we_o read_v that_o amasa_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o high_a way_n into_o the_o field_n and_o a_o cloth_n cast_v upon_o he_o and_o what_o then_o why_o the_o holy_a text_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o people_n go_v on_o after_o joab_n so_o be_v it_o with_o we_o if_o we_o behold_v a_o person_n lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n gasp_v and_o bleed_v and_o with_o die_a groan_n ready_a to_o expire_v his_o last_o breath_n here_o we_o make_v a_o stop_n and_o pause_v with_o some_o astonishment_n at_o so_o sad_a a_o sight_n but_o let_v a_o cloth_n be_v throw_v over_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o corpse_n draw_v aside_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o cover_v with_o earth_n present_o we_o go_v to_o our_o employment_n and_o trade_n and_o possible_o some_o to_o their_o sinful_a practice_n again_o as_o if_o the_o last_o man_n that_o shall_v die_v be_v now_o bury_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o stupidity_n and_o carelessness_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o the_o great_a love_n and_o affection_n man_n 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that_o they_o must_v die_v it_o be_v true_a say_v they_o and_o old_a man_n ought_v to_o consider_v it_o and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o sure_o for_o we_o there_o be_v no_o such_o haste_n yet_o alas_o they_o think_v they_o must_v of_o right_n and_o course_n live_v till_o they_o be_v age_v if_o you_o go_v to_o old_a man_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v die_v alas_o their_o age_n tell_v they_o so_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o though_o god_n visit_v they_o with_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n the_o companion_n of_o old_a age_n which_o impair_n their_o health_n and_o waste_v their_o strength_n continual_o yet_o they_o hope_v these_o decay_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o violent_a but_o that_o they_o may_v yet_o weather_n out_o a_o few_o year_n more_o those_o that_o be_v healthful_a and_o strong_a think_v they_o need_v not_o prepare_v for_o death_n till_o they_o have_v warn_v give_v they_o of_o its_o approach_n by_o sickness_n and_o those_o that_o god_n do_v 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body_n oh_o to_o think_v that_o this_o body_n that_o be_v here_o pamper_a and_o make_v so_o much_o of_o shall_v become_v vile_a and_o loathsome_a in_o the_o grave_a lay_v in_o a_o bed_n of_o stench_n and_o rotteness_n cover_v with_o worm_n moulder_a away_o into_o the_o dust_n of_o oblivion_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a subject_n for_o our_o thought_n to_o muse_v upon_o o_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n death_n how_o unâ—â—_n come_v be_v he_o unto_o the_o thought_n of_o most_o man_n especial_o consider_v he_o as_o have_v his_o sting_n in_o he_o which_o be_v sin_n o_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o whâ—_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—ing_n guilâ—_n dare_v not_o think_v of_o stand_v before_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o god_n whither_o death_n god_n sergeant_n will_v bring_v they_o but_o cry_v out_o with_o horror_n who_o among_o we_o can_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o put_v far_o from_o they_o thâ—_n thought_n of_o death_n because_o they_o know_v that_o day_n whensoever_o it_o come_v will_v be_v to_o they_o â—n_o evil_a day_n but_o if_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v how_o shouâ—â—_n their_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n they_o run_v by_o their_o delay_n will_v be_v prevent_v sure_o they_o that_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n upon_o their_o heart_n that_o know_v their_o time_n herâ—_n to_o be_v but_o short_a and_o believe_v that_o upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o short_a time_n their_o misery_n or_o happiness_n for_o eternity_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o put_v off_o their_o preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n till_o hereafter_o when_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o their_o life_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o weighty_a a_o consideration_n that_o if_o it_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n will_v prevail_v with_o all_o man_n that_o have_v the_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o be_v our_o work_n very_o great_a we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o possible_o before_o to_o morrow_n we_o may_v not_o be_v and_o the_o great_a god_n have_v suspend_v eternity_n upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o moment_n a_o few_o day_n or_o a_o few_o hour_n nay_o possible_o a_o few_o minute_n will_v determine_v our_o everlasting_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o according_a as_o we_o be_v in_o spend_v of_o they_o so_o shall_v our_o doom_n be_v either_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o why_o oh_o why_o shall_v our_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n be_v so_o vile_a in_o our_o eye_n as_o to_o lose_v they_o by_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n why_o shall_v any_o of_o we_o be_v such_o fool_n and_o madman_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o to_o the_o allurement_n of_o a_o flatter_a deceitful_a world_n so_o as_o to_o put_v off_o and_o neglect_v our_o everlasting_a concern_v shall_v we_o not_o rather_o say_v to_o the_o world_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o will_v hinder_v we_o in_o our_o great_a work_n stand_v off_o for_o we_o be_v work_v for_o eternity_n a_o eternity_n that_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o few_o hour_n hence_o a_o boundless_a a_o bottomless_a endless_a state_n and_o condition_n into_o which_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v cast_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o time_n to_o dally_v in_o or_o to_o trifle_v away_o but_o though_o our_o time_n be_v short_a yet_o be_v it_o long_o enough_o for_o our_o great_a work_n if_o diligent_o
