appoint_v in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o measure_n or_o stature_n be_v not_o the_o same_o to_o every_o christian_a some_o christian_n have_v a_o long_a term_n of_o life_n than_o other_o some_o have_v more_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n than_o other_o and_o some_o have_v great_a part_n and_o ability_n than_o other_o now_o god_n be_v not_o a_o severe_a master_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o or_o to_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strew_v god_n do_v not_o look_v for_o what_o he_o do_v not_o give_v where_o he_o give_v more_o he_o expect_v the_o more_o but_o where_o he_o give_v less_o he_o expect_v the_o less_o christian_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v great_a part_n and_o ability_n with_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n even_o unto_o old_a age_n from_o such_o god_n expect_v much_o because_o he_o have_v give_v much_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o grace_n must_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o they_o must_v transcend_v other_o in_o faith_n love_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n contend_v for_o the_o attain_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o now_o for_o other_o who_o part_n have_v be_v low_a who_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n be_v small_a and_o their_o time_n in_o the_o world_n but_o short_a god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o their_o grace_n shall_v shine_v so_o glorious_o as_o other_o say_v not_o therefore_o nor_o doubt_v christian_a that_o thou_o know_v not_o believe_v not_o love_v not_o delight_v not_o in_o god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v not_o but_o if_o thy_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n and_o delight_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o other_o yet_o thy_o grace_n may_v be_v as_o true_a and_o as_o real_a as_o any_o other_o in_o a_o star_n there_o be_v as_o true_a light_n as_o in_o the_o sun_n though_o there_o be_v more_o light_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o thy_o grace_n though_o little_a and_o weak_a be_v true_a grace_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o nor_o so_o strong_a as_o other_o quiet_v thyself_o therefore_o o_o droop_a soul_n for_o such_o may_v be_v the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o part_n such_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o enjoy_v and_o so_o few_o the_o talent_n thou_o be_v entrust_v withal_o that_o god_n expect_v not_o so_o much_o from_o thou_o as_o he_o do_v from_o other_o and_o if_o the_o great_a god_n will_v accept_v of_o yea_o reward_v the_o little_a that_o thou_o have_v why_o shall_v thou_o be_v trouble_v or_o disquiet_v god_n do_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o why_o shall_v thou_o a_o little_a grace_n yea_o the_o least_o of_o grace_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v cast_v away_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o a_o strong_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o travail_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n mighty_a to_o save_o yet_o a_o little_a faith_n lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o strong_a saviour_n will_v keep_v thou_o from_o perish_v be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v o_o christian_n fear_v not_o death_n though_o thy_o grace_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o so_o may_v not_o give_v thou_o that_o comfort_n in_o death_n that_o thou_o expect_v yet_o shall_v it_o as_o true_o overcome_v death_n through_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o strong_a grace_n and_o though_o death_n kill_v thou_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o nay_o it_o shall_v make_v for_o thy_o eternal_a advantage_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thy_o fear_n but_o the_o begin_n of_o thy_o eternal_a joy_n and_o rejoice_n but_o may_v some_o poor_a soul_n say_v i_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o this_o make_v i_o unwilling_a to_o die_v be_v i_o but_o assure_v my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o god_n reconcile_v to_o my_o soul_n through_o jesus_n christ_n i_o can_v then_o cheerful_o submit_v myself_o to_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o afrighten_v i_o i_o fear_v lest_o god_n be_v my_o enemy_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a death_n can_v be_v my_o friend_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v i_o dare_v to_o think_v of_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v be_v thou_o under_o some_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n that_o god_n be_v not_o thy_o reconcile_a father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n though_o i_o can_v blame_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v fearful_a of_o die_v under_o such_o apprehension_n yet_o i_o must_v blame_v thou_o for_o thy_o former_a negligence_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o make_v this_o sure_a to_o thyself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o health_n and_o strength_n next_o to_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o fore_n taste_v of_o hell_n and_o wrath_n die_v under_o the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v our_o enemy_n be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a condition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o though_o our_o future_a safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v not_o upon_o our_o assurance_n that_o god_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o yet_o our_o present_a comfort_n do_v and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o present_a quietation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v a_o die_a whether_o god_n be_v our_o enemy_n or_o no_o if_o he_o will_v not_o smile_v upon_o we_o when_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o depart_a but_o leave_v we_o in_o that_o hour_n as_o our_o last_o punishment_n for_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v be_v provoke_v by_o to_o breath_n forth_o our_o soul_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o know_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a to_o know_v the_o joyful_a sound_n to_o have_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v pass_v through_o the_o gloomy_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o love_v we_o but_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o to_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o by_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o as_o to_o fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n by_o believe_v this_o be_v life_n nay_o