'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — May 18

When death and hell are viewed in their darkest colours, if we have faith enough to see souls in heaven wearing their white robes, this is comfort enough, to know our souls do not die with the body. The soul's eternity is an indelible principle stamped on the souls of men by the finger of God. It is not surprising that he who has his soul too linked to the body, does not know how to die and hates the thought of the separation of body and spirit. They hate to part with the body, which is their only blessing. But, regenerate spirits enjoy times of sublime reflections about heaven, and are willing to leave the body. John saw the saints in their safety and rest under Christ's protection and custody, under the shadow of his wings. He presents them to his Father, shelters them from accusation and condemnation, gathers them, as the hen her chicks, and is fully able to keep them from all distress. He will defend them from external and internal annoyance, and settle them in absolute peace with him in paradise. These meditations foster a true courageous resolution against the fear of death. We must set our minds on these heavenly realities, and often think of them. If there were an island on earth that would free our bodies and quiet our minds all our days, how would people covet to dwell on it. Christ is the believer's strong tower, and he does not fear what death can do unto him. He looks to the exceeding eternal weight of glory. Write, O Christ, these meditations on our hearts! Imprint them in our memories and may all our days have frequent thoughts of them. Let our Comforter bring them to mind that we might cheerfully pass through the waters of Jordan to take possession of that land of delights without end. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Samuel Ward, Sermons, pp. 61-68
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