2.23_o that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n by_o a_o whirlwind_n into_o heaven_n so_o great_a be_v his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o so_o high_o do_v god_n esteem_v it_o and_o he_o for_o it_o that_o he_o must_v not_o abide_v any_o long_o on_o earth_n but_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n a_o passage_n to_o heaven_n that_o do_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n to_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n while_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o apostle_n also_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15.51_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o shall_v not_o all_o dye_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v and_o 1_o thes_n 4.17_o we_o that_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o with_o he_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n these_o exception_n of_o some_o few_o that_o have_v not_o dye_v nor_o shall_v not_o die_v do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v void_a this_o general_a truth_n that_o all_o shall_v die_v but_o rather_o make_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n say_v all_o must_v die_v none_o escape_v but_o by_o special_a grace_n or_o privilege_n and_o though_o the_o saint_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v on_o earth_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a die_v not_o yet_o they_o shall_v undergo_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o death_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v death_n be_v call_v a_o change_n so_o say_v job_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n will_v i_o wait_v till_o my_o change_n shall_v come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o the_o last_o day_n undergo_v a_o change_n also_o the_o change_n of_o death_n be_v a_o put_v off_o of_o our_o mortality_n but_o the_o change_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o put_v on_o of_o our_o immortality_n the_o one_o be_v a_o change_n by_o be_v unclothe_v the_o other_o be_v a_o change_n by_o be_v clothe_v upon_o but_o both_o be_v a_o change_n and_o thus_o all_o dye_n or_o shall_v be_v change_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o death_n befall_v all_o man_n one_o time_n or_o other_o soon_o or_o late_a but_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o or_o the_o time_n when_o any_o shall_v die_v this_o be_v unknown_a unto_o any_o the_o live_n may_v and_o do_v know_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v but_o they_o know_v not_o when_o they_o shall_v die_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v true_a of_o the_o day_n of_o man_n death_n of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v not_o man._n many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n i_o say_v say_v david_n in_o my_o prosperity_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n almost_o but_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n i_o say_v say_v hezekiah_n in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_a i_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o behold_v man_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n good_a hezekiah_n think_v there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o he_o to_o escape_v death_n but_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o god_n have_v in_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n deliver_v it_o from_o the_o pit_n of_o corruption_n and_o he_o live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o after_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o over_o for_o dead_a a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o when_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a time_n god_n have_v give_v out_o none_o against_o he_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n reckon_v not_o of_o death_n till_o many_o year_n hence_o and_o he_o be_v very_o liberal_a to_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o his_o body_n he_o have_v get_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o riches_n and_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o rich_a stock_n of_o time_n even_o many_o year_n he_o resolve_v to_o make_v his_o life_n large_a as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o barn_n and_o because_o they_o be_v full_a of_o corn_n he_o also_o will_v be_v full_a of_o day_n whereas_o the_o word_n come_v out_o against_o he_o from_o god_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o he_o that_o before_o resolve_v to_o live_v many_o year_n can_v not_o now_o live_v till_o the_o next_o morning_n it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v to_o we_o peremptory_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n or_o the_o length_n of_o our_o day_n but_o though_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v it_o know_v to_o and_o fix_v by_o