Sermon on the Death of Anne Barnardiston, Sermon

Sermon on the Death of Anne Barnardiston · Sermon

A Funeral Sermon:

PHIL. I. 23.

For I am in a ſtrait betwixt two, having a deſire to depart, and to be with Chriſt, which is far better.

SAint Paul writing from Rome to the Church at Philippi, in this Chapter acquaints them with his Bonds and other Diſcouragements; which he tells them by their Prayers and the Aſſiſtance of the Spirit of Chriſt obtained thereby,V. 12. would turn to his Salvation and the furtherance of the Goſpel,13. and had already been attended with ſome conſiderable ſucceſs in that kind;14. to fortifie and confirm the Profeſſors of the Chriſtian Faith, 19.and to propagate and promote it even in the Court of Caeſar, and in other places; and if Chriſt might be magnified,20. he was perfectly indifferent to Live or Dye: For to me to live is Chriſt, and to dye is gain, p. 2v. 21. His Life he hop'd might advance the Honour of Chriſt; and his Death would be ſubſervient to the ſame deſign: by his further ſervice if he live, and by his ſufferings if he dye; by his Miniſtry ſuppoſing his Life, and by his Martyrdom in caſe of his death.

V. 22.But if I live in the fleſh, this, ſaith he, is the fruit of my labour; or, it is worth my Labour to glorifie the Redeemer by continuing in this World. Yet what I ſhall chooſe I wot not. For I am in a ſtrait betwixt two, having a deſire to depart, and to be with Chriſt, which is far better.

To Depart or be diſſolv'd, the Original word is uſed both by Chriſtian and Heathen Writers for a departure from any place to return home.Luk. 12.36Luke 12:36 And when the ſame Apoſtle ſpeaks of his approaching death, he tells us,…. Tim. 4.6. that the Time of his departure was at hand.

Having a deſire to depart, a vehement and earneſt deſire, as the word imports; and to be with Chriſt, to be abſent from the Body,…. Cor. 5.8. and preſent with the Lord; with that merciful Saviour, who had compaſſion on me, when as an ignorant Blaſphemer I perſecuted his Members; who call'd me to be an Apoſtle, and enabl'd me by his Grace to own his Truth in the face of Dangers, and hath hitherto comforted me in all my Tribulation. I deſire to depart, that I may be with him. With him, not with the bleſſed Angels or departed Saints, though their Society will make a part of the heavenly Joy: Not the former, they are but miniſtring Spirits and menial Servants imployed under him; and though they ſhine as Stars, yet he is the enlivening Sun, from whom they derive their Luſtre and borrow all their glory. Not the latter; they have no Bleſſedneſs but by his Donation p. 3and Purchaſe, no Crowns of Life but what he puts on. Therefore 'tis not to be with them only or chiefly, that made him thus groan to be diſſolv'd, thus earneſtly deſire to depart, but to be with Chriſt: Which is far better, ſimply and in it ſelf more deſirable, by much more better, the Comparative being double in the Greek Text; and yet I wot not what to chooſe, for I am in a ſtrait betwixt two. On the one hand, his Love to the Philippians who needed his prefence, (many falſe Teachers being at that time crept in among them,V. 24.) made him willing to abide in the fleſh, and deferr his own felicity for a time upon their account: But the Glory of Chriſt's preſence on the other, and his own unſpeakable advantage by it, made him deſirous of a Departure; and therefore, though he determines for the former, and was content to Live, and 'tis probable had ſome ſecret intimation from Heaven, that all his work in this World was not yet finiſht; yet he grants the latter to be ſimply more eligible: having a deſire to depart, and to be with Chriſt, which is far Better. Which words are not more ſuitable to a Funeral Solemnity, than expreſſive of the dying Thoughts and Temper of our deceaſed Friend, and were choſen by her as the Subject of my preſent Diſcourſe. And that I may comprehend the Subſtance and Deſign of the Text, according to the deſire of the Dead, for the Benefit and Inſtruction of the Living; let us conſider,

1. When and how far it is warrantable for a Chriſtian to deſire death?

2. In what reſpects to depart and to be with Chriſt is far Better than to abide in the Fleſh.

3. On what Grounds and Principles a Chriſtian may expect a future Bleſſedneſs with Chriſt after p. 4his departure, ſo as to encourage and excite his deſires after it?

4. Whence it comes to paſs, that even thoſe who acknowledge it Far Better to be with Chriſt, than to continue in the body, are yet unwilling to depart in order to it? and what Remedies are proper to the caſe of ſuch?

5. The Application of the whole, particularly with reſpect to the ſad Occaſion of our preſent Meeting.

1. When and how far is it warrantable for a Chriſtian to deſire to be diſſolv'd? This Inquiry may be anſwered in the following Propoſitions.

1. Our diſſolution and departure as a natural or penal evil, as contrary to Nature, or as the Puniſhment of Sin, cannot poſſibly be the Object of a rational deſire: If God hath promiſed a long Life as the Encouragement and Reward of our Obedience, and threatned an haſty death as the puniſhment of Impiety: If it be univerſally true, that the Soul of man deſires Union with the Body, and unavoidably dreads a ſeparation from it: If Torturing pains and loathſom Diſeaſes are the uſual Antecedents of dying: If the Corruption of the Body, and its Impriſonment in the Grave till the general Reſurrection be the certain Conſequent of our diſſolution: We cannot but think of Death as a natural Evil; and as ſuch decline and fear it.

Much leſs deſirable will it appear, if conſidered as the Wages of Sin, and the Fruit of Gods diſpleaſure, and the Juſt Sentence of his Vindictive Juſtice: but how far our diſſolution in this latter Notion of p. 5it is changed by the death of Chriſt in reference to Believers, is another queſtion, and will more properly be conſidered under the third Inquiry.

2. Our diſſolution and departure ought not to be deſired, Only as a freedom from Temporal Evil; as preventive of preſent ſuffering, or delivering us from it. The Apoſtle doth not mention the uneaſie Circumſtances of a Priſon, or the continual hardſhips to which he was expoſed from the malice of his adverſaries, as the ground of his deſire to depart, but to be with Chriſt: he knew very well that a Chriſtian may ſerve the ends of God's glory, and be uſeful to others in a ſtate of ſuffering: and therefore when he ſaith in another place, We that are in this Tabernacle do groan being burden'd, 2 Cor. 5.3.4.2 Cor 5:32 Cor 5:4he adds the limitation in the following words, not to be unclothed but cloth'd upon, that mortality may be ſwallowed up of Life: not meerly to avoid the inconveniencies of our abode in ſo poor a dwelling, but to come to the poſſeſſion of the building not made with hands eternal in the Heavens. Not meerly to find relief and deliverance from our preſent burdens,Job 7.13 Jon. 4.3.Job 7:13Jonah 4:3 when through melancholy or diſcontent we are weary of Life: when we have ſet our Hearts on ſomewhat we cannot obtain, or ſtruggle with ſome difficulties we cannot maſter: or are impatient under bodily pains, or quite diſpirited by the ſad proſpect of approaching Calamities; in ſuch a caſe to wiſh for Death, and deſire to depart, is unbecoming the Character, the incouragement and hopes of a Souldier of Chriſt: much leſs will the Gallantry of a Roman or a Philoſopher legitimate the deſire of Death, only to prevent Slavery, or avoid Diſgrace, or miſs the ſight of an unwelcome p. 6object. As Cato reſolv'd to dye that he might not behold Victorious Caeſar, whom by all means poſſible he had endeavoured to ruine:…icero in …uſcul. …eſt. lib. 1. and Cicero ſaith expreſly of him, that the reaſon of his choice was juſt, and that Cato ought to dye rather then ſee the face of a Tyrant. But we have not ſo learn'd Chriſt, for

