A Funeral Sermon Preached at the Merchant's Lecture, AT Pinner's-Hall, Broadstreet, UPON THE DEATH of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Gouge, Who Deceased Jan. 8. 1699/ 1700. By JOHN NESBITT. LONDON: Printed for John Martial, at the Bible in Grace-Church-Street. 1700. TO THE Relations and Friends Of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Gouge, DECEASED. THE more Useful your Relation or Friend was to the World, and Delightful to you, the more Conspicuous will your Graces appear, in a becoming Submission to the Will of Him, who hath now removed him to a Better Place. We can't part with such in whom we have Pleasure, without Pain; nor can such as have been united in Affection, part without a Sigh and a Groan. To have no Sense of what we suffer, or to part with our Friends as if we sustained no Loss, is Stupidity, and not Submission; but while you feelingly complain to God, to show your Affection, beware of complaining of him, or censuring his Dispensations, for he is accountable for None of his Ways; as he can't deny us that Mercy which we have Merited, so he can't take that from us which we have not Forfeited; therefore it becomes you to say with David, I was Dumb, I opened not my Mouth, because thou didst it. Psal. 39 9 What I have said of him, will appear to the Impartial, his Circumstances being considered, to be a due Debt. If any of you think I have said too little, blame yourselves, for not making Choice of a more Skilful Hand, to represent him in his full Lustre. If any blame me for saying so much, that's owing to the Living, who made it needful, and not to my Inclination. If to think and speak Ill of others is (as a Great Man hath Asserted) not only a bad thing, but a sign of a bad Man, sure I am, it's a very difficult thing to find a good Man in Conversation, when speaking Ill of others is so much in fashion. It is a pity, when so many of all Parties seem to be bend for Division, that such should appear agreed and united only in this, to think the way to do Christ Service, and promote their own Opinions, is by endeavouring to blast the Reputation of each other; I wish rather all Parties could learn to be Conscientiously strict to their own Principles and Persuasions, in Practice, and at the same time do all the Offices of Love and Kindness to each other, notwithstanding our Differences, as becomes the Disciples of a Meek Jesus. As for this Discourse, it is a Theme that is so often Preached and Published, and Calculated chief for Practice, that I must not expect, it will suit the Gust and Relish of such Airy Christians as despise all Practical Discourses; but if it may be Blest of God, to assist and excite any of you, or others, so to number their Days, that they may apply their Hearts to Wisdom, my Design is obtained; which that it may, is the Earnest Prayer of, Your Sincere Friend and Servant in the Ministry of Christ Jesus, John Nesbitt. Books Printed for and Sold by John Martial, at the Bible in Grace-Church-Street. AN Elegiac. Essay Humbly Offered to the Pious Memory of the Late Reverend and Learned Mr. Matthew Mead, Minister of the Gospel at Stepney, etc. Also most of his Works. The Effigies of Mr. Matth. Mead, newly Engraved to the Life, by an Ingenious Hand, far Excelling any before. A Sermon on the Death of the Reverend and Learned Mr. Stephen Lob. By Thomas Goodwin. A Declaration of the Congregational Ministers in and about London, against Antinomian Errors, etc. The Second Edition. To which is added, The Testimony of some of the Ministers in Behalf of the rest. The Divine Institution of Congregational Churches, Ministry, and Ordinances. By Isaac Chauncy. Variety without Vanity, or a Compact Number of Copies, with most Sorts of Copy-books, etc. with Copies on the top to learn by: Also most Sorts of Books whereby to learn Shorthand. Rich's Shorthand Testament and Psalms. A Funeral-Sermon. ECCLES. seven. Verse 2. The last clause. The Living will lay it to his Heart. IT is generally granted that Life is the most inestimable Jewel of the Creation; the Father of Lies in this spoke Truth; That Skin for Skin, Job 2. 4. and all a Man hath he will give for his Life. Life tho' but in an Infect, is more Glorious than the Sun that gave it both Breath and Being. A Living Dog is better than Eccl. 9 4. a Dead Lyon. Yet this Royal Preacher when he weighs the Godly Man's Death, with the Day of his Natural Birth, he prefers the former before the latter. The one is attended with a numerous train of Miseries, whereas the other is the Believers deciding Stroke, and final Conquest over all his Enemies. Hence he persuades us to allay the Sorrow and Toil of a miserable Life, by making preparation for a comfortable Death; and the method proposed, is to frequent Funerals rather than Feasts. It is better to go to the House of Mourning, than to the House of Feasting, and that for two Reasons. First, Because while we are Lamenting another's Death, we may learn the Frailty of our own Life. For it is the end of all Men. Secondly, The Influence it will have upon our Hearts and Practice. The Living will lay it to his Heart. Which passage I hope will not be thought unsuitable to the late Providence, which gave me the sad occasion to make choice of it. First, Here's a Duty mentioned Laying Death to Heart. Secondly, You have the equity or reasonableness of it. The Living will lay it to his Heart: As he Merits the Character of a Fool, nay of a Devil, that can make a mock of his own or another's Sins, so he is Prov. 14. 9 justly esteemed Dead, while Living, that with an unconcerned Eye can see Death's Conquest over others, which is the Fruit of Sin and the example of his own. The Doctrine I purpose to prosecute from these Words is this, When we hear or see Death removing the best of Men and Ministers, it is highly reasonable to expect that the Living will lay Death to Heart. In managing this point I shall, I. Show what it is to lay Death to Heart II. The reasonableness of it. III. apply it. First, What it is to lay Death to Heart. First, To fix the Mind upon Dying, to make it the Subject of our Mente attendet. serious Meditation: He that is a Wise Man will consider his latter end, when he sees an end is come to others before him: Some like the Prodigal lavish out their Thoughts wholly about this World, and Death that will shortly snatch them from it, is quite forgotten; they like Archimedes are drawing their Projects in the Dust: Take no Alarm by the warnings that are given them, till the Enemy smite them down at once. Others think it too Melancholy a Theme, and why should they torment themselves before the time, to think that this Body, carefully kept