a_o salve_n for_o a_o sick_a man._n or_o a_o treatise_n contain_v the_o nature_n difference_n and_o kind_n of_o death_n as_o also_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o die_v well_o and_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o spiritual_a instructruction_n to_o 1._o mariners_z when_o they_o go_v to_o sea_n 2._o soldier_n when_o they_o go_v to_o battle_n 3._o women_z when_o they_o travel_v of_o child_n print_a at_o london_n by_o john_n legat_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n 1611._o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o simon_n waterson_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n lucy_n countess_n of_o bedford_n the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v of_o every_o believe_v &_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o worthy_a benefit_n which_o thing_n i_o prove_v on_o this_o manner_n i._o god_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v great_a thing_n unto_o his_o servant_n than_o they_o do_v common_o ask_v or_o think_v and_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v aid_n &_o strength_n unto_o they_o therefore_o in_o wonderful_a wisdom_n he_o cast_v up_o they_o this_o heavy_a burden_n of_o death_n that_o they_o may_v make_v experience_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a might_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o weakness_n ii_o judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n and_o the_o righteous_a be_v lade_v with_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n in_o this_o life_n &_o therefore_o in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v their_o death_n and_o hell_n that_o in_o death_n they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n iii_o when_o lazarus_n be_v dead_a christ_n say_v he_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o sleep_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o christian_a man_n can_v say_v my_o grave_n be_v my_o bed_n my_o death_n be_v my_o sleep_n in_o death_n i_o die_v not_o but_o only_o sleep_v it_o be_v think_v that_o of_o all_o terrible_a thing_n death_n be_v most_o terrible_a but_o it_o be_v false_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o who_o many_o thing_n happen_v far_o more_o heavy_a and_o bitter_a than_o death_n iv._o death_n at_o the_o first_o bring_v forth_o sin_n but_o death_n in_o the_o righteous_a by_o mean_n of_o christ_n death_n abolish_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o mortification_n and_o death_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a refuge_n for_o they_o against_o death_n for_o present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n follow_v the_o perfect_a freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n v._o last_o death_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n perfection_n as_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o example_n show_v say_v behold_v i_o will_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o will_v heal_v still_o to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n and_o the_o three_o i_o will_v be_v perfect_v now_o this_o perfection_n in_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v they_o throughout_o that_o their_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v without_o blame_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n now_o have_v often_o thus_o consider_v with_o myself_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o death_n i_o think_v good_a to_o draw_v the_o sum_n and_o chief_a head_n thereof_o into_o this_o small_a treatise_n the_o protection_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o i_o commend_v to_o your_o ladyship_n desire_v you_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o your_o leisure_n if_o i_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o death_n whereas_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n you_o be_v not_o yet_o near_a death_n solomon_n will_v excuse_v i_o who_o say_v that_o we_o must_v remember_v our_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n thus_o hope_v of_o your_o h._n good_a acceptance_n i_o pray_v god_n to_o bless_v this_o my_o little_a labour_n to_o your_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n septemb_n 7._o 1595._o your_o h._n in_o the_o lord_n w._n perkins_n eeclesiastes_n 7.3_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n that_o one_o be_v bear_v these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n or_o precept_n lay_v down_o by_o solomon_n for_o weighty_a cause_n for_o in_o the_o chapter_n go_v before_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n &_o that_o at_o large_a in_o the_o very_a particular_n now_o man_n hereupon_o may_v take_v occasion_n of_o discontentment_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o solomon_n in_o great_a wisdom_n here_o take_v a_o new_a course_n &_o in_o this_o chapter_n begin_v to_o lay_v down_o certain_a rule_n of_o direction_n and_o comfort_n that_o man_n may_v have_v somewhat_o wherewith_o to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n the_o first_o rule_n be_v in_o this_o three_o verse_n that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v better_a than_o a_o precious_a ointment_n that_o be_v a_o name_n get_v and_o maintain_v by_o godly_a conversation_n be_v a_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n minister_v great_a matter_n of_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o the_o most_o precious_a ointment_n can_v do_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n now_o some_o man_n have_v hear_v this_o first_o rule_n concern_v good_a name_n may_v object_v &_o say_v that_o renown_n &_o good_a report_n in_o this_o life_n affoarde_n slender_a comfort_n consider_v that_o after_o it_o follow_v death_n which_o be_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o all_o man_n but_o this_o objection_n the_o wise_a man_n remove_v by_o a_o second_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v in_o hand_n say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n that_o one_o be_v bear_v that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o true_a &_o proper_a sense_n of_o this_o precept_n or_o rule_n three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o be_v death_n here_o mention_v second_o how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n three_o in_o what_o respect_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o first_o death_n be_v a_o deprivation_n of_o life_n as_o a_o punishment_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o impose_v on_o man_n for_o his_o sin_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o deprivation_n of_o life_n because_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o death_n be_v the_o absence_n or_o defect_n of_o that_o life_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v man_n by_o his_o creation_n i_o add_v further_o that_o death_n be_v a_o punishment_n more_o especial_o to_o intimate_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o death_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n justice_n &_o judgement_n and_o that_o death_n be_v a_o punishment_n paul_n plain_o avouch_v when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o again_o that_o death_n be_v the_o stipend_n wage_n or_o allowance_n of_o sin_n furthermore_o in_o every_o punishment_n there_o be_v three_o worker_n the_o ordainer_n of_o it_o the_o procurer_n and_o the_o executioner_n the_o ordainer_n of_o this_o punishment_n be_v god_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n innocency_n by_o a_o solemn_a law_n then_o make_v in_o these_o very_a word_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n gen._n 2.17_o but_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n &_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v no_o ordainer_n of_o death_n 33.11_o the_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v &_o that_o sundry_a way_n first_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o this_o to_o all_o man_n or_o of_o all_o man_n but_o to_o his_o own_o people_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o clause_n prefix_v 10_o son_n of_o man_n say_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n again_o the_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v absolutelu_fw-fr but_o only_o in_o way_n of_o comparisoy_fw-fr in_o that_o of_o the_o twain_o he_o rather_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o his_o death_n and_o destruction_n three_o the_o very_a proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v take_v no_o delight_n or_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o hinder_v not_o
