THE LIFE AND FUNERAL SERMON Of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Brand.  
BY Dr. SAMVEL ANNESLEY.  Phil. two. 20. 
I have no Man like minded who will naturally care for your State.  
LONDON: Printed for john Dunton, at the Raven in the Poultry, 1692.   

To the Honourable the Lady Bridget Roberts, Grace be with you, Mercy and Peace srom God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father in Truth and Love. 
2 John 3.   
MADAM,  
THIS Eminent Saint, now in Glory, having been sixteen Years your Soul guide, to the eternal Advantage of yourself, and dearest Relations, and your House being (as it were) the Sanctuary for Divine Worship, for the spreading of Religion through the Country. This cannot but render his Memory to you precious; and you may expect, that as they had the Benefit of his Ministry from your House, they should receive the Memoirs of it from your Hands. I make no Apology at all for what's In the Narrative, but only for what's left out. I am (perhaps) so needlessly scrupulous of offending any, that (perhaps) I may eventually please none. Be it so. 'Tis Spiritual Profit I aim at, if I can but hereby provoke and encourage to what is deservedly imitable: I gain my point. I shall say nothing particularly to yourself; should I speak any good of you, though never so true, 'twould look like Flattery, which I abhor; and to speak ill of you (with Truth) is beyond the Power of your most captious Enemies (if you have any such.) Go on therefore, as you have begun, practically to remember the sound Doctrine, and Non-such Example set before you; which is beyond any thing that can be said, or done by me: I shall always add my poor Prayers, that in so doing, you and yours may be blessed in both Worlds. Though this may by some be accounted the least: Yet this is really the most that can be done by  
Madam, Your ladyship's most hearty (tho' most worthless) Servant, Samuel Annesley.   

To my deservedly honoured Friend Mr. John Brand, the only Brother of Reverend Mr. Tho. Brand, now sleeping in Jesus, Grace, Mercy and Peace be multiplied.  
SIR,  
MY delay of this ill drawn Portraiture is utterly inexcusable. I'll lie down therefore under the Censure of it, to be so long in tacking together so short a Story; which though it be true (and that is all the good that can be said of it, yet) 'tis pity such Truths should be exposed, so despicably naked, as to have no fashionable Ornament, to render it acceptable, some being first taken with the Dress, and that insinuates the Matter: To this I'll say not a word for myself, and but a few to the Subject. I am more than a Witness, how solicitous you were in fitting your Brother for the Ministry; he came first into the World, but (I think) you were first in Christ: Pardon me for giving a hint of your Soul travel for his New birth. I cannot forget, how restless you were, till you had brought his troubled Soul to a well grounded Peace. 
Jer. 2.2.  I remember (and Christ much more) the Kindness of your Youth, with what zeal you set out your Race: Go on, dear Sir, go on with a growing Vigour. It is not long since you thought to have been in Heaven before your Brother; but he hath got the start of you, and hath left you such an Example, which is more to you than to any one else in the World; follow him close (though I hope you will come late to Heaven) in his Piety, Charity, and Usefulness all manner of ways; That none may complain (his Ministerial Labours only excepted) that Mr. Thomas Brand is dead while Mr. John Brand lives; And, O that he may live in your Posterity, that you and yours may be the Blessed of the Lord from one Generation to another. So prays,  
Dear Sir, Your Soul-servant, Samuel Annesley.   

The LIFE Of the Reverend Mr. THOMAS BRAND.  
WOuld to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me, 
2 Cor. 11.1.  for I have undertaken what I can no way perform, so much as to my own, much less to others satisfaction, when the collecting of some Memorables of Mr. Brand's Life was desired of me I too suddenly consented, not sufficiently considering, what Difficulties beset me: Namely some things of greatest moment must not be mentioned at all, either some Persons, or Times will not bear it; in other things, Places and Persons, upon the same Reasons, must not be named: and of those things which may be spoken, where they can't be mentioned without commending of him, others of name, will count themselves reproached; and what escapes these difficulties, is attended by another, which tho' it be really better, 'tis in some respects worse, 'tis that which Christ charged the Jews with, 
Joh. 8.45.  because I tell you the truth you believe me not: So, when I shall mention somewhat done by him, which perhaps was never done by any before, those that have Faith enough to save their Souls, may want Faith to credit such a Relation, tho' attested by such evidence which is in its kind infallible. What shall I do? must I? shall I, yes I will, venture out a crippled Discourse which will present you with somewhat worthy your acceptation, and let that procure your pardon for the mangling the rest.  

His Birth.  Mr. Thomas Brand was born at Leaden Roothing, in the County of Essex, in the Year, 1635. his Father was Mr. Thomas Brand, a Dignitary of the Church of England, the mentioning of this, unavoidably leads me to obviate the only plausible Objection against his being so zealous a Dissenter, to which I need say but this: His chief Zeal was neither for, nor against any Party whatsoever, but for the vigorous promoting of the sound Knowledge of those Doctrines wherein we are all agreed, and of that Holiness which we all commend, tho' too few practice: And this right Christian Temper he exercised towards the Conforming Clergy. He spoke honourably of the Piety and Learning of some, and never let fly indecent Reflections, or bitter Invectives against any, but maintained and increased this commendable Moderation all his Life. Those who were intimately acquainted with him could not perceive his leaning to any Party whatsoever, but when any Discourse tended to partiality, he did industriously divert it to downright Godliness, or to somewhat useful to promote it. He was never without some Project for doing good, and could as soon cease to live, as cease to be attempting the doing good to Souls.  
More particularly,  

His School.  He was sent to School to Bishop Starford, where, how soon, I can't say, he attained to such an accuracy of Grammar-Learning, that he made good use of it to the great Benefit of others, whom he would critically examine upon all occasions, throughout the Course of his Life; scarce any young Scholar whom he occasionally met with, but hath felt it: He well apprehending as other learned Men complain, that the defect of Grammar-Learning is very hardly, if ever repaired by after Studies.  

University.  He was sent thence to Merton College in Oxford (that he soon ran through his juvenile Academical Studies may be by this evident) He entered upon, and throughly studied the Arminian and Socinian Controversies, with that of Scientia media; these Studies pleased him wonderfully in the doing, but not upon a later review, he said since, nothing yields me comfort, but my Preaching, Catechising, and what I did for the Conversion of Souls: If he had his time again, he would spend it in reading the Holy Scriptures, with two or three good Commentaries, in Prayer, and Meditation, and labouring in public. Only I must acknowledge, that I am not certain, whether it was there, or after, that he launched into those depths, I must confess, I rather think, his study there, looked another way.  

