and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n second_o i_o answer_v the_o particular_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o of_o all_o touch_a despair_n it_o be_v true_a that_o not_o only_o wicked_a and_o loose_a person_n despair_v in_o death_n but_o also_o repentant_a sinner_n who_o oftentimes_o in_o their_o sickness_n testify_v of_o themselves_o that_o be_v alive_a and_o lie_v in_o their_o bed_n they_o feel_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o to_o apprehend_v the_o very_a pang_n and_o torment_n thereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o for_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n most_o dear_a unto_o he_o may_v through_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n attain_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v in_o &_o by_o their_o contrary_n in_o the_o creation_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v not_o of_o some_o thing_n but_o of_o nothing_o clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n god_n give_v life_n not_o by_o life_n but_o by_o death_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v aright_o of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n we_o shall_v see_v our_o paradise_n out_o of_o paradise_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o hell_n eor_fw-la out_o of_o his_o own_o curse_a death_n do_v he_o bring_v we_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n likewise_o in_o effectual_a vocation_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o convert_v and_o turn_v man_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v which_o in_o reason_n shall_v drive_v all_o man_n from_o god_n for_o it_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o fire_n to_o water_n and_o light_n to_o darkness_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o against_o the_o disposition_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o to_o god_n furthermore_n when_o god_n will_v send_v his_o own_o servant_n to_o heaven_n he_o send_v they_o a_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o when_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o make_v man_n depend_v on_o his_o favour_n and_o providence_n he_o make_v they_o feel_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o they_o be_v in_o he_o this_o point_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v pass_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o very_a gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o sea_n into_o which_o when_o a_o man_n be_v cast_v he_o neither_o feel_v bottom_n nor_o see_v bank_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o despair_n whether_o it_o arise_v of_o weakness_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o conscience_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o fall_v out_o about_o the_o time_n of_o death_n can_v prejudice_n the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o for_o other_o strange_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o death_n they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o disease_n rave_n and_o blaspheming_n arise_v of_o the_o disease_n of_o melancholy_n and_o of_o frenzy_n which_o often_o happen_v at_o the_o end_n of_o burn_a fever_n the_o choler_n shoot_v up_o to_o the_o brain_n the_o writhe_n of_o the_o lip_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o neck_n the_o buckle_v of_o the_o joint_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n proceed_v of_o cramp_n and_o convulsion_n which_o follow_v after_o much_o evacuation_n and_o whereas_o some_o in_o sickness_n be_v of_o that_o strength_n that_o three_o or_o four_o man_n can_v hold_v they_o without_o bond_n it_o come_v not_o of_o witchcraft_n and_o possession_n as_o people_z common_o think_v but_o of_o choler_n in_o the_o vein_n and_o whereas_o some_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a become_v as_o black_a as_o pitch_v as_o bonner_n be_v it_o may_v arise_v by_o a_o bruise_n or_o a_o imposthume_n or_o by_o the_o black_a jaundice_n or_o by_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o the_o liver_n &_o it_o do_v not_o always_o argue_v some_o extraordinary_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a disease_n with_o their_o simptome_n &_o strange_a effect_n though_o they_o shall_v deprive_v man_n of_o his_o health_n &_o of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n too_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o deprive_v his_o soul_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o sin_n procure_v by_o violent_a disease_n and_o proceed_v from_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n for_o which_o if_o they_o know_v they_o and_o come_v again_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n they_o will_v further_o repent_v if_o not_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o ought_v not_o so_o much_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o strangeness_n of_o any_o man_n end_n when_o we_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o life_n for_o we_o must_v judge_v a_o man_n not_o by_o his_o death_n but_o by_o his_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o strange_a disease_n and_o thereupon_o strange_a behaviour_n in_o death_n may_v befall_v the_o best_a man_n that_o be_v we_o must_v learn_v to_o reform_v our_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v quiet_o and_o go_v away_o like_o a_o lamb_n which_o in_o some_o disease_n as_o consumption_n and_o such_o like_a any_o man_n may_v do_v than_o he_o go_v straight_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o disease_n stir_v up_o impatience_n and_o cause_n in_o the_o party_n frantic_a behaviour_n than_o man_n use_v to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n serve_v either_o to_o discover_v a_o hypocrite_n or_o to_o plague_v a_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v otherwise_o for_o indeed_o a_o man_n may_v die_v