Living Loves Betwixt Christ and Dying Christians, Text

Living Loves Betwixt Christ and Dying Christians · Text

p. 1JOHN 11. 11.

Our friend Lazarus ſleepeth.

THeſe are the words of Chriſt concerning Lazarus: and they ſpeak 1. His relation. 2. His diſſolution.

Firſt, the relation was friendſhip, wherein we are to obſerve,

1. How far this friendſhip was extended, viz. both unto Chriſt, and to his Diſciples, our friend. It is not my friend, or your friend, but our friend, both yours and mine.

2. That this friendſhip was acknowledged by Chriſt himſelfe, not only while Lazarus was yet alive, but even now when he was dead, Our friend Lazarus ſleepeth.

In the ſecond part of the Text (viz. Lazarus's diſſolution) we may note

1. The truth aſſerted (viz.) that Lazarus though a friend both to Chriſt and to his Diſciples, yet he was dead.

2. The Metaphor whereby it is expreſſed, which is taken from natural ſleep. He ſleepeth.

3. The notice which our Saviour took of Lazarus his deceaſe. This he reporteth unto his Diſciples, he ſaith unto them▪ Our friend Lazarus ſleepeth.

Thus from this plaine diviſion of the Text, I proceed unto the obſervations which do from hence offer themſelves naturally unto our conſideration. And the doctrines will be ſix in number, viz. three from each part, into which the Text hath been divided.

p. 2Doctr. 1 The firſt is this, viz. That there is a mutual friendſhip betwixt Chriſt and true Chriſtians. Our Lord himſelf here calleth Lazarus friend. And that this friendſhip was mutual, it is evident from this hiſtory.

Firſt, the love of Lazarus towards the Lord Jeſus was witneſſed by the many entertainments and hearty welcomes which he received at his houſe. And the friendſhip of Chriſt unto Lazarus is atteſted by his ſiſters, formerly, He whom thou lovest is ſick, ver. 3. and by this our Evangeliſt; Jeſus loved Martha, and her ſiſter and Lazarus, ver. 5. And the Jews ſaid, Behold how he loved him. ver. 36. yea our Saviour himſelf in the Text calleth him friend.

Now as it was betwixt Chriſt and Lazarus, ſo is it likewiſe betwixt Chriſt and all real Chriſtians; their friendſhip is mutual. The word friend expreſſeth love, and this love hath its viciſſitude amongſt friends. As tenniſe balls with rackets are banded and returned to and fro, ſo love amongſt cordial friends hath its intercourſe, it is receivedforeign amicus, qui amat, vel qui amatur. Steph. Theſau. Joh. 15. 13. John 15. 14.John 15:13John 15:14 with acceptance, and returned with requitals. Greater love has no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. This expreſſeth Chriſt his love to his Chriſtian friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatſoever I command you. This ſpeaketh the love and friendſhip of Chriſtians to Chriſt. And you muſt know that this affection of love was not only betwixt Chriſt and ſome peculiar Chriſtians, to Chriſt, as his Diſciples and Lazarus; but betwixt him and all other ſound-hearted Chriſtians alſo. When he preached to a very great multitude of people, having warned them to take heed of hypocriſie, he uſeth this compellation, I ſay unto you Luk. 12. 1, 5.Luke 12:1Luke 12:5my friends. And long before his incarnation, this was the language of Chriſt (the eſſential Wiſdome of the Father,) I love them that love me. Whereas it is ſometimes ſaid ofProv. 8. 17.Prov 8:17 our friends, that they have onelyonly one ſoule in ſeveral bodies▪ it is moſt true, being applyed unto Chriſt and ſinglehearted Chriſtians. The Spirit of God dwelleth in them; and Anima eſt, non ubi animat, ſed ubi amat. Rom. 8. 9.Rom 8:9if any man hath not the Spirit of Chriſt, he is none of his.

As friends, being, in point of friendſhip, acted by the p. 3ſame principles, they will and nill the ſame things: SoEadem velle & nolle est firma amicitia. it is with Jeſus Chriſt and thoſe who are unfained friends unto him. As the Apoſtle Paul thus adviſed the Philippians, Let the ſame mind be in you that was in Chriſt; ſoPhil. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 2. 16.Phil 2:51 Cor 2:16 he affirmeth of the Saints at Corinth, that they had the mind of Christ.

The obligations of love are ſo ſtrong upon friends, that they can heartily ſay one to another, I am as thou art. The2 Chr…n. 18. 3. Eſay 41 8.Isa 41:8 Lord accounted Abraham his friend, and it is conſiderable how God and Abraham being friends did communicate themſelves, with their All unto each other.

As God by way of Covenant promiſeth to be an al-ſufficient Gen. 17. 1. Chap. 11. 3.Gen 17:1portion unto him, to bleſſe thoſe who bleſſe him, and to curſe ſuch who curſe him, and to beſtow Canaan (the land2 Chron. 20. 9.2 Chr 20:9 flowing with milk and hony) upon him: ſo Abraham gave up himſelfe wholly to be at Gods diſpoſing, in regard of his habitation, to dwell where his Majeſty would ſettle him;Gen. 12. 1, 5.Gen 12:1Gen 12:5 and in reſpect of his relations, to command his children and his houſhold after him to keep the way of the Lord, to do juſtice Gen. 18. 19.Gen 18:19and judgement. In this manner Chriſt and believers, they are for each others, with their All, even as for themſelves. I Cant. 2. 16.Song 2:16am my beloveds (ſaith the loving, beloved Spouſe) and my beloved is mine. They are the ſame 1. In their wills. As they in things moſt difficult and croſſe to themſelves (in appearance) do ſay, The will of the Lord be done; So Chriſt isActs 21. 14.Acts 21:14 ready to ſpeak unto them in reference to the regular motions of their wills, as once to the woman of Canaan, Be it Mat. 15. 28.Matt 15:28unto thee even as thou wilt.

2. In their deſires. As theſe are their breathings; there is Pſal. 73. 25. Cant. 7. 16.Ps 73:25Song 7:16none upon earth that I deſire beſides thee; So his deſires are towards them. Not long before his departure from his Apoſtles, to evidence his deſires of ſpiritual fellowſhip withLuke 22 15. foreign.Luke 22:15 them, He ſaid unto them, with deſire I have deſired to eat this Paſſeover with you before I ſuffer▪

3 And in their deſigns. As this is in their eyes and aimes,Phil. 1. 20.Phil 1:20 that whether by life or death Christ may be magnified in them: Jer. 32. 40, 41.Jer 32:40Jer 32:41So he will never turn from them to do them good, but will rejoyce over them to do them good.

p. 4Theſe are brief hints in reference to the doctrine, more generally conſidered. In the more diſtinct handling of it, both the branches are to be taken apart, and particularly to be diſcourſed upon.

And here give me leave to premiſe the reaſons wherefore I ſhall diſcourſe of this mutual friendſhip under the notion of love, in a latitude: viz. becauſe, 1. The word Friend (as we already hinted) ſpeaketh love. 2. In this Hiſtory theſe phraſes ſignifie the ſame thing; viz. friend Lazarus, and Lazarus loved. 3. And the holy Ghoſt elſewhere uſeth theſe words indifferently, viz. friend, beloved.

The firſt branch of the doctrine is this, That real rightbredBranch 1. Chriſtians are friends unto Chriſt His endeared Spouſe ſpeaketh this openly; This is my beloved, and this is my Cant 5. 16.Song 5:16friend, O Daughters of Jeruſalem. Anſwerable whereunto is the language of the Goſpel-Prophet, a ſong of my beloved Eſay 5▪ 1.Isa 5:1to his vineyard. Let it be noted that Chriſt is not looked upon and loved as an ordinary friend, but as a friend extraordinary, either a friend already married, or one affected ſingularly with expectations of marriage. The virgins love Cant. 1. 3.Song 1:3thee. And indeed, none do love Chriſt ſincerely, who do not love him ſingularly, ſuperlatively. Let his own words be well weighed; He that loveth father or mother more then Matth. 10. 37. Certè: illi non aman… Chriſtum, qui aliquid plus quàm Chriſtum amant. Aug.Matt 10:37me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth ſon or daughter more then me is not worthy of me.

This aſſertion is bottomed upon good reaſon, becauſe Chriſt both in his own perſonal excellencies, and communicated advantages, is infinitely better then any creature with its faireſt amiabilities whatſoever.

Now this their love is not blinde, but it aboundeth in all judgement and knowledge, as will be manifeſt by theſe fourePhil. 1. 9.Phil 1:9 reaſons following.

Reaſon 1 Becauſe of his incomparable, unparallelled beauties. This account his dear Spouſe giveth of her ſtrong inflamed affections; My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefeſt among Cant. 5. 10.Song 5:10ten thouſand. His head is as the moſt fine gold. And having metaphorically commended him from the head to p. 5the foot, ſhe thus concludeth, This is my beloved, and this is verſ. 19.my friend.

His graces which are like to a moſt fragrant perfume, do in am our the hearts of all them who are truly ſpiritual. Becauſe of the ſavour of thy good ointments, thy Name is as an Cant. 1. 3.Song 1:3ointment powred forth, therefore do the Virgins love thee. And in the ſong of conjugal loves, this is rendred as the reaſon of thoſe ſparklings, Thou art fairer then the children of Pſal. 45. 2.Ps 45:2men. As there was not among the children of Iſrael a goodlier perſon then Saul (from the ſhoulders upwards he was higher 1 Sam. 9. 2.1 Sam 9:2then any of the people) So Jeſus Chriſt doth wonderfully over-top and exceed in all rich endowments, the moſt amiable creatures in the world. And as in all Iſrael there was 2 Sam. 14. 25.2 Sam 14:25none to be ſo much praiſed as Abſalom for his beauty (from the ſole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemiſh in him) and this might be ſome reaſon of Davids great love towards him:) So in the Lord Jeſus, there are perfect beauties without the leaſt blemiſhes: He is altogether lovely. No wonder therefore that wiſe, knowing Chriſtians do chuſe and value, and embrace him with vigorous loves.

Reaſon 2 Becauſe of his famous, magnanimous undertakings and adventures as Mediator, that he might at once advance his Fathers glory, and the happineſſe of his Elect.

We read that Jonathans ſoul was knit to the ſoul of David, 1 Sam. 18. 1.1 Sam 18:1and that he loved him as his own ſoul, becauſe upon a Duel he had encountered and conquered the Monſter Goliah, who had blaſphemed God and vilified his people. Now this ſervice was low and inconſiderable, being compared with Chriſts renowned exploits, who hand to hand combated with the devil in the wilderneſſe for the ſpace of fourty days, Luke 4. 2. Col. 2. 15.Luke 4:2Col 2:15who ſpoiled principalities and Powers, made a ſhew of them openly, triumphing over them in his croſſe; Who did beare up bravely againſt the power of darkneſſe to be quell'd under the weight of divine juſtice to be ſatisfied, and under the flames of his Fathers diſpleaſure to be quenched. Theſe and the like rare actings of Chriſt being pondered by Chriſtians do draw forth their hearts in friendſhip towards him. p. 6He himſelf ſaith, Therfore doth my Father love me, becauſe I John 10. 17.John 10:17lay down my life. And how can new-born Chriſtians, partakers of the divine Nature, be otherwiſe affected upon the ſame account towards their bleſſed Maſter?

Reaſon 3 Becauſe of their manifold rich receipts from Chriſt. Davids heart giveth out loves to the Lord, becauſe upon his prayers he had delivered his eyes from tears, and his feet Pſal. 116▪ 1, 8.Ps 116:1Ps 116:8from falling. Now Chriſt hath reſcued his people from wrath to come, and that without reſpect to their requeſts, yea before they ſought him.

Our Saviour himſelf giveth this as the reaſon wherefore the ſinful woman loved him, Many ſins are forgiven her, Luk 7. 47. 1 Sam. 19. 5.Luke 7:471 Sam 19:5therefore ſhe loved much. And Jonathan by this Argument laboureth to win Sauls heart towards David, Becauſe the Lord by him wrought a great ſalvation to all Iſrael.

In this reſpect the Apoſtle Paul was rationally under the2 Cor. 5. 14.2 Cor 5:14 conſtraint of commanding Loves to Chriſt, becauſe of quickning grace received by his death.

Now if I ſhould here diſcover our large enjoyments from Chriſt, it would abundantly appear to every ingenuous ſoule, that there is ſufficient cauſe wherefore he ſhould be accounted and affected as an incomparable friend.

By him we are delivered from ſin and hell (as is hinted even now) from the curſe of the Law, the hater of God, theGal▪ 3. 13. Eph. 2. 14, 16. Gal. 1. 4. 1 Cor. 15. 55. Epheſ. 1. 3, 6. 1 Cor. 1. 30. and 2. 1, 20.Gal 3:13Eph 2:14Eph 2:16Gal 1:41 Cor 15:55Eph 1:3Eph 1:61 Cor 1:301 Cor 2:11 Cor 2:20 deadly ſnares of the world, and the poiſon-ſting of death. We are bleſſed with all ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places. We are accepted in the Beloved. He is made unto us Wiſdom, Righteouſneſſe, Sanctification and Redemption. And all the Promiſes of God are in him Yea, and in him Amen. How rationally therefore doth living love to Chriſt ſpring out of this root?

Reaſon 4 Becauſe of their full expectations from him for the future, even unto ſoul-ſatisfaction, and that to eternity. Many chearing cordials are handed to Chriſtians from Chriſt here upon earth; in which regard he doth lie as a bundle of myrrh between their breſts; but he reſerveth the beſt wine forCant. 2. 13.Song 2:13 the laſt. Whatſoever for kind, or for meaſure the believingJohn 2 10.John 2:10 p. 7Chriſtians comforts are here, yet to be with Chriſt in heavenPhil. 1. 13.Phil 1:13 will be far better; and this, this in glory is looked for through Chriſt. This conſideration cauſeth their love unto Chriſt to break forth in a great flame. Let the words of the Apoſtle be weighed for the evidence hereof, who having ſpoken both of the Inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, 1 Pet 1. 3, 4.1 Pet 1:31 Pet 1:4that fadeth not away, reſerved in heaven, as alſo of the aſſured Perſeverance through Gods Power, and all this by Chriſt, he adds, Whom having not ſeen, yet ye love. Ingenuous1 Pet. 1. 8.1 Pet 1:8 Chriſtians duly weighing the worth of their future happineſſe, dearly purchaſed by Chriſt, and undoubtedly to be poſſeſſed by them through Chriſt, do hereupon practically conclude, that nothing can be imagined more reaſonable then this, that they ſhould love him as their ſpecial friend.

