A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

¹2. For the grave, where we must all shortly take up our Lodgings, and be carried on mens backs from our now dwelling houses to this sleeping house: We that are now alive shall be in a little time housed in the earth: while we live, we dwell in several houses; one house can contain or entertain but a few; but what a large capacious house is the Grave, that shall hold all the living: Job 30.23. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living. There is no praying to, or praising of God in this house: in the houses where you now dwell, you may, you ought; but in this you are going to (and oh how quickly might you or I be in it) you will be past praying, and past hearing, and calling upon God, when death and dust have stopped your mouth's and tied your tongues. Eccles. 9.10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest. Sirs, you are going, you are going every day, every hour, every moment, to this house, whether you are eating, or drinking, or sleeping; whether you pray, or not pray in your houses where now you dwell, you are going to this house where you can never pray. Therefore pray NOW or NEVER: serve God and pray unto him now where you dwell, or you must hold your peace for ever, except you cry and ⟨p. 297⟩roar and lament your negligence and folly in a Lake of burning brimstone, because you did not pray in your houses upon earth. Psal. 6.5. For in death there is no remembrance of thee, in the grave who shall give thee thanks? Isa. 38.18. For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee, they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

¹2. For the grave, where we must all shortly take up our Lodgings, and be carried on mens backs from our now dwelling houses to this sleeping house: We that are now alive shall be in a little time housed in the earth: while we live, we dwell in several houses; one house can contain or entertain but a few; but what a large capacious house is the Grave, that shall hold all the living: