such_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n lie_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o favour_n unto_o their_o soul_n now_o this_o death_n can_v hinder_v they_o of_o i_o know_v many_o of_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o their_o soul_n in_o death_n but_o their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n be_v dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a god_n love_v they_o though_o they_o know_v it_o not_o yet_o by_o this_o darkness_n and_o uncomfortableness_n which_o death_n bring_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o passage_n through_o it_o death_n be_v but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o heaven_n with_o which_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v to_o all_o eternity_n our_o comfort_n in_o death_n lie_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o so_o do_v not_o our_o happiness_n that_o lie_v in_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o we_o know_v it_o or_o not_o our_o consolation_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n spring_v from_o our_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v we_o and_o we_o be_v his_o but_o our_o safe_o and_o security_n in_o that_o hour_n arise_v from_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n indeed_o our_o ignorance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v may_v prejudice_v our_o present_a peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o death_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v our_o future_a happiness_n after_o death_n they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v always_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n they_o may_v die_v uncomfortable_o indeed_o but_o they_o can_v die_v miserable_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o fall_v by_o death_n into_o the_o grave_a even_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o perish_v not_o with_o other_o death_n may_v kill_v they_o but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o he_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n need_v not_o fear_v what_o death_n can_v do_v unto_o he_o true_a and_o thorough_a conversion_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o peace_n and_o safety_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n he_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v impregnable_a the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o behold_v a_o man_n die_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n this_o be_v comfortable_a for_o such_o a_o one_o die_v that_o he_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o change_v only_o a_o temporal_a for_o a_o eternal_a life_n to_o behold_v a_o christless_a person_n but_o not_o in_o a_o die_a condition_n this_o be_v something_o tolerable_a for_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o the_o next_o sermon_n god_n may_v make_v it_o a_o time_n of_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n even_o such_o a_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n towards_o he_o as_o thereby_o save_o to_o draw_v he_o unto_o christ_n but_o to_o behold_v a_o die_a man_n and_o a_o christless_a man_n also_o this_o be_v dreadful_a yea_o even_o intolerable_a for_o such_o a_o one_o die_v from_o earth_n to_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o doleful_a complaint_n and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v startle_v and_o awaken_v some_o secure_a sinner_n to_o look_v after_o christ_n that_o be_v once_o utter_v by_o one_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n be_v just_o a_o die_a oh_o i_o want_v nothing_o now_o but_o a_o christ_n to_o save_o i_o o_o miserable_a state_n and_o condition_n indeed_o for_o in_o have_v he_o the_o soul_n have_v all_o that_o can_v do_v it_o good_a or_o make_v it_o good_a but_o in_o want_v of_o he_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o that_o can_v do_v it_o good_a here_o or_o make_v it_o happy_a hereafter_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a preparation_n for_o death_n this_o now_o be_v the_o general_a direction_n for_o our_o preparation_n for_o death_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o die_v happy_o or_o comfortable_o but_o the_o more_o particular_a direction_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v first_o will_v thou_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n then_o die_v unto_o sin_n by_o daily_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 6.23_o that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v temporal_a and_o eternal_a death_n this_o now_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n for_o lust_n when_o it_o have_v conceive_v bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n but_o be_v there_o no_o way_n to_o escape_v this_o death_n yes_o from_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a death_n there_o be_v a_o deliverance_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 6.13_o that_o if_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n than_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v that_o be_v we_o shall_v live_v spiritual_o and_o not_o die_v eternal_o and_o as_o for_o a_o temporal_a death_n though_o we_o can_v escape_v the_o stroke_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o curse_n and_o sting_n of_o it_o will_v thou_o therefore_o o_o christian_n be_v prepare_v for_o death_n when_o it_o come_v then_o take_v from_o it_o now_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n when_o the_o philistine_n see_v samson_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o they_o they_o labour_v to_o know_v wherein_o his_o great_a strength_n lay_v and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o be_v in_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n they_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o get_v his_o hair_n cut_v off_o every_o christian_a have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n unto_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v death_n assault_v he_o will_v all_o of_o we_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o yea_o and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o if_o now_o we_o will_v overcome_v he_o we_o must_v find_v out_o where_o his_o great_a strength_n lie_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n so_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o cor._n 15.56_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a death_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o sin_n death_n can_v hurt_v any_o of_o we_o but_o by_o that_o power_n and_o strength_n that_o our_o sin_n put_v into_o its_o hand_n christian_n the_o way_n how_o thou_o may_v overcome_v thy_o enemy_n death_n be_v set_v open_a to_o thou_o his_o strength_n be_v discover_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o advantage_n against_o he_o to_o weaken_v he_o and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o strength_n and_o that_o be_v by_o die_v unto_o sin_n this_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o death_n yield_v not_o therefore_o at_o any_o time_n to_o its_o solicitation_n for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o make_v death_n the_o more_o strong_a and_o powerful_a to_o wound_v thy_o soul_n and_o conscience_n when_o therefore_o thou_o be_v tempt_v unto_o any_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a yet_o before_o thou_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n say_v to_o thy_o self_n o_o my_o soul_n how_o will_v this_o relish_n with_o i_o when_o i_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n and_o my_o soul_n sit_v tremble_v upon_o my_o lip_n ready_a to_o take_v its_o flight_n unto_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n what_o peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v it_o procure_v to_o my_o conscience_n then_o will_v not_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o prove_v more_o bitter_a than_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o the_o grate_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n more_o sting_a and_o torment_v to_o the_o soul_n than_o a_o thousand_o death_n can_v possible_o be_v will_v thou_o not_o have_v death_n bitter_a then_o let_v not_o sin_n be_v sweet_a now_o part_v with_o sin_n betimes_o get_v that_o remove_v that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o a_o deathbed_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o that_o be_v sin_n make_v it_o your_o daily_a business_n to_o be_v die_v unto_o sin_n now_o this_o die_a unto_o sin_n imply_v our_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o daily_a mortification_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sin_n do_v not_o reign_v and_o that_o be_v comfortable_a to_o consider_v sin_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n have_v receive_v such_o a_o wound_n as_o be_v incurable_a but_o yet_o wherever_o sin_n be_v in_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v not_o use_v to_o lie_v dormant_a but_o where_o it_o can_v reign_v it_o will_v molest_v and_o struggle_v yea_o and_o it_o
to_o the_o soul_n be_v everlasting_a comfort_n and_o consolation_n when_o death_n shall_v bring_v it_o to_o appear_v before_o he_o three_o will_v you_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n get_v sin_n pardon_v and_o labour_n much_o after_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o death_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o death_n come_v into_o the_o world_n have_v there_o be_v no_o sin_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o die_a but_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n death_n come_v along_o with_o it_o rom._n 5.12_o as_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 so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v by_o sin_v against_o god_n man_n be_v come_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o die_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v death_n nay_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o give_v death_n its_o sting_n so_o we_o read_v 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 56._o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n this_o be_v it_o which_o give_v death_n its_o power_n and_o make_v it_o so_o dreadful_a and_o because_o of_o gild_n lie_v on_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o unfit_a to_o die_v but_o now_o where_o the_o soul_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n take_v away_o by_o a_o act_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n that_o soul_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v death_n whensoever_o it_o come_v and_o though_o it_o make_v not_o that_o death_n shall_v not_o be_v yet_o it_o make_v that_o death_n shall_v not_o hurt_v for_o sin_n be_v pardon_v sin_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o soul_n cry_v out_o bitter_o under_o the_o apprehonsion_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v never_o commit_v such_o and_o such_o sin_n why_o know_v o_o pardon_a sinner_n thou_o have_v thy_o wish_n for_o god_n when_o he_o pardon_v sin_n make_v it_o to_o be_v as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v thing_n forget_v be_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v why_o now_o say_v god_n i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o and_o do_v god_n o_o fearful_a soul_n make_v thy_o sin_n to_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v by_o his_o pardon_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o shall_v not_o thy_o former_a fear_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n be_v now_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v thou_o need_v not_o fear_v o_o tremble_a soul_n that_o thou_o shall_v ever_o be_v question_v again_o for_o those_o sin_n that_o god_n have_v once_o forgive_v thou_o god_n act_n of_o oblivion_n can_v never_o be_v repeal_v for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_v of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n gild_n bind_v a_o sinner_n over_o unto_o punishment_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o a_o unpardoned_a sinner_n who_o be_v unfit_a to_o die_v be_v afraid_a of_o death_n for_o whenever_o death_n come_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n it_o come_v with_o a_o deadly_a incurable_a sting_n death_n to_o a_o unpardoned_a sinner_n be_v death_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o it_o be_v death_n and_o hell_n in_o to_o the_o bargain_n but_o now_o to_o a_o pardon_a sinner_n let_v death_n come_v when_o and_o how_o it_o will_v he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o his_o condition_n be_v safe_a he_o can_v be_v miserable_a death_n may_v kill_v he_o but_o it_o can_v hurt_v he_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v he_o fear_v it_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o safety_n and_o happiness_n of_o your_o condition_n labour_n for_o a_o assurance_n that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v your_o future_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o your_o present_a comfort_n depend_v upon_o your_o assurance_n that_o sin_n be_v pardon_v he_o who_o sin_n be_v pardon_v die_v safe_o but_o he_o who_o know_v his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v die_v comfortable_o pardon_v of_o sin_n free_v from_o condemnation_n but_o it_o be_v assurance_n of_o pardon_n that_o bring_v peace_n and_o comfort_n that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o die_v nor_o in_o such_o a_o prepare_a frame_n of_o soul_n for_o death_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o who_o though_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o thereby_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n unto_o heaven_n yet_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n whether_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v or_o not_o for_o as_o our_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o die_a happy_o so_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o pardon_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o die_a comfortable_o take_v a_o man_n that_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o under_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o pardon_v if_o death_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v under_o those_o doubt_n and_o fear_n with_o what_o difficulty_n will_v he_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o die_v how_o hardly_o will_v he_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o what_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n will_v he_o make_v alas_o say_v he_o i_o know_v not_o where_o i_o be_o nor_o what_o death_n will_v do_v with_o i_o and_o though_o i_o be_o so_o sick_a that_o i_o can_v live_v yet_o i_o be_o so_o afraid_a i_o dare_v not_o die_v for_o i_o know_v not_o whither_o i_o be_o go_v nor_o where_o my_o dwelling_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o whether_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o hell_n o_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v therefore_o but_o now_o he_o who_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o pardon_v but_o he_o walk_v daily_o under_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n thereof_o it_o be_v seal_v and_o witness_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o death_n come_v to_o he_o he_o rejoice_v for_o say_v he_o i_o know_v that_o if_o my_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v i_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v very_o good_a for_o it_o be_v our_o safety_n for_o they_o that_o be_v pardon_v shall_v certain_o be_v save_v but_o to_o have_v sin_n not_o only_o pardon_v but_o to_o have_v the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v pardon_v this_o be_v much_o better_a for_o god_n to_o love_v we_o so_o as_o to_o pardon_v and_o accept_v we_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o heaven_n hereafter_o but_o to_o have_v god_n manifest_v his_o love_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o love_v we_o be_v our_o heaven_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o the_o more_o we_o have_v of_o this_o assurance_n the_o more_o joyful_o and_o comfortable_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v through_o a_o die_a hour_n four_o will_v you_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n labour_n for_o heart_n and_o affection_n crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n when_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o till_o we_o have_v first_o learn_v to_o use_v the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o use_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o 31._o for_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o our_o heart_n engage_v in_o a_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v as_o death_n to_o we_o before_o we_o die_v to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o they_o and_o much_o more_o unwilling_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o everlasting_a farewell_n of_o they_o when_o death_n come_v to_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n or_o rather_o the_o distemper_n of_o most_o man_n the_o delight_n and_o accommodation_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o for_o their_o more_o comfortable_a passage_n through_o this_o world_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o with_o great_a cheerfulness_n to_o serve_v he_o have_v get_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v they_o above_o measure_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v so_o prevalent_a with_o many_o that_o if_o they_o may_v have_v their_o desire_n they_o will_v not_o care_v for_o nor_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o other_o heaven_n but_o will_v be_v content_a to_o live_v here_o always_o say_v let_v we_o build_v tabernacle_n nay_o let_v we_o have_v a_o continue_a city_n here_o but_o o_o lord_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v they_o never_o experimental_o taste_v the_o excellency_n and_o sweetness_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o earth_n and_o earthly_a thing_n now_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n
a_o help_n or_o blessing_n to_o the_o public_a and_o though_o he_o belong_v to_o die_v for_o himself_o know_v it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o his_o advantage_n because_o when_o he_o depart_v hence_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a yet_o he_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o for_o he_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v and_o will_v be_v more_o needful_a for_o other_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o defer_v our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o other_o benefit_v by_o we_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o christian_n second_o positive_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o some_o case_n to_o desire_v death_n and_o thus_o none_o but_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v true_o desire_v to_o die_v now_o there_o be_v three_o case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n first_o when_o god_n bring_v a_o christian_a into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v god_n more_o honour_n and_o glory_n by_o his_o death_n than_o by_o his_o life_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o samson_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n the_o philistine_n have_v bring_v he_o into_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n though_o partly_o through_o his_o own_o sin_n yet_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v destroy_v many_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n he_o beg_v strength_n from_o he_o thereunto_o which_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n grant_v he_o for_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n and_o so_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o the_o philistine_n slay_v thereby_o more_o at_o his_o death_n than_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o life_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n who_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o desirous_a to_o die_v know_v that_o their_o death_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o their_o blood_n second_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o offend_v of_o god_n sin_n be_v a_o miserable_a thraldom_n and_o bondage_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o nature_n within_o he_o that_o be_v continual_o incline_v he_o unto_o and_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a and_o provoke_a unto_o god_n be_v that_o which_o a_o holy_a soul_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o bear_v oh_o to_o find_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n always_o war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v his_o life_n burdensome_a to_o he_o this_o i_o know_v work_n little_a upon_o wicked_a man_n for_o when_o they_o be_v act_v of_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o their_o element_n but_o to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n unto_o who_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o david_n speak_v be_v better_a than_o life_n to_o such_o a_o one_o a_o sinful_a impure_a nature_n whereby_o he_o offend_v and_o displease_v god_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v continual_o make_v out_o after_o that_o state_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o sin_n while_o he_o be_v here_o he_o know_v he_o can_v be_v free_a from_o all_o sin_n but_o yet_o he_o follow_v after_o it_o if_o he_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o he_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v arrive_v to_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v but_o sin_n whilst_o he_o be_v here_o and_o that_o die_v only_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o sin_v therefore_o he_o belong_v for_o death_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o end_n of_o sin_v three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o that_o holy_a agony_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o death_n now_o that_o which_o we_o love_v we_o wish_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o consequent_o we_o desire_v to_o use_v those_o mean_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o our_o lord_n himself_o in_o joh._n 17._o pray_v for_o all_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v where_o he_o be_v that_o they_o may_v behold_v and_o enjoy_v his_o glory_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v by_o which_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n also_o and_o indeed_o true_a love_n unto_o christ_n will_v put_v we_o upon_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a love_n always_o to_o manifest_v a_o ardent_a and_o strong_a desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o belove_a object_n if_o now_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o if_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o any_o duty_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n in_o the_o 42_o psalm_n as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v athirst_a for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o power_n and_o his_o glory_n so_o as_o he_o have_v see_v he_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n if_o a_o christian_a now_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o sin_n and_o pollution_n go_v along_o with_o they_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v he_o not_o much_o more_o than_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o all_o sinful_a mixture_n that_o here_o be_v a_o continual_a grief_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o a_o just_a provocation_n to_o a_o holy_a god_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o face_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o delight_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o who_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o or_o to_o desire_v death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o must_v take_v in_o these_o caution_n that_o for_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n we_o must_v still_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o glorify_v god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o absolute_o wish_v for_o death_n so_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o treacherous_a and_o may_v easy_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o deceive_v we_o herein_o and_o though_o to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_v from_o sin_n be_v a_o holy_a wish_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o wish_v that_o absolute_o neither_o but_o must_v herein_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n how_o long_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o conflict_n with_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n bear_v about_o with_o we_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a wish_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o
