CHRIST THE S 'tis ADVANTAGE both IN LIFE AND DEATH. A SERMON Preached at the Funeral of Ms ELISABETH COKE, Wife to Colonel THO. COKE of Pebmersh, Esquire. By Thomas Burrough, Preacher of the Gospel at Pebmersh in Essex. PHILIP. 3.7. But what things were gain to me, these I accounted loss for Christ. LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Bellamy at the 3. golden Lions in Cornhill, 1646. MAY 2. 1646. Imprimatur. JOSEPH CARYL. To the Worshipful, my truly Honoured good friend, Colonel Thomas Coke Esquire, one of his Majesty's Justices of Peace and Quorum for the County of Essex. Sir, HOw justly I shall incur the censure of indiscretion in giving consent to have these raw and indigested Meditations (especially in these knowing times) to pass the Press, I cannot but easily conjecture. This by way of excuse I can truly say, my conscience bearing me witness, I intended nothing less; neither desired any thing more, then that they might have been so buried in the hearts of the Congregation to whom they were preached, that the sound of them might never have been farther heard. But importunity of friends for the printing of this poor, plain, unworthy Sermon hath not only besieged me, but also gained so fare upon me, that I can keep possession of it no longer: And being enforced to yield it up, I knew not into whose hands to resign it rather than into yours, of whose favourable acceptance of my poor, weak labours in the Ministry I have had so much experience. Your clemency hath emboldened me not only to present it to you, but also to send it abroad in that plain posture and homely Dress wherein it was delivered, without alteration or addition. Sufficient to procure from you for it the best welcome, and most cordial entertainment that can be desired, is the very mentioning of the occasion, and sending it with this bare Inscription, A Sermon preached at the Funeral of your Dear, Loving, and Well-beloved Wife. I have read a Spanish Proverb, He that wipeth the child's nose kisseth the mother's cheek: Sure I am, he that doth but mention the name of your dear Wife, though he renew your grief, yet in your apprehension he reviveth your heart. For upon my knowledge, you account your tears shed for her sweet refreshment; and those solitary places and times seem to you most delightsome, where and when, being alone, you may (as David once at Ziklag) weep till you can weep no more, 1 Sam. 30.4. I desire that you may imitate David also in the ensuing clause: But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God, ver. 6. Sir, You know right well, that whatever comforts we lose in the creature, they are eminently and transcendently to be found in the blessed Creator: But the difficulty is in applying these things home to ourselves when the Lord calleth us forth to trial. I remember what the Comedian saith, Facilè cum valemus consilium damus aegroto: I know it is fare easier in these cases to tell others what they ought to do, then to practise it ourselves. Sir, I desire to sympathise with you in your grief, as the Lord hath made me (in some measure) a sufferer with you in your loss. You have lost (shall I use that improper word?) a pious loving Wife; and I and mine a cordial faithful friend. Let me ingenuously profess, that theserious thoughts how the Lord hath now deprived me of any other way or means to testify my thankful respects towards her was not the least motive that overpowred my spirit to displease myself for the pleasuring of others in the printing of this ensuing Sermon. Truly, Sir, so many have been the favours that I and mine have received from you, and so real are the engagements wherein I stood bound unto you and your dear Consort, that I shall far rather choose to be accounted guilty of folly by others in coming into print, then of the least suspicion of ingratitude from you: you know that censure that is deservedly passed upon unthankfulness, Si ingratum dixeris, omnia dineris. It was yourself, together with your dear Yoke-fellow, your second self, who were the chief (if not the only) instruments of bringing me into this place. When through fear of cruel enemies I was constrained to forsake an house, that in some regards I might then call mine, and to fly for refuge to the great and famous City of our Land, you were pleased from thence to bring me to your own house, and to make your house mine (for my use) and your home, a home both to myself and my family; which you did for several weeks, not suffering us to departed thence, until you had provided a convenient house for us, and furnished us with those necessary accommodations, which by reason of our flight, we were at that time most destitute of. In which place (through the good hand of God) I have continued almost three years complete, enjoying much sweet and heavenly society with yourself and your dearest deceased friend, whom the Lord (to our great grief, though her eternal gain) hath now pleased to take from us: whose zeal to God inflamed her heart with an ardent love to those that feared God: The Saints were (of all upon earth) the only excellent ones in her eye, and in their communion she placed much delight. How conversant she was in reading the works of godly learned men; (to omit divers others) I shall instance only in those choice passages which in reading some of the Labours of that worthily, renowned, and truly reverend