Funeral Sermon for Esther Sampson, Title page – Dedication
A Funeral Sermon FOR Mrs. ESTHER SAMPSON, The Late Wife of Henry Sampson, Dr. of Physick, who Died Nov. 24. M.DCLxxxix.
By John Howe Minister of the Gospel.
Published principally for the use of such as languish under painful and Chronical Diseases.
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns, at the lower end of Cheap-side, near Mercers Chapel. 1690.
TO My Worthy Friend Dr. Henry Sampson.
SIR,
I Have perused the Papers which you sent me, and find, as far as I can recollect, they contain in them the Substance of what was delivered: With no more mistakes than is usual, in writing from the mouth of one who is not of the slowest speakers.
Some things besides, which the limits of the time allow'd not to be spoken (having some short memorials of them by me) I have added, conceiving they might, also, contribute towards the good end you proposed to your self, in so earnestly desiring this publication, the assisting of their patience, and their good and placid thoughts of God, who are exercis'd under Long and Languishing Distempers. The observations which your Profession hath occasion'd you to make in the cases of many others, hath, I doubt not, let you see the need of somewhat to this purpose; otherwise the example you have had so long before your eyes of so calm and compos'd a temper in this excellent relative of yours, might have made you less apprehensive how great an addition a fretful, unquiet spirit is, both to the Sin, and the Affliction of a Sickly State. I am sensible your own affliction is great in the loss you now sustain. The relief will be great, and suitable; which the forethoughts of that State will afford, where they neither Marry, nor are given in Marriage, but are as the Angels of God in Heaven. I am,
SIR, In much sincerity, and affection, yours to serve you in the work and labour of the Gospel, John Howe.