like_o a_o lamb_n and_o yet_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o one_o die_v in_o exceed_a torment_n and_o strange_a behaviour_n of_o the_o body_n may_v go_v to_o heaven_n &_o by_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o any_o man_n either_o in_o life_n or_o death_n we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o estate_n before_o god_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v most_o never_a death_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v most_o busy_a in_o temptation_n &_o the_o more_o man_n be_v assault_v by_o satan_n the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a be_v their_o case_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o worst_a day_n of_o all_o answ._n the_o condition_n of_o god_n child_n in_o earth_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v not_o tempt_v &_o some_o be_v some_o i_o say_v be_v not_o tempt_v as_o simeon_n who_o when_o he_o have_v see_v christ_n break_v forth_o and_o say_v 2.29_o lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n etc._n etc._n foresignifying_a no_o doubt_n that_o he_o shall_v end_v his_o day_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o peace_n as_o for_o they_o which_o be_v tempt_v though_o their_o case_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o perplex_a yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o further_o off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n &_o extremity_n of_o temptation_n for_o god_n be_v then_o present_a by_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n &_o when_o we_o be_v most_o weak_a he_o be_v most_o strong_a in_o we_o because_o his_o manner_n be_v to_o show_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n the_o devil_n receive_v the_o great_a foil_n when_o he_o look_v for_o the_o great_a victory_n the_o six_o objection_n be_v this_o violent_a &_o sudden_a death_n be_v a_o grievous_a curse_n &_o of_o all_o evil_n which_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o life_n none_o be_v so_o terrible_a therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o day_n of_o sudden_a death_n be_v most_o miserable_a ans._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o sudden_a death_n be_v a_o curse_n &_o grievous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o without_o cause_n fear_v of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o ought_v more_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o evil_a life_n then_o of_o sudden_a death_n for_o though_o it_o be_v evil_a as_o death_n itself_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v simple_o evil_a because_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o all_o man_n nor_o in_o all_o respect_v evil_a i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o all_o man_n consider_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o death_n be_v evil_a or_o a_o curse_n unto_o they_o that_o
a_o salve_n for_o a_o sick_a man._n or_o a_o treatise_n contain_v the_o nature_n difference_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n as_o also_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o die_v well_o and_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o spiritual_a instructruction_n to_o 1._o mariners_z when_o they_o go_v to_o sea_n 2._o soldier_n when_o they_o go_v to_o battle_n 3._o women_z when_o they_o travel_v of_o child_n print_a at_o london_n by_o john_n legat_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n 1611._o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o simon_n waterson_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n lucy_n countess_n of_o bedford_n the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v of_o every_o believe_v &_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o worthy_a benefit_n which_o thing_n i_o prove_v on_o this_o manner_n i._o god_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v great_a thing_n unto_o his_o servant_n than_o they_o do_v common_o ask_v or_o think_v and_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v aid_n &_o strength_n unto_o they_o therefore_o in_o wonderful_a wisdom_n he_o cast_v up_o they_o this_o heavy_a burden_n of_o death_n that_o they_o may_v make_v experience_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a might_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o weakness_n ii_o judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n and_o the_o righteous_a be_v lade_v with_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n in_o this_o life_n &_o therefore_o in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v their_o death_n and_o hell_n that_o in_o death_n they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n iii_o when_o lazarus_n be_v dead_a christ_n say_v he_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o christian_a man_n can_v say_v my_o grave_n be_v my_o bed_n my_o death_n be_v my_o sleep_n in_o death_n i_o die_v not_o but_o only_o sleep_v it_o be_v think_v that_o of_o all_o terrible_a thing_n death_n be_v most_o terrible_a but_o it_o be_v false_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o who_o many_o thing_n happen_v far_o more_o heavy_a and_o bitter_a than_o death_n iv._o death_n at_o the_o first_o bring_v forth_o sin_n but_o death_n in_o the_o righteous_a by_o mean_n of_o christ_n death_n abolish_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o mortification_n and_o death_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a refuge_n for_o they_o against_o death_n for_o present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o perfect_a freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n v._o last_o death_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n perfection_n as_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o example_n show_v say_v behold_v i_o will_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o will_v heal_v still_o to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n