Vincentius redivivus, a funeral sermon preached Octob. 27, 1678 upon the occasion of the much bewailed death of that reverend and eminent servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Vincent ... / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1679 Approx. 105 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A60357 Wing S3979 ESTC R23647 07869687 ocm 07869687 40194 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. A60357) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 40194) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1213:6) Vincentius redivivus, a funeral sermon preached Octob. 27, 1678 upon the occasion of the much bewailed death of that reverend and eminent servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Vincent ... / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. [3], 44 p. Printed for Tho. Parkhurst and T. Cockerill, London : 1679. Reproduction of original in the Cambridge University 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. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Vincent, Thomas, 1634-1678. Bible. -- N.T. -- Hebrews, XIII, 7 -- Sermons. Funeral sermons. 2003-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-02 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-05 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2003-05 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion VINCENTIUS REDIVIVUS . A Funeral Sermon , Preached Octob. 27. 1678. Upon Occasion of the much bewailed Death of that Reverend and Eminent Servant of CHRIST , Mr. THOMAS VINCENT , Formerly Preacher at Ma●dlins Milk-street , London . By SAMUEL SLATER , an unworthy Servant of Christ in the Gospel . Psal. 112. 6. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance . Quae caecitas animi , quaeve dementia est , amare pressuras , & poenas & lachrymas mundi , & non festinare potius ad gaudium , quod nunquam possit auferri . Arnob. LONDON : Printed for Tho. Parkhurst and T. Cockerill , at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel , and at the three Legs in the Poultrey , over-against the Stocks Market , 1679. To my Honoured Friends Mrs. Mary Vincent and that Flock of Christ over which th● Holy Ghost had made dear Mr. Thoma● Vincent Overseer . AT your request this Sermon was Preached and is now published . Such as it is , you ar● welcome to it , and much good may it do you 〈◊〉 the Lord grant all those may meet with 〈◊〉 blessing in it , who shall read it out of a real desire to ge●● good for their souls ; other Readers we care for none . 〈◊〉 take your invitation of me to this work , as an eviden● token of that love and esteem you have for me , howeve● unworthy : Therefore I did not draw back , but humbl●● bless God for the assistance he hath afforded me in it 〈◊〉 all you find here according to his Will , came from hi● Spirit . I would be very , very low in mine own eyes yet I do neither dread the censures of men , nor am I 〈◊〉 vain as to court their applause by making Apologies ▪ What I have here presented you with , are the Truths o● God , which deserve your acceptance ; I desire you to tr●● them , and having seen their Fathers name in their fore● head , give them a ready admission , a most friendl● and honourable entertainment . I shall speak nothing 〈◊〉 you here by way of advice , having said so much in th● Sermon ; but only signifie to you , that you are much upo● 〈◊〉 heart , and in my prayers ; I will not be unmindful you at the Throne of Grace , but speak many a good ●●rd for you ; the Lord comfort your hearts , and san●●ifie to you his hand , that out of the eater may come ●eat ; out of this Providence which hath removed your ●everend Pastor , special● advantage may come to your ●●ls ; the Lord send you another , und●r whose shadow 〈◊〉 may sit with delight , finding his fruit sweet to your ●●ste ; the Lord supply all your need according to his ●●ches in glory by Iesus Christ. My dear Friends , wisely ●●d graciously improve this dispensation , submit to the ●●od pleasure of a taking God ; be much in the study of ●ur hearts and ways ; be you sincere and thriving Chri●●ians . And the Father of mercies bind you up in the ●●ndle of life , and grant you a glorious Inheritance a●●ong them that are sanctified by faith in Christ ; so ●●ayes , Your Friend and Servant in our ▪ dear Lord Jesus . Samuel Slater . ●ctob . 29. ●1678 . Hebr. XIII . 7. Remember them which have the rule over you , who have spoken to you the Word of God , whose saith follow , considering the end of their conversation . THIS excellent Epistle is not without good reason reckoned to Paul as its Author , the great Apostle of the Gentiles , who having obtained mercy , burned with zeal for God , and had such yearning bowels over the blind , unbelieving , obstinate Iews , his brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh , that for their sakes he could have found in his heart to wish himself accursed from Christ , Rom ▪ 9. 3. which was a rapture of love , a pang of affection highly becoming him , who was a brand plucked out of the burning ; and of a chief sinner made an eminent Saint ; of a cruel furious persecutor , a blessed and most successful Apostle ; unto these Iews he wrote this Epistle , and for weighty reasons , without doubt , concealed his Name . Herein he made it his business so to set forth the Lord Jesus , and commend him to them , as that they might receive him with all acceptation , as the promised Messiah , and High-Priest over the house of God , and persevere in faith and obedience to him ; and likewise to lay down such rules for their lives and carriages in the world , as that by an holy and exemplary conversation , they might honour his Name , and adorn his Gospel : The Union between Faith and Holiness is so strict , that they never were nor can be separated ; and it is pity they should , being most amiable in conjunction : Faith giving encouragement unto holiness , and holiness reflecting a glory upon faith . Several precious Commands or Exhortations you meet with in this Chapter , which , though primarily ordered out to the Hebrews , do remain a burden upon all persons in all Ages who profess themselves Christians ; unto them it is our duty to attend , and according to them to walk . The Text is a fruitful Bough , consisting of three Branches : 1. Remember them which have the rule over you , who have spoken to you the word of God. 2. Follow their faith . 3. Consider the end of their conversation . Or if you please , you have here a double duty enjoyned , Remember them that have spoken to you the word of God , and follow their faith ; and you have a choice means prescribed for the commending those duties to you , and encouraging you in their performance , Consider the end of their conversation . Of all these I shall ( God willing ) speak in the prosecution of this Doctrine . Doct. There is much duty incumbent upon people , upon the account of their deceased Pastors . When Ministers dye , their work is done , they have finished their course , and dispatched the business given them to do : they did shine among you in Purity of Doctrine , and Holiness of Conversation , as long as the Lamp of life lasted ; when the oyl of that was spent , they were taken up to Heaven , there to out-shine the Sun in his greatest strength and glory . But your work is not then at an end , being of equal extent and duration with your lives : As you have time enough for your work , so have you work enough for your time ; none can say he sate idle one hour , because he had nothing to do ; put forth all your strength , use your utmost diligence , husband your days and minutes to the best advantage ; you will be happy men and women , you will have cause eternally to bless the hand above that help't you , if you can do your work by that time death shall come to take you off . I am not now to speak concerning the whole duty of man , but those particular duties mentioned in the Text , relating to those servants of Christ , who have laboured among you , one of which is remembrance . Remember them who have the rule over yo●r . In which word two things must be considered , 1. The Act , Remember . 2. The Object about which that act is to be exercised , Them which have the rule over you . I shall begin with the Object , those which have the rule over you , [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] your Guides , such as are appointed by God to point out the way you should go , and do themselves go before you in it ; such as do not only shew the way , but lead the way : this is the primary signification of the word . And it hath been metaphorically translated and applied to them whose business lies in ordering and governing others , both in Church and State , to persons in Magistratical and Ecclesiastical office . And without all peradventure , godly Magistrates , whether Supreme or Inferior , who rule in the fear of God , and with Prudence and Righteousness manage the affairs of State , are worthy to be remembred . Though a Pharoah did rise up , who knew not Ioseph , let not the man be found in Israel who remembers not Ioseph ; nor a Protestant in England , to whom the Memory of an Edward and Elizabeth is not precious . But it is evident from the words themselves , that the Apostle here did not intend the Civil Magistrate , but Gospel-Ministers , whose work is not only to instruct , but also to rule in the Church of God : they have power to command the rich in this world : they are to rebuke with all authority . Paul had his rod too , which he knew how to use when need required : They are the Masters of the Assemblies , Elders that rule , as well as labour in the Word and Doctrine : Shepherds that are to feed the flock of God ; yea , and to order it , and to reduce those sheep that wander . Yet let them remember , they are under authority ; though chief men among the brethren , yet but men ; though Masters of the Assemblies , yet servants of Christ ; such as rule , but such as must be ruled by the Word ; and in case of male-administration , are liable to censure : Their authority is of no farther extent than their warrant ; they are to lead , and be followed , not blindfold , not as infallible persons , not as being above the possibility of erring ; but with caution and limitation ; follow your guides , Christians , but look to your way , 1 Cor. 11. 11. Be ye followers of me , even as I am of Christ ; just so , and no otherwise ; so far be sure to follow me , but not a foot farther . But we shall speak more particularly . 1. Those whom you are to remember , are the Ministers of the Gospel , the Embassadors of the glorious King of Saints , the Pastors and Angels of the Churches , in whom , though poor earthen vessels , God hath laid up heavenly treasure for the inriching of many . Alexander , Caesar , William the Conqueror may be remembred ; but never let a Paul , a Calvin , an Vsher , a Caryl , a Manton , a Vincent be forgotten ; there is no need of canonizing them ; God made them Saints while they lived , though the Pope dubs his Saints after they are dead ; as the Heathen made gods , whose Ape he is : It would be a sin to worship them , to pray to them , or to put up your prayers to God by them as his Master of Requests ; there is but one M●diator between God and man , the man Christ Iesus ; yet let them live , they do so in Gods sight , let them do so in your remembrance and esteem . 2. Those whom you are specially to remember , are your Pastors , Christs Ministers in your Congregations ; so the Apostle directs , them that have the rule over you . It is the fashion of some to applaud and admire other Preachers , while they despise and slight their own , which is a shrewd argument of a wanton spirit : It would be their wisdom , and is their duty to like the disposals which God hath made . Accordingly , think you of them , honour them who rule over you , who have laboured among you , who spent themselves for you ; their relation to you was very near , being your spiritual Fathers ; if not those that begot you , yet those that nursed y●● , and travailed for many among you , by preaching and prayer , with tears and groans , with earnest longings to see Christ formed in you ; Oh how dear w●s their love , answerable to their relation ; they watched over you , and watched for you ; they brake their rest , and wasted themselves in providing and dealing out food to you , when , it may be , some among you thought much of returning to them a sorry and pitiful acknowledgment or reward . However , let● such narrow souls remember them now ; that will cost them nothing . 3. Those whom you are to remember , are your deceased Pastors [ loquitur de iis qui jam obierunt . Jun. ] ; the Apostle here means those who had compleated their work , and were gone to rest . Let those Ministers of Christ , who are alive and remain , who at this day live and labour among you , be in your thoughts , and esteem , and prayers ; count them worthy of double honour . Trample not them under your feet , whose feet are beautiful , being messengers of peace , that bring and rejoyce to bring you glad tidings of great good , the very best that ever the world had . Our Saviour pronounceth a wo against those dissembling Hypocrites , that build the tombs of the prophets , and garnish the Sepulchres of the righteous , but despise the labours , and blow upon the reputations , and starve the bodies , and persecute the persons of those that are alive , Matth. 