Temple.  For he removed thence to the Temple being designed for a Lawyer, and there (as in all places else) his profiting was not ordinary. I remember I heard him many a year after, warmly discourse of an occasional Moot-case he then read in the Temple, but God designed him for his Spiritual Temple, God brought him to London, where his Soul trouble was the Introduction to our intimate Acquaintance, which increased, and continued, while he lived. Now was the time of his effectual Calling, which was in some things like that of the blessed Apostle Paul, who was at once called to be a Christian and an Apostle; so this our Timothy, was at once called to be a Saint and a Minister. What the Throws of his New-birth were, are not fit to be made public; only this let me say, He was more abundant in Spiritual cases of Conscience than ever any I have met with in my almost fifty Years Ministry. (And thanks to Divine Grace, I have been intimately acquainted with Christians as Eminent for Grace, as most in the Age, wherein they lived.) This new Convert had daily need of a more accomplished Guide than he made choice of: And therefore, tho' he desired to be one of my Family, yet, besides the want of suitable Conveniencies, I recommended him to a more experienced and aged Casuist with whom he sometime continued; and tho' the Word of the Lord was as Fire in his Bosom, to be dispersed thence, for the kindling a holy Flame in others, yet the Concerns of his own Soul were so pressing upon him, that he could comparatively mind nothing else. He went about with the Arrows of God sticking in his Conscience; and, now God furnished him with such a stock of Experiences, that he might counsel, and comfort others, with the very Method wherewith God refreshed him. Now he began to be restless, because he did Christ no service, fain he would do something, but the Office of the Ministry appeared so tremendous, that the thoughts of it made him tremble. What shall he do? be idle he dares not, work in the Lord's Vineyard he dares not. Oh, the Perplexities of his Soul! an expedient is thought of, that he might be led into the Ministry by Family Worship and Preaching sometimes, which might be afterwards more frequent, and constant, and behold here a Wonder of Providence calls him into Kent, to Glassenbury, to the honourable and most deservedly Honoured the Lady Dowager Roberts, who had four small Children, to whose pious Education he was singularly helpful, where he preached with such Acceptation, and God followed him with more success than could be so soon hoped for. Now this Star begun to rise and shine and lead Men to Christ: for tho' the Modesty, Humility and Self-denial which ran through the whole Course of his Life restrained him, yet his Love to Christ and Souls forced him to what's more than vulgar, in all he attempted; I cannot single out any sort of his Actions, but might be as a general Head, attended by numerous particular instances, all of them well worthy of remembrance: He better deserving than the Kings of Persia to have Scribes continually present, to write down remarkable Passages: He doing nothing, (humane frailty excepted) but what was deservedly remarkable. To begin with instances of what was in his own eye most contemptible, namely worldly business his Wisdom, Prudence and Sagacity about worldly Affairs was beyond appearance deep, and piercing: I have known him in dubious cases, wherein great Lawyers have been short in their Advice, his Council hath been proper and safe: But when he hath been consulted, he still bade them go to the great Counsellor, and in all Plunges it was his usual saying, I commit it to God, or I leave it with God and this he would do with the greatest quiet of Mind and acquiescence in God's issuing of it which way he pleased. I can't say, for I have been least solicitous to inquire after these his good works, but do not hesitate to apply to him that of Job, 
Job 29.11,12.  When the ear heard him it blessed him; and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to him. The Blessing of him that was ready to perish, came upon him: He was a Father to the Poor, etc. Presently upon his coming to the place where providence sent him, he set himself to his great Master's work with that vigour and prudence which evidenced he came there for nothing else: Receiving no Salary for himself but directing it to pious Charity. His Deportment in the Family was every way instructive. The Worship of God in the Family was so seasonably timed, so constantly awefully and suitably performed that it did much conduce to the drawing others into the ways of God, that there were but few, if any in that numerous Family, who did not worship God in secret as well as with others; where, Reading the Scripture, or Catechising, or Singing of Psalms, accompanied Family Prayer twice every day: He constantly risen, if in health at five of the Clock, and continued in his Study till Family Prayer, and then to his Study again, till a little before Noon, and after Dinner when he had walked or discoursed a little, he returned to his Study, saying, I must to my business: Complaining, if by Company he had been longer detained than he was willing, often saying, Amici sunt fures temporis (Friends are thiefs of time.) After Supper he came down with great cheerfulness; so far was he from being by study, or any thing else, soured into any disgustful temper, that some who providentially abode awhile in the Family, who (it was seared) were no great friends to the Power of Religion, could not but express a pleasedness with his Conversation, and 'tis hoped went thence seriously Godly.  
He carried himself with a sweet, humble and affable Deportment, void of Ostentation, or Vain glory; he was well acquainted with his own heart, and the Temptations wherewith we are beset, and therefore would frequently inculcate the Precepts of Humility, and the danger of Pride, he begun betimes to watch against these, and continued it while he lived. How desirous he was of the Welfare of that Family in every sense, was clearly seen in his joy when things went well there, and his trouble if they did not; I doubt not but the root, and all the branches of that House are ready to make their grateful Acknowledgements thereof, he being more concerned for the Honourable Lady, and her Children than for himself, when any Trouble threatened: He was not long there, before his amiable Deportment and instructive Discourses insensibly drew in the best of the Neighbourhood into his familiar acquaintance, that they might enjoy the Blessing of his Labours; here he soon, preached twice every Lord's-day, and frequently a third time on the Lord's-day evening, at two mile's distance; repeating his Sermons, examining, and instructing the Family, and praying with them at his return: All this he continued till he procured for them an excellent Preacher, whose preaching was deservedly esteemed by the Serious, and above the Contempt of Scoffers: This besides weekly Lectures at several places, and a monthly Fast: These Lectures were set up by him, and carried on by him, or by others of his procuring. I forbear naming the places.  
A zealous Minister for a Neighbour Corporation was procured, and maintained by him and his Friends. In short, his Labours and Expenses for Souls was abundant, and [through Grace] his success was answerable, many, very many there, will bless God for him to Eternity.  
But all this while, he durst not undertake the Office of the Ministry, he had such awful thoughts of that tremendous Office, and so low thoughts of himself, that he durst not venture till Providence thrust him forward, in this, as in other things, to undertake what he trembled at.  
Now Reverend Mr. Pointall dying, a door is opened for more public Service, to which, God and Man so called him, that he is not able to withstand it. Now tho' his stay was earnestly desired, and affectionately urged by all in the Family, who might say to him, what was said of Jacob, 
Gen. 30.27.  I have learned by experience, that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake, yet he was deaf to all Solicitations, being easily perswadable in any thing concerning himself, but inexorable in the Cause of God. But he did with great Conscience and Ingenuity introduce a worthy Successor, whose great Piety, and ministerial Abilities were beyond vulgar.  
Much about this time, (not long before or after) God sent him to a Burrow in Sussex, where he hath occasionally acknowledged he met with peculiar assistance of the Spirit of God; compassion to Souls, in a case somewhat more than ordinary moved him to set up a Meeting there; what Difficulties he grappled with, I will not mention; many wearisome Winter Journeys he had, which were not tiresome to him, through hopes of doing good, which made all pleasant; and he was not disappointed in his hopes. The Lord was with him wheresoever he went, and gave wonderful success to his Labours. He procured eleven more Ministers to join with him to set up constant Preaching there.  
Among many Remarkables there, I'll mention only this,  
One Lord's-day being to Preach, the Doors were no sooner opened, but the place was crowded full, and many that could not get in, stood about the Door, in his Prayer he had such a strong Impression on his Spirit, with respect to the Multitude, that Christ would have compassion on the Multitude, and not send them empty away, his Soul was so vehemently carried out in earnest Prayer for the Multitude, that he had much ado to contain himself, and some of the Hearers were suitably affected. In short, while there was Liberty, and afterwards when Liberty was restored, tho' he was removed at a great distance from them, he ceased not to be mindful of them, but his Care and Purse procured them one Minister after another, till they were settled, as they were before he died, under the Guidance of a Master Workman in the Lord's Vineyard.  
But to return to Staplehurst, about this time God lift him up above his sinking fears about Ordination. He that to the Apostles question, Who is sufficient for these things? hitherto as it were, answered, not I Lord, not I, I would not be excused from being a Preacher, for I love it; yet would feign be excused from being a Pastor, For I fear it; Now answers God's question to the Prophet, Whom shall I send? here am I, send me. 
Isa. 6.8.  I think, few ever undertook the feeding of a Flock of Christ with lower Thoughts of themselves, yet with more humble expectation of Help and Success from the great Shepherd than he did. The Lord Jesus spent the whole Night in Prayer before he ordained his Twelve Apostles, compare Luke with Mark. 
Luke 6.12. Mar. 3.14.  The manifold suspense of this Servant of Christ, plainly implies, that he spent a good part of many Nights and Days, if not Weeks and Months, perhaps Years in fervent Prayer, and conscientious Thoughtfulness about his Ordination.  
But now as he durst no sooner venture, so he dares no longer delay. Thus, his wary entering into this Office presages a careful fulfilling of it. He now studied the Necessities of his Hearers, and did suit his Sermons accordingly, to this end did he frequently converse with the most ignorant of his Neighbours, that he might know what their Apprehensions, Objections, and Prejudices were, about, or against a serious Holy Life; accordingly did he frame his Discourses to inform, convince, and persuade them. He was Constant and Zealous in this weighty Work. On those days when he had assistance in his own Congregation, he would ride out and Preach where there was necessity.  
A while after this, when he was settled, as much as in those times could be expected, he was near marrying a young Gentlewoman, but before the time appointed for the Marriage Christ took her to himself.  
About two Years after that, he married a gracious Widow, by whom he had several Children, but they all died young: but her having living Children, was a Mercy she never enjoyed by her former Husband; but had only abortive Births. The first living Child he had, I have cause to remember, the more than ordinary workings of his gracious Soul about its solemn Dedication to God by Baptism, what the inward workings of his Soul were is only known to the Heart-searching God, but so much burst out beyond his intention to be taken notice of, that I never did see before, nor ever expect to see the like again; I have many a time reflected on it with admiration: There you might have seen the Covenant improved, and what might well make you more serious ever after, in the Celebration of that Ordinance: But I'll say no more of this, because I know not whether any besides myself took notice of it.  
Some expected that now he had a Family to provide for, his Charitable expenses must be retrenched; the Stream must run in another Channel; but they were mistaken; those that most narrowly observed his constant Charity, could perceive no abatement at all, but rather an enlargement, that the addition to his estate procured an addition to his Charity. And here give me leave to tell you, that this (next to my inexcusable Laziness) is the true reason of retarding these Papers, there was somewhat of Charity, very singular, and extraordinary, about this time, which he, in his great Humility acquainted me with, I will not say advised with me, for he was fit to advise me, than I him; this hath wholly slipped my Memory all but the undistinct Notions that there was such a thing, though some Circumstances made it impracticable. I confess I have made all the enquiry I can, by Letters, and other ways, yet I cannot retrieve it; if I could, it would be the most considerable Instance in this confused Story, but I must wave it.  
After some years in this place he was morally forced to another; the Arguments for his remove took hold of his Conscience, and those that did so, he was not able to resist, tho' never so much against his Inclination: There he continued till driven away by persecution, not only from them, but from the County. Some while he wandered about from place to place, like his Master, he went up and down doing good, and God was with him.  
Can I hope that it would provoke to holy Emulation, not to sinful Prejudice, I would be more particular, in naming the several Counties, and the several Places, in such Counties where he spread the Gospel, to the apparent detriment of the Devil's Kingdom, and advancement of Christ's, and he comfortably saw a good Success of his Ministry wherever he came.  
But after many wearisome Journeys, and tiresome Labours, his ill frame of Health necessitated him to a more fixed Station, near London; where he was greatly importuned to exercise his Ministry, to which he yielded, upon these Conditions; Namely, to be at liberty three Sabbaths in the Month, to preach where he should find need, they being supplied by two other worthy Ministers, and afterwards by one. And this he did till bodily Distempers disenabled him, tho' he was often told it was impossible to hold out such a Course of Labour, yet his zeal was such, that he could not forbear attempting beyond his strength, tho' to prolong his life.  
That lingering Distemper which brought him to his Grave, first seized him upon a wet Journey, about his Master's Work, upon which, he was so intent, that he 
Acts 20.24.  counted not his Life dear unto him; It was his only joy to fulfil the Ministry which he received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God.  
Thus I have run over his Course of Life, give me leave to be a little more particular in some, I wish I might not say unparalelled Singularities.  

Preaching.  His Preaching was remarkable, both in what it was not, as well as in what it was. It was not with enticing words of Man's Wisdom, He did as industriously avoid as others do industriously study Declamations for Sermons; He took more pains for his Sermons, both on his Knees, and in his Study, then most others, that he might Preface all he said with, thus saith the Lord.  
He constantly kept one day in the Week, little other ways than a Fast for his Lord's-day's work: He would never offer either to God or Man what cost him nought; His Praying was always fervent, his Preaching always clear and vehement, his words well fitted to his Matter, and his Matter well chosen for Conviction, and persuasion, for Conversion and Edification: And when did he Preach any one Sermon without some of these Effects? Bear with this Digression, to give you a single Instance of Advice he some Years after gave to a young Preacher. You will need a double Portion of the Blessed Spirit to guide, and bear you up against the Temptations you will meet with from the snareling World. 'Tis hard to be lifted up by the Lord and not to lift up ourselves; your Watch must be constant, and your Prayers frequent and fervent, or you will forsake your first Love, and wax careless and carnal;— and afterwards warned him against two extremes, viz, Pride and Diffidence, saying, if Ministers were to Preach before a learned and large Auditory, they were too apt to be diffident, more concerned at the Presence of Man than of God, and on the other hand, if the Assembly was popular and mean, and did appear affected; how hard do they find it to subdue Pride. But to return, God blessed his Labours wherever he went, a special Presence of God accompanied him ni all his Undertaking: For he Preached as well out of the Pulpit as in it; It was seldom that any one could speak to him, but he would hook in something of Religion ere they parted.  
When he went into any House, he quickly enquired what entertainment Religion met with there, he scarce spoke to any, but he presently insinuated something of Practical Godliness, for he always declined speaking of Christians different Practice as to Modes of Worship, when any such things were asked him, he would if possible put it off with something else, or tell them other men's Judgements rather than his own; and through gracious exercise he had a notable Dexterity in putting by 
Tit. 3.9.  unprofitable Questions, i. e. Questions whereby we can profit nothing, and taking occasion thence, to inculcate something of real moment. He did not this only in a customary way of Discourse, as that which he was most habituated to, but out of the abundance of his heart his mouth spoke. His general Conversation towards all was Pious, and Pleasant, he used innocent mirth as an inviting Vehicle to convey his pious Instructions. He was plentifully stored with very useful Narratives of Men, both good and bad; he gathered up excellent Remarks upon the Temper and Carriage of Mankind, which he made use of, not only to divert, but to instruct; for he would sometimes pleasantly droll upon the Miscarriages of some which he thought would not digest a direct, and plain Reproof; he that told me this, lived in the House with him, and saith, He diligently observed, and doth not remember, That ever he heard him rehearse so much as one Story without a manifest Design either to exhort or warn, or gently to rebuke those to whom it was directed: And this was not only an instance of his candid Temper, but of his great Discretion, for the Memory is more apt to retain affecting Stories, than mere Precepts, and the Conscience will make a direct Application of an indirect Reproof: And if the Story be intended to excite Duty, it doth not only imply a Precept, but shows the Precedent, which is a great Motive to Industry.  
And tho' he was of too sweet a Temper, willingly to displease any, yet he could not but deal so plainly with those he conversed with, that when he saw any thing to be reproved, he would not in a Compliment forbear them, but rebuke them sharply, that they might be sound in the Faith. I'll single out one instance of a Person who was very tender of him in his weakness, and expressed a more than ordinary concernedness for his health; to whom he spoke to this effect, You are thus kind to me, you seem to be very religious, but I fear you are not hearty, nor sound; and then mentioned the grounds of his fear, and urged a through Conviction.  
He did not only himself Preach with a more than usual Zeal; but, I should welcome him who could tell me of any other who has contributed to the setting up or building so many Meeting-places, and contributed so largely to the supplying them with such Ministers, Work men that need not to be ashamed as he hath done: He never thought much of any Charge so he could but serve Christ and Souls.  
I am loath to mention what unreasonable Opposition he hath met with in some places, where they endeavoured to eclipse his Reputation, which soon shone more clearly: But I will rather incur being censured for a Balk in my Narrative, then for mentioning what I hope the Persons guilty, have repent of, which if they have not, the Lord give them Repentance and Pardon: And go on to bless those places with flourishing Churches, where the Devil struggled most to keep his dominion: He lived to see it, to his great Satisfaction. May the Harvest answer the Seed time to the Salvation of Thousands.  