and delicately fed, must change its present dwelling, to become not only a Companion, but a Banquet for Worms. Some they hope that their Sun is not yet arrived at its Meredian, and for them to think of Dying, is as if you would bid them go to Bed at Noon Day: When they have settled thire Affairs in the World; their Years are come, in which they have no Pleasure; when Old Age hath Snowed upon their Heads and devoured their sensual Pleasures, then to think of Dying is a suitable Doctrine: But while their Blood is Sparkling in their Veins, it is not a convenient Season: Nay, even the Believer tho' he is in safety as to his Spiritual state, is apt to shiver at the first view of this King of Terrors, as Job calls him, tho' with the Apostle he groan under the weight of his tiresome Tabernacle, yet when he sees the Hand that must deliver him, he desires rather, that the Mortal Body might be clothed with Immortal Glory; but tho' we fly from Death like Moses from his Rod when turned into a Serpent, yet when we frequently take it up by the Hand of Faith, we see there is no harm nor danger in it. To lay Death to Heart is to acquaint our Thoughts with Dying. Secondly, To be duly affected with our concernment in it, he will not pass it over with a slight apprehension, like a Natural Man beholding his Face in a Glass, and straightway forgetteth Jam. 1. what manner of Man he was. But he will work it upon his affections. Inditurus est illud animosuo. Trem. I know there are many who Laugh at Death, and treat their dissolution with Contempt and Scorn, like Gaal of old, who disdained Abimelech, when at a distance, Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? And yet at the first attack cowardly Judges 9 38. fled before him: Some are like the sleepy Drunkard at ease in their Sins, and never lift up their Eyes till in the midst of Hell Flames. That profession, which serves many to keep up a Reputation in Religion, will prove too slender a defence against the Arrows of this King of Terrors. There are Three things which one Mr. Sedgwicks' Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. Sr●●g 1656. said many Years ago Prognosticate approaching judgements, because not duly regarded. First, An unconcernedness of Spirit, when the Foundations of the Christian Religion are overturned and destroyed, to see the Cornerstone pulled out, and we not affected. Secondly, To see the generality of Professors contenting themselves with an empty Name, without the power of Religion, No Man stirring up himself to takehold of a departing Isa. 64. 7. God. Thirdly, To see the Ministers of Christ despised and contemned. The 2 Chro. 36. 15, 16. Lord had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But when they mocked the Messengers of God, etc. Then Wrath arose, and there was no remedy. If the Ambassadors of Peace be rejected, the Herald's of War will follow them: And have we not the same Symptoms still remaining? There are some things that are of great Moment, and very uncertain as to our enjoyment of them, and therefore we should be deeply affected with them; one is the offers of the everlasting Gospel. O that Luk. 19 42 thou hadst known in this thy Day. etc. the Waters of Life will not always run waist by your Doors. If God's to Day be too soon, your to Morrow may be too late. Another is the inward striving of the Spirit. My Spirit shall not always Gen. 6. 3. strive with Man. When you are under conviction take heed how they wear off: If they leave thee short of a through closure with Christ, thou art undone for ever; and I may add our own Life, Is it not a Vapour that appeareth for a little while, and Jam. 4. 14. then vanquisheth away? And yet an eternity depends upon it; surely then Ex hoc momento pendet Eternity's. the laying Death to Heart, is not practised till our affections are duly affected with our concernment in it and that, Thirdly, And Principally by resolving in sincerity to make ready for it. The Heart by Sin, is become both desultory in its Meditations and deceitful in its Resolutions. I doubt not but this Day, there are many in the Chamber of utter Darkness, that in their way thither had their secret purposes to reform their Courses, only for the present they had not leisure. We forget that Sin like Dalilah hath cut our Locks, and so purpose in our own Strength, and go out in the Srength of our Resolutions, and thence all our purposes are snapped asunder like Sampson's Withs, when outward temptations fall in with indwelling corruptions; but to resolve in sincerity, is with full purpose of heart, depending upon the Lord and the power of his might, to prepare to meet this formidable Enemy, and that with respect unto, Is't, Our Spiritual State; 2dly, With respect unto our present frame, the former is our safety, and the latter our comfort; every Believer dies safely, but he that is actually ready embraces Death triumphantly and even before the Fight can sing the Victory. First, Then to prepare with respect unto your state, and this includes Three things. Is't. To be united unto Christ, and clothed with his righteousness. I know there are many witty expressions and fortifying considerations scattered in the Writings of Heathens to arm us against Death's assults. But alas! All of them can't make an Armour of proof for a dying Man; the Sting of Death will pierce through all of them; nay bring in the righteousness which thou hast done, and that too will prove too scanty a Garment to cover thy shame. There is but one impregnable foretress, where this Enemy can never hurt you, and that is the Rock Jesus: There is but one Robe that will effectually secure, as well as adorn thee, against this Enemy, and that is his Righteousness: Death will find out every Man's standing, whether it be in the first or second Adam; if in the former, than all your Sins, are upon your Souls, and tho' now they seem light and sit easy, yet every one of them will be heavier than a Millstone to sink thee into endless misery; this the Apostle knew, when he desired to be found in him, not having his own righteousness, Phil. 3. 9 etc. to be found in him, Notes his Spiritual union with Christ; not having mine own righteousness which is of the law. To signify the insufficiency of all he could call his own, But that which is through the faith of Christ. Thereby owning that as he had no confidence in the flesh, so his rejoicing was in Christ Jesus, and his Righteousness; it's in him and with him only, that you can dwell in safety, and through him you must obtain the Victory. 2dly, When your covenant state between God and you is secured: It was this that made the Psalmist 2 Sam. 23. 