have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o any_o great_a hurt_n nay_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v thing_n aright_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v improve_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o more_o happy_a and_o perfect_a state_n for_o though_o paradise_n where_o god_n place_v adam_n in_o innocence_n be_v a_o happy_a state_n of_o life_n than_o this_o world_n free_v from_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o mortal_a body_n and_o from_o all_o the_o necessary_a care_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o you_o will_v all_o grant_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o happy_a place_n than_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o be_v translate_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n than_o to_o have_v live_v always_o in_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n you_o will_v all_o grant_v that_o the_o state_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o these_o body_n before_o the_o resurrection_n be_v a_o happy_a life_n than_o paradise_n 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fatal_a period_n of_o life_n may_v fall_v out_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o he_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v long_a life_n and_o when_o the_o lengthen_v his_o life_n will_v be_v a_o public_a blessing_n to_o the_o world._n fatal_a and_o necessary_a event_n can_v never_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v make_v a_o clock_n which_o shall_v strike_v exact_o for_o time_n and_o number_n when_o such_o a_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v when_o or_o name_n what_o number_n he_o please_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n than_o a_o free_a power_n and_o liberty_n of_o lengthen_v or_o shorten_v man_n life_n for_o nothing_o more_o overaws_a mankind_n and_o keep_v they_o more_o in_o
only_o make_v we_o lock_v and_o bar_v our_o door_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n thus_o to_o expect_v death_n be_v not_o to_o live_v under_o the_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o die_a but_o to_o live_v as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v do_v who_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v but_o that_o he_o may_v die_v to_o day_n that_o be_v to_o be_v always_o prepare_v for_o death_n not_o to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o god_n one_o moment_n not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a sin_n least_o death_n shall_v surprise_v we_o in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a but_o to_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o our_o master_n business_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n counsel_n 12_o luke_n 35_o etc._n etc._n let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o lamp_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v they_o may_v open_v unto_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v watch_v and_o this_o know_v that_o if_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n have_v know_v what_o hour_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v have_v watch_v and_o not_o suffer_v his_o house_n to_o be_v break_v through_o be_v you_o therefore_o ready_a also_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o you_o think_v not_o this_o our_o saviour_n also_o warn_v we_o of_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n 25_o mat._n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o sleep_v but_o the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o present_o arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v no_o oil_n and_o their_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v oil_n they_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o can_v afterward_o procure_v no_o admission_n watch_v therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v this_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o church_n pray_v against_o it_o for_o be_v we_o always_o in_o a_o preparation_n to_o die_v with_o our_o lamp_n trim_v and_o burn_a like_a virgin_n who_o expect_v the_o bridegroom_n to_o die_v then_o without_o notice_n without_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n without_o the_o melancholy_a solemnity_n of_o die_a be_v a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o desirable_a way_n of_o die_a but_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o sudden_a death_n be_v that_o man_n be_v surprise_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o hurry_v away_o to_o judgement_n before_o their_o account_n be_v ready_a that_o they_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o they_o have_v make_v any_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v this_o be_v to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n always_o in_o expectation_n of_o death_n and_o always_o prepare_v for_o it_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o very_o safe_a if_o after_o a_o age_n of_o sin_n and_o vanity_n they_o have_v but_o so_o much_o notice_n of_o death_n as_o to_o ask_v god_n pardon_n upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o past_a life_n to_o die_v in_o horror_n and_o agony_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o call_v repentance_n but_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n distract_v with_o its_o own_o guilt_n and_o the_o terrible_a expectation_n of_o vengeance_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortless_a way_n of_o die_v and_o i_o fear_v general_o very_o hopeless_a too_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o this_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o death_n we_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n or_o seize_v with_o distraction_n or_o stupidness_n that_o if_o only_o ask_v god_n pardon_v before_o we_o die_v will_v save_v our_o soul_n we_o can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o so_o many_o sinner_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o man_n who_o know_v not_o when_o nor_o how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o must_v die_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_o prepare_v against_o all_o accident_n and_o surprise_v event_n 3._o since_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a it_o concern_v we_o to_o improve_v our_o present_a time_n because_o no_o time_n be_v we_o but_o what_o be_v present_a i_o observe_v before_o that_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n though_o we_o be_v to_o live_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o they_o threescore_o and_o ten_o or_o fourscore_o year_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o lose_v none_o of_o our_o time_n but_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a purpose_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o lose_v none_o of_o our_o time_n be_v to_o improve_v the_o present_a time_n and_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessary_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o because_o our_o life_n be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o no_o time_n be_v we_o but_o what_o be_v present_a the_o time_n past_o be_v we_o but_o that_o be_v go_v and_o we_o can_v never_o recall_v it_o nor_o live_v it_o over_o again_o if_o we_o have_v spend_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o we_o still_o in_o our_o account_n but_o it_o be_v no_o long_o our_o time_n to_o live_v and_o act_v in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v may_v be_v we_o and_o it_o may_v not_o because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o shall_v live_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reckon_v upon_o it_o the_o time_n present_a be_v we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a time_n that_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v improve_v our_o time_n we_o must_v improve_v our_o present_a time_n we_o must_v live_v to_o day_n and_o not_o put_v off_o live_v till_o to_o morrow_n all_o mankind_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n and_o prudence_n of_o this_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n except_v the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n a_o epicurean_a sensualist_n be_v for_o the_o present_a gratification_n of_o his_o lust_n vive_fw-la hodie_fw-la be_v his_o motto_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v man_n who_o be_v intent_n upon_o increase_a riches_n and_o advance_v their_o fortune_n and_o honour_n be_v for_o take_v the_o present_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o indeed_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o delay_v or_o put_v off_o to_o another_o time_n when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o at_o present_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v he_o will_v do_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v the_o very_a first_o moment_n that_o it_o become_v necessary_a if_o opportunity_n serve_v what_o be_v necessary_a every_o day_n he_o will_v not_o put_v off_o from_o one_o day_n to_o another_o but_o will_v do_v it_o every_o day_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v be_v what_o he_o resolve_v to_o do_v and_o may_v as_o well_o do_v at_o present_a and_o be_v as_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v at_o present_a as_o at_o any_o other_o time_n he_o will_v do_v at_o present_a what_o may_v suffer_v by_o delay_n he_o will_v do_v the_o first_o time_n he_o can_v do_v it_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o some_o peculiar_a time_n and_o season_n he_o will_v do_v when_o those_o time_n and_o season_n come_v as_o the_o husbandman_n observe_v the_o season_n for_o sow_v and_o reap_v the_o tradesman_n his_o market_n and_o fair_n what_o be_v of_o present_a use_n and_o convenience_n to_o he_o what_o he_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o or_o what_o he_o mighty_o belong_v for_o and_o desire_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n delay_v but_o be_v for_o do_v it_o present_a now_o all_o these_o be_v very_o weighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n repent_v of_o our_o sin_n live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v at_o present_a but_o much_o more_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o life_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o we_o may_v have_v no_o other_o time_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o in_o but_o what_o be_v present_a for_o 1._o be_v any_o thing_n of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n than_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v that_o one_o thing_n needful_a the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v needful_a as_o a_o necessary_a end_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n needful_a as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n if_o to_o escape_v eternal_a
