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remember_v the_o day_n of_o darkness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v many_o eccle._n 11.8_o by_o day_n of_o darkness_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v death_n or_o the_o state_n of_o death_n during_o the_o abode_n of_o our_o body_n in_o the_o dark_a grave_n or_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o grave_a he_o that_o frequent_o ponder_v of_o his_o way_n will_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v to_o turn_v his_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n as_o david_n speak_v of_o himself_o so_o he_o that_o often_o think_v upon_o death_n will_v by_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o make_v some_o timely_a preparation_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o contemplation_n of_o death_n do_v tend_v this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o live_a gain_n by_o go_v often_o to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v even_o so_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n so_o as_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o goodness_n and_o 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shy_a and_o unwilling_a to_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o work_n yet_o bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o it_o inure_v thyself_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n in_o general_n and_o of_o thy_o own_o death_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o thy_o own_o death_n join_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v conquer_a death_n take_v away_o its_o sting_n by_o die_v he_o slay_v death_n be_v the_o death_n of_o death_n as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o in_o hosea_n 13.14_o o_o death_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o plague_n o_o grave_a i_o will_v be_v thy_o victory_n he_o now_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v interest_v in_o his_o death_n may_v say_v when_o ever_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n come_v thanks_o be_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o be_o ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o muse_n therefore_o much_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o herein_o lie_v thy_o 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the_o only_a thing_n that_o will_v bear_v up_o thy_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n when_o a_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o some_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o heaven_n then_o be_v thing_n in_o a_o good_a posture_n with_o he_o and_o he_o in_o a_o readiness_n for_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o how_o light_n will_v that_o soul_n make_v of_o death_n that_o have_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n to_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v through_o it_o he_o that_o by_o faith_n live_v in_o the_o daily_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o
the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n else_o so_o confident_o say_v to_o his_o soul_n thou_o baste_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a but_o death_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o so_o for_o that_o night_n be_v his_o soul_n take_v from_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o great_a possession_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o cry_v out_o on_o a_o death_n bed_n with_o that_o wretched_a cardinal_n beauford_n in_o henry_n the_o six_o time_n wherefore_o shall_v i_o die_v be_v rich_a will_v not_o death_n be_v bribe_v will_v money_n do_v nothing_o no_o true_o it_o can_v for_o as_o riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n to_o pacify_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o profit_v in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n to_o bribe_v that_o king_n of_o terror_n beauty_n be_v another_o outward_a excellency_n that_o many_o glory_n in_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a ornament_n a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o no_o small_a one_o it_o be_v a_o take_a thing_n we_o delight_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v beautiful_a beauty_n to_o some_o be_v a_o portion_n among_o man_n to_o other_o a_o favour_n from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o silent_a eloquence_n a_o tacit_a persuasion_n and_o work_n much_o upon_o some_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n psal_n 45.11_o so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o desire_v thy_o beauty_n i_o know_v it_o be_v speak_v there_o of_o spiritual_a beauty_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v the_o church_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a also_o in_o some_o i_o sure_a of_o outward_a corporeal_a beauty_n it_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n and_o may_v due_o be_v a_o attractive_a of_o love_n it_o be_v that_o which_o draw_v the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o though_o often_o it_o be_v a_o incentive_a to_o lust_n both_o to_o great_a man_n and_o to_o good_a men._n solomon_n love_v strange_a woman_n the_o scripture_n say_v and_o they_o turn_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o have_v smart_v severe_o for_o it_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o to_o prevent_v so_o great_a wickedness_n in_o other_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o many_o excellent_a caution_n and_o counsel_n in_o sacred_a writ_n against_o the_o ensnare_a temptation_n and_o powerful_a charm_n of_o beauty_n but_o though_o man_n be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v by_o beautiful_a object_n and_o person_n yet_o death_n be_v not_o a_o beautiful_a face_n be_v as_o mortal_a and_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o many_o time_n turn_v into_o dust_z and_o corruption_n than_o a_o face_n that_o be_v deform_v death_n regard_v a_o goodly_a well_o favour_v joseph_n or_o absolom_n no_o more_o than_o a_o leprous_a vzziah_n or_o gebazi_n nor_o do_v it_o spare_v a_o beautiful_a rachel_n more_o than_o a_o blear_a eye_a leah_n favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vain_a in_o this_o respect_n for_o they_o profit_v none_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n the_o beautifull_a person_n and_o the_o most_o lovely_a complexion_n be_v quick_o turn_v into_o paleness_n and_o corruption_n when_o once_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n be_v come_v death_n soon_o make_v those_o that_o for_o their_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n be_v most_o admire_v by_o other_o become_v most_o loathsome_a and_o intolerable_a and_o they_o most_o desirous_a with_o abraham_n to_o bury_v such_o dead_a out_o of_o their_o sight_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o all_o man_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o great_a attainmen_n in_o worldly_a excellence_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o die_v and_o as_o no_o outward_a so_o no_o inward-excellency_n and_o perfection_n can_v privilege_v any_o from_o death_n no_o not_o grace_n itself_o grace_n be_v as_o salt_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o moral_a corruption_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o can_v preserve_v the_o body_n from_o natural_a corruption_n in_o this_o world_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o perfection_n there_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o die_v but_o here_o on_o earth_n where_o grace_n be_v insperfect_a be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n and_o corruption_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v death_n be_v become_v domestical_a to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o it_o within_o we_o we_o carry_v it_o daily_o in_o our_o bosom_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o which_o will_v never_o be_v extirpate_v and_o destroy_v till_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n all_o our_o prayer_n and_o tear_n can_v prevent_v death_n prayer_n can_v do_v great_a thing_n to_o instance_n in_o particular_n of_o its_o prevalency_n will_v be_v endless_a our_o lord_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o we_o john_n 16.23_o that_o be_v a_o astonish_a scripture_n esay_n 45.11_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o his_o maker_n ask_v i_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v concern_v my_o son_n and_o concer_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o as_o if_o say_v one_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o do_v they_o service_n as_o if_o they_o have_v he_o at_o their_o command_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jacob_n that_o as_o a_o prince_n he_o have_v power_n with_o god_n and_o prevail_v gen._n 32.28_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o how_o much_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o tell_v we_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o to_o make_v observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n but_o though_o prayer_n can_v do_v such_o great_a thing_n yet_o it_o can_v prevent_v death_n we_o read_v indeed_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n do_v save_v the_o sick_a but_o though_o it_o can_v even_o restore_v from_o a_o sickbed_n yet_o it_o can_v raise_v from_o a_o deathbed_n nay_o christ_n himself_o have_v not_o so_o redeem_a we_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o not_o see_v corruption_n he_o have_v redeem_a we_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o have_v not_o redeem_a we_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o on_o earth_n and_o not_o die_v no_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v corruption_n and_o therefore_o of_o he_o only_o it_o be_v say_v thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n nor_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n but_o may_v some_o say_v this_o necessity_n of_o die_v seem_v not_o to_o be_v unalterable_o impose_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o some_o have_v live_v who_o never_o die_v and_o some_o shall_v live_v hereafter_o that_o shall_v not_o die_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o two_o and_o but_o two_o that_o live_v here_o oâ—_n earth_n and_o by_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n be_v exempt_v from_o death_n ascend_v up_o unto_o god_n leap_v over_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n and_o they_o be_v enoch_n and_o elias_n concern_v enoch_n it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n he_o waâ—_n transtate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n heb._n 11_o 5â—_n he_o be_v a_o person_n eminent_a for_o holiness_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n three_o hundred_o year_n and_o obtain_v this_o testimony_n before_o his_o translation_n that_o he_o please_v god_n gen._n 5.22_o and_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a proficient_a in_o grace_n as_o that_o there_o waâ—_n none_o that_o we_o read_v of_o like_o he_o at_o that_o time_n he_o obtain_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n from_o god_n as_o none_o do_v for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o he_o be_v not_o for_o god_n lock_v he_o o_o the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n how_o high_o do_v it_o ennable_a and_o advance_v a_o man_n enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o god_n think_v the_o earth_n not_o good_a enough_o for_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v he_o to_o himself_o into_o beaven_n nay_o this_o be_v not_o all_o so_o much_o be_v god_n take_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o enoch_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n as_o other_o saint_n do_v by_o death_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v translate_v from_o grace_n to_o glory_n without_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o the_o grave_a the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o elias_n another_o eminent_a and_o zealous_a servant_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n
2.23_o that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n by_o a_o whirlwind_n into_o heaven_n so_o great_a be_v his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o so_o high_o do_v god_n esteem_v it_o and_o he_o for_o it_o that_o he_o must_v not_o abide_v any_o long_o on_o earth_n but_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n a_o passage_n to_o heaven_n that_o do_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n to_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n while_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o apostle_n also_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15.51_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o shall_v not_o all_o dye_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v and_o 1_o thes_n 4.17_o we_o that_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o with_o he_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n these_o exception_n of_o some_o few_o that_o have_v not_o dye_v nor_o shall_v not_o die_v do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v void_a this_o general_a truth_n that_o all_o shall_v die_v but_o rather_o make_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o general_a rule_n or_o law_n say_v all_o must_v die_v none_o escape_v but_o by_o special_a grace_n or_o privilege_n and_o though_o the_o saint_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v on_o earth_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a die_v not_o yet_o they_o shall_v undergo_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o death_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v death_n be_v call_v a_o change_n so_o say_v job_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n will_v i_o wait_v till_o my_o change_n shall_v come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o the_o last_o day_n undergo_v a_o change_n also_o the_o change_n of_o death_n be_v a_o put_v off_o of_o our_o mortality_n but_o the_o change_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o put_v on_o of_o our_o immortality_n the_o one_o be_v a_o change_n by_o be_v unclothe_v the_o other_o be_v a_o change_n by_o be_v clothe_v upon_o but_o both_o be_v a_o change_n and_o thus_o all_o dye_n or_o shall_v be_v change_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o death_n befall_v all_o man_n one_o time_n or_o other_o soon_o or_o late_a but_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o or_o the_o time_n when_o any_o shall_v die_v this_o be_v unknown_a unto_o any_o the_o live_n may_v and_o do_v know_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v but_o they_o know_v not_o when_o they_o shall_v die_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v true_a of_o the_o day_n of_o man_n death_n of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v not_o man._n many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n i_o say_v say_v david_n in_o my_o prosperity_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n almost_o but_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n i_o say_v say_v hezekiah_n in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_a i_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o behold_v man_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n good_a hezekiah_n think_v there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o he_o to_o escape_v death_n but_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o god_n have_v in_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n deliver_v it_o from_o the_o pit_n of_o corruption_n and_o he_o live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o after_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o over_o for_o dead_a a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o when_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a time_n god_n have_v give_v out_o none_o against_o he_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n reckon_v not_o of_o death_n till_o many_o year_n hence_o and_o he_o be_v very_o liberal_a to_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o his_o body_n he_o have_v get_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o riches_n and_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o rich_a stock_n of_o time_n even_o many_o year_n he_o resolve_v to_o make_v his_o life_n large_a as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o barn_n and_o because_o they_o be_v full_a of_o corn_n he_o also_o will_v be_v full_a of_o day_n whereas_o the_o word_n come_v out_o against_o he_o from_o god_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o he_o that_o before_o resolve_v to_o live_v many_o year_n can_v not_o now_o live_v till_o the_o next_o morning_n it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v to_o we_o peremptory_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n or_o the_o length_n of_o our_o day_n but_o though_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v it_o know_v to_o and_o fix_v by_o god_n he_o have_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o time_n when_o but_o also_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o shall_v die_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o it_o be_v god_n that_o turn_v up_o the_o giass_n of_o our_o time_n and_o put_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o sand_n into_o it_o and_o no_o more_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o it_o may_v and_o shall_v run_v so_o long_o and_o no_o more_o that_o it_o shall_v run_v no_o long_o than_o his_o appointment_n god_n speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v a_o book_n wherein_o be_v write_v down_o not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o number_n of_o our_o day_n and_o as_o we_o can_v commit_v a_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v write_v down_o in_o some_o leaf_n of_o his_o book_n so_o can_v we_o not_o live_v a_o day_n or_o hour_n that_o have_v not_o our_o name_n write_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o god_n book_n that_o some_o have_v the_o time_n of_o life_n confine_v only_o to_o the_o dark_a cell_n of_o the_o womb_n and_o never_o see_v the_o light_n that_o other_o be_v strangle_v in_o the_o place_n of_o break_v forth_o of_o child_n and_o be_v only_a cause_n of_o grief_n to_o they_o that_o bear_v they_o that_o other_o dyâ—_n in_o their_o infancy_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o leave_v only_o sad_a remembrance_n to_o their_o parent_n that_o once_o they_o be_v that_o other_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o their_o day_n and_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o that_o other_o live_v to_o extreme_a old_a age_n till_o nature_n be_v whole_o spend_v and_o consume_v in_o they_o all_o this_o be_v from_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n they_o all_o fill_v up_o the_o number_n of_o those_o day_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o time_n that_o god_n have_v allot_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o depart_v according_a to_o his_o will._n how_o many_o have_v we_o see_v cast_v upon_o sick_a bed_n who_o god_n have_v there_o visit_v with_o strong_a pain_n bring_v they_o so_o low_o that_o their_o life_n seem_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o grave_a and_o themselves_o number_v with_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n free_a among_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o the_o slay_v that_o lie_n in_o the_o grave_a give_v over_o by_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o for_o such_o and_o yet_o even_o these_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o again_o show_v wonder_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v cause_v they_o to_o arise_v and_o praise_v his_o name_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o why_o god_n appoint_a time_n be_v not_o come_v and_o so_o disease_n can_v have_v no_o further_a power_n over_o they_o and_o what_o be_v true_a of_o sickness_n be_v as_o true_a of_o man_n who_o be_v but_o like_a disease_n executioner_n of_o god_n decree_n upon_o man_n even_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o lengthen_v life_n or_o to_o hasten_v death_n but_o what_o be_v give_v they_o from_o above_o god_n have_v not_o only_o set_v we_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o habitation_n but_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o live_n also_o job_n speak_v much_o to_o the_o state_v and_o determine_v of_o this_o case_n job_n 7.1_o be_v there_o not_o a_o appoint_a time_n to_o man_n upon_o earth_n now_o in_o a_o appointment_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o certainty_n or_o else_o we_o make_v he_o like_a unto_o a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v changeable_a which_o can_v be_v therefore_o man_n have_v a_o appoint_a time_n by_o god_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v reach_v to_o it_o
