A47613:255
A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death…
A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death demonstrated in a sermon preached at the funeral of that most eminent and faithful servant of Jesus Christ Mr. John Norcot who departed this life March 24, 1675/6 / by Benjamin Keach.
London: printed for Ben Harris, 1676
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The Psalmist in the verses that doth precede is pleading with God under great afflictions and the hidings of Gods face, upon consideration of the shortness of his days: How long wilt thou hide thy self? for ⟨p. 3⟩ever shall thy wrath burn like fire? and ver. 47. Remember how short my time is; as if he should say, Lord I have but a little while to live, my time on earth is short; let me therefore enjoy thy favour: let the remainder of my days (the days of my pilgrimage) be good days: Let me see thy face, have the light of thy countenance; let them not be days of sorrow and darkness. From hence note this, That a gracious soul, whilst on earth, desires nothing more than the enjoyment of Gods favour. Communion with God is the only thing his soul longs and breaths after. They having a sense of the shortness of their days, resolve to live well and to make good improvement of their time: They would not only have the full enjoyment of God hereafter, but a sight of his presence and favour whilst here. And indeed those who would live with God in heaven, must first live to God on earth. Now it is ⟨p. 4⟩not thus with the unregenerate, if wicked men have a sight of the shortness of their lives, it hath not this effect upon their hearts; they many times the more pursue their lusts: they endeavour to get as much pleasure as they can, and to gratify their covetous, ambitious, and carnal appetites, and suck out what sweetness they can out out of this perishing world; they resolve to have it as sweet as outward enjoyments can make it; they know no higher or better good then what is earthly and sensual. Oh miserable deceived Creatures, how is their understandings darkened, having never attained a saving knowledge of God, nor spiritual relish of his grace and love, nor a sight of his favour and kindness towards them. They are dreadfully involved in Egyptian darkness, they are ignorant of the satisfaction, joy and sweetness that is in him; hence they cry not after God, nor seek after him here, that ⟨p. 5⟩they might be made happy with him hereafter.
The Psalmist in the verses that doth precede is pleading with God under great afflictions and the hidings of Gods face, upon consideration of the shortness of his dayes: How long wilt thou hide thy self? for