Watts - Houston-Packer Collection BX5207.W3 S4x 1805 v.3

SECT. IV. THE CONQVEST OVER DEATH: 373 died around us, adoring thy rich grace together, and entering together into thestate'ofperfect glory which thou hast prepared." It remains only that I should propose some reflections on the last' head of d:iscoursé for the meditation of this whole assembly, and especially for those that are engaged in the spiritual warfare, and proceed to daily conquests. Shall death, with all its attendants, be destroyed for ever ? And are these the blessings that shall succeed ? Then enter into this joy before-hand by a lively faith, and begin the song of triumph Odeath, where is thy sting, O graze, where is thy victory ? 1 Cor. xv. .55. Rejoice not over me, O mine enemy, when Ifall I shall arise; Mic. vii. 8. After you have fought many battles with Satan, 'sub- dued many sins, and encountered a thousand tempta- tionswith success, perhaps you find new adversaries still arising; look forward then to this joyful hour, and say, " But-I shall one day be for ever free from all these toils and labours of war, for all my enemies shall be over- come, since death the last of them shall be subdued." When you feel the infirmities of this mortal body hang heavy upon your spirits, and damp your devotion, read the words of this promise, and rejoice ; " These pains and these languors of nature shall one day vanish and be no more ; for death, with all its train, must be de;- stroyed." When some of your dearest friends are seized by this tyrant, and led away to the grave in his chains, while yoú are wounded to the very soul, remember, that Christ your Captain, and your. Saviour, shall revenge this quar- rel upon your last enemy; for he has appointed the hour of his destruction. Mourn not therefore for the dead, as " those that sorrow without hope, for those that sleep in Jesus, the Lord shall bring with himwhen he comes ;" 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14. And he shall join you together in a blessed and durable friendship, where it shall be eternally impossible for enemies to break in upon your peace; for death, the last of them, shall be then destroyed. And the Lord has left us this comfort in the end ofhis sacred writings, " Surely I come quickly." Let eachof us with a chearful heart reply, even so, corn; Lord Jesus," Amen. E3

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