Selected quad for the lemma: death_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
death_n	bear_v	die_v	live_v	5,060	5	5.3319	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A66476	A sermon preached in the High Church of Edinburgh, June 9th, 1695 before His Grace the Marquess of Tweddale His Majesties High Commissioner and before many of the nobility, barrons and burrows, members of the High Court of Parliament, and the magistrates of the said city / by David Williamson ...	Williamson, David, d. 1706.	1695 (1695)	Wing W2797; ESTC R8132	22,801	28

A SERMON Preached in the High Church of EDINBURGH June 9th 1695. Before HIS GRACE The Marquess of TWEDDALE HIS MAJESTIES High Commissioner And before many of the Nobility Barrons and Burrows Members of the High Court of Parliament And the Magistrates of the said City By David Williamson Minister of the Gospel at the West-kirk EDINBURGH Printed by George Mosman and are to be sold at his Shop in the Parliament-closs 1695. GOOD READER The Author being threatned by some that they would cause Print his Sermon as written from his Mouth however uncorrect it might be And that severals had made wrong accounts of the matter spoken He was pressed upon these Reasons by Friends to offer a correct Coppy to the Press Which he condescended to do upon their Importunity without alteration of words or Sentences The Text Isaiah Chapter 38.3 And said Remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore HEzekiah was a Good Man a Great Man a Rare Man a Praying King Of all the Three and twenty Kings of Israel and Judah before and after the Schisme Wee find only Nine commended for Good viz. David Solomon Asa Jehosaphat Amasiah Azariah Jotham Hezekiah Josiah Of the Twenty Kings of Israel after the Rent Wee find none commended for Good but only Jehu commended for cutting off the house Ahab and destroying the Worshippers of Baal 2 Kings 9.10 Yet was he reproved for cleaving to the Sins of Jeroboam 2 Kings 10.31 Hezekiah was a Good King but not faultless his Heart was lifted up with Pride and he Pay'd dear for it 2 Kings chap. 20. verses 14. c. Nor did his Goodness exeeme him from Trouble in the preceeding Chapter he was sore distressed by a seige and now sick unto Death The words contain his fervent Prayer I shall not trouble you with tedious Explication nor Curious Division 1. He Prays that the Lord would Remember him not that God is subject to forgetfulness but he would have the Lord effectually to mind him according to his promise made to Abraham when he indented with him Gen. 17.1.2 Walk before me saith the Lord and he thou perfect I am God Almighty And I will make my Covenant between me and thee and I will multiply thee exceedingly Now he had in some measure Human Frailty excepted kept the condition there required 2. He reflects on his Heart and Way I have walked before thee That is under the awful apprehensions of an Omniscient every-where present God In truth and with aperfect heart It 's the same on the matter with simplicity and Godly sincerity 2 Cor. 1.12 Mentioned in opposition to Carnal policy called there fleshly Wisdom Would he say I have studied to be sincerely and honestly minded and am not conscious of gross Exorbitancies in my course which uses to shorten Mens Days 3. Wee have the proof of his Sincerity in a Good Conversation I have done that which is good in thy sight 4. Wee have his present Melancholy temper and Hezekiah wept sore for Deaths aspect was not pleasant to him he would sam have lived a while longer either to have throughed the begun Reformation or forseeing what might follow to Church and state upon his removal especially they being for present in a distracted miserable condition or probably he Scunnered at Death as nature will do in the best of Saints I shall only take up this one point from the words Doct. That these who would expect comfort at Death must make conscience of a sincere Religious walk in their life Whose Heart condemns them not in this may be very confident of that I shall speak to those three Branches 1. of Death 2. of Uprightness 3. of a Religious walk 1. First for Death I would say these five things 1. It is certain it is appointed for all Men to dye and but once Heb. 9.27 All are born with the seeds of Death in their bosom The prophanest Atheist who defyes Death shall not shift it when his day cometh 2. It is certain Death is uncertain 1. As to the place where at home or abroad by Sea or by Land 2. As to the manner how a violent or narural Death sudden or lingering 3. As to the time when wee read of no Man who ever got a lease of their time but this Hezekiah 3. It 's certain Death waits no Mans readiness if a Man be not prepared that Messenger when he cometh will not defer one moment 4. Death cannot properly be said to be a surprize to Believers in Christ it may be sudden the Christan not being in that frame and Exercise desirable may fall short of Consolation but his state being