5. of Israel sing so sweetly when stepping into Eternity: He views his Family, and there finds nothing to support his departing Spirit, but when he Reads over the Charter of the Covenant, he gins the Songs of Zion, tho' not yet past the swell of Jordan: Here he saw that peace between God and him which would abide in Death, and outlive the Grave. They that are without the Bond of the Covenant, who have never given their Heart and Hand to be the Lord's, they may be dejected, and there is cause for it. But, Why Ps. 49. 5. should I fear in the day when the iniquities of my heels compass me about: tho' not only Infirmities but many Iniquities lay siege against the believers Soul, yet why should I be dejected? For the Lord will redeem my vers. 15. Soul from the power of the grave, my God will receive me. What tho' Death seem never so terrible, it hath lost its Sting; Christ by his Cross hath turned those Waters of Marah into a refreshing Stream to all that are in Covenant with God through him: As in the first Covenant Death is the Messenger of Justice to drag the Sinner to execution, so in the New Covenant, it is the Messenger of a Father to fetch his Children to those Mansions Christ hath prepared for them; tho' death is continued in its natural conception, as it is a dissolving of our Frame and Union between Soul and Body, yet it is not continued in its moral notion, as a penal satisfaction: Death itself is put into the Believers Inventory, Death is yours. 1 Cor. 3. 22. Death is to every Man according to the Covenant in which it finds him; if there be a Covenant of Peace between God and Thee, than thou may'st go out boldly and meet death as a real Friend, tho' in the Array of a formidable Enemy. 3dly, When your Hearts are sanctfied and renewed, We are saved Tit. 3. 5. by the Washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Christ's Righteousness will never be a defence to any but his own Image, If we take his Robe to cover us in our Sin, we do but deceive our own Souls: As death will wipe away all Tears from the Believer's Eyes, so it will take off the paint of Hypocritical Professors; then elevated strains shall not go for true Godliness, nor fair Words pass for Charity, nor an empty Name for the power of Religion; he only shall appear an Israelite indeed that is without Guile, and hath true Grace or Wisdom in the hidden parts. As Hypocrites, tho' they are embellished with many glistering Ornaments in the externals of Religion, yet they are always loathsome to God, because of their unseen uncleannesses; so tho' Believers have many visible Infirmities and Imperfections, yet they are always glorious with the truth of Grace within, tho' like the Ark covered with corpse Skins, yet pure Gold within; then do we truly lay death to heart, in preparing for it, when Sin in its dominion is cast out of the heart, for he is a Jew, which is one Inward and Gospel Circumcision is Rom. 2. 29: that of the heart, in the spirit. where these three are secured that Soul's state is safe. The second preparation is to be actually ready for death: The former is and hath been the care of every true Believer, but the neglect of this latter makes the message of death strangely surprising to many real Christians; instead of going out of the World like the Patriarch, saying, I have waited for thy Salvation; or like old Simeon, Now lettest thou thy Servant departed in peace, Luk. 2. 29. they cry out like him, O spare Psal. 39 13. me that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more; tho' the Believer's Righteous Soul, while here, is vexed with the filthy Conversation of the Wicked, yet like Lot he is ready to linger, when God calls him out of this Sodom of a World. Would you then, die not only in safety, but with joy, instead of being dragged forcibly, go out willingly; and while others have their Souls taken from them, thou, like thy Redeemer, give up thine into the hand of thy heavenly Father; for this purpose be conscientious in these four things. 1. Let not the things of this World fix upon your Heart and Affections; it's difficult keeping the Heart chaste for God when the Affections are entangled in the World; tho' your necessity will oblige you to drink of this Jael's Cup, yet beware of sleeping in her Tent; beware of its Siren Songs and Meretricious Smiles; tho' neither Earth nor Hell shall keep the Believer out of Heaven, yet they make many go halting thither. Maintain as much as possible the same opinion of your earthly enjoyments while living, as Men generally have 〈◊〉 when dying. Look upon them rather as Talents committed to Servants, to improve for their Master's use, than as absolutely your own, as they are free Gifts, which we never deserved, so be thankful to the Donor; and as they are Talents so we should be faithful, because we must give an account to our Lord and Master. So use this world as not to abuse it, 1 Cor. 7. 31. nor to have thy heart abused by it. When thou seest the Kingdoms of this World and the Glory thereof, beware of falling down and worshipping; let not the dust of the Earth blind the eye of thy Faith, nor the pleasures of it divide thy Love; whatever be the delight of your Eyes, be sure that nothing but God in Christ be the delight of your Hearts. 2dly. Keep your Loins girt and your Lamps Burning. As we are to stand actually ready for whatsoever service our Lord may appoint us, whether doing or suffering; so we must in order thereunto keep every Grace in exercise. It was very surprising, to the Wise Virgins, when the midnight cry came to go out and meet the Bridegroom, to find their Lamps untrimed, tho' there was Oil in their Vessels. As Gall. 2. 20. we are to live by the Faith of the Son of God for daily influence, so we are to walk by Faith, as the eye to direct our Practice. Let it 2 Cor. 5. 7. be your care to say with the Spouse. At our gates are all manner of pleasant Cant. 7. 15. fruits, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. There you have plenty and variety. All manner of &c, and they are at the Gate, that is actually ready; and all for the Beloved. As all Grace is derived from Christ's fullness, so it's devoted to him for his service. Let there be Faith, to follow him in dark Providences, patience to wait for him under delays, meekness to guard thy Spirit from being ruffled by the scurrilites of a sordid World. Love which makes every duty easy, and this is the way to have an abundant 2 Pet. 1. 