The doctrine of dying-vvell. Or The godly mans guide to glory Wherein is briefly comprised a short view of the glorious estate of Gods saints in the kingdome of heauen. Together with the meanes to obtaine, the markes to know, and the motiues to vrge vs to prepare our selues for Christ, before our soules be vnbodied, lest heauens gate be shut against vs. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A20523 of text S105384 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 6934). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 32 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 12 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A20523 STC 6934 ESTC S105384 99841113 99841113 5672 2240861679

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A20523) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 5672) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 955:07) The doctrine of dying-vvell. Or The godly mans guide to glory Wherein is briefly comprised a short view of the glorious estate of Gods saints in the kingdome of heauen. Together with the meanes to obtaine, the markes to know, and the motiues to vrge vs to prepare our selues for Christ, before our soules be vnbodied, lest heauens gate be shut against vs. Shawe, George, attributed name. [24] p. [By Miles Flesher] for F. Coules, Printed at London : 1628. Sometimes attributed to George Shawe. Printer's name from STC. Signatures: A B⁴. Running title reads: The doctrine of dying well. or, A guide to glory. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. eng Religious life -- Early works to 1800. eebo The doctrine of dying-vvell. Or The godly mans guide to glory. Wherein is briefly comprised a short view of the glorious estate of Gods saints in the [no entry] 1628 24 6122 35 0 0 0 0 0 57.17 D The rate of 57.17 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2011-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2011-05 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-06 Sampled and proofread 2011-06 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2012-05 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE DOCTRINE OF DYING-WELL . OR The godly mans Guide to Glory .

Wherein is briefly comprised a short view of the glorious estate of Gods Saints in the Kingdome of Heauen .

Together with The Meanes to obtaine , the Markes to know , and the Motiues to vrge vs to prepare our selues for Christ , before our soules be vnbodied , lest Heauens gate be shut against vs .

Psal. 73. 24. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsell , and afterwards receiue me to Glory . 1 Kings 2. 2. I goe the way of all the earth .

Printed at London for F. Co●les . 1628.

The doctrine of dying well . Of Death in generall .

WHat man is he that liueth , and Gen. 25. 7. 8. & 35. 28. 29. & 49. 33 & 50. 26. Deut 34. 7. lo● . 24 29. 1 Sam ▪ 2. 51 1 Kin. 2. 21. 2 Chron. 2● . 28. Iob 42. 17. 2 Sam. 11. 18. 19. Gen. 5. 5. 8. 11. 14. 17 , 20. 27. 31. Gen. 5. 24. Heb. 11 , 5. Syrac . 44. 16. 2 Kin. 2 11. Syrac . 48. 9 1 Mac. 2. 58. 1 Cor. 15. 30. 31. shall not see death ; shall hee deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue ? Ps. 89 48. And , It is appointed vnto men once to dye . Heb. 9. 27. And so death passed vpon all men , Rom. 5. 12.

II. For all men must dye . This is cléer by these testimonies of holy Writ . Iob. ●0 23. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death , and to the house appointed for al the liuing . Read Iob 34. 14. 15. Psal. 104. 29. Eccles 6. 6. Esay 40. 6 , 7 , 8. Iob 14. 2. & 8. 9. Psal. 102. 11. & 103. 14 , 15. & 144. 4. Iames 1. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 24 Iob 17. 13. 14.

III. Examples . Death is the lot of all men : for Abraham dyed , Isaac , Iacob . Ioseph , Moses , Ioshua , Samuel , Dauid , Iob. Young and old , all that haue béene before vs haue dyed , except Enoch & Eliah , who were translated vp into heauen : and those that now are , or hereafter shall be on the earth , must all dye , except those that shal Thes. 4. 6. 17. be at the last day , who in the twinckling of an eye shall bee changed , when the iust shall be caught vp in the clouds , and be euer with the Lord . 1 Thes. 4 16. 17.

IV. Reasons manifest . I. Reason . Reasons . ● Reason . ● Kin. 2. 2. 1 Cor. 15 , ●0 31. Iosh. 23. 14. because this is the way of all the earth : for euery child of Adam is subiect to death daily . Death is the debt that all men owe & this is the common course of all the liuing .