so_o long_o in_o it_o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o remove_v it_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o that_o it_o encourage_v man_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o they_o to_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n before_o they_o die_v and_o if_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o this_o undo_v so_o many_o man_n what_o will_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v those_o who_o be_v too_o wise_a and_o considerate_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o uncertain_a hope_n may_v be_v conquer_v by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o a_o long_a life_n this_o will_v take_v off_o all_o restraint_n from_o man_n and_o give_v free_a scope_n to_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n when_o they_o know_v that_o how_o wicked_a soever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o die_v before_o their_o time_n be_v come_v and_o can_v never_o be_v surpize_v by_o death_n since_o they_o certain_o know_v when_o it_o will_v come_v which_o destroy_v one_o great_a motive_n to_o obedience_n that_o sin_n shall_v shorten_v man_n life_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v prolong_v they_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prolong_v day_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v 10_o prov._n 27._o such_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o these_o must_v be_v strike_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n shall_v god_n let_v all_o man_n know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n nay_o this_o will_v frustrate_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o reclaim_n sinner_n some_o time_n public_a calamity_n plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n alarm_n a_o wicked_a world_n and_o summon_v man_n to_o repentance_n sometime_o a_o dangerous_a fit_a of_o sickness_n awaken_v man_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o work_n in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o last_a repentance_n but_o all_o this_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a do_v man_n know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o that_o such_o public_a judgement_n or_o threaten_a sickness_n shall_v not_o kill_v they_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o constant_a watchfulness_n to_o a_o early_a and_o persevere_v piety_n but_o to_o know_v when_o we_o shall_v die_v can_v serve_v no_o good_a end_n but_o will_v increase_v the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v too_o great_a already_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o leave_v the_o time_n of_o death_n unknown_a and_o uncertain_a to_o we_o sect_n vii_o that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o or_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o unchangeable_a state_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n once_o to_o die_v there_o be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n as_o there_o be_v from_o die_v that_o as_o enoch_n and_o elias_n do_v not_o die_v so_o some_o have_v be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o such_o man_n die_v twice_o but_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o general_n that_o as_o all_o man_n must_v die_v once_o so_o they_o must_v die_v but_o once_o which_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o the_o daily_a experience_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v by_o it_o be_v this_o that_o once_o die_v determine_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o ever_o when_o we_o put_v off_o these_o mortal_a body_n we_o must_v not_o return_v into_o they_o again_o to_o act_v over_o a_o new_a part_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o former_a life_n death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n that_o in_o this_o sense_n what_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o be_v true_a if_o the_o tree_n fall_v towards_o the_o south_n or_o towards_o the_o north_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o tree_n fall_v there_o it_o shall_v be_v 11_o eccles._n 3_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o explain_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o 2._o death_n when_o ever_o it_o come_v as_o it_o put_v a_o final_a period_n to_o this_o life_n that_o we_o die_v once_o for_o all_o and_o must_v never_o live_v again_o as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o our_o work_n too_o that_o our_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o time_n of_o work_v for_o another_o world_n end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o three_o as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o both_o these_o once_o die_v put_v we_o into_o a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n 1._o that_o this_o life_n only_o be_v our_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o eternity_n whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o life_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o this_o life_n be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o the_o next_o that_o the_o great_a the_o only_a necessary_a business_n we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o god_n presence_n to_o finish_v the_o work_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o master_n rest_n i_o now_o add_v that_o the_o only_a time_n we_o have_v to_o do_v this_o in_o be_v while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o now_o if_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v and_o receive_v our_o final_a sentence_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n than_o our_o only_a time_n of_o trial_n and_o work_n be_v while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n for_o the_o future_a judgement_n relate_v only_o to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o body_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v even_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v 2_o rom._n 16._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v only_o for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world._n this_o life_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v represent_v as_o the_o time_n of_o work_v as_o a_o race_n a_o warfare_n a_o labour_a in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o other_o world_n as_o a_o place_n of_o recompense_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o as_o between_z fighting_z and_o conquer_a and_o receive_v the_o crown_n as_o between_o run_v a_o race_n and_o obtain_v a_o prize_n as_o between_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n then_o we_o must_v fight_v and_o conquer_v run_v our_o race_n and_o finish_v our_o work_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o many_o of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o this_o world_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o this_o life_n while_o the_o other_o world_n be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o to_o live_v and_o act_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a reward_n the_o government_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n necessary_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v body_n and_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o therefore_o these_o virtue_n can_v be_v exercise_v only_o while_o we_o live_v in_o these_o body_n which_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v we_o to_o sensual_a excess_n to_o live_v above_o this_o world_n to_o despise_v the_o tempt_a glory_n of_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n only_o while_o we_o live_v in_o it_o and_o be_v tempt_v by_o it_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v