11. entrance into thy Master's joy. 3dly. Dye daily unto Sin. It's Sin that will be the Achan and troubler of thy camp: This will make thee fly before this Enemy: This like Jonah will raise a Storm, if not cast out. Gild, that one word spoke by the Mouth of Conscience, will be like a clap of Thunder in thy Bosom, it will make a dreadful convulsion in thy inner, when Death comes to attack thy outward Man, therefore keep thy Garments clean, and be often washing them in the Blood of the Lamb. Though thou art a Child of God, yet remember thou hast that fuel still in thee, that is very apt to catch the Devil's Fire. Can a Traveller hold on his way rejoicing, with a Thorn in his Foot? No more can the believer with comfort march into Eternity with guilt lying upon his Conscience. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that 2 Pet. 3. 14. ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. Walk circumspectly, not as Fools, but as Wise, unclothing your Souls as to the Old Man and his deeds, which are Eph. 4. 22. 24. corrupt, and putting on the New Man in Righteousness and true Holiness; and this is the way with joy to meet thy God. 4thly, And lastly be faithful to Christ in thy particular and proper station: Christ is the great Master and appointer of every Man's Work and Post in the World. Be thou faithful unto the Death and then Rev. 2. 10. comes the Crown of Life. John's hearers were not solicitous about changing their employments, but how they might serve God in them. How shall he that loiters with the sluggard in his day for service, in the Evening rest from his Labours? Some Men are always busy, but doing nothing in the great work of their Salvation. Why stand you here Matt. 20. 6. all the day idle? He that hath lest hath one Talon, and if thou art not a wicked Servant, that will be improved for thy Lord. Does Solomon send the sluggard to an insect to be his Teacher? And may not many Christians be sent to the inanimate part of the Creation to learn to serve God in their particular relations? The stars in their courses fought for God against Sisera. He is the most excellent Christian, that Honour's God in his particular relations, in which he hath placed him. In short, true Grace is no Friend to Idleness. Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Magistrates and Ministers, have their work appointed them, in the World; and it's our Business to be diligent in it: Would you then stand actualy ready? Fellow the example of your Lord, Redeemer, who when about to leave the World could say, I have finished the work which thou John 17. 4. gavest me to do. Lose not your present opportunities, but do the Work of him that sent thee into this World, while it is day, that thou mayest say with the Apostle. I have finished my course, I have fought 2 Tim. 4. 7. the good fight of Faith. I am now putting off my Sword, and have no more to do, but to receive the Crown. And Blessed is that Servant whom when his Lord comes he shall find thus standing and thus doing: He hath no more to do, but to Die and enter into the joy of his Lord. The Second thing I proposed was to show, That to lay Death to Heart, when we see it removing the best of Men and Ministers, is but highly reasonable. The Living will, de jure he ought to do it, and if a Wise Man de facto he will lay it to Heart, as hath been shown. And that, First, Because it's the end of all Men. No sooner Man brought in Sin, but Death passed upon all Men. It's an innocent mistake when in the House of Mourning, where an end is come to another, to imagine it our own. It is but to antedate that which must certainly, and, it may be, shortly come. What if in the succession of many Ages God hath made two and but two Men's time run into eternity without interruption. Can we tell what change passed upon them in their translation? For this I say that 1 Cor. 15. 50. Flesh, and Blood, as now framed and fashioned can't inherit the Kingdom of God: And those that remain alive at our Lord's appearing, though they shall not Die as it is a dissolution of the frame of Man, or separation of the Soul and Body, yet they shall be changed to a fitness or capacity for the Glory 51, 52. of that illustrious Day: Tho' the Life of Man admits of, many maybes and peradventures, yet his Dying admits of none. It is appointed for all Men once to die. The rich and Heb. 9 27. poor are there. The Beggar Dyed and so did the Rich Man; all pass through this Gate, tho' the ways immediately part upon it, like a Prince's Palace that hath but one common Gate, at which Criminals and Children enter: The one goes up to his Father's Mansions, the other down to his Dungeon. Thus it is with good and bad. The Rose of Sharon and Lillie of the Valley, tho' they are more Pleasant and Beautiful while Living, yet they are not less Mortal than the common Grass. The sweet Singer of Israel must come to his last words, and the most charming Preacher to his last Sermon. Among the many Rules and Directions written for the preserving of Health, none was ever so mad as to pretend a Medicine that would turn away Death, for it's the end of all Men. Secondly, The weighty but unseen circumstances that may attend our Dying: God hath as much appointed the limits of our Lives, as the bounds of our habitations: The whole of our Days make up but a few Years, and they are full of Evil. The time at longest is but short: But there are two circumstances which should most of all affect us, one is we know not the critical moment when our Lord will come, whether, while wear young and tender, or whether he will stay till Luke 12. 40. the Years come, in which we shall say we have no pleasure. Another is the manner in which he will send for us; whether the thread of our Lives shall be snapped of a sudden, or worn out by a linger Consumption? This Messenger Death will come, but can we tell where he will meet us, in the Street or in the Closet, on Bed or at Board? Can you tell in what Livery he will appear? Tho' Death be to the believer, the Messenger of a Father, yet thy Father may send for thee in a Chariot of Fire: May it not blow a Storm when thou art to launch out into the eternal ocean? Whereas a more gentle gale may waft another over. In a word, all Pet. 1. 