Catechising.  Next to his Preaching I'll mention his Catechising, which in some respects, he preferred before it, saying, if he were to be confined to Preaching or Catechising, and might not do both, he would choose Catechising. He had a more than ordinary Dexterity at insinuating Truths, not only into the Heads, but God, hereby testifying his Approbation of his Zeal, impressed it on the Hearts of greater Numbers than I dare mention, lest it should seem incredible.  
He had so throughly digested the whole Body of Divinity; and so throughly acquainted himself with all sorts of Catechisms, and so continually exercised himself in sifting and instructing all he conversed with, that he experimentally knew how to propose such questions as were suitable to the Capacities and Necessities of all sorts of Persons, so as to discourage none but to benefit all. He would ask questions of all who he thought capable to inform him, and his Humility made him willing to be any Man's Disciple, what method was most likely to be most effectual. He parceled out the Catechism into several Sections, and sent them about to his Brethren, requesting them to write down what they judged pertinent, and proper to be proposed to the Catechised Persons for the furthering of their Knowledge and their Establishment in all things necessary to be known and practised.  
He had a singular Dexterity at insinuating himself into the Affections of young People, and overcoming their unwillingness to be instructed. Some that were more in years, who though they were ashamed of their Ignorance, but were more ashamed to learn at that Age, yet were prevailed with, by his importunity, to come to this public Exercise: And where Entreaties and Arguments would not do, he would hire them, by giving them new Bibles (many whereof were gilded, and bound in Turky-Leather) or good Books, so that he hath acknowledged with thankfulness to God, that he seldom failed to gain at last, those who were very averse at first. And though the Instruction of young and ignorant People is the usual design in Catechising; yet he was so full and accurate in illustrating the several Heads of Religion, the aged and more improved Persons did frequently attend his Catechetical Exercises, with great satisfaction and delight: For his custom in reading not only bodies of Divinity, but practical Books, was to collect what was most valuable in them, and refer them to their proper places in his Catechism, which was interleaved for that purpose, whereby he was ready furnished to give a grateful Entertainment, as well to the most judicious, as to the meaner Christians. He would often express how difficult as well as necessary this Work was; and therefore he took much pains to have the most clear understanding of the Doctrine of the Gospel: He was a diligent Observer of the Practice, Method, and Success of his reverend Brethren in this Matter, all which he improved, and his Success was answerable to such preparations and endeavours: He would frequently say, That he never experienced more of the Assistance of God in any Duty than in this: God making him an instrument of conveying very much knowledge hereby, some that had been under his instruction have proved most judicious and able Christians: In short, he saw so much need, and so much good effect of his Labours in this way, that he would say, While he had breath he would spend it in Catechising  
Besides his own weekly Catechising, and Catechising in all the Schools which he erected; He hired some Persons in distant places to Catechise all Children and others who were willing to learn; and once a Month or oftener, He road about from place to place to Catechise them himself; And then to encourage those who did well, he gave some Reward, either in Books or Money, according to the Quality of the Persons. And to encourage Parents and Masters to send their Children or Servants, he presented them with some Books curiously bound and gilded, that might be most acceptable, and if they were Poor he gave them many more than they could have earned in the time of their Learning. And his Discourse with Parents, and Masters was really Catechistical, though so managed, that they could not think themselves disparaged by such Instructions. He had a way of so proposing his Questions, that the Question should lead them to, or furnish them with an Answer.  
I have occasionally heard him examine a Boy; his Questions were such, as I never heard before, yet so instructively worded, that any one of ordinary capacity, who took but notice of the Question, could not miss the right Answer. And tho' his way of trying their Knowledge was more critical than others, yet through Grace and Exercise, he had attained such a Skill for it, that his Examinations were not only acceptable, but desirable, wherever he came: For he carried with him prevailing Motives that were morally forcible to all sorts of Persons. That when he visited his Schools, the Children would rejoice more then for a Playday. When he preached in Neighbouring Congregations, they waited for his Catechising as earnestly as Beggars for an Alms.  
When he visited any Family, they expected his Instruction, as a Sucking Child the Breast.  
Yet all this did not suffice him but all those Ministers towards whom he contributed maintenance, which were not a few, he engaged them to set up Catechising, and enquired how it thrived.  
And all those Ministers with whom he conversed, he provoked to set up Catechising.  
He gave away, I can't say, how many thousands of Catechisms, many hundreds with Expositions upon them; neither did he confine his Catechumenists to the Assemblies Catechism (though the Lord Primate of Armagh said 'twas the best Extant) but he gave very many of Doctor Cumber's, and the Principles of the Christian Religion cleared, and confirmed by the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England by Mr. Thomas adam's.  
In short, he did not content himself to receive a Parrot like answer, to any form of Words whatsoever, but his constant Endeavours were to make them understand the Things. Frequently and greatly he bewailed the lamentable Ignorance that overspreads the Nation. He did often pathetically cry out you do not believe, you can hardly conceive the gross Ignorance of this great City. The palpable Darkness of this valley of Vision. Many Persons he discovered to be absurdly ignorant under conceited Knowledge. I'll give but one instance.  
When he was enquiring into the Knowledge of a Self-conceited old Woman of a different way, she said, she knew very well, and understood the whole Bible, only knew not what to make of the Vision of the white Horse in the Revelation, said he, you are a happy Woman, would I could say so: But pray how do you understand that of Canaan, being a Land flowing with Milk and Honey? What do you think, there was such abundance of it, that it flowed upon the Land, as Water doth? Yes, sure said she, how could it be otherways? I see now, said he, how well you understand the Scriptures, and thence he took occasion to convince and instruct her.  
To one whom he urged to Catechise Children, who said, he saw little fruit of it among young ones, He replied, never talk so, if you cannot make them bear fruit, you may make them bear leaves; When another said they saw but little remain of it; he called for a Sieve, and some Water, at first they thought him not in earnest, but when he persisted to call, they brought it, he bid them pour the Water into the Sieve, which when they had done, Look here, said he, most of it is run through, but some remains, here's a Dew, a Moisture.  
In short, I'll only say, I never heard of any that took so much Pains, Cost, and Care about Catechising as he: His Heart was in it, living and dying.  

