The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

I conceive my self here not concerned, operously to insist in proving that the souls of Saints sleep not in the interval, between death and the general resurrection; but enjoy present blessedness. It being besides the design of a practical discourse, which rather intends the propounding and improvement of things acknowledged, and agreed for the advantage and benefit of them with whom they are so; then the discussing of things dubious and controversible. And what I here propound in order to a consequent improvement and application, should methinks pass for an acknowledged truth among them that professedly believe, and seriously read and consider the Bible. For mere Philosophers, that do not come into this account, 'twere impertinent to discourse with them from a Text of Scripture; and ⟨p. 171⟩where my design only obliges me to intend the handling of that; and to deliver it from what may fitly be supposed to have its ground there, unless their allegations did carry with them the Species of demonstrating the simple impossibility of what is asserted thence to the power of that God whose word we take it to be; which I have not found any thing they say to amount to. That we have reason to presume it an acknowledged thing among them that will be concluded by Scripture; That the Soul doth not sleep when it ceases to animate its earthly body, many plain Texts do evince, which are amassed together, by the reverend Mr. Baxter, ^*some of the principal whereof I would invite any that waver in this matter seriously to consider. As the words of our Saviour to the Thief on the Cross. This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. ²That of the Apostle,³ We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. And that, ⁴I am in a straight, having a desire to depart, ⁵and to be with Christ. That passage, The Spirits of just men made perfect, &c. Which are expressions so clear,⁶