Page:Account of the last words of Christian Ker.pdf/15

( 15 ) denial of an after ſtate of rewards and puniſhments is againſt the general traditions of the world, or common ſentiments of mankind, whether Jews, Turks or Chriſtians, all which, tho' they differ in many things, yet do agree in this, that the good ſhall pe bleſſed and the bad wretched, in another world. And as it is againſt the general tradition of the world, ſo it contradicts the proper experience both of wicked and pious perſons on their death-beds, which is of more force than a thouſand oppoſite arguments. What a helliſh ſting have the ungodly felt in their conſciences, when they were on the brink of eternity, and of another world. In the time of health and proſperity, ſin has been ſweet to them like honey, but affrighting and bitter has it been to them when they came to die. Then they have deſired the counſels and prayers of miniſters, and confeſſed to them their folly and negligence: though they have treated them with contempt and ſcorn at another time. What a worm did Francis Spira feel? He was like a living man in hell: how deep were his convictions! how frightful his looks! how deſperate his complaints! how grieveous his agonies! was he not fond of making away with himſelf with his own hands amidſt his horror and anguilh! I have had a little pleaſure here, ſaid Rodger; but now I muſt away to hell for evermore. Chalaner was a moſt dreadful monument of juſtice, he blaſphemed the God of heaven, curſing himſelf and crying out continualy, O torture, torture! O torture, torture! as if both ſoul and body had peen already in hell. Beſides what ſenſible experience have the godly at death, of their after recompence? Are not they ſometimes put into heaven before, and banqueted with the anteppaſts of that joy that raviſhes the bleſſed to all eternity! the above mentioned child was an apparent inſtance to this purpoſe; she had the illapſes of the ſpirit, the incomes of Chriſt's love, the views and glimpſes of the land of promiſe, which made her glad to leave the world, and be ever with the Lord. Martyrologies give us account that the martyrs went as clearfully'to death for Chriſt