II. Reason . Because all are of the 2 Reason . Gen. 3. 19. Iob 4. 19. & 7. 12. 13. Ecel. 12. 7 Iudg. 16. 28 dust , and all turne to the dust againe : there is not any thing in any earthly creature that can preuent death . Strength cannot withstand it : for Samson was a mighty strong man , and yet he was ouercome by death . Wisedome a most excellent gift , yet vnable to subdue death : for Salomon 2 Kin. 11. 43 2 Chron 9. 31. Psal. 49 : 10. Eccl. 2. 16. the wisest of meere men , was dispatched by death : for wise men dye as well as the foolish . Eloquence is not able to charme death : but the most eloquent men that euer liued , haue all dyed , as Tully and Demosthenes . Death saith one can find way into . Princes palaces , into the Courts of Kings , as well as into the pesants Cottage : for Magistrates are Gods vicegerents , but yet all mortall , and subiect vnto Psal. 86. 7. death . Death spareth not the beautifull : Sarah , Rebecca , Rachel , Ester and Bersheba Gen , 12. 1● & 24 , 16. & 23. 2. & 29. 17. & 35. 18. 2 Sam. 14 25. 2 Sam. 2. 1● 50. 51. 2 Sam. 16. 23. & 17. 27. Luk 16. 1● 22. 23. Psal 49. 1● Lucan ▪ 〈◊〉 were all beautifull creatures , yet all died , Absolon and Achilles were braue gallants yet are dead and gone . Asael was as swift as a Roe , yet death ouerwent him . Goliah was a great Giant , yet death was greater then he ▪ Achitophel was very politike and subtle , yet was ouer-reacht by death : rich and poore all are arested of death .

It is recorded , that among many dead carkasses one wold know which was Philip King of Macedon . Answer was made , he that had the bald head is Philip. Al haue bald heads saith he . He that hath the flat nose is Philip saith the other . All haue flat Noses saith he . Heé that hath the hollow eyes saith the other , and that hath the bare ribs , and ratling bones : but all are such & haue such saith he . Then saith the other , I perceiue there is no difference betwéen the King and the begger in death . In a East of compters one hath the place of a pound , another of a shilling , a third of a peny , and euery one as he that casts the count shall thinke good to lay them : but put them together into the bag and what difference betwéen those that were worth thousands and those that were worth nothing ? Euen so , in the common bag the earth , rich and poore are alike : for there is none that can be exempted from the dust of death .

III. Reason . Because the w●ges of sin 3 Reason Mat. 16. 27 Psal. 62. 12 Prou. 24. 12 I●r. 3. 19 Eze. 35. 20. Rom 2. 6. Ezec. 7. 27. 2 Cor. 5. ●0 Col 3. 25. 1 Pet. 1. Apo. 22. 12. 4 Reason . Hos. 13. 14. Luk. 21. 36 1 Cor. 15. 54. 55. 5 Reason . 2 Cor. 5. 4. Phil 3. 21. Iob 14. 14. Vses . 1 Vse . 1 Thes. 4. 13 Apoc. 4. 13. Ioh. 14. 28. is death , Rom. 6. 23. And so sinne passed vpon all men , for all men haue sinned . Rom 5. 12.

IV. Reason . Because the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death . 1 Cor. 15. 16.

V. Reason . Because we shall be changed , 1 Cor. 15. 51. &c.

Vses seuerall . I. Vse . That we sorrow not euen as others which haue no hope , for when we know that our friends and acquaintance that are dead are departed in the Lord ( for they that die in the Lord are blessed ) their death doth rather yéeld cause of comfort then of sorrow , of reioycing rather then mourning : for our Sauiour saith , If yee loued mee yee would reioyce because I goe to the Father . Those then that loue their friends indéed , haue greater cause to reioyce then mourne , because they goe to be glorifled with their heauenly Father in heauen .