imprint_v upon_o man._n god_n image_n be_v deface_v by_o sin_n mortality_n take_v place_n man_n never_o have_v a_o impossibility_n not_o to_o die_v but_o he_o have_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n immortality_n in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n his_o life_n be_v make_v as_o long_o as_o his_o obedience_n in_o god_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n he_o back_v his_o command_n with_o the_o threaten_n of_o death_n gen._n 2.17_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v our_o first_o parent_n disobey_v this_o most_o righteous_a and_o equitable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o bring_v death_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n for_o though_o god_n form_v man_n as_o the_o holy_a story_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o man_n stand_v he_o never_o say_v to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v but_o only_o put_v in_o a_o supposition_n or_o threaten_a that_o in_o case_n he_o do_v fall_v he_o shall_v sure_o die_v but_o when_o by_o sin_n he_o have_v fall_v from_o god_n than_o he_o hear_v what_o he_o must_v be_v dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n stand_v engage_v to_o inflict_v death_n upon_o every_o transgressor_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o rom._n 5.12_o by_o sin_n death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o because_o all_o have_v sin_v death_n therefore_o seize_v upon_o we_o not_o as_o we_o be_v man_n but_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n to_o die_v be_v a_o penalty_n inflict_v upon_o man_n for_o sin_n if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v he_o have_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o die_a but_o by_o sin_v he_o become_v mortal_a sin_n therefore_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o death_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o its_o terror_n but_o it_o be_v very_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v somewhat_o remarkable_a that_o among_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n man_n only_o be_v term_v mortal_a it_o be_v certain_a other_o creature_n decay_v and_o perish_v as_o well_o as_o man_n yet_o among_o all_o perish_a thing_n man_n only_o have_v the_o wretched_a denomination_n of_o be_v mortal_a and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o he_o alone_o of_o all_o perish_a thing_n be_v create_v immortal_a voluntary_o subject_v himself_o unto_o death_n and_o by_o his_o own_o default_n bring_v upon_o himself_o the_o name_n of_o mortal_a as_o a_o brand_n of_o perpetual_a infamy_n chap._n ii_o thought_n of_o death_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v great_a wisdom_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o great_a care_n to_o provide_v for_o death_n the_o great_a folly_n and_o danger_n of_o neglect_v or_o delay_v such_o preparation_n upon_o hope_n of_o long_a life_n sickness_n a_o very_a unfit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o work_n man_n very_o prone_a to_o put_v off_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o time_n short_a though_o long_o enough_o for_o our_o great_a work_n if_o diligent_o improve_v excellent_a essect_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v produce_v it_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a thing_n to_o have_v all_o thing_n set_v right_a between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o a_o die_a hour_n time_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v value_v and_o our_o day_n wise_o to_o be_v number_v though_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v very_o short_a frail_a and_o uncertain_a though_o death_n have_v nothing_o of_o a_o peradventure_o in_o it_o but_o be_v that_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o overtake_v all_o man_n none_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o nor_o any_o privilege_v against_o it_o yet_o how_o strange_o besotted_a be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o put_v far_o from_o they_o this_o evil_a day_n as_o if_o because_o god_n have_v not_o tell_v they_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o they_o shall_v die_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v but_o doubtless_o this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o folly_n as_o most_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o why_o do_v god_n so_o often_o visit_v we_o with_o pain_n and_o distemper_n upon_o our_o body_n which_o threaten_v death_n why_o be_v we_o so_o frequent_o call_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v to_o accompany_v other_o unto_o their_o long_a home_n be_v it_o not_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o mortality_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a thought_n by_o behold_v the_o death_n of_o other_o doubtless_o much_o of_o a_o christian_n life_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o in_o a_o right_a number_n of_o his_o day_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n his_o latter_a end_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v force_v upon_o we_o by_o some_o unexpected_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o snatch_v some_o away_o out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o sudden_a stroke_n by_o the_o hear_n whereof_o we_o be_v amaze_v and_o by_o who_o funeral_n the_o thought_n of_o death_n force_v themselves_o into_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a meditation_n the_o thought_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v accustom_v ourselves_o unto_o and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o with_o old_a barzillai_n we_o have_v not_o long_o to_o live_v when_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n our_o strength_n be_v depart_v when_o infirmity_n and_o distemper_n upon_o we_o be_v so_o many_o that_o we_o can_v taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o any_o outward_a enjoyment_n but_o even_o with_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o make_v his_o sepulchre_n in_o his_o garden_n a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n so_o shall_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o delight_n and_o recreation_n and_o when_o we_o be_v best_a able_a to_o relish_v what_o sweetness_n there_o be_v in_o they_o even_o than_o shall_v we_o check_v all_o such_o inclination_n in_o we_o by_o accustom_v our_o mind_n unto_o the_o frequent_a serious_a awful_a thought_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o when_o he_o be_v transfigure_v before_o his_o disciple_n the_o glory_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o st_n peter_n weak_a eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v it_o yet_o he_o then_o think_v no_o subject_a so_o fit_a to_o be_v discourse_v of_o as_o that_o of_o his_o death_n which_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v at_o jerusalem_n luk._n 9.31_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o wicked_a proverb_n that_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o they_o think_v not_o of_o such_o a_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o think_v of_o their_o die_a day_n alas_o poor_a foolish_a man_n what_o not_o think_v of_o thy_o die_a day_n do_v thou_o know_v what_o thou_o say_v be_v the_o day_n of_o thy_o death_n of_o no_o more_o concernment_n to_o thou_o than_o so_o what_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o it_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v oh_o vain_a trifle_a man_n that_o thy_o die_a day_n will_v be_v to_o thou_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n that_o shall_v never_o cease_v or_o a_o entrance_n on_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n that_o shall_v never_o know_v a_o end_n and_o what_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a thy_o bestow_n a_o thought_n upon_o it_o for_o shame_n o_o foolish_a man_n for_o i_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o call_v thou_o christian_n thy_o talk_n be_v so_o profane_a and_o thy_o life_n so_o loose_a that_o it_o savour_v little_a of_o christianity_n to_o be_v sure_a not_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o thy_o way_n be_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o eat_v they_o drink_v they_o marry_v and_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o they_o know_v it_o not_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o away_o what_o be_v the_o old_a world_n destroy_v because_o they_o know_v not_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o flood_n no_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o doubtless_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o of_o it_o many_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o know_v it_o not_o till_o the_o flood_n sweep_v they_o away_o that_o be_v they_o know_v it_o not_o so_o as_o to_o consider_v and_o make_v provision_n against_o the_o deluge_n come_v so_o they_o know_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o now_o with_o many_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v not_o undo_v eternal_o by_o not_o know_v they_o
presumptuous_a as_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o lease_n thereof_o in_o thy_o own_o hand_n and_o at_o thy_o own_o dispose_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o good_a hezekiah_n that_o upon_o his_o recovery_n from_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n god_n give_v he_o a_o lease_n of_o his_o life_n for_o fifteen_o year_n but_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a scripture_n and_o experience_n speak_v of_o nothing_o more_o plain_o than_o the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n life_n it_o be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o a_o leaf_n to_o a_o flower_n to_o a_o shadow_n to_o a_o vapour_n by_o all_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o frailty_n brevity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n life_n endeavour_v hereby_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o all_o foolish_a conceit_n and_o vain_a hope_n of_o long_a life_n for_o what_o be_v our_o life_n but_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o a_o little_a breath_n turn_v in_o and_o out_o by_o the_o nostril_n a_o narrow_a passage_n that_o be_v soon_o stop_v and_o we_o be_v go_v we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o our_o life_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n death_n lie_v in_o ambush_n every_o where_n for_o we_o we_o have_v a_o proverb_n that_o the_o young_a man_n may_v die_v but_o the_o old_a man_n must_v die_v whereas_o observation_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o incomparable_o more_o die_v young_a than_o old_a and_o do_v we_o but_o serious_o consider_v by_o what_o small_a pin_n this_o frame_n of_o man_n be_v hold_v together_o it_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n that_o we_o live_v one_o day_n or_o hour_n to_o a_o end_n so_o many_o danger_n so_o many_o casualty_n do_v we_o pass_v through_o every_o moment_n and_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o thy_o preparation_n for_o death_n and_o that_o eternity_n that_o follow_v it_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o such_o uncertainty_n be_v not_o all_o thy_o day_n on_o earth_n few_o and_o thou_o have_v spend_v some_o of_o they_o already_o and_o possible_o those_o few_o day_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v already_o past_a and_o go_v be_v all_o the_o day_n thou_o have_v to_o pass_v say_v not_o then_o to_o god_n to_o thy_o conscience_n or_o to_o other_o that_o put_v thou_o upon_o a_o present_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n i_o will_v do_v it_o to_o morrow_n or_o hereafter_o boast_v not_o thyself_o o_o vain_a man_n of_o to_z morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o even_o what_o this_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o possible_o this_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o thy_o death_n and_o where_o then_o will_v be_v thy_o to_o morrow_n preparation_n for_o it_o but_o suppose_v death_n shall_v not_o cut_v we_o off_o sudden_o but_o give_v we_o warning_n of_o its_o approach_n by_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n of_o body_n yet_o how_o unfit_a a_o time_n be_v that_o to_o prepare_v for_o die_v for_o disease_n sometime_o come_v with_o that_o violence_n that_o they_o quick_o take_v away_o man_n sense_n and_o understanding_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n they_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o and_o have_v thou_o o_o presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o trust_v to_o a_o sickbed_n preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n and_o assurance_n that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v thy_o state_n and_o condition_n then_o nay_o thou_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v because_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n when_o god_n call_v after_o thou_o to_o look_v towards_o himself_o and_o to_o mind_v thy_o everlasting_a concernment_n thou_o wou'dit_v not_o therefore_o now_o that_o thou_o be_v come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o death_n bed_n and_o thy_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v with_o horror_n because_o of_o thy_o former_a negligence_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o thy_o future_a misery_n that_o now_o the_o violence_n of_o thy_o distemper_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o thou_o which_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v as_o to_o continue_v to_o thou_o the_o use_n of_o thy_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o conscience_n also_o be_v awaken_v and_o terrify_v thou_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o strict_a account_n that_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o great_a god_n of_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n dread_v also_o what_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o may_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o thy_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o thy_o eternal_a state_n it_o be_v thus_o with_o thou_o and_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v whither_o thou_o be_v go_v thou_o be_v very_o desirous_a it_o may_v be_v now_o to_o set_v thy_o soul_n in_o order_n because_o thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v yet_o thy_o sickness_n may_v be_v so_o sharp_a and_o pain_n may_v come_v upon_o thou_o with_o that_o extremity_n that_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v will_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o mind_v thy_o body_n god_n may_v visit_v thou_o with_o such_o strong_a pain_n upon_o thy_o bed_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o cry_v and_o roar_v with_o such_o horror_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thy_o self_n and_o to_o all_o that_o come_v near_o thou_o so_o that_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v for_o thy_o self_n or_o what_o other_o can_v do_v for_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o any_o ease_n or_o relief_n and_o be_v this_o the_o time_n thou_o choose_v to_o prepare_v thyself_o for_o death_n and_o eternity_n in_o what_o when_o thou_o can_v hardly_o tell_v how_o to_o turn_v thy_o body_n upon_o thy_o bed_n for_o a_o little_a ease_n do_v thou_o think_v this_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o turn_v thy_o soul_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n in_o suppose_v thou_o be_v now_o cast_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o thy_o body_n full_a of_o pain_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o worldly_a business_n will_v thou_o not_o think_v it_o a_o good_a excuse_n to_o say_v pray_v trouble_v i_o not_o now_o because_o i_o be_o sick_a speak_v to_o i_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o be_o well_o again_o and_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v excuse_v from_o worldly_a business_n because_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o yet_o do_v thou_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a time_n for_o thou_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o thy_o spiritual_a concern_v when_o thou_o be_v sick_a yea_o when_o thou_o be_v die_v sure_o desperate_a folly_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o man_n who_o thus_o live_v and_o thus_o think_v to_o die_v alas_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v a_o time_n of_o spend_v not_o of_o get_v it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n to_o gain_v evidence_n for_o heaven_n but_o to_o use_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o they_o alas_o poor_a man_n thou_o shall_v now_o be_v solace_v thy_o soul_n in_o god_n as_o thy_o father_n reconcile_v to_o thou_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o sincere_o though_o not_o without_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n thou_o shall_v now_o be_v able_a to_o say_v thou_o have_v through_o jesus_n christ_n receive_v the_o atonement_n and_o be_v continual_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o thy_o bodily_a pain_n and_o distemper_n and_o carry_v thou_o cheerful_o through_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n so_o as_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v bless_a be_v god_n i_o be_o not_o sick_a for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v i_o this_o shall_v be_v thy_o state_n and_o condition_n upon_o a_o die_a bed_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v thy_o work_n to_o do_v thy_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n to_o make_v when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o sick_a yea_o thy_o deathbed_n oh_o how_o miserable_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v how_o desperate_a be_v thy_o case_n how_o many_o gracious_a soul_n have_v find_v it_o work_n enough_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n to_o attend_v the_o pain_n and_o distemper_n of_o their_o body_n and_o believe_v it_o o_o sinner_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v thou_o will_v find_v it_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o to_o suffer_v and_o be_v sick_a be_v work_n enough_o for_o any_o man_n at_o one_o time_n but_o suppose_v god_n shall_v be_v so_o gracious_a to_o thou_o as_o by_o some_o linger_a and_o gentle_a sickness_n for_o many_o day_n yea_o month_n together_o give_v thou_o warning_n of_o thy_o
