A17397:2562
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatisesThe marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatises containing directions about six of the weightiest things can concern a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.The marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises containing directions about sixe of the waightiest things can concerne a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by John Legatt, 1630
THE CURE OF THE FEAR OF DEATH. › Chapter 6THE CVRE OF THE FEARE OF DEATH. › Chapter 6
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The first is, the glorious presence of God; while the body is present, the Lord is absent, 2. Cor. 5. 8. And is not this enough to make us loath life? Shall we• more esteem this wretched carcass, then our glorious God, whose only presence in glory shall fill us with eternal delight? O the vision of God! If we had but once seen God face to face, we would abhor that absence that should hinder the fruition of such unspeakable beauties, as would enamour the most secure heart to an unquenchable love.
The first is, the glorious presence of God; while the body is present, the Lord is absent, 2. Cor. 5. 8. And is not this enough to make vs loath life? Shall we• more esteeme this wretched car•asse, then our glorious God, whose onely presence in glory shall fill vs with eternall delight? O the vision of God! If we had but once seene God face to face, we would abhorre that absence that should hinder the fruition of such vnspeakable beauties, as would enamour the most secure heart to an vnquenchable loue.
The second thing we want in 1life, is the sweet fellowship with our best friends: A fellowship matchless; if we either consider the perfection of the creatures, whose communion we shall enjoy; or the perfect manner of enjoying it. Who would be withheld from the congregation of the first borne, from the society with ⟨p. 695⟩innumerable Angels, and the spirits of just men? Alas! the most of us have not so much as one entire and perfect friend in all the world; and yet we make such friends as we have, the ground of a great part of the contentment of our lives. Who could live here, if he were not beloved? Oh, what can an earthly friendship be, unto that in heaven; when so many thousand Angels & Saints shall be glad of us, and entertain us with unwearied delight. If we had but the eyes of faith to consider of this, we would think every hour a year till we were with them.