truth_n itself_o but_o i_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v without_o waver_a be_v resolve_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o solomon_n avouch_v for_o there_o may_v be_v sundry_a reason_n bring_v to_o the_o contrary_n therefore_o let_v we_o now_o handle_v the_o question_n the_o reason_n or_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v all_o be_v reduce_v to_o six_o head_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o think_v it_o the_o best_a thing_n of_o all_o never_o to_o be_v bear_v &_o the_o next_o best_a to_o die_v quick_o now_o if_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v bear_v at_o all_o than_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v to_o die_v after_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v answ._n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n one_o that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n the_o other_o which_o unfeigned_o repent_v &_o believe_v in_o christ._n now_o this_o sentence_n maybe_o true_o avouch_v of_o the_o first_o of_o who_o we_o may_v say_v as_o christ_n say_v of_o judas_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v but_o the_o say_v apply_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v false_a for_o to_o they_o that_o in_o this_o life_n turn_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n the_o best_a thing_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v because_o their_o birth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o preparation_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o next_o best_o be_v to_o die_v quick_o because_o by_o death_n they_o enter_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o their_o happiness_n for_o this_o cause_n balaam_n desire_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o solomon_n in_o this_o place_n prefer_v the_o day_n of_o death_n before_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n understand_v that_o death_n which_o be_v join_v with_o godly_a life_n or_o the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n death_n be_v this_o wage_n of_o sin_n rom._n 6.23_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n hence_o it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o in_o and_o by_o death_n man_n receive_v their_o wage_n &_o payment_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o doleful_a day_n in_o which_o the_o enemy_n prevail_v against_o we_o that_o he_o which_o die_v be_v curse_v answ._n we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o death_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n second_o as_o it_o be_v alter_v &_o change_v by_o christ._n now_o death_n by_o itself_o consider_v be_v indeed_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n a_o enemy_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o all_o his_o member_n &_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o the_o very_a suburb_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n yet_o in_o the_o second_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o plague_n or_o punishment_n and_o of_o a_o curse_n it_o be_v make_v a_o blessing_n and_o be_v become_v unto_o we_o a_o passage_n or_o middle-way_n between_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o little_a wicket_n or_o door_n whereby_o we_o pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o say_n of_o solomon_n be_v most_o true_a for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n man_n be_v bear_v &_o bring_v forth_o into_o the_o vale_n of_o misery_n but_o afterward_o when_o they_o go_v hence_o have_v death_n alter_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o enter_v into_o eternal_a joy_n and_o happiness_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n of_o most_o worthy_a man_n who_o have_v make_v their_o prayer_n against_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o pray_v on_o this_o manner_n father_n if_o it_o be_v thy_o will_n let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v and_o david_n pray_v 6.4_o return_v o_o lord_n deliver_v my_o soul_n save_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n for_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o in_o the_o grave_n who_o shall_v praise_v thou_o and_o ezechiah_n 38.10_o when_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n bid_v he_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v die_v weep_v sore_o &_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o death_n now_o by_o the_o example_n of_o these_o most_o worthy_a man_n yea_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o most_o terrible_a &_o doleful_a day_n of_o all_o ans._n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pray_v thus_o to_o his_o father_n he_o be_v in_o his_o agony_n and_o he_o then_o as_o our_o redeemer_n stand_v in_o our_o room_n and_o stead_n to_o suffer_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v suffer_v in_o our_o own_o person_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v not_o simple_o against_o death_n but_o against_o the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o he_o fear_v not_o death_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n which_o go_v with_o death_n namely_o the_o unspeakable_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n the_o first_o death_n trouble_v he_o not_o but_o the_o first_o and_o second_o join_v together_o touch_v david_n when_o he_o make_v the_o six_o psalm_n he_o be_v not_o only_o sick_a in_o body_n but_o also_o perplex_v with_o the_o great_a temptation_n of_o all_o in_o that_o he_o wrestle_v in_o conscience_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n where_o he_o say_v lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o wrath_n and_o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o he_o pray_v not_o simple_o against_o death_n but_o against_o death_n at_o that_o instant_n when_o he_o be_v in_o that_o grievous_a temptation_n for_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v no_o such_o fear_n of_o death_n 23.4_o as_o he_o himself_o testify_v say_v though_o i_o shall_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_n therefore_o he_o pray_v against_o death_n only_o as_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n last_o ezechiah_n pray_v against_o death_n not_o only_o because_o he_o desire_v to_o live_v and_o do_v service_n to_o god_n in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o a_o further_a and_o more_o special_a regard_n because_o when_o the_o prophet_n bring_v the_o message_n of_o death_n he_o be_v without_o issue_n and_o have_v none_o of_o his_o own_o body_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o warrant_v have_v ezechiah_n to_o pray_v against_o death_n for_o this_o cause_n ans._n his_o warrant_n be_v good_a 8.15.3_o for_o god_n have_v make_v a_o particular_a promise_n to_o david_n &_o his_o posterity_n after_o he_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o fear_v god_n &_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v not_o want_v issue_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o kingdom_n after_o they_o now_o ezechiah_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n message_n remember_v what_o promise_n god_n have_v make_v and_o how_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v keep_v the_o condition_n thereof_o in_o that_o he_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o pray_v against_o death_n not_o so_o much_o because_o he_o fear_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o but_o because_o he_o want_v issue_n this_o prayer_n god_n accept_v and_o hear_v and_o he_o add_v fifteen_o year_n unto_o his_o day_n &_o two_o year_n after_o give_v he_o manasses_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v that_o those_o which_o have_v be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o man_n oftentimes_o have_v miserable_a end_n for_o some_o end_n their_o day_n despair_v some_o rave_v and_o blaspheme_v some_o strange_o torment_v it_o may_v seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o day_n of_o great_a woe_n &_o misery_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o of_o all_o general_o that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o estate_n of_o any_o man_n before_o god_n by_o outward_a thing_n whether_o they_o be_v blessing_n or_o judgement_n whether_o they_o fall_v in_o life_n or_o death_n for_o as_o solomon_n say_v all_o thing_n come_v like_a to_o all_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o pure_a and_o to_o the_o pollute_a
and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n second_o i_o answer_v the_o particular_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o of_o all_o touch_a despair_n it_o be_v true_a that_o not_o only_o wicked_a and_o loose_a person_n despair_v in_o death_n but_o also_o repentant_a sinner_n who_o oftentimes_o in_o their_o sickness_n testify_v of_o themselves_o that_o be_v alive_a and_o lie_v in_o their_o bed_n they_o feel_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o to_o apprehend_v the_o very_a pang_n and_o torment_n thereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o for_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n most_o dear_a unto_o he_o may_v through_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n attain_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v in_o &_o by_o their_o contrary_n in_o the_o creation_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v not_o of_o some_o thing_n but_o of_o nothing_o clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n god_n give_v life_n not_o by_o life_n but_o by_o death_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v aright_o of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n we_o shall_v see_v our_o paradise_n out_o of_o paradise_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o hell_n eor_fw-la out_o of_o his_o own_o curse_a death_n do_v he_o bring_v we_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n likewise_o in_o effectual_a vocation_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o convert_v and_o turn_v man_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v which_o in_o reason_n shall_v drive_v all_o man_n from_o god_n for_o it_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o fire_n to_o water_n and_o light_n to_o darkness_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o against_o the_o disposition_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o and_o turn_v he_o to_o god_n furthermore_n when_o god_n will_v send_v his_o own_o servant_n to_o heaven_n he_o send_v they_o a_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o when_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o make_v man_n depend_v on_o his_o favour_n and_o providence_n he_o make_v they_o feel_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v whatsoever_o they_o be_v in_o he_o this_o point_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v pass_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o very_a gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o sea_n into_o which_o when_o a_o man_n be_v cast_v he_o neither_o feel_v bottom_n nor_o see_v bank_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o despair_n whether_o it_o arise_v of_o weakness_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o conscience_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o fall_v out_o about_o the_o time_n of_o death_n can_v prejudice_n the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o for_o other_o strange_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o death_n they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o disease_n rave_n and_o blaspheming_n arise_v of_o the_o disease_n of_o melancholy_n and_o of_o frenzy_n which_o often_o happen_v at_o the_o end_n of_o burn_a fever_n the_o choler_n shoot_v up_o to_o the_o brain_n the_o writhe_n of_o the_o lip_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o neck_n the_o buckle_v of_o the_o joint_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n proceed_v of_o cramp_n and_o convulsion_n which_o follow_v after_o much_o evacuation_n and_o whereas_o some_o in_o sickness_n be_v of_o that_o strength_n that_o three_o or_o four_o man_n can_v hold_v they_o without_o bond_n it_o come_v not_o of_o witchcraft_n and_o possession_n as_o people_z common_o think_v but_o of_o choler_n in_o the_o vein_n and_o whereas_o some_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a become_v as_o black_a as_o pitch_v as_o bonner_n be_v it_o may_v arise_v by_o a_o bruise_n or_o a_o imposthume_n or_o by_o the_o black_a jaundice_n or_o by_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o the_o liver_n &_o it_o do_v not_o always_o argue_v some_o extraordinary_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a disease_n with_o their_o simptome_n &_o strange_a effect_n though_o they_o shall_v deprive_v man_n of_o his_o health_n &_o of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n too_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o deprive_v his_o soul_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o sin_n procure_v by_o violent_a disease_n and_o proceed_v from_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n for_o which_o if_o they_o know_v they_o and_o come_v again_o to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n they_o will_v further_o repent_v if_o not_o they_o be_v pardon_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o ought_v not_o so_o much_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o strangeness_n of_o any_o man_n end_n when_o we_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o life_n for_o we_o must_v judge_v a_o man_n not_o by_o his_o death_n but_o by_o his_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o strange_a disease_n and_o thereupon_o strange_a behaviour_n in_o death_n may_v befall_v the_o best_a man_n that_o be_v we_o must_v learn_v to_o reform_v our_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v quiet_o and_o go_v away_o like_o a_o lamb_n which_o in_o some_o disease_n as_o consumption_n and_o such_o like_a any_o man_n may_v do_v than_o he_o go_v straight_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o disease_n stir_v up_o impatience_n and_o cause_n in_o the_o party_n frantic_a behaviour_n than_o man_n use_v to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o god_n serve_v either_o to_o discover_v a_o hypocrite_n or_o to_o plague_v a_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v otherwise_o for_o indeed_o a_o man_n may_v die_v like_o a_o lamb_n and_o yet_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o one_o die_v in_o exceed_a torment_n and_o strange_a behaviour_n of_o the_o body_n may_v go_v to_o heaven_n &_o by_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o