>#fj"^- ^m^ mm^^- ^Sfy ^ j f 1 i 1 ^ . 5J (i: I ! 1 **»• 03 1 ^ ^ 5 1 U s j o c i *^ ^ OS 1 1 «3 O ' c J *2S ^ =3 CL i m ^ i ti o :::' \ iHt M o .'^ ~^ ^ 1 • ^ tf • *^ .^ ^ ** P4 u .^ ^ ^ ^ 1 M^ ~o o O ^ % ^ 1 ^ i ' < 1 1 ?>t«ijf^- ^f^ k True Believers \Choice andPkafare] Inftanced in the Exemplary Life O F [Mrs: Mary Coxe, The Late Wife of Dodor Thomjs Coxe. Preachad for Hej/Funeral [By RICHARD BJXTER. iProv. I o. 7. The memory ofthejujiX jJhiU be blejjed , hut the name oj [ the wicked ^}all rot. LO N DO N. |Printed for John Hancock at thcj Three Btbles in Ccrnhill, next to 'Vopci-Had'Jlhy. 1680. d «4> *tl^ jfti ^^ «^ •4* «^ «A» <4* iSl «t* N «f> <9» «^ «^^ «f^ «9* «$» «^ «$» ^p» «^ ^ To my worthy and much honored FRIEND. Dr- Thomas Coxe. SIR, THofig/j ^'onr great Kindness and Care oj the health of mc and mnie, ?nuch oblige me to joti.andyctir Terfonal Worth much more , and your vuorthy Chil- dren command my great H.efpecf and Love J j,'et none of thej^efbould hiye A 2 moved The Epiftle Dedicatory. moved me to Jay a word of all that I have {aid of ^^ our deceafed Wtfi^ which I had not verily believed to be true : And it was Gods Grace in her , which much more command* ; ed it, than all my T)ebt to you and yours. She was fo Exemplary, as that I think it my T)uty^ for the good of others, to make this Publication of her CharaEier ^ and of this Ser- mon. But one great T>efe6l is here to be notified to the Reader ^hat almoft all her fecret way of Duty , and j^ articular Converfe, is omitted^which you tJyat were fill with her, could have described:, For J thought meet to fay no more, than 1 either knew my felj, or was obvious and known to many. The words which I heard but yejfer^ The Epiftle Dedicatory- jefterday from tin mouth of your Brother in d:fcourfe, zz^ere fuch as I doubt can belaid \^^\ y/t\\ '•*A '^wsN .'A.N />*\ />f>N />ifv\ /*» \ /MN ^ Tr//^ Believers Choice and Pleaf/ire, &cc. PSAL. 119. III. Thy Teflimcnies have I taken for an heritage for ever ; for they are the rejoycwg of 7ny heart. A Text that fj^eaketh of Rejoycing, and that in an heritage, and an heri- tage for ever, may feem unfuitable to a nfiournful Funeral : i3ut it was chofen by our deceafed friend, and not without juftiftable reafon. That which was a day of Sorrow to us, was a day of Reft and Joy to herj and.it was meet that (he (hould f jrefee that Joy, and tafting it in the firlt A 4 fruitsi [2] Traits, fhouJd commend that to us which iliehdd found ro(lveet,and would bring us to the felicity which (he hath now obtain- cd.lfthe damned fenfualift,L«;^. 16. would have had one fent from another world, in hope to fave his unbelieving Brethren, no wonder if a holy perfon were defirous that others fhould partake of her pleafure and inheritance: and like the Lepers that found the Siege of Samaria raifed, would not feaft and rejoyce alone. She chofe this, no doubt, as that which was molt Hvely imprinted on her own heart, withfi •uft defire that it might be imprinted alfo on the hearts of others j that fo we may not only rejoyce with her that now re- ;oyceth in the heavenly pofleflion, but, as Paul faith, Gal, 6. 4. Every man may prove his ov^n rvorkj y andfo may have re- pjcing in himfelf alone, and no< ('only) in another. Let us therefore by God^s affi- fiftance io improve thefe words, as may conduce to this defired end. By God's iTefiimonies^hoTC is meant that fupernaturally revealed Lavi^ and Fromife, which was pofleffed by the Church of the Jews, as God's peculiar people, fuppofing the Law of Nature^ tnd the common mercies which God had given c rj given to all the reft of fain mankind. Both the Precepts and Promifes are here included ; the Types and their Ilgnifica-. tion of the thing typified. ,, [^I have taken them'] fignifieth^ I have believed them^ implying that God reveal- ed them ; and I have Accepted them^ im- plying, that Cod had Offered them j and / have chofen them^ implying the pre- ferring them before all competitors; and / have trufted them, as fignifying their fpecial ufe , for the guiding^ 7?.:- ^ blijhingy quiet ingy diT\A favtng of the fouK [^For an heritag:'] fignifieth 1. As that which I truft to as my/t- CHYitj for an heavenly Inheritance, 2. And as that which now is my left portion while 1 am in the way, (including the things connoted.) 3. And as that which 1 prefer before all wealth and worldly heritage. jiUx- ander and Cafar had larger Dominions * than David '^ but neither of them was King of God's peculiar people, thar had poflcfTion of his Oracles , nor had the promifes which he had , that Ch:ift IhoLld be his Son and Succeflbr on his Thr(jne, The word ^fijrevcr'] relareth both to A 5 , the the Inheritance as everlafting^ and alfo to DavicTs choice^ as immutably hereupon determined. They are faid to be the Rejojcing of the heart aptitudinallj in themfelve?^^ which caufed him to choofe them, and aBpialljy becauftr he had chofen, believed^ loved ^ and obeyed them. So that this is the fum of the fenfe Y^worldlji men make choice of a worldlj Inheritance, and hopes, and on this they trpifi 5 and in this they feek^ their chief eft ■pleafure : But /, though blcjfed largely VPitis thy bounty J have fnffered many a^t- tiions in the world : £f^t thy Word hath been my Guide, and thy Promifes ftUl ful-- filled to me 5 and experience hath confirm- ed my Faith and Rejolation^ to lay all my Hope upon thy Word or Covenant, both for this life, and that to come , and from it I feek^ and fetch my cowfort : It hath been my joy in allmy forrovps, and, in it tothe laft Will I rejojce'] This is the fenfe of the Text/rom which we are all taught. Doft. Ttjat God's Covenant or TeBi- montes i*re thff true Believers Heri- tage for ever, and as fkch an truft^ cd and chofen by him 5 and therefore among among all t ie allurements ...vv. .he' crojfes of this world, are the f^ppor^ arid rejoicing of his heart. In the handling this I fhall fhew you I. What It is iH God's Tejiimor;ies which make them fit to be our Heritage, and our Joy? U, How they are called an Heritagt for ever ? III. H )\v they are (b taker) bv Believers^ l\\ How far they are their Joy ? I. In God's Covenant or Teftimonies there is i. The Aiuhor, 2. The M<^dia» tor. 3. The applying Agent. 4, The af- certaining Revelation, j. The Dbnative or Benefit given. 6. T! c Guiding Doctrine and Law. 7. And the Perfons or Subjects connoted to whom all this is fuited, to be an Heritage for ever, and the rejoy- cing of their hearts. I. The Author \sGnd, the Lord of us and all) in whofe hard and will is our Soul and Body, our Life and Death, our Health and Sicknef^, our Joy and Sorrow, whofe loving kindne(s is life, and better thin life, Pfil. 63. 3* who, if he will can make us US whole and happy, and who hath told us what he will do by his Covenant : Hc; wanteth not Love, for hc As Love it felf ; Eflential, Infinite 5dr//'/(?z/^, communicating to his creatures fuch Love as his Wif- donj^ieeth meet for them to receive.