Author, Doctor Freston, she had selected for her own private use. With what an earnest desire of treasuring up spiritual knowledge she read the blessed word of God, shall peruse her Bible will easily perceive. Great was her care, and no less her industry concerning the education of those sweet children the Lord was pleased to bestow upon you: 'twas her desire to train them up in religion, learning and manners. To this end her daily practice was (upon all occasions) to sharpen instructions to them, according as their young and tender years were capable; even as Bathshebah used to instruct her son Solomon, and Eunice taught her son Timothy the holy Scriptures from a child. Sir, The remembrance of these and many other sweet gracious properties wherewith she was endowed, although it might deservedly yield you much comford in this your disconsolate estate and condition; (and I know, in many regards it doth) yet I have often heard you speak of these and such like, as aggravations of your grief, to consider how many comforts you have lost in one. It cannot be denied but your loss is exceeding great in the death of such a Wife, and your children's in such a Mother. But let me yet tell you seriously, The loss in her is not only (though most principally and especially) yours: but the people of God in general may justly claim a part in it. So affectionately desirous was she of the welfare of the Israel of God, that I am confident I may speak of her in the Psalmists words, She did desire to prefer it before her chiefest joy. She had learned how to sacrifice her dearest delights to the good of the public: Witness her willing not only yielding you up unto, but also her earnest persuading you to accept of that call from God to serve your Country and Kingdom in that public military employment which the unanimous consent of the well-affected had cast upon you: often professing, that in this cause, she could as freely trust God with you in a shower of bullets, as of rain; being fully persuaded that the Lord could as easily protect you in the one, as in the other. She was a woman of a public spirit, truly sympathising with the miseries of these sad times; never thinking it was or could be well with herself or hers, whilst it was so ill with the dear Saints and people of God, both in the greatest part of our own Kingdom, and in many places elsewhere. And as she was exemplary in her life, so was she consolatory in her sickness and death. With what a contented and thankful frame of spirit she did bear this her last visitation, as her constant demeanour in general did evidently declare; so in particular, I may instance in those last expressions which (according to my best intelligence) she breathed out not long before her last breath, when one of them that watched with her (laying her ear to hearken what she spoke) heard these words once and again uttered, What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies? What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies? Sir, I could easily herein enlarge myself, without exceeding the bounds of truth, or entrenching upon the borders of flattery, both which I abhor: But I conceive it very unseemly to prefix a long Epistle before a short Sermon; Therefore I shall humbly crave liberty to cease writing to you, engaging myself (upon all occasions) not to omit praying for you, That the Lord would please to sanctify this your great loss to your abundant spiritual advantage. This is and shall be the earnest request (at the Throne of Grace) of him, who cordiallly subscribeth himself Sir, Your Worship's real friend, (and servant for the good of your soul) THO. BURROUGH. CHRIST THE S 'tis ADVANTAGE both IN LIFE AND DEATH. We are met to solemnize the memorial of our dear friend, that virtuous Gentlewoman the Lord hath lately taken from us; desiring to improve our best endeavours to make some spiritual advantage of this our great loss. If ever there was a time when that sad complaint of the Prophet Isaiah might be taken up, viz. The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, Isa. 57.1, 'tis surely now. If ever the surviving Saints might fear that their dear deceased Christian friends were taken away from future evils, then surely may we now in these sad times. May we not fear there is still a storm approaching, when the Lord houseth his friends? And that a night of trouble and perplexity draweth nigh, when the great God (as I may with reverence so speak) dispatcheth his children to bed, and thus layeth his beloved ones to sleep? Providence hath chosen my Text for me, and I have willingly submitted to it. When it pleased the Lord to take away this our dear friend, I may truly say, my wonned sleep (that night immediately ensusuing) departed from mine eyes; and in the silent time of the night did my fantasy continually present her speaking unto me with her accustomed lively voice, Christ is to me gain both in life and death: whereupon I resolved (for this time and occasion) to fix my thoughts upon that portion of Scripture to which I shall now crave your attention, as it is upon record, (The TEXT.) PHILIP. 1.21. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain: Or, as the Geneva Translation readeth it, Christ is to me both in life and death advantage. THe Apostle Paul, when he wrote this Epistle, was prisoner at Rome: which the Philippians understanding, (having formerly received the Gospel by his ministry) send Epaphroditus their minister to visit him; and by Epaphroditus send relief to his necessities. Whereupon Paul taketh occasion to write this Epistle to them. In the beginning whereof (after his salutations) he giveth thanks to God in the behalf of the Philippians, for their communion and fellowship in the Gospel; confirming them with an assured confidence, that the same God who had begun that good work in them, would also perfect it unto the end. And to this purpose he prayeth for them, that they might increase daily in the knowledge of God, and abound in the fruits of righteousness. But fearing lest his present bonds and imprisonments might be an occasion of discouragement to any of them, he tells them that the cause of his imprisonment was well known both in Nero's Palace, and to the Citizens of Rome: yea, his sufferings had been so fare from hindering, that they had helped much towards the progress of the Gospel; for many through his bonds had searched more into the cause of his sufferings, and were grown more bold and confident in the profession of the Gospel. And although there were some that preached Christ out of envy and contention, supposing to add affliction to his bonds; yet he therein rejoiced. How these thought to add affliction to his bonds, Expositors do not absolutely resolve us: Some think that they did adulterate and corrupt the Doctrine of the Gospel, mixing it with divers erroneous tenants, such as they conceived might render Paul more odious in the eyes of authority, and so they thought to add affliction to his bonds. Others are of opinion, that they observing what high place and esteem Paul had in the hearts and affections of the godly by preaching Christ: they resolved that they would also preach Christ, thinking thereby to eclipse and obscure his fame. But was their intent, in Paul we have a pattern of a truly Heroic and heavenly spirit: He was willing to be debased that Christ might thereby be exalted. Christ is preached, saith he, and therein I rejoice, v. 20. Knowing that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 According to my earncst expectation: an expectation with lifting up the head, or stretching out the neck, as one that looketh for the coming of some special friend, whose company he much delighteth in; so much the word importeth. Such an earnest expectation and assured hope had Paul, that Christ should be magnified by him either by life or death: And upon this persuasion he findeth it difficult to determine whether to make choice of life or death. His life and abode was better for the Philippians; but for himself it was far better to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. If I live (saith he) I have devoted my life to Christ; if I die, I am fully persuaded that Christ shall be magnified by my death. Therefore, Whether I live or die, Christ shall be to me advantage. The words are a triumphant manifestation of that benefit and comfort which Paul did assuredly expect to find from Christ both in life and death. Which words (as I conceive) not needing any further explication, hold forth this Proposition. DOCT. That the Lord Jesus Christ is a believers greatest advantage and best comfort both in life and death. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain: Christ is my comfort both in life and death. If I live, the life that I lead is by faith in Christ: If I die, Christ shall be to me advantage: yea, it is fare better for me to be with Christ. So affectionately desirous of enjoying still more communion with Christ was this blessed Apostle, that he tells the Corinthians, I desire to know nothing among you but Christ, and him crucified: 1 Cor. 2.2. No, not at Corinth a City of Greece, a famous and learned City: yet he desired (even among them) to know not a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not a tittle of any thing but Christ, and him crucified. The same Apostle telleth the Colossians, that all outward privileges and excellencies without Christ are nothing, they cannot all make a man happy, nor render him acceptable in the sight of God: no, it is Christ that is all in all, Coloss. 3.11. A title, an interest in a Christ can only do this. We are made accepted in the Beloved, Ephes. 1.6. Again, if you look forward into this Epistle written to the Philippians, you shall find the Apostle disrobing himself of all outward privileges: he was one of a good Family, excellent parts, one of the strictest Sect of the Pharisees; yet (saith he) I account all these loss in respect of Christ. I account my time lost that was spent in these things: I account them but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, offal, garbage, and filth that is thrown out to dogs. Things they are indeed that may entice the dogs of the world, but alas, to me (saith the Apostle) they are things of no value. Such sweet comforts have the Saints found in Christ, that chrysostom saith, The Name of Jesus hath a thousand treasures of joy and comfort in it. And it is used by Paul (as some have reckoned) no less than five hundred times. Thus Moses, that holy man of God, esteemed reproaches for Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. But how could those many opprobrious and contumelious speeches which the Hebrews (at that time in a strange land) were subject unto, be said to