the greatest utility in the religious life; such as making afflictions, which otherwise would seem long and severe, to appear, what they really are, but light and momentary: naturally leads us into such an acquaintance with our own personal weakness, that we can bear with the weaknesses of others, and exercise forbearance even to our greatest enemies; makes the honour of religion, the peace and tranquillity of the church, and the spread of the Redeemer's glory, the first objects of our pursuit; in comparison of which all other concerns will seem but light and trivial. Besides, that familiar acquaintance with it, which in the issue shall make death itself desirable and easy; which is rarely the case with those who are but little given to bear in mind the solemnities of their dissolution. The pilgrim cannot forget his native

country, nor the exile the house of his fathers; how then can it be that the Christian under the exercise of grace shall forget the land of his inheritance?

The following little tract was written within the immediate views of death, and when eternity made very awful impressions on the heart of the author. The mode of it was chosen with a view to make it more entertaining, whilst it conveyed the necessary instruction to the mind. The substance ofit not withstanding is taken from facts, which have. fallen under his own observation, and it is hoped that, through the Divine blessing, the truths conveyed in it, will produce their evidence in the believing heart. I trust I can say that I am thankful for the accounts I have heard of its

usefulness, and bless God that any feeble attempt of mine should be owned to his people's edification. I have taken fresh pains in preparing this edition for the press, and am persuaded that it comes now abroad under greater advantages than in former editions. What alterations I have made are such as seemed to me calculated to promote its usefulness, and make it more agreeable to the serious reader. I have only to add, that I beg my reader to impute the plainness of speech I have used in the Preface, to the warm desire of seeing the true spirit of religion prevail amongst professors, and to be useful to the souls of my fellow sinners.

Now that the Holy Ghost may attend the reading of Death, a Vision, with his special influence; that it may answer

the end for which it is now again sent into the world is, and I trust shall be, the author's prayer. Amen.

ARGUMENT

ΤΟ

PART I.

The Subject introduced-The Terrors of Death depicted-Christ's Victory over his Power-The Dream commenced-The Votaries of Pleasure— The Disappointment attending the Acquisition of Riches-Ambition the Source of Calamity-The Caprice of Fortune-Beautiful Landscape-Man's Superiority over every Part of the Creation-Death pourtrayed-Death the Effect of Sin-The most exalted Characters not exempt from his Power— Consternation at his Approach-Medicinal Aid insufficient.