A funeral sermon. Delivered upon occasion of the death of that worthy gentleman John Marsh, Esq; who lived at Garston-Hall in Watford Parish in the county of Hartford; and died in the Lord, and was buried Septemb. 16, 1681. By Samuel Slater, late minister of the Gospel at Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1682 Approx. 89 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 22 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A60346 Wing S3964 ESTC R222772 99833898 99833898 38376 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A60346) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 38376) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1785:18) A funeral sermon. Delivered upon occasion of the death of that worthy gentleman John Marsh, Esq; who lived at Garston-Hall in Watford Parish in the county of Hartford; and died in the Lord, and was buried Septemb. 16, 1681. By Samuel Slater, late minister of the Gospel at Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. [4], 36 p. printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, near Mercers Chappel, London : 1682. Imperfect; title-page torn; trimmed at foot, affecting text. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Delivered upon Occasion of the Death of that Worthy Gentleman John Marsh , Esq Who lived at Garston-Hall in Watford Parish in the County of Hartford ; And Died in the Lord , and was Buried Septemb. 16 , 1681. By Samuel Slater , Late Minister of the Gospel at Edmunds-Bury in Suffolk . Isa. 57. 2. He shall enter into peace , they shall rest in their Beds , each one walking in his uprightness . LONDON , Printed for Tho. Parkhurst , at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside , near Mercers Chappel . 1682. The Epistle Dedicatory . To my Honoured Friends , Madam Marsh , and her Pious Son and Daughters . AT the Motion and Desire of your ( since Deceased ) Father and Husband , my Worthy Friend , I did , after the Solemnization of his Funeral , deliver the following Discourse to you in Private . And in order to Common Good , I have here made it Publick . The Father of Mercies accompany it with his Blessing upon you , and all others into whose hands it shall come , that thereby Love to and Faith in Christ may be promoted , together with Holiness of Life and Comfort at Death . That you may not be unmindful of that King of Terrors at his greatest distances , nor terrified by him in his nearest approaches . I was greatly pleased to see your gracious Deportment under that Afflictive Providence , which deprived you of one so desireable , and that you were duely affected with your Loss , yet sweetly submissive to your God. Though the Cup was bitter , you did not faint nor murmur . It was indeed a Mercy that you enjoyed him so long , for he was full of Dayes , and had a flourishing old Age. And it may be a Comfort , that you shall see him again in Heaven , where you shall Eternally rejoyce together in God. That your Souls may prosper , your Graces increase , your Comforts abound , your Daies may be filled with Mercy and Duty , and your selves at last received into Glory is the Hearty Prayer of Your Friend and Servant in our dear Lord Jesus , S. Slater . Decemb. 22 , 1681. Errata corrigenda . PAge 13 line 16 , for primative read privative : p. 14. l. 12. for places r praises . l. 22. for Son r Sun. p. 20. l. 10. for lusted r likened . p. 22. l. 6. dele thus . p. 23. l. 31. dele that . l. 36. after am l , r that l. p. 26. l. 20. for him r them . p. 30. 1. 14. for Judges r Judge . l. 37. for Lords and Gods r Lord and God. p. 34. l. 34. for their r the. p. 35. l. 16. for in r is . p. 36. l. 10. for not r now . LUK. 2. 29 , 30. Lord , now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace , according to thy word . For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation . THESE are the words of Holy Simeon , who is supposed to be the Son of Hillel , and Chief of the great Synedrion , and Father of the Learned Doctor Gamaliel , at whose Feet , the great Apostle of the Gentiles , Paul was educated . Concerning whom the Sacred Scripture testifies , that he was a Just and Devout man , i. e. Godly , and Righteous , Wary , and Cautious ; A man that managed his Life , and ordered his actions with that due circumspection , as evidenced his sedulous care of approving himself to God. This good man waited for the Consolation of Israel , viz. the incarnation , or coming of the Son of God , the promised , and longingly expected Messiah ; in whom all our comforts are laid up , if we be Israelites indeed . That Jesus alone can be our Consolation , who is our Salvation . It is only under his shadow we can sit with great delight , because under that alone we can sit in safety . Those men and Women that seek their comforts out of Christ , will find themselves under miserable disappointment . And by how much the higher they are raised in hopes and expectation , by so much the lower they will be plunged into sorrow and vexation . I do earnestly beseech you , Christians , to remember this , that Christ is the Consolation of Israel , and improve it for your Souls advantage . Especially I speak this to you , my Friends , who are most nearly concerned in the late stroak of Providence , and do now mourn under the smart thereof . Learn whither you should repair for support and healing ; even to this Jesus , who to this day , yea , for ever continues to be the Consolation of Israel : and in whom you may find abundantly enough to sweeten this bitter Cup. This Simeon who thus waited , was well rewarded for his Faith and Patience , having this assurance given him , that he should not see Death , until he had seen the Lord's Christ. He should not see Death until Christ was born . Christ should come upon Earth before Simeon should go to Heaven : From whence you may learn this truth . That waiting upon God is not in vain : much time may be spent in it , but it will not be time mis-spent . God is not wont to send a waiting Soul mourning away . Such an one may come to God with a tear in it's Eye , but sooner or later , it shall go from him with a smile upon it's Countenance . Thou , O mourning , drooping Christian , dost not see Christ now , he covers himself with a Cloud ; well , sink not under discouragement , but let patience have it's perfect work , and do thou charge thy Soul to wait on , I am perswaded , before thou seest Death , thou shalt see Jesus ; Christ will manifest himself unto thee ; however , as soon as Death hath closed thy bodily Eyes , thou shalt both see him , and thy self with him in Glory . Well . Simeon having waited long , though not too long , came into the Temple , which did then exceed in Glory , for there he met with Jesus . And having met with him , he toook him up in his arms ; and he was a most blessed arm-full ; doubtless the good old man was glad he had got him , and his heart did leap within him . He never before embraced so great and glorious an Object . And I tell thee , O Christian , who hast got Christ in thy Heart , and dost hug him in the arms of thy Faith , thou hast as much reason to rejoyce , as Simeon did , when he had him in his arms : for it is Christ in you the hope of Glory . If he be formed in you , you shall be saved by him . Having taken Christ in his arms , what did the good man do ? Oh! he blessed God , and truly he had reason . How could he be without his Song , when he had got him , who was his strength and Salvation . We have cause to bless God for Creatures , for our Health , Strength , Estates ; and Relations , because we are less than the least of these , but we have infinitely more cause to bless God for Christ , because he is a gift of the dearest love , and of the greatest excellency . All Earthly comforts come from the hand of God , but Christ comes from the Some part of that which Simeon spake upon this occasion , you have in the words of the Text , in which take notice of these two things . 1. Simeons humble petition and request to God. Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace , according to thy word . 2. The ground or reason of this his request , for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation . This Scripture being chosen by our deceased Brother for his Swan like-Song ; I shall present you with those several Observations I have made upon it , and briefly touch upon them , and so pass to that which I purpose most to insist upon . Doct. 1. Every Godly man is God's Servant . So Simeon stiled himself here , Lord , lettest thou thy Servant . And so did David , Psalm . 116. 16. O Lord , truly I am thy Servant , I am thy Servant . He gloried more in his being Gods Servant , than in his being King of Israel . Wicked men are the Slaves of Corruption , and Vassails of Satan , the Scriptures saith , they serve divers Lusts , and truly that is an hard task : if a man cannot well serve two Masters , how shall he serve divers , many . Their service is meer drudgerie and bondage . Two things may justly discommend it ; viz. they have dirty works , and they shall have dreadful wages ; their works foul them , and their wages undoe them . But you , O Saints , are the Servants of God , and you are so upon a threefold account , besides that of your Creation . First , Upon the account of your Redemption , which was brought about by the power of Christ , who rescued you out of the clutches of sin and Satan . Luk. 1. 74. He hath delivered us out of the hands of our Enemies , that we might serve him without fear , in holiness and righteousness before him , all the days of our lives . Secondly , You are Gods Servants upon the score of purchase , that Jesus who purchased Heaven and Glory for you , hath also purchased you for himself , and the price which he laid down , was no less , than that of his own Blood : and therefore it is your unquestionable duty to glorifie him in your Souls , Bodies , and Spirits . 1 Cor. 6. 20. Thirdly , You are Gods Servants by virtue of Covenant ; you have chosen one another , he hath chosen you for his people , and you have chosen him for the Lord your God ; an agreement hath been made and Indentures sealed Ezekiel 16 ▪ 8 I entered into Covenant with thee , saith the Lord God , and thou becamest mine . Vse . Remember and seriously consider then , whose you are , and unto whom you belong . Study and acquaint your selves with your Masters will , and knowing it , apply your selves immediately to the performance of it ; let your life be a life of obedience to God ; and whatsoever your hand findeth to do , as the matter of his Will , be sure that you do it with all your might , knowing that your labour shall not be in vain : and that it is most highly reasonable you should be as industrious about the work of God , as you have been about the work of Satan , as diligent for your best Friend , as your greatest Enemy ; as industrious for the saving of your Souls , as you have been for the damning of them . And for your encouragement and quickning , consider . 1. First , That in the service of God there is perfect freedom , his Yoke is easie , and his burden light . You are never so much your own men , as when you are Gods servants : You are so his servants , as that you also are his Children : Your work is cut out by the hand of a most tender Father , and therefore it should be done with the Heart and Spirit of a Child . David resolved to run the way of God's Commandements . 