The fight of faith crowned, or, A sermon preached at the funeral of that eminently holy man Mr. Henry Stubs by Tho. Watson ... Watson, Thomas, d. 1686. 1678 Approx. 56 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 17 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A65295 Wing W1123 ESTC R8965 12196651 ocm 12196651 56007 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. A65295) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 56007) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 905:30) The fight of faith crowned, or, A sermon preached at the funeral of that eminently holy man Mr. Henry Stubs by Tho. Watson ... Watson, Thomas, d. 1686. [4], 28 p. Printed and are to be sold by Joseph Collier ..., London : 1678. Reproduction of original in Huntington 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 Stubbes, Henry, 1606?-1678. Bible. -- N.T. -- Timothy, 2nd, IV, 7-8 -- Sermons. Funeral sermons. Sermons, English -- 17th century. 2003-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-01 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2004-04 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Fight of Faith CROWNED : OR , A SERMON PREACHED At the FUNERAL of that Eminently Holy Man Mr. HENRY STUBS . By THO. WATSON Minister of the Gospel . LONDON , Printed and are to be sold by Joseph Collier at the Bi●●● on London-Bridg , under the Gate , 1678. THE EPISTLE . Christian Reader , IT was not my intendment to have appeared thus publickly , but being requested by the near Relations of this worthy Minister deceased to print my Sermon , ( which by their appointment was preached ) I knew not well how to withstand their importunity . Indeed I was the more willing to let these lines be published , that I might raise a Pillar of Remembrance to the precious name of Mr. Stubs . The Subject-matter treated on is the Christian Combat and Crown . O blessed Crown which cannot be fully pencilled out in its orient colours , though an arch-angel should take the pencill . The Roman Emperours had three several Crowns set upon their head ; the first was of Iron , the second of Silver , the third of Gold. God sets three Crowns upon the Elect , Grace , Joy , Glory . What should we thirst after but this incomprehensible bliss ! Did our thoughts dwell above , we should live sweeter lives . The higher the Lark flys , the sweeter it sings . Cyprus was anciently called Macaria , the blessed Island ; but it is more true of Heaven , it is the blessed Island . 'T is a place where sorrow cannot live , and joy cannot die . It may be compared to the fields of Sicily , where there is continual Spring , and flowers all the year long . Could our Meditations mount up to the Empyraean delights , how would the World disappear and shrink into nothing ! 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — To those who stand upon the top of the Alps , the great Cities of Campania seem as little Villages . After St. Paul was wrapt up into third Heaven , the world was crucified to him , Gal. 6. 14. Worldly things when they are in their highest meridian of glory hasten to a Sun-setting , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . let us live more in the altitudes , and take a prospect of the eternal recompences ; what can be more delicious or sacred than to have Christ in our heart , and the Crown in our eye . I have inserted something more into this Sermon , than straits of time would permit in the delivery . If it may inkindle holy ardours in the breasts of any , and quicken their pace in the way to Heaven , I have my option . That this may be effected is the prayer of him who is Thy Friend and Servant in the Gospel , THO. WATSON . 2 TIM . IV. 7 , 8. I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith , henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness . THese words were spoken by Paul the aged not long before his death , ver . 6. I am now ready to be offered , or ( as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies ) to have my blood poured out in sacrifice . And what a comfort was it to make this noble profession before his departure , I have fought a good fight , &c. The Text falls into three Parts : 1. St. Pauls Courage , I have fought a good fight . 2. His Constancy , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith . 3. His Crown , Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness . Here is a large field , and I can but pluck a few Ears of Corn , I begin with the first part of the Text. 1. Pauls Courage , I have fought a good fight , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , I have fought to an agony . Observe first , A Christians life is military , 1 Tim. 1. 18. That thou maist war a good warfare ; * a Saints life is not effeminate and slothful , but like the Soldiers life . 1. In respect of hardship : A Soldier hath not his soft bed or daily fair , but undergoes tedious marches ; such is the Christian life , 2 Tim. 2. 3. Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. We must not be delicatuli ( as Tertullian speaks ) silken Christians , but expect to wrestle with difficulties : The naked neck is too soft and tender to bear the Cross of Christ. 2. In respect of Watchfulness : A Soldier gets up to his Watch-tower , and sends abroad his scouts for fear the Enemy surprize him ; a Christian must excubias agere , stand sentinel , be ever upon his guard . It was Christs Watch-word , Mark 13. 37. I say to you all watch . When you have prayed against sin , watch against temptation . 3. In respect of Combat , 1 Tim. 6. 12. Fight the good fight of faith . In order to which fight , a Christian must get his Armour and Weapons ready . 1. He must get his Armour ready , the care of most is to get riches , not armour ; there are two things absolutely needful , food and armour ; 't is necessary to get Christ for our food and grace for our armour without this there is no abiding the day of Tryal : A Soldier that wears his Princes Colours , but hath no armour , will soon fly the field ; such as by a profession wear Christs Colours , but have not the Armour of God upon them , will turn their backs in the day of battel . There are two chief pieces of the spiritual armour . 1. The Helmet , that is , Divine Hope , 1 Thes. 5. 8. For an helmet the hope of salvation : An Helmet is to defend the head that it be not hurt * ; so the hope of salvation as an Helmet defends a person , and makes him lift up his head in the greatest dangers . But Christians , be sure ye get the right helmet , the helmet of hope may be counterfeited . 