A47613:288
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.
First, By way of Exhortation, Is it so Beloved, must all men die? Can none deliver his own soul from the power of the grave? Must every Mothers child of us take up our Lodging there? Is the dark grave the appointed house for all living? Shall the proudest and loftiest be brought down to the dust? Must that little cool house under ground hold us all? Then poor sinners shall ⟨p. 23⟩I prevail with you to prepare for death? Let me exhort you to look about you and get ready. I remember, when the Prophet came to good King Hezekiah, Isa. 38. 1. with that doleful tidings (as upon some consideration and circumstances it might then appear to that holy man) he bids him set his house in order, make provision for eternity: and this is the message that is brought to you this day: You must die and not live. And that I might enforce this word upon you, let me lay before you a few Motives and awakening Considerations.
First, Consider what a great favour and mercy it is that God hath let you and I live so long. Others are long ago cut down and sent to the grave; he hath not it may be given many half of those days which thou hast had: Look upon this as a mercy indeed, considering thy life was forfeited before thou wert born. ⟨p. 24⟩Sirs we came into the World with the Sentence of death upon us; and if Jehovah had cut us down in our sins many years ago, it would have been but a piece of Justice. And what is the end of God in sparing of us, but that we might be fitted for the place whither we are going. Oh how unwilling is God to strike the fatal blow, to cut men down before they are prepared for death. He is not willing they should perish, and that is the reason of his patience, long-suffering, and forbearance, sinners lay it to heart.
First, Consider what a great favour and mercy it is that God hath let you and I live so long. Others are long ago cut down and sent to the grave; he hath not it may be given many half of those dayes which thou hast had: Look upon this as a mercy indeed, considering thy life was forfeited before thou wert born.