The Earthly and Heavenly Building Opened, Sermon

The Earthly and Heavenly Building Opened · Sermon

p. 12. Cor. Chap. v. Verſe the 1ſt.

For we know, that if our earthly Houſe of this Tabernacle were diſſolved, we have a Building of God, an Houſe not made with Hands, eternal in the Heavens.

THE very Firſt Particle in my Text, doth introduce it as a Confirmation of that the Apoſtle had laſt aſſerted, in the precedent Chapter; wherein he ſhews how far the Reward of the ſincere Miniſters and Members of Chriſt, doth ſurpaſs their Suffering: Having premis'd a diſtinction of the inward and outward Man, which laſt, when adorn'd with a Saints Eye, aims not at the things which are ſeen, they are but temporarie, and ſo lye under a diſparagement, but at the things which are not ſeen, they are eternal, and ſo moſt deſirable, as may by a due comparing of Circumſtances further appear, from that Two-fold Proſpect, which the quick ſighted Apoſtle doth preſent to our View in the Words read: Wherein we have The

STATE

&

ACT

of a Believer.Cognitum & Cognitio.

I1. The State or Thing known of a true Believer, who hath a double Reſidence, one at Preſent, another Future; one here, another hereafter; one above, another below: One viſible, which is the Object of the bodily Eye, and ſeen by it; p. 2the other inviſible, which is the Object of the ſpiritual Eye, not ſeen by the Eye of Senſe, but only by the Eye of Faith. And therefore by a Metaphor drawn from Architecture, the believing Soul comes under our Conſideration.

As in her

LOWER

and

ƲPPER

Habitation.

In the Text, foreign.the Former is called an Houſe, of the ſame Nature and Structure with that of Unbeleevers.

The Latter, foreign.a Building of another nature, a more ſtately Structure, proper to the Saints.

IThe Firſt is no other than the organized Body, unto which the Soul is at preſent united: As e're while the Corps of our deceaſed Friend and Brother (which we have now brought, to be ſhortly depoſed in the Lap of our common Mother the Earth) was the Houſe wherein his great Soul did for a time reſide; even as ours do, whilſt we live in theſe Bodies we bear about; and this Houſe of ours, or State of Life is preſented to our View more diſtinctly in its

Corruptible Foundation,

Immutable Station,

Inevitable Diſſolution.

1. 1Corruptible Foundation: The material Principle is but of a terrene Quality, foreign.earthly in its Original, and Compoſition: The firſt Man is of the Earth earthly aa1. Cor. 15.47.1 Cor 15:47, ſo frail be ſure ſince the Fall that there is no ſoundneſs in it, whoſe Foundation is in the Duſt cruſhed before the Moth bbJob 4.19.Job 4:19, more eaſily mouldering away, when God doth but lay his Hand on it, than a Moth is bruiſed betwixt a Mans Fingers; yet that little Animal, weaker than a Worm, may, when diſpoſed of at the Pleaſure of the Almighty, overthrew this Foundation. Neither is the Foundation frail, but alſo it hath,

2. 2A mutable Station: The State of the Soul in this Life is not fixed, but in a perpetual Motion; and therefore the Apoſtle p. 3appoſitely compares this earthly Body, wherein we ſojourn a little, as an Inn, unto a Tabernacle; foreign. Hypallage.[Earthly Houſe of this Tabernacle] or as Beza would render it by a Figure, [the Tabernacle of our earthly Houſe] it being as moveable an Habitation, as it's a frail Foundation. Some would derive the Word from an Hebrew Root, which ſignifies he dwelt. foreign.Others from a Greek, ſignifying a Shadow: Sith a Tabernacle at the firſt was compoſed of Boughs and Leaves for the ſhading of Perſons from the Heat and Wet: But not to be curious about the Name, our Body may be aptly enough compared to the thing called a Tabernacle, or Tent, which was very obvious to St. Paul who had exerciſed himſelf in Tentmaking ccAct. 18.3. foreign.Acts 18:3: For,

11. The very erecting of a Tent or Tabernacle, whether we conſider it under a Civil, or Military Notion, doth import the brevity of the Inhabitants ſtay in it: When the Apoſtle Peter writes dd2 Pet. 1.13.2 Pet 1:13I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle, to ſtir you up, by puting you in remembrance. He intimates, That he had not long to live, and was willing to live to the beſt purpoſe, by doing the moſt good during his ſhort ſtay: As when the Iſraelites built themſelves Tents, being in a travelling Poſture, not having any certain Habitations. And as they were upon the way Sojourners and Strangers, ſo are all of us in the Body, for here have we no continuing City eeHeb. 13: 14.Heb 13:14, Though alas! we may ſee ſome ſuch Fools, in their own practical Judgments, feathering their Neſts with the ſilly Birds, that think not how ſoon it may be removed. Yet even an Heathen **Gorgias Leon…ih: in Stobaeus, foreign.(who neither conſidered the Cauſe, nor knew the Remedy) could by the Eye of a natural Underſtanding call it, A rotten fleeting little Cottage of ſhort duration; wherein the Soul muſt not ſtay long, before the bodily frame of Nature will ſoon be taken in pieces by Death.

22. The carrying of Tents and Tabernacles about, doth further note the ſtate of Pilgrims and Travellers, that paſs from place to place, as we do move without reſt, whilſt in the Body. So the Prophet elegantly makes uſe of the Compariſon p. 4ffIſay. 38.12.Isa 38:12, Mine Age is departed, and is removed from me as a Shepherds Tent: Which is ſet up a little while for Shelter, and removed to another Paſture at pleaſure. As it is reported of the Nomades in Scythia, (as well as Numidia) that they always remove their Tents with their Cattle; which plainly ſets forth our State here to be no leſs Tranſitory than Temporary; and therefore the Apoſtle might well liken it to a Tabernacle, eſpecially if we conſider further what he opens to our View, and that is.

33. The inevitable Diſſclution of this earthly Tabernacle, which is ſo temporary and tranſitory, foreign.[if it were diſſolved.] Which Suppoſition, with reference to the Conſequent, doth evince, that without all diſpute it will be diſſolved, or taken down, as a Tent that is looſed and laid up when the Siege is raiſed, the City obtained, and the War ceaſed. It may be as a Tent is ſometimes cut aſunder, and trod underfoot, or burnt up: So the Body by ſome violent Death, may be ſooner demoliſhed, than otherwiſe in the ordinary courſe of Nature, it would be: But tho it eſcape that Violence, it cannot be long before it fall in pieces of its own accord; For duſt thou art, and unto duſt thou ſhalt return ggGen. 3.19.Gen 3:19, Though thy Conſtitution, thy Care and Labour, with timely Advice of Phyſitians, may help a little; yet here is no ſtay long for the Life of thy hand, to allude to that Expreſſion of the Prophet, hhIſ. 57.10.Isa 57:10It is appointed unto all Men once to die; and then this Tabernacle will unavoidably give way for true Beleevers to go into that Receptacle which is nextly deſcribed in my Text, viz.

II. IIA Building of a more noble Structure, peculiar to the Saints, who do immediately paſs into it, upon the Diſſolution of their earthly Tabernacles; even a State of Glory provided by God, for the ſeparate Souls to enter into, and abide in immediately after Death: foreign.[We have a Building of God, an Houſe not made with Hands, eternal in the Heavens. When a Period is put unto the Scene of this Life, (much the ſame Word radically, with this that ſignifys a Tabernacle) then the Saints Souls, who have acted their parts therein, ſhall forthwith paſs into thoſe Manſions, which our Saviour went before, p. 5to make ready for the Reception and Entertainment of his Followers iiJohn 14.2.John 14:2. I know ſome do expound this Building to be only the glorified Body: But if we well conſider this deſcription in my Text (which I ſhall preſently open) with reference to the 7th. and 8th. Verſes in this Chapter, noting the Souls immediate Paſſage out of the Body into this Building, we may nextly; and moſt fitly take it for the Glory, with which the ſanctified Soul, upon its departure is forthwith cloathed, and afterwards wherewith the Body ſhall be adorn'd at the Reſurrection. The Building, we ſee is ſet forth to our View from Four Circumſtances.