1. The first deceit of the Helmet , or a false hope , is a dead hope ; Hypocrites have a faint velleity , they hope for Heaven , but exert no activity in working out salvation ; but true hope is a lively hope , 1 Pet. 1 , 3. Hope of Glory sets an edg upon the affections , and adds wings to the endeavour . 2. A false hope is an unclean hope , a man hopes , but sins ; 't is vain to speak of hopes of salvation , yet have the marks of damnation : True hope is an Helmet made of pure metal , 1 John 3. 3. He who hath this hope , purifieth himself . 3. A false hope is vanishing , 't is not an Helmet , but a spiders Web * ; the least terror of Conscience shakes it , but a true hope is permanent , Prov. 14. 32. The righteous hath hope in his death , in a dying hour his hope is in a living God. When Quintian the Persecutor commanded to cut off the breasts of Agatha a Martyr , Do thy worst Tyrant ( said he ) , yet I have two breasts which you cannot touch ; the one of Faith , the other of Hope . * O get the right Helmet , the Devil laughs at Hypocrites to see how they are cousened with false armour : A fool is contented with a Paper-helmet . 2. The second piece of the Spiritual Armour is the brest-plate , which is Love , 1 Thes. 5. 8. Putting on the breast-plate of Love. This breast-plate is inseparable , it may be shot at , but it cannot be shot thorow , Cant. 8. 7. A soul armed with love , will go through a Sea , and a Wilderness , he will dye in Gods service . * 2. A Christian must get his weapons ready . 1. The shield , Ephes. 6. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Above all things taking the shield of faith . Epaminondas was not so careful of his life , as of his shield : A shield is of great use , it defends the head , it guards the vitals , it keeps the arrow from entring into the body ; the shield of faith defends the heart , and beats back the fiery darts of temptation . Scena a Roman Soldier did so long resist Ponipy's Army , till he had above an hundred darts sticking in his shield — Densam portans in pectore sylvam — * Hold forth the shield of faith , and nothing can hurt you . 2. The sword , Ephes. 6. 17. The sword of the spirit , which is the word of God : 'T is good for a Soldier to be well skill'd in his weapon , the word of God is a weapon to stab lust at the heart ; 't is observable when the Devil tempted our Saviour , he ran to Scripture ; 't is writen * three times Christ wounded the old Serpent with this spiritual weapon . And having gotten into this warlike posture , a Christian must in arenam descendere , enter the lists , and fight the good fight of faith . In the future life the Saints shall be out of the noise of the Drum and Canon , and not one stroke shall be struck more ; then they shall not appear in their armour , but their white robes , and with palm-branches in their hands in token of victory * but here they must fight the Lords battels * , and no cessation of arms till death ; and there is a threefold Regiment they must encounter with . 1. The lusts of the flesh which war against their souls , 1 Pet. 1. 11. The flesh is a sly intestine enemy , and least suspected * ; an enemy got within the walls of the Castle is most dangerous . Luther said he feared his own heart more than Pope or Cardinal , the heart is the somenter of sin * ; it mints evil thoughts , and blows up the coals of fiery passions ; it is the Trojan horse , out of which comes a whole army of lusts . And shall not we fight the good fight , and discharge with the fire of zeal against this bosom-traytor the flesh ? The Primitive Christians cryed , Ad leonem potius quam lenonem ; they chose rather to be destroyed by Lyons without , than lusts within . 2. The second Regiment to be resisted , is Satan and the infernal Powers * , 1 Pet. 5. 8. Your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about * : He walketh about not as a Pilgrim , but a spy that narrowly observes ; there were lyers in wait for Sampson , Judg. 16. 12. Satan like a muskiteer lies in ambush , and his design carries death in the front , seeking whom he may devour : He tempts one man to be drunk , another to be unclean ; he sets Kingdoms a-quarrelling , that at last he may devour them , like him who sets two cocks of the game to fight , that having killed each other , he may sup with their carcasses . Doth this hellish Goliah come into the field , and defie the living God ? and shall not some spear be lift up against him ? 1 Pet. 5. 9. Whom resist stedfast in faith . 3. The third Regiment Christians must fight against , is the inchantments of the world ; the world is a flattering enemy , it kills with embracing ; worldly things are retinacula spei * , they hinder our passage to the holy Land ; they choke good affections , as the earth puts out the fire ; whom the world kisseth it betrayeth . Heliogabalus made ponds of sweet water to drown himself , and guilded poysons to poyson himself ; the world destroys millions with her sweet waters of pleasure , and her guilded poysons of preferment ; let us then gird on our Armour , and fight valorously Good reason we should fight the fight of Faith , because we carry rich treasure about us : he who carries a charge of money about him , had need be in a fighting posture . We carry a precious soul about us ; if the Cabinet of the body be so curiously wrought and embellished , Psal. 139. 15. Then what is the jewel in it ? The soul is a spark and beam of celestial brightness * , a blossom of eternity , and shall not we by our martial prowess and chivalry defend this treasure ? to be robbed of the soul is an irreparable loss . God ( saith Chrysostom ) hath given thee two eyes , if thou losest one , thou hast another ; but thou hast but one soul , and if thou art robbed of that , thou art undone for ever . Use 1. Is the Christian life military ? To blame then are they who have no spiritual Artillery , nor do they make one sally out against the Enemy . 'T is death to go abroad unarmed ; People spend time in dressing themselves by the glass , and putting on their jewels , but do not put on their sacred Armour , Job 21. 12. They take the Timbrel and Harp , and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ ; as if they were rather in musick , than battel . Lycurgus would have no mans name written upon his Tomb , but his who dyed manfully in War : God writes no mans name in the Book of Life , but his who dyes fighting the good fight of faith . Use 2. Give battel to Sin and Satan , and pursue them with an holy malice * : and to encourage in the fight , let these things be weighed . 