For as a childe or simple person , that Simile . should sée a Goldsmith melting pure Gold or Siluer , would imagine that all were quite spoyled , when as the skilfull workeman hath a purpose to cast some excellent péece of plate : euen so , we silly creatures , when the Lord cuts off some of our friends by death , or melteth them in the furnace of the graue , are ouercome with sorrowful conceits , as if some euill thing had betided our friends , whereas we should remember that the Lord hath a purpose by that meanes to preserue them , & to transforme into the glorious estate with the Angells M●t. 18. 1● 1 Thes. 4. 13 in ioy in heauen , where they shall neuer dye . For as Saint Paul saith , I would not haue you ignorant brethren , concerning them that are asleepe , &c. 1 Thes. 4 3. Who Simile . would be sorry to haue his friend fall asléepe séeing thereby hée is more fresh , lusty , and lightsome . Now death vnto the godly is nothing else but a sléepe , whereby Acts 7. 60. we are refined and refreshed .

Oh then why should wée be offended there with . If our friends be wicked , then haue we iust cause of mourning , as Dauid 2 Sam. 18 ●3 . had , 2 Sam. 18. 33. but if we know them to liue and dye in the feare of God , howsoeuer naturall affection may haue force to cause vs to mourne and shed teares , and to lament them in respect of the good we haue by them , yet wée haue reason to reioyce & be glad for their happy change .

For , as if in this world our friends should Simile . be aduanced to some high and honourable place , and be the third in the Kingdome , as Daniel was , Dan. 2. 48. this would Dan , 2. 48. much reioyce our hearts . Oh how much more then should we reioyce , when as our friends are deliuered out of this miserable world by death , and are crowned with glory for euer in the Kingdome of heauen . 2 Thes. 4 13 To conclude this with that of the Apostle , that yee sorrow not euen as others which haue no hope .

II. Vse . Luke 12. 40. Bee therefore 2 Vse . Luk. 12. 40. ready also , for the Sonne of man commeth at an houre when yee thinke not . Briefly , for the better manifesting this , viz. that wée may be ready for Christ at his comming , whensoeuer he shall summon vs eyther particularly by death , or generally by iudgement , to enter heauens glory , let vs take a serious view of these particulars which herevpon result . 1. The Meanes . 2. the Markes . 3. the Motiues .

For the first , to wit , the meanes . Oh Meanes , to help vs to make ready for Christ that we may die blessedly , diuers . but what meanes must I vse , that I may be ready at Christs comming , that so I may dye blessedly ?

By a diligent vse of these Meanes .

I. Meanes is , wée must seriously thinke with our selues , that we are but dust and ashes , made of clay which is frail and brittle , 1 Meanes Gen. 18. 27 Gen. 3. 19. and this will make vs thinke , that we cannot long continue here , but that our bodies of clay , and our earthly tabernacles must néeds be dissolued , and that wee haue 2 Cor. 5. 1. Heb. 13. 14. Iob 4. 19. here no continuing Citie . For , our bodies are houses of clay , and the foundation of them is in the dust .

II. Meanes . We must aforehand acquaint 2 Meanes our selues with death , and so liue , that we be still ready to dye , that so wée may say with S. Paul , I dye daily . Thus 1 Cor. 15. 31. Iob 17. 14. did patient Iob , If I wait , the graue will be my house , I haue made my bed in the dark . &c. Thus are we to preuent death , as it were , by little and little depriuing our selues of life , not by offering violence to our persons , but by mortifying our earthly Col 3. 5. Psal. 119. 37. Psal. 38. 13. members . Thus should we cause our eyes to dye , by turning them away from beholding vanitie . Our eares to be as deafe not harkening after the villanies of the wicked world .

III. Meanes . We must lay to heart 3 Meanes the death of others , that so our harts may be in the house of mourning : for , It is better Eccl. 7. 2. 4. to goe to the house of mourning , then to the house of feasting : for it is the end of all men , and the liuing will lay it to heart . Therefore if we heare of any that be dead let vs thinke it might haue béene our own turne as well as theirs , and so prepare our Luk 12. 43. selues daily for Christ that when he commeth he may finde vs so doing . To which end let vs frequent funerall Sermons , for there may we both see with our eyes , and heare with our eares , that which will put vs in minde of our mortalitie and end , for euery graue and tombe be monuments to put vs in minde of death .

