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Inference 2.
Did Christ die the cursed death of the Cross for believers,* 1.1 then though there may be much of pain, there is nothing of curse in the death of the Saints. It still wears its dart, by which it strikes; but hath lost its sting by which it hurts and destroys. A Ser∣pent that hath no sting, may hiss and affright; but we may take him in our hand without danger. Death poured out all its poison, and lost its sting in Christs side, when he became a curse for us.
But what speak I of the innocency and harmlesness of death to believers. It is certainly their friend, and great benefactor. As there is no curse, so there are many blessings in it. Death is yours, 1 Cor. 3.22. Yours as a special priviledge and favour. Christ hath not only conquered it, but is more than a conque∣ror; for he hath made it beneficial, and very serviceable to the saints. When Christ was nailed to the tree, then he said as it were to death which came to grapple with him there; O death I will be thy plagues, O grave I will be thy destruction; And so he was: for he swallowed up death in victory. Spoiled it of its power. So that it drives but a poor trade now among believers; frighting some weak ones among them, though it cannot hurt them at all.