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 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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 christian_a who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o die_v so_o willing_o yet_o die_v prepare_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o and_o willing_o die_v most_o comfortable_o but_o yet_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o die_v safe_o and_o happy_o in_o reference_n unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o nominal_a christian_n and_o real_a christian_n and_o also_o between_o one_o true_a christian_a and_o another_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o reference_n unto_o death_n between_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o true_o so_o some_o there_o be_v who_o conscience_n be_v so_o awaken_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n set_v their_o sin_n before_o their_o face_n with_o such_o horrible_a bloody_a circumstance_n and_o withal_o represent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o hell_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o horror_n and_o despair_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v and_o 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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
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 lives-time_n subject_a unto_o that_o bondage_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v slay_v death_n enmity_n not_o that_o death_n be_v so_o destroy_v that_o believer_n shall_v not_o die_v but_o it_o be_v unstung_a it_o still_o wear_v its_o dart_n by_o which_o it_o strike_v all_o man_n but_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o sting_n by_o which_o it_o hurt_v be_v death_n therefore_o ride_v upon_o its_o pale_a horse_n and_o make_v haste_n towards_o thou_o o_o believer_n fear_v it_o not_o be_v not_o dismay_v at_o it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o pain_n in_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o curse_n in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o a_o serpent_n without_o a_o sting_n thou_o may_v take_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n yea_o into_o thy_o bosom_n without_o danger_n death_n pour_v out_o all_o its_o poison_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n it_o fasten_v yea_o it_o lose_v its_o sting_n in_o his_o bless_a side_n and_o who_o will_v fear_v a_o enemy_n that_o be_v conquer_v death_n to_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a harmless_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n death_n be_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o believer_n it_o be_v they_o as_o a_o special_a privilege_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n there_o be_v a_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o death_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o he_o be_v then_o the_o plague_n of_o death_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o he_o swallow_v they_o up_o in_o victory_n so_o that_o now_o death_n drive_v but_o a_o poor_a trade_n among_o believer_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n and_o to_o affright_v some_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o victory_n over_o death_n be_v as_o sure_a to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o meditate_v upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o the_o faith_n the_o hope_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o eternity_n be_v build_v for_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n so_o he_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o rise_v the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v but_o vain_a if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v a_o christian_a shall_v not_o rise_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n there_o be_v no_o life_n everlasting_a if_o christian_n have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n christ_n be_v rise_v and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_v firm_a for_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n against_o which_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n do_v not_o so_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a a_o angel_n declare_v it_o matth._n 28.6_o he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v as_o he_o say_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v holy_a man_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n hereof_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n when_o our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n in_o nine_o several_a apparition_n and_o once_o be_v he_o see_v of_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n together_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.24_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o pain_n or_o band_n of_o death_n be_v loose_v because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a death_n shall_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o it_o do_v he_o willing_o yield_v himself_o up_o unto_o it_o because_o as_o our_o surety_n he_o owe_v a_o death_n by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o and_o according_o he_o pay_v it_o otherwise_o death_n can_v not_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o he_o but_o though_o death_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o though_o it_o have_v possession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o grave_a yet_o it_o can_v not_o keep_v he_o there_o no_o that_o be_v impossible_a partly_o because_o he_o be_v life_n essential_o life_n so_o himself_n tell_v we_o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o death_n to_o hold_v life_n itself_o long_o under_o its_o power_n than_o he_o who_o be_v life_n it_o self_n please_v and_o then_o partly_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n in_o â—espect_n of_o we_o for_o have_v undertake_v the_o great_a work_n of_o restore_v we_o unto_o life_n if_o his_o life_n have_v be_v subdue_v by_o death_n if_o he_o 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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
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
yourselves_o continual_o in_o every_o condition_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o particular_a consolatory_a direction_n for_o the_o support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n i_o must_v here_o put_v in_o a_o double_a caution_n which_o christian_n must_v careful_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v that_o they_o despise_v not_o the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o other_o be_v that_o they_o faint_v not_o under_o they_o these_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o they_o be_v both_o comprehend_v in_o hebrew_n 12.5_o my_o son_n despise_v not_o thou_o the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n neither_o faint_a when_o thou_o be_v rebuke_v of_o he_o when_o god_n lay_v his_o correct_a hand_n upon_o we_o for_o any_o to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o let_v god_n take_v all_o if_o he_o will_v must_v my_o estate_n go_v i_o care_v not_o if_o it_o do_v will_v god_n take_v away_o my_o child_n or_o relation_n let_v they_o die_v thus_o to_o make_v light_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v to_o despise_v the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v it_o nor_o with_o we_o for_o it_o but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o extreme_a that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o under_o affliction_n and_o that_o be_v faint_v if_o when_o good_n