yet_o it_o may_v rule_v as_o a_o tyrant_n and_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n by_o it_o and_o by_o force_n keep_v in_o bondage_n under_o it_o sometime_o how_o willing_a therefore_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o die_v that_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 6.7_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n death_n only_o will_v free_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o possibility_n of_o offend_a god_n any_o more_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o &_o 23._o why_o then_o o_o christian_n shall_v thou_o desire_v to_o linger_v long_o here_o upon_o earth_n and_o to_o spin_v out_o a_o miserable_a life_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n here_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v engage_v in_o perpetual_a conflict_n between_o sin_n and_o grace_n sin_n will_v not_o yield_v and_o grace_n can_v yield_v corruption_n compel_v one_o way_n and_o grace_n command_v another_o haste_v therefore_o o_o christian_n out_o of_o this_o troublesome_a contest_v yea_o make_v haste_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o and_o there_o only_o it_o be_v that_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v end_v for_o there_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o new_a sin_n nor_o in_o sorrow_n for_o old_a sin_n but_o all_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v cease_v all_o tear_n shall_v there_o be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o which_o be_v better_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n for_o ever_o upon_o this_o account_n now_o death_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v embrace_v with_o the_o great_a willingness_n and_o cheerfulness_n that_o may_v be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v go_v one_o step_n high_o and_o it_o be_v what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v require_v and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a or_o willing_a to_o die_v but_o long_o for_o death_n to_o be_v content_v to_o die_v be_v a_o good_a temper_n of_o soul_n and_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o find_v in_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v sure_a not_o from_o a_o right_a principle_n but_o true_o christian_n this_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o muse_n serious_o upon_o it_o a_o while_n o_o christian_a be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o expression_n to_o drop_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v happy_a that_o one_o that_o profess_v all_o his_o happiness_n lie_v in_o the_o hope_n he_o have_v of_o enjoy_v god_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v unto_o this_o and_o that_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o death_n he_o shall_v only_o say_v he_o be_v content_v to_o die_v that_o he_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o use_v not_o to_o speak_v thus_o concern_v the_o world_n here_o man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a but_o covetous_a after_o riches_n not_o willing_a to_o be_v advance_v but_o ambitious_a after_o it_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v only_o of_o a_o christian_a that_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o content_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n why_o oh_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o noble_a excellent_a part_n of_o a_o man_n be_v carry_v out_o with_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a long_n after_o its_o proper_a and_o full_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n that_o vile_a part_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v with_o restless_a appetite_n after_o health_n safety_n and_o liberty_n why_o shall_v a_o soul_n alone_o be_v content_v to_o be_v happy_a when_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o ardent_o court_v and_o so_o vehement_o pursue_v their_o respective_a end_n and_o several_a perfection_n true_o this_o be_v not_o that_o frame_n and_o temper_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o but_o their_o soul_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n even_o to_o a_o holy_a longing_n after_o their_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o look_v out_o after_o so_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n as_o we_o be_v now_o capable_a of_o and_o because_o we_o can_v full_o and_o perfect_o enjoy_v he_o in_o this_o life_n to_o long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o and_o with_o holy_a pant_n of_o soul_n breath_n forth_o earnest_a desire_n that_o we_o may_v be_v full_o and_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n content_v only_o but_o be_v holy_o covetous_a and_o full_a of_o vehement_a long_n after_o a_o eternity_n of_o blessedness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o body_n be_v that_o which_o hinder_v this_o desire_a and_o long_v for_o happiness_n though_o thou_o may_v not_o dissolve_v and_o break_v it_o into_o piece_n thyself_o yet_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n wish_v it_o be_v break_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o though_o thou_o must_v be_v content_v to_o live_v god_n time_n yet_o henceforth_o be_v desirous_a of_o and_o long_o to_o die_v to_o set_v this_o a_o little_a home_n upon_o thy_o conscience_n o_o christian_n consider_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o temper_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n indeed_o there_o be_v few_o professor_n that_o be_v of_o this_o evangelical_n temper_v of_o soul_n yea_o but_o few_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o this_o frame_n of_o soul_n be_v make_v the_o character_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o expression_n of_o this_o nature_n luk_n 21.28_o our_o lord_n speak_v concern_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o believer_n bid_v they_o look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n for_o their_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o by_o with_o our_o lord_n mean_v not_o a_o bare_a speculation_n but_o a_o behold_n with_o joy_n and_o longing_n for_o that_o day_n and_o time_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o in_o tit._n 2.13_o we_o be_v command_v to_o live_v godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o those_o that_o be_v look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o in_o 2_o pet._n 3.12_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n say_v the_o apostle_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n look_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o god_n by_o these_o scripture_n it_o appear_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o temper_n the_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n even_o to_o look_v to_o love_v to_o long_o and_o to_o hasten_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n in_o any_o soul_n must_v needs_o carry_v the_o soul_n after_o god_n but_o here_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o some_o weak_a christian_n shall_v be_v trouble_v because_o they_o can_v find_v these_o ardent_a desire_n and_o holy_a long_n of_o soul_n in_o themselves_o after_o their_o dissolution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o that_o i_o may_v not_o discourage_v any_o weak_a believer_n nor_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o sad_a who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o word_n though_o not_o for_o encouragement_n unto_o sloathfulness_n yet_o for_o support_v against_o fear_n and_o despondency_n therefore_o o_o christian_n search_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o objection_n intimate_v see_v then_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v out_o the_o cause_n thereof_o possible_o thou_o be_v grow_v careless_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a watch_n or_o thou_o give_v too_o much_o liberty_n to_o thyself_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v be_v get_v too_o near_o thy_o heart_n thy_o affection_n run_v out_o too_o much_o after_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o while_o this_o frame_n and_o temper_n continue_v and_o thing_n be_v thus_o out_o of_o order_n with_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o long_o after_o heaven_n nor_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o thou_o can_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n
deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o grave_a no_o he_o can_v now_o god_n have_v in_o mercy_n make_v that_o to_o be_v most_o common_a which_o be_v most_o grievous_a and_o afflictive_a that_o he_o may_v thereby_o abate_v the_o terror_n of_o it_o to_o we_o and_o for_o any_o one_o to_o strive_v against_o that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v avoid_v or_o shun_v argue_v that_o man_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unbecoming_a thou_o o_o christian_n to_o fear_v death_n which_o be_v the_o common_a way_n of_o all_o flesh_n yea_o the_o way_n by_o which_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o to_o proceed_v a_o little_a far_o in_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o discover_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n may_v not_o only_o be_v overcome_v for_o a_o time_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v without_o they_o or_o above_o they_o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o high_a attainment_n yet_o be_v it_o that_o to_o which_o grace_n may_v reach_v and_o that_o which_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v daily_a experience_n the_o comfort_n of_o now_o by_o a_o christian_n live_v without_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n i_o mean_v a_o holy_a quiet_a ation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n as_o to_o his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n found_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n who_o have_v overcome_v death_n for_o all_o believer_n whereby_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o approach_v do_v neither_o distract_v nor_o disquiet_v his_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o bereave_v he_o of_o that_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n that_o he_o enjoy_v be_v his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n but_o that_o he_o can_v with_o a_o holy_a contentation_n and_o satisfaction_n resign_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n whensoever_o he_o call_v for_o it_o now_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o be_v attainable_a i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n die_v that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_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 by_o reason_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o lifetime_n subject_a unto_o bondage_n so_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n whereof_o death_n be_v one_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o heavenly_a frame_n be_v holy_a david_n when_o he_o say_v though_o he_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n he_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_n and_o so_o be_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o he_o can_v say_v i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v though_o it_o be_v by_o death_n that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n thus_o to_o live_v above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v cost_v much_o pain_n with_o our_o own_o heart_n great_a diligence_n and_o circumspection_n over_o our_o self_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o way_n much_o watchfulness_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o temptation_n for_o if_o we_o be_v remiss_a and_o through_o carelessness_n much_o more_o through_o presumption_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o neglect_v duty_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n if_o therefore_o o_o christian_n thou_o be_v one_o who_o have_v overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o can_v live_v above_o they_o thou_o may_v then_o die_v with_o courage_n and_o leave_v this_o world_n though_o death_n carry_v thou_o out_o of_o it_o with_o joy_n and_o rejoice_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o let_v i_o brief_o lie_v down_o two_o or_o three_o direction_n first_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o blort_v thy_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n darkness_n be_v a_o uncomfortable_a thing_n and_o when_o christian_n have_v be_v tamper_n with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n i_o mean_v some_o know_a sin_n blot_v their_o evidence_n which_o shall_v discover_v their_o title_n to_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o can_v read_v they_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o while_o they_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o leave_v earth_n though_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n because_o they_o know_v it_o not_o for_o which_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o god_n will_v not_o only_o have_v his_o people_n go_v to_o heaven_n certain_o but_o joyful_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v make_v ample_a provision_n for_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o have_v good_a hope_n but_o strong_a consolation_n through_o grace_n yea_o may_v with_o a_o holy_a exultation_n of_o soul_n cry_v out_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n but_o now_o if_o when_o god_n have_v speak_v peace_n they_o will_v turn_v again_o unto_o folly_n by_o venture_v upon_o sin_n they_o hereby_o create_v their_o own_o sorrow_n fear_v and_o consternation_n of_o soul_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n come_v from_o themselves_o they_o be_v their_o own_o torment_n and_o the_o hinderer_n and_o disturber_n of_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o now_o if_o instead_o of_o be_v able_a to_o read_v their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n which_o shall_v comfort_v they_o they_o can_v only_o make_v wound_v reflection_n upon_o their_o sin_n that_o have_v blot_v those_o evidence_n so_o that_o they_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n continual_o afflict_v their_o soul_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o guilt_n lie_v upon_o any_o soul_n unpardoned_a there_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n will_v be_v terrible_a this_o make_v david_n when_o in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n he_o be_v draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o grave_a beg_v so_o importunate_o of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v spare_v he_o a_o little_a long_o that_o he_o may_v recover_v his_o strength_n before_o he_o shall_v go_v away_o from_o hence_o and_o be_v see_v no_o more_o if_o therefore_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o will_v leave_v this_o world_n cheerful_o you_o must_v live_v in_o the_o world_n conscientious_o exercise_v yourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o all_o men._n take_v heed_n of_o those_o black_a fiend_n thy_o sin_n which_o will_v fright_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o death_n if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v keep_v clean_o thy_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n will_v be_v clear_a and_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n comfortable_a many_o be_v venture_v upon_o sin_n wound_v their_o soul_n and_o when_o death_n approach_v o_o then_o they_o start_v back_o and_o say_v will_v they_o be_v spare_v a_o little_a long_o if_o conscience_n be_v raw_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n a_o very_a light_a affliction_n much_o more_o death_n will_v make_v a_o man_n kick_v and_o fling_v and_o very_o unwilling_a to_o bear_v it_o but_o where_o the_o spirit_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n take_v off_o from_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n death_n itself_o will_v be_v embrace_v with_o courage_n and_o joy_n second_o deaden_a your_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n thereof_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a love_n of_o god_n make_v man_n afraid_a to_o die_v he_o who_o heart_n and_o affection_n sit_v loose_a to_o the_o world_n a_o small_a matter_n will_v make_v he_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o but_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v fasten_v to_o it_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n there_o will_v be_v no_o part_n from_o it_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n he_o that_o have_v lay_v up_o his_o heart_n in_o heaven_n can_v comfortable_o think_v of_o lay_v down_o his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a prize_v therefore_o heavenly_a thing_n above_o earthly_a place_v your_o happiness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n count_v they_o not_o only_o your_o food_n but_o your_o feast_n yea_o make_v they_o your_o recreation_n be_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o continual_a solace_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o joy_n and_o rejoice_n shall_v we_o leave_v earth_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n three_o familiarize_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n
practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n and_o heaven_n discover_v the_o great_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a preparation_n for_o death_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v or_o delay_v such_o preparation_n also_o the_o excellency_n glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n open_v and_o explain_v as_o the_o portion_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n after_o death_n by_o nathanael_n ranew_v late_a of_o london_n bookseller_n london_n print_v for_o n._n r._n and_o sell_v by_o j._n robinson_n a._n and_o j._n churchill_n j._n taylor_n and_o j._n wyat._n 1694._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o desire_n of_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o the_o design_n of_o these_o discourse_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o high_a happiness_n the_o former_a treatise_n be_v a_o discourse_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a which_o be_v as_o a_o way_n through_o which_o all_o must_v pass_v to_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a but_o grievous_a unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o turn_n to_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n in_o the_o grave_a where_o worm_n shall_v gnaw_v and_o feed_v upon_o those_o body_n that_o now_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o this_o low_a creation_n as_o quicken_v and_o animate_v by_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o inhabit_v in_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o nature_n dread_v and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n most_o abhor_v and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o no_o high_o principle_n to_o act_v from_o than_o what_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n to_o such_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o terrible_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n now_o it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n since_o their_o apostasy_n from_o god_n to_o have_v a_o prevail_a principle_n and_o inclination_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n for_o their_o happiness_n when_o death_n come_v to_o break_v asunder_o the_o bond_n of_o life_n such_o person_n be_v of_o all_o creature_n most_o miserable_a and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o death_n be_v formidable_a unto_o they_o if_o now_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o account_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pale_a face_n of_o death_n that_o make_v it_o have_v a_o grim_a and_o ghastly_a aspect_n so_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v frightful_a and_o amaze_a to_o thou_o and_o thou_o start_v back_o as_o one_o that_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o studious_a meditation_n of_o death_n for_o though_o at_o the_o first_o they_o may_v be_v terrible_a yet_o when_o thou_o have_v accustom_v thyself_o unto_o such_o contemplation_n thou_o will_v find_v they_o very_o profitable_a and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n work_v thy_o heart_n into_o such_o a_o serious_a frame_n and_o put_v thou_o upon_o those_o endeavour_n and_o practice_n as_o have_v a_o tendency_n in_o they_o to_o fit_v thou_o for_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n which_o will_v much_o abate_v the_o fear_n and_o dread_a thereof_o unto_o thou_o and_o as_o a_o far_a encouragement_n unto_o so_o beneficial_a a_o employment_n take_v into_o thy_o most_o serious_a thought_n the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n unto_o which_o death_n bring_v all_o those_o that_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o these_o discourse_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o so_o great_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n as_o may_v well_o lift_v up_o thy_o soul_n above_o all_o the_o discouragement_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o sickness_n the_o horror_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n thereby_o and_o the_o loathsomeness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o fill_v thou_o with_o vehement_a long_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v make_v any_o apology_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o that_o which_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o prepare_v christian_n for_o death_n and_o heaven_n and_o such_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o read_v they_o over_o attentive_o meditate_v on_o they_o serious_o pray_v over_o they_o fervent_o and_o practice_n what_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o diligent_o and_o constant_o and_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v thou_o unto_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o the_o publisher_n if_o thou_o reape_v any_o benefit_n hereby_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n for_o his_o assistance_n herein_o and_o let_v he_o have_v thy_o prayer_n who_o desire_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n farewell_o a_o introduction_n practical_a preparation_n for_o death_n chap._n i._n of_o death_n in_o general_n of_o the_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n mention_v in_o scripture_n death_n befall_v all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o withstand_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o privilege_v from_o it_o the_o time_n of_o death_n urknown_a unto_o we_o yet_o fix_v and_o appoint_v by_o god._n death_n make_v all_o equal_a sin_n subject_n unto_o death_n death_n be_v a_o subject_a every_o christian_n shall_v often_o have_v in_o his_o thought_n because_o it_o be_v that_o unto_o which_o he_o be_v liable_a every_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n neither_o the_o hear_n think_v nor_o speak_v of_o it_o can_v therefore_o be_v unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n and_o though_o consideration_n of_o death_n to_o live_a man_n be_v usual_o most_o unwelcome_a yet_o be_v they_o as_o profitable_a to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o any_o other_o for_o no_o man_n can_v live_v well_o till_o he_o can_v die_v well_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o prepare_v for_o death_n as_o he_o who_o frequent_o imploy'_v his_o thought_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n indeed_o custom_n have_v make_v it_o become_v almost_o a_o improper_a thing_n either_o for_o a_o minister_n to_o preach_v of_o death_n without_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o funeral_n or_o for_o one_o christian_n to_o speak_v unto_o another_o of_o their_o latter_a end_n without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v where_o a_o example_n of_o their_o mortality_n be_v before_o their_o eye_n but_o if_o the_o mouth_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o frequent_o fill_v with_o discourse_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a to_o which_o all_o be_v hasten_v but_o know_v not_o who_o shall_v get_v thither_o soon_o they_o will_v find_v such_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n thereby_o in_o the_o quicken_a and_o hasten_v their_o preparation_n for_o their_o dissolution_n that_o they_o may_v always_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n when_o death_n shall_v come_v as_o will_v infinite_o make_v amends_o either_o for_o the_o unaccustomariness_n of_o the_o work_n or_o whatever_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v take_v with_o their_o heart_n to_o render_v they_o fit_v for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o lord_n what_o death_n be_v be_v as_o little_o know_v unto_o some_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v by_o most_o many_o take_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cessation_n of_o life_n and_o all_o act_n in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o to_o be_v find_v who_o think_v this_o to_o be_v all_o that_o death_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o dead_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o make_v themselves_o no_o better_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v happy_a be_v it_o for_o all_o wicked_a man_n if_o death_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o but_o though_o death_n be_v a_o cessation_n of_o natural_a life_n and_o so_o of_o all_o natural_a motion_n and_o action_n yet_o be_v it_o more_o proper_o a_o separation_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o the_o body_n become_v a_o dead_a unactive_a thing_n because_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o operation_n have_v forsake_v it_o but_o yet_o death_n as_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o soul_n at_o all_o for_o that_o live_v after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o for_o ever_o keep_v soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o but_o only_o until_o god_n appoint_a time_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_a by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o live_v together_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n for_o ever_o according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v both_o be_v and_o do_v together_o in_o this_o world_n
imprint_v upon_o man._n god_n image_n be_v deface_v by_o sin_n mortality_n take_v place_n man_n never_o have_v a_o impossibility_n not_o to_o die_v but_o he_o have_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n immortality_n in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n his_o life_n be_v make_v as_o long_o as_o his_o obedience_n in_o god_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n he_o back_v his_o command_n with_o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n gen._n 2.17_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v our_o first_o parent_n disobey_v this_o most_o righteous_a and_o equitable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o bring_v death_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n for_o though_o god_n form_v man_n as_o the_o holy_a story_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o man_n stand_v he_o never_o say_v to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v but_o only_o put_v in_o a_o supposition_n or_o threaten_a that_o in_o case_n he_o do_v fall_v he_o shall_v sure_o die_v but_o when_o by_o sin_n he_o have_v fall_v from_o god_n than_o he_o hear_v what_o he_o must_v be_v dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n stand_v engage_v to_o inflict_v death_n upon_o every_o transgressor_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o rom._n 5.12_o by_o sin_n death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o because_o all_o have_v sin_v death_n therefore_o seize_v upon_o we_o not_o as_o we_o be_v man_n but_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n to_o die_v be_v a_o penalty_n inflict_v upon_o man_n for_o sin_n if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v he_o have_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o die_a but_o by_o sin_v he_o become_v mortal_a sin_n therefore_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o death_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o its_o terror_n but_o it_o be_v very_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v somewhat_o remarkable_a that_o among_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n man_n only_o be_v term_v mortal_a it_o be_v certain_a other_o creature_n decay_v and_o perish_v as_o well_o as_o man_n yet_o among_o all_o perish_a thing_n man_n only_o have_v the_o wretched_a denomination_n of_o be_v mortal_a and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o he_o alone_o of_o all_o perish_a thing_n be_v create_v immortal_a voluntary_o subject_v himself_o unto_o death_n and_o by_o his_o own_o default_n bring_v upon_o himself_o the_o name_n of_o mortal_a as_o a_o brand_n of_o perpetual_a infamy_n chap._n ii_o thought_n of_o death_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v great_a wisdom_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o great_a care_n to_o provide_v for_o death_n the_o great_a folly_n and_o danger_n of_o neglect_v or_o delay_v such_o preparation_n upon_o hope_n of_o long_a life_n sickness_n a_o very_a unfit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o work_n man_n very_o prone_a to_o put_v off_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o time_n short_a though_o long_o enough_o for_o our_o great_a work_n if_o diligent_o improve_v excellent_a essect_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v produce_v it_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a thing_n to_o have_v all_o thing_n set_v right_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o a_o die_a hour_n time_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v value_v and_o our_o day_n wise_o to_o be_v number_v though_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v very_o short_a frail_a and_o uncertain_a though_o death_n have_v nothing_o of_o a_o peradventure_o in_o it_o but_o be_v that_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o overtake_v all_o man_n none_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o nor_o any_o privilege_v against_o it_o yet_o how_o strange_o besotted_a be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o put_v far_o from_o they_o this_o evil_a day_n as_o if_o because_o god_n have_v not_o tell_v they_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o they_o shall_v die_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v but_o doubtless_o this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o folly_n as_o most_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o why_o do_v god_n so_o often_o visit_v we_o with_o pain_n and_o distemper_n upon_o our_o body_n which_o threaten_v death_n why_o be_v we_o so_o frequent_o call_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v to_o accompany_v other_o unto_o their_o long_a home_n be_v it_o not_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o mortality_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a thought_n by_o behold_v the_o death_n of_o other_o doubtless_o much_o of_o a_o christian_n life_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o in_o a_o right_a number_n of_o his_o day_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n his_o latter_a end_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v force_v upon_o we_o by_o some_o unexpected_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o snatch_v some_o away_o out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o sudden_a stroke_n by_o the_o hear_n whereof_o we_o be_v amaze_v and_o by_o who_o funeral_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n force_v themselves_o into_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a meditation_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v accustom_v ourselves_o unto_o and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o with_o old_a barzillai_n we_o have_v not_o long_o to_o live_v when_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n our_o strength_n be_v depart_v when_o infirmity_n and_o distemper_n upon_o we_o be_v so_o many_o that_o we_o can_v taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o any_o outward_a enjoyment_n but_o even_o with_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o make_v his_o sepulchre_n in_o his_o garden_n a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n so_o shall_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o delight_n and_o recreation_n and_o when_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o relish_v what_o sweetness_n there_o be_v in_o they_o even_o than_o shall_v we_o check_v all_o such_o inclination_n in_o we_o by_o accustom_v our_o mind_n unto_o the_o frequent_a serious_a awful_a thought_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o when_o he_o be_v transfigure_v before_o his_o disciple_n the_o glory_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o st_n peter_n weak_a eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v it_o yet_o he_o then_o think_v no_o subject_a so_o fit_a to_o be_v discourse_v of_o as_o that_o of_o his_o death_n which_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v at_o jerusalem_n luk._n 9.31_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o wicked_a proverb_n that_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o they_o think_v not_o of_o such_o a_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o think_v of_o their_o die_a day_n alas_o poor_a foolish_a man_n what_o not_o think_v of_o thy_o die_a day_n do_v thou_o know_v what_o thou_o say_v be_v the_o day_n of_o thy_o death_n of_o no_o more_o concernment_n to_o thou_o than_o so_o what_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o it_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v oh_o vain_a trifle_a man_n that_o thy_o die_a day_n will_v be_v to_o thou_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n that_o shall_v never_o cease_v or_o a_o entrance_n on_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n that_o shall_v never_o know_v a_o end_n and_o what_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a thy_o bestow_n a_o thought_n upon_o it_o for_o shame_n o_o foolish_a man_n for_o i_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o call_v thou_o christian_n thy_o talk_n be_v so_o profane_a and_o thy_o life_n so_o loose_a that_o it_o savour_v little_a of_o christianity_n to_o be_v sure_a not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o thy_o way_n be_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o eat_v they_o drink_v they_o marry_v and_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o they_o know_v it_o not_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o away_o what_o be_v the_o old_a world_n destroy_v because_o they_o know_v not_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o flood_n no_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o doubtless_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o of_o it_o many_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o know_v it_o not_o till_o the_o flood_n sweep_v they_o away_o that_o be_v they_o know_v it_o not_o so_o as_o to_o consider_v and_o make_v provision_n against_o the_o deluge_n come_v so_o they_o know_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o now_o with_o many_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v not_o undo_v eternal_o by_o not_o know_v they_o
