The Death of the Righteous

tions in which we are to labor, in health, in the incipient stages of sickness, and at the approach of death, I have shown the care we should take in these respective states, which is the subject which occupies the second, third, and fourth books. The fifth contains directions for those who die a violent death. I have not drawn out the reflections which might guard us against the mere terrors of death. I have two reasons in particular for this. The first is, that Mr. Drelincourt has done this in a manner which leaves nothing to be added. The other is, that it did not seem to me very necessary.

In fact, if we fear death, this fear must arise from one of two causes: either that we suppose death to be a very great evil even to the true children of God, or that though assured of its advantage to such, each fears this adyantage is not for him, because in fact he fears he is not of the number. I never met with a person whose apprehensions arose from the first of these causes. All who have appeared to be in terror of death, have assured me their fears arose solely from this consideration, that they dared not assure themselves that their faith was a living faith, and the renewal of their minds a true renewal. It is not therefore very necessary to expose the error of the first of these opinions, of which we have few or no examples. The second deserves much more consideration ; but as I have said in my treatise on “ Conscience” what I think of this subject, it is unnecessary to extend my remarks on the present occasion. I have therefore briefly considered what

appeared to me most necessary. This recals to my memory one thing which I have observed, and for which I consider a reason due to my readers. I have necessarily been obliged to treat of many things in this volume, of which I have spoken in other works. As repetitions are always troublesome and disagreeable, I was a little at a loss how to accommodate this difficulty. At first I thought of touching no subject which I had elsewhere considered, and content myself by sending my reader to these other works. But I soon perceived that this would be extremely inconvenient. Doubtless it would be necessary so to do in a doctrinal treatise ; but in a manual like this, it is unnecessary. For it is very possible that this book may fall into the hands those who have not read the others, and could not even procure them. And they who might have them would not be satisfied with the interruption which this reference would occasion. I have therefore thought it better to make this work a complete treatise, and thus to avoid the necessity of a supplement. With this view I have found it useful to repeat many things which I have elsewhere said, and more or less to extend them, as the plan of the work has required. I have added some meditations, and a number of prayers, some shorter and others longer, as the subject preceding them furnished occasion.

On the whole, I have endeavored to say those things which were useful, rather than those which were lofty or learned. I have sought to edify the pious soul. It is for my readers to judge what has been my success.

My chief desire is, that this little work may be of some utility, and that it may please God to attend it with his grace, and shed upon it his blessing.

TABLE OF CHAPTERS.

BOOK I.

CHAP. I. THAT nothing is more rare than a good death —

The cause of this - Plan of the work,

Page 3

CHAP. II. Two kinds of death

distinguished,

By what they are

CHAP. III. There are two states in which we may die, a

state of sin and a state of grace,

CHAP. IV. Death should find us really employed in our

duty,