approach_a dissolution_n and_o thy_o conscience_n also_o shall_v be_v awaken_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o thou_o some_o serious_a thought_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prepare_v thy_o self_n for_o thy_o departure_n hence_o yet_o since_o thou_o have_v so_o often_o turn_v thy_o back_n upon_o god_n and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v unto_o those_o many_o call_n that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o thy_o self_n by_o consider_v thy_o latter_a end_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o how_o just_o may_v he_o now_o reject_v thou_o at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o death_n though_o thou_o followe_v he_o with_o never_o so_o many_o earnest_a cry_n yea_o and_o tear_n also_o that_o be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a place_n of_o scripture_n oh_o that_o it_o be_v engrave_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o careless_a negligent_a sinner_n proverb_n 1._o from_o 24._o to_o 31._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n what_o then_o o_o dreadful_a o_o soul_n confound_a word_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o well_o but_o what_o follow_v upon_o this_o will_v not_o god_n be_v entreat_v can_v prayer_n and_o cry_n do_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n no_o for_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n what_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o this_o why_o that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o next_o word_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v these_o line_n if_o through_o thy_o carelessness_n this_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v thy_o case_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n i_o have_v only_o this_o doleful_a word_n to_o leave_v with_o thou_o for_o thy_o serious_a thought_n and_o meditation_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n i_o wish_v it_o may_v do_v thy_o soul_n good_a this_o state_n that_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v a_o state_n so_o full_a of_o dismal_a anguish_n and_o perplex_v horror_n that_o no_o word_n be_v able_a to_o express_v the_o misery_n of_o it_o moreover_o a_o sickbed_n repentance_n and_o preparation_n for_o thy_o eternal_a state_n be_v very_o questionable_a how_o hard_o a_o matter_n will_v thou_o find_v it_o then_o to_o satisfy_v thy_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o what_o thou_o now_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n alas_o the_o present_a feel_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o future_a expectation_n of_o fiery_a indignation_n in_o hell_n may_v constrain_v thou_o unto_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a relation_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o read_n of_o it_o may_v do_v some_o soul_n good_a which_o once_o i_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o eminent_a godly_a minister_n of_o many_o year_n stand_v in_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v say_v he_o be_v call_v to_o visit_v abundance_n of_o person_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n who_o reflect_v back_o upon_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n have_v profess_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o make_v many_o promise_n what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v live_v if_o god_n will_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o health_n again_o but_o among_o they_o all_o say_v he_o thus_o die_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o one_o that_o can_v give_v i_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n o_o let_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o cut_v thou_o to_o the_o heart_n o_o thou_o slothful_a and_o delay_a sinner_n but_o if_o thou_o shall_v be_v sincere_a then_o in_o thy_o turn_n unto_o god_n and_o thy_o preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o not_o hypocritical_a and_o feign_a and_o god_n shall_v be_v gracious_o entreat_v of_o thou_o in_o this_o last_o and_o great_a hour_n of_o thy_o distress_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o wound_v and_o pierce_v thy_o soul_n to_o consider_v what_o peace_n of_o conscience_n what_o joy_n in_o believe_v what_o comfortable_a testimony_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o have_v lose_v the_o sweetness_n and_o delight_n whereof_o will_v have_v bear_v up_o thy_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n and_o have_v carry_v thou_o triumphant_o through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n so_o that_o thou_o shall_v have_v fear_v no_o evil_n but_o now_o instead_o thereof_o by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o former_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n which_o have_v be_v a_o continual_a trade_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whereby_o god_n have_v be_v dish_n mour_v and_o provoke_v by_o thou_o all_o thy_o day_n he_o now_o appear_v to_o thou_o as_o thy_o dreadful_a enemy_n visit_v thou_o with_o nothing_o but_o terrible_a rebuke_n of_o horror_n and_o wrath_n in_o thy_o conscience_n and_o though_o god_n may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o thy_o soul_n eternal_o and_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o future_a happiness_n may_v be_v sure_a and_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o thy_o passage_n to_o it_o may_v be_v very_o uncomfortable_a insomuch_o that_o as_o to_o thy_o sense_n and_o feeling_n thou_o be_v but_o leave_v earth_n to_o go_v to_o hell_n god_n bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n be_v by_o the_o gate_n thereof_o but_o though_o delay_n in_o this_o case_n be_v dangerous_a and_o sickbed_n preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n at_o best_a but_o uncomfortable_a yet_o how_o prone_a be_v most_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o their_o preparation_n for_o it_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 7._o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n we_o ought_v indeed_o daily_o to_o familiarize_v death_n to_o our_o soul_n by_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v to_o see_v any_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_a this_o be_v a_o special_a proper_a time_n and_o season_n for_o the_o living_n to_o lay_v death_n to_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a if_o man_n will_v at_o any_o time_n lie_v death_n to_o heart_n sure_o they_o will_v do_v it_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o that_o be_v for_o when_o will_v man_n think_v of_o death_n if_o not_o when_o they_o see_v it_o before_o they_o it_o be_v true_a some_o do_v lay_v death_n to_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o such_o solemnity_n o_o than_o they_o have_v a_o fit_a of_o grief_n upon_o they_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v vent_v their_o passion_n the_o fit_a be_v over_o and_o so_o be_v their_o thought_n of_o death_n with_o it_o and_o though_o solomon_n seem_v to_o promise_v for_o the_o live_n that_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v they_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o there_o that_o they_o be_v grow_v familiar_a with_o death_n but_o in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o the_o frequency_n of_o such_o occasion_n have_v wear_v off_o all_o impression_n of_o mortality_n from_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o now_o they_o can_v go_v to_o the_o grave_a again_o and_o again_o and_o not_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o custom_n and_o formality_n for_o man_n to_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v and_o when_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o funeral_n be_v over_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v over_o with_o they_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v get_v out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o grave_a their_o preparation_n for_o the_o grave_n be_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o holy_a history_n tell_v we_o in_o 2_o sam._n 10.12_o that_o when_o amasa_n be_v slay_v by_o joab_n and_o lay_v wallow_v in_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a way_n every_o one_o that_o come_v by_o stand_v still_o be_v astonish_v to_o behold_v so_o dismal_a a_o spectacle_n but_o afterward_o
improve_v we_o have_v so_o much_o time_n allot_v we_o as_o will_v serve_v to_o do_v our_o real_a business_n in_o and_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o live_v a_o christian_n work_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o encumber_v himself_o with_o many_o thing_n or_o to_o vex_v himself_o about_o the_o accomplish_n of_o great_a design_n for_o the_o world_n to_o get_v a_o great_a estate_n to_o abound_v with_o pleasure_n to_o grow_v great_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o below_o a_o christian_n work_n as_o they_o be_v below_o his_o reward_n and_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o design_a these_o thing_n for_o thyself_o thou_o may_v not_o have_v time_n enough_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o heaven_n may_v be_v get_v in_o that_o time_n that_o the_o world_n can_v thy_o salvation_n may_v be_v wrought_v out_o god_n may_v be_v make_v propitious_a to_o thou_o through_o christ_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o these_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o thou_o and_o secure_v to_o thou_o as_o thy_o portion_n in_o that_o time_n that_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v diligent_a in_o improve_n of_o it_o do_v not_o sigh_v and_o mourn_v therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v number_v no_o more_o day_n do_v not_o murmur_v and_o complain_v at_o the_o shortness_n of_o thy_o life_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v if_o thy_o day_n be_v more_o what_o use_n will_v thou_o make_v of_o thy_o time_n if_o it_o be_v long_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o may_v save_v thy_o soul_n and_o make_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n that_o thou_o desire_v more_o time_n why_o thou_o need_v not_o more_o time_n for_o these_o purpose_n than_o god_n have_v allot_v thou_o already_o thy_o life_n be_v long_o enough_o if_o thou_o do_v use_v it_o aright_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a time_n that_o we_o have_v but_o it_o be_v a_o little_a that_o we_o use_v god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o a_o little_a but_o we_o throw_v away_o much_o our_o portion_n be_v not_o small_a for_o what_o we_o be_v to_o trade_n but_o our_o mispence_n be_v exceed_o great_a god_n be_v not_o niggardly_a and_o spare_v in_o whaâ—_n he_o have_v give_v we_o but_o we_o be_v prodigal_a and_o profuset_a foolish_o waste_v away_o our_o hour_n they_o that_o have_v abundance_n of_o time_n give_v they_o through_o their_o imprudence_n and_o mispence_n be_v utter_o undo_v and_o then_o they_o whine_v like_o beggar_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o time_n whereas_o those_o that_o have_v less_o time_n than_o other_o that_o make_v these_o complaint_n have_v so_o improve_v that_o little_a that_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o let_v god_n call_v for_o they_o when_o he_o please_v if_o now_o upon_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n any_o shall_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o their_o latter_a end_n they_o shall_v find_v such_o benefit_n as_o these_o redound_v to_o their_o soul_n thereby_o first_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o much_o sin_n he_o that_o shall_v serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o i_o must_v short_o die_v how_o soon_o i_o know_v not_o will_v present_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o say_v why_o shall_v i_o commit_v this_o or_o that_o evil_a which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o hasten_v my_o end_n yet_o will_v certain_o make_v it_o more_o uneasy_a and_o uncomfortable_a when_o i_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n and_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o possible_o i_o may_v die_v to_o morrow_n for_o who_o know_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o o_o why_o then_o shall_v i_o venture_v to_o commit_v that_o evil_n to_o day_n which_o will_v be_v as_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o like_o bitterness_n and_o vexation_n to_o my_o soul_n then_o will_v i_o do_v it_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o i_o be_v to_o die_v to_o morrow_n why_o shall_v i_o then_o do_v it_o to_o day_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v live_v till_o to_o morrow_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o may_v prove_v the_o last_o day_n of_o my_o life_n second_o he_o that_o shall_v serious_o consider_v his_o latter_a end_n and_o shall_v diligent_o employ_v himself_o and_o his_o time_n according_o shall_v find_v his_o life_n most_o comfortable_a and_o contentful_a and_o his_o death_n most_o easy_a and_o peaceable_a as_o for_o the_o contentment_n of_o life_n if_o you_o look_v abroad_o among_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o condition_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o that_o man_n who_o by_o his_o industry_n have_v get_v to_o be_v aforehand_o in_o the_o world_n have_v much_o more_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o his_o life_n than_o he_o that_o be_v behindhand_o or_o go_v back_o and_o be_v continual_o struggle_v with_o necessity_n and_o want_n so_o be_v it_o in_o spiritual_n also_o he_o that_o have_v be_v wise_a in_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o for_o the_o get_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v do_v thus_o a_o great_a part_n yea_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n be_v do_v he_o be_v prepare_v in_o some_o measure_n for_o all_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v dispense_v to_o he_o be_v it_o sickness_n or_o health_n be_v it_o life_n or_o death_n for_o he_o be_v aforehand_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o his_o everlasting_a concern_v so_o that_o if_o god_n lengthen_v out_o his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n he_o carry_v on_o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n unto_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n not_o only_o without_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n but_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n or_o if_o god_n see_v good_a to_o cut_v short_a his_o day_n and_o call_v he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o talent_n his_o great_a business_n be_v not_o now_o to_o go_v about_o but_o his_o account_n be_v ready_a and_o he_o in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o o_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o master_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o frequent_a consider_v our_o latter_a end_n bring_v ease_n and_o peace_n in_o death_n it_o abate_v if_o not_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o it_o death_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n and_o many_o time_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n itself_o now_o that_o which_o make_v death_n thus_o terrible_a to_o we_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n just_o deserve_v thereby_o this_o give_v death_n its_o sting_n and_o terror_n now_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n by_o act_n of_o repentance_n for_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n by_o faith_n he_o remove_v both_o the_o sting_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n at_o once_o for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n who_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o make_v it_o familiar_a to_o he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n that_o can_v hurt_v he_o neither_o for_o where_o sin_n be_v true_o repent_v of_o it_o be_v real_o pardon_v and_o sin_n be_v pardon_v the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o hurt_v and_o wound_n other_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o other_o be_v hold_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n all_o their_o life_n and_o feel_v the_o deadly_a sting_n of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o fear_v not_o either_o the_o suddenness_n of_o its_o approach_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o its_o sting_n now_o die_v be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a concernment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v full_a of_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v set_v straight_o and_o right_o between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n such_o person_n be_v no_o small_a proficient_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o 〈…〉_o chap._n iii_o the_o state_n of_o man_n consider_v under_o death_n what_o it_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o death_n with_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v prepare_v for_o it_o die_v be_v a_o important_a