3. We muſt not deſignedly precipitate or haſten our own departure; nor wilfully neglect any probable means to preſerve our Lives, how deſirous ſo ever we are to be with Chriſt: we acknowldge God as the Author and Owner of our lives, and ſhall we preſume to diſpoſe of what is his, without a declaration of his conſent and order to authorize us? Are we bound by the ſixth commandment to preſerve the Life of our neighbour, and may we be negligent and careleſs of our own? is not every man nearer to himſelf than any other can be? and is not ſelf-murder a violation of the Law of nature and condemned by a general ſuffrage? and can we ſuppoſe it a ſufficient Juſtification of our ſelves, that we profeſs a deſire to be with Chriſt? whereas we may not do this or any other evil, though the greateſt good may come of it: he that haſteth to be rich, Prov. 28.…6.Prov 28:6even in this ſence, ſhall not be innocent. We muſt be intirely devoted to ſerve and glorifie the Redeemer as long as we live; and rather dye upon the Spot, than quit our Station without the order of our General: and yet we muſt not ſhipwrack our health, or expoſe our Lives to hazard, without a Warrant from Heaven.

4. A Sincere deſire to be with Chriſt is conſiſtent with ſome fear of Death, and a reproveable unwillingneſs to depart and be diſſolv'd. The example p. 7of Chriſt himſelf is uſually urg'd in vindication of a natural ſenſitive fear of Death, viz. the diſcovery thereof which he made by his Agony and prayer in the Garden. But a Socinian only will aſſert, that therefore he was more affected with the fear of Death than many of the Martyrs have been, becauſe of the exquiſite Temper and tender conſtitution of his body; and that there was nothing but what was natural and ordinary in his caſe: whereas he was to conflict with the wrath of God, and bear the curſe, and be wounded for our Tranſgreſſions, &c, otherwiſe his own innocency and perfect reſignation to the will of his Father, and the proſpect and aſſurance of victory and reward, would certainly have prevented his Terrible agony and bloody ſweat and importunate cries, that if poſſible the Cup might paſs from him. However I doubt not, but a Timerous Temper may render ſome perſons extreamly apprehenſive of the pains of death, and on that account unwilling to depart, though they are truly deſirous to be with Chriſt.

Others through the weakneſs of Faith or overmuch concern in the affairs of this Life, &c. though they grant it unſpeakably better to be preſent with the Lord, and have choſen it as their portion and final Happineſs; may yet be loth to paſſe through the dark valley: they cannot joyn with the Apoſtle in deſiring to be diſſolv'd, though they can ſpeak it from their very hearts, that they deſire to be with Chriſt; and that deſire is ſo far prevailing as to keep them upright, and yet not efficacious, ſo as to conquer the fears or interpoſing death. How unwelcome was the meſſage of Death p. 8to an upright Hezekiah, even then when he could plead his Integrity before the Lord? he turn'd his face to the wall, and wept, and beſought the Lord that he might not dye, as is evident by Iſa. 38.3, 5, v. compar'd: but I dare not ſay, his unwillingneſs to dye at that Time was a ſinful weakneſs, becauſe he might well be concern'd for the Kingdom after his deceaſe, leaſt the faithful ſhould be ſtaggered, and the people revolt to Idolatry, there being no viſible Succeſſor to advance the Reformation ſo hopefully begun; for Manaſſes was not then born, being but twelve years old when he began to reign, and we know that Hezekiah had fifteen years added to his Life. 2 King. 20.6.

5. Though we deſire to be with Chriſt, we muſt not be peremptory as to any determinate Time; but refer our ſelves to God's good pleaſure for the ſeaſon of our departure: though with Job we ſhould be ready to anſwer, Job 14.15Job 14:15when God doth call, yet with humility and reſignation we muſt expect his ſummons, and wait till our change come: though the daies of our appointed Time ſhould be longer than ordinary. Though in a dutifull obſervance to our Heavenly Father we ſhould be willing to return home as ſoon as he ſhall pleaſe to call us, and the felicity of his preſence ſhould render it deſirable; yet his Soveraign will and unerring wiſdom muſt be practically acknowledg'd in reference to the Seaſon: he alone, of whom and to whom are all things, is fit to determine how long we ſhall tarry, or how ſoon we ſhall depart: even the Light of nature may teach us this:Seneca Epiſt. 24.…1. And therefore, when ever we pray Thy Kingdom come, we muſt not limit the holy one of Iſrael by preſcribing the Time; but p. 9immediately ſubjoyn, with reſpect to that, Thy will be done.

6. Not the Time only, but the Kind and Manner, of our diſſolution muſt be referr'd to God. Some have wiſht for a ſudden death, and others have pray'd againſt it. Some have deſired to dye by one diſeaſe, and others by another.

Some holy perſons of a timerous Temper and a tender Body, would chooſe to depart by a Conſumption; not only as allowing them a longer Time to prepare for death, but as an eaſier kind of Death than ſeveral others: Whereas, beſides the uncertainty and deceitfulneſs of that diſeaſe, 'tis more than poſſible, that the Languiſhment of a pining ſickneſs may be as irkſome and inſupportable, as the ſhorter pains of more violent diſtempers. But God is the only Judge (to whom we muſt Submit, as the wiſe diſpoſer of all events) not only of the Time but the Manner of our departure: not only how long we ſhall ſojourn in this earthly Tabernacle, but what ſhall diſſolve and pull it down.

7. Our deſire to depart and to be with Chriſt, muſt not be raſh and haſty; but the reſult of many Serious and deliberate thoughts, comparing both States together, and underſtanding the difference. The Apoſtle knew his duty in compliance with the Will of God, and therefore for the ſervice of his Maſter, and the advantage of the Philippians, was willing to Live: but he knew withall, it was far better in it ſelf to depart that he might be with Chriſt, and as ſuch he deſired it. And a due compariſon between our preſent and our future Life, our inconveniencies and ſufferings in this world, and p. 10our Felicity in the next, is proper to regulate and quicken our deſire to be abſent from the body, and preſent with the Lord. Therefore,

2. In what reſpects is it far better to be with Chriſt, than to abide in the fleſh? what is the vaſt difference between What we are, and What we ſhall be? that the expectation of the Latter ſhould even make Death and diſſolution deſirable in order to it. And here it will be neceſſary to conſider,