11. The Architect, the Founder, and Builder; 'Tis a Building of God. foreign.This Manſion Seat of Glory is no other than the Paradiſe of God kkRev. 2.7.Rev 2:7; a rare Work, where all due Proportions are obſerved, and all Ornaments rightly choſen and placed, raviſhing the Eye of the Beholder. Not only is it in a general Way the Paradiſe of God, as he is the Author of the whole Creation, but as he hath appointed it for his more peculiar Pallace, to be more glorious than the reſt, for his more eſpecial Reſidence. This he hath ordained for the chief Seat of his Kingdom, which no Soul enſlaved to Satan, ſhall ever ſee, or enter into, until he be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Into this Holy of Holies, which the glorious God did deſign for his own Chamber of Preſence, no unclean thing can be admitted. Again, as it is deſcribed from the Author, ſo from

2. 2The Nature and Compoſure of the Fabrick which is [not made with Hands] of no humane Artifice, foreign.but of a tranſcendent ſpiritual Nature, infinitely ſurpaſſing in the framing of it; the rareſt Myſteries that all the moſt skillful handi-crafts Men in the World can deviſe, being like that other Work of Gods immediate Power, for Chriſt Tabernacling here below llHeb. 9.11.Heb 9:11. As the Subject which is made fit for it, is to be circumciſed with the Circumciſion made without Hands mmColl. 2.11., i. e. ſpiritual, and not ſeen; ſo was this goodly Fabrick framed and modell'd by God himſelf, in a moſt ſpiritual and glorious way, far above the reach of our finite Apprehenſions, p. 6according to the Counſel of Gods own Will. Again it is deſcribed from

3. 3The duration, or ſtrength and laſtingneſs of it. The ſtability and firmneſs of a building, doth exceedingly commend the excellency of it; foreign.now this is a Building made to laſt for ever. 'Tis without end, as well as without hand. It was prepared from the Foundation of the World nnMatt. 25.34.Matt 25:34, and it will laſt when this World is ended. 'Twill never go to decay or ruine: when all tears are wiped away from our Eyes, we ſhall ſee this Proſpect will never grow leſs Glorious throughout the days of Eternity; which may more eaſily be conceived, if we conſider how it is deſcrib'd from,

4. 4Its Scituation aloft, far above the narrow ſight of any mortal Eye [in the Heavens] which do much ſurmount, foreign.in dignity, the Skie ennamel'd with the Stars that we caſt our Eye upon; even there where the Empyrean ſeat of glory, the Chair of State, and Throne of the moſt high God is. Thus having view'd the Twofold State of a Believing Soul, ſo far as the Text makes a diſcovery, which was, The thing Known of a Believer. I am now breifly to unfold,

Secondly, IIThe Knowing act of a Believer [we know] St. Paul was not dubious about his future bleſſed State, foreign.but he and other believers, excerciſing of their Faith on ſure grounds, were fully perſwaded of poſſeſſing that building they had an intereſt in: Here's a proſpect excells all other, here's the Royalty of ſight. He doth not ſay our Opinion is, we ſhall have; but noting the certainty, conſidering the Principles of Faith, on which He did proceed; taking in others with himſelf, ſaith He, as confidently as if it had been a thing known by a Mathematical demonſtration, [we know we have] which is as certain, as if we were in poſeſſion of, an Heavenly habitation. Our Apoſtle alſo hath the ſame word Originaly, refering to future retribution, concerning Servants as well as Maſters ooCol. 3.24. foreign.Col 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye ſhall receive the reward of the inheritance: and that ye alſo have a Maſter in Heaven. Here He aſſerts Believers aſſurance of an intereſt in that ſtate, by the earneſt deſires after it, which are wrought in their Hearts, by the Holy Spirit.

p. 7Having (with what convenient brevity I could) Explained the words, I might eaſily from the Context, the Contexture of the words themſelves, and the Particular Materials merion'd under each part, commend unto you very many Obſervations. But I ſhall only pitch upon Three. viz. Two from the Twofold State, and one from the Act of St Paul and other Believers.

Obſerv. 1 1. Our eſtate in the Body, is Corruptable, Mutable and Diſſolvable.

Even believers here in this life, do ſtay but a while in an earthly tabernacle, which muſt be pull'd in pieces; We ſee this is evident from the firſt Proſpect, that the Apoſtle gives us of his own, and others Condition in this preſent World, being common with all Men: David would have it very ſeriouſly thought on by us, that, Verily every Man at his beſt State is altogether Vanity; and therefore He prays for himſelf, as every one of us ſhould do, not in impatiency, but with piety, Lord make me to know mine end, and the Meaſure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am ppPſ…. 9.. i.e. Practically to Conſider the days of our Pilgrimage, and our fleeting condition, as good old Jacob did; and Eliphaz told Job, that theſe houſes of Clay are deſtroyed, or beaten to pieces, from Morning to Evening, and ſo periſh without any regarding qqJob 4.19, 20Job 4:19Job 4:20. Oh! that we were perſwaded now to regard it. But I am afraid too many even whiles I am treating upon this Theam, are ſaying in their Hearts, this is nothing but an old beaten Subject, we have often heard of: and ſlight the benefit they might gain by a Practical Conſideration of this neceſſary point.

Which is ſo clearly evident from Experience, and the Epithets given to Mans life,

1. From moſt ample Experience, for above 5000 years publiſh'd by all ſorts of Men who have Complain'd of their weak Conſtitution, and Helpleſs Condition, And no Contribution of Creatures could free them from Diſolution

p. 81. 1Their meak Conſtitution, we have had Scriptural Experience already atteſting; and might produce many more inſances, that in our whole frame, and every bodily part, ve are Corruptible, Variable, and Diſolvable. The Building cannot be ſtable and durable, if all the Materials be roten and periſhable: and therefore ſaith Job rrJob 6.11.Job 6:11, What is my ſtrength that I ſhould hope? and what is mine end, that I ſhould prolong my Life? And elſewhere ss… 17.1…, I have ſaid to Corruption, Thou art my father: to the Worm, Thou art my mother, and my ſiſter. And where is now my hope. Alas! Man is but a piece of brittle Earth nearly made up, Terra fri… bilis.that is ready continually to crumble in pieces and moulder away. Yea and by reaſon of the union, ſince the poyſon of Sin hath ſpread it ſelf into every part and faculty, even the Soul and Spirit ſuffers whilſt it ſtays in this Houſe, by reaſon of it's Craſineſs: and when the Soul hath left this Houſe, then the ſtrewing of the moſt Fragrant Flowers, will not long countervail the noiſome ſcent of its Corruption, and notwithſtanding the ſweeteſt Embalmings, the Coffin wherein it is laid, is lined with an unſavory Corps.

