The generality of Men, not enduring to hear of Death. [ 1686]
DOctor Rudd then B. of S. Davids, preaching before Q. Elizab. An. 1596. on Psalm 90. vers. 12. O teach us to number our dayes,* 1.1 &c. fell upon some sacred and mystical Numbers, as three for the Trinity, three times three for the Heavenly Hierarchy, seven for the Sabbath, and at last upon seven times nine for the grand Climacterical year; but the Q. perceiving whitherto it tended, began to be much troubled in her mind; which the B. discovering, betook himself to treat of some more plausible Numbers, as of the Number 666, to prove the Pope to be Antichrist, and of the fatal number 88, blessing God for hers and the Kingdoms deliverance, not doubting, but that she would passe her Climacterical year also. Sermon being ended, the Q. as the manner was, opened the VVindow, but she was so far from giving him thanks, that she said plainly; He should have kept his Arithmetick for himself, and so went away for the time discontented, though upon second thoughts she was pacified: And thus it is,* 1.2 that the generality of Men and Women cannot endure to hear of Death, or to entertain any thoughts of their latter end; you shall have them cry out upon the miseries of this wretched life,* 1.3 and yet when Death appears, be it but in the bare apprehension thereof, they do as little Children, who all the day complain, but when the Medicine is brought them, are nothing sick at all; or as they who all the week run up and down the house with pain of their teeth, and seeing the Barber come to pull them out, feel no more torment.