Death unstung a sermon preached at the funeral of Thomas Mowsley, an apothecary, who…

USE II If the Saint be so happy in another World, then let us all examine, whether we are in the number of those Persons, for whom such things are prepared. Consider sirs, that this is not like to be every Mans portion, all Men and Women are not Kings and Queens, nor all the Sons of Adam Heirs of such an Inheritance; ⟨p. 56⟩few run so as to obtain, few fight so as to conquer, and get the Field, few act, as if this blessedness were worth the minding; and let me tell you, Heaven is not got with a wet Finger, most do their work by the halves, and though the Spirit move them, the Word, providence, call them, the Ministers beseech them, yet all will not do; they will not be persuaded, but a few lazy wishes will do, as well as all the seriousness in the World, and thus they will put things to the venture, and count a hazard, in the matters of their Souls and Eternity, but a trivial thing: We can't for our lives get Men to be in good earnest, but they will bless themselves, though God curse them; and take it for granted, that all is well, when God knows they are in as sad a condition, as can well be imagined on this side of Damnation. We tell them that most mistake, and that mistake here is the most deplorable; and yet still Men are asleep; and what if this should be thy condition, O Sinner, that comest hither for fashion sake, and sits there very trim and cheery? What sayest thou Man, art provided for Eternity? What title hast thou to glory? Dost thou know what it means to be convinced of sin? Was it ever made loathsome to thee? And canst thou say thou hatest it with a perfect hatred? and that not only as contrary to thee, and as it brings Hell, Misery, and Damnation with it, but as it is contrary to God, abusing his goodness, hating his purity, dethroning his Majesty; hath sin ever looked you in the face ⟨p. 57⟩besmeared with the blood of Christ? Were you ever made to understand your absolute need of Christ? Did you ever make a complete resignation of your self to him? and hath it been your business to act for him? and have you felt any strength coming from him, enabling of you to bring forth fruit meet for repentance, and to dye unto sin, and to live unto righteousness? and yet after all this, have you looked upon your self as an unprofitable servant? what experience have you in these things? put this question home to thy conscience;

USE II If the Saint be so happy in another World, then let us all examine, whether we are in the number of those Persons, for whom such things are prepared. Consider sirs, that this is not like to be every Mans portion, all Men and Women are not Kings and Queens, nor all the Sons of Adam Heirs of such an Inheritance;