Thus from confirmation, I proceed to the Application of this Truth by way of Uſe; which I will propound under three heads; viz. 1. Information. 2. Examination 3. Exhortation.

Ʋſe 1 Sad therefore is their condition who are not loving friends unto Jeſus Chriſt. For doubtleſſe though they be by profeſſion, & in the eſtimation of others, true Chriſtians; yet they are but only Slips in Chriſtianity. As Judas, &c.

Our Saviour ſpeaketh roundly unto ſuch: If God were Joh. 8. 42.John 8:42your Father, you would love me. And if God be not their Father, they are queſtionleſſe the devils children, children of the curſe. How open and expreſſe are the words of the Apoſtle to this purpoſe? If any man love not the Lord Jeſus, let 1 Cor. 16. 22.1 Cor 16:22him be Anathema Maran-atha. The heavy and laſting maledictions of God hang over the heads of all them who love not Chriſt. This is the great ſeverity of God againſt ſuch who are not friends unto Chriſt: and that the righteouſneſſe of his Majeſty herein may be manifeſted, I wiſh that this may be minded, viz. that unfriendlineſs to the Lord Jeſus in Goſpel-times (wherein his excellencies & deſervings are ſo fully laid open) doth proceed either from 1. Infidelity. Or 2. Contumacy. Either people hearing from Scripture of Chriſts lovelineſs, do give God the lie to p. 8his face by not believing him, or elſe their diſregard of Chriſt ariſeth from malignity and ſtubbornneſſe of will, though they yield to the report of his incomparable worth. And1 Joh. 5. 10. Non à c…citate mentis, ſed à pravitatecordis. Aug.1 John 5:10 both theſe are daring, and God-incenſing provocations.

Now if any ſhall be awakened by theſe flaſhes of Gods anger, to enquire, Who are to be judged perſons void of love to Jeſus Chriſt? I ſhall referre them for ſatisfaction to Chriſts own words, both the parable, and his expoſition of it. The Parable is this, The Citizens hated him, and ſent a meſſage after him ſaying, We will not have this man to reigne Luke 19 14.Luke 19:14over us. And the Application made is thus expreſſed, Thoſe mine enemies, which would not that I ſhould raigne over them, bring them hither and ſlay them before me. Therefore all ſuchverſ. 27. are proclaimed Chriſts enemies, Chriſt-haters, (even by Chriſt himſelf,) who refuſe to ſubmit unto him as their Lord and King.

Its no uncharitableneſſe, but judgment according to the Word of truth, to determine thoſe to be no friends unto Chriſt, whoſe reſolutions are rather to order their lives according to cuſtoms, humane traditions, their own humours, and the practices of the multitude, then according to the commands and counſels of Chriſt.

Ʋſe 2 It much concernes us all to examine our friendſhip unto Chriſt. To quicken this ſearch, theſe things are conſiderable,

1. Becauſe many profeſſe much love outwardly, whoſe hearts affect him not unfainedly. As David deſcribeth ſome counterfeit Courtiers, whoſe words were ſoft like oyle, when there were drawn ſwords in their boſomes: Never was Chriſt more in mens mouths with ſmooth language thenPſal. 55. 21.Ps 55:21 now, when their lives ſpeak treachery againſt him. Thus Judas calleth him Maſter, and giveth him a kiſſe, yet was no friend. Have I not choſen twelve (ſaith Chriſt) and yet John 6. 79.John 6:79one is a devil? What Sugered words did the devil uſe, when he deſigned the ruine of Adam, and of all his poſterity!

2. Becauſe the comforts of the Goſpel do appertain to p. 9them alone whoſe love is without diſſimulation. The Apoſtles benediction was this, Grace be with all them who Eph. 6. 14.Eph 6:14love our Lord Jeſus in ſincerity▪ The rich priviledges of grace are appropriated unto Chriſts cordial friend.

3. Becauſe Chriſt (whoſe eyes are like unto flames of Rev. 1. 14.Rev 1:14fire) doth diſcern clearly, all them that are falſe friends, though they pretend fair. We read of many who beleeved John 2. 23, 24, 25.John 2:23John 2:24John 2:25when they ſaw his miracles, but Jeſus did not commit himſelfe unto them, becauſe he knew all men, and needed not that any ſhould teſtifie of man; for he knew what was in man.

4▪ Becauſe we cannot tell how ſoon we ſhall be called to the ſcrutiny. The Lord may be awakening our conſciences, and ſetting them as upon a rack; propound that queſtion unto us, which he asked Peter once, and again, and the third time, Loveſt thou me? But though he ſhouldJohn 27. 15. not deal thus with us in our life time, yet be ſure we ſhall be examined upon our departure hence, for after death Heb. 9 27.Heb 9:27comes judgment infallibly. Therefore it will be our wiſdom in the ways of ſelf-renuing, to ſay as Job did, When God viſiteth, Job …. 14.what ſhall I anſwer him?

5. Becauſe by ſerious ſelf-reflections we may attaine ſuch full aſſurance of our love unto Chriſt, that we may with confidence ſpeak with Peter, Lord, thou knowest all Joh. 21. 17.John 21:17things, thou knowest that I love thee.

Having thus moved the examination of your love to Chriſt, I proceed to give in ſome diſcoveries of Chriſts loving friends; and the rather becauſe according to Gods inſtitution, we Miniſters are ſet up amongſt people to try Jer. 6. 29.Jer 6:29their wayes.

And the characters of love being many, I ſhall be the ſhorter in them all. True it is, that mens love burning in their boſoms, they many times better expreſſe themſelvesAmor eſt inter ea quae melius ſentiuntur, quā definiuntur. by ſenſe then Arguments; yet God having in his word held forth manifold Signes of ſincere love, it is our duty to make our uſe of them.

1. Love to Chriſt is alwayes accompanied with hatred of ſinne. Ye that love the Lord, hate evil. And the ApoſtlePſal. 97. 10.Ps 97:10 p. 10his connexion is obſervable, Let love be without diſſimulation, Rom. 12. 9.Rom 12:9abhorring that which is evil: The ground hereof is manifold. Firſt, becauſe Chriſt hateth all ſinne, heQuomodo amas Chriſtum, cùm adhuc amas quod in t… odit Chriſtus ▪Berr. ſuffered death for ſinne, and is diſhonoured by it. Therefore it is not poſſible, that love unto Chriſt, and love unto ſinne ſhould peaceably▪ lodge together in the ſame boſom.

2 Love to Chriſt is attended with care to prevent whatſoever might be injurious or diſpleaſing unto him. Thus the loving Spouſe layeth this command upon all under her Authority. I charge you that you awake not my Beloved till be pleaſe. In like manner Jonathans love pleadethCant. 3.Song 3 with Saul for Davids life. Let not the King ſin againſt his ſervant, againſt David: wherefore wilt thou ſin againſt innocent 1 Sam. 19. 4, 5.1 Sam 19:41 Sam 19:5blood, to ſlay David without a cauſe? And Jacobs Gen. 33.Gen 33affections did project the preſervation of his near relation from ruine. Hence it appeareth therefore, that people of Gallio his temper, do not love Chriſt, who care not Acts 18. 17.Acts 18:17what wrongs are done to Chriſt, in the liberty or purity of his Ordinances and comfort of his ſervants, if themſelves can ſleep warm in their own well-feathered neſts.

3. Love to Chriſt diſcovered it ſelf by ſolicitous enquiries after the minde of Chriſt, fearing leaſt through miſtakes he might be provoked. How inquiſitive were his Apoſtles to know his pleaſure in all particulars, relatingMat. 26. 17.Matt 26:17 to the Paſſeover? The Diſciples came unto Jeſus, ſaying, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Paſſeover? And how t…morous was Abraham (Gods friend) leſt he mightCen. 18. Res eſt ſoliciti plena timo…is amor. by overmuch boldneſſe incenſe him, when he was mediating for Sodom! Shall they therefore be accounted friends to Chriſt who walk at all adventures, without any fears of his frown, or enquiries after his will?

4. Love cauſeth flowings forth of thoughts upon its object. The beatings of the pulſe are according to the heat in the heart. In the Song of Loves this is the firſtPſal. 45. 1.Ps 45:1 clauſe, My heart is inditing of a good matter. I ſpeak of the things which I have made concerning the King. Sparks p. 11do not more naturally ariſe out of a flaming furnace, then muſings upon Chriſt from the ſoule which is fired with loves towards him. With how much intention, frequencyAmor meus eſt pondus meum. and ſteddineſſe do people think upon the perſons and things which are greatly loved! This conſideration therfore caſts them off as no friends to Chriſt, of whom it may bePſal. 10. 4.Ps 10:4 truly ſaid, in reſpect of diligent meditation, The Lord is not in all their thoughts.

5. Longings after Chriſt, together with ſatisfactions while he is ab…ent, are evidences of love unto him. TheCant. 3. & 5. Amor currit p…r deſiderium. Aug.Song 3 loving Spouſe ſhakes off ſloth, gets out of bed in the night, and goeth abroad to ſeek him whom her ſoul loved Neither eaſe in a warm bed, nor chamber▪ comforts, nor City-contentments could ſatisfie her. Her Beloved ſhe muſt have, and her Beloved ſhe will have, for ſhe is ſick of love. Love like the Load-ſtone is attractive, and the needle touched with it, will unceſſantly move till it ſtand directly Northward. In like manner will the heart which is well warmed with love to Chriſt: this is its language, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none that I deſire on earth Pſal. 73. 25.Ps 73:25beſides thee. Give me Chriſt, or I die.

6. Contentation in the enjoyment of Chriſt doth demonſtrateforeign quaſi foreign, valdèacquieſco. Amor quieſcit per gaudium. Aug. Ad De…m, apud qu…m invenies ſummam tranquillitatem. Vatabl. in Pſ. 116. 7. Cant. 8. 5. Cant. 1. 13. Phil. 3. 3.Ps 116:7Song 8:5Song 1:13Phil 3:3 love: Some note this from the Greek word, which ſignifieth Love, viz. that wherein the heart taketh reſt. When any thing cometh to its centre▪ there it is quiet and ſtill: So it is with the heart which loveth God. This was Davids meaning, as ſome Expoſitors judge, when he having expreſſed his love to God, ſpeaketh thus in an holy Soliloquy, Return to thy reſt O my ſoul. This reſt the loving Chriſtian attaineth in Chriſt by complacency and dependency. The Spouſe leaneth (reſteth her ſelfe) upon her Beloved, and he for delight is a bundle of myrrhe between her breaſts: whereunto the words of the Apoſtle ſuit very well, We have …o confidence in the fleſh, but rejoyce in Chriſt Ieſus. For the ſoul which poſſeſſeth Chriſt, and knoweth what it hath, in having him, will ſay, I have enough, I have all, I need no more; for in him all wants are either ſupplied or ſanctified. In him juſtifying grace will make up p. 12all defects in ſervice. And what is wanting in the ſtreames of creature enjoyments, is given in with more ſweetneſſe in the full fountain of his Al-ſufficiency.

7. Communication of ſecrets ſpeaketh friendſhip. Haman Eſther 5. 10. & 6. 13.Esth 5:10Esth 6:13doth unboſome himſelf to his friends, by laying open unto them all his concernments, both croſſe and comfortable. And Chriſt bids him who was diſpoſſeſſed of a devil, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things God hath Mark 5. 19.Mark 5:19done for thee.

We can put that into a friends boſom which we would not have blazed abroad in the world. Thus Chriſts friends do tell him of all their troubles, fears, wants, temptations, luſts, as alſo of their comforts, receipts, experiences; upon all occaſions they ſtep unto him, and he knoweth from them by prayer how things go with1 Sam. 1. 15. Pſal. 103. 4.1 Sam 1:15Ps 103:4 them, whether by encouragement or diſcouragement in their courſe.

I here remember the ſpeech of Sampſons wife, when he concealed what ſhe deſired to know, How canſt thou ſay, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? And doubtleſsJudges 16▪ 15.Judg 16:15 our eſtrangement from Chriſt, in not laying open our ſelves upon all occaſions before him, doth more then intimate our unfriendlineſs.

8. Readineſſe to comply with Chriſts command will undeniably prove that we are his friends. Our Lord is often upon this Argument: You are my friends if you do whatſoever I command you, He that hath my Commandments John 15. 15. & 14. 21, 23. foreign, or ab foreign.John 15:15John 14:21John 14:23and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. If any man love me, he will keep my words. Thus Abraham made it manifeſt that he was Gods friend, by being ready to offer up Iſaac upon his call. And the Apoſtle ſpeaketh of the labour of love, becauſe love will not withdrw from any work, wherein God ſeeth cauſe to imploy his friends. The woman whoHeb. 9. 10.Heb 9:10 loved Chriſt much, will waſh his feet, and wipe them with the haire of her head. This is the language of Love, ILuke 7. 38.Luke 7:38 account no work too mean, wherein I▪ may ſerve Chriſt.

9. Love is content to be at any coſt for Chriſt. Hearken p. 13unto the expreſſions of the loving Spouſe, At our gates Cant. 7. 13.Song 7:13are all manner of pleaſant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. And I would cauſe thee to Cant. 8. 2.Song 8:2drink of ſpiced wine, and of the juyce of Pomgranates. The beſt of all kinds, and the beſt of the beſt is provided for Chriſt, if he be Beloved. She who loved much, brought a Box of oyntment very coſtly. In like manner, whateverLuke 7. 37. with John 12. 1 2 Sam. 24. 24.Luke 7:37John 12:12 Sam 24:24 duties Chriſts friends diſcharge, or whatever Ordinances they frequent, they are wont to ſay with David, I will not offer to the Lord that which coſts me nothing. They ſcorn to give him the chaff and bran, when others eat the Kidneys of wheat. To be warm and vigorous in creature communion, and all a-mort, chil and cold converſing with Chriſt, is an abomination to Chriſts friends.

