A47613:309
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.
Oh that you would labour to call them to mind! and those upon a well-ordered Conversation; from Psal. •50. and the last verse. What pains did he take with you, that you might not deceive your selves and miss at last of eternal life? I think there was never more formality amongst Christians and carnality amongst Professors in the Churches, than in these days: No marvel if God bring a day of dreadful trials and afflictions upon us, that those that are approved, may be made manifest. Tremble sinners, for God is a coming forth to refine his people; he will search Jerusalem with candles; Zeph. 1. 12. And woe to them that are at ease in Zion; however you appear now to men, your sins ere long will find you out.
Oh that you would labour to call them to mind! and those upon a well-ordered Conversation; from Psal. •50. and the last verse. What pains did he take with you, that you might not deceive your selves and miss at last of eternal life? I think there was never more formality amongst Christians and carnality amongst Professors in the Churches, than in these dayes: No marvel if God bring a day of dreadful tryals and afflictions upon us, that those that are approved, may be made manifest. Tremble sranners, for God is a coming forth to refine his people; he will search Jerusalem with candles; Zeph. 1. 12. And woe to them that are at ease in Zion; however you appear now to men, your sins ere long will find you out.
I now must come to the third Use, which must be an Use of Lamentation; and indeed I know not well how to enter upon it, my heart is full. Is it so? Must all die? Can ⟨p. 47⟩none deliver their own souls from the power of the grave? Must Husbands die, dear Husbands? Must Fathers die, yea tender Fathers? Must Friends, our dearest Friends die? Ministers, nay, our choice and godly Pastors, must they die too? Oh greedy Death! oh cruel Tyrant! Oh that ever we sinned! This may well be for a Lamentation. Samuel died, and Israel made great Lamentations for him. Your Samuel is gone, but no asking for him again, he cannot come. In