IIII. Meanes is to pray earnestly , frequently , 4 Meanes Ionah 3. 8. Psal. 90. 12. Iob 13. 5. Psal. 39. 4. zealously , feruently , and mightily vnto the Lord , Ionas 3. 8. and continually vnto Almighty God , in the name of Iesus Christ , to teach vs to number our dayes that wee may apply our hearts vnto wisedome ▪ Psal 90. 12.

Secondly , the Marks . Oh but by what marks and tokens may we assertaine our selues , that we shal be in the glorious ioies Markes to know certainly whether we be ready for Christ , to enter heauens glory at the dissolution of our vile bodies , diuers . 1 Marke Rom. 8. 19. 20. &c. 2 Cor. 5. 6. Psal 42. 1. 2 of heauen , with our swéet and blessed Sauiour , when our soules shall be vnbodyed ? By these markes ensuing .

I Marke . If it be the earnest desire of our hearts to be dissolued , and to bee with Christ Iesus , Phil. 1. 21. and yet in the meane time by faith and hope wait patiently ▪ expecting the Lords leisure , being contented to liue as long as it shall please him , thinking long till wee be at our long home ▪ groning within our selues , and waiting for the redemption of our bodies , earnestly longing after the ioyes of heauen , as knowing that whilest wee are here in the body , we are absent from the Lord : this longing desire was in Dauid . Psal. 42. 1. 2.

II. Marke is , If we dye vnto sinne daily , 2 Marke Col. 3. 5. Tit. 2. 11. 12. 13. Gen. 5. 22. 24. & 7. 1. & 17. 1. Gal 6. 16. Psal. 1. 2. and liue vnto righteousnesse , continually mortifying our earthly members , crucifying our sinfull corrupt natures , liuing a godly , righteous and lober life , denying all vngodlinesse and worldly lusts , walking before God in vprightnesse of heart , striuing against all the vanities of this sinfull life , and leading our liues answerable to the rule of Gods most holy word .

III. Marke is , if wee haue a moderate 3 Marke 1 Cor. 7. 2● &c. vse of these earthly things , obseruing a mediocritie both in worldly cares & earthly delights , in vsing this world , as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world passeth away .

IV. Marke is , if we haue our conuersation 4 Marke 1 Tim. 6. 19 in heauen , laying vp in store a good foundation against the time to come : euen treasure in heauen , setting our affections Mat. 6-20 . Col. 3. 1. 2. 3 Tit. 2. ●3 . on things aboue , and not on the things on the earth , looking for the glorious appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

Thirdly , the Motiues . Oh but what be Motiues to make vs ready for Christ speedily , sundry 1 Motiue the motiues to induce vs to long earnestly for the comming of our Sauiour Iesus Christ .

I. Motiue is , the shortnesse and breuity of our liues : for our life is compared to the Grasse that withereth , to a shadow that Esay 40. 6 1 Pet. 1. 24 Hos. 23. 3. Iob 7. 6. & 14. 2. & 7. 9. Iam 4 14. Iob 7. 7. Psa. 103. 16 & 144. 4. Psal. 102. 11 passeth away , to smoake that vanisheth , to a weauers shuttle for swiftnesse , to a flower that fadeth , to a Spiders web which is easily swept away , to a vpour which is soone dispersed and to a winde that passeth away .

Oh let vs seriously consider with our selues , that we may be the next parties that must dye . Séeing then we may be so suddenly dispatched by death , Oh what manner of persons ought wee to bee in all holy conuersation and godlinesse . 2 Pet. 3. 11 2 Motiue

II. Motiue . By being ready for Christ at his comming , we shal be deliuered from all the miseries of this life , viz. from all calamities , as sicknesse , paines , labours , reproachings , mockings and taunts of the wicked rabble of vnreasonable men , and 2 Thes. 3. 2. 1 Thes. 1. 10 Esay 25. 8. Apoc. 7. 16 17. Apo. 14. 13 Apoc. 21. 4. 3 Motiue Iohn 14. 3. 1 Iohn 3. 2. Luke 23. 42. 43. from all the prouocations , snares , stratagenis of the Deuill , and from all feare of the paines of hell for euer

III. Motiue , by being ready prepared for Christs comming , wee shall be with Christ where he is , viz. in the Kingdome of heauen , where we shal sée him as hée is , where we shall blesse the day and houre that euer we were borne : for happy and for euer thrice blessed are they , that after this short and fléeting life ended , shall enter into heauens glory .