sure his Salvation is secured 5. It is certain we may have a day better and another worse in time but after Death there is no change Eternal Well or Eternal Wo where the Tree falls there it Lyes Eccles 11.3 Vse 1. Wee shall make some practical improvement of this And 1. Be convinced That this Tyrant Death is the indispensible fatality of all Men Altho' some adjourn the thouh●s of it which is their sin and folly and they may be refuted from the consideration of the frequent warnings of Mortality and the shortness of time compared to an Hand-breadth Psal 39.5 To a Vapour Jam. 4.14 to the fading Grass 1 Pet. 1.24 Yet many put that Day far away Amos 6.3 teasing up their thoughts anent the increase of their Riches the standing of their Family the advancement of their Honour the filling of their Cup of pleasure and before they are aware Death puts in the sickle and their Breath goes out they return to their dust in that day their Thoughts perish ●sal 14.6 4 5. their fair white thoughts as the word is all their designs endeavours either for themselves or others O if people would take leasure but to Commune with their own Hearts till they had some impression and present Heart-affecting thoughts of Death then reflecting on their way in the World for the World they would conclude that all their Labour amounted to no more than what is imported in that Verdict Eccles 1.2 Vanity of Vanitys all is Vanty and Voxation of Spuit Then should Self-designing-men Self-deceivers whose desires designs and endeavours did rise no higher then Self find that they had played the fool and cheat to their own Souls when their hearts shall overcast with the confusion of these thoughts and challenges that they sh●ned in due time to intertain Altho' death be in the Creed yet it is not in many peoples belief such as 1. The stupid and secure who are not moved with Terrours and threatnings like to those of Noah his days who did eat and drink till the flood came Math. 24.38.39 2ly The worldly minded whose time and cares are Swallowed up with vanities of this life as if they were never to separat like

the man Luck 12. 3ly The proud and Grandees of the worldmind not they will be laid in the Dust where their bones will bear no badge of their Gentility These with the worldly go far in the way to Hell for their honour and profit 4ly Those who are carelesse to trim their Lamps and get interest in Christ and live as never to dye I Would press upon you all frequent and serious thoughts of Death from these considerations 1. Believing thoughts of Death would aquaint you with it before it come which were your advantage to make it the easier Less terrifying when it comes Were you Seasoning your Hearts with the Morning and Evening thoughts of it every day 2ly It would make you diligent in hearing of the word not knowing but every Sermon may be the Last the Lord knows this may be the Last to some who hears me 3ly It would let you see an end of all perfections Psal 119 96. That these who call their Lands by their Names Their honour descends not to the grave with them Psal 49.11.17 Nor will their Grandure distingaish their Dust from the Beggers Job 21.26 They all lye down alike in the Grave 4ly This would stir up to excelent thoughts of God there be some God is not in all their thoughts Psal 10.4 Because Death is not in them Job 19. When Job speaks of the Worms he has exalting thoughts of God 5ly It would make People more usefull to others and better neighbours It would make meek in passing injuries watchfull against offering of them Phlip 4.5 Let your Moderation be known unto all Men the Lord is at hand 6ly It would rectifie your Judgment of sin of Crosses yea of things Temporal Spiritual and Eternal Men in health living at distance from the thoughts of Death Think otherwise of things than in Sickness and under the apprehension of Death 7ly It will regulat your affections you need be very sober the day is but short Eccles 1.9 The wise Man laughs at the young Man who Lets his heart Loose Telling him for all these things he wold come to Judgment 8ly Believing thoughts of Death would beat back Temptations to sin Mortify dols and Lusts Job 3● 13.14 They would say what should I answer for this when the Lord riseth up It would make people quit bosom Dalilahs and Lose pleasure in them 1. The proud Man minding Death would account litle of being like Haman the Second person in the Kingdom 2ly The covetous worldling entertaining believing thoughts of Death would not be so much hunting after rents and profits Judas-like selling their Master Math. 26.16 He said what will you give me and I will deliver him unto you And they covenanted for Thrity peices of Silver Nor like Demas who forsook Christ for the present world 2. Tim. 4.10 3ly Beleiving thoughts of Death would mortify pleasures and all vain delights They would be al 's unsavory as the white of an Egg the Harlot and drunken companion would be an ugly sight you would be convinced of the truth of that That these pleasurs Last but for a short Season and leave a Lasting sting behind them Heb 11.25 Prov 23 32 Yea beleiving thoughts of Death would make you double your diligence in your pace to heaven Eccle. 