2. As you have the noblest work , so you shall one day have the most glorious rewards . You may now do your work with singing , you shall then receive your reward with admiring . When you have done the work of Servants , you shall be instated in the inheritance of Sons , where Christ is , there shall his Servants also be , to behold his Glory , and to share with him in it , for the Apostle assures us , that he and his people shall be glorified together . And their work is not so difficult , nor are their sufferings so pressing , but that their future Crown will unspeakably excel them for its weight and splendor . Doct. 2. I Observe . That Gods Servants must be at Gods dispose , and not at their own . Lord , lettest thou thy Servant depart . I dare not stir without thy order , thou didst send me hither , and here I must stay , until thou shalt please to send for me hence . I am weary of being here , Lord wilt thou dismiss me , and give me leave to be gone . It is Gods unquestionable right to order out as he pleaseth concerning us , and that in these things . 1. God may cut out for us what work he pleaseth , and lay it either in active or passive obedience as he thinks good : Whatsoever his Will is , we must not dispute , but obey it , and so be like those ministring Spirits , the Angels above who do his pleasure , yea , all his pleasure . 2. It is Gods right to carve out our allowances , either a full , or a scantie condition ; abundance , or want to set us in a Palace , or upon a Dunghil , to cloath us in Scarlet , or in Canvas , to give us comfort or afflictions : We must be wholly at Gods finding . Feed me , said good Agur , with food convenient for me , he did not prescribe to God , but left God to judge what was so . 3. It is fit that God should measure out our time for us , and bestow upon us a longer or a shorter day of life ; we do not live , nor do we die at our own pleasure , or at the will and pleasure of men , but God. He is not only our Lord , but also the Lord of our time . So David cheerfully acknowledged , my times are in thy hands , to make them cloudie , or serene , halcyon , or tempestuous , to prolong , or to contract them , as seemeth good to him . It is an indubitable part of Gods Royal Prerogative to order concerning us ; and it is the unquestionable duty of our place to submit to his Orders . Whatsoever he commands , we must do , even as did the Centurions servants ; if he said to one of them , Go , he went , if he said to another , Come , he came . Reason good we should do so , for all the Commandements of God are Holy , and Just , and Good ; And an Universal Cordial Respect to them will evidence our sincerity , and secure us from shame And whatsoever God doth , we must accept not only kissing his Hand when it sweetly seeds us , nor only his Arm when it graciously supports , but likewise his Rod , when it doth smartly lash us . There ought to be no discontents , no quarrelsome murmurings , nor immoderate excessive sorrows , when he blasts our sweetest Comforts , or kills our dearest Relations ; yea , though he should do it with a violent stroak , for he may do what he will with his own . When he destroyed Nadab , and Abihu by fire in the very act of their sins , Aaron their Father held his peace . He saw that God was provoked by them , and angry with them , and therefore concluded it his wisest course to be quiet . It is indeed extreme madness for the Clay to say to to the potter , why dost thou so , or for the creature to contend with his Creator . Such contendings procure us heavier blows . 3. Doct. We may learn that Death is a departure ; Lord ! lettest thou thy Servant depart . When a man dies , he removes ; He doth not then go back again into nothing , but into another Place , and into another State. Christ called his Death a going away . Joh. 14. 28. Ye have heard how I sayed vnto you , I go away . So Joh. 16. 7. It is expedient for you , that I go away , for if I go not away , the Comforter will not come unto you . Our Death also is a going away . Those that make the longest stay here , must be gone at last . A wicked man when he dies , departs out of his warm Climate , and pleasant State , from his Friends and Riches , from his Comforts and Delights , into Miseries and Torments , which are Intolerable and Eternal . And it is no wonder if such a man play loath to depart , and Death be unto him a King of Terrors . But when an Holy Gracious Person departs , he leaves all his sins and enemies , all his troubles and sorrows behind him , and he goes to a better place , and better company , and infinitely better delights : He enters into peace and into rest , and into the joy of his Lord. He gets off from the stormy troublesome Sea of this World , where he was so frequently indangered , and baths himself in those Rivers of pleasure , which are at God's Right-hand for evermore . Vse 1. Let the consideration hereof quiet us , under those Breaches which Death makes in our Families and Relations . Though it be very afflictive to think , my dear Husband is gone , my tender Father is gone , my loving and faithfull Friend is gone ; Yet this will lighten and sweeten that affliction , if we think whether he is gone , from Earth to Heaven , from Troubles to Joy and Glory , from us to God , Christ , the Spirit , Angels and Saints above . Oh Blessed , and Everlastingly making Exchange . Vse 2. Let the consideration hereof quicken us , the good Lord grant that we all may frequently and seriously think of this our departure , and industriously bestir our selves in order to a full preparation for it . Oh let us get our work done before we go ; Christ did so : Joh. 17. 4. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do , and now come I to thee . Mind ; follow , finish that for which you came into the World , before you are called out of the World. Oh! get your evidences full and fair , that when Death siezeth upon you , you may lay hold upon Eternal Life . Make sure of Heaven before you come to leave the Earth . How sweet was it for Christ to tell his Disciples , I go to my Father , and to your Father , to my God , and to your God. Doct. 4. We may from hence learn this Lesson ; That a departure in peace is exceeding desireable . This was the subject matter of Simeon's desire and prayer . Lord , lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace ; He would go out in a calm , neither in a stink through sin , nor in a storm through fear , but in an holy peace . This promise was made to Abraham , the Father of the Faithfull ; Thou shalt go to thy Fathers in peace : That is , with a quiet , pacate and comfortable Spirit , with joy and satisfaction , without any trouble for what he should part with , and without fear of any thing he should meet with . And you find Psal. 37. 37. The Royal Prophet bids you , Mark the perfect man , and behold the upright , for the end of that man is Peace . Whatever troubles he is encountered by , in his way , he hath Peace at his end . A wicked man may dye in Stupidity , but not in Peace , he may then be secure , but he is not safe , though he then have no trouble , yet he hath cause enough of trouble . My God saith there is no Peace to the wicked , neither in his Life , nor at his Death . Such an one dies in sin , and therefore he cannot dye in Peace , But now a Godly man , whose heart is sprinkled from an evil Conscience , hath Peace in his Death , usually he hath Peace with his own Conscience , that befriends him , witnesseth for him , speaks comfortably to him , and is an excellent Cordial at a dying hour ; Always he hath peace with his God , they are Friends ; he is Reconciled to God , and God to him ; Moses dyed at the mouth of the Lord ; God kist him home . Vse Well my Friends , I am confident you all desire such a Death , you would willingly go out of the VVorld in peace . Oh , let it not be only the matter of your desire , but likewise of your endeavour , use means in order thereunto , and follow these directions . 1. Make your peace now ; Cease your enmity against God , throw down your weapons of Rebellion , and return unto your duty . How can those persons rationally hope , that God should be a Friend to them when they dye , who are enemies to God while they live , now , now , seek peace and ensue it . 2. Make hast to Christ , make sure of Christ , get unto him , He , and he alone is the peace , and the Prince of peace , there is no peace to be had out of Christ. Let him saith God , lay hold upon my strength , that is upon Christ , that he may make peace with me , and he shall make peace with me . Have a care that you be not found in your sins , nor in your selves , nor in your own Righteousness , trusting in that ; No , no , saith Paul. Phil. 3. 8 , 9. I have suffered the loss of all things , and do count them but dung , that I may win Christ , and be found in him . 3. Look after a sanctifying change in your hearts and natures , follow Peace and Holiness ; Holiness both of inward Disposition , and of outward Conversation ; Grace ushers in peace , purity and peace go together , the work of Righteousness is peace , and the effect of Righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever . By the study and practice of Holiness you may lose your peace with some men , but you will keep up , and maintain your peace with God , yea , and with good men too . Prov. 22. 11. He that loveth pureness of heart , for the grace of his lips , the King shall be his Friend . Doct. 5. VVe may from these words gather this instruction . That a truly gracious man , may very well be willing and free , and forward to dye . Thus good Simeon was here , he prayed for Death ; Let me depart , let me be gone out of this VVorld ; Do thou Lord send for me , that I may come to thee . And not only so , but he also prayed for a quick dispatch , a speedy dismission , as one that was in hast to be gone : As you may learn from that particle Now , now lettest thou thy Servant depart ; He did full well know , that he must dye one day , that was certain and unavoidable , the Chambers of the grave are prepared for all the living . but he would dye presently , now O Lord ! now without more ado ; now without any longer tarrying . A wicked man doth not care how long Death stays ; he puts that day far from him , because he looks upon it as a very evil day ; But good Simeon did not care how soon Death came , he lookt for it , yea , and he long'd for it , he thought it was too slow pac'd , and its motions towards him not quick enough ; He knew Death would do him a good turn , and therefore he was a voluntier in dying . And I must say this , supposing that a Godly man have no cloud upon his Spirit , and no flaw nor blurr in his Evidence , supposing that God shines upon his Soul with the bright and comfortable Beams of his love and favour , and that his own Conscience doth speak comfort to him plainly , I know no reason , no solid , substantial reason why he should be backward , and unwilling to dye , unless it be serviceableness and usefulness in the World : If once a Christians work be done , what should he stay here for ? If once he be full ripe for Glory , why should he stand any longer ? It is not worth his while to continue here , were it not that he may do good in his place , and be helpfull to others , and yet farther serve the interest of Gods name and glory , and upon that account he ought to deny himself , and be willing to wait yet longer for his Rest and Crown . Thus it was with Holy Paul : Phil 1. 