23. 29. Give unto both their due ; let it never be said , that dear Mr. Thomas Vincent is out of mind , now he is out of sight . Though now his place know him no more , though his Family and Pulpit know him no more , let it never be said his People had forgot him too : No , no , as God hath received and glorified his Soul , and looks after his dust , of which he will not lose the smallest atom ; do you preserve his memory , and count his name a precious and fragrant oyntment . Thus you see , Pastors , your Pastors , your deceased Pastors are to be remembred . Quest. But what , all of them ? be they never so erroneous or flagicious ? Answ. I do not say so , the Holy Apostle doth not mean so ; if any be corrupt in their Opinions , unsound in their Doctrines , or disorderly in their Lives ; if in their Sermons they bring you any other Gospel than that which Christ and his Apostles did ; or if Preaching the same Gospel , and holding to the form of wholesome words , they contradict it by an unsuitable carriage , and by an unholy life destroy what they build ; it had been well for the World , and the Church , and themselves too , if they had never been born ; and the sooner they are forgotten , the better : When their bodies are laid in a bed of dust , let their ●●ames be buried in the grave of forgetfulness . May their Memorial perish with them . Those who are worthy to be remembred , have these qualifications , which you find in the Text. 1. They are such as have spoken to you the Word of God ; not the sentiments of Philosophers ▪ nor the notions and counsels of learned and civilized Heathen ; not Aristotles Ethicks , and Plutarchs Morals , or Plato's Divinity , though some good use may be made of them : Doubtless natural light is beautiful and lovely . But what need have we of the glistering of a gloe-worm , or the blaze of a candle , who do injoy the help of Scripture , that hath brought life and immortality to light ; who do through the riches of mercy injoy the gracious beams , the warming and quickning influences of the eternal Son of Righteousness ? Let us not disparage the God of Israel by repairing to the forges of the Philistines , or borrowing their weapons for our spiritual warfare ; none like to the sword of the spirit , the Word of God , which is mighty through God. We need not go to those puddles , since the Lord hath been pleased to open to us the Wells of salvation , out of which we may with joy draw living waters for the refreshing of thirsty , and reviving of fainting souls . Those Ministers are to be remembred , who bring not their own idle dreams , but Gods Truths ; not the Precepts of men , but the Doctrine of Jesus ; who have determined ( as Paul did ) to know nothing among you , but Iesus Christ and him crucified : Those Pastors which ( like the woman spoken of Revel . 12. 1. ) were cloathed with the Sun , and had upon their heads a crown of twelve stars ; The Truth of Christ , and the Doctrine of the Apostles ; in short , men sound in judgment . 2. They are such as did believe what they Preached ; therefore you have mention made of their faith , Whose faith follow . Oh that I could say , all Preachers are Believers . But I cannot but tell you , though I desire to be very charitable , I have not faith enough for that ; all ages having sadly proved the contrary : The woful defections and apostac●es of many in the Pagan , Arrian , and Antichristian Persecutions , are undeniable demonstrations of the contrary . God forbid I should take upon me to judg any particulars , much less whole Parties ; that very word [ Party ] is exceeding bitter and unsavoury to me ; I heartily wish there were no such name , or thing ; and oh for that day ! when will that day come ( the God of love and peace hasten it ) , in which his people shall serve him with one shoulder , and with one consent in the beauties of holiness ! In the mean time I am firmly perswaded , that there are those who fear God , and work righteousness , and study to approve themselves by a sincere desire and care of walking up to Scripture-rules , and the dictates of their consciences , among all those Parties in England , which hold the Head , and have not drunk in damnable heresies , as the Apostle calls them ; yet , yet I fear , there are also those that have not faith : Rest they do in floating notions , take things upon trust , are beholding meerly to education , or the profession of the Countrey where they live , for their being Protestants or Christians . And I also tremble to think how many would be found stark rotten , if they should be shaken by a temptation ; found dross , if they should be cast into the furnace : Those deserve to be remembred , who are rooted and grounded in the faith ; who can say , Lo , this we have searched : this we have experienced , so it is ; Those that see the truth in its own evidence , that have found it mighty in operation upon their own souls ; those that have held the mystery of faith in a pure conscience , and would not let it go upon any terms , or in any times , but chuse rather to venture all , to part with all , to throw all over-board , than to make shipwrack of faith and a good conscience . 3. They are s●ch as practic'd what they Preach'd , and lived their own Sermons ; such as exprest the virtues of him who had called them out of darkness into his marvellous light , and advanced them to be lights unto others . Such Masters of the Assemblies as did drive home and fasten the nails of serious wholesome counsels a●d exhortations with the forcible hammer of a spotless , gracious and heavenly deportme●t in the world ; such as preached Christ , and lived him too ; such as received him , and walked in him ; such as did [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] foot it right , and could boldly say to their flock , Walk so as ye have me for an example : Such as did not mind earthly things , nor hunt after the world , as if it had been their god ; did not sinfully serve the times , nor turn into all shapes , and wound their souls to save their skins ; did not prodigally spend their precious hours , nor unchristianly smite their fellow-servants , nor eat and drink with the drunken , but were the companions of them that fear the Lord , and placed their highest delight , next to God , in the Saints , those excellent ones of the earth ; and did shew out of a good conversation their works with meekness of wisdom , making it their inward desire , great care , and utmost endeavour in all things to adorn the Gospel . Holy men of God , who were good in the Pulpit , and in the House too , and in all places , in all companies ; against whom there could be no exception , save in the matter of their God , abating them for those natural humane infirmities , which are inseperable from the most holy persons , whilest on this side of perfection , tabernacling in houses of Clay : The good Lord increase the number of such Pastors in England , yea all the world over , in all places where he hath caused his holy Name to dwell ; and unto them , mine honour be thou united ; unto them shall my soul adhere in sincere and most intire affection , whatever smaller and circumstantial differences are , or may be between us . May so much suffice to be spoken concerning the object , about which the following Acts are to be exercised , unto which I now come . Quest. Next then , What is to be done by that people whom God did bless with such Pastors ? Answ. Two things , Remember them , follow their faith . Of which in order , Remember them . Your memories are precious Cabinets , too good for dung and trifles ; lay up nothing in them but what is excellent ; there is enough of that : Remember your Creator in the days of your youth , yea and in the days of your age , so shall you be satisfied as with marrow and fatness . Remember your dear Saviour , his love , his life , his death ; attend upon Ordinances , and receive the Sacrament in remembrance of him ; remember his love more than wine : Remember the mercies you have received , so as to be thankful ; the promises you have made , so as to be faithful ; the sins you have committed , so as to be humble ; the experiences you have had , so as to be encouraged . Remember them that are in bonds , as bound with them ; them that are in straits and necessities , so as to be compassionate and liberal to them . Remember your latter end , so as to be diligent , and quicken your pace ; and withal , remember your deceased Pastors , who obtained mercy to be found faithful : They , they are some of Gods Jewels , allow them therefore a choice room in these Cabinets . Quest. You will ask me , how●they are to be remembred ? Answ. I Answer in these following particulars : 1. Remember them , so as to bless God for them . Have not you had great benefit , soul-advantages by them ? Oh! let God have praises from you . When you are under smarting rods , sore afflictions , pore not so much upon them , as to become by that means injurious to God : Some that did too little mind , and prize , and improve mercies whilest they were in their hands , do view them , and curiously study them , when taken away , until their spirits be imbittered , and discontent raised up against the Providence . But , Christians , beware you of that ; I advise you to be sensible of your loss : Let the Widow be sensible what an husband she hath lost , the Children what a Father ( if their tender age will admit it ) ; the Family , what a Governor ; the Society , what a Shepherd ; I , and others , what a Friend and Brother . But let us all remember to bless God , that we had him once , that we had him so long ; let this Congregation bless God that ever it was committed to the care and charge of such a Minister , that ever such a shining and burning light was set up in this Candlestick ; that ever such a labourer was sent into this Vineyard . My dear friends , I do most earnestly beg this of you for my dear Master , Whatever your loss is , how great soever , how painful and afflictive soever , let not your and my God be a loser ; look carefully to that , as you love your selves ; Gods loss is your loss . Therefore how sad soever your case is , how dark soever your day , how low soever your spirits , do not now , do not at any time withhold from God those praises which are his due . Truly he hath been good to you , and he is so now , and he will be so still , if you will but do your duty ; therefore be sure to love him , and bless him ; let the holy God ever inhabit the praises of Israel . 2. Remember them , so as to bewail the loss of them . You ought indeed to moderate your sorrow , keeping it within the bounds of Reason and Religion , as becomes those that have hope ; nay , let there be a mixture of joy with your sorrow , being sure it is well with them , perfectly , unspeakably , and everlastingly well ; their happiness doth exceed their thoughts , and not only afford satisfaction to them , but likewise raise admiration ; Oh what am I that God should ever bring me hitherto ! Yet mourn . It becomes you to be both affected and afflicted in your spirits . What! shall the Father be smitten , and the Children not grieved ? the Shepherd taken away , and the Flock not troubled ? that would be a grand Solecism both in Nature and Religion . When Samuel dyed , all Israel were gathered together , and lamented him , 1 Sam. 25. 1. The tears of an whole Nation may well be poured out upon a Samuels death . When Stephen the Proto-Martyr was carried to his burial , there was great lamentation made over him , Acts 8. 2. Those devout and holy men broached their sorrow , they went on , weeping as they went. When Elisha was arrested and confined to his bed by his last sickness , Ioash the King of Israel wept over his face , and said , O my Father , my Father , the chariots of Israel , and horsemen thereof , 2 King. 13. 14. And well may there be such great sorrow , else it will hold no proportion with the occasion : Losses of such persons are great , how little and vile soever in the worlds eyes while they lived ; for they were their peoples blessings , the Nations pillars , the stakes in our hedg , and their death is not seldom ominous ; it speaks a storm-brewing evil to come . When they are hous'd in the silent and safe chambers of the grave , what may we look for next , but that the great God should come out of his place , cloathed with righteousness , and armed with vengeance , to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity . This know for certain , the Lord is greatly offended , it angers him at his very heart , when he sees men stupid and insensible under such dispensations , specially when they become ordinary ; when the righteous perish , and are taken away , none considering or laying it to heart . It is true , there is now joy in Heaven ; but let there be sorrow on Earth , that will not be jarring : Angels and perfect spirits above , welcome those departed Saints with shouts and acclamations ; let us part from them with tears , at least with sighs . Possibly there are some who do rejoyce at such a mans death ; but whether they will believe me or no , I will tell them , they have no cause ; God will make them change their note , even they shall mourn at the last . 