10. Love is liberal and free, not grudging any kindneſs laid forth for a friend. This is the love of God, (ſaith the beloved1 John 5. 3.1 John 5:3 Diſciple) that we keep his Commandments, and his Commandments are not grievous.

When the moſt is done and endured for Chriſt, the ſoul ſaith, How little have I either acted or ſuffered for Chriſt? Oh that it had been more, Oh that it had been more! How little is all my ſervice, how ſmall are all my disburſments for Chriſt? When Iacob had paſſed two Apprentiſhips for Rachel, under a ſowre Uncle and churliſh Maſter, wherein he had been pinched with cold, and parched with heat, They ſeemed to him but a few days, Gen. 29. 10.Gen 29:10for the love he bare unto her. And when Ionathan had ſtripped himſelf of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to 1 Sam. 18. 3.1 Sam 18:3David, and his garments, even to his ſword, and to his bow, and to his girdle, we read not of any repinings afterward; and the reaſon was, becauſe he loved him, as his own ſoul▪ Chriſts friends look upon him as deſerving over and over againe, infinitely more then they ſhall ever be able to requite, and therefore are troubled that Chriſt hath had ſo little ſervice, never repenting that he hath received ſo much. They know that God giveth liberally James 1. 5.Jas 1:5and upbraideth not. Worthy Doctor Sibs was wont to ſay, Suppoſing a poſſibility of ſorrow in heaven, this p. 14would be the grief of the Saints there, that they have done ſo little for Chriſt upon earth, from whom they have received ſo much.

11. Love maketh couragious for Chriſt. Every one knoweth that St. Paul was Chriſts cordial friend, which he expreſſed by his magnanimity. I am ready not to be bound Acts 21. 13. Phil. 3. Diſcipulus plus amat Christum quam timet gehennam, Bern. Amanti nihil impoſſibile, nihil difficile. Aug.Acts 21:13Phil 3only, but to die at Ieruſalem for the Name of the Lord Ieſus, for whom I have ſuffered the loſſe of all. Much was loſt already, and life it ſelf was now at ſtake, Let all go (ſaith Love) for Chriſt.

Love looketh upon nothing as impoſſible, or as too difficult to be undertaken. The fearful Hen will flie fiercely at the devouring Creatures which would devoure her chickens; and the timorous ſheep will turn head upon a maſtiff dog, to ſecure her beloved Lamb. Love is strong Cant. 8. 6, 7.Song 8:6Song 8:7as death, many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Mary, whoſe boſome was full of burning love to Chriſt, is a rare example of that metall and fortitude which love breedeth in Chriſts friends. She ſeeking Chriſts dead body, and meeting with the Gardener (as ſhe imagined) ſhe ſpeaketh thus: Sir, if thou haſt borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will John 20. 15.John 20:15take him away. Neither the ghaſtly looks of a dead body could affright, nor the weight of it diſcourage her reſolutions to bear it away. Though ſhe was not able (good ſoul) by her own ſtrength to carry ſuch a burden, yet her love made her confident that ſhe could do it, and therefore was reſolved to undertake it.

12. All theſe forementioned actings and adventures of love in Chriſts friends, do ariſe, neither only nor principally from ſelf-advantages received from him, but from his excellencies, and reſpect to his honour. Becauſe of Cant. 1. 3.Song 1:3the ſavour of thy good ointments, thy Name is an ointment poured forth, therefore do the Virgins love thee. And in this, Saint Paul centered as the laſt end of his love, that Ieſus Chriſt might be magnified in him, whether by life or Phil. 1. 20. John 6. 26.Phil 1:20John 6:26death; Whereas when Chriſt is looked after rather for loaves then for his divine lovelineſſe, it's rather to be judged a p. 15trucking with him, then a loving of him. When men ſeekEst mercatura non amicitia, Amor amicitiae non acquieſcit in aliqua extrinſeca adoptione, ſed quaerit amatum. Aqui, only to ſerve their turn of Chriſt, as it were by merchandizing, they may be called friends to themſelves, but will never be reputed faithful friends unto him. This diſcovery lies inward and cloſe in our boſoms: in which regard, the more cautiouſneſſe is needful, that we may not be deceived.

Laſtly, and for our help in the former, I adde this (as the concluſion of this ſearch▪ upon which I have held you ſo long) That ſincere friendſhip unto Chriſt, will raiſe rejoycings in our hearts upon his advancement, though this may ſeem to tend to our perſonal detriment. Here the words of Chriſt to his drooping Diſciples, fearing that themſelves ſhould be damnified by his departure from them, are very conſiderable; If you loved me, you would John 14. 28.John 14:28rejoyce becauſe I ſaid, I go unto the Father. John the Baptiſt is a rare inſtance to evidence this character of true friendſhip: for he being told that Chriſt was likely to carry away credit from him, returned this anſwer. He that hath Joh. 3. 29. 30.John 3:29John 3:30the Bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the Bridegroom, which ſtandeth and heareth him, rejoyceth greatly becauſe of the Bridegrooms voice: This my joy therefore is fulfilled. He muſt increaſe, but I muſt decreaſe. And the Apoſtle Paul Phil. 5. 16, 18.was another example of this ingenuous love. Some (ſaith he) preach Christ of envy and ſtrife, ſuppoſing to adde affliction unto my bonds: Notwithſtanding Chriſt is preached: and I therein do rejoyce, and will rejoyce. Make application hereof, and ask your ſelves this queſtion, whether you can be content that Chriſt ſhould be ſet upon your ſhoulders, and that your credit ſhould be cropt, rather then it ſhould hinder his ſhine and proſpect? can you lay your ſelves down in the duſt, that the crown may be ſ…t upon Chriſts head? can you willingly be little or nothing in the account of the world, that Chriſt may be all in all among the children of men? By ſincere anſwers returned upon ſerious conſiderations of all theſe foregoing particulars, you may be able to give a right judgement of your own eſtate, whether you be in deed and in truth friends to Jeſus Chriſt.

p. 16Ʋſe 3 The Uſe of Exhortation followeth: wherein I am to beſpeak your love unto Jeſus Chriſt. And O that I knew what Arguments to uſe, that I might prevaile with you to become friends unto Chriſt. Might not the remembrance of the forementioned Reaſons wherefore beleevers love him, being faithfully preſſed upon your ſpirits, be hopefully operative for this end? Take into your conſideration 1. His incomparable beauties. 2. His famous exploits. 3. Your former rich receipts. 4. Your future expectations from him: and hereupon command your ſoules to give in their anſwer, whether it be not reaſonable that you ſhould love Chriſt. But forbearing the enlargement of thoſe heads, I will deal with you upon principles of ſelf-love, to love the Lord Jeſus. So many and ſo precious are the priviledges belonging unto them who are thus affected, that David knew not how to deſire more at the hand of God. Look thou upon me and be merciful unto me, as thou uſeſt Pſal. 119. 132.Ps 119:132to do unto thoſe that love thy name.

Shall I mention (and do little more then mention) ſome particulars?

1. Thus you ſhall work your ſelves into Chriſts boſom, (which will be no ſmall advantage) I love them that love P…ov. 8. 17.me, ſaid our Lord long ſince. It is reported that Veſpaſian commanded a large recompence to be given unto a womanItem Veſpaſiano adamato. that fell in love with him, and ordered that it ſhould be recorded, that ſuch a ſumme of money was given upon that account. More beautiful wil Chriſt be unto his friends. That I may cauſe thoſe that love me to inherit ſubſtance, and I Prov. 8. 21.Prov 8:21will fill their Treaſures: Riches, ſubſtantial riches, ſubſtantial riches making treaſures: and all this by the right of inheritance, ſhall be the reward of them who love Chriſt.

2. Hereupon you may confidently expect familiar fellowſhip with Chriſt and his Father, which is the Chriſtians Heaven upon Earth, If any man love me, my Father will love him, and I will love him, and manifest my ſelf to him, and Joh. 14. 21, 23.John 14:21John 14:23we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

3. Hence iſſueth aſſurance, that all events and exerciſes p. 17ſhall prove, ſpiritually advantageous. Alſo we know that Rom. 8. 28.Rom 8:28all things work together for good unto them who love God. Every winde will undoubtedly bring in their profit, and their gain ſhall come in at every doore.

4. And the Crown of glory is promiſed to them who love the James 1. 12.Jas 1:12Lord.

Now if you ſhall demand, How may we kindle the fire of love in our breſts towards Chriſt? I anſwer,

1. By informing your ſelves from the Scripture concerning Chriſt his worthineſſe, both in his perſon, relations, and ſeveral Adminiſtrations as Mediatour betwixt God and man. As this is his own advice, Search the John 5. 39.John 5:39Scriptures, for they teſtifie of me: So by the manifeſtations of him, friendly affections are kindled towards him. Witneſſe the experience of ſuch who during their ignorance of Chriſt were ſo farre from loving him, that they accounted the love of others groundleſſe, yet underſtanding his unparallel'd beauties, fell in love with him. This is open and apparent by comparing Cant. 5. 9. with ver. 10. to the end, and with Chap. 6. 1. The words beingProv. 14. 20.Prov 14:20 many, I refer you to the reading of them. The rich hath many friends (ſaith Solomon) And are not all the riches of earth and heaven in Chriſts poſſeſſion and at his diſpoſing?

2. By preſenting often unto your view by meditationPſalme 39. 3.Ps 39:3 all things amiable in Chriſt. While I muſed (ſaith the Pſalmiſt) the fire burned. Looking cauſeth loving, The eye Lam. 3. 51.Lam 3:51affect the heart: By blowing a ſpark becomes a flame. As Abrahams ſervant brought forth Jewels of ſilver, and Gen. 24. 53.Gen 24:53Jewels of go…d to win Rebecca her heart towards Iſaac; So ſhould we ſpread before our ſouls frequently thoſe things which are enjoyed i… Chriſt, that our hearts may be enamoured with him. Ponder upon his own expreſſions, I love them that love me, and thoſe that ſeek me early ſhall finde Prov. 8. 17, 18, 19.Prov 8:17Prov 8:18Prov 8:19me. Riches and honour are with me: yea, durable riches and Righteouſneſſe. My fruit is better then Gold, yea then fine Gold, and my revenues then choice Silver. Dwell upon theſe p. 18and the like conſiderations, and the Lord bleſſe them to the end for which propounded, that your ſouls may flame forth loves upon the Lord Jeſus.

The ſecond Branch of the Doctrine followeth; viz. That Branch 2.Chriſt is a loving friend unto all true Chriſtians.

Howſoever he here calleth Lazarus his ſpecial friend, and the Apoſtles were ſo accounted in ſome way of peculiarity, Henceforth I call you not ſervants, but I have called John 15 15.John 15:15you friends. Yet this compellation, and this amiable relation belongeth unto all faithful Chriſtians likewiſe. He loved all his own in the world; which is plaine alſo, by thatJoh. 13. 1.John 13:1 gracious invitation, Eat O friends, and drink O Beloved, Cant. 5. 1.Song 5:1wherein he intendeth to take in all living Chriſtians.

Now if the reaſon be demanded, Wherefore Chriſt is ſo good a friend unto believing Chriſtians? I anſwer,

Reaſon 1 1. Becauſe they are peculiarly his own upon CovenantGal. 3. 16.Gal 3:16 compact betwixt the Father and himſelf. The Covenant was primarily betwixt God and Chriſt, whereupon they were committed to his truſt for the praiſe of glorious grace. And He therefore loved them becauſe his own. This our Lord himſelfJoh. 13. 1.John 13:1 doth more then intimate in his moſt heavenly prayer, wherein expreſſing his reſpect to his Fathers honour, together with abundant love towards the Elect, he doth very often touch upon them as given unto him by the Father. AndJoh. 17. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11. 12, 24John 17:2John 17:4John 17:6John 17:7John 17:8John 17:9John 17:11John 17:12John 17:24 upon this account it was that he thus ſpeaketh of the communion which he had with his Father before the foundations of the world were laid. I was by him as one brought Pro. 8. 30. 31.Prov 8:30Prov 8:31up with him, and I was daily his delight, rejoycing alwayes before him Rejoycing in the habitable parts of his earth, and my delights were with the ſons of men.

Reaſon 2 Becauſe of the dear deliberate purchaſe which he madeTitus 2. 14.Titus 2:14 of them, that they might be brought in to friendly fellowſhip with him. It is commonly ſaid, that the mother loveth thoſe children moſt which coſt her the moſt paine when ſhe brought them into the world. The Prophet calleth the fruit of the womb, Beloved. And that is veryHoſ. 9. 16.Hos 9:16 conſiderable to this purpoſe which the Evangelical p. 19Prophet foretold of Chriſt, He ſhall ſee of the travel of his Iſa. 53. 11. 1 Cor. 6. 19, 20Isa 53:111 Cor 6:191 Cor 6:20ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied. We are Chriſts by redemption, and in this regard alſo we are his beloved friends, and highly eſteemed by him above others, as the Prophet witneſſeth, Since thou waſt precious in my ſight, I loved thee, Iſa. 43. 4.Isa 43:4&c.

Reaſon 3 3. Becauſe of their ſpiritual troth-plight unto Chriſt. The Apoſtle ſpeaketh of eſpouſing the beleeving Corinthians 2 Cor. 11. 2. Hoſea 2. 19.2 Cor 11:2Hos 2:19unto him as their huſband. And as this is done in loving kindneſſe and mercy, ſo becauſe of this relation, Chriſt is propounded as an example of great love. Huſbands, love Eph. 5. 25.Eph 5:25your wives, even as Chriſt loved his Church, and gave himſelfe for it.

Reaſon 4 4. Becauſe they are incorporated into Chriſt as members1 Cor. 12. 12.1 Cor 12:12 of his body myſtical. As the body is one, and hath many members, ſo alſo is Chriſt. And upon this ground likewiſe is Chriſts love to his people inferred, No man ever yet Eph. 5. 29 30.Eph 5:29hated his own fleſh, but nouriſheth and cheriſheth it, even as the Lord his Church: For we are members of his body, of his fleſh, and of his bone.

