THis Glass does indeed approach the distrusted Vessel, but it approaches her only to our Eyes, not to our Ship; if she be not making up to us, this harmless Instrument will prove no Loadstone to draw her towards us, and if she be, it will put us into a better readiness to receive her. Such another Instrument in relation to Death, is the Meditation of it; (by Mortals so much, and so causelesly, abhorr’d) for though most Men as studiously shun all Thoughts of Death, as if, like nice Acquaintances, he would forbear to Visit where he knows he is never thought of, or as if we could exempt our selves from being Mortal, by forgetting that we are so; yet does this Meditation bring Death nearer to us, without at all lessening the real distance betwixt Us and Him: If that last Enemy be not yet approaching us, this innocent Glass will no more quicken his pace, than direct his steps; and if he be, without hastning his Arrival, it will prepare us for his Reception: For my part, my Beardless Chin allows me to presume, that by the course of Nature, I have yet a pretty stock of Sand in the upper part of my Hour-glass; Wherefore, though I am too Young to say with Isaac, behold, now I am Old, And I know not the Day of my Death, Gen. 27. 2. yet since the Youngest and Lustiest of us all, has cause to say with the Mirrour of Patience, When a few Years are come, then shall I go the way whence I shall not return, Job. 16. 22. and since ‘tis the wise Man’s Counsel, Not to boast our selves of to Morrow, because we know not what a Day may bring forth. I will endeavour (to use our Saviour’s tearms) To take heed to my self, least at any time that Day come upon me unawares, Luke 21. 34. And as the only safe Expedient in order thereunto, I will (in imitation of holy Job) All the Days of my appointed time wait till my Change come, Job 14. 24.
← Reflections, Section 1, Reflection IX · Contents · Reflections, Section 2 Upon the Accidents of an Ague, Meditation 1. Upon the →