for_o friend_n to_o be_v part_v never_o to_o see_v the_o face_n of_o one_o another_o again_o this_o be_v sad_a and_o therefore_o when_o st._n paul_n be_v take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o macedonia_n in_o act_n 20.38_o it_o be_v say_v they_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o sorrow_v most_o for_o the_o word_n that_o he_o speak_v that_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n again_o no_o more_o but_o it_o be_v sad_a for_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o be_v disunite_v david_n find_v it_o so_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o so_o passionate_o for_o his_o son_n 2_o sam._n 18.33_o o_o absalon_n my_o son_n my_o son_n will_v god_n i_o have_v die_v for_o thou_o o_o absalon_n my_o son_n my_o son_n it_o be_v yet_o more_o sad_a to_o have_v a_o dis-union_n make_v between_o a_o man_n and_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o bosom_n when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o with_o a_o stroke_n the_o desire_n of_o his_o eye_n one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o meet_a and_o fit_a yoke-fellow_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o eye_n can_v refrain_v from_o weep_v or_o their_o heart_n from_o bleed_v under_o such_o a_o sad_a stroke_n of_o providence_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o dis-union_n that_o come_v near_a than_o all_o these_o and_o that_o be_v a_o dis-union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n those_o two_o old_a sweet_a intimate_v companion_n bear_v together_o into_o the_o world_n and_o who_o have_v live_v in_o sweet_a society_n together_o all_o their_o day_n for_o death_n to_o come_v and_o make_v a_o dissolution_n between_o two_o so_o near_o and_o so_o dear_a together_o by_o a_o violent_a rend_n and_o tear_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n asunder_o oh_o this_o be_v exceed_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a indeed_o and_o that_o which_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o work_n of_o die_v hard_a and_o difficult_a three_o death_n be_v a_o destruction_n so_o david_n call_v it_o psal_n 90.3_o thou_o turn_v man_n to_o destruction_n that_o excellent_a frame_n of_o man_n body_n which_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o with_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n psal_n 139.14_o 15._o sickness_n will_v not_o only_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o make_v the_o beauty_n of_o it_o to_o consume_v like_o a_o moth_n but_o death_n will_v demolish_v and_o pull_v it_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n turn_v it_o into_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n yea_o into_o dust_n itself_o utter_o destroy_v it_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o more_o until_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n death_n now_o be_v so_o destructive_a a_o thing_n unto_o man_n that_o nothing_o will_v content_v it_o less_o than_o his_o annihilation_n in_o the_o grave_a die_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n second_o die_v be_v a_o important_a difficult_a work_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o death_n do_v now_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v by_o open_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o death_n occasion_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n to_o assault_v we_o second_o it_o awaken_v conscience_n against_o we_o first_o death_n occasion_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n to_o assault_v we_o most_o fierce_o now_o these_o enemy_n be_v two_o sin_n and_o satan_n first_o sin_n when_o do_v the_o guilty_a prisoner_n crime_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o when_o he_o have_v a_o summons_n to_o appear_v before_o his_o judge_n and_o when_o do_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o when_o death_n have_v he_o under_o his_o arrest_n to_o carry_v he_o before_o god_n the_o great_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n multitude_n of_o sin_n that_o before_o lay_v hide_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o forget_v now_o show_v themselves_o and_o come_v fresh_a into_o a_o sinner_n mind_n as_o so_o many_o witness_n against_o he_o which_o upon_o the_o review_n he_o can_v but_o remember_v though_o former_o he_o have_v forget_v they_o oh_o what_o a_o number_n of_o horrid_a wickedness_n do_v now_o haunt_v his_o thought_n with_o dismal_a apprehension_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o death_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o like_a so_o many_o frightful_a ghost_n scare_v and_o terrify_v his_o soul_n well_o may_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n say_v then_o unto_o death_n have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n be_v thou_o come_v o_o death_n to_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o to_o slay_v my_o soul_n second_o the_o devil_n will_v then_o be_v very_o fierce_a and_o furious_a in_o his_o assault_n his_o time_n now_o be_v but_o short_a and_o therefore_o his_o rage_n be_v great_a this_o be_v his_o hour_n yea_o his_o last_o hour_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n be_v now_o most_o put_v forth_o he_o know_v he_o have_v but_o a_o few_o hour_n more_o to_o wait_v and_o if_o he_o can_v but_o keep_v the_o sinner_n so_o long_o he_o be_v then_o his_o for_o ever_o assure_v thyself_o therefore_o o_o sinner_n he_o will_v be_v diligent_a in_o watch_v thy_o sickbed_n both_o by_o night_n and_o by_o day_n and_o if_o all_o the_o power_n or_o policy_n of_o hell_n can_v prevent_v it_o neither_o cordial_n shall_v benefit_v thy_o body_n nor_o counsel_n and_o advice_n profit_v thy_o soul_n the_o devil_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o because_o he_o be_v miserable_a himself_o he_o therefore_o labour_v that_o all_o other_o may_v be_v as_o miserable_a as_o he_o be_v now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o express_v his_o enmity_n against_o soul_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o eternal_a life_n be_v these_o sometime_o by_o obstruct_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o he_o work_v with_o all_o his_o might_n by_o all_o his_o wiles_n and_o device_n that_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v man_n unto_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v not_o set_v their_o face_n towards_o heaven_n much_o more_o that_o they_o may_v not_o with_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o soul_n seek_v to_o obtain_v it_o it_o be_v true_a god_n always_o have_v the_o devil_n in_o a_o chain_n and_o can_v if_o he_o please_v restrain_v and_o hinder_v he_o in_o all_o his_o malicious_a attempt_n against_o his_o child_n and_o many_o time_n he_o do_v manifest_v his_o power_n and_o grace_n towards_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n by_o curb_v in_o the_o malice_n of_o that_o evil_a one_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o trouble_v and_o molest_v they_o in_o their_o passage_n into_o heaven_n but_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v then_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o show_v his_o malice_n against_o his_o people_n and_o then_o how_o fierce_o and_o furious_o do_v he_o make_v his_o assault_n upon_o they_o then_o it_o be_v they_o meet_v with_o the_o sore_a trial_n and_o because_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v upon_o they_o former_o as_o a_o tempter_n now_o he_o turn_v to_o be_v their_o accuser_n charge_v all_o their_o sin_n upon_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o bloody_a aggravation_n of_o they_o upbraid_v they_o with_o all_o their_o profession_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o hypocrite_n in_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v this_o god_n sometime_o permit_v he_o to_o do_v that_o their_o grace_n be_v exercise_v the_o trial_n thereof_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v be_v find_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o devil_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o all_o his_o temptation_n for_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o strength_n of_o christ_n they_o overcome_v he_o in_o all_o his_o accusation_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o they_o go_v not_o only_o quiet_o but_o sometime_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o glory_n second_o death_n awaken_v conscience_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v to_o lull_v conscience_n asleep_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o quiet_o and_o undisturbed_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o when_o death_n come_v usual_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v awaken_v if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o past_a feel_n &_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n conscience_n have_v its_o time_n and_o season_n of_o stir_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o sometime_o under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n conscience_n begin_v to_o stir_v within_o a_o sinner_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o those_o duty_n that_o have_v be_v lay_v before_o he_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o command_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o obedience_n here_o conscience_n be_v a_o honest_a informer_n sometime_o when_o a_o sinner_n be_v take_v the_o
word_n of_o god_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o fall_v a_o read_n of_o it_o where_o he_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n which_o possible_o through_o ignorance_n or_o heedlessness_n he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o before_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n conscience_n at_o such_o a_o time_n take_v part_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o its_o admonition_n help_v forward_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o obediential_a conformity_n thereunto_o here_o now_o conscience_n be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n at_o another_o time_n when_o a_o sinner_n have_v not_o only_o through_o carelessness_n but_o through_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n fall_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o horrid_a sin_n possible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o friend_n come_v to_o he_o and_o deal_v plain_o and_o free_o with_o he_o by_o reprove_v he_o sharp_o and_o severe_o for_o his_o sin_n conscience_n now_o join_v in_o with_o the_o reproof_n and_o become_v as_o true_a a_o friend_n unto_o the_o sinner_n as_o any_o he_o have_v if_o he_o will_v but_o hearken_v unto_o he_o here_o now_o conscience_n thunder_v out_o both_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o gospel_n tell_v the_o sinner_n that_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n nay_o that_o they_o deserve_v hell_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n sake_n say_v conscience_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n conscience_n here_o now_o show_v itself_o a_o exact_a and_o upright_a reprover_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o office_n that_o conscience_n have_v and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o accuser_n and_o this_o office_n it_o common_o make_v use_v of_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n for_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a before_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o conscience_n at_o such_o a_o time_n upon_o a_o sinner_n be_v most_o quick_a and_o smart_a for_o conscience_n be_v just_a as_o it_o be_v a_o go_v to_o give_v up_o its_o account_n unto_o the_o great_a god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o flesh_n where_o it_o will_v speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n begin_v now_o to_o give_v the_o sinner_n some_o account_n of_o what_o it_o must_v and_o will_v say_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n then_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o conscience_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o so_o severe_a in_o its_o charge_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o will_v let_v nothing_o pass_v that_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sinner_n without_o leave_v some_o sting_a remembrance_n of_o its_o former_a guilt_n even_o such_o as_o be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n itself_o this_o now_o make_v die_v to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a a_o work_n o_o happy_a soul_n be_v they_o who_o at_o such_o a_o time_n have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o accuse_v conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o only_o can_v have_v peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n this_o work_n of_o die_v though_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a a_o work_n yet_o be_v it_o that_o we_o must_v all_o undergo_v for_o death_n be_v continual_o hasten_v towards_o we_o the_o bless_a apostle_n st._n paul_n think_v death_n always_o to_o be_v near_o it_o make_v such_o speed_n to_o he_o that_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o always_o as_o a_o die_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v die_v daily_o 1_o cor._n 15.31_o and_o in_o rom._n 8.36_o for_o thy_o sake_n say_v he_o we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n and_o if_o we_o make_v hezekiah_n reckon_v to_o be_v our_o own_o though_o he_o be_v under_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n when_o he_o say_v it_o but_o we_o be_v in_o health_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o the_o account_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o from_o day_n even_o unto_o night_n say_v he_o thou_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o what_o though_o death_n have_v not_o lay_v his_o cold_a hand_n upon_o we_o by_o some_o mortal_a disease_n yet_o may_v he_o not_o lie_v in_o ambush_n for_o we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o sudden_o time_n have_v wing_n and_o fly_n away_o swift_o from_o we_o and_o true_o death_n do_v not_o creep_v but_o with_o the_o same_o swiftness_n post_v towards_o we_o man_n be_v waste_v and_o consume_v every_o day_n his_o body_n waste_v his_o strength_n waste_v his_o part_n waste_v his_o time_n waste_v yea_o his_o very_a life_n waste_v and_o whither_o tend_v all_o these_o consumption_n and_o wasting_n but_o only_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o death_n neither_o will_v these_o end_n till_o they_o terminate_v in_o man_n dissolution_n but_o though_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v always_o hurry_v on_o unto_o death_n yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v how_o sudden_o themselves_o or_o other_o may_v die_v we_o easy_o and_o slight_o pass_v over_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o the_o suddenness_n of_o its_o approach_n because_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o we_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o think_v we_o shall_v guest_n that_o be_v unwellcome_a to_o we_o we_o either_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o our_o house_n or_o turn_v they_o out_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n either_o of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o possible_a we_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n altogether_o but_o if_o sometime_o they_o will_v thrust_v in_o upon_o we_o we_o turn_v they_o out_o again_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v fill_v our_o thought_n with_o some_o other_o thing_n but_o alas_o this_o will_v not_o do_v always_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n will_v return_v again_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o god_n by_o some_o providence_n may_v be_v will_v awaken_v conscience_n and_o stir_v up_o thought_n of_o death_n in_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o hinder_v they_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o stifle_v they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o we_o for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v of_o or_o regard_v how_o sudden_o other_o do_v and_o our_o self_n may_v die_v till_o by_o some_o sad_a providence_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o sick_a bed_n of_o some_o friend_n who_o death_n have_v bedew_v with_o cold_a sweat_v and_o rack_v with_o convulsim_n so_o that_o he_o lie_v gasp_v and_o die_v before_o we_o till_o our_o eye_n be_v bring_v thus_o to_o affect_v our_o heart_n our_o heart_n be_v seldom_o affect_v as_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o mortality_n now_o as_o death_n come_v sudden_o upon_o many_o so_o common_o it_o come_v violent_o upon_o wicked_a man_n their_o soul_n be_v not_o surrender_v or_o deliver_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rend_v and_o tear_v from_o they_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n a_o wicked_a man_n can_v commend_v his_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v die_v indeed_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o make_v the_o will_n of_o die_a man_n wherein_o the_o person_n that_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n say_v i_o commend_v my_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n because_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o censure_v man_n eternal_a state_n in_o the_o general_n we_o must_v not_o whole_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o few_o that_o say_v those_o word_n do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o and_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v and_o receive_v when_o they_o leave_v their_o body_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n all_o their_o day_n yet_o have_v strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o commend_v their_o soul_n unto_o he_o rely_v upon_o his_o mercy_n for_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v strange_o ignorant_a of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n in_o save_v sinner_n and_o by_o custom_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o they_o be_v become_v insensible_a their_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o asleep_a and_o so_o neither_o their_o sin_n nor_o the_o misery_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o for_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o least_o trouble_v they_o but_o otherwise_o the_o death_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v violent_a he_o do_v not_o resign_v up_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n but_o it_o be_v