well_o as_o a_o dread_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o deliberate_a and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o change_v our_o course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v of_o live_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o glory_n never_o to_o return_v to_o our_o old_a sin_n again_o but_o diligent_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n now_o suppose_v a_o man_n who_o have_v live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v thus_o change_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o prove_v such_o a_o true_a penitent_n as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v and_o that_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n sees_z that_o his_o promise_n and_o vow_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v any_o long_a he_o will_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o therefore_o will_v pardon_v and_o reward_v he_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o what_o he_o foresee_v he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o live_v any_o long_a which_o be_v to_o judge_v man_n not_o according_a to_o their_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o foreknowledge_n which_o the_o scripture_n never_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o future_a judgement_n i_o say_v suppose_v such_o man_n may_v be_v true_a penitent_n and_o pardon_v by_o god_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o before_o they_o die_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o know_v it_o when_o man_n see_v themselves_o a_o die_a they_o be_v very_o sorrowful_a for_o their_o sin_n so_o they_o say_v but_o the_o most_o likely_a account_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v very_o sorry_a they_o be_v a_o go_v to_o hell_n as_o a_o malefactor_n be_v very_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o gibbet_n this_o may_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o sorrow_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o and_o extreme_o improbable_a that_o there_o be_v for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o yesterday_o be_v very_o much_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n and_o as_o little_a thought_n of_o fall_v out_o with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v of_o their_o die_a day_n shall_v to_o day_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v arrest_v with_o a_o threaten_a sickness_n be_v penitent_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o abhor_v their_o sin_n in_o a_o minute_n and_o be_v quite_o other_o man_n upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o other_o world_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o sinner_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v which_o make_v it_o very_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o no_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o change_v their_o heart_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o make_v they_o new_a man_n but_o only_o the_o common_a effect_n of_o a_o great_a fear_n which_o make_v man_n sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o come_v to_o suffer_v for_o they_o now_o if_o such_o die_a sinner_n can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o their_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o great_a fright_v they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o else_o for_o such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o this_o will_v counterfeit_v all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o repentance_n man_n who_o be_v terrible_o afraid_a of_o punishment_n be_v not_o only_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n but_o this_o very_a sorrow_n make_v they_o ashamed_a of_o they_o give_v they_o a_o great_a indignation_n against_o themselves_o for_o they_o make_v they_o flatter_v their_o judge_n and_o vow_n and_o promise_v reformation_n if_o they_o can_v escape_v this_o one_o time_n and_o this_o be_v so_o very_o common_a and_o familiar_a that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n no_o man_n regard_v it_o a_o judge_n a_o father_n or_o a_o master_n will_v not_o spare_v upon_o such_o promise_n as_o these_o and_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v think_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o a_o die_a sinner_n than_o in_o other_o malefactor_n why_o shall_v that_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o pardon_v which_o we_o ourselves_o think_v no_o reason_n in_o all_o other_o case_n all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o i_o doubt_v the_o mere_a fear_n of_o hell_n when_o man_n be_v a_o die_a though_o it_o may_v imitate_v all_o the_o scene_n of_o repentance_n will_v not_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o hell._n it_o be_v so_o very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n that_o no_o such_o die_a sinner_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a hope_n that_o he_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o flatter_v himself_o when_o he_o die_v with_o a_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a repentance_n as_o he_o do_v while_o he_o live_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o repent_v before_o he_o die_v he_o must_v expire_v in_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o agony_n of_o guilty_a fear_n this_o be_v so_o miserable_a a_o condition_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v such_o a_o sinner_n may_v be_v a_o true_a penitent_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v endure_v these_o die_a agony_n for_o all_o the_o false_a and_o deceitful_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v this_o but_o by_o such_o a_o timely_a repentance_n while_o we_o be_v well_o and_o death_n at_o a_o distance_n as_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o actual_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v we_o may_v have_v some_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n than_o mere_a die_a sorrow_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a what_o their_o condition_n be_v who_o be_v neither_o so_o good_a as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n and_o fear_n nor_o so_o bad_a as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o hope_n and_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n between_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a state_n when_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o doubt_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o after_o all_o their_o good_a resolution_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o conquer_v by_o temptation_n who_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o tear_n be_v dry_v up_o for_o their_o last_o fall_n fall_v again_o and_o then_o lament_v their_o sin_n and_o resolve_v again_o and_o while_o they_o be_v thus_o interchangeable_o sin_v repent_v and_o resolve_v before_o they_o have_v get_v a_o last_a victory_n or_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o steady_a virtue_n be_v summon_v by_o death_n to_o judgement_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o god_n but_o be_v not_o so_o constant_a and_o frequent_a in_o their_o devotion_n or_o if_o they_o abstain_v from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o due_a government_n of_o their_o passion_n or_o do_v very_o little_a good_a in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v which_o be_v predominant_a while_o such_o man_n be_v in_o health_n they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o judge_v of_o themselves_o but_o they_o fall_v into_o much_o great_a perplexity_n when_o they_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o what_o a_o deplorable_a state_n be_v this_o when_o we_o be_v a_o die_a to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o anxious_a what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o to_o eternity_n now_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o prevent_v these_o fear_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v but_o by_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a by_o live_v such_o holy_a and_o innocent_a life_n that_o our_o conscience_n may_v not_o condemn_v we_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god._n 21._o but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o remedy_n as_o few_o of_o these_o man_n like_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o will_v go_v as_o near_a hell_n as_o they_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o they_o will_v serve_v god_n but_o must_v reserve_v a_o little_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o their_o lust_n though_o they_o dare_v not_o take_v full_a draught_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v sip_v now_o and_o then_o as_o often_o as_o they_o can_v pacify_v their_o conscience_n and_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o other_o cure_n for_o a_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v conscience_n be_v mighty_a fond_a of_o such_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v secure_v they_o of_o heaven_n without_o the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n
imprimatur_fw-la z._n isham_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la septemb_n 11_o 1689._o a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxxix_o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o two_o honourable_a society_n of_o the_o temple_n my_o much_o honour_a friend_n one_o reason_n of_o publish_v this_o plain_a discourse_n be_v because_o i_o can_v now_o preach_v to_o you_o as_o former_o i_o have_v do_v and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v of_o discharge_v my_o duty_n to_o you_o but_o by_o make_v the_o press_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o pulpit_n part_v of_o this_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v the_o rest_n have_v i_o enjoy_v the_o same_o liberty_n still_o which_o god_n restore_v to_o i_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a if_o not_o his_o will_n be_v do_v and_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o this_o dedication_n be_v to_o make_v this_o public_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n before_o i_o be_o force_v from_o you_o if_o i_o must_v be_v so_o unhappy_a of_o your_o great_a respect_n and_o many_o singular_a favour_n to_o i_o which_o have_v be_v always_o so_o free_a and_o generous_a that_o they_o never_o give_v time_n nor_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o i_o to_o ask_v especial_o that_o oblige_v welcome_a you_o give_v i_o at_o my_o first_o come_n i_o mean_v your_o present_n of_o a_o house_n which_o beside_o the_o conveniency_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o delightful_a habitation_n have_v afford_v i_o that_o which_o i_o value_v much_o more_o the_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o