god_n he_o have_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o time_n when_o but_o also_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o shall_v die_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o it_o be_v god_n that_o turn_v up_o the_o giass_n of_o our_o time_n and_o put_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o sand_n into_o it_o and_o no_o more_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o it_o may_v and_o shall_v run_v so_o long_o and_o no_o more_o that_o it_o shall_v run_v no_o long_o than_o his_o appointment_n god_n speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v a_o book_n wherein_o be_v write_v down_o not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o number_n of_o our_o day_n and_o as_o we_o can_v commit_v a_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v write_v down_o in_o some_o leaf_n of_o his_o book_n so_o can_v we_o not_o live_v a_o day_n or_o hour_n that_o have_v not_o our_o name_n write_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o god_n book_n that_o some_o have_v the_o time_n of_o life_n confine_v only_o to_o the_o dark_a cell_n of_o the_o womb_n and_o never_o see_v the_o light_n that_o other_o be_v strangle_v in_o the_o place_n of_o break_v forth_o of_o child_n and_o be_v only_a cause_n of_o grief_n to_o they_o that_o bear_v they_o that_o other_o dyâ—_n in_o their_o infancy_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o leave_v only_o sad_a remembrance_n to_o their_o parent_n that_o once_o they_o be_v that_o other_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o their_o day_n and_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o that_o other_o live_v to_o extreme_a old_a age_n till_o nature_n be_v whole_o spend_v and_o consume_v in_o they_o all_o this_o be_v from_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n they_o all_o fill_v up_o the_o number_n of_o those_o day_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o time_n that_o god_n have_v allot_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o depart_v according_a to_o his_o will._n how_o many_o have_v we_o see_v cast_v upon_o sick_a bed_n who_o god_n have_v there_o visit_v with_o strong_a pain_n bring_v they_o so_o low_o that_o their_o life_n seem_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o grave_a and_o themselves_o number_v with_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n free_a among_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o the_o slay_v that_o lie_n in_o the_o grave_a give_v over_o by_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o for_o such_o and_o yet_o even_o these_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o again_o show_v wonder_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v cause_v they_o to_o arise_v and_o praise_v his_o name_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o why_o god_n appoint_a time_n be_v not_o come_v and_o so_o disease_n can_v have_v no_o further_a power_n over_o they_o and_o what_o be_v true_a of_o sickness_n be_v as_o true_a of_o man_n who_o be_v but_o like_a disease_n executioner_n of_o god_n decree_n upon_o man_n even_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o lengthen_v life_n or_o to_o hasten_v death_n but_o what_o be_v give_v they_o from_o above_o god_n have_v not_o 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presumptuous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o lease_n thereof_o in_o thy_o own_o hand_n and_o at_o thy_o own_o dispose_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o good_a hezekiah_n that_o upon_o his_o recovery_n from_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n god_n give_v he_o a_o lease_n of_o his_o life_n for_o fifteen_o year_n but_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a scripture_n and_o experience_n speak_v of_o nothing_o more_o plain_o than_o the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n life_n it_o be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o a_o leaf_n to_o a_o flower_n to_o a_o shadow_n to_o a_o vapour_n by_o all_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o frailty_n brevity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n life_n endeavour_v hereby_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o all_o foolish_a conceit_n and_o vain_a hope_n of_o long_a life_n for_o what_o be_v our_o life_n but_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o a_o little_a breath_n turn_v in_o and_o out_o by_o 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unto_o your_o soul_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n do_v thou_o dread_v this_o king_n of_o terror_n give_v not_o way_n to_o thy_o fear_n but_o bring_v death_n often_o into_o thy_o thought_n there_o be_v no_o such_o hurt_n in_o it_o as_o thou_o imagine_v nothing_o that_o shall_v terrify_v a_o christian_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o it_o be_v that_o death_n can_v do_v against_o thou_o and_o what_o it_o be_v death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o nay_o tell_v i_o what_o cause_n thou_o have_v to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o what_o be_v it_o death_n can_v do_v against_o thou_o it_o may_v part_v thou_o and_o the_o world_n thou_o and_o thy_o friend_n yea_o it_o will_v part_v between_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o body_n bring_v it_o down_o into_o the_o dust_n for_o a_o time_n to_o become_v a_o feast_n for_o worm_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o death_n can_v do_v against_o a_o believer_n but_o