A funeral sermon on the decease of that worthy gentlewoman Mrs. Margaret Baxter, who…

Answ. This, which is the most considerable Objection that the Matter admits of, if it were directly pointed against this Truth, as it hath been laid down, would answer it self. For it is not dying simply, that is the Object of this Inclination, but dying conjunctly with being with the Lord, in his blessed joyous Presence. Do not therefore divide the Object, and that Objection is no Objection. You are unwilling to die, and be banished the Divine Presence; But are you unwilling to die and enjoy it? Or, upon supposition you should, are you willing? This is all that we make Characteristical, and distinguishing. Where there is only an aversion to leave this bodily Life and State, upon a fear we shall not be admitted into that blessed Presence; there is only an accidental Obstruction to the more explicit, distinct, and discernible exertions of desire this way; which Obstruction, if it be removed, the Soul would then follow the course which the Divine and Holy Principle in it doth naturally incline to. But the mortal Token is, when there is no such doubt; and yet there is still a prevailing aversion; when Men make no Question, if they die they shall go to God; and yet they are not willing to go. In the former Case, there is a supreme desire of being with God, only suspended; take off that Suspension, and that desire runs its natural course. In the ⟨p. 21⟩other Case, there is no desire at all. And the difference is, as between a living Man that would fain go to such a place, but he is held, and therefore goes not; And one that is not held, but is dead, and cannot stir at all. For the Life of the Soul towards God is Love; Aversion therefore is (not an absolute, but) respective Death, or quoad hoc, a Death towards him; or, as to this thing, viz. being with him.

Answ. This, which is the most considerable Objection that the Matter admits of, if it were directly pointed against this Truth, as it hath been laid down, would answer it self. For it is not dying simply, that is the Object of this Inclination, but dying conjunctly with being with the Lord, in his blessed joyous Presence. Do not therefore divide the Object, and that Objection is no Objection. You are unwilling to die, and be banish'd the Divine Presence; But are you unwilling to die and enjoy it? Or, upon supposition you should, are you willing? This is all that we make Characteristical, and distinguishing. Where there is only an aversion to leave this bodily Life and State, upon a fear we shall not be admitted into that blessed Presence; there is only an accidental Obstruction to the more explicite, distinct, and discernable exertions of desire this way; which Obstruction, if it be removed, the Soul would then follow the course which the Divine and Holy Principle in it doth naturally incline to. But the mortal Token is, when there is no such doubt; and yet there is still a prevailing aversion; when Men make no Question, if they die they shall go to God; and yet they are not willing to go. In the former Case, there is a supream desire of being with God, only suspended; take off that Suspension, and that desire runs its natural course. In the