your_o conversation_n though_o i_o be_o able_a to_o make_v you_o no_o better_o return_n than_o thanks_o i_o hope_v that_o great_a master_n who_o i_o serve_v will_n and_o that_o god_n will_v multiply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n on_o you_o be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v the_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o gentlemen_z your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o the_o several_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o 4_o sect_n i._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o death_n that_o it_o be_v our_o leave_v this_o world_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o 6_o sect_n ii_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o death_n that_o it_o be_v our_o put_v off_o these_o body_n 35_o sect_n iii_o death_n consider_v as_o our_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a state_n of_o life_n 69_o chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n 89_o sect_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v death_n for_o all_o man_n 92_o sect_n ii_o how_o to_o improve_v this_o consideration_n that_o we_o must_v certain_o die_v 110_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n and_o the_o proper_a improvement_n of_o it_o 125_o sect_n i._o that_o the_o general_a period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v fix_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o very_o short_a 128_o sect_n ii_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n 184_o sect_n iii_o what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o the_o fix_a term_n of_o humane_a life_n 144_o sect_n iu._n what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n 162_o sect_n v._o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n death_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n 185_o sect_n vi_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o die_v be_v unknown_a and_o uncertain_a to_o we_o 196_o sect_n vii_o that_o we_o must_v die_v but_o once_o or_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o to_o a_o unchangeable_a state_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o 234_o chap._n iv._o concern_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o remedy_n against_o it_o 328_o the_o conclusion_n 351_o errata_fw-la page_n 130._o l._n 8._o for_o unreasonable_a read_v unanswerable_a p._n 214._o l._n 13._o r._n at_o present_a a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n 9_o hebrew_n 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n once_o to_o die_v the_o introduction_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o revive_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o serious_o to_o meditate_v on_o what_o we_o common_o call_v the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a man_n shall_v live_v such_o careless_a life_n shall_v so_o whole_o devote_v themselves_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v either_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n or_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o cold_a and_o formal_a devotion_n be_v they_o possess_v with_o a_o warm_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v who_o know_v that_o we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n either_o eternal_a reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o eternal_a punishment_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o which_o first_o present_v itself_o to_o our_o thought_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v death_n a_o very_a terrible_a thing_n the_o very_a name_n of_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o chill_v our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o draw_v a_o dark_a veil_n over_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n we_o must_v as_o sure_o die_v as_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a law_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o though_o man_n be_v make_v of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o be_v by_o nature_n mortal_a for_o that_o which_o be_v make_v of_o dust_n be_v by_o nature_n corruptible_a and_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o dust_n again_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o sin_v he_o shall_v never_o have_v die_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a by_o grace_n and_o therefore_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o immortality_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n plant_v in_o paradise_n but_o now_o by_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 5_o rom._n 12._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v now_o to_o improve_v this_o meditation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v what_o death_n be_v and_o what_o wisdom_n that_o shall_v teach_v we_o 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v 3._o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n it_o must_v be_v once_o but_o when_o we_o know_v not_o 4._o the_o natural_a fear_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n or_o our_o natural_a aversion_n to_o it_o and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v allay_v and_o sweeten_v chap._n i._n the_o several_a notion_n of_o death_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o 1._o what_o death_n be_v and_o i_o shall_v consider_v three_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v our_o leave_v this_o world._n 2._o our_o put_v off_o these_o earthly_a body_n 3._o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a and_o unknown_a state_n of_o life_n for_o when_o we_o die_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o profound_a sleep_n into_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o we_o only_o change_v our_o place_n and_o our_o dwell_n we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o leave_v our_o body_n to_o sleep_v in_o the_o earth_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n live_v still_o in_o a_o invisible_a state._n i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v these_o thing_n but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o you_o all_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o that_o our_o body_n rot_v and_o putrify_v in_o the_o grave_n need_v no_o proof_n for_o we_o see_v it_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n can_v die_v but_o be_v by_o nature_n immortal_a have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o god_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v be_v most_o of_o they_o no_o other_o but_o dead_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o funeral_n of_o the_o
unknown_a happiness_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o now_o we_o have_v such_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o 2._o nor_o be_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o encouragement_n to_o bad_a man_n that_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v unknown_a for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o god_n have_v threaten_v very_o terrible_a punishment_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o that_o what_o these_o punishment_n be_v be_v unknown_a make_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o formidable_a for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n wrath_n who_o know_v how_o miserable_a god_n can_v make_v bad_a man_n this_o make_v it_o a_o senseless_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o harden_v themselves_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o world_n because_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o then_o can_v they_o tell_v though_o they_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o all_o know_a misery_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o punishment_n as_o they_o can_v bear_v that_o they_o be_v unknown_a argue_v that_o they_o be_v something_o more_o terrible_a than_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v represent_v indeed_o by_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n by_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o but_o bad_a man_n think_v this_o can_v be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fire_n to_o burn_v soul_n and_o torment_v they_o eternal_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o if_o they_o believe_v these_o threaten_n they_o must_v believe_v that_o some_o terrible_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o if_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n serve_v only_o for_o metaphor_n to_o describe_v these_o torment_n by_o what_o will_v the_o real_a suffering_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o describe_v thing_n by_o such_o metaphor_n as_o be_v great_a than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o bad_a man_n encourage_v himself_o in_o sin_n because_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v this_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o the_o great_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o they_o since_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n not_o only_o the_o happiness_n but_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v great_a not_o less_o than_o we_o expect_v chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o death_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o under_o what_o notion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v death_n and_o what_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v learn_v from_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n once_o to_o die_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o remain_v it_o be_v reserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n will_v desire_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o those_o who_o live_v long_a at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o fatal_a stroke_n there_o be_v