How then shall one face death itself? Go forth my soul in joy and assurance; thou hast a promise to be received in peace.Adams writes of death coming to take the life, Death, like proud Philistine, comes marching out in his hideous shape, daring whole host of Israel to match with an equal combatant. The scene he draws upon is the giant Goliath daring any man from Israel’s army to battle against him. David, as is well-known, kills Goliath.
The image of a monster of a man coming out to threaten one being the picture of death taking one away makes sense. Death being proud matches because who can defeat death?
This makes me wonder in what direction the image moved between Adams and Donne. “Death be not proud” is a great poem by Donne. Did they consider this image in conversation? Did one put this picture to work, first; or, did they take from a common source?
When death comes for one who does he respond? If the atheist, he fears that he will not longer be. Of course, it is the boast of the atheist that he welcomes extinction. The malefactor fears death because judgment may stand behind that door. The doubtful fears judgment or extinction.
But I must say that having had the opportunity to speak with some young gang members after the murder of a friend: they all thought themselves safe and likely to be in “a better place.”
But the Christian can die with confidence because he has confidence in his election.
Adams turns to the “poor Papists”. The conflict with Catholics was much sharper at this time than at present. (At least in America.) Whether England would stand “free” or whether the French of Spanish would conquer the island was an open question. The Spanish Armada wrecked within living memory. “How should purgatory stand, of the Pope’s kitchen have a larder to maintain if me should be sure of their salvation? Herefore they bequeath so great sums for masses, and dirges, and trentals to be sung or said for them after they are dead, that their souls may at the the last be had to heaven though first for a while they be reezed in purgatory.” I have read purgatory being now understood as a cleansing not for thousands but an instant.
But there is another way to approach death, But he that hath Stephen’s eyes, as also Paul’s heart, and the saint’s tongue.”Stephen when being stoned, calls out that he can see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55. Paul’s heart. Paul writing from prison to the church a Philippi says he is caught upon a conflict. He desires to be with them, that he may of good to them. But he desires to die and be with the Lord.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:23–24 (KJV)
Finally, the saints’ cry of hope Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
At this, Adams concludes the portion of the verse, “I am thy salvation.”