2. Experience further acquaints us with Mens Complaints of their Helpleſs Condition, ſhewing that they have no ſtrength to ſupport their Tottering Houſe; but every little thing doth not only trouble them in it, but alſo turn them out of it. Man that is born of a Woman is of few days and full of Trouble tt…. 14.1.. Every thing diſturbs him, and diſſorders him. The Fire, the Aire, the Wind, the Lightning, the Water, the Smoak, the Duſt of the Earth, a Fly, a little Stone generated within our own Bowels, our Meat, our Drink, our Phyſick, our Paſſions, our Griet, our Joy, our Fear, &c. May introduce Death and lead us to our Graves, as they have done many before they were aware. Two fits of an Ague could diſſolve Tamerlane, when they ſhak'd him to Death in the midſt of his great hopes and greateſt Power, when he was preparing for the utter rooting out of the Ottoman family, and the Conqueſt of the Graecian Empire. The moſt Jolly and ſprightful Commander is ſoon ſent away, if God do but change his Countenance uuJob. 14.20.Job 14:20. Again

p. 93. 3Experience proves that no Contribution of Creatures could free Men from their Diſſolution; No ſhift can ſecure us from Deaths Arreſt unto Judgment. The Confluence of all thoſe things, we are apt ſo much to deſire, yield but ſmall comfort, nay ſome times they prove Croſſes. Alas! What can all the Profits, Preferments, Pleaſures, Priviledges of this World avail to the ſupport of this Earthly Houſe, one day beyond it's appointed time? All they who run Toyling, Sweating, Contriving, and wearing out their Life, with Labour, in their grand Inqueſt after theſe things: and ſo making themſelves more Miſerable out of fear of Miſery, will one day Subſcribe to the truth on the Tomb of Sardanapalus, who is ſaid to have one hand in poſture of Filliping, reaching forth with this Motto, Omnia nec tanti. All is not worth a Fillip. What profit hath a Man of all his Labour which he taketh under the Sun wwEccleſ. 1.3.Eccl 1:3. Thus we ſee the evidence of the point from Experience.

22. From the Epithets given to Mans Life, both in Scripture and Humane Story, the point is further evident. In Scripture, What is your Life, but a Vapour that appeareth a little time and Vaniſheth away, xxJam. 4.4.Jas 4:4look in other places, and what is it? But a Shadow, a Flood, a Flower, a Watch in the Night, a Race, a Cloud, a Tale that is told, a Bird flying, a Ship ſayling, a Pilgrimage, foreign.a Fight, a Smoak, a Sleep, (Yea) a Dream, a Vain-Shew. In Humane Story, ſaith Pindar, Man is but the dream of Shadow, and Uliſſes in Sophocles, While we live, we are but meer Images, or a vain, inconſtant ſhaddow. ſaith Lipſuis in his own Epitaph, ſhall I deal plainly with you; All Humane things (not Learning Excepted) are meer Smoak, ſhaddows, Vanity, or in ſhort Nothings. I need not add any more for Evidence, only a little for Inference. Inference

11. Learn. To ſee what miſtaken apprehenſions they have, who look for full Content in the Body. Thereby miſplacing their affections, in ſuffering them to run out moſt, upon thoſe things which appertain to this tabernacle. Alas! how many, even Profeſſors of Godlineſs, who ſay they have here no Continuing City: yet ſith their Converſation is ſo much below their Profeſſion, they ſhew that it is plain in their Practical judgments, p. 10they are Terrae filij, Sons of the Earth, Citizens of the World, and Terrae Filiae, Daughters of the Earth, now raiſing Puffie Pyramids on their heads, after the manner of Aegypt. They mind Earthly things, They ſet their affections cheifly, if not only, upon their houſe of this Tabernacle. They really prefer the Material, to the Spiritual Building. They indeed (with the Senſual Iſraelites) prefer Aegypt to Canaan, And in their heart approve that Profane Cardinals ſaying, who affirm'd, He would not give his part in Paris, for his part in Paradice. I may appeal to what is written with legible Characters in many of your own Conſciences for the proof of this Inference. But let the Heathen Moraliſt, **Seneca Major ſum & ad majora genitus, quam ut mancipium ſim corporis mei.take us off ſaying. I am greater, and born to far greater things, than to be a Slave to my Body. Let us I beſeech you, for the Future, If we may be here any longer, not dote upon this periſhing ſtate: But remember always, whiles we blame Eſau for prefering a Meſs of Pottag above his Birthright; we do Condemn our ſelves, in ſetting our hearts upon theſe Earthly Tabernacles, and prefering of them to the Heavenly. And therefore Learn

2. 2To deaden our affections to the very beſt of theſe Tranſitorie things. Let's not be diſcontented and immoderately afflicted, when we ſee any of our Friends Tabernacles are looſed and taken down. Lay no claim to an abiding place in this preſent World: Neither we nor our Friends have here any ſetled Manſions; but only fleeting Tabernacles. And therefore, (tho' we ought to be ſenſible of the departure of our Friends) Let's not think our ſelves undon, when we ſee them taken in pieces. And as we ſhould not place our Contentment in our preſent ſtate; So neither ſhould we be diſcontented, when we find our Friends to be remov'd out of it. Let's therefore change our opinion concerning theſe outward things, which we are apt to over rate, ſee them as indeed they are, Empty, Unſatisſing, and Changeable; and then we ſhall not cry and whine like Children without underſtanding; or as Heathens without hopes; either when we looſe them, or when we muſt leave them; If then we be true Believers, who paſs out of this Changeable, into an Ʋnchangeable ſtate. which leads me to

p. 11A Second Obſervation. Obſerv. 2 That a future State of a Believer is of God, Excellent, and Eternal in the Heavens.

When the Soul of a Sincere Servant of God, is looſed from this frail Tabernacle, it enters into the Pallace of Glory, there to remain in that Bleſſed State for ever. Holy Saints leaving the Body, they do in a Spiritual ſence, take the Wings of a Dove, ſly away and are at reſt. No ſooner uncloath'd, but cloath'd upon, Mortality being ſwallowed of Life, yyRev. 19.8. with v. 3, 4.Rev 19:8In the beauties of Holineſs, the Souls of the Saints departed, are Gloriouſly cloathed with long white Robes, which is the righteouſneſs of the Saints here in their Pilgrimage, God guides them with his Counſel and afterwards receives them to Glory.zzPſal 73.24.Ps 73:24

The time will not permit me (ſo far as the Scripture reveals) to give you a Proſpect of this fair Building in its ſeveral parts: otherwiſe I might in ſeveral particulars Illuſtrate the nature of this Bleſſed State, which is a very large and a pleaſant Subject. For I might ſhew (1) How this Building is moſt Commodiouſly ſeated, in the Continent of Compleat Hapineſs, the Kingdom of Heaven, which was before the Earth was framed, in a City that hath Foundations, whoſe builder and maker is God. aaHeb. 11.10.Heb 11:10(2) How the Lord Jeſus Chriſt doth receive the Spirit of the Believer as he did Stephens, upon the diſſolution of this Earthly Tabernacle. (3) How He doth not only diſſintangle it from all bodily infirmities, but free it from all Clouds of Errors and miſshapprehenſions. And then (4) How He doth actually poſſeſs it of that Manſion, where there is the abſence of all Evil, and the preſence of all good, the Ceſſation of Miſery, and the Collation of Felicity, a Glorious Harmony of Proportions, which take all that ſee it, and enter into it. Then (5) How He doth lead and conjoyn the Soul to the Bleſſed Society, of an Innumerble Company of Holy Angels and the Spirits of juſt Men made perfect bbHeb. 12.22, 23.Heb 12:22Heb 12:23. And then (6) How He doth with that Glorious Society, in this moſt bright and beautiful Poſeſſion give it the enjoyment of the Beatificat Viſion. And laſtly, which is the compleating Glory of theſe Glories, How He will reunite it again, to its own Body Spiritualiz'd and Glorify'd, and own it as a King p. 12at the great Coronation Day, before all the World. But I muſt content my ſelf only to name things, that thereby I may quicken your Souls, when you retire into your Cloſets this Evening, to contemplate upon them. Believe it! This is a moſt ſutable Exerciſe after a Diſcourſe at a Funeral: And if you neglect Meditation upon ſuch things as theſe, when you have been bringing your beloved Friend to his long Home; I fear, the next day, if God ſhould call you to a Reckoning, you will be able to give but a poor account of the Leſſon that God reads to you from the Spectacle before your Eyes, nor from the Sermon that comes to your Ears, tho it ſhould have been preached to you by an Angel.