- ThQ Love that gave us the Mediator^ and the Covenant, will certainly perform it: It was of mercy that he fromifed : Ic is now of mercy and juftice that he per- / form> it. He wanteth not Wifdom to Rule the world by Truth and Goodnefs, and needeth not deceit and faljhood here- tiKfo^ nor to flatter fuch worms as we into obedience. Nor doth he that main- taineth Heaven and Earth, want power to make good all his Word j nor is there ^ any adverfe power to make it difficult,. I and hazard the fuccefs. Indeed, he that ferioufly confidereth the Divine Perfe- dion, will think it were more ftrange and incredible, that God fiiould not blefs and glorifie .the faithful, according to his Word. If it be credible that the Sun fends forth its illuminating and enlivening beams fb far and wide, to io mar.y mil- lions of various creatures (though it fcorch the uafuitabl^ objefts that are too aeer^) it is creedibJc that God who is Infi« L7J Infinite Goodntfs, (hould blefs the capable with heavenly Glory! And did we not fee that fin makcth many uncapable^ it would be harder to reafon to believe that all (hall not be bltfled by fuch a God, than that all the faithful (hall be blcfled. And we find, that though both be hard to unbelievers, they are of the two more hardly brought to believe the Threatnings, than the Promifes of God. What wonder is it that Infinite Fower, IVifdom and Love, (hould make feme of his creatures blefled by com- munication? and Man in fpecial when he hath made him capable of it ? And what greater fatisfa" 1^/^/7, and y^^«/^ be ohr ]oj ? If good Laws be the fafety and ho- nour of Kingdoms, are not Gods Laws fo to all the world ? What an ugly Dungeon were the world without them ? And what a worfe than bruitifh thing, were man ? O how happy were Man, were Families,were Cities, were Kingdoms, if all had made Gods Laws tiieir Rule, and all mens Laws and Lives had been ruled by themi Then there would have been none but vpifeyjnft and holy Rhlers, that would have governed for God, and for the common good, and Princes would have been indeed the -F4- 'hers of their Conntriesfind Mafters of their F^w/V/tf^^abhorring all contradiecaure that all this i§ dmirably fuited to our neceffity. We are indone finners ! and had perifhed for ever, vithoDta Saviour, apda pardoning Co- 'enant. We ar-e dark and foolifti-, anil hould have erred to damnation, wKhoat :his fure and heavenly Guide : We are be- et with TemptationSj and how (hould we ♦vercome them, without Gods promife ♦f better things than this world can give \6 5 we are under manifold pains and for- ows, and muft (honly dye: And ho\y hould we undergo all this in peace, if we lad not hopes of future happinefs, and of ihat which will compenfate all our loffes: ve have a life of fervice to God which nuft be faithfully and chearfully done j nd how (hould we fo do it , without good [14] good perruafion of this reward ? He tha, Cometh to Gody mufl believe that God is jam that he is the rewarder of them that dili- gentlj feek^htm. O then what a joyful word (houk that be to u?,which is fent from God him- felf thus to guide, to (ecure, to ftrengther and comfort us, by the promife of all tha^ we need, and can well defire,fealed by the Blood, IVliracles, and Spirit of Chrift 5 and bearing the imprefs of God the Author and that to fuch miferablc finners as wc are. 1 1. But how are Gods Teftrmomes our Heritage /^r ever? when in Heaven we ftiall have no need of Scriptures, \Anf. I. [ For ever ] fometime fignifi- eth, to the end of my life 2 as David faith 3 F/al. 23; I Jhall dvfell in the houfe of the Lord for ever 5 and fb oft. And (b Godfl Teftimonies were taken for his heritage, or chiefeft portion, and rejoycing conftantlyj and to his lives end, as (ecuring him of an cverlafting heritage. 2. And the heritage promifed by them, and connoted, is everlajiing j and the holi- nefs C 15 ] rft imprinted by thqm on his Soul^ wTfl r perpetuated, and perfe^fled in Heaven. III. What is it for Believers to take ods Tefiimonies for their heritage ? Anf, It is fuppofed that the flattering orld, and the pleafures of the fiefh, do and here in competitici],and are by many iken for their heft^ and this becaufe they ther think^mt of, or bdicvc not the bet- T things of a life to cone, and the com- »rts of a holy profped and preparation. I this cafe every true Believer, ferioufly eighing all, and what can be faid on both fles, what the world and flefti will be and D for him, and what God and grace, and ory will be and do, doth wifely difcerix d refolve, 1. That the world is vanity, and fin )ominable. 2. That God is all-fufficient, infinitely )od, and to be trufted,and his word moft ife and juft, and true: And therefore ough his belief have its irnperfc<.1;ions d aflaulcs, yet he fo far believeih Gods omifes to be fure, and his precepts to be od and neceflary, as that he rtfolveth •re to place his hope and truit for his whole C i6] 1 whole felicity in this life and hereaftei?; and to give up himfelf to the ftudy, lovt and obedience of Gods Laws^as the gf^U andfe have Dy the divine imprelTion of them on 3ur fouls, left fomewhat there which is ike them, and connatural 5 even a holf Hght to underftand their truth and good- nefs,and a holy love to them,and the things 'cvealed, to dejtre them^ and take pleafnre B in 1 10-] in them, and a, holj liveUnc[s to purfiie the good defired. And this is the writing of the Law and Gofpel on cur hearts: And in this fenfe it may be faid that God, that Chrift, that the Holy Ghoft is in ouif, fouls, and dwel'eth in us, evea as an e^^ cicnt principle, and a beloved objedl, and defired end. And if this be all that they intend, thofe called ^nal^rs have no rea- fon to accufe w't^ for not preaching a God, and a Chrift within us. And if this be it that is meant by thofe who tell the world, that by faying that the Holy Ghoft is ir.pu^ ^ we are more arrogant than the Pope, that j claimeth a vifible Monarchy 5 we glory in )^; this joyful priviledge, this earneft, (eal and firft-fruits of heavenly glory, and humbly thank him who hath vouchfafed it, and af- lured us of it in his word, jRom. 8. 9, i r. 2 Cor. 6. 16. £phef. 3. 17. i fohn 4. i j, I Cor, 3. 16. 2 Tiw. J. 14. I John I. 2^^ , C7 4.12,15 16. And if theScornershave any belief of the Scripturesjet them reacl^^ and tremble, ^ow* 8. 9, // any man havk...