then_o consider_v withal_o what_o death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o why_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o a_o happiness_n so_o great_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o be_v unutterable_a for_o thou_o to_o express_v and_o unconceivable_a for_o thou_o to_o imagine_v and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o time_n but_o for_o ever_o this_o death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o o_o christian_a and_o sure_o if_o thou_o believe_v these_o thing_n with_o a_o lively_a active_a faith_n thou_o can_v not_o any_o long_o set_v death_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o as_o a_o enemy_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o but_o converse_v with_o it_o familiar_o as_o a_o friend_n yea_o as_o thy_o best_a friend_n next_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n job_n be_v thus_o familiar_a with_o death_n job_n 17.14_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o corruption_n thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o to_o the_o worm_n you_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o sister_n and_o brother_n accustom_v thyself_o therefore_o o_o christian_n unto_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o often_o think_v what_o a_o happy_a change_n thou_o shall_v thereby_o undergo_v even_o a_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o though_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v full_a of_o horror_n unto_o other_o yet_o such_o thought_n unto_o thou_o will_v not_o only_o be_v profitable_a but_o exceed_v delightful_a four_o if_o you_o will_v die_v with_o courage_n and_o joy_n than_o often_o meditate_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o common_a argument_n and_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o most_o person_n that_o all_o must_v die_v all_o that_o have_v live_v before_o we_o have_v go_v this_o way_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o take_v courage_n to_o follow_v other_o into_o the_o grave_a because_o multitude_n be_v go_v thither_o before_o they_o no_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a encouragement_n to_o die_v because_o other_o man_n like_o ourselves_o have_v die_v before_o we_o but_o when_o a_o christian_a shall_v believe_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a not_o only_o before_o we_o but_o for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o have_v there_o conquer_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n even_o upon_o his_o own_o ground_n this_o make_v a_o believer_n die_v with_o a_o holy_a courage_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o a_o undaunted_a boldness_n but_o because_o christian_n so_o seldom_o meditate_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n therefore_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a of_o their_o own_o death_n he_o that_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o death_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o believer_n do_v or_o shall_v do_v can_v be_v afraid_a to_o die_v if_o he_o know_v what_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n mean_v which_o he_o have_v meditate_a upon_o saving_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v go_v before_o we_o in_o death_n be_v not_o only_a enough_o to_o make_v we_o cheerful_a but_o to_o make_v we_o alive_a in_o death_n he_o that_o by_o faith_n contemplate_v that_o christ_n be_v go_v before_o he_o by_o die_v and_o that_o in_o die_v he_o die_v for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o also_o be_v alive_a and_o life_n for_o he_o with_o what_o abundant_a joy_n and_o consolation_n may_v he_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o death_n and_o vnwillingness_n to_o die_v answer_v consolation_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o general_n comfort_n against_o the_o death_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n in_o particular_a the_o saint_n great_a gain_n by_o death_n propound_v as_o a_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o christian_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o die_v willing_o yea_o with_o courage_n and_o joy_n to_o commit_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v there_o many_o who_o can_v overcome_v their_o fear_n of_o death_n so_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o say_v some_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o die_v have_v we_o but_o attain_v unto_o sixty_o or_o seventy_o year_n as_o some_o man_n do_v but_o alas_o we_o be_v young_a in_o the_o prime_n of_o our_o year_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n the_o sun_n of_o our_o life_n have_v not_o be_v long_o up_o and_o must_v it_o go_v back_o and_o decline_v yea_o and_o set_v also_o already_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v hereafter_o but_o o_o that_o god_n will_v spare_v we_o a_o little_a long_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v foolish_a pitying_n of_o thyself_o for_o if_o it_o please_v the_o great_a god_n in_o who_o hand_n thy_o life_n be_v thy_o breath_n and_o all_o thy_o way_n that_o thou_o must_v die_v young_a have_v thou_o any_o injustice_n to_o charge_v he_o withal_o what_o wrong_a have_v he_o do_v thou_o in_o cut_v short_a the_o thread_n of_o thy_o life_n thou_o have_v forfeit_v thy_o life_n into_o his_o hand_n long_o since_o and_o if_o spare_a mercy_n have_v continue_v the_o forfeiture_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o space_n and_o time_n