Reaſon 5 5. Becauſe all the revenues (as it were) of Chriſts honour and reputation on earth, are raiſed from among believing Chriſtians: for praiſe waiteth for him in Zion: andPſal. 65. 1. Pſal. 22. 30. Exod. 19. 5. Mal. 3. 17. 2 Cor. 8. 23.Ps 65:1Ps 22:30Exod 19:5Mal 3:172 Cor 8:23 this is the ſeed which ſhall ſerve him. As before his incarnation they are called Gods peculiar treaſure, and his Jewels; ſo ſince his Aſcenſion the Apoſtle Paul ſtileth them the Glory of Chriſt. And in this regard a principle of divine ſelf-love doth incline the Lord Chriſt to be a friend unto beleevers.

For the illuſtration of this truth, know, that this love of Chriſt is fourfold; viz. 1. Of his eternal purpoſe. 2. Of Benevolence. 3. Of Complacency, 4. Of Compaſſion.

1. There is a love of divine good pleaſure appertaining unto Gods people: In this ſenſe God ſaith, Jacob have Amor benepla▪ citi.I loved: and in the purſuit hereof the Lord in due time convertethRom. 9. 13.Rom 9:13 them unto himſelfe; I have loved thee with an everlaſting p. 20Jer. 31. 3.Jer 31:3love, therefore with loving kindneſſe have I drawn thee.

2. The Lord loveth them with the love of benevolence,Amor benevolen…i…e. communicating to them, together with himſelf and his loves, his All, for their comfort: Who loved me (ſaith Saint Paul) and gave himſelf for me. All are yours; andGal 2. 20. 1 Cor. 3. 21. 2 Cor. 4. 15.Gal 2:201 Cor 3:212 Cor 4:15 all things are for your ſakes, ſaith the ſame Apoſtle. Chriſt himſelf being the heir of all things, both in heaven and earth, the fountaine both of grace and comfort, brings along with himſelf all needful accommodations, terreſtrial, celeſtial, whether they concern this life, or that which is to come. How liberal was Gods love to Abraham his friend, giving all Canaan to him and his ſeed after1 Chron. 20. 7.1 Chr 20:7 him!

3. The Lord embraceth them with a love of delightAmor Amiciti…. and complacency, he himſelf having made them lovely by putting upon them his own robes and ornaments, both by juſtifying and ſanctifying grace. This is taught byPſ. 45. 9, 11, 13.Ps 45:9Ps 45:11Ps 45:13 ſundry expreſſions in that Song of Loves. The Kings Daughter is all glorious within, her cloathing is of wrought Gold. Ʋpon thy right hand did ſtand the Queen in Gold of Ophir: ſo ſhall the King greatly deſire thy beauty. And to the ſame purpoſe doth the Prophet Ezekiel metaphorically hold for this truth, I waſhed thee with water, yea, I throughly waſhed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oile: I clothed thee alſo with broidered work, I Ezek. 16. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 14Ezek 16:9Ezek 16:10Ezek 16:11Ezek 16:12Ezek 16:13girded thee about with fine linnen, and covered thee with ſilk, I decked thee alſo with Ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hand, and a chaine on thy neck: And I put a Jewel on thy fore head, and ear-rings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown on thy head. Thus waſt thou decked with Gold and Silver, and thy raiment was of fine linnen and ſilk, and broidered work, and thou waſt exceeding beautiful; and thy renown went forth among the Heathen for thy beauty, for it was perfect through my comelineſſe put upon thee, ſaith the Lord God. Therefore though the Elect themſelves are rather loathſome then delightful in their unregenerate eſtate, yet being covered with Chriſt his righteouſneſſe, and adorned with the gracesTit. 3. 3. foreign.Titus 3:3 p. 21of his holy Spirit, they are friends in whom he taketh much delight. Hereupon the Church is called Hephzibah, Iſa. 62. 4.Isa 62:4for the Lord delighteth in her.

4. Chriſt expreſſeth towards them the love of compaſſion,Amor miſericordiae. Iſa. 63. 9.Isa 63:9 ſympathizing with them in all their ſorrows and ſufferings: in all their affliction he was afflicted. As in reference to his friend Lazarus, being brought to the placeJoh. 11. 35, 36.John 11:35John 11:36 where he was buried, Jeſus wept. And hence the Jewes inferred this concluſion, behold how he loved him!

Ʋſe 1 This makes much for the comfort of all truly gracious Chriſtians, ſeeing the Lord Jeſus is their friend. God intending to give David a cordial upon the death of his childe, beſtoweth upon him Solomon, with this aſſurance2 Sam. 12. 24, 25.2 Sam 12:242 Sam 12:25 that he loved him, whereupon he was called Jedi…iah; And for the chearing of Daniels heart, he was told once and againe, that he was greatly beloved by the Lord. NowDan. 3. 23. & 10. 11, 19.Dan 3:23Dan 10:11Dan 10:19 this refreſhing reacheth all Goſpel-Chriſtians univerſally.

In the ſerving out of this cordial, I will briefly endeavour to lay before you

1. The Characters of Chriſts beloved friends.

2. The comforts hence deducible for their relief.

Firſt, for theſe ſignes of Chriſts beloved friends, I refer you to the review and application of the particulars in the former branch of the Doctrine, for the diſcovery of ſuch who are his loving friends. For this is moſt certaine, that Chriſt loveth all thoſe who love him. And I addeProv. 8. 17.Prov 8:17 theſe two further evidences of them who are beloved of Chriſt.

1. Thoſe who are beloved of the Lord are called to be Saints. Rom. 1. 7.Rom 1:7Two things are conſiderable in the quotation, viz.

That theſe Saints are not ſo titularly onelyonly (becauſe ſo reputed and nominated among men;) but Saints in reality and practice, being perſons whoſe hearts are ſeparated from common pollutions, raiſed above creature contents, to minde the matters of God in good earneſt: in which reſpect they are called his Saints devoted unto himPſal 56. 5.Ps 56:5 peculiarly.

p. 22And this calling is not alone external (for thouſands who continue haters of God, are called upon, to lay downIſa. 65. 2, 3.Isa 65:2Isa 65:3 their arms of rebellion, and to ſubmit unto the government of Chriſt) but it is a calling internal and efficacious, conquering the ſoul to come in unto Chriſt, leaving all in reſolution, affection, and endeavour for him. Therefore in the application of this, note, the Quere ſhould be, which way the ſtrongeſt ſtream of minde and will do run? whether ſin—ward, world-ward, or God-ward? and what is the greateſt deſigne, driven on by project and practice, whether to ſatisfie luſts, and to grow great in the world, or to conform unto laws divine, and to advance Chriſts glory.

2. The Apoſtle Paul conjoyneth faithful and beloved. 1 Tim. 6. 2.1 Tim 6:2Perſons beloved by the Lord, are faithful to the Lord. And this fidelity doth evidence it ſelfe by two things eſpecially.

1. By cleaving inſeparably unto the guidance of God, when others are ſwayed by the multitude, ſwimming down the tide of times. In this regard in times of general Apoſtacy, Judah is ſaid to continue faithful with the Saints, holding cloſe to his will in holy worſhip, whenHoſ. 11. 12. with chap. 5. 11.Hos 11:12 Ephraim followed mens traditions and commandments.

2. By intending Gods glory more then perſonal advantage in courſe of life and converſation.

And in this reſpect the Apoſtle ſpeaking of the ſervants duty, doth place purloyning, in oppoſition to good fidelity; Tit. 2. 10.Titus 2:10that ſervant who purſeth his Maſters gaine, he is not faithful. If theſe things were brought home by an unpartial application, how many would be found in theſe times not befriended by Chriſt, though they would be cryed up as his chiefeſt favourites among men?

Secondly, the comforts which belong unto ſuch whom Chriſt affecteth as his friends, may be conſidered under two heads, viz.

Firſt, his love them ward, for quality is,

1. Moſt cordial. They are the dearly beloved of his ſoul. p. 23Jer. 12. 7.Jer 12:7It is not lip-love, love from the teeth outward, but love from the heart-root.

2. Moſt large: it paſſeth knowledge, it exceedeth all dimenſions.Eph. 3. 19.Eph 3:19 Whereas never greater love was expreſſed, then Joh. 15. 13.John 15:13that a man ſhould die for his friend. Chriſt commendeth his love as much more, becauſe he died for ſinners, and for enemies.Rom. 5. 6. 7, 8Rom 5:6Rom 5:7Rom 5:8

3. Moſt refreſhing. This love is not only ſweeter then Cant. 1. 3. Pſal. 63. 3.Song 1:3Ps 63:3wine, but alſo better then life, yea better then lives, as the Original imports. All the comforts of life natural and civil, all the comforts of the ſeveral ages and conditions of life are not comparable to this love.

4 Moſt conſtant; whom he loveth once, he loveth to the Joh. 1. 31.John 1:31end. This Chriſt did caſt in to chear his Diſciples, being to depart from them. No oppoſition, loſſe, or change whatſoever, can poſſibly ſeparate beloved Chriſtians from this love, Rom. 8. 55Rom 8:55which the Apoſtle mentioneth as a matter of high joy and holy triumph. Whereas Solomon telleth us, that a friend Prov. 17. 17. & 18. 24.Prov 17:17Prov 18:24loveth at all times, and that there is a friend that ſticketh cloſer then a brother; this may moſt truly be applied unto our loving friend Chriſt Jeſus. This the Text ſuggeſteth; for Chriſt did not only love Lazarus while he lived, but called him friend, even now when he was dead, Our friend Lazarus ſleepeth.

Secondly, the efficiency of his love is admirably comfortable, to all ſuch who enjoy it. For firſt, it worketh their deliverance from whaſoever may be grievous and dangerous. He loved us, and waſhed us from our ſins in his blood. Rev. 1. 5. Gal. 3. 13. 1 Theſ. 1. 10.Rev 1:5Gal 3:131 Thess 1:10And hence follows deliverance from the curſe of the Law, and from the wrath to come.

Secondly, it procureth whatſoever may be joyous unto a ſpiritual heart.

1. He hath made us (upon this account) Kings and Prieſts unto God and his Father.Rev. 1. 6.Rev 1:6

2. He feedeth the ſoul plentifully by the dainties of ſacred Ordinances; Eat O my friends, and drink, yea drink Cant. 5. 1.Song 5:1abundantly, O my beloved.

3. This his love running through all providences, maketh p. 24bleſſings the more ſweet, and ſupporteth the ſinking ſoule under croſſes. As Hezekiah's recovery was theIſa. 38. 17. Heb. 12. 5, 6.Isa 38:17Heb 12:5Heb 12:6 more pleaſant, becauſe God in love to his ſoul wrought it: ſo the Apoſtle puts this as a prop under a fainting afflicted Chriſtian, that the Lord correcteth with paternal love.

4. And his love will prepare his beloved for glory. Chriſt loved the Church that he might ſanctifie it, with the waſhing of water by the word▪ that he might preſent it to Eph. 5. 26.Eph 5:26himſelfe a glorious Church, not having ſpot, or wrinkle, or any ſuch thing, but that it might be holy and without blemiſh. If unto all theſe (which I mentioned without enlargement) we add the complacency which he taketh in all communications of his love, it will be a great addition to their joy. The Lord will rejoyce over thee, he will reſt in his love, he will Zeph. 3. 17.Zeph 3:17joy over thee with ſinging. God ſeemeth to take ſuch content in his loving tranſactions them-ward, as though he deſired nothing more.

Let the friends of Jeſus Chriſt feed and feaſt themſelves with theſe expreſſions and proviſions of his love.

Ʋſe 2 How ſhould the remembrance of ſuch rare refreſhings belonging to them, who are the beloved friends of Chriſt, quicken endeavours in all ſorts to gain a ſhare in his friendſhip. To enforce this exhortation, I will caſt theſe few thoughts into your mindes.

1. Whereas Solomon telleth us (What every dayes experience alſo ſpeaketh) that many ſeek the Rulers favour; Prov. 10. 6. & 29. 26. 1 Tim. 6. 15. Mat. 28. 18. Prov. 8. 15, 16.Prov 10:6Prov 29:261 Tim 6:15Matt 28:18Prov 8:15Prov 8:16Jeſus Chriſt is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, the only potentate unto whom all authority in heaven and earth is committed, by whom Kings reigne, Princes rule, and all the Judges of the earth.

2. That it will be an high honour to be called Gods friend. In holy ſtory Huſhai and Zabud have this title of2 Sam. 15 27. 1 Kings 4. 5.2 Sam 15:271 Kgs 4:5 reſpect put upon them, that they were the kings friends. And it will be for the everlaſting credit of father Abraham, that he is recorded in ſacred pages, to be the friend of God.Iſa. 41. 8.Isa 41:8

3. That Chriſt is and ever will be in favour with God, to p. 25make and to maintaine our peace with his Majeſty, though we frequently, and fearfully do provoke him every day. The inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon made Blaſtus Acts 12. 20.Acts 12:20the Kings chamberlaine their friend, when Herod was highly diſpleaſed with them, becauſe their countrey was nouriſhed by the Kings countrey. And is not our dependance more upon God? And do not we hourly give the Almighty great occaſion to reject us, yea to take up arms againſt us? And is there any one, either on earth or in heaven, that can aſſwage Gods anger, and procure his favour, beſides Jeſus Chriſt? Therefore ſhould meanes be uſed to make him our friend.

4. The people of God conceiving hope that Chriſt regardeth us, they will be encouraged with the more affectionate confidence to pray for us in the times of our need. As the ſiſters of Lazarus making addreſſe unto him in the behalf of their dear brother, pleaded this, Lord, he whom thou Joh. 11. 3.John 11:3loveſt, is ſick.

5. Hereby we ſhall be heartned with the more hope to apply our ſelves unto God by prayer for our ſelves. Our Saviour ſuggeſteth this in the parable of the man, who goethLuk. 11. 5. 6, 9.Luke 11:5Luke 11:6Luke 11:9 at mid-night to his friend to borrow bread; he applieth it to incourage prayer.