1. The Expreſſion of our Felicity after death here uſed by the Apoſtle, Being with Chriſt.

2. In what reſpects 'tis far better to depart, and be abſent from the body, that we may be preſent with him.

1. The Expreſſion of our future bleſſedneſs, by being with Chriſt. Till we are preſent with the Lord, and ſee him face to face, and know as we are known, we muſt content our ſelves with ſuch ſenſible repreſentations of it, as God is pleas'd to reveal in his Word; ſuch as our ignorant earthly minds can bear, and may be moſt affected with. But when once the vail of darkneſs is remov'd by death, we ſhall ſee him as he is, and all our Faculties be purified and inlarg'd, and ſuited to the bleſſed company and work above. We ſhall ſee him whom our Souls love, and reap a Happineſs by doing ſo, bigger than our preſent Hopes, and far above our higheſt Thoughts about it: For in his preſence is fulneſs of Joy, and at his right hand are Everlaſting pleaſures. And can we imagine, that a bleſſedneſs, purchas'd by infinite Merit, contriv'd by infinite Wiſdom, and prepar'd by infinite Power, p. 11and beſtow'd at length through infinite Grace, will in any thing be defective? Doth not our Apoſtle deſcribe it beſt, by aſſuring us it cannot be deſcrib'd; that 'tis greater than we ever ſaw, beyond what we ever heard, and far above what we can ever think? Doth not the very hopes of ſeeing him, revive our drooping hearts? Oh what will be the Glory of that bleſſed ſight! is not the pledge and aſſurance of it by the Harbinger of his holy Spirit exceeding comfortable? Oh what tranſcendent Satisfaction will his preſence give us! We now comfort our ſelves with the Contemplation, and one another with the Diſcourſe of it: and if our dark Faith and our faint Hopes, can give us ſuch a Joyful proſpect of what ſhall be conſequent to our diſſolution; into what raviſhing Joy ſhall we enter by the open Viſion and full enjoyment? Is the encouragement and ſupport of a Chriſtian now, from his preſence with us here; and will it not be far better to be preſent with him above, to be for ever with the Lord? When we ſhall never queſtion his Love to us, or doubt of ours to him, but have a full aſſurance of the one, and a glorious exerciſe of the other?

And becauſe our knowledge will be ſtill increaſing, our flames of Love ſhall ſtill riſe higher. But what additional Bliſs the Soul ſhall have by the Reſurrection of the body, and the great Tranſactions of the Judgment Day, we know but in part. Bleſſed God, we know ſo much in this imperfect ſtate, enough to excite our deſires, and quicken our preparations, and encourage our Perſeverance. And let's bleſs him more, that he hath prepared ſuch a glory for us in the preſence of the Redeemer, p. 12as we cannot fully underſtand, till death convey us to him.

But to be with Chriſt, is not only eligible in it ſelf, as expreſſive of our future Glory; but much rather to be deſired, if conſidered comparatively: Therefore,

2. In what reſpects is it preferrable to an abode in the fleſh, ſo as to make us rather chooſe to depart, that we may be with him; than Continue in the Body, and be abſent from the Lord?

1. Is not a ſtate of Reſt and Joy much more deſirable, than to be continually harraſs'd with Trouble and Sorrow? We ordinarily begin this World in Tears, and ſolemnize our own Nativity as we do the Funerals of our deareſt Friends: as if we were then ſenſible of that univerſal Curſe which hath afflicted Mankind ſince the firſt Tranſgreſſion; and had a clear proſpect of the miſeries we are born to, and muſt afterward ſuffer: And in all the Portions of our little time, what and how many do we every where encounter! How many things are there which we find are wanting both as to our Accompliſhments and Enjoyments? and how much are we diſappointed, if we look for ſatisfaction from the luſts of the fleſh, 1 Joh. 2.161 John 2:16the luſts of the eyes, and the pride of life? which, ſaith the Apoſtle, is all that is in the world: Earthly Pleaſures, Wealth and Honour.

Do we not find, that what doth rejoyce and pleaſe us one day, appears with another Face when we view it next? or if we think it would pleaſe us ſtill, 'tis gone e're we are aware, and with all our skill and power we cannot protract its duration. Do not evil accidents overtake us on a ſudden, and our p. 13moſt probable deſigns miſcarry in the birth? as if all things were governed by Chance, and there were no Intelligent Director to overſee and regulate the Affairs of the World, and the Actions and Conditions of men: Inſomuch, that the Race is not to the ſwift, Eccl. 11.…Eccl 11nor the Battell to the ſtrong, nor Bread to the wiſe, nor Riches to men of underſtanding, nor Favour to men of skill, but Time and Chance happens to them all. Our Pleaſures flatter and deceive us, and our Afflictions trouble and diſquiet us: We are impoſed upon by our Senſes, and miſguided by our Paſſions: Croſs'd in our Deſires, and fruſtrated in our Hopes: griev'd by preſent evils, or perplext with the fears of future: and our Spirits for the moſt part diſcompos'd either by perſonal or relative Calamities. Some rueful Spectacle is ever now and then preſented before our Eyes; ſome evil tidings or unpleaſant ſound doth grate our Ears. We bewail the wants of the Poor, which we cannot ſupply; or envy the proſperity of the Wicked, which we cannot hinder; or grieve at the Afflictions of the Righteous, which we cannot remedy.

We have ſome ſuffering Friend with whom to ſympathize, ſome diſtreſſed or deceaſed Relation to lament: ſome unhappineſs of our own, or of thoſe we love, to be concern'd for. Beſides the Treachery and unfaithfulneſs of our ſeeming Friends; the Hatred and Malice of our open Enemies; the ſcandalous Actions of profeſſing Chriſtians; their Diviſions and Animoſities among themſelves, and their deſpiteful uſage and entertainment from the World; the Complaints of the Miſerable, the Groans of the Sick, the Cries of the Oppreſſed, and our own bodily Infirmities, weakneſſes and pains, &c. enough p. 14one would think to make us defire to depart, and render us extreamly willing to lay down and dye, (if God think fit,) that we may be at reſt; eſpecially having the expectation of being for ever with the Lord. For otherwiſe even**M. Anton. …ib. 3. 4. …rr. Epict. …ib. 4. c. …0. Boeth Conul. Philoſ. 1. Heathens have ſpoken excellently of the Advantages of Death, as the period of our preſent Sorrows.

2. Is not a ſtate of holineſs and perfect purity, far better than a Life of Temptation, Corruption and Sin? How are we now buffeted by Satan? by his Sinful ſuggeſtions, his ſubtil devices and ſnares, and his fiery darts? and by that means our Integrity aſſaulted, our peace of Conſcience unſettled, and our Perſeverance indangered?

Our Conflict with him is ſo difficult, and the iſſue of the battel as to what depends on us, ſo very uncertain; that we are often ready to throw down our Arms, and give up all as Loſt. For though he be a conquer'd and baffled Adverſary, through the victory which our Captain hath obtain'd againſt him; yet we cannot now Triumph over him, as hereafter we ſhall. And is it not far better to abandon this world, Cor. 4.4. Eph. 2.Eph 2of which he is the God, and get above that Air of which he is the Prince, that we may be with Chriſt?

Moreover, how doth our depraved Nature continually caſt forth mire and dirt? what remaining filthineſs is there yet to be purg'd? what powerful Luſts to be mortified and ſubdued? which indiſpoſe us for Spiritual duties, and derive a damp and deadneſs upon all our Religious Exerciſes; which cool our Zeal, and abate the fervor of our Spirits in the ſervice of our Redeemer; which weaken our p. 15Confidence in Prayer, and ſhame our faces before the Lord in ſecret. And is it not far better to part with the body of fleſh, that thereby we may be rid of this body of ſin and death, Rom. 7.2Rom 7:2and be like our Saviour in perfect purity?

Do we not complain of our Ignorance of Divine Truths, and the bleſſed Myſteries of the Goſpel, notwithſtanding all our means of knowledge? of our Earthlineſs and unbelief? of unbecoming Thoughts of God and holy things? of proud Imaginations and carnal reaſonings againſt his Works and Word? of languiſhing and imperfect Graces to be recovered and perfected, &c? And is it not better be with Chriſt, where that which is imperfect ſhall be done away?

