Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

Is not their case then hopeful in death, who are so closely linked and allied to the Lord of the other world, who hath the keys of hell and death.

Secondly, They shall have a safe passage to another world. They must indeed go through the valley of the shadow of death; but tho' it be in itself a dark and shady va•e, it shall be a valley of hope to them: they shall not be driven through' it, but walk through' it; as men in perfect safety, who fear no evil, Psal. xxiii. 4. Why should they fear? They have the Lord of the land's safe conduct, his pass sealed with his own blood, namely, the blessed covenant, which is the saint's death-bed comfort. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made with me an everlasting COVENANT, ordered in all things and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he cause it not to grow. Who then can harm them? It i• safe riding in Christ's chariot (Cant. iii. 9.) both through' life and death. They have good and honourable attendants, a guard, even a guard of angels. These encamp about them in the time of their life: and surely will not leave them in the day of their death. These happy ministering spirits are attendants on their Lord's bride, and will doubtless convey her safe home to his house. When friends in mournful mood stand by the faint's bed-side, waiting to see him draw his last breath; his soul is waited for of holy angels, to be carried by them into Abraham's bosom, Luke xvi. 22. The captain of the saint's salvation is the captain of this holy guard: he was their guide even unto death, and he will be their guide through it too. Psal xxiii. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. They may without fear pass that river, being confident it shall not overflow them; and may walk through that fire, being sure they shall not be burnt by it.