Page:Great importance of a suitable preparation for death (2).pdf/14

14 4. There are ſome whom we find in a ſelf-righteous frame, reſting upon the covenant, of works, and their own merits, and truſting by theſe to go to heaven; yet neglecting the offer of Chriſt's righteouſneſs. But alas ! we find not one of a thouſand of this frame. 'I deſire to be diſſolved and to be with Christ, which is beſt of all.' And ſcarce do we find any in ſuch a frame, 'O wretched man that I am, who ſhall deliver me from the body of this death!' therefore I ſay this unto you all who are here, O! will ye mind death, before it take hold on you? Oh! mind your work now; for ye will find that death will be work enough for itself, though ye leave no work till then.

The Eighth advantage that attendeth the Chriſtian in believing this truth, that once he muſt die, is this, death will not be ſo terrible to him as it is unto many when it cometh. What (think ye) maketh death a king of terrors? What maketh many to ſhake as the leaf of a tree, when they are ſummoned to appear before God's tribunal? It is even becauſe of this, they have not been thinking on death before it came, ſo as to prepare for it. And I fear many in this place may be afraid for death, and that when it cometh to them, they will fay unto death, as Ahab ſaid to Elijah, 'Haſt thou found me, O mine enemy ?' Surely death will take you, and bring you to the judgement-ſeat of Chriſt; therefore ſtudy by all means to think often upon it, and make ready for it; believe me, death is a very big word, for it will once make yon ſtand with horror in your ſouls, if your peace be not made up with God: I know not a more dreadful diſpenſation than death and a guilty conſcience meeting together.

The Second thing that I ſhall ſpeak unto from this firſt obſervation, (viz. This is a moſt certain and infallible truth, that all perſons ſhall once fee death) ſhall be to give you ſome conſiderations for preſſing you to prepare for death.

The Firſt conſideration is this, 'to die well, and in the Lord,' is a moſt difficult work; therefore I entreat you to prepare for death, It is a difficult work to communicate aright, it is a difficult work to pray aright