24. flesh is grass, and the glory thereof as the flower of the grass, the grass withereth, etc. Can you tell what Hand God will use to cut it down? It may be the Hand of an Infant, the Teeth of an Insect, or a blast of Wind; and if it stands long, of itself, it's fading and withering: Surely then it's but reasonable to be affected with our Death before it come. Thirdly, Because it is not the end of your being, but your entering upon an unchangeable condition. You don't cease to be, but cease to be Mortal: Now you fall into Sin, and there is a may be of your Recovering, but then, as the Tree falls so it lies: Now many that are caught in the Snare of the Devil, may be Rescued by their Redeemer; but if you fall a Captive to Satan in this Rancounter, there's no Ransom for ever. There's no mistaking twice in this Warfare, nor is there any room to correct an Error. For there's no Work, nor Device, Eccl. 9 10. nor Wisdom in the Grave, whither thou art going. For you that are Believers, it's your going to meet your Head and Husband; and shall not the Lamb's Wife make herself ready: You are Wise Virgins, and is it not a reproach that the Wise should sleep with the Foolish; as this enters you upon a state where there's no mixture, all pure Joy, or unmixed Misery, so it puts you beyond all changing; the Believer shall never more put to Sea, or be in a Storm again. And for you that are Unbelievers, there shall no more be a Messenger of Peace to knock at your Doors, that which is now your desire shall be your Doom: Now you desire the Almighty to departed from you, and he will leave you to all Eternity. O Sirs! this one Word Eternity, if duly Weighed by us, either as it respects happiness or Torments; we could not look upon the Death of others without laying it to Heart, by Preparing for our own. Thus I have done with my Doctrine, which I may rather call an Application: I am afraid the Age we Live in, needs more to be urged to Practice, than entertained with the Explication of what is more abstruse; many know much, and know that they do know, but few Practice what they know. What I have further to say, is to apply this Doctrine with respect unto the present occasion; I might draw several Inferences from hence. As, First, That the Christian Religion does not forbid, but commend our sympathising with those that mourn for deceased Friends. Religion is not a rigid Sourness; true Grace regulates, but does not destroy natural Affections: Tears came in by the first Adam, and they were Legitimated by the second, Jesus wept: If we are not only to go, to the House of mourning but to lay it to heart, sure I am we are to be affected with those that are afflicted in it. Secondly, I might collect how difficult it is to make right Improvement, even of those things that are most obvious: We live among the Monuments of the Dead, and it's of the Lord's Mercy, that we are spared. The Living know they must die. Some have the Harbingers of this King of Terrors, already come, and feel Death already invading them: The Records of the Grave, tell us, it's the House of all Living, and yet how difficult is it to be affected with it. Some possibly will say, they have been hearing a very common Theme this Morning, but canst thou say by all the Funerals thou hast frequented or Sermons, thou hast heard, that thou hast laid thy Death to Heart, by making ready both as to thy state and frame, as hath now been shown? Thirdly, How irrationally do they act, who instead of laying Death to Heart, put it far from them, and lay Sin next their Heart, and in their Affection: They hug the Serpent that will Sting them, the Worm that will gnaw in their Bosoms to all eternity: God hath not given them the seeing Eye, nor the understanding Heart unto this Day. Some there are that carry it towards Death, as if they were able to Hector it to stay their leisure, or else were resolved [as one says] to try what Music there is in Weeping and Wailing joined in consort with Gnashing of Teeth: Such may truly be said to be Dead while Living, for the living &c Second use by way of Exhortation. Shall not we that are Living lay this to Heart, that Death hath bereft us of one that used to be a Messenger of Peace from God to us in this Place: One did I say? I might have said many: Or must I take up the Prophet's complaint. The righteous Is. 57 1. Nemo Hemo reponi● in animo Junius. Perish, and no man layeth it to heart. Possibly you'll ask, when such an one Died? What was his Distemper? Who succeeds him? And in what condition is his Family left? And when this is done, your concern is over and gone. Is this to lay what is come to pass to Heart? No! this doès evidence, that there was little Love to them while Living; when we can so easily forget them when Dead. Is the Staff and the Stay, the Ancient and the Prophet taken away, and will the Living not be affected. I know Funeral Sermons have been much abused by daubing flattery, whence some have condemned them in gross, and think their ought to be no more notice taken of the precious than of the vile: I grant that my work is not to praise the Dead, but to instruct the Living; and if I should attempt a panigyrick in this case, it would be to put Paint upon pure Gold: However, oppressed Innoence ought to be vindicated, and shameless Sinners ought to be reproved, whether they will, or will not regard it. I shall therefore mention Three, things which if well considered, will show what just reason there is to be deeply affected. 1st. The Person. 2dly. The Season. 3dly. The hand the Living had in it. First, For the Person, not that I pretend to tell you his worth, for that would suppose I knew all he was. Only give me leave to speak of him under a double capacity. 1st As a gracious Man. 2dly. As a Minister of Jesus Christ. First, As a gracious Man. True Grace is the lasting Foundation of Honour and Greatness. Let Hell and Earth unite their Malice to contradict it, the Oracles of Heaven will maintain Ps. 112. 6. it, That the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. In him, Heaven gave an early confutation of that opprobrious, but too common reflection, That Ministers Children, of all others, seldom mind Religion: He could say, and that truly too, as Obadiah did, Thy servant feared the Lord from my youth. 1 Kings 18. 12. He was early Planted in the Beams of the Sun of Righteousness; and thereby quickly ripened to do his Master eminent Service: He not only from a Child knew the Scriptures, but through them was made 2 Tim. 3. 15. wise unto Salvation. Nor was his goodness like the Morning Cloud and the early Dew, but like the shining light which shineth more and Prov. 4. 18. more unto the perfect day. Tho through constant labour in his Master's Vineyard, and other afflictive providences, he contracted an early weakness in his outward Man; so that his Strength was weakened in the way. Yet it was evident, that by the influence of his Living Head, his inner Man grew Day by Day. Were I to tell you the various Trials with which he was exercised, and his carriage in them, you would them say in him patience had its perfect Work: And had I time and you patience to speak of the several graces which flourished in him, in the various Relations and Capacities, in which his Lord placed him. It would appear beyond contradiction, that Grace shined, with that Divine and Spiritual Glory, in the course of his Conversation; that if the Malice of any should infatuate them to deny it: None who truly knew him, will ever believe them: And as he Lived by the Faith of the Son of God, so he Died like him. (Far from an implacable Spirit) not without having begged that God would pardon and bless, even them, that had acted a cruel Tragedy towards him. Secondly, Consider him as a Minister; his Soul was better taught, than to think the Ministry, a Work to be undertaken without, or with a mere superficial Tincture of Learning; and therefore, while he lifted up his Voice for Understanding, he also sought & searched in all the ordinary Ways for attaining Wisdom, & through Prov. 2. 