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reason_n age_n youth_n youthful_a 58 3 11.0375 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59840 A practical discourse concerning death by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1689 (1689) Wing S3312; ESTC R226804 147,548 359

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the_o object_n only_o of_o a_o subordinate_a fear_n or_o hope_n when_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o be_v wise_a counsel_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v say_v you_o not_o a_o confederacy_n to_o all_o they_o to_o who_o this_o people_n shall_v say_v a_o confederacy_n neither_o fear_v you_o their_o fear_n nor_o be_v afraid_a sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n himself_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o fear_n and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o dread_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o sanctuary_n 8_o isai._n 12_o 13_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v our_o saviour_n reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fear_v god_n more_o than_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o which_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o 12_o luke_n 4_o 5._o but_o whatever_o power_n man_n may_v have_v to_o hurt_v while_o they_o live_v they_o can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o their_o life_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a that_o we_o may_v be_v quick_o ease_v of_o those_o fear_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v with_o respect_n to_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o man_n though_o their_o word_n and_o promise_n be_v always_o sacred_a yet_o their_o life_n be_v uncertain_a their_o breath_n go_v forth_o they_o return_v to_o the_o earth_n in_o that_o very_a day_n their_o thought_n perish_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_n they_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n for_o his_o help_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o therein_o be_v who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o 146_o psal._n 5._o 6._o 6._o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v brief_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o conceal_v from_o we_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n this_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o complain_v of_o that_o our_o life_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a that_o we_o know_v not_o to_o day_n but_o that_o we_o may_v die_v to_o morrow_n and_o we_o will_v be_v mighty_a glad_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o one_o who_o can_v certain_o inform_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n how_o long_o we_o be_v to_o live_v but_o if_o we_o think_v a_o little_a better_o of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o 1._o though_o i_o presume_v many_o of_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v certain_o live_v twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n long_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v any_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o you_o must_v die_v to_o morrow_n or_o some_o few_o month_n or_o a_o year_n or_o two_o hence_o which_o may_v be_v your_o case_n for_o aught_o you_o 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psal._n 5._o i_o shall_v not_o scrupulous_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a change_n why_o our_o life_n be_v reduce_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n some_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o account_n that_o when_o they_o be_v say_v to_o live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n they_o compute_v their_o year_n by_o the_o moon_n not_o by_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v their_o year_n be_v month_n twelve_o of_o which_o make_v but_o one_o of_o our_o year_n and_o then_o indeed_o the_o long_a liver_n of_o they_o do_v not_o live_v so_o long_o as_o many_o man_n do_v at_o this_o day_n for_o methusalah_n himself_o who_o live_v nine_o hundred_o sixty_o nine_o year_n according_a to_o this_o computation_n of_o month_n for_o year_n live_v but_o fourscore_o year_n and_o five_o month_n but_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o moses_n shall_v use_v two_o such_o different_a 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argument_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n 2._o what_o wise_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_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 1._o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o too_o hasty_a approach_n of_o death_n to_o we_o for_o 1._o such_o a_o long_a life_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world._n and_o 2_o our_o life_n be_v long_o enough_o for_o all_o the_o wise_a purpose_n of_o live_v 1._o such_o a_o long_a life_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world._n what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o flood_n in_o what_o manner_n they_o live_v and_o how_o they_o employ_v their_o time_n we_o can_v tell_v for_o moses_n have_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o but_o take_v the_o 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lose_v two_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o time_n be_v double_o lose_v which_o we_o can_v review_v without_o amazement_n and_o horror_n i_o mean_v in_o which_o we_o have_v contract_v some_o great_a guilt_n