force_v from_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n but_o though_o a_o sinner_n death_n be_v violent_a yet_o no_o man_n die_v before_o his_o time_n though_o some_o in_o scripture_n be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v hence_o we_o read_v that_o caution_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n eccles_n 7.17_o be_v not_o wicked_a over_o much_o why_o shall_v thou_o die_v before_o thy_o time_n and_o god_n threaten_v psal_n 55.23_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n and_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o we_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o day_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o return_v this_o short_a answer_n that_o simple_o and_o in_o itself_o consider_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o whole_a tale_n of_o day_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o every_o one_o must_v be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o they_o they_o be_v set_v down_o by_o god_n and_o no_o man_n can_v die_v before_o god_n time_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v die_v before_o his_o time_n that_o be_v before_o he_o be_v prepare_v by_o grace_n or_o before_o he_o be_v ripen_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n such_o expression_n as_o these_o denote_v no_o more_o than_o either_o that_o god_n cut_v they_o off_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o year_n when_o yet_o they_o may_v according_o to_o humane_a probability_n have_v live_v much_o long_o or_o else_o compare_v the_o shortness_n of_o their_o life_n with_o the_o length_n of_o other_o god_n seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o break_v it_o off_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n before_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o and_o be_v death_n the_o lot_n of_o all_o man_n soon_o or_o late_a though_o all_o die_v not_o the_o same_o way_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n nor_o at_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o be_v death_n the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n do_v death_n pass_v upon_o all_o because_o all_o have_v sin_v why_o then_o let_v every_o one_o prepare_v for_o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o the_o goodliness_n thereof_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n which_o soon_o wither_v and_o die_v and_o be_v it_o so_o with_o these_o body_n of_o we_o that_o they_o be_v frail_a and_o die_a the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a then_o shall_v manifest_v itself_o not_o in_o labour_v to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o death_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a nor_o yet_o in_o spend_v too_o much_o time_n in_o daub_v over_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n or_o in_o repair_v and_o prop_v up_o of_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o will_v at_o length_n crumble_v into_o dust_n but_o see_v the_o body_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o will_v turn_v to_o dust_n to_o be_v solicitous_a that_o when_o it_o die_v it_o may_v die_v happy_o and_o comfortable_o christian_n whoever_o thou_o be_v into_o who_o hand_n these_o line_n may_v fall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o a_o message_n from_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n that_o can_v lie_v that_o the_o lease_n of_o thy_o life_n be_v almost_o expire_v and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o departure_n be_v not_o far_o off_o what_o habitation_n have_v thou_o provide_v for_o thy_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o at_o its_o departure_n out_o of_o thy_o body_n take_v up_o its_o dwell_n with_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n for_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v provide_v well_o for_o thy_o wife_n and_o child_n heap_v up_o much_o silver_n and_o gold_n together_o for_o they_o add_v house_n to_o land_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v settle_v thy_o estate_n so_o as_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n and_o quarreling_n when_o thou_o be_v dead_a i_o can_v say_v but_o thou_o have_v do_v well_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o not_o but_o what_o have_v thou_o do_v for_o thy_o soul_n all_o this_o while_n have_v thou_o not_o lay_v out_o much_o more_o care_n and_o pain_n for_o thy_o never_o die_a soul_n than_o thou_o have_v for_o thy_o perish_a body_n if_o not_o let_v i_o say_v unto_o thou_o o_o careless_a sinner_n as_o the_o mariner_n say_v unto_o jonah_n in_o the_o storm_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o drowsy_a stupid_a sinner_n arise_v for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o thy_o soul_n sake_n and_o bestir_v thyself_o look_v about_o thou_o whither_o be_v thou_o go_v what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o be_v not_o eternity_n before_o thou_o and_o must_v not_o thy_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o as_o thy_o preparation_n be_v now_o o_o that_o god_n will_v open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v what_o will_v make_v for_o thy_o eternal_a interest_n before_o death_n open_v they_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o now_o that_o i_o may_v press_v this_o exhortation_n the_o more_o home_n upon_o thy_o conscience_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n for_o thy_o more_o thorough_a conviction_n that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o for_o thy_o interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o death_n first_o consider_v conscience_n will_v then_o be_v very_o busy_a and_o active_a in_o review_v thy_o life_n now_o if_o for_o the_o most_o part_n thereof_o thou_o have_v walk_v upright_o with_o god_n conscience_n will_v then_o give_v thou_o some_o measure_n of_o boldness_n towards_o god_n but_o now_o if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o conscience_n be_v reflect_v back_o upon_o thy_o former_a life_n it_o can_v but_o say_v if_o it_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n as_o usual_o upon_o a_o death_n bed_n it_o do_v i_o have_v be_v consider_v thy_o former_a way_n and_o the_o account_n that_o i_o can_v give_v of_o they_o in_o general_n be_v that_o they_o abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o provocation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v to_o particularize_v they_o will_v be_v endless_a but_o if_o it_o may_v tend_v any_o way_n to_o thy_o repentance_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o remember_v o_o sinner_n for_o i_o do_v how_o long_o god_n have_v lengthen_v out_o thy_o life_n how_o many_o tender_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o thy_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v reject_v how_o many_o year_n of_o sabbath_n have_v thou_o enjoy_v how_o often_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v upon_o thy_o soul_n and_o stir_v up_o holy_a motion_n in_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v resist_v and_o quench_v what_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n wherewith_o god_n will_v have_v draw_v thou_o to_o himself_o have_v thou_o slight_v and_o abuse_v how_o many_o correction_n and_o affliction_n have_v god_n lay_v upon_o thou_o wherewith_o he_o will_v have_v embitter_v sin_n unto_o thy_o soul_n that_o himself_o may_v have_v be_v more_o sweet_a which_o thou_o have_v despise_v and_o grow_v more_o harden_v in_o sin_n under_o how_o have_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v even_o weary_v with_o wait_v upon_o thou_o whilst_o thou_o have_v press_v he_o with_o thy_o sin_n even_o as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v with_o sheaf_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v not_o forbear_v thy_o wicked_a way_n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v the_o particular_a time_n and_o day_n the_o several_a season_n and_o occasion_n wherein_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o thus_o with_o thou_o sure_o say_v conscience_n thou_o can_v not_o forget_v it_o these_o thing_n be_v all_o down_o in_o my_o book_n though_o thou_o think_v i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o now_o a_o go_v to_o open_v this_o book_n to_o show_v it_o to_o thy_o judge_n where_o i_o shall_v justify_v they_o all_o to_o thy_o very_a face_n for_o i_o do_v very_o well_o remember_v every_o one_o of_o they_o o_o that_o for_o thy_o soul_n sake_n i_o can_v say_v i_o do_v as_o well_o remember_v thy_o pray_n thy_o hear_n thy_o read_n thy_o meditation_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o the_o sincerity_n yea_o the_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n of_o thy_o soul_n express_v in_o all_o these_o that_o i_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o thy_o faith_n to_o thy_o humility_n to_o thy_o patience_n and_o self_n denial_n to_o thy_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o the_o daily_a longing_n and_o breathe_v of_o thy_o soul_n after_o the_o be_v rid_v of_o a_o body_n of_o death_n that_o thou_o may_v never_o offend_v god_n any_o more_o but_o i_o can_v say_v these_o thing_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o dare_v not_o now_o flatter_v thou_o and_o tell_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v when_o i_o can_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v it_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o good_a
sweet_a and_o delightful_a be_v no_o better_o than_o bond_n and_o fetter_n unto_o thou_o which_o thou_o will_v fain_o break_v asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o from_o thou_o the_o language_n of_o thy_o carnal_a heart_n be_v this_o though_o the_o sermon_n be_v common_o measure_v by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n yet_o thou_o cry_v when_o will_v the_o glass_n be_v out_o when_o will_v the_o duty_n be_v do_v when_o will_v the_o sabbath_n be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o world_n again_o thou_o think_v prayer_n too_o long_o and_o sermon_n too_o long_o and_o sabbath_n too_o long_o well_o be_v patient_a o_o sinner_n for_o a_o while_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thou_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o long_a painful_a duty_n any_o more_o death_n will_v ease_v thou_o of_o all_o these_o burden_n that_o night_n be_v come_v upon_o thou_o wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o of_o these_o work_v do_v for_o ever_o and_o than_o though_o with_o esau_n thou_o shall_v careful_o seek_v a_o place_n of_o repentance_n with_o tear_n to_o bewall_n thy_o former_a folly_n yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o three_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o unprepared_a sinner_n for_o death_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o than_o iose_v all_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n hope_v it_o be_v the_o anchor_n and_o support_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o strait_n and_o under_o such_o sore_a pressure_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v upon_o but_o faith_n and_o hope_n faith_n believe_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o those_o trouble_v the_o soul_n be_v under_o and_o therefore_o hope_n encourage_v the_o soul_n to_o wait_v patient_o till_o a_o time_n of_o deliverance_n do_v come_v it_o will_v come_v say_v faith_n for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v i_o will_v wait_v therefore_o say_v hope_n and_o my_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o now_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v fail_v and_o disappoint_v he_o at_o death_n for_o indeed_o he_o have_v no_o true_a wellgrounded_n hope_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a hope_n 1_o pet_n 1.3_o but_o this_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o saint_n bless_a be_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o a_o sinner_n hope_n be_v not_o a_o lively_a but_o a_o dead_a hope_n and_o what_o can_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o hope_n be_v but_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n die_v say_v the_o wise_a man_n his_o expectation_n shall_v perish_v prov._n 11.7_o and_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n say_v job_n though_o he_o have_v gain_v when_o god_n take_v away_o his_o soul_n job_n 27.8_o why_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n and_o if_o hope_v defer_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o then_o hope_v frustrate_v especial_o a_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n must_v needs_o kill_v even_o as_o with_o a_o thousand_o death_n four_o a_o unprepared_a sinner_n at_o death_n lose_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o jewel_n that_o its_o worth_n and_o value_n be_v not_o know_v on_o earth_n but_o shall_v be_v full_o know_v in_o hell_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o thou_o o_o sinner_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v include_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o dagger_n at_o thy_o heart_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o will_v make_v thou_o mingle_v thy_o drink_n with_o weep_v and_o embitter_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o whole_a life_n unto_o thou_o in_o matt._n 16.26_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n behold_v here_o o_o sinner_n of_o what_o a_o incomparable_a worth_n and_o value_n thy_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o a_o irreparable_a loss_n it_o be_v if_o thou_o lose_v it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o loss_n as_o there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v balance_v the_o loss_n of_o one_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o two_o eye_n two_o hand_n and_o two_o foot_n and_o if_o thou_o lose_v one_o eye_n thou_o have_v another_o or_o if_o thou_o lose_v one_o limb_n thou_o have_v more_o but_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o but_o one_o soul_n and_o if_o thou_o lose_v that_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o estate_n by_o thy_o diligence_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o thy_o endeavour_n thou_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o yea_o if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o life_n thou_o may_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o it_o for_o thou_o may_v find_v it_o again_o for_o he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n say_v christ_n shall_v find_v it_o how_o so_o shall_v he_o live_v again_o here_o on_o earth_n no_o but_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o with_o infinite_a gain_n and_o advantage_n in_o heaven_n for_o instead_o of_o a_o temporal_a life_n he_o shall_v gain_v a_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o thy_o soul_n o_o sinner_n be_v once_o lose_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o a_o loss_n that_o the_o thought_n thereof_o may_v make_v thy_o hair_n stand_v on_o end_n upon_o thy_o head_n yea_o it_o be_v that_o which_o when_o ever_o thou_o read_v or_o think_v of_o may_v make_v thy_o heart_n to_o ache_v do_v not_o thy_o ear_n tingle_v and_o thy_o loin_n tremble_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o have_v thus_o lay_v down_o some_o quicken_a consideration_n to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o propound_v such_o direction_n as_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v helpful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o preparation_n for_o their_o latter_a end_n now_o the_o general_n direction_n for_o a_o christian_n preparation_n for_o death_n be_v to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n change_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o now_o be_v the_o main_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a without_o which_o he_o be_v no_o real_a christian_n profession_n of_o christianity_n give_v a_o man_n the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o it_o be_v only_a implantation_n into_o christ_n by_o believe_v that_o give_v a_o man_n the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o nature_n all_o man_n be_v stranger_n yea_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o convert_v grace_n to_o change_v our_o heart_n and_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v but_o nominal_o christian_n we_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o we_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o christian_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n be_v that_o which_o make_v life_n comfortable_a death_n easy_a and_o heaven_n sure_a and_o certain_a he_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n may_v live_v joyful_o in_o any_o condition_n if_o he_o know_v but_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o need_v not_o be_v trouble_v let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o whether_o he_o have_v more_o or_o less_o he_o have_v it_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n all_o his_o mercy_n come_v swim_v to_o he_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v content_a yea_o be_v thankful_a and_o rejoice_v know_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o for_o death_n how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o such_o a_o soul_n i_o confess_v death_n be_v very_o terrible_a to_o one_o that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n but_o to_o one_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n death_n be_v his_o friend_n yea_o his_o best_a friend_n next_o to_o christ_n what_o say_v the_o apostle_n of_o such_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o that_o be_v for_o your_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v or_o life_n or_o death_n all_o be_v you_o but_o how_o come_v all_o this_o about_o why_o because_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n death_n therefore_o can_v hurt_v
such_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n lie_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o favour_n unto_o their_o soul_n now_o this_o death_n can_v hinder_v they_o of_o i_o know_v many_o of_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o their_o soul_n in_o death_n but_o their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n be_v dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a god_n love_v they_o though_o they_o know_v it_o not_o yet_o by_o this_o darkness_n and_o uncomfortableness_n which_o death_n bring_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o passage_n through_o it_o death_n be_v but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o heaven_n with_o which_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v to_o all_o eternity_n our_o comfort_n in_o death_n lie_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o so_o do_v not_o our_o happiness_n that_o lie_v in_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o we_o know_v it_o or_o not_o our_o consolation_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n spring_v from_o our_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v we_o and_o we_o be_v his_o but_o our_o safe_o and_o security_n in_o that_o hour_n arise_v from_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n indeed_o our_o ignorance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v may_v prejudice_v our_o present_a peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o death_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v our_o future_a happiness_n after_o death_n they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v always_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n they_o may_v die_v uncomfortable_o indeed_o but_o they_o can_v die_v miserable_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o fall_v by_o death_n into_o the_o grave_a even_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o perish_v not_o with_o other_o death_n may_v kill_v they_o but_o it_o can_v hurt_v they_o he_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n need_v not_o fear_v what_o death_n can_v do_v unto_o he_o true_a and_o thorough_a conversion_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o peace_n and_o safety_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n he_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v impregnable_a the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o behold_v a_o man_n die_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n this_o be_v comfortable_a for_o such_o a_o one_o die_v that_o he_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o change_v only_o a_o temporal_a for_o a_o eternal_a life_n to_o behold_v a_o christless_a person_n but_o not_o in_o a_o die_a condition_n this_o be_v something_o tolerable_a for_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o the_o next_o sermon_n god_n may_v make_v it_o a_o time_n of_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n even_o such_o a_o day_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n towards_o he_o as_o thereby_o save_o to_o draw_v he_o unto_o christ_n but_o to_o behold_v a_o die_a man_n and_o a_o christless_a man_n also_o this_o be_v dreadful_a yea_o even_o intolerable_a for_o such_o a_o one_o die_v from_o earth_n to_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o doleful_a complaint_n and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v startle_v and_o awaken_v some_o secure_a sinner_n to_o look_v after_o christ_n that_o be_v once_o utter_v by_o one_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n be_v just_o a_o die_a oh_o i_o want_v nothing_o now_o but_o a_o christ_n to_o save_o i_o o_o miserable_a state_n and_o condition_n indeed_o for_o in_o have_v he_o the_o soul_n have_v all_o that_o can_v do_v it_o good_a or_o make_v it_o good_a but_o in_o want_v of_o he_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o that_o can_v do_v it_o good_a here_o or_o make_v it_o happy_a hereafter_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a preparation_n for_o death_n this_o now_o be_v the_o general_a direction_n for_o our_o preparation_n for_o death_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o die_v happy_o or_o comfortable_o but_o the_o more_o particular_a direction_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v first_o will_v thou_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n then_o die_v unto_o sin_n by_o