3, 4. the happy Conjunction of a Penetrating Mind, an Active Fancy, and a Tenacious Memory, with the Blessing of Heaven upon his great Industry, his profiting soon appeared to the great Judges of Learning then living, insomuch, that before he was 22 Years of Age (as far as I can learn) he was fixed in the pastoral Relation at Amsterdam. And this I the rather mention, because there are some that think no Young Men is to be called into that Relation. I readily grant, the Apostles Novice is to be shunned for the 1 Tim. 3. 6 Reason there mentioned; but our Apostle does not use the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Young Man, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Man young in Religion; or newly planted into Christ and his Communion, an old Man with grey Hairs upon him, if but newly planted in Grace is the Apostles Novice; such as are not rooted in Christ Jesus, and less in Learning, may fall under the Apostles Doom, but where God hath begun by times to lay in and store with Grace and Learning; what is his Design but to have a quick Return, when he finds Employment for them, and such an one was our truly old, when in Nature a young Man. Tho' his Ministerial Labours were great, in which he never served God with that which cost him naught; and but rarely any Assistance enjoyed: Yet his Active Soul was so deeply inlaid with the Love of Learning, that without much Danger of an Hyperbole, I might apply to him what was said Bibliothecam Vivam & Ambulans Museum. Conigii Biblioth. of Longinus, he became a Living Library. If any would Query what was his Learning? I might answer in the several parts of it, both as to Words and Things; but that which was his Delight and his Honour, was to be intimately acquainted with the Mystery of God-man his Redeemer; his Thoughts run much upon the Corner Stone, and only Foundation of our Religion; and tho' his Strength was much impaired before he appeared in this City, yet there was so much left as to give abundant Evidence of the Greatness of Thought and Spring of Learning that lodged within; while his Thoughts travelled most in the higher Rounds of the Christian Religion: He gave also abundant Evidence of his Accuracy in distinguishing and applying such practical Points as accompany Salvation. This Heb. 6. 9 His last Sermons at Pinners-Hall. Light burned clear, but fast; and tho' his afflicted Friends and Relations were ready sometimes to conceive Hopes of his emerging from his Weaknesses, yet the Clouds gathered after Rain, and the Storms soon returned again; but tho' the Winds blew, and the Storms beat upon his battered Bark, yet in Patience he possessed his Soul, his Faith was firm without wavering, that Jesus which he had laid for many to build upon, was his Stay: In this Rock he stood, and with undaunted Courage, encountered this last Enemy, trusting in the Lord. This is the Christian, this is the Minister, that is dead. Dead did I say; I must recall that Word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts. 7. 4. and say (his Aged Father yet living) God hath removed him from this Ur, to be, not a Sojourner, but an everlasting Inhabitant in the Heavenly Canaan, where he shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever, having been made wise in turning many unto Righteousness. Dan. 12. 3. Secondly, Consider the Season of it. That which cut the Patriach Jacob to the Heart, was, that when Simeon was not, and Joseph was not, to hear that Benjamin must be taken from him too. We might, according to the Course of Nature, have expected our Brother's abode with us, for many Years: But lo! An Evening is come, when but a little past the Meridian of Man, and this come upon us while our Wounds were bleeding: The other day we were lamenting the Loss of one that had laboured long, and with great Success in his Lord's Vineyard: The Arms of his Hands were made strong, Gen. 49. 24. by the Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob; One, who for great Grace, solid and well digested Learning, for Might and Majesty in wielding the Sword of the Spirit, was an Interpreter Job. 33. 23. one of a Thousand. His extensive Affection and Charity, maintained in him a constant Tenderness toward even those that differed from him, tho' he sorely suffered for maintaining a Conscientious dissent from them, in Discipline and Government. And is he no sooner gone, but an other must follow him? As if Heaven designed a Succession of Losses, till we have no more to lose. To take a Tile from a House is soon repaired, but to take away the Buttresses from a leaning Wall, or the Pillars on which the House appears to lean, is as if the Owner designed the Building to sink into Ruins; the Loss of an immortal Soul, the Loss of the everlasting Gospel, and the Loss of a faithful godly Minister, are the greatest Losses that can befall us. And if we are truly affected with the Loss of the two former, we can but lay to heart the Death of the latter, so that while we ought to rejoice, quod talem habuimus, that we had such a one, we ought to be concerned that now he is taken from us, and that when so many were so lately gone before him. Thirdly, The Hand the living had in it: When Gods Judgements are on Isa. 26. 9 the Earth, the Inhabitants of the World will learn Righteousness; it's but reasonable to expect, when such things are done by the hand of God, that we put the Question, am I the Person that hath provoked Heaven to remove from Earth, such a Blessing? I readily own, that Ministers are but Men, tho' their Graces be great, yet they are but in their Minority, and the greatest Men are not Job 32. 9 always Wise; I allow also, that God never does any thing toward his Children in a way of harsh Providence, but he sees cause enough in them for his procedure in such a way with them: God tells Moses, that he should not pass over Jordan, into the Earthly Canaan, because of Compare Deut. 32, 51. with 1. 37. and 4. 