I'nEFACE. Xi preach, when strength hath been received from above to encounter with them. And moreover, it is in this case required, that we be frequent and steady in com- paring these things with thosa which are eternal, both as unto the misery which we are freed from, and that blessedness which is prepared for us. But I shall pro- ceed no farther with these particulars. There is none of all the things we have insisted on, neither theresignation of a departingsoul into the hand of God, nor a willingness to laydown this flesh in the dust, nor a readiness to comply with the will of God, as to the times and seasons, or the way and manner of the approach of death, that can be attained unto, with- out a prospect of that glory that shall give us a new state, far more excellent than what we here leave or de- part from. This we cannot have, whatever we pretend, unless we havesome present views of the glory ofChrist. An apprehension ofthe future manifestationof it in hea- ven will not relieve us if here we knownot what it is, and wherein it doth consist; if we have not some pre- vious discovery of it in this life. This is that which will make all things easy and pleasant unto us, even death itself, as it is a means to bring us unto its full enjoyment. Other great and glorious advantages which may be obtained in the diligent discharge of the duty here pro- posed, might be insisted on: but that the things them- selves discoursed of will evidently discover, and direct us unto the spring and reasonsof them: besides weak- ness, weariness, and the near approaches of death, do call me offfrom any further labour of this kind. 15
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