be the reproaches of Christ, or for Christ, when Christ was not yet born? For answer to this, ye know that Christ was the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world. He hath ever been afflicted from the beginning of the world. The afflictions of the Church are called the rebukes of Christ: when the Saints are rebuked and persecuted, Christ is persecuted; and these Moses accounts greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: Mocks and taunts, banishment, imprisonment, loss of goods, burning at a stake for the Name of Christ; these are greater riches than all the treasures in the world without Christ, and aught to be so esteemed. I reckon, saith the Apostle Rom. 8.18. or upon just reasoning I conclude, that all the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us: they are too light to be weighed with that glory. The glory which the Saints shall have with Christ in the world to come shall abundantly exceed all their sufferings for Christ here. And as their glory which they shall receive in the world to come is incomparable, so their joy and consolation which they find in communion with Christ here is unspeakable: nothing else can satisfy or content them. Should a Christian send out his soul by way of enquiry, to knock at the door of all worldly contentments, demanding whether any true soule-satisfying comfort and gain could be found in any of them; they would all give in a negative answer: Even as we read concerning Wisdom, Job 28.12, 14. The depth saith, It is not in me, etc. so here of soul-satisfying comfort and gain, it will be answered, It is not in us. Inquiry I. If you should inquire of riches, whether they cannot give such soul-satisfying content: Alas, the answer is already upon record, Riches avail not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death, Pro. 11.4. from the sting and curse of the first death, and altogether freeth from the second death. 'tis righteousness; but what righteousness? Surely, none other but the righteousness of God by faith in Christ: That righteousness, which in regard of working, was the righteousness of Christ, Rom. 5.18. and in regard of the imputing or appropriating of it, is called the righteousness of God, Rom. 3.21. Philip. 3.9. Paul durst not stick to a legal and duty-righteousnesse: this will not stay the soul, nor quiet the conscience in times of deep distress; but it must be a better, an higher righteousness, even the righteousness of Christ. This is the righteousness that God will accept, and that will afford quiet peace unto the soul. This is that righteousness that will deliver from death. Inquiry II. Honours and preferments, cannot you stand the soul in stead in an evil day? Cannot you step betwixt God's wrath and a troubled conscience? Alas, these may carry worth and estimation among men; but they are nothing in reference towards God. Honour is but the raising of the value and esteem of a man here among others: And when men have done what they can, there is only one Heraldry that maketh the difference of men; and that is the grace of God. Summa apud Deum Nobilitas est clarum esse virtutibus, as one saith well: 'Tis grace that maketh men of the blood-royal, partakers of the divine nature. The best Nobility is the Nobility of faith, and the best genealogy the genealogy of good works: and they that truly endeavour to honour Christ, them will he honour. But for worldly honour, when it is once laid in the dust, who can distinguish betwixt the greatest favourite of Princes here on earth, and the poorest peasant? These worldly preferments may add much to the aggravation of men's condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus: but (without grace to improve them to the glory of God) they shall never add to their consolation. These cannot (of themselves) yield any true soule-satisfying comfort in time of distress. Inquiry III. Wife and children (those dear delights of men here upon earth) can you afford no soule-satisfying comfort in a time of spiritual distress? These, these indeed, are sweet comforts whilst enjoyed with the favour of God in Christ; as that blessed Martyr acknowledged, who being asked wh●her did love his Wife and children (he seeming so willing to leave them to die for the name of Christ;) Yea, (saith he) so deer are my wife and children to me, that (were the whole world mine) I would give it to live with them, though it were but in prison: But if either I must forsake them, or deny Christ, were they a thousand times dearer, I would willingly leave them. Dearest friends, chiefest delights (coming in competition with Christ) must be disregarded. In this case we must Patrem calcare, etc. as Jerome speaketh; we must trample upon father, and cast away mother: we must know no relation so as to hinder us from Christ. He that doth not thus hate father and mother, and wife and children, in respect of Christ, is not worthy of Christ. Thus you see (upon inquiry) that there is no soule-satisfying comfort to be found on this side Christ. As every thing moveth towards its own proper centre, and is not at rest until it come thither: so the soul of a true believer inclineth and moveth towards Christ, and never resteth contented until it come to Christ, and hath the fruition of Christ. As Noah's Dove found no rest until she returned to the Ark; and as the Bee findeth no rest until she return to