1. It is certamen praeclarum , a good fight : 'T is a lawful War ; Princes may commence a War to invade other mens rights and properties ; but God hath proclaimed this War against sin * , Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your members , fornication , inordinate affection . 2. We have a good Captain : Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation * , Hebr. 2. 10. If a flock of sheep have a Lyon for their Captain , they need not fear the Wolf : Christ is the Lyon of the tribe of Judah , Revel . 5. 5. He not only leads us on in our march , but helps us in the fight : A Captain may give his Soldier armour , but he cannot give him strength : Christ animates and strengthens us * , Isa. 41. 10. He puts his spirit within us * , and so we are more than conquerors , Rom. 8. 37. 3. Our Enemy Satan is beaten in part already ; Christ hath given him his deaths-wound upon the Cross , Col. 2. 15. The Devil may roar against a Child of God , but shall not hurt him : he could not touch Job's life , much less his soul ; therefore fear not , resist the devil and he will fly from you , Jam. 4. 7. Satan is a conquered Enemy , he knows no march but running away . 4. Fighting is the best way to have Peace , by sitting still , we tempt the Enemy to fall upon us , and wound us ; our peace is preserved by War with Satan * : he who hath been skirmishing all day , may take Davids pillow at night , and say , in pace enbabo , I will lay me down in peace . Quest. How may we so fight the good fight as to overcome ? Answ. 1. Let us fight in the strength of Christ , Phil. 4. 13. I can do all things through Christs strengthning me . Grace it self , if it hath not a good second , will be beaten out of the field ; some fight against sin in the strength of their vows and resolutions , and so are foiled . We must go out against our spiritual Antagonists in the strength of Christ ; as David went out against Goliah in the Name of the Lord , 1 Sam. 17. 45. The Saints overcame the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb , Rev. 12. 11. 2. We must fight upon our knees by Prayer : Prayer is flagellum diaboli , it whips the Devil * ; the arrow of Prayer put into the bow of the promise , and shot with the hand of Faith , pierceth the old serpent . Prayer brings God over to our side , and then we are on the strongest side ; let us pray that God will inable us to overcome all our ghostly Enemies . While Joshua was fighting , Moses was praying on the Mount , Exod. 17. 11. so while we are fighting , let us be praying , Ephes. 6. 13 , 18. The way to overcome is upon our knees . 2. The second part of the Text , is , St. Pauls Constancy , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith . I have finished my course ] , cursum peregi — I have run out natures lease , I am come to the period of life prefixed , and am stepping into eternity : I have kept the faith , that is , I have kept the Doctrine of Faith , I have lived the life of Faith. 2. Observe , Christians should hold on till they come to the finishing of their Faith , a carceribus ad metam ; 't is not enough to begin well , to put forth fair blossoms of Religion at first , but we must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , continue firm to the end . * This is the glory of a Christian not only to hold forth the truth , but to hold fast the truth , Act. 21. 16. Mnason of Cyprus an old Disciple ; 't is a beautiful sight to see silver hairs crowned with golden vertues . It was the honour of the Church of Thyatira , her last works were better than her first , Rev. 2. 19. The excellency of a medicine is when it keeps its vertue . To finish the course and keep the faith , is like generous Wine that keeps its spirits to the last drawing . Use 1. Here is a bill of inditement against such as before the finishing of their course , have departed from the faith ; they are fallen to worldliness or wantonness , the very mantle of their profession is fallen off . Desinit in Piscem mulier formosa superne . Such were Lucian , Porphiry , Peter Castellon , Judas . Judas hath many successors . Demas forsook God , * and afterwards became a Priest in an Idol-Temple , saith Dorotheus . Julian bathed himself in the blood of beasts offered in sacrifice to Heathen gods , and so as much as in him lay , washed off his Baptism . Things which move from an artificial spring quickly cease ; unfound hearts having only external artifices of Piety , but wanting a vital principle of Grace , soon make a stop in Religion . How can they adhere to God who never loved him ? The Soldier who hath no true love to his commander , will throw off his Colours . , Hos. 8. 3. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good . We have had more shipwracks at Land than at Sea , men have made shipwrack of their conscience , 1 Tim. 1. 19. Apostates unravel the work they have been doing for Heaven , they pick out all their golden stitches , Ezek. 18. 14. As if a Limner should with a pencil draw a curious piece , and then come with his spunge and wipe it out again . Apostates drop as windfalls into the Devils mouth , they having disparaged the ways of God , and put Christ to open shame , Heb. 6. 6. God will make them do penance in Hell * . Use 2. Persevere in the Faith. What is a man the better to run some part of the race and then tire ? so to go within an inch of Heaven , and then fall short * . Who makes reckoning of corn that sheds before harvest ? or fruit that falls from the tree before it be ripe ? O Christians , remember your Salvation is now nearer , Rom. 13. 11. You are within prospect of the Holy land , and will you now tire in your march ? this is as if a Ship laden with Jewels and Spices , and within sight of the shore should be cast away ; or as if a Jew had been running to the city of refuge , and had gotten within half a furlong of the city , and then had fainted , and been slain by the avenger of blood . 'T was Beza's Prayer , Lord , perfect that which thou hast begun in me , that I may not * suffer shipwrack when I am almost in the haven . Mot. Consider , persevering in the Faith is a note of discrimination between a true Saint and an Hycrite ; the hypocrite he sets up in the trade of Religion , but will soon break ; he advanceth his mast and topsail , and sets out fair for Heaven , but in time of temptation falls away , Mat. 13. 