which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o spend_v vain_o but_o wicked_o which_o we_o ourselves_o wish_v have_v never_o be_v which_o we_o desire_v to_o forget_v and_o can_v be_v glad_a that_o both_o god_n and_o man_n will_v forget_v it_o too_o for_o be_v not_o that_o lose_a time_n which_o lose_v we_o which_o undo_v we_o which_o distract_v we_o with_o guilty_a fear_n which_o we_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n we_o can_v lose_v out_o of_o the_o account_n of_o our_o life_n and_o can_v lose_v the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o it_o i_o think_v that_o somewhat_o worse_o than_o lose_a time_n which_o forfeit_v a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o for_o which_o man_n must_v lose_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o three_o that_o be_v lose_v time_n too_o which_o man_n must_v live_v over_o again_o and_o tread_v back_o 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improve_v his_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n most_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n and_o appetite_n under_o the_o best_a government_n who_o do_v most_o good_a and_o make_v himself_o most_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n though_o he_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o yet_o he_o live_v more_o and_o long_o than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v he_o exert_v more_o frequent_a and_o more_o perfect_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a life_n but_o beside_o this_o this_o life_n be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a life_n it_o be_v not_o for_o itself_o but_o only_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n for_o immortality_n and_o it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n upon_o any_o mean_a design_n and_o therefore_o he_o live_v most_o who_o improve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o make_v himself_o most_o fit_a for_o heaven_n and_o qualify_v for_o the_o great_a reward_n for_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o bright_a crown_n who_o know_v god_n most_o and_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n with_o the_o great_a ravishment_n and_o transport_n of_o spirit_n who_o live_v most_o above_o this_o world_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o most_o divine_a virtue_n who_o do_v most_o service_n to_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o improve_v all_o his_o talent_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n in_o a_o word_n who_o most_o adorn_v and_o perfect_v his_o own_o mind_n bring_v most_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o do_v most_o good_a to_o man_n such_o a_o man_n at_o thirty_o year_n old_a have_v live_v more_o nay_o indeed_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v long_o than_o a_o old_a decrepit_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v not_o live_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o man_n or_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o other_o world._n that_o man_n have_v live_v a_o great_a while_n how_o short_a soever_o the_o time_n be_v who_o be_v old_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o for_o eternity_n who_o have_v lay_v up_o rich_a and_o glorious_a treasure_n for_o 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body_n or_o they_o can_v never_o have_v make_v god_n of_o they_o nay_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strong_a sense_n of_o immortality_n imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n that_o very_o few_o man_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o have_v debauch_v their_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v whole_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o another_o world._n but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n than_o this_o since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o needs_o any_o other_o proof_n my_o business_n therefore_o only_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o shall_v affect_v our_o mind_n what_o that_o wisdom_n be_v which_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n will_v natural_o teach_v we_o how_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o live_v who_o know_v that_o he_o must_v die_v and_o leave_v his_o body_n behind_o he_o to_o rot_v in_o the_o 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of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o earthly_a nature_n they_o be_v a_o great_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n but_o we_o must_v neither_o call_v this_o life_n nor_o any_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o our_o own_o because_o they_o be_v short_a and_o perish_a we_o be_v here_o but_o as_o traveller_n in_o a_o inn_n it_o be_v not_o our_o home_n and_o country_n it_o be_v not_o our_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n but_o a_o movable_a and_o changeable_a scene_n which_o be_v entertain_v at_o present_a but_o can_v last_v let_v we_o then_o consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o value_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o to_o make_v it_o as_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v put_v some_o easy_a and_o familiar_a case_n 1._o suppose_v you_o be_v a_o travel_v through_o a_o very_a delightful_a country_n where_o you_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n but_o know_v that_o you_o must_v not_o tarry_v there_o but_o only_o pass_v through_o it_o will_v you_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o