the hive: so the soul that truly desireth communion with Christ, can meet with no true contentation but in Christ: As David sweetly, Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. The reconciled face and favour of God in Christ is the only true rest of the soul: The soul is restless until it find this rest. Now, as you have seen that there is no true comfort to be found in any enjoyment on this side Christ: So we shall endeavour to give in some arguments to prove, That it is Christ alone in whom this comfort is wrapped up. That the Lord Jesus Christ is a believers greatest advantage and best comfort both in life and death. REAS. 1. Because Christ only can free the soul from the greatest evil, from the greatest burden here in this life. What is it that maketh the life of many a poor soul to be as bitter as death itself, that maketh them to walk mournfully, and (Rachel-like) refuse to be comforted? Is it not sense of sin, and the weight of remaining corruption? Doth not this constrain the poor wearied soul to cry out, O wretched man that I am, & c.? Now it is Christ alone that can ease this burden: I thank God through Christ (saith the Apostle.) He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows, saith the Prophet, Isai. 53.4. We are naturally dead in sins and trespasses, 'tis he that hath quickened us. We have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, an hand-writing against us; 'tis he alone that hath taken it away, and nailed it on his cross. We are subject to the power of darkness; 'tis he that hath spoilt principalities and powers, Coloss. 2.15. He hath disarmed Satan of all power (finally) to hurt his elect. It is Christ alone that can free the soul not only from the guilt and punishment of sin, but also from the power and dominion of sin. He was made sin for us, (that is, by imputation) that we might be made the righteousness of God in him; 2 Cor. 5.21. God in his eternal council appointed Christ to be surety for his elect, and for his righteousness sake to accept of them, as if they had been perfectly righteous in themselves. Whom he hath set forth (saith the Apostle) to be a propitiation for sin, Rom. 3.25. The original word [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] showeth the everlasting purpose of God to give his Son for the redemption of his elect. So the same word is used Rom. 8.28. Christ was designed to this work of propitiation; that is, to bring his elect again into grace and favour with God: which he performed, By the merit of his death; By the obedience of his life; And also by the holiness and purity of his birth and conception. 1. By the merit of his death; submitting himself to the whole curse of God deserved by their sins, and standing in the gap (as it was said of Moses) so bearing the brunt of God's fiery wrath and indignation, and thereby removing from them whatsoever Wrath or Justice could be offended at. 2. By the obedience of his life; in fulfilling Gods most righteous Law, by yielding perfect and entire obedience, whereby they are accounted just and righteous. And 3. By the holiness and purity of his conception and birth imputed unto them; whereby they are accounted personally as holy and pure (in the sight of God) as if they themselves had been conceived and born without spot of sin. And this holiness and purity of Christ's humane nature is no less reckoned to believers for healing their defiled nature, than his obedience and suffering for remission of actual sins, and acquitting them from eternal destruction. And to this purpose saith the Apostle, Christ is made to us of God, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30. CHRIST is made (to such as believe in him) not only Righteousness in respect of his perfect fulfilling the Law of GOD for them; but Sanctification also, in respect of his holiness, innocency, and most perfect purity of his holy and sanctified nature. Thus there is from CHRIST made over to the true believer, whatever is needful to his full and perfect justification in the sight of GOD. First, There is merit and passion upon the Cross, answering for that curse and torment which he deserved. Secondly, Integrity and obedidience of life, answering for his disobedience. Thirdly, Perfect purity of nature, answering for the impurity of his corrupt nature. Now, what greater comfort can there be to a believing soul, then to have all his sins discharged and blotted out, and himself acquitted in the sight of God, and accounted as holy and pure, as if he had been conceived and born without sin? And to find all his sins (in CHRIST) not only pardoned, but also overpowred: and himself daily by degrees changed from one step of glorious excellency to another, in sin's ruin, and graces reviving, by the Spirit of the LORD? Like as that poor cripple we read of Acts 3. v. 8. when he was cured, he walked into the Temple, praising GOD, and leaping for joy: even so the soul that findeth itself once thus set free by CHRIST, cannot but with much more abundant joy triumphantly rejoice in the free grace and mercy of GOD in CHRIST, which hath set it free: yea, with a joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1. vers. 8. None knoweth the joy that such find, but the soul that hath laboured under the same burden, and tasted of the like freedom. A stranger intermeddleth not with this joy. REAS. 2. Because CHRIST