The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

4. How incongruous is it to delay the solemn Work of Reconciliation with God till the time of Sickness. This is an Affair wherein our transcendent Interest is concerned, and should be performed in our most calm and sensible Condition, when we are most capable of reflecting upon our Ways, and making an exact trial of our selves, in order to our returning to God by a holy Change of our Lives. Now that the Time of Sickness is not a convenient Season for this Work, is sadly evident; for some Diseases are stupefying, and all the Powers of the Soul are benumbed in a dull Captivity; so that the sick Man only perceives with his animal Faculties. Some Diseases are tormenting, and cause a great Disorder in the Soul, and distract the Thoughts from considering his spiritual State. When the Storm is at the highest, and the Pilot so sick that he can give no Directions, ⟨p. 102⟩the Ship is left to the fury of the Winds, and escapes by Miracle. When there is a Tempest in the Humours of the Body, and the Soul by Sympathy is so discomposed, that it cannot apply it self to prepare for its appearance before the Divine Tribunal, what danger of being lost, and passing from a short Agony to everlasting Torment?

4. How incongruous is it to delay the solemn Work of Reconciliation with God till the time of Sickness. This is an Affair wherein our transcendent Interest is concerned, and should be performed in our most calm and sensible Condition, when we are most capable of reflecting upon our Ways, and making an exact trial of our selves, in order to our returning to God by a holy Change of our Lives. Now that the Time of Sickness is not a convenient Season for this Work, is sadly evident; for some Diseases are stupifying, and all the Powers of the Soul are benumm'd in a dull Captivity; so that the sick Man only perceives with his animal Faculties. Some Diseases are tormenting, and cause a great Disorder in the Soul, and distract the Thoughts from considering his spiritual State. When the Storm is at the highest, and the Pilot so sick that he can give no Directions, ⟨p. 102⟩the Ship is left to the fury of the Winds, and escapes by Miracle. When there is a Tempest in the Humours of the Body, and the Soul by Sympathy is so discompos'd, that it cannot apply it self to prepare for its appearance before the Divine Tribunal, what danger of being lost, and passing from a short Agony to everlasting Torment?