6. Becauſe all our creature-friends may either fall off by unfaithfulneſſe, or forſake us by death or be forced from us other wayes. This the doleful complaints of ſundry dear unto the Lord recorded in Scripture, do declare: My lovers and my friends ſtand aloof from my ſore, and my Pſal. 38. 11. and 88. 18. 1 King. 16. 11. Luke 16.Ps 38:11Ps 88:181 Kgs 16:11Luke 16kinſmen stand aloof off, Lover and friend thou haſt put far from me, and my acquaintance into darkneſſe. Upon this conſideration, the humane prudence of the unjuſt Steward is commended, in projecting to provide friends againſt the time of need. How far our experience at this day ſpeaketh our loſſe of creature-friends, viz. of ſome by death, and of others by an unfaithful deſerting, I forbear to ſpeak: But I do upon this conſideration move your care to gaine the friendſhip of Chriſt, who will love and live for ever: Now if theſe arguments ſhall force reſolutions p. 26in your boſoms to ſeek Chriſts love, and thereupon means to attain it, ſhall be enquired after; I give theſe ſhort directions.

1. Accept of God, and of Goſpel-righteouſneſſe with him, by a ſelf-outing, and a Chriſt-prizing faith. The Scripture ſaith, Abraham beleeved God, and it was imputed Jam. 2. 23.Jas 2:23unto him for righteouſneſſe, and he was called the friend of God.

2. Upon the ſerious conſideration of his worthineſs, and hopeful expectations of happineſſe by him; labour to endear Chriſt unto your hearts. Although our love to him doth not merit his love, yet it will clearly make manifeſtation thereof unto our ſouls. I love them (ſaith he) who love me.Prov. 8. 17.Prov 8:17

3. And (as an expreſſion of your love) ſubmit obediently unto his government, ſtudiouſly conforming unto all his commands. This is his own promiſe which he will perform infallibly. He that hath my Commandments and Joh. 14. 21.John 14:21keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and I will love him.

Ʋſe 3 The third Uſe is to be directed unto them whom Chriſt embraceth as friends with love, and they are to be perſwaded unto real gratitude for his love. The Diſciple whom Chriſt loved, having touched upon his incomparable love, addeth this doxology: To him be glory and Rom. 16.Rom 16dominion for ever, and ever, Amen. From whence might be noted,

1. That the glory to be returned unto Chriſt for his love ſhould not be verbal onelyonly, but real alſo, expreſſed by ſubjection unto his dominion.

2. That this obediential gratitude ſhould not be confined to term of time, but extended unto eternity, for ever and ever.

3. And all Chriſtians ſhould heartily give in their aſſent and atteſtation hereto by annexing their Amen.

In the amplification of this perſwaſion, I might call you back to the review both of the proof of this doctrine, and of the qualities and efficiency of his love, ſpoken unto, in the firſt Uſe: But that I may not tautologize by telling the ſame things again, I wiſh you to meditate upon theſe particulars which will yet further commend Chriſts love, p. 27and may call you forth in thankfulneſſe for it.

1. His love was primary to us, and ours ſecundary, ſucceeding it, as the effect and conſequence thereof, we loved 1 Joh 4. 19.1 John 4:19him, becauſe he loved us firſt. If he had not fired our hearts with the flames of his love, we ſhould never have beſtowed one ſpark of ſpiritual affection upon him.

2. His love was free, when there was much loathſomneſſe, and no lovelineſſe at all in us. When thou waſt Ezek. 16. 5, 6. 7, 8.Ezek 16:5Ezek 16:6Ezek 16:7Ezek 16:8caſt out in the open field, to the loathing of thy perſon in the day that thou waſt born. And when I paſſed by thee, and ſaw thee polluted in thy blood, when thou wast naked and bare. Now when I paſſed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold thy time was the time of love.

3. His love worketh him unto a familiar converſing with them, which himſelf expreſſeth by feaſting with them, He brought me into the banqueting houſe, and his banner over Cant. 1. 4.Song 1:4me was love; I will ſup with them, and the, ſhall ſup with me: Rev. 3. 20.Rev 3:20and by acquainting them with himſelf, I will manifeſt my Joh. 14 21.John 14:21ſelf unto them: as alſo by revealing his ſecrets, I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of my Father, I Joh. 15. 15.John 15:15have made known unto you. As alſo by conjugal embracings: His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth imbrace Cant. 2. 6.Song 2:6me.

Now if Chriſts beloved friends, thankfully diſpoſed towards him for his love, ſhall demand how their gratitude ſhould be really diſcovered? I anſwer in the words of Solomon; A man that hath friends, muſt ſhew himſelfe friendly: Prov. 18. 24.Prov 18:24which is done,

1. By a cautious declining of whatſoever may be offenſive unto him; as the returning of evil for good is very ſinful, and a practiſe prejudicial to our ſelves, ſo is it taken very unkindly by the Lord. Thus David complaineth of Achitophel, (and as ſome conceive, Chriſt of Judas) My friend that did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against Pſal 41. 9. foreign.Ps 41:9me. As Caeſar was moſt afflicted with the wound received from his own ſons hands. And thou my ſon too!

Therefore upon remembrance of Chriſts kindneſſe learn to beat back temptations as Joſeph did. How then p. 28ſhall I do this wickedneſſe, and ſin againſt the LordGen. 39 9.Gen 39:9

2. By an inſeparable adherence unto Chriſt in dayes of deepeſt difficulty and danger. The ſervant engaged to his Maſter by his favours, is willing to have his eare bored, that he may dwell with him for ever. Ruth upon the receiptExod. 21. 5, 6.Exod 21:5Exod 21:6 of leſſe love a great deal from Naomi her mother in law, taketh up this reſolution, Nothing ſhall part thee and me Ruth 1. 16.Ruth 1:16but death. God forbid that ever we by our Apoſtacy ſhould give Chriſt occaſion to ſpeak by way of reproach to us as Abſalon did to Huſhai (deſerting David, as he apprehended) Is this thy kindneſſe to thy friend? Why wenteſt 2 Sam. 16. 17.2 Sam 16:17not thou with thy friend? So be you ſure that this one circumſtance will gripe your hearts with great grief for your backſlidings. As Peter in this regard wept bitterly, becauſe heMat. 26. 75.Matt 26:75 had denied, and deſerted Chriſt, ſo good a Maſter, ſo well deſerving a friend.

3. By unfained love unto all them, who are the beloved friends of Chriſt▪ This is the inference of Saint John, from this conſideration under diſcourſe, that therefore we ought to love one another, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But of this more in the doctrine1 Joh 4. 11. and 3. 16.1 John 4:111 John 3:16 following.

Doct. 2 That all Chriſts friends are mutually loving friends unto one another. As Chriſt here ſaith not, my friend, but our friend Lazarus, thereby intending to declare the friendſhip which was betwixt Lazarus and his Diſciples, as betwixt himſelf and Lazarus.

In the proof of this doctrine, I will point at two particulars (which I conceive this inſtance under hand may hint.)

1. That there is friendlineſſe and love amongſt all good Chriſtians. In this reſpect the Apoſtle Paul in hisEph. 1. 15.Eph 1:15 Epiſtle to the Epheſians, joyneth their faith in Chriſt, andPhilem. 5.Phlm 1:5 their love to all Saints. And in his Epiſtle to Philemon, he connexeth his love to Chriſt, and his love to all Saints. Yea, our Saviour maketh this the livery whereby his ſervants may be diſtinguiſhed from others. By this ſhall p. 29Joh. 13 35.John 13:35all men know that ye are my Diſciples, if ye have love one to another.

2. That there is a peculiarity of friendly reſpect in Chriſtians unto Chriſts Miniſters, as here in Lazarus towards Chriſt his Apoſtles. This is obſervable in the Letter ſent from Jeruſalem to Antioch, wherein their expreſſion of ſpecial love is recorded; viz. Our beloved Barnabas Acts 15. 25.Acts 15:25and Paul.

But I will not deal with the Doctrine in both theſe branches diſtinctly. The handling of it more generally (for brevity ſake) ſhall be alone undertaken.

And the Reaſons of the point are foure.

Reaſon 1 1. Becauſe of their relation both unto Chriſt and amongſt themſelves. They ſtand related unto Chriſt as his ſubjects, ſervants, children, Spouſe, Members, (which, all will acknowledge, and therefore needeth no proof.) And hence iſſueth love. As David was ready to ſhew kindneſſe to the houſe of Saul for Jonathans ſake.2 Sam. 9. 1.2 Sam 9:1

And among themſelves they are related manyP…ilemon 16. 1 Pet. 3. 8. a…d 2. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 25.1 Pet 3:81 Cor 12:25 wayes moſt nearly. They are brethren, and the brotherhood is to be loved. And they are fellowmembers, and therefore to have mutual reſpect one to another.

Reaſon 2 2. Becauſe of Chriſt his expreſſe command, which is repeated, and ſtrengthened with his own example. This 1 Joh. 4 21.1 John 4:21command we have from him, that he who loveth God, loveth his brother alſo. A new Commandment I give unto you, John 13. 34. and 15. 12.John 13:34John 15:12That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye love one another. And again, This is my Commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Reaſon 3 3. Becauſe of the image of God engraven upon them,1 Joh. 5. 1.1 John 5:1 expreſſed by their holy converſation.

The Apoſtle John aſſerts this, That every one who loveth him that begat, loveth him alſo that is begotten of him. Becauſe the childe is the picture (as it were) of his father, therefore beloved for his fathers ſake.

I here forbear to diſcover how Beleevers begotten again 1 Pet. 1. 3. Iſa. 9. 6. 1 Cor. 15. 49.1 Pet 1:3Isa 9:61 Cor 15:49by Chriſt (as the everlaſting Father) do bear his image; p. 30but this I propound as the reaſon of Chriſtians mutual love.

As the inward affection of Titus was more abundant towards 2 Cor. 7. 15.2 Cor 7:15the Corinthians whileſt he remembred their obedience; And as it's reported of Beucer and Calvin, that they loved all them in whom they could eſpy aliquid Chriſti, any thing of Chriſt: So doubtleſſe it is with all others who are friends unto Chriſt.

Reaſ. 4 Becauſe of the habitation and operation of Gods Spirit in their hearts. The Apoſtle Paul calleth this love,Col. 1. 8.Col 1:8 love in the Spirit. And the Apoſtle Saint John diſcourſing of this Chriſtian affection, and conſequently of Gods dwelling in us (being thereby evidenced) giveth in this as the confirmation of both, Becauſe he hath given us of his Spirit.1 Joh. 4. 12, 13.1 John 4:121 John 4:13

This I place as the laſt Argument, becauſe it is the true reaſon which maketh all the former concluding: For neither ſpiritual relation, nor divine injunction, nor Chriſts image upon the Chriſtians ſoul, could have any commanding influence to draw forth this holy love amongſt Believers, if God did not co-operate by the power of the holy Ghoſt.

Thus from the confirmation I proceed to the Application of the Doctrine; which I ſhall make in four Uſes; viz. 1. Conviction. 2. Examination. 3. Comfort. 4. Exhortation.

Ʋſe 3 Hence two ſorts of perſons are caſhier'd, as people who are ſtrangers to friendly fellowſhip with Jeſus Chriſt.

Firſt, Such who are rather enemies, then friends unto the people of God, as their own conſciences witneſſe to themſelves, and their practices proclaim to the world, this being their deſign and endeavour (if they could effect it) to ruinate them in their comforts and lives altogether; They have ſaid (in their deſires, though not with their lips) Come let us cut them off from being a Nation, that the Pſal. 83. 4.Ps 83:4name of Iſrael may be no more in remembrance. Whatſoever ſhew of love unto Chriſt theſe perſons make among men, p. 31doubtleſſe they are adverſaries to him, as ſundry paſſages, ſurrounding the laſt quotation do clearly expreſs. Keep not Pſal. 83. 1, 2, 5.Ps 83:1Ps 83:2Ps 83:5thou ſilence O God, hold not thy peace, and be not ſtill O God. Lo thine enemies make a tumult, and they that hate thee, have lift up the head, they are confederate againſt thee. As2 Sam. 3 17.2 Sam 3:17 Joab took Abner aſide to ſpeak peaceably, but ſmote him under the fifth rib that he died; So theſe, though they ſmile upon Chriſts face with a ſalute, yet they ſtab his body; or (as one wittily expreſſeth it) they kiſſe the mouth and tread upon the toes. Such unfriendlineſſe to godly Chriſtians,

1. Argueth an unregenerate eſtate. The upright in his Prov. 29. 27.Prov 29:27way is an abomination to the wicked. And he that loveth not thoſe who are like God, is one of the children of the Devil.1 Joh. 3. 10.1 John 3:10

2. And is not conſiſtent with meetneſſe to be made partakersCol. 1. 1….Col 1:1 of the inheritance of Saints in light. For it is not a heaven, but a hell rather to be confined to the company of1 Joh. 3. 14, 15.1 John 3:141 John 3:15 ſuch as are hated. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death, &c.

As this doctrine falls thus heavy upon all thoſe who are enemies, rather then friends unto ordinary Chriſtians: ſo upon ſuch eſpecially who are profeſſed adverſaries to the Miniſters of Chriſt. You know how the holy Ghoſt doth ſtigmatize Ahab, who hated Michaiah, that he was a man who ſold himſelf to do wickedneſs; whereas unto true Goſpel.1 Kings 21. Rom. 10. 15.1 Kgs 21Rom 10:15 Beleevers the very feet of them are beautiful who bring the glad tidings of peace.

Secondly, thoſe much more are by this doctrine ſet aſide as no friends to Chriſt, who are Boutefeuz and Incendiaries, ſeeking to kindle coals of contentions, and to increaſe the flames of diſcontent and animoſities among the people of God. This practice proveth them to be Factors for the Devil, and expoſeth them to the wrath of God. It was an evil ſpirit that made diviſion betwixt Abimelech and the men of Shechem. The Devil is pictured with a cloven foot,Judg. 9. 27.Judg 9:27 to ſignifie that it's his work to cauſe and continue diviſions in the world; And thoſe who ſow thoſe ſeeds of diſcord areProv. 6. 16, 19.Prov 6:16Prov 6:19 reckoned by Solomon among them whom the Lord hateth, p. 32and who are an abomination unto him.

Ʋſe 2 From this open Conviction I proceed unto Examination, becauſe there are many who upon trial will not be found real friends unto Gods people, though they be not ſuch notorious oppoſites as were deſcribed in the former Uſe.

Therefore take thoſe diſcoveries of them who are right in their loves to real Chriſtians.

