A47613:307
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.
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⟩friend in the day of judgement. Oh what would some men give for such a friend? But if Conscience be an enemy, he is the worst of enemies. Conscience is a secret enemy, an enemy that is privy to all we have done; he knows all our thoughts, yea those secret lusts and evils, that lie in our hearts; and he will not be flattered. He will tell the truth and all the truth. Conscience will lay all open in the dreadful day of Account before Angels and Men, Rom. 2. 15. Holy Job resolved to hold his integrity fast and not to let it go; his heart should not reproach him as long as he lived, Job 27. 5, 6. Sincerity of heart and a good conscience will be a good sanctuary at the hour of death. The Lord help you to lay these things to heart. I might give you more directions which I am forced to omit, because of time. Only this, if thou wouldst be prepared for the grave, take this one, which was ⟨p. 46⟩not then delivered; which I am sorry I did omit.
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,