3. With your remembrance of them , joyn heart-grief and trouble that you gained no more by them ; consult and listen to your own consciences , see what they will say , deal impartially and ingenuously . Have not you been asleep in your seats , when they have been at work in their Pulpits ? Have not your minds been wandring after vanity , and your eyes gazing about upon this body and that ; this face , and that fashion , while they have been fixed and intent , wholly taken up about the good and salvation of your souls ? Have not you been cold at heart , while they were fervent in spirit , serving the Lord ? They have mourned , but you wept not ; they have piped , but you danced not ; when they poured out their souls in confession of sins , you were not humbled , your hearts not broken within you ; many a sad and foul story hath been told of you , yet you did not blush , neither were you ashamed : They have mightily wrestled with God , and tug'd hard for mercy , mercy for you , your pardon , and your lives , but you have sate and seen all this with a most wretched indifferency , as if you were persons altogether unconcerned , and did not care whether they prevailed or no. How have you slipt the precious truths they delivered to you , and been disobedient to the counsels they ordered out ; and have been little the better , though they came to you in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ ? They have come and blown upon your garden , now with the North-wind of dreadful threatnings , then with the South of gracious promises ; yet your spices have not flown forth ; nay , are not too many of you unto this very day like the dry and barren Heath ? And surely you have cause to be troubled , and oh that you may be so , the good Lord trouble you kindly ; let your souls have these losses and afflictions still in remembrance , and be humbled within you . 4. Remember them so as to be quickned by that remembrance . Think of their death , and go to their graves , and fetch life and liveliness from thence : We Ministers should do so . When our fellow-labourers grow fewer , it stands us in hand to work the harder . What! shall some drop on our right-hand , and others upon our left , yea many round about us ; and shall any of us notwithstanding be idle , and lazy , and half asleep at our work ! Oh that the ratling of deaths Chariot-wheels might awaken and rouze us up . When Elijah is taken up to Heaven , let every Elisha look out for a double portion of the spirit , and go forth in all their might to plead the cause of Truth and Holiness , and finish that great work their Lord hath set them . You also that are the People of God , should double your diligence . You are not ignorant how your faithful Pastors liv'd and labour'd , how they walked and wrought , what indefatigable pains they took for God , and for you , and with their own hearts : though you do not know half , yet let that which you do know be a spur to you . Up , Christians , up , shake off a supine sluggish temper ; Work out your salvation with fear and trembling : give all diligence to make your calling and election sure . Hasten , oh hasten to the Kingdom of God ; lose no time , slip no opportunity , neglect no part of your duty ; fill up your days , relations , and places ; and so run , as that you may obtain ; you are compassed about with a great Cloud of witnesses ; lay aside therefore every weight that presseth down , and the sin● that doth so easily beset you ; gird up the loins of your mind , call forth all your strength , buckle in good earnest to your business , and on , on in that holy pleasant race that is set before you . 5. Remember them , so as to be encouraged by them , and take heart . You live in a world that lyeth in wickedness , it is grievously polluted ; almost all places are so dirty , that we can scarce tread clean ; surely these are the dregs of time ; you are invironed with enemies and dangers . And speak seriously , Do you not sometimes feel inward fears and faintings ? Well , encourage your selves in the Lord your God ; And take , my Brethren , the Prophets , who have spoken in the Name of the Lord , for an ensample of suffering afflictions , and of patience . You have seen what great things God hath done by them , and for them ; you have seen that God hath carried them through all their difficulties , so that they have overcome at the last . Satan that roaring Lyon hath pursued them , and come with open mouth , yet could not devour them ; he hath got some of them , and winnowed them as wheat , yet their faith did not fail . Lusts and corruptions within their own bosoms have made frequent assaults , and furious batteries upon them , yet they could not prevail . These holy souls through Christ strengthning them , have trodden down sins strength ; sometimes they have gone halting ▪ but always came off conquering . The World again hath one while fawned like a strumpet , and another while raged like a fury ; yet could not gain them by fair means , nor foul : Though the Archers have shot sore at them , their bow hath abode in strength , and the arms of their hands have been made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Iacob . The waves have lifted up their voice , and dashed against them , yet have they stood like Rocks unshaken ; some of them have had an hard passage , and met with many a violent storm ; yet at last they have got in a Calm unto their desired Heaven ; and being landed in the other world , ●re now feasting in the new Hierusalem which is above , at the Court of the King of Glory . It is true , they died , and so must we , so must the strongest and the highest ; it is appointed for all men once to dye , yet these dye but once ; they did not dye before the time ; they did not dye before their work was done ; they did not dye before they were fit to dye , no , nor before they were willing to dye ; they were ripe fruit , and so dropt into the bosom of Abraham . In a word , they dyed to live , and now they live to dye no more : Be you therefore of good cheer , O ye holy Ones , that God who did so much for them , can do as much for you ; his arm is not shortned , nor his ear heavy , nor his love less ; be you strong in him , and in the power of his might . 6. Lastly , So remember them , as to think of theirs who are left behind . It is more than probable that some of their Wives and Children are in a low condition , and want conveniencies , if not necessaries : Be you liberal to them , give them a supply out of your abundance ; pare off some of your superfluities for their relief ; you shall not suffer , nor be losers by it ; I dare ingage to you , there is one in Heaven will take care of that . There be others , who , though not reduc'd to such straits as to need the help of your purses ; yet being now in a disconsolate condition , they do need your company and comforts . Poor hearts ! their houses are left unto them desolate , they are Turtles alone , and mourn sore like Doves ; give a knock at their door● now and then ; when you can , turn into those Widows houses , and speak comfortably to them ; the very sight of their Husbands friends cannot but be cordial to them ; though for a time it will open the wound , and renew their sorrow ; yet it will revive and chear them too . Thus much for the first part of your duty , Remember your deceased Pastors . Yet before I pass on to the second , let me subjoyn to what hath been said , two things by way of Caution . 1. While you remember them , be not unmindful of God , and do not forget to trust in God ; though they are dead , yet God still lives , yea he lives for evermore ; whosoever dyes , God cannot dye ; he necessarily is , and is necessar●ly what he is . As he is eternally , so eternally immutable , not having the least shadow of turning . And this ever-living God hath the residue of the spirit , and can pour it out upon whom he will , and furnish whom he pleaseth with Ministerial Gifts and Graces ; and he never ceaseth to look after his interest and people . Look you to it , that you be true to him , and he will be true to you : He will have a Ministry in England , as long as he hath a Church in England ; and may that be as long as the Sun and Moon endure , Amen . This great Lord of the Harvest will lose none of his Corn , not an ear , not a grain , for want of Labourers to gather it in . This gracious and loving Father of the Family sees good now and then to pinch some of his Children , but he will starve none . When Israel was in a Wilderness , he was pleased to work Miracles , rather than they should not be provided for ; therefore let your Faith live as long as God liveth in Heaven , and you upon Earth . And let me add this for your comfort ; Let never so many good men , eminent men dye , your life , O Believers , is secur'd and insured to you by the life of Christ. Hear his own words , Iohn 14. 19. Because I live , ye shall live also . 2. While you remember them , do not forget your selves . It is readily and joyfully acknowledged , that God doth not stand in need of Ministers : He that could make Heaven and Earth by the Word of his Power , can accomplish all his pleasure without helps and instruments ; yet you do need them , and it is his Will to employ them , and continue them to the end of the world . Magistracy and Ministry are two standing Ordinances , and will be necessary so long as there are men on Earth , and men to be sitted for Heaven . Therefore , my Brethren , sit not down in this your Orphan-condition . What I have told you is unquestionably your duty , but not the whole of it . Keep together . Though the Shepherd be smitten , let not the Sheep be scattered . Look out for a good supply ; that your loss may be made up again , and your Pastors place filled . No loss is irrepairable but the loss of God and your souls . Be wise before you fix ; consult together , and ask advice of them who are both faithful and able to give it ; act with due deliberation , yet defer not too long . Above all go to God , who holdeth the Stars in his right hand ; and then look out for a man Orthodox in judgment , and holy in life , who may not go about to raze , but wisely to build upon the foundation , which by my Reverend Brother hath been already laid . And my prayer is , That God would set a man over your Congregation , even a man after his own heart . And so I come to the second Duty incumbent upon you , which you have in these words , Whose faith follow . Holy imitation doth most highly become all that profess themselves Christians . Be careful in your chusing a Pattern , and then curious in your imitation : You must not follow lying vanities , then you forsake your own mercies ; you must not follow vain fashions , that is not suitable to the gravity and seriousness of your Religion . You must not follow a multitude to do ●vil , unless you have a mind to be damned with a multitude , and think Hell is a desirable place , because most go thither : The most beaten road is not always the best ; you must not follow the world ; instead of being conformed , you ought to be crucified to it . You have far better Copies set you , far more noble and excellent Patterns before you . God ; be ye followers of God as dear children . Christ , he hath left you an ensample , that ye should tread in his steps . The Saints , who while here walked in their integrity ; and now they are above , sit in Robes of Glory : Be ye followers of them that through faith and patience have inherited the promises . And among them , those that have held forth the word of life , and shined as lights in the world . Be wise now in making these your choice , and follow them as close as you can ; live up to Scripture-rules , and holy Presidents . And truly , my Brethren , since God and Christ , Godliness and Heaven are as good , full out as good as ever they were ; I can see no just reason why Professors should decline and decay ; why our gold should become dim ; why the Saints of this Generation should fall miserably short of those that went before them ; why the present Christians should be so unlike the former , both for Purity and Zeal , as if they were not begotten of the same Father , and did not suck the same breasts . But so it is ; ah ! so it is ; our Nazarites were purer than snow , whiter than milk ; whereas now the visage of many of them is blacker than a coal ▪ they can scarce be known in the streets ; and let this be for a lamentation . Oh that you would do your endeavour to revive the old Godliness , which is the best Godliness ; and to live over again the lives of the old Saints , and in particular , those of your Renowned Pastors : Follow them in all that is good , and within the compass of your sphere ; you must never go out of your places to follow your Pastors ; the Lord Jesus himself is to be imitated by you only in his imitable works . That being premised , I say with the Apostle Paul , Phil. 4. 