21. but a true Christian is fixed in holiness ; he is not as a wave of the Sea , but as a Rock in the Sea. His zeal like the fire of the Vestal Virgins in Rome is always kept burning . That we may spin out this fine thread of Religion to its full length , and hold out to the end , 1. Let us be well grounded in the Fundamentals of Religion , the Doctrine of Justification , Regeneration , the Resurrection , and the eternal recompences , Col. 1. 23. Grounded and setled ; such as are unprincipled will be led into any error , the Masse or the Alchoran , you may lead a blind man any whither ; he will hardly ever suffer for the truth that doth not know it . 2. If we would hold on in the Faith let us preserve a jealous fear of our selves ; fear is the souls life-guard , it causeth vigilance , it banisheth presumption , Rom. 11. 20. Be not high-minded but fear . If God lets go his manu-tenancy we fall . How many have been over-turned with self-confidence as the vessel with the sail . Pendleton's proud brag was soon confuted , instead of his fat melting in the fire , his heart melted ; the fear of falling keeps us from falling . Fear begets prayer , and prayer begets strength , and strength begets constancy . 3. If we would keep the Faith to the end , let us labour to tast the sweetness of Religion in our own souls , Psal. 34. 8. O tast and see that the Lord is good . The light of Truth is one thing , the rellish is another , Psal. 119. 103. How sweet are thy words unto my tast , yea sweeter than honey . Many fall away because they never tasted what Religion was ; they could tast some sweetness in corn and oyl , but Promises were dry brests . If the wine of the Word have ever chear'd our heart , we will never part with it . 4. If we would continue our progress in the ways of God , let us be inlaid with sincerity ; this silver-thread must run through the whole chain of our duties . A Christian may have a double principle , but he hath not a double heart ; he is perfect with the Lord , Deut. 18. 13. Nothing will hold out but sincerity , Psal. 25. 21. Let integrity preserve me . When Job could not hold fast his Estate , yet he held fast his Religion ; whence was this ? from his sincerity , Job 27. 6. My righteousness I hold fast , and will not let it go , my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live . The garment of Job's profession did not tear , because it was lined with sincerity . 3. The third part of the Text is St. Paul's Crown , Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness ; it is Corona recondita , a Crown laid up . A Christians best things are to come * . Well might the Apostle say , It doth not yet appear what we shall be , 1 Joh. 3. 2. We are here as Princes in disguise , the world knoweth us not ; but there is a Crown laid up . While we are laying out for God , he is laying up for us . And what Crown is this ? a Crown of Righteousness . The felicity of Heaven is described sometimes by a city for riches , Heb. 11. 10. sometimes by a country for pleasure , Heb. 11. 16. sometimes by a Crown for honour . And this Crown hath various Appellations : 1. It is called a Crown of Glory , 1 Pet. 5. 4. it is full of splendor , therefore said to be bespangled with Stars , Rev. 12. 1. We can no more bear a sight of this Crown till God enlarge our capacities , than a weak eye can bear the dazling beams of the Sun. 2. It is called a Crown of life , Jam. 1. 12. whoever heard before of a living Crown ? It is a Crown of life , not only ( as Grotius saith ) because it is bestowed in the life to come , but because it enlivens with joy ; it not only Crowns the head , but chears the heart . 'T is a living Crown . 3. It is called a Crown of Righteousness in the Text ; not that it is of right due to us , or comes of merit , as the Papists corruptly gloss ; we cannot deserve a crum at Gods hands , much less a Crown . That which merits must be a gift , not a debt , whatever service we do for God is a due debt ; nay , we cannot pay all ; nay , that which we pay is not in currant money , our duties are stained with sin , where then is merit ? but it is called a Crown of Righteousness , because it is purchased by Christs righteousness , and because God having promised this Crown , it is righteous in him to bestow it . Hence observe thirdly , for the persevering Saint there is laid up a Crown of righteousness in Heaven ; * a Crown is the highest ensign of worldly happiness . 'T is only for Kings and Persons of renown to wear ; there is a Crown of righteousness laid up for the Elect. 'T is a massy Crown . The Hebrew word for glory signifies a weight * ; things that are precious , the more weighty they are the more they are worth . The weightier a chain of Pearl is the more it is worth . The Heavenly Crown is expressed by a weight of glory , 2 Cor. 4. 17. This Crown of righteousness doth out-vye , and exceed all earthly Crowns . 1. It is more refined ; earthly Crowns are interwoven with troubles ; they are not made without crosses . It was King Henry the Sevenths motto , a Crown of Gold hung in a bush of Thorns . But the Saints Crown is not mixed with care , it adds no sorrow with it . 2. The Crown of righteousness is given to every individual Saint . Here the Crown goes but to one person , a Crown of gold will fit but one head ; but in Heaven every Saint is a King * , and hath his Crown . 3. The Crown of righteousness doth not draw envy to it . David's Crown was an eye-sore to Absalom , and he would have plucked it from his Fathers head , but in the life to come different degrees of glory , shall neither stir up pride , nor cause envy ; for though one Crown may be bigger than another , yet every ones Crown shall be as big as he can carry . 4. The Crown of righteousness is everlasting ; that which disparageth earthly Crowns is , they are corruptible , Prov. 27. 24. Doth the Crown endure to every generation ? Terrestrial Crowns soon moulder into the dust , but the Crown of righteousness is a Crown of Immortality , it neither spends nor fades * , 1 Pet. 5. 4. Ye shall receive a Crown of righteousness which fadeth not away . Corona virens , non ( quales illae ex hedera & lauro ) marcescens * Eternity is a Jewel of the Saints Crown . Quest. What is the quiddity or matter of which the Coelestial Crown is made ? Answ. The Crown it self consists in the Beatifical sight and fruition of the all-glorious God. * What else is the Angels Crown but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the beholding of Gods face , Mat. 18. 