only can confer upon the soul the greatest good. What is the chiefest good that the soul is capable of here in this life? What is it to have an heaven upon earth? Is it not to enjoy GOD? to have an intimate acquaintance with the LORD JESUS CHRIST? to enjoy the sweet manifestations of his presence, John 14. ver. 21.? Is not this the chiefest good, and the great request of the soul, To be kissed with the kisses of CHRIST'S mouth, Cant. 1. v. 1.? The sweet intimations of CHRIST'S love to the soul are good more than wine: better than else can comfort. For CHRIST to take the soul into his banqueting-house, Cant. 2. v. 4. to communicate unto it largely the rich graces and treasures of his blessed Spirit; to lead it (as it were by the hand) into his privy chambers, and let it take a view of those jewels and precious things laid up for his people: to refresh the soul with those spiritual consolations which exceed all outward troubles; and to spread his banner or flag of defence over the foul; a banner against sin; Satan, and the world, and this banner to be Love; all this, the love which CHRIST beareth to the foul: This, this so ravisheth the foul, that she is sick of love, faint and sick with desire of enjoying more communion with CHRIST. As Daniel, when he had received abundance of revelations, was faint and sick with desire of more clear knowledge of his visions, and of the Church's deliverance, Dan. 8. v. 27. so the soul that hath once throughly tasted of these sweet consolations, is sick after more communion with CHRIST: crying out with the Spouse, Stay me with flagons, etc. Cant. 2.5. with the flagons of the wine of grace and spiritual consolations which Christ reacheth out to the souls of his. REAS. 3. Because CHRIST only can fit a Christian for all estates and conditions, for all changes and alterations: CHRIST can teach the soul humility in prosperity, patience in affliction; yea, not only so, but also to rejoice and glory in tribulations. To glory is to have a kind of insulting over them, to live above them, to undervalue them, to set light by them. And not only to triumph over some light trials; but even 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in pressing afflictions, in tribulations, Roman. 5. ver. 3. The presence of CHRIST carrieth the soul above all the troubles of the world, and sets it upon that rock that is higher than all outward discouragements. 'Tis CHRIST alone that can teach the soul how to rest content in every condition: I have learned, saith Paul (and surely it is a blessed art) in whatsoever estate I am, therewith to be content, Philipp. 4.11. But this knowledge he tells us, he obtained from CHRIST; I can do all things through CHRIST that enableth me. REAS. 4. Because CHRIST only can sweeten death, and enable the soul courageously to encounter that enemy which Aristotle calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The most Terrible of Terribles; and Bildad (one of Jobs friends) The King of terrors; when Satan (as usually he doth in his last and greatest assault) sendeth in his accusations like the waves of the sea, or like Jobs messengers, one in the neck of the other, seeking to swallow up the soul in the gulf of utter despair; presenting unto the soul (as it were in one view) the sight of the sins of her whole life, together with all the aggravating circumstances. Now it is CHRIST alone that can (and at this time usually doth) step in and rescue the soul, taking away the captive out of the power of the enemy: CHRIST now smileth upon the soul, letting her feel the sweetness that redoundeth to the believer by his bitter sufferings. He enableth the foul by faith to cast anchor in heaven; to stay it self upon the alone and all sufficient merits of the LORD JESUS. And now the soul dares challenge death, hell, and Devils: Who can lay any thing to the charge of GOD's Elect! 'Tis CHRIST that died; yea, rather that is risen again for their justification. USE 1. The first Use we desire to make of this point may be to discover the vanity of all other comforts. All comforts without CHRIST are but seeming comforts: they are (at the best) but bitter-sweets; there is fare more gall than honey in the best of them. All other comforts, without CHRIST, are but like a lamp without oil, or a bone without marrow. Without CHRIST the soul meeteth with emptiness in the greatest worldly fullness. 'Tis CHRIST that filleth all in all. Ephes. 1.23. He putteth fullness of content and satisfaction into all the things that his servants enjoy: The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul, Prov. 13.25. If he have much, he blesseth GOD for it, and laboureth to improve it to his glory; if little, he is thankful for it, and content with it. Godliness carrieth a self-sufficiency along with it: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 1 Timoth. 