To a young Man surpriz'd by Death

Tho' Death has many ways to be disguis'd,
We have as many not to be surpriz'd;
So that surprize is but a lame excuse,
Which rather doubly trebbles the abuse;
When we are plac'd by God upon the guard,
Who proffers life eternal for reward.
But thou, young Man, for pain may'st loudly groan,
Or is'st for grief to die thou mak'st such moan?
If by the first thou do'st find any ease,
'Tis well; the second adds to thy disease,
And by a great mistake disturbs thy heart,
With a false fancy that thou dying art.
Now thy beloved Carcase does decay,
Which should unto thy Soul raise no dismay.
But chear thy heart, and so enrich thy mind
With joyful thoughts of a diviner kind;
For when God calls for thy last puff of Breath,
He'll bring thee to eternal life, not death;
For so 'twill prove, and be more truly said,
That thou begin'st to live when thou art dead.