His Charity.  Next to this, take a view of his Charity; And here, tho' I can give but general Heads far short of its true extent, both as to Places, and Times, Posterity will reap the Fruits of his Charity, more than I may mention; yea I wish it may not be more, than I can persuade any to imitate; here let me mention that, under several Heads, which if you think your Charity can't run in so many Channels, yet choose what likes ye best, but imitate some of them.  
He evidenced himself to be the genuine Son of his Heavenly Father, by doing good to all, to the Bodies and to the Souls of all manner of Persons, though with great difference and judgement.  
I'll begin with the lowest, who lest tasted of his Charity; and indeed they lest sought it, for I question not if they would not have spilled the Sauce, they might have had the Meat, if they would but have accepted the Counsel with which he sauced his Alms, for I think I may peremptorily say, He never gave any thing without suitable and earnest Instruction, those who accepted that might have any thing they desired. This premised my first instance shall be this.  
1. When wicked wretches have come to him to beg or borrow Money; after he had taken some pains with them, to convince and reform them he hath given, or lent to them, hoping it might be at least a hiring of them to be less vicious. But he had fewest, tho' some he had of these Customers. Profligate Persons shunned coming near him, their Consciences frighting them, with his charming conviction. 'Twas Christ's Poor towards whom his Charity flowed.  
2. Necessitous Persons or Families always found his Heart, and Hand open, for their relief, and that not dribbling Alms, because they would not be answered without giving them something, but the something he gave them was always somewhat answerable to their necessities, having an extraordinary value for real Saints, though they were never so poor and mean.  
3. He took poor Children from indigent Parents, and wholly maintained them, put them to Trades, and set them up in the World: Or, if they were capable of a more liberal Education they had it, being a great Encourager of young Men to the Ministry: I cannot forbear telling you of one, whom God took to glory, a little before he took himself, who was a Candidate for the Ministry, of curious Parts, polite Learning, serious Godliness, an excellent Preacher, of most obliging Conversation; but we must 
Psal. 39.9.  be dumb with silence, for God hath done it. Several others he hath been a Foster Father to.  
4. He set up petty Schools in several places to teach Children to read and to learn their Catechism; and he contrived it to be double Charity namely to the Teacher and to the Learner.  
And since, he came nearer London he hath hired a Writing Master to come into some Families, to teach some Servants, who had no time to go to School, to learn to Write, and cast Accounts.  
Any one who applied himself to him, by himself, or by any one else, though a mere Stranger, whose face was set Heaven-ward, who was poor and willing to learn, those were Arguments sufficient to draw out his Heart and Purse for their Instruction, in anything they were capable of attaining for further usefulness. 'Tis next to impossible to name the Instances of his Soul Charity, 'twas as diffusive yet as secret as 'twas possible. I'll mention one instance among many. I take, said he, more delight in thinking this one Man (he was speaking of) will e'er long be serviceable to the World, then if any had given myself a hundred Pounds.  
5. His spreading of the most Awakening, Convincing, Practical Books, to provoke, and encourage serious Godliness. This is one of the things that's hardly credible, not only Books of small price, as Thousands, if not Ten thousands of Catechisms, many of them with Expositions; but bigger Books I cannot say how many thousands of Sheppard's Sincere Convert, Mr. Richard Allein's Vindiciae Pietatis, Mr. Joseph Allein of Conversion and his Life; Several of Mr. Baxter's Treatises, his Call to the unconverted, his Now, or Never, his Directions to prevent miscarrying in Conversion, his Saints Rest, etc. with several others. One thing I had almost forgot about Mr. Joseph Allein's Treatise of Conversion which several (of whom he was the chief) agreed for an Impression to be given away, (they altering the Title into [A Guide to Heaven] (to make it more acceptable) He paid down 50 l. at first as an Earnest, besides more afterwards for that Impression of Twenty Thousand to be dispersed through the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, and (I think I may say) there hath been Twenty Thousand more printed since to be sold at under rates: And he gave not only the Writings of Non-Conformists, but of Conformists, namely Pink's Trial of Sincere Love to Christ, Caley of Eternity, Wade of Redemption of Time, Dent's Plain-man's Pathway to Heaven, Scudder's Daily-walk, Reiner's Precepts, etc. But he gave Books of greater price; As the Books of Martyrs in Three Volumes, Charnock's Works in Two Volumes, several Annotators on the Bible, several Commentators on the Holy Scriptures, several necessary Libraries to young Students and Candidates for the Ministry. There was no place where he came, and he was providentially drawn or driven into many Counties, but he stored the Houses of all that would accept of his kindness with Books of Devotion. I know not whether ever he gave away any one Book of Controversy, unless it were Pool's Nullity of the Roman Faith, and his Dialogue between a Popish Priest, and an English Protestant. He was always for Promoting down right Practical Godliness.  
But above all his Stratagems to disperse goods Books, I cannot but prefer his Device for the spreading of the Bible, I cannot say how many hundreds, if not thousands, he gave away. But he found this would not reach his end, many would rather be without Bibles than put him upon the Charge of giving them. Therefore he took this course, which succeeded to his heart's desire, by himself, or Friends, he sold Bibles at Eighteen Pence a Bible to all that desired them for themselves, or their Children, or Servants, provided, not to sell them again. And by this means very many who refused them gratis, Catcht at them, at this under rate, whereby they were furnished with Bibles, and something returned towards the buying of more, and this is the only trade, he ever drove with Books. He saw comfortable Fruits of his Liberality in giving Books some were converted, more were edified by this spiritual Charity; though he did not confine these Gifts to the Poor, but gave also to the Rich, both Bibles, and other Books, which he had extraordinarily bound, that they might be the more generally accepted, and he contrived such Books to such Persons, that he was seldom disappointed of Success, though sometimes he was; to give one instance, He once gave Wade's Treatise of the Redemption of Time curiously bound to a young Minister, who at first received it kindly; but when he began to read it, he finding Mr. Baxter quoted in it, he hastily returned it, not enduring to read any thing that Mr. Baxter had written. But I'll close the Narrative of his giving Books with this Story.  
Some Years since, when the times were more hazardous to Dissenters, A. N. C. Minister of his acquaintance, being unavoidably necessitated to undertake a Journey of above Two hundred Miles in length, when he could not at any reasonable rates get any Lawyer, or other, to go with him, to advise him, in the Difficulties he foresaw he should meet with; Mr. Brand surprisingly offered, what could not be impudently asked, charitably to go with him, and give him his best assistance: 'Twas not then safe to be known to be a Dissenting Minister; he therefore concealed himself (though his Friend must venture, being known in the Place whither he went) but carried down a considerable quantity of Catechisms and good Books in the Coach with him. And in every Inn where he lodged, or but baited at Noon, he would not be many Minutes there before ('twas so familiar to him to insinuate something for the good of Souls) he would be fishing out whether any was, and who was capable and pliable to receive Instruction; and if he found any, he would presently fasten upon their Consciences, given them Counsel, and Catechisms, or other Books according as their case required. At one place, a Servant was so affected, as to go after him (the Town being situate upon an Hill) while he walked down hill, before he went into the Coach, begging to be taken with him to London, having never heard so much about Soul-concerns before, nor ever expecting the like again, unless this request were granted: He promised to call there at his return, but the Coachman without his knowledge went back another way. At another Inn, when he met with a Youth, that he found capable, he gave him a Catechism, and promised if he would learn it by his return, which would be about a week, he would give him five Shillings, which he did and had his reward. At another Inn, where he met with a Schoolmaster, he persuaded and encouraged him to season his Scholars with the knowledge of those things, whereby they might be saved. The Stock of Books he carried down did not hold out all his Journey, but he sent down upon his return up, at once as many as cost above eight Pounds. At one Inn, where he gave Books in his going down, some of them fell into those hands, who waylaid his coming up, at the time he said he should return, that they might clap him in Prison for spreading of Seditious Books (that is the Character they put upon Mr. Baxter's Call to the unconverted, of which there hath been printed as some guess a Hundred Thousand, so generally acceptable and profitable hath it been; 'tis impossible for me to tell you how many have been Converted by it) but here I must not conceal, the chief Contrivance was against the Minister, he accompanied and their Design against him failing (a design more full of base Ingratitude and Treachery than ever any you heard of, but that is foreign to this account) they contrived this design against Mr. Brand, but God disappointed them in this also, for the Night before they were to set out to return, one of the Coach-Horses fell so lame (not known how) that in the Morning he could hardly be led to watering, and so continued two or three days, till they were weary of waiting for his return, so that he passed the place unmolested. Thus, 
E● 8 31.  the Hand of God was upon him, to deliver him from the hand of his Enemies, and of such as laid wait by the way. God delivered him, without his knowing that he needed any such deliverance. I know not whether ever he knew of the main Contrivance, for that lay undiscovered several Years, till the chief Contriver revealed it under horror of Conscience, for that and other unsuspected Abominations; only this was at present plainly remarkable, that a Horse should be suddenly so lame as scarce to bear being dragged to watering, and suddenly so well, as to go above Two hundred Miles without halting. One as soon as he came into his Inn where they intended to have seized upon him, asked him; Why he came not the day in the former week, as he mentioned in his going down? and another dropped it afterwards, that if he had come then, some were ready to apprehend him for the Books he gave away. Should I add more instances, 'twould be more than need. I'll therefore mention some of his Infirmities; which may serve as a Shadow to his ill drawn Picture.  
As to the World, though he was too wise, and prudent to be imposed upon in his worldly Affairs, yet there was one Snare he frequently run into for many Years, namely, he was not only charitable himself, but he did many times as Moses fetch Water out of a Rock of Flint, 
Deut. 8.15.  he got something for charitable Uses, where none else could; but in one of his methods, he was often deceived; he would persuade some to promise or subscribe so much by the Year to some good work, either the Education of a Youth, or the relieving of some Minister, or something that might promote the Gospel, they would give, and pay, one or two quarters, and then leave the charge wholly upon him: He was too apt to think that when he had persuaded them to an act of Charity, that that would presently grow up to an habit, but he felt the difference to his cost.  
Another mistake that made his Life uneasy, was this: He had many years ago such sharp pains, as he thought proceeded from the Stone in the Bladder, he was confirmed in this by being searched, by the most celebrated Lithotomist in this City, who said he felt it, the return of those pains frighted him into the Expectation of a Necessity of being Cut, and this lasted all his days; but upon the opening of his Body by his Physicians, who desired to see where lay the cause of that Disease which was hid from them; they found that he had neither in his Kidneys, nor in his ureters, nor in his Bladder any Stone, nor so much as any gravel tending to it, thus you see, much of our real trouble ariseth from those evils which are but imaginary; this was an uncomfortable mistake, but the last I shall mention was fatal; namely, his too great carelessness of himself, he did too much for others, and too little for himself to hold out long, though he lived of a slender, weak sort of diet, yet he often speak grudgingly of the time that was necessarily spent in eating and drinking; very much longing for the place, where he should need no supports of that nature. When he was declining apace towards his end, he used to say, if he were younger, or could bear riding, he would fix at no one place, but go about the Country, where he found most need, and there preach the Gospel, Catechise the Younger sort, distribute good Books; erect Places for Divine Worship, and fix Ministers at them; This would have been his delightful Employment, but when that Person to whom he freely communicated his thoughts, told him, his Work was greatly disproportionable to his strength, and requested him to leave off, what visibly impaired his health, to work less, that he might work long. He with some quickness answered, Nay then, 'tis no matter if I were dead indeed; he thanked God he did not desire Life merely for its own sake, nor for any thing of the Pleasure, or Profit of it, but only for the Work he was at, saying, He had rather die that moment, than live and not be useful to the World. I am just gone, but if God give Faith and Patience, all will be well, and have a glorious Issue. He expressed a comfortable, assurance and spoke as one that had arrived to the top of it, and at parting, desired Prayers a little while, for said he, I shall not need them long.  
To sum up his charitable Expenses as computed by an intelligent Person, as well able to pry into Concealments as most Men I know, who had the fairest Opportunity by living some Years with him under the same Roof, who told me, that, they (besides what he could not find out) to his Knowledge amounted to above Three Hundred Pound per Annum one Year with another. And he himself hath sometimes dropped this Expression, He would not Sell his Estate, because it was Entailed, but he would Squeeze it as long as he lived, which he hath done for I know not how many Years. He would often say, He would accept of no Man's Estate, if he must have his Hands tied up from his making use of it on Spiritual Accounts, and would very much pity the miserable Condition of wicked Rich Men, the Truth (in short) was this, His Zeal for doing Good was so transporting, that he could as soon cease to live, as cease to attempt it, A double Instance we have of this, there was one place where he was contriving to settle a Minister, and another place where he was endeavouring to build a Meetingplace when he died.  
And now having mentioned his Death, I will give you some Account of the Circumstances of it: About three Years since, his being wet in a Journey about his Master's Work, cast him into a violent Fever, which may be called his last Sickness, for he never well recovered of it, but was followed with a Complication of many grievous Diseases, sometimes his Legs swelled, threatening a Dropsy, sometimes great pain in his side, as if he had a Pleurisy, sometimes all over him, as if he had a Rheumatism. But especially he was afflicted with an Asthma which made him unable to walk, to go up a pair of Stairs was almost death to him: These things gave contrary Indications; and therefore made his cure the more difficult. In these straits he was often let blood, and relieved by it till his Friends were afraid of his proper remedy.  
Tho' he was linger almost three Years, yet he was never observed to have any unquiet Motion of Mind, but had always a serene and humble Submission to the sovereign Will of God; he did often bewail his own Imperfections, and small knowledge of God and Christ, and expressed his longing Desires of seeing God face to face. A while before his death he did often say, What is the World! 'Tis not worth a straw. O my God, I would be with thee, Oh, how I long to be with Christ my dear Redeemer: This he spoke with great earnestness; Oh my God bring me to thyself. Whereupon he spoke much of the Glory to be revealed, and insisted on those words, I will be your God. What greater Gift could he give? He gave himself. He gave all. Then he was rapt up into a serious Amazement and deep Admiration, and cried out, Oh, my God my God what is sinful Man! Worm-man! What manner of Love is this! Love indeed! Oh, I cannot express it!  
He desired one to read to him, John 17.22. And the Glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, etc. The very hearing of which put him into an ecstasy of Joy, and he desired him to read of Christ's Love. 14.15.16.17. of John. Some of which he then read to him. A while after, speaking to one about Family Prayer, he said, a Camel may as well go through the Eye of a Needle as a Man that prays not in his Family go to Heaven. He prayed much for the Enlargement of Christ's Kingdom. The Evening before he died, this Person was with him from one of the Clock in the Afternoon till Six, during which time he was possessed with such foretastes of heavenly Joys that made him earnestly cry out, O let me be with thee! With thee, Oh my God Oh, I long for Heaven! Oh, welcome Death! Oh, happy Death that will put an end to all my Troubles and Conflicts, one moment in Abraham's Bosom will make amends for all, turn Sorrow to Joy. What a dreadful appearance will there be at the Great Day? What a sad thing will it be to be disappointed at last and come short of Heaven! O my Redeemer liveth, I have served a good Master! I would not desire Life for a moment, unless it was to promote the Interest of Christ. If God would give me my choice what I would ask, I would not ask Life. Nay, I have prayed to God that I might die. Why so, said a By-stander? That I may, said he, be with God. Upon which he cried out, O my God, I would come to thee! Let me live with thee! Here he added something with a peculiar Fervour, which bearing hard on some, he thought too remiss in their spiritual Warfare. I forbear to mention, but if this hint twitch any Man's Conscience, let him not slight it. His last words to this relater were, Pray much.  
What follows is from another intelligent credible Person, about Nine of the Clock sitting in a musing Posture, he started up of a sudden, prayed with such ardency of affection, with such Power and Joy, that amazed all the Family: Wherein he admired God's Goodness and distinguishing Love, and begged to be made more fit for the Inheritance of the Saints in Light. When he had done, being asked the reason of such a sudden Motion. He answered, 'Twas to rouse up his Soul to Heavenly Meditation.  
As he was going to bed, he did with concernedness of Mind, say, There will be a Cry at Midnight, prepare, prepare, which accordingly fell out, for when he went to bed, though he was not otherways affected then formerly, he was immediately taken with a Vomiting of Blood, whereof he died in a few hours. And now I'll say no more, lest I lose my end of saying so much. I must draw a Veil over the face of this our Moses, lest it cast such a Lustre, as ill Eyes can't behold it: In short, all that I have said tends but to this (next, praises to God for casting him in our Age) to be a Provocation to take Christ's Counsel to the Lawyer, 
Luk. 10.37.  Go and do thou likewise.  
The End.   

THE Reverend Mr. BRAND's Funeral Sermon.  Josh. 1.2. 
Moses my Servant is dead, now therefore arise, etc.  

THE Occasion of this Assembly is more than ordinarily doleful, Oh, that God would direct and bless what I have to say, that the Consequence may be proportionably profitable! How God spoke these words to Joshua, is doubtful. It was not immediately by himself, God spoke to none, as he spoke to Moses, face to face, That was Moses his peculiar Privilege, 
Exod. 33.11.  And the Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a Man speaketh unto his Friend. But it was either by an Angel, or by a Vision, when he was awake, or by a Dream when asleep. Moses my Servant is dead, God honours him, by owning him as his faithful Servant in performing all the Duties required of him in his Place. Though he so sinned at the Water of Meribah, for which he should never go into Canaan; yet he died in the State of Service, and God (as it were) saith, whatever he was, whatever he wrought, it was all mine.  
Moses my Servant. The Title of God's Servant is more than the mere Title of Apostle. Judas he calls himself, 
Judas 1.  the Servant, conceals himself to be the Apostle of Jesus Christ. Peter he postponeth Apostle to Servant, 
2 Peter. 1.1.  Peter the Servant and Apostle of Jesus Christ.  
Is dead, and now no longer able to execute his Office. This is spoken after his extraordinary interment, whether immediately by God, or by a good Angel, or good Angels. It is questionable whether any one of the Evil Angels were permitted to attend his Funeral, lest they should tempt the Israelites to idolise him. And after the Israelites solemn Mournings, God tells him, Moses my Servant is dead, now therefore arise: As if he should say, be not as one astonished, and dispirited, but rouse up thyself, to know, and do thy Duty; do not sit musing, but presently, and vigorously set upon thy Duty: The Words I think need no farther Explication.  
You shall have what I have to say under this Doctrine.  
Doct. When God takes away an Eminent Minister by death, God requires our suitable Notice and Improvement of it. Moses my Servant is dead, and that makes way for more, and greater duty, both for Joshua, and all the People, than ever before was incumbent upon them; That now becomes their Duty which was never so before. 
Josh. 3.5,6,7.  And Joshua said unto the People, Sanctify yourselves; for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you. And Joshua spoke unto the Priests, saying, Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and pass over, etc. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee. Here you have Joshua's charge to the People, and Priests, and God's encouraging of Joshua, for they are all put upon such kind of Duty, that cannot be done by a lazy, careless performance of it; such a Duty, that if it be not performed in the season God vouchsafes, they can never expect the like season again.   