daily_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 6.23_o that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v temporal_a and_o eternal_a death_n this_o now_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n for_o lust_n when_o it_o have_v conceive_v bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n but_o be_v there_o no_o way_n to_o escape_v this_o death_n yes_o from_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a death_n there_o be_v a_o deliverance_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 6.13_o that_o if_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n than_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v that_o be_v we_o shall_v live_v spiritual_o and_o not_o die_v eternal_o and_o as_o for_o a_o temporal_a death_n though_o we_o can_v escape_v the_o stroke_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o curse_n and_o sting_n of_o it_o will_v thou_o therefore_o o_o christian_n be_v prepare_v for_o death_n when_o it_o come_v then_o take_v from_o it_o now_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n when_o the_o philistine_n see_v samson_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o they_o they_o labour_v to_o know_v wherein_o his_o great_a strength_n lay_v and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o be_v in_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n they_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o get_v his_o hair_n cut_v off_o every_o christian_a have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n unto_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v death_n assault_v he_o will_v all_o of_o we_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o yea_o and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o if_o now_o we_o will_v overcome_v he_o we_o must_v find_v out_o where_o his_o great_a strength_n lie_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n so_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o cor._n 15.56_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o power_n and_o sting_n of_o every_o man_n particular_a death_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o sin_n death_n can_v hurt_v any_o of_o we_o but_o by_o that_o power_n and_o strength_n that_o our_o sin_n put_v into_o its_o hand_n christian_n the_o way_n how_o thou_o may_v overcome_v thy_o enemy_n death_n be_v set_v open_a to_o thou_o his_o strength_n be_v discover_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o advantage_n against_o he_o to_o weaken_v he_o and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o strength_n and_o that_o be_v by_o die_v unto_o sin_n this_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o death_n yield_v not_o therefore_o at_o any_o time_n to_o its_o solicitation_n for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o make_v death_n the_o more_o strong_a and_o powerful_a to_o wound_v thy_o soul_n and_o conscience_n when_o therefore_o thou_o be_v tempt_v unto_o any_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a yet_o before_o thou_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n say_v to_o thy_o self_n o_o my_o soul_n how_o will_v this_o relish_n with_o i_o when_o i_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n and_o my_o soul_n sit_v tremble_v upon_o my_o lip_n ready_a to_o take_v its_o flight_n unto_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n what_o peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v it_o procure_v to_o my_o conscience_n then_o will_v not_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o prove_v more_o bitter_a than_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o the_o grate_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n more_o sting_a and_o torment_v to_o the_o soul_n than_o a_o thousand_o death_n can_v possible_o be_v will_v thou_o not_o have_v death_n bitter_a then_o let_v not_o sin_n be_v sweet_a now_o part_v with_o sin_n betimes_o get_v that_o remove_v that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o a_o deathbed_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o that_o be_v sin_n make_v it_o your_o daily_a business_n to_o be_v die_v unto_o sin_n now_o this_o die_a unto_o sin_n imply_v our_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o daily_a mortification_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sin_n do_v not_o reign_v and_o that_o be_v comfortable_a to_o consider_v sin_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n have_v receive_v such_o a_o wound_n as_o be_v incurable_a but_o yet_o wherever_o sin_n be_v in_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v not_o use_v to_o lie_v dormant_a but_o where_o it_o can_v reign_v it_o will_v molest_v and_o struggle_v yea_o and_o it_o
may_v be_v prevail_v to_o a_o victory_n sometime_o even_o over_o those_o over_o who_o it_o shall_v never_o prevail_v unto_o condemnation_n this_o now_o call_v for_o a_o constant_a work_n of_o mortification_n every_o day_n there_o be_v corrupt_a inclination_n and_o propension_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o sinful_a thought_n to_o be_v contend_v with_o evil_a motion_n to_o be_v suppress_v and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a habis_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n receive_v in_o our_o first_o conversion_n without_o the_o vigorous_a and_o constant_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mortification_n that_o will_v overcome_v all_o these_o though_o regeneration_n have_v give_v sin_n its_o death_n wound_n yet_o mortification_n must_v daily_o weaken_v and_o subdue_v its_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o according_a as_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v successful_a in_o the_o soul_n so_o will_v be_v our_o peace_n and_o purity_n in_o life_n and_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o death_n second_o keep_v conscience_n clear_a that_o it_o may_v not_o have_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n to_o charge_v you_o withal_o now_o conscience_n may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v clear_a when_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o when_o it_o be_v a_o peaceable_a conscience_n that_o be_v peaceable_a must_v be_v pure_a and_o a_o pure_a conscience_n usual_o be_v a_o peaceable_a conscience_n when_o conscience_n be_v free_a from_o all_o know_a and_o wilful_a defilement_n and_o not_o just_o burden_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n then_o be_v conscience_n clear_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a do_v not_o wound_v conscience_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o have_v a_o care_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o be_v not_o watchful_a to_o avoid_v sin_n can_v have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v surround_v about_o with_o infirmity_n and_o oppress_v with_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o to_o keep_v our_o self_n free_a and_o unspotted_a from_o all_o sin_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o those_o sin_n now_o that_o be_v sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o small_a sin_n and_o so_o hardly_o discernible_a many_o time_n by_o ourselves_o nor_o other_o so_o they_o do_v not_o break_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n nor_o obscure_v the_o clearness_n of_o our_o conscience_n but_o they_o be_v know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n that_o waste_v and_o wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o sin_v thus_o can_v never_o have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n nor_o be_v in_o a_o prepare_a state_n for_o death_n for_o how_o can_v conscience_n speak_v peace_n unto_o the_o soul_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n upon_o it_o if_o you_o wound_v conscience_n by_o sin_n now_o conscience_n will_v wound_v you_o for_o sin_n hereafter_o any_o know_a sin_n commit_v against_o conscience_n will_n exceed_o discompose_v and_o trouble_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n reader_n do_v thy_o conscience_n reprove_v thou_o for_o live_v in_o any_o sinful_a way_n or_o for_o be_v careless_a and_o remiss_a in_o look_v after_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n hearken_v unto_o conscience_n now_o that_o conscience_n may_v hearken_v unto_o you_o another_o day_n o_o sinner_n when_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n and_o begin_v to_o examine_v thy_o conscience_n how_o thing_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o how_o it_o be_v like_a to_o go_v with_o thou_o for_o ever_o thou_o will_v then_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v conscience_n give_v thou_o a_o comfortable_a answer_n and_o say_v all_o be_v well_o and_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o thou_o to_o eternity_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o follow_v my_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n that_o from_o the_o great_a god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n i_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o and_o now_o i_o will_v be_v as_o faithful_a in_o declare_v to_o thou_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n 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himself_o from_o god_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n and_o who_o of_o we_o be_v there_o but_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o by_o himself_o what_o slavish_a fear_n what_o dejection_n and_o sink_v in_o our_o spirit_n do_v seize_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o duty_n after_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o by_o some_o know_a sin_n with_o what_o doubt_n with_o what_o fear_n and_o misgive_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o god_n shall_v take_v any_o notice_n that_o we_o be_v before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o continual_a pain_n while_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n yet_o we_o will_v willing_o enough_o that_o the_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o over_o and_o if_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o duty_n with_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o contend_v with_o death_n with_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n if_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a unto_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o know_a sin_n commit_v by_o it_o and_o not_o pardon_v to_o it_o that_o it_o make_v it_o quake_v and_o tremble_v to_o come_v before_o he_o what_o then_o will_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o death_n and_o judgement_n when_o conscience_n shall_v be_v awaken_v to_o make_v terrible_a reflection_n not_o upon_o a_o particular_a sin_n but_o upon_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n if_o not_o repent_v of_o oh_o with_o what_o horror_n and_o amazement_n with_o what_o consternation_n and_o confusion_n must_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v fill_v withal_o but_o now_o he_o who_o conscience_n be_v clear_a oh_o how_o do_v he_o rejoice_v to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n how_o glad_a be_v he_o to_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n speak_v with_o what_o delight_n do_v his_o soul_n hasten_v unto_o god_n in_o duty_n that_o it_o may_v taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v that_o it_o may_v see_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o as_o it_o have_v sometime_o do_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n o_o with_o what_o peace_n and_o contentment_n of_o mind_n shall_v i_o say_v alas_o these_o be_v expression_n of_o too_o low_a and_o too_o mean_v a_o signification_n to_o represent_v the_o working_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n towards_o god_n rather_o with_o what_o joy_n and_o rejoy_n with_o what_o triumph_n and_o exultation_n do_v such_o a_o soul_n make_v its_o abode_n and_o stay_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n where_o it_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a smile_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o sit_v under_o the_o delightful_a banner_n of_o his_o love_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o christian_a in_o duty_n that_o have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o he_o in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n continue_v to_o keep_v its_o clearness_n and_o inoffensiveness_n in_o a_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n daily_o it_o can_v be_v bad_a or_o ill_o with_o such_o a_o soul_n at_o death_n a_o conscience_n keep_v clean_a and_o pure_a in_o life_n will_v be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a in_o death_n nay_o let_v i_o say_v more_o he_o who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o care_n and_o business_n to_o walk_v continual_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o inoffensive_a conscience_n in_o his_o life_n shall_v certain_o have_v much_o boldness_n yea_o and_o usual_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o death_n and_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v and_o will_v labour_v to_o disturb_v such_o a_o soul_n peace_n and_o comfort_n then_o yet_o a_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o what_o conscience_n do_v in_o god_n name_n on_o good_a ground_n upon_o a_o death_n bed_n god_n will_v confirm_v and_o enlarge_v
heaven_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o when_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v into_o dust_n that_o he_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n which_o death_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n death_n can_v do_v he_o he_o that_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o this_o be_v can_v but_o welcome_a death_n and_o embrace_v it_o not_o only_o with_o contentment_n but_o with_o delight_n and_o joy_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v struggle_v and_o strive_v to_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o body_n with_o what_o holy_a long_v and_o vehemency_n of_o desire_n will_v he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o chap._n iu._n of_o willingness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v difference_n between_o christian_n in_o reference_n unto_o death_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v and_o in_o what_o not_o a_o willingness_n to_o die_n may_v be_v even_o in_o wicked_a man_n and_o sometime_o they_o may_v die_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o though_o death_n be_v never_o comfortable_a and_o happy_a to_o they_o in_o the_o best_a there_o may_v be_v a_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v though_o a_o saint_n as_o a_o saint_n be_v always_o desirous_a of_o death_n reason_n that_o shall_v encourage_v the_o people_n of_o god_n always_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v believer_n shall_v not_o only_o desire_v to_o die_v but_o they_o shall_v long_o for_o death_n death_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o desirable_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v nature_n not_o only_o shun_v but_o abhor_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o nature_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o which_o seek_v its_o annihilation_n and_o destruction_n as_o death_n do_v and_o according_o as_o these_o fear_n be_v either_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v by_o sin_n and_o gild_n or_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v by_o grace_n so_o be_v we_o more_o or_o less_o incline_v towards_o or_o averse_a from_o death_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o argue_v no_o small_a attainment_n in_o grace_n when_o we_o do_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o yet_o sometime_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_n be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o be_v a_o frame_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v always_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v but_o yet_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v when_o either_o the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o finish_v or_o when_o his_o life_n may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a we_o may_v see_v this_o truth_n both_o in_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n in_o david_n in_o psal_n 6.4_o 5._o deliver_v my_o soul_n o_o lord_n spare_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy-sake_n for_o in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o david_n at_o this_o time_n be_v trouble_v in_o mind_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o so_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o psalm_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v spare_v and_o so_o hezekiah_n isai_n 38.2_o pray_v for_o a_o long_a time_n of_o life_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o for_o this_o as_o one_o because_o have_v begin_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v that_o he_o may_v carry_v it_o on_o far_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n a_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v not_o only_o as_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o die_v so_o willing_o yet_o die_v prepare_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o and_o willing_o die_v most_o comfortable_o but_o yet_o he_o that_o die_v prepare_o die_v safe_o and_o happy_o in_o reference_n unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o nominal_a christian_n and_o real_a christian_n and_o also_o between_o one_o true_a christian_a and_o another_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o reference_n unto_o death_n between_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o true_o so_o some_o there_o be_v who_o conscience_n be_v so_o awaken_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n set_v their_o sin_n before_o their_o face_n with_o such_o horrible_a bloody_a circumstance_n and_o withal_o represent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o hell_n as_o due_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o horror_n and_o despair_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v and_o feel_v a_o hell_n in_o their_o conscience_n here_o they_o die_v under_o desperation_n of_o ever_o escape_v hell_n hereafter_o or_o of_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o judas_n who_o under_o horror_n of_o conscience_n despair_v of_o mercy_n endeavour_n to_o ease_v his_o conscience_n by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o be_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n other_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o will_v be_v call_v christian_n yet_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o but_o yet_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o confident_a in_o death_n that_o heaven_n be_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o already_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o in_o luke_n 13.25_o who_o have_v such_o strong_a presumption_n of_o heaven_n that_o with_o a_o confident_a boldness_n they_o knock_v at_o heaven_n gate_n cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v but_o only_o the_o open_n of_o the_o door_n and_o let_v they_o into_o heaven_n but_o you_o know_v what_o answer_v our_o lord_n return_v they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n both_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o despair_a sinner_n and_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n be_v alike_o miserable_a in_o their_o death_n though_o they_o differ_v vast_o from_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n for_o they_o die_v neither_o happy_o nor_o comfortable_o for_o they_o die_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o which_o no_o true_a christian_n do_v and_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_n differ_v in_o their_o death_n so_o also_o do_v true_a and_o real_a christian_n differ_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o die_a some_o when_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n god_n be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n from_o they_o and_o in_o their_o apprehension_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v cast_v they_o off_o and_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o no_o more_o and_o though_o their_o life_n draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o grave_a yet_o their_o soul_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v forsake_v they_o their_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v in_o a_o cloud_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o dismal_a darkness_n they_o die_v not_o know_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o their_o soul_n for_o ever_o which_o yet_o go_v safe_o to_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v some_o again_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n yet_o be_v weak_a christian_n though_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o in_o that_o growth_n and_o strength_n that_o some_o have_v their_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a in_o faith_n they_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n but_o not_o with_o that_o fervour_n and_o ardour_n that_o some_o do_v they_o have_v a_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o operative_a such_o christian_n as_o these_o now_o though_o they_o take_v death_n patient_o yet_o they_o will_v willing_o live_v they_o go_v indeed_o when_o god_n by_o death_n call_v for_o they_o but_o they_o can_v wish_v that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o stay_v for_o they_o a_o little_a long_o they_o have_v some_o good_a hope_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v but_o they_o desire_v a_o little_a