two_o man_n indeed_o enoch_n and_o elias_n who_o do_v not_o die_v as_o death_n signify_v the_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n without_o die_v but_o this_o be_v the_o general_a law_n for_o mankind_n from_o which_o none_o be_v except_v but_o those_o who_o god_n by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o for_o wise_a reason_n think_v fit_a to_o except_v which_o have_v be_v but_o two_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o will_v be_v no_o more_o till_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o those_o who_o be_v alive_a at_o christ_n second_o come_v shall_v not_o die_v but_o shall_v be_v change_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 51_o 52._o behold_v i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o trump_n for_o the_o trumpet_n shall_v sound_v and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v incorruptible_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v change_v this_o be_v such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o death_n it_o put_v we_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a and_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n rise_v again_o sect_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v death_n for_o all_o men._n but_o before_o i_o show_v you_o what_o use_v to_o make_v of_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o must_v all_o certain_o die_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v mortal_a this_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o a_o earthly_a body_n shall_v die_v and_o dissolve_v again_o into_o dust_n it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a wonder_n to_o see_v a_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n preserve_v in_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o vigour_n without_o any_o decay_n of_o nature_n without_o be_v sick_a or_o grow_a old_a but_o this_o be_v a_o question_n among_o we_o or_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o question_n yet_o it_o be_v what_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n since_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o as_o frail_a and_o brittle_a as_o these_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v yet_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v he_o have_v not_o die_v when_o god_n create_v man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o paradise_n he_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n thou_o may_v free_o eat_v but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v 2._o gen._n 16_o 17._o and_o when_o notwithstanding_o this_o threaten_n our_o first_o parent_n have_v eat_v of_o it_o god_n confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o sentence_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 19_o what_o this_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o what_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v for_o we_o understand_v neither_o of_o they_o which_o make_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n to_o fly_v to_o allegorical_a sense_n but_o though_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v this_o if_o i_o can_v yet_o i_o must_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v it_o a_o mystery_n as_o i_o find_v it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o be_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o mortality_n which_o be_v pronounce_v on_o adam_n fall_v on_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 21_o 22._o that_o by_o man_n come_v death_n and_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o prove_v 5._o rom._n 12_o 13_o 14._o wherefore_o by_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 for_o until_o the_o law_n sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n nevertheless_o death_n reign_v from_o adam_n till_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o who_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n die_v or_o be_v mortal_a not_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v by_o this_o argument_n because_o though_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n have_v sin_v yet_o till_o the_o give_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n against_o sin_n but_o only_o that_o law_n give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n which_o no_o man_n else_o ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v transgress_v but_o he_o now_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o any_o man_n to_o death_n before_o there_o be_v any_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n against_o it_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v reckon_v to_o die_v for_o those_o sin_n which_o no_o law_n punish_v with_o death_n upon_o what_o account_n then_o say_v the_o apostle_n can_v those_o man_n die_v who_o live_v between_o adam_n and_o moses_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v which_o threaten_v death_n and_o yet_o die_v they_o all_o do_v even_o those_o who_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n who_o have_v neither_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n nor_o sin_v against_o any_o other_o express_a law_n threaten_v death_n this_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o sin_n but_o adam_n he_o
and_o preserve_v a_o perpetual_a youth_n but_o in_o this_o state_n we_o be_v now_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n can_v not_o preserve_v we_o immortal_a if_o a_o sword_n or_o poison_n can_v kill_v which_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v but_o that_o sin_n and_o death_n must_v come_v into_o the_o world_n together_o man_n may_v have_v be_v immortal_a have_v he_o never_o sin_v but_o brutish_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n will_v destroy_v we_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n now_o to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o be_v mortal_a for_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o iii_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n necessary_o be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n a_o immortal_a life_n here_o be_v not_o desirable_a no_o state_n ought_v to_o be_v immortal_a if_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o act_n of_o favour_n and_o kindness_n but_o what_o be_v complete_o happy_a but_o this_o world_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v such_o a_o state_n some_o few_o year_n give_v wise_a man_n enough_o of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o oppress_v with_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o misery_n which_o nothing_o but_o death_n can_v give_v relief_n to_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o oppress_a of_o the_o persecute_v it_o be_v a_o haven_n of_o rest_n after_o all_o the_o tempest_n of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n it_o knock_v off_o the_o prisoner_n shackle_n and_o set_v he_o at_o liberty_n it_o dry_v up_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a it_o case_n the_o complaint_n of_o a_o hungry_a belly_n and_o naked_a back_o it_o tame_v the_o proud_a tyrant_n and_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o support_v man_n under_o their_o present_a adversity_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o the_o labour_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v very_o great_a but_o it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a be_v it_o endless_a and_o therefore_o since_o sin_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o so_o many_o necessary_a misery_n and_o calamity_n attend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o shorten_v this_o miserable_a life_n and_o transplant_v good_a man_n into_o a_o more_o happy_a as_o well_o as_o immortal_a state._n iv._o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n mortality_n and_o death_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o else_o can_v give_v check_n to_o some_o man_n wickedness_n but_o either_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o some_o man_n be_v so_o outrageous_o wicked_a that_o nothing_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o and_o prevent_v that_o mischief_n they_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o capital_a punishment_n among_o man_n to_o remove_v those_o out_o of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v be_v a_o plague_n to_o mankind_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n because_o they_o be_v incurable_o wicked_a for_o this_o reason_n he_o send_v plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n to_o correct_v the_o exorbitant_a growth_n of_o wickedness_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o lay_v restraint_n on_o they_o and_o if_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o bedlam_n as_o it_o be_v under_o all_o these_o restraint_n what_o will_v it_o be_v be_v it_o fill_v with_o immortal_a sinner_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n there_o always_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o justice_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a but_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o this_o world_n for_o these_o present_a external_a enjoyment_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a reward_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n here_o man_n be_v never_o turn_v into_o this_o world_n till_o he_o sin_v and_o be_v fling_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o god_n never_o intend_v this_o world_n for_o a_o place_n of_o reward_n and_o perfect_a happiness_n nor_o be_v this_o world_n a_o proper_a place_n for_o the_o final_a punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n because_o good_a man_n live_v among_o they_o and_o without_o a_o miracle_n bad_a man_n can_v be_v great_o punish_v but_o good_a man_n must_v share_v with_o they_o and_o be_v all_o bad_a man_n punish_v