shall_v die_v for_o there_o be_v none_o how_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a soever_o but_o will_v own_o that_o they_o must_v die_v but_o this_o ruin_n they_o for_o ever_o that_o they_o consider_v it_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v timely_a provision_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a discover_v itself_o much_o by_o his_o preparation_n for_o death_n the_o prudence_n of_o a_o man_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n for_o himself_o now_o there_o be_v two_o estate_n that_o do_v abide_v all_o man_n a_o state_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n in_o hell_n and_o these_o be_v both_o of_o they_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o choice_n death_n which_o come_v at_o the_o close_a of_o our_o day_n discover_v what_o our_o choice_n have_v be_v the_o daily_a improve_n of_o our_o time_n in_o the_o prepare_v our_o soul_n for_o our_o dissolution_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o happy_a choice_n job_n complain_v of_o some_o that_o die_v without_o wisdom_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o live_v not_o wise_o that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o with_o care_n and_o wisdom_n prepare_v themselves_o for_o death_n this_o wisdom_n be_v want_v in_o most_o man_n in_o regard_n whereof_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 49.20_o man_n that_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o understand_v not_o be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o be_v though_o in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o excellency_n yea_o though_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n as_o our_o lord_n speak_v than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n yet_o they_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n for_o he_o that_o die_v unprepared_o die_v foolish_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n discover_v itself_o much_o in_o serious_a meditation_n of_o and_o diligent_a preparation_n for_o his_o great_a change_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n so_o passionate_o wish_v for_o his_o people_n of_o old_a deut._n 32.29_o oh_o that_o my_o people_n be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o high_a attainment_n in_o a_o christian_a with_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o consider_v of_o and_o prepare_v for_o his_o latter_a end_n yea_o so_o great_a be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v too_o wonderful_a to_o be_v gain_v by_o art_n or_o study_n we_o must_v get_v it_o upon_o our_o knee_n by_o prayer_n holy_a david_n therefore_o as_o one_o convince_v both_o how_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a this_o wisdom_n will_v be_v and_o be_v sensible_a also_o of_o his_o own_o inability_n for_o to_o attain_v it_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v instruct_v he_o herein_o psalm_n 39.4_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n what_o it_o be_v that_o i_o may_v know_v how_o frail_a i_o be_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o have_v take_v this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o thing_n into_o my_o thought_n for_o possible_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o he_o have_v be_v handle_v the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v take_v yet_o by_o all_o these_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o my_o body_n and_o my_o subjection_n thereby_o unto_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a be_v a_o poor_a feeble_a creature_n i_o can_v bring_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v so_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o my_o frailty_n as_o i_o ought_v lord_n therefore_o do_v thou_o make_v i_o to_o know_v it_o the_o same_o holy_a desire_n we_o find_v breathe_v out_o by_o moses_n in_o psalm_n 90.12_o so_o teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o have_v be_v at_o the_o work_n myself_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o number_v my_o day_n to_o count_v over_o the_o time_n of_o my_o life_n but_o by_o what_o i_o can_v do_v i_o can_v tell_v how_o long_o or_o how_o short_a my_o life_n will_v be_v it_o be_v true_a i_o can_v tell_v to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n which_o usual_o be_v the_o long_a term_n of_o man_n life_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v no_o far_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v apply_v my_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n this_o i_o must_v have_v from_o thou_o therefore_o o_o lord_n teach_v i_o though_o we_o need_v but_o little_a arithmetic_n to_o number_v our_o day_n natural_o yet_o we_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o grace_n to_o number_v they_o spiritual_o die_v be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o require_v great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n we_o can_v die_v but_o once_o how_o careful_a shall_v we_o be_v then_o that_o we_o die_v well_o man_n have_v need_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v a_o second_o time_n and_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o die_v a_o error_n in_o death_n be_v like_o a_o error_n in_o war_n which_o we_o can_v commit_v twice_o o_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o then_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o err_v at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v impossible_a of_o err_v again_o actual_o to_o err_v twice_o be_v more_o sinful_a but_o not_o to_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o err_v twice_o be_v most_o dangerous_a we_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o live_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o but_o the_o law_n of_o die_a no_o man_n ever_o transgress_v a_o second_o time_n and_o that_o we_o so_o often_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o live_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o that_o we_o can_v transgress_v the_o law_n of_o die_v but_o once_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o misery_n upon_o most_o men._n how_o shall_v we_o then_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o wisdom_n to_o make_v we_o careful_a always_o to_o live_v so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o a_o die_a hour_n if_o now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o make_v preparation_n for_o death_n than_o those_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n and_o run_v desperate_a hazard_n who_o upon_o hope_n of_o long_a life_n neglect_v such_o preparation_n yet_o if_o a_o minister_n in_o a_o great_a congregation_n shall_v go_v from_o man_n to_o man_n and_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v prepare_v to_o die_v will_v not_o must_v not_o most_v if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n be_v force_v to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o if_o upon_o this_o you_o deal_v faithful_o with_o they_o and_o show_v yourselves_o a_o true_a friend_n to_o their_o soul_n lay_v before_o they_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o danger_n herein_o by_o such_o strong_a and_o powerful_a conviction_n that_o their_o conscience_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o you_o and_o themselves_o bring_v with_o tear_n to_o confess_v their_o foolishness_n hereupon_o what_o resolution_n do_v they_o take_v up_o and_o what_o promise_n do_v they_o make_v bind_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o many_o vow_n witness_v with_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o they_o will_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o prepare_v for_o death_n but_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v these_o seem_o strong_a resolution_n die_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o death_n that_o under_o those_o conviction_n they_o fear_v be_v ready_a to_o seize_v upon_o they_o every_o moment_n be_v now_o as_o far_o from_o their_o person_n they_o hope_v as_o he_o be_v from_o their_o thought_n he_o threaten_v they_o not_o as_o former_o and_o therefore_o they_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o former_o distemper_n of_o body_n which_o sometime_o fright_v they_o into_o a_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v now_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v death_n with_o they_o at_o least_o as_o to_o their_o apprehension_n they_o have_v now_o a_o healthful_a strong_a constitution_n of_o body_n and_o what_o do_v this_o prognosticate_v but_o long_a life_n and_o many_o day_n yet_o to_o come_v they_o hope_v do_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v that_o the_o age_n of_o man_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o many_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o strength_n which_o they_o feel_v no_o want_n of_o it_o be_v fourscore_o and_o for_o their_o part_n they_o have_v not_o live_v above_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n as_o yet_o and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n still_o to_o come_v and_o then_o they_o will_v bethink_v themselves_o of_o die_v and_o that_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o but_o o_o foolish_a man_n what_o vain_a confidence_n be_v this_o in_o which_o thou_o trust_v who_o give_v thou_o this_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o time_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o strange_o bold_a and_o
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 the_o nostril_n a_o narrow_a passage_n that_o be_v soon_o stop_v and_o we_o be_v go_v we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o our_o life_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n death_n lie_v in_o ambush_n every_o where_n for_o we_o we_o have_v a_o proverb_n that_o the_o young_a man_n may_v die_v but_o the_o old_a man_n must_v die_v whereas_o observation_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o incomparable_o more_o die_v young_a than_o old_a and_o do_v we_o but_o serious_o consider_v by_o what_o small_a pin_n this_o frame_n of_o man_n be_v hold_v together_o it_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n that_o we_o live_v one_o day_n or_o hour_n to_o a_o end_n so_o many_o danger_n so_o many_o casualty_n do_v we_o pass_v through_o every_o moment_n and_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o thy_o preparation_n for_o death_n and_o that_o eternity_n that_o follow_v it_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o such_o uncertainty_n be_v not_o all_o thy_o day_n on_o earth_n few_o and_o thou_o have_v spend_v some_o of_o they_o already_o and_o possible_o those_o few_o day_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v already_o past_a and_o go_v be_v all_o the_o day_n thou_o have_v to_o pass_v say_v not_o then_o to_o god_n to_o thy_o conscience_n or_o to_o other_o that_o put_v thou_o upon_o a_o present_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n i_o will_v do_v it_o to_o morrow_n or_o hereafter_o boast_v not_o thyself_o o_o vain_a man_n of_o to_z morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o even_o what_o this_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o possible_o this_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o thy_o death_n and_o where_o then_o will_v be_v thy_o to_o morrow_n preparation_n for_o it_o but_o suppose_v death_n shall_v not_o cut_v we_o off_o sudden_o but_o give_v we_o warning_n of_o its_o approach_n by_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n of_o body_n yet_o how_o unfit_a a_o time_n be_v that_o to_o prepare_v for_o die_v for_o disease_n sometime_o come_v with_o that_o violence_n that_o they_o quick_o take_v away_o man_n sense_n and_o understanding_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n they_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o and_o have_v thou_o o_o presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o trust_v to_o a_o sickbed_n preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n and_o assurance_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v thy_o state_n and_o condition_n then_o nay_o thou_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v because_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n when_o god_n call_v after_o thou_o to_o look_v towards_o himself_o and_o to_o mind_v thy_o everlasting_a concernment_n thou_o wou'dit_v not_o therefore_o now_o that_o thou_o be_v come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o death_n bed_n and_o thy_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v with_o horror_n because_o of_o thy_o former_a negligence_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o thy_o future_a misery_n that_o now_o the_o violence_n of_o thy_o distemper_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o thou_o which_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v as_o to_o continue_v to_o thou_o the_o use_n of_o thy_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o conscience_n also_o be_v awaken_v and_o terrify_v thou_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o strict_a account_n that_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o great_a god_n of_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n dread_v also_o what_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o may_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o thy_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o thy_o eternal_a state_n it_o be_v thus_o with_o thou_o and_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v whither_o thou_o be_v go_v thou_o be_v very_o desirous_a it_o may_v be_v now_o to_o set_v thy_o soul_n in_o order_n because_o thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v yet_o thy_o sickness_n may_v be_v so_o sharp_a and_o pain_n may_v come_v upon_o thou_o with_o that_o extremity_n that_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v will_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o mind_v thy_o body_n god_n may_v visit_v thou_o with_o such_o strong_a pain_n upon_o thy_o bed_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o cry_v and_o roar_v with_o such_o horror_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thy_o self_n and_o to_o all_o that_o come_v near_o thou_o so_o that_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v for_o thy_o self_n or_o what_o other_o can_v do_v for_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o any_o ease_n or_o relief_n and_o be_v this_o the_o time_n thou_o choose_v to_o prepare_v thyself_o for_o death_n and_o eternity_n in_o what_o when_o thou_o can_v hardly_o tell_v how_o to_o turn_v thy_o body_n upon_o thy_o bed_n for_o a_o little_a ease_n do_v thou_o think_v this_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o turn_v thy_o soul_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n in_o suppose_v thou_o be_v now_o cast_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o thy_o body_n full_a of_o pain_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o worldly_a business_n will_v thou_o not_o think_v it_o a_o good_a excuse_n to_o say_v pray_v trouble_v i_o not_o now_o because_o i_o be_o sick_a speak_v to_o i_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o be_o well_o again_o and_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v excuse_v from_o worldly_a business_n because_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o yet_o do_v thou_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a time_n for_o thou_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o thy_o spiritual_a concern_v when_o thou_o be_v sick_a yea_o when_o thou_o be_v die_v sure_o desperate_a folly_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o man_n who_o thus_o live_v and_o thus_o think_v to_o die_v alas_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v a_o time_n of_o spend_v not_o of_o get_v it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n to_o gain_v evidence_n for_o heaven_n but_o to_o use_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o they_o alas_o poor_a man_n thou_o shall_v now_o be_v solace_v thy_o soul_n in_o god_n as_o thy_o father_n reconcile_v to_o thou_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o sincere_o though_o not_o without_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n thou_o shall_v now_o be_v able_a to_o say_v thou_o have_v through_o jesus_n christ_n receive_v the_o atonement_n and_o be_v continual_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o thy_o bodily_a pain_n and_o distemper_n and_o carry_v thou_o cheerful_o through_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n so_o as_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v bless_a be_v god_n i_o be_o not_o sick_a for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v i_o this_o shall_v be_v thy_o state_n and_o condition_n upon_o a_o die_a bed_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v thy_o work_n to_o do_v thy_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n to_o make_v when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o sick_a yea_o thy_o deathbed_n oh_o how_o miserable_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v how_o desperate_a be_v thy_o case_n how_o many_o gracious_a soul_n have_v find_v it_o work_n enough_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n to_o attend_v the_o pain_n and_o distemper_n of_o their_o body_n and_o believe_v it_o o_o sinner_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v thou_o will_v find_v it_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o to_o suffer_v and_o be_v sick_a be_v work_n enough_o for_o any_o man_n at_o one_o time_n but_o suppose_v god_n shall_v be_v so_o gracious_a to_o thou_o as_o by_o some_o linger_a and_o gentle_a sickness_n for_o many_o day_n yea_o month_n together_o give_v thou_o warning_n of_o thy_o
approach_a dissolution_n and_o thy_o conscience_n also_o shall_v be_v awaken_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o thou_o some_o serious_a thought_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prepare_v thy_o self_n for_o thy_o departure_n hence_o yet_o since_o thou_o have_v so_o often_o turn_v thy_o back_n upon_o god_n and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v unto_o those_o many_o call_n that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o thy_o self_n by_o consider_v thy_o latter_a end_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o how_o just_o may_v he_o now_o reject_v thou_o at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o death_n though_o thou_o followe_v he_o with_o never_o so_o many_o earnest_a cry_n yea_o and_o tear_n also_o that_o be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a place_n of_o scripture_n oh_o that_o it_o be_v engrave_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o careless_a negligent_a sinner_n proverb_n 1._o from_o 24._o to_o 31._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n what_o then_o o_o dreadful_a o_o soul_n confound_a word_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o well_o but_o what_o follow_v upon_o this_o will_v not_o god_n be_v entreat_v can_v prayer_n and_o cry_n do_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n no_o for_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n what_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o this_o why_o that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o next_o word_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v these_o line_n if_o through_o thy_o carelessness_n this_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v thy_o case_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n i_o have_v only_o this_o doleful_a word_n to_o leave_v with_o thou_o for_o thy_o serious_a thought_n and_o meditation_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n i_o wish_v it_o may_v do_v thy_o soul_n good_a this_o state_n that_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v a_o state_n so_o full_a of_o dismal_a anguish_n and_o perplex_v horror_n that_o no_o word_n be_v able_a to_o express_v the_o misery_n of_o it_o moreover_o a_o sickbed_n repentance_n and_o preparation_n for_o thy_o eternal_a state_n be_v very_o questionable_a how_o hard_o a_o matter_n will_v thou_o find_v it_o then_o to_o satisfy_v thy_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o what_o thou_o now_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n alas_o the_o present_a feel_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o future_a expectation_n of_o fiery_a indignation_n in_o hell_n may_v constrain_v thou_o unto_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a relation_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o read_n of_o it_o may_v do_v some_o soul_n good_a which_o once_o i_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o eminent_a godly_a minister_n of_o many_o year_n stand_v in_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v say_v he_o be_v call_v to_o visit_v abundance_n of_o person_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n who_o reflect_v back_o upon_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n have_v profess_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o make_v many_o promise_n what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v live_v if_o god_n will_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o health_n again_o but_o among_o they_o all_o say_v he_o thus_o die_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o one_o that_o can_v give_v i_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n o_o let_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o cut_v thou_o to_o the_o heart_n o_o thou_o slothful_a and_o delay_a sinner_n but_o if_o thou_o shall_v be_v sincere_a then_o in_o thy_o turn_n unto_o god_n and_o thy_o preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o not_o hypocritical_a and_o feign_a and_o god_n shall_v be_v gracious_o entreat_v of_o thou_o in_o this_o last_o and_o great_a hour_n of_o thy_o distress_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o wound_v and_o pierce_v thy_o soul_n to_o consider_v what_o peace_n of_o conscience_n what_o joy_n in_o believe_v what_o comfortable_a testimony_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o have_v lose_v the_o sweetness_n and_o delight_n whereof_o will_v have_v bear_v up_o thy_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n and_o have_v carry_v thou_o triumphant_o through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n so_o that_o thou_o shall_v have_v fear_v no_o evil_n but_o now_o instead_o thereof_o by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o former_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n which_o have_v be_v a_o continual_a trade_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whereby_o god_n have_v be_v dish_n mour_v and_o provoke_v by_o thou_o all_o thy_o day_n he_o now_o appear_v to_o thou_o as_o thy_o dreadful_a enemy_n visit_v thou_o with_o nothing_o but_o terrible_a rebuke_n of_o horror_n and_o wrath_n in_o thy_o conscience_n and_o though_o god_n may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o thy_o soul_n eternal_o and_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o future_a happiness_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o thy_o passage_n to_o it_o may_v be_v very_o uncomfortable_a insomuch_o that_o as_o to_o thy_o sense_n and_o feeling_n thou_o be_v but_o leave_v earth_n to_o go_v to_o hell_n god_n bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n be_v by_o the_o gate_n thereof_o but_o though_o delay_n in_o this_o case_n be_v dangerous_a and_o sickbed_n preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n at_o best_a but_o uncomfortable_a yet_o how_o prone_a be_v most_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o their_o preparation_n for_o it_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 7._o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n we_o ought_v indeed_o daily_o to_o familiarize_v death_n to_o our_o soul_n by_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v to_o see_v any_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_a this_o be_v a_o special_a proper_a time_n and_o season_n for_o the_o living_n to_o lay_v death_n to_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a if_o man_n will_v at_o any_o time_n lie_v death_n to_o heart_n sure_o they_o will_v do_v it_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o that_o be_v for_o when_o will_v man_n think_v of_o death_n if_o not_o when_o they_o see_v it_o before_o they_o it_o be_v true_a some_o do_v lay_v death_n to_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o such_o solemnity_n o_o than_o they_o have_v a_o fit_a of_o grief_n upon_o they_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v vent_v their_o passion_n the_o fit_a be_v over_o and_o so_o be_v their_o thought_n of_o death_n with_o it_o and_o though_o solomon_n seem_v to_o promise_v for_o the_o live_n that_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v they_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o there_o that_o they_o be_v grow_v familiar_a with_o death_n but_o in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o occasion_n have_v wear_v off_o all_o impression_n of_o mortality_n from_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o now_o they_o can_v go_v to_o the_o grave_a again_o and_o again_o and_o not_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o custom_n and_o formality_n for_o man_n to_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v and_o when_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o funeral_n be_v over_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v over_o with_o they_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v get_v out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o grave_a their_o preparation_n for_o the_o grave_n be_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o holy_a history_n tell_v we_o in_o 2_o sam._n 10.12_o that_o when_o amasa_n be_v slay_v by_o joab_n and_o lay_v wallow_v in_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a way_n every_o one_o that_o come_v by_o stand_v still_o be_v astonish_v to_o behold_v so_o dismal_a a_o spectacle_n but_o afterward_o