9.10 And quicken you to those duties heart-tenderness and bitterness for sin as the Text points Hezekiah wept sore It would make you earnest in Self-examination 119. Psal 59.59 And instant in prayer Rom. 12.12 And would be a notable spurre to preparation for Death Lay your account with it Death is inevitable and will not be put off as Dyvors puts off their Creditors with fair words flattery Suspensions Cautioury flight it will pursue go where you will nor will it bebrav'd out with a mans power and Station and there is none can loose Deaths Arriestment Therefore wisely reckon your time and the shortest count is the best Psal 90.12 Lord teach us to number our dayes that we may apply our hearts to wisdom There was a fool who reckoned on many years and had not a Night before him Luk 12 20. But Job more wisely reckoned Death a dayly door-neighbour every day waiting his change Job 14.14 Know that your holding here is not property but Tennent-right we should alwayes be on a call O make your reckoning and testament in time Josiah made a good Testament who turned to the Lord with all his Soul with all his heart with all his might according to all the Law of Moses 2 Kings 23.25 c. David made a sweet end who served his Generation according to the will of God and fell a sleep in Christ Acts. 13.36 Some great men have made an ill Testament as Jehojakim who was buried with the burial of an Ass he lived undesired and died unlamented none to say Ah Lord or Ah his Glory Jer 22.18 c. There are some who dies and none to say Woe is me for him but that he is well away and we are al 's well quit of him their Memory Rots and they are remembred with disdain Prov 10.7 But the Memory of the just is blessed and they shall be had in overlasting remembrance Psal 112.6 A good mans name never dyes they will speak good of him when he is dead who cared little for him when he lived they will speak good of Moses and Samuel now who would have thought meanly of them had they lived in their days Herod that proud persecutor who slew James and put Peter in Prison made an ill Testament he swallowed down Impious Flatteries and was eaten of Wormes or Lice that he died Act 12 2.3.23 Some have made an ill Testament at death who have used Hellish policy in their Life as Pharaoh who devised to keep down and crushed the People of God and would have had his Lust satisfied on them Exod. 1.10 and 15.9 I warne you great men who hear me from the greatest to the lowest many great men has dyed in Scotland within these sixty years Charity binds me up from speaking of their eternal state some of them survived their Honour and went off the stage as the snuff of a Candle your Honours will not go under the Turf with you Many has darr'd and given defiance to death that when that pale Horse has looked them in the Face and Conscience awakened on them changed Colours and quaked as Belshazzer did Dan 5.5 6 You who are great men had need to walk so as death be not terrible to you 1 Because few such are called and saved 1 Cor. 1 26 6. Not many Noble c. 2. Because many great men will be sore put to it at last Rev. 6.16.17 To cry to Mountains and Rocks Fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb for the great day of his Wrath is come and who shall be able to stand Many who hold their head very high now Mighty men and chief

Captains may be put to it and some who hears me this day it may be their case I warne Your Grace and my Noble Lords and much Honoured Gentlemen take heed what you do the judgment is the Lords there be few Parliaments but some Members dye in the time or shortly after God knows within a few dayes where some of you will Land for Etemity I remember within these thirty four years of one who rode in Pomp to Parliament but warmed not his Seat was hurried to his Lodging took bed and his Sun set in a dark and stormy cloud he was a principal contriver of the overthrow of the Work of Reformation in Scotland Take heed what you do or design you must all dye and compear 2 Cor. 5.10 As the word is Be manifested discovered laid open your deeds your intentions your Cabin-Counsells there will be no palliating of foul things with fair Colours I will tell you to whom Death will be terrible and why 1. It will be terrible to them who have not their aggreement made with God not found in peace Them God will meet as an enemy 2ly These who has not repented and obeyed the Gospel As the foolish Virgins Math 25. Christ threatens the Jews they should dye in their sins unrepented of John 8.24 3ly Who ly down in the dust and their bones full of the sins of their youth Job 20 11. 