21. his own Transgression; and yet Moses, by the Spirit of God, lays it at the People's Door, as the Cause why it went thus ill with him. Tho' every Man's time is appointed, and the Instruments by which his Death is brought about, are under the Orders of a wise Providence, yet the Instruments are not the less guilty, that have been voluntary Agents: Offences must come, but woe to them by whom they come; Christ's Death was in every part of it, according to the Counsel of God; yet the Instruments and their Children to this day, lie under his anger for it; I must speak it on the behalf of him whose Death gave me this sad Occasion: Was he not wounded in the House of his professed Friends; or did he not suffer more by divided Friends (as they pretended to be) than united Enemies? They that are guilty will possibly say like the whorish Woman, who, when she hath eaten, wipeth her Mouth, and says, I Prov. 30. 20. have done no Wickedness. There is a levelling Spirit yet in our World, and that among some who bear their Heads high above others for Religion; my meaning is, that those who never had any Reputation of their own, are prodigal in murdering and wasting the Reputation of other Men, that none may seem better or above themselves. That which the Apostle foretold, seems to be now fulfilled, a spreading leprosy of vile 2 Tim. 3. 3, 4, 5. Sins prevailing; and that which makes it both more odious and dangerous, is, they cover it under a Form of Godliness; they entitle Heaven to the Eruptions of Hell, and lay their own Brats at God's Door. If any should ask me, what have they done in this Matter? I shall only return that Answer which Plato did, when Dionysius the Tyrant wrote to him, desiring he would not report his evil Practices; Diog. Laert. in vit. Plat. non sibitantum super esse otti, etc. to whom Plato made this Return, He had not so much Leisure as to think or speak of him— Meaning, he had better things to employ his thoughts and time about, than to relate the noted Barbarities and unparaleiled Cruelties of a Person, who was so very notorious that their needed no Historian to inform the World of him, or them. But when I have said this, I must be just to many of them, where for a time he stood in a pastoral Relation. Such there were who truly Loved him, and now lament the loss of him; they were real Mourners for, tho' they could not be healers of their breaches, of whom I dare not doubt, but their Achans being gone and the troublers of their Israel departed, they will remain a peaceable Habitation, and may yet revive and flourish under the Blessing of Heaven, upon this I would leave these two or three cautious. First, Let not this prejudice any at Church order. Will any Wise Man speak against Liberty, because some by it, grow licentious? Or will any affect an absolute Tyranny to live in a slavish Subjection, because a well constituted Government is now and then afflicted with a popular commotion? It were easy to make it appear both from Scripture and History, that the best constituted Churches have not been exempted from such disturbances. Weeds will spring up in the most regular Gardens, Vermin will crawl amongst the sweetest Roses. Think not worse of Churches, because now and then in them there appears a Diotrephes, to disturb their peace, and cause divisions. 2dly. Let Church Members, beware how they begin contention, beware of drawing at either end of that Saw, a little spark may not only burn down your own, but your Neighbours dwelling. It's easy giving vent to Passion, but it's like the breaking out of Water not easily reclaimed again, and an offended Prov. 18. 19 brother is harder, to won than a strong Tower. 3dly, Let Churches be prudent and careful whom they admit to their Fellowship. It's easier letting in, than it is to cast out. Thus I have finished the first Exhortation to lay this our loss to heart, from the consideration of the Person, the Season, and the hand the living had in it. The second Exhortation I would a little prosecute is, to those, who are setting their Heart and Hand to Christ's Blow. Those who are engaged at least in their studies and purposes for the Ministry, or but entered upon it, I hope they will not think me too assuming in what I say to them; nor would I have others think I flatter, because I am not ashamed to say I sincerely Love them. Your work is great, and difficulties many; yet in the very work, there is a reward. The meanest Station about a King is Honourable. What is it then to stand next the King of Kings? I know several, I wish I knew more, of whom I dare not doubt, but that they are Plants of God's own Planting, and under his Blessing shall stand up in his Work and Service in the room of those who now rest from their Labours: To such I would recommend these things. First, Labour to have your heart established with Grace, as well as your Heads with knowledge; without the Oil of Grace, you will never make lasting Lights, burning and shining for the Reputation and Honour of your Lord and Master, and without Knowledge, you'll hand out Poison, in stead of spiritual Food; God complains of some that handled Jer. 2. 8. the Law, they knew him not; that is, God and they had no spiritual acquaintance, they were void of Grace. The Apostle speaks of others that 1 Tim. 1. 7. were desirous to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. Such seek what they can get, but not to be fit for what they undertake; it hath been observed, That Heretics are always fond of ignorant Upstarts; because such are most apt to be taken with Popular Applause; but when Head and Heart are thus qualified, then like a well-built and ballaced Ship, you will be able to steer a steady Course thro' all the Storms of this World. Secondly, Join much Prayer and Meditation to your studying. Study is to make you useful to others, but Prayer and Meditation brings it home to your own Souls: He that is the most earnest Solicitor at the Throne of Grace, is like to be the most powerful Persuader in delivering his Message, storm Heaven, If you would prevail with Men, get your own Heart warmed with the Love of God in Private, and then you'll be earnest with others in the Pulpit. Thirdly, Let the Ministry be your Work, to which your Souls and Hearts are devoted; make it your work in preparing: He that does not prepare what to say, tempts God to come out of his ordinary Course to his assistance; he that depends upon his own Preparations, makes a God of his Gifts. Let it be your work in delivering; show that your Business is rather to profit Souls than please the Ear; beware of an affected Niceness in expression, and shun a sor did rudeness, lest it cause a loathing of spiritual Food. Let it be your work in Living, as well as Preaching; beware of pulling down with your hands, what you build with your mouths; in a word, if the Ministry be thy work thou'llt give thyself to it, and thereby in a little time do much for God: And what if discouraged by the World, seeing your labour is not in vain in the Lord, it will be more Honour and Glory in the Day of Christ, to have been an Instrument in bringing one Soul to Heaven, than if thou hadst conquered a World, and brought it under thy power; and what if you seem to labour in vain, and spend your strength for nought, when your judgement Isa. 49. 