t 349 ) THE CONQUEST OVER DEATH. Described in a Funeral Discourse in Memory of THE LADY HARTOPP, DECEASED. T1 E INTRODUCTION. t' persuade myself that none of you are unacquainted with that mourn- ful providence that calls- me to the service of this day*. The words which were borrowed from the lips of the dying, I am desired to improve for the instruction and comfort of those that live. They are written in 1 Cox. xv. 26. 'r" The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. WHEN a nation. bath lain for whole ages under the power of some mighty tyrant, and has suffered perpetual ravages from his hands, what gladness runs through'the land, at the sure prediction of his ruin ? and how is every inhabitant pleased, while he hears of the approach- ing downfal of his great enemy ? " For this is he that has slain my father or my mother, my children, or my dearest relatives, and is still making havoc of the rem- nant of my friends, while I myself stand in hourly dan. ger." This pleasure grows up into more perfect. 'joy; when we are assured this is the last tyrant that shall arise, the last enemy that shall afflict us; for he shall have no successor, and we shall be for ever free. Such should be the rejoicing of all the saints, when they hear so desirable and divine a promise as the words of my text; The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. To improve this glorious proposition, let us' consider these four things, with a reflection or two upon each of them I. How death appears to be an enemy to the saints.._ II. Why it is cailed. the last enemy, oi the last that shall be destroyed. III. How it is to be destroyed, and what are the steps or gradual efforts towards its destruction. -IV. What are the advantages that the saints receive by the destruction of this last enemy. * Nov. 9, 1711, the Ladv rlartopr died, and this discourse was delivered at Stoke Newington, Nov. 25, following.
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