A Golden Chain

Again, we are not to fear death, but to be glad of it, and that for many causes. First of all, in it we have occasion to show our subjection and obedience which we owe unto God, when he calls us out of this world, as Christ said, Father, not my will but thy will be done. Secondly, all sin is abolished by death, and we then cease to offend God any more as we have done. Thirdly, the dead body is brought into a better condition then ever it was in this life, for by death it is made insensible, and by that means it is freed from all the miseries and calamities of this life; and it ceaseth to be either an active or passive instrument of sin, whereas in the life time it is both. Fourthly, it gives the soul passage to rest, life, and celestial glory, in which we shall see God as he is, perfectly know him, and praise his name for ever, keeping without intermission an eternal sabbath, therefore Paul saith, I desire to be dissolved and be with Christ, for that is best of all. Fifthly, God executes his judgements upon the wicked, and purgeth his Church by death. Now in all these respects godly men have cause not to fear and sorrow, but to rejoice in their own death, and the death of others.

Againe, we are not to feare death, but to be glad of it, and that for many causes. First of all, in it we haue occasion to shew our subiection and obedience which we owe vnto God, when he calls vs out of this world, as Christ saide, Father, not my will but thy will be done. Secondly, all sinne is abolished by death, and we then cease to offend God any more as we haue done. Thirdly, the dead bodie is brought into a better condition then euer it was in this life, for by death it is made insensible, and by that meanes it is freed from all the miseries and calamities of this life; and it ceaseth to be either an actiue or passiue instrument of sinne, whereas in the life time it is both. Fourthly, it giues the soule passage to rest, life, and celestiall glorie, in which we shall see God as he is, perfectly know him, and praise his name for euer, keeping without intermission an eternall sabbath, therefore Paul saith, I desire to be dissolued and be with Christ, for that is best of all. Fifthly, God exequutes his iudgements vpon the wicked, and purgeth his Church by death. Now in all these respects godly men haue cause not to feare and sorrow, but to reioyce in their owne death, and the death of others.