This glory of Gods people in heauen will appeare more punctually to vs , if wée take a suruey of these things , that here upon result . To let passe many , of some few for the rest , a word or two briefly .

2. God will be all in all vnto his children in the Kingdome of heauen : for what good things soeuer the heart of man can with or desire , that God will be to his children there : if we desire wealth , God will be wealth vnto vs : if honor & pleasure , he will be honor & pleasure to vs , yea all in all 1 Cor. 15. 28. Luk. ●● . 32. Ioh. 14. 2. 3 1 Pet. 1. 4-● vnto vs : nay euery child of God shal haue a kingdome reserued for them in heauen .

2. In heauen wee shall want nothing : for we shall haue all our wants both in our soules and bodies wholly supplyed , when Apoc. 7. 17 Esa. 49. 10. Apoc. 21. 4. Esay 25. 8. Apoc. 22. 4. Psal. 23. 4. 1 Cor. 13. 12. 1 Iohn . 3. 2. Psal. 16. 11. 1 Thes. 4. 17 Psal. 36. 8. 9 & 17. 15. Phil. 3. 21. Esay 64. 4. Apoc. 7. 9. 10. 1● 12. 4 Motiue Mat. 10. 28. al teares shal be wiped from our eies , with fulnes of ioyes and pleasures for euer . Although in this vale of misery and shadow of death , we sée God but in pact ▪ yet in heauen we shal behold him face to face , and sée him as he is to our euerlasting comfort .

3. In heauen we shall be like our Lord Iesus Christ , for he shall change our vile bodies , and make them like vnto his glorious body .

4. In heauen we shal reap endlesse ioies & happinesse , where we shal wholy delight our selues in praising God for euer .

IV And last Motiue is drawne from the ineuitable danger that shal must certainly ouertake vs ▪ if we prepare not our selues speedily to be ready for Christ .

If wee be in some great mans danger , that is able to be reuenged of vs , Oh how doe we créep and crouch vnto him : but we should feare him much more that is able to Mat. 3. 12. destroy both soule and body in hell . And if we had hearts to conceiue , and grace to beléeue , and minds to think vpon the wofull pains of hell , this would force vs to forsake and renounce all sin vtterly , and make vs prepare for Christ spéedily , that so we may enter heauens glory immediately . ●ut alas , alas , the power and strength of sinne nowadaies hath gotten such dominion ouer the most , that it hath banished & excluded all loue and feare of God , and al dread of hels misery out of their harts ▪ what else mean those raging and ruling vices in the world , as swearing , lying , vncleannesse , drunkennes , mocking of Gods seruants , & such like : if people did seriously call to minde the grieuous paines of hell , would they liue as they doe ? No I trow .

There are some be so tender , that they cannot abide the heat of the Sun , nor the least cold , yea euery small flea or fly disquiets them , but their many foule iniquities neuer trouble them , to bring them any vnerst , vnlesse it be to bring their hellish designes to passe . Oh that such would consider what it is to fry in vnquenchable Apoc. 21. 3 flames of fire and brimstone in hel . & there to haue the neuer dying worme of Conscience to gnaw on them continually . Marke 9. 43

There are a sort of nice ones that are so dainty they cannot abide to looke vpon the sores of poore Lazarus and so vnmercifull , that they stop their eares at the cry of their poore distressed brethron , seeking rather to molest them , then to comfort and help them . Oh that such miserable caitifes would remember what a filthy prison is prepared for the damned in hell , and what yelling & howling the mercilesse shall euer heare , and haue euen iudgment without mercy .

There are a sort of miserable wretches , to whom the sernice of God ( though indéed perfect fréedome ) is most irksome , as to knéele at prayer , to be any thing long at a sermon , or the like exercises : but to sweare , to ly , to cheat , to cozen in buying & selling , to be drunk , and hunt after vaine & wicked pleasures , is their chiefe delight and ioy .