any_o man_n either_o in_o life_n or_o death_n we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o estate_n before_o god_n the_o four_o objection_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v most_o never_a death_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v most_o busy_a in_o temptation_n &_o the_o more_o man_n be_v assault_v by_o satan_n the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a be_v their_o case_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o worst_a day_n of_o all_o answ._n the_o condition_n of_o god_n child_n in_o earth_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v not_o tempt_v &_o some_o be_v some_o i_o say_v be_v not_o tempt_v as_o simeon_n who_o when_o he_o have_v see_v christ_n break_v forth_o and_o say_v 2.29_o lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n etc._n etc._n foresignifying_a no_o doubt_n that_o he_o shall_v end_v his_o day_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o peace_n as_o for_o they_o which_o be_v tempt_v though_o their_o case_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o perplex_a yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o further_o off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n &_o extremity_n of_o temptation_n for_o god_n be_v then_o present_a by_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n &_o when_o we_o be_v most_o weak_a he_o be_v most_o strong_a in_o we_o because_o his_o manner_n be_v to_o show_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n the_o devil_n receive_v the_o great_a foil_n when_o he_o look_v for_o the_o great_a victory_n the_o six_o objection_n be_v this_o violent_a &_o sudden_a death_n be_v a_o grievous_a curse_n &_o of_o all_o evil_n which_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o life_n none_o be_v so_o terrible_a therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o day_n of_o sudden_a death_n be_v most_o miserable_a ans._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o sudden_a death_n be_v a_o curse_n &_o grievous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o without_o cause_n fear_v of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o ought_v more_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o evil_a life_n then_o of_o sudden_a death_n for_o though_o it_o be_v evil_a as_o death_n itself_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v simple_o evil_a because_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o all_o man_n nor_o in_o all_o respect_v evil_a i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o evil_a to_o all_o man_n consider_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o death_n be_v evil_a or_o a_o curse_n unto_o they_o that_o
themselves_o reckon_v a_o few_o year_n and_o day_n that_o be_v able_a by_o art_n to_o measure_v the_o globe_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sphere_n of_o heaven_n &_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o star_n with_o their_o longitude_n latitude_n altitude_n motion_n &_o distance_n from_o the_o earth_n no_o very_o for_o howesoever_o by_o a_o general_a speculation_n we_o think_v something_o of_o our_o end_n yet_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a sound_o to_o resolve_v ourselves_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o speediness_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o pray_v with_o david_n and_o moses_n that_o god_n will_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n with_o knowledge_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v right_o consider_v of_o death_n and_o esteem_v of_o every_o day_n a_o hour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o second_o duty_n in_o this_o general_a preparation_n be_v that_o every_o man_n must_v daily_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o from_o his_o own_o death_n the_o power_n and_o strength_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v this_o point_n the_o philistines_n see_v by_o experience_n that_o samson_n be_v of_o great_a strength_n &_o therefore_o they_o use_v mean_n to_o know_v in_o what_o part_n of_o his_o body_n it_o lay_v &_o when_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o we_o must_v encounter_v hand_n to_o hand_n with_o tyrannous_a and_o cruel_a death_n the_o best_a therefore_o be_v beforehand_o now_o while_o we_o have_v time_n to_o search_v where_o the_o strength_n of_o death_n lie_v which_o be_v once_o know_v we_o must_v with_o speed_n cut_v off_o his_o sampsons_n lock_n and_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o power_n disarm_v he_o &_o make_v he_o altogether_o unable_a to_o prevail_v against_o us._n now_o to_o find_v out_o this_o matter_n we_o need_v not_o to_o use_v the_o council_n of_o any_o dalilah_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v we_o plain_o where_o the_o strength_n of_o death_n consist_v nam_o in_o our_o sin_n as_o paul_n say_v the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n well_o then_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o every_o man_n partirular_a death_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o sin_n must_v spend_v our_o time_n and_o study_n in_o use_v good_a mean_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v daily_o inure_v ourselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o two_o duty_n one_o be_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o all_o our_o sin_n past_a partly_o confess_v they_o against_o ourselves_o partly_o in_o prayer_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v for_o time_n to_o come_v to_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o purpose_n resolution_n &_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o reform_v both_o hart_n &_o life_n according_a to_o god_n word_n these_o be_v the_o very_a principal_a &_o proper_a duty_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o death_n be_v much_o rebate_v &_o he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o mighty_a &_o bloody_a enemy_n so_o far_o forth_o friendly_a and_o tractable_a that_o we_o may_v with_o comfort_n encounter_n with_o he_o &_o prevail_v too_o therefore_o i_o commend_v these_o duty_n to_o your_o christian_n consideration_n &_o careful_a practice_n desire_v that_o you_o will_v spend_v your_o day_n ever_o hereafter_o in_o do_v of_o they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o mighty_a dragon_n or_o serpent_n hand_n to_o hand_n in_o such_o wise_a as_o he_o must_v either_o kill_v or_o be_v kill_v the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o sting_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n where_o his_o poison_n lie_v now_o death_n itself_o be_v a_o serpent_n dragon_n or_o scorpion_n &_o sin_n be_v the_o sting_n and_o poison_v whereby_o he_o wound_v &_o kill_v us._n wherefore_o without_o any_o more_o delay_n see_v that_o you_o pull_v out_o his_o sting_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o foresay_a duty_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a &_o worthy_a instrument_n to_o do_v the_o deed_n have_v thou_o be_v a_o person_n ignorant_a of_o god_n will_v a_o contemner_n of_o his_o word_n and_o worship_n a_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n a_o breaker_n of_o his_o sabbath_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n and_o magistrate_n a_o murderer_n a_o fornicatour_n a_o railer_n a_o slanderer_n a_o covetous_a person_n etc._n etc._n reform_v these_o thy_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o like_a to_o they_o pull_v they_o out_o by_o the_o root_n from_o thy_o heart_n &_o cast_v they_o off_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o be_v in_o thou_o so_o many_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v also_o in_o thou_o to_o wound_v thy_o soul_n to_o eternal_a death_n