23. I have a desire to depart , and to be with Christ , which , is far better ; It was better for him , he knew he should mend himself ; But saith he , ver . 24. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh , is more needfull for you . They would need his company , and his labours , his counsels , and his comforts , and upon that account he submitted . Ver. 25. Having this confidence , I know that I shall abide and continue with you all , for your furtherance and joy of Faith. And he was content so to abide . Indeed there is not any reason at all , why a wicked man should be willing to dye , he can promise himself no good by it ; It doth not come Peaceably to him , it brings it's sting along with it ; He dyes to dye , his Natural Death is a passage to Eternal : He loseth all by Death , and gets nothing ; Therefore I say , there is no reason at all why he should desire to dye . And there is but one reason ( I mean which is worth any thing , and which is not easily answered , ) why a truly Godly man should be willing to live ? And that is serving his Generation according to the will of God. But I am sure , there are a great many weighty and cogent reasons ; why such an one should be willing to dye , and not only submit to Death , but also welcome it , and long for it , of which I shall speak more by and by . Doct. 6. A Sixth Instruction , which these words do most freely afford us , is this ; That though a Godly man be never so desirous to dye , yet it is his duty , and will be his business to stoop , and submit his will to the will of God. Thus it was with this holy man , he was willing and desireous to dye , he even longed to be gone : Lord , lettest thou thy servant depart , but he would not go without license , he would stay Gods time . Though Heaven be never so desireable , and this World never so troublesome , though the Country be never so pleasant , and the way thither never so tedious : Be our sicknesses , pains and crosses never so great and heavy ; Be our enemies never so furious and violent , our dangers never so eminent , our persecutions never so sharp and bitter , our temptations never so fierce and fiery , we must in patience possess our Souls , and be content to bear them , till God shall please in his own time to command for us , a deliverance out of them . Let our conditions be never so dark and dismal , we must not escape by opening the door with the Devils Key , nor break out of Prison by offering violence to our own lives . Job had very dreadfull exercises , his State was sad and deplorable ; He was stript of all his outward enjoyments , bereaved of his beloved Children , smitten in his body with sores and inflammations , his Wife was a cross to him , and his Friends cruel ; God himself carried as his enemy , and set him up for a mark to shoot at ; He had but one comfort left him , that was the Testimony of a good Conscience ; Yet he was resolved to wait all the days of his appointed time , untill his change should come . He would not make more hast than good speed . As long as God was pleased to tarry , holy Job was well pleas'd to wait . VVe should write after so fair a Copy , so to do is both our wisdom and our interest : For God is wiser than we , his VVisdom is infinite , and his time is always best . He that goeth to his grave in Gods time , goes as a shock of Corn in its season . God always plucks his fruit , vvhen it is ripe and fit to be gathered ; He vvill not pluck it sooner , and it shall not hang any longer . Doct. 7. The seventh Doctrine vvhich these vvords afford us is this . Gods promises are to be pleaded by us . Thus in the Text ; Novv lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace , according to thy word ; There is the argument that he useth for the enforcing his Petition . He had received a Revelation from God , that he should not see Death , i. e. that he should not die , he should not taste of Death , though he saw the Death of others , yet he should not see his own Death , until he had seen the Lord's Christ , the Messiah , or the Lord 's anointed one , namely , Jesus the Saviour . And now , saith He , Lord , now that I have seen him , do thou graciously grant me my dismission . Be it unto me according to thy word . Have you a word , O Christians , a word of promise , blessed be God you are rich in them , God hath abounded in promises to his people . You have words of inestimable value , words better than Gold , better than mans bonds , words that are suitable to , and cordial in every condition , into which providence can cast you . Now then , what is your duty with reference to these words , but to make use of them . It is pity they should lie by neglected , as useless . Fetch them out as you have occasion , and live upon them , that when you are rich in promifes , you may not be poor in comforts . You do deal disingeniously with God , and unworthily with promises , unless you use them . Q. If any one should propound this question , What is that right and proper use which we should make of promises ? A. I Answer , Turn them into Faith and Prayer , make use of the promises as food for your Faith , and matter for your Prayers . Promises are the Life of Faith , by these things men live , said good Hezekiah , and they are the strength of Prayer . So then , 1. You must believe the promises . Set to your Seal that God is true , and faithful , that his Word is setled in Heaven , that all his promises are in Christ yea , and in him Amen : i. e. of a most sure and certain accomplishment ; and accordingly do you hope in them , and rejoyce in them , and rely upon them as security enough ; cast your selves upon the word , do not question it's truth , do not doubt of its accomplishment , but firmly expect the making of it good , whatever the Devil , and Carnal Reason , and Flesh , and Blood suggest to the contrary . As long as you have the assurance of a promise , fear not Enemies , nor Difficulties , nor Dangers , but keep your way , and go on . though there be Lions in it , and other Ravenous Beasts , worse than they . 2. Your business is to plead the Word , and urge it , and beg of God , that he would be pleased to fulfil it . We never improve promises as we ought , until we turn them into Prayer , and press God with them . Thus David did , 2 Sam. 7. 27. Thou O Lord of Hosts , God of Israel , hast revealed to thy Servant , saying , I will build thee an house , therefore hath thy Servant found in his heart to pray this Prayer unto thee . Thus Simeon did here , let me depart according to thy word : and you frequently meet with these expressions in Psalm . 119. Remember thy Word unto thy Servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope . As long as that word was remembred , David knew , he himself should not be forgotten . — My Soul cleaveth unto the dust , quicken thou me according to thy word . — My Soul melteth for heaviness , strengthen thou me according to thy Word . — Oh , let thy mercies come unto me , even thy Salvation according to thy word . — I entreated thy Salvation with my whole heart , be merciful unto me according to thy word . You see how good David was at it . He had a mind to be answered . He could not indure to meet with a denying God. A gracious Soul had rather lose his Comforts upon Earth , than his Prayers in Heaven . One of the saddest groans that ever such an one did utter , is , Lam 3. 8. When I cry and shout , he shutteth cut my Prayer . Now David to prevent that , he strengthned his cause as much as he could , and so did bottom his Prayer upon , and back it with a promise ; then he knew himself sure of acceptance and answer ; for God could not deny Davids Prayer , but he must in so doing deny himself too , and falsifie his own word : and therefore observe , how he gets hold , and keeps it , and wrestles . Psal. 143. 1. Here my Prayer O Lord , give ear to my supplications , in thy faithfulness answer me . The good man had the Covenant and Promises at that time in his Heart and Eye , and thought he , now I may be bold , for I am sure enough ; whom ever he doth send away with a repulse , he can't me ; he is a faithful God , and therefore he will answer me , and that according to the desert of my heart ; in thy faithfulness answer me . And truly , Christians , thus we all should do , if we would act wisely and advantagiously for our selves . Search the Scriptures , and see what promises speak appositely to your case , and take them , and carry them by Faith in Prayer unto God , and there put them in suit . Lord , I want Faith , Patience , and meekness ; I am in such a difficultie , called out to such works , assaulted with such temptations , environed with such and such and such dangers , and thus and thus hast thou spoken , Lord make good thy word unto me thy Servant . This , this is the way to obtain , and as Princes to prevail with God , Doct. 8. The Eighth Doctrine which these words afford us , is this . That Christ is God's Salvation . Good Simeon had been delighted with the sight of Jesus , and now saith he , mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation . He is the Saviour whom God hath chosen in his Wisdom , raised up in his Love , and sent with Authority . He is not only willing to save , and mighty to save , but he is also authorized , and commissioned for it . All our Salvation comes from Christ , both our Salvation from Temporal , Spiritual , and Eternal Evils . Our primative Salvation from Sin , and from Wrath , comes from Christ. He delivers us from the guilt of Sin , by his Righteousness imputed to us , and from the dominion of Sin , by the power of his Spirit and Grace , and from the damnation which was due to sin , by the sacrifice of himself , which he offered unto the Justice of his Father . He rescued us out of the hands of Satan , as a tempter , so that his fiery darts shall not mortally wound us , and as an Accuser , so that his charges shall not take place , nor prevail to our condemnation . He doth redeem his people from all their Iniquities , and from Death , and Hell , and he will never leave working , until he hath redeemed them from all their distresses . And all our positive Salvation doth likewise come from Christ. It is he that reconciles us to God , that doth make , and keep the peace between God and us . He doth give us our title to Heaven , and our fitness for Heaven , and our possession of Heaven . He giveth both Grace and Glory . He doth first infuse the principle of Grace , and then adds the Crown of Glory ▪ He it is that by his Spirit first breaths into them the breath of a Spiritual Life , and then imparts to them that Life more abnndantly , and then at last advanceth them to , and rewards them with Eternal Life . The Scripture calls him the Captain of our Salvation , and the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him . Vse . 