For the Confirmation of the Point, Confirm. That the believing Soul paſſeth out of the Body into Glory, I might produce ſeveral Arguments, yet I ſhall but briefly ſuggeſt theſe Three. From the

Verity of the Promiſe,

Dignity of the Purchaſe,

Excellency of the Preparation and Proviſion.

1. 1From the Verity of the Promiſe, made by God who cannot lye. This is the Promiſe that he hath promiſed us, even eternal Life cc1 John 2.25. Tit. 1.2.1 John 2:25Titus 1:2, He aſſureth his Servants, who ſincerely follow him, That they ſhall be no loſers by their Change: An eternal weight of Glory will infinitely overweigh all their Afflictions, and that they muſt be ſure of upon his Word. Verily (ſaith he ddMatt. 19.28, 29.Matt 19:28Matt 19:29every one of you who have followed me in the regeneration; that have forſaken Houſes, or Brethren, or Siſters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands, for my Name Sake, ſhall receive an hundred Fold, and ſhall inherit eternal Life. When they have parted with all they had, then they ſhall be received to him to poſſeſs all things. Again,

2. 2From the Dignity of the Purchaſe. This heavenly Edifice was paid for, with a Price of no leſs worth than the Blood of God. This Inheritance of the Saints in light is incorruptible, and that fadeth not away, being it is a purchaſed Poſſeſſion eeEph. 1.14. 1 Pet. 1.4, 19.Eph 1:141 Pet 1:41 Pet 1:19, procured by the pretious Blood of Chriſt, (that's the moſt valuable Conſideration) who being God-Man in one Perſon, becauſe no other Creature was able, undertook to p. 13be Mediator of the New Teſtament, that by means of his Death, for the Redemption of Tranſgreſſion they which are called might receive the Inheritance promiſed ffHeb. 9.15.Heb 9:15, which is preſently, forthwith upon their diſſolution ggRev. 14.13. foreign.Rev 14:13.

3. 3From the excellency of the preparation and proviſion which Chriſt makes ready againſt our Diſſolution. He orders his Purchaſe ſo that People may enjoy the benefit both by preparing,

It for them, and

Them for it.

1. By preparing this Building in the New Jeruſalem for his Servants. He chears up his Diſciples Manſions, or abiding rooms of reſt. If it were not ſo, I would have told you (and not have drawn you on with vain Hopes, had not this been certain) thither I go to prepare a place for you hhJohn 14.2, 3.John 14:2John 14:3. Mahomet gulls his ſilly Followers, who give Credit to him, that they ſhall enjoy a Paradiſe of ſenſual Pleaſures: but Chriſt is a true Prophet and no Impoſter. The way, the truth and the life. And he is now making this ſtately upper Room ready. He is our Advocate with the Father putting in his Plea for Poſſeſſion according to the purchaſe for all thoſe whoſe Names are put into the Bill of Sale; ſo that when they are warn'd out of theſe clayie Houſes, or Mud-wall Cottages, wherein they ſojourn as Tenants at Will, they may enter into the Joy of their Lord, who is alſo providing it for them.

2. By preparing them for this dwelling in his Heavenly Court. For we find the Apoſtle Bleſſing God, that he made thoſe to whom he had deſigned to give a Kingdom, meet for the Inheritance of the Saints in light iiColoſ. 1.12.Col 1:12Chriſt doth not only procure them a Title, but trim them up, and make them ready with ſuitable Ornaments of Holineſs, for ſuch an heavenly Habitation. He takes care that they ſhould believe who are ordain'd to eternal Life kkAct. 13.48.Acts 13:48and that there be real Grace wrought within their Hearts to fit them for this Glory in Heaven. For as the learned Davenant **in Coloſ. 1.12.Col 1:12hath well obſerv'd from Pariſienſis. The Soul of Man how compleatly p. 14ſoever enabled with natural Endowments, till it be ſanctifyed with Grace, is not capable of being received into Glory. But becauſe Chriſt ſuits the Soul by Sanctification thereof, 'tis evident that the prepared Spirit ſhall enter into Glory prepared for it. Thus for Confirmation.

Aplicat. I ſhall only add Two Words for Application, The

One of Sharpneſs,

Other of Mildneſs.

1. 1Of Sharpneſs, and indeed ſadneſs to thoſe who practically ſlight this heavenly Building, prepared for the believing Soul. Oh! fooliſh People and unwiſe. How many are there even in the Church Roll, who never think of, or make preparation for the fruition of this Bleſſed State. They do ſo much employ their Souls about other Matters, whilſt in their Earthly Tabernacles; that they regard not thoſe Manſions of Bliſs, wherein they may abide comfortably in their State of Separation. Oh! How few do (as they ſhould) conſider their future State, when their Bodies muſt be Meat for the Worms: they can ſit plodding how they may keep this Shell of the Body whole, but alas! when this is broken and becomes uſeleſs to their Souls for a time, they regard not, how the pretious Pearl, the Soul, may be ſafely laid up; how the Jewel may be preferr'd, when the Carkeſs of the Body is broken in pieces and trod under foot. They are much like that Great Lord (of whom likely, on ſuch an occaſion we have more than once been put in mind) who us'd to go yearly to ſeveral Houſes he had; but on a time falling Sick, one of his Servants (whom belike he had accounted none of the wiſeſt) ſaid to him, Sir, How do you? The Lord anſwered, Woe is me! Woe is me! I muſt go hence. Pray Sir! Said the Servant, Whether go you? his Lord ſaid, Into another W rld. And will you return? Said the Servant, will you ſtay there any long time? Ah! ſaid the Lord, I ſhall never return again. Said the Servant, have not you ſent your Harbingers before you, to provide you of things neceſſary againſt the time you come there? Then his Lord was ſilent: whereupon the Servant ſaid, You have not done wiſely. For when you went but a ſhort time to any p. 15of your Country Houſes, you us'd to ſend before to provide things meet for your Entertainment: Wherefore 'tis an unwiſe part in you, not to make preparation for that place where you muſt abide always. Oh! How many lye under the ſame guilt that this great Lord did, in laying aſide thoughts of this Heavenly Building, till they come to lye upon their Death Beds. But I beſeech you now we have warning, let none of us be found negligent of an Habitation for our Souls, eternal in the Heavens; which will be worthy our greateſt diligence to take care of, hence

22. A word of Mildneſs, Comfort, Sweetneſs and Encouragement unto true Believers, who are making ready; Both in regard of their own Souls; and the Souls of their Chriſtian Friends.

