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
it_o be_v not_o my_o pleasure_n to_o part_v with_o it_o all_o that_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v do_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n now_o though_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n accomplish_v several_a end_n as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o procure_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o obtain_n heaven_n yet_o this_o also_o be_v one_o end_n of_o his_o death_n and_o a_o very_a comfortable_a one_o too_o and_o that_o be_v the_o overcome_v of_o death_n for_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n have_v by_o his_o death_n spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o triumph_v over_o they_o in_o his_o cross_n by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v not_o only_o destroy_v death_n but_o he_o also_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o 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death_n to_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a harmless_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n death_n be_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o believer_n it_o be_v they_o as_o a_o special_a privilege_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v a_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o death_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o he_o be_v then_o the_o plague_n of_o death_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o he_o swallow_v they_o up_o in_o victory_n so_o that_o now_o death_n drive_v but_o a_o poor_a trade_n among_o believer_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n and_o to_o affright_v some_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o victory_n over_o death_n be_v as_o sure_a to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o meditate_v upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o the_o faith_n the_o hope_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o eternity_n be_v build_v for_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n so_o he_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o rise_v the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v but_o vain_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v a_o christian_a shall_v not_o rise_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n there_o be_v no_o life_n everlasting_a if_o christian_n have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n christ_n be_v rise_v and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_v firm_a for_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n against_o which_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n do_v not_o so_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a a_o angel_n declare_v it_o matth._n 28.6_o he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o he_o say_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v holy_a man_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n hereof_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n when_o our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n in_o nine_o several_a apparition_n and_o once_o be_v he_o see_v of_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n together_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.24_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o pain_n or_o band_n of_o death_n be_v loose_v because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a death_n shall_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o it_o do_v he_o willing_o yield_v himself_o up_o unto_o it_o because_o as_o our_o surety_n he_o owe_v a_o death_n by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o and_o according_o he_o pay_v it_o otherwise_o death_n can_v not_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o he_o but_o though_o death_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o though_o it_o have_v possession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o grave_a yet_o it_o can_v not_o keep_v he_o there_o no_o that_o be_v impossible_a partly_o because_o he_o be_v life_n essential_o life_n so_o himself_n tell_v we_o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o death_n to_o hold_v life_n itself_o long_o under_o its_o power_n than_o he_o who_o be_v life_n it_o self_n please_v and_o then_o partly_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n in_o â—espect_n of_o we_o for_o have_v undertake_v the_o great_a work_n of_o restore_v we_o unto_o life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v subdue_v by_o death_n if_o he_o have_v be_v hold_v down_o a_o prisoner_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n we_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n but_o christ_n be_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o perfection_n though_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o die_v yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a death_n shall_v have_v dominion_n over_o he_o for_o ever_o christ_n therefore_o be_v rise_v and_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o a_o public_a person_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o say_v to_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o eph._n 2.6_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o believer_n resurrection_n but_o the_o security_n of_o his_o happy_a resurrection_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n now_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n do_v both_o assure_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a harvest_n so_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o believer_n by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o assure_v they_o of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o sanctify_v it_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n even_o unto_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o believer_n that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first-born_a or_o the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a who_o be_v in_o their_o time_n and_o order_n to_o be_v bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n give_v new_a birth_n or_o be_v unto_o those_o body_n which_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n seem_v to_o have_v none_o for_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o whole_a harvest_n follow_v the_o first_o fruit_n so_o do_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o believer_n at_o the_o last_o day_n follow_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o 12._o if_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v rise_v we_o can_v rational_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o own_o body_n because_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o only_o the_o exemplar_n of_o our_o resurrection_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o because_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v but_o one_o mystical_a body_n he_o the_o head_n they_o the_o member_n and_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n shall_v not_o always_o lie_v rot_v in_o the_o grave_a but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n arise_v also_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n