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 have_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o these_o take_v up_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o time_n of_o some_o man_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n nor_o desire_n to_o think_v of_o death_n or_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o another_o life_n the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fine_a thing_n in_o their_o eye_n they_o please_v their_o fancy_n and_o so_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o fond_a desire_n of_o long_a life_n that_o they_o may_v delight_v their_o sense_n in_o these_o earthly_a thing_n and_o these_o ardent_a earnest_a desire_n of_o they_o will_v let_v they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o than_o many_o day_n to_o satisfy_v their_o sensual_a part_n in_o these_o delightful_a enjoyment_n if_o we_o shall_v look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v which_o way_n the_o inclination_n of_o most_o man_n carry_v they_o how_o eager_o do_v some_o pursue_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n how_o unwearied_o do_v other_o follow_v the_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o impatient_o do_v other_o thirst_v after_o the_o honour_n and_o preferment_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o their_o happiness_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o these_o outward_a accommodation_n whereas_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o enjoy_v here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o come_v into_o man_n mind_n and_o if_o they_o will_v crowd_v in_o upon_o they_o sometime_o they_o be_v soon_o cast_v out_o again_o as_o unwelcome_a guest_n that_o come_v to_o disturb_v their_o peace_n second_o man_n put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o because_o they_o general_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sottishness_n in_o the_o world_n if_o you_o go_v to_o those_o that_o be_v young_a and_o tell_v they_o 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 summon_v to_o the_o grave_a by_o sickness_n and_o disease_n they_o have_v a_o secret_a hope_n that_o because_o they_o have_v former_o escape_v from_o other_o distemper_n therefore_o they_o may_v do_v so_o again_o thus_o now_o most_o man_n thrust_v death_n from_o they_o and_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n afar_o off_o and_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o usual_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o long_a life_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o evil_a life_n for_o because_o man_n hope_v they_o shall_v live_v long_o therefore_o they_o be_v careless_a how_o they_o live_v at_o present_a presume_v they_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v and_o amend_v all_o hereafter_o three_o man_n put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n because_o such_o apprehension_n bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n with_o they_o death_n be_v that_o which_o nature_n abhor_v to_o think_v of_o it_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o separation_n between_o those_o near_a and_o dear_a companion_n of_o soul_n and_o 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
improve_v we_o have_v so_o much_o time_n allot_v we_o as_o will_v serve_v to_o do_v our_o real_a business_n in_o and_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o live_v a_o christian_n work_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o encumber_v himself_o with_o many_o thing_n or_o to_o vex_v himself_o about_o the_o accomplish_n of_o great_a design_n for_o the_o world_n to_o get_v a_o great_a estate_n to_o abound_v with_o pleasure_n to_o grow_v great_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o below_o a_o christian_n work_n as_o they_o be_v below_o his_o reward_n and_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o design_a these_o thing_n for_o thyself_o thou_o may_v not_o have_v time_n enough_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o heaven_n may_v be_v get_v in_o that_o time_n that_o the_o world_n can_v thy_o salvation_n may_v be_v wrought_v out_o god_n may_v be_v make_v propitious_a to_o thou_o through_o christ_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o these_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o thou_o and_o secure_v to_o thou_o as_o thy_o portion_n in_o that_o time_n that_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v diligent_a in_o improve_n of_o it_o do_v not_o sigh_v and_o mourn_v therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v number_v no_o more_o day_n do_v not_o murmur_v and_o complain_v at_o the_o shortness_n of_o thy_o life_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v if_o thy_o day_n be_v more_o what_o use_n will_v thou_o make_v of_o thy_o time_n if_o it_o be_v long_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o may_v save_v thy_o soul_n and_o make_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n that_o thou_o desire_v more_o time_n why_o thou_o need_v not_o more_o time_n for_o these_o purpose_n than_o god_n have_v allot_v thou_o already_o thy_o life_n be_v long_o enough_o if_o thou_o do_v use_v it_o aright_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a time_n that_o we_o have_v but_o it_o be_v a_o little_a that_o we_o use_v god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o a_o little_a but_o we_o throw_v away_o much_o our_o portion_n be_v not_o small_a for_o what_o we_o be_v to_o trade_n but_o our_o mispence_n be_v exceed_o great_a god_n be_v not_o niggardly_a and_o spare_v in_o whaâ—_n he_o have_v give_v we_o but_o we_o be_v prodigal_a and_o profuset_a foolish_o waste_v away_o our_o hour_n they_o that_o have_v abundance_n of_o time_n give_v they_o through_o their_o imprudence_n and_o mispence_n be_v utter_o undo_v and_o then_o they_o whine_v like_o beggar_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o time_n whereas_o those_o that_o have_v less_o time_n than_o other_o that_o make_v these_o complaint_n have_v so_o improve_v that_o little_a that_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o let_v god_n call_v for_o they_o when_o he_o please_v if_o now_o upon_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n any_o shall_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o their_o latter_a end_n they_o shall_v find_v such_o benefit_n as_o these_o redound_v to_o their_o soul_n thereby_o first_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o much_o sin_n he_o that_o shall_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o i_o must_v short_o die_v how_o soon_o i_o know_v not_o will_v present_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o say_v why_o shall_v i_o commit_v this_o or_o that_o evil_a which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o hasten_v my_o end_n yet_o will_v certain_o make_v it_o more_o uneasy_a and_o uncomfortable_a when_o i_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n and_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o possible_o i_o may_v die_v to_o morrow_n for_o who_o know_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o o_o why_o then_o shall_v i_o venture_v to_o commit_v that_o evil_n to_o day_n which_o will_v be_v as_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o like_o bitterness_n and_o vexation_n to_o my_o soul_n then_o will_v i_o do_v it_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o i_o be_v to_o die_v to_o morrow_n why_o shall_v i_o then_o do_v it_o to_o day_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v live_v till_o to_o morrow_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o may_v prove_v the_o last_o day_n of_o my_o life_n second_o he_o that_o shall_v serious_o consider_v his_o latter_a end_n and_o shall_v diligent_o employ_v himself_o and_o his_o time_n according_o shall_v find_v his_o life_n most_o comfortable_a and_o contentful_a and_o his_o death_n most_o easy_a and_o peaceable_a as_o for_o the_o contentment_n of_o life_n if_o you_o look_v abroad_o among_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o condition_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o that_o man_n who_o by_o his_o industry_n have_v get_v to_o be_v aforehand_o in_o the_o world_n have_v much_o more_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o his_o life_n than_o he_o that_o be_v behindhand_o or_o go_v back_o and_o be_v continual_o struggle_v with_o necessity_n and_o want_n so_o be_v it_o in_o spiritual_n also_o he_o that_o have_v be_v wise_a in_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o for_o the_o get_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v do_v thus_o a_o great_a part_n yea_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n be_v do_v he_o be_v prepare_v in_o some_o measure_n for_o all_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v dispense_v to_o he_o be_v it_o sickness_n or_o health_n be_v it_o life_n or_o death_n for_o he_o be_v aforehand_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o his_o everlasting_a concern_v so_o that_o if_o god_n lengthen_v out_o his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n he_o carry_v on_o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n unto_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n not_o only_o without_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n but_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n or_o if_o god_n see_v good_a to_o cut_v short_a his_o day_n and_o call_v he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o talent_n his_o great_a business_n be_v not_o now_o to_o go_v about_o but_o his_o account_n be_v ready_a and_o he_o in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o o_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o master_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o frequent_a consider_v our_o latter_a end_n bring_v ease_n and_o peace_n in_o death_n it_o abate_v if_o not_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o it_o death_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o many_o time_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n itself_o now_o that_o which_o make_v death_n thus_o terrible_a to_o we_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n just_o deserve_v thereby_o this_o give_v death_n its_o sting_n and_o terror_n now_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n by_o act_n of_o repentance_n for_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n by_o faith_n he_o remove_v both_o the_o sting_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n at_o once_o for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n who_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o make_v it_o familiar_a to_o he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n that_o can_v hurt_v he_o neither_o for_o where_o sin_n be_v true_o repent_v of_o it_o be_v real_o pardon_v and_o sin_n be_v pardon_v the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o hurt_v and_o wound_n other_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o other_o be_v hold_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n all_o their_o life_n and_o feel_v the_o deadly_a sting_n of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o fear_v not_o either_o the_o suddenness_n of_o its_o approach_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o its_o sting_n now_o die_v be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a concernment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v full_a of_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v set_v straight_o and_o right_o between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n such_o person_n be_v no_o small_a proficient_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o 〈…〉_o chap._n iii_o the_o state_n of_o man_n consider_v under_o death_n what_o it_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o death_n with_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v prepare_v for_o it_o die_v be_v a_o important_a
majesty_n of_o heaven_n condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o entreat_v we_o with_o more_o earnestness_n and_o affection_n to_o pity_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o accept_v of_o a_o pardon_n then_o guilty_a condemn_a sinner_n desire_v to_o obtain_v it_o but_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o offer_v of_o mercy_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v then_o be_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v that_o none_o can_v wash_v in_o it_o and_o be_v cleanse_v death_n seal_v up_o the_o state_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o ever_o you_o know_v what_o abrabam_fw-la tell_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n in_o luke_n 16.26_o between_o we_o and_o you_o say_v he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n fix_v so_o that_o they_o that_o will_v pass_v from_o hence_o to_o you_o can_v neither_o can_v they_o pass_v to_o we_o that_o will_v come_v from_o thence_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n that_o man_n enter_v upon_o after_o death_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a therefore_o o_o sinner_n what_o thou_o do_v for_o god_n for_o heaven_n for_o thy_o soul_n do_v it_o quick_o for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a time_n and_o season_n for_o thou_o to_o work_v in_o and_o as_o thou_o now_o sowe_v so_o thou_o shall_v reap_v for_o ever_o the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n be_v thus_o it_o great_o concern_v all_o man_n to_o wait_v for_o death_n job_n tell_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v his_o practice_n job_n 14.14_o 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 come_v now_o wait_v as_o it_o relate_v unto_o death_n may_v include_v three_o thing_n meditation_n expectation_n and_o preparation_n first_o meditation_n he_o that_o wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o worldly_a business_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o he_o how_o busy_a will_v his_o mind_n and_o thought_n be_v in_o muse_v upon_o it_o he_o now_o that_o be_v wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o death_n consider_v both_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v come_v and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o when_o it_o will_v come_v and_o believe_v withal_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n will_v be_v that_o state_n to_o which_o death_n will_v bring_v he_o can_v but_o have_v his_o thought_n much_o take_v up_o about_o it_o this_o will_v make_v a_o soul_n true_o and_o spiritual_o wise_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n prays_n lord_n teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a will_v meditate_v of_o death_n and_o he_o that_o meditate_v of_o death_n will_v be_v true_o wise_a the_o more_o we_o number_v our_o day_n and_o think_v of_o our_o time_n the_o few_o sin_n we_o shall_v have_v to_o number_n for_o as_o a_o copy_n be_v then_o safe_a from_o blot_v when_o dust_n be_v throw_v upon_o it_o so_o be_v we_o from_o sin_v when_o we_o remember_v we_o be_v but_o dust_n second_o wait_v include_v in_o it_o expectation_n that_o which_o we_o wait_v for_o we_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o wait_v for_o death_n that_o in_o every_o action_n of_o his_o life_n in_o every_o alteration_n of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n say_v to_o himself_o well_o i_o must_v die_v when_o though_o his_o bone_n be_v full_a of_o marrow_n though_o riches_n come_v in_o upon_o he_o like_o a_o flood_n yet_o say_v he_o i_o must_v die_v i_o have_v no_o abide_v place_n here_o i_o be_o but_o a_o stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v i_o have_v now_o wife_n and_o child_n friend_n and_o land_n but_o i_o can_v enjoy_v any_o of_o these_o for_o ever_o no_o nor_o my_o life_n it_o self_n for_o i_o have_v but_o a_o lease_n of_o it_o and_o that_o but_o a_o short_a one_o too_o which_o will_v soon_o expire_v i_o expect_v death_n daily_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o my_o enjoyment_n i_o be_o but_o a_o steward_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v here_o and_o i_o must_v short_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n such_o and_o such_o be_v go_v before_o i_o and_o i_o be_o follow_v after_o the_o other_o day_n death_n snatch_v away_o such_o a_o dear_a relation_n from_o i_o this_o day_n it_o have_v seize_v upon_o such_o a_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o to_o morrow_n the_o same_o messenger_n may_v come_v for_o i_o it_o be_v that_o i_o expect_v and_o therefore_o i_o wait_v for_o it_o three_o wait_v include_v in_o it_o preparation_n he_o that_o wait_v for_o death_n aught_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o this_o now_o be_v exceed_o requisite_a because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o word_n to_o express_v how_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o preparation_n it_o be_v that_o our_o whole_a life_n shall_v have_v respect_n unto_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v aught_o to_o have_v a_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o make_v death_n comfortable_a but_o of_o this_o preparation_n for_o death_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n this_o wait_a for_o death_n by_o way_n of_o meditation_n on_o it_o by_o way_n of_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a consider_v what_o a_o important_a difficult_a work_n the_o work_n of_o die_v be_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o death_n be_v second_o what_o death_n do_v first_o what_o death_n be_v and_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a death_n be_v a_o deprivation_n death_n be_v a_o dissolution_n and_o death_n be_v a_o destruction_n all_o which_o make_v death_n terrible_a and_o the_o work_n of_o die_v difficult_a first_o death_n be_v a_o deprivation_n it_o strip_v we_o of_o all_o those_o comfort_n that_o in_o this_o world_n do_v refresh_v we_o friend_n relation_n land_n house_n these_o have_v often_o delight_v we_o while_o we_o live_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v too_o much_o by_o set_v our_o affection_n inordinate_o upon_o they_o and_o now_o what_o grief_n of_o soul_n do_v it_o create_v to_o we_o violent_o by_o death_n to_o be_v tear_v from_o they_o but_o part_n we_o and_o they_o must_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o job_n tell_v we_o we_o come_v naked_a into_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v return_v naked_a out_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o seem_v to_o intimate_v as_o if_o some_o man_n in_o our_o day_n can_v scarce_o believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o beat_v man_n off_o from_o such_o a_o conceit_n he_o tell_v they_o 1_o tim._n 6.7_o we_o bring_v nothing_o with_o we_o into_o this_o world_n this_o be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n will_v grant_v it_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v carry_v nothing_o out_o of_o it_o death_n make_v all_o lie_n equal_a in_o the_o dust_n second_o death_n be_v a_o dessolution_n in_o life_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v and_o live_v love_o together_o there_o be_v a_o near_a union_n between_o they_o a_o union_n which_o because_o of_o their_o long_a acquaintance_n and_o co-habitation_n together_o be_v become_v so_o dear_a that_o no_o union_n can_v be_v more_o desirable_a as_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o nor_o no_o union_n more_o dread_v as_o to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o except_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o union_n and_o general_o love_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o all_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o friendship_n between_o one_o friend_n and_o another_o who_o love_n have_v unite_v so_o strong_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o act_n as_o if_o one_o soul_n animate_v they_o both_o so_o jonathan_n love_v david_n even_o as_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o strong_a union_n there_o be_v also_o a_o relative_n union_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n so_o jacob_n love_v benjamin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v say_v his_o life_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o lad_n this_o be_v a_o strong_a union_n than_o the_o former_a there_o be_v also_o a_o marriage_n union_n between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a union_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a man_n and_o wife_n make_v but_o one_o flesh_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o union_n that_o be_v strong_a and_o near_o than_o any_o of_o these_o union_n and_o that_o be_v the_o union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o these_o two_o make_v but_o one_o person_n now_o all_o dis-unions_a be_v uncomfortable_a and_o some_o dis-unions_a be_v dreadful_a and_o as_o some_o dis-unions_a be_v dreadful_a so_o those_o dis-unions_a be_v most_o dreadful_a which_o rend_v that_o from_o we_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o
word_n of_o god_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o fall_v a_o read_n of_o it_o where_o he_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n which_o possible_o through_o ignorance_n or_o heedlessness_n he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o before_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n conscience_n at_o such_o a_o time_n take_v part_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o its_o admonition_n help_v forward_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o obediential_a conformity_n thereunto_o here_o now_o conscience_n be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n at_o another_o time_n when_o a_o sinner_n have_v not_o only_o through_o carelessness_n but_o through_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n fall_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o horrid_a sin_n possible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o friend_n come_v to_o he_o and_o deal_v plain_o and_o free_o with_o he_o by_o reprove_v he_o sharp_o and_o severe_o for_o his_o sin_n conscience_n now_o join_v in_o with_o the_o reproof_n and_o become_v as_o true_a a_o friend_n unto_o the_o sinner_n as_o any_o he_o have_v if_o he_o will_v but_o hearken_v unto_o he_o here_o now_o conscience_n thunder_v out_o both_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o gospel_n tell_v the_o sinner_n that_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n nay_o that_o they_o deserve_v hell_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n sake_n say_v conscience_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n conscience_n here_o now_o show_v itself_o a_o exact_a and_o upright_a reprover_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o office_n that_o conscience_n have_v and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o accuser_n and_o this_o office_n it_o common_o make_v use_v of_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n for_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a before_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o conscience_n at_o such_o a_o time_n upon_o a_o sinner_n be_v most_o quick_a and_o smart_a for_o conscience_n be_v just_a as_o it_o be_v a_o go_v to_o give_v up_o its_o account_n unto_o the_o great_a god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o flesh_n where_o it_o will_v speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n begin_v now_o to_o give_v the_o sinner_n some_o account_n of_o what_o it_o must_v and_o will_v say_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n then_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o conscience_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o so_o severe_a in_o its_o charge_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o will_v let_v nothing_o pass_v that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sinner_n without_o leave_v some_o sting_a remembrance_n of_o its_o former_a guilt_n even_o such_o as_o be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n itself_o this_o now_o make_v die_v to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a a_o work_n o_o happy_a soul_n be_v they_o who_o at_o such_o a_o time_n have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o accuse_v conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o only_o can_v have_v peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n this_o work_n of_o die_v though_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a a_o work_n yet_o be_v it_o that_o we_o must_v all_o undergo_v for_o death_n be_v continual_o hasten_v towards_o we_o the_o bless_a apostle_n st._n paul_n think_v death_n always_o to_o be_v near_o it_o make_v such_o speed_n to_o he_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o always_o as_o a_o die_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v die_v daily_o 1_o cor._n 15.31_o and_o in_o rom._n 8.36_o for_o thy_o sake_n say_v he_o we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n and_o if_o we_o make_v hezekiah_n reckon_v to_o be_v our_o own_o though_o he_o be_v under_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n when_o he_o say_v it_o but_o we_o be_v in_o health_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o the_o account_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o from_o day_n even_o unto_o night_n say_v he_o thou_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o what_o though_o death_n have_v not_o lay_v his_o cold_a hand_n upon_o we_o by_o some_o mortal_a disease_n yet_o may_v he_o not_o lie_v in_o ambush_n for_o we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o sudden_o time_n have_v wing_n and_o fly_n away_o swift_o from_o we_o and_o true_o death_n do_v not_o creep_v but_o with_o the_o same_o swiftness_n post_v towards_o we_o man_n be_v waste_v and_o consume_v every_o day_n his_o body_n waste_v his_o strength_n waste_v his_o part_n waste_v his_o time_n waste_v yea_o his_o very_a life_n waste_v and_o whither_o tend_v all_o these_o consumption_n and_o wasting_n but_o only_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o death_n neither_o will_v these_o end_n till_o they_o terminate_v in_o man_n dissolution_n but_o though_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v always_o hurry_v on_o unto_o death_n yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v how_o sudden_o themselves_o or_o other_o may_v die_v we_o easy_o and_o slight_o pass_v over_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o the_o suddenness_n of_o its_o approach_n because_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o we_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o think_v we_o shall_v guest_n that_o be_v unwellcome_a to_o we_o we_o either_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o our_o house_n or_o turn_v they_o out_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n either_o of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o possible_a we_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n altogether_o but_o if_o sometime_o they_o will_v thrust_v in_o upon_o we_o we_o turn_v they_o out_o again_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v fill_v our_o thought_n with_o some_o other_o thing_n but_o alas_o this_o will_v not_o do_v always_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n will_v return_v again_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o god_n by_o some_o providence_n may_v be_v will_v awaken_v conscience_n and_o stir_v up_o thought_n of_o death_n in_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o hinder_v they_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o stifle_v they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o we_o for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v of_o or_o regard_v how_o sudden_o other_o do_v and_o our_o self_n may_v die_v till_o by_o some_o sad_a providence_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o sick_a bed_n of_o some_o friend_n who_o death_n have_v bedew_v with_o cold_a sweat_v and_o rack_v with_o convulsim_n so_o that_o he_o lie_v gasp_v and_o die_v before_o we_o till_o our_o eye_n be_v bring_v thus_o to_o affect_v our_o heart_n our_o heart_n be_v seldom_o affect_v as_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o mortality_n now_o as_o death_n come_v sudden_o upon_o many_o so_o common_o it_o come_v violent_o upon_o wicked_a man_n their_o soul_n be_v not_o surrender_v or_o deliver_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rend_v and_o tear_v from_o they_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n a_o wicked_a man_n can_v commend_v his_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v die_v indeed_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o make_v the_o will_n of_o die_a man_n wherein_o the_o person_n that_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n say_v i_o commend_v my_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n because_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o censure_v man_n eternal_a state_n in_o the_o general_n we_o must_v not_o whole_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o few_o that_o say_v those_o word_n do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o and_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v and_o receive_v when_o they_o leave_v their_o body_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n all_o their_o day_n yet_o have_v strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o commend_v their_o soul_n unto_o he_o rely_v upon_o his_o mercy_n for_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v strange_o ignorant_a of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n in_o save_v sinner_n and_o by_o custom_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o they_o be_v become_v insensible_a their_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o asleep_a and_o so_o neither_o their_o sin_n nor_o the_o misery_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o for_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o least_o trouble_v they_o but_o otherwise_o the_o death_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v violent_a he_o do_v not_o resign_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n but_o it_o be_v