therefore_o let_v no_o one_o sin_n remain_v for_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o humble_v thyself_o and_o repent_v serious_o when_o death_n hurt_v any_o man_n it_o take_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o be_v hurt_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o can_v do_v we_o the_o least_o hurt_v but_o by_o the_o force_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n wherefore_o i_o say_v again_o and_o again_o lay_v this_o point_n to_o your_o heart_n &_o spend_v your_o strength_n life_n and_o health_n that_o you_o may_v before_o you_o die_v abolish_v the_o strength_n of_o death_n a_o man_n may_v put_v a_o serpent_n in_o his_o bosom_n when_o the_o sting_n be_v out_o &_o we_o may_v let_v death_n creep_v into_o our_o bosom_n and_o gripe_v we_o with_o his_o leg_n and_o stab_v we_o at_o the_o heart_n so_o long_o as_o he_o bring_v not_o his_o venom_n and_o poison_n with_o he_o and_o because_o the_o former_a duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o none_o can_v be_v more_o i_o will_v use_v some_o reason_n yet_o further_a to_o enforce_v they_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n will_v do_v when_o he_o be_v die_v the_o same_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v every_o day_n while_o he_o be_v live_v now_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o wicked_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v when_o he_o be_v die_v will_v pray_v and_o desire_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o &_o promise_v amendment_n of_o life_n protest_v that_o if_o he_o may_v live_v he_o will_v become_v a_o practitioner_n in_o all_o the_o good_a duty_n of_o faith_n repentance_n &_o reformation_n of_o life_n oh_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v this_o every_o day_n again_o the_o say_n be_v true_a he_o that_o will_v live_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a must_v die_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a namely_o to_o his_o sin_n will_v thou_o then_o live_v eternal_o sue_v to_o heaven_n for_o thy_o pardon_n and_o see_v that_o now_o in_o thy_o life-time_n thou_o die_v to_o thy_o own_o sin_n last_o wicked_a balaam_n will_v fain_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o alas_o it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n for_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a for_o his_o continual_a purpose_n and_o meaning_n be_v to_o follow_v his_o old_a way_n in_o sorcery_n &_o covetousness_n now_o the_o life_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n stand_v in_o the_o humble_v of_o himself_o for_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o in_o a_o careful_a reformation_n of_o life_n to_o come_v will_v thou_o then_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a then_o look_v unto_o it_o that_o thy_o life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a if_o you_o will_v needs_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a you_o must_v look_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a remember_v this_o and_o content_v not_o yourselves_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o be_v doer_n of_o it_o for_o you_o learn_v no_o more_o indeed_o what_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n soever_o you_o have_v than_o you_o practice_n the_o three_o duty_n in_o our_o general_a preparation_n be_v in_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o life_n eternal_a for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v in_o this_o present_a life_n for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o ever_o must_v begin_v in_o this_o world_n to_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n in_o which_o by_o nature_n he_o lie_v bury_v and_o live_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o revelation_n he_o that_o will_v escape_v the_o second_o death_n 20.6_o must_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o be_v in_o this_o life_n deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n â—3_n and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o
be_v in_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o the_o whole_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 14.23_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n whereby_o be_v signify_v that_o they_o which_o depart_v this_o life_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n enter_v into_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o what_o death_n so_o ever_o they_o die_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v sudden_a death_n again_o i_o say_v that_o sudden_a death_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o all_o respect_n for_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a because_o it_o be_v sudden_a but_o because_o it_o common_o take_v man_n unprepared_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v the_o day_n of_o death_n a_o black_a day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a speedy_a downfall_n to_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ready_a &_o prepare_v to_o die_v sudden_a death_n be_v in_o effect_n no_o death_n but_o a_o quick_a and_o speedy_a entrance_n to_o eternal_a life_n these_o objection_n be_v thus_o answer_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a truth_n which_o solomon_n say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a indeed_o then_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n in_o which_o the_o reason_n &_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o make_v the_o day_n of_o death_n to_o surpass_v the_o day_n of_o man_n birth_n &_o they_o may_v all_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o one_o namely_o that_o the_o birth_n day_n be_v a_o entrance_n into_o all_o woe_n and_o misery_n whereas_o the_o day_n of_o death_n join_v with_o godly_a and_o reform_a life_n be_v a_o entrance_n or_o degree_n to_o eternal_a life_n which_o i_o make_v manifest_a thus_o eternal_a life_n have_v three_o degree_n one_o in_o this_o life_n when_o a_o man_n can_v true_o say_v that_o he_o live_v not_o but_o that_o christ_n live_v in_o he_o and_o this_o all_o man_n can_v say_v that_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v &_o sanctify_v &_o have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n with_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o second_o degree_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o the_o body_n go_v to_o the_o earth_n &_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o heaven_n the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o body_n &_o soul_n reunite_v do_v joint_o enter_v into_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n now_o of_o these_o three_o degree_n death_n itself_o be_v join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o second_o which_o also_o contain_v in_o it_o two_o worthy_a step_n to_o life_n the_o first_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o all_o misery_n which_o have_v their_o end_n in_o death_n for_o though_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o manifold_a danger_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n as_o also_o to_o sundry_a ache_n pain_n and_o disease_n as_o fever_n and_o consumption_n etc._n etc._n yet_o when_o death_n come_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o al._n again_o so_o long_o as_o man_n live_v in_o this_o world_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v they_o do_v in_o some_o part_n lie_v in_o bondage_n under_o original_a corruption_n and_o the_o remnant_n thereof_o which_o be_v doubt_n of_o god_n providence_n unbelief_n pride_n of_o heart_n ignorance_n covetousness_n ambition_n envy_n hatred_n lust_n and_o such_o like_a sin_n which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o sin_n on_o this_o manner_n be_v a_o