166 THE SAINTS' REST, &c. [Chap. IO, wouldst cry, " Why is his chariot so long in coming ? Why tarry the wheels of his chariot ?" How long, Lord? how long ? What if God should let thee live many years, but deny thee the mercies which thou hast hitherto enjoyed ? Might he not give thee life, as he gave the murmuring Is- raelites quails ? He might give thee life till thou art weary of living, and as glad to be rid of it as Judas or Ahitho phel; and make thee like many miserable creatures in the world, who can hardly forbear laying violent hands on themselves. Be not therefore so importunate for life, which may prove a judgment instead of a blessing. Howmany of the precious servants of God, of all ages and places, have gone before thee! Thou art not to enter an untrodden path, nor appointed first to break the ice. Except Enoch and Elijah, which of the saints have escaped death ? And art thou better than they ? There are many millions of saints dead, more than now remain on earth. What a number of thine own bosom-friends, and companions in duty, are now gone, and why shouldst thou be so loath to follow ? Nay, bath not Jesus Christ himself gone this way ? Hath he not sanctified the grave to us, and perfumed the dust with his own body, and art thou loath to follow him too? Rather say as Thomas, " Let us also go, that we may die with him.' If what has been said will not persuade, Scripture and reason have little force. And I have said the more on this subject, finding it so needful to myself and others; finding among so many Christians, who could do and suffer much for Christ, so few that can willingly die; and of many, who have somewhat subdued other corruptions, so few that have gotten the conquest of this. I persuade not the ungodly from fearing death : it is a wonder that they fear it no more, and spend not their days in continual horror.
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