set_v your_o affection_n so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o uneasy_a to_o you_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o then_o grow_v so_o fond_a of_o this_o world_n which_o we_o must_v only_o pass_v through_o where_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v city_n as_o to_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o carry_v out_o of_o this_o world_n such_o a_o passion_n for_o it_o as_o shall_v make_v we_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o for_o though_o death_n will_v separate_v we_o from_o this_o world_n we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o will_v cure_v our_o earthly_a passion_n we_o may_v still_o find_v the_o torment_n of_o sensual_a appetite_n when_o all_o sensual_a object_n be_v remove_v this_o be_v all_o the_o purgatory-fire_n st._n austin_n can_v think_v of_o that_o those_o who_o love_v this_o world_n too_o much_o here_o though_o otherwise_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o fruitless_a desire_n and_o hankering_n after_o this_o world_n in_o the_o next_o which_o be_v a_o mix_a torment_n of_o desire_n and_o despair_n for_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o live_v in_o these_o body_n which_o betray_v the_o soul_n to_o such_o earthly_a affection_n yet_o when_o the_o impression_n be_v once_o make_v and_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o mere_o put_v off_o these_o body_n will_v cure_v it_o as_o we_o see_v age_n itself_o in_o old_a sinner_n do_v not_o cure_v the_o wantonness_n of_o desire_n when_o the_o body_n be_v effaete_fw-la and_o languid_a
and_o this_o i_o shall_v think_v be_v reason_n enough_o to_o convince_v every_o man_n who_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o live_v here_o always_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v he_o not_o to_o grow_v overfond_a of_o present_a thing_n for_o to_o contract_v a_o eternal_a passion_n for_o what_o we_o can_v always_o enjoy_v must_v needs_o make_v we_o miserable_a 2._o if_o then_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v a_o fondness_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v keep_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v how_o we_o must_v use_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o present_a and_o momentary_a possession_n of_o for_o use_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o fondness_n suppose_v then_o again_o that_o in_o your_o travel_n abroad_o you_o pass_v through_o such_o a_o delightful_a country_n what_o be_v it_o that_o prevent_v your_o fondness_n but_o only_o consider_v that_o you_o be_v not_o at_o home_n that_o you_o must_v not_o always_o see_v and_o enjoy_v what_o you_o now_o do_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o fine_a thing_n you_o meet_v with_o you_o rather_o look_v upon_o as_o curiosity_n to_o be_v remark_v in_o story_n or_o to_o be_v try_v by_o way_n of_o experiment_n or_o to_o be_v use_v for_o present_a necessity_n than_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v which_o you_o know_v they_o be_v not_o and_o do_v we_o use_v the_o world_n thus_o we_o shall_v never_o grow_v over_o fond_a of_o it_o those_o who_o marry_n will_v be_v as_o though_o they_o marry_v not_o and_o those_o who_o weep_v as_o though_o they_o weep_v not_o and_o those_o who_o rejoice_v as_o though_o they_o rejoice_v not_o and_o those_o who_o use_v this_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o the_o world_n itself_o will_v not_o last_v long_o though_o it_o will_v outlast_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o continue_v here_o so_o little_a a_o while_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v it_o our_o home_n or_o to_o place_v our_o enjoyment_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o good_a distinction_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v only_o for_o use_n and_o something_n for_o enjoyment_n the_o first_o we_o value_v only_o for_o their_o use_n the_o second_o we_o account_v our_o happiness_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v transient_a and_o momentary_a can_v be_v only_o for_o use_v for_o man_n be_v a_o miserable_a creature_n if_o what_o be_v his_o happiness_n be_v not_o last_v and_o a_o very_a foolish_a creature_n if_o he_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v not_o last_v now_o this_o shall_v make_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o our_o affection_n to_o thing_n we_o can_v blame_v any_o man_n who_o let_v loose_v his_o affection_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v his_o happiness_n for_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o bound_n set_v to_o our_o desire_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o true_a happiness_n but_o what_o we_o account_v only_o for_o use_n we_o have_v no_o far_a concernment_n for_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o this_o confine_n our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o its_o use_n and_o be_v this_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o present_a thing_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o can_v not_o err_v nor_o entertain_v any_o troublesome_a or_o vicious_a passion_n for_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n what_o be_v the_o natural_a use_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o to_o repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o preserve_v our_o body_n in_o health_n and_o vigour_n now_o as_o great_a delicacy_n and_o curiosity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n