of_o repentance_n though_o not_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o desire_v yet_o more_o than_o thou_o deserve_v yea_o and_o more_o than_o he_o owe_v thou_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o rather_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o with_o all_o diligence_n improve_v it_o than_o repine_v that_o it_o be_v so_o short_a or_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o it_o so_o soon_o for_o though_o long_a life_n may_v be_v a_o blessing_n yea_o be_v promise_v so_o yet_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n a_o short_a life_n shall_v be_v no_o curse_n unto_o thou_o to_o a_o pardon_a soul_n all_o thing_n be_v blessing_n yea_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o righteous_a abel_n though_o young_a die_v and_o die_v by_o murder_n whilst_o wicked_a cain_n the_o murderer_n of_o he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o when_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n of_o time_n and_o measure_n out_o to_o every_o one_o what_o number_n of_o day_n they_o shall_v live_v have_v appoint_v unto_o thou_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o thy_o departure_n though_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o compare_v with_o the_o life_n of_o other_o yet_o be_v it_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v with_o god_n thou_o may_v trouble_v thyself_o and_o make_v thy_o life_n uncomfortable_a but_o thou_o can_v not_o alter_v god_n decree_n for_o he_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n as_o job_n speak_v and_o who_o can_v turn_v he_o that_o be_v none_o can_v and_o therefore_o cheerful_o yield_v up_o thyself_o unto_o his_o will._n but_o possible_o thou_o will_v say_v i_o will_v live_v long_o that_o i_o may_v serve_v and_o honour_n god_n more_o if_o thou_o be_v sincere_a in_o what_o thou_o say_v it_o be_v well_o but_o if_o god_n will_v take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o accept_v of_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v already_o and_o reward_v thou_o with_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o immediate_o have_v thou_o any_o cause_n to_o complain_v what_o if_o thou_o get_v to_o heaven_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n before_o thy_o father_n or_o brother_n or_o many_o other_o of_o thy_o acquaintance_n that_o be_v travel_v with_o their_o face_n heaven-ward_n and_o have_v be_v so_o many_o year_n already_o will_v it_o grieve_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n too_o soon_o where_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n thou_o always_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v i_o assure_v thou_o thy_o friend_n and_o relation_n though_o they_o may_v not_o envy_v thy_o happiness_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o their_o long_n after_o it_o will_v be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o will_v continual_o cry_v out_o oh_o time_n hasten_v and_o flee_v away_o that_o
it_o be_v not_o my_o pleasure_n to_o part_v with_o it_o all_o that_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v do_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n now_o though_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n accomplish_v several_a end_n as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o procure_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o obtain_n heaven_n yet_o this_o also_o be_v one_o end_n of_o his_o death_n and_o a_o very_a comfortable_a one_o too_o and_o that_o be_v the_o overcome_v of_o death_n for_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n have_v by_o his_o death_n spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o triumph_v over_o they_o in_o his_o cross_n by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v not_o only_o destroy_v death_n but_o he_o also_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o lives-time_n subject_a unto_o that_o bondage_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v slay_v death_n enmity_n not_o that_o death_n be_v so_o destroy_v that_o believer_n shall_v not_o die_v but_o it_o be_v unstung_a it_o still_o wear_v its_o dart_n by_o which_o it_o strike_v all_o man_n but_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o hurt_v be_v death_n therefore_o ride_v upon_o its_o pale_a horse_n and_o make_v haste_n towards_o thou_o o_o believer_n fear_v it_o not_o be_v not_o dismay_v at_o it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o pain_n in_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o curse_n in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o a_o serpent_n without_o a_o sting_n thou_o may_v take_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n yea_o into_o thy_o bosom_n without_o danger_n death_n pour_v out_o all_o its_o poison_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n it_o fasten_v yea_o it_o lose_v its_o sting_n in_o his_o bless_a side_n and_o who_o will_v fear_v a_o enemy_n that_o be_v conquer_v death_n to_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a harmless_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n death_n be_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o believer_n it_o be_v they_o as_o a_o special_a privilege_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v a_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o death_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o he_o be_v then_o the_o plague_n of_o death_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o he_o swallow_v they_o up_o in_o victory_n