§. Sect. 3 Of the fourth meanes, which is, to remem∣ber the day of death.
The fourth meanes is, that wee continually remember the day of our death, not as though it were farre off, but neere approching, and euen knocking at our doores. For our liues are short and momentany, and this short time so vncertaine, that we haue no assurance that we shall liue ano∣ther day, no not so much as the next minute. When wee goe abroad, wee know not whether we shall returne home; nor when we are at home, whe∣ther wee shall liue to goe abroad; when wee goe to bed, wee cannot tell whether we shall euer rise; and when we rise, whether we shall againe goe to bed. For many haue been thus suddenly taken away, going well out of doores, and neuer returning; lying downe securely to take their rest, haue been found dead the next morning. Now seeing that which befalleth one, may happen to any, and that which hath been the case of many, may probably betide any one; let it be our wisedome to stand continually vp∣on our watch, that we may be found in readinesse, seeing it is a matter that concernes vs no lesse, then the euerlasting saluation or damnation of our soules. And seeing we are not sure of liuing another day, let vs thinke that euery day may be the last, and so take occasion to watch carefully ouer our wayes, that we may, when God pleaseth to call, be prepared to goe vnto him with cheerfulnesse and ioy: and when wee are inticed to commit any sinne; as to loue the world immoderately, to increase our riches by fraud and deceit, or violence and oppression, to sweare, lye, and profane the Lords Day, to drinke drunken, commit filthinesse, or any o∣ther sinne; let vs say vnto our owne soules, Would I commit this or that sinne, if I were sure that this day were my last? Farre would it be from me, if I were thus perswaded. And therefore let mee bee now as farre from gi∣uing way willingly vnto any of these, or the like sinnes, seeing, for ought I know, it may be the last minute. And thus when wee finde our selues slacke and backward vnto any duties of Gods seruice, let vs examine our owne hearts, whether we would not shake off all sluggishnesse, and goe about them with all care and diligence, if we were perswaded that wee should not liue another day; and then if wee be wise, we will bee as cir∣cumspect and carefull that wee neglect no good duty which may bring comfort to our hearts, peace to our consciences, and assurance of saluation