^ not the Spirit of Chriji^ the fame U none of his. 1 1 1. I have given you the fenfe and the reafon of this do(^rine : we come hither to Si^ to learn what ufc to make of it. And I think if I preach alfo on the Copj or /«3- p^efsQ( thisTextjWhofe Reliques we have Jaid in the duft , and tell us what ufe Jke made of fuch Doitrinc^ it will be a confide- rable help to our own Application. I have never loved or u(ed to adorn Sepulchers, or hang out fpecious Signs at the doors of Pride, Ambition^Tyranny/or worldlinefs , to entice others to imitate profperous finners in their fin : were I to preach at the Funerals of an Alexander fiv 'dC£far, I had rather fay that which may fave the living from following them in Pride and Bloodfhed,than to tempt men to the like fin and mifery. To praife damned men, becaufe they had the pleafures of fin for a tcafon/is to be more foolifli and uncharitable , than the tormenred Gentleman, Lf^ks i6. who would have had one fent from the dead to warn his Brethren, left they fnuuld follow liim to that place of tormenr.by preferring flf fhly plealureand profi erity, before the life and hupe of Saints. Our praifes eafe not tormenred fouK\ It is a mark of the Citizens of the holy C'nyyTjar a viU per- [on is contcnmi;d m tfjetr eyes 5 but \YithalI, B 2 That [22] ThiXt they honom tloofe that fear the Lord : for God doth honour them. My duty therefore to God^and my love to holinefs, and holy perfons, and to you in rpecial that are her Children^and othet Relations, commandeth me to tell you, (though fome of you know it better than 1 ) That our deceafed Friend/m the courfe of her Pilgrimage,did fpeak of herfelfby her conftant pradlice, what David profejp- fcd in this Text. Though I fpeak but from ' eighteen or nineteen years acquaintance with her my felf, I have- full evidence of kfor the formerf)art of her life. And my acquaintance with her by Neighborhood, xind mutual efteem, hath been fuch as hath , given me mote advantage to know her, I than moft have had : though I remember ■ r.ot ever to have fpoken with one per f on '^ that hath kj^ovpn her, that did not take her far, -an extraordinary and eminent example of the Piety and Virtues which I fhall men- tion. If the Hypocrites feek the praife of raen, verily they have their reward ( a poor reward ) bbt fhe feeking firft the Kingdom of God, and the honour that is of him , had this caft in as overplus : I npvcr heard that any perfon of any per- \ fuafion [23 3 fuafion did f{:eak evil of her, or queftion her eminent fincerity and worth. Had fhe come to this by fuiful ccmpli- ^;>T^,She might have feared Chrifts words, JL^hk^ 6. 26. Wo to joH when all men fpeak^ vpcll of you. But as God hath not left him- felf without witnefs to the very Hea- thens, fo he hath not lefr innocency, w:!- dom, love, peace and piety/vlihout fume wicnefTes in the confciences of the ungod- ly 5 few of them have the face to fpCok againft thefe in their propernamcs : And if he could not" difhonour them by our mixed faults, and by the flanderous affixed names of Herefie, Schifm, Difobedience, Hypocrifie, Phanaticifm, Folly, and what elfe ignorance and malignity can devife, the Devil knew not how to difhonour ho- linefs and virtue, nor to encourage the blind world to fo common a hatred and oppofition of them, as they fliew in all Nations of the earth. When She chofe this Text, it was from fuch a futable fpirit, as all men choofe the food, the friends and company^ the bufi- nefs and difcourfe which by agreeablenefs they moft delight in. That She made Gods Word and Covenants ( connoting Gods Love, Ghrift, Grace and Glory, the B 3 Q^ring, Cm] rpring , matter and end ) her bcft , her heritage, her all contemning all that ftood in competition , and that thefe were the rejoycing of her heart. She ftiewed to us that knevf Her by thefe notable effeds. j I. By her conftant, ferious, diligent ufe of the Word of God, by hearing,reading, conference and medication. Her food was not more conftafltly ufed, nor I be- lieve fo fweetto her. Her hearirg in the the publick Affemblies^ nochir.g biitne- cefliry could interrupt : And her private conftancy her relations know. She pra- ' d:ically told us that the blefled mans ^.^- light is i.n.the Law of the Lor dj and therein doth he meditate day and night ^Viz\. i. 2. I L She wad^ fo mHch^ ( in efteem^ ufe and thankfulnefs )of every little of the help She could gee in thefe fpirirual things, as fliewed that they were her heritage and joy. When fome coihe home with accufations o{ the Sermon, as ^/, duU^oV weakj She found in it fomething for prafit and (blace : I am fure my own converfa- tion and duties have been truly guilty • of the forefaid fault.^i and yet how gladly would She come over tht way to C^5] to us at prayer-time. How much did She value now and then a Jktie (too dull unprofitable; conference, and took ir for a lofs that She could have no more. How glad was She of now and then a too dryandfhort Letter^ and how carefully would She keep t!iem. As if with the Woman of Canaa-j^ She had been begging for the crnms. Alas our duller appe- tites* feMrrne fo defire after, or delight in, mucli larger portions of well dreft food, bur fulnefs hath loathing, and we call it dry manna^ which we are weary of 5 or every little fault in the dreflrng turneth our ftomach againftitj full fouls Joaths the honey-comb, but to the hungry every bitter thing is fweet. III. She loved and received the Word of God from any faithful Mimficr that hrouqht it : Its true that She more frequented and defired fome than others : ^But her Religion wasnotfa(n:ion, or fiding with this party or with that: She was far from aShifmatical mind or pradice. When one party feparate from all that ;Preachin the Parifh Churches, and ano- ther- from all that Preach elfewhere. She feparated from neither. '-' ii+ . ivr [26-] IV. Accordingly She loved all perfons that feared God as fuch : not confinieg her atFtdions or kindnefs to thofc of this or that controvertible opinion: But that can- dour and holy fi'nplicicy, and fcriou*^ praftical religion which She had her (elf, was it that She loved in all others whom- foevcr, V. And accordingly her conference wdiS not aboar controvcrfiesy or matters of con- tention, which too many l])end their hours in thefe times, but that which ten- deth to cdiiicarion, and to adminilter grace to the hearers : She was not fuch ^$ Paul oft reproveth for firivi/^g about }vordsy and little things^ that tend not to edifie bat fubvert. # VI. Much lefs was She tainted with any Herefie, or dangerous Errour in Religion^ nor ever drawn from the truth, and her fpiritual fredfaftnefs 5 bur cleaved to the form of wholfome words, and the^ fimplicity that is in Chrift, and to them that held the unity of the fpirit in. the bond of peace i avoiding the vain jang- lings of men of Contention, Pride and Corrupt minds. VII. C^7] V I I. She was not of a cenforious backbiting temper, nor ufed as too many faulty Chriftians, to make it her difcourfe, :©i:find fault with others, and make her trlf the judge of Controverfies/ Cafe?, A^rtiuns and Perfons which She underftood lot : but had learned that lefTon, Zfpeak, svil of i-d wan^ ] and to k^ov9 and bs called :o ir, before Sh^ judgifd, VIII. She was verv defirous of the good of all, and glad of any thing which ten led to promote the convtrfion and faving of mens fouls. IX. She was charitable and liberal alfo to their bodies^ in an unufiial de/jee : as I am able to fav by particular expe- rience,in which I have known it exercifect to the poor. X. Her humility, and deteflation of ^ ic was manifeir, not only in her garb, and behaviour, but in her low thoughts of her (elf, and the lowlire-fs of all her converfation, and great diflike of all that favoured of pride. XI. She was not morofe, nor arcfiifer of converfe or ufeful vifits, when reafon required them : but She took it for a great afflidtion to have much dlverlion by company or by matters, from her conftanc courfe