11. In regard of themſelves, they need not fear but they ſhall better their ſtate by death: When the worſer part is in the Grave; the better, the Soul, will be there where it cannot but delight to dwell: The Spirit ſhall return to God that gave it. As the Hiſtorian **I. Florus ut conſanguinea civitas, &c.ſaid of Alba, that the Walls of the City were Demoliſh'd; but the Inhabitants carryed to Rome, that a City of the ſame Blood might not be altogether extinguiſh'd, but be reimbodyed into that State, from which it had its Original: So we may ſay of the Saints; though their Tabernacles be diſſolved: Yet their Souls, ſhall be enſtated in Glory, that they may not be extinct, but received unto Chriſt, by whoſe Spirit they are begotten to this lively hope. Upon which conſideration it was, that Jubentius and Maximinus, called Death the laying off the Garments of their Fleſh; but a kind of undreſſing them for ſleep.

22. In regard of their Chriſtian Friends; Believers when they ſee any of their near Relatives, depart from this Tabernacle, wherein they ſerv'd their Generation according to the Will of God, they have no reaſon to ſorrow as thoſe without hope, for their Souls are only gone to dwell with Jeſus in the Building of God not made with hands. Death doth but carry the Souls of your Friends, who are eſpouſed here by faith unto their Bridgroom Chriſt, into the Bride Chamber in Heaven: Where the Nuptial Feaſt is ſolemniz'd. And p. 16therefore Biſhop Ridley (when he was to dye by ſuffering of Martyrdoom) ſaid to ſome of his Friends, that he would have them come to ſee him, the next day, to rejoyce with him, for he was going to his Wedding. Be not dejected then that any of your godly Friends have left you; ſince their Souls are gone into the embraces of Chriſt. But rather make you ſure of an intereſt there, where they are: for

Obſerv. 3 A 3d. Obſervation ariſing from the Text, (which I crave your leave to touch upon) is this.

That a Believer may be aſſur'd his Soul ſhall go to Heaven, when he departeth hence. He may know when his Soul and Body are diſſolved, his Soul ſhall dwell with Chriſt in a Manſion of Glory. [We know] faith beleving Paul, that [we have a Building, &c. He and other Believers with him were certain of it. I did clear this in the Explication, to be the meaning of the Expreſſions [we know we have.]

Many Proofs might be alledg'd, I ſhall only name one; and that is in the Epiſtle to the Hebrews llHeb. 10.34.Heb 10:34Believers are there brought in yeilding to ſuffering, upon this very Ground, they are in my Text ſtrengthened to bear the Croſs, viz. Knowing in your ſelves, that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring ſubſtance, i. e. Having aſſurance of fulneſs of joy at Gods right hand, they joyfully parted with all that did appertain to their Earthly Houſe of this Tabernacle. They know that as Perſecution did bring Death in one hand, ſo it did bring Life in the other. The Doctrine is naturally deducible from my Text, and others parallel to it, by an Argument Ab Eſſe; ad Poſſe. Many Believers have been aſſured of their Souls welfare in Heaven, in a ſtate of ſeperation upon their diſſolution; upon their abſence from the Body, that they ſhould be preſent with the Lord. And therefore Believers may come to know certainly they ſhall be ſaved. Certitudo ſcribilis ſcientis.And that not only with the certainty of the Object; but of the Subject: By a reflex Act of the Soul, the Believer may attain to ſuch a full perſuaſion, that his Soul in particular, ſhall undoubtedly paſs out of the Body, into this Building of God not made with hands eternal in the Heavens.

p. 17The very Reaſons of the former Doctrine drawn from Chriſts promiſe, his purchaſe, and preparation of Heaven for Believers, may alſo be a Ground of this. So that a Believer may by the Teſtimony of the holy Spirit, and internal Senſe, be able to aſſume, that he is a Believer: And ſo to infer, that he hath a ſure Title, and evidence to the eternal inheritance, he ſhall be poſſeſſed of at death. I might produce other Arguments from the comforts of the Spirit, eſpecially in ſealing Ordinances; as alſo from the Prayer of Chriſt, that Believers may be where he is: And from the precepts to examine our ſelves, and to give all diligence to get aſſurance; as alſo from the nature of truly Chriſtian hope, which lyes in the expectation of a certain good: For in that it doth tranſcend all the hope meer Moraliſts do talk of; the imutability of Gods promiſe as confirm'd by his Oath, that we might heave ſtrong conſolation who have fled for Refuge unto the Hope-ſet before us, which hope we have as an Anchor of the Soul, both ſure and ſtedfaſt, and which entreth into that within the Vail mmHeb. 6.18, 19.Heb 6:18Heb 6:19But your patience (I fear) already wearyed, forbids me the Enlargement of theſe particulars, more fully to confirm this point.

Whence, Applic. by way of Improvement I might take occaſion to refute the Oppoſers of this Doctrine. And alſo infer ſome Corollaries; but I ſhall conclude only with A ſhort

Information, and

Exhortation.

11. For Information of the judgment, to prevent practical miſtakes, give me leave in two Words.

11. Though a ſincere Believer may know his future happy ſtate: Yet we muſt not thence conclude the formal nature of ſaving faith abſtrastly conſidered lyes in Aſſurance. Faith indeed requires Conſent, as well as Aſſent? Yet Aſſurance is not the firſt vital Act of the Believing Soul: But that (as a judicious Writer Notes **Dr. Ames exfide Emana…e.) which doth flow forth from that faith; when the Soul doth by a noble Operation reflect upon it ſelf, Faith thats the root, and this certain knowledge (as one ſays **Culver… w…ll Flos fi…e….is the Flower, the very iuſtro, and eminency of Faith. Aſſurance p. 18is the top Branch, the flouriſhing of Faith, Faith with a gloſs upon it. Again.

2. Though a true Believer may; yet every Believer doth not actually attain a certain knowledge of his Souls ſafety in a ſtate of glory. Some ſincere Converts walk in the dark, and ſee no light. The Sun of Righteouſneſs is Eclypſed from them: They are ſo far from an undoubted knowledge, that as to their own ſenſe, they may look upon themſelves as loſt; though God knows all this while that they are his, and that he will infallibly bring them to dwell for ever with him, in this ſtately Building in the new Jeruſalem; however for ends beſt known to himſelf, he may at preſent hide the ſtedfaſt ſight of joy and comfort from them, and not let them know their Priviledge, till they be poſſeſſed of Glory. Here for a better underſtanding of this matter we might diſtinguiſh of, A double certainty, of

Adherence

Evidence.

(1.) Of Adherence, or affiance; which is when the Soul doth by a more direct Act of Faith, divolve or throw it ſelf on God, and by ſelf reſignation adventure on him, as the only helper, able to ſave to the uttermoſt. Reſolving to fix there, ſaying if I periſh, I periſh.

(2.) Of Evidence, or undoubted ſtedfaſtneſs, ariſing from a certain Spiritual Senſe; whereby the Soul in reflecting on it ſelf, comes not only to ſtay it ſelf on God, but from ſweet Supplies of Peace and Comfort, to be fully perſwaded of a real Union to Chriſt. We may find Holy Job in both theſe ſeveral degrees, at ſeveral times, one time in the dark, yet then he adheres to God with humble Confidence. Though he ſlay me yet will I truſt in him. Another time he hath Evidence I know my Redeemer lives, and with theſe Eyes I ſhall ſee him. In the former direct act of Faith, he overcomes the Temptation; in the latter reflex Act, he is more than a Conqueror, in the former he was ſo certain that he reſolv'd to truſt God; in the latter he could Triumph in p. 19him. So that tho' he was diſcourag'd, yet he ſaw he was not diſinherited; but his Title was confirm'd. Thus for Information of the Judgment to prevent miſtakes.