conscience_n be_v then_o awaken_v under_o horror_n and_o desperation_n if_o you_o have_v not_o other_o have_v and_o what_o have_v be_v their_o die_a word_n oh_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v their_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v and_o save_v their_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v spare_v they_o a_o little_a space_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v they_o a_o little_a time_n long_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v their_o strength_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n or_o else_o that_o he_o will_v gracious_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o language_n these_o be_v the_o thought_n and_o care_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n when_o they_o see_v death_n come_v near_o they_o and_o stare_v they_o in_o their_o face_n and_o if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n and_o condition_n o_o sinner_n that_o thou_o do_v now_o lie_v tumble_v and_o toss_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n yea_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n will_v not_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o thy_o mind_n will_v not_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o care_n possess_v thy_o soul_n and_o the_o same_o word_n and_o discourse_n fall_v from_o thy_o mouth_n why_o let_v the_o same_o care_n the_o same_o thought_n the_o same_o word_n take_v up_o some_o part_n of_o every_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o this_o life_n now_o for_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o this_o moment_n thou_o be_v as_o near_a death_n as_o if_o thy_o friend_n and_o relation_n yea_o and_o thy_o physician_n also_o despair_v of_o thy_o life_n and_o have_v give_v thou_o over_o for_o dead_a o_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o spend_v every_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o we_o shall_v then_o hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o will_v be_v willing_a death_n shall_v find_v we_o do_v and_o how_o exceed_o will_v this_o further_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n six_o he_o that_o will_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n must_v frequent_o meditate_v of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o meditate_v of_o our_o own_o death_n will_v make_v we_o studious_a to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n will_v arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o death_n he_o that_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v death_n familiar_a to_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o prepare_v for_o death_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n also_o free_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o to_o the_o consider_v of_o our_o own_o death_n the_o scripture_n be_v often_o in_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o lay_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o our_o heart_n oh_o that_o my_o people_n be_v wise_a say_v god_n that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o though_o a_o man_n live_v many_o year_n and_o rejoice_v in_o they_o all_o yet_o let_v he_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o darkness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v many_o eccle._n 11.8_o by_o day_n of_o darkness_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v death_n or_o the_o state_n of_o death_n during_o the_o abode_n of_o our_o body_n in_o the_o dark_a grave_n or_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_a he_o that_o frequent_o ponder_v of_o his_o way_n will_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v to_o turn_v his_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n as_o david_n speak_v of_o himself_o so_o he_o that_o often_o think_v upon_o death_n will_v by_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o make_v some_o timely_a preparation_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o contemplation_n of_o death_n do_v tend_v this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o live_a gain_n by_o go_v often_o to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v even_o so_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n so_o as_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v occasion_v our_o forgetfulness_n of_o he_o and_o of_o our_o self_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v common_o so_o with_o we_o when_o god_n lay_v his_o afflict_a hand_n upon_o we_o especial_o under_o some_o smart_a stroke_n we_o be_v then_o bring_v to_o seek_v god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o there_o be_v some_o tendency_n in_o affliction_n to_o make_v we_o mindful_a of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o concern_v which_o be_v the_o design_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o afflict_v we_o but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o open_v his_o hand_n towards_o we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v and_o fill_v we_o with_o his_o blessing_n than_o we_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o forget_v both_o he_o and_o our_o self_n we_o forget_v god_n because_o when_o we_o be_v full_a we_o be_v ready_a to_o deny_v god_n and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o we_o forget_v our_o self_n because_o we_o return_v not_o that_o duty_n and_o obedience_n which_o such_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v engage_v we_o to_o and_o because_o the_o stream_n of_o mercy_n now_o run_v pleasant_o about_o we_o we_o consider_v not_o how_o many_o the_o day_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o will_v overtake_v we_o short_o but_o put_v far_o from_o we_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o death_n come_v it_o find_v we_o so_o unready_a and_o unprepared_a and_o we_o so_o trouble_v and_o discompose_v in_o our_o spirit_n and_o under_o so_o many_o fear_n and_o doubt_n as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concern_v frequent_o therefore_o o_o christian_n make_v thy_o private_a retirement_n commune_fw-la with_o thyself_o alone_o visit_v death_n and_o the_o grave_a in_o thy_o thought_n take_v a_o walk_n now_o and_o then_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n suffer_v not_o thy_o thought_n to_o be_v estrange_v from_o such_o meditation_n if_o thou_o find_v thy_o self_n shy_a and_o unwilling_a to_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o work_n yet_o bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o it_o inure_v thyself_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n in_o general_n and_o of_o thy_o own_o death_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o thy_o own_o death_n join_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_a death_n take_v away_o its_o sting_n by_o die_v he_o slay_v death_n be_v the_o death_n of_o death_n as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o in_o hosea_n 13.14_o o_o death_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o plague_n o_o grave_a i_o will_v be_v thy_o victory_n he_o now_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v interest_v in_o his_o death_n may_v say_v when_o ever_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n come_v thanks_o be_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o be_o ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o muse_n therefore_o much_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o herein_o lie_v thy_o support_n and_o comfort_n o_o soul_n against_o thy_o own_o death_n seven_o he_o that_o will_v be_v prepare_v for_o death_n must_v labour_v for_o a_o assurance_n of_o a_o better_a life_n always_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n he_o that_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n need_v not_o nay_o will_v not_o much_o fear_n a_o temporal_a death_n here_o upon_o earth_n christian_n the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o you_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n in_o this_o world_n must_v take_v your_o leaf_n one_o of_o another_o and_o part_v for_o ever_o what_o then_o o_o christian_n will_v bear_v up_o thy_o spirit_n at_o such_o a_o time_n why_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o sense_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o thy_o interest_n in_o christ_n some_o evidence_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o earnest_n and_o foretaste_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n these_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o will_v bear_v up_o thy_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n when_o a_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o some_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o heaven_n then_o be_v thing_n in_o a_o good_a posture_n with_o he_o and_o he_o in_o a_o readiness_n for_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o how_o light_n will_v that_o soul_n make_v of_o death_n that_o have_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n to_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v through_o it_o he_o that_o by_o faith_n live_v in_o the_o daily_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o
heaven_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o when_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v into_o dust_n that_o he_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n which_o death_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n death_n can_v do_v he_o he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o be_v can_v but_o welcome_a death_n and_o embrace_v it_o not_o only_o with_o contentment_n but_o with_o delight_n and_o joy_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v struggle_v and_o strive_v to_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o body_n with_o what_o holy_a long_v and_o vehemency_n of_o desire_n will_v he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o chap._n iu._n of_o willingness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v difference_n between_o christian_n in_o reference_n unto_o death_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v and_o in_o what_o not_o a_o willingness_n to_o die_n may_v be_v even_o in_o wicked_a man_n and_o sometime_o they_o may_v die_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o though_o death_n be_v never_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a to_o they_o in_o the_o best_a there_o may_v be_v a_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v though_o a_o saint_n as_o a_o saint_n be_v always_o desirous_a of_o death_n reason_n that_o shall_v encourage_v the_o people_n of_o god_n always_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v believer_n shall_v not_o only_o desire_v to_o die_v but_o they_o shall_v long_o for_o death_n death_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o desirable_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v nature_n not_o only_o shun_v but_o abhor_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o nature_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o which_o seek_v its_o annihilation_n and_o destruction_n as_o death_n do_v and_o according_o as_o these_o fear_n be_v either_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v by_o sin_n and_o gild_n or_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v by_o grace_n so_o be_v we_o more_o or_o less_o incline_v towards_o or_o averse_a from_o death_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o argue_v no_o small_a attainment_n in_o grace_n when_o we_o do_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o yet_o sometime_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_n be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o be_v a_o frame_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v always_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v but_o yet_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v when_o either_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o finish_v or_o when_o his_o life_n may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a we_o may_v see_v this_o truth_n both_o in_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n in_o david_n in_o psal_n 6.4_o 5._o deliver_v my_o soul_n o_o lord_n spare_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy-sake_n for_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o david_n at_o this_o time_n be_v trouble_v in_o mind_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o so_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o psalm_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v spare_v and_o so_o hezekiah_n isai_n 38.2_o pray_v for_o a_o long_a time_n of_o life_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o for_o this_o as_o one_o because_o have_v begin_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v that_o he_o may_v carry_v it_o on_o far_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n a_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v not_o only_o as_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o die_v so_o willing_o yet_o die_v prepare_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o and_o willing_o die_v most_o comfortable_o but_o yet_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o die_v safe_o and_o happy_o in_o reference_n unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o nominal_a christian_n and_o real_a christian_n and_o also_o between_o one_o true_a christian_a and_o another_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o reference_n unto_o death_n between_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o true_o so_o some_o there_o be_v who_o conscience_n be_v so_o awaken_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n set_v their_o sin_n before_o their_o face_n with_o such_o horrible_a bloody_a circumstance_n and_o withal_o represent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o hell_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o horror_n and_o despair_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v and_o feel_v a_o hell_n in_o their_o conscience_n here_o they_o die_v under_o desperation_n of_o ever_o escape_v hell_n hereafter_o or_o of_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o judas_n who_o under_o horror_n of_o conscience_n despair_v of_o mercy_n endeavour_n to_o ease_v his_o conscience_n by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o be_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n other_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n yet_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o but_o yet_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o confident_a in_o death_n that_o heaven_n be_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o already_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o in_o luke_n 13.25_o who_o have_v such_o strong_a presumption_n of_o heaven_n that_o with_o a_o confident_a boldness_n they_o knock_v at_o heaven_n gate_n cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v but_o only_o the_o open_n of_o the_o door_n and_o let_v they_o into_o heaven_n but_o you_o know_v what_o answer_v our_o lord_n return_v they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n both_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o despair_a sinner_n and_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n be_v alike_o miserable_a in_o their_o death_n though_o they_o differ_v vast_o from_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n for_o they_o die_v neither_o happy_o nor_o comfortable_o for_o they_o die_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o which_o no_o true_a christian_n do_v and_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_n differ_v in_o their_o death_n so_o also_o do_v true_a and_o real_a christian_n differ_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o die_a some_o when_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n god_n be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n from_o they_o and_o in_o their_o apprehension_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v cast_v they_o off_o and_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o no_o more_o and_o though_o their_o life_n draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o grave_a yet_o their_o soul_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v forsake_v they_o their_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v in_o a_o cloud_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o dismal_a darkness_n they_o die_v not_o know_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o their_o soul_n for_o ever_o which_o yet_o go_v safe_o to_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v some_o again_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n yet_o be_v weak_a christian_n though_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o in_o that_o growth_n and_o strength_n that_o some_o have_v their_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a in_o faith_n they_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n but_o not_o with_o that_o fervour_n and_o ardour_n that_o some_o do_v they_o have_v a_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o operative_a such_o christian_n as_o these_o now_o though_o they_o take_v death_n patient_o yet_o they_o will_v willing_o live_v they_o go_v indeed_o when_o god_n by_o death_n call_v for_o they_o but_o they_o can_v wish_v that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o stay_v for_o they_o a_o little_a long_o they_o have_v some_o good_a hope_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v but_o they_o desire_v a_o little_a
more_o time_n to_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n they_o love_v god_n more_o than_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o yet_o their_o affection_n be_v not_o so_o full_o take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n nor_o from_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v they_o be_v not_o wrack_v and_o torment_v with_o perplex_v fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o hell_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o ravish_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o these_o we_o must_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o thus_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o they_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n that_o some_o have_v and_o so_o die_v not_o so_o comfortable_o as_o to_o sense_n and_o feeling_n as_o they_o do_v yet_o have_v they_o that_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereby_o they_o die_v happy_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v strong_a christian_n grow_v man_n in_o christ_n who_o have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o die_v but_o be_v desirous_a of_o death_n be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o length_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o creature_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o they_o know_v in_o who_o they_o have_v believe_v and_o with_o who_o they_o have_v entrust_v the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o faithful_a yea_o and_o will_v also_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o unto_o that_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v with_o a_o holy_a triumph_n through_o christ_n say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n 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 wherefore_o they_o can_v with_o cheerfulness_n commit_v one_o half_a of_o themselves_o that_o be_v their_o body_n unto_o the_o grave_a where_o though_o they_o know_v it_o shall_v turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n yet_o that_o trouble_v they_o not_o because_o they_o know_v also_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o a_o most_o glorious_a body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o their_o redeemer_n live_v and_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o last_o day_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o because_o he_o live_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v also_o and_o though_o for_o the_o present_a worm_n destroy_v their_o body_n yet_o in_o their_o flesh_n they_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o they_o shall_v see_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o eye_n shall_v behold_v he_o and_o not_o another_o and_o that_o to_o their_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o comfort_n now_o to_o such_o as_o these_o death_n be_v both_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a also_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o but_o now_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v here_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o death_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v negative_o and_o positive_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o commendable_a first_o negative_o wherein_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o so_o for_o any_o to_o wish_v for_o or_o to_o desire_v death_n through_o impatience_n or_o discontent_n in_o any_o condition_n because_o they_o can_v have_v their_o own_o will_n but_o be_v cross_v in_o their_o desire_n this_o be_v sinful_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o jonah_n who_o because_o god_n have_v smite_v the_o gourd_n from_o which_o he_o receive_v some_o refreshment_n present_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o passion_n and_o in_o a_o discontent_a fit_n he_o conclude_v the_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v jonah_n 4.8_o but_o god_n know_v it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o live_v than_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o pity_n he_o spare_v he_o that_o he_o may_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o elijah_n which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o like_a infirmity_n with_o we_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o as_o to_o any_o other_o infirmity_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a but_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o when_o he_o be_v persecute_v by_o jezabel_n cruelty_n and_o flee_v for_o his_o life_n under_o fear_n and_o infidelity_n in_o 1_o king_n 19_o and_o 24._o he_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v enough_o o_o lord_n now_o take_v away_o my_o life_n for_o i_o be_o no_o better_a than_o my_o father_n these_o fit_n of_o passion_n and_o discontent_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o yet_o how_o frequent_a be_v it_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o vent_v their_o discontent_n when_o any_o trouble_n befall_v they_o that_o cross_v their_o will_n present_o nothing_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n but_o death_n o_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a i_o will_v not_o say_v what_o once_o i_o hear_v speak_v to_o be_v always_o true_a in_o this_o case_n that_o such_o person_n by_o wish_v for_o death_n wish_v for_o hell_n and_o damnation_n with_o it_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o this_o i_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o wicked_a profane_a wretch_n who_o when_o something_o do_v cross_v and_o vex_v they_o instant_o cry_v out_o oh_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o who_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v more_o merciful_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o they_o themselves_o be_v to_o their_o body_n but_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o present_o strike_v they_o dead_a it_o may_v be_v fear_v he_o must_v also_o by_o strike_v their_o body_n into_o the_o grave_a smite_v their_o soul_n into_o hell_n they_o allow_v themselves_o no_o space_n and_o time_n for_o their_o repentance_n o_o that_o such_o person_n will_v serious_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o wish_v such_o a_o end_n may_v befall_v they_o again_o to_o wish_v for_o death_n absolute_o be_v sinful_a though_o we_o be_v under_o pain_n that_o be_v more_o painful_a than_o death_n itself_o nature_n put_v we_o upon_o desire_v to_o live_v and_o grace_n shall_v put_v we_o upon_o desire_v to_o live_v because_o god_n will_v it_o though_o we_o be_v under_o sore_a affliction_n for_o as_o it_o be_v our_o holiness_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n while_o we_o live_v so_o it_o be_v our_o holiness_n to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v while_o we_o suffer_v according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o desire_v death_n because_o our_o life_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n be_v a_o sinful_a wish_n or_o desire_v for_o god_n may_v and_o often_o have_v as_o much_o use_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n as_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n a_o sickly_a body_n yea_o a_o sick_a bed_n may_v bring_v as_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n as_o a_o healthful_a constitution_n and_o we_o may_v do_v as_o much_o service_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o chain_n and_o in_o a_o prison_n as_o when_o we_o enjoy_v the_o great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n passive_a obedience_n bring_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o god_n as_o active_a do_v when_o you_o lie_v under_o any_o trouble_v therefore_o wish_v not_o for_o death_n beg_v of_o god_n rather_o that_o he_o will_v remove_v those_o evil_n from_o you_o than_o remove_v you_o from_o those_o evil_n god_n have_v a_o thousand_o way_n to_o let_v we_o out_o of_o trouble_n though_o he_o do_v not_o open_a the_o door_n of_o the_o grave_a to_o let_v we_o in_o thither_o pray_o that_o your_o affliction_n may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o that_o your_o spirit_n may_v be_v raise_v up_o above_o your_o trouble_n while_o you_o live_v and_o seek_v not_o nor_o desire_v freedom_n from_o they_o by_o death_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o bear_v a_o burden_n well_o be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o especial_o if_o while_o we_o be_v suffer_v our_o self_n we_o be_v do_v good_a unto_o other_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v content_v yea_o he_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o suffer_v evil_n that_o lie_v upon_o when_o he_o do_v good_a thereby_o unto_o other_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o gracious_a public_a spirit_n will_v triumph_v over_o personal_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n so_o long_o as_o he_o see_v god_n make_v use_n of_o he_o as_o