of better work : And ( befides her bfalth) was therefore the more inclined to be much in the Country, that her mind and. time might not be at the mercy of too much intruding diverfions, and unprc4 febledifcourfe. X I LMach more was Sheaverfe to all' forts of fetjfuality : fuch pleafing of the- fiefh as corrupteth the mindj and turneth it from holy work>andplearure5 and fuch . vain recreations as wafte precious time,and . profit njt our felves or others: Holy things were her food and feaft, her work and recreation, Xn I. Her prudence in all matters, was- very exemplary 5 being much more a- gainil uoadvifed. rafhincfs, and adions which tend 10 ill eJcds, than mcftof us of the ftrjneer fex ; and I confefs I fhou'd.. think much' better of myfclf if I could eqiHiI htr Lerein. In which her acquain- ^ tar/. ^ance commonly admired her, thotigh :his is a point which all mufr ackcovvledg much imperfedion in. X I V, And her gentlenei?, meeknefy and cdlmnefs of mind and carriage was very amiable to her friends and moft that did conyerfe with her : She was a great B^verfary co pafTionare behaviour , which furely came from that power of grace^ which had made love and meeknefs be- come a nature in her, feeing nofuch thing could be elfeexpefteJ in one of her fex and completion, , and bodily weak- ^efles. X V. She dicj not as tlie hypocrite, give God the fecond place in her heart and life^and the World the firft, nor pur otF Chrift with the leavings of the fie(h, nor take this World for her befl: or heri- tage, and the ne:{t only for a referve jvhen She mufk needs leave this : She fee- med to prize no heriti^gebuc God, nor to (ct much by any tranfitory vanity what- ever. XVI. She excelled in the earneH defirc '.'^ \]' : C!iilJrens goof/, and in the care of their their well doing and falvation. How ofm hach She defined mc to pray for themElit^ How glad was She if I would at any tim^p but converfc vvirh them, and advife them :l they know better themfelves (thoughll know much ) how much She prayed for' them? How oft and tenderly SheCoun- felled them ? What Letters of ferious holy Gounfcl She would write to them ? And how like She was to fob^ who prayed and (acrificed for his Children when they were merry and feafting together, fearing left they fhould forget God and fin againft him? XVII. This kind of life which Thavc defcribed -was her cdling.andtradsy and in a manner, her only bujlnefs in the World : It was iiot now and then in a good mood, like a feaftor recreation :but as She knew that ons thing ts needfrU, fo She chofe that better part^ which never was^ nor will be taken from her. She fo lived as if She had but this one thini to mind and do in the Worlds to pleaie God, by obeying hirn, and to cleave toChrilt^ and to do good and to be faved. Nothineelfe fcemcd to be much in her mind, thoughts care and bufinels y her life fcemcd to be but this one \ thiM-- L3^ J thh:g. But I niuft confefs that poor and ceiTiptcd Perfons, that are under many w^orldfy wants, crcflTes and eruploynnrcnts, cannot be expeded to reach her meafurc in this : Though (?«^ thing be their beft a^d portion^ they may be toft with many troublefome cares and bufinefles. But God give her both mind, opporttinity and helptoWve in as even a courfe of con- ftant holinefs in a Family, as Monks can pretend to or hope for in their Community or folitude.Religion was her very life. XVIII. In this life She had alfo a Corsfiara peace of Coufcience , bewailing her imperfetlions, but not living in melan- choly, defpair, hard thoughts of God^ or an uncomfortable fort of Religion : I have oft heard her fpeak of her lamen- ted weaknefs of Faith, Love and heaven- fy defires and joy, but never that I re- member one doubting word of her own fincerity and falvation : But her ordinary fpcech was lamenting that we were all To weak in our belief of the Word of God, and the unlten vvorld^ and what exctllenc Perfons we (tould te if herein we had a ftronger Faith that were liker unto fight 5 and how much it fliou'd be the bufinefs of L32] of all believer?, tp pray and labour foranlm increafcd poAVifrfiil belief hereof, as thatf which wo^Idfet all right in us. k XIX. Her patience under her bodily, infirmities alfo was exempbry. Her weaknefs made her fo lyable to dangerous Coughs whUe^ -She^ was in Lojidon air^ that by tl^s She was conftrained to live much from home. And moft of all herjal life She wii5 tormented with a frequent mI head-ach : But in her patience in all thiS' She did poffefs her Soul 5 and patience furthered experience, and experience hope, and She learnt more the quiet fruits of righteoufnefs by being much ! exercifed herein. XX. And as by this She daily learned ; to dye, fo the expectation and prepara- I ticn for death, washer continual work and ftate. She lived and heard, and prayed, and wrote her Letters to her Children, as ! at the brink of the Grave, and the Door of Eternity. Not that her Difeafesdid 1 feem to us to be very mortal, or threaten this fudden chdrno;e. Bat (he kne^v the brevity of mans lifr, and that Death is ret:dy co remove us ull ^ and wba: i:33: inoment k is till that certain hour. And as' She livcd.holily and in peace vith God and man^ Co She dyed with afe and /Ut/e Ul^lyhood of the ordinary "niferies of Fear cr Fain : A little fbreneft ind fwelling of her Leg, and pain tovyards he Hip, turned to two fwooning fits, and .n the third or fourth, having been in quiet difcourfe with her Husband, Sbe^ IS quietly funk and dyed away 5 defiring .liatlfhould be fenr to pray with herj She wds dead before I came, without any Igns of natures ftriving : And She ha4 'aid to her Daughter after her former fits, She did not think that one could have dyed fo eafily as She had almoft done. A death thus expecled^ and thus prepared for^ is not to be called [udden \ Thus God can make death eafre to fome 3f uSj rhitare apt to over-fear thean- tecedent pain. And now what can be more , ( almoft ) defired ;;; this \xorld^ than fuch a Jtfe and fuch a death. Our dear Friend is at home wirhChrift, and Gods will, which is Goodnefs and Love (elf, is fo fulfilled ; even that will ivliich mnft difpofe of all things, and in VYhichorly weiiuirt.feckour re(>. Ajid And having defcribed this true Copy oj the Text,I may boldly fpeak of ic to rcvc-j ral forts. I. r may again ask both fakers ^ru\ 5r^r«fr/, Whether the Holy S^^irit do noi ^M?f// and w^r/^ in fuch among us, as ouri dear Friend now deceafed was. I lir::- 111 g: II. I may ask Vnbelicvers and S adduce s\cb Whether rhefe operations of the Spirit of God on Believers, be not a fign that God owneth the Gofpel by- which he thus worketh? And tbatChrift liveth and reign- jii etb, who can thus itill fend a fanftifyingl^ Spirit into Believers Souls ? And whether it be not blafphemy to think and fay^ ei-. ther that thefe excellent endowments of 'Soufs arenot of God, or that he givech them all in vain, and that Believers are all deceived by God, and labour and hope all their days for that which hath no being; and that the better God maketh them,the^ more deluded^ vain zv^d frfifirate he ma keth