Is not God diſhonor'd and provok't, by our frequent Omiſſions and ſlight Performances of duty? do we not reſiſt and quench and ſadden his holy Spirit? and are we not often griev'd by God's rebukes and frowns? by the wounds and ſmart regrets of our own Conſcience? ſo that we remember God and are troubled, and cry out in the bitterneſs of our Souls, Hath he forgotten to be gracious, and will he be merciful no more? Are not our holy Purpoſes inconſtant, and our beſt Reſolutions wavering and unſteddy, and very quickly, very eaſily ſhatter'd by the breath of a ſmall Temptation?

Have we not a conſtant Watch to keep over our Hearts and wayes? a perpetual War to manage with the Infernal Trinity, the World, the Fleſh, and the Devil? and do we know his rage, and malice, and ſerpentine policy, with the Multitude, Strength and Power of his Temptations? How often we have p. 16been foil'd already, and how ſoon we may be ſo again? and ſhall we not be deſirous of a ſinleſs ſtate in the preſence of Chriſt; where no Tempter, no Temptation ſhall ever be admitted?

Yea, had we no corruption or Sin of our own to be delivered from, yet our concern at God's diſhonour by the ſins of others, ſhould make us willing to depart; as much more deſirable than our abode on earth: Job 24.9. …. 24.4.Job 24:9Job 24:24Job 24:4Which is given into the hands of the wicked, and defiled by its Inhabitants: Where the very Air is infected with Oaths and Blaſphemies, prophane diſcourſe and filthy Talk: Where the very Being of a God is queſtion'd, his Providence denyed, and his Authority mock't: Where the Goſpel of Chriſt is diſparag'd and deſpiſed, his Laws contradicted, his Worſhip polluted, his Inſtitutions ſubverted, and his holy Name made a cloak for Licentiouſneſs, and his faithful Servants trampl'd on by the foot of Pride, and ſcorned by men at eaſe, and forc't to own his Truth with the peril of their Lives. And can we ſay, It is good to be here? or is it not far better to forſake ſuch a Place and Company, that we may be with Chriſt?

3. Let us conſider what are the grounds and Principles by which a Chriſtian is aſſured of this Bleſſedneſs in the preſence of Chriſt after his diſſolution. This Inquiry is neceſſary, becauſe the diſcourſe of our future Bliſs with Chriſt cannot be ſuppoſed to have any effect or influence upon us, to make us deſire our departure, while we disbelieve or make a doubt of the matter.

I hope it were needleſs to prove the Poſſibility of the Souls exiſtence in a ſtate of ſeperation from the Body.

p. 17Whether in the body or out of the body, 2 Cor. 12▪2.2 Cor 12:2would not have been a doubt to this great Apoſtle, if he could not poſſibly have liv'd but in it: neither could he deſire to depart that he might be with Chriſt, if after his departure he ſhould not be at all. And ſuppoſing the exiſtence of the Soul notwithſtanding the diſſolution of the Body, we have as full an aſſurance as the nature of the thing is capable of, that holy Souls ſhall be preſent with the Lord in glory, when abſent from the body: 1 Theſſ. 4.17. Joh. 17.24. Matth. 25.23. Rev. 3.21, &c.

But becauſe the Text hath a ſpecial relation to Chriſt and to be with him, is the Bleſſedneſs on the account whereof 'tis deſirable to depart; I ſhall only mention his Death and Reſurrection, as a ſufficient ground to confirm our Faith in the certainty of being with him, and to excite our Deſires of a departure in order to it.

1. The Death of Chriſt. He hath cancell'd the Hand-writing againſt us, and put away Sin,Eph. 1.7.Eph 1:7 which is the ſting of Death, by the Death of the Croſs: a way is now open for us into the holy of holies by his blood, not for our Prayers only but our Perſons.Heb. 10.19Heb 10:19 He hath wounded the Head of the old Serpent, even by permitting him to bruiſe his Heel, by crucifying his humane Nature, (which was only Veſtigium Deitatis. 2 Sam. 23 21. Heb. 2.152 Sam 23:21Heb 2:15) As Benaiah ſlew the Egyptian with his own Spear. Having deſtroyed death and him that had the power of it, and delivered thoſe who were all their Life time ſubject to bondage, through the fear of death.

He hath ſet his foot on the neck of this Adverſary, diſarm'd it of it's weapon, and rob'd it of it's p. 18ſting, and aboliſht the uglineſs and poyſon of it. He hath diſmounted Hell and Damnation from behind him who Sat on the Pale-horſe. Rev. 6.8.Rev 6:8Whether the firſt Adam were buryed in Calvary, where the ſecond was crucifyed, as ſome affirm, I need not enquire; we know that his Death was our Victory, and his Croſs may be our Triumph, ſince the Devil is conquered, and death Sanctified, and the Grave perfum'd by his burial, ſo that we need not be afraid to lodge in a Sepulchre where our Lord himſelf hath ſlept.

Yea ſince the effuſion of his Blood, there is an amiable ruddineſs in the Face of death; for that which was the Inſtrument of Juſtice, is now the meſſenger of Peace and Joy, that which was the gate of Hell, is the way to Life. He hath brought ſweetneſs out of the Strong, and meat out of the Eater; 1 Cor. 3.21.1 Cor 3:21and therefore Death as well as Life is reckon'd in the Inventory of the riches of the Saints. All things are yours, becauſe you are Chriſts, and Chriſt is Gods.

2. His Reſurrection and Exaltation; his riſing from the Dead not only diſcovers the poſſibility of our Reſurrection, and gives us a pledge and aſſurance of it, as declaring the ſufficiency and acceptation of his Sacrifice;Rom. 8.11. Iſ. 26.19.Rom 8:11Isa 26:19 that therefore the Dead in Chriſt ſhall live, and with his Dead Body ariſe: But being punctually effected according to his prediction and promiſe, it confirms the Truth of all his Word, and ſeals the promiſe of eternal Life unto all Believers. He hath open'd the Priſon doors, and loos'd the bands of Death,1 Cor. 15.…0.1 Cor 15 and roll'd away the heavy Stone from the Graves of his people; he is now become the firſt fruits of them that Sleep p. 19in Jeſus: And hath the Keyes of Death and Hell; Rev. 1.Rev 1even the two moſt formidable enemies are under his Dominion: who though once he were dead, doth now live, yea live for evermore. And for this very end did God raiſe him up,1 Pet. 1.2▪1 Pet 1:2 that our faith and hope might be in him, in reference to the Bleſſedneſs of another Life.

