An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

When Barzillai was (as it were but) upon the borders of death and confines of the grave (2 Sam. 19. 25.) he bespeaks David thus, who had invited him to Court, Can I taste what I eat and what I drink? (and it follows) Can I any more hear the voice of singing-men and singing-women? Can I any more? as if he had said, I am now nigh unto death, these delights are gone they are perished for ever, I can hardly taste any thing I eat or drink; the pleasant Voice or musical Instrument can I any more hear? much more then in death it self are all these outward comforts perished, and will perish for ever.

When Barzillai was (as it were but) upon the borders of death and confines of the grave (2 Sam. 19. 25.) he bespeaks David thus, who had invited him to Court, Can I taste what I eat and what I drink? (and it followes) Can I any more heare the voice of singing-men and singing-women? Can I any more? as if he had said, I am now nigh unto death, these delights are gone they are perished for ever, I can hardly taste any thing I eat or drink; the pleasant Voice or musicall Instrument can I any more hear? much more then in death it self are all these outward comforts perished, and will perish for ever.

Again, in respect of civill works, he that dyes, perishes for ever; no more buying, or selling, or trading, or de aling, all these things are past, and past for ever. Yea, death puts an end to all spiritual works, such as were the Saints exercise and duty upon the earth, at the grave, there's an end of them also; a dying man perishes for ever, in respect of repenting or believing, in respect of praying or hearing the word. These are heavenly works, but the time for these is, while you are upon the earth, none of these labours are in Heaven or Hell, no nor in the grave whether thou goest, as the Preacher concludes (Ecclesiastes 9. 10.) Therefore (Isay 38. 18.) Hezekiah in his sickness makes it one part of his suit to God, that he might be spared, for (saith he) the grave cannot praise thee, they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth, the living, the living he shall praise thee, as I do this day. To praise