be_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v they_o be_v take_v away_o also_o and_o they_o sink_v into_o despondency_n and_o distrust_n if_o when_o child_n die_v the_o spirit_n of_o parent_n die_v too_o this_o be_v faint_v under_o the_o rod._n a_o christian_a now_o must_v walk_v in_o the_o middle_a way_n between_o both_o these_o extreme_n neither_o careless_o to_o despise_v nor_o despair_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o though_o christian_n must_v neither_o despise_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o against_o they_o nor_o yet_o faint_a under_o it_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unbecoming_a temper_n in_o any_o christian_a not_o to_o tremble_v when_o god_n smite_v he_o weep_v and_o mourn_v we_o may_v under_o affliction_n god_n allow_v tear_n to_o flow_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n in_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n grief_n in_o such_o case_n doubtless_o be_v very_o lawful_a to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v a_o heathenish_a sin_n rom._n 1.29_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o twig_n of_o god_n rod._n not_o to_o be_v trouble_v when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v make_v a_o breach_n upon_o we_o be_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v above_o passion_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o rectify_v passion_n be_v much_o of_o our_o happiness_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v to_o be_v below_o a_o man_n but_o to_o order_n and_o manage_v they_o aright_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o consolatory_a direction_n for_o the_o support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n which_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a also_o in_o the_o undergo_n any_o other_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o unto_o these_o particular_a head_n as_o some_o consider_v ation_n relate_v unto_o god_n the_o author_n of_o our_o affliction_n some_o relate_n to_o our_o self_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o affliction_n and_o some_o relate_n to_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o first_o some_o consideration_n relate_v unto_o god_n the_o author_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o here_o consider_v first_o god_n have_v more_o right_a to_o and_o in_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n than_o we_o ourselves_o have_v he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o so_o great_a be_v his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o that_o what_o he_o can_v do_v by_o may_v he_o may_v do_v by_o right_n he_o be_v not_o accountable_a unto_o any_o as_o we_o be_v nor_o be_v he_o tie_v by_o any_o rule_n or_o law_n but_o his_o own_o will_n in_o any_o of_o his_o act_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n take_v away_o any_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o may_v do_v and_o if_o god_n do_v no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o may_v do_v who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v complain_v when_o god_n give_v we_o relation_n or_o comfort_n for_o our_o use_n and_o benefit_n he_o still_o keep_v the_o right_a to_o they_o in_o his_o own_o band_n and_o when_o he_o let_v we_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n he_o keep_v the_o propriety_n to_o himself_o if_o god_n give_v we_o comfort_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o bounty_n but_o when_o he_o take_v they_o away_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n for_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n in_o both_o god_n can_v injure_v his_o creature_n his_o sovereignty_n and_o supremacy_n be_v enough_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o whatever_o he_o do_v with_o or_o to_o they_o have_v thou_o lose_v a_o dear_a husband_n a_o love_a wife_n or_o a_o dutiful_a child_n let_v that_o right_a god_n have_v in_o they_o and_o the_o sovereignty_n he_o have_v over_o thou_o and_o they_o quiet_a thy_o spirit_n under_o all_o it_o be_v so_o with_o david_n psal_n 39.2_o i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o lord._n do_v it_o second_o consider_v whatever_o dear_a relation_n god_n have_v take_v from_o thou_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o a_o recompense_n with_o great_a advantage_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n if_o he_o see_v it_o good_a for_o thou_o say_v not_o therefore_o concern_v thy_o dead_a friend_n and_o relation_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o those_o sweet_a refreshment_n and_o those_o comfortable_a delight_n that_o once_o i_o enjoy_v in_o they_o but_o death_n have_v now_o spoil_v i_o of_o all_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o much_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o all_o these_o god_n be_v not_o as_o isaac_n that_o have_v but_o one_o blessing_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v all_o blessing_n at_o his_o command_n what_o a_o sweet_a title_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n friend_n relation_n with_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v at_o his_o command_n and_o he_o can_v speak_v they_o into_o be_v for_o your_o support_n and_o comfore_o when_o he_o please_v if_o god_n take_v away_o a_o mercy_n from_o any_o of_o his_o people_n usual_o he_o give_v they_o another_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o many_o time_n a_o better_a god_n smite_v david_n child_n beget_v in_o adultery_n and_o david_n fast_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o it_o and_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o child_n die_v but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n god_n give_v he_o another_o a_o solomon_n a_o jedidiab_n one_o that_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o stead_n god_n bestow_v many_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n upon_o his_o people_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o this_o world_n to_o some_o he_o give_v dear_a relation_n to_o other_o he_o give_v estate_n to_o some_o abundance_n of_o health_n to_o other_o faithful_a and_o love_a friend_n now_o these_o comfort_n be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o those_o of_o they_o that_o last_o long_a will_v consume_v away_o at_o length_n and_o when_o these_o comfort_n be_v take_v away_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o sadness_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o if_o their_o faith_n be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a they_o may_v support_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v long_o want_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n that_o wait_v for_o he_o david_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o psal_n 18.8_o thou_o lord_n will_v light_v my_o candle_n the_o lord_n my_o god_n shall_v enlighten_v my_o darkness_n three_o consider_v this_o do_v god_n deny_v thou_o or_o have_v he_o take_v from_o thou_o some_o comfort_n which_o thou_o count_v as_o great_a as_o any_o thou_o can_v enjoy_v as_o to_o outward_a blessing_n yet_o have_v he_o leave_v thou_o many_o still_o and_o he_o have_v far_o better_a to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o even_o such_o between_o which_o be_v they_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o want_v posterity_n to_o bear_v up_o thy_o name_n when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o thou_o cry_v out_o with_o abraham_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o see_v igo_n childless_a be_v this_o thy_o case_n o_o
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