Yea, ſaith the Apoſtle, concerning that,Act. 13.3Acts 13:3 he raiſed him from the dead, no more to ſee corruption. God ſaid, I will give you the ſure mercies of David; Iſ. 55.3Isa 55:3or an Everlaſting Covenant, which Death ſhall not diſſolve: and his being riſen is the ground of our Faith and Hope that the promiſe ſhall be fulfill'd. For the Reſurrection of Chriſt is the evidence of the validity and Efficacy of his Death and Sacrifice, and a ſufficient proof, that his Precious Blood ſhed upon the Croſs,Heb. 13.…Heb 13 was the blood of an Everlaſting Covenant. Eſtabliſhing a Covenant of Grace, and making it truly Everlaſting; for we know that he is a Prieſt for ever, after the Power of an endleſs Life. And therefore know, Heb. 7.…Heb 7to our unſpeakable Satisfaction, Incouragement and Joy, in whom we have believed, and that he is able to keep unto that day, what we have committed to him; 2 Tim. 12. Phil. 1. Jude 2. Col. 3.3.Phil 1Jude 1:2Col 3:3to perfect what he hath begun; and at laſt preſent us blameleſs before the preſence of his glory with exceeding Joy. For our Life being hid with him in God, we are fully aſſured, that when he who is our Life ſhall appear, 1 Joh. 3.1 John 3we ſhall appear with him in glory; and becauſe he lives, we ſhall live alſo; and when he ſhall appear, we ſhall be like him, for we ſhall ſee him as he is.

4. Let us conſider, Whence it comes to paſs, that notwithſtanding the Bleſſedneſs of being with Chriſt, and p. 20our aſſurance of it by his Death and Reſurrection, that yet we are ſo backward and unwilling to depart? What is the true reaſon why ſo many of thoſe who acknowledge it far better to be with Chriſt, yet cannot ſay with the Apoſtle, That they deſire to be diſſolv'd, that they may be with him?

1. The weakneſs of Faith concerning the Inviſible World, and the future Glory of the Saints, is the reaſon why ſo many Chriſtians are unwilling to dye. They are very ſenſible of the inconveniencies of their preſent abode; they complain to God and men of Corruption, Temptation and Sin, and they hear of a bleſſed Deliverance from all theſe by Death, and a perfect Felicity in the preſence of the Redeemer after their diſſolution; but unbelief makes them ſtagger at the Promiſe: They are not fully ſatisfied that ſuch a tranſcendent Glory will be Conſequent to Dying. Did they but ſoundly believe the Teſtimony and Revelation which God hath given in his Word concerning it, they would chooſe to be abſent from the body. Some of the Ignorant Heathens have been deſperate in their Choice of death, only as the Period of preſent Calamities: but others who were doubtful of the Conſequence, have yet entertained it with an hearty Welcome: As Socrates for inſtance, who profeſs'd, That he ought not to fear death becauſe he could not tell whether it were good or evil: And ſhall not we who underſtand the Grounds and Principles, the greatneſs and certainty of a future Bleſſedneſs after Death, be as willing to depart? A confirmed Faith is therefore neceſſary and adviſeable in the preſent caſe: and the rather, that thereby we may quench the fiery darts of Satan; who if he cannot p. 21hinder us of our Crown, would rob us of our Joyful Proſpect of it: if he cannot prevent our future Glory, would render us dejected in our paſſage thither: if he cannot prevail to exclude and baniſh us for ever from the Preſence of Chriſt, would darken our preſent comfort by the deſire and Hope of it: but more eſpecially at the proſpect and approach of Death, for that is his hour, and the power of darkneſs.

But by this ſhield of Faith, Eph. 6.11.16.Eph 6:11Eph 6:16we may be able to ſtand even in that evil day of our diſſolution.

2. The Pains of Death. They pray that God would haſten his Glorious Kingdom, and bring them to it; and believe it to be moſt eligible to be with Chriſt; yet are loth their own Prayers ſhould be anſwered, and the end and object of their Faith obtain'd, through the diſcouraging apprehenſions they admit of a dying hour.

Would we not be with the Lord, and know him better, and Love him more, and enjoy him fully? and ſhall we ſtick at a little pain, as introductory to ſo great a Happineſs? A Pain that will ſpeedily convey us to Eternal eaſe and reſt; which thouſands of Holy Souls in Glory have indur'd more of, than we can fear.

But ſuppoſe the Agonies of Death are ne're ſo frightful to Fleſh and Blood, hath not Our Redeemer a Rod and Staff to comfort us in the dark Valley? Pſ. 23.4.Ps 23:4Doth he not know what it is to dye, and how much we dread it? doth he not underſtand our weakneſs, remember our frailty, pity our infirmities, and bid us ask for ſupport and Strength?Pſ. 73.2Ps 73:2 yea hath he not promis'd, that when Heart and Fleſh ſhall p. 22fail, that he will be the Strength of our Hearts, and our Portion for ever? Shall Ignorant hopeleſs Heathens, without God in this world, without the expectation of being with Chriſt in the next, be ſo deſirous of Immortality, as to diſpatch themſelves, and be their own Executioners, to force an eſcape from the Body? and ſhall we reſiſt and ſtruggle, draw back and fear, object and be unwilling, when our Saviour calls us to endleſs and unſpeakable Felicity? Is not this the laſt Experiment of our Faith, and Patience, and holy Reſolution? the laſt eſſay of our Chriſtian Courage? Are not the antecedent pains of dying the fruit of ſin, no leſs than the throws and pangs of Travelling Women? and are the Latter tolerable in hopes of Children and their own deliverance; and may we not ſupport the Former by the aſſiſtance of a greater and better Hope? Are they at all conſiderable and worthy our fear, if put in the ballance with the promiſed Salvation to follow on our departure? Are they comparable in the nature of evil, to the bleſſed Life they lead us to in the nature of good? or comparable to the gripes of Conſcience which unpardon'd ſinners meet with in Life and Death? yea do we not think them greater, and make them worſe by our fooliſh fears, than moſt do find them? Is not the ſting of Death remov'd, and the Heavenly Manſions prepar'd and promis'd? and is it a reaſonable requeſt, that God ſhould vary from his ſettled courſe and fixed Law, upon our Sole account? will nothing elſe content and pleaſe us, but that Heaven muſt deſcend to Earth, or we be in a moment tranſlated thither; to prevent our pain, and ſuperſede the neceſſity p. 23of our diſſolution, which we fear will be ſo attended?

As a proper Remedy in the preſent caſe, let us familiarize the Thoughts of Death by frequent ſerious Meditation. Let us view it oftner in our way, that it may not meet us with ſo much Terror at our Journeys end. Let us admit the Thoughts of a departure with particular application to our ſelves, and improve the Funerals of our Friends as a ſeaſonable memento that our own is near. Let us lay open the Picture of Death naked to our view, and urge it to our Hearts, with the Infinite Glory that immediately ſucceeds, and take in the Death and Promiſe of Chriſt, as our aſſurance of it. And this will reconcile us more to a Departure, and help to overcome our unreaſonable fears of pain and ſickneſs antecedent to it.

3. The weakneſs and declenſion of our Love to Chriſt, is another ground of our unwillingneſs to depart and to be with him. To a degenerate Soul, that is deſtitute of the Love of Chriſt, an Everlaſting diſtance would be more deſirable than a Local Preſence. For that could not make him happy, he would ſtill be as far remov'd from Bliſs by being with the Lord, as the Center of a Milſtone in the bottom of the Sea would be from moiſture. But the company and converſe of thoſe we Love, muſt needs be eligible: and the more we Love them, the ſtronger ſtill will be our deſire of being with them; and the more impatient ſhall we be of every delay. And is it not the ſence and ſecret language of our Hearts, Whom have we in Heaven but Chriſt? And are we not deſirous to forſake this p. 24Earth to enjoy his preſence? Certainly the growth, and ſtrength, and exerciſe of Holy Love to Chriſt, would even render our diſſolution grateful in order to it; and make our Hearts rejoyce at the approach of Death, as it did old Jacobs, to ſee the Waggons that are ſent to fetch us to our beloved Jeſus, who is Lord of that Country whither we are going.