this_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n be_v better_a than_o life_n it_o be_v the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o it_o be_v heaven_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v or_o contain_v of_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o fear_v he_o be_v our_o enemy_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n liable_a unto_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a yea_o some_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n itself_o especial_o if_o conscience_n be_v awake_v and_o these_o apprehension_n and_o jealousy_n continue_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n this_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o afflictive_a to_o a_o poor_a doubt_v soul_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v for_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o remain_v doubtful_a both_o as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o grace_n and_o their_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v believer_n of_o divers_a growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n father_n youngman_n child_n and_o babe_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o most_o family_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v more_o babe_n and_o child_n than_o grow_v man_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o weak_a and_o doubt_a christian_n than_o strong_a man_n who_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a assurance_n but_o remember_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n not_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n not_o to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a faith_n heaven_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o those_o who_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n live_v therefore_o by_o faith_n o_o christian_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o feel_v and_o know_v that_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o true_a judgement_n to_o value_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o sanctify_a will_n to_o choose_v he_o with_o ardent_a and_o strong_a affection_n to_o love_v he_o and_o desire_v he_o and_o support_v thou_o under_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n will_v come_v in_o with_o assurance_n also_o if_o he_o see_v it_o good_a for_o thou_o and_o know_v also_o for_o thy_o
difficult_a work_n death_n continual_o hasten_v towards_o we_o yet_o few_o consider_v how_o sudden_o themselves_o or_o other_o may_v diego_n death_n come_v violent_o to_o wicked_a man_n yet_o no_o man_n die_v before_o his_o time_n however_o in_o scripture_n some_o be_v say_v so_o to_o do_v a_o exhortation_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n with_o motive_n to_o quicken_v christian_n thereunto_o and_o direction_n to_o help_v they_o therein_o have_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n as_o it_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o speak_v to_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n be_v become_v short_a frail_a and_o uncertain_a i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o temporal_a but_o the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n upon_o his_o everlasting_a state_n which_o that_o christian_n may_v with_o the_o more_o profit_n and_o advantage_n meditate_v upon_o i_o shall_v reduce_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o it_o unto_o three_o particular_n the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n be_v a_o state_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o return_v unto_o life_n a_o state_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o amendment_n and_o a_o state_n that_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v first_o the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n be_v a_o state_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o return_v unto_o life_n again_o when_o once_o the_o sun_n of_o this_o life_n be_v set_v it_o will_v arise_v no_o more_o upon_o thou_o for_o ever_o be_v not_o my_o day_n few_o say_v job_n cease_v from_o i_o that_o i_o may_v take_v comfort_n a_o little_a before_o i_o go_v whence_o i_o shall_v not_o return_v and_o job_n 10.20_o when_o a_o few_o day_n be_v come_v say_v he_o i_o shall_v go_v whence_o i_o shall_v not_o return_v job_n 16.22_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a journey_n indeed_o that_o admit_v of_o no_o return_n that_o which_o please_v we_o while_o we_o live_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o return_v to_o our_o home_n again_o but_o when_o we_o die_v we_o take_v a_o journey_n whence_o there_o be_v no_o return_v for_o there_o be_v no_o recovery_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a when_o once_o we_o be_v dead_a indeed_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n now_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a how_o can_v this_o be_v therefore_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o plain_o john_n 5.28_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v when_o all_o that_o be_v in_o their_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o but_o this_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o till_o this_o time_n come_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v irreversible_a upon_o all_o and_o though_o god_n have_v already_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o grave_a for_o the_o raise_n of_o some_o person_n from_o the_o dead_a miraculous_o yet_o as_o those_o few_o that_o have_v escape_v death_n make_v no_o breach_n upon_o this_o general_a truth_n that_o all_o must_v die_v so_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o infringe_v this_o general_a truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o now_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n raise_v any_o from_o the_o grave_a because_o some_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o recover_v out_o of_o it_o second_o the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n admit_v of_o no_o amendment_n or_o alteration_n life_n be_v the_o time_n of_o work_v in_o death_n we_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o work_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n for_o the_o night_n come_v wherein_n no_o man_n can_v work_v joh._n 9.4_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o work_n whether_o they_o be_v natural_a civil_a or_o religious_a there_o be_v no_o eat_v or_o drink_v nor_o any_o pleasure_n to_o be_v take_v in_o any_o outward_a enjoyment_n in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n there_o be_v no_o buy_v or_o sell_v or_o get_v gain_n when_o we_o be_v dead_a nay_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o spiritual_a work_n those_o duty_n that_o upon_o earth_n be_v the_o