them, and ruleth and amendeth th: \yox\Ahy f^djhocd. III. I may ask the PapifJ-r^ with U'hut face they can fay asthey u(e to do, T^b.u th:y ej never heard of aProtefiant Sa'mt ? And • hethcr we may not be as Religioru^ in the aces that God hath fet us in , as if we rned Reclufes, Monks or Nuns, and (hut >^^ur fclves from doing any gocd in the orJd, I V. I mav ask the Mal.frnam that call ferious Godlinefs Hjpccr-Jie^ Whether ch a life as this doth favor of difllmulati* I ? And whether (hch Sericujf^efs and Hy- :rifie are not contraries, and Hjpocrifi^ ' no: a Prpfejfion without that Serioi^fnefs iiich l^fincerity ? And whether they that Ea[>tifmfolemnly vow to take God for eirGod, and Chrift for their Lord and viour, and the Holy Ghoft for Chrilts Ivocate and Witnefs, and their Sanftifier d Comforter, and to renounce the Flefh, e World and the Devil, and when they ve done, perform none of this which ey vowed, but five to the Flefh and Orld which they renounced, and take a ly life as needlefs, yea and hate itj 1 fay, lether thefe be not the impudent Hypo- tes that vow and profefs that holinefs lich they abhor, rather than they that th all their diligence perform the holy 3W which they have made. And if Wives pro- promife Fidelity to their Husbands, Se ^'' vants to their Matters , and Subjects ' ^^^ their Princes^are they the Hypocrices th ^': are fcrious and keep their promife ? ( "j* they that were never feriaus in ir,but (td ^ the keeping of it ? V. And as to thofe malignant perfo ^ that take this ftri(fl and ferious diligenl''.| for mens fouls, to be hnnfcrupnlofity^ or tl ^^ characfter of fome over-z^ealom Birrots i Puritafis who are moft inclined to Schifr and to be troublefom or dangerous i Statesjiask them, ' 1. What is there in all the defcripric which I have here truly given you, whic is injurious or dangerous to Church ( State, or any perfon ? Will it hurt any or that God and men are ferioufly loved? an that Gods teftimonies are trufted and d( lighted in and obeyed ? and that Cocf Kingdom and RighteoufnelTe is fir^ fought ? 2. Is it notChriftjand Chriftianity, anf Scripture that you accufe ? IF it be fchf matical and dangerous to be feriaus in pet^ forming what we profefs and vow, furrf it is bad in Baptifm to vow it, and ftill b calling our felves Chriftians to profefs ii^ T C37] 3 accufe, bate and fcorn the ferious Pra- ice of your own profeft Religion, is to the moft fool i(h Self condemners, and fome refpec^s worfe than Mahometans, fidels and Heathens. V I. But my moft earneft defire is to )u the loving Hnsbandy and beloved Chil" en of our departed Friend 5 that you lill not overlook, r. The CorreBion^ 2. The Sin, 5. The Mercy y 4, Or the Duty which God now cal- leth you ferioufly to confider. ( I. ) I nee I^Kovp of us, or thnik^ of us, or do for , we fhall better know when we are ere : But here you are de[)rived of the ily prayers which She fent tip for you ; of [38] of the continuance of her loving care ( your Souls,and vvatchfulnefs ovcryoiii ( her wife and faithful counfels to you^ an of her imicableexami^lejas itwasftill b^ fore you 5 a Husband of a pious pruder helper, and children of a tender affefti nate Mother 5 your great forrows tell ir* you feel your lofs. ( 2, ) And all corteclion is for fm^whit is worfe than fuffering^ O fall down be fore God, and with penitent tears bew.i your fin, which hath caufed yourlofs humbly confefs how unworthy vou wer of fuch a Mother, and beg of God to forL give, that fin* ( 3. j But A'fercy alfo as well as Sl\ and Lofs muft be acknowledged. You, forrow muft give due place to thankffilne} and comfort. Your Mother is taken froia you, but remember I, What a mercy it was and is to youi. that you are fo related to fuch Parents,rec^ ing God hath promifed fpecial mercy t(, the Faithful and their Seed 5 and if any you mifs it, it will be through your owi ingratitude and contempt. 2. Wha: L39 1 2. What a mercy is it that all her pray- s for you are yet in force, and more of e anfwxr of them may yet be fcnt you, you rejeft it not ? f!' You have yet all her holy counfels remember, and they may profit you lile you live. 4. And though She be gone, I hope her ample will never be forgotten by 5*. And what a mercy is it, that under her infirmities , you enjoyed her fo Ing? 6. And yet how much greater caufc of ankfulnefs have you, that She fo lived d fo dyed, and that you may think of T with comfort as being with Chrift,and pe to be with her for ever. Every one th had a Mother^ but every one had not ch a Alother as you have had. ( 4 ) And I have intimated your Df^ty^ lile I have mentioned your Lofs and ftrcy, 1. Think over often what Sin fhc repro- d in vou, and what counfel (he gave ;u, ar-' now revive your refolution to 0- y ii. 2, Remember what She was wont to pray C40] pray for on your behalf 5 and let it nc now belong of your negledor wilfulnel. 'l are without it, , i jli'i tluit you a 3. Remember her humble, moderate holy example J and think whether you Souls have not as much need of th greateft care and diligence as hers had And why (hould not you be as ftudious pleaft God, and make fure of Heaven She was ? Blefs God that you have fuch i pattern,that hath fo long dwelt with you for your imitation,next your imitation 01 Chrift : Holy fimplicity is defpifed by the world, but it will prove the only wi(dom at the laft, I have told you what ufe to make of the example of our deceafed Friend Lee me now tell you what ufe to make of the Text which (he fo much loved, tranfcribed and chofe. I.: And^ firft here you may learn, the nature of true Faith, and found Religion; It taketh. Gods^eftimonies andpromifts for our heritage, and for; the comfort of our heart?. Ir.ij; not. true Faith, unlefs we fo truft Gods promifes for this life and that to.come, as to takcwtot ^je pro-- miftth L40 [feth for our beji and our inheritance^ d his pro wife for our beftftcurity and le, and his Law for our governing lie that we may obtain ir. So. that, I. Here you fee how we differ fm Infidels, that do not trufi their priafting hopes and happinefs on the jmifeof God. 2. And how we differ from hypocrites p fpeakbeft of Heaven, but really i)k for their befl on earth : which Chrift leth [ Trujling in their Riches^ 3 ^^' ife that is indeed thefr truft, from lich they have their greatefl expcc1:a- n.c, and for which they moft labour and II leave all ; this a believer doth for /»;j^^^ happinefs : And this the worldly X)CTite doth for the.profperity of the hon Earth, 5^ And here you fee that faith and god- ::fs are not melancholy uncomfortable ng.c, as the Devil and the fle(h would (wade unexj erienced fools and un- ievers : Unlefs it be fad to have fecurity m God of a Heavenly heritage^ and Dice therein. .\nd here you fee the differences bc- ren the mirth of d flefbly Infidel and of elicving Saint: One is like a drunkard that [ 40 that is merry for an hour in a bruitifl kind of befooling pleafurc ; or like omf^ that hath a pleafant dream 5 or one that heareth a jeaftor merry tale, or feeth: pretty Comedy or fhew : The other l more rational and heart contenting thai^ it fhould be to any one of you, to havt good fecurity for many hundred yea" life and health and profperity here cr Earth 5 fiich a birth-right do prophaiK fools fell forfuch a morfel ; not knowing! that the fear of God caufed by true FaicfcF is the beginning of wifdom. 