Page:Serious thoughts for the living.pdf/9

 upon ourſelves only as tenants at will; and hold ourſelves in perpetual readineſs to depart at a moment's warning. Without ſuch an habitual readineſs, we are like wretches that ſleep on the top of a maſt, while a horrid gulph yawns, or furious waves rage beow. And where can be the peace, what the ſatisfaction of ſuch a ſtate? Whereas, a prepared condition will inſpire a cheerfulneſs of temper, not to be diſmayed by any alarming accident, and create a firmneſs of mind, not to be overthrown by the moſt threatening dangers.

Here lie their bodies in "peaceable habitations, and quiet reſting-places." Here they have thrown off every burden, and are eſcaped from every ſnare. The head achsaches [sic] no more; the eye forgets to weep; the fleſh is no longer racked with acute, nor waſted with lingering diſtempers. Here they receive a final releaſe from pain, and an everlaſting diſcharge from ſorrows. Here danger never threatens them with her terrifying alarms; but tranquillity ſoftens their couch, and ſafety guards their repoſe.—Reſt then, ye precious relics, within this hoſpitable gloom; reſt in gentle ſlumbers till the laſt trumpet ſhall give the welcome ſignal, and ſound aloud, through all your ſilent manſions. "Ariſe, ſhine; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is riſen upon you."