and_o the_o three_o i_o will_v be_v perfect_v now_o this_o perfection_n in_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v they_o throughout_o that_o their_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v without_o blame_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n now_o have_v often_o thus_o consider_v with_o myself_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o death_n i_o think_v good_a to_o draw_v the_o sum_n and_o chief_a head_n thereof_o into_o this_o small_a treatise_n the_o protection_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o i_o commend_v to_o your_o ladyship_n desire_v you_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o your_o leisure_n if_o i_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o death_n whereas_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n you_o be_v not_o yet_o near_a death_n solomon_n will_v excuse_v i_o who_o say_v that_o we_o must_v remember_v our_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n thus_o hope_v of_o your_o h._n good_a acceptance_n i_o pray_v god_n to_o bless_v this_o my_o little_a labour_n to_o your_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n septemb_n 7._o 1595._o your_o h._n in_o the_o lord_n w._n perkins_n eeclesiastes_n 7.3_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n that_o one_o be_v bear_v these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n or_o precept_n lay_v down_o by_o solomon_n for_o weighty_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o chapter_n go_v before_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n &_o that_o at_o large_a in_o the_o very_a particular_n now_o man_n hereupon_o may_v take_v occasion_n of_o discontentment_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o solomon_n in_o great_a wisdom_n here_o take_v a_o new_a course_n &_o in_o this_o chapter_n begin_v to_o lay_v down_o certain_a rule_n of_o direction_n and_o comfort_n that_o man_n may_v have_v somewhat_o wherewith_o to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n the_o first_o rule_n be_v in_o this_o three_o verse_n that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v better_a than_o a_o precious_a ointment_n that_o be_v a_o name_n get_v and_o maintain_v by_o godly_a conversation_n be_v a_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n minister_v great_a matter_n of_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o the_o most_o precious_a ointment_n can_v do_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n now_o some_o man_n have_v hear_v this_o first_o rule_n concern_v good_a name_n may_v object_v &_o say_v that_o renown_n &_o good_a report_n in_o this_o life_n affoarde_n slender_a comfort_n consider_v that_o after_o it_o follow_v death_n which_o be_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o all_o man_n but_o this_o objection_n the_o wise_a man_n remove_v by_o a_o second_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v in_o hand_n say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n that_o one_o be_v bear_v that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a &_o proper_a sense_n of_o this_o precept_n or_o rule_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o be_v death_n here_o mention_v second_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n three_o in_o what_o respect_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o first_o death_n be_v a_o deprivation_n of_o life_n as_o a_o punishment_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o impose_v on_o man_n for_o his_o sin_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o deprivation_n of_o life_n because_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o death_n be_v the_o absence_n or_o defect_n of_o that_o life_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v man_n by_o his_o creation_n i_o add_v further_o that_o death_n be_v a_o punishment_n more_o especial_o to_o intimate_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o death_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n justice_n &_o judgement_n and_o that_o death_n be_v a_o punishment_n paul_n plain_o avouch_v when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o again_o that_o death_n be_v the_o stipend_n wage_n or_o allowance_n of_o sin_n furthermore_o in_o every_o punishment_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o ordainer_n of_o it_o the_o procurer_n and_o the_o executioner_n the_o ordainer_n of_o this_o punishment_n be_v god_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n innocency_n by_o a_o solemn_a law_n then_o make_v in_o these_o very_a word_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n gen._n 2.17_o but_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n &_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v no_o ordainer_n of_o death_n 33.11_o the_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v &_o that_o sundry_a way_n first_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o this_o to_o all_o man_n or_o of_o all_o man_n but_o to_o his_o own_o people_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o clause_n prefix_v 10_o son_n of_o man_n say_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n again_o the_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v absolutelu_fw-fr but_o only_o in_o way_n of_o comparisoy_fw-fr in_o that_o of_o the_o twain_o he_o rather_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o his_o death_n and_o destruction_n three_o the_o very_a proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v take_v no_o delight_n or_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o hinder_v not_o