the_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v then_o a_o tolerable_a evil_n but_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v death_n as_o a_o punishment_n for_o sin_n as_o that_o which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o unchangeable_a estate_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a indeed_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o enemy_n we_o may_v become_v friend_n but_o when_o death_n have_v once_o seize_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a our_o state_n shall_v then_o be_v change_v we_o can_v now_o say_v of_o the_o vile_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o he_o we_o must_v not_o write_v desperation_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o state_n than_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o death_n leave_v man_n so_o judgement_n will_v find_v they_o and_o this_o judgement_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conclusive_a and_o never_o to_o be_v repeal_v hence_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o take_v the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n one_o who_o custom_n in_o sin_v have_v make_v past_a feel_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v if_o conscience_n be_v but_o awaken_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n without_o great_a fear_n and_o horror_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o sight_n so_o amaze_a and_o confound_v that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v make_v unto_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o believer_n shall_v bear_v up_o under_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n then_o speak_v peace_n and_o so_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o support_v but_o carry_v comfortable_o unto_o heaven_n through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n death_n be_v thus_o terrible_a now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n unto_o man._n a_o enemy_n now_o be_v one_o that_o when_o he_o come_v against_o we_o always_o come_v arm_v to_o do_v we_o a_o mischief_n such_o a_o enemy_n now_o be_v death_n for_o ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n death_n have_v be_v arm_v with_o a_o deadly_a sting_n now_o this_o sting_n of_o death_n whereby_o it_o become_v hurtful_a unto_o man_n be_v sin_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n now_o this_o sting_n reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o body_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n also_o as_o to_o the_o body_n it_o take_v away_o all_o those_o contentment_n and_o comfort_n wherewith_o it_o be_v here_o refresh_v and_o delight_v death_n rend_v the_o husband_n from_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n from_o the_o husband_n it_o divide_v child_n from_o their_o parent_n and_o parent_n from_o their_o child_n death_n spoil_v we_o of_o whatsoever_o be_v desirable_a in_o this_o life_n strip_v a_o man_n of_o all_o and_o turn_v he_o naked_a out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o death_n not_o only_o bereave_v we_o of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a here_o but_o it_o bring_v many_o evil_n along_o with_o it_o sickness_n pain_n on_o the_o body_n grief_n and_o anguish_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o terrible_a enemy_n to_o wrestle_v and_o contend_v withal_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n sweat_n and_o bleed_v no_o man_n can_v encounter_n with_o death_n but_o he_o shall_v feel_v great_a anxiety_n and_o vexation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n unless_o he_o have_v strength_n from_o above_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o contest_v death_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o furious_a a_o enemy_n unto_o sinner_n that_o it_o will_v not_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v pull_v the_o body_n down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o drag_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o tribunal_n into_o the_o torment_n of_o eternal_a fire_n where_o the_o first_o death_n terminate_v in_o the_o second_o death_n and_o the_o torment_n exceed_v not_o only_o all_o our_o expression_n but_o all_o our_o apprehension_n also_o where_o death_n that_o be_v now_o such_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n will_v there_o be_v count_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n for_o there_o they_o shall_v seek_v death_n but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o but_o more_o particular_o the_o enmity_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n do_v much_o abate_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a every_o believer_n be_v one_o that_o love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o look_n upon_o heaven_n as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v his_o dwell_a place_n for_o ever_o and_o according_o sincere_o desire_n and_o belong_v after_o it_o and_o in_o his_o daily_a conversation_n walk_v with_o his_o face_n thitherwards_o but_o when_o he_o see_v death_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n between_o he_o and_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n for_o he_o to_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n but_o he_o must_v pass_v through_o that_o dark_a valley_n this_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o make_v his_o desire_n weak_a and_o low_a the_o best_a christian_n i_o believe_v have_v sometime_o feel_v such_o working_n as_o these_o within_o their_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o regenerate_v part_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctify_a affection_n will_v be_v soar_v upward_o towards_o god_n and_o heaven_n in_o who_o presence_n the_o soul_n will_v fain_o be_v but_o see_v death_n stand_v in_o its_o way_n how_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a soul_n keep_v down_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o and_o he_o turn_v back_o as_o one_o that_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o his_o father_n presence_n where_o be_v the_o christian_n the_o eye_n of_o who_o faith_n be_v so_o steady_o fix_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n who_o soul_n be_v sometime_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a yet_o withal_o when_o he_o see_v the_o rude_a hand_n of_o death_n stretch_v out_o to_o undress_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o but_o by_o first_o suffer_v a_o dissolution_n and_o lay_v down_o of_o his_o earthly_a tabernacle_n in_o the_o grave_a though_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v he_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v yet_o see_v this_o dismal_a enemy_n death_n in_o the_o way_n do_v not_o shrink_v back_o and_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n be_v this_o and_o what_o dreadful_a enmity_n do_v it_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o obstruct_v our_o desire_n though_o after_o god_n and_o heaven_n cause_v we_o to_o run_v from_o god_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o we_o true_o and_o dear_o love_v he_o happy_a soul_n be_v they_o in_o who_o faith_n and_o love_n work_v so_o powerful_o as_o to_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v these_o fear_n second_o if_o death_n as_o a_o enemy_n prevail_v so_o as_o to_o abate_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o endanger_v our_o fall_n in_o love_n with_o this_o present_a world_n and_o so_o make_v we_o miserable_a by_o cause_v we_o to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n take_v a_o christian_a who_o desire_n after_o heaven_n be_v weak_a though_o true_a because_o blunt_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o frightful_a difficulty_n that_o must_v be_v go_v through_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o how_o apt_a be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o take_v up_o with_o those_o delightful_a pleasure_n that_o may_v be_v have_v here_o without_o such_o dangerous_a adventure_n but_o now_o if_o that_o which_o darken_v the_o bless_a vision_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o unspeakable_a happiness_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n there_o and_o which_o also_o deaden_v our_o desire_n after_o this_o blessedness_n be_v once_o remove_v which_o usual_o be_v the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o death_n with_o what_o ease_n can_v such_o a_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n despise_v all_o the_o trifle_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n as_o thing_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v regard_v three_o the_o enmity_n of_o death_n manifest_v itself_o in_o obstruct_v a_o christian_n endeavour_n towards_o heaven_n a_o discourage_v disconsolate_a soul_n move_v but_o slow_o be_v it_o towards_o earth_n or_o heaven_n difficulty_n that_o shall_v stir_v up_o great_a diligence_n usual_o be_v great_a
discouragement_n unto_o our_o endeavour_n and_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o solomon_n sluggard_n there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o slothful_a refuse_n to_o labour_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o spiritual_n difficulty_n soon_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v our_o endeavour_n whereas_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o whet_v to_o industry_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n say_v our_o lord_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n but_o alas_o in_o many_o christian_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o keep_v they_o in_o bondage_n all_o their_o day_n but_o now_o be_v death_n remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n can_v christian_n be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o their_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n without_o lay_v down_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o their_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o die_v to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o delightful_a will_v the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o run_v with_o patience_n but_o with_o cheerfulness_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o need_v motive_n to_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o so_o earnest_a and_o vehement_a will_v our_o desire_n and_o long_n be_v after_o it_o that_o nothing_o can_v stop_v the_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o how_o delightful_o shall_v we_o pray_v lord_n let_v thy_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n come_v our_o meditation_n thereof_o will_v so_o draw_v forth_o our_o affection_n and_o ravish_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o delightful_a fore-thought_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v nothing_o hard_a to_o part_v with_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o but_o that_o now_o which_o abate_v our_o desire_n after_o heaven_n must_v needs_o hinder_v our_o diligent_a endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o now_o as_o death_n be_v a_o enemy_n so_o it_o be_v the_o last_o enemy_n but_o yet_o withal_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o shall_v be_v destroy_v so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 16._o now_o the_o last_o enemy_n that_o shall_v be_v destroy_v be_v death_n but_o how_o or_o by_o who_o be_v this_o last_o enemy_n death_n destroy_v and_o overcome_v i_o answer_v not_o by_o ourselves_o for_o death_n seem_v rather_o to_o have_v destroy_v we_o than_o we_o it_o when_o it_o bring_v the_o body_n down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n but_o this_o last_o enemy_n be_v destroy_v by_o our_o victorious_a redeemer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o it_o be_v who_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n have_v overcome_v death_n and_o of_o a_o deadly_a enemy_n have_v make_v it_o become_v a_o most_o comfortable_a friend_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v christ_n have_v not_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o obligation_n unto_o death_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n death_n be_v become_v necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o our_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o believer_n die_v as_o well_o as_o unbeliever_n neither_o have_v christ_n deliver_v we_o from_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n the_o usual_a forerunner_n of_o death_n david_n complain_v psal_n 38._o my_o loin_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o loathsome_a disease_n there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o i_o because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n but_o now_o in_o these_o respect_v christ_n have_v overcome_v death_n for_o believer_n first_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n this_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o in_o a_o open_a field_n and_o pitch_a battle_n do_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2.15_o now_o one_o of_o these_o power_n arm_v against_o we_o be_v death_n and_o the_o weapon_n with_o which_o death_n fight_v against_o we_o be_v sin_n our_o 〈◊〉_d jesus_n christ_n now_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o spoil_v death_n of_o his_o power_n for_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o triumph_v over_o they_o on_o his_o cross_n death_n once_o strike_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n with_o its_o sting_n and_o by_o strike_v he_o lose_v its_o sting_n in_o his_o bless_a side_n so_o that_o ever_o since_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n do_v or_o may_v insult_v over_o death_n as_o be_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v for_o they_o so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 55_o 57_o o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n say_v he_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o 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 christ_n deliver_v believer_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2.14_o 15._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o the_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o also_o himself_o likewise_o take_v part_n of_o the_o same_o that_o through_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n but_o be_v this_o all_o no_o the_o apostle_n add_v another_o end_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a unto_o bondage_n now_o that_o which_o make_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v fear_v be_v his_o strength_n his_o deadly_a weapon_n christ_n now_o by_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n take_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o death_n its_o sting_n whereby_o it_o have_v power_n to_o hurt_v and_o that_o be_v sin_n now_o death_n be_v disarm_v christian_n be_v free_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v sometime_o fear_v a_o naked_a enemy_n but_o there_o be_v no_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o see_v he_o can_v hurt_v they_o and_o so_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sometime_o may_v exceed_v in_o their_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o death_n if_o they_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v disarm_v death_n for_o they_o three_o christ_n deliver_v his_o people_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o death_n in_o itself_o death_n be_v a_o curse_n the_o punishment_n of_o man_n sin_n the_o expression_n of_o god_n wrath_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n pronounce_v against_o man_n upon_o his_o apostasy_n from_o god_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o say_v god_n thou_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n but_o all_o that_o die_v under_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n do_v not_o die_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o all_o deserve_v it_o indeed_o but_o to_o some_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v change_v through_o he_o who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n they_o that_o believe_v shall_v never_o die_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o die_n in_o the_o lord_n rev._n 14.13_o the_o nature_n of_o death_n be_v change_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n such_o do_v but_o sleep_v to_o die_v to_o a_o saint_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o undress_v and_o go_v to_o bed_n let_v what_o will_v become_v of_o dives_n our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v john_n 11.12_o the_o just_a by_o death_n enter_v into_o peace_n they_o rest_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o be_v take_v from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v death_n to_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o a_o malefactor_n put_v off_o his_o clothes_n that_o he_o may_v be_v scourge_v according_a to_o law_n so_o death_n uncloathe_n the_o wicked_a that_o by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v torment_v for_o ever_o but_o now_o to_o the_o godly_a man_n death_n be_v but_o like_o a_o child_n put_v off_o a_o old_a garment_n that_o he_o may_v put_v on_o a_o new_a one_o so_o death_n uncloathe_n the_o godly_a of_o the_o rag_n of_o their_o mortality_n that_o they_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o incorruptible_a garment_n that_o shall_v never_o fade_v or_o change_v but_o keep_v its_o beautiful_a lustre_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o four_o christ_n deliver_v his_o people_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o death_n it_o be_v true_a when_o death_n have_v lay_v their_o body_n down_o in_o the_o grave_a in_o seem_v to_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o but_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v take_v away_o this_o seem_a dominion_n of_o
death_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o have_v declare_v his_o victory_n over_o it_o and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o it_o by_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a christ_n by_o his_o death_n do_v meritorious_o conquer_v death_n for_o believer_n but_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o conquer_v it_o till_o his_o resurrection_n but_o then_o he_o do_v the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o day_n wherein_o grace_n do_v triumph_n through_o christ_n towards_o believe_v soul_n for_o on_o that_o day_n christ_n do_v open_o show_v to_o heaven_n to_o hell_n to_o earth_n that_o death_n be_v not_o only_o conquerable_a by_o believer_n but_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o conquer_v for_o they_o through_o he_o bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n believe_v it_o to_o their_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o be_v thereby_o full_o confirm_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o own_o body_n because_o their_o head_n be_v already_o rise_v for_o they_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o their_o great_a torment_n because_o they_o now_o know_v their_o sinful_a body_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o suffer_v for_o ever_o with_o their_o soul_n in_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v the_o saint_n on_o earth_n also_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o believe_a expectation_n of_o it_o be_v assure_v that_o as_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n be_v loose_v by_o which_o christ_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o grave_a for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o day_n but_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o any_o long_o so_o neither_o shall_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o believer_n always_o to_o be_v hold_v under_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v when_o all_o that_o be_v in_o their_o grave_n shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o joh._n 5.28_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o jesus_n die_v and_z rise_v again_o even_o so_o they_o also_o that_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n will_v god_n bring_v with_o he_o in_o 1_o thes_n 4._o and_o 14._o for_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n christ_n be_v rise_v and_o become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n in_o 1_o cor._n 15.20_o and_o as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o so_o the_o time_n will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o believer_n shall_v also_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o shall_v die_v no_o more_o for_o there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o more_o death_n nor_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v nor_o pain_n no_o more_o disease_n or_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o grave_a for_o behold_v all_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a rev._n 21.45_o but_o though_o christ_n have_v overcome_v death_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o fear_n of_o it_o in_o most_o and_o indeed_o death_n be_v a_o object_n of_o fear_n neither_o be_v all_o fear_n of_o death_n to_o be_v condemn_v as_o sinful_a now_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o that_o death_n be_v a_o object_n of_o fear_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o fear_v death_n and_o when_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a i_o shall_v consider_v man_n in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o sinful_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o so_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n abhor_v death_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o find_v out_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n yet_o will_v he_o fear_v death_n be_v he_o liable_a to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o his_o dissolution_n and_o destruction_n thus_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n yet_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o fear_v death_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o thus_o now_o to_o fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o destructive_a unto_o nature_n be_v not_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a second_o consider_v man_n as_o he_o be_v sinful_a and_o unregenerate_a and_o so_o death_n be_v a_o object_n of_o fear_n and_o full_a of_o horror_n for_o to_o all_o such_o death_n come_v arm_v with_o power_n not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o so_o death_n rule_v over_o all_o but_o it_o come_v to_o kill_v and_o to_o destroy_v soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o for_o to_o such_o it_o be_v not_o death_n alone_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o godly_a but_o it_o be_v death_n and_o hell_n together_o rev._n 6.8_o and_o i_o look_v and_o behold_v a_o pale_a horse_n and_o his_o name_n that_o sit_v on_o he_o be_v death_n and_o hell_n follow_v with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o death_n be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a unto_o such_o but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n that_o such_o can_v take_v any_o rest_n in_o the_o night_n or_o enjoy_v any_o quietness_n in_o the_o day_n that_o under_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n they_o be_v not_o distract_v but_o here_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o such_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o death_n that_o they_o will_v not_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n but_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o but_o know_v o_o foolish_a sinner_n though_o thou_o sleep_v and_o be_v secure_a in_o sin_n yet_o thy_o death_n and_o thy_o damnation_n slumber_v not_o for_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v ride_v on_o horseback_n make_v haste_n towards_o thou_o and_o will_v soon_o overtake_v thou_o to_o thy_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v know_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o first_o death_n which_o now_o thou_o labour_v to_o stifle_v yea_o to_o drive_v away_o from_o thy_o thought_n be_v not_o so_o full_a of_o dread_n and_o horror_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o second_o death_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o death_n therefore_o unto_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o object_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o they_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o commendable_a and_o that_o upon_o which_o their_o thought_n shall_v much_o dwell_v because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v prevent_v much_o sin_n in_o they_o while_o they_o live_v and_o may_v possible_o render_v death_n more_o comfortable_a to_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v three_o consider_v man_n as_o regenerate_v and_o become_v a_o true_a believer_n yet_o so_o he_o may_v and_o often_o do_v fear_n death_n for_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o a_o saint_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v still_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o as_o death_n will_v be_v death_n so_o nature_n will_v still_o be_v nature_n and_o therefore_o death_n as_o death_n will_v be_v abhor_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v whole_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v in_o the_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o if_o shall_v not_o be_v because_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v turn_n to_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n for_o hereby_o they_o be_v make_v to_o walk_v more_o humble_o with_o god_n and_o more_o watchful_o over_o themselves_o for_o while_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v poor_a frail_a die_a creature_n subject_a unto_o death_n continual_o and_o that_o they_o must_v pass_v from_o thence_o unto_o judgement_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v keep_v from_o fall_v into_o many_o sin_n that_o now_o will_v wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o break_v their_o peace_n and_o hereafter_o make_v their_o death_n more_o dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a by_o this_o fear_n of_o death_n also_o the_o godly_a be_v quicken_v in_o their_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n for_o because_o death_n be_v so_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v come_v and_o withal_o so_o uncertain_a when_o it_o will_v come_v the_o godly_a be_v hereby_o stir_v up_o unto_o a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a preparation_n for_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a for_o their_o departure_n whensoever_o god_n by_o death_n shall_v call_v they_o hence_o and_o death_n now_o be_v a_o object_n of_o fear_n in_o general_n so_o be_v there_o reason_n why_o christian_n fear_v death_n in_o particular_a as_o first_o some_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n because_o of_o the_o extremity_n of_o those_o pain_n which_o they_o must_v undergo_v when_o they_o be_v die_v and_o because_o of_o the_o