misery_n of_o all_o misery_n 12.7_o therefore_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v unto_o sin_n by_o his_o corruption_n call_v the_o very_a temptation_n the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prick_n or_o thorn_n wound_v his_o flesh_n and_o pain_n he_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n again_o in_o a_o other_o place_n weary_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v sell_v under_o sin_n and_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n 7.24_o david_n say_v that_o his_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o river_n of_o tear_n when_o other_o man_n sin_v against_o god_n 119.136_o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v he_o grieve_v for_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o he_o himself_o be_v overtake_v in_o this_o life_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hell_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v exercise_v turmoil_v and_o tempt_v with_o the_o inborn_a corruption_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v devise_v a_o torment_n for_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n he_o can_v not_o devise_v a_o great_a than_o this_o for_o this_o cause_n bless_v be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o for_o when_o we_o die_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v quite_o abolish_v &_o sanctification_n be_v accomplish_v last_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misery_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v constrain_v in_o this_o world_n to_o live_v &_o converse_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o sheep_n be_v mingle_v with_o goat_n which_o strike_v they_o annoy_v their_o pasture_n and_o muddy_a their_o water_n hereupon_o david_n cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o remain_v in_o meshech_n 120.5_o and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n 19.4_o when_o elias_n see_v that_o ahab_n and_o jesabel_n have_v plant_v idolatry_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o seek_v his_o life_n also_o he_o go_v apart_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o desire_v to_o die_v but_o this_o misery_n also_o be_v end_v in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n in_o as_o much_o as_o death_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o sort_n and_o single_a out_o those_o that_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n from_o all_o ungodly_a man_n in_o this_o most_o wretched_a world_n furthermore_o this_o exceed_a benefit_n come_v by_o death_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o abolish_v the_o misery_n which_o present_o be_v upon_o we_o but_o also_o prevent_v those_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o righteous_a say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n perish_v 57.1_o and_o no_o man_n consider_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o and_o no_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v 22.30_o example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o josias_n because_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o heart_n do_v melt_v and_o thou_o have_v humble_v thyself_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o thou_o hear_v what_o i_o speak_v against_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n behold_v therefore_o i_o will_v gather_v thou_o to_o thy_o father_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o thy_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o eye_n shall_v not_o see_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v bring_v upon_o this_o place_n and_o paul_n say_v that_o among_o the_o corinthian_n some_o be_v a_o sleep_n that_o be_v 23_o dead_z that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o of_o freedom_n from_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o first_o benefit_n that_o come_v by_o death_n &_o the_o first_o step_n to_o life_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o which_o be_v that_o death_n give_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n the_o worthiness_n of_o this_o benefit_n make_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o be_v no_o death_n but_o rather_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v wish_v of_o all_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o make_v paul_n to_o say_v 1._o i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o desire_n that_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n namely_o that_o by_o his_o dissolution_n he_o may_v come_v to_o be_v with_o christ._n when_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n see_v all_o salomon_n wisdom_n &_o the_o house_n that_o he_o have_v build_v and_o the_o meat_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o sit_v of_o his_o servant_n &_o the_o order_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o their_o apparel_n etc._n etc._n she_o say_v happy_a be_v thy_o man_n happy_a be_v these_o thy_o servant_n which_o stand_v ever_o before_o thou_o and_o hear_v thy_o wisdom_n 8_o much_o more_o than_o may_v we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o fold_n happy_a which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a king_n but_o before_o the_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n enjoy_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o moses_n have_v be_v renown_v in_o all_o age_n for_o this_o that_o god_n vouchsafe_v
let_v it_o cruel_o part_v asunder_o both_o body_n &_o soul_n yet_o shall_v they_o both_o remain_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v reunite_v and_o take_v up_o to_o life_n eternal_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o man_n be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o die_v out_o of_o christ_n their_o soul_n go_v to_o hell_n and_o their_o body_n rot_v for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o grave_n but_o afterward_o they_o rise_v to_o endless_a perdition_n wherefore_o i_o say_v again_o and_o again_o labour_v that_o your_o conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v live_v stone_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n &_o branch_n bear_v fruit_n in_o the_o true_a vine_n &_o than_o you_o shall_v feel_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o happiness_n then_o ever_o you_o find_v in_o your_o life_n even_o then_o when_o you_o be_v gasp_v and_o pant_v for_o breath_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n now_o follow_v the_o use_n &_o they_o be_v manifold_a the_o first_o &_o principal_n be_v this_o in_o that_o solomon_n prefer_v the_o day_n of_o death_n before_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n he_o do_v therein_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o direct_a &_o certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a and_o whereas_o he_o avouch_v this_o he_o show_v withal_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o bless_a end_n therefore_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o search_v out_o this_o way_n the_o knowledge_n and_o true_a understanding_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o write_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n now_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o god_n word_n require_v 2._o thing_n a_o preparation_n before_o death_n and_o a_o right_a behaviour_n and_o disposition_n in_o death_n the_o preparation_n unto_o death_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o repentant_a sinner_n whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o fit_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n very_o necessary_a to_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n commandment_n for_o there_o be_v sundry_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v straight_o