4. Who dye in unbelief to such God swears they shall not enter in his rest Psal 95.11 5. Who have not their work perfect before God but rests in an empty name and profession Rev. 3.1.2 6. The backslider in heart Heb. 10.38 7. These who hears the word and does it not Matth. 7.26 8. Who sets their nest on high as the fool who said he had much goods laid up for many years Luk. 12.19 9 The persecuter and contemner of Gods People as Nabal 2. Sam 25.10.38 10. These who dye under the plague of a hard heart as Pharaoh Exod. 14. 11. Death is terrible to these who are self Cheaters and Deceivers who cries peace peace when sudden destruction is at the door 1 Thes 5.3 12. Who dyes neither to be desired of God nor man as Jehoram 2 Chron 21.20 13. These who dye embracing Idolatry as Ahaz 2 Chron. 28.22 He Trespassed yet more against God and Sacrificed to the Gods of Damascus 14. These who dies without the experimental knowledge of these three 1. Without the knowledge of Conversion except one be converted he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Joh. 3.3 2. Without the knowledg of Holiness without which no man if he were a King shall see the Face of God in mercy Heb. 12.14 3. Without some knowledg and belief of their eternal lodging 2. Tim. 1.12 I know in whom I have believed says Paul I know of a house not made with hands 2. Cor. 5.1 Quest But why will Death be terrible to such Ans Because then they will get no desire granted not a drop of cold Water to cool the Tongue Luke 16 24. The rich Glutton could not obtain that mean request 2. Then their Carnal propes and confidences are battered down their hope gives up the Ghost Job 11 20. 3. Because then God will be terrible to them He will meet them as a Boar bereaved of her Whelps and rent the Caul of their heart and devour them as a Lyon Hos 13.8 Consider this you that forget God least he tear you in pieces when none shall deliver Psal 50 22. 4 Because then fear and loss comes at once and there is no hope that their case will mend Now would you have death not to be a terrour but a comfort to you Then 1. Look to it through the righteousness of Christ who takes away the Sting 1 Cor. 15.55 c. 2 Be Zions friend and her King Christs friend and embrace him as thy Souls Beloved and his terms of peace prescribed 3. Look on Death as the Vessel that will take thee off this troublesome Sea to thy eternal rest 4. Look on death as Christ speaks of it Our Friend Lazarus sleepeth John 11.11 5. Look to it in the promise of his presence Who will be with thee when thou goes thorow the dark valley Psal 23.4 6 Look on Death as thy God's Servant that dare not touch thee but as thy God will 7. Be prepared for it Are you ready and your Lamps Trimmed I fear the Eccho of conscence in some is I am yet to Learn this Great Lesson Consider these things 1. Wishes and would be 's will not be taken off your hand Balaam a Stranger to God wished to dye the Death of the Righteous Numb 23.10 O Says the man I would fain be Godly Thou wilt not come to a Blessed end if thou get no more Says Christ Blessed is the man whom his Lord finds so doing Matth 24 46. Not so wishing that he had been better 2. Many meet with Death before they be ready what knows thou if thou get time at Death What if the Lord answer thee as Judges 10.13 Go to the Gods whom you have served Shall I take the worlds the devils your Lusts and sins Leavings 3. Consider you may be confused at Death It 's harder to dye well than is imagined Death will try to purpose your Graces duties and enjoyments you have need to be busie and be as busie as you can you will have enough to do to win to patience and assurance 4. Mind as Death leaves you Judgement will find you You will not dye twice if so you might take a venture Therefore deferr not preparation which is of universall and Greatest concernment If peace of conscience To dye with comfort To have the Soul bound up in the bundel of life be of concernment Then preparation for Death is of concernment If eternall well and woe to escape hell and come to Heaven be of concernment Then is preparation for Death of concernment Quest But wherein consists this preparation Ans 1. In laying up a store a good foundation for the time to come 1 Tim 6.19 To be wise as the Ant that provides in Summer for the Winter storm Prov. 6.8 2. To live a Righteous holy life the life of a wrestler with God as Jacob Gen 32. The life of walking with God as Enoch Gen 15. The life of Selfdenyed-obedience as Abrabam Heb 11.8 He went on a call not knowing whether and the life of a pilgrim and stranger Desiring a Heavenly contry Heb. 11.13 3. It consists in having the Heart Sequestrat from Lusts Idols and Creature injoyments Crucifyed to the world and the lusts and affections thereof Gal 5.24.6.14 4. In being on the watch-tower Psal 130. Luk 12.37 Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching 5. In having Graces in Lively exercise Faith ready for Vision and Hope for possession 6. In having thy peace within between God and thy Soul secured the Spirit witnessing with your Spirits that you are the Sons