For the opening the Doctrine, take it in these Five Propositions.  

I. Prop.  I. The greatest Service God employs any in upon Earth, doth not exempt them from death. God's choicest Ministers are not immortal; Those that can most effectually direct others to eternal Life, cannot secure themselves to live one day in this World. 
Zach. 1.5,6.  Do the Prophets live for ever, etc. 
John 8.52.  Abraham is dead, and the Prophets are dead. 
This Proposition will be evident if you consider,  
1. Ministers are subject to the same Diseases and Casualties with other Men. I know not any disease but the Leprosy that the Priests were privileged from, under the Law; and I dare not be peremptory in asserting, that Ministers have this privilege continued under the Gospel.  
2. Ministers are subject not only to more Distresses, and Sufferings, but also to more Diseases, and more bodily Infirmities than others. They are to be the Lights of the World, and they are as a Candle set upon a Hill, which flares out before others.  
3. Minister's Lives may be shortened, as well for other men's Sins, as for their own. We may with trembling, consider what manner of Ministers God hath in our day taken, or snatched from us by different diseases. I'll confine myself to two instances under each Head.  
Some indeed God continued long in the World struggling (I will not say to preserve) but to improve their dying Life under unusual and tormenting pains to the Church's benefit, whose Bodies were worn out with anguish, but their Souls had foretastes of Heaven, before they got lose from their clogs, viz. Mr. Corbet, who besides his Pulpit-Labours wrote a greater number of Healing Treatises, than any I ever heard of. And Mr. Baxter of whom his Works say so much, I need say nothing.  
Some others God did not continue so long, indeed 'tis impossible they should, without miracle, their pains being in a sad measure intolerable to those that but sympathized with them, viz. Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker, who was a mirror of Patience, and Mr. Joseph Allein, whose Sufferings for Christ little other than hurried him to Heaven in a fiery Chariot, if any bodily diseases may be called so, for their being terrible to the beholders.  
Some others, whose Labours were more than ordinary, and success answerable, God laid them to sleep, without any hint to their admirers, to put up so much as one Prayer for their continuance, viz. Mr. Gouge, whom I think none will grudge the Title of the Evangelist of Wales, who did more for the promoting the Gospel there, than ever was done before; who when he went to Bed well, was found dead there in the Morning. And Mr. Hardy, whose Zeal (and Prudence to manage it) was such, that those who envied him his Station, were forced to get a By-Law on purpose, ere they could remove him. And when he was a great Blessing to the People, whither God sent him, God put him to sleep in much like manner with the former.  
Some others, God startled the Congregations with their Surprisal in the Pulpit, God calling them up thither, not only to preach but to die, viz. Mr. Oakes, who was (I think) as well in health as any time of his life, when he had ended his Afternoon Prayer before his Sermon, God called him to begin his eternal Sabbath with himself. And the next Lord's day but one, when Mr. 〈◊〉 Kentish had roused the People's attention with the mention of Mr. Oake's being so lately struck dead in the Pulpit, God made him a like instance.  
Some others, who had but just begun to preach, but would probably have outstripped most others, God only shown them to the World, and snatched them to himself, viz. Mr. John Janeway, who lived so much in Heaven, that God as it were said of him, 
Mich. 7.1.  my Soul desireth the first ripe fruit, and this good Man soon perished out of the Earth, i. e. ceased to live; as I remember, he never preached more than one Sermon. and Mr. 〈◊〉 Tyro, who was but offering at the Ministry, admired by all that heard him, but God soon took him to admire himself in Glory. Thus died these Worthies. Upon whose Provocations? not their own, besure. They kept off Judgements, not procured them.  
God said to them as to Ezekiel, 
Ezek. 3.26.  Thou shalt not be to them a Reprover.  
These Instances have enlarged the first Proposition. I'll be briefer in the rest.   

II. Prop.  II. When God takes away any of his eminent Ministers by death, God requires a more than ordinary notice should be taken of it. 
Which may be thus evidenced,  
1. God sets Ministers for a Sign to the People, that the People may receive Instruction, as well from the Providences of God towards them, as from their Doctrine. 
Isa. 20.2,3,4.  At the same time spoke the Lord by Isaiah, the Son of Amoz, saying, Go, and lose the Sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot: And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. And the Lord said, Like as my Servant Isai. hath walked naked and barefoot three Years for a Sign and Wonder upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia; So shall the King of Assyria lead away the Egyptians Prisoners, and the Ethiopians Captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their Buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.; Here are Symbolical and Significative Ceremonies, whereby the Prophet was to represent to them, not only in Vision, as some suppose, but really, how they should be carried away captive, he must put off his prophetical Mantle (such as fell from Elias, when he was carried up to Heaven in a Whirlwind,) so they should go stripped (not stark naked) in sorry and ragged apparel, as Prisoners are wont to be led; so he was to walk up and down in that manner, that they might be convinced what should befall them. See the whole 4 th'. Chapter of Ezekiel, and Ezek. 12 th'. Chapter from V 3 d. to the 10 th'. and Ch. 24. from v. 16. to the 19 th'. Son of Man, behold I take from thee the Desire of thine Eyes with a stroke; yet neither shalt thou mourn, nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down, v. 19 Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead— v. 18. So I spoke unto the People in the morning, and at even my Wife died, and I did in the Morning as I was commanded, v. 19 And the People said unto me, wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou dost so? The People inquire, as well they might. What is it that we are to learn by this? These are types, what do they mean? but I'll close this with this Scripture-story. In 1 Kings 13. A Prophet is sent to tell Jeroboam what should befall his Idolatrous Altar, he stretcheth out his hand against the Prophet, but must be beholding to the Prophet's Prayer, that he may be able to pull it to him again: For this kindness he invites the Prophet to Dinner, but the Prophettells him, v. 8. If thou wilt give me half thine House, I will not go in with thee, neither will eat bread or drink water in this place, v. 9 For so was it charged me by the word of the Lord, saying, eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest. But this young Prophet was seduced by an old one, who pretended God by an Angel sent to him to invite him to take some refreshment, he having delivered his message, and was returning home another way, as was commanded him; but as he sat at the Table, the old Prophet is forced to tell his guest, he had seduced him, and for his yielding to the pretended Dispensation, a Lion should kill him, which was executed that very day, and the poor Prophet's death must assure both Court and City of the Certainty of the Prediction. O what need have Ministers to be cautious lest God by their death confirm their Doctrine, v. 32.  
2. God requires something more than ordinary. Joshua and the People had observed the ordinary time of Mourning. 
Deut. 34.8.  And the Children of Israel wept for Moses in the Plains of Moab thirty days: So the days of mourning for Moses were ended. 
Numb. 20.28.  So many days they mourned for Aaron; the time of mourning for ordinary Persons was seven days. But of Moses, when they had mourned as long for him, as for any one. God now puts them upon something more. It is not enough to do only as the People that went to see Christ crucified; 
Luke 23.48.  They smote their breasts, and returned. A transient Pang of Passion is not so much as the least that God calls for. Therefore,   

III. Prop.  III. When God takes away his Eminent Ministers, there is more work devolves upon others, both Ministers and People, by it. 
1. The Work they did must be done by others, that the Church of Christ may not be a loser by their death. And this you'll find to be hard work, for many to perform what some one hath done, whom God hath taken from us. One Moses did more than the seventy chief of them, who were to ease him of his burden; he did more with God and Man in Egypt, and in the Wilderness, by Sea, by Land, in Peace, in War more by lifting up in hands, in prayer, than the whole by lifting up their hands in fight. Exod. 17.11. When Moses held up his hand Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand Amalek prevailed. More for the quieting and satisfying of a murmuring People than any of them, than all of them could do. What is now therefore next to be done? and by whose hands? they might tremblingly inquire, for Moses is dead, and if the deliverance he begun, be not carried on, they must perish. Who dare now undertake it? But I'll speak of Moses as a Minister, and of such things wherein we are all concerned.  
2. Repentance of the Sins they reproved, which are not yet repent of; and the Performance of the Duties they called to, which they have not yet obeyed the Call; 
Zach. 1.5,6.  Your Fathers, Where are they? And the Prophets do they live for ever? But my Words and my Statutes which I commanded my Servants the Prophets did they not take hold of your Fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of Hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our do, so hath he dealt with us, q. d. Where are disobedient Fathers? though the Prophets die that threatened them, Did not the Threaten pursue and overtake them? and so the Word will have the same effect upon you, though the Ministers that preach it do not live to see its Accomplishment.  
3. New Duties spring as it were out of their Graves. There should be a Progress in the Knowledge and Practice of serious Godliness; Can you think that God requires no more of you now than he did of our Forefathers, when he first sent the Gospel amongst them? that we should know no more now, than those who had the first dawnings of Gospel-light out of worse than Egyptian darkness? that God expects no more fruits from you who have been so long cultivated, than from those that scarce ever heard a Conscience-awakening Sermon? Surely, you cannot persuade yourselves, I hope all the Devils in Hell cannot persuade you to think so. Besides, every Age hath its peculiar Truth. The Apostle Peter, 
2 Pet. 1.12.  when he mentions his departure, tells them he would have them established in the present Truth. And the Apostle Judas tells those to whom he wrote, 
Judas 3.  that 'twas needful for him to write unto them and exhort them, that they should earnestly contend for the Faith which was first delivered unto the Saints. Doth it not concern us diligently to inquire what may be the Doctrine of Faith, which God calls us now earnestly to contend for? Give me leave to propose it to your Enquiry, Whether it may not be the Doctrine of the Kingly Office of Jesus Christ? Mistake me not, I urge no other Contentions than that which every one will grant to be a Duty, namely, strive with God, in fervent Prayer for his fulfilling all the Promises that concern Christ's mediatory Kingdom, in short, that God would grant what Christ hath taught us first to pray for, Thy Kingdom come, that Christ's Kingdom may be advanced, and Satan's Kingdom may be destroyed. And strive with Men by the most forcible Arguments that the Scriptures furnish us withal, to be Christ's willing People in this day of his Power. And to strive with Enemies with the most piercing Convictions, that those Arrows may be sharp in their Hearts to wound, and heal them. Christians, pray, let it be your great care to approve yourselves to be the faithful Subjects of the Lord Jesus Christ, without any reserve of either Sin, or Duty.  
4. New Sins, like new Diseases, are peculiar to special times, for the Cure of which we must apply proper Remedies. We yearly speak of new Fevers, when they are but the same with some peculiar Circumstances. So in spiritual Diseases, several times have their several dangers. 
Acts 20.29.  After my departing shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock, v. 30. Therefore watch, etc. and v. 25. And now behold, I know that ye all among whom I have gone Preaching the Kingdom of God shall see my face no more. When ravening Wolves can no more worry, than Seducers will be busy to pervert, and when watchful Shepherds are taken away, 'tis then time for the Sheep of Christ to be sensible of their danger, that they may neither be frighted, nor flattered out of the Fold of Christ.   

Prop. IU.  iv While the Sense of the Death of any Eminent Minister is fresh upon us, we should take that advantage of getting an abiding benefit. When the Iron is hot, then is time to strike, to fashion it into that useful form, that it must abide in till it is worn out. Whose heart is heated and mollified by such a Providence as this, let it not cool again without some powerful Improvement. 
1. The Circumstances of such a Providence, which are most affecting, will wear off, if there be not great care to preserve them in their present vigour. We are in many things more affected with the Circumstances, than with the things themselves. Do but observe it in those signal Passages of God's providence towards you, which you did presently put down in writing, to keep by you; when some Years after you read them, doth it not bring to mind those Circumstances that were forgotten?  
2. Several things of great moment fall out but once in our Life, and perhaps you'll find this to be such a Providence, when you considerately consider of it.  
I think every one that will but seriously reflect upon the Providences of his own Life will find himself furnished with instances of this kind, both in the things of this Life and a better. Some speak peremptorily, that every one hath, some time of his life some providential offers of worldly advantage which if it be let slip, they never have a second offer like it. Nay more, they say, there's never any one under overwhelming pressures, but if he had complied with some hints of Providence, he might have prevented it: I will not divert strictly to examine this assertion, because 'tis not my business to preach a worldly Lecture. But observe it therefore in Spirituals. There's not any one now perisheth under the Gospel, but if he had, or would comply with the strive of the Spirit he might be saved. You will say, 'tis only the Elect shall be saved. I say so to. But add then; There is not any one in the World (〈…〉 can prove he is not elected. I grant 'tis easy to prove that they are not yet effectually called, but who can prove they never shall be. Though Salvation be of Grace, yet Damnation is only for Sin. There's not any one in the World, ever was, or shall be damned, only because he was not elected. Do you therefore catch at the offer of Salvation, and let not one offer slip: Perhaps you'll say, this Counsel is too late, you have let many slip. Well, but be entreated to slip no more, cast thyself at the feel of Christ in a way of Duty, and there humbly resolve to live and die. I do once more in the name of my Master invite and adjure thee to accept of this offer, do not neglect it, it may be thy last; thou canst not of thyself close with it, call in help from the Spirit of God, take Provocation and Encouragement from the Apostles way of urging it. 
Phil. 2.12,13.  Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure.   