a_o help_n or_o blessing_n to_o the_o public_a and_o though_o he_o belong_v to_o die_v for_o himself_o know_v it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o his_o advantage_n because_o when_o he_o depart_v hence_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a yet_o he_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o for_o he_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v and_o will_v be_v more_o needful_a for_o other_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o defer_v our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o other_o benefit_v by_o we_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o christian_n second_o positive_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o some_o case_n to_o desire_v death_n and_o thus_o none_o but_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v true_o desire_v to_o die_v now_o there_o be_v three_o case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o desire_v death_n first_o when_o god_n bring_v a_o christian_a into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v god_n more_o honour_n and_o glory_n by_o his_o death_n than_o by_o his_o life_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o samson_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n the_o philistine_n have_v bring_v he_o into_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n though_o partly_o through_o his_o own_o sin_n yet_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o know_v that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v destroy_v many_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n he_o beg_v strength_n from_o he_o thereunto_o which_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n grant_v he_o for_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n and_o so_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n upon_o himself_o and_o upon_o the_o philistine_n slay_v thereby_o more_o at_o his_o death_n than_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o life_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n who_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o desirous_a to_o die_v know_v that_o their_o death_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o their_o blood_n second_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o offend_v of_o god_n sin_n be_v a_o miserable_a thraldom_n and_o bondage_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o nature_n within_o he_o that_o be_v continual_o incline_v he_o unto_o and_o put_v he_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a and_o provoke_a unto_o god_n be_v that_o which_o a_o holy_a soul_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o bear_v oh_o to_o find_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n always_o war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v his_o life_n burdensome_a to_o he_o this_o i_o know_v work_n little_a upon_o wicked_a man_n for_o when_o they_o be_v act_v of_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o their_o element_n but_o to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n unto_o who_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o david_n speak_v be_v better_a than_o life_n to_o such_o a_o one_o a_o sinful_a impure_a nature_n whereby_o he_o offend_v and_o displease_v god_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v continual_o make_v out_o after_o that_o state_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o sin_n while_o he_o be_v here_o he_o know_v he_o can_v be_v free_a from_o all_o sin_n but_o yet_o he_o follow_v after_o it_o if_o he_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o he_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v arrive_v to_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v but_o sin_n whilst_o he_o be_v here_o and_o that_o die_v only_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o sin_v therefore_o he_o belong_v for_o death_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o end_n of_o sin_v three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o that_o holy_a agony_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o death_n now_o that_o which_o we_o love_v we_o wish_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o consequent_o we_o desire_v to_o use_v those_o mean_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o our_o lord_n himself_o in_o joh._n 17._o pray_v for_o all_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v where_o he_o be_v that_o they_o may_v behold_v and_o enjoy_v his_o glory_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v by_o which_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n also_o and_o indeed_o true_a love_n unto_o christ_n will_v put_v we_o upon_o desire_v to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a love_n always_o to_o manifest_v a_o ardent_a and_o strong_a desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o belove_a object_n if_o now_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o if_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o any_o duty_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n in_o the_o 42_o psalm_n as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v athirst_a for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o power_n and_o his_o glory_n so_o as_o he_o have_v see_v he_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n if_o a_o christian_a now_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o sin_n and_o pollution_n go_v along_o with_o they_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v he_o not_o much_o more_o than_o desire_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o all_o sinful_a mixture_n that_o here_o be_v a_o continual_a grief_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o a_o just_a provocation_n to_o a_o holy_a god_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o face_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o delight_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o who_o presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o or_o to_o desire_v death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o glory_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o must_v take_v in_o these_o caution_n that_o for_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n we_o must_v still_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o wish_v for_o death_n when_o we_o may_v thereby_o glorify_v god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o absolute_o wish_v for_o death_n so_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o treacherous_a and_o may_v easy_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o deceive_v we_o herein_o and_o though_o to_o wish_v for_o death_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_v from_o sin_n be_v a_o holy_a wish_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o wish_v that_o absolute_o neither_o but_o must_v herein_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n how_o long_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o conflict_n with_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n bear_v about_o with_o we_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a wish_n to_o desire_v to_o die_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o
the_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v then_o a_o tolerable_a evil_n but_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v death_n as_o a_o punishment_n for_o sin_n as_o that_o which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o unchangeable_a estate_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a indeed_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o enemy_n we_o may_v become_v friend_n but_o when_o death_n have_v once_o seize_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a our_o state_n shall_v then_o be_v change_v we_o can_v now_o say_v of_o the_o vile_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o he_o we_o must_v not_o write_v desperation_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o state_n than_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o for_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o death_n leave_v man_n so_o judgement_n will_v find_v they_o and_o this_o judgement_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conclusive_a and_o never_o to_o be_v repeal_v hence_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o take_v the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n one_o who_o custom_n in_o sin_v have_v make_v past_a feel_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v if_o conscience_n be_v but_o awaken_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n without_o great_a fear_n and_o horror_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o sight_n so_o amaze_a and_o confound_v that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v make_v unto_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o believer_n shall_v bear_v up_o under_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n then_o speak_v peace_n and_o so_o believer_n be_v not_o only_o support_v but_o carry_v comfortable_o unto_o heaven_n through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n death_n be_v thus_o terrible_a now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n unto_o man._n a_o enemy_n now_o be_v one_o that_o when_o he_o come_v against_o we_o always_o come_v arm_v to_o do_v we_o a_o mischief_n such_o a_o enemy_n now_o be_v death_n for_o ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n death_n have_v be_v arm_v with_o a_o deadly_a sting_n now_o this_o sting_n of_o death_n whereby_o it_o become_v hurtful_a unto_o man_n be_v sin_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n now_o this_o sting_n reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o body_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n also_o as_o to_o the_o body_n it_o take_v away_o all_o those_o contentment_n and_o comfort_n wherewith_o it_o be_v here_o refresh_v and_o delight_v death_n rend_v the_o husband_n from_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n from_o the_o husband_n it_o divide_v child_n from_o their_o parent_n and_o parent_n from_o their_o child_n death_n spoil_v we_o of_o whatsoever_o be_v desirable_a in_o this_o life_n strip_v a_o man_n of_o all_o and_o turn_v he_o naked_a out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o death_n not_o only_o bereave_v we_o of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a here_o but_o it_o bring_v many_o evil_n along_o with_o it_o sickness_n pain_n on_o the_o body_n grief_n and_o anguish_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o terrible_a enemy_n to_o wrestle_v and_o contend_v withal_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n sweat_n and_o bleed_v no_o man_n can_v encounter_n with_o death_n but_o he_o shall_v feel_v great_a anxiety_n and_o vexation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n unless_o he_o have_v strength_n from_o above_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o contest_v death_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o furious_a a_o enemy_n unto_o sinner_n that_o it_o will_v not_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v pull_v the_o body_n down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o drag_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o tribunal_n into_o the_o torment_n of_o eternal_a fire_n where_o the_o first_o death_n terminate_v in_o the_o second_o death_n and_o the_o torment_n exceed_v not_o only_o all_o our_o expression_n but_o all_o our_o apprehension_n also_o where_o death_n that_o be_v now_o such_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n will_v there_o be_v count_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n for_o there_o they_o shall_v seek_v death_n but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o but_o more_o particular_o the_o enmity_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n do_v much_o abate_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a every_o believer_n be_v one_o that_o love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o look_n upon_o heaven_n as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v his_o dwell_a place_n for_o ever_o and_o according_o sincere_o desire_n and_o belong_v after_o it_o and_o in_o his_o daily_a conversation_n walk_v with_o his_o face_n thitherwards_o but_o when_o he_o see_v death_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n between_o he_o and_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n for_o he_o to_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n but_o he_o must_v pass_v through_o that_o dark_a valley_n this_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o make_v his_o desire_n weak_a and_o low_a the_o best_a christian_n i_o believe_v have_v sometime_o feel_v such_o working_n as_o these_o within_o their_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o regenerate_v part_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctify_a affection_n will_v be_v soar_v upward_o towards_o god_n and_o heaven_n in_o who_o presence_n the_o soul_n will_v fain_o be_v but_o see_v death_n stand_v in_o its_o way_n how_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a soul_n keep_v down_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o and_o he_o turn_v back_o as_o one_o that_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o his_o father_n presence_n where_o be_v the_o christian_n the_o eye_n of_o who_o faith_n be_v so_o steady_o fix_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n who_o soul_n be_v sometime_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a yet_o withal_o when_o he_o see_v the_o rude_a hand_n of_o death_n stretch_v out_o to_o undress_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o but_o by_o first_o suffer_v a_o dissolution_n and_o lay_v down_o of_o his_o earthly_a tabernacle_n in_o the_o grave_a though_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v he_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v yet_o see_v this_o dismal_a enemy_n death_n in_o the_o way_n do_v not_o shrink_v back_o and_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a enemy_n be_v this_o and_o what_o dreadful_a enmity_n do_v it_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o obstruct_v our_o desire_n though_o after_o god_n and_o heaven_n cause_v we_o to_o run_v from_o god_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o we_o true_o and_o dear_o love_v he_o happy_a soul_n be_v they_o in_o who_o faith_n and_o love_n work_v so_o powerful_o as_o to_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v these_o fear_n second_o if_o death_n as_o a_o enemy_n prevail_v so_o as_o to_o abate_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o endanger_v our_o fall_n in_o love_n with_o this_o present_a world_n and_o so_o make_v we_o miserable_a by_o cause_v we_o to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n take_v a_o christian_a who_o desire_n after_o heaven_n be_v weak_a though_o true_a because_o blunt_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o frightful_a difficulty_n that_o must_v be_v go_v through_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o how_o apt_a be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o take_v up_o with_o those_o delightful_a pleasure_n that_o may_v be_v have_v here_o without_o such_o dangerous_a adventure_n but_o now_o if_o that_o which_o darken_v the_o bless_a vision_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o unspeakable_a happiness_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n there_o and_o which_o also_o deaden_v our_o desire_n after_o this_o blessedness_n be_v once_o remove_v which_o usual_o be_v the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o death_n with_o what_o ease_n can_v such_o a_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n despise_v all_o the_o trifle_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n as_o thing_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v regard_v three_o the_o enmity_n of_o death_n manifest_v itself_o in_o obstruct_v a_o christian_n endeavour_n towards_o heaven_n a_o discourage_v disconsolate_a soul_n move_v but_o slow_o be_v it_o towards_o earth_n or_o heaven_n difficulty_n that_o shall_v stir_v up_o great_a diligence_n usual_o be_v great_a