22. For Exhortation, to perſwade and ſtir us up firſt to get a ſure Title to the Inheritance of the Saints in Light; and then to get it ſealed. Firſt, to get a Fiat or Grant, then an Obſignation. Oh! Chriſtians adhere to Chriſt, and then give all diligence to get an aſſurance of his Purchaſe, upon good grounds. Alas! How many in our Times, have built upon crackt Titles in Temporals, as if all had been ſure, that prov'd otherwiſe. But I fear more build upon Sandy Foundations in Spirituals. They apply themſelves to ſuch keepers of the Seal, as the King of Righteouſneſs hath not awarranted, taking Preſumptions for Evidences. And if ſo, when theſe Tabernacles are diſſolved they ſhall not have their Souls received into the King of Heavens Manſions, made without hands. No Key will open this Door into this heavenly Building, but one of Gods own making.

It would be proper here to propoſe ſome Marks, Motives and Means.

1. Marks to try our Titles; for the Heart is very deceitful. But if the Tabernacles of our Bodies be diſſolved, and we have only pleaſed our ſelves, with ſhadows of an imaginary Happineſs: what will become of us? Wherefore to be ſhort and plain with thee, who would indeed come to a certainty. If thy Goſpel Obedience (which is not perfect, nor can be in this Life) be not ſincere, univerſal and conſtant, I dare not ſav thou haſt a good Title to the building of God, not made with hands, if thou be not dead (at leaſt in thy predominant deſire) to Sin, I dare not aſſure thee (how Godly ſoever thou art reputed to be) that thou haſt a Life hid with Chriſt in God. It hath been argued amongſt ſome, whether Land did belong to England or Ireland by putting Toads and Addors into it; If they dyed then it was held to belong to Ireland (whoſe Men be ſure are of a more viporous and biting Brood) if they lived then to England: ſo if Sin be alive and reign in thy Soul, then it is p. 20a Native, arguing a Child of Wrath: but if it be dead, then it argues thou art a Child of Light, and that thou art an Inhabitant belonging to Heaven.

2. 2For Motives to quicken us up to get evidence of our ſpiritual Title, conſider the future good Eſtate of thy Soul, is far to be valued above aſſurance of an Eſtate for thy Body: and yet thou canſt ſcarce truſt part of that at Sea, for fear of a Storm, without ſome Evidence for Security ſeal'd at the Enſurance Office. Yet aſſurance of Heaven would free us, as from many diſtracting worldly Cares; ſo from many Jars and Diviſions here. It would compoſe us to a Settlement, were our Hearts eſtabliſhed with Grace: It would ſweeten our preſent Conditions to us, ſecure us from the Worlds Frowns, convert our Croſſes into Comforts. It would work that which the moſt Artificial Operator in Chymiſtry cannot do: elſe why ſhould Noy the Martyr ſay when he kiſſed the Stake, Bleſſed be the time that ever I was born for this day. Then turning to his fellow Martyrs, we ſhall not loſe our Lives in this Fire; but change them for a better, and have Pearls for Coals, &c.

3. 3For means or helps to get aſſurance, take a few Directions, which I muſt crowd together and caſt amongſt you, ſome Memories may catch one Sentence and ſome another. Conſider ſeriouſly the worth of thine immortal Soul, ſurpaſſing the whole World; Trade firſt and moſt for that pretious Jewel, with a diligent Enquiry after the ſafety of it. Be frequent in Heart-examination and Self-reflection. Review often the Experiences thou haſt had of God, yet not reſting in them, but ſtill putting forth direct Acts of Faith. Vigorouſly exert thy Faith in fervent Supplications and Praiſes. Study Self-denial; and get a willing reſignation of thy ſelf and Concerns to the will God, who diſpenſeth theſe Royal Favours of Aſſurance for the moſt part only to ſome of his Eminent Servants. Obſerve carefully the Seaſons of the Spirits Motions for Sealing, and defer not to cloſe with them. Keep thy ſelf clean from groſs Pollutions. Shun the appearance of Evil. And Laſtly, follow hard after Communion with God in all his Ordinances.