1. Oh , how should we admire the goodness of God in giving Christ to us , and for us ; and how should our Mouths be filled with his praises all the day . Thus it was with good Zacharias , in Luk. 1. 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel , who hath visited , and redeemed his people , and hath raised up an horn of Salvation for us in the house of his Servant David . Specially you that have found , and experienced his Salvation begun upon you ; that whereas he is a Stone of stumbling to others , he is a Stone of support , a Foundation-Stone to you . And whereas he is a Rock of Offence to Thousands , He is a Rock of Salvation to you . Surely upon this score most inlarged places are due to God , and comely for you . That man that cannot be thankful for Christ , can be truly thankful for nothing . That heart is cold indeed , which this exceeding Riches of Grace will not warm , melt , and inflame . Vse . 2. Look carefully to it , that you do not fail of this grace of God , that you do not neglect this great Salvation . Do not slight Christ , do not stand at a distance from him ; for there is not Salvation in any other . There is no name under Heaven which is a strong Tower , in which you may be safe , but only his : No Wings under which you can find healing and security , but only the Wings of this Eternal Son of Righteousness ; therefore be willing to accept of his help , and that upon his own terms , which are most just and reasonable . If ever he save you , he will not save you in your sins , but from your sins . He will be sin's Death , if he be your Life . He will sanctifie you , as well as well as save you . He will Rule you , and Govern you , as well as save you . He will bring you to his Foot , if ever he bring you to his Throne . God the Father hath exalted him to be a Prince , as well as a Saviour , and he will be both , or neither . Vse . 3. Be sure to flie to this Jesus in all your dangers , and distresses . When your Enemies without you are furious , and fears within you are high , so that your hearts are almost overwhelmed . then run to this Rock that is higher than you . When you find Corruptions are stirring within you , and you know not how to master them ; and when you find Temptations are violent upon you , and you are not in your own strength able to resist them , then go to Christ , and beg ye of him , that he would be your Salvation . Thus Paul did , when he had a Thorn in the Flesh , and a Messenger from Satan buffetting him , then he besought the Lord thrice , and had this assurance , that Christ's grace was sufficient for him , and Christ's power should be made known in his weakness . And that gracious answer which was given to Paul , may be an incouragement to you , and all the people of God , to take the same course in the time of their need , and as this is a most proper course , so it is most prevailing , for the Lord is good to them that wait upon him , and to the Souls that seek him . And if you will consult your own experiences , they will tell you , that you get most of your comforts , and most of your victories upon your knees . And our Lord Jesus himself , by his own example directs you to this means ; For when Peter was to be Tempted , then Christ prayed . But there remains one thing more , very observable in the words , upon which I shall more largely insist than I have done upon all the foregoing points . The sight which this good man , old Simeon had of Gods Salvation was the reason , why he was so willing and ready , and desirous to depart , and take his last farewell of this World. From hence I offer to your consideration this truth . Doct. 9. Those that have had a sight of Gods Salvation , may very well be desirous of Dissolution , and think long till that happy day comes , which will convey them into the other World. Some men wish for Death meerly in a fret , or discontented fit ▪ They meet with disappointments and crosses , and troubles , their estates fail them , their trading grows dead , their friends unkind . A Ship at Sea is cast away or taken by Pirates , they are vexed at this and the other , and hereupon they are weary of Life , and now , whether they be fit or no , they would fain dye , thus it was with passionate Jonah , when that a Worm had smote his Gourd , that it withered , and the Sun darted his scorching beams upon his head , that he fainted , he wished in himself to dye , and said in his hast , that it was better for him to dye than to live . Poor man , he had been put out of sorts , and did then quite forget himself . But this is very ordinary among people , as if every trouble of life should make life it self a burden . And as if , though our comforts be consumed , it were not still of the Lords mercies that we our selves are not consumed ; And certainly , as ordinary as it is , it is exceeding sinfull ; It speaks a wofull impotency and weakness of Spirit , yea , and there is in it a Spirit of rebellion against God , when men would live no longer than God useth them as they themselves please , and orders all things concerning them according to their own mind and humour . If we did but seriously consider the Sovereignty of God , and that as we are his creatures , we must be at his dispose , we should see reason enough to submit to him , and be silent under all his providences . How great and how heavy soever our Cross is , we should carry it patiently , and be content to bear it , so long as our God will have us . But now a sight of Christ , and of Gods Salvation by Christ , is a just and justifiable ground of such a desire , so that still it be with submission to the vvill and good pleasure of that God in vvhose hand our lives are . In the handling of this point I shall do these three things . 1. I shall shevv hovv or in vvhat vvays a Soul may see God's Salvation . 2. That one vvho hath had the sight of Gods Salvation , may very vvell be vvilling and desireous to dye . 3. And then improve it by vvay of use and application . First , What is it to see God's Salvation , or in vvhat vvays doth a man or woman see this blessed sight . Unto that I shall return this fourfold answer . 1. There is an ocular vision , or a sight of God's Salvation with the eyes of the body . This sight those Saints had , vvho savv Christ , vvhen he vvas here upon Earth , and Tabernacled among men , and vvho beheld his glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father ; This sight Simeon had , vvhen his Parents brought him into the Temple , then Simeon took him up in his arms , and said , mine eyes have seen thy Salvation ; And upon that sight he was raised , and his heart so ravished , that he vvas vvilling immediately to set sail for the other World ; His Soul vvas ready to take its flight , he thought he had lived long enough , and had seen enough of these inferiour objects , he cared not for beholding the vanities of the World any more . Jesus in his svvathering bands did outshine Princes in their Robes and Thrones . And having once got a sight of him , he thought there was nothing else upon the face of the Earth worth seeing . Having seen Christ upon Earth , he had a mind to go see God in Heaven . Now this sight we cannot have , and we need not have it now . In this respect the Lord Jesus is gone out of our sight The Heavens do contain him , and so they must , until the time come , wherein there shall be the restitution of all things . And there is not any necessity of our seeing him in this manner , we are no losers by his absence . It was expedient for us that he went away , for it was upon his going , that the Comforter came , who is to abide with us for ever . All the work which Christ had to do upon Earth , was finisht before he went away : what remains further to be done , he can do it in Heaven , as he sits upon his his Throne , at the right hand of his Father . And his bodily presence would contribute nothing at all to our advantage and comfort . We have a great deal more cause to please our selves with the thoughts of his being in Heaven , by which we see that justice is satisfied , yea , that he entred there as our Fore-runner , to make way for us , and to take a place up for us , and that he doth there ever live to make intercession for us And upon these accounts , though now we see him not , yet believing , we may very well rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of Glory . For so in those dreadful days of Persecution , the Primitive Christians did as you may read in the 1 Pet. 1. 8. II. Therefore there is a mental , or intellectual Vision . A seeing of Gods Salvation with a spiritual Eye , the Eye of the Soul , the Eye of Faith , which can see things remote , yea , at the greatest distance both of time and place . It is the substance of things hoped for , and the evidence of things not seen . Heb. 11. 1. Faith can wade through the greatest difficulties , and look through the thickest Clouds , and grossest darkness , it can see within the Vail , and behold those invisible glories which are there . That Speech of our Saviour to his Disciples , is applicable to our present purpose , and richly worth your Consideration . John 14. 19. Yet a little while , and the world seeth me no more , but ye see me , because I live , ye shall live also . The prophane , wicked , and unbelieving world should see him no more ; they indeed did then see him , and were offended at him , they slighted and rejected him , because of his outward meanness , yea , they hated him with a perfect hatred , they conspired his Death , and were never quiet , till they had seen him cruified , and breath his last . Well saith Christ , ere it be long , these wretches shall see me no more . Since I am such a burden to them , I will ease them of that burden . Since I am their torment and vexation , since I am an eye sore to them , I will be gone , and they shall see me no more , they shall be troubled no more with the sight of me , and they shall be honoured no more with the sight of me . But saith Christ to his Disciples , you see me ; that is , you shall see me . The Present Tense is put for the Future , to shew the certainty of the thing . As you see me now , so you shall see me hereafter . And that not only with your glorified Eye , with which you shall behold me , when we meet together in my Fathers Palace , where you shall be like me , because you shall see me as I am , but also you shall see me with a Spiritual Eye , even that of your Faith , after my ascension into my Kingdom , you shall so see me . And it is observable , that Christ did call upon poor lost Sinners to take this sight of him long before his incarnation , and appearance in the Flesh. Thus in Isa. 45. 22. Look unto me , and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth , for I am God , and there is none else . Now when he thus commanded , and invited all the ends of the Earth to look to him , you must understand it thus , that they were to look to him with this Eye of Faith , and that before he came to take upon him our Nature ; and so again that excellent place , which respects us Gentiles . Isa. 65. 