4. is with the Lord, and your Reward with your God. The last Exhortation is to you that are Hearers: Is God by Death removing your Useful Guides and Instructors from you? Lay this to Heart: First, In being cautious to whom you commit the Care and Conduct of your Souls. How shall they teach you the Mysteries of Salvation, who themselves are ignorant of them? It's an easy matter to run into the Ministsy, but not so easy to be a Minister: What was opprobriously said of old, may be here applied, Many Servants 1 Sa. 25. 10. run away now a days from their Masters, I wish there were no cause to say, many run from that which is their service, into that they were never called nor sent of God. There is an universal complaint, that the Spirit is much withdrawn, but if you view men's running in this great Work of the Ministry without regard to the ordinary ways for attaining Qualifications for such an undertaking; you must allow that either the Ministry is become a more easy business to discharge, than ever it was judged to be formerly, or that there is an Extraordinary Effussion of the Spirit, by which Men of a sudden are qualified for it, or else we are under a dreadful Judgement. I am not such a superstitious Adorer of Learning, as to lessen or Exclude the Work of the Spirit, I know the Spirit can qualify Persons for his Work; but then, what others must seek in an ordinary way, that he does by his extraordinary power; and when extraordinary Operations are not to be expected, at least, are professedly owned in the present posture of Affairs to be departed, we are to seek in the ordinary way to attain such Qualifications as are needful in that work; the neglecting of which is but a gratifying the Designs of those who are several ways assaulting our Religion: which are chief Two: 1. Advancing Reason above and against Revelation: As if, like the Moon, it never shined so brightly as when in opposition to the Sun; they appeal to this as the supreme Judge for Faith and Practice; as if it were not our truest Reason, to prefer the Mind and Word of an infinite Being, before our own finite understanding: Much more intolerable is this Arrogance, when they have so debased and debauched their Rational Powers, that they are not able to judge in things of a Man, and yet will appeal to them only, as the great and supreme Decider of all Matters relating to God and the Christian Religion. 2. By decrying a Standing Ministry in the Church of God: Every one of the Lord's People are Prophets (Would to God the Spirit of the Prophets appeared in all that profess and claim the Privilege!) A Standing Ministry is a Humane Invention, and a piece of mere Superstition, and the Idol Learning is only to make ignorant People credit, and rashly receive what they impose upon them: As the former is managed among the Men of Letters, so the other is calculated for the People of a lower size. I grant, that great Clerks are not always Wise Men; that Christ's fiercest opposers have been found amongst those who have been Head and Shoulders taller than others in Natural Knowledge: But because some that have their Eyes, abuse them, shall I choose a blind Man for my Guide. You may as soon expect to see a Man bred up at Plough or Cart, to steer a Ship in a Storm, through Shelves and Rocks without dashing, as ignorant Ministers maintain the Preaching of the Gospel, without falling into dangerous, if not damnable Errors; therefore be very cautious to whom you commit the Conduct of your Souls. Secondly, Pray for your Ministers. It may be you don't profit under their Ministry, because you deny them a share in your Prayers; their Work is great, their Temptations many, and their Strength in themselves small; Never say you love 'em, while you are not concerned to engage God to succeed them; pray that God would give them the Tongue of the learned to speak a Word in season to thy condition, and that he would give thee the hearing ear, and the understanding Pro. 20. 12 heart, both which, are the gift of God. Thirdly, Maintain Affection and Esteem for your Ministers. Let them not have cause to complain, These are the wounds I received in the Houses of such and such Professed Friends. I ask you not superstitiously to idolise Men or Ministers, yet let them be highly esteemed for their works 1 The. 5. 13. sake: Tho' they are but earthen Vessels, yet they are entrusted with the most precious Treasure. What if their Persons are no more, nay possibly less than other Men, yet their Office calls for Respect and Honour. They are Ambassadors of Christ, and by the Law of Nations Ambassadors are to have civil Usage; beware of Prejudice, for he that is prejudiced against the Person, will not, without a Miracle, be edified by his preaching; if Abab hate Micaiah, he will be enraged rather than instructed by his admonition and warning; therefore maintain Affection and Esteem for them. Fourthly, Lay to heart what you are frequently hearing from your Ministers while living: let not their Doctrine, which drops like the Rain, be only like a Shower upon a Rock, where no Impression is made, or a Tale that is told; but like Mary, lay up what thou hearest in thy heart, that when thy Minister is removed thou mayst be able to recollect and ruminate upon what was formerly delivered by him for thy Soul's Edification: Oh beware of losing your Seasons of Grace it may be, there are some here th● Morning, that may never hear another Sermon, and will it not be a cutting consideration, to think that of all you have heard of dying, you were never affecte● with it, nor moved to prepare for Dear by it. We have lost many Eminent Ministers, and is all lost you have heard from them? Let not your Souls be like broke● Cisterns, that let out the pure water, and keep nothing but the Mud and Corruption of this world. Labour to make them the Storehouse of Divine Truths, giving most earnest heed, lest at any time you should Heb. 2. 1. let them run out. And this is the true means to keep your Soul, both waking and working, which is the right way of watching and waiting for the coming of our Lord. FINIS.