10. Deus & Coronator , & Corona * ; to have intellectual transforming sights of God , will ravish the Elect with infinite delight . Chrysostom saith , The souls of the blessed shall be bespangled , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with some of those illustrious beams of Gods glory which shall be transparent through the bright mirrour of Christs Humane nature . If there were such gladness when Solomon was Crowned , 1 King. 1. 40. They rejoiced with great joy , so that the earth rent with the sound ; what mighty acclamations and triumphs will be on the Saints Coronation day ? such will be the extasies and divine raptures of joy , as exceed our very faith * . The delights of Heaven may be better felt than expressed . Whatever can be said of the Coelestial Crown is but gutta de mari , as a drop to the Ocean , nay , scarce so much . Quest. When shall the Saints receive this Crown of righteousness ? Answ. They shall receive it in part immediately after death , before their bodies are buried , their souls are crowned , 2 Cor. 5. 8. Absent from the body , present with the Lord ; if the Crown were not instantly bestowed after death , it were better for believers to stay here , for they are here daily cucreasing their Grace ; here they have some bunches of Grapes by the way , sweet foretasts of Gods love , so that they had better stay here , if they had not a speedy transition and passage to glory . But this is the consolation of believers , that they shall not stay long for their preferment ; no sooner did Lazarus die , but he had a convoy of Angels to carry him to Abrahams bosom . Christians you may be happy before you are aware , it is but winking and you shall see God. The full Coronation will be at the Resurrection when the bodies and souls of Believers shall be reunited ; their Bodies shall be Crowned with immense felicity , and clarified like Christs glorious body . Quest. But why is the Crown at all deferred , why is it not set on a Christians head presently ? Answ. It is not yet the proper season . 1. We are heirs under age ; we receive but Primitias spiritus , the first-fruits of the spirit , Rom. 8. 23. Grace is in its minority ; now , though some Princes have been crowned in their Cradle , God crowns none till they are of perfect stature . Sin incorporates with grace , would we partake of glory while we partake of sin ? 2. Our work is not yet done , we have not finished the faith ; the labourer doth not receive his pay till his work be done . Christs reward was deferred till he had perfected his work , Joh. 17. 4 , 5. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do , and now O father glorifie me . The Lord doth not think it meet that we should have our pay before hand ; when we have arrived at the end of our faith , then comes salvation , 1 Pet. 1. 9. Br. 1. See then there is nothing lost by solid piety ; after fighting the good fight of faith , comes the Crown of righteousness . When we hear of the severe part of Religion , steeping our souls in the brinish tears of repentance , mortifying our complexion-sin , we are ready to grumble and mutiny , but do we serve God for nought ? will he not compensate our labours with a Crown ? yea , such a Crown which as far exceeds our thoughts as it doth our deserts . No man can say without wrong done to God that he is an hard master . The Lord gives double pay , he gives great vailes in his service here , inward joy and peace , and afterwards he refresheth us with the delights of Paradise which are without intermission and expiration : O what a vast difference is there between duty enjoyned , and glory prepared ! What is the shedding of a tear to a Crown ? 2. Branch . See what contrary ways the godly and the wicked go at death ; the godly are advanced to Crowns of Glory , the wicked are bound with chains of darkness , Jude 6. But what are these chains ? Surely such as no aqua-fortis can eat a-sunder . By these chains I understand God's Soveraign Omnipotency , fastening sinners under wrath ( as the chain doth the Prisoners ) that they cannot stir : Sinners may break the chain of Gods Precepts , but they cannot break the chain of his Power : This is the unparallel'd misery of impenitent souls , they do not go to a Crown when they dye , but to a Prison ; O think what horror and despair will possess the wicked when they see themselves ingulphed in tremendous flames , and their condition hopeless , helpless , endless * . A servant under the old Law , who had an hard master ; yet every seventh year being a year of Jubilee , or release he might go free ; but in Hell there is no year of release when the damned shall go free , Mark 9. 44. What is become of mens intellectuals ? Have they lost their reason as well as their conscience ? Why do they not bethink themselves in time what sin will bring them to , though now it shows its colour in the glass , yet in the end it will bite as a serpent , Prov. 23. 32. If a man had but a sight of Hell ( saith Bellarmine ) it were enough to make him sober , yea turn Hermite and Anchorite , and live a most mortified life . 3. Branch . See the grand folly of such as for vain pleasures and profits will lose this celestial Crown : It may be said of them , as Eccles. 9. 3. Madness is in their heart . Tiberias for a draught of water lost his Empire ; men swallow temptations like pills , which gripe their consciences , and afterwards make them forfeit blessedness . This will accent and inhance a sinners torment , and will cause gnashing of teeth , to think how sillily he lost paradise ; for a flash of impure joy , he parted with the quintessence of happiness . Would it not vex one to think he should be so inveigled as to part with his land of Inheritance for a fit of musick ; such are they who let Heaven go for a song . If Satan could make good his brag , in giving all the glory and kingdoms of the world , they could not countervail the loss of Heavens Crown ; whenever a sinner dyes , the Devil will beg him for a fool . 