both_o of_o food_n and_o liquor_n if_o man_n value_v they_o only_o for_o their_o use_n they_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o excess_n nor_o grow_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v only_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o taste_n to_o value_v thing_n for_o their_o use_n be_v to_o value_v they_o no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a value_n which_o be_v due_a to_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v leave_v for_o they_o can_v be_v only_o for_o present_a use_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o place_v our_o happiness_n as_o all_o sensual_a man_n do_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v design_v only_o for_o our_o use_n it_o both_o make_v we_o extravagant_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o often_o prove_v a_o great_a mischief_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o create_v such_o a_o unnatural_a passion_n for_o they_o as_o they_o can_v answer_v which_o make_v they_o vain_a and_o empty_a and_o unsatisfactory_a while_o we_o have_v they_o and_o fill_v we_o with_o vexation_n and_o all_o the_o restlessness_n of_o a_o furious_a passion_n and_o appetite_n when_o we_o want_v they_o as_o we_o must_v do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o either_o before_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a when_o we_o leave_v this_o world._n 3._o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o in_o our_o passage_n through_o foreign_a country_n where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v long_o we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o all_o those_o necessary_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n which_o we_o have_v at_o home_n that_o the_o country_n be_v barren_a the_o way_n rough_a and_o mountainous_a the_o road_n infest_a with_o thief_n and_o robber_n but_o without_o any_o convenient_a reception_n for_o traveller_n the_o people_n rude_a and_o barbarous_a and_o insolent_a to_o stranger_n will_v a_o wise_a man_n be_v over-solicitous_a about_o such_o hardship_n as_o these_o in_o travel_v do_v he_o not_o comfort_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v there_o that_o this_o will_v not_o last_v long_o that_o these_o difficulty_n will_v only_o recommend_v his_o own_o country_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o hasten_v home_o again_o where_o he_o shall_v remember_v with_o pleasure_n what_o be_v now_o uneasy_a and_o troublesome_a and_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n for_o christian_n to_o bear_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o casualty_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o equal_a mind_n remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v always_o here_o that_o this_o life_n be_v but_o their_o pilgrimage_n they_o be_v from_o home_n and_o therefore_o must_v expect_v the_o usage_n which_o stranger_n and_o traveller_n ordinary_o meet_v with_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o live_v here_o always_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o their_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o present_a thing_n and_o then_o if_o they_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n though_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o pass_v through_o this_o world_n the_o scene_n will_v be_v alter_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o kind_a reception_n in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o contentment_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n that_o death_n which_o be_v not_o far_o off_o when_o it_o remove_v we_o out_o of_o this_o world_n will_v remove_v we_o from_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o bear_v up_o with_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o traveller_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o we_o have_v home_o a_o peaceful_a and_o eternal_a home_n in_o our_o prospect_n 4._o once_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o his_o travel_n through_o a_o foreign_a country_n shall_v be_v command_v immediate_o to_o leave_v the_o country_n unless_o he_o will_v forswear_v ever_o return_v to_o his_o own_o country_n again_o will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v command_v to_o leave_v that_o country_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o have_v stay_v long_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o he_o to_o abjure_v his_o own_o country_n where_o his_o father_n and_o kindred_n and_o inheritance_n be_v only_o to_o gratify_v his_o curiosity_n in_o stay_v a_o little_a long_o there_o and_o can_v we_o then_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a command_n when_o we_o know_v we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o world_n that_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o we_o can_v stay_v long_o in_o it_o to_o sacrifice_v our_o very_a life_n rather_o than_o renounce_v our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o better_a life_n when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v to_o die_v a_o little_a soon_o than_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n we_o shall_v to_o obtain_v a_o immortal_a life_n to_o go_v to_o that_o bless_a jesus_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v we_o into_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o he_o be_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v his_o glory_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n