speak_v of_o death_n as_o that_o which_o he_o be_v daily_o familiar_a with_o be_v in_o death_n often_o frequent_o think_v thereof_o for_o say_v he_o i_o die_v daily_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v that_o which_o he_o accustom_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o willing_a to_o embrace_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o of_o we_o be_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v and_o we_o so_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o death_n as_o we_o ought_v those_o of_o we_o who_o have_v the_o most_o lively_a faith_n will_v not_o only_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v even_o court_v it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n but_o i_o will_v not_o here_o discourage_v any_o weak_a believer_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o frame_n of_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o believer_n one_o believer_n have_v the_o same_o that_o another_o believer_n have_v yet_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n do_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v some_o and_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v their_o humiliation_n that_o death_n and_o they_o be_v little_o acquaint_v they_o seldom_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a by_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o their_o mortality_n they_o look_v not_o into_o the_o pit_n out_o of_o which_o at_o first_o they_o be_v take_v and_o into_o which_o they_o be_v short_o to_o return_v now_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v little_a if_o any_o at_o all_o because_o death_n and_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o one_o another_o these_o may_v be_v true_a believer_n but_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o faulty_a but_o now_o other_o there_o be_v who_o be_v so_o advance_v in_o grace_n above_o their_o brethren_n that_o by_o a_o constant_a familiarity_n with_o death_n be_v so_o compose_v in_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o fear_v it_o not_o nay_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o not_o because_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n for_o they_o know_v that_o death_n will_v overtake_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n draw_v near_a and_o near_o daily_o these_o thing_n they_o believe_v but_o they_o do_v not_o afflict_v themselves_o therewith_o so_o well_o be_v they_o acquaint_v with_o death_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o be_v they_o to_o die_v present_o this_o will_v not_o much_o trouble_v they_o for_o they_o know_v the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a though_o death_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o gall_n and_o the_o wormwood_n be_v take_v out_o christ_n have_v be_v there_o before_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n be_v go_v the_o danger_n yea_o and_o the_o difficulty_n also_o in_o die_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a though_o by_o death_n they_o descend_v through_o the_o grave_a into_o heaven_n for_o their_o jesus_n their_o saviour_n be_v there_o and_o they_o know_v that_o till_o they_o die_v where_o he_o be_v they_o can_v be_v wherefore_o they_o say_v though_o we_o die_v nay_o therefore_o will_v we_o die_v that_o we_o may_v see_v he_o will_v thou_o therefore_o o_o weak_a believer_n attain_v unto_o this_o sweet_a frame_n of_o spirit_n accustom_v thyself_o then_o to_o a_o holy_a familiarity_n with_o death_n conceive_v of_o it_o under_o the_o fair_a and_o easy_a notion_n this_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n delight_v in_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o death_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o always_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a expression_n to_o represent_v it_o to_o they_o by_o so_o sweet_o be_v death_n enamele_v and_o so_o rich_o be_v it_o clothe_v in_o the_o holy_a language_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o it_o to_o draw_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v desirous_a of_o it_o look_v a_o little_a therefore_o o_o believer_n into_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o see_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o to_o clothe_v death_n with_o delightful_a expression_n sometime_o it_o be_v call_v a_o undress_v or_o uncloathing_n and_o what_o man_n that_o have_v wear_v a_o suit_n of_o clothes_n till_o it_o be_v become_v filthy_a and_o nasty_a will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o put_v off_o his_o old_a filthy_a garment_n that_o he_o may_v put_v on_o change_n of_o raiment_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o christian_a be_v willing_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o grave_a that_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o his_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n sometime_o death_n be_v compare_v to_o rest_n they_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o bed_n say_v the_o prophet_n and_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o death_n tell_v we_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n now_o when_o a_o man_n have_v wrought_v hard_o and_o take_v great_a pain_n and_o labour_n all_o the_o day_n how_o desirous_a be_v he_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o take_v his_o rest_n and_o be_v not_o death_n the_o same_o to_o thou_o o_o christian_a do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v it_o so_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o rest_n like_o to_o that_o rest_n that_o a_o christian_n obtain_v after_o his_o spiritual_a labour_n and_o conflict_n with_o sin_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o evil_a heart_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o body_n and_o take_v its_o flight_n at_o once_o from_o all_o these_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n that_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n which_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v no_o yoke_n like_o unto_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n when_o a_o christian_a suffer_v for_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o yoke_n line_v with_o love_n my_o yoke_n say_v he_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a so_o there_o be_v no_o rest_n and_o happiness_n like_o that_o which_o be_v with_o christ_n for_o the_o same_o happiness_n that_o he_o enjoy_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n enjoy_v also_o sometime_o death_n be_v call_v a_o sleep_n so_o say_v our_o lord_n our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v it_o be_v speak_v of_o his_o death_n now_o who_o of_o we_o when_o the_o day_n be_v spend_v and_o the_o night_n have_v overtake_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o sleep_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_n when_o his_o day_n be_v finish_v and_o the_o night_n of_o sickness_n be_v come_v upon_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o fall_v asleep_a though_o he_o sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n by_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o allay_v the_o bitterness_n beautify_v the_o deformity_n blunt_a the_o edge_n and_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n that_o all_o hard_a thought_n of_o it_o may_v be_v bury_v and_o instead_o thereof_o there_o may_v grow_v up_o a_o sweet_a familiarity_n and_o acquaintance_n between_o they_o and_o death_n oh_o how_o will_v this_o facilitate_v the_o work_n of_o die_v and_o cause_v holy_a soul_n to_o exult_v with_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v when_o death_n be_v approach_v towards_o they_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o make_v a_o little_a digression_n to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o some_o weak_a believer_n who_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v be_v very_o great_a because_o their_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v so_o many_o but_o why_o shall_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n so_o amaze_v and_o terrify_v thou_o o_o weak_a believer_n have_v thou_o not_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o thou_o with_o other_o have_v thou_o not_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o love_n act_v and_o work_v in_o thou_o do_v thou_o not_o serve_v the_o same_o lord_n have_v thou_o not_o the_o same_o god_n for_o thy_o father_n the_o same_o jesus_n for_o thy_o saviour_n the_o same_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n for_o thy_o comforter_n be_v thou_o not_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n nay_o be_v thou_o not_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v go_v before_o thou_o death_n be_v the_o gate_n through_o which_o they_o all_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v thou_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_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
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
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
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
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
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 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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 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appoint_v in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o measure_n or_o stature_n be_v not_o the_o same_o to_o every_o christian_a some_o christian_n have_v a_o long_a term_n of_o life_n than_o other_o some_o have_v more_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n than_o other_o and_o some_o have_v great_a part_n and_o ability_n than_o other_o now_o god_n be_v not_o a_o severe_a master_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o or_o to_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strew_v god_n do_v not_o look_v for_o what_o he_o do_v not_o give_v where_o he_o give_v more_o he_o expect_v the_o more_o but_o where_o he_o give_v less_o he_o expect_v the_o less_o christian_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v great_a part_n and_o ability_n with_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n even_o unto_o old_a age_n from_o such_o god_n expect_v much_o because_o he_o have_v give_v much_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o grace_n must_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o they_o must_v transcend_v other_o in_o faith_n love_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n contend_v for_o the_o attain_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o now_o for_o other_o who_o part_n have_v be_v low_a who_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n be_v small_a and_o their_o time_n in_o the_o world_n but_o short_a god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o their_o grace_n shall_v shine_v so_o glorious_o as_o other_o say_v not_o therefore_o nor_o doubt_v christian_a that_o thou_o know_v not_o believe_v not_o love_v not_o delight_v not_o in_o god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v not_o but_o if_o thy_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n and_o delight_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o other_o yet_o thy_o grace_n may_v be_v as_o true_a and_o as_o real_a as_o any_o other_o in_o a_o star_n there_o be_v as_o true_a light_n as_o in_o the_o sun_n though_o there_o be_v more_o light_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o thy_o grace_n though_o little_a and_o weak_a be_v true_a grace_n though_o 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be_v that_o which_o afrighten_v i_o i_o fear_v lest_o god_n be_v my_o enemy_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a death_n can_v be_v my_o friend_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v i_o dare_v to_o think_v of_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v be_v thou_o under_o some_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n that_o god_n be_v not_o thy_o reconcile_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n though_o i_o can_v blame_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v fearful_a of_o die_v under_o such_o apprehension_n yet_o i_o must_v blame_v thou_o for_o thy_o former_a negligence_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o make_v this_o sure_a to_o thyself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n next_o to_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o fore_n taste_v of_o hell_n and_o wrath_n die_v under_o the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v our_o enemy_n be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a condition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o though_o our_o future_a safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v not_o upon_o our_o assurance_n that_o god_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o yet_o our_o present_a comfort_n do_v and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o present_a quietation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v a_o die_a whether_o god_n be_v our_o enemy_n or_o no_o if_o he_o will_v not_o smile_v upon_o we_o when_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o depart_a but_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o hour_n as_o our_o last_o punishment_n for_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v be_v provoke_v by_o to_o breath_n forth_o our_o soul_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o know_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a to_o know_v the_o joyful_a sound_n to_o have_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v pass_v through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o love_v we_o but_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o to_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o by_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o as_o to_o fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n by_o believe_v this_o be_v life_n nay_o this_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n be_v better_a than_o life_n it_o be_v the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o it_o be_v heaven_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v or_o contain_v of_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o fear_v he_o be_v our_o enemy_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n liable_a unto_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a yea_o some_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n itself_o especial_o if_o conscience_n be_v awake_v and_o these_o apprehension_n and_o jealousy_n continue_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n this_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o afflictive_a to_o a_o poor_a doubt_v soul_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v for_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o remain_v doubtful_a both_o as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o grace_n and_o their_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v believer_n of_o divers_a growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n father_n youngman_n child_n and_o babe_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o most_o family_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v more_o babe_n and_o child_n than_o grow_v man_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o weak_a and_o doubt_a christian_n than_o strong_a man_n who_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a assurance_n but_o remember_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n not_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n not_o to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a faith_n heaven_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o those_o who_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n live_v therefore_o by_o faith_n o_o christian_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o feel_v and_o know_v that_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o true_a judgement_n to_o value_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o sanctify_a will_n to_o choose_v he_o with_o ardent_a and_o strong_a affection_n to_o love_v he_o and_o desire_v he_o and_o support_v thou_o under_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n will_v come_v in_o with_o assurance_n also_o if_o he_o see_v it_o good_a for_o thou_o and_o know_v also_o for_o thy_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 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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
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