fear_v god_n thou_o need_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_o fond_a of_o this_o life_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v thou_o coat_n upon_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n and_o trouble_n have_v not_o thy_o sin_n make_v it_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v outward_o enjoy_v be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n have_v thou_o not_o by_o experience_n find_v it_o so_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o with_o holy_a job_n bless_v god_n not_o only_o for_o give_v of_o life_n but_o for_o take_v of_o it_o away_o also_o god_n give_v it_o thou_o for_o a_o time_n and_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n too_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o thou_o shall_v be_v thou_o ought_v to_o count_v it_o thy_o felicity_n that_o it_o be_v so_o short_a for_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o sorrow_n and_o who_o will_v complain_v because_o his_o sorrow_n be_v so_o short_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o pleasure_n here_o that_o gratify_v thy_o sense_n but_o be_v they_o comparable_a to_o what_o thy_o soul_n have_v taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o god_n by_o death_n be_v call_v thou_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n to_o all_o eternity_n dare_v thou_o say_v that_o earth_n be_v like_a heaven_n be_v christ_n in_o those_o dark_a and_o dim_a discovery_n he_o make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n like_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o full_a and_o open_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n can_v thou_o say_v thy_o soul_n be_v so_o like_o he_o in_o wisdom_n holiness_n joy_n and_o peace_n here_o as_o it_o will_v be_v above_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v enroll_v among_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a if_o thou_o will_v be_v in_o love_n with_o life_n be_v in_o love_n with_o eternal_a life_n and_o henceforth_o fear_v not_o to_o die_v at_o god_n call_n for_o the_o obedience_n that_o thou_o owe_v unto_o god_n bind_v thou_o and_o the_o gain_v that_o death_n will_v bring_v shall_v both_o invite_v and_o encourage_v thou_o though_o death_n end_v this_o life_n it_o begin_v another_o and_o though_o thou_o may_v rot_v under_o ground_n in_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o vile_a part_n thy_o body_n and_o even_o that_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v again_o short_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thy_o soul_n thy_o better_a part_n shall_v live_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a life_n think_v well_o therefore_o of_o death_n for_o as_o it_o end_v thy_o life_n so_o it_o end_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o suffering_n also_o in_o these_o particular_a instance_n o_o christian_n thou_o fee_v how_o little_a cause_n there_o be_v for_o thou_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o discover_v how_o unfit_a and_o uncomely_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o christian_n to_o fear_v death_n and_o for_o this_o consider_v first_o a_o christian_n fear_v of_o death_n bring_v a_o reproach_n upon_o religion_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o in_o christianity_n that_o can_v lift_v up_o a_o soul_n above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o a_o papist_n that_o profess_v no_o man_n can_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n when_o he_o die_v to_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n this_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n it_o be_v but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o his_o religion_n teach_v he_o but_o for_o one_o that_o profess_v the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o future_a happy_a state_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o death_n the_o way_n and_o passage_n through_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n where_o this_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v show_v if_o not_o a_o want_n of_o faith_n yet_o at_o least_o a_o great_a weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n to_o reflect_v disgraceful_o upon_o religion_n second_o to_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v that_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n which_o wicked_a man_n be_v under_o and_o from_o which_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o deliver_v his_o people_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o believer_n to_o live_v deject_o under_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o very_a uncomely_a thing_n indeed_o the_o fear_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o death_n without_o horror_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o for_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o dread_v death_n most_o and_o can_v they_o but_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v here_o always_o they_o will_v desire_v no_o other_o heaven_n fearfulness_n and_o amazedness_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n be_v the_o proper_a state_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v always_o subject_a for_o upon_o good_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n in_o death_n but_o be_v full_a of_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o shall_v torment_v they_o for_o ever_o but_o now_o for_o true_a believer_n god_n have_v make_v your_o state_n and_o condition_n very_o unlike_a unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o issue_n of_o death_n because_o you_o have_v good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n even_o in_o death_n so_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 14.32_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n between_o you_o and_o they_o both_o in_o death_n and_o after_o death_n let_v there_o not_o be_v a_o likeness_n between_o you_o and_o they_o as_o to_o your_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v a_o faelix_fw-la tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n but_o let_v not_o the_o godly_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n but_o lift_v they_o up_o with_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v because_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o three_o consider_v this_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n be_v to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o semblance_n of_o death_n for_o to_o speak_v strict_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n for_o sin_n this_o be_v death_n proper_o but_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n only_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n but_o o_o how_o seldom_o be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n tremble_v because_o of_o a_o spiritual_a death_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o this_o be_v infinite_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o temporal_a death_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o to_o show_v how_o full_a of_o woe_n and_o misery_n this_o death_n be_v it_o be_v call_v damnation_n which_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o all_o misery_n this_o be_v that_o now_o to_o which_o this_o spiritual_a death_n tend_v and_o in_o which_o it_o will_v terminate_v hence_o therefore_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n this_o shall_v as_o certain_o be_v their_o portion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v there_o already_o therefore_o o_o christian_n if_o thou_o will_v fear_v death_n fear_v not_o that_o which_o be_v the_o shadow_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o but_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v death_n indeed_o fear_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o death_n also_o for_o if_o thou_o be_v spiritual_o alive_a and_o raise_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v how_o uncomely_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o thou_o to_o fear_v the_o shadow_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o evil_n which_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o evil_n itself_o four_o consider_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v both_o common_a and_o certain_a be_v a_o uncomely_a and_o unsuitable_a thing_n affliction_n in_o general_n be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o world_n but_o death_n be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o common_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o befall_v all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a from_o other_o outward_a affliction_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o some_o may_v be_v free_a or_o if_o they_o befall_v they_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o under_o they_o again_o but_o no_o man_n can_v escape_v death_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n shall_v he_o
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
comfort_n that_o many_o of_o god_n people_n have_v languish_v a_o long_a time_n under_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n and_o some_o of_o they_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n yea_o and_o in_o their_o last_o sickness_n and_o almost_o to_o their_o last_o gasp_n and_o then_o god_n have_v gracious_o come_v in_o and_o seal_v up_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o their_o soul_n whereby_o they_o have_v be_v fill_v will_n joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n never_o fear_v death_n therefore_o for_o want_v of_o assurance_n for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a time_n when_o god_n do_v bestow_v it_o upon_o his_o people_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o give_v thou_o this_o assurance_n yet_o he_o will_v put_v under_o his_o everlasting_a arm_n that_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o notwithstanding_o all_o thy_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o carry_v thou_o safe_a through_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n into_o glory_n where_o thou_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o as_o thou_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v but_o may_v some_o say_v be_v we_o prepare_v to_o die_v we_o can_v willing_o embrace_v death_n whensoever_o god_n send_v it_o but_o alas_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o that_o we_o fear_v we_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o death_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o comfortable_o think_v of_o die_v i_o answer_v if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o thy_o soul_n as_o thy_o fear_n suggest_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o real_o prepare_v for_o death_n thy_o condition_n be_v sad_a and_o dangerous_a and_o if_o death_n seize_v upon_o thou_o in_o this_o state_n thou_o be_v irrecoverable_o miserable_a and_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o be_v this_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n because_o thou_o be_v not_o actual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n god_n be_v yet_o wait_v time_n be_v yet_o lengthen_v out_o space_n be_v yet_o grant_v to_o you_o to_o prepare_v to_o meet_v this_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o these_o lie_v all_o your_o hope_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v great_a loiterer_n in_o your_o great_a work_n spend_v much_o of_o your_o precious_a time_n to_o little_a purpose_n neglect_v many_o opportunity_n lose_v many_o warning_n vouchsafe_v to_o you_o now_o therefore_o be_v diligent_a what_o be_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o your_o life_n give_v you_o for_o but_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o have_v you_o live_v so_o many_o year_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v for_o your_o last_o hour_n and_o be_v you_o still_o both_o unwilling_a and_o unfit_a to_o die_v what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v wherefore_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v live_v have_v you_o have_v any_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mind_n than_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o your_o latter_a end_n o_o foolish_a soul_n and_o unwise_a who_o else_o will_v run_v such_o desperate_a hazaras_fw-mi god_n have_v frequent_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o must_v die_v how_o often_o have_v death_n by_o god_n appointment_n come_v among_o your_o acquaintance_n and_o relation_n and_o sometime_o into_o your_o own_o habitation_n and_o snatch_v away_o many_o before_o your_o eye_n how_o often_o have_v it_o be_v tell_v you_o such_o a_o friend_n be_v dead_a in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o such_o a_o acquaintance_n in_o another_o place_n and_o such_o a_o relation_n in_o such_o a_o family_n and_o by_o all_o these_o warning_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v mortal_a and_o shall_v short_o die_v as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v it_o where_o be_v the_o prepartion_n you_o make_v for_o it_o when_o you_o be_v still_o cry_v out_o o_o you_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v be_v not_o this_o your_o language_n long_o since_o how_o many_o year_n have_v it_o be_v hear_v from_o you_o when_o god_n have_v visit_v you_o with_o sickness_n not_o once_o but_o often_o and_o you_o be_v go_v down_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o grave_a in_o your_o own_o apprehension_n do_v you_o not_o then_o cry_v out_o lord_z i_o be_o not_o ready_a o_o spare_v i_o yet_o a_o little_a long_o that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n yet_o once_o again_o before_o i_o go_v away_o from_o hence_o and_o shall_v be_v see_v no_o more_o and_o god_n be_v nigh_o to_o your_o voice_n and_o hear_v your_o cry_n and_o grant_v your_o request_n and_o try_v you_o once_o and_o again_o a_o little_a long_o and_o what_o be_v you_o not_o yet_o fit_a to_o die_v who_o fault_n be_v it_o sure_o your_o own_o and_o if_o death_n take_v you_o away_o in_o this_o state_n you_o will_v just_o bear_v the_o blame_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o for_o ever_o whoever_o thou_o be_v into_o who_o hand_n these_o line_n may_v fall_v present_o put_v thyself_o upon_o the_o trial_n how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v the_o question_n out_o of_o doubt_n think_v not_o that_o god_n must_v wait_v upon_o you_o whilst_o you_o dally_v and_o trifle_v away_o your_o time_n have_v thou_o be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a former_o be_v so_o no_o long_o o_o search_n and_o examine_v thy_o soul_n and_o follow_v the_o search_n close_o and_o home_o to_o thy_o conscience_n till_o thou_o come_v full_o and_o clear_o to_o discern_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o idle_a not_o away_o thy_o time_n one_o moment_n long_o but_o begin_v this_o day_n delay_v not_o thy_o preparation_n for_o death_n until_o to_o morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v thy_o preparation_n such_o as_o may_v render_v death_n comfortable_a in_o thy_o thought_n and_o expectation_n i_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v thou_o but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v because_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v some_o fear_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o trouble_a christian_n be_v which_o they_o can_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o so_o as_o ready_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v unto_o death_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n propose_v some_o consolatory_a consideration_n for_o their_o encouragement_n and_o support_v against_o a_o die_a hour_n as_o first_o consider_v that_o gracious_a promise_n god_n have_v make_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o all_o age_n that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o cordial_a so_o full_a of_o divine_a consolation_n that_o if_o christian_n do_v but_o believe_v and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o comfort_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fear_v much_o less_o sink_v under_o any_o affliction_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o it_o be_v no_o small_a trial_n st._n paul_n be_v under_o when_o after_o his_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n where_o he_o hear_v thing_n that_o be_v unspeakable_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v utter_v he_o have_v give_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o upon_o which_o he_o make_v his_o prayer_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o he_o what_o answer_v now_o do_v he_o receive_v from_o god_n why_o the_o thorn_n remain_v in_o his_o flesh_n still_o and_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n continue_v to_o buffet_v he_o but_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o better_a return_n to_o his_o prayer_n even_o the_o make_v good_a of_o this_o gracious_a promise_n to_o he_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o for_o say_v god_n my_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ory_n out_o in_o the_o deep_a of_o his_o affliction_n with_o transport_v of_o joy_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o yea_o say_v he_o i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a for_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o 10._o thus_o for_o god_n to_o stand_v by_o his_o people_n and_o to_o strengthen_v they_o under_o their_o affliction_n be_v more_o than_o for_o god_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o they_o and_o he_o always_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o he_o deliver_v not_o his_o people_n out_o of_o affliction_n he_o always_o strengthen_v they_o under_o they_o and_o the_o great_a the_o affliction_n of_o any_o of_o his_o people_n be_v the_o more_o be_v his_o power_n see_v in_o support_v they_o because_o they_o then_o most_o need_v it_o
therefore_o say_v god_n when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o they_o shall_v not_o overflow_v thou_o and_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v burn_v esai_n 43.2_o take_v courage_n therefore_o o_o christian_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o any_o affliction_n be_v not_o affright_v no_o not_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o death_n itself_o though_o thou_o se_v it_o be_v a_o narrow_a passage_n a_o way_n beset_v with_o briar_n and_o thorn_n though_o it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o pass_v through_o yet_o fear_v not_o for_o it_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o glory_n be_v not_o afraid_a therefore_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n though_o love_n of_o friend_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n fail_v thou_o yet_o fear_v not_o for_o god_n will_v be_v with_o thou_o his_o rod_n and_o his_o staff_n will_v support_v and_o comfort_v thou_o he_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o your_o guide_n not_o only_o unto_o death_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o he_o will_v never_o never_o never_o leave_v his_o people_n nor_o forsake_v they_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o in_o glory_n second_o will_v thou_o o_fw-fr christian_n be_v comfort_v and_o support_v against_o death_n then_o much_o and_o often_o meditate_v upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o though_o every_o thing_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o thing_n do_v by_o christ_n be_v exceed_o sweet_a and_o precious_a for_o unto_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a christ_n and_o whole_a christ_n be_v precious_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o or_o do_v by_o he_o that_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o want_v but_o yet_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o few_o thing_n more_o particular_o which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n unto_o a_o christian_a to_o meditate_v upon_o for_o his_o support_n against_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n as_o first_o meditate_v often_o upon_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o though_o in_o general_a these_o be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o exceed_v all_o our_o expression_n and_o apprehension_n yet_o how_o willing_o and_o patient_o do_v he_o undergo_v they_o all_o both_o from_o god_n and_o man_n in_o his_o body_n and_o in_o his_o soul_n his_o body_n be_v rack_v and_o torture_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o especial_o in_o those_o part_n wherein_o the_o sense_n be_v most_o quick_a and_o therefore_o his_o pain_n and_o anguish_n be_v most_o afflict_a they_o dig_v or_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n say_v the_o psalmist_n of_o he_o psal_n 22.16_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n also_o for_o he_o conflict_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o he_o in_o such_o a_o dreadful_a manner_n that_o have_v he_o not_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o support_v he_o it_o have_v certain_o overwhelm_v he_o and_o ground_n he_o to_o powder_n for_o it_o be_v pure_a wrath_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o spare_a mercy_n the_o great_a god_n bate_v he_o nothing_o that_o be_v a_o sweet_a scripture_n rom._n 8.32_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n and_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o for_o have_v he_o spare_v he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v we_o his_o death_n be_v not_o common_a and_o ordinary_a but_o a_o death_n by_o crucifixion_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v a_o violent_a death_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n of_o myself_o john_n 10.18_o and_o indeed_o christ_n must_v either_o die_v a_o voluntary_a death_n or_o none_o at_o all_o partly_o because_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o deserve_v death_n and_o partly_o because_o otherwise_o his_o death_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a and_o satisfactory_a unto_o god_n for_o we_o for_o that_o which_o die_v of_o itself_o be_v never_o offer_v in_o sacrifice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v slay_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o strength_n this_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o full_a of_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o torture_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o encounter_v with_o it_o he_o screw_v up_o his_o request_n to_o his_o father_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n matth_n 26.39_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o it_o be_v also_o a_o death_n full_a of_o shame_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o cut_v to_o a_o ingenious_a noble_a spirit_n and_o true_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o thief_n that_o suffer_v with_o he_o fare_v better_a than_o he_o for_o they_o have_v no_o taunt_n reproach_n and_o sarcasm_n cast_v upon_o they_o they_o only_o encounter_v with_o pain_n but_o christ_n have_v pain_n and_o shame_n also_o for_o the_o soldier_n the_o jew_n the_o thief_n all_o scoff_a and_o flout_v at_o he_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o not_o only_o endure_v the_o cross_n but_o he_o despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12.2_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o curse_a death_n pain_n be_v bad_a and_o shame_n be_v worse_a but_o the_o curse_n be_v worst_a of_o all_o for_o he_o that_o be_v hang_v on_o a_o tree_n be_v accurse_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n redeem_v they_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o they_o gal._n 3.13_o now_o though_o christ_n know_v that_o all_o these_o suffering_n and_o this_o death_n shall_v befall_v he_o yet_o so_o great_a be_v his_o love_n to_o believer_n that_o he_o undergo_v all_o willing_o and_o patient_o what_o godly_a man_n on_o earth_n what_o saint_n or_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v read_v or_o hear_v those_o word_n of_o he_o in_o luke_n 12.50_o without_o astonishment_n where_o speak_v of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o baptism_n to_o be_v baptize_v withal_o which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n and_o how_o be_o i_o straighten_a till_o it_o be_v accomplish_v indeed_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n draw_v near_o that_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o he_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o very_o heavy_a my_o soul_n say_v he_o be_v exceed_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n not_o that_o christ_n repent_v of_o his_o undertake_n when_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v no_o for_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v come_v the_o holy_a history_n tell_v we_o he_o not_o only_o go_v to_o a_o place_n that_o judas_n who_o betray_v he_o know_v of_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ready_o take_v but_o when_o his_o enemy_n come_v thither_o to_o apprehend_v he_o he_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v they_o and_o ask_v they_o who_o seek_v you_o and_o when_o they_o tell_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o be_o he_o upon_o which_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v more_o afraid_a to_o apprehend_v and_o bring_v he_o to_o his_o suffering_n than_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v he_o speak_v to_o they_o again_o and_o by_o his_o word_n oh_o how_o willing_o bless_a jesus_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o suffer_v he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o work_n of_o lay_v hold_n of_o he_o he_o say_v therefore_o unto_o they_o a_o second_o time_n who_o seek_v you_o they_o say_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n jesus_n answer_v they_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o be_o he_o if_o therefore_o you_o seek_v i_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o he_o be_v a_o volunteer_n in_o his_o die_a and_o offer_v up_o of_o himself_o his_o death_n be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n and_o this_o make_v he_o to_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n psal_n 40.7_o 8._o then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o thy_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o very_a heart_n be_v ready_a for_o the_o shed_n of_o my_o heartblood_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n no_o man_n take_v it_o from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o john_n 10.17_o 18._o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o