8. Whatsoever things you saw in them , true , honest , just , pure , lovely , and of good report , whatsoever there was of virtue , or of praise , think on those things , and follow them in those things : In no other ; for they were but men , imperfect men , subject to like passions , infirmities , and failings ; and these you must not draw into an example , nor use them as an argument why you should do so too , as too many argue from Davids Adultery to their uncleanness ; for certain God never put such things upon record for an encouragement unto sin , but for cautions to all ; you must not wander with them that wander , nor fall , because others have ; no , follow them as they followed Christ , and only so , in all that is good , in all that is well-pleasing to God , and will be Ornamental to the Gospel . But I shall confine my discourse to the Command in the Text , Follow them in their faith . And here I shall speak to these four particulars : 1. Follow them in the Doctrine of Faith : Be sound in your j●dgments , and suffer not your heads to be fly-blown with Error . Hold fast that which is good , for otherwise you will lose your Crown : The age in which we live is a learned age , and it is a very inquisitive age , and an hot disputing , but with grief be it spoken , it is an error-broaching and imbracing age ; there are too too many among us that act industriously toward the shaking of our foundation , though the Virgin-daughter of Zion looks upon their attempts , and laughs them to scorn ; for God himself , the mighty God hath laid them , and they shall not be destroyed . But though our foundations are firm and lasting , yet many of our professors are feeble and wavering , yea some are removed to another Gospel : They have rejected those great Points , those main Truths , which are the very vitals of Christian Religion , and you may see them wallowing in the blood of their Apostacy : Stick you to that faith which was delivered to you by your deceased Pastors , who are now with God , that is , the faith which was once delivered to the Saints , once for all : The Doctrine which they held out to you , is the Doctrine of the Church of England , built upon the Prophets and Apostles , Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone . Hold to that , all that , specially the Deity of Christ , his satisfaction , justification by him , and faith in him , not by works which we have done ; and the spiritual mystical Union that is between him and true Believers . Keep these things as the Apple of your eye , yea as you would your lives . And though we or an Angel from Heaven should come and preach among you any Gospel contrary to , or besides that which they have preached , and you have received , let him be accursed . 2. Follow them in the Grace of Faith. They were Believers , be you so too : look narrowly to it , that it be the true Grace of God in which you stand . Take not up , my brethren , with an empty name , a verbal profession , a company of bodily exercises , and heartless duties . Mind , I beseech you , the Power of Godliness , and do not stop one hairs breadth on this side of it : Painted Hypocrites are as odious to that God who requires and searches the heart , as the openly profane : his soul hates them that secretly mock him , as well as those that publickly affront him . Make sure work therefore for your precious souls ; see that you have that faith which is unfeigned , the faith of Gods Elect , that you do cordially imbrace the Truths of the Gospel , and ●lose with an offered Jesus ; that you have that faith by which you may live , that faith by which you may walk until you come to walk by sight . I would not have any of you deceived , and cheated to your own destruction , as many poor creatures are , who run away with a lie in their right-hand , build hopes of Heaven and Happiness upon a sandy bottom , please themselves in a lifeless Image of Religion , which the holy One of Israel will despise when he awaketh unto judgment ; their faith is no better than a fancy ; their Godliness is not a Godliness of Gods making nor approving ; they walk about in the sparks of that fire which themselves have kindled , and at last lie down in sorrow . Be you wise for your souls , and deal prudently ; get that faith which upon tryal will be found to praise and honour , much more precious than gold that perisheth ; be ye provided with that Oyl which will keep your Lamps burning when the blessed Bridegroom cometh . 3. Follow them in the actings of their faith . Grace is given you not only for Ornament , but also for use ; we are not only to be justified by faith , and saved by ●aith , but to live by faith . Have you got it ? then suffer it not to lie dormant , but exercise it : Act your faith upon Christ , his Mediation , Merits , and Intercession : He is a full Christ ; it hath pleased the Father , that in him should all fulness dwell , a fulness that is far beyond your emptiness ; live upon him therefore , and draw from him , you can never draw him dry : Act your faith upon the Covenant , it is an everlasting Covenant , ordered in all things , and sure . God is ever mindful of it ; with it holy David comforted himself , in it he placed all his happiness , and sum'd up all his desires . Act your faith upon the Promises ; these are exceeding great and precious , you cannot measure them , nor over-rate them . In them there is an answerableness to every case , a complete suitableness to every condition , in which you either are or can be . And you cannot over-trust them , being Yea and Amen , of most sure and certain accomplishment : The Womb of Divine Promise never miscarried , but shall bring forth at the time of life all the mercies and blessings with which it travails . Ever count Gods Promise abundant security ; and believe that all Mountains which lie in the way of its performance , shall be made a plain ; the darkest Providences are still subservient to the promise . Iosephs being sold for a Slave , and clapt up in a Prison , were steps to his being made the second man in the Kingdom . Act your faith upon the wisdom and power , the love and care of your heavenly Father ; know , he endears you , and will look after you : His Glory shall not be lost , nor given to another ; his Truth is great , and shall overcome ; his Church is built upon a Rock , and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it . Iacob , though small , shall rise ; and though a worm , he shall thresh the mountains ; the Beast and the false Prophet shall be cast into a lake of fire , burning with brimstone , and the glorious victory shall be the Lambs ; for he is King of kings , and Lord of lords ; and they that be with him , are chosen , and faithful , and true . Believe , and rejoyce while you believe , that when Gods desperate Enemies are at work , He himself is not idle , but observes them , is in the Conclave and the Cabal , undermines them , counter-acts them , and will turn their counsels backward or headlong , so that no weapon shall prosper which they form against his cause and people ; but he will accomplish the thoughts of his heart , which shall stand in all generations ; and effect his own designs , and be absolute Master of all his ends , finishing all the work which he hath to do in the world , and that without losing either time or ground ; as our days go off , so Gods work goeth on , it is never out of hand . Thus act your faith upon God in all conditions , and under all dispensations ; when you are high , and when low , yea at the lowest , for still , still , still the everlasting arms , arms , are underneath . In these actings of faith those holy men lived , and so must you , otherwise you will never be established , much less in such gloomy , tottering , turning , and tumbling times as these are . 4. Lastly , Follow them in the fruitfulness of their faith . Your gracious Pastors were not , neither may you be Solifidians : As they did believe , so they maintained good works , and by that means obtained a good report . While you know that faith justifieth you , you must also know , it is your duty to justifie your faith ; that faith which is alone , is stark naught , it is dead and rotten , and stinks above-ground ; shew me , and shew the world your faith by your works . If you ask me what fruits they are which grow upon the root of faith , and prove it genuine ? I Answer , all the fruits of the spirit , in which you must abound , if you would have an abundant entra●ce into the glorious Kingdom of our God and Saviour . But I shall speak only to three , Holiness , Love , Ioy. 1. Follow them in their Holiness . A wicked Believer is as meer an impossibility as a gracious Devil ; such a faith as will consist with the love , and life , and reign of sin , is no better than what may be found in Hell among lapsed Angels , and damned Spirits , who , as the Apostle Iames tells us , Believe and tremble . Wheresoever true faith is , it purifies the heart , and reforms the life , and orders the footsteps according to the word : As it cloathes the soul with the beautiful Robe of Christs Righteousness , so it subjects the soul to his governing Scepter and Law ; it lets Christ in , and casts corruption out ; when Christ dwells in the heart by Faith , he shines in the life by Holiness : The pearl of faith is never found in the dunghil of profaneness . Study then , study holiness , and perfect it too in the fear of God ; think with your selves what manner of persons ye ought to be , how acurate and exact in your whole course ; remembring , That grace of God which bringeth salvation , and hath appeared unto you , teacheth you , that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts , ye should live soberly , righteously , and godly in this present evil world , 2 Tit. 11 , 12. And that you ought to be like your Father , who is holy in all his ways , and righteous in all his works . When therefore a temptation to any sin assaults you , resist it with utmost indignation , and say as Nehemiah did in another case , Shall such a man as I do this ? or as Ioseph , How shall I do this great wickedness and sin against God ? or as that good Woman [ Christiana sum ] I am a Christian. This , my dear Friends , this is the way to glorifie your God , to honour your Religion , to credit your Pastors . In this way you shall be their comfort while they live , their Crown when they are dead , yea their joy and rejoycing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming : The exemplariness of your carriages is the best commendation of the Ministers you have , and of the Sermons you hear ; whereas when you walk disorderly , and as Enemies to the Cross of Christ , you are our shame and reproach , spots in our Assemblies , goads in our sides , and burdens upon our spirits : Let no man nor woman tell others they sit under my Ministry , unless they resolve by the grace of God to depart from iniquity . 2. Follow them in their Love. True faith works love , and by it ; it kindles a pure flame of love , and then makes use thereof for the promoting and furtherance of all duty . Have you not taken notice of your Pastors love ? What did they think too much to do for you ? They have hazarded their liberty , and spent their strength , and broken their rest , and wasted their lungs for you : They mourned under the untractableness of some , and were humbled for the unreformedness of others , who had sinned , and had not repented ; they longed for your Conversion to God , and progress in Religion , and growth in grace : They had no greater joy than to see you walking in the truth ; Oh! how did they prize God , and Christ , and you ? how did they rejoyce in their work , though hard , yet sweet ? how welcome was a Sabbath , upon which they might draw their breasts for your consolation , and open their treasures for your inriching ? imitate you them in their love ; give the best , the flower , the quintessence of it unto God. Erect in your hearts a Throne for Christ ; love him as well as you can , and then mourn because you love him so little , and always pray that you may love him more : Love one another dearly , for you are brethren , and so fulfil the law of Christ , and prove your selves his Disciples . Have an universal love for all the Saints , all in whom you can see [ aliquid Christi ] any thing of Christ ; yea so love all men , as to wish their good , and to do them all the good you can , even your Enemies , your Persecutors , those that hate you ; do you hate their sins and wicked ways , but love their persons , and pray for their conversion and salvation . 