The Godly Man's Picture

1. The Lord never takes away any comfort from his people, but he gives them that which is better: The Disciples parted with Christs corporal presence, and he sent them the Holy Ghost: God eclipseth one joy, and augments another, he doth but make an exchange, he takes away a Flower, and gives a Diamond.

2. Godly friends dying are in a better condition, they are taken away from the evil to come, Isa. 57. 1. They are out of the storm, and are gotten to the Haven, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, Rev. 14. 13. The godly have a portion promised them upon their marriage with Christ, but the portion is not paid till the day of their death: The Saints at death are preferred to Communion with God, they have that they so long hoped for, and prayed for; why then should we be impatient at our friends preferment?

3. Thou that art a Saint, hast a friend in heaven which thou canst not lose: The Jews have a saying at their^† Funerals, Let thy consolation be in heaven. Art thou a close Mourner, look up to heaven, and fetch comfort thence, thy best kindred are above, Psa 27. 10, ⟨p. 169⟩When my Father and Mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up: God will be with thee in the hour of death, Psa. 23. 4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me. Other friends thou canst not keep, God is a friend thou canst not lose; he will be thy Guide in life, thy Hope in death, thy Reward after death.