4. Branch . If the Saints are installed , and have the Crown-royal set upon them at death , then what little cause have we to mourn immoderately at the death of godly friends ? God allows us tears ; Jacob wept over his dead Father * ; tears give vent to grief — strangulat inclusus dolor — but there is no reason we should grieve excessively for our pious friends , they receive a Crown , and shall we mourn when they have preferment ? Suppose you had a dear relation beyond the Sea , and you should hear he were Crowned King , would you grieve to hear of his advancement ? Thy friend who dies in the Lord , receives immediately a Crown of Righteousness , and will you be cast down with sorrow ? Why should you shed tears immoderately for them who have all tears wiped from their eyes ? Why should you be swallowed up of grief for them who are swallowed up of joy ? They are removed hence for their advantage , as if one should be removed out of a smoky Cottage to a Pallace ? The Prophet Elijah was removed in a fiery chariot to Heaven ; Shall Elishah weep inordinately , because he enjoys not the company of Elijah ? Is it not better to have sparkling Crowns and white Robes , than to sojourn in the tents of Kedar ? Is it not better to live among Angels than fiery serpents ? Is it not best to have Christs banner of love displaid over us ? Are there any sweeter smiles or softer embraces than his ? Why then should any macerate , and even intomb themselves in sorrow for their relations ? Theocritus saith , it was a custom among the Ancients to have their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or funeral banquet , because of the felicity they supposed the parties deceased did enter into ; O thou who hangest thy harp upon the willows , and with Rachel refusest to be comforted ; remember there is no wiping away tears from the eye , but with the winding-sheet ; thy friend could not be in the Region of the blessed , till he dyed ; his dying-day was his ascension-day : O then keep thy tears for thy sins , but do not torment thy self with grief for him , whose soul is as holy as it would be , and as happy as it can be . Use 2. Tryal . Are we heirs to this glorious Crown ? Such only as are righteous persons shall wear the Crown of Righteousness : The work of righteousness goes before the Crown of Righteousness , Isa. 32. 17. Are we not only Morally , but Theologically righteous ? Have we a righteousness of imputation procured for us by Christs merit , and a righteousness of implantation produced in us by his spirit ? Are we consecrated with the anointing Oyl of grace ? God gilds the elect with the beams of his own Holiness , and makes them shine like himself . Have we both circumcision of heart , and circumspection of life ? If we are righteous persons , we are sure to wear the Crown of Righteousness . Let not the profane presume of happiness ; let not them think to go to Heaven per saltum , to leap out of Delilah's lap into Abrahams bosom , 1 Cor. 6. 9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God ? God will not lay a Viper in his bosom , or set a Crown upon the head of a swinish sinner . Use 3. Exhort . It hath a double aspect : 1. To all in General . 1. Believe that there is a Crown of Righteousness laid up for all that fight the good fight . Some of the Rabbins say , that the great dispute between Cain and Abel was about the world to come : Abel affirmed a Crown of recompence for the godly , Cain denyed it . This truth concerning the real Elyzian delights in reversion , should be graven upon our hearts as with the point of a diamond . Carnal persons look upon the felicities of the other world , but as a Platonical idaea , or fancy ; they do not see the Crown with bodily eyes , therefore they question it : The verity of the soul may as well be questioned , because being a spirit it cannot be seen : Doubting of Principles , is the next way to denying them . Let us set our seal to this , there is a Crown of Righteousness laid up . Where should our Faith rest but upon a Divine Testimony ? The whole earth hangs upon the word of Gods Power , and shall not our Faith hang upon the word of his promise ? Tit. 1. 2. In hope of eternal life , which God who cannot lye hath promised . The Saints Crown is purchased by Christs blood , Ephes. 1. 14. and Christ will not lose his purchase . What was the end of Christs ascension ? He went up to Heaven , not only to invest himself , but all believers with Glory ; as an Husband takes up Land in another Country in the behalf of his Wife . What did Christ pray for , but that all the Saints might be with him ? John 17. 24. And what Christ prayed for as he was man , he hath power to give as he is God : Besides , the Lord hath given us the unction of his spirit to prepare us , and the earnest of his spirit to assure us of happiness , 2 Cor. 1. 21. and he will not lose his earnest ; so that the Crown of Righteousness shall indubitably be bestowed . To question this , is to destroy the main Article of our Creed , life everlasting . Such Atheists as judg the eternal recompences fictions , put God to swear against them , that they shall never see life . 2. Branch . Strive for this Crown * . I have read of those who travel in long Pilgrimages to the holy Land , they have hard lodgings , and pass through a number of dangers ; and at the end of their journy pay a large tribute at the Pisan Castle to the Turks ; and when they come thither , they see only a bare sepulchre , where it is supposed their Saviour lay . Did they take such pains to gratifie their superstitious devotion ? What Herculean labour then should a Christian undertake in his journy to the true land of promise , whereby he shall both see and enjoy his Saviour , and not enter into his Sepulchre , but Palace , and be eternally crowned with the delights of the Jerusalem abo 〈…〉 〈…〉 we but take as much pains for Heaven , as others do for the world , undoubtedly we might obtain it , Phil. 3. 15. Reaching forth unto those things which are before * . A metaphor taken from Racers , that reach their necks forward , and strain every limb to lay hold upon the prize ; let us contend , tanquam pro aris & focis . There are two things requisite for a Christian , a watchful eye , and a working hand ; to purpose , let us add pursuit . What scuffling is there for outward honours ? Men will wade through blood to a Crown . Was there such strife for a corruptible Crown in the Olympian and Isthmean races ? Sometimes the Crown bestowed upon the Victor was made of Olive , sometimes of Mirtle , sometimes of Cynamon enclos'd in Gold ; but still it was corruptible : O then how strenuously should we labour for the Garland made of the flowers of Paradise , which never fade ! With what vigour and resolution did Hannibal march over the Alps for the obtaining terrestrial Kingdoms ? How should we act then ad extremum virium , for that Orient Crown which shines ten thousand times brighter than the Sun in its meridian splendour . Luther spent three hours a day in Prayer : Anna the Prophetess departed not from the Temple , but served God with fastings and prayers night and day , Luk. 2. 