3. Follow them in their Joy. You read of the joy of faith , and of the Saints rejoycing in believing , with joy unspeakable and full of glory . Certainly it is a duty incumbent upon all the Saints to rejoyce in the Lord , and that evermore ; and call to remembrance the times that are past . Have you not seen the faith of your Pastors budding and blossoming with joy , when you have been sinking , and days have been dark , and fears many ? Have you not seen a smile upon their brow , even then when there was a Cloud upon their tabernacle ? You have indeed been acquainted with their sorrows , and their tears , because men hated to be reformed , would not keep Gods Law , but dishonoured his Name , and opposed his Gospel , and would break his bands asunder , and cast away his cords from them ; but you have also been privy to , and witnesses of their joys ; follow them in this : Let them that are of a fearful heart be strong ; be you of a cheerful spirit , and let your brethren and others see you are so . You have , O Saints , matter of rejoycing in your worst conditions ; nay , let me say this , You have much more matter of rejoycing than you now have , or ever shall have of sorrow and disquiet . For , if you be really what you profess your selves to be , God is the cause and matter of your rejoycing ; it is he that is your comfort and your glory , Psal. 43. 4. I will go , saith that sweet singer of Israel , unto the Altar of God , unto God my exceeding joy : or as the margin tells you it is in the Hebrew , unto God the gladness of my joy . Now I beseech you , if you can , tell me , What can possibly be ; I ask you again , what can possibly be so great a cause of sadness and sorrow , as your God is of joy and rejoycing ? Thou , O poor drooping soul , thinkest thou hast a great many sins in thy heart , and the Church of Christ hath a great many dangers at this day in poor England , City and Country is full of them ; and doubtless all this is very true , too too true , the good Lord help us . Yet know , God is above them all , and greater than them all : He is greater than all thy sins , and so can both pardon and subdue them : He is greater than all his Churches enemies , and so can either reconcile and change them if he pleases , or curb and conquer them . As he is greater than all our dangers , and so can easily obviate and prevent them : He can with a word command deliverance , and create peace , and place a defence upon and about all our glory . You have , my Brethren , at all times , in the very worst times , more cause of joy in God , than you can have of sorrow and discouragement in any thing , nay in all things . This made the holy Prophet take up that brave resolution , Hab. 3. 17 , 18. To rejoyce in the Lord , and to joy in the God of his salvation ; though there should be a famine in the world , and the staff of creature-comforts should be broken to pieces ; though earth should sink under him , yet he would by faith hang upon a God above him ; and as long as he had a God above to live upon , his joy should live and flourish : He knew not only how to make a meal , but how to feast it upon God alone . Thus have I at large set before you that duty which is incumbent upon you in reference to your deceased Pastors , who have Preached to you the Word of God ; it lieth in these two things , Remember them — Follow their faith . Now I come to the last clause in the Text , which you may look upon either as a third duty , or an excellent means for the commending of the two former , and facilitating them unto you ; and that you have in these words , Considering the end of their conversation . Here again you have the Act , Considering ; and the Object , The end of their conversation . I will begin with the former . Considering . We ought to be a considering people ; it would be our safety , our honour , our comfort and advantage every way , as I could easily shew you . We should sin less , if we would consider more . Most , if not all our sins come in at this door , want of consideration . Men do not consider , their ways lead directly to Hell , going down to the Chambers of Death ; and therefore they go on in them : They do not look into the state of their souls , nor consider how affairs stand with them ; and so when they should mourn and weep , they live jovally , and frolick their days away , dancing and roaring upon the very brink of the burning lake : They do not consider the pearl of price , how orient it is , how excellent and inestimable ; and therefore they do not sell all , and buy it : They do not consider the worth of their souls , that they are immortal , and their ransom precious , and therefore they barter them away for a filthy lust and transient pleasure . Men do not consider how sordid and odious a thing it is , how ill-becoming them , how hateful to God , and how exceedingly it inflámes their reckoning , and will one day add to their torments , 〈◊〉 swill like a Swine , to be filthy like a Goat , to curse like a Devil , and to swear like a Cutter ; to profane Sabbaths , and 〈…〉 to hate the power of Godliness , and 〈◊〉 ●hose that are peaceable in a Land. Due and serious 〈…〉 , my Brethren , would correct all these things , 〈◊〉 ●ould reform a thousand disorders , and we should have another world . And until this be , the world will be the old world still ; we shall find it as bad as ever , a wicked , malicious , and troublesome world ; Cain will kill Abel still ; And they that are born after the flesh , will persecute them that are born after the spirit . I shall not at all wonder to see men carry like Bedlams , to see them raging-mad in sin , so long as they live like fools , without consideration . Well , my Friends , if any will be vain and foolish still , let them be so : As for you , reckon upon it as your wisdom and interest to do nothing rashly , not to pass over things lightly , not to run on headily ; look before you leap , ponder your path , try all things . Consider those things which we deliver to you in the course of our Ministry , and require of you in the Name of our God , whether they be not most holy , and just , and good . Consider those things we propound to you , the great and gracious offers we make , whether you can any where else better your selves , and get a more gainful bargain ; see if we do not out-bid all the world , and offer you such a match for your souls , as is the chiefest of ten thousands , altogether lovely , without compare . O ye fools , be ye of an understanding heart . We would not have you embrace our counsels , and follow our directions blindfold . We can say this , We counsel you as we do our selves , and we lay no other burden upon you than upon our selves , and your souls are precious to us as our own , and it sorely troubles us to think of your eternal miscarrying , and our hearts would greatly rejoyce , even ours , if that danger were over , and that we did but see you in that tender and mighty hand , out of which none can pluck you : yet we would not have you take all upon trust from us ; an implicit faith , and a blind obedience do not please us : No , weigh things in right balances , compare the service of Christ with the drudgery of a Devil , and the service of sin ; peace of conscience , with roaring in a Tavern ; the kisses of a Saviours lips , with the caresses of a Minion ; the favour of Christ , with the smiles of a Man ; a being filled with the spirit , with a being drunk with wine , in which is a brutifying excess . Compare contrivances for God , with plots for Rome , and conspiracies against Princes ; an heavenly mind , with earthly affections ; an interest in promises , and an inheritance in Heaven , with an ill-gotten estate in the world that hath a curse in it . Compare , I say , these things together , and consider , and then chuse . Let some men say what they will , their tongues are their own , only let them remember , they must at last be accountable for their words ; as for us , we would have you rational in your Religion , rational in your believing and living ; use your reason in all things within its reach , only to call that to determine in matters too high for it , in points of faith , that could never have been known by us , but by Divine Revelation , hath much more absurdity in it , than to call a Countrey-clown from following t●e Plough , to sit down at the Helm , and determine in the [ Arcana Imperii ] mysteries and riddles of State. Use all the reason you have , only be not unreasonable in you reasonings ; and believe it , we are not afraid of having things brought to a tryal ; the cause of Godliness is too good to be cast , when it hath its hearing before a prudent , impartial , and righteous Judg. Consider then , and that not only once , but often ; so the Original word signifies [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] considering again and again ; frequently repeat this act ; think of it now , and think of it anon ; to day and to morrow , every day . The things of God , the matters of Religion , the product and issue of an holy life , do deserve greatest seriousness , and most frequent thoughts ; there is nothing in the world so considerable in it self as these things are , and therefore nothing in the world is so worthy of your consideration . Besides the merit of the things , the dulness of the hearts calls for it . Ahlas I we are not easily wrought upon ; our minds are blockish , our wills stubborn , our hearts obdurate , our judgments do not readily assent to truth , nor our wills close with goodness . We are as the Disciples were , slow of heart to believe , and submit and embrace the things of God. There must be precept upon precept , and line upon line ; and there had need be consideration upon consideration , and prayer upon prayer , and all this is little enough ; nay all this , and more than this would be too little , were not God pleased to bare his Omnipotent Arm , and to make it a day of power upon the obdurate and refractory sinner . Slight thoughts and transient glances will make no impression , will kill no sin , nor kindle any holy heat ; it is the fixed eye that doth affect the heart ; as the Burning-glass must be for some time held with a steddy hand in the beams of the Sun , before it will fire combustible matter . Be much then in the work ; let not vain thoughts lodg , but let holy thoughts abide and dwell within you . So much for the Act. I now come to the Object , What is it that we are to consider ? What ? truly you need never be at a loss for matter of consideration , most choice and excellent matter , viz. God himself , and the operations of his hands , in Creation-work , and acts of Providence ; specially that admirable Master-piece , sinners Redemption and Salvation . Consider your selves , your hearts and ways , and latter end ; together with that infinite Ocean of Eternity into which you must lanch ; and those two places , Heaven and Hell , into which all Intellectual and Rational beings shall be gathered . Consider the Sermons you hear , and search the Scriptures daily ; bring all that is said in the Pulpit to the Law and to the testimony ; and see whether those things be so or not . In Prayer consider in what a presence you are , and with what a glorious Majesty you have to do ; what great Mercies and Blessings you have to seek , and do not offer the sacrifice of fools . Consider the Worship you perform , whether the word will warrant it , and God accept it ; many things that are very pretty in the account of men , are very ugly in the sight of God. Consider the opinions you take up , the Doctrines you believe , whether they be truths of God , what foundation they have in the Scripture , with what evidence they come upon your minds , and what work they have made within . I might multiply particulars to this purpose , but shall forbear . The Text directs you to a very proper Object , Consider your Pastors , in the end of their conversation . King Solomon was a very wise man , and very considerate ; he went too far in his trial and search for an happiness under the sun ; and being out of his way , he was often in the ditch ; yet wheresoever he was , he took consideration with him : You find him one while returning and considering oppression , Eccles. 4. 1. another time you find him returning and beholding vanity under the sun , Eccles. 4. 7. and at another time he is busily taken up in the sluggards field , Prov. 24. 30 , He went by the field of the slothful : he saw and consider'd it well , and lookt upon it . What did he observe there ? Two things ; The posture of the field , and the issue of the Owner . The field lay over-grown with thorns , covered with nettles , having its stone-wall broken down ; and as for the end of its Owner , that was beggary ; he had not so many rags to his back , as he had nettles in his ground . Poverty and want came upon him as an armed man. King Solomon consider'd all this , and receiv'd instruction . He was the better for it while he liv'd . If we would be wise , we might get good out of nettles ; turn every thing we see , into spiritual advantage . Honey is by the industrious Bee suckt out of nettles and weeds . But , I am calling you to turn , not into the Field of the heavy and lazie drone , but into the Field of the diligent and laborious Husbandman . And do you consider it well , observe how it is watched , and manur'd , and kept ; how curiously it lies , and how fertil it is ; what pains the industrious owner took in sowing , and what comfort he hath in reaping ; observe his harvest joy , when he goes home at night carrying his sheaves with him . We will consider here two things . 