1. I am sought of them that asked not for me , I am found of them that sought me not . I said , behold me , behold me , unto a Nation that was not called by my name . In the same way still they were to behold him , namely by an Eye of Faith. And it was with this sight , that Abraham saw him Hundreds of yeare before he was born . Our Saviour you know speaks thus to the obstinate and quarrelsome Jews , John 8. 56. Your Father Abraham rejoyced to see my day , he saw it , and was glad . He saw Christs day , or Christ in his day , by an Eye of Faith. Now , my Brethren in the same manner that Abraham , and others under the Old Testament saw Christ before he came in the Flesh , true Believers now in New Testament times may and do see him , though he be ascended into Heaven , and hath carried his Flesh with him thither . It is by Faith we see Christ , by Faith we apply him to our own Souls , and by Faith , that we eat his Flesh , and drink his Blood , and fetch from him Life and Strength , Grace , Peace , and Comfort . There are two things which Faith is furnished with , and both of singular use . First , Faith hath a long hand , that can reach a great way . One of the Mighty Monarchs of the World was called Longimanus , or Long Hand . Above all Creatures , Faith doth best deserve that name , there is nothing out of its reach ; it can take , and lay hold upon prophecies and promises , though they shall not be yet a great while accomplished . Heb. 11. 13. These all dyed in the Faith , not having received the promises , but having seen them afar off , they were perswaded of them , and embraced them : as far off as they were , these Saints by Faith got them into their arms , and hugged them Babylon is yet standing , and triumphing , but the Believers Faith looks into the Prophecie , and saith , Babylon the great is fallen , it is fallen . This long-handed Grace can reach Heaven , it can lay hold upon the hope that is set before it ; it layeth hold upon Eternal Life ; nothing is too hard for Faith , to him that believeth all thing are possible , and nothing is too high for Faith. Secondly , Faith hath a quick , strong , and piercing Eye , it can see up to Heaven and it can see into Heaven ; you find in Acts 7. that Stephen was stoned , yet when those stones were showred down upon him , and at the last beat the breath out of his body ; yet they could not strike out the Eye of his Faith : but that was quick still , and saw as well as ever ; as you read verse 55. Stephen being full of the Holy Ghost , looked up stedfastly into Heaven , and saw the Glory of God , and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. It was doubtless to him a most sweet and comfortable sight , when he saw Devils incarnate upon Earth , working his ruine ; then to see God incarnate in Heaven , beholding his Faith and Patience , appearing on his behalf , and standing ready to receive his Soul. Faith hath indeed an Eye , like the Eye of an Eagle . They say , an Eagle can behold the Sun in its greatest splendor and brightness , it can glare upon the Sun , and by that she tries her young ones whither they be genuine , or no ; Now Faith can look Christ in the face , it can behold the Sun of Righteousness in the highest Heavens , who is ten thousand thousand times brighter than the Sun in the Firmament . The Evangelist tells us John 1. We beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of the Father . The true Believer may and doth by Faith see Christ in Heaven more clearly and stedfastly than he can see the Sun in these lower Heavens : For this Sun doth dazle , and weaken , and blind the Eye that dwells too long upon it ; for it is too eminent an object for the Organ . But now the Sun of Righteousness doth clear , and fortifie , and strengthen the Eye of Faith , so that the more he looks , the better he sees , the more able he is to converse with the object , because he is thereby more assimilated , and lusted to it . 2 Cor. 3. 14. We all , with open Face , beholding as in a glass , the glory of the Lord , are changed into the same Image , from glory to glory , even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 3. There is a sight of Gods Salvation by the vertue , or help of inward experience . The gracious Soul sees the Harvest in the seed , the Topstone in the Foundation that is laid , the greatness of the design in the greatness of the preparation . In short , he sees that which God intends for him by that which God hath been already pleased to work in him . He doth both see and feel Salvation begun in the Soul. For , my Brethren , we are to know this , and seriously consider it , that Salvation is not a thing wholly future , it is not only after Death , and in the other world , but it is a thing present . Heaven is to be had here , as well as hereafter , and he that is not saved here , shall never be saved . He that doth live an utter stranger to Heaven in this world , shall never enter into Heaven . The perfecting and completion of the work is reserved for the next life , but the inchoation and beginning of it is here , even here the Saints Conversation is in Heaven , there be their thoughts and affections ; they walk with God , and have fellowship with Christ. As soon as ever a man is sanctified , he is saved . When Grace is first planted in the heart , Salvation is begun . When Christ went home with Zacheus , he told him , Salvation is come to thine house to day . When Christ comes to any heart , Salvation comes along with him . Grace is glory in the Infancie and Bud : and as Grace doth thrive and grow , and improve in the heart , so the work of Salvation is carried on ; therefore gracious renewings are in Scripture called glorious changes . We beholding , as in a glass , the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image , from glory , to glory ; i. e. from Grace , to Grace , from lower , to higher degrees . The Apostle Paul saith , Eph. 2. 5 When we were dead in sins , we were quickned together with Christ , by grace ye are saved . If quickened , and made partakers of Spiritual Life , the life of grace and holyness , then saved . There is Heaven and Salvation in the smallest quickenings , as there is the total sum or bargain in the earnest , and the crop or harvest in the first fruits . Observe also that place in the 2 Tim. 1. 9. Who hath saved us , and called us with an holy calling . If you be effectually called then you are actually saved , not only in spe , but in re , not only saved in hope but in deed . That person who is turned from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God , is passed from Death to Life , he is out of reach of eternal dangers ; The same calling is to virtue and glory , and fo far as that call doth carry a man on in virtue , so high , full so high doth it advance and raise him up in glory . So that when once you do experimentally find this change wrought in you , sin Crucified and Mortified in you , and Holiness Communicated to you . If you find that you are taken off from the old stock , and ingrafted into the Lord Jesus Christ , that you are in any measure ( though never so small ) made partakers of the Spirit , Life and Grace of Christ , then you may sit down in peace , and heartily rejoyce , for your eyes have seen God's Salvation . A renewing change is a saving change , and my brethren consider how much this should commend Grace to us : Oh how should they desire it , and beg it , and use means for it , who have it not , and you that have it , how thankfull should you be , and how should you admire and bless God for it , since there is Salvation in it , there is a blessing in a cluster , fullness in Spiritual hungerings , Heaven and Glory in brokenness of heart . Fourthly and Lastly . There are the sights of Heaven in a way of assurance , and this is the sight of , or the looking to the perfecting and completion of this most great and blessed work of Salvation . By assurance the believing Soul sees the matter brought to an issue , and the top stone laid in the building , which reaches as high as Heaven . The poor Christian in the midst of enemies and dangers , and from his low condition , from his Dunghill or Cottage , can look upon all the glory and happiness above , and as great as it is , lay hold upon it , and claim it , all this is mine ; This God is my God for ever and ever ; Heaven will be my Everlasting home , and the Kingdom there my portion , even as the Proto-Martyr Stephen , in a shower of stones which fell about his ears , could see Heaven opened , and Jesus standing at the right hand of God , and could comfort himself with such thoughts ; Thus Jesus stands yonder as my Friend , my Advocate , and shortly I shall be there with him . To the producing of this Assurance in the heart of a Christian , especially in an high degree , in its fulness , there is required not only the work , but also the witness of the Spirit . The work of the Spirit in Sanctification , drawing the divine image upon the Soul , breathing into it Spiritual Life , and implanting in it a gracious and holly nature , and then irradiating and shining upon those graces , that the Soul may see them , and see them to be what they are , the true grace of God , he doth bear witness to his own work , so that the Soul can say , the Finger of God was here ; This is not Flesh and Blood , this is more than nature , this is grace indeed . This you read of in Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirit ▪ that we are the children of God. There is the Testimony of our Spirits , our Consciences , and the Holy Ghost doth super-add his ; And in the mouth of these two witnesses the thing is Established , and the Believer is satisfied , and cryeth Abba Father . Take notice of that Prayer which Paul put up . Rom. 15. 13. That they might abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost . So that good hope through grace , and the abounding of that hope , the fullness of Assurance is no other than a divine work , brought about by the powerfull operation of the Spirit of God ; The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead is the ground and reason of our hope ▪ And the Holy Spirit of Christ is the Author of our hope . Now then lay these things together , that person who seeth Christ by Faith , who doth experience an inward change , and who hath the assured hope of Heaven and Glory , may very well say , that his eyes have seen God's Salvation . And the man that hath been blessed with such a sight , may very well be free and willing to depart out of this World , to bid farewell to present comforts and enjoyments , and welcome Death in its nearest approaches . And this is the second thing unto which I am now to speak , and he that considers what hath been spoken concerning this sight , will easily see there is enough in it alone to produce such an effect . But besides that there are four other sights which will contribute exceedingly towards such a willingness in such a person . 