enjoin_v we_o to_o watch_v &_o pray_v &_o to_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a every_o way_n against_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n now_o the_o same_o place_n do_v withal_o bind_v we_o to_o make_v preparation_n against_o death_n at_o which_o time_n god_n come_v to_o judgement_n unto_o we_o particular_o again_o look_v as_o death_n leave_v a_o man_n so_o shall_v the_o last_o judgement_n find_v he_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o abide_v eternal_o there_o may_v be_v change_n &_o conversion_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o change_n at_o all_o therefore_o a_o preparation_n to_o death_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v omit_v of_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o happy_a &_o bless_a end_n this_o preparation_n be_v twofold_a general_a &_o particular_a general_n preparation_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n a_o duty_n most_o needful_a that_o must_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v omit_v the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o of_o all_o death_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v most_o uncertain_a i_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o no_o man_n can_v eschew_v death_n and_o it_o be_v uncerten_a 3._o way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o time_n for_o no_o man_n know_v when_o he_o shall_v die_v second_o in_o regard_n of_o place_n for_o no_o man_n know_v where_o he_o shall_v die_v whether_o in_o his_o bed_n or_o in_o the_o field_n whether_o by_o sea_n or_o by_o land_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o kind_n of_o death_n for_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o shall_v die_v of_o a_o linger_a or_o sudden_a of_o a_o violent_a or_o natural_a death_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n shall_v every_o day_n prepare_v themselves_o to_o death_n indeed_o if_o we_o can_v know_v when_o where_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v die_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o but_o see_v we_o know_v none_o of_o these_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v about_o us._n a_o second_o reason_n serve_v further_o to_o persuade_v we_o be_v this_o the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n of_o all_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o neglect_v all_o preparation_n to_o make_v this_o point_n more_o manifest_a i_o will_v use_v this_o comparison_n a_o certain_a man_n pursue_v by_o a_o unicorn_n in_o his_o flight_n fall_v into_o a_o dungeon_n &_o in_o his_o fall_n take_v hold_v and_o hang_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o tree_n now_o as_o he_o thus_o hang_v look_v downward_o he_o see_v two_o worm_n gnaw_v at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o as_o he_o look_v upward_o he_o see_v a_o hive_n of_o most_o sweet_a honey_n whereupon_o he_o climb_v up_o unto_o it_o and_o sit_v by_o it_o he_o feed_v thereon_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o sit_v the_o two_o worm_n gnaw_v in_o piece_n the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o do_v tree_n and_o man_n &_o all_o fall_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o dungeon_n now_o this_o unicorn_n be_v death_n the_o man_n that_o fly_v be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o every_o live_a man_n the_o pit_n over_o which_o he_o hang_v be_v hell_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v life_n itself_o the_o two_o worm_n be_v day_n and_o night_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o be_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n the_o hive_n of_o honey_n be_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o which_o when_o man_n whole_o give_v themselves_o not_o consider_v their_o end_n till_o the_o tree_n root_n that_o be_v this_o temporal_a life_n be_v cut_v off_o which_o be_v once_o do_v they_o plunge_v themselves_o quite_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o defer_v their_o preparation_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n but_o rather_o every_o day_n make_v themselves_o ready_a against_o the_o day_n of_o death_n but_o some_o will_v say_v it_o shall_v suffice_v if_o i_o prepare_v myself_o to_o pray_v when_o i_o begin_v to_o be_v sick_a answ._n these_o man_n great_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v most_o unfit_a to_o begin_v a_o preparation_n because_o all_o the_o sense_n &_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v occupy_v about_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o disease_n and_o the_o sick_a party_n be_v exercise_v partly_o in_o conference_n with_o the_o physician_n partly_o with_o the_o minister_n about_o his_o soul_n health_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o partly_o with_o friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v therefore_o there_o must_v some_o preparation_n go_v before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n when_o the_o whole_a man_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n again_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o imagine_v and_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v repent_v when_o he_o will_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o that_o such_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a ans._n it_o be_v false_a which_o they_o say_v for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o repent_v when_o he_o himself_o will_n when_o god_n will_v he_o may_v it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v or_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o have_v mercy_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a but_o why_o so_o because_o they_o seek_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o nam_o when_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_a folly_n for_o man_n so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o dream_v that_o they_o may_v have_v repentance_n at_o command_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v of_o god_n in_o death_n that_o do_v condemn_v god_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v quite_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n in_o sickness_n and_o do_v forget_v god_n in_o their_o health_n again_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o late_a repentance_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v sick_a like_o the_o party_n himself_o common_o languish_v and_o die_v together_o with_o he_o repentance_n shall_v be_v voluntary_a as_o all_o obedience_n to_o god_n aught_o but_o repentance_n take_v up_o in_o sickness_n be_v usual_o constrain_v &_o extort_a by_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n &_o other_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o cross_n affliction_n and_o