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , their Conversation . 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the end of their Conversation . 1. Consider their Conversation , all the windings and turnings of their lives , take special notice of the whole , and of each particular . Consider them in all their Capacities , Private and Publick , as Men , Christians , Ecclesiastick Governours . In all their Relations , as Neighbours , Friends , Masters , Parents , Husbands , Ministers . In all times , serene and cloudy , halcion and tempestuous . In all conditi●ns , high and low , prosperous and adverse , in Honour and disgrace . In all these consider the evenness of their spirits , the stedfastness of their faith , the holiness of their walking , their industry and patience , their self-denial and submission , their meekness and contentation , their purity and zeal . Consider how in Simplicity and godly Sincerity , not with fleshly wisdom , but by the grace of God they have had their Conversation in the World , 2 Cor. 1. 12. 2. Consider the end of their Conversation . A two-fold end , which I shall give you up in these termes , since better do not occur at present . 1. The end of their desires . 2. The end of their days . 1. Consider the end of their desires , what they propound to themselves , and aim at in all they do , and which indeed their hearts are very much upon . Would you know what it is , I answer negatively ; Not a name among men , to be carried aloft by the ●ading breath of popular applause . Alas that is a vain thing that will please and satisfy none but a light and empty Spirit . With them it was a very light thing to be judged by mans judgment , 1 Cor. 3. 3. That wind continueth not long in one corner . Our dearest Lord Jesus spake and lived as never man did , he excelled and outshined all that ever the world could glory in , the brightest stars were darkned by that beautiful Sun , yet he , even he met with a crucifie him , after an Hosannah in the highest . Again , their end was not worldly riches and s●cular advantages , not vast and swoln estates , on which the greater part of the Sons of men dote , yea too many professors , these did flie an higher pitch . A liberal maintenance was their due , the communication of their spirituals did richly deserve a return of your temporals , which to make is not your charity but duty , yet this was not their end . I could tell you of some , who for your sakes have greatly deny'd themselves ; Others have laboured hard and chearfully in the midst of hardship and want . They have hugg'd opportunities of bringing to hungry souls bread from Heaven , clusters from the Land of promise , when they themselves have , as to their outward condition , been in a dry and barren wilderness : but affirmatively thus , the end at which they aimed did consist of these three things , which were worthy , most worthy of such truly noble souls . 1. The glory of the ever blessed God , which is his own supreme and ultimate end in all he doth ; and indeed nothing below the glory of God is fit to be advanced to the honour of such an end . Now this was the end of those holy men , To me to live is Christ , said Paul , Phil. 1. 21. He was the Author , preserver and comfort ; he was the pattern and end of Paul's life : the advancing of his name , the setting forth of his excellencie● , the inlarging of his territories , and increasing the number of his subjects , was the scope , the white at which he levell'd all his actions : and this also was principally designed by your gracious and faithful Pastors : Christ they loved , and Preached , and exalted ; for him they contended , for him they suffered , for him they were ready to have died ; for the proclaiming of his Righte●usness , yea his only , and for the maintaining of his Authority , as Head of the Church , and Zion's King , against the bold and God-daring invasions of the grand Roman-Impostor and Usurper with his Adherents . Doub●less nothing was so sweet to them as serviceableness to this purpose . Contributions hereunto did not only reconcile them to their own ●●●lipses , reproaches , losses and sufferings , but also put a pleasantness into them . Iohn the Baptist speaking of this blessed Bridegroom , could say in the uprightness of his heart , Ioh. 3. 29. 30. This my joy is fulfilled ; he must increase , but I must decrease . And you find Act. 5. 40 , 41. when the Apostles had been bcat●● for Preaching up Jesus , they departed from the presence of the Council , rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name . Now , my Brethren , this is such a pitch as the most raised Heathen , and sublimated carnal man never yet soared ; their principles are too low and sordid , their wings too weak and feeble to admit of so lofty a flight . Let nature and the power of it be never so much commended by its admirers , the natural man without a supernatural principle , and the sweet , yet mighty assi●●ance of special grace , never did ▪ never can make God his highest end : No , no , self s●icks too close to him , and is predominant ; it is both at the top and bottom of all his actions , and doth indeed run quite thorough them . Whereupon Theophylact said , you cannot instance in one good Heathen , because they did all for vain glory . 2. Your deceased Pastors desig●ed the salvation of their own souls ; interest in God , communion with him , and fruition of him , tasts of his sweetness , sights of his beauty now , and satisfaction hereafter . They were of David's mind , and rejoyced in the same hopes . David had been speaking of the men of the world , how they had their bellies filled with hid treasures . Oh! that is good , say some , we wish we had our belly full too ; but stay , that which spoiled all is this , that they had their portion in this li●e . The comforts of the w●●ld are good en●oymen●s , but they are a bad portion ; that holy man did think them so , and therefore closed most sweetly thus , Ps●l . 17. 15. As for me , I will behold thy ●●ce in right●●us●ess , I shall be s●tisfied when I awake with thy likeness . It is as if he had said ; Every one as he likes ▪ if these men see so much in the world , let them take it , and much good may it do them ; when they have their bellies full , let them go to rest , and sing themselves asleep in the lap of pleasures , at the breast of creatures ; when God awakens them , they will find emptiness and pain , having fed all along upon wind and ashes . As for me , I will not be put off with these things , they are but for the body , but for the belly which must be destroyed , for that part of man which shall never be glorified . As for me , I study the good of my precious soul , and am set for a portion for my soul ; I would have my portion to take when their portion is spent : I am for beholding the face of God , and satisfaction with the likeness of God ; and when I once have that , I am sure that I shall have enough both of his love and of his glory . Paul laboured more abundantly than all ; if you should ask him , what it was he laboured for , he tells you , I and my faithful Brethren labour that whether present or absent , they might be accepted of God , 2 Cor. 5. 9. We would gladly be accepted of the Saints , but our chief desire and ambition is to be accepted of the God of Saints , and to be received to live with him as his Children for ever . And surely their greatest Adversaries may well allow them this . We all know , there is a scantiness in the creature , and a narrowness in the world , from whence proceeds shouldering , and justling ▪ and scrambling ; but the Divine Love is infinite , the fulness of a God inexhaustible , and in Heaven there are many mansions , room enough ▪ and happiness enough , and glory enough for all that shall come thither : let us not quarrel by the way , nor at the Inne ; at home , at our Fathers house , there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore . 3. Lastly , They desir'd and aim'd at the spiritual good , and eternal welfare of your souls : To bring you unto Christ , to build you upon Christ , to keep you from departures from him , and from unstedfastness with him ; in a word , to be instrumental for the making you meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light . Your selves are witnesses of the pains they took among you . God is witness of their studies for you , the tears they shed in private , the prayers they made , in which they wrestled with great wrestlings , that you might live in his sight , and neither fall short of the grace which is bestowed upon his people , nor of the Rest , which remains for them . I dare with highest confidence affirm , these were the ends at which they principally aimed , and do not fear being put to the blush at last , as one that is found a lyar . 2. But now let us consider the end of their daies , their [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] last end , their going off the stage of the world , and out of this vail of tears . What Exist have they ? how come they off at last ? for that is the import of the word in the Original ; which ( saith a Learned Critick ) is a metaphor taken from those , who being incompast about with thieves , are in danger on every side ; how do they escape ? Faithful Pastors are tha light of the world , but how many are there every where puffing at them ! They are the Salt of the earth , but how do the wicked endeavour to cast all this Salt upon the dung-hill ! and what an unsavoury world should we have then ? They are troubled on every side , and in all revolutions of Kingdoms and Nations , none are so much exposed to hazard as they . Well now , observe and consider the end , the last Act , and blessed be our good God , you shall find that in the Evening it is light , [ Finis coronat opus ] Their End is such as that it crowns their works ; such as makes them free to tell the world , that their labour hath not been in vain in the Lord , because it fully answers all their hopes and expectations ; nay , doth unspeakably exceed them . It is such an End as is desirable for all men . Even a Balaam wished thus , Let me die the death of the righteous , and let my last end be like his . The vile wretch did not like the righteous mans life , that was too refined and strict for him who loved the wages of unrighteousness , but he would fain have his end . And you will see no cause at all to wonder at it , if you will but retire a little , and in good earnest consider these things . 1. The End of your faithful Pastors , yea and of faithful Christians too is a welcome end . Others , like the fool in the Gospel , have their souls taken from them ; there is a force put , if they could resist , they would : in a sullen mood and disconted fit they will call for death , but when it comes indeed , they wish it ●arther off , Whereas these resign their souls , and give up the Ghost , and commend their spirits into their Saviours hand , They did according to their duty love their work , and Relations , and Friends , and Comforts , yea and glory in the Cross of Christ , but they can freely bid farewel to all , when they know they shall , and think they do go to God. Though their daies be few , yet they depart hence full of daies , because they have had their fill of living , they do not only submit to God , when he sends for them , but also are well pleased , the World was crucified to them , and they to the World ; & when things are once brought to that pass , it is no hard matter to part , the World is weary of them , because they convince and condemn it ; and they are weary of the World , because of its wickedness and frowardness . It is terrible to think , what a strugling there is when a wicked man comes to die . Methinks it is something like , though much beyond that of the Vine and Olive , when the rest of the Trees would have made one of them King ; Oh , saith the Vine , how shall I leave my sweetness ? and I , saith the Olive , my fatness ? So say ungodly men upon a dying-bed , how shall I leave my jovial and merry companions , my honours and preferments , my riches and estate , my pleasures and delights ? if these be once gone , all is gone with me , there is nothing left , I have nothing to take to . Death ruines them at once . Alas , these poor cr●atur●s are not branches of the Vine , they are not ingrafted into the Olive , they are brambles , and it is not strange that they should rather chuse to rule on earth , than to burn in Hell. But when these holy men come to die , whatever struglings there are in nature , they chearfully comply . Death is what they have looked and long●d for . P●ul desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ Phil. 1. 