1. This man seeth enough in the World to render that bitter to him ; There is Wormwood enough laid upon the breast of the Creatures , and he tasts it . Here I shall not take notice of those outward troubles and afflictions , in which he finds great exercises for his Faith and Patience , though these are the principal and only things , about which the carnal unregenerate heart is concerned . If there be no cloud upon his Tabernacle , no thorn in his side , nor gall in his cup , he sings a lullaby to his Soul , and concludes all well . But sin , sin is that which sowrs and imbitters all to a Godly man , both other mens sins , and his own sins , without doors and within . First , Other mens sins , that wickedness which the World lyeth in ; Oh , it goeth to his very heart to see the profaneness and abominations of those among whom he is constrained to converse , and how that blessed and most holy God , whom he so dearly loves , is neglected , abused , dishonoured and affronted by them . Upon this account it was that good Jeremiah's Soul wept in secret , and Rivers of Tears ran down David's eyes , and just Lot was vexed from day to day with the filthy Conversation of the wicked . Such men cannot take their rest here , because the place is so shamefully polluted , and the villanies of others are such a stink in his Nostrils . Secondly , That which doth yet much more pain him is his own sin , a foul World without , and a wretched heart within , the plague of that which is not perfectly cured , the sin that dwelleth in him , the pravity and corruption of his nature , the old man , that he cannot possibly shake off , that troublesome old man , together with many and great Transgressions of his Life . Hence such complaints and grounds as these , Oh , what a wretch am I , should be so unmindfull of God , so unthankfull to God , so unfruitfull before him ? That I should walk so unworthy of him , that hath laid such Obligations upon me . Oh! that I should offend him so much , and glorifie him no more , and serve him no better . Oh! this goeth near indeed , this is a sword in his bones , a burden to heavy for him to bear , this extorted from holy Paul that bitter cry ; O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me from this body of Death ! This is my plague , but whence or by whom cometh my deliverance ? And when he considers that deliverance is wrought by Christ , he blesseth God for him , and since a perfect deliverance is to be brought to him by death , he thanks God for it , and this is one thing that makes this grim Messenger so lovely and acceptable to him , because he knows by that all the shackles of corruption shall be knocked off , and he shall be troubled with sin no more . When he shall once lay down the body of flesh , he shall also lay down the body of sin and death . 2. The Godly man sees enough to render all the comforts of this present life cheap to him ; So that he doth not love them too much , nor value them at too high a rate : They are not so cheap as that he doth slight and despise them , or is not thankfull to God for them ; He admires the goodness of God in all his mercies , even the very least , the coursest garments he wears , and the brownest bread he eats , and the meanest lodging , the hardest bed he hath . I am less said good Jacob , then the least of all thy mercies . But they are so cheap , as that he is not unwilling to part with them , or to go from them ; Whensoever God pleaseth he can part with them : The primitive Christians took joyfully the spoiling of their goods , and he can go from them . Paul desired to be dissolved , and to be with Christ , he could without any regret or reluctancy leave the World behind him , so long as he did see his God and Saviour before him . Those comforts which God is pleased to afford unto his people while they are here , are of two kinds ; Spiritual and Temporal . 1. God is pleased to afford unto his People outward Themporal comsorts ; These he hath in the creature from the hand of common providence , which feeds and cloaths him , and provides for him , and sometimes wrings out to him waters of a full cup ; But be his portion here never so fat , his outward enjoyments never so large , yet they are but low enjoyments , they are but for a vile body , we do consume and wast , and will shortly moulder away , and crumble into dust ; Be they never so delicious and pleasant , yet still they are perishing bread , it perisheth in the using . And besides there is a snare in these things , so that we must use them with caution and fear ; there is a snare in Relations , and in possessions , a snare in Riches and Pleasures , a snare in Worldly Honours and Dignities . Oh , how often do these things divert the mind from God , and distract the thoughts , and deaden the heart , and embase the affections and clog the heels , and hinder holy motions , these are weights that press down , so that the Christian moves Heavily in the way of God , and cannot do those things that the would , nor any thing as he would ; and it doth speak a great deal of wisdom , and calls for no less care , so to enjoy the world , and take the comfort of it , as to avoid the snare in it , and to keep our selves unspotted by it . Secondly , God is pleased to give unto his people here inward and spiritual comforts , from the hand of his Spirit , in the way of the Gospel , and Gospel-Ordinances and Duties . He gives them some clusters from Canaan , some Pisgah-sights of the Land of promise , some praelibamens , and foretasts of those Pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore ; there are the kisses of his Lips , the manifestations of his Love , the witnessings of his Spirit , the unspeakable joys of Faith : and these are sweet indeed , and inestimably precious to the gracious Soul. One day in thy Courts , said David , are better than a Thousand elsewhere . What a day of gladness doth a smile of God make , and what melody is there in the sofest whisper of Divine Love. No such day in the week , as that of a Sabbath ; and no such meeting in the World , as that with God at an Ordnance , it affords sweetness beyond expression . But alas ! Here is something to allay that sweetness ; the good man doth too too often find himself unfitted for these things , his Soul is out of tune , he cannot hear , nor can he pray , nor meditate as he would , nor keep up so warm and intimate a communion with God as he would : Wandering , and dulness , and deadness do adhere to his duties ; and he blushes and mourns to see and consider the iniquities of his holy things . And then again , he doth too frequently miss of that good and comfort which he expects , and waits for , he goeth out full of hopes , and returns home blank ; He looks for much , but gets little ; he cannot see his Fathers face , that is covered with a Cloud , nor can he hear his Saviours voice , for he hath withdrawn himself , and is gone ; he cannot find those kindly meltings and warmings , and quickenings , and enlargings that he desires ; but he goeth with a pittifully cold , hard , straitned , dead heart ; so that he begins to question Gods Love , and his own Faith. If he doth at any time meet with his gracious God , and is sensible of his doing so . If he can say , God was with me of a truth ; I have this day sate under the shadow of my dearest Saviour with great delight , and his Fruit hath been sweet to my taste . Alas it is but short , ( Rara hora brevis mora ) it comes but seldom , and it lasts not long . It is but a little visit ; and no sooner , it may be , hath the gracious Soul done blessing himself in his enjoyments ▪ but he sees cause to bemoan himself for his loss . But however it be with some particular Saints , upon whom the Sun of Righteousness stands and shines , with constant beams , yet this is most certain as to all the Saints , that the most sweet , and full enjoyment which they have of God ( while they are here ) the most pleasant and comfortable communion they have with him , is but mediate . Christ looks upon him through the Lattice , and they see him but as in a glass , darkly . All their refreshings are conveyed by Pipes , they do not lie at the Fountain-head . When they are most present with the Lord , they are even then absent from the Lord ; and upon this account it is no matter of wonder to see or hear that they are willing to exchange a dark vision for a clear one , seeing in a glass , for a seeing face to face ; to exchange interrupt pleasures for permanent and abiding ones , and mediate fellowship for that which is immediate . Love is an uniting affection , and is set for the strictest and closest embraces of it's indeared object . And so a Soul that truly loves God , cannot but desire to be as near to him as it can be , and ready to exchange the comforts of the way , for the joys and pleasures of the Countrey . 3. He that hath seen God's Salvation , hath seen enough to deliver him from the dread and terrour of Death ; for this is evident and obvious , that if Christ be any mans Salvation , it is utterly impossible that Death should be his destruction . A man that is in Christ is not out of the reach of Death , but he is secured from the hurt of Death . Take an unregenerate man , one that is a stranger unto Christ , and he cannot see any thing in Death that should commend it to him : It hath a dreadful aspect , and a worse issue ; he hath cause to fear both Death and its Followers : He is stript at Death , and lasht in Hell. Death to him is a dark passage to outer and endless darkness . But now as grim as Death looks , a Believer can easily discover a great deal , that will make it lovely ; even Death it self hath its beauty ; as thus . It is a conquered Enemy . Christ went into the Grave it 's strongest hold , and there he baffled it , broke its Chains , and carried away its Gates ; he disarmed , and unstung it ; so that Holy Paul did , and every true Believer may play with it , and triumph over it ; 1 Cor. 15. O Death where is thy sting , O grave , where is thy victory , the sting of Death is sin , and the strength of sin is the Law , but thanks be to God , who hath given us the victory , through Jesus Christ our Lord. Though Death kill the Believer , yet it doth not dammage him ; and though it separate between his Soul and Body , yet not between him and God : who shall separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord ? Shall Death , saith Paul , no , saith he , in that , as well as in other things , we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us . Nay through Christ , death is not only conquered , but also reconciled to all the Saints ; it is now become your Friend , and Servant , and doth you a real kindness , So that , as Solomon tells us , The day of your Death is better than the day of your Birth . You came into the World crying , but you may go out of it Triumphing , and with the voice of melodie . The Primitive Christians did not array themselves in Sables at the Funerals of their Friends ; but in White , looking upon their Dying Day , as the Day of their Nuptials . It was most terrible to Nature to be torn in pieces by Wild Beasts , to die at a Stake , to breathe their last in Flames , yet , in such a Death did they glory , counting Martyrdom their Crown . What though Death carry you from all your present comforts , it doth at the same time set you out of the reach of all troubles ; and as it carries you from comforts , so it carries you to comforts ; yea , to such comforts as are far better than those you part with . It pulls down this decaying and tottering Tabernacle , that a more beautiful and stately Fabrick may be erected . It takes you out of your sorry Cottages , and carries you to those Blissful Mansions which are in your Fathers House . The Grave it self , though it be darksome and lonely , yet it is a good resting place ever since our Lord lay there : He hath perfum'd it , and made it both soft and safe . That Bed of Dust is now better than a Bed of Down , or Roses . It is true , in the Grave , though Christ's Body did not , yet ours must see Corruption , they must putrifie , and at last be Converted into Dust ; but that Dust is more precious than Gold Oar , and shall accordingly be most curiously preserved , not an Atome of it shall be lost . And that Body which is sown in weakness , shall be raised in power , and cloathed with immortality , and made like unto Christ's own most glorious Body . 