p. 21The careful obſervance of ſuch Directions as theſe and the like, was the uſual Courſe of our Learned, Prudent, and Godly Brother deceaſed, Mr. Henry Hurſt; for whoſe Funeral Solemnity we are here met at this time. I have been importuned to entertain you with a Diſcourſe (ſuch an one as I can) on this mournful Occaſion: And you are come, I know, with greedy Ears, (as well as ſome of you) with weeping Eyes, as from the Word of God; which I have hitherto treated on for your Edification; ſo to hear ſomewhat upon this doleful Subject, this faithful Miniſter of Christ, whoſe Remains we are about to lay up for a bleſſed Reſurrection. The little I am able to ſay at this time ſhall be upon good Grounds, having been not leſs than Thirty Years familiarly acquainted with him, neer half the time of his ſtay in this Tabernacle. Aged about Eighty five Years.He was the Son of the Reverend and Learned Mr. Henry Hurſt, Miniſter of the Goſpel, at Mickleton in Glouceſterſhire, where he lived to a good old Age, labouring in the Lords Vineyard there, with great Succeſs, not many Years ſince, about Five or Six. This hopeful, and everyway obedient Son, of ſo careful and tender a Father, when well ripened for the Univerſity in School-learning, (wherein he did excel the ordinary Rate) was placed in Oxford, under the inſpection of his pious and diligent Tutor, Dr. Henry Wilkinſon; who finding him to make a quick, yet happy, Progreſs in Philological and Philoſophical Studies, adorn'd with the real practiſe of Piety, was heartily ready to help him to a Fellowſhip in Merton College; where, being elected into that Society, as it were tinctur'd with the Virtues of invincible Ocham, profound Bradwardin, and Evangelical Wickliff, (all of that Foundation) He ſoon became a very notable Diſputant. How have I known him, whilſt Batchelor of Arts, with great modeſty, yet with equal Dexterrity and Strength, to brandiſh his keen Arguments in the Schools, when an Opponent; and to anſwer with Judgment quickly and diſtinctly, when Reſpondent, with much Applauſe, at the courſing Exerciſes, as they were then called. In a while after (now ſomewhat above Thirty p. 22Years ago) he was ſingularly noted for his Solid and Orthodox Sermons before the whole Univerſity; Three of which (from Rom. Chap. 7. verſe 7. the latter part) cutting the very Sinews of Pelagius and Socinus in ſome of their Doctrines; He was deſired to Print under the Title of [The Natural Mans Blindneſs.] Oxford 1659.In an Epiſtle to the Reader of which, the Doctor his Tutor writes there, That the Author (viz. our deceaſed Friend, who hath grown much ſince in Learning, and all that's really Praiſe-worthy) was ſufficiently known to him, and many others, to be a Godly, Learned, and Orthodox Divine; who through his Modeſty, and low Opinion of himſelf, denyed, for a long time, his Conſent to the making of thoſe Sermons of publick uſe, and had ſupprest them altogether; but that through importunity he was prevailed with. This, with the great Eſteem he had in the Univerſity; the freedom of Speech he uſed in preaching, and his holy and exemplary Life, occaſioned his being choſen by the majority of the Pariſhoners Votes, to be Rector of Matthew's, Friday-ſtreet London, notwithſtanding the Fame of the then Candidates, one of which was the preſent Biſhop of London-Derry. There it was, being in the Neighborhood to the place where I was then employed, that I renewed mine Acquaintance with him; whom I ever found to be one of very great Humility and Affability, of an excellent natural Temper, and great Moderation, very Ingenuous and Judicious, moſt ready to communicate his Thoughts upon due Deliberation in a friendly way whenever deſired, being acted by an unfeigned Principle of Love to Chriſt and Chriſtians, affording Relief and prudent Advice to ſome, in ſome puſling, yet practical Caſes, wherein ſeveral of our Brethren in the Miniſtry have often met with pertinent and ſolid Reſolutions; the conſideration of looſing an Advantage in the like, for future, may now ſadly accent our Grieſs. One Caſe he was called to ſtate and reſolve publickly, in the Morning Exerciſe at Cripple-Gate 1661. Whether well compoſed Religious Vows do not exceedingly promote Religion? from Pſal. 116.12, 14. But the Year after, notwithſtanding his Moderation, (after ſolemn ſeeking of God p. 23by Prayer, with Faſting) becauſe he could not declare his Aſſent and Conſent to all and every thing contained in the Liturgie, he was, 1662at the lamentable Bartholomew-tide ejected (with Two thouſand more of his Brethren) from his Benefice, and the Exerciſe of his publick Miniſtry; which latter, yet he would tell his Friends, he lived in Hopes ſome time again, in ſome Reſpects to be reſtored to. In the mean time he took all Opportunities, becauſe a Neceſſity was laid upon him to preach the Goſpel; to do what he could for the good of Souls, both more privately and publickly. For to ſay nothing of his Treatiſe afterward printed, called The Revival of Grace, with the Vigour and Fragrancy of it. Shewing the Benefit of Sacramental Communion, April 1678.dedicated to the very Learned, the Right Honourable Arthur Earl of Anlgleſey, in whoſe Family he had an opportunity of exerciſing his Miniſtry, as being then his well eſteemed Chaplain. He had ſeveral Invitations amongſt them, who well knew his moderation and Worth, to preach ſeveral times publickly in his Native Country (where none informed againſt him) as well as at Aſhford in Kent, when he went thither to viſit the Relations of his former Wife. And when there was an Indulgence of Liberty, 1675we may find him in the morning Exerciſe againſt Popery, very learnedly, after his uſual manner, ſhew from Acts 26.2. That Kings and Emperors are not rightful Subjects to the Pope. After that, he being one not likeing to flatter, or be flattered, we find him better enabled to give a Satisfactory Anſwer to that practical Queſtion. How may we beſt cure the Love of being flattered? October 1682.which he did well perform at the continuation of the morning Exerciſe, * in his Sermon upon Proverbs 26.28. Since in October laſt, reſolving practically: How may we enquire after News, 1689not as Athenians, but as Chriſtians, for the better managing our Prayers and our Prayſes for the Church of God? From Acts. 17.21. In his Funeral Diſcourſe in this Month Thirteen Years ago, upon the departure of that uſeful Miniſter Mr. Thomas Cawton (who had done much work in a little time) may be ſeen, what a Pattern he ſet before his Hearers, from Luke 12.43. p. 24Beſure he was ever ready to do good, and unwilling to decline any Service that lay in his Power, when invited to it. His judicious Annotations upon Exekiel and the Twelve leſſer Prophets (in the Continuation of Mr. Poole's) were ſo well approv'd, That he was deſired ſince, to take ſome further pains of that Nature, about ſome other parts of the Holy Writ: But God hath eaſed him of that Work he was almoſt prevailed with to undertake, as well as of what he was urg'd to perform at Oxford, you who were his conſtant hearers, will all bear witneſs, he was in Labours more abundant. mm2. Cor. 11.23.2 Cor 11:23Beſides his weekly Lectures at High-gate, you can very well tell in all his Miniſterial Offices, what pains he took amongſt you, and how affectionately ſolicitous he was to bring your young Ones to the knowledg of God, by his diligent Catechizing of them, and in a moſt clear and profitable Method, explaining to them the main Principles of Chriſtianity. Till the laſt Lords Day **April. 13. 1690. Heb. 11.6.Heb 11:6God who is a Rewarder of thoſe who diligently ſeek him (n) was pleaſed to give him a Quietus eſt, the next morning taking him from his Work to receive his Wages, advancing him from the Pulpit to the Throne, **April. 14.as he did the laborious Biſhop Jewell (who was firſt of the ſame Merton College in Oxford) in ſomewhat alike manner; from preaching at Lacock in Wilſhire; (now near an hundred and twenty Years ſince) who had ſaid to a Gentleman diſwading him from Preaching then, 1571It did beſt become a Biſhop to dye Preaching (or ſtanding) in the Pulpit, ſeriouſly thinking of that comfortable Elogy of his Lord and Maſter (which you heard our Preacher choſe for his Text at the interment of Mr. Cawton) Happy art thou my Servant if when I come I find thee doing. An Ingenious Poet of our own, ſaid in his Jambicks of the excellent Mr. Vines, who went to his eternal Reſt the Night after his Preaching and Adminiſtring the Lords Supper. Abit, The beginning of Mar. 1655.(beata Mors!) Modis oper…et hiſce Epiſcopum mori. And another then, to the ſame purpoſe, in our Mother Tongue wrote alſo.

p. 25Our Engliſh Luther, Such Poetry was in faſhion then, in memory of Eminent Perſons of all Perſwaſions. Pray bear with it now.Vines (whoſe Death I weep)

Stole away (and ſaid nothing) in a ſleep:

Sweet like a Swan, he Preach'd that day he went,

And for his Cordial, took a Sacrament.

Had it but been ſuſpected—he would dye,

His People ſure had ſtopp'd him with a cry.

But his Hour was then come; and ſo was that of the famous Mr. Hollingworth at Mancheſter, who when at a Faſt in Praying and Preaching he had as far outdone himſelf that day as he uſed to out do other Miniſters, chang'd his Habitation here, for a better (having done his Work) upon the irreſiſtable ſtrake of a deadly Apoplexy. So was that (as I have heard) of the holy Mr. Ambroſe. So that of the laborious and much followed Mr. Watſon, and we know lately of our Brother Mr. Oakes, carried out of the Pulpit: As was the Learned and Pious Profeſſor Dr. Joſhua Hoyl out of the Ʋniverſity Pulpit in Oxford; And ſo was that of this our lamented Brother. Elſe. When upon the warning given by his faltering in his Diſcourſe; The Sun (in Solomons Phraſe) ooEccleſ. 12.2.Eccl 12:2began to be darkened towards five of the Clock the laſt Lords Day Afternoon, in his Sermon after his long and excellent Catechizing, and he was carried in a Chair to the Houſe of his tender and hoſpitable Entertainer, where his other faithful Friends and Phyſician ſhortly gave their attendance, and with the greateſt Diligence and Art uſed the various Means that are accounted moſt proper and ſucceſsful in ſuch Symptoms: Yet the darkneſs ſo encreaſed, that by Nine of the Clock that Night it brought a Total Eclipſe, an Univerſal Paralyſis or Dead Palſy. And (as it's thought) the Pia mater, as the Ancients did reverentially call that inmoſt Membrane or Skin, which as Leaf-gold doth encloſe the Brain and Animal Spirits, ſnapp'd aſunder: this Golden Bowl was broken ppEccleſ. 12.6.Eccl 12:6being overfil'd (it ſhould ſeem) upon Convulſive Motions with the remaining p. 26gouty Matter (he had before been troubled with) which flow'd into it and ſhew'd it ſelf in a Remediles deadly Apoplexy, foreign 9 and 10 in the Morning, Apr. 14.whereof he expir'd. If the very utmoſt and heartieſt Endeavours of his skilful and tenderly affected Doctor of Phyſick, the moſt fervent Prayers of his Reverend and Affectionate Brother in the Miniſtry Mr. Burges, expreſſing the ſincere and deep groans of his own, and the Hearts of his loving and ſorrowful People, eſpecially thoſe of his dear Relatives, and his dearly beloved and compaſſionate Friends, who with freedom did moſt kindly entertain him, [as Gaius did Paul, and the Church] qqRom. 16.23. Heb. 13.2.Rom 16:23Heb 13:2as often before, by friendly receiving him and his; ſo now, when this good Angel of the Church left all here below, to be like the Angels of God in Glory, had prevail'd in kind, we had not yet been call'd to attend his Funeral Pile.

