Meditations divine & morall by H.T. ...

LXXV.

We are but generated dust at first, and at last degenerated ashes. The soul in the body is but confined as it were to some dark prison. The grave is not so strait a lodging to the body, as the body is to the soul; for the body is not sensible of this narrow impri∣sonment, but the soule eve∣ry day feels the iron weight of her fleshly fetters. The flesh is a burden to the soul: are we afraid of ease? we shall never finde rest and quiet till God the Lord and propri∣etary call for his abused ta∣lent, and repose it safe in those eternal Mansions. What a benefit is this to be de∣prived

of that darknesse and stupidity which hindred our prospect? to be estated in an unchangable condition? to enjoy an undeterminable felicity? why should we be lesse unwilling to put off this fleshly garment than we are to undress our selves e∣very night? why should we be loath to change this vile body for eternity? to shift this thread-bare-coat to be superinvested with immortal glory? what but some strange misbelief and infidelity can obstruct the desire of this happy dissolution? The world is full of miseries, and hea∣ven is full of blessings; e∣nough to excite the most dull heart to pant after this glo∣rious change. Death in it

self is nothing: are we afraid of nothing? are we frighted with a Chimaera? How shall I encounter with an Host, if I tremble at a shadow? There is nothing fearful in death if we embrace it with a good conscience. An honest man cannot die a dishonest death▪ It is reported of the Empe∣rour Vespasian, that when he lay upon his death-bed breathing out his last, he made a sudden start, and raised himself upon his feet. Being requested to lie down again, he refused, and yeeld∣ed up his spirit with these words, Oportet imperatorem stantem mori, It behoves an Emperor to die standing; which with a little change may be∣come the mouth of a good

Christian, Oportet Christia∣num triumphantem mori, It behoves a Christian to die triumphing.