let_v it_o cruel_o part_v asunder_o both_o body_n &_o soul_n yet_o shall_v they_o both_o remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v reunite_v and_o take_v up_o to_o life_n eternal_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o man_n be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o die_v out_o of_o christ_n their_o soul_n go_v to_o hell_n and_o their_o body_n rot_v for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o grave_n but_o afterward_o they_o rise_v to_o endless_a perdition_n wherefore_o i_o say_v again_o and_o again_o labour_v that_o your_o conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v live_v stone_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n &_o branch_n bear_v fruit_n in_o the_o true_a vine_n &_o than_o you_o shall_v feel_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o happiness_n then_o ever_o you_o find_v in_o your_o life_n even_o then_o when_o you_o be_v gasp_v and_o pant_v for_o breath_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n now_o follow_v the_o use_n &_o they_o be_v manifold_a the_o first_o &_o principal_n be_v this_o in_o that_o solomon_n prefer_v the_o day_n of_o death_n before_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n he_o do_v therein_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o direct_a &_o certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a and_o whereas_o he_o avouch_v this_o he_o show_v withal_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o bless_a end_n therefore_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o search_v out_o this_o way_n the_o knowledge_n and_o true_a understanding_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o write_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n now_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o god_n word_n require_v 2._o thing_n a_o preparation_n before_o death_n and_o a_o right_a behaviour_n and_o disposition_n in_o death_n the_o preparation_n unto_o death_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o repentant_a sinner_n whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o fit_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n very_o necessary_a to_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n commandment_n for_o there_o be_v sundry_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v straight_o enjoin_v we_o to_o watch_v &_o pray_v &_o to_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a every_o way_n against_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n now_o the_o same_o place_n do_v withal_o bind_v we_o to_o make_v preparation_n against_o death_n at_o which_o time_n god_n come_v to_o judgement_n unto_o we_o particular_o again_o look_v as_o death_n leave_v a_o man_n so_o shall_v the_o last_o judgement_n find_v he_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o abide_v eternal_o there_o may_v be_v change_n &_o conversion_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o change_n at_o all_o therefore_o a_o preparation_n to_o death_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v omit_v of_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o happy_a &_o bless_a end_n this_o preparation_n be_v twofold_a general_a &_o particular_a general_n preparation_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n a_o duty_n most_o needful_a that_o must_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v omit_v the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o of_o all_o death_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v most_o uncertain_a i_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o no_o man_n can_v eschew_v death_n and_o it_o be_v uncerten_a 3._o way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o time_n for_o no_o man_n know_v when_o he_o shall_v die_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o place_n for_o no_o man_n know_v where_o he_o shall_v die_v whether_o in_o his_o bed_n or_o in_o the_o field_n whether_o by_o sea_n or_o by_o land_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o kind_n of_o death_n for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o shall_v die_v of_o a_o linger_a or_o sudden_a of_o a_o violent_a or_o natural_a death_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n prepare_v themselves_o to_o death_n indeed_o if_o we_o can_v know_v when_o where_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v die_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o but_o see_v we_o know_v none_o of_o these_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v about_o us._n a_o second_o reason_n serve_v further_o to_o persuade_v we_o be_v this_o the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n of_o all_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o neglect_v all_o preparation_n to_o make_v this_o point_n more_o manifest_a i_o will_v use_v this_o comparison_n a_o certain_a man_n pursue_v by_o a_o unicorn_n in_o his_o flight_n fall_v into_o a_o dungeon_n &_o in_o his_o fall_n take_v hold_v and_o hang_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o tree_n now_o as_o he_o thus_o hang_v look_v downward_o he_o see_v two_o worm_n gnaw_v at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o as_o he_o look_v upward_o he_o see_v a_o hive_n of_o most_o sweet_a honey_n whereupon_o he_o climb_v up_o unto_o it_o and_o sit_v by_o it_o he_o feed_v thereon_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o sit_v the_o two_o worm_n gnaw_v in_o piece_n the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o do_v tree_n and_o man_n &_o all_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o dungeon_n now_o this_o unicorn_n be_v death_n the_o man_n that_o fly_v be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o every_o live_a man_n the_o pit_n over_o which_o he_o hang_v be_v hell_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v life_n itself_o the_o two_o worm_n be_v day_n and_o night_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o be_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n the_o hive_n of_o honey_n be_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o which_o when_o man_n whole_o give_v themselves_o not_o consider_v their_o end_n till_o the_o tree_n root_n that_o be_v this_o temporal_a life_n be_v cut_v off_o