4. And Lastly , That man who hath seen Gods Salvation , hath also seen all things amiable , and desireable in the other World , whither Death will carry him . He hath looked within the Vail , and had a prospect of that better Countrey . There hath he by the Eye of Faith seen incomparable beauties to enamour him , an excellent Glory to adorn him , unspeakable comforts to delight him , the best of Friends to invite him , and an innumerable Company of Angels and Saints to bid him welcome . There shall be nothing at all that may offend , nothing in him to offend God ; nothing without to offend him ; nothing of sin , and nothing of sorrow ; no temptation , no affliction , no danger , no loss , no frown , no fear , no sickness , no pain , no want ; no angry withdrawings , not one pricking Briar , nor one vexing Thorn. But there shall be all things that you can desire , and are suitable to that glorious State unto which you shall be advanced , all things that will contribute to your happiness and comfort . The Scripture tells us , Psal. 16. That in God's presence there will be a fullness of joy , and by consequence there can be no scantiness of enjoyments , but pleasures for evermore , yea , a River of Pleasures , nay , a bottomless , and boundless Ocean of them ; the Infinite and Eternal God must himself be exhausted , before the delights and pleasures of Heaven can be spent . Eye hath not seen , nor Ear heard , neither hath entred into the heart of man what God in the Mansions above hath prepared , and reserved for them that love him . There is a feast of Love , a Crown of Life , and Robes of Glory . There is Abraham's Bosom , and the joy of their Lord , which is too big to enter into them , therefore they shall enter into it , and be filled , encompassed and swallowed up by it , as a small Vessel in the Sea. When once the gracious Soul hath set foot upon that coelestial Countrey , and made its entrance into that stately and magnificent Palace of the great King ; he shall be not only filled with satisfaction , but likewise rapt up into astonishment , and highest admiration ; What am I that God hath brought me hitherto ? And what were all my services , that they should be thus rewarded . Oh , how light and inconsiderable doth he now think all his former sorrows and sufferings , if compared with that far more exceeding , and eternal weight of Glory . What low thoughts will he then have of the Skin-deep beauties , and transitory delights here below , on which the besotted Children of men do so foolishly dote . And with what an holy scorn , and indignation will he call to mind that pains men did take for , and that eagerness with which they did pursue the trifling vanities of the Earth , and how they scrambled for them , and quarrel'd about them . And oh how doth he wish and long for that blessed day , in which the Church militant shall be made triumphant , and all his gracious Friends , all his Brethren and Sisters in Christ , all the chosen and beloved of God shall be taken up to the same place , that they may see what he sees , and be possest of that which he enjoys . That so they may altogether contemplate the glory of God , and be satisfied with the fruition of him , and endear , admire , and extol Father , Son , and Spirit unto all Eternity . Lay all these things together , and you will easily see , that there is great , yea , abundant reason , why those that have seen Gods Salvation , should be willing , yea , desirous to depart in peace , and to take their flight into the other world . And now I come to shut up this discourse with some application . And in the first place this serves to shew us , what it is , that above all things should engage , and draw out the vigour and strength of our desires ; namely , the sight of Gods Salvation . My Brethren , I beseech you frequently to consider , that we must all die , there is no shift for it . Death will not be bribed , and it cannot be avoided . It is appointed for all men once to die , by a Statute-Law enacted in Heaven , which admits of no repeal . The aged Father of this Family is now gone , and the youngest Child here must follow him sooner , or later . And is it not good for us to prepare for Death ? Will it not be our Wisdom ? Will your Wisdom more eminently discover it self in any thing , than in this ? That so this King of Terrours may not be terrible unto you ; that you may not fear him , but rejoyce in him ▪ you will die uncomfortably , ( this is past all dispute ) you will die unhappily , if you die unpreparedly . Oh the horrour that will sieze an awakened sinner upon a Death-Bed ! When he shall think thus , my glass is run , my time is spent , I must die , but alas , I am not fit to die . I must now appear before my Judges , but I have not made my peace . Now then go on and consider , what is to be done by you , in order to this preparation : A Life of vanity and folly will not fit you ; the more you sin , the more you sharpen the sting of Death . An eager minding the World , and pursuing the delights of that will not fit you ; the more you have indulged your self in a course of prophaneness , the more afraid you will be to die ; and the more you have set your hearts upon the Creatures , the more loath , and unwilling you wil be to die , when you come to die , the love of the World will make you unwilling to leave it ; and Conscience of sin and guilt will make you tremble at the thoughts of appearing before God. Turn away your Eyes then from beholding vanity , and pray that they may be opened to see Gods Salvation . Oh , study Christ , get an intimate acquaintance with him : Beg of God to reveal him to you , and in you , that you may know him , whom to know , is life eternal , and never rest quiet nor contented , till you have seen him by an Eye of Faith , and laid hold upon him by an hand of Faith , as one that loved you , and gave himself for you ; and have a care that there be not a ( deceptio visus ) mistake in the case , but look to this , that your sight be saving , and the Faith you pretend to , the Faith of Gods Elect , that you may upon good grounds ( such as the Scriptures will warrant ) appropriate him to your selves , as your Lords and Gods , and Saviour . Rest not in any thing till you find and feel Christ living , and commanding in you ; his Image drawn upon you , his Law written in your hearts , and his Spirit poured out ; Take not up with a verbal profession , formal duties , and unblameable Conversation , common convictions , and some stirrings and flushes of affection : All this may be , and all come to nothing . Hypocrites may go so far , and yet they do not go far enough , but after all fall short of Heaven . It is not the form of Godliness that will avail you , but the power , not a name to live , but the life it self . God is not taken with empty shews and appearances , he is for reality and truth in the inward parts ; You can take but little comfort from Christ dying without you , unless you find Christ formed and living in you : notwithstanding the Death of Christ you may be for ever lost and damned , unless you be made partakers of his Life . Remember and consider that expression , Col. 1. 27. Christ in you , the hope of glory . When Christ dwells in you by Faith , when he is in you by his Spirit , and by his Graces , then , and not till then is there a firm Foundation laid , on which you may build the hope of glory ; For hope so grounded is good hope , such as shall never make ashamed . Vse 2. The second use will be of Reprehension . Those are blame-worthy , and deserve reproof , whose eyes have seen Gods Salvation . Men and Women that do know the Jesus in whom they have believed , and are made partakers of sanctifying , saving grace , and have had the manifestations of God's favour , and Covenant love made to them , and are verily perswaded that it shall be well with them when they dye , and that they shall go to Heaven when they go from Earth , and yet they are loath to dye , and thoughts of their departure from hence are afflictive to them . When the message of Death was brought by the Prophet to good Hezckiah , he turned his face to the wall , and prayed , and wept sore . And good David himself , though he knew that God had made with him an Everlasting Covenant , ordered in all things and sure , yet he cryed , O spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence , and he seen no more ; He would fain live a little longer , and see a few more days past over his head . I do not wonder that wicked men are loath to dye , for they get nothing by it , nay , they lose all by it , they are utterly ruined and undone by it . Death takes them from all their good things , jovial companions , and pleasant enjoyments , and carries them into that Lake which burns with Fire and Brimstone . Therefore who would think it strange that they should put from them the day of their Death , which will be to them such a day of evil . They have reason to desire Life , yea to say , I would live always , because it is better for them to live than to dye , if you kill them you spoil all . Such men may well say to Death , as Ahab did to Elijah , hast thou found me , O mine enemy ? But here is the wonder , that a Godly man should firmly assent unto this truth , that there is another life after this , and that that life is unspeakably better than this ; There is no compare between the comforts of this and the glory of that , and they are also confident , that when once they are absent from the body , they shall be present with the Lord , and when once this frail , uncertain , troublesome life shall come to an end , they shall live that better life , when once they are got off this stormy tempestuous Sea , they shall bath themselves Eternally in those Rivers of Pleasures , which are at God's Right-hand ; And yet Death is a word that sounds harsh in their ears , they care not to hear of it : when they think of it they are troubled . A Deaths head upon the board spoils the Mirth , and marrs the Feast , it doth not only make them serious , that it should do , but it also makes them sad and dumpish , and still they have desires that they may , and some hope that they shall have a longer continuance in the World , and draw out some more years , yet before they come to the end of their line . I must and do most readily grant that long life is a blessing , a great blessing , as such , it is the matter of the promise , but withall know , Eternal Life is a greater blessing , and he is no loser that lives but a little while here , and then goes to live for ever with God. For gracious persons that have seen God's Salvation , and know they have seen it , I say for such to be unwilling to dye carryes two evils in the Bowels of it . 