2. Hence therefore we may learn hovw to try our finceriry of Faith. Doth it make us take Gods promifc and the thing promifed as our heritage ? Though \vt are not without temptations to doubting, nay nor vAMthoutthe remnants of unbelief, but our hearts are troubled when we look beyond death with many fears, yet i(f we fo far truft Gods Word, as refolvedly t;o take it for that which we will adhere t6, and lay our chiefeft hopes upon , wc have a Faith that will entitle us to thef jiromifed benefits. ^^ <%'. But fomc may fay, I cannot fay i^' that it is the Rejoicing oj my heart. "^ C 43 ] ^nf. I. Can you fay that yau take it for that in which "^'ou place andfecl^ your foy, though you cannot yet attain it ? And that, you prefer not any other pleafurc in ygur efteem and choice and feekingflf X), you fhew that you truly believe and Tuft to the faithfultiefs of Gods Word, fhough yet you reach not what you feek. Defire is the firft fruit of Faith and Love, hid holy joy is the flower and perfeftion. 2. Cannot you fay that it is this word ^hat maketh you hope that there is for Ban a better life^ and that you fliall not :3eri(h like the beafts ? And that your fears and forrows are fomewhat abated )y the promifes of God ? 3. Cannot you fay that you perceive a )leafing goodncfs in the Word of God^ rvhich makerh it w^elcome and acceptable vou? ^ By what I have mentioned, you may^ ind, . That the word hath not been in vaia ) you, when it hath caufed (uch cfTefts. 2. And that the (ame fpirit is in you ?v'hich wrpte the Word : or clfe you a'ould not love and defire it^ and take it or (airjble food and pleafure, yea, your lerittige and ;oy. G 3, And C44] 3. And you may hence perceive that you are not without the love of God himfeir, though you fee him not, and have iTot fuch fenfible conceptions of him as; you have of men and things which you have feen : For if you love truth and goodnefs and holinefs in Gods Word, be- caufe it is fuch, you fure love beft the greatefl- truth^ goodnefs and holineft, and that is God. 4. And hence you may percieve that though our nature love not death, and a weai^ Faith will not overcome all fears,, when we think of coming into an nnfcea world, yet really you are lovers of Hea- ven, in that you are lovers of that which) conftituteth Heaven, and is its defirable ^ nefs to man j even holinefs and Gods Love and glorious prefence, and our perpetual ^y herein. If you defire this, you defircj heaven, though the fear of death do^ make you doubt of it. 5. And hence you may, find that you are not worldly hypocrites : elfe it is not Gods Promifes, and Law that you would take for your heritage and joy 5 but worldly profperity and flefhly pleafure, and God and Heaven fhould have but the leavings of the flefh, for fear of an after reckoning at death. 6. And % C45] 6. And though your joy befmall, you may know that it is of the right kind, when it is chiefly fought in Gods Love and promifes 5 and you would not let go -the Word of God, and lofe your pare in it for all the vanities of this World. III. Hence alfo you may learn why all true Chriftians fo much value the Teftimonies or Word of God? Why theyfo much read it, think of it, talk cf it, and hear of it j and are loth that Pa- pifts fhould corrupt it, or conceal it in an unknown tongue j or that any fhould deny them the neceflary ufe of it, or filence the Minifters that Preach it to them ? who would willingly be deprived of his heritage^ or heart rejoicing <' I V. Yea, indeed hence ive fee, how nufch we Jhonld [ct bj tt, a>id ufe tt ^ \[0\^ dear it fhould be to us ? How firKflly we 'fhould obey it ? With what delight we fnould read it and meditate in it? How diligent we fhould be to confirm our be- lief of it, and how we fhould fetch our hope and comfort from ir, in life and at our death ? G 2 V. A'd [+6] V And you may tec hence, that it is no wonder that ihe Devil and all his Ser- vants in the World are enemies to the Word of God, becaufe they are enefiiie^ to our heritage and joy : And there an few better figns while many pretend to be for Chnil*, to know who are really for him, and who are againft him and his ^reateft enemies 5 than to judge of mcr as they further or hinder 5 Love or Hate the Word of God as to its proper ufe, a.- the heritage and joy of holy (cu!s. V I. But the chief part of my appli- <:ation is, to commend this wife and holy choice, andfolid comfort to you all 5 and to befeech you prefently to imitate David, and turn away from all inconfifteot pleafures. If you liveinforrow or deceit, and die in defperation, it is not for wane of an offer from God of better things. Have you lived hitherto as thus refolved ? If you have^ the Lord confirm you, and be fure fuch hopes fhall not deceive you. If you havenot^ what will you now choofe and do ? If you live not to fome €}:d, you live-not like men, according to reafon : If you have chofen what end to live for and leek, v\'hat is it? ConfiderJ -' ' befeech C47J befeech you, of thcfc things following before it be too late. I. What will yoa take for your heri- tagiCor your beft, if nor the future pro- mifed joyes, and what will you t^il^efov your fcclirity but Gods Word ? What is it that you place your chiefeft hopes in ? fhall health, and vveakh, and pleafure to- thefieih, and honour among men, be ta-i ken for your heritage? Dare you under- your hands mike a Covenant for thefe ro quit all your hopes of the life to come? if nor, which is it that you prefer, and which would you quit, if one muft be hazarded or loft ? v/hich hath the neareft and higheft place in your hearts ? which firekyou firft, and make all other things give place to ? O Sirs, it is a fhame to our ftupid hearts, that we have need to be fo ofc told by Preachers, that iv^ muft dj^j and that our flcfhmuft fhortly lie neg- Jefted induft: and darknefs, till the refur- reftion, and that we and all the deceitful trifles of this World are ready to part forever! It is a fhame that we muft: be ofc told that which every Fool and Child at the ufe of reafon may know, how poor and how (hort an heritage ok pleafure all thofe have, who have no better than this World can give them. What 1:48] What fay you. Will you die in Hope^ or in Dffpair ? If Unbelief make you hope that there is no Hell^ yet Hope of Heaven you can have none^unlefs you truft the Word of God ? The light of Nature indeed is fuch a natural Word or Revela^ tion, as may tell us much of a future life of retribution 5 but Gods fupernatural revelation isfo much clearer, that we can- not expecft that he will fee by a lelTer^who wilfully rejefts a greater light : fure all iTien would live for ever if they could, and all would be for ever happy : you w^ould not fure die like Dogs^without any hope of a better life hereafter , if you could have good feciirity for fuch hopes ? And what better fecurity is there to be found, by mortal men, than [ the Promi- fjs of God^ confirmed by Chrifts Blood and A'liracleSj and bj the Seal of his holy Spi- rtt. ] In a word, vvirhout all doubt, ^* Either ^^ Heaven mu(i be your Hcxitagt ^ or yoi^ ^^ m:ift have nohe that is worthy of a feriopis '^' thought^ and encugh to ksep a man from '^ wijhing that be had nevar been born , or ^^ been a Brute^that had not reafon to k^ow *^ the matter of his griefs and fears. And •^ either Gods Word feconding the light of *f Nature^ C49] '' Nature^ mufl give yon hopes of a better ^Uife^oryoH mu ft live and dye in meer de- "fpai^'} And fhall tliac be your vvilfal choice ? 