23. They groan earnesily to be 〈◊〉 upon with a robe of glory , and that house which is from . Heaven , 2 Cor. 5. 2. They have been familiar with death , they have prepared for it , and waited for it , and given many a long look ; and what should hinder their bidding of it welcome , since they know it comes upon a good errand , though it be a grim Messenger . 2. It is a peaceable end . If a wicked man should say to Death , as Ioram did to Jehu , is it peace , Death ? He might expect such an answer as he had . What peace , so long as thy rebellions , and whoredoms , and abominations are so many ? peace ? no , no peace . I am come to arrest thee upon Actions of high Treason against the King of Heaven . The Soveraignty , Holiness , Goodness , Son , Gospel , Mercies , Judgments of God have brought in their charges against thee , and I am come to drag thee as a cursed Malefactor to the tribunal of thy Judge , where thou shalt be convicted and sentenc'd . But now if these gracious men should ask death , as the Elders did Samuel , comest thou peaceably ? the answer would be , yes peaceably . I was thine Enemy , but I am reconciled . A good Friend of thine hath pluckt out my sting , so that I cannot hurt thee . I am come to fetch thee home . I am come to send thee to a place where thou hast laid up great hopes , and many prayers , and much treasure , to a place where thy Father is , and thy Saviour , and an innumerable company of Angels , and Spirits of just men made perfect ; many of them thou knowest , most of them thou knowest not ; yet all of them , one and other , are ready with joy to bid you welcome . Sanctifie thy self , set thine house in order , and come away . As soon as ever I have taken off this clog of earth , Angels sh●ll , according to the charge their great Lord hath given them , receive thee , and conduct thee to Iehovahs pallace , where thou shalt quickly be ; no tiring by the way , and no want in the Countrey It is true , a malicious Devil is ready to fall upon the Saints , when they are weakest , and if God permit him , he will bruise their heel just when they are to go their journey . And sometimes there is a very sharp bout , and soar conflict upon a death-bed between him and them , but when once death is come , he parts the fray , and all is quiet ▪ The Devil may rage , and storm , and fret , but he can do nothing else . 3. It is a comfortable end ; I deny not but a little before there may be Clouds ; and this shady Valley so dark , as that the Believer is at a great loss . Though his Title be good , yet h● cannot read his Evidence . God may be pleased to put a Vail upon his own face , and the Sun of Righteousness suspend his Beams . There may be a great silence in Heaven , and not one word of comfort spoken , that the attentive and listening Soul can hear . God is indeed by , but he is not seen . He doth uphold , but not revive . And hereupon there follows sad questionings and hot disputes , if it be so , why am I thus ? will not God vouch●afe me one smile now , and can I think he owns me for one of his Children ? Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? Hath he forgotten to be gracious , or resolved he will not be so to me ? But when it is thus very dark , the dawning of the day is near at hand . And oftentimes the Clouds scatter , and the case is rightly stated , and things are brought to a good issue , before the last blow be given . God comes in and takes off the sackcloth , and puts upon his beloved Child a Garment of praise , so that now he lies in state upon his Bed of languishment . But however , as soon as Death hath done his work , the dispute is at an end , and the controversie is determined on the Souls side . And this is done when things have been at the worst . After the lowest ebb , there then is a spring-tide of consolation . Then the enlarged Soul doth magnifie the Lord , and the Spirit rejoyceth in God its Saviour . But how often is it otherwise , have you not known ? have you not heard , that some of these precious Sons of Sion , these heirs of joy and glory have triumphed over Death , even while they were under its assaults . When Death hath been making its most furious batteries , then have they been singing their Song of praise in the Apostles language and strain , 1 Cor. 15. 55 , 56 , 57. O Death , where is thy sti●g ? 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 which giveth us the victory through our Lord Iesus Christ. What raptures have they been in ; and what extasies of joy ? so that their pains and throws have been forgotten or neglected . How have some of them told by-standers [ hic sat lucis ] here is light enough , meaning in their breasts . And others , that they were as full of joy as they could hold . God had anointed them with the oyl of gladness against their burial , and made their cups run over , so that their Hearts have leaped within them at the thoughts of their being upon the borders of Eternity , and so near the company which they lov'd so well . Witness that more than Swan-like Song of good old Simeon , Luke 2. 29. 30. Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace , according to thy word , for mine eyes have seen thy salvation . Having got his Heart , and Christ in his Eye , he would set up his Sail , and his Frait , Grace inbe gone for the other World. 4. It is an Honourable end . Wicked men go out in a stink , not only the grosly profane , but the hypocritical professors , if discovered , as often they are . Their putrid carasses are not so unsavoury as their Names . Specially the Names of such professors , who by their villanies have made Religion stink in the nostrils of foolish men ; though it is pity it should . Let all men judge of our Religion , not by the practices of some that pretend to it , but by its own Rules and Laws , which are the most exact , excellent , and noble , of any in the World. But let the name of the wicked rot , and indeed so it doth and shall ▪ There is a curse upon it , and that rots it . There was wickedness in their Lives , and that causeth rottenness in their Names . No good man will speak well of them , and the commendations of the wicked are not worth the having , for they are a real disgrace . But these followers of the Lamb have obtained a good report , and left it behind them . That Death , which makes them naked and bare of all their temporal enjoyments , cannot strip them of this . The righteousness of Christ , and the graces of the Spirit go along with them ; their works sollow them , and the remembrance of their holiness and usefulness stays behind . How do their Relations and Friends want them ? How do their People and acquaintance bewail their absence ! nay , some of their Enemies will strew flowers upon their Herse ; And though they will not be so liberal as their Conscience , nor speak all that 's put into their mouths , but suppress and detain such truths in unrighteousness , yet they will bestow the Epithet of an honest man. That God whom they served , hath said , The Righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance . He takes care of their names , as well as of their dust . And he hath also said , the memory of the just is blessed . It is and shall be so , like a precious oyntment , which fills the whole place where they lived with a fragrant odour , yea and places far remote . We cannot expect all should speak well of them . Some paint the Angels black ; the Devil would have had Iob taken for a meer mercenary , although he was the Worlds none-such for his uprightness . Shimei cursed David , and Tertullus the Orator threw dirt upon a Paul. Christ himself was called a Deceiver after his death , yet He was in all things faithful to him that appointed him . When all men speak well of one , it is a shrewd sign , all was not well . Either something was amiss , they will be such as their company is ; or else something was wanting , viz. Faithfulness and plain dealing . It is honour enough to have a good report among them who fear God , they are best able to judge , and most to be credited ; and this honour have all his Saints , all those , whose character I have given you , and those also who tread in their steps , and hold out to the end , so doing . 5. Lastly , It is a most blessed and glorious end . You , Slaves of Hell , who are at the Devils beck , and drudge for him all your days , committing uncleanness with greediness , and drawing sin as with Cart-ropes , what is the end you must expect ? The Apostle tells you , Rom. 6. 21. The end of those things is death . That is the best wages the Devil hath to bestow upon his Servants , a never-dying death , a death which is unspeakably worse than death , and their end is shame . Now they are impudent , but then they shall be ashamed . Dread shall fill them , and shame cover them . That is the promotion of fools , Prov. 3. 35. Oh! change your Master , leave your work , break off your sins by repentance , unless you think eternal death a good reward , and everlasting shame desirable preferment . But behold these servants of the Lord , who have served their generation according to the will of God , and glorified him upon earth , who have fought a good fight , and kept the faith to the finishing of their course ; who have desired and endeavoured to turn many to righteousness ; how is it with them , when their end comes ? I want words , The lines fall to them in pleasant places , they have a goodly heritage . Who can summe up their happiness ? were one of them here , were an Angel here , he could not tell you half . They are approved , and highly commended . The testimony given is , that they pleased God ; that they have done well , very well . [ E●ge bone serve ] Well done good and faithful servant , thou hast been faithful in thy little . Now they shine as Stars in the ●irmament : now they have their Crown of Righteousness , in comparison of which the richest Diadems are not worth taking up in the street . And their glory is answerable to their Crown . An exceeding and eternal weight of glory , such as hath substance and solidity in it . And no wonder if , together with all this , they have their joy . If any thing can , this will make them forget their sormer sufferings , the worlds affronts and inoignities , the angers and bitter unkindnesses of their Mothers children , who are dandled in her lap , and yet are peevish with their weaned Brethren . All this will make them merry at heart , and cheerful in look , and sing Allelujah . They have a joy of God's making ▪ and maintaining ; not the crackling joy of the world , but the unconceiveable joy of their Lord ; a joy too big for them to contain , though their capacities are greatly enlarged : it cannot enter into them , they shall enter into it : a joy that shall fill them to the brim , and compass them round about : they shall be in joy as a full vessel in the midst of the immense Ocean . The doctrinal part being thus finished , I shall speak a little , and but a little in a way of Application . And Vse 1. My Reverend Fathers and Brethren in the Ministry of whatsoever Judgment you are in these divided times , give me leave in all humility , yet with all earnestness to beg of you , that you would so preach and walk , so labour and live , as that you may be ex●mples to the flock , and your memory may be blessed . Oh! let us all look to it ▪ that we know and speak the truth as it is in Iesus , not departing from the purity and simplicity of the Gospel . Let us remember , whose Embassadours we are , and keep close to our Commission , delivering only our Masters word . Let our lips preserve knowledge , and not cause people to erre . May our discourses turn chiefly and mostly upon those two Cardinal points that Pauls did , Repentance towards God , and Faith in our Lord Iesus Christ. Do what you can to turn your Auditors from all their immoralities to a sober , civil , and unblamable life . Doubtless the Gospel requires this ▪ Christ came to redeem us not only from Hell and condemnation , but also from a vain and vicious conversation . And our perfection in Heaven will consist in a compleat conformity to the Moral Law. If any decry Morality , it is because they do not understand it . Yet my Brethren , let us also teach Faith in Jesus Christ ; do not rob him of any part of his glory , to bestow it upon another . Sure I am , that is far from Morality ; it is no good manners to deal so with a precious Saviour , to whom we are infinitely and everlastingly obliged . And such injustice will cost them dear , that are guilty of it . Labour we to make men and women ●ound Believers . Shew them the insufficiency of all they do to justifie them ; that they may never ( with the besotted Iews ) go about to establish their own righteousness , but submit to the righteousness of God , and by Faith put on that perfect spotless Robe , which our dear Jesus hath wrought for humbled sinners . It is that , and that alone , that can cover all our shame , and adorn our persons , and make our beauty perfect , and us lovely in the sight of God. Teach them to look after the inward glory which the King's Daughter had , Psal. 45. 