to_o their_o desert_n it_o will_v make_v this_o world_n the_o very_a image_n and_o picture_n of_o hell_n which_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a place_n for_o good_a man_n to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o as_o much_o as_o good_a man_n suffer_v from_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a then_o to_o have_v their_o ear_n fill_v with_o the_o perpetual_a cry_n of_o such_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o their_o eye_n terrify_v with_o such_o perpetual_a and_o amaze_a execution_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n must_v be_v separate_v before_o the_o one_o can_v be_v final_o reward_v or_o the_o other_o punish_v and_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o this_o can_v be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n but_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o fall_v state_n of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o fit_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v immortal_a here_o both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n require_v that_o man_n shall_v die_v which_o be_v a_o abundant_a justification_n of_o this_o divine_a decree_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n once_o to_o die_v v._o as_o a_o far_a justification_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o before_o god_n pronounce_v that_o sentence_n on_o adam_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v he_o express_o promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n 3._o gen._n 15._o in_o his_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n who_o beguile_v eve_n i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n who_o by_o death_n shall_v destroy_v he_o who_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 15._o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i._n e._n before_o he_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n against_o man_n he_o promise_v a_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n who_o shall_v triumph_v over_o death_n and_o raise_v our_o dead_a 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of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o application_n he_o himself_o make_v of_o it_o 3_o heb._n 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o length_n of_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n man_n may_v outlive_v the_o time_n of_o repentance_n may_v so_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n as_o to_o make_v their_o repentance_n moral_o impossible_a but_o they_o can_v outlive_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o true_a penitent_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o shall_v be_v forsake_v by_o god_n but_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o discourage_v true_a penitent_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n how_o late_o soever_o their_o repentance_n be_v for_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n the_o door_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v not_o shut_v against_o true_a penitent_n 3._o but_o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o lengthen_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n do_v not_o reach_v beyond_o this_o life_n this_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o one_o comprehensive_a reason_n viz._n that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n to_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o title_n to_o future_a glory_n we_o shall_v be_v final_o absolve_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o we_o must_v sue_v out_o our_o pardon_n and_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a in_o this_o world._n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o grace_n and_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o immortal_a life_n be_v preach_v only_o to_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o concern_v none_o else_o for_o this_o reason_n christ_n become_v man_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o need_v not_o have_v do_v have_v not_o their_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o world_n for_o can_v they_o have_v be_v save_v in_o the_o next_o his_o grace_n may_v have_v meet_v they_o soon_o enough_o there_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o angel_n sing_v glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n 2_o luke_n 14._o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o all_o jewish_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v type_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o live_a man_n or_o at_o least_o consider_v as_o live_v not_o of_o the_o dead_a he_o carry_v his_o blood_n into_o heaven_n as_o the_o highpriest_n do_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n there_o to_o make_v expiation_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o this_o intercession_n though_o make_v in_o heaven_n relate_v only_o to_o man_n on_o earth_n as_o his_o sacrifice_n do_v the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o only_a and_o the_o worshipper_n in_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v two_o sacrament_n whereby_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v apply_v to_o we_o and_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o effect_n here_o they_o can_v have_v it_o in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o then_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o animate_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n take_v possession_n of_o we_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o but_o if_o we_o prove_v dead_a and_o barren_a branch_n in_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n if_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n death_n will_v and_o then_o we_o can_v never_o be_v reunite_v to_o he_o nor_o save_v by_o he_o in_o the_o next_o world._n faith_n in_o christ_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n be_v the_o great_a gospel-term_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v confine_v to_o this_o world_n there_o may_v be_v something_o like_o they_o in_o the_o next_o world_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o make_v the_o devil_n tremble_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o despair_a agony_n and_o a_o hopeless_a and_o torment_a remorse_n but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o purify_v the_o heart_n as_o conquer_v this_o present_a world_n as_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o reform_v our_o life_n as_o undo_v all_o our_o past_a sin_n as_o redress_n the_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o scandal_n we_o have_v give_v to_o the_o world_n such_o a_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o repentance_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v proper_a only_o for_o this_o life_n and_o can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o this_o life_n while_o we_o have_v this_o world_n to_o conquer_v and_o the_o flesh_n to_o subdue_v to_o the_o spirit_n while_o we_o can_v restore_v our_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o set_v a_o visible_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v very_o 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man_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o the_o final_a punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n be_v when_o our_o lord_n shall_v say_v to_o those_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o they_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n 25_o mat._n 34_o 41._o but_o though_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n may_v increase_v yet_o the_o state_n can_v never_o alter_v that_o be_v if_o we_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v always_o continue_v so_o if_o we_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o alter_v our_o state_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v abide_v under_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o all_o aim_v at_o this_o point_n that_o once_o die_a put_v we_o into_o a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v any_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o only_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o 1._o now_o first_o since_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o determine_v our_o final_a state_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o death_n come_v but_o once_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v of_o what_o mighty_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o die_v well_o that_o death_n find_v we_o well_o dispose_v and_o well_o prepare_v for_o another_o world._n man_n use_v their_o utmost_a prudence_n and_o caution_n in_o do_v that_o which_o can_v be_v