2. Confider how unval«able a mercy it is, to man, yea, to finful miferable man^ that God (hoiild vouchfafe to give him luch an evfflafting Heritage, and fuch (e- curicy for ir, and that on the meer thank- ful acceptance of the fmner. And how worthily wiil they be undone,that by wil- ful refufal are deprived of freely offered Felicity ? 3. And confider, how ffi it able an Heri- tage and Security it is that is offered us,' and how fit for our joyful acceptance and efteem. The thing promifed is no lefs than end- Tefs glory with God our Redeemer, and all the blefTed : it is in the world where we muft be for ever! It is the perfedion of that which every holy Soul defireth : It is ofir bifi^ our all ; it muft be that or no- thing 5 that or Hell. The Word or Covenant which is our Trult, I. Is Gods own Word. C 4 2. It [50] I 2. It perfedetli and fecondeth natural revelation and hope. 3. Ii'.beareth on it felf the imprefs of Goc!^ even his power, wifdom and love, in wonders, jirophecies and grace : it is (eal- ed by the blood of Chrift ; by his own and his Difciples multitude of miracles 5 and by the gift of his&ndifying Spirit to all true Believersto the end : It is confirm- ed to our Souls by the experience of the power of it, and the blelTcd effe(fls , and this indwelling Spirit,the wicnefs ofGhrilK3 and by the anfwer of prayers , by many providences, and by the experience of all Believers to this day. It is. excellently fuited to all our need?; to our wants, our dangers, our fears, our doubts, yea, and our finful unworthinefs in the frcenefs of Gods mercy, and all his gifts. Indeed man had rather live by figlir, and would fain know by feeing ,* whither Souls go, and what they are, and have and do hereafter. But it is not we, but God hat i s the Ruler,and ficteft to choofe both the gift and means, the end and way : If we thankfully truft and improve a pro- m'fe, we fhal! quickly fee, and have pof- feffion, Blcfled be God for the light of his i: 5 ^ J trisGofpel, to guide us up to the light of glory. O that we had hearts to triift it, Jove it, and rejoice in it, as vv^e have ;uft caiifc. : 4. And is it nor a great merey of God, that he hath herein called us to a life of happi-icfs and pre/an jcj} If he had bid us only weep for fin to the laft breath, the condicion had been eafie as for pardon and hope of endlefs mercy ; but he hath given us a word, which he would have to be tlie Yejojclr.g of our hearts',. and do we npt love joy ? or have we any better ? I have not now time, and I much more wane my felf.-fiich a mind and heart as I (houjd have, to tell what caufe of daily joy God hath given us in his word and Covenants. But this I will tell you, that our w;mt of joy'is our daily fin and (barney as wei! as our lofs and iijifering j and a- mcng all the difcoverics of ihe (Inful weu;;ne(s of onr Fairh^Hupe and Ln'e,our wanr frt' rejoycing in the word of promife, and i]ope of gfory , is not the lefs? O wiiat an Eeeiny .h dcv^th in this rcfjxftj that landing between it, darkneih and af- fcightnerh us from our joys: But Ghrift - hs[[) conquered dii?th,to deliver i.hole'thar C y ibrou^^;:t through fear of it are fubjed to bondage^ Hdr, 2. 14. And though we cry, O mi- serable men, who (hall deliver us ? we yet thank God through Jefus Chrift our Lord. And I muftfecond theteftimony of our deccafed Friend, in profefling for your en- couragement, my own experience, I have faken Gods Teftimonies for my Heritage^ and they have been thefe Fifty Years, or .'«>ear^ the pleafure of my life, and fweeter than Honey, and precioufer than thoufands of gold and filver. As we tell men in charity of the things which we have found good^the Medicines that have healed us^ and cx)mmend the perfons that have been friendly to us, and as man's nature is incli- ned to propagate the knowledge,and com^ launicate the good which we partake of,, and grace increafeth this inclination 5 fo I take it to be my duty, to add herein my €wn experience, if it may contribute to the determining of your choice : and rea- fon teacheth all men to regard that means and remedy and good the more ^ which many have had experience of 5 and it is Bot to be taken for vain oftenration , to profefs that which all muft have in fomc ieg^rec that will befaved^ Though. Though the natural and finful fears of [pain and death, too long deprived me of [much of the joy which I fhould have had in the thoughts of the unfeen worlds and too much doth fo to this day, yet I muft fay that the Vl^ord of (7re communi- cative to others, fi:r we would all have partakers in our deli^'.r:-, 20. And it hath greatly furthered my Repea- Rei:entance and hatred of fm, when] have rafted what pleafure it depriveth u! of 5 and the abhorrence and loathing ol my felf that can delight in fiich a God and Saviour, and word no more : when 1 taft horv good it is, and fee fo much reafar to rejoice in it, and the hopes of glory a thoiiland fo!d more than I do, none of all theacftual fins of my life, do make ms half lb much loath my naughty heart, as to think that my want of greater joy in fo great and neara good, doth fhew fo much weaknefs in my Faith, and Hope, •and Love! O thati had more Faith and Love that I might have more of this de- light! Heareis I have fincerely told you what comfort you may have if you will not re- fufe it from tV^e Word of God, and from the experience of David, and ( becaufe things near are apteft to atFed ) from the experience of ourdeceafed friend, and -of my felf, and indeed of all Gods Ser^ vants in their degree; you would live in )^y> you would dye in joy-, we need ic in a life of fo much trouble, and .for a change that elfe is terrible; and itsfure and near. O Sirs wc reed another kind cf comfort, than fjx^rt or apjctiicor VYC^ilh^ wealth, or any fuch fading vanity will give us, you may have fomc of it , if you will. And though joy be the top of grace which we arrive not at wich a wifh, poT in an hour, yet the nature of the new creature relifheth orfavoureth the things of the Spirit, Eom. 8. 