sweet_a and_o delightful_a be_v no_o better_o than_o bond_n and_o fetter_n unto_o thou_o which_o thou_o will_v fain_o break_v asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o from_o thou_o the_o language_n of_o thy_o carnal_a heart_n be_v this_o though_o the_o sermon_n be_v common_o measure_v by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n yet_o thou_o cry_v when_o will_v the_o glass_n be_v out_o when_o will_v the_o duty_n be_v do_v when_o will_v the_o sabbath_n be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o world_n again_o thou_o think_v prayer_n too_o long_o and_o sermon_n too_o long_o and_o sabbath_n too_o long_o well_o be_v patient_a o_o sinner_n for_o a_o while_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thou_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o long_a painful_a duty_n any_o more_o death_n will_v ease_v thou_o of_o all_o these_o burden_n that_o night_n be_v come_v upon_o thou_o wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o of_o these_o work_v do_v for_o ever_o and_o than_o though_o with_o esau_n thou_o shall_v careful_o seek_v a_o place_n of_o repentance_n with_o tear_n to_o bewall_n thy_o former_a folly_n yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o three_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o unprepared_a sinner_n for_o death_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o than_o iose_v all_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n hope_v it_o be_v the_o anchor_n and_o support_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o strait_n and_o under_o such_o sore_a pressure_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v upon_o but_o faith_n and_o hope_n faith_n believe_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o those_o trouble_v the_o soul_n be_v under_o and_o therefore_o hope_n encourage_v the_o soul_n to_o wait_v patient_o till_o a_o time_n of_o deliverance_n do_v come_v it_o will_v come_v say_v faith_n for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v i_o will_v wait_v therefore_o say_v hope_n and_o my_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o now_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v fail_v and_o disappoint_v he_o at_o death_n for_o indeed_o he_o have_v no_o true_a wellgrounded_n hope_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a hope_n 1_o pet_n 1.3_o but_o this_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o saint_n bless_a be_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o a_o sinner_n hope_n be_v not_o a_o lively_a but_o a_o dead_a hope_n and_o what_o can_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o hope_n be_v but_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n die_v say_v the_o wise_a man_n his_o expectation_n shall_v perish_v prov._n 11.7_o and_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n say_v job_n though_o he_o have_v gain_v when_o god_n take_v away_o his_o soul_n job_n 27.8_o why_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n and_o if_o hope_v 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be_v dead_a he_o that_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o christian_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n be_v that_o which_o make_v life_n comfortable_a death_n easy_a and_o heaven_n sure_a and_o certain_a he_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n may_v live_v joyful_o in_o any_o condition_n if_o he_o know_v but_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o need_v not_o be_v trouble_v let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o whether_o he_o have_v more_o or_o less_o he_o have_v it_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n all_o his_o mercy_n come_v swim_v to_o he_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v content_a yea_o be_v thankful_a and_o rejoice_v know_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o for_o 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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 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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
if_o upon_o examination_n of_o thy_o heart_n thou_o do_v not_o find_v it_o thus_o with_o thou_o why_o then_o consider_v though_o this_o frame_n of_o soul_n be_v characteristical_a of_o a_o true_a christian_a yet_o you_o must_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o same_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_n to_o some_o yea_o to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n sometime_o at_o another_o time_n may_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_v to_o he_o not_o but_o that_o that_o which_o distinguish_v a_o true_a christian_a from_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v the_o same_o at_o one_o time_n that_o it_o be_v at_o another_o only_o we_o can_v see_v nor_o discover_v so_o clear_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o it_o at_o one_o time_n as_o at_o another_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o with_o joy_n yea_o with_o holy_a longing_n of_o soul_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o other_o be_v cast_v down_o under_o fear_n and_o doubt_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o or_o at_o least_o not_o present_a interest_n in_o or_o title_n unto_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o far_o be_v thou_o fearful_a o_o christian_n of_o thy_o self_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o feel_v this_o ardency_n of_o desire_n in_o thou_o after_o thy_o dissolution_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o as_o to_o look_v and_o long_a for_o the_o come_n of_o these_o thing_n why_o know_v o_o trouble_a soul_n that_o every_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o discernible_a by_o all_o christian_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o condition_n thou_o may_v have_v that_o in_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o long_a desire_n in_o other_o though_o at_o present_v it_o do_v not_o work_v so_o strong_o in_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v sensible_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o its_o operation_n thus_o draw_v forth_o thy_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o this_o ardent_a and_o vehement_a manner_n grace_n though_o weak_a and_o in_o the_o seed_n have_v a_o tendency_n in_o it_o and_o be_v make_v out_o after_o this_o holy_a longing_n and_o rejoice_v of_o soul_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v the_o intervention_n of_o some_o time_n before_o there_o be_v a_o attain_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n in_o thou_o to_o fear_v in_o this_o case_n grace_n in_o thou_o be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v in_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v grow_v and_o increase_n in_o thou_o and_o as_o thy_o grace_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a so_o will_v thy_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a furthermore_o o_o trouble_a soul_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o feel_v thy_o soul_n breathe_v forth_o itself_o in_o these_o holy_a long_n &_o desire_n after_o thy_o dissolution_n the_o behold_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v be_v incomparable_o better_a for_o thou_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o abide_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o though_o death_n be_v dreadful_a to_o think_v of_o in_o itself_o yet_o see_v it_o be_v the_o only_a passage_n through_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v our_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v that_o thou_o long_v for_o it_o yet_o be_v thou_o willing_a to_o entertain_v it_o if_o god_n send_v it_o and_o though_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n sometime_o discourage_v thou_o yet_o do_v not_o thy_o belief_n of_o and_o hope_v in_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n abate_v those_o fear_n consider_v the_o advantage_n that_o will_v follow_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o amaze_a thing_n in_o thy_o thought_n to_o think_v of_o come_v before_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n yet_o except_o