A47613:295
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.
7. Do you know for certain the Gospel shall be continued to this Land? Be you sure you shall hear the joyful sound? Let me tell you my thoughts freely, though I pretend not to a spirit of Prophecy; yet mark what follows: I tremble to think what is coming upon us as a punishment of our sins. I fear, Beloved, the Gospel is a going. Ephraim hath grey hairs here and there, though he know it not; and grey hairs are a sign that our morning or best days are gone; secondly, they commonly bring a wrinkled face, or a decay of Beauty; our goodness, like Ephraims, are even like the morning dew: thirdly, they bring feebleness, or a decay of strength: fourthly, they show that death and mortality draws near. We have heard, some of us, that ⟨p. 32⟩he was grey a great while ago; I doubt he is white, by this time. There are sad symptoms upon us, I know not how soon we may have cause to cry Ichabod, because the glory is departed. Are we not in danger to be over-spread with Popery, Confusion, and Darkness; for if the Gospel should continue, and Gods people resolve to do their best, by their prayers and prizing of it, to hold it fast; yet are you sure you shall have Ministers to preach unto you? Many have been taken of late away, and one at this time before your eyes is gone, a faithful and able one; whom now you shall hear no more. But should there be Ministers and opportunities, yet you may be left to your selves, to ripen for Hell and ruin? Nay, Is not Christ already crying over you, as he did over Jerusalem; Oh that thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belongeth to thy peace; but now they are hid from ⟨p. 33⟩eyes; Luke 19. 42. Oh that these things might take hold and touch your Consciences.
7. Do you know for certain the Gospel shall be continued to this Land? Be you sure you shall hear the joyful sound? Let me tell you my thoughts freely, though I pretend not to a spirit of Prophesie; yet mark what follows: I tremble to think what is coming upon us as a punishment of our sins. I fear, Beloved, the Gospel is a going. Ephraim hath grey hairs here and there, though he know it not; and grey hairs are a sign that our morning or best days are gone; secondly, they commonly bring a wrinkled face, or a decay of Beauty; our goodness, like Ephraims, are even like the morning dew: thirdly, they bring feebleness, or a decay of strength: fourthly, they shew that death and mortality draws near. We have heard, some of us, that