Death Realized – Charles H Spurgeon

When Bernard Gilpin was privately informed that his enemies had caused thirty-two articles to be drawn up against him in the strongest manner, and presented to Bonner, bishop of London, he said to his favorite domestic, At length they have prevailed against me. I am accused to the bishop of London, from whom there will be no escaping. God forgive, their malice, and grant me strength to undergo the trial.’ He then ordered his servant to provide a long garment for him, in which he might go decently to the stake, and desired it might be got ready with all expedition. For I know not,’ says he, ‘how soon I may have occasion for it.’ As soon as this garment was provided, it is said, he used to put it on every day, till the bishop’s messengers apprehended him. It were well if we all thus realized to ourselves the hour of our departure. We ought by anticipation to sleep in our shrouds, and go to bed in our sepulchers. To put on our cerements now is