Firſt, from the object of love, viz. Sanctif…ing grace. There are many lovely qualifications in Gods faithful ſervants,Mark. 6. 20.Mark 6:20 which an ingenuous moral man may value; as Herod reverenced John the Baptiſt; but it's holineſs which is the loadſtone to draw the love of the regenerate Chriſtian. Becauſe Saints, therefore excellent in a gracious eye. And hencePſal. 16. 2. Eph. 1. 15. 2 Cor. 7 15.Ps 16:2Eph 1:152 Cor 7:15 followeth univerſality of Love to all ſuch, and the abounding of reſpect according to the increaſe of Grace.

Secondly, from the qualities of his friendſhip: It is accompanied,

1. With an honourable eſtimation of them. The heirs of heaven do honour ſuch who ſear the Lord.Pſal. 15. 4. Pſal. 16. 2.Ps 15:4Ps 16:2

2. And with complacency, All my delight (ſaith David) is in them.

Thirdly, from the Effects of this love; viz.

1. Readineſs to perform real offices for their comfort. Thus S. Paul proved the ſincerity of the Corinthians love, by2 Cor. 8. 8, 24.2 Cor 8:82 Cor 8:24 their contribution, for the relief of poore Saints.

2. And compaſſionate ſympathies when they are in trouble. To him that is afflicted pity ſhould be ſhewed from his Job 6. 14.Job 6:14friend. By this David did demonſtrate his real reſpects unto ſome who ill deſerved them, When they were ſick, my cloathing Pſal. 35. 13, 14.Ps 35:13Ps 35:14was ſackcloth, I behaved my ſelf as tho…gh he had been my friend.

Theſe ſhort hints I leave to your amplification and faithful application, that your ſelves may underſtand whether your love unto godly Chriſtians be ſuch as will evidence your regenerate eſtate.

Ʋſe 3 The third Uſe is for the comfort of all them, who can in this grace of Chriſtian love and friendſhip, approve their p. 33ſincerity unto God, not doubting but that Chriſt himſelfe will give the like teſtimony unto them herein, as he did unto Lazarus in the Text. Our friend.

For 1. It is no ſmall priviledge to partake in the love of all heavens favourites, and this love is mutual: Thoſe who are cordial friends to Chriſtians, are cordially beloved by Chriſtians, which is a matter of much joy to them who will conſider it, as in other regards, ſo becauſe their love draweth our prayers unto God, as need requireth.Pſal. 122. 6, ….Ps 122:6

2. From hence they may infallibly conclude their regeneration by ſpecial grace. Let us love one another, (ſaith Saint John) for love is of God, and every one that loveth 1 Joh. 4. 7. Noſcitur ex ſocio, &c. 2 Tim. 3 3.1 John 4:72 Tim 3:3is born of God. Whereas perſons under the power of depraved nature, are deſpiſers of them who are good.

3. And, as they may upon this evidence lay claime to the comforts of grace upon earth, ſo may they raiſe confidence of future glory in heaven. We know that we 1 Joh. 3. 14.1 John 3:14have paſſed from death unto life, becauſe we love the brethren.

Ʋſe 4 The laſt Uſe is exhortation, wherein two duties might be perſwaded.

Firſt, to love Chriſtians, becauſe they are like unto Chriſt, and belonging unto him in the neareſt relations. The holy Ghoſt is often and earneſt in this perſwaſion,1 Pet. 2. 17. and 3. 8. Col. 3. 14.1 Pet 2:171 Pet 3:8Col 3:14 Love the brotherhood, love as brethren: and above all things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectneſſe.

As helps herein, let theſe meditations be moulded believingly upon your hearts. 1. That they are in regard of ſpiritual beauties, the lovelyeſt people under the Sun, Exceeding beautiful. The Church is called the faireſt among Ezek. 16. 13. Cant. 6. 1. & 5.Ezek 16:13Song 6:1Song 6:5women. And this is not the judgement of perſons ſubject to miſtakes, but even of Chriſt himſelf, which he gives in, again and again, both as a ground of his own love, and requiring attention unto his teſtimony. Behold thou art Cant. 1. 15, 16. and 4. 7.Song 1:15Song 1:16Song 4:7faire my beloved, behold thou art faire; behold thou art faire, yea pleaſant. Thou art all faire my love, there is no ſpot in thee.

p. 34Therefore that you may beget love in your boſomes towards Saints, do not ſo much pore upon their blemiſhes as their beauties, look rather upon their vertue then their vices; as Titus by remembring the obedience, rather then the diſobedience of the Corinthians, found his affections enlarged2 Cor. 7. 15.2 Cor 7:15 towards them.

2. That the obligations of love which the Goſpel hath laid upon you, are many, and commanding. Here I will only name (without enlargement) the particulars, whereby Saint Paul perſwadeth the Chriſtian Epheſians, to keepEph. 4 3, 4, 5, 6Eph 4:3Eph 4:4Eph 4:5Eph 4:6 the unity of the ſpirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one ſpirit, one baptiſme, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

3. That no perſons whatſoever, have been, or are likely to be, ſo uſeful to your ſelves and to the publick, as theſe Saints and ſervants of the moſt high God. This argument Paul preſſeth upon Philemon, to move his affections towardsPhil. 11. converted Oneſimus, becauſe now (ſaith he) profitable to thee and me.

Theſe are repairers of breaches, and reſtorers of paths to Iſa. 58. 12. Iſa. 1. 9.Isa 58:12Isa 1:9dwell in. And theſe are the remnant, which if God had not left, we ſhould have been like unto Sodom and Gomorrah.

I forbear to report how they beſtead the publick,

1. By their prayers. As if Moſes had not ſtood up in the breach to turne away Gods wrath, Iſrael had been deſtroyed.Pſal. 106. 13.Ps 106:13

2 And by their preſence, As God told Lot, he could do nothing till he removed from Sodome. By this reaſonGen. 19. 22.Gen 19:22 Jonathan ſpeaketh to move Saul's bowels towards David, For he did put his life in his hand, and ſlew the Philiſtine, and 1 Sam. 18. 5.1 Sam 18:5the Lord wrought a great ſalvation for all Iſrael.

Secondly, I might from this doctrine deale with all ſorts by perſwaſion to endeavour to become godly, that they may be admitted as friends into the boſomes of Gods people. Although I know that there are higher ends to be intended in undertaking the practice of piety, viz. Gods glory, and our own ſalvation; yet this conſideration under hand would not be ſlighted, if theſe particulars (which p. 35I ſhall onelyonly name) were well weighed.

1. That the love of Gods people towards us willPhil. 1. 4, 6.Phil 1:4Phil 1:6 produce their frequent and fervent addreſſes unto heaven for us according to our ſerviceable neceſſities.

1. That their applications unto the Lord, are veryJob 42. 8.Job 42:8 prevalent in regard of their great favour with his Highneſſe.

2. Their love will work them unto readineſſe in any other kinde to ſerve us with their intereſts and abilities,Heb. 6. 10.Heb 6:10 counſels and communication of their experiences, as opportunity may be offered.

3. And their expreſſions of loving reſpect may adminiſter ſome relief unto the faint hopes of ſelf-ſuſpecting ſoules, becauſe they are to be looked upon as beſt able (in regard of their principles and experiments) to judge of the ſpiritual conditions of other Chriſtians.

I proceed to the third circumſtance, conſiderable in the firſt part of the Text, viz. That Chriſt himſelf doth teſtifie the forementioned relation of friendſhip betwixt Lazarus and himſelf with his Diſciples: Our friend.

Doct. 3 That Jeſus Chriſt knoweth and acknowledgeth them particularly, who are friends unto himſelf and his peculiar people. The Lord knoweth them that are his. This2 Tim. 1. 14.2 Tim 1:14 knowledge comprehends obſervation, approbation, and commemoration As he owned Lazarus here, his friend; So likewiſe he did his Diſciples under the relation ofMatth. 28. 10.Matt 28:10 brotherhood after his Reſurrection, Go tell my brethren. And ſince his Aſcenſion into glory, ſuch is his reſpect unto all ſanctified ones, That he is not aſhamed to call them Heb. 10. 11.Heb 10:11brethren.

If more clear Scripture-proof be demanded, let theſe two paſſages be obſerved.

1. That Chriſt knoweth who love him, while they are alive. This is manifeſt by Peters atteſtation, Lord, thou knoweſt that I love thee.Joh. 21. 15, 16, 17.John 21:15John 21:16John 21:17

p. 362. That the Lord remembreth after the death of his friends, that they were ſo during life. As dead Lazarus is thus ſpoken of, Our friend. And long after Abrahams deceaſe, God ſpeaking of Iſrael, thus expreſſeth himſelf, The Iſa. 41. 8.Isa 41:8ſeed of Abraham my friend.

Reaſons. I ſhall only point at the Reaſons whence this truth may be concluded.

1. God knoweth his friends, becauſe himſelf maketh them ſo. And therefore becauſe he underſtands his own actions, he cannot be ignorant in whoſe boſomes therePſal. 33. 14, 15.Ps 33:14Ps 33:15 are theſe friendly diſpoſitions.

2. And God will acknowledge them, becauſe he hath undertaken torecompence them. He is not unrighteous to forget labours of love.Heb. 6. 10.Heb 6:10

The Application followeth.

This conſideration may be a cooling card unto two ſorts of people.

Ʋſe 1 1. To all them whoſe conſciences bear witneſſe, that they have no friendly frame of heart unto ſuch godly ones, whoſe holy converſations diſcover them to be choſen and called out of the world. If mens hearts condemn them, Gods is greater and knoweth all. There will be many1 Joh. 3. 20.1 John 3:20 rejected at the laſt day, who have pretended much reſpect to Chriſt.Ma…. 7. 22, 23.

2. To all thoſe who are aſhamed to own Chriſt in his cauſe, and his friends in their holy converſation: for all theſe our Lord obſerveth, and of them he will be aſhamed when he cometh in the glory of Mark 3. 32.Mark 3:32his Father with the holy Angels. And I leave it to your conſideration, how miſerable their caſe will be at the laſt day, when Chriſt who knoweth all his friends and foes, ſhall ſeparate the ſheep and the Matth. 25. 32.Matt 25:32goats, And ſhall come to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly amongſt them Jude 15.Jude 1:15of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard ſpeeches which ungodly ſinners have spoken againſt him; And of the individual p. 37unfriendly neglects of his neceſſitous ſervants: theſe muſt depart with a curſe from Chriſt, and go away into everlaſting Mat. 25. 41. 46.Matt 25:41Matt 25:46puniſhment.

Ʋſe 2 This truth adminiſtreth ſweet comfort unto all them who are faithful friends unto the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and his real Relations. The teſtimony of their own conſciences 2 Co…. 1. 12.will in this caſe reflect refreſhing; and this will be a great addition unto their comfort, that expreſſions of friendly reſpect both to God and his ſervants, are thus obſerved, and will be acknowledged. The Lord himſelf to en…ourage Iſrael in captivity, giveth them toJer. 24 5.Jer 24:5 underſtand that he will own them in that eſtate. No doubt it was good news to Cornelius, when he heardActs 10. 4.Acts 10:4 from heaven, Thy Prayers and thine Alms are come for a memorial before God. So the Pſalmiſt cheareth himſelf by this conſideration, I have preached Righteouſneſſe in the Pſal. 40 9▪ 10.Ps 40:9Ps 40:10great Congregation. Lo I have not refrained my lips, O Lord thou knoweſt it.

This conſolation will be admirably ſweet at two ſeaſons.

Firſt, When we may be injuriouſly ſuſpected and cenſured for falſneſſe and unfaithfulneſſe, either to God, or to his people. How well was it for Mordecai Eſther 2. 21.Esth 2:21(when himſelf with his Countrey-men, were decryed and condemned as enemies to the State) that his fidelity in a particular inſtance was recorded? And to bring this home to the knowledge that God taketh of his ſervants ſincerity: J…b being reproachedJob 23. 10.Job 23:10 as an hypocrite, hath recourſe to this, He knoweth the way that I take. And Jeremiah being ſuſpected to be one ill-affected towards the place where he lived, maketh this appeale to the Lord,Jer. 17. 16.Jer 17:16 I have not deſired the wofull day, thou knoweſt.

Secondly, At the day of Judgement, when God will meaſure out unto people according to their wayes.

p. 38The Prophet Malachy having mentioned both Gods hearing the good conferences of ſuch who feare his Name in evil times, and the book of Remembrance recording all; he addeth, And theſe ſhall be mine Mal. 3. 16, 17.Mal 3:16Mal 3:17ſaith the Lord of Hoſts, in the day when I make up my jewels, &c. And this cordial is contained in Pauls Prayer for Oneſiphorus, The Lord give mercy to the houſe of Oneſiphorus, for he refreſhed me, and was 2 Tim. 1. 16, 17, 18.2 Tim 1:162 Tim 1:172 Tim 1:18not aſhamed of my chaine; But when he was at Rome, he ſought me diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him, that he may finde mercy of the Lord in that day.

But moſt comfortable is that full promiſe of Chriſt himſelfe unto all ſuch who are friendly unto him in hisMatth. 25. 34. 40. 46.Matt 25:34Matt 25:40Matt 25:46 relations, recorded in Matthew 25. from ver. 34. to ver. 40. from whence theſe particulars are worthy conſideration.

1. That he will at the laſt day remember all the individual offices of friendſhip to his members, and will mention much that themſelves never minded. And they ſhall ſay, when ſaw we thee an hungred, Ver. 37.&c.

2. That all acts of love and pitty towards his relations (even the leaſt and loweſt) ſhall be interpreted as a ſpecial kindneſſe ſhewed unto himſelf, In as Ver. 40.much as you have done it to one of the leaſt of theſe my brethren, you have done it unto me.

3. And the recompence ſhall be exceeding great. Then ſhall the King ſay, Come ye bleſſed of my Father, inherit Verſe 34. 46.the Kingdom prepared for you. And the Righteous ſhall go into eternal life.

Ʋſe 3 I will conclude this Doctrine (and this firſt part of my Text) with a double ſhort Exhortation.