6. ver. 6. Other things without CHRIST may carry a show of happiness in them; but indeed and in truth, there is no true real content and soule-satisfying comfort to be found in them. The glory of the greatest that want CHRIST, doth many times decay before them; at the utmost it dyeth with them: when they go from their house to the grave their glory shall not descend after them. It is not the quintessence of all things here below, without the fruition of CHRIST with them, and in them, that can make a man happy. Men do but dream of a contentedness in them: They are but a mere image and representation: All worldly pomp is but a fantasy: Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Acts 25.23. These things are not so excellent as men think them to be. But truly happy, and assuredly blessed is that soul that enjoyeth communion with the LORD JESUS CHRIST; that can truly say with Paul, CHRIST is to me both in life and death advantage. USE 2. Secondly, This may be an Use of Instruction, to teach Christians seriously to take notice of the happy estate and condition of every soul reconciled to GOD in CHRIST: The LORD JESUS is all the sweetness that the souls of his can desire: He is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, and a Jubilee in the heart (saith Bernard). Look upon one of GOD's reconciled one's in his most afflicted estate, when he is most estranged from all worldly comforts, yet in the midst of all his outward wants and sufferings, he is truly happy by enjoying communion with GOD in CHRIST. Let a man's outward condition be what it can; yet in enjoying GOD, the soul enjoyeth is necessary and conducible to her comfort and happiness. All comforts are in GOD as in the fountain and spring; all are primarily in him. That which the Apostle speaketh to this purpose (a Corinth. 6. ver. 10.) is a strange Paradox to a natural man, As having nothing, and yet possessing all things. In enjoying GOD, the believer enjoyeth all; even in that GOD who can not only command, but also create comforts. Although the Lord many times leadeth his people into the wilderness, yet even there will he speak comfortably unto them, Hos. 2. vers. 14. GOD usually giveth in most of himself to his when they are most destitute of outward comforts: The LORD dealing (in this regard) with his people as Physicians with their Patients; who keep their choicest cordials for fainting fits. Thousands (I am confident) of imprisoned and plundered Saints can experimentally speak to the truth of this. It is but the fulfilling of that promise of him who is Truth itself; who hath engaged himself to be present with his in their greatest straits, When thou passest thorough the waters, I will be with thee, and thorough the rivers, that they shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest thorough the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Isai. 43.2. Whither will the child fear to go whilst it is in the father's arms. Though I walk thorough the valley of the shadow of death (saith David) yet will I fear none evil: for thou art with me, Psal. 23.4. CHRIST's presence maketh amends for all. He is so eminently and transcendently good, that is wanting in the creature, is supplied out of his blessed self. If food be wanting to his to feed them, if clothes to cover and keep them warm; yet he is equivalently good; yea, better to them then all these, or whatsoever else they can stand in need of. O stand still then and seriously take notice of the happy estate of a soul reconciled to GOD in CHRIST; all outward troubles cannot hinder his joy, nor stop the intercourse of love betwixt CHRIST and his soul. He liveth above all troubles: His life is hid with CHRIST in GOD, Coloss. 3. vers. 3. He liveth where he loveth: his conversation is in heaven, Philip. 3. vers. 20. All the enemies in the world cannot take away his joy: He may lose house, goods, lands, friends; but still he hath his portion: GOD is the strength of my heart, and my portion for even. Psal. 73. ver. 26. All the powers of hell, and all the enemies in the world are not able to take away his comfort: They may strip him naked of all the comforts of this life; yea, they may (if the LORD permit) take away life itself: but yet they cannot take away CHRIST, who is the life of his life, and the joy of his soul. Here is a true believers conquest; His jewel, his treasure, his best and greatest comfort both in life and death, cannot be taken away. Enemy's may separate betwixt the body and the soul, but never betwixt the soul and CHRIST. USE 3. Thirdly, This may discover unto us the desperate folly of those who are solicitously careful after the things of this world, and in the mean time altogether careless concerning that which they ought principally to labour after, never truly seeking after communion with GOD in CHRIST. Of such we may justly take up that complaint, Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life, John 5. vers. 40. They will not come to CHRIST, they will not believe in him, they will not roll themselves upon him for life and salvation: They will not kiss the Son, they will not have CHRIST to reign over them: To such I may say (in the words of the holy Spirit), Why is there a price put into the hands of fools, seeing they have not an heart to it? Why do such lay out their money for that which is not bread? (Isa. 55. ver. 2.) for that which will not comfort in time of need? Why is the blessed, free and gracious tender of CHRIST so slenderly esteemed, and ungratefully refused? This, this will prove The condemnation, That men love darkness rather than light, John 3. ver. 19 How shall this muzzle the mouths of all impenitent sinners that have lived in these Gospel times, who have neglected so great salvation as hath been held forth unto them? How unutterably miserable shall the condition of such be, When the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST? 2 Thess. 