so_o that_o now_o death_n drive_v but_o a_o poor_a trade_n among_o believer_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n and_o to_o affright_v some_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o victory_n over_o death_n be_v as_o sure_a to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o meditate_v upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o the_o faith_n the_o hope_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o eternity_n be_v build_v for_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n so_o he_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o rise_v the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v but_o vain_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v a_o christian_a shall_v not_o rise_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n there_o be_v no_o life_n everlasting_a if_o christian_n have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n christ_n be_v rise_v and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_v firm_a for_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n against_o which_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n do_v not_o so_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a a_o angel_n declare_v it_o matth._n 28.6_o he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o he_o say_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v holy_a man_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n hereof_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n when_o our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n in_o nine_o several_a apparition_n and_o once_o be_v he_o see_v of_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n together_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.24_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o pain_n or_o band_n of_o death_n be_v loose_v because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a death_n shall_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o it_o do_v he_o willing_o yield_v himself_o up_o unto_o it_o because_o as_o our_o surety_n he_o owe_v a_o death_n by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o and_o according_o he_o pay_v it_o otherwise_o death_n can_v not_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o he_o but_o though_o death_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o though_o it_o have_v possession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o grave_a yet_o it_o can_v not_o keep_v he_o there_o no_o that_o be_v impossible_a partly_o because_o he_o be_v life_n essential_o life_n so_o himself_n tell_v we_o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o death_n to_o hold_v life_n itself_o long_o under_o its_o power_n than_o he_o who_o be_v life_n it_o self_n please_v and_o then_o partly_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n in_o â—espect_n of_o we_o for_o have_v undertake_v the_o great_a work_n of_o restore_v we_o unto_o life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v subdue_v by_o death_n if_o he_o have_v be_v hold_v down_o a_o prisoner_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n we_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n but_o christ_n be_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o perfection_n though_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o die_v yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a death_n shall_v have_v dominion_n over_o he_o for_o ever_o christ_n therefore_o be_v rise_v and_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o say_v to_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o eph._n 2.6_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o believer_n resurrection_n but_o the_o security_n of_o his_o happy_a resurrection_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n now_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n do_v both_o assure_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a harvest_n so_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o believer_n by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o assure_v they_o of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o sanctify_v it_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n even_o unto_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o believer_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a who_o be_v in_o their_o time_n and_o order_n to_o be_v bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n give_v new_a birth_n or_o be_v unto_o those_o body_n which_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n seem_v to_o have_v none_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o whole_a harvest_n follow_v the_o first_o fruit_n so_o do_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o believer_n at_o the_o last_o day_n follow_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 12._o if_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v rise_v we_o can_v rational_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o own_o body_n because_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o exemplar_n of_o our_o resurrection_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o because_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v but_o one_o mystical_a body_n he_o the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n and_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n shall_v not_o always_o lie_v rot_v in_o the_o grave_a but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n arise_v also_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n