which_o be_v once_o do_v they_o plunge_v themselves_o quite_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o defer_v their_o preparation_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n but_o rather_o every_o day_n make_v themselves_o ready_a against_o the_o day_n of_o death_n but_o some_o will_v say_v it_o shall_v suffice_v if_o i_o prepare_v myself_o to_o pray_v when_o i_o begin_v to_o be_v sick_a answ._n these_o man_n great_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v most_o unfit_a to_o begin_v a_o preparation_n because_o all_o the_o sense_n &_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v occupy_v about_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o disease_n and_o the_o sick_a party_n be_v exercise_v partly_o in_o conference_n with_o the_o physician_n partly_o with_o the_o minister_n about_o his_o soul_n health_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o partly_o with_o friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v therefore_o there_o must_v some_o preparation_n go_v before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n when_o the_o whole_a man_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n again_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o imagine_v and_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v repent_v when_o he_o will_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o that_o such_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a ans._n it_o be_v false_a which_o they_o say_v for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v when_o he_o himself_o will_n when_o god_n will_v he_o may_v it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v or_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o have_v mercy_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a but_o why_o so_o because_o they_o seek_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o nam_o when_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_a folly_n for_o man_n so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o dream_v that_o they_o may_v have_v repentance_n at_o command_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v of_o god_n in_o death_n that_o do_v condemn_v god_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v quite_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n in_o sickness_n and_o do_v forget_v god_n in_o their_o health_n again_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o late_a repentance_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v sick_a like_o the_o party_n himself_o common_o languish_v and_o die_v together_o with_o he_o repentance_n shall_v be_v voluntary_a as_o all_o obedience_n to_o god_n aught_o but_o repentance_n take_v up_o in_o sickness_n be_v usual_o constrain_v &_o extort_a by_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n &_o other_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o cross_n affliction_n and_o
almost_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o practice_n &_o obedience_n of_o it_o in_o man_n life_n &_o conversation_n alas_o alas_o to_o lend_v our_o ear_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n to_o hear_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v common_a but_o to_o give_v heart_n &_o hand_n to_o do_v the_o same_o be_v rare_a and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v athand_n we_o be_v all_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n &_o every_o sinner_n in_o the_o term_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o folly_n be_v to_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o body_n &_o not_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o cast_v and_o forecast_v how_o we_o may_v live_v in_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o ease_n and_o not_o to_o use_v the_o least_o forecast_n to_o die_v well_o this_o folly_n our_o saviour_n christ_n note_v in_o the_o rich_a man_n that_o be_v careful_a to_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n 11._o but_o have_v no_o care_n at_o all_o for_o his_o end_n or_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n such_o a_o one_o be_v achitophel_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n term_n he_o be_v as_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o council_n be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a wisdom_n &_o forecast_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o in_o his_o own_o private_a worldly_a affair_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n to_o consider_v how_o he_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a &_o come_v to_o life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o folly_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v note_v in_o he_o for_o the_o text_n say_v when_o he_o see_v that_o his_o counsel_n be_v despise_v 17.23_o he_o saddle_v his_o ass_n and_o arise_v &_o go_v home_o into_o his_o city_n and_o put_v his_o household_n in_o order_n and_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o and_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o blaze_a lamp_n of_o a_o bare_a profession_n never_o seek_v for_o the_o horn_n of_o last_a oil_n of_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n that_o may_v furnish_v and_o trim_a the_o lamp_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n cast_v off_o this_o damnable_a folly_n first_o of_o all_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o may_v die_v according_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o point_n of_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o whereas_o therefore_o solomon_n say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n we_o be_v further_a teach_v that_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n overmuch_o i_o say_v overmuch_o because_o they_o must_v partly_o fear_v it_o and_o partly_o not_o fear_v it_o they_o must_v for_o two_o cause_n the_o first_o because_o death_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o