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

Wherefore it is consequent that this present state is only intended for trial to the spirits of men, in order to their attainment of a better state in a better world. That is, that inasmuch, as the infinitely wise and blessed God, had given being to such a creature, as man, in which both words (the material, and the immaterial) did meet; And who, in respect of his Earthly, and Spiritual natures, had in him somewhat suitable to each. And whereas this Creature had lost (with his interest) his very inclination to the Spiritual Objects, and enjoyments of the purer immaterial world (wherein alone his true blessedness could consist) suffered a vile depression of his Spirit unto this gross corporal world; and hereby brought himself under a necessity of being miserable; his nobler part having nothing now to satisfy it, but what it was become unsuitable and disaffected to.

Wherefore it is consequent that this present state is only intended for trial to the spirits of men, in order to their attainment of a better state in a better world. That is, that inasmuch, as the infinitely wise and blessed God, had given being to such a creature, as man, in which both words (the material, and the immaterial) did meet; And who, in respect of his Earthly, and Spiritual natures, had in him somewhat suitable to each. And whereas this Creature had lost (with his interest) his very inclination to the Spiritual Objects, and enjoyments of the purer immaterial world (wherein alone his true blessedness could consist) suffered a vile depression of his Spirit unto this gross corporal world; and hereby brought himself under a necessity of being miserable; his nobler part having nothing now to satisfie it, but what it was become unsuitable and disaffected to.

His merciful Creator, being intent upon his restitution, thought fit not to bring it about by a sudden and violent hand (as it were to catch him into Heaven against his will:) But to raise his Spirit into its just Dominion and Sovereignty in him, by such gradual Methods, as were most suitable to a rational, and intelligent nature. That is, to discover to him, that he had such a thing as Spirit about him; whence it was fallen, how low it was sunk, to what state it was yet capable to be raised; and what he had designed, and done for its happy recovery. And hence by the secret and powerful insinuations of his