Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

10. Christ is to be followed in his Sufferings and Death; and unto this my Text has a more particular reference. Christs Faith ⟨image 142⟩was strong; though he was under a dismal Desertion. The Sun of Righteousness did set in a dark cloud. He submitted to his Fathers will; and being confident of a joyful Resurrection, he endured the Cross, and despised the shame.

When Christians come to die, their Faith should be most lively; as being near finishing; it should by no means fail when there is most need of it. Though he slay me, says Job, yet will I trust in him, Job 13.15. Christians should submit, when the Lord of time will grant no more time to them; and they should gladly enter upon a holy and blessed Eternity: When the body is about to be sown in corruption; by Faith they should see that its lying there will be to advantage; for it will be raised in Incorruption and Glory, 1 Cor. 15.42, 43. Let Death be more natural, or violent; it is yours in the Covenant; if you are true Believers, 1 Cor. 3.22. Fear not to follow our Lord Jesus through that dark passage into the House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. And all the while you remain on Earth, study a Conformity to your Lords death, by crucifying the Flesh, and dying to the World: The more dead you are with Christ in this sense; you will live to the better purpose, and die in the greater Peace.

In the third place, I am to produce some Arguments to persuade to the imitation of our Lord Jesus.