4. Immoderate Love to this preſent World, and our Temporal Life. Were we crucifyed to fleſhly Pleaſures and ſenſual Joyes, to worldly Honours and earthly Riches; we ſhould leſs regret the thoughts of dying, and more heartily deſire to be with Chriſt. For as the pangs of Death are not ordinarily ſo violent and intolerable to one whoſe ſtrength is waſted by a pining Sickneſs, as to him who is arreſted ſuddenly in his full ſtrength and vigour; ſo will he more eaſily leave this World, who for ſome time paſt hath been dying to it.Gal. 6.14.Gal 6:14 Were we more crucifyed to the World, and the World to us by the Croſs of Chriſt, we ſhould not ſo affectionately hug the Carkaſs of a dead Enemy, whom we our ſelves have crucifyed and ſlain; but wait for the Time, and long for the happy hour when we ſhall leave it, and be gone to our Eternal Reſt. Let us therefore make uſe of all the Chriſtian methods of Mortification, and look on this world as a ſtrange place, and our ſelves as Pilgrims and Strangers here; as Exiles from our own Country, and haſtening to it: And we cannot but wiſh our ſelves at home, and deſire a departure as neceſſary thereto; and in the Interim ſigh to think of the vaſt diſproportion and difference between the ſlender entertainments of our Inn, and the plentiful Proviſions of our Father's houſe.

p. 255. Blotted Evidences, and the want of Aſſurance, concerning our Title to the Heavenly Glory. And this we all pretend as the reaſon of our unwillingneſs to dye: A Sadducee is loth to dye, leaſt he ſhould not be at all; an unprepared ſinner, for fear of being miſerable; and a doubting Chriſtian, becauſe he knows not whether Happineſs or Miſery ſhall be his portion after his departure. For were we well aſſured we ſhould be with Chriſt for ever, we could not be ſo backward and unwilling to be diſſolv'd. Had we any better grounds to hope, that ſin was pardon'd, and God our Covenant Father; that Heaven would be our Inheritance, and we ſhould not come into Condemnation; we might rejoyce to think of our departure, when and how it ſhall pleaſe God to call us. When the Pſalmiſt could ſay, The Lord is my Shepherd; Pſ. 23 4, 6Ps 23:4Ps 23:6he could boldly venture upon death, and walk through the valley of darkneſs without fear of evil: But when diſtreſs had brought his ſin to remembrance, and made him doubt of his condition, he cries,Pſ. 39.13.Ps 39:13 Oh ſpare me a little longer, that I may recover ſtrength, before I go hence, and be no more ſeen. Could you ſay with the Spouſe of Chriſt in the Canticles, Cant. 6.3Song 6:3My Beloved is mine, and I am his; you might chearfully joyn your Amen, when you hear the Spirit and the Bride ſay in the Revelations, Come Lord Jeſus, Rev. 20.2Rev 20:2Come quickly.

Therefore Try your State, and examine your ſelves afreſh; and endeavour with your utmoſt care and diligence to obtain a well grounded Aſſurance; founded on the Teſtimony of a good Conſcience, by comparing the Promiſes of Remiſſion and Eternal p. 26Life with the requiſite qualifications and Conditions of them. For if our hearts condemn us not, we ſhall have confidence towards God, Joh. 3.21John 3:21even in a dying hour. To which end, let us endeavour by daily acts of Repentance to obtain a daily pardon. Let us ſumme up our accounts at the foot of every page; I mean reflect every Night on the paſſages of the preceding Day: That we may reſt on our Beds with the ſence of a daily pardon; and be as fit to dye, as we are to ſleep.

6. Our fond affections to our Friends on Earth, may make us loth to dye, though we hope to be with Chriſt in Heaven. But is not his Boſom more deſirable, than the arms and embraces of our deareſt Friends and neareſt Relations? muſt we not abandon and hate them all for his ſake? Luk. 14.26Luke 14:26i. e. uſe them as contemptible and hated things, if they keep us from him. Have we not ſolemnly engag'd to do ſo, by our Covenant with God? and ſhall we not ſtand to our agreement? Is there no difference between our Friends on Earth, and our beloved Saviour? How often is an unactive pity vouchſafed in the room of ſuccour; when they need our aſſiſtance, or we intercede for theirs! We know if they are unholy, they ſhall forever be baniſht from the preſence of Chriſt; and we may well be aſham'd to be unwilling to dye on their account: and if they are holy, though we ſhall not return to them, yet we know that they ſhall ſhortly come to us. And cannot God inſtruct them in his fear, order their Conditions, diſpoſe of their affairs, provide for their comfort, and anſwer all our prayers in reference to them, after our departure? yea hath he not often done ſo?

p. 27Have we any Friends on Earth, that are every way ſo accompliſht, as alway to delight and pleaſe us? or are we ſo perfectly wiſe and good, as never to diſguſt and diſoblige them? Is there not ſome ſelfiſhneſs, deſign, and private intereſt; ſome hypocryſie, flattery, and diſſimulation; ſome inequality, unſuitableneſs, or inconſtancy in our friendſhips here? Are not the beſt of thoſe we love, Ignorant and miſtaken, erroneous, deceiv'd, weak and impotent: and as likely to defile and grieve us by their Corruption, as to edifie and rejoyce us by their Grace? but hereafter, when that which is imperfect is done away, they ſhall all have ſuitable qualifications to recommend them to our moſt ſincere and conſtant Affection, and be every way more fit for our Content and Joy. We ſhall then be never weary of each others company: we ſhall fully underſtand one anothers mind: we ſhall live in perfect harmony, and full Satisfaction; without the dread of Abſence or fear of Separation. Now if we have ſome Friends, we have many Enemies; but in the preſence of Chriſt there ſhall be none but Friends, and ſuch as ſhall for ever be ſo: their Perſons being more amiable, and their Society more deſirable than now it can be. Now if we are pleaſed with their Converſe, we may quickly loſe it,Exek. 24.16. and the deſire of our eyes be taken from us by a ſudden ſtroke; that we know not how to value or uſe them, till 'tis too late. And ſhall we be unwilling, on their account, to depart and be with Chriſt? ſince they are haſtning after us, and after a few daies abſence we ſhall meet them again, and dwell with them for ever.

p. 285. The Application remains, which ſhall be only in four particulars, as Inferences from what hath been ſaid.

1. We may hence take notice of the great Efficacy and Power of the Chriſtian Faith and Hope. That notwithſtanding our fondneſs and affection to the Body, and the contrariety of death to our ſenſitive Inclinations; that yet this Faith and Hope can urge us to deſire a diſſolution in order to it.

2. We may hence inferr, that the Soul doth not ſleep in the grave with it's companion the Body untill the Reſurrection; but immediately paſs into a ſtate of bliſs. For the Apoſtle to abide in the fleſh, was more expedient for the Philipians; for him to Live, Ver. 21.would be Chriſt, i. e. For the advancement of his glory; how then was it better to depart? or in what ſtrait could he be, whether he ſhould chooſe a longer Life, or a preſent departure; if no Bleſſedneſs were expected till the final Judgment? And why doth he mention his being with Chriſt, as that which made death deſirable? Is not the preſence of Chriſt with us on Earth, and our ſerving the ends of his Glory in this world, much more eligible than to Sleep in the grave till dooms day?