when_o temptation_n make_v thou_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v condemn_v thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n have_v thou_o not_o rather_o come_v to_o god_n by_o death_n than_o not_o come_v to_o he_o at_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o who_o be_v thy_o soul_n be_v utmost_a happiness_n and_o though_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a angel_n will_v be_v very_o terrible_a to_o behold_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o strike_v thou_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a when_o thou_o consider_v thy_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o think_v of_o that_o day_n with_o so_o strong_a a_o faith_n and_o consolation_n with_o such_o earnestness_n of_o desire_n and_o holy_a longing_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v though_o thou_o do_v not_o long_o for_o yet_o do_v thou_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n can_v thou_o say_v thou_o will_v not_o take_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n for_o thy_o hope_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o day_n and_o can_v thou_o attain_v to_o that_o full_a assurance_n that_o some_o of_o god_n people_n have_v thou_o will_v then_o with_o earnestness_n of_o desire_n and_o holy_a longing_n of_o soul_n cry_v out_o as_o the_o church_n do_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o be_v it_o thus_o with_o thou_o o_o soul_n why_o then_o be_v not_o trouble_v nay_o be_v comfort_v for_o that_o which_o at_o present_a be_v faith_n hope_n desire_v and_o love_n may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v vehement_a longing_n and_o assurance_n yea_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n rest_v not_o therefore_o in_o any_o weak_a desire_n but_o labour_n for_o this_o holy_a longing_n of_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o in_o life_n and_o death_n your_o soul_n may_v part_v and_o breath_n after_o immediate_a and_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o this_o be_v that_o frame_n of_o soul_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o which_o many_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o earnestness_n and_o vehemency_n of_o who_o desire_n have_v be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v under_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a agony_n of_o pain_n and_o their_o soul_n even_o break_v with_o long_n after_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n example_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v mention_v one_o of_o which_o i_o be_v a_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_v the_o person_n be_v one_o of_o a_o middle_a rank_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o great_a eminency_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n while_o live_v and_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o peace_n when_o die_v it_o please_v god_n who_o appoint_v we_o the_o bound_n and_o place_n of_o our_o habitation_n to_o cast_v my_o lot_n into_o a_o religious_a family_n where_o this_o godly_a person_n live_v who_o memory_n to_o i_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v very_o precious_a after_o i_o have_v be_v there_o some_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v this_o person_n upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n which_o prove_v a_o deathbed_n who_o mouth_n be_v always_o full_a of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o as_o death_n approach_v near_a and_o near_o those_o heavenly_a expression_n be_v with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o frequency_n repeat_v the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o life_n as_o long_o as_o speech_n continue_v be_v spend_v in_o utter_v continual_a expression_n full_a of_o holy_a long_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n methinks_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o melody_n revive_v my_o spirit_n still_o when_o i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n in_o my_o serious_a thought_n what_o i_o then_o hear_v and_o see_v oh_o with_o what_o joy_n and_o desight_n of_o soul_n be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n entertain_v surely_n nothing_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v more_o welcome_a to_o such_o a_o soul_n except_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n who_o soul_n in_o the_o delightful_a much_o long_v for_o and_o panted-aft_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n breathe_v forth_o continual_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o for_o many_o hour_n together_o come_v lord_n jesus_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o oh_o lord_n when_o lord_n when_o oh_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o thus_o this_o holy_a person_n die_v change_v a_o frail_a mortal_a life_n on_o earth_n for_o a_o immortal_a life_n in_o heaven_n where_o to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v most_o happy_a be_v all_o one_o i_o can_v fill_v up_o many_o sheet_n with_o wonderful_a expression_n of_o the_o love_n long_n pant_n and_o breathe_n that_o i_o have_v read_v of_o holy_a
soul_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n both_o martyr_n and_o other_o o_o cry_v one_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o my_o heart_n cast_v a_o mighty_a heat_n he_o know_v that_o the_o desire_v i_o have_v to_o be_v with_o he_o pain_v i_o i_o have_v sick_a night_n and_o frequent_a fit_n of_o love_n fever_n for_o my_o well-beloved_a nothing_o be_v so_o painful_a to_o i_o as_o the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a pain_n o_o that_o he_o will_v cool_v my_o love-fever_n for_o he_o with_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o o_o great_a king_n say_v one_o why_o stand_v thou_o aloof_o off_o why_o remain_v thou_o among_o the_o mountain_n o_o well-beloved_a why_o do_v thou_o pain_v a_o poor_a soul_n with_o delay_n a_o long_a time_n out_o of_o thy_o glorious_a presence_n be_v as_o two_o death_n and_o as_o two_o hell_n to_o i_o we_o must_v meet_v i_o must_v see_v he_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v for_o christ_n have_v bring_v on_o i_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v he_o that_o cost_n what_o it_o will_v i_o can_v but_o assure_v christ_n to_o my_o soul_n one_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n to_o i_o be_v a_o kingdom_n a_o sight_n of_o he_o be_v worth_a a_o world_n of_o world_n sweet_a jesus_n cry_v one_o out_o will_v thou_o let_v i_o see_v heaven_n to_o break_v my_o heart_n and_o never_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enjoy_v it_o o_o fair_o where_o dwell_v thou_o o_o never_o enough_o admire_v and_o adore_a godhead_n how_o can_v creature_n of_o yesterday_o be_v able_a to_o enjoy_v thou_o o_o what_o pain_n cry_v one_o be_v it_o that_o time_n and_o sin_n shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o thousand_o mile_n between_o a_o love_a long_v for_o lord_n and_o a_o pine_a love-sick_a soul_n hell_n and_o as_o i_o now_o think_v all_o the_o pain_n of_o it_o lay_v on_o i_o can_v not_o put_v i_o off_o from_o love_v of_o he_o i_o will_v refuse_v say_v one_o no_o condition_n not_o hell_n except_v reserve_v always_o god_n hatred_n to_o buy_v the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o jesus_n oh_o close_a door_n and_o vail_n curtain_n and_o thick_a cloud_n cry_v one_o that_o hold_v i_o in_o pain_n while_o i_o find_v the_o sweet_a burn_n of_o his_o love_n within_o i_o which_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v o_o death_n do_v thy_o utmost_a against_o we_o o_o torment_n o_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n bring_v hell_n to_o help_v you_o in_o torment_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n we_o will_v defy_v you_o to_o make_v we_o too_o soon_o happy_a and_o to_o waft_v we_o too_o soon_o over_o the_o water_n to_o that_o land_n where_o that_o plant_n the_o plant_n of_o renown_n grow_v o_o cruel_a time_n that_o