A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto

And the requests, that the Lord would make us know our end, and the measure of our Days that we may know how frail we are, Psal. 39.4. And that he would teach us so to number our Days that we may apply our hearts ⟨p. 78⟩to wisdom, Psal 90.12. are equally monitory to the same purpose, as the most express Precepts: As also the many Directions we have to watch and wait for our Lords appearance and coming are as applicable to this purpose. For whensoever his Key opens our passage out of this World, and These Bodies, Hades opens too, and he particularly appears to us, in as decisive a judgment of our case, as his universal appearance and judgment will at last give for all. The placid agreement of our Minds and Spirits with Divine determination, both as to the thing, and time, of our departure hence, will prevent the trouble and ungratefulness of being surprised; and our continual expectation of it, will prevent any surprisal at all Let this then be an agreed resolution with us, ⟨p. 79⟩to endeavour being in such a posture, as that we may be capable of saying, Lord whensoever thou shalt move thy Key, and tell me this night, or this hour, I'll require thy Soul, thou shalt not, O Lord, prevent mine expectation, or ever find me counting upon many years enjoyment of any thing this world can entertain me with.

And the requests, that the Lord would make us know our end, and the measure of our Days that we may know how frail we are, Psal. 39.4. And that he would teach us so to number our Days that we may apply our hearts ⟨p. 78⟩to wisdom, Psal 90.12. are equally monitory to the same purpose, as the most express Precepts: As also the many Directions we have to watch and wait for our Lords appearance and coming are as applicable to this purpose. For whensoever his Key opens our passage out of this World, and These Bodies, Hades opens too, and he particularly appears to us, in as decisive a judgment of our case, as his universal appearance and judgment will at last give for all. The placid agreement of our Minds and Spirits with Divine determination, both as to the thing, and time, of our departure hence, will prevent the trouble and ungratefulness of being surpriz'd; and our continual expectation of it, will prevent any surprizal at all Let this then be an agreed resolution with us,