But the will of the Lord is done, and he that e're while went about doing good in imitation of his and our Lord, walking in the Comforts of the Holy Ghoſt, and much aſſurance of being ever with the Lord: whom he did daily bleſs for it, as much as any one I did ever Converſe with, hath upon little warning (being ever ready) left his Clayey Tabernacle, and hath a glorious Manſion in the building not made with hands eternal in the Heavens.

What doth more concern us all, than that his dear Relatives, we Miniſters, and People, ſhould follow him as cloſe as we can, wherein he was an Eminent Follower of Chriſt, who comes at an hour we know not of and bids us therefore to be ready rrMat. 24.44.Matt 24:44.

1. 1To the diſconſolate Widow and dear Children (ſo far as capable, and he thats gone us'd to ſay, God beſt knows the Religion of Children) with other Relatives of this rare Husband, Father and Friend: I would ſubjoyn a few words with all tenderneſs, to entreat you to moderate your paſſions. They that are Chriſt's do crucifie the Fleſh and p. 27all diſorderly affections, ssGal. 5.24.Gal 5:24eſpecially when feelingly engag'd to be mindful of their own mortality. You find the Tabernacle of your deareſt Relative quickly taken down, but you are ſatisfy'd he hath a firm and glorious Building inſtead of it, which can never be taken down, where you deſire to be. Mourn not then as thoſe who are without hope tt1 Theſ. 4.13.1 Thess 4:13Though he is gone out of your ſight, yet he is but gone to the bleſſed ſight of God, who would have it ſo. And therefore you ſhould ſubmit your Wills, to the Will of his, and your Father. And quietly ſay, it is the Lord, let him do what ſeemeth him good uu1 Sam. 3.18.1 Sam 3:18When you are apt to fall into exceſſive ſorrow for his diſſolution, and changing his Habitation. I would adviſe you to think you heard him ſay, as Chriſt did upon his going away to his Diſciples wwJohn 14.28.John 14:28If ye lov'd me, ye would rejoyce, becauſe I ſaid I go to the Father: For my Father is greater than I. He who hath moſt dignity hath moſt right to choſe. Let not Self-love be ſo prevalent as to diſparage your love to him that is gone. True love to whom ſhould teach you to ſubmit to that which doth advance and honour him, how croſs ſoever it be to your ſelves: Call to mind a freſh I beſeech you ſuch directions as he himſelf whiles he ſtaid here, did give you to allay immoderate grief in former inſtances. Be you more Chriſtian now, he whom you lov'd moſt is gone to Chriſt. The better he was to you, the better be you to his great Friend, who hath lockt him up in his Cloſet with him till the Reſurrection.

2. 2To thoſe of us who are Miniſters in the ſervice of the ſame Lord, I would ſay. As the Deceaſed whiles here in his Earthly Houſe abounded in the Work of the Lord; ſo ſhould we work the work of him that hath ſent us into his Vineyard while it is day; ſince the night cometh when no Man can Work xxJoh. 9.4.John 9:4our great buſineſs (eſpecially now that we have liberty) is to Preach the Word, to be inſtant in Seaſon, and out of Seaſon, Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort, with all long ſuffering and Doctrine p. 28yy2 Tim 4.2.2 Tim 4:2Wherein he was both ſound and ſtedfaſt. A faithful Steward and deligent Watch-man he was, a careful Shepherd, who did truly love Chriſt, Feed his Sheep, and feed his Lambs zzJohn 21.John 21which did thrive and grow under the charge of him, Britan. Kent. p. 33.8.who (according to what Camden ſaid of Whitgiſt) had devoutly conſecrated his whole Life to God, and all his painful labours to the Church. All of us Brethren under this Solemn Dedication ſhould be prudent and active, as our Deceaſed Brother was in his day, when we are called. foreign. But our ſufficiency is of God even as the Lord giveth to every Man aa2 Cor. 2.16.36. 1 Cor. 3.5, 6, 82 Cor 2:162 Cor 2:361 Cor 3:51 Cor 3:61 Cor 3:8to plant or water in the Vineyard of God, who gave and giveth the increaſe, and the reward, Lets do what we can prudently, and peaceably, and fervently, that the Church may thrive under our care. As our dear Brother did; neither overloving this Life, nor diſtruſting a better, but freely reſign up our ſelves and concerns to the diſpoſal of him, in whom we Believe, and whom we Preach, that our Faith alſo may be found unto Praiſe, and Honour and Glory at the appearing of Jeſus Chriſt.**1 Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7

3. 3To the People eſpecially thoſe who were under his peculiar care, I would ſay. Let his memory live in you, his ſound Doctrine abide with you, his Exemplary Holineſs be Copy'd out by you, let his edifying diſcourſes, his friendly viſits his goings out, and comings in be much upon your hearts. Be not carryed away with Errors, fall not from your ſtedfaſtneſs. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Peace ſhall be with you bb2 Cor. 13 11.2 Cor 13:11. Let it be ſeen he did not ſpend his Labour in vain amongſt you. When you come to conſider of one to ſucceed him, to whom you would commit the care of your Souls, lay aſide thoſe animoſities that have broken other Congregations, and endeavour with unanimity in due circumſtances, to pitch upon ſuch an one, as you are perſwaded your late worthily Beloved Paſtor would have recommended to you. Let none of you diſparage p. 29his Reverend Collegue in the Miniſtry, to whom he paid a Deference. Give check to dividing Principles; Delay not your Determination longer than is neceſſary. As you are to ſeek God, ſo you are to ſearch his Word, and make that the Rule of your Proceedings. I am not well enough acquainted with your Circumſtances to be particular; and have already ſtaid too long: Only do all as becometh the Goſpel of Chriſt ccPhil. 1:27.Phil 1:27. Now you are concerned very ſingularly in this great Affair, to imprint and publiſh the Sermons of your deceaſed Paſtor in your Lives, for as Biſhop Reynolds wrote appoſitely under his own Effigies plac'd before his Works,

Sermons take not from Mens Applauſe, Renown,

The Peoples Practice, is the Preachers Crown.

FINIS.

ADVERTISEMENT.

1. AN Hiſtorical Account of making the Penal Laws by the Papiſts againſt the Proteſtants, and by the Proteſtants againſt the Papiſts. Wherein the true Ground and Reaſon of making the Laws is given, the Papiſts moſt barbarous Uſage of the Proteſtants here in England, under a Colour of Law, ſet forth; and the Reformation vindicated from the Imputation of being Cruel and Bloody, unjuſtly caſt upon it by thoſe of the Romiſh Communion. By Samuel Black… … Barriſter of Grays-Inn. Folio.

2. The Lives of … Written in Latin by Corn. Nepos: And … Engliſh by ſeveral Gentlemen in the Univerſity …xon. Large Octavo.

3. The Firſt Fruits of Reaſon: Or, A Diſcourſe, ſhewing the neceſſity of applying our ſelves betimes to the ſerious Practice of Religion. By Anthony Horneck D.D. Preacher at the Savoy. Twelves.

4. A Diſcourſe of Wit. By David Abercromby, M. D. (Twelves.

All Four Printed for John Weld at the Crown between the Two Temple-Gates in Fleet-ſtreet.

End of the text · Richard Adams, The Earthly and Heavenly Building Opened (1699)