V Prop.  V The present time is always the fittest for the present Duty. What is our present Duty? There are preculiar Seasons for particular Duties, Eccles. 8.6. Because there is a time and season for every work, therefore the Misery of Man is great upon him. Here it is that we blunder, and run ourselves into confusion, in perverting our Duties, in doing that first which should be last, and putting off that to the last which should be first. 
Mat. 6.33.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. We tyre ourselves in hunting after the World, and when we are weary, we would have rest, not in Heaven, that's a Holy place, possessed by holy Inhabitants, Holiness is hated about all things, let it be called Heaven, but let it be a Turkish Paradise, a place of freedom from Misery, and an enjoyment of sensual Delights. Thus we pervert both means and end, and while out our life in a Dream, till we awake in Hell. At best we lose our Tide, and then must row against it all the way. Whereas the hardest Duties of Religion, did we but mind their season, would be made graciously natural to us. 
1. Consider what help God ordinarily affords for present Duty, which, if that be neglected, he sometimes offers it not again. Should we reflect upon the Duty God now enjoined in this Verse, and remember what God did to their immediate Ancestors, Numb. 13.31,32. V 30. And. Caleb stilled the People— and said, Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it, v. 31. But the Men that went up with him, said we are not able to go up against the People, for they are stronger than we; compare this with Num. 14.37,40. v. 37. Those Men that did bring up the evil Report upon the Land, died by the Plague before the Lord, v. 40. The People risen up early in the morning, and got them up into the top of the Mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up into the place which the Lord hath promised; for we have sinned. The sum of the Story is this; 'twas their Duty to go presently and take possession of Canaan. Those that discouraged them to this Duty, God struck them dead suddenly: This startles the Survivors, they did but sleep upon it (or rather wake upon it) one night, on the very morrow morning, they'll go to rights to Canaan. No, 'tis too late, God refuseth the Conduct of them, there's never a Man of them shall ever see Canaan. Think of this over again.  
2. The oftener present Help for present Duty is neglected, the more likely it is that God is upon his departure from such a People, Jer. 16.21. Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might, and they shall know that my Name is the Lord, q. d. once for all, and I'll trouble myself with them no more.  
And now God saith, My Servant Brand is dead. Perhaps some may be ready presently to say, Will you compare him with Moses? It is said. 
Deut. 34.10.  There arose not a Prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. You may observe, several Persons are commended in Scripture as Non-such Persons for some peculiar Excellency, wherein they excelled others, though some in other things excelled them, e. g. 
2 Kings 18.5,6.  Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the Kings of Judah, nor any that were before him, etc. For trusting in God without calling in Heathenish Succours, none like him. So of Josiah, 
2 Kings 23.25.  Like unto him was there no King before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, neither after him arose there any like him. For his diligent care to root out Idolatry, and establish the true Religion, none like him. And of John Christ saith, 
Mat. 11.11.  Among them that are born of Women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. Other Prophets prophesied of Christ to come, John Baptist could point to him, and say, 
Joh. 1.29  Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the Sin of the World. He could show him to be already come. And the blessed Apostle saith of the Galatians. 
Gal. 4.14.  My temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected, but received me as an Angel of God, even as Christ Jesus, q. d. If Christ Jesus himself had come amongst you, you could not have been more kind to him than you were to me. In a word, I will grant Moses excelled all the Prophets, not only in the Sublimeness of his Prophecy, but in the Excellency and Multitude of his Miracles. In one Age he wrought Seventy six Miracles, when all that were wrought from the Beginning of the World to the Destruction of the first Temple were but seventy four, as some of the Jewish Masters count them. Moses had an Hundred seventy three Colloquies with God, which we read not of all Prophets besides.  
But yet if you will consider Mr. Brand, though I compare him not with Moses in the forementioned Particulars, yet I could mention more than I dare. I'll therefore wave all that I have to say, and come to that which I would and should come to, after all that can be said, and that is, Application.    

Application.  

I'll begin with a word of  
Information; But I fear the Belialists will call it a Use of Consolation, That Mr. Brand is dead; What was said of the two Witnesses, may in its measure be said of him; 
Rev. 11.10.  They that dwell upon the Earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelled upon the Earth. We shall never be troubled with his Zeal more; we were uneasy whenever we came where he was, tho' he said nothing to us, we were in fear, he would awaken our sleeping Consciences, and make them fall upon us, that we should have much ado to quiet them; but now, he will never disturb us more. I will not stay with these; only leave one word with them. That though they would not hear it from him, yet, unless by some other hand, they take the Counsel he did, or would have given them, viz. To turn from sin to God, they will never go whither he is gone.  
But the little Application I intent shall be to those who will receive it.   

I. To my Brethren therefore let me address myself. And seeing God by his Providence hath singled out the meanest amongst you to be your Remembrancer, do not slight the Message for the Messenger's sake, but receive it for its moment's sake. God speaks to you by (shall I call it) a visible voice, and should we not answer as Paul did to Christ upon his first powerful speaking to him. 
Acts 9.6.  Lord what wilt thou have us to do?  
1. Reflect upon what you have heard, and seen of Mr. Brand. This will requite your second thoughts, the most sedate thoughts, and till they present you with a better Method make use of this, viz. Withdraw yourselves as you do for secret Devotion, and there with awful Apprehensions of God's special Presence, thus (or in a more transporting manner) bespeak your own Souls. O my Soul, here's an Employment worthy of thyself! Here a Minister of Christ indeed! 
Isa. 42.2.  Here's one that made no noise in the World, but did his Master's work in his Master's way! Here's one, whose Body, and Soul, and Estate, and Interest were all vigorously laid out for Christ! Is not this Example worthy thy Imitation? shall no more use be made of this, then of a Squib, to be thrown away for a blaze, and a noise, and there's an end of it; or to use a better Metaphor, shall it be only looked upon as a Prodigy, to be talked of for a while, and nothing more? No, my Soul. God requires another kind of Improvement. God's giving me notice of such a Person is a Talon I must account for! Brethren, are you in good earnest, will you do thus much? If so; I am sure your Consciences will not be quiet till you do more.  
2. Put down in writing what in his Life your Consciences charge upon you to be your Duty to imitate. I'll suppose you now in the Secrets of God's presence, wholly taken up with such (as more spiritual) Soliloquies. This, and that he did, which I do not. This and that, he did, otherwise than I do. I cannot but say, 'Tis my Duty as much as his to fulfil my Ministry, where he had gracious Ability to discharge his Office, I may have the like to discharge mine. I'll therefore put down my present Sentiments of these things, and lay them by, for further Meditation and Prayer.  
3. Every day review what you have written; do it with Meditation and Prayer. Where you left it the day before, endeavour to take it up with the same (or greater) Sense of being concerned for the Souls of those to whom God sends you, he hath done much; it cannot be denied, but what hath been done, may be done. Here's one gave up himself more entirely to God, and to do good than I have yet done. What, though his worldly Estate was better than mine, shall I therefore imitate him in nothing? What! do nothing more than I did before! Think of it and pray over it again, and lay it by again, till it be ripe for a Resolution.  
4. Take it up again, and read it over, and pray it over, and think it over, with substracting, adding, altering as upon the most mature deliberation the Matter requires, and then bring it to a serious, humble, and temporary Resolution; and whether you will bring that Resolution under another refining. I submit it to you, but when it hath come under your last hand mould it into a Cautious, Self-dying, Temporary Vow: You know my Brethren better than I, that well composed Vows are extraordinarily helpful for the doing of extraordinary Service, and they are ordinarily blessed with more than ordinary Success, but the Success depends much upon the manner of their composition. I have named three Qualifications, which must be inseparable, namely, Cautious, for rash Vows involve the Soul in dreadful Perplexities, that many gracious Persons never extricate themselves while they live. And they must not only be Cautious, but Self-denying. I think I may say 'tis universally true, without so much as one exception, that a Self confident Vow is always broken. What we undertake in our own strength, God not only in Justice, but in Mercy shows us our folly; the more we live at a Dependence upon God in every thing (in a way of Duty, not of Sloth) the more infallible is our Success: Add one Qualification more, and that is Temporary not perpetual; mistake me not, I am not speaking of Baptismal Vows, or of those that make up (as it were) the Substantials of Religion; but of prudential Vows, that help us to the better performance of some special Duties; it is superfluous to speak here against Popish Vows, the word Temporary excludes them; and well may they be excluded; who exclude all but themselves from being religious, they call all their own Clergy Secular, i. e. worldly, that are not under some of their perpetual Vows, to them they appropriate the Title of Regular, and count their Votaries the only Religious among them; but all I aim at is this. Many whose hearts are set for God whose Judgements are newly informed, whose affections are warmly engaged, and whose Consciences are tenderly convinced that they must do their utmost to get assurance of their own Salvation, and then their utmost to promore the Salvation of others, and they would fain have the same Impression abide upon their Spirits without any abatement; and therefore they bind themselves to such Severities of Religion, that the Change of Providence render impracticable, and so what they intended to be a furtherance proves a hindrance of the end they designed: Therefore let your Vow be Temporary, and do by it, as you do by a Lease near its expiration, renew it again, with what alteration of Circumstances is necessary, without any abatement of the substance of your vow.  
My Brethren, I pretend not to teach you; this is all I aim at I beg of you to do something more after the proposing of this Example, than you did before the proposing of it, what to do, and how to secure the manner and the continuance of doing it, I leave wholly to yourselves, and to the Spirit's direction, I only beg, that this Example may not be lost to you.   