torment_v we_o and_o suspend_v our_o dear_a enjoyment_n that_o we_o wait_v for_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v bathe_v and_o steep_v soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o love_n of_o love_n i_o half_o call_v say_v one_o his_o absence_n cruel_a and_o that_o mask_n and_o veil_n upon_o his_o face_n a_o cruel_a cover_n that_o hide_v such_o a_o fair_a fair_a face_n from_o a_o sick_a soul_n i_o dare_v not_o challenge_v himself_o but_o his_o absence_n be_v a_o mountain_n of_o iron_n upon_o my_o heavy_a heart_n oh_o when_o shall_v we_o meet_v what_o do_v we_o here_o but_o sin_n and_o suffer_v oh_o when_o shall_v the_o night_n be_v go_v and_o the_o shadow_n fly_v away_o and_o the_o morning_n of_o that_o long_a long_a day_n without_o cloud_n or_o night_n dawn_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v oh_o when_o shall_v the_o lamb_n wife_n be_v ready_a and_o the_o bridegroom_n say_v i_o come_v also_o o_o time_n be_v not_o so_o slow_a but_o run_v yea_o fly_v away_o swift_o o_o sun_n move_v speedy_o and_o hasten_v our_o banquet_n o_o heaven_n cleave_v asunder_o that_o the_o bright_a face_n and_o head_n may_v set_v itself_o through_o the_o cloud_n o_o that_o the_o corn_n be_v ripe_a and_o this_o world_n prepare_v for_o his_o hook_n how_o long_o be_v it_o to_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o marriage_n day_n o_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n take_v wide_a step_n o_o my_o lord_n come_v over_o the_o mountain_n at_o one_o stride_n cut_v short_a year_n and_o month_n and_o hour_n shovel_n time_n and_o day_n out_o of_o the_o way_n post_n post_fw-la haste_v our_o desire_a hunger_a long_v for_o meet_v love_n be_v sick_a to_o hear_v of_o till_o too_o morrow_n fly_v o_o my_o belove_a like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a heart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o separation_n o_o that_o thou_o will_v remove_v say_v one_o the_o cover_n and_o draw_v aside_o the_o curtain_n of_o time_n that_o thou_o will_v rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o o_o that_o the_o shadow_n and_o night_n be_v go_v that_o the_o day_n will_v break_v and_o be_v that_o feed_v among_o the_o lily_n will_v cry_v and_o call_v to_o his_o heavenly_a trumpeter_n make_v ready_a and_o let_v we_o go_v down_o and_o fold_v together_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o marry_v the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n since_o he_o have_v look_v upon_o i_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o my_o own_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v far_o herein_o though_o the_o subject_n be_v exceed_o delightful_a but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v herein_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o these_o holy_a pant_n and_o long_n of_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o godly_a man_n or_o that_o none_o be_v true_o godly_a but_o those_o that_o find_v and_o feel_v in_o themselves_o these_o pant_n and_o long_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o this_o vehement_a and_o ardent_a manner_n no_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o for_o i_o believe_v multitude_n yea_o the_o generality_n of_o believer_n through_o sloathfulness_n never_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a pitch_n of_o grace_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o favour_n who_o yet_o go_v to_o heaven_n very_o safe_o but_o where_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v attain_v unto_o this_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n such_o soul_n live_v as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n itself_o and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o labour_v after_o and_o what_o sweet_a peace_n joy_n and_o delight_n we_o all_o lose_v who_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o soul_n even_o such_o as_o pass_v our_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v or_o our_o expression_n to_o make_v know_v which_o make_v a_o godly_a man_n once_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o holy_a pang_n of_o love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n if_o i_o can_v get_v no_o more_o o_o let_v i_o be_v pain_v to_o all_o eternity_n with_o longing_n for_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o hunger_a for_o christ_n shall_v be_v my_o heaven_n for_o evermore_o chap._n v._n death_n terrible_a in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a enemy_n wherein_o its_o enmity_n do_v consist_v this_o enemy_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o enemy_n that_o shall_v be_v destroy_v christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v overcome_v death_n for_o believer_n and_o how_o far_o he_o have_v do_v it_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o how_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n may_v be_v conquer_a and_o overcome_v it_o be_v very_o uncomely_a for_o christian_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o live_v without_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n how_o christian_n may_v die_v with_o courage_n and_o joy_n though_o death_n as_o it_o bring_v holy_a soul_n to_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o god_n be_v desirable_a yet_o consider_v in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v dreadful_a be_v accompany_v with_o disease_n and_o distemper_n the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o dissolution_n and_o separation_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n cause_v all_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n of_o life_n to_o cease_v in_o which_o state_n the_o body_n quick_o turn_v to_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n and_o in_o time_n to_o common_a earth_n now_o though_o this_o be_v dreadful_a unto_o nature_n yet_o be_v there_o more_o of_o terror_n in_o death_n unto_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gate_n to_o let_v they_o into_o the_o grave_a but_o a_o gate_n to_o let_v they_o into_o hell_n the_o first_o death_n transmit_v they_o unto_o the_o second_o death_n and_o yet_o how_o great_a be_v the_o folly_n of_o man_n that_o they_o fear_v death_n for_o that_o which_o be_v least_o formidable_a in_o it_o but_o do_v not_o fear_v it_o for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o just_o terrible_a can_v death_n do_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o what_o reach_v to_o pain_n and_o distemper_n on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o dissolution_n and_o destruction_n of_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 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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
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
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
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
