Psalm 89:48 What man is he that lives, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. It is reported to have been the practice of the nobles of Greece, in the clay whereon their emperor was crowned, that they presented a marble stone unto him; and he was asked, after what fashion he would have his tomb-stone made? — which practice speaks forth this unto us, that although these were most destitute of the light of the Scripture, they were very mindful of death. Death will surprise some, as it did Abel in the open field (Genesis 4:8); some, as Eglon in his parlour (Judges 3:21); some, as Saul and Jonathan in the fight (1 Samuel 31.). I. ADVANTAGES WHICH ATTEND THOSE THAT LIVE WITHIN CONTINUAL SIGHT OF DEATH. 1. The faith of approaching death will make a soul exceedingly diligent in duty (John 9:4). 2. The faith of approaching death will make a Christian exceedingly serious, and zealous in the exercise of his duty (Ecclesiastes 9:10). 3. The faith of this truth, that we must all die, will help s Christian to be exceedingly mortified to the things of a present world (2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 7:31, 32; Philippians 4:5). 4. When a Christian believeth this truth, that he must die, it will be an exceeding great restraint to keep him from sinning (Job 31:13, 14). 5. When a Christian liveth within the sight of this truth, that he shall once see death, it will make him exceedingly patient under every cross wherewith he meeteth. Such a Christian will hardly meet with a cross, but he will quiet himself with this: — death will put me beyond this cross — this is but a cloud that will quickly pass away (Psalm 39:4). 6. The faith of approaching death will teach the person that hath it to study saving wisdom (Psalm 90:12). 7. The faith of approaching death will make a Christian very careful in preparing for death. 8. Death will not be so terrible to him as it is unto many when it cometh. I know not a more dreadful dispensation than death and a guilty conscience meeting together. II. SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR PRESSING YOU TO PREPARE FOR DEATH. 1. To die well and in the Lord is a most difficult work; therefore I intreat you to prepare for death. It is a difficult work to communicate aright; it is a difficult work to pray aright; but, I must tell you, it is a still more difficult work to die aright than any of these. 2. You are to die but once; and if you die not aright, there is no mending of it. 3. They are pronounced blessed who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). 4. That though thou put all thy works by thy hand before death, yet shalt thou find that death shall have work enough for itself — yea, as much as thou shalt get done. It will then be much for thee to win to patience; it will be much for thee to win to the sight of thy justification; and then it will be much more for thee to win to assurance. O! then is it not needful for thee to put all thy work by hand before thy latter end come? 5. Your labours shall end, but your works shall not be forgotten; and is not that a glorious advantage? 6. Death may come upon you ere ye be aware; ye know not but death may surprise you this night before ye go home to your houses; and therefore let that press you to study a constant preparation for death. 7. As death leaveth you, so will judgment find you. If death shall leave you strangers to Christ, ye shall appear before Him strangers to Him: therefore I entreat you all to prepare for it. III. SOME DIRECTIONS FOR HELPING YOU TO PREPARE FOR DEATH. 1. Be much in preparation for death every day, for it is even a preparation for heaven, to be taking a sight of your grave and latter end every day. 2. Be much in these duties — (1) Self-examination. (2) Repentance. (3) Faith. (4) Mortification. 3. Be much in minding the excellent things of heaven. 4. Labour always to keep a good conscience, void of offence towards God and man. 5. Slight not any known duty; do not crucify any conviction, neither break any resolution. (A. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. |
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