man_n own_o self_n &_o other_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n christ_n fear_v it_o without_o sin_n and_o we_o must_v not_o fear_v it_o otherwise_o then_o we_o fear_v sickness_n and_o poverty_n and_o famine_n with_o other_o sorrow_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o despise_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v but_o to_o feel_v with_o some_o pain_n because_o they_o be_v correction_n &_o punishment_n for_o sin_n and_o he_o do_v therefore_o lay_v upon_o we_o pain_n &_o torment_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o eschew_v and_o that_o by_o eschew_v they_o we_o may_v further_o learn_v to_o eschew_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n and_o by_o experience_n in_o feel_v of_o pain_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v a_o judge_n and_o enemy_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v exceed_o angry_a with_o it_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n when_o we_o or_o other_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o which_o be_v indeed_o or_o may_v have_v be_v a_o help_n stay_v &_o comfort_n to_o either_o of_o they_o and_o who_o death_n have_v procure_v some_o public_a or_o private_a loss_n again_o we_o be_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n but_o to_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o many_o cause_n first_o of_o all_o in_o it_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o show_v our_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n when_o he_o call_v we_o out_o of_o this_o world_n as_o christ_n say_v father_n not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v second_o all_o sin_n be_v abolish_v by_o death_n and_o we_o they_o cease_v to_o offend_v god_n any_o more_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o the_o dead_a body_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o by_o death_n it_o be_v make_v insensible_a and_o by_o that_o mean_v it_o be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n &_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v either_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a instrument_n of_o sin_n whereas_o in_o the_o life_n time_n it_o be_v both_o four_o it_o give_v the_o soul_n passage_n to_o rest_n life_n and_o celestial_a glory_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v perfect_o know_v he_o and_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o ever_o keep_v without_o intermission_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n therefore_o paul_n say_v i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v best_a of_o all_o five_o god_n execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o purge_v his_o church_n by_o death_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n godly_a man_n have_v cause_n not_o to_o fear_v and_o sorrow_n but_o to_o rejoice_v in_o their_o own_o death_n and_o the_o death_n of_o other_o three_o if_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v so_o excellent_a yea_o a_o day_n of_o happiness_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n and_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n in_o wish_v for_o death_n paul_n say_v i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolued_n and_o again_o o_o miserable_a man_n who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n yet_o this_o desire_n must_v not_o be_v simple_a but_o restrain_v with_o certain_a respect_n which_o be_v these_o first_o death_n must_v be_v desire_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o immediate_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n &_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n three_o death_n may_v be_v lawful_o desire_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o trouble_n &_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n two_o caveat_n be_v observe_v the_o first_o that_o this_o desire_n must_v not_o be_v immoderate_a the_o second_o it_o must_v be_v join_v with_o submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o desire_n be_v faulty_a &_o therefore_o job_n and_o jeremie_n and_o jonas_n fail_v herein_o because_o they_o desire_v death_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o impatience_n on_o the_o contrary_a also_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v a_o continuance_n of_o life_n ezechias_n pray_v and_o desire_v to_o live_v 38.18_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o message_n of_o present_a death_n that_o he_o may_v do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o paul_n desire_v to_o live_v 25._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o philippian_n that_o he_o may_v further_o their_o faith_n though_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o to_o die_v be_v advantage_n to_o he_o last_o if_o death_n join_v with_o reformation_n of_o life_n be_v so_o bless_v than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o unbelieved_a and_o unrepentant_a sinner_n be_v every_o way_n curse_a &_o most_o horrible_a reason_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o their_o sin_n second_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v find_v no_o mitigation_n of_o pain_n &_o no_o good_a thing_n that_o may_v countervail_v the_o misery_n thereof_o three_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a thing_n of_o all_o bodily_a death_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o eternal_a death_n desperation_n and_o infernal_a torment_n without_o hope_n of_o deliverance_n therefore_o as_o i_o begin_v so_o i_o end_v have_v care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o die_v well_o finis_fw-la a_o addition_n of_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o my_o mind_n afterward_o the_o last_o combat_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n it_o oftentimes_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o urge_v man_n to_o desperation_n know_v