1. It is too great a magnifying of this present evil World , an over-valuing of it , and a setting too high a rate , indeed an unreasonable price upon the enjoyments and delights of it ; Your esteem of them are far above their intrinsic worth , what will carnal men say , who stand by , and see how you are wedded to the World , and unwilling to be divorced from it ? What have they reason to say , but that you find a great deal in it ? You tast the fatness of the Olive , and the sweetness of the Vine , and so think it is good to be here . Certainly this speaks your setting your hearts too much upon the Creatures . And hereby you do justifie and encourage them in their Worldliness , they are strengthened in their love of the World , and devotedness to it ; And also you do hereby cross and thwart God , and run counter to him in one of his grand designs , which is to wean his People from the World , and to take their hearts off from creature delights , which do ingross so much of their time , and cares , and do so much distract their thoughts , and embase their Spirits , and hinder them both as to their service of God , and Communion with him ; And indeed , how indecorous and unbecoming is it for Heaven born Souls to embrace Dunghills , and for those that profess themselves risen with Christ to set their affections upon those things that are here upon Earth ; And for you who are the children of God , and heirs of Heaven , to mind carnal things . It is far more unseemly than to see the heir of a Crown stopping Ovens , or raking Kennels . After these things , saith our Saviour , do the Gentiles seek , that is , those who know no better , who are without God in the World , who are drowned in the flesh , and understand not the worth of an immortal Soul , and upon these things let them dote still , alass , their portion is in this life , being Aliens from the Covenants of promise : and having no hope . But as for you who have been taught of God , who have heard of a blessed immortality , who have seen those invisible glories that are within the vail , you should be disingaged from all inferiour delights , and carry towards them with a Spirit of indifference , You should use the world but do not love it , make it serve your occasions , but suffer it not to command your affections ; While you have it in your hands , and in your chests , keep it out of your hearts . The world is ( as we use to say of fire ) a very good servant , but a very bad master . Things are usefull and beautifull in their places , so is the world , but when it is in the heart , it is out of its place , and then it is stark nought , and doth much hurt . 2. For those who are the people of God , and do know they are so , who have seen God's Salvation , I say for them to be unwilling to dye is a great reproach and disparagement to those glories which are above . Christians , you do hereby bring up an ill report upon the Land of promise , as if the Honey and Milk of Canaan were not so good & desireable as the Garlick & Onions of Egypt , what is the interpretation & meaning of such a Spirit but that you fear it will be to your loss to exchange Earth for Heaven , & to leave delights Temporal for those that are Eternal . What shall I say , this averseness from Death , and loathnesses to depart from hence is a piece of practical blasphemy , as if these sorry cottages were better to inhabit than those stately Pallaces , that these puddle delights , and muddy streams were more delicious and desireable , than that pure River of water of life , which is clear as Chrystal , and proceeds out of the Throne of God , and of the Lamb , as if these childish and trifling vanities did out-weigh and out-worth the glories which are above ; And these pitifull contemptible glow-worms did out-shine and obscure the Eternal Sun of Righteousness ; As if God would take you from hence to your loss , and you should be better in a strange Land than in your Fathers house ; And the preparations that God hath made for Eternity , are not so good as those that he hath made for a short time , and so Abraham , Isaac , Jacob , David , Peter , Paul , and the rest of the Saints departed , had better have staid here , and now they are with God , do wish themselves with us again . In a word , it is as if the immediate and full enjoyment of God would not be sufficient for you , you could not find room enough nor goodness and delights enough in a God , but you must go begging to the door of creatures , and patch up to your selves an happiness with these small and sorry shreds of being , and you have found more to live upon , and to delight your selves in the drop of a bucket , than you can or do find in the Ocean of goodness . I beseech you seriously consider of these things , all these things lye uppermost , any one may see them in such a persons unwillingness and loathness to dye whensoever God would have him . But to proceed . Vse 3. In the third and last place , this may prove a very comfortable consideration , and staff of support in the hands of those who labour under sorrow and continual heaviness of heart , because of their departure of their gracious and holy Relations , they are dead , and you carry as if all your comforts were dead with them . This is certain that when God gives such blows , those , that have any thing of tenderness , do feel the smart of them . Breaches in the Family do make breaches upon the Spirit . When Lazarus was dead , Jesus wept ; Mourning at Funerals is no Soloecism , but a lovely sight , so the sorrow be kept within those bounds that reason & Religion have set it : And where there are such breaches , they call for binding up ; We should all be as so many good Samaritans , pouring Oyl into the wounds of the Spirit , for the suppleing and healing of them . God hath been pleased to come into this Family , and break the head of it , and cut it off ; in taking him away , he took away a tender Husband , a loving Father , a good Master , a dear Friend , one that in these evil days owned God , his Waies , and People , and kept a Church in his House , and his doors open , that hungry Souls might feed upon , and be refreshed with the bread of life , which was there from Sabbath to Sabbath , delivered out unto them . The death of such a person is a common loss , not only to the Familie , but to the Country too , and because thereof you are in Heaviness , and afflicted in your Spirits . Neither is this your case alone , but of many others . Death rides in Circuit , and according to the Commission which it hath received , so it makes it seizures , here in an Husband deprived of the delight of his Eyes , there is a woman made a Widow , and her Children Fatherless , Many a faithful , fruitful , useful Christian is cut down , under whose shadow , and in whose sellowship his Relations and Acquaintance did greatly rejoyce . Unto such I have something to say , that should prevail to the silencing of them , and that is this , it is the will of God ; the great God will have it so . Thou wouldest have had thy Husband , thy Wife , thy Father , thy Child lived longer , but God would have him die now ; and this should knock all quarrelings , and murmurrings , and discontents down ; for there is all the reason in the world why God's will should take place , and he should fullfil all his pleasure , and why our will should submit , and give place to God's . And then I have something to say , that may quiet , & satisfie you under such a providence ; for it is not enough for us that we be silent under it , unless we be also reconciled to it , & at peace with it ; now in order thereunto , take these 2 particulars , & consider them . 1. They did see Gods Salvation before they did depart , and so they dyed not under terrour , nor in doubt , nor at any uncertainty , but in peace ; before Death closed the Eyes of their Bodies , God had opened the Eyes of their Faith , and shewn Christ to them , and his love in Christ ; and you have reason to be perswaded good things concerning them , even such as do accompany Salvation , nay , to be now perswaded of their Salvation it self . This was the reason of my choosing these words of Simeon for the Subject of my discourse at this time , because they were the Swan-like Song of our deceased Brother , the very last words he spake , save some short , and holy Counsels which he gave to his beloved , and most hopeful Son , and shall not this satisfie you : But then add , 2. Now that those Holy ones are dead , they see those things which they never saw ; things that are most richly worth their seeing ; and which , as the case now stands with mankind , they could not see without dying . They have those sights which make the seer blessed , they are taken up to the beatifical Vision . They do not see an end of all their sins and sorrows , nothing shall defile , nor afflict them more , all filth , and all tears are wiped away ; they see the accomplishment of all their hopes , the fullfilling of all their prayers , the reward of all their services , the Crown of all their sufferings . They see the excellent Majesty and Glory of that God whom they had chosen , and do now behold his face in righteousness : Neither is that sight terrible to them , as it was to Moses in the Mount , so that he did exceedingly fear and quake . No , those Holy Souls do see God , and live , and rejoyce ; that sight is their satisfaction , and delight . They see that Blessed Jesus , who loved them , and gave himself for them , and washed them in his own blood , and made them Kings and Priests unto God ; yea , they shall be like him , for they shall see him as he is . They do see that Holy Spirit which convinced them , and sanctified them , who directed them in their difficulties , strengthned them in their weaknesses , assisted them in their duties , and most sweetly supported , and comforted them in all their distresses . They see an innumerable company of Angels and Spirits of Just men made perfect . In short , they see that which Eye hath not seen , nor Ear heard , neither hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive , namely , that Glory , Kingdom , Inheritance , those Robes , Crowns , and Thrones which God hath prepared for them that love him . And the day is coming , in which they shall again see those Bodies ( that at their flight to Heaven they left behind ) in a better State than ever . And you O Saints shall see them too , and Christ with them , and then your hearts shall rejoyce , and your joy no man shall take from you . Only , in the mean time , do you live believingly , walk humbly , holily , and circumspectly ; get your Vessels filled with Oil , your Lamps burning , and your Loins girt ; make haste to the Kingdom of God , and be ye followers of them , that through Faith and Patience do inherit the Promises .