Oh that all miserable wretched swearers , Rorers , & pot companions , would but premeditate of the wofull paines of hell , that they might repent of their sinnes , and so avoid Hels misery spéedily , and be prepared for Christ continually , that they may enter heauens glory eternally .

And there are another sort that are like the wicked Pharises , of whom our Sauiour Mat. 23. 13. Luk. 11. 52. speaketh , that will neither goe to heauen themselues , nor yet will suffer by their wils , those that would : else what meane all those accursed scoffes , mockes & taunts which the wicked crue blech out of their accursed brests against all those that set their hearts and faces towards Sion , the heauenly Hierusalem , in traducing , carping , and girding at them , because they will not run headlong to the Deuill with 1 Pet 4. 4. Iohn 8. 34. Rom. 6. 16. 20. 1 Ioh. 3. 8. 10. 2 Pe. 2 ▪ ●9 . 2 Tim. 2. 26. Act. 13. 10. Mat. 23. 33 Act. 8 22. Phil. 3. 19. Luk. 13. 35 Luk. 12. 40 Mat. 24. 13. Mar. 13. 33. Mat. 24. 42 them for company , into the same excesse of riot , therefore they speake euill of them .

Oh miserable seruants of sinne , slaues of the Deuill , taken captiue at his will & pleasure , how long will ye peruert the wayes of God ? miserable wretches , how can ye escape the damnation of hell ? Oh repent of this your great wickednesse , and pray God that the thoughts of your hearts may be forgiuen you : for without true repentance your end will be destruction and damnation . It may be this night Death for ought you know may dispatch you suddenly , before you be prepared for Christ : and then wofull and miserable will your estate be : it had béene good for you , that Mat. 26. 24 ye had neuer béene borne . Oh that all the rabblement of the wicked crue , would seriously thinke of hell , and be forewarned now whilest it is called to day , and that Heb. 3 15. Lu● . 1● . 28 vers. 26. with all expedition , lest they come into the place of hels torments , from whence is no redemption . This would be a strong motiue vnto them , if they had but any dramme of true grace in their hearts , it would bridle and curbe their leud affections , and dry vp the fountaine of their filthy words , change the vaine course of their conuersation , and make them willing to submit themselues to any good course whatsoeuer , so that they may auoid the bitter torments of hell .

If a man haue but some extremitie of Simile . the Gout , Collicke or Tooth ache , what paines and cost will he be at to be eased ? Oh what are these to the endlesse , easelesse , remedilesse paines of hell ? yet few there are that will bestow the cost and paines to auoid them . Oh that all the reuell rout of beastly drunkards , and all other impenitent persons , would but meditate seriously a little vpon Diues in Hell , how that for one drop of water to coole his tongue , he cryes most bitterly in the gulph of hell for the obtaining of it , and yet goeth without it . Oh that all this that hath Luk. 25 26. béene said , would cause euery miserable wretch in the world , that heares or reades of the most wofull torments of hell , with all prayers and teares of true repentance , to worke out their saluation in the feare 2 Cor. 7. 1. of God .

Heare what St. Chrisostome speaketh Chrisost. in 2 Epist. ad Corin. hom. 10 to this purpose , If thou , saith he , shouldest come into a loathsome prison and there sée some looke pale and wan , others hungry and thirsty , others bound in chaines and fetters , others shut vp in a darke and filthy dungeon , making pittious moane and lamentation , would it not moue thy heart with commiseration , and cause thee carefully to avoid those courses that might bring thee to the like danger : oh then think vpon the prison and dungeon of hell , and consider seriously with your selues , oh miserable wretches , how many poore soules looke pittifully there , how many are bound strongly there in the deuils fetters , how many are shut vp in the place of vtter darknesse , and being in , continually tormented with foule and vgly diuels in hell , doe nothing but weepe and waile and gnash their teeth for euermore in extremitie of paine : oh what madnesse is this in euery one of vs all , if in this our pilgrimage or trauel on the earth we spend our dayes in pleasu●es , bathe our selues in sports and pastimes , ca●king and caring for the things of this life , & neuer bethink our selues as to say ●las 〈◊〉 doe I now , eate , drinke , mock , sweare , cozen , cheat , whore , and bathe my selfe in all kinde of lewd courses , but woe is mee for 〈◊〉 must come to iudgement for all these things , to giue a strict account of all those things that I haue done in my vile body , whether it be good or euill , Eccles. 11. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Eccles. 12. 14. Mat. 12. to close vp this , Luke 12. 40. Bee therefore ready for the Sonne of man commeth also at an houre when yee thinke not .