5, 6, 7. And the Spirit of Adoption is a Spirit of filial Love^ and aycih u^l^tpa Father^ and the Leve of God the Father, the Grace of the Son^ and the Communion of the Holy Spirit , which are the believers part, are all of them the greateft comforters -, and Chrift giveth believers that feek and truft haw, that fpringof living waters, which tcndeih to everlafting latisfadion, aad iurerh indigent and finfijl thirft. Will you then have any portion, heri- tage.and joy which will be woriijiy of a man^ and fhall go further with you than the grave ; If you ^vill you m^^y : God and this Congregation arc witneffes that k.was offered you. But think not to re- fufeit, and prefer tire tranfitory pleafures offin before it.and at Jaft have it,S:find thar which you reAif ed, or which you fought not fitit,Mat.6.^ 3. noT t;o find a treafure in !' avcn where you never laid it up or *v.oght it. The hoj)es of the wickec perillu [6o] perifh, and the hypocrites hopes are as the giving up of the ghoft: But the righteous hath hope in bis death^ and therefore may dye in peace and joyj foh 8. 13,14. and 11. 20. Pro. 11: and 14. 32. Perhaps fome will fay^ tbat fuch a dif- courfeof rejoycing is unfuitable to the mourning of a Funeral. I think not ol fuch a Funeral, in which we commemo- rate the Holy Life and Death, and be- lieve the prefent and everlafting joy ol fuch a Friend, and one with whom wc have long joyned in feeking and waiting for that felicity, and hope ere long and for ever to rejoyce with Chrift and herj and all the bleiled. And Funeral Sermons are not for the benefit ( though for the due honour ) of the dead, but of the living, to teach us all to prepare foi death, which indeed is (b much of the bufinefs of our whole life, that all the reft is but a vain fhew, andfoolifh triflin| or much worfe. And wherein doth oifl preparation for death fo much confift, a^ forefeeing what fo gre#(% change will need, and what a tryal it will put our Faith and Hope to, to feek and get fuch fecurity for our everlafting ftate, and fuct founc C6i] )und belief of it, and fetled content and omfort in it, which the fears of death, tidgmenr, and Hell, may not (hake or vcrcome, that fo we may finifh our onrfe with joy, and pafs through the ^allcy of the (hadow of death, and fear oevil, but may comfort one another nd our felveswith this, that we (hall for rrer be with the Lord 5 and may fay fith Patil^ I have fought a good fight ^ I »ave finijhed my com fie j henceforth is mA up for me a, crovipn of righteoufnefs^ Yhich God the righteous judge will give, \\o me and to all that love Chrifts appea- rance 5 when he (hall come to be glori- ,ied in his Saints^ and admired in all them [hat do believe, and (hall fay, well done ^ood and Faithful Servient, Enter thou into 'hi joy of thy Lord. I Woe and for ever woe to every foul Df you, that (halj finally rejeft or neglecffc fbc offer of fuch an heritage and joy ! I^nd bleffed be that grace which hath caufed all true believers to prefer it in :heir higheft efteem and choice and fee- king. I have lookt about to fee if there were any better and furer to be had : wd I am fully (atisfied it mu(t be this or none. I offer you but what God hath caufed C 62 ] caufed me and all that he will favc tol choofc 5 and Lord grant that I may never look back to any other j let the Love o God my Heavenly Father, the grace ot Jefus Chrift my Lord, and the joy of^ the (andlfying Spirit, fealing up theprom-f of God as my fecurity, and writing his Law and Gofpel ia my heart, be my heri- T tageand joy 5 and I fhall never envy the J moft profperous finner their portion ii;i this life, but fliall live and dye in the thankftil praife of the God of my falva^ tion, who is Ejfential^ Infmte^ foyjul Lov^ BOOKS\ 0\ //»v\ /m* » //«.\ //tS //t\ /j»\ //tC\ /jt\ /yfv\ /ytA /m\ /^\ '/•xN/ztX /<».\ ^cch Printed for ^ and are to he Sold hy John Hanccck , at the \^ign of the Three BiHcs ///Pcpcs- Head Alley in Cornhil. rHcological Treatifes , being 8 Tfaefes of Divinit\\ Produiftion of Man's Soul. Divine Predeftjnation. The true Church Regiment, Predicflions of MefTias. Chrifts two Genealogies. The Revelation Revealed. Chrift's Millenar Reign. The Worlds Diflblution.By RobyUvain. tn Epitom of EfTays, containing 6 Clafles. |"i. Theologicals. I 2. Hiftoricals. -i ^ • 3- Heterogeneafs. ', 4. Bruto-Anglicals. j 5. Mifcelianeafs. ^6. Mutuatitials. Jefide a Fardel of 76 Fragments, By Robert t^ilvain. Twelve Bookj Sold by John Hancock. Twelve Books lately publifhed by Mr Tbo. Broekj^ late Preacher of the Gofpc at Margarates Ne^-FiJh'StYeet. I. Precious Remedies againft Satan Devices, or Salve for Believers and Ub believers Sores : being a Companion fa thofe that are in Chrift, or out of Chrift 2. Heaven on Earth : Or a ferious Dif courfe touching a Weil-Grounded Aflu- ranee of Mans Everlafting Happinefs. 3. The unfearchable Riches of Chrift. held forth in 22 Sermons. 4. Apples of Gold for Young Men and Women, or the Happinefs of being good betimes. y. A String of Pearls: Or the beft things rcforvedtilllaft, 6. The Mute Chriftian under the Smar- ting Rod, with Sovereign Antidotes ^* gainft the moft miferable Engines. 7. An Ark for all Gods Noahs in a ftor- mj Day. 8. The Grown and Glory of Chri- ftianity, in 48 Sermons on Heb,ii. 14. 9. The Privy Key of Heaven : Ora Difcourfe of Clofet-Prayer. 10: An Heavenly Cordial for fuch as have had or efcaped the Plague. II. A Cabinet of choice Jewels, or a Box Bookj bold hj ]ohn Hancock. Box of precious Oynrmcnr. Containing fpccial Maxims3 Rules, and Directions, in order tp the clearing up of Mans Intereft inChrift, and his Title to all the Glory of jtnother World. 12. Londons Lamentations. The Godly Mans Ark, in feveral Ser- mons. To which is added Mrs Mvor^s Evidences for Heaven .By EdmundCaUmj^ £. D. at uildermanhury. Chrifts Communion with his Church Militant, By Nicholas Dockjcr. Sin the Plague of Plagues, ^y Ralph J^enning. A true Narrative of thofe two never to be forgotten Deliverances, One from the Spanijh Invafion in 88, the other from theHellifh Powder-plot, Nov,<^. 1605-. To which is newly added a brief Account of the late Horrid Plot difcovcred^ 1678, By Mr. Sam. Clark^. The Accurate Accomptanr, or London Merchant 5 Being Inltruftions for keeping Merchants Accompts. By Thomas JBrorvn Accomptant. Short Writing, themoft Eafie. Exacft, Lineal and Speedy Method that hath ever yet been obtained, as thoufands in this City and cKe Where, can from their own cxp^ Bochj Sold hy John Hancock. ijj experience teftilie. By Theophiltis Mti^ calf. . • Alfo a Book called a School maft^r to it; explaining all the Rules thereof. A Word of Advice to Saints,or a choice drop of Honey from the Rock ChrhY. \ A Copy-Book of the neweft and mofl; ufeful Hands, with direftions for Spelling and Ciphering. Bridges Remains , being eight choice Sermons. By the late Reverend Mr. TF/7- liam Bridge of Tar mouth, A Diffuafive from Conformity to the World. Alfo God's feverity apainft im- penitent Sinners. By Heirrj Stnhics Mini- fter of the Gofpel. ^f^ennin£s Remains^ being the fubftance of many Sermons, by Mr. Ralph f^enniKg-^ prepare:d by h'imfelf for the Prefs a little before his death. The Poor Man's Family- Book. By Richard Baxter, Luther^s 54 fpecial and choice Sermons. Gofpel-love, Heart-purity , and the flourifbing of the Righteous,being the laft Sermons of that late eminent Divine Mr. fofepbC^iryl. An excellent Catechifm by the late Re- verend Mr. feremiah Bf^rroughs, FINIS. f