The blessedness of the death of these that die in the Lord and more…The blessednesse of the death of these that die in the Lord and more…

Many like Martha (who though a good woman was nevertheless much prevailed over by this distemper, albeit it did not reign in her nor obtain dominion over her, as it doeth over unregenerate persons) are careful, cumbered, and troubled about many things, and neglect the one thing that is needful; Is it not a wonder that such very rational and ⟨p. 90⟩wise men should wast all their precious time, except what they spend in eating, drinking and sleeping, upon the things of a present life, and not allow so much as one hour of all the week to think seriously on their souls and of death? I appeal to your own consciences if this be reasonable and a practice worthy of rational men having immortal souls capable of eternal happiness and misery? And if your time be not spent on these things which are but vanity, and which at death will do you no good nor profit you, and concerning which you will then be made to cry, What profit have we of these things whereof we are now ashamed? 3ly, To such as are frequent in their attendance on public ordinances, and in the use of other commanded means, and yet never thought nor believed their souls to be in hazard, nor in good earnest prepared themselves for dying; O! think yet upon your hazard, for that is the first spring of making ready for the remedy, O! seek grace to examine yourselves, to believe in Christ, to repent, and to live as it becomes them that profess themselves to be dying persons; Its really both strange and wonderful how it comes to pass that ye can so often hear and yet give no obedience to what ye hear, do ye or can ye think that it is religion enough to hear? Hath not the Scripture said, James 1. That it is not the hearer, but the doer of the word that is blessed in his deed or doing? I beseech you therefore be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving your own souls, or (as the word is) deluding and playing the Sophist with your own souls. 4ly, To them that have greater parts and abilities, and higher places and power then others, and have withal moe opportunities to be preparing for death; who are masters of families and can command their children and servants to read the Scripture, to fast and pray, and seek God;

Many like Martha (who though a good woman was neverthelesse much prevailed over by this distemper, albeit it did not reigne in her nor obtaine dominion over her, as it doeth over unregenerat persons) are careful, cumbred, and troubled about many things, and neglect the one thing that is needful; Is it not a wonder that such very rational and