do_v but_o once_o for_o their_o whole_a life_n especial_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n depend_v on_o it_o for_o no_o error_n can_v be_v correct_v in_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o once_o and_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o prepare_v to_o die_v once_o which_o translate_v we_o to_o a_o immutable_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n which_o come_v but_o once_o but_o that_o once_o be_v for_o eternity_n what_o unpardonable_a folly_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v surprise_v by_o death_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o grave_a without_o think_v of_o it_o to_o commit_v a_o mistake_n which_o may_v be_v retrieve_v again_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o neglect_n and_o inadvertency_n when_o the_o hurt_n we_o suffer_v by_o it_o may_v be_v repair_v by_o future_a diligence_n and_o caution_n be_v much_o more_o excusable_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fatal_a and_o irreparable_a a_o folly_n in_o this_o case_n experience_n may_v teach_v wisdom_n and_o wisdom_n be_v a_o good_a purchase_n though_o we_o may_v pay_v dear_a for_o it_o but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v use_v great_a caution_n in_o make_v a_o experiment_n which_o if_o it_o fail_v will_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n because_o that_o can_v never_o be_v try_v a_o second_o time_n and_o experience_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v do_v but_o once_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o die_v we_o can_v die_v but_o once_o and_o if_o we_o miscarry_v that_o once_o we_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o what_o consider_v man_n will_v make_v such_o dangerous_a experiment_n as_o sinnre_n do_v every_o day_n when_o their_o soul_n be_v the_o price_n of_o the_o experiment_n who_o will_v try_v how_o long_a death_n will_v delay_v its_o come_n how_o long_o he_o may_v sin_v on_o safe_o without_o think_v of_o death_n or_o judgement_n whether_o death_n will_v give_v he_o timely_a notice_n to_o repent_v or_o whether_o god_n will_v give_v he_o grace_n to_o repent_v if_o it_o do_v who_o will_v venture_v the_o infinite_a hazard_n of_o a_o death-bed-repentance_n whether_o after_o a_o long_a life_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n a_o few_o distract_v confuse_a and_o almost_o despair_a sigh_n and_o groan_n will_v carry_v he_o to_o heaven_n if_o such_o bold_a adventurer_n as_o these_o when_o they_o have_v discover_v their_o mistake_n and_o folly_n can_v return_v back_o into_o this_o world_n and_o live_v over_o their_o life_n again_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o this_o be_v a_o experiment_n not_o to_o be_v twice_o make_v if_o they_o sin_v on_o till_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o be_v forsake_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o death_n come_v long_o before_o they_o expect_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o surprise_n and_o without_o warning_n if_o their_o die_a and_o despair_v agony_n and_o horror_n shall_v not_o prove_v a_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n not_o that_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o be_v lose_v to_o eternity_n and_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v expose_v his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o hazard_n as_o this_o who_o will_v not_o take_v care_n to_o make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a before_o death_n come_v and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a concernment_n wherein_o one_o miscarriage_n be_v irreparable_a to_o prevent_v danger_n at_o a_o distance_n two_o we_o hence_o learn_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o begin_v well_o to_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o life_n which_o determine_v our_o future_a state_n as_o god_n express_o tell_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 18_o ezek._n 21_o 24._o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v but_o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v and_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o reward_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o for_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v off_o before_o our_o work_n be_v do_v if_o we_o stop_v or_o run_v backward_o before_o we_o 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content_v to_o leave_v this_o they_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o they_o be_v not_o overhasty_a in_o their_o desire_n they_o can_v be_v better_o please_v if_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o stay_v here_o a_o little_a long_o and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o a_o go_v be_v apt_a to_o cast_v back_o their_o eye_n upon_o this_o world_n as_o those_o who_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v this_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o exercise_v even_o good_a man_n with_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n to_o wean_v they_o from_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o scene_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o raise_v their_o heart_n to_o heaven_n where_o true_a and_o unmixed_a happiness_n dwell_v the_o only_a way_n then_o to_o cure_v this_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v to_o mortify_v all_o remains_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n for_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o it_o to_o use_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o with_o great_a indifferency_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o nature_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n to_o praise_v and_o adore_v the_o great_a maker_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n to_o mingle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n and_o possess_v our_o very_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n with_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o see_v god_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n of_o dwell_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n of_o converse_v with_o saint_n and_o angel_n this_o be_v to_o live_v like_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o like_a citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n for_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o traveller_n to_o leave_v a_o foreign_a country_n to_o return_v home_o this_o be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n it_o be_v our_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n it_o be_v our_o die_v to_o this_o world_n and_o live_v to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n the_o fear_n of_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o world_n be_v over_o for_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o world_n who_o be_v dead_a to_o it_o when_o we_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o here_o we_o live_v to_o god_n only_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a place_n for_o this_o divine_a life_n where_o god_n dwell_v so_o that_o in_o short_a a_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v our_o victory_n over_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v our_o victory_n over_o death_n too_o it_o disarm_v it_o of_o all_o its_o fear_n and_o terror_n it_o raise_v our_o heart_n so_o much_o above_o this_o world_n that_o we_o be_v very_o well_o please_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o body_n which_o keep_v we_o here_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o grave_a in_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n iii_o the_o most_o torment_a fear_n of_o death_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n which_o indeed_o be_v rather_o a_o fear_n of_o judgement_n than_o of_o death_n or_o a_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o it_o send_v we_o to_o judgement_n and_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o case_n be_v very_o different_a 1._o those_o who_o be_v very_o good_a man_n who_o have_v make_v it_o the_o care_n of_o their_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n 2._o those_o who_o have_v
live_v very_o ungodly_a life_n and_o be_v now_o awaken_v by_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n to_o see_v a_o angry_a and_o provoke_v judge_n a_o injure_a saviour_n a_o righteous_a tribunal_n and_o think_v they_o hear_v that_o fatal_a doom_n and_o sentence_n pronounce_v on_o they_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n 3._o those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o fear_v the_o worst_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n they_o have_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n christ_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o all_o their_o fear_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o intercession_n for_o they_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o best_a man_n dare_v not_o stand_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a and_o impartial_a justice_n they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o so_o many_o sin_n or_o such_o great_a imperfection_n and_o defect_n that_o their_o only_a hope_n be_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n they_o can_v triumph_v over_o death_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v 57_o to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o destroy_v sin_n and_o pluck_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o triumph_v over_o death_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o raise_v all_o his_o true_a disciple_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o 25._o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v they_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n without_o terror_n where_o they_o see_v not_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_z a_o throne_n of_o grace_n where_o they_o see_v a_o father_n not_o a_o judge_n a_o saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n what_o a_o bless_a calm_a and_o serenity_n possess_v their_o soul_n nay_o what_o joy_n and_o triumph_n transport_v they_o how_o do_v their_o soul_n magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o spirit_n rejoice_v in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o they_o see_v he_o ready_a to_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v and_o to_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n who_o will_v not_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o desire_v that_o his_o latter_a end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o his_o latter_a end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o that_o in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o the_o grave_a no_o disturb_a thought_n may_v discompose_v he_o no_o guilty_a fear_n distract_v he_o but_o he_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o