jesus_n the_o head_n will_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o its_o member_n to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v they_o also_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o indeed_o christ_n be_v not_o perfect_o rise_v till_o all_o believer_n be_v rise_v also_o for_o though_o christ_n personal_a resurrection_n be_v perfect_a when_o he_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o though_o all_o believer_n do_v then_o arise_v with_o christ_n representative_o yet_o till_o all_o believer_n arise_v personal_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o receive_v its_o full_a perfection_n how_o comfortable_a therefore_o be_v this_o to_o a_o believer_n to_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o he_o put_v christ_n resurrection_n into_o the_o premise_n he_o may_v put_v his_o own_o resurrection_n into_o the_o conclusion_n if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o believer_n in_o rom._n 8.10_o 11._o the_o body_n be_v dead_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a frail_a die_a body_n because_o of_o sin_n and_o though_o you_o be_v real_o unite_v unto_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o you_o which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n yet_o your_o body_n must_v die_v as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n say_v he_o be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n though_o your_o body_n die_v your_o soul_n shall_v be_v su'allow_v up_o in_o life_n upon_o your_o dissolution_n this_o happiness_n believer_n have_v even_o in_o death_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o what_o then_o why_o though_o your_o body_n must_v fall_v by_o death_n into_o the_o grave_a yet_o they_o shall_v rise_v and_o live_v again_o at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o your_o mystical_a union_n with_o he_o who_o be_v your_o head_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o because_o christ_n be_v your_o head_n and_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o that_o not_o as_o other_o by_o a_o mere_a word_n of_o his_o power_n as_o the_o wicked_a be_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n dwell_v in_o christ_n your_o head_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a privilege_n indeed_o o_o the_o consolation_n that_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n fill_v the_o believe_a soul_n withal_o it_o be_v this_o bless_a hope_n that_o support_v it_o not_o only_o under_o the_o trouble_v of_o life_n but_o make_v it_o triumph_n even_o under_o the_o pain_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n itself_o three_o meditate_v frequent_o upon_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o heaven_n now_o this_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v full_a of_o glory_n and_o triumph_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o so_o be_v it_o full_a of_o admirable_a comfort_n in_o respect_n of_o believer_n as_o to_o himself_o his_o ascension_n be_v triumphant_a a_o cloud_n be_v prepare_v as_o a_o royal_a chariot_n to_o carry_v up_o this_o king_n of_o glory_n into_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o act_n 11.10_o that_o whilst_o his_o disciple_n behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o no_o doubt_n a_o royal_a guard_n of_o angel_n attend_v the_o solemnity_n of_o their_o lord_n ascension_n if_o when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v angel_n wait_v upon_o he_o for_o even_o then_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o let_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o sure_o much_o more_o than_o now_o that_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n do_v the_o angel_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o return_n to_o heaven_n again_o where_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o have_v a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v both_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n but_o may_v a_o poor_a believer_n say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a that_o christ_n be_v ascend_v and_o exalt_v thus_o in_o glory_n yes_o this_o be_v much_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o jesus_n that_o be_v crucify_a for_o they_o that_o god_n have_v make_v both_o lord_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v he_o who_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v exalt_v above_o angel_n be_v go_v into_o heaven_n angel_n principality_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v this_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o may_v and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.20_o 21._o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o a_o public_a person_n or_o the_o forerunner_n of_o believer_n for_o he_o be_v not_o go_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o heaven_n only_o for_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o our_o name_n and_o for_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o heb._n 6.20_o speak_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n within_o the_o veil_n whither_o say_v he_o the_o forerunner_n that_o be_v christ_n be_v for_o we_o enter_v and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n john_n 14.2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o unto_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n transact_v the_o affair_n and_o concern_v of_o believer_n both_o for_o their_o present_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o for_o their_o future_a eternal_a happiness_n not_o only_o by_o intercept_n the_o daily_a cry_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o continual_a representation_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n unto_o his_o father_n and_o so_o make_v a_o atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o they_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n he_o maintain_v this_o peace_n and_o keep_v up_o good_a thought_n in_o god_n towards_o believer_n sprinkle_v their_o poor_a and_o weak_a but_o sincer_n service_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n so_o that_o though_o both_o they_o and_o their_o service_n deserve_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n yet_o they_o shall_v both_o be_v accept_v for_o christ_n sake_n this_o now_o be_v something_o that_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o believer_n since_o he_o be_v ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o their_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o to_o their_o god_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o in_o that_o comfortable_a prayer_n of_o he_o to_o his_o father_n before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v say_v some_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o intercession_n now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o look_v not_o upon_o himself_o as_o perfect_o happy_a until_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n with_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o john_n 17.24_o father_n i_o will_v that_o those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o lam_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v my_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o o_o what_o comfort_n then_o be_v here_o to_o all_o believer_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o assure_v thyself_o o_o believe_v soul_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v be_v a_o bar_n to_o thy_o happiness_n thou_o must_v die_v it_o be_v true_a so_o do_v christ_n but_o he_o be_v rise_v and_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o so_o shall_v thou_o also_o in_o due_a time_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o have_v make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n 2.6_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n be_v make_v sure_a to_o a_o believer_n by_o christ_n for_o if_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o death_n