may_v be_v speak_v here_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v utter_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o will_v reduce_v to_o certain_a rule_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o will_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o wholesome_a positive_a law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n or_o country_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v a_o member_n the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o man_n will_n and_o therefore_o the_o will_n that_o be_v make_v against_o any_o of_o these_o be_v faulty_a the_o second_o be_v that_o if_o good_n evil_a get_v be_v not_o restore_v before_o they_o must_v even_o then_o be_v restore_v by_o will_n or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o covetous_a man_n to_o bequeath_v their_o soul_n when_o they_o die_v to_o god_n &_o withal_o to_o bequeath_v their_o good_n evil_a get_v to_o their_o child_n &_o friend_n which_o in_o all_o equity_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v quest._n how_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o his_o good_n be_v evil_o get_v and_o he_o know_v not_o where_o or_o to_o who_o to_o make_v restitution_n ans._n the_o case_n be_v common_a &_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o when_o he_o be_v know_v who_o thou_o have_v wrong_v restore_v to_o he_o particular_o if_o the_o party_n be_v unknown_a or_o dead_a restore_v to_o his_o executor_n or_o assign_n or_o to_o his_o next_o kin_n if_o there_o be_v none_o yet_o keep_v not_o good_n evil_o get_v to_o thyself_o but_o restore_v to_o god_n that_o be_v in_o way_n of_o recompense_n and_o civil_a satisfaction_n bestow_v they_o on_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o head_n of_o family_n must_v principal_o bestow_v their_o good_n on_o their_o own_o child_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o their_o kindred_n this_o man_n say_v god_n to_o abraham_n of_o eleazar_n a_o stranger_n shall_v not_o be_v thy_o heir_n â—_o but_o the_o son_n which_o shall_v come_v of_o thy_o loin_n and_o this_o be_v god_n commandment_n to_o the_o israelite_n 17._o that_o when_o any_o man_n die_v his_o son_n shall_v be_v his_o heir_n &_o if_o he_o have_v no_o son_n than_o his_o daughter_n &_o if_o he_o have_v no_o daughter_n than_o his_o brethren_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o brethren_n than_o his_o father_n brethren_n and_o if_o that_o there_o be_v none_o than_o the_o next_o of_o the_o kin_n whosoever_o and_o paul_n say_v 8.17_o if_o you_o be_v son_n than_o also_o heir_n and_o again_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o and_o namely_o for_o they_o of_o his_o household_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 5.8_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o any_o man_n to_o alienate_v his_o good_n or_o land_n whole_o &_o final_o from_o his_o blood_n and_o posterity_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n itself_o have_v condemn_v again_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o elder_a and_o nothing_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o though_o the_o elder_a be_v bear_v to_o be_v gentleman_n &_o young_a brethren_n bear_v to_o bear_v the_o wallet_n yet_o in_o equity_n the_o elder_a must_v have_v more_o than_o any_o even_o because_o he_o be_v the_o elder_a &_o because_o stock_n and_o family_n in_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v and_o because_o there_o must_v always_o be_v some_o that_o must_v be_v fit_n to_o do_v special_a service_n in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o common_a weal_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o good_n shall_v be_v equal_o part_v to_o al._n the_o four_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o no_o will_n be_v of_o force_n till_o the_o testatour_n be_v dead_a 9.15_o for_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v alive_a he_o may_v alter_v and_o change_v it_o these_o rule_n must_v be_v remember_v because_o they_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n the_o open_n of_o other_o point_n &_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v charge_n to_o they_o that_o they_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n the_o lord_n himself_o commend_v abraham_n for_o this_o i_o know_v abraham_n 18.19_o say_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o david_n give_v solomon_n on_o his_o deathbed_n a_o most_o notable_a &_o solemn_a charge_n all_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n whereof_o be_v to_o know_v the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o which_o be_v do_v he_o further_o commend_v he_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o which_o purpose_n the_o 72._o psal_n be_v make_v this_o practice_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o thus_o governor_n when_o they_o shall_v careful_o dispose_v of_o their_o good_n and_o give_v charge_n to_o their_o posterity_n touch_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v great_o honour_v god_n die_v as_o well_o as_o live_n hitherto_o i_o have_v entreat_v of_o the_o twofold_a preparation_n which_o be_v to_o go_v before_o death_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o dying-well_a namely_o the_o disposition_n in_o death_n this_o disposition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o religious_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n special_o towards_o god_n when_o we_o be_v in_o or_o near_o the_o agony_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n this_o behaviour_n contain_v three_o special_a duty_n the_o first_o be_v to_o die_v in_o or_o by_o faith_n to_o die_v by_o faith_n be_v when_o a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n do_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o god_n special_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o man_n life_n void_a of_o just_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v put_v faith_n in_o practice_n yet_o the_o special_a time_n of_o all_o be_v the_o pang_n of_o death_n when_o friend_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o outward_a sense_n &_o temporal_a life_n &_o all_o earthly_a help_n forsake_v us._n for_o then_o true_a faith_n make_v we_o to_o go_v whole_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o despair_v of_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o earthly_a thing_n &_o with_o all_o the_o power_n &_o strength_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o rest_v on_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n this_o make_v luther_n both_o think_v and_o say_v that_o man_n be_v best_a christian_n in_o death_n a_o example_n of_o this_o faith_n we_o have_v in_o david_n who_o when_o he_o see_v nothing_o before_o his_o eye_n but_o present_a death_n the_o people_n intend_v to_o stone_n he_o comfort_v he_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n as_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n â—_o and_o this_o comfort_n he_o reap_v in_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o apply_v unto_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o remember_v say_v he_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o thy_o servant_n 49.50_o wherein_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o trust_v it_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o trouble_n for_o thy_o promise_n have_v quicken_v i_o again_o 73.26_o my_o flesh_n fail_v and_o my_o heart_n also_o but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o now_o look_v what_o david_n here_o do_v the_o same_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n when_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v sting_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n 3.14_o and_o lay_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n they_o look_v up_o to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v present_o heal_v even_o so_o when_o any_o man_n feel_v death_n to_o draw_v near_o &_o his_o fiery_a sting_n to_o pierce_v the_o heart_n he_o must_v fix_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n upon_o christ_n exalt_v and_o crucify_v on_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v do_v he_o shall_v by_o death_n enter_v into_o eternal_a life_n now_o because_o true_a faith_n be_v no_o dead_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v express_v by_o especial_a action_n the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v invocation_n whereby_o either_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n be_v direct_v unto_o god_n when_o death_n have_v seize_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o jacob_n he_o raise_v up_o himself_o and_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n