The fading of the flesh and flourishing of faith, or, One cast for eternity…

First, I shall offer thee some thoughts which may quicken thee to a diligent provision for this time.

¹First, Dost thou not know that Death will come certainly? As the young Prophet said to Elisha, Dost thou know that the Lord will take thy Master from thy head to day? 2 Kings 2.3. Reader, Dost thou know that the Lord will take thy soul out of thy body, and send it to the unknown regions of the other World; where thou shalt see such things as thou never sawest, hear such things as thou never heardst, and understand such things as thou didst never understand? Possibly thou wilt answer me (as Elisha them) I know it, hold your peace. But truly I am ready to urge it again, being assured that thy knowledge is (as Cicero speaks of the Athenians) like artificial teeth, for show only; thou dost not yet know it for thy good. Therefore give me leave to enforce it still. Dost thou know that God will bring thee to death, and to the house appointed for all the living? Dost thou know that thy ruddy countenance will wax pale, thy sparkling eyes look ghastly, thy warm blood cool in thy veins, thy marrow dry up in thy bones, thy skin shrivel, thy sinews shrink, nay thy very heart strings crack? And hast thou provided never a cordial against this hour? Dost thou not read in the writings of God himself, That no man hath power in the day of death, and there is no discharge in that war, Eccles. 8.8. No man hath power, either to resist deaths force, or to procure terms of peace. The greatest Emperor with the strength of all his dominions cannot withstand Death. The most eloquent Orator by his strongest reasons, and most pathetical expressions cannot persuade Death. The deepest Counsellor by all his policy cannot outwit or cozen Death.

¹First, Dost thou not know that Death will come certainly? As the young Prophet said to Elisha, Dost thou know that the Lord will take thy Master from thy head to day?