XV.  But if you would fortify yourself beforehand with the Seal, and secure yourself for the future with the best and strongest of all aids, being signed both in body and in soul with the unction, as Israel was of old with that blood and unction of the firstborn at night that guarded him, Exod. xii. 22. what then can happen to you, and what has been wrought out for you?  Listen to the Proverbs.  “If thou sittest, he says, thou shalt be without fear; and if thou sleepest, thy sleep shall be sweet.” Prov. iii. 24.  And listen to David giving thee the good news, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, for mischance or noonday demon.” Ps. xci. 5.  This, even while you live, will greatly contribute to your sense of safety (for a sheep that is sealed is not easily snared, but that which is unmarked is an easy prey to thieves), and at your death a fortunate shroud, more precious than gold, more magnificent than a sepulchre, more reverent than fruitless libations, Billius suggests, though without adopting it in his text, a slight conjectural alteration, which would read “Than funeral games and libations;” but this, though it gives a very good sense, is a needless departure from the mss. more seasonable than ripe firstfruits, which the dead bestow on the dead, making a law out of custom.  Nay, if all things forsake thee, Luke ix. 60. or be taken violently away from thee; money, possessions, thrones, distinctions, and everything that belongs to this early turmoil, yet you will be able to lay down your life in safety, having suffered no loss of the helps which God gave you unto salvation.