unto_o your_o soul_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n do_v thou_o dread_v this_o king_n of_o terror_n give_v not_o way_n to_o thy_o fear_n but_o bring_v death_n often_o into_o thy_o thought_n there_o be_v no_o such_o hurt_n in_o it_o as_o thou_o imagine_v nothing_o that_o shall_v terrify_v a_o christian_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o it_o be_v that_o death_n can_v do_v against_o thou_o and_o what_o it_o be_v death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o nay_o tell_v i_o what_o cause_n thou_o have_v to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o what_o be_v it_o death_n can_v do_v against_o thou_o it_o may_v part_v thou_o and_o the_o world_n thou_o and_o thy_o friend_n yea_o it_o will_v part_v between_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o body_n bring_v it_o down_o into_o the_o dust_n for_o a_o time_n to_o become_v a_o feast_n for_o worm_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o death_n can_v do_v against_o a_o believer_n but_o then_o consider_v withal_o what_o death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o why_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o a_o happiness_n so_o great_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o be_v unutterable_a for_o thou_o to_o express_v and_o unconceivable_a for_o thou_o to_o imagine_v and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o time_n but_o for_o ever_o this_o death_n shall_v do_v for_o thou_o o_o christian_a and_o sure_o if_o thou_o believe_v these_o thing_n with_o a_o lively_a active_a faith_n thou_o can_v not_o any_o long_o set_v death_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o as_o a_o enemy_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o but_o converse_v with_o it_o familiar_o as_o a_o friend_n yea_o as_o thy_o best_a friend_n next_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n job_n be_v thus_o familiar_a with_o death_n job_n 17.14_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o corruption_n thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o to_o the_o worm_n you_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o sister_n and_o brother_n accustom_v thyself_o therefore_o o_o christian_n unto_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o often_o think_v what_o a_o happy_a change_n thou_o shall_v thereby_o undergo_v even_o a_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o though_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v full_a of_o horror_n unto_o other_o yet_o such_o thought_n unto_o thou_o will_v not_o only_o be_v profitable_a but_o exceed_v delightful_a four_o if_o you_o will_v die_v with_o courage_n and_o joy_n than_o often_o meditate_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o common_a argument_n and_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o most_o person_n that_o all_o must_v die_v all_o that_o have_v live_v before_o we_o have_v go_v this_o way_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o take_v courage_n to_o follow_v other_o into_o the_o grave_a because_o multitude_n be_v go_v thither_o before_o they_o no_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a encouragement_n to_o die_v because_o other_o man_n like_o ourselves_o have_v die_v before_o we_o but_o when_o a_o christian_a shall_v believe_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a not_o only_o before_o we_o but_o for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o have_v there_o conquer_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n even_o upon_o his_o own_o ground_n this_o make_v a_o believer_n die_v with_o a_o holy_a courage_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o a_o undaunted_a boldness_n but_o because_o christian_n so_o seldom_o meditate_v on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n therefore_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a of_o their_o own_o death_n he_o that_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o death_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o believer_n do_v or_o shall_v do_v can_v be_v afraid_a to_o die_v if_o he_o know_v what_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n mean_v which_o he_o have_v meditate_a upon_o saving_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v go_v before_o we_o in_o death_n be_v not_o only_a enough_o to_o make_v we_o cheerful_a but_o to_o make_v we_o alive_a in_o death_n he_o that_o by_o faith_n contemplate_v that_o christ_n be_v go_v before_o he_o by_o die_v and_o that_o in_o die_v he_o die_v for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o also_o be_v alive_a and_o life_n for_o he_o with_o what_o abundant_a joy_n and_o consolation_n may_v he_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o death_n and_o vnwillingness_n to_o die_v answer_v consolation_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o general_n comfort_n against_o the_o death_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n in_o particular_a the_o saint_n great_a gain_n by_o death_n propound_v as_o a_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o christian_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o die_v willing_o yea_o with_o courage_n and_o joy_n to_o commit_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v there_o many_o who_o can_v overcome_v their_o fear_n of_o death_n so_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o say_v some_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o die_v have_v we_o but_o attain_v unto_o sixty_o or_o seventy_o year_n as_o some_o man_n do_v but_o alas_o we_o be_v young_a in_o the_o prime_n of_o our_o year_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n the_o sun_n of_o our_o life_n have_v not_o be_v long_o up_o and_o must_v it_o go_v back_o and_o decline_v yea_o and_o set_v also_o already_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v hereafter_o but_o o_o that_o god_n will_v spare_v we_o a_o little_a long_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v these_o be_v foolish_a pitying_n of_o thyself_o for_o if_o it_o please_v the_o great_a god_n in_o who_o hand_n thy_o life_n be_v thy_o breath_n and_o all_o thy_o way_n that_o thou_o must_v die_v young_a have_v thou_o any_o injustice_n to_o charge_v he_o withal_o what_o wrong_a have_v he_o do_v thou_o in_o cut_v short_a the_o thread_n of_o thy_o life_n thou_o have_v forfeit_v thy_o life_n into_o his_o hand_n long_o since_o and_o if_o spare_a mercy_n have_v continue_v the_o forfeiture_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o space_n and_o time_n of_o repentance_n though_o not_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o desire_v yet_o more_o than_o thou_o deserve_v yea_o and_o more_o than_o he_o owe_v thou_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o rather_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o with_o all_o diligence_n improve_v it_o than_o repine_v that_o it_o be_v so_o short_a or_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o it_o so_o soon_o for_o though_o long_a life_n may_v be_v a_o blessing_n yea_o be_v promise_v so_o yet_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n a_o short_a life_n shall_v be_v no_o curse_n unto_o thou_o to_o a_o pardon_a soul_n all_o thing_n be_v blessing_n yea_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o righteous_a abel_n though_o young_a die_v and_o die_v by_o murder_n whilst_o wicked_a cain_n the_o murderer_n of_o he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o when_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n of_o time_n and_o measure_n out_o to_o every_o one_o what_o number_n of_o day_n they_o shall_v live_v have_v appoint_v unto_o thou_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o thy_o departure_n though_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o compare_v with_o the_o life_n of_o other_o yet_o be_v it_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v with_o god_n thou_o may_v trouble_v thyself_o and_o make_v thy_o life_n uncomfortable_a but_o thou_o can_v not_o alter_v god_n decree_n for_o he_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n as_o job_n speak_v and_o who_o can_v turn_v he_o that_o be_v none_o can_v and_o therefore_o cheerful_o yield_v up_o thyself_o unto_o his_o will._n but_o possible_o thou_o will_v say_v i_o will_v live_v long_o that_o i_o may_v serve_v and_o honour_n god_n more_o if_o thou_o be_v sincere_a in_o what_o thou_o say_v it_o be_v well_o but_o if_o god_n will_v take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o accept_v of_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v already_o and_o reward_v thou_o with_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o immediate_o have_v thou_o any_o cause_n to_o complain_v what_o if_o thou_o get_v to_o heaven_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n before_o thy_o father_n or_o brother_n or_o many_o other_o of_o thy_o acquaintance_n that_o be_v travel_v with_o their_o face_n heaven-ward_n and_o have_v be_v so_o many_o year_n already_o will_v it_o grieve_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n too_o soon_o where_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n thou_o always_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v i_o assure_v thou_o thy_o friend_n and_o relation_n though_o they_o may_v not_o envy_v thy_o happiness_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o their_o long_n after_o it_o will_v be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o will_v continual_o cry_v out_o oh_o time_n hasten_v and_o flee_v away_o that_o
what_o our_o future_a state_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n the_o desire_v we_o have_v of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n put_v we_o upon_o hope_v the_o best_a but_o our_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o many_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o our_o departure_n because_o we_o be_v under_o such_o uncertainty_n whither_o we_o shall_v go_v when_o death_n take_v we_o hence_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v these_o objection_n either_o thou_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n or_o one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o unpardoned_a state_n i_o can_v wonder_v that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n nor_o can_v i_o blame_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v thou_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o make_v thou_o fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o death_n or_o what_o be_v to_o come_v after_o it_o if_o thou_o understand_v thy_o danger_n aright_o but_o what_o may_v fill_v thou_o with_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o consternation_n imaginable_a whatever_o thou_o fear_v be_v to_o come_v and_o may_v come_v quick_o for_o aught_o thou_o know_v be_v infinite_o far_a great_a and_o worse_o than_o what_o thou_o can_v now_o imagine_v what_o thou_o feel_v or_o fear_v be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n nay_o all_o the_o misery_n thou_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o life_n and_o all_o the_o pain_n that_o thou_o can_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o death_n fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o those_o unconceivable_a horror_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o for_o any_o comfort_n or_o relief_n against_o death_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o sinful_a state_n there_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v none_o thy_o work_n therefore_o must_v be_v speedy_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n labour_v to_o have_v thy_o sin_n pardon_v follow_v god_n with_o earnest_n cry_v tear_n and_o importunity_n of_o soul_n that_o thy_o sinful_a nature_n may_v be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o then_o let_v death_n come_v when_o it_o will_v though_o thou_o die_v under_o never_o such_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o thy_o future_a state_n yet_o eternal_a happiness_n attend_v thou_o and_o when_o death_n have_v once_o close_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o body_n the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n will_v quick_o be_v open_v to_o thy_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o consolation_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n but_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o die_v because_o thou_o be_v uncertain_a how_o it_o may_v go_v with_o thou_o as_o to_o thy_o eternal_a state_n why_o then_o examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n whether_o these_o fear_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o thy_o own_o carelessness_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o thou_o many_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o increase_a thy_o knowledge_n for_o the_o strengthen_v thy_o faith_n for_o the_o enlarge_n thy_o love_n for_o the_o confirm_v thy_o hope_n for_o the_o establish_n thy_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v thou_o up_o unto_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thou_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o thou_o through_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v ground_o conclude_v the_o certainty_n of_o thy_o future_a happiness_n but_o thou_o have_v be_v slothful_a not_o put_v forth_o thyself_o with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o improve_n the_o help_n and_o advantage_n god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v so_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o under_o fear_n how_o it_o may_v go_v with_o thy_o soul_n for_o ever_o if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n go_v humble_a thy_o soul_n before_o god_n lie_v low_a in_o his_o presence_n beg_v earnest_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n towards_o thou_o and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v put_v forth_o the_o endeavour_n of_o thy_o soul_n unto_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o for_o the_o remove_n thy_o fear_n satisfy_v thy_o doubt_n increase_a thy_o knowledge_n confirm_v thy_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n provide_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v come_v in_o whilst_o thou_o be_v thus_o humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o and_o manifest_v his_o love_a kindness_n unto_o thy_o support_n and_o comfort_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o however_o if_o he_o shall_v for_o some_o reason_n thou_o can_v not_o at_o present_a apprehend_v leave_v thou_o to_o walk_v under_o thy_o doubt_n and_o fear_n still_o yet_o if_o thou_o be_v sincere_a one_o that_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n in_o thy_o soul_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o these_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n about_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n if_o it_o be_v a_o distemper_n as_o it_o be_v become_v so_o natural_a to_o we_o all_o that_o it_o be_v with_o much_o difficulty_n cure_v in_o this_o present_a state_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o soul_n but_o for_o thy_o comfort_n o_o doubt_a believer_n know_v though_o these_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v sinful_a and_o thou_o do_v thereby_o provoke_v god_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v thy_o future_a happiness_n though_o they_o may_v and_o do_v often_o hinder_v thy_o present_a peace_n and_o comfort_n for_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o damn_v a_o believe_a soul_n let_v such_o a_o one_o think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o himself_o for_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o thou_o be_v he_o yet_o god_n know_v all_o those_o that_o be_v he_o and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v eternal_o perish_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o thou_o shall_v die_v under_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n and_o thy_o soul_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n sit_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o tear_n this_o hinder_v not_o but_o it_o may_v arise_v in_o a_o fair_a morning_n of_o glory_n heaven_n only_o be_v a_o place_n privilege_v from_o tear_n and_o fear_n but_o may_v some_o soul_n say_v i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o die_v because_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v no_o grace_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v but_o little_a that_o i_o have_v for_o when_o i_o compare_v myself_o with_o other_o the_o most_o i_o can_v say_v of_o myself_o be_v this_o that_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o holiness_n lie_v in_o a_o love_n to_o grace_n and_o in_o a_o desire_n after_o holiness_n i_o hope_v through_o grace_n i_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n if_o i_o may_v have_v my_o choice_n that_o i_o desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v like_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o o_o how_o short_a do_v i_o fall_v both_o of_o my_o rule_n and_o of_o my_o desire_n my_o walking_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v very_o uneven_a and_o unconstant_a the_o corruption_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o frequent_o break_v forth_o by_o fleshly_a affection_n and_o worldly_a desire_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o grace_n within_o i_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o diseern_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o dare_v to_o think_v of_o die_v be_v grace_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a can_v i_o sensible_o find_v the_o strength_n increase_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o in_o a_o tendency_n towards_o perfection_n i_o can_v then_o think_v of_o die_v with_o some_o courage_n but_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o grace_n much_o discourage_v i_o that_o i_o can_v with_o any_o willingness_n and_o cheerfulness_n entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o in_o my_o soul_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v let_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n discourage_v thou_o o_o weak_a christian_a for_o death_n can_v no_o more_o shall_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o weak_a believer_n than_o of_o a_o strong_a believer_n it_o be_v true_a a_o strong_a faith_n may_v carry_v thou_o more_o comfortable_o to_o heaven_n but_o a_o weak_a faith_n will_v carry_v thou_o as_o true_o to_o heaven_n for_o faith_n save_v not_o as_o it_o be_v strong_a or_o weak_a but_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o a_o weak_a faith_n be_v true_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o every_o christian_a for_o without_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n but_o yet_o all_o christian_n be_v not_o equal_o holy_a there_o be_v a_o measure_n or_o stature_n to_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v
speak_v of_o death_n as_o that_o which_o he_o be_v daily_o familiar_a with_o be_v in_o death_n often_o frequent_o think_v thereof_o for_o say_v he_o i_o die_v daily_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v that_o which_o he_o accustom_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v so_o willing_a to_o embrace_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o of_o we_o be_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v and_o we_o so_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o death_n as_o we_o ought_v those_o of_o we_o who_o have_v the_o most_o lively_a faith_n will_v not_o only_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v even_o court_v it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n but_o i_o will_v not_o here_o discourage_v any_o weak_a believer_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o frame_n of_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o believer_n one_o believer_n have_v the_o same_o 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the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o love_n act_v and_o work_v in_o thou_o do_v thou_o not_o serve_v the_o same_o lord_n have_v thou_o not_o the_o same_o god_n for_o thy_o father_n the_o same_o jesus_n for_o thy_o saviour_n the_o same_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n for_o thy_o comforter_n be_v thou_o not_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n nay_o be_v thou_o not_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v go_v before_o thou_o death_n be_v the_o gate_n through_o which_o they_o all_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v thou_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n