3. Is it better to depart, and be with Chriſt, than abide in the Body? then the Fable of Purgatory is hereby exploded. Were we to be tranſported by our diſſolution, only from Leſſer pains to Greater, or from a Life of Sorrow to a ſtate of Suffering, (ſuch as the Romaniſts imagine their Purgatory to be, equivalent to the Torments of Hell in the extremity of them, though different in p. 29duration:) How were it far better to depart, that we may be with Chriſt?

4. Is it the object of a Chriſtians deſire to depart, and be with Chriſt? and is that far better than to continue in the body? Then let us not Grieve immoderately at the departure of thoſe, who have obtain'd their wiſh, and enjoy their deſire.

Did they long to be with Chriſt, and chooſe to be diſſolv'd in order to it? and is it their unſpeakable Satisfaction that they are ſo? and do we expreſs our Love and Kindneſs to them, by repining at their Felicity? ſhall their deſired Repoſe, and Reſt, and Happineſs; be our Torment, Grief, and Sorrow? would we, that contrary to their own welgrounded Inclinations, they ſhould continue longer here on Earth, or return back again from Heaven, meerly to gratifie our fond Affections? Have they obtain'd a ſpeedy Victory after a ſhort Conflict; and receiv'd the Crown of Life as ſoon almoſt as they begun their Chriſtian race; the glorious recompence of Reward, though they had wrought but one hour in the Vineyard, when others muſt Labour twelve? and ſhall we mourn like utter Strangers to the Chriſtan Faith and Hope? Would we delay the Glory of God in their Salvation, and deferr their Felicity in the bleſſed preſence of the Redeemer; and be content that a Voice ſhould be wanting in the Heavenly Quire, rather than we be Sadned by their departure?

Would Parents have their Children continue alwayes in their Swadling-cloaths; or when advanc'd to riper years, wiſh them back again to Infancy, and hinder their poſſeſſion of that Inheritance, p. 30which they are born to, and diſpos'd to enter on and enjoy?

Are not you your ſelves haſtening to the Grave, and Hope e're long to be with Chriſt? and is it not a refreſhing Thought, to conſider, that your Treaſure is there before you; with their Father and your Father, with their God and Saviour and yours; I mean your Holy Children and Friends whom you dearly Love?

The Primitive Church was wont to Solemnize the Funerals of Holy Perſons, with ſinging Pſalms and Hymns of Praiſe to God, for their deliverance and felicity obtain'd by dying: And ſhall we refuſe to be comforted, for the death of thoſe who ſleep in Jeſus, and deſired to do ſo; as if in this Life only we had Hope in Chriſt?

Something 'tis true, of Grief and Sorrow muſt be allow'd to Nature, Duty, Cuſtom, and contracted Friendſhip, and the Honour of the deceas'd: for they are reckon'd to dye miſerable, who are hurl'd into the Grave without the attendance of a Sigh, or Tear, or Funeral Lamentation. But our aſſurance of the future Glory they poſſeſs with Chriſt, (which they themſelves preferr'd to a longer abode on Earth) ſhould wipe our Eyes, and prevent exceſs. We mourn that they are gone, and deſire their company; but we know, they do not wiſh themſelves back again for the ſake of ours; no, they are gone to better Friends above, than thoſe they have left below. And were it not for the weakneſs of our Faith and Hope, in reference to the inviſible world; were it not for the remaining Power of unmortified Selfiſhneſs, and our immoderate p. 31Love of this preſent Life; were it not for the remiſneſs of our Love to Chriſt, and the bleſſed Saints; we could not but deſire to be with them, rather than wiſh that they ſhould be longer with us.

Therefore inſtead of an intemperate Mourning at their departure, let us imitate their Examples, and propound their holy Lives and Deaths as our Pattern and Encouragement.

§. 1. SInce the Honour of Gods Grace may be very much advanced by our taking notice of the Influence and power of it in Believers: Since to praiſe and imitate the holy actions of our departed Friends, is the only Communion we can now have with them; and their Example, though they are dead, may yet ſpeak to the Inſtruction and comfort of the Living; I ſhall conclude with ſome brief Account of that Excellent Perſon, whoſe deceaſe gave occaſion to our preſent Meeting.

§. 2. And knowing the uſual Flattery of Funeral Orations, I ſhall paſs over the Advantages of her Birth, the Credit of her Family, the Sweetneſs of her Temper, (the beſt Soyl for the Fruits of the Spirit;) and the many other natural and acquired Accompliſhments, which rendred her Amiable to all that knew her; and only mention ſome Paſſages, that may either magnifie the Grace of God, or be proper for our imitation and encouragement: And therein ſhall deliver nothing, but either upon my own knowledge, or from the particular Account I have received from her neareſt Relations, p. 32and thoſe Reverend Miniſters, who aſſiſted with their Prayers and Counſel during her Sickneſs.

§. 3. Through the Bleſſing of God on a pious Education, and other means of Grace, and in anſwer to the fervent Prayers of her holy Parents, for the fulfilling of God's Covenant Promiſe to them and to their ſeed; we have great reaſon to believe that ſhe had choſen the Favour of God as her Felicity and End, almoſt as ſoon as ſhe was capable of making a deliberate choice.

§. 4. And a Life of Seventeen years, (whereof ſo great a part is loſt by Infancy and Childhood) is certainly very ſhort for the growth and ripening of ſuch fruits of the Spirit as ſhe diſcover'd. A Time and Age, when Vice and Vanity are wont to bloſſom and ſprout forth in others. When the Thoughts of Death and Judgment are uſually rejected as unwelcome Intruders before their Time; and ſerious preparation for it deferr'd to a reputed more Convenient Seaſon.

§. 5. But before that Age, her diligent and delightful reading of the Holy Scripture, and valuation of it above other Books, was very admirable and exemplary. Making this Bread of Life her daily food, and taſting ſuch ſweetneſs, and reaping ſuch benefit by it, that even at midnight, while others ſlept, ſhe would often ſpend ſeveral hours in reading the Bible: Lamenting on her death-bed the Loſs of Time by other Books; which could not aſſiſt her to a better underſtanding of her duty, and the mind of God, or take off her Affections from the Love of this World, and prepare her Soul for the Heavenly Glory.

p. 33§. 6. Notwithſtanding this ſecret ſerious Piety, her Humility and Modeſty was ſuch, as not to make a great noiſe and ſhow to others, as if the Form of Godlineſs were the principal or only thing to be regarded.

§. 7. For ſeveral weeks before her laſt Sickneſs, ſhe was obſerv'd leſs to regard the World than formerly; more Seriouſly to be devoted to God; and more to diſlike vain Company, and idle Talk, eſpecially if it carried with it a Tendency and deſign to diſparage others: and in all reſpects ſo to demean her ſelf, as if ſhe had receiv'd ſome ſecret Revelation from God, that her Time would be but ſhort, and her change was near.

§. 8. Though before ſhe fell ſick, ſhe was fearfull enough of that**The ſmall Pox. Diſeaſe, whereof ſhe dyed, yet having taken her Bed, and knowing the Diſtemper, ſhe profeſt her ſelf intirely willing to acquieſce in the will of God. And was diſpleas'd with any who would have tamper'd with her Face, or diſcours'd to that purpoſe.