II. To private Christians; so far as what I have offered to my Brethren is suitable to your Station, make Conscience of it; But add,  
1. Improve Ministers while you have them, you cannot but be sensible, God is removing them apace, and which of you hath not said over some Ministers of your particular acquaintance, had I thought God would have taken them away so soon, I would have better improved my acquaintance. Do it now with those that remain, make the best you can of them, all manner of ways. In hearing of them, avoid two Rocks, be neither wanton, nor censorious; do not swallow all you receive like Pills without chewing, because you esteem the Preacher, nor Wire-draw what is delivered, because of prejudice. Do not refuse wholesome Truths, because they are not dressed up to your liking: Nor commend what is blame worthy because it suits your humour. How many better than yourselves would welcome what you nauseate. Many hungry Souls would count your Orts a Feast; in short, if you did but consider this one thing in Mr. Brand's ordinary composing of his Sermons: Surely 'twould make you cautious of hearing of Sermons ever after, namely, the more than ordinary time that he spent in Prayer, methinks it doth as it were naturally prompt you to be proportionably much in Prayer, that the word preached may be savingly profitable. Christians I propose it to your Consciences, whether serious praying, secret prayer before and after every Sermon you hear, would not do much to cure you of your faults of both hearing and practice. Though we trifle with Men, we dare not do so with God. A few serious Minutes with God before and after a Sermon, pray, try, whether 'twill not work Wonders.  
2. Acquaint yourselves more familiarily with some one, or more Ministers, that you have or may find specially beneficial to your Soul. Though there's no sufficient Scripture-warrant for a Popish Confessor to have a Key to your Conscience for secular Advantage, yet there's sufficient warrant for Christians to ask and Ministers not to dare to deny particular Advice and Encouragement in all emergent Cases. Where Pastors and People are duly communicative for ends purely Spiritual, 'Tis no small advantage to both: Ministers may learn as much to help their Preaching, as People may learn to guide their Practice. But,  
3. Do not trouble your Ministers with things remote from practical Cases of Conscience, but about your own present Duty. Christians I would charge you to weigh every word in this direction; do not trouble your Ministers, by diverting them and yourselves from what's of moment to what's trivial, (unless it be when it may be a Duty to unbend their Bow, for refreshing their tired Spirits) however pleasant it may seem to be, 'twill be a Trouble to review. Then let it be your Ministers, some run up and down, and settle no where, who are at best but like those Deer that leap over the Pales, who though they meet with better Pasture than the Park affords, yet they are leaner than those that stay in their Enclosure. Such planetary Christians, though they converse with worthy Ministers, yet 'tis ordinarily about things remote from what is spiritually profitable, they will ask Problematical Questions, and be sure like the Lapwing to make the greatest noise far from their Nest; they will not come near any thing that comes near their Conscience, but all the words they speak are such as Christ calls unprofitable, 
Mat. 12.36,37.  i.e. neither they, nor others can profit any thing by them; whereas your discourse with Ministers should always be of what may properly enough be called a Case of Conscience; their business, and their very Recreations should be reducible to Cases of Conscience, and that not only Cases of Conscience, but practicable Cases of Conscience; not Cases like the Cobwebs of the Schoolmen, finely spun but of no use, but of those things that concern Duty. Notions will not save us, we may tower high in Speculation and drop into Hell; it should be our Ambition to know words and 
Acts 11.14.  things whereby we may be saved. And 'tis not enough to know what is Duty; but what is our own Duty, we are too apt to remember what is said to be others Duty, and to twit them with the neglect of it, when we neglect our own. Peter himself said to Christ, when what he spoke should have engrossed his thoughts, about his own greatest concern, 
Joh. 21.21,22.  Lord, and what shall this Man do? Jesus said unto him, if I will, that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Mind your own Duty, to seek direction how you may direct those that are under your charge to do their Duty, that is your Duty, but do not concern yourselves with that which doth not concern you, as your own Duty; if you do, the least harm it doth you, is the necessitating you to omit your present Duty, you justle out your present Duty; and that is the last thing I mentioned in this Direction. Let your Enquiry always be about your present Duty; you will find this to shake off many Impertinencies; this will contract your work into a narrow compass; this will facilitate your greatest difficulties; for this you may pray in Faith, for God's assistance and acceptance; the well discharge of your present Duty, gives you the fairest hopes, that when that which is your future Duty shall come to be your present Duty, you shall graciously grow up into a capacity to discharge it.  
I'll name but one thing more;  
4. Exercise and evidence your real profiting by the Ministry you sit under, by discharging all your relations with suitable Godliness. You have now your liberty to choose what Minister you please; what choice ever you make, let it not be with the despising of others; bless God for the manifold Gifts and Graces to his and your Servants, for Christ's sake: Do not confine the Church of Christ to a Party, His little Flock would be a little Flock indeed, should all be excluded, that do not worship him the same way. You choose a Pastor [be sure it be one whom Christ owns as is under Shepherd] you take him to be the fittest for you (though he is not so to others) do you make it your business to be the best Christians, the best Husbands, the best Wives, the best Parents, the best Children, the best Masters and Mistresses, the best Servants, the best Neighbours, the best Friends, the best Dealers, the best Companions. Dear Christians be covetous of the best Graces, be ambitious of the best Privileges to put it beyond doubting, that you are the Son and Daughters of the most high; you are the Children of Adoption, and Heaven is yours by Inheritance. 
Col. 2.6,7.  As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and established in the Faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with Thanksgiving.   

III.  
III. To Youth: 'Twas to Young ones Mr. Brand delighted to speak (in some respect) above all others, to these was his Heart most enlarged, and his Tongue most fluent, and 'tis to these my Tongue and Pen are most straightened, my consciousness to myself of coming short of him in every thing, but most in this, of his holy Oratory to Youth, that Text almost frights me from saying any thing, Job 6.15. How forcible are right words? But what doth your arguing avail? Not but that I am willing to imitate him, and wish that my words might be his Echo, in more than repeating, a little of that he hath spoken, and longer than for a short time, and with more than a vanishing faintness. I hearty wish that the Spirit of God would bring things to your remembrance; that you might not only through strength of Memory, but through strength of Grace, remember the Counsel he gave you; what Questions he put to you upon the Questions of your Catechism, and what Answers he so prompted you to make, as to make them your own; what youthful Sins, and Temptations he warned you against, and how he pressed you to early Piety: How he encouraged you from Christ's being the children's advocate against their captious Accusers, for following him with hosannah's, Christ applying that of the Psalmist to them, that 
Psal. 8.2.  God by them did still the Enemy and the Avenger, i. e. they did more to the Detriment of the Devil's Kingdom than most others. I hope you will never forget, with what evidence of Reason, with what warmth of Affection, with what conviction of Conscience, he bespoke you for Christ. I hope you cannot but remember, Here was his Heart, here were his hopes, here was his sleeping, waking Thoughts, his sleeping thoughts, his last thoughts when he went to sleep; his waking thoughts, his first thoughts when he waked in the Morning; here was his plodding, praying thoughts; his plodding thoughts, how he might do good to the next Generation; his praying thoughts, that God would direct and bless unwearied his Endeavours. You know how solicitous he was to give you suitable Instruction, and how desirous that you might drink it in, as the Earth the Rain. In short, I cannot express, pray, do you endeavour, that you may practically conceive, how he did as it were travel over you, that might be the Comfort of the present, and the Blessing of the next Generation. But now 
2 Kings 2.3,9.  God hath taken away your Master from your Head this day; you shall never more skip for joy at his approaching presence; you shall never more be cheered with his holy Charms; you shall never more be provoked by his irresistible Persuasion. Methinks you can do no less than cry to God for (what Elisha asked of Elijah) a double portion of his Spirit, not twice so much as he had (I know not whether that may be expected on this side Glory) but as the firstborn in dividing of Inheritances, twice so much as any of the Brethren of the Family, so, twice so much as those who have not had such helps; You will be great losers, if your gain be not proportionable to your Talents. Great are our Expectations from you; if you do not bestir yourselves to be exemplary for Piety and usefulness; good and bad will justly blame you; the good will mournfully bewail their disappointment, they are big with hopes, that those who were the chief of his Care and Charge should stand up in his stead, and make it their business to do that by many hands, which he did alone, that the Church may be no loser by his death. The bad will with triumph scorn you (which is a dreadful way of real blaming of you) as degenerate Plants there needed no such cost and care to make you like them; How will you bear such dagging upbraid? But in short, how will you answer it to my Master? You must give another kind of account to him, than you did to Mr. Brand; the account he called you to, was such, that what was faulty might be amended, and what was defective might be made up: But when Christ shall call you to an account (you know not how soon that will be) the State of Preparation will be over; there will be no more (no not a Minutes) space for Repentance; no place of rectifying Mistakes. Now, now is your time, your only time, your fleeting, perishing, expiring time. Therefore answer the Convictions of your own Consciences; now make Conscience of the performing the Promises you have made to God and him: Now do that in a way of Faith and Holiness, that Christ may say to you, Well done good and faithful Servants, enter you into the Joy of your Lord.    
FINIS.   

Eulogies were sent, in all the Languages Christ's Epitaph was written, (if I may so call the Inscription upon his Cross) but I'll only present you with these;  

Upon Reverend Mr. Brand.  

T he helpfullest of Ministers and Saints:  
H is Work God blest with Grace, or with restraints.  
O n those who felt neither of these effects:  
M such may they fear, their hardening for neglects.  
A ll sorts who knew him best, they him most prized.  
S trangers alone they were who him despised.   

B ehold, Report, Admire, never Disdain:  
R ead'ly to imitate him Heaven to gain.  
A ll worldly Happiness, it shrinks before:  
N ever to vy in competition more:  
D each is at hand to open you the Door.   

t' a Wake, eXhort, proVokes the Use o'th' Story,  
DeCeMber the first he Was taken to Glory.  
●. A.    

Upon Reverend Mr. Brand.  

WHen Primitive Devotion, Zeal and Love  
Fled back to th' Ark like Noah's weary Dove,  
Heaven left some Sparks behind, to let us see  
What once we were and still we ought to be;  
Some few good Men, and this was one, to save  
A sinking World, not only just but brave:  
Nobly he stemmed the Tide; vast Seas roll by  
And dash the Rock, but could not mount so high:  
The firm Foundation could not sink or start,  
'Twas deep and sure, a meek and humble Heart.  
The noisy Bar the Road to Wealth and Fame  
He shuns those gaudy Toys below his aim,  
The despised Gospel all his Thoughts did claim:  
Nor rashly did the sacred Charge invade,  
He chose it as an Office, not a Trade,  
Trembling the weighty Task he undertook,  
But when engaged did never backward look.  
His Zeal alike well placed and well designed;  
Neither lukewarm, nor raging, cold nor blind:  
Sworn to no Party, in no Interest he  
But that of common Christianity.  
So sweet, so affable, his Mind, and Face,  
He proved, Good-nature was no Foe to Grace.  
His Charity, like heavens, confined to none;  
Not, even the worst but shared his Rain and Sun,  
Tho' with a kinder Influence still he viewed  
Those few, who spite o'th' Fashion, dared be good.  
Improved even old Disciples, gained the young,  
And dropped Instruction from his silver Tongue.  
These had his Soul, and his true Friendship tried,  
With these he prayed, for these he lived and died.  
Loved 'em so well, that when Heaven called away  
Almost he's in a straight to go or stay.  
Till Meditation did the Clouds remove  
And showed the Glories of tho Blest above.  
What Mansions in his Fathers-house prepared,  
What Joys by Mortals never seen nor heard:  
Then like the Hart whom the hot Chase invades,  
Who plunges in the Brook from his loved shades,  
His thirsty Soul breaks out with eager haste  
And finds those Streams of Bliss he died to taste.   
S. W.   

Upon the Death of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Brand.  

I.  
DEath Commands silence; but his Death Forbids:  
He Dead must Speak by his surviving Deeds;  
Whose Life was Action, and his Actions Life;  
Purged from Dead Works; in Vital Issues Rife:  
When once the Quick'ning Spirit from above  
Breathed in a Living Faith, and Active Love:  
But Slew him first; while to his Naked Eye  
It did present that Dreadful Majesty,  
Which put him to Isaiah's doleful Cry.  
His Lips unclean, and Theirs amongst whom he dwelled,  
Himself undone; till the Live Coal he felt  
From off God's Altar, purging Sin away, 
Isa. 6.   
Then answered, Here I am, send me, I pray.  
Our Gospel-Altar gave that Holy Fire,  
Which to a Gospel-Temple did aspire: 
Pag. 7.   
That of our Law no longer could content;  
Seraphic Love must on God's Work be sent.  
And sent he was much like another Paul,  
Struck down, he Herd, Revived, Risen at Christ's Call;  
Amongst his Brethren Laboured more than all.   

II.  
To's Father's Name, or Church was no Disgrace;  
None he would do: Had not desire to Rasel  
Whilst Build he might not, in his Father's place:  
Who Dignifyed by her, yet far outvy'd  
That Grace, and her more highly Dignifyed  
By such a Son: Whom (ah!) she had not known,  
When in a Crowd, she did him too disown:  
Had she foreseen, sure, for his sake alone,  
Black Barth'l'mew had never Outed one.  
But he his Filial Duty ne'er forgot;  
No more her Name, than his own Soul would blot:  
Strokes, aimed at her, he'd with his Peril Ward;  
And to her Worthies paid a just Regard;  
Nor Bribed; Whilst he with Generous Content  
Her Titles mis'st, his own fair Income spent,  
Not Held of her; yet Turned to her Use:  
For that's True Schism, and the worst Abuse,  
Which Vogues Our Church not served, but undone;  
When Souls to Christ's by all apt means are won.   

