A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto

And yet the trial had been greater, on another Account, than the Divine Wisdom in conjunction with Goodness, and Compassion, thought fit ordinarily to put sincere ⟨p. 73⟩Christians upon. For who could with any tolerable patience have endured longer abode on Earth, after they should once have had the glory of the Heavenly state immediately set in view before their Eyes! especially considering, not so much the Sufferings, as the impurities of their present State! What for great reason was a special vouchsafement to one Apostle was for as great to be common to all Christians. How great is the Wisdom and Mercy of our Blessed Lord in this partial concealment of our future State, and that while so much as is sufficient is revealed, there is yet an Hades upon it, and it may still be said, It doth not yet appear what we shall be, 1 Joh. 3.2.

But as these Majestic Life-breathing words of our Great ⟨p. 74⟩Lord, do plainly offer the things that have been mentioned (and many more such that might occur) to our Thoughts and Meditation; so will they be thought on in vain, if they be not followed and answered by suitable Dispositions, and Actions of Heart and Life. Therefore the further use we are to make of this great Subject will be to lay down

But as these Majestick Life-breathing words of our Great ⟨p. 74⟩Lord, do plainly offer the things that have been mentioned (and many more such that might occur) to our Thoughts and Meditation; so will they be thought on in vain, if they be not followed and answered by suitable Dispositions, and Actions of Heart and Life. Therefore the further use we are to make of this great Subject will be to lay down