of_o his_o son_n much_o more_o be_v reconcile_v shall_v we_o be_v save_v by_o his_o life_n for_o certain_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v unto_o the_o utmost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v not_o lose_v his_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o people_n by_o his_o advancement_n harbour_v not_o therefore_o o_o believe_a soul_n any_o suspicious_a thought_n in_o thy_o heart_n concern_v he_o as_o if_o by_o his_o exaltation_n into_o heaven_n he_o be_v now_o become_v forgetful_a of_o any_o of_o his_o member_n here_o below_o groan_v under_o sin_n or_o misery_n for_o though_o the_o day_n of_o his_o passion_n be_v end_v yet_o so_o be_v not_o the_o day_n of_o his_o compassion_n he_o retain_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n now_o he_o be_v in_o glory_n his_o heart_n be_v not_o change_v though_o his_o condition_n be_v but_o he_o still_o bear_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o his_o people_n now_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o indeed_o he_o there_o live_v and_o act_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o believer_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9.24_o do_v god_n o_o believe_a soul_n by_o disease_n and_o distemper_n upon_o thy_o outward_a man_n cause_v thy_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n to_o consume_v and_o wither_v have_v long_o and_o tedious_a sickness_n almost_o waste_v and_o destroy_v thy_o body_n and_o by_o all_o be_v thou_o bring_v so_o low_a that_o thou_o despair_a of_o life_n do_v death_n seem_v to_o be_v write_v upon_o all_o thy_o help_n to_o life_n and_o do_v all_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v use_v for_o thy_o recovery_n seem_v rather_o to_o further_o thy_o dissolution_n than_o any_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o why_o yet_o fear_v not_o death_n but_o remember_v as_o god_n have_v glorify_v and_o high_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n who_o form_n and_o visage_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n so_o he_o will_v exalt_v thou_o also_o not_o to_o a_o equality_n of_o glory_n with_o christ_n for_o in_o heaven_n he_o shall_v be_v the_o light_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v their_o head_n fear_v not_o therefore_o o_o christian_n the_o worst_a that_o death_n or_o the_o grave_n can_v do_v unto_o thou_o for_o assure_v thyself_o as_o because_o he_o live_v believer_n shall_v live_v also_o so_o where_o he_o live_v there_o believer_n shall_v live_v also_o three_o another_o consideration_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o death_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n after_o death_n as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o death_n it_o be_v exceed_o great_a the_o body_n at_o present_a suffer_v loss_n for_o though_o once_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a fabric_n the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n hand_n yet_o be_v forsake_v by_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v become_v loathsome_a and_o turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n so_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o body_n return_v to_o the_o dust_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v take_v there_o to_o consume_v and_o moulder_v away_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n in_o death_n procure_v by_o sin_n and_o inflict_v by_o god_n but_o now_o for_o the_o soul_n that_o return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o either_o to_o partake_v of_o eternal_a blessedness_n or_o to_o receive_v eternal_a punishment_n now_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o soul_n be_v great_a at_o death_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v free_v from_o or_o the_o blessedness_n they_o attain_v unto_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n that_o accompany_v our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o life_n death_n free_v believer_n from_o they_o all_o at_o once_o during_o this_o mortal_a life_n indeed_o suffering_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o a_o necessary_a appendix_n to_o his_o very_a be_v for_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n while_o we_o be_v here_o that_o affliction_n be_v almost_o become_v as_o needful_a for_o the_o soul_n as_o food_n and_o raiment_n be_v for_o the_o body_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o god_n see_v it_o needful_a that_o affliction_n shall_v be_v and_o in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n he_o proportion_v the_o affliction_n of_o his_o people_n to_o their_o necessity_n this_o life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o suffer_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o be_v their_o appoint_a path_n and_o way_n through_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v to_o heaven_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o must_v through_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o indeed_o as_o job_n speak_v man_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n flyupward_a he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n cry_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o time_n between_o the_o cradle_n and_o the_o grave_a he_o be_v not_o much_o happy_a for_o his_o life_n be_v make_v up_o of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o suffer_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o continual_a chain_v or_o link_a together_o of_o one_o misery_n or_o affliction_n to_o another_o a_o mixture_n of_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n or_o succession_n of_o evil_n and_o trouble_n that_o run_v through_o all_o his_o day_n as_o one_o wave_n fall_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o so_o one_o evil_n be_v no_o soon_o go_v but_o another_o come_v in_o its_o room_n one_o depth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v call_v upon_o another_o flood_n and_o storm_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n daily_o pass_v over_o our_o head_n and_o if_o trouble_v and_o affliction_n come_v not_o of_o themselves_o nor_o be_v cause_v by_o other_o we_o can_v mint_n and_o coin_n they_o ourselves_o by_o our_o sin_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o sufficient_a to_o the_o day_n that_o be_v to_o every_o day_n be_v the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n thereof_o but_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o enough_o we_o can_v create_v trouble_n to_o our_o self_n before_o hand_n and_o anticipate_v in_o our_o fancy_n and_o apprehension_n for_o our_o great_a vexation_n and_o trouble_v evil_n that_o be_v to_o come_v though_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v live_v till_o they_o come_v and_o herein_o we_o be_v more_o cruel_a to_o our_o self_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o himself_o for_o that_o evil_a spirit_n care_v not_o to_o be_v torment_v before_o his_o time_n whereas_o we_o antedate_v and_o bring_v evil_n that_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o near_o to_o we_o by_o unquiet_a apprehension_n and_o sinful_a distract_n vexation_n entertain_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o so_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n to_o come_v make_v we_o far_o more_o miserable_a than_o when_o those_o misery_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o imaginary_a evil_n we_o make_v it_o become_v a_o real_a affliction_n and_o a_o unfeigned_a torment_n to_o we_o in_o our_o resentment_n of_o it_o thus_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n affliction_n and_o temptation_n divide_v our_o day_n and_o time_n while_o we_o be_v here_o until_o death_n come_v for_o a_o believer_n relief_n and_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o all_o his_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n because_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n of_o sin_v after_o death_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o cry_n nor_o tear_n under_o any_o misery_n or_o affliction_n no_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n nor_o no_o grief_n for_o past_a sin_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o no_o poverty_n or_o distress_n shall_v come_v near_o that_o holy_a place_n the_o habitation_n of_o holy_a soul_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n there_o be_v become_v king_n possess_v of_o riches_n and_o glory_n without_o value_n fear_v not_o therefore_o o_o die_a believer_n who_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v get_v free_a from_o thy_o body_n for_o thou_o be_v but_o remove_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n where_o thou_o shall_v instant_o be_v with_o thy_o dear_a lord_n and_o saviour_n thou_o be_v but_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n and_o father_n and_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o visit_v those_o mansion_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v there_o prepare_v for_o thou_o cheerful_o therefore_o take_v thy_o leave_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o let_v it_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v take_v thy_o flight_n to_o heaven_n during_o the_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v sleep_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o grave_a until_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o
christian_a why_o then_o consider_v as_o you_o have_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o enjoy_v of_o child_n so_o you_o have_v not_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o educate_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o nor_o the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o sometime_o more_o wicked_a and_o untimely_a death_n which_o be_v a_o constant_a trouble_n of_o soul_n unto_o many_o which_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n once_o mournful_o complain_v and_o say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o weep_v for_o tendead_o child_n than_o for_o one_o live_a child_n little_o do_v you_o know_v what_o a_o continual_a grief_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o constanr_a ache_n of_o heart_n some_o child_n be_v unto_o their_o parent_n what_o a_o heart_n wound_v be_v it_o to_o david_n when_o he_o cry_v 2_o samuel_n 16.11_o behold_v my_o son_n which_o come_v out_o of_o my_o bowel_n seek_v my_o life_n oh_o how_o many_o child_n be_v there_o to_o who_o the_o life_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o burden_n who_o instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n for_o their_o parent_n not_o only_o think_v and_o wish_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o among_o their_o profane_a companion_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v it_o with_o their_o tongue_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o wicked_o and_o impious_o desire_v that_o they_o can_v invert_v that_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o say_v of_o their_o earthly_a father_n what_o other_o say_v of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n long_v for_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o under_o god_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v life_n unto_o they_o oh_o to_o what_o a_o height_n of_o impiety_n be_v such_o vile_a wretched_a monster_n come_v for_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o child_n who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o stay_v till_o god_n take_v away_o their_o parent_n from_o they_o but_o will_v themselves_o bury_v they_o as_o it_o be_v alive_a and_o let_v not_o any_o such_o think_v slight_o to_o pass_v over_o their_o sin_n by_o say_v why_o we_o wish_v they_o no_o ill_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o to_o wish_v they_o in_o heaven_n they_o can_v be_v in_o a_o better_a place_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v but_o this_o do_v not_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n for_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o parent_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n that_o they_o desire_v as_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o estate_n here_o upon_o earth_n but_o let_v all_o such_o wicked_a wretch_n know_v that_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o here_o or_o hereafter_o and_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o long_a life_n be_v promise_v unto_o those_o that_o honour_n their_o parent_n those_o then_o that_o desire_v the_o death_n of_o their_o parent_n shall_v have_v cause_n to_o fear_v their_o life_n may_v be_v shorten_v for_o sure_o of_o such_o wicked_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v bloodthirsty_a wretch_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o case_n may_v some_o say_v god_n have_v not_o deny_v i_o child_n or_o relation_n but_o he_o have_v take_v many_o of_o they_o from_o i_o and_o such_o who_o be_v very_o delightful_a to_o i_o and_o this_o do_v much_o trouble_v i_o but_o though_o god_n have_v take_v some_o from_o you_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o leave_v you_o more_o than_o he_o have_v take_v so_o it_o be_v sometime_o but_o yet_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o if_o god_n remove_v away_o one_o mercy_n from_o we_o present_o we_o be_v so_o cast_v down_o as_o if_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n be_v go_v and_o we_o mourn_v so_o excessive_o that_o we_o be_v become_v so_o blind_a that_o we_o can_v behold_v the_o mercy_n god_n have_v leave_v we_o for_o the_o want_n of_o what_o he_o have_v take_v from_o we_o but_o why_o o_o christian_n be_v thou_o so_o unthankful_a to_o god_n and_o so_o unkind_a to_o thy_o self_n as_o to_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o other_o mercy_n thou_o enjoy_v because_o god_n have_v take_v away_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o want_v oh_o vile_a ingratitude_n how_o many_o thousand_o be_v there_o as_o good_a shall_v i_o say_v nay_o better_o than_o you_o who_o whole_a harvest_n of_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o glean_v of_o those_o comfort_n you_o still_o enjoy_v who_o in_o all_o their_o life_n never_o be_v owner_n of_o such_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n as_o you_o now_o overlook_a in_o your_o grief_n and_o trouble_n if_o not_o in_o your_o diseontent_n but_o what_o do_v thou_o mean_v o_o christian_n by_o all_o this_o what_o be_v the_o mercy_n god_n have_v leave_v thou_o in_o possession_n nothing_o worth_a the_o grave_n have_v swallow_v up_o a_o child_n death_n have_v snatch_v away_o a_o friend_n but_o still_o thou_o have_v a_o husband_n it_o may_v be_v or_o a_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o if_o god_n have_v strip_v thou_o of_o all_o these_o yet_o he_o have_v leave_v thou_o a_o comfortable_a estate_n to_o live_v upon_o with_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v it_o or_o if_o this_o be_v go_v also_o have_v you_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o that_o covenant_n as_o pardon_n of_o sin_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o what_o do_v thou_o faint_a and_o sink_v as_o if_o all_o thy_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thy_o hope_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o one_o grave_a together_o beware_v of_o this_o o_o you_o mourning_n afflict_v once_o for_o the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o so_o be_v the_o danger_n that_o attend_v it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a but_o i_o forbear_v yet_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o you_o who_o have_v lose_v the_o delight_n of_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o heart_n as_o to_o outward_a comferts_n yet_o remember_v god_n have_v far_o better_a to_o bestow_v upon_o you_o even_o such_o as_o transcend_v the_o love_n of_o parent_n or_o the_o joy_n of_o child_n i_o confess_v a_o dear_a husband_n a_o love_a wife_n a_o belove_a child_n a_o affectionate_a friend_n these_o be_v very_o great_a thing_n when_o they_o stand_v by_o other_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o oh_o what_o poor_a little_a small_a thing_n nay_o nothing_o be_v they_o when_o god_n shall_v set_v himself_o by_o they_o before_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o now_o that_o god_n be_v take_v away_o these_o earthly_a comfort_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o hereby_o he_o be_v make_v way_n for_o himself_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o come_v into_o such_o a_o soul_n to_o communicate_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o more_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a way_n and_o manner_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v do_v and_o as_o one_o say_v the_o death_n of_o child_n relation_n and_o friend_n these_o dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a providence_n must_v cast_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n that_o himself_o may_v dwell_v there_o alone_o four_o under_o your_o tear_n and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n consider_v what_o wrong_a have_v god_n do_v you_o by_o your_o affliction_n that_o you_o so_o mourn_v and_o complain_v god_n have_v take_v from_o you_o a_o dear_a relation_n from_o who_o you_o expect_v much_o comfort_n but_o god_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o your_o relation_n than_o you_o have_v for_o all_o soul_n be_v he_o and_o will_v you_o dispute_v with_o he_o who_o have_v most_o right_o to_o dispose_v of_o your_o relation_n god_n or_o you_o your_o relation_n though_o never_o so_o dear_a to_o you_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o what_o may_v not_o god_n do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o suppose_v the_o relation_n thou_o have_v lose_v be_v a_o belove_a child_n that_o you_o nourish_v and_o breed_v up_o and_o that_o with_o great_a pain_n and_o care_n god_n have_v pay_v you_o sufficient_o for_o it_o in_o the_o loan_n of_o your_o child_n so_o long_o and_o now_o that_o your_o child_n be_v come_v to_o full_a age_n and_o to_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n may_v he_o not_o take_v it_o home_o unto_o himself_o do_v you_o or_o can_v you_o provide_v better_a for_o your_o child_n than_o god_n can_v god_n give_v your_o child_n life_n and_o breath_n while_o it_o be_v with_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o comfort_n to_o you_o and_o you_o
your_o loss_n in_o your_o friend_n and_o relation_n be_v what_o it_o will_v let_v your_o condition_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o be_v it_o better_o with_o you_o than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o hell_n whither_o your_o sin_n deserve_v god_n shall_v have_v send_v you_o who_o have_v only_o lay_v this_o gentle_a affliction_n upon_o you_o under_o which_o you_o now_o groan_v three_o consider_v your_o friend_n and_o relation_n that_o you_o grieve_v and_o mourn_v so_o for_o if_o they_o be_v good_a they_o be_v not_o lose_v they_o be_v but_o go_v before_o take_v from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v thy_o friend_n or_o relation_n who_o loss_n thou_o bewail_v be_v either_o god_n friend_n or_o not_o if_o he_o be_v god_n friend_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n have_v his_o company_n rather_o than_o you_o and_o if_o god_n have_v he_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v lose_v no_o he_o be_v safe_a only_o he_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o thou_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n before_o thou_o and_o sure_o if_o thou_o love_v he_o as_o by_o thy_o mourning_n thou_o pretend_v to_o do_v thou_o can_v not_o grieve_v because_o he_o be_v happy_a the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o pleasant_a a_o place_n neither_o have_v the_o godly_a in_o any_o age_n find_v it_o so_o that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v so_o eager_o desire_v it_o either_o for_o our_o self_n or_o our_o friend_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o be_v get_v safe_a out_o of_o it_o into_o glory_n if_o thy_o friend_n for_o who_o thou_o now_o grieve_v be_v bad_a thou_o shall_v have_v mourn_v for_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n when_o by_o thy_o mourning_n thou_o may_v have_v make_v he_o better_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a yea_o the_o only_a time_n for_o thy_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o have_v do_v he_o any_o good_a but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v go_v though_o thou_o shall_v weep_v and_o mourn_v never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a but_o if_o thy_o friend_n be_v a_o good_a man_n to_o grieve_v for_o his_o departure_n seem_v to_o argue_v that_o we_o have_v but_o hard_o or_o doubtful_a and_o misgive_a thought_n concern_v he_o for_o how_o can_v we_o mourn_v for_o one_o that_o be_v happy_a beside_o thy_o friend_n be_v but_o take_v from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v the_o grave_n become_v a_o hiding-place_n for_o some_o and_o god_n see_v it_o better_o for_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o ground_n than_o above_o ground_n in_o such_o evil_a day_n that_o they_o may_v not_o behold_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v like_a to_o come_v upon_o other_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o they_o that_o we_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o happiness_n than_o to_o wish_v that_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o our_o misery_n four_o grieve_v not_o immoderate_o for_o thy_o dead_a friend_n and_o relation_n for_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o mourn_v without_o measure_n who_o mourn_v without_o hope_n which_o no_o christian_n shall_v do_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o dead_a because_o at_o present_a they_o be_v turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n as_o a_o lose_a generation_n of_o man_n for_o death_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v annihilliate_v and_o destroy_v they_o a_o believer_n may_v say_v of_o his_o dead_a friend_n and_o relation_n what_o the_o disciple_n say_v unto_o christ_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v lord_n say_v they_o if_o he_o sleep_v be_v shall_v do_v well_o john_n 11.12_o the_o same_o may_v believer_n say_v of_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n that_o be_v asleep_a in_o their_o grave_n they_o shall_v do_v well_o for_o they_o shall_v awake_v again_o so_o say_v the_o church_n isaiah_n 26.19_o awake_v and_o sing_v you_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o dust_n for_o thy_o dew_n be_v as_o the_o dew_n of_o herb_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v cast_v out_o the_o dead_a now_o we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o at_o night_n to_o take_v a_o short_a sleep_n in_o their_o bed_n because_o we_o know_v they_o use_v to_o awake_v and_o arise_v again_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v grieve_v and_o trouble_v when_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o make_v their_o bed_n for_o a_o while_n in_o the_o grave_a sleep_v away_o time_n by_o death_n until_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v as_o sure_o nay_o more_o sure_o awake_a and_o arise_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n than_o they_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o morning_n of_o any_o day_n to_o awake_v and_o arise_v out_o of_o their_o bed_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bring_v it_o in_o as_o a_o cordial_n for_o the_o support_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n by_o death_n 1_o thessaly_n 4.13_o 14._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o be_v ignorant_a brethren_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v asleep_a that_o you_o sorrow_n not_o even_o as_o those_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n for_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o even_o so_o they_o also_o which_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n will_v god_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o conludes_fw-la with_o this_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o say_v he_o comfort_v one_o another_o with_o these_o word_n when_o believer_n die_v though_o their_o body_n seem_v to_o perish_v in_o the_o earth_n yet_o even_o then_o be_v their_o very_a dust_n precious_a in_o his_o sight_n for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v it_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o he_o will_v certain_o raise_v it_o again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o a_o most_o glorious_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o even_o then_o at_o that_o instant_n when_o their_o soul_n leave_v their_o body_n they_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n into_o the_o presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n as_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o be_v go_v away_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n in_o john_n 14.28_o if_o you_o love_v i_o you_o will_v rejoice_v because_o i_o go_v unto_o my_o father_n the_o same_o may_v die_a believer_n say_v unto_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n that_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o if_o you_o love_v we_o you_o will_v rejoice_v because_o we_o be_v go_v unto_o our_o god_n and_o father_n weep_v not_o therefore_o for_o we_o but_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o who_o be_v forbid_v for_o a_o while_n to_o follow_v we_o unto_o that_o state_n of_o blessedness_n which_o we_o be_v now_o a_o go_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o for_o ever_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v which_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o make_v they_o willing_a and_o content_v to_o die_v but_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o a_o holy_a longing_n of_o soul_n after_o death_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o saint_n great_a gain_n and_o advantage_n by_o die_v now_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o branch_v out_o this_o head_n into_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n in_o heaven_n because_o i_o intend_v a_o particular_a discourse_n of_o the_o happiness_n thereof_o by_o itself_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v now_o concern_v the_o gain_n of_o believer_n by_o death_n shall_v be_v only_o in_o general_n and_o so_o let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o whatsoever_o be_v evil_a and_o afflictive_a and_o shall_v have_v a_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o whatever_o be_v beneficial_a and_o good_a they_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o whatsoever_o be_v evil_a and_o afflictive_a there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o more_o sorrow_n or_o weep_v for_o heaven_n whither_o death_n bring_v all_o believer_n be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n where_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o from_o all_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n from_o all_o heart_n for_o thither_o the_o ransom_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v come_v with_o song_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o obtain_v joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v flee_v away_o isaiah_n 35_o and_o the_o last_o where_o they_o live_v without_o fear_n which_o here_o make_v the_o life_n of_o many_o burdensome_a unto_o they_o for_o all_o cause_n of_o fear_n
be_v there_o for_o ever_o abolish_v and_o take_v away_o there_o be_v no_o deformity_n upon_o the_o body_n to_o render_v it_o contemptible_a nor_o no_o reproach_n upon_o the_o name_n to_o make_v it_o scandalous_a there_o be_v no_o sickness_n or_o distemper_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n nor_o no_o desertion_n or_o darkness_n upon_o the_o inward_a man_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n from_o satan_n to_o vex_v the_o soul_n nor_o no_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o annoy_v the_o body_n there_o be_v no_o more_o death_n or_o die_a but_o life_n for_o evermore_o mortality_n be_v now_o swallow_v up_o of_o life_n corruption_n have_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o mortality_n have_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o this_o there_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o sin_n nor_o offend_v god_n to_o all_o eternity_n earth_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o place_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v but_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n of_o perfect_a joy_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n nothing_o enter_v in_o there_o that_o be_v either_o afflictive_a pollute_v or_o defile_v when_o death_n part_v soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o time_n then_o sin_n and_o the_o soul_n part_n for_o ever_o here_o we_o be_v continual_o sin_v and_o offend_v of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a grief_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o he_o do_v so_o here_o our_o righteousness_n be_v no_o better_a than_o filthy_a rag_n and_o grace_n itself_o have_v its_o defect_n when_o we_o believe_v most_o strong_o we_o must_v cry_v out_o lord_n help_v our_o unbelief_n but_o now_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o there_o that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o be_v a_o alloy_n or_o diminution_n unto_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n that_o be_v there_o enjoy_v to_o eternity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o death_n do_v not_o only_o free_a believer_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o afflictive_a but_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o whatever_o be_v beneficial_a and_o good_a death_n be_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n where_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n as_o exceed_v not_o only_o our_o apprebension_n but_o our_o imagination_n for_o there_o it_o be_v that_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o bless_a god_n discover_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o saint_n as_o their_o portion_n to_o eternity_n there_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v behold_v their_o once_o bleed_a and_o die_v but_o now_o glorify_a redeemer_n clothe_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n who_o love_v they_o and_o wash_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n who_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a and_o now_o live_v for_o ever_o more_o and_o because_o be_v life_n they_o shall_v live_v also_o there_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o also_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o how_o much_o blessedness_n be_v include_v in_o those_o few_o word_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n only_o where_o christ_n be_v can_v make_v know_v to_o we_o there_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n full_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n even_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o place_v their_o delight_n in_o the_o saint_n the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o their_o delight_n shall_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n in_o the_o saint_n some_o of_o the_o excellent_a one_o of_o heaven_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n with_o our_o grace_n which_o here_o be_v a_o alloy_n to_o the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n of_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o their_o full_a glory_n and_o beauty_n grace_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o full_a perfection_n nothing_o shall_v then_o be_v want_v in_o our_o knowledge_n nor_o any_o thing_n imperfect_a in_o our_o love_n our_o obedience_n shall_v then_o flow_v from_o we_o with_o all_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n and_o our_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n shall_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o diminution_n or_o disturbance_n to_o eternity_n this_o o_o soul_n be_v that_o in_o general_a which_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v make_v up_o of_o and_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o happiness_n without_o interruption_n or_o cessation_n for_o ever_o be_v that_o to_o which_o death_n bring_v all_o believer_n and_o sure_o if_o ever_o those_o word_n have_v any_o truth_n in_o they_o they_o be_v here_o verify_v so_o that_o a_o saint_n may_v true_o say_v the_o line_n be_v now_o fall_v to_o i_o in_o a_o pleasant_a place_n i_o have_v a_o goodly_a herit_v age_n o_o bless_a and_o glorious_a state_n indeed_o who_o be_v there_o that_o know_v and_o believe_v this_o infinite_a unconceivable_a happiness_n that_o will_v not_o willing_o die_v to_o enjoy_v it_o unto_o which_o state_n of_o blessedness_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o for_o the_o alone_a sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n amen_n finis_fw-la