PREFACE, BY THE AUTHOR. THE favourable reception which Death, a Vision, has met with by the more pious and thoughtful; and the frequent accounts I have had of its usefulness, especially to the weary and heavy laden Christian, have induced me to endeavour to make it, as much as possible, still more acceptable, and to print it in a larger type, as well as greatly to improve several circumstances therein related. The subject is of the highest importance; Death casts the die, and unalter ably fixes, for ever fixes our existence, either in a state of the purest holiness and consummate felicity, or in the blackest horror, and most aggravated torments, in the howling regions of infamy and despair. It is of universal concern all are equally interested in it; for "all must die." This point admits of no controversy; nor can any man appeal from the awful decision. We may in other things, perhaps, allowably differ; but here our judgment must be unanimous, whilst we visit the tombs of our ancestors, and daily tread upon dust once inhabited by immortal spirits. Your fathers, where are they? The prophets, do they live for ever? Buryingplaces discover graves of every dimension, from the infant of a span to the swain of tallest stature. The hoary head, though frequently unnoticed, proclaims aloud the swift approach of death to venerable age, ripening for the grave by a series of bodily infirmities. The young in years, the bloom of youth, and strength of manhood, in this unequal war can make no greater resistance than tottering weakness. Almost every day produceth fresh testimony that youth' is by no means an insurance from death; nor robust and brawny limbs a security from the grave. The greatest monarch comes down here to a perfect equality with the basest beggar: and the most delicate epicurean ranks only with the menial drudge or scullion in the kitchen. Neither robes of the finest lawn, nor crowns of the purest gold, have power to exempt their wearers from the pains and horrors of a gloomy death-bed, and its inevitable consequences. How awful this consideration "God hath ap pointed that all men once shall die!" Must it not affect the mind to think of entering into an unknown state of existence? A state, of which nothing can in this life be learned but from the word of revelation. And is it not still more awful to see, that notwithstanding the absolute certainty, and the vast importance of death, the far greatest part of mankind pay little or no regard to its dread solemnity? Men in general will be more curious and exact in their inquiries after even the most trifling commodity they purchase, than about the most suitable preparation for death. If a tradesman is about purchasing any valuable article, how diligent is he to guard against imposition? If a gentleman purchaseth an estate, how inquisitive is he after its real value, and with what accuracy does he examine the va |