A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death…

Name: A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death…
Author: Benjamin Keach

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.

Benjamin Keach 1640–1704London: printed for Ben Harris, 1676

[19], 79, [1] p. · 16k words · Wing K95 · ESTC R29890

Title page typeset from the transcription.

A SERMON •••ached at the Funeral of Mr. JOHN NORCOT, March the 28th…: A SERMON •••ached at the Funeral of Mr. JOHN NORCOT, March the 28th. 1676.

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.

[ Earlier:302–317 of 361

:302p. 43

Fifthly, Take heed you do not sin against Light. Neglect no Conviction either of Sin or Duty, if you would be prepared for the grave: Then shall I not, saith David, be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy commandments; Psal. 119. 6.

:303p. 43

Sixthly, Never be satisfied until you have all your sins subdued. Sin must be crucified, or the soul must die, Rom. 8. 13. To this I might add (for I cannot enlarge) make it your business also to get your sins pardoned; so that you may have the feeling sense of the forgiveness of them in your own hearts.

:304p. 44–46

Seventhly, Labour after a pure Conscience. What will stand your souls in greater stead, when you come to die than this? Paul's great care and endeavour was, to keep a Conscience void of offence towards God and toward men, Acts 24. 16. I must tell you, An accusing Conscience will be a bad Death-bed Companion. I remember what our dear Friend spake to me in the time of his Sickness. Oh Brother, said he, a good conscience is the best refuge. That was his rejoicing, alluding to that Text, 2 Cor. 1. 12. the testimony of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity; not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God he had his conversation in the world. It matters not who reproach us, if Conscience doth not? Conscience, as I told some of you lately, will be your best friend; if a friend, a friend indeed, a friend in adversity; a friend at death, and a ⟨p. 45⟩

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