§. 9. Yea during the whole three weeks of her Sickneſs, ſhe continued in ſuch a frame; notwithſtanding the loathſomeneſs of the Diſeaſe; notwithſtanding the Troubleſome Preſcriptions of Phyſitians; notwithſtanding her own Pains, of which, her Conſtitution, Breeding and Age conſidered, ſhe could not but be very apprehenſive. And with an admirable Patience and reſignation to the will of God, with a great contempt of the Vanities of this World, and an holy Indifference even to Life it ſelf, ſhe deſired to Depart: And that not meerly to be eas'd of her Pain, but to be with p. 34Chriſt, and the bleſſed Society above: or to uſe her own words, To be with her Heavenly and her Natural Father: And gave this excellent reaſon for her deſire; Leaſt if reſtored to health, ſhe ſhould meet with ſome prevailing Temptations, that might turn away her Heart from God and Heaven: and therefore ſhe had rather be with Chriſt than put it to the Venture.

§. 10. Her Victory over this World was likewiſe evident by the particular charge ſhe gave to thoſe about her, to let ſome young Gentlewomen of her Acquaintance know from her, how Contemptible the beſt of this World will be, when they come to dye: and entreat them in her Name, (as her laſt requeſt, and the Expreſſion of her ſpecial kindneſs to their Souls) that they would not overvalue it.

§. 11. As an inſtance of her ſubmiſſion to the good pleaſure of God, and ſatisfaction in his order: ſhe deſired, that her Mother, and the whole Family might joyn with her in ſinging the latter part of the 39 Pſalm: I was dumb, Ver. 9.and opened not my mouth, becauſe Lord thou didſt it. When thou with rebukes doſt correct man for iniquity, thou makeſt his beauty to conſume away like a Moth. Surely every man is Vanity. Selah, &c. Which ſhe repeated by heart according to the Metre.

§. 12. As an inſtance of her joyful Hope of Glory in the preſence of Chriſt after death, ſhe made thoſe who attended in her Sickneſs, frequently to read over the 1 Theſſ. 4. cap. in the cloſe whereof, the glorious Appearance of Chriſt to Judgment is ſet forth; and the p. 35Happineſs of the Saints deſcrib'd,Ver. 17, 18 by being ever with the Lord; with this addition, Wherefore comfort one another with theſe words.

§. 13. With the free uſe of her Reaſon, to the very laſt, God was pleas'd to give her the great Bleſſing of a Tender Conſcience; and therefore ſhe did not ſlightly overlook even little Failings without a penitent obſervation: and ſome of them ſuch as no man in a judgment of Charity would reckon ſinfull. Every thing that look'd like undutifulneſs to her Mother, ſhe heartily begg'd her Pardon for; though nothing conſiderable of that kind can be remembred to make her need forgiveneſs: thankfully owning the ſtrictneſs of her Education, the ſeaſonable Reproofs of a diſcreet Parent, and even the abridgement of that Liberty which other young perſons take, (very often to their prejudice and ruine) as a ſingular advantage and favour from Heaven.

§. 14. In ſome part of her Sickneſs, ſhe had ſome humble becoming doubts and fears of her own ſtate; but having imparted them to a Reverend Perſon well acquainted in the Family, and heard his Reſolutions and Anſwers; ſhe was better ſatisfied, and expreſt her hopes of Pardon and Salvation through the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt; who loved her and waſhed her from her Sins in his own Blood. Yea ſo far was ſhe from queſtioning the goodneſs of God, and the truth of his Promiſe; ſo far from doubting of the alſufficiency of Chriſts Mediation, the Merit of his Sacrifice, and his willingneſs to receive returning Sinners: that the believing thoughts of it were her greateſt ſupport and joy; ſaying often in the time of her Sickneſs, That though her ſins were p. 36as Scarlet, Iſ. 1.18.Isa 1:18God could make them Snow: though red like Crimſon, they ſhould be as Wooll.

§. 15. Moreover, ſhe did thankfully acknowledge the Mercies of God to her in the former part of her Life: whereof ſhe had very many, both Perſonal and Relative. And particularly deſired, that Thanks might be returned to God for his ſingular goodneſs to her during her Sickneſs.

§. 16. She was very deſirous of Prayer to God on her behalf; and very joyfull and well pleaſed when ſhe had it: and being at any time ask't what particular requeſt ſhe deſired ſhould be made to God for her: ſhe mention'd not her Recovery and the lengthening of her days; but the forgiveneſs of Sin through the Merit of her Redeemer; an humble ſubmiſſion to Gods diſpoſal; and a prepared heart to acquieſce in his appointment. And ſo in one ſence ſhe was full of dayes, though ſhe dyed very young: being ſatiated with the Time ſhe had liv'd on Earth; and not importunate for a longer ſtay.

§. 17. Within a few hours before her diſſolution, (of the approach whereof ſhe was more apprehenſive than thoſe about her) ſhe was very deſirous that a worthy Miniſter whom ſhe named,Mr. S. F. might immediately be ſent for, to commend her Soul to God: Who accordingly came, though at Midnight. She her ſelf joyn'd in that laſt Office with great ſeriouſneſs and affection; and afterward return'd him her hearty thanks for his great kindneſs therein, ſaying, Now I have nothing more to do, but to dye: Only requeſted him not to leave the p. 37houſe that night, as knowing, that his Company and Counſel might adminiſter to the ſupport of her Affectionate Mother, and other Relations, whom ſhe ſhould leave in ſorrow, though ſhe her ſelf was paſſing to Eternal Joy.

§. 18. After which ſhe compoſed her ſelf to reſt, and refuſed every thing that was offer'd her to take, making Signs with her hand, of her unwillingneſs to be diſturbed.

§. 19. In that ſhort ſpace of her Continuance, which was not an hour, ſhe was heard to ſay, Be gone, Satan! Be gone! Thou art a Lyar from the Beginning, and the Father of Lyes. O come Lord Jeſus. And ſoon after ſhe ſaid, He is Come, he is Come: And ſo fell aſleep, as in the Arms of her dearest Saviour, or as the Jews Report of Moſes, That he dyed with the Kiſs of God.

O Death! where is now thy Sting? O Grave! where is now thy Victory? The ſting of Death is Sin, and the ſtrength of Sin is the Law: But thanks be to God, who hath given us the Victory through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt: And Bleſſed are the Dead, that Thus dye in the Lord.

§. 20. Would to God, that the Account here given, might effectually convince us, of the great difference between the Death of the Holy and the Ʋnholy, of the Righteous and the Sinner: Might convince us, of the great Bleſſing of holy Parents, and a good Education; and encourage Parents to be diligent and faithful, to be ſerious, prudent and affectionate, in the Education of p. 38their Children; becauſe ſuch a deportment is most likely to be owned by God with the deſired Succeſs.

And Convince us likewiſe of the Vanity of Youth, the ſhortneſs of our Lives, the uncertainty of our Time, the nearneſs of our Change, the neceſſity, reaſonableneſs and manifold advantages of Remembring our Creator in our younger Years: And withall might haſten our Preparations, and ſpirit our Deſires to depart and be diſſolv'd, whenever God ſhall call us. That following their Example who by Faith and Patience are gone to inherit the Promiſes, We may at length meet thoſe Precious Souls above, who are gone before us; that with them, and all the Children of the Kingdom, we may be for ever with the Lord, which is Best of all.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Shower, Sermon on the Death of Anne Barnardiston (1682)