A47613:303
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.
Thirdly, Labour so get an interest in Jesus Christ. Oh that this opportunity might have some tendency this way! Unless ye believe that I am he,saith Jesus Christ, you shall die in your sins. Soul never rest and be satisfied, till thou canst say with Thomas, My Lord and my God, John 20. 28. Can you still stand it out against such precious patience and offers of grace? Will you not yet open to Christ? Shall he call and cry to you and will you give him no entertainment? Can you close in with a better friend? How long hath he stood knocking at the doors of your hearts? Was he not graciously calling upon you the last Lords day? and now in mercy he is giving you another knock. Oh ⟨p. 42⟩fear lest he depart! Is he not ready to take his farewell of you? Have you not let him stand till his head was wet with the dew, and his locks with the drops of the night? Sinner, sinner, hasten to him, and open the door, dost not hear that lovely voice that was spoken to the blind man, Be of good comfort, rise, he calleth thee, Mark 10. 49. It may be you will ask where? I'll tell thee, if thou art a weary and burdened soul, that feelest the weight of thy sin, there is a precious word spoken for thy sake, take hold of it; Matth. 11. 28. Come unto me all you that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. Oh the sweetness of that word, take it and receive it down.
Thirdly, Labour so get an interest in Jesus Christ. Oh that this opportunity might have some tendency this way! Unless ye believe that I am he,saith Jesus Christ, you shall die in your sins. Soul never rest and be satisfied, till thou canst say with Thomas, My Lord and my God, John 20. 28. Can you still stand it out against such precious patience and offers of grace? Will you not yet open to Christ? Shall he call and cry to you and will you give him no entertainment? Can you close in with a better friend? How long hath he stood knocking at the doors of your hearts? Was he not graciously calling upon you the last Lords day? and now in mercy he is giving you another knock. Oh