joyful_a presage_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o peace_n 2._o as_o for_o wicked_a man_n who_o never_o concern_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o another_o world_n while_o they_o be_v in_o health_n many_o time_n a_o dangerous_a sickness_n which_o give_v they_o a_o near_a view_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n awaken_v their_o conscience_n and_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o unsupportable_a terror_n of_o future_a vengeance_n then_o they_o begin_v to_o lament_v their_o ill-spent_a life_n to_o tremble_v before_o that_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n who_o they_o have_v provoke_v by_o repeat_v villainy_n who_o be_v they_o former_o deny_v or_o who_o power_n and_o justice_n they_o desy_v now_o they_o cry_v passionate_o to_o christ_n for_o mercy_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o saviour_n though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n nor_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n now_o these_o man_n be_v mighty_a earnest_n for_o comfort_n the_o minister_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o drollery_n before_o be_v send_v for_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v lull_v their_o conscience_n asleep_a and_o send_v they_o quiet_o into_o another_o world_n to_o receive_v their_o doom_n there_o now_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v to_o let_v these_o man_n know_v while_o they_o be_v well_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o be_v have_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o no_o man_n who_o know_v they_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o they_o without_o make_v a_o new_a gospel_n or_o corrupt_v the_o old_a one_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o but_o though_o we_o set_v aside_o all_o that_o and_o proceed_v upon_o the_o common_a principle_n that_o a_o true_a penitent_n whenever_o he_o sincere_o repent_v tho'_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n after_o a_o long_a life_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n yet_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v shall_v have_v any_o comfort_n without_o a_o vain_a and_o enthusiastic_a presumption_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o for_o himself_o or_o other_o to_o judge_v whether_o his_o repentance_n be_v true_a and_o sincere_a such_o a_o repentance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v long_o will_v reform_v his_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o other_o repentance_n but_o this_o can_v be_v accept_v by_o god._n now_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v this_o who_o begin_v his_o repentance_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n he_o may_v feel_v indeed_o the_o bitter_a pang_n and_o agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o may_v be_v sincere_o and_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o this_o every_o die_a sinner_n be_v who_o be_v sorrowful_a he_o be_v sincere_o sorrowful_a that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o sorrow_n but_o real_o feel_v it_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o else_o to_o make_v sorrow_n sincere_a but_o that_o it_o be_v real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o to_o be_v sincere_o sorrowful_a be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o whoever_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v shall_v be_v save_v then_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v damn_v who_o do_v not_o die_v a_o atheist_n or_o stupid_a and_o distract_a or_o sudden_o without_o any_o warning_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o sinner_n who_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n and_o believe_v that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n not_o to_o feel_v a_o amaze_a remorse_n and_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o just_o a_o fall_n into_o hell._n a_o die_a sorrow_n then_o though_o it_o may_v be_v sharp_a and_o severe_a almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o such_o a_o sorrow_n be_v not_o real_a and_o sincere_a be_v not_o save_v repentance_n and_o therefore_o though_o sinner_n may_v feel_v themselves_o very_o hearty_o sorrowful_a this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n they_o can_v have_v of_o their_o repentance_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o rely_v on_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o sorrow_n be_v very_o sincere_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v for_o all_o true_a sorrow_n be_v sincere_a but_o sinner_n who_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v damn_v since_o than_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a evidence_n such_o man_n can_v have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o mere_a die_a sorrow_n of_o sinner_n be_v any_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o this_o or_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n it_o be_v true_a repentance_n do_v at_o least_o include_v a_o change_n of_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o a_o abhorrance_n of_o ourselves_o for_o it_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o law_n as_o
or_o the_o constant_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o sign_n have_v be_v invent_v which_o like_o strong_a opiate_n assuage_v their_o pain_n and_o smart_n till_o their_o conscience_n awake_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o in_o the_o next_o world._n for_o all_o this_o be_v cheat_n and_o delusion_n as_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v 10._o because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god._n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n neither_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o every_o sin_n man_n commit_v make_v their_o state_n doubtful_a and_o this_o must_v fill_v they_o with_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n and_o imagination_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n for_o peace_n and_o security_n but_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n the_o conclusion_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v in_o a_o few_o word_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n our_o account_n must_v be_v always_o ready_a because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n we_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n as_o not_o know_v at_o what_o hour_n our_o lord_n will_v come_v a_o good_a man_n who_o have_v take_v care_n all_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n have_v little_o more_o to_o do_v when_o he_o see_v death_n approach_v than_o to_o take_v leave_n of_o his_o friend_n to_o bless_v his_o child_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n and_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o saviour_n his_o lamp_n be_v full_a of_o oil_n and_o always_o burn_a though_o it_o may_v need_v a_o little_a trim_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v some_o new_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o such_o devout_a passion_n etc._n as_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v exercise_v at_o our_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v at_o the_o door_n it_o be_v too_o late_o with_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n to_o buy_v oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n unless_o we_o be_v ready_a when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v to_o enter_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n the_o door_n will_v be_v shut_v against_o we_o watch_v therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v some_o man_n talk_v of_o prepare_v for_o death_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o two_o or_o three_o day_n and_o that_o the_o proper_a time_n of_o do_v it_o be_v a_o little_a before_o they_o die_v but_o i_o know_v no_o other_o preparation_n for_o death_n but_o live_v well_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v every_o day_n prepare_v for_o death_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o prepare_v when_o death_n come_v that_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o our_o life_n and_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n and_o he_o who_o can_v do_v this_o be_v well_o prepare_v to_o die_v and_o to_o go_v to_o judgement_n but_o he_o who_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o day_n wicked_o whatever_o care_n he_o may_v take_v when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v never_o prepare_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o all_o his_o other_o preparation_n be_v little_a worth_n the_o end_n advertisement_n a_o preservative_n against_o popery_n in_o two_o part_n with_o a_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o lewis_n sabran_n a_o jesuit_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n print_a for_o w._n rogers_n 2._o heb._n 14_o 15._o see_v 5_o prov._n 22_o 23._o 7._o 22_o 23_o 26_o 27._o 3_o heb._n 12._o 12_o heb._n 15._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 12_o heb._n 14._o 2_o rom._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 6_o gal._n 7_o 8._o 20_o mat._n 1_o etc._n etc._n 15_o luk._n 11_o etc._n etc._n 1_o rom._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 6_o 9_o 10._o 7_o mat._n 21._o 18_o mat._n 21_o 22._o 2_o act_n 38_o 41._o 3_o rom._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 24._o 5_o rom._n 1._o 2_o eph._n 8_o 9_o 5_o gal._n 2_o 3._o ibid._n 2_o rom._n 13_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o 8_o rom._n 4._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 55_o 56_o 57_o 7_o heb._n 25._o 1_o john_n 3._o 20_o 21._o 1_o john_n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 25_o mat._n 1_o etc._n etc._n