1.7, 8. USE 4. Fourthly, The Use of this in the last place shall be for exhortation, to exhort every one of us, that as we desire to find any true, solid, soule-satisfying comfort either in life or death; so to labour now to get a title and interest in CHRIST. Strive to be found in CHRIST, not having any righteousness of your own, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith, Philipp. 3. ver. 9 Endeavour to get strong evidence to your souls, that you are Christ's, and he yours. Get the love of CHRIST shed abroad in your hearts, that your souls may be heated with the reflection of this love. Pray that your souls may be arrested with the love of CHRIST; with such a love as the Spouse; mentioneth, Cant. 8. vers. 6. A love as strong as death, that conquers the greatest giant, and mightiest Monarch; A zeal for CHRIST as inexorable as the grave, that the coals thereof may be fiery coals, scorching coals. This love will facilitate the greatest difficulties, and make the Saints not to love their lives unto death. This hath made the holy Martyrs kiss the stake and joyfully embrace the flames. This made that blessed Ignatius, when he heard the lions roar, (that were purposely kept hungry, to the end they might more eagerly devour him) cry out, O that I were with those beasts that are prepared for me, whom I desire should soon make an end of me: but if they should refuse to touch my body (as through fear sometimes they have abstained from some of the Saints) I would provoke them to fall upon me. Others have said, Racks, strappadoes, torments, are but a play to us. Flames of fire have seemed to them no less pleasant than beds of down: Thus have these blessed souls been warmed, yea, inflamed with love to CHRIST. The heat and strength of this love hath also moved the Saints, lying upon their deathbeds, (even as it is reported of the Swan) to sing before their death; and to allure their souls (as it were) to hasten out of their bodies: with old Simeon to cry out, LORD, now let thy servant departed in peace, Luke 2. vers. 29. And with good Hilarian, These seventy years and upwards thou hast served the LORD; therefore now go forth, O my soul with joy. They know right well that though they die, yet the sting is pulled out, and death to them is but a passage to a better life. Hence it is that they welcome death as that blessed harbinger of their souls eternal happiness. This hath made them look upon the day of death as the day of harvest to the husbandman, as the day of deliverance to the prisoner, as a day of marriage to the Bride. Upon this day have the Saints looked as a day of exultation and triumph over sin, death, and hell: O death, Where is thy sting? O grave, Where is thy victory? 1 Corinth. 15. ver. 55. It hath made them to long to be dissolved, and to be with CHRIST, which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, fare, fare the better, Philip. 1.23. As a Reverend Divine that I have read of, who the day before he died, called earnestly for the Bible, saying, Come, oh come, death approacheth, let us gather some flowers to comfort this hour. Another, Oh what an happy change shall I make! from night to day, from death to life, from a troublesome world to an heavenly rest? Thus have many blessed Saints even longed for death, and rejoiced at the very approaching of it: which they could never have done, had they not assuredly known that they should be exceeding gainers by their change, had they not confidently believed, that when these earthly tabernacles should be dissolved, they should have a building of GOD, not made with hands, etc. Oh how doth it concern us (especially in these cloudy days) to strive for interest in CHRIST! Therefore, as ever you desire to find any comfort in these sad times, especially at the hour of death, when all other comforts shall take their leave; so labour to get a tirle and interest in CHRIST, that with Paul you may be able to say, CHRIST is to me both in life and death advantage. NOw concerning this Gentlewoman, whose death we have all cause to lament, being one who was in an especial manner instrumental to the glory of GOD. Although I have ever hated flattery; yet, where I find much of GOD, I desire to speak something to his glory. Many things worthy of imitation have I (being much conversant with her) observed in her: A brief account of some of them I shall in a word or two hint unto you: First, She was very conscientious in observing the Lords day. Secondly, She was principally careful over the souls of her children and servants in her husband's absence: A lively character of a truly virtuous wife. When should the Moon shine bright, but in the absence of the Sun? Thirdly, The cause of GOD, and the welfare of his people were most dear unto her. In a word: Such was her demeanour in her whole conversation, that I could easily be eloquent in speaking of her; but I must set bounds to myself. God hath taken her from us, I must speak no more to her, neither shall I for the present speak any more of her. But oh that what I have (or deservedly might have) spoken of her, might provoke others to emulation: that you would strive to walk in her paths, that you might hereafter partake of her Crown. I shall conclude in the words of the Apostle in the same Epistle wherein I began, Phil. 4.8. Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. FINIS.