A17397:2741
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 21THE CVRE OF THE FEARE OF DEATH. › Chapter 21
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.
Secondly, we must in our practice soundly mortify our beloved 1sins: our sins must dye before we dye, or else it will not be well with us. The sting of death is sin, and when we have pulled out the sting, we need not fear to entertain the Serpent into our bosom. It is the love of some sin, and delight in it, that makes a man afraid to dye; or it is the remembrance of some foul evil past, which accuseth the hearts of men: and therefore men must make sure their repentance, and judge themselves for their sins, and then they need not fear Gods condemning of them. If any ask me, how they may know when they have attained to this rule; I answer, When they have so long confessed their sins in 2secret to God, that now they can truly say, there is no sin they ⟨p. 761⟩know by themselves, but they are as desirous to have God give them strength to leave it, as they would have God to show them grace to forgive it. He hath soundly repented of all sin, that desires from his heart to live in no sin. And unto this rule, I must add the care of an upright and unrebukeable conversation. It is a marvellous encouragement to dye with peace, when a man can live without offence, and can justly plead his integrity of conversation; as Samuel did, 1 Sam. 12. 3. and Paul, Acts 20. 26, 27. and 2 Cor. 1. 12.
Secondly, we must in our practice soundly mortifie our beloued 1sins: our sins must dye before we dye, or else it will not be well with vs. The sting of death is sin, and when we haue pull'd out the sting, we need not feare to entertaine the Serpent into our bosome. It is the loue of some sin, and delight in it, that makes a man afraid to dye; or it is the remembrance of some foule euill past, which accuseth the hearts of men: and therefore men must make sure their repentance, and iudge themselues for their sins, and then they neede not feare Gods condemning of them. If any aske me, how they may know when they haue attained to this rule; I answer, VVhen they haue so long confessed their sinnes in