...]old and silver, and hast thou little or none ar all? [...]onsider, hath not God given thee that which is finitely better than all the Gold and Riches of [...]he World: Faith, that is more precious than Gold that perishes: Wisdom, that is better than [...]bies? yea all things that can be thought of are [...]ot comparable to grace. If grace be thy portion, [...]lory will be thy portion: and thou hast more [...]use of content, than if thou hadst all the world [...]or thy portion without grace. What though o­ [...]hers be richer than thee, yet thou art better than thers. The righteous is more excellent then his neigh­ [...]r. Are others had in honour and art thou de­ [...]pised? let me tell thee, if thou hast the favour of God, thou hast more honour then all the world [...]n give. Are thy troubles greater nor others? con­der, God seeth them good for thee; thou canst or tell how to be without them: It is good for me saith David) that I have been afflicted, They that [...]ave endured the most of afflictions here, will be [...]nd to be the happiest people in all the world [...]reafter, for through them we enter into glory. [...]hrough many tribulations we must enter into the king­ [...]m of heaven. Unto which Kingdom the Lord, his infinite mercy, bring us all. Amen.