37. The learned Calvin , Jewell , Perkins were indefatigable in their pursuit after Glory . Let us look to this Cloud of Witnesses , and bestir our selves , ply our Oar , double our Files ; Who would not toyl all day , to catch salvation at night ? when the flesh crys out , What a weariness is it ? Who can endure all this labour ? say , it is worse enduring Hell : The labour for Heaven , though it seem pungent , it is transient ; the fight is quickly over , and then comes the immarcescible Crown . 2. It hath a particular aspect to believers . 1. Be full of anhelations and longings for this Crown of Righteousness . Doth not the banished Prince desire his native Countrey ? The unwillingness of Christians to go hence shows , 1. The weakness of their Faith : They question their interest in this excellent glory ; were their title to Heaven more cleared , they would need patience to be content to stay here any longer . 2. The weakness of their love . Love ( as Aristotle saith ) desires Union . Did men love Christ as they should , they would desire to be united to him in glory . St. Paul desired to be dissolved and be with Christ , Phil. 1. 23. It was the speech of an holy man on his death-bed , My heart is in heaven , Lord lead me to that glory which I have seen already as through a glass * . We are encompassed with a body of sin ; should not we long to shake off this viper ? We are combating with Satan ; should not we be willing to be called out of the bloody field , where the bullets of temptation fly so fast , that we may receive a victorious Garland ? We now live far from Court , we do rather desire God than enjoy him ; should not we long to be crowned with the blissful sight of Gods face ? Though we should be content to stay here to do God service , yet we should ambitiously desire to be always sunning our selves in the light ofGods countenance ; think what it will be to be led into Christs wine-celler , to have the kisses of his mouth , to smell the Savour of his oyntments , to lye in his bosom , that bed of love ; think what it will be to have unstained honour , unparallel'd beauty , unmixed joy ; what it will be to tread upon stars , to dwell among Cherubims , and to feast on those dulcia fercula , heavenly delicacies and rarities wherewith God himself is delighted . Methinks our souls should be big with longing for these things , and we should be put into such a blessed Pathos of desire , as Monica , who hearing of the joys of Heaven , cryed out , Quid hic facio ? What should I do here ? why is my soul held any longer with this earthen fetter of the flesh ? would but God give us some Idaea , or imperfect glimps of Heavens Glory ; how should we be ready to fall into a Trance with Peter ? And being a little recovered out of it , what earnest suiters would we be to be caught up for ever into the Heavenly Paradise . 2. You who are the heirs of Glory , be exhorted to work with all your might for God : Love and serve God more intensly than others , who hath laid up such things for you , as eye hath not seen , nor can it enter into mans heart to conceive , 1 Cor. 15. 58. Always abounding in the work of the Lord , knowing your labour is not in vain in the Lord — immensum gloria calcar habet — St. Paul had a spirit of activity for God , 1 Cor. 15. 10. I laboured 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more abundantly than they all . St. Pauls obedience did not move slowly , as the Sun upon the dial , but swiftly as the Sun in the firmament ; whence was this , his eye was upon the Crown , Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness : The recompence of reward may add wings to duty , and oyl to the flame of zeal . What are we that God should incircle us with happiness , and not others ? that he should ( as Jacob ) cross his hands , lay his right hand upon us , and his left hand upon others ; O discriminating grace for ever to be adored , how can we serve God enough ? If there could be tears shed in Heaven , it would be for this that we have been so lame in our duty , and have brought no more revenues into the Heavenly Exchequer . 3. Let this be as Bezoar-stone to revive and bear up your hearts under all your present sufferings , Act. 20. 23. Bonds and afflictions abide me . Affliction is the Saints diet-drink ; instead of Roses they are crowned with thorns . You may aswell separate weight from lead , as sufferings from a Saints life , 2 Cor. 9. 8. We are troubled on every side . Believers are as a ship that hath the waves beating on both sides , but this Text may buoy them up from sinking , there is glory which doth succed and exceed all their sufferings . The Saints now drink in a wormwood-cup , but shortly they shall drink in a spiced cup , and tast the same heavenly Nectar as the Angels . One days wearing the Coelestial Crown , will abundantly pay for all their sufferings , Rom. 8. 18. I reckon that the sufferings of this present time , are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . The weight of glory makes affliction light . O ye Saints who are the true birds of paradise sing in winter , there is glory behind , and every suffering will be like a grain put in the scale to make your glory weigh heavier . Suffering Saints shall have more Jewels hung upon their Crown . 4. Let this be an antidote against the fear of death . The day of death is ( as Seneca calls it ) aeterni natalis , the birth-day of eternity ; believers are not fully happy till death * . Death therefore is made a part of the inventory , 1 Cor. 3. 22. Death is yours . When the mantle of the flesh drops off , the soul ascends in a triumphant chariot ; God hath promised his people a portion , but it is not paid them till the day of death . 'T is their fathers good pleasure to give them a Kingdom , Luk. 12. 