Firſt, to real friendlineſſe both unto Chriſt, and to all thoſe who peculiarly belong unto him. Suppoſe ye ſaw Chriſt ſitting in a chaire of Majeſty, and p. 39heard him ſpeaking thus in the audience of all the inhabitants on earth, Who is on my ſide! Let all my faithful friends gather themſelves before me: In this caſe would not multitudes come in with profeſſions and proteſtations of love? Now it is thus in truth: for our Lord looketh from heaven, and conſidereth exactly who are his friends, and who are not. Therefore bethink your ſelves what you will do. And if you be content to come in to Chriſt as faithful friends, then befriend (for his ſake,) thoſe eſpecially Gal. 6. 10.Gal 6:10who are of his houſhold, for this will be obſerved and rewarded. Therefore my beloved, be ye ſtedfaſt and 1 Cor. 15. 58.1 Cor 15:58unmovable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord.

Secondly, to beware of all kinds of doubling and hypocriſie both in the profeſſion and practice of love, whether towards Chriſt or faithful Chriſtians.

It is the admonition of the Apoſtle, Let love be Rom. 12. 9.Rom 12:9without diſſimulation. And the Doctrine is a ſtrong Argument to back it, becauſe of the notice which our Saviour taketh thereof. Chriſt himſelf by this conſideration moveth ſincerity in all ſervices, whether of piety towards God, or charity towards men, becauſe an eyeMat…h. 6. 4, 6. from heaven doth eſpie whatſoever is done on earth with greateſt ſecrecy.

This motive will be the more prevalent, if we minde Chriſt, who as the Judge of all men, will manifeſt and recompence Luke 12 1, 2. 2 Cor. 5. 9, 10.Luke 12:1Luke 12:22 Cor 5:92 Cor 5:10their ſervices according to their nature and manner of performance.

The ſecond part of my Text followeth; in the handling whereof I ſhall be the ſhorter, becauſe I have been ſo large in the former.

Lazarus ſleepeth. In the diviſion of the Text there were three things noted thence; which I ſhall ſpeak p. 40unto very briefly, in three points of Doctrine.

Doct. 1 1. That ſuch who are Chriſts, and his peoples friends, are ſubject to death.

This word [Sleepeth] is by our Evangeliſt himſelf thusVerſe 13. Verſe 14. expounded, Jeſus ſpake of his death: and it is added, Jeſus ſaith to them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

There is no need of Scripture quotations here, becauſe experiences from age to age every where give in ſufficient proof of this Truth. When the ApoſtleHeb. 11. 13.Heb 11:13 had particularized many Worthies as examples of faith and holineſſe, he addeth theſe words, All theſe died.

Reaſons. The reaſons are not only,

1. Becauſe of Adams ſin tranſmitted, Sin entereth into the world, and death by ſin;Rom. 5. 12.Rom 5:12

2. And by reaſon of Gods determination, with reference to his own glory, many wayes to be manifeſted in the conſequence of death, It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgement, (For upon theſeHeb. 9 27.Heb 9:27 accounts the wicked who are Chriſts enemies do die alſo)

But there are peculiar Reaſons wherefore Chriſts and the Churches friends do die.

I will not here ſpeak unto that which was extraordinary in this death of Lazarus; viz. for the glory of God, Verſe 15.that the Son of God might be glorified thereby, and for the ſakes of them who ſhould beleeve, upon the obſervationVer. 4. of Chriſts power in a miraculous raiſing him from the dead)

I will only inſtance in thoſe ends which God intends in a way more ordinary, with reſpect unto his people themſelves.

1. Sometimes that they may be ſecured from common calamities coming upon the world. As men do houſe their cattel before the ſtorme falleth; Thus God takes awayIſa. 57. 1.Isa 57:1 the righteous from the evil to come, wherof the caſe of Joſiah is a famous inſtance.2 Chro. 34. 28.2 Chr 34:28

p. 412. That they may reſt from their labours, both of ſerviceRev. 14. 13.Rev 14:13 and ſuffering, when their task and exerciſes are over; when their work is done, and the Lord hath ſufficiently proved and purged them by variety of providences, both croſſe and comfortable, in this world, then he calleth them off this ſtage, and cauſeth their departure hence.

3. That they might enjoy immediate communion with Chriſt in heaven, which is farre better then the beſt conditionPhil. 1. 23. Heb. 12. 23.Phil 1:23Heb 12:23 attainable in this life; and that their ſpirits might be made perfect in glory, before the day of the general Reſurrection, when their ſouls and bodies ſhall be reunited.

There are many profitable Uſes to be made of this Doctrine,Application. which I ſhall only point at.

Ʋſe 1. Therefore natural death is not the greateſt evil, neither are thoſe comforts whereof death doth deprive the beſt good; becauſe it is abſurd to imagine that the moſt godly ſhold undergo the heavieſt evils, and be ſtript of the chiefeſt comforts. This inference is obvious, and might be uſefully enlarged. But I muſt forbear.

Ʋſe 2. Therefore death is not alwayes to be looked upon, as a demonſtration of Gods anger againſt them who die: neither is any ſickneſſe bringing death, to be judged a ſigne of divine wrath and ſeverity. Lazarus Verſe 3.Chriſts friend died, and it was ſaid before, He whom thou loveſt, is ſick. This is alledged as the reaſon of the death of Jeroboams childe, becauſe there was ſome goodneſſe in him. 1 Kings 14. 13.1 Kgs 14:13Hezekiah was ſick unto death; and it's conjectured, that his diſeaſe was the Plague, both becauſe of the ſwelling mentioned, and the medicine adviſed. Let them take Iſa. 38. 21.Isa 38:21a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaſter upon the boile; And how ſad Jobs condition was, I need not to relate, who yet (according to Gods own teſtimony) was a man of incomparable piety: Satan ſmote Job with ſore boiles, from Job 1. 8. & 2. 3. Job 2. 7, 8.Job 1:8Job 2:3Job 2:7Job 2:8the ſole of the foot unto his crown. And he took him a potſheard to ſcrape himſelfe withall, and he late down among the aſhes. This I do rather note, 1. Becauſe people are ſubject to cenſure ſeverely thoſe who undergo unuſual p. 42afflictions. When the Barbarians ſaw the venomous beaſt Acts 8. 4.Acts 8:4hang on Pauls hand, they ſaid among themſelves, No doubt this man is a murtherer, vengeance ſuffereth not him to live. 2. Becauſe by this uncharitable cenſoriouſneſſe, men do expoſe themſelves unto Gods diſpleaſure. Hence it was, that the Lord thus ſpake unto Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is Job 42. 7.Job 42:7kindled againſt thee, and againſt thy two friends, for you have not ſpoken of me the thing that is right.

Ʋſe 3. Therefore Gods people ſhould the rather hold up with hope, comfort, and patience under all ſorts of their ſufferings here, becauſe their death (which is certain) will put a period, an end unto all. Though the SeaNubecula eſt, & citò tranſibit. be ſtormy, yet the voyage is ſhort, we ſhall ere long come ſafe to ſhoare. For this cauſe we faint not, though the outward man periſh (ſuppoſe rotting and unſavoury,2 Cor. 4. 16, 17.2 Cor 4:162 Cor 4:17 &c.) for this light affliction is but for a moment.

Do you not remember how the holy Martyr comforted his fellow-ſufferer, (viz.) that death would cure the one of his blindneſſe, and the other of his lameneſs? And doubtleſſe in this ſenſe, it may be ſaid ſafely, that death unto the godly is the beſt Phyſician, curing them perfectly of all diſeaſes whatſoever. Therefore chear up, ye Saints of God, under all your grievances, upon the thought of death. Say to your ſelves, as the good Martyr did, But one stile or two more, and then I am at my journeys end.

Ʋſe 4. Therefore Gods ſervants ſhould be the more induſtrious in doing all the good which poſſibly they can, with ſpeed, becauſe they muſt die, and death will take them off their work. This is Solomons inference, Whatſoever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there Eccleſ. 9. 10.Eccl 9:10is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wiſdome in the grave whither thou goeſt. How did our Saviour beſtirre himſelf, when he knew that his houre was come? What a great dealJoh. 13. 1.John 13:1 of good work did he then diſpatch in a ſhort time? And it ſeemeth to be the reaſon, why Paul at Troas preached till midnight, becauſe he was ready to depart on the morrow. TheActs 20. 7.Acts 20:7 p. 43nearer unto the center, the ſwifter is the motion. Famous Doctor Sibbs would ſay, Could we ſuppoſe ſorrow in heaven, this would be our ſorrow there, that we did no more work for God, before we came thither to receive ſo great wages.

Ʋſe 5. Therefore we all ſhould be perſwaded, to improve our Chriſtian friends, both Miniſters and others▪ in all their gifts, graces and experiences, ſo much as may be, and that with ſpeed, becauſe they muſt die: Upon this ground the Prophet Zachary quickeneth obedience, Thus ſaith the Lord of hoſts, Turne ye now Zach. 1. 4, 5.Zech 1:4Zech 1:5from your evil wayes,—Your fathers where are they? And the Prophets, do they live for ever? Our Saviour is often in this exhortation, having foretold his own departure, Yet a little while is the light with you, walk while John 12. 35. Eph. 5. 8. Mat. 5. 16. John 5. 35.John 12:35Eph 5:8Matt 5:16John 5:35you have the light. As all godly ones are called light: So Miniſters are the lights of the world; John was a burning, and a ſhining light: Beloved, death will blow out theſe your candles, and your Torches; therefore while they live, while they give out their ſhine and their light, make a profitable uſe of them, to Gods honour and your own ſouls welfare.

Ʋſe 6. Therefore I hence exhort all the friends of Chriſt, to prepare themſelves for death, and to maintaine upon their Spirits a prepared poſture for natures diſſolution. Although I know, that they being united unto Chriſt, and reconciled to God through him, theyRev. 14. 13.Rev 14:13 ſhall undoubtedly (whenſoever they die) be tranſlated from earth to heaven: yet there is ſomething more toLuke 16. 22.Luke 16:22 be minded by Chriſtians, that they may be ready to die. How much might be comprized in Jobs expreſſion, All Job 14. 14.Job 14:14the dayes of mine appointed time will I wait until my change ſhall come? I ſhall not undertake to diſcover; but I deſire to leave theſe foure words of advice, in the boſomes of Chriſtians, in tendency unto their preparation for death. 1. Seek well grounded aſſurance of your intereſt in Chriſt, and of undoubted title unto heaven, through him. This foundation being laid, Paul could triumph p. 44over death,—Oh death, where is thy ſting? thanks be to 1 Cor. 15 55.1 Cor 15:55God, who hath given us victory through Jeſus Chriſt. And Simeon could ſing when ready to die, Now letteſt thou thy Luk. 2. 19, 30.Luke 2:19Luke 2:30ſervant depart in peace; For mine eyes have ſeen thy ſalvation. Whereas there are ſad ſhiverings upon ſome gracious hearts, when death looketh in at the windows, becauſe they queſtion their admiſſion into heaven, upon natures diſſolution.

2. Take heed of all ſcandalous ſinnes, ſinnes againſt conſcience, the commiſſion whereof may blemiſh Religion, and lie as blocks of offence in the wayes of others. It is conceived by ſome Divines, that in this regard Saint Paul died with the more confidence, becauſe after his converſion he was no way ſcandalous: I have fought the 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8.2 Tim 4:72 Tim 4:8good fight, and I have kept the faith, and henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteouſneſſe. Whereas Peter having diſhonoured Chriſt, diſgraced his profeſſion, wounded his own conſcience, and prejudiced others (how farre we know not) by his fearful, threefold denial; was ſo full of perplexity, that Chriſt ſaw cauſe (beforeJoh. 21. 15, 19John 21:15John 21:19 the foretelling of his death) to confirme his heart in helping on the diſcovery of his ſincere love, notwithſtanding that ſad offenſive Apoſtacy. Broken bones, though knit, will ake towards change of weather. And the remembrance of ſcandalous miſcariages, may occaſion anguiſh in the boſomes of dying Saints.

3. Settle your outward eſtate and concernments, according to divine prudence and holy principles, remembring that you muſt be accountable unto the Lord, (whoſe ſtewards you are) how you diſpoſe of the things of this lifeLuke. 16. 2.Luke 16:2 with which he hath entruſted you. This was Gods own advice unto Hezekiah. Thus ſaith the Lord, ſet thine houſe i… Eſay 38. 1.Isa 38:1order, for thou ſhalt die.

Many good people deare unto God, upon this neglect are leſſe comfortable to themſelves, and leſſe ſerviceabl… unto others upon their death-beds, becauſe they ſuſpe… the many ſad conſequences of their not endeavouring t… prevent ſinne and trouble by an orderly ſetling of all the… earthly enjoyments.

p. 454. Leave with gracious gravity and ſeriouſneſſe, chargesAppropinquante morte multò es divinior. and convictions upon the conſciences of your neareſt relations, that Chriſt, heaven and their immortal ſoules may be principally cared for. Warne your friends to beware of the ſinnes of the times, and of their own inclinations. Communicate your experiences for future profit, prudently. Here I might expatiate upon the examples of Jacob bleſſingGen. 49. Deut. 31. 2. & 32. & 33. Joſh. 23. 1, 2. & 24. 1.—Joh. 13. 1. & 14. & 15. & 16. & 17.Gen 49Deut 31:2Deut 31:32Deut 31:33Josh 23:1Josh 23:2Josh 24:1John 13:1John 13:14John 13:15John 13:16John 13:17 his ſonnes, when on his death-bed; of Moſes and of Joſhua their plaine dealing with Iſrael, when ready to die; yea, and of Chriſt himſelf: But I am neceſſitated to abbreviate theſe things with this hearty requeſt, that my friendly, faithfull counſell in theſe things may not be forgotten.

And do not (I pray you,) do not deferre theſe things, for death may ſteale upon you ſuddenly, unexpectedly, as a man falls aſleep ſometimes, when he thought not of it.

This lets in the next point.

Doct. 2. That Chriſts friends by death, do fall aſleep. The Protomartyr Stephen his death is thus expreſſed: He Act. 7 60. 1 Co…. 15. 16, 18, 20, 51.Acts 7:60fell aſleep. And the Apoſtle Paul doth often in the fifteenth Chapter of his firſt Epiſtle to the Corinthians, atteſt this truth.