saint_n exercise_n in_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o die_a and_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o respect_n of_o pray_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n these_o be_v heavenly_a work_n but_o the_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v while_o we_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n none_o of_o these_o labour_n be_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o hell_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o grave_a whither_o we_o be_v all_o go_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o rest_n in_o hell_n though_o there_o be_v no_o rest_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o labour_n in_o hell_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wage_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o reward_n our_o whole_a work_n lie_v in_o the_o few_o day_n that_o be_v on_o this_o side_n both_o what_o we_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n or_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o hell_n it_o must_v be_v do_v now_o for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n no_o device_n in_o the_o grave_a whither_o we_o be_v all_o go_v three_o the_o state_n of_o man_n under_o death_n be_v a_o state_n that_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v he_o that_o die_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n shall_v never_o have_v it_o forgive_v he_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n shall_v never_o make_v god_n propitious_a to_o a_o soul_n that_o die_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n though_o that_o blood_n now_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n and_o cry_v aloud_o to_o heaven_n nay_o in_o heaven_n for_o mercy_n have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o thousand_o of_o soul_n now_o in_o glory_n yet_o have_v it_o no_o virtue_n in_o it_o that_o shall_v be_v applicable_a to_o any_o sinner_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n when_o once_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v execute_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o now_o he_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v sinner_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n by_o he_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o now_o accept_v of_o his_o gracious_a offer_n but_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n all_o their_o day_n and_o die_v under_o the_o gild_n thereof_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o be_v pardon_v because_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o ordain_v as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o bleed_a and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a at_o all_o now_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n with_o they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v for_o ever_o nay_o let_v i_o add_v a_o dreadful_a word_n unto_o all_o such_o instead_o of_o any_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o will_v come_v to_o they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o which_o cry_v loud_o against_o they_o for_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o to_o eternity_n beside_o he_o that_o die_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n die_v also_o under_o the_o filth_n and_o pollution_n of_o sin_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v cleanse_v we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o refiner_n fire_n but_o hell_n fire_n be_v not_o of_o this_o nature_n it_o enrage_v the_o sinner_n but_o it_o do_v not_o refine_v he_o no_o that_o sin_n or_o holiness_n that_o accompany_v man_n out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n his_o guilt_n remain_v upon_o he_o for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o another_o world_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o renew_v and_o change_v man_n hereafter_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n though_o the_o law_n condemn_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o the_o gospel_n disow_v we_o for_o our_o filth_n and_o pollution_n yet_o even_o such_o as_o we_o have_v be_v wash_v have_v be_v justify_v have_v be_v sanctify_v and_o so_o may_v we_o for_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v still_o a_o fountain_n open_a to_o wash_v in_o for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n and_o the_o infinite_a though_o provoke_v
fear_v god_n thou_o need_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_o fond_a of_o this_o life_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v thou_o coat_n upon_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n and_o trouble_n have_v not_o thy_o sin_n make_v it_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v outward_o enjoy_v be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n have_v thou_o not_o by_o experience_n find_v it_o so_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o with_o holy_a job_n bless_v god_n not_o only_o for_o give_v of_o life_n but_o for_o take_v of_o it_o away_o also_o god_n give_v it_o thou_o for_o a_o time_n and_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n too_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o thou_o shall_v be_v thou_o ought_v to_o count_v it_o thy_o felicity_n that_o it_o be_v so_o short_a for_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o sorrow_n and_o who_o will_v complain_v because_o his_o sorrow_n be_v so_o short_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o pleasure_n here_o that_o gratify_v thy_o sense_n but_o be_v they_o comparable_a to_o what_o thy_o soul_n have_v taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o god_n by_o death_n be_v call_v thou_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n to_o all_o eternity_n dare_v thou_o say_v that_o earth_n be_v like_a heaven_n be_v christ_n in_o those_o dark_a and_o dim_a discovery_n he_o make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n like_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o full_a and_o open_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n can_v thou_o say_v thy_o soul_n be_v so_o like_o he_o in_o wisdom_n holiness_n joy_n and_o peace_n here_o as_o it_o will_v be_v above_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v enroll_v among_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a if_o thou_o will_v be_v in_o love_n with_o life_n be_v in_o love_n with_o eternal_a life_n and_o henceforth_o fear_v not_o to_o die_v at_o god_n call_n for_o the_o obedience_n that_o thou_o owe_v unto_o god_n bind_v thou_o and_o the_o gain_v that_o death_n will_v bring_v shall_v both_o invite_v and_o encourage_v thou_o though_o death_n end_v this_o life_n it_o begin_v another_o and_o