resurrection_n where_o thou_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n and_o where_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v endanger_v by_o sin_n the_o tempter_n or_o any_o of_o his_o temptation_n and_o concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v also_o one_o of_o its_o glorious_a advantage_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o heathen_n with_o all_o their_o deep_a reason_n can_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o but_o though_o humane_a reason_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v find_v out_o this_o glorious_a mystery_n yet_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n have_v the_o sure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o when_o reason_n be_v once_o save_o enlighten_v from_o above_o o_o how_o the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o future_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v but_o admire_v i_o confess_v when_o a_o believer_n be_v cast_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o his_o soul_n ready_a to_o take_v its_o leave_n of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o passage_n unto_o heaven_n it_o be_v no_o small_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v cast_v off_o its_o earthly_a tabernacle_n it_o shall_v be_v immediate_o admit_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n himself_o where_o it_o shall_v view_v and_o contemplate_v his_o face_n with_o infinite_a and_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o yet_o that_o holy_a joy_n and_o that_o heavenly_a sweetness_n which_o sometime_o be_v so_o powerful_a that_o it_o ravish_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n on_o a_o deathbed_n whilst_o it_o contemplate_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o it_o be_v go_v may_v be_v disturb_v and_o embitter_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o poor_a body_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o earth_n there_o to_o become_v a_o feast_n for_o worm_n to_o feed_v upon_o but_o be_v not_o trouble_v at_o this_o o_o believe_a soul_n for_o this_o seem_a destruction_n of_o thy_o body_n shall_v not_o be_v eternal_a though_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o grave_a by_o death_n where_o it_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v lose_v and_o forget_v yet_o shall_v it_o have_v a_o certain_a resurrection_n and_o then_o the_o ignominy_n and_o disgrace_n under_o which_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v appear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o its_o resurrection_n out_o of_o it_o shall_v appear_v glorious_a for_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o corruption_n but_o it_o be_v raise_v in_o incorruption_n it_o be_v sow_o in_o dishonour_n but_o it_o be_v raise_v in_o glory_n it_o be_v sow_o in_o weakness_n it_o be_v raise_v in_o power_n it_o be_v sow_o a_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v raise_v a_o spiritual_a body_n in_o 1_o cor._n 15.42_o 43._o fear_v not_o therefore_o nor_o believe_v soul_n but_o commit_v thy_o body_n with_o confidence_n unto_o the_o earth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n rejoice_v let_v thy_o tongue_n be_v glad_a and_o let_v thy_o flesh_n rest_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n for_o assure_v thyself_o thy_o body_n shall_v not_o always_o lie_v rot_v in_o the_o grave_a neither_o shall_v in_o there_o see_v corruption_n for_o ever_o but_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o time_n when_o god_n shall_v show_v it_o the_o path_n of_o life_n again_o when_o thy_o soul_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o assume_v its_o new_a raise_a body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o become_v a_o most_o glorious_a body_n even_o like_a unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v more_o spiritual_a and_o so_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o fit_a partner_n with_o it_o in_o the_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o evermore_o four_o consider_v the_o familiarity_n that_o believer_n have_v express_v towards_o death_n ordinary_o indeed_o man_n put_v death_n into_o such_o ugly_a shape_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o under_o such_o terrible_a and_o affright_v form_n that_o they_o pass_v their_o life_n under_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o all_o their_o day_n the_o visage_n of_o death_n appear_v so_o grim_a and_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o that_o the_o serious_a forethought_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o torment_v they_o before_o their_o time_n o_o how_o vast_o different_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o a_o godly_a man_n concern_v death_n and_o the_o grave_a the_o one_o look_n upon_o death_n as_o full_a of_o dread_a and_o horror_n the_o other_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o messenger_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o to_o the_o wicked_a it_o come_v as_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n arm_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n which_o burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n but_o to_o the_o godly_a it_o come_v as_o a_o peaceable_a love_a friend_n send_v with_o tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n natural_a fear_n of_o death_n in_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v great_a but_o when_o natural_a fear_n be_v increase_v by_o guilt_n lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o stare_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o face_n oh_o what_o dismal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n must_v seize_v upon_o such_o a_o soul_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n well_o may_v such_o a_o one_o look_v upon_o the_o grave_a as_o a_o dungeon_n and_o death_n as_o hell_n itself_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n represent_v to_o his_o view_n nothing_o but_o the_o fiend_n and_o fury_n of_o that_o infernal_a pit_n that_o wait_v to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n upon_o he_o in_o the_o woe_n and_o misery_n of_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o wonder_v therefore_o to_o hear_v such_o a_o one_o cry_v out_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n with_o horror_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n oh_o i_o be_o so_o sick_a i_o can_v live_v and_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o sinful_a i_o dare_v not_o die_v and_o yet_o die_v i_o must_v oh_o will_v to_o god_n that_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o profane_a sinner_n what_o a_o happy_a mean_n may_v it_o possible_o be_v to_o prevent_v the_o horror_n and_o consternation_n of_o soul_n in_o many_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n but_o if_o sinner_n can_v bear_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n now_o for_o fear_v of_o distraction_n how_o will_v they_o bear_v the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o they_o then_o if_o the_o think_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o now_o be_v dreadful_a the_o feel_n of_o they_o will_v be_v far_o more_o torment_v but_o now_o a_o godly_a man_n think_v and_o speak_v of_o death_n after_o another_o manner_n for_o if_o he_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o death_n as_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o that_o he_o think_v of_o it_o comfortable_o speak_v of_o it_o familiar_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o a_o very_a holy_a person_n now_o with_o god_n who_o be_v pretty_a well_o strike_v in_o year_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n for_o few_o live_v above_o sixty_o or_o seventy_o year_n and_o i_o be_o now_o a_o good_a many_o above_o fifty_o certain_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v long_o before_o i_o shall_v die_v thus_o this_o holy_a soul_n be_v desirous_a of_o death_n do_v use_v delightful_o to_o reckon_v how_o little_a time_n there_o be_v to_o pass_v between_o it_o and_o heaven_n and_o with_o a_o holy_a longing_n of_o soul_n reach_v after_o death_n as_o one_o that_o be_v trouble_v that_o it_o be_v so_o long_a a_o come_n thus_o certain_o do_v holy_a job_n look_v upon_o death_n not_o as_o a_o enemy_n nor_o yet_o bare_o as_o a_o stranger_n but_o as_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o he_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o take_v a_o kind_n of_o deligh_n and_o contentment_n in_o it_o see_v with_o what_o a_o unusual_a but_o yet_o sweet_a and_o familiar_a manner_n he_o salute_v and_o welcome_v death_n and_o all_o its_o retinue_n in_o job_n 17.14_o i_o have_v say_v to_o corruption_n thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o to_o the_o worm_n thou_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o sister_n the_o holy_a man_n make_v no_o more_o of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a than_o as_o if_o he_o be_v go_v to_o be_v embrace_v by_o a_o compassionate_a father_n or_o a_o tender-hearted_a mother_n or_o sister_n who_o bowel_n be_v full_a of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o he_o thus_o st._n paul_n also_o