32. but they cannot see it till death hath closed their eyes . Why then should the Saints be troubled at death ? indeed I wonder not that the wicked are appal'd , and scared at the approach of the King of terror ; they are in debt to Gods justice , and death as Gods Serjeant arrests them , and drags them before the Divine Tribunal . But why should any of Gods children be under such consternation , and have the trembling at the heart ? What hurt doth death do to them ? it pulls off their fetters and puts jewels upon them ; it leads them to gates of Pearl , rivers of pleasures . Faith gives a title to Heaven , death a possession . Go forth my soul , said Hilarion on his death-bed , what fearest thou ? why should the godly dread their priviledg ? is a Prince afraid to cross the narrow Seas who is sure to be Crowned assoon as he comes at shore ? This puts Roses into the pale face of death , and makes it look more ruddy and amiable ; it is aditus ad gloriam , it crowns the Saints with all the delights of the Empyraean Heaven . I Have done with the Text , it remains that I should speak something to the occasion . It hath pleased the all-wise God to take to himself lately , that reverend and faithful Minister Mr. Henry Stubs , whose death we now commemorate . The memory of the just is blessed . Fulgentius calls a good name the godly mans heir , it lives when he is dead . This man of God hath left a sweet favour and perfume behind in Gods Church , besides his atchievement of humane learning , he was enriched with the knowledg of Christ crucified . The Graces excell the Muses . He was very humble ; humility is the best garment a Minister can preach in * . He was one of a thousand for integrity . The plainer the Diamond is , the richer . He was a grave Preacher , and did chuse rather to speak solidè than floridè . He spake as became the Oracles of God. Levity is below the majesty of Preaching . He was a painful labourer in Gods Vineyard ; he preached in season and out of season . The souls of people were dearer to him than his life * . Praying and Preaching was rather his delight than task . He was a burning lamp consuming himself to give light to others . He preached feelingly ; he felt those truths in his own soul which he recommended to his Auditors ; an unconverted Minister is like a Lute , making sweet Musick to others , but it self is not sensible ; this elect vessel retained a scent and rellish of those sacred Truths which he poured out to others . He lived much by faith , and had sweet converse with God ; all the Saints have Gods heart , but some have more of his company . He was Exemplary in his deportment ; he did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Ministers by vertue of their calling , approach nearer to God , Exod. 19. 22. The Elements the higher they are , the purer ; the fire is purer than the air . The higher we are by office , the holier we should be . Quo sublimiores , eo sanctiores . This blessed person deceased , did live as an incarnate Angel. I may say of him as Basil of Gregory Nazianzen , he thundred in his Doctrine , and lightned in his Conversation . He was charitable-minded . I have been credibly informed , that out of that little he had gathered together while he was in his Living , he appointed two hundred pounds ( which he intrusted in the hands of Feoffees ) to be improved annually for the good of the poor to buy them Bibles . He was of a sweet temper , never fierce but against sin . He was devout towards God , affable to his Friends , loving to his Relations . The Lord honoured his Ministry very much , he had a double Crown ; the souls he converted were his Crown of rejoicing * , and now he wears a Crown of Righteousness . How great a loss hath Glocestershire and London of this eminent Minister . It hath been told me , that he set apart some time every day to pray for the Church of God ; he ( like Moses ) lay in the breach to turn away wrath ; we shall soon grow poor if we lose such praying friends . During the time of this good mans sickness , he was asthmatical , and laboured much for breath , so that he could not utter himself so freely , but what was heard to drop from him was very savoury . He said he had fled to the city of refuge , and recited that Scripture , 2 Tim. 1. 12. I know whom I have believed , and I am perswaded he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day . I pray God give all who are concerned in this loss , wisdom to improve this present stroke , and make a living Sermon of their dead Minister . He is now voti compos , he enjoys the sight of that God whom he so pathetically longed for upon his death-bed . He is got into the upper region above all storms . His body is returned to dust , and his soul to rest . He is enclosed in happiness , as the word for Crowning imports * . He is as rich as the Angels , though he hath lost his life , yet not his Crown . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A65295-e100 Chryfost . Notes for div A65295-e420 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Chrys. * Galta caput tuetur . * Job 8. 14. * Duae tamen supersunt mamillae , una fidei , altera spes . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Ignatius . * Lucan . * Mat. 4. 10. * Rev. 7. 9. * Certent singuli ut accipiant coronas , Cypr. * Si soris host●m non habes , domi invenies , Livy . * Fomes peccati , Aug. * Ephes 6. 12. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Tertul. * Damascen . * Qnis sanctorum sine certamine coronatus est , Hierom. * Gen. 3. 15. * Forti anim● pugnare dece● , sub Christi auspiciis & vexillo , Calv. * Eph. 6. 10. * Erek . 36. 2● . * Pax nostra bellum contra daemonem , * Tertul. * Non pugnanti sed vincenti dabitur corona , Aug. * 2 Tim. 4 , 10. * Heb. 10. 38. * Non quaruntur in Christianis initia , sed finis . Hierom. * Domine quod capisti perfice , nè in portu naufragium accidas . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Ignat. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Rev. 1. 6. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Chrys. * Menochius . * In visione Dei ut primi veri , & amore Dei ut summi boni consistit Corona . * August . * Premium quod side non attingitur . Aug. Use 1. * ubi nec qui : torquetur moritur , nec qui torquet fatigatur , Bern. Flor. * Gen. 50. 1. Heb. 3. 18. * Sen. Herc. Fur. Non est ad astra mollis è terris via . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Mr. Rollock . Act. 10. 11. * Sicut testa ovorum quamvis pulchre formata , necesse est tamen eam frangi ut inde pullus procedat ; ita hujus corporis necesse est testam , ut status ille sublimior regni coelestis effulgeat . Clem Al. * 1. Pet. 5. 5. * Nec propter vitam vivendi perdere causam . D. Reyn. * 1 Thes. 2. 19. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 .