though_o thou_o may_v rot_v under_o ground_n in_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o vile_a part_n thy_o body_n and_o even_o that_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v again_o short_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thy_o soul_n thy_o better_a part_n shall_v live_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a life_n think_v well_o therefore_o of_o death_n for_o as_o it_o end_v thy_o life_n so_o it_o end_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o suffering_n also_o in_o these_o particular_a instance_n o_o christian_n thou_o fee_v how_o little_a cause_n there_o be_v for_o thou_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o discover_v how_o unfit_a and_o uncomely_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o christian_n to_o fear_v death_n and_o for_o this_o consider_v first_o a_o christian_n fear_v of_o death_n bring_v a_o reproach_n upon_o religion_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o in_o christianity_n that_o can_v lift_v up_o a_o soul_n above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o a_o papist_n that_o profess_v no_o man_n can_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n when_o he_o die_v to_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n this_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n it_o be_v but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o his_o religion_n teach_v he_o but_o for_o one_o that_o profess_v the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o future_a happy_a state_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o death_n the_o way_n and_o passage_n through_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n where_o this_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v show_v if_o not_o a_o want_n of_o faith_n yet_o at_o least_o a_o great_a weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n to_o reflect_v disgraceful_o upon_o religion_n second_o to_o live_v in_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v that_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n which_o wicked_a man_n be_v under_o and_o from_o which_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o deliver_v his_o people_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o believer_n to_o live_v deject_o under_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o very_a uncomely_a thing_n indeed_o the_o fear_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o death_n without_o horror_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v they_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o for_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o dread_v death_n most_o and_o can_v they_o but_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v here_o always_o they_o will_v desire_v no_o other_o heaven_n fearfulness_n and_o amazedness_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n be_v the_o proper_a state_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v always_o subject_a for_o upon_o good_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n in_o death_n but_o be_v full_a of_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o shall_v torment_v they_o for_o ever_o but_o now_o for_o true_a believer_n god_n have_v make_v your_o state_n and_o condition_n very_o unlike_a unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o issue_n of_o death_n because_o you_o have_v good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n even_o in_o death_n so_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 14.32_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n between_o you_o and_o they_o both_o in_o death_n and_o after_o death_n let_v there_o not_o be_v a_o likeness_n between_o you_o and_o they_o as_o to_o your_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v a_o faelix_fw-la tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n but_o let_v not_o the_o godly_a hang_v down_o their_o head_n but_o lift_v they_o up_o with_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v because_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o three_o consider_v this_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n be_v to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o semblance_n of_o death_n for_o to_o speak_v strict_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n for_o sin_n this_o be_v death_n proper_o but_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n only_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n but_o o_o how_o seldom_o be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n tremble_v because_o of_o a_o spiritual_a death_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o this_o be_v infinite_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o temporal_a death_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o to_o show_v how_o full_a of_o woe_n and_o misery_n this_o death_n be_v it_o be_v call_v damnation_n which_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o all_o misery_n this_o be_v that_o now_o to_o which_o this_o spiritual_a death_n tend_v and_o in_o which_o it_o will_v terminate_v hence_o therefore_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n this_o shall_v as_o certain_o be_v their_o portion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v there_o already_o therefore_o o_o christian_n if_o thou_o will_v fear_v death_n fear_v not_o that_o which_o be_v the_o shadow_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o but_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v death_n indeed_o fear_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o death_n also_o for_o if_o thou_o be_v spiritual_o alive_a and_o raise_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v how_o uncomely_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o thou_o to_o fear_v the_o shadow_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o evil_n which_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o evil_n itself_o four_o consider_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v both_o common_a and_o certain_a be_v a_o uncomely_a and_o unsuitable_a thing_n affliction_n in_o general_n be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o this_o world_n but_o death_n be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o common_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o befall_v all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a from_o other_o outward_a affliction_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o some_o may_v be_v free_a or_o if_o they_o befall_v they_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o under_o they_o again_o but_o no_o man_n can_v escape_v death_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n shall_v he_o
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