13. but withall to put on this clothing of wrought gold . And let us also live up to the Laws of our Religion . Away with covetousness and debauchery . Away with envy , malice and contention , Let not the noise of Axes and , Hammers , and evil Tongues be heard among us . Verily these things will not be for our honour . Bespattering one another is not a likely way to beautifie our selves ; it is a di●ty trick , and some of that dirt which you throw upon others will fly back upon your selves ; or if not the same , yet some as bad . This very work defi●es you . That person hath no love in the family , who is of a cross s●irit , and delights in abusing . Walk holily , and humbly , and in love . Let not head-divisions cause heart-divisions . Hatred , variance , ●mularions , wrath , s●rise , envyings , are works of the fl●sh , as well as seditions and 〈◊〉 . These gratifie the Devil , and please Papists , but offend God , and dishonour you . Let all of us that fear God , and love godliness , keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace , for we are Brethren . We see the common Adversary is at work to ruine and destroy us all ; let not us strengthen his hands for it by weakening our own , and devouring one another . Vse 2. I would exhort you that are the People , to remember your deceased Pastors , and follow their Faith. And in particular , do you set upon these duties , my dear friends , who are the Members of this Congregation , who sate under , and rejoyced in the Light and Labours of my dearest Brother , your late Reve●end Pastor , Mr. T●omas Vincent . Concerning whom , much , very much may be said in his high and just commendation . My acquaintance with him hath been short , not full three years ; so that I cannot look back so far , nor inlarge so much upon this noble and copious Subject , as some of my worthy Brethren could have done , had you pleased to have invited one of them to this service . Blessed be God there is no need of many words , for his works praise him in our Gates ; they will ●peak , though I should be silent . But I know you do expect something from me , which you may please to take thus . Reverend Mr. Thomas Vinc●nt was a man really set for God ; having chosen him for his portion , and for his Lord too . He was devo●ed to his fear and honour ▪ and delighted greatly in communion with him : him he served with his spirit in the Gospel of his Son. Prayer was his daily work , and great delight : he was much at it , mighty in it , and successful too . Many a gracious answer was given him from Heaven . This wrestling Iacob was a prevailing Is●a●l , a Prince with God. He was a painful and indust●uous Labourer in God's Vineyard , laying out himself to the utmost for his peoples good . Oh! how great was his zeal in the Pulpit ? what his hand found to do , there he did it with all his might . You his Auditors could not but conclude his Heart was in his work . He put up his requests to God , and delivered his messages to you with inlargedness of soul , and in the sweat of his brows . I can assure the world , he was none of those idle drones , those ●lothful servants , who did the work of their Lord negligently . He stayed with you here in the time of th●t noisom and greedy Pestilence , which raged so furiously , and devoured so hastily , and numbred out many thousands , and ten thousands , to the Grave , when others fled for their lives , he kept his station all the while , knowing he could not go out of Gods reach ; the arm of omnipotency could so bend his bow , and draw his arrow to the head , that it should flie as far as he could run . He knew his duty and his safety lay together . He was however freely willing to venture his life for the salvation of s●uls . He was sound in his judgment , and turned not aside to any errours upon the right hand or the left . H●s Doctrine speak his faith in Chri●t , and both th●t and his life exprest his lov● to M●r●li●y , and Piety . I will tell you one passage which came from him about three or four daies before his death . Asking him how it was within , He answered me , very well , adding withal ; Blessed be God for an imputed Righteousness , and blessed be God for an inherent Righteousness ; Dear Brother , I must tell you , if I had not an inherent Righteousness , I could take no comfort from an imputed Righteousness . He was of an unblameable Conversation . I never heard of one dead flie in his Box of Ointment . Did I say ; he was of an unblameable Conversation ? it was too little a word , too short by much ; He was of an exemplary Conversation ; He reduced precepts into practice , and was not only in his Doctrine , but in his way too a shining light . He was a sweet Companion . Ah! my dear Brother , how pleasant , how very pleasant wast thou unto me ! Grace was poured into his lips , and they dropt as an hony-comb . I was beholding to him for frequent visits . And though sometimes my own occasions were very pressing and urgent , yet was his company never burdensom , for he still detained me from business with delights and sweetnesses . And if at any time I was not a gainer by his company , it was mine own fault . He was a warm Christian , and carried up and down with him a heavenly fire , a Divine heat both in his heart and his discourses . Some opposition he met with in his work , and discouragements , yet he was not discouraged , but held on his way , and grew stronger and stronger [ Sub ponder● crevit ] storms made him root the faster , and flourish the more . He did not count liberty nor life dear to him , so that he might finish his course with joy , and the ministry , which he had received of the Lord Iesus , to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God. And his blessed Master crowned his labours with admirable success , he did not draw up his net empty , nor had he cause to complain of labouring in vain , & spending his strength for nought & in vain . He did see of the travail of his soul in the conversion of many , and will be able to say at last , Lord , here am I , and the Children which thou hast given me . But alas ! alas ! this bright and orient Star must fall , he must fall , not by the rail of the Dragon , but by the hand of death , did I say , he fell ? no , no , he rose higher , and is now in the highest , with the highest . This Star is removed into another Orb ! His Mantle of flesh he dropt and left behind , but his Spirit mounted , and returned to God that gave it . And [ Si verbis audacia detur ] give me leave to sa● , a great man is fall'n in London . His work was done , and his dear Master would not permit his stay after it ; but took him home , and gave him his Crown . Hear a little my Brethren , of those precious sayings which f●owed from him abundantly , that Night before a full surrender was made . What he spake was taken by the Pen of a ready Writer . Out of that large Garden I have pickt some few flowers , which I thus make up and present unto you . He had his light of comfort in that day of trouble , though not a bright Sun-shine , yet under the thickest Cloud he could see grace in his Heart , and read his Evidence . These words assure us of that ; Dear Iesus , dost not thou know that I love thee , though not with that activity , which others do , yet with truth of love . Oh! thou knowest that I love thee , and wilt not thou love me , and manifest thy self to me ? Lord thou knowest , the bent of my heart was toward thy self ; thou knowest , I laid up my treasure with thee , and made choice of Heaven for mine Inheritance , thou wil● not forget it n●w . He had his experiences ready to produce , as Cordials to himself , and Arguments with his God , will you hear them ? Oh dear Iesus , a glimpse of the light of thy Countenance is worth an age of pains and prayers . I have had formerly , not only tasts , but large draughts sometimes . Ah my dear Father , thou hast given me sweet encouragement in waiting upon thee , and of late thou hast not wholly turned thy back . Oh my dear Iesus , didst thou not manifest thy self to me at the Sacrament , when I was so very weak ? didst not thou give me some tasts that thou art gracious , and that thou didst love me in particular , and that thou wouldest never leave nor forsake me , nor suffer me to depart from thee , is this so long a time ago ? He had high thoughts of God when he was at the lowest , he justified him , and that in this very Lauguage ; O my Lord , I will not complain of thee , though I must complain to thee . I complain of my self , but not of thee . I have deserved thou shouldest let me die in a Cloud , and though I do , I doubt not but I shall be happy . He could with a composed Spirit take his leav● , and shake hands with all . His expressions were these ; Farewell the world , the pleasures , profits and honours of the world : farewell sin , I shall ever be with the Lord. Farewell my dear Wife , farewell my dear Children , farewell my Servants , and farewell you my Spiritual Children ; whom he was at leisure thus to advise , be careful in your choice of a Pastor , choose one , who in his Doctrine , life and manners may adorn the Gospel ; I shall be glad to meet you all in Heaven . This spake a calm within , a sedate frame of Spirit . He could welcome death , observe how his words were dipt in oyl , when its hands were to be imbrewed in his blood . Oh noble Death , welcome , welcome . Would you know how this came to pass ? these words tell you . Death hath wounded my head , death hath wounded my breast ( which was full of pimples ) but he hath not wounded my conscience , blessed be God. He could with importunity call for Death . Hasten , hasten , oh hasten Death , where is thy bow , where thine arrows , come , come , come , I am yet in the body , I am yet on earth , but it is Heaven , Heaven , Heaven , I would fain be at . I seek death , but 〈◊〉 find it ▪ How long O Lord holy and true . He would scarce be reconciled to the means of rebuking his disease , and prolonging his 〈…〉 was conscience of duty that put him upon use of them . That learned and excellent Physitian ( who applied to him in his sickness , and whose heart was set upon his recovery ( though he much question'd it ) told me he said to him , why do you come to keep m● out of Heaven ? H● could play with Death thus ? Praythee , take poss●ssion of my Body , see wha● thou wilt get by it , fatten thy Grave with thy Sacrifices : He had high and admiring thoughts of Jesus Christ , read them thus , Oh dear Iesus , what or who art , thou ? Oh! that glorious Spirit , that laid ●he foundations of the Earth , and stretched out the Heavens like a Curtain . Oh what an excellent person a●t thou ! oh what an excellent person art thou ! thou art all lovely , in every part , from the Crown of the head , to the Soal of the foot , thou art all love , all excellent , thy bounty is divine , thy love is divine , thy beauty is divine . He was not satisfied with what he had of Christ. Observe how desires flam'd . Dear Iesus , dear sweet Iesus , come unto me , and manifest thy self unto me , that others may see and know that thou lovest me . Now if ever ; now , now , now , if ever , now if ever ; O dear Iesus . I am going out of the body to be with thee , to deal only with Spirits . Oh that I might have the light of thy countenance , the sense of thy lo●e , oh bome unto me . I see but a little of thy beauty and excellency ; oh that I might see more , and taste more , and enjoy more , that I may have more than ever I had , and ●ast more than ever I did . And he longed to be with Jesus , was in a kind of holy impatience , sick of love and desires to delight himself in clear vision and full fruition of him . Witness these groans , Dear Iesus , come and take me away , I have no business hear , my work is done , my glass is run , my strength is gone , and when my work is done , why shall I stay behind , Oh come , come , be as a Roe upon the Mountains of spices . How long shall I wait ? and cry ? how long shall I be absent from thee ? And again , O come and take me to thy self , and give me possession of that happiness , which is above , the vision of thy self , perfect likeness to thy self , full fruition of thy self , without any interruption or conclusio● . And yet again , O come de●r Lord Iesus , how long before thou ●end thy Chariots , O come thou down to me , and take me up to thee . Having ●ain some time silent and still , a Friend desired him to give him his hand , if the clouds were scattered , whereupon he reached out his hand , and said ( as those present understood him ) I am upheld in the Arms of a Mediator . Thus died this precious Saint , this eminent Minister ; thus he lived , and thus he died . Let him never be forgotten , he shall not , he cannot be forgotten . And let us who survive be followers of him , and others , who serv'd and walked with Christ on earth , and now sit and reign with Christ in glory . FINIS .