This ſleep is not to be applied unto the ſoule after itsEccleſ. 12. 7. Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1. 23. Heb. 12. 23.Eccl 12:7Luke 23:43Phil 1:23Heb 12:23 departure from the body (as ſome fondly dreame;) for it goeth to God immediately, forth-with enjoyeth fellowſhip with Chriſt, and becometh perfect; But it belongs to the dead body, laid in the grave, which in this regardforeign. Mr. Calamy his Sermon upon Acts 7. 60.Acts 7:60 is called a ſleeping place. I ſhall not dilate upon the reſemblance betwixt death and ſleep, which is fully done by others: But I will only touch upon two things which are here intended. 1. Death is a ſleep unto the godly, becauſe thereby they are laid to reſt. There is aVerſe 13. taking of reſt by ſleep. They ſhall reſt in their beds, ſaith the Prophet, ſpeaking of the death of righteous ones. And Iſa. 57. 2.Isa 57:2they reſt from their labours, (ſo ſaith the Spirit) who die in the Lord. 2. Becauſe their bodies ſhall be raiſed, asRev. 14. 15.Rev 14:15 men are awakened out of ſleep: This is expreſſed in the words which immediately follow the Text: Our p. 46friend Lazarus ſleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of ſleep. And the Apoſtle Paul is much upon this Metaphor,Cor. 15. in that place where he undertaketh to prove the Reſurrection.

Ʋſe 1. Therefore true beleevers, real Saints ſhould not be afraid to die.

I grant that death unto nature is the King of feares, and it hath its poiſonous ſting with which it will wound the wicked, whom it doth uſher into hell. This (with many other uſeful truths relating unto death) is admirablyDr. Tuckney his Sermons upon 1. Cor. 15. 55.1 Cor 15:55 laid open of late by a worthy ſervant of Chriſt; and it would be a digreſſion, if I ſhould undertake that diſcovery: But I only move Gods people, to arme themſelves againſt the ſinking feare of death, becauſe unto them it is no worſe then falling aſleep. And indeed there is great need of this counſel among Gods own ſervants every where, who like fooliſh children are afraid to put off their cloathes, and go to bed in a dark chamber.As Baxter in his Saints everlaſting reſt. Herein the forementioned Authour, and others, have adminiſtred much good help, in which regard I may be ſilent.

Ʋſe 2. Neither let us mourne immoderately becauſe of the death of our Chriſtian friends; ſeeing they are only fallen aſleep. When our Saviour had ſpoken theVerſe 12. words of the Text, Then ſaid his Diſciples, If he ſleep, he ſhall do well. And by the argument the Apoſtle ſeeks to prevaile with the Theſſalonians, that they might not mourne exceſſively upon ſuch occaſion. For thoſe who ſleep in Jeſus, will God bring with him. Then he addeth,1 Theſ. 4. 13, 14 17, 18.1 Thess 4:131 Thess 4:14 We ſhall be ever with the Lord; wherefore comfort one another with theſe words. Love moveth joy, when our weak, weary, pained, diſeaſed friends are fallen into a ſound ſweet ſleep. This conſideration therefore ſhould cheere our drooping ſpirits, in reference unto godly friends, who died in the Lord. Let us minde this the rather, becauſe God who propoundeth this ground of comfort, obſerveth both when we have need of this cordial, and alſo what improvement we make thereof, as it followeth p. 47in the next and laſt Doctrine, which remaines to be handled.

Doct. 3. The Lord knoweth when his own and his Churches friends do fall aſleep by death. As Chriſt, though now at a bodily diſtance from Bethany, the place of Lazarus his abode, yet told his Diſciples of his death, Our friend Lazarus ſleepeth. As God ſpake this to Joſhuah, My Joſh. 1. 2.Josh 1:2ſervant Moſes is dead.

This truth may be concluded ſtrongly by theſe arguments.

Reaſ. 1. Becauſe Chriſt hath the keys of death Rev. 1. 18.Rev 1:18in keeping; the ſoule cannot be let out of the body, without his leave. And he knoweth all his own grants.

Reaſ. 2. Becauſe he alſo hath power in heaven, keeping (as it were) the gate hereof, into which none can enter without his allowance. This is manifeſt by his promiſe to the penitent thief: This day thou ſhalt be with me in Paradiſe. Therefore he exactly obſerveth, when any perſons or perſonLuke 23. 43.Luke 23:43 hath admiſſion thither.

Ʋſe 1. Hence the deity of Chriſt may be proved undeniably; for though there be thouſands dying hourely in the ſeveral places of the world, yet Chriſt knows particularly, 1. Both their qualification, whether his friends and his Churches friends, or no. 2. And the time, when every one of them giveth up the ghoſt. As the inſtance under diſcourſe doth evince. 1. He underſtood infallibly that Lazarus was a faithful friend, both unto himſelfe and his ſervants: Our friend Lazarus. 2. And though he was not corporeally preſent with Lazarus in the place where he died, yet he knew without any creature-intelligence, that now he was fallen aſleep by death.

Ʋſe 2. This truth ſpeaketh manifold comforts unto Gods children: For, 1. This hints his reſpect to them; Precious in Pſal. 116. 15. ….Ps 116:15the ſight of the Lord is the death of his Saints. He will not ſuffer any of them to loſe life without his ſpecial obſervation thereof, together with cauſes and concomitants therein conſiderable.

p. 482. It ſuggeſts his care of every ſoule; when it removeth out of the body the place of its habitation, it ſhall not miſcary or be loſt through Chriſts regardleſſeneſſe. Though thouſands of devils may watch to intercept the ſoule, yet Chriſt who obſerveth when it leaveth the body, will undoubtedly, according to his charge and promiſe, ſecure its Paſſages to glory. This is a Cordial to the pooreſt Chriſtian, for there is no reſpect of perſons with the Lord. It came to paſſe that the beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Luk. 16. 22.Luke 16:22Abrahams boſome. And,

3. It may relieve the ſad hearts of godly ones, mourning for their loſſe in the death of their dear Chriſtian friends; for their God and Saviour is quickly and fully acquainted with this their affliction: he ſaw when our beloved relations breathed out their laſt gaſp. Queſtionleſſe it cheered Hagar, when ſhe underſtood that God took notice, when the bottle was empty; and heard the cry of Iſhmael, becauſe he wanted water. And you may beGen. 21. 16, 17.Gen 21:16Gen 21:17 confident, that Chriſt who underſtands when your Parents, your Paſtors, your yoakfellows, your friends die; he doth alſo conſider what counſel, what comfort, what ſupports, what ſupplies, what encouragements you be deprived of by meanes of their death. Is not this a choice Cordial to Gods children, that their heavenly Father knoweth they need ſuch things?Mat. 6. 32.Matt 6:32

Ʋſe 3. Laſtly, this Doctrine yields matter of ſeaſonable and needful admonition. Therefore upon the death of Gods ſervants, we ſhould ſeek after ſuch diſpoſitions, as may be pleaſing unto his Majeſty, who obſerveth together with ſuch providences, how we are affected therewith.

Here then I would adviſe two particulars, wherein I intreat the Lord to make us ſerious.

1. To be rightly affected with ſuch like diſpenſations, laying to heart the publick loſſe ſuſtained, when the friends of Chriſt and his ſervants are taken away by death. The Lord obſerveth and complaineth, when people do not herein anſwer his expectation, The righteous p. 49periſheth, and no man layeth it to heart. And our love untoEſay 57. 1.Isa 57:1 the publick, together with the conſideration of the great uſe of ſuch perſons, would help forward our humiliation in ſuch caſes. You heard before that they are friends to Chriſt, and much befriended by Chriſt, yea, that they are lovers of the cauſe and people of God. Now is not the death of ſuch to be bewailed? When Elijah went up by a whirlewinde to heaven, Eliſha 2 King. 1. 11, 122 Kgs 1:112 Kgs 1:12ſaw it, and he cryed, My father, my father, the Charet of Iſrael, and the horſemen thereof. And when Eliſha was2 Kin. 13. 11, 142 Kgs 13:112 Kgs 13:14 ſick, Joaſh (though not a good man) wept over him, and ſaid, Oh my father, my father, the Charet of Iſrael, and the horſemen thereof. Becauſe they beleeved that the publick ſafety depended much upon the intereſt of godly men in God, therefore their death was thus lamented. And truly ſuch friends of God are the chief ſtakes in the hedge, and maine pillars in the building, both of Church and Common-wealth. Therefore in ſuch caſes, it may well become us to imitate the devout men, who Acts 8. 2.Acts 8:2carryed Stephen to his grave, and made great lamentation for him.

2. To imitate the deceaſed Saints in their graces and holy converſation; we ſhould lay their lives, as ſo many faire copies before our eyes, and labour to write after them, by conſciencious imitation. The Apoſtle having given in a catalogue of Old-Teſtament-beleevers, who in their ſeveral places and ages did worthily, he earneſtly perſwadeth Chriſtians to be followers of them. AndHeb. 11. compared with Heb. 12. 1.Heb 11Heb 12:1 ſeeing God hath given us to behold the beauty of holineſſe, and the power of godlineſſe in their courſes, it will much aggravate our ſinne, if we labour not to be like them.

This leadeth me to that which you all look for, (viz) to ſpread before you the exemplary life of Maſter Jeremiah Whitaker the late Paſtor of this place, whoſe Funeral hath occaſioned this great Aſſembly and my Sermon; in reference unto whom, that I may ſpeak unto your edification, I will (with the change of one word only) undertake p. 50my Text again, Our friend Whitaker ſleepeth. And truly I am very confident, that if Jeſus Chriſt was here in his bodily preſence among us, he would not be unwilling to ſpeak theſe words, Our friend Whitaker ſleepeth. Before I begin my Narrative, I crave leave to premiſe this, (viz.) that though (in ſome reſpects) I know a more meet man might have been choſen for this work; who could have done it more exactly and gracefully: yet I acknowledge that my ſelfe am not the unmeeteſt, conſidering my long and familiar acquaintance with him, eſpecially if this be added, (viz.) that in Summer was twelve-monethmonth—I riding with him unto Tunbridge Wells, he was pleaſed to give me the Hiſtory of his life, from his youth till that time; and ſince that time, it is well known to many, that no one hath had more frequent and familiar converſe with him, then my ſelfe. Oh how often, and with what meltings hath he poured forth his heart into my boſome, in reference to all concernments, perſonal, relative, private, publick, comfortable and uncomfortable, which have deeply affected him! My forgetfulneſſe will neceſſitate the omiſſion of many things, and my faithfulneſſe with prudence command me to conceal much of that, which to my heart ſpake aloud his great goodneſſe and high commendations. I will ſuggeſt the ſum of what I judge moſt convenient to diſcover, in the report whereof my ſoul deſireth (I hope) to honour God, and to profit his people.

He was borne at Wakefield in Yorkſhire in the yeare 1599. When he was ſixteen years old, he was ſent to Cambridge, and placed a Sizar in Sydney Colledge, where he was much valued for his pregnant parts, and Scholarſhip. At twenty yeares of age, having commenced Batchelor of Arts, he was ſent unto Okeham (the chief Town in Rutlandſhire) to teach the free-School there. About foure yeares after he married Chephtzibah the daughter of Maſter William Peachy Miniſter of Okeham, an eminent linguiſt, a godly man, and (as I am informed) a painful Preacher of p. 51the Goſpel, who dearly loved, and highly valued Maſter Whitaker, from his firſt acquaintance to his end; whoſe affections to him, wrought on the marriage betwixt him and his daughter. By whom God gave him foure ſonnes and three daughters; one ſonne died at Cambridge, two are ordained Miniſters, and the other is to be educated for the Miniſtery. Having ſtayed about ſeven years at Okeham, he was removed unto a Paſtoral charge at Stretton in the ſame County, where he continued thirteen yeares, from whence he was called to Mary Magdalen Bermondſey, (with the approbation of many godly Miniſters, whom he conſulted in the caſe) where he after twelve yeares ſpent in his Miniſterial charge finiſhed his courſe upon the firſt day of June, 1654. and fell aſleep in Jeſus. He was betwixt fifty five and fifty ſix yeares old when the Lord was pleaſed to take him unto himſelf. He was buried in Bermondſey Church June the ſixth, with expreſſions of much love from a very great multitude of godly perſons, both Miniſters and others of ſeveral ranks and conditions, who attended his corps to the grave. By reaſon of much ſtudy, and manifold imployments in his calling, he was filled with various bodily diſtempers from his youth. In the latter part of his time, he was for ſundry yeares exerciſed frequently with the painful diſeaſes of the gowt and of the ſtone. Notwithſtanding the reiteration of theſe tormenting paines, he attended upon his Miniſtery both at home and abroad, while he was able to creep into the Pulpit, or to crawle unto the Congregation.

But about the beginning of November laſt paſt, the violent paine of the ſtone did in ſuch meaſure and manner arreſt him, that from that time, he continued Gods priſoner in his bed, or chamber, till he was ſet free by a long expected death. Moſt Phyſicians in the City were conſulted, and were from time to time very ready to ſerve him with their advice: who did unanimouſly conclude, his ſharp paines to proceed originally from an ulcer in the kidneys, but immediately from an ulcer in the neck of the bladder, cauſed p. 52by a continual flux of ulcerous matter dropping down upon that part. And by reaſon of the acuteneſſe and quickneſs of the ſenſe there, his paines were almoſt altogether in that place, though the fountaine of them was from the kidneys. Towards his end, (about two moneths) the paine grew more extreame, yet divine indulgence vouchſafed ſome abatements and intermiſſions, both in the night & day. As his death drew nigh, his fits of pain were more frequent, either every half hour, or many times every quarter, yea, two or three times in a quarter of an hour, wherby nature being quite ſpent he died in the Lord. After his death, Maſter Holiard opend his body in the preſence of D^r. Cox, D^r. Micklethwaite, and D^r. Bevoyr, (ſome other more ancient Doctors would have been there, if either their being out of Town, or preſent urgent occaſions had not hindred) who found both his kidneys full of ulcers, and one was ſwelled to an extreame bigneſſe, by the abundance of purulent matter in it. Upon the neck of his bladder, they found a ſtone, (which was about an inch and an half long, and one inch broad, weighing above two ownces, when firſt taken out, and withal, an ulcer which was gangrened, and this was judged the cauſe of his death. All other