III Vse . Apoc. 14. 13. Blessed are the 3 Vse . dead that die in the Lord , &c. Not to stay long on this , let these things that are here inbalmed be had in remembrance briefly : 1 They are blessed in respect of the place , for if we consider the world wherein we liue , it is but a prison , a vale of misery , a place of vexation and trouble , as the blessed Apostle testifieth in Rom. 8. 22. but heauen is a place of ioy , rest and comfort , Iohn 14. 16. The world is of no certaine continuance , here wee haue no abiding City , but we looke for one to come , Heb. 13. 14. but in heauen is a place of continuance , for the foundation is God , Heb. 11. 10 2 They are blessed in regard of their companions , for here we liue among wicked , godlesse , sinfull wretches , but there wee shall enioy the company of innumerable Saints in heauen . It was an excellent Dan. 7 9. Heb. 12. 22. Apoc. 5. 11 Heb. 12. 11. Apoc. 7. 19 , 10 , 11. 12. ● Sam 9. 3. to 27. & 10. 1. 1 Sam. 16. 11 , 12. 13 2 Sam. 7. 8. Apoc. 22. 5. Apoc. 21. 4. Mat. 6. 20. exchange for Saul when hee was seeking his fathers Asses to be called to be a King : so it was an excellent exchange for Dauid when he was called from a shepheard to be a King . Oh , yet this is nothing to their estate which are called from this miserable world to heauen , where there is light without darknesse , ioy without sorrow , riches without corruption , and all without ending : yea wisedome without ignorance , vnderstanding without error , reason without obscurity , memory without obliuion , where whatsoeuer shall bee desired shall be obtained , where wee shall see God face to face , 1 Cor. 31. 12. euen as he is , 1 Ioh. 3. 2. to our euerlasting comfort world without end . 3 They are blessed because III. of their condition , for they rest from all their labours : for they that die in the APoc. 14. 10. 1 Thes. 4. 18. Phil. 1. 23. Phil. 1. 22. Lord are for the Lord . This made Saint Paul desire to be dissolued and to bee with Christ : death considered in Christ and ioyned with a godly life , to Gods Elect is an aduantage : death to the godly is nothing else but a bridge ouer this tempestuous sea of this troublesome world to paradise , Gods mercy made it not by making death in it self good but an instrument of good to his . Oh why shall wee then be vnwilling to dye , for death doth not separate vs from God , but it makes vs draw neere to God , as Pharaohs Butler could not see the face Gen. 40. 21 of the King when as hee was in prison , 1 Cor. 13. but being loosed from his bonds , hee both saw him , and gaue the cup into his hand . So long as our soules be in the prison of our bodies we cannot see the face of God , Esay 64. 4 1 Cor 2. 9. 1 Cor. 1● . ●6 . but our soules being once loosed from our bodies we shal see God face to face , and inioy that vnspeakable good which God hath prepared for all them that loue him : dost thou feare God sincerely , oh then feare not death for the sting of death ; is taken away from thee by Christ . If one enemy finde fauour at another enemies hand , oh why then should a dutifull child feare to goe home to his heauenly father , and a penitent sinner to goe to his swéete Sauiour : if Christ came into this world to redéeme vs , oh why should wee doubt but at our death he will receiue vs , he that bought vs at so deare a rate euen with his owne blood , which is most precious , will Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 18. he refuse his penny worth ? if he affected our company so much on earth , as that he said , my delight is to bee with the children of men , Pro 8. 23. Hath he now so forgotten his old loue as not to admit vs into his company in heauen , seeing hee went thither to prepare a place for vs ? oh let vs Ioh. 14. 22. then surrender our soules & bodies vp vnto God as a faithfull Creator . 1 Pet. 4. 19. To conclude Apoc. 14. 13. Blessed are the dead that dye in the Lord .

FINIS .