III.  
This his grand Project; this his single Aim  
Not tied to Party, Interest, or Name:  
The Christian Sum with differing side agreed,  
In God's Ten Words, Christ's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed:  
No Firebrand but a burning, shining Light,  
His Love as fervent as his Knowledge bright:  
This Puffed not up his Mind; That Edified  
His, and who knows, how many Souls beside?  
His Tongue, Feet, Hand, and even Purse could Teach:  
His Seasoned Speech would daily hourly Preach;  
Yet sweetly flowing Charmed, and Chained the Ear,  
Whilst he could speak, swift and intent to hear.  
What some would stories call, were Parables,  
At once to Please and Profit; Sacred Spells,  
Can Heaven lure down to Earth, Earth ralse to Heaven:  
Such Help to Men; Such Grace to him was given!  
Words, backs (and edged) by his rare Bounty, could  
From Flint supply the Desert with a Flood.  
His wise Reproofs, as  darted in,  
Can melt hard Hearts, and never raze the Skin;  
No Scar would make will out yet wrought the Cure within.   

iv  
His Sermon not a Chance starched Common place;  
But drawn to suit the People's studied Case,  
From a Tried Word, by Prayer, and searching Thought,  
With one days Waiting, Weekly to be Taught  
Himself of God to Teach Men, as he ought.  
His Text he'd follow home, and Hearers too;  
What Preaching could not, Conference might do:  
On all, and each he'd spread the Gospel-Net:  
Not only sow at large, but singly set.  
He'd blow, or even dig the fallow Soil;  
Plant, and then water with incessant Toil:  
Would do the Work of an Evangelist,  
Humbly Concealed under the Catechist.   

V  
A Catechist accomplished every way,  
Truth to Commend, as well as to display:  
A Master-builder, who could surely lay  
The right Foundation 'gainst a Trying day.  
Lose Truths, he knew less understood, soon lost;  
And Pulpit-Summaries too big for most:  
An oft Rehearsed Scheme they must retain;  
Well might conceive, what their own Words made plain:  
Hardly could doubt, what they were brought to prove; 
Pag. 48.   
Or from their undertaken Duty move;  
And least of all, when wrought into their Love:  
Persons he'd singly, Truths conjunctly Teach;  
Hearers should speak them; and the People Preach,  
Called, and Conducted to a sound Reply  
By Questions fitting each Capacity.  
And well he knew, under such gentle Rain,  
" The leaking Sieve must yet a Dew retain;  
" And Fruitless Trees a Leafy Verdure gain.  
He taught not Parrots, nor would whisper in  
Such sounds, as empty Heads should give again:  
Would sense by Words, convey with holy slight;  
Apt Words suggest by sense conveyed aright.  
Mind, Conscience, Will he'd throughly Catechise;  
Yet not Confess the Man; Each power surprise  
By Christian Wiles for Christ; with Holy Paul  
Would, to save some, become all things to all.   

VI  
He far above the World, could yet descry  
Wisdom's hid Paths below; But drew the Eye  
Still to attend th' unerring Pole above,  
By which himself did safely, calmly move.  
His Morning, Evening-Dews the Word, Praise, Prayer,  
(And even these a Heavenly Manna were)  
The Happy Horse should with his Closet share;  
This knew him early oft, long on his Knees,  
Constant at study, and to him, who sees  
In secret often Fasting, to prepare  
The Food of Souls with utmost Pains and Care.  
There a John Baptist; Coming thence he'd be  
Sweet, like his Lord, and innocently free;  
Wise to win Souls by Christian Courtesy.  
Thrice Happy Orb, where e'er this Sun did shine,  
Whose Heavenly Course shed Influence divine,  
Meted the Hours, and numbered out each Day  
For all, that would observe his constant way:  
His daily Weekly Motion; yea his Rest  
So Measured, they were Measures for the Best  
Standing one day, or going back had been  
A Miracle, in him was never seen.  
Heaven's Kindness in him shone to Good and Bad  
Those his Light blest, and these his Warmth made Glad.  
Forth from his Native East this kinder Sun  
Rejoiced a large, repeated Course to run;  
To barren Climates he would gladly bring  
Through smartest Winter-storms a Gospel-spring:  
But (ah!) more swift than strong ran out of Breath,  
Sunk in a Sea of Tears, that wail his Death;  
Yet from his Highest South did not decline;  
Set upon Heaven's Prime Meridian Line:  
There does, though Hid from us, more brightly shine.   

VII.  
But, O the Light dispersed throughout this Land,  
(Yea Life conveyed) by his Instructive Hand;  
Which rightly found what here he had to do;  
Writings, too many were; Readers too few:  
There he'd Cull out the Best; Here all invite  
On Free-cost; or for Colour ask their Mite,  
Who Starving, yet his Treat accepted not, 
Pag. 57, 58.   
Till they might seem, at least; to Pay their shot.  
Spread thus the Sacred Writ more common grew;  
Yet, better known, was held more Sacred too.  
None Bought more Truth, or Weightier than he;  
None would less Sell, or Give it out more Free.  
The Happy Scheme, that Great Assembly drew, 
Pag. 46.   
By England's public Doctrine wouched True,  
By Ireland's Learned Primate voted best,  
With Cumber's for the Temple Service dressed,  
Sent out by Thousands lodge every where,  
Freely to Teach God's Knowledge, and his Fear.   

VIII.  
That Hundred thousand times repeated [Call,]  
Answered by Thousands; yet not heard by all;  
[Directions] too, with [Now or Never] pressed,  
And many more by [Everlasting Rest]  
Commended he from the Great Baxter's Pen  
Spread in an Age how blest with two such Men!  
He, at the Head of Twenty thousand [Guides] 
Pag. 55.   
Drew after those as many more besides;  
All Offering Freely, or at lowest Price,  
To lead Men to the Heavenly Paradise.  
Pink, Caley, Wade, Dent, [Scudder's Daily Walk] 
Pag. 56.   
With [Reyner's Rule] and (to prevent a Balk)  
The [Vindication] of that Godliness,  
They Teach, some Mock, few Live; though most profess:  
These given to make Men Practically Wise; 
Pag. 57   
To such a Word Polemick might suffice;  
Pool against that which Most, Worst Errors does comprise.  
With more and larger Volumes, showing forth  
At once their Authors, and the Donor's worth:  
Some in the Plainer Dress of Charity;  
Others to Court Acceptance by the Eye:  
Here Golden Drops; but there a Learned Shower  
Into some Students Laps he'd frankly pour.   

IX.  
His Purse as free, as were his constant Pains;  
Souls to deliver from their Captive Chains:  
On froward Patients, backward Clients. He  
Would rare Advice bind with as rare a Fee,  
Answered their Need, or honoured their Degree.  
Whilst he the Body fed; Twice Welcome Guest,  
Whose Soul would Welcome its Presented Feast!  
They whom his Cost could fit for an Employ  
Civil, or Sacred, were his Crown his Joy.  
The Care and Charge of num'cous Churches he  
Sustained by Apostilick Charity;  
As first he raised the People, Pastor, Place,  
Which oft his Pains would help, his Presence grace.  
The Catechist he planted every where;  
And oft would be, throughout his ample Sphere.  
Hired not a few to Teach, more to be Taught;  
Books for the most, and Time for many Bought,  
Outdoing Mammer's Pay, the Poor had earned,  
While they God's Work (their Christian Calling) Learned:  
Conform to Christ, He, to enrich the Poor,  
Made himself so; Would still exhaust his store;  
As that came on, his Bounty did advance;  
Reserving but the Entailed Inheritance,  
A Root of Growing Liberality,  
Which, whilst he lived, was certain not to Die:  
(May but his Spirit with that Mantle go;  
And Charity shall never fail below.  
His Income, all Returned each Year above,  
Put out to Use by Acts of Faith, and Love,  
He's now admiring in its vast Increase,  
Made sure for ever, Crowned with joyful Peace.   

X.  
How Blessed he, who only would receive  
Of Heaven's Free Gift, that he might freely give:  
God's Almoner, a Bishop though no Peer,  
[To Church, and Poor a Just, kind Overseer.]  
He knew his Order free for Marriage-bands;  
Was Free in them; they could not Tie his hands:  
A Match (for him by Heaven's Care designed)  
He found Well-fitted to his Generous Mind:  
Thus, Clear of Popish, feigned Chastity,  
Did even their Fame of Charity outvie:  
Tho' 〈◊〉 can scarce be told, his Right-hand did,  
Which from his Left industriously was Hid.  
Children he had; Born, not for Earth, but Heaven;  
To him, that gave them, so entirely given;  
The Covenant for them, so Improved and Pressed,  
God took them Early Ripe to Endless Rest.  
Thus, was he still Surviving Glorified;  
He walk, his lived with God: And when he died,  
Left a Name better than of Children here;  
Souls Born to God, and Nurtured in his Fear.   

XI.  
His Care for Heaven was: He Heaven's Care; 
Pag. 62, 64.   
None should be set; or he escape the Snare:  
Once Waylaid, to be seized Hell's Prisoner;  
Made Heaven's, at Large, just till the Coast was clear:  
'Twas fit His Feet should hold their Liberty;  
Whose Tongue, Hand, Purse, to Hell's despite were free  
But (Ah!) He spent himself too Lavishy:  
His Body ●…'d not Respite, scarce Repair;  
Souls did so far Engross his Time and Care.  
Till, forced less to Work, he seemed Confined;  
Earth grew a Prison to his Heavenly Mind:  
His Three Years Weakness, and continued Pain  
Hung on his active Soul, a heavy Chain;  
Fo●…'d in the Feverish Fire of Native heat,  
By Pious Travel roused, enraged by Damping Wet:  
His Legs, now Fettered, Swell; Through every Part  
Pain ran, in vain Pursued by Medick Art;  
Yea though it sometimes made a daring Halt,  
As from his Side the Vitals to Assault;  
Or fixed like (though since 'tis fully known  
His Temperament had nothing of) the Stone:  
An Asthma too Essayed to stop his Breath  
What Skill could Lose such Twisted Bands of Death?   

XII.  
He meekly followed as his Captain Led;  
In doing, and by Suffering Perfected:  
Sense overwhelmed, Faith was his Ease, and Rest:  
His Soul, in Patience quietly possessed,  
Humbly adored God's Love and longed to see  
The Face so sought by Faith, Hope, Charity  
He Greatest in this Greatest of the Three.  
Misgiving Fear could not his Torment prove.  
Who was even here so Perfect grown in Love:  
When Work he might not; Feign he'd go to Rest;  
Can choose to be Dissolved, as far the Best:  
Prepared, as one Wise even to Presage  
That Midnight-Cry, which C●…'d him off the Stage  
Who, like his Saviour, (through him Crucified.)  
But Easier far, a Bleeding Victor died;  
And went in Triumph to heavens Wedding-Feast  
If Love be Welcome there, a Welcome Guest.  
The Honour due to such a Memory  
Must lay a Tax on all Posterity:  
A Minor Prophet and a far less Poet  
For his own Age alone can never show it:  
Men, Christians, Ministers, so many Made,  
More by his means Improved, yet more Essayed;  
With all, who Own a Service to that Lord  
He so well Served; should their best Aids afford,  
His Name with just Acknowledgements to Grace.  
And with his Virtues fill the vacant Place:  
This Composition needs must fall too Law  
All I can Pay, is not the Tithe   
J. O.    

To the READER  
On the BOOK.  

REad here the Effigies of a lovely Soul,  
Composed with a mysterious Harmony  
Of what soe'er was great and good; Behold,  
The Parts rude draught the curious Texture, he  
Alone that form it so good  
With that same Wisdom understood,  
A Soul too pure to act a Body here,  
Too great to be confined to a Clod of Earth;  
And shackling dull Mortality to bear,  
Impatient to be gone as 'twas for birth,  
Too resolutely brisk by far  
To keep's frail Cottage in repair.  
Blessed Martyr (so I dare that Hero call,  
As well as those who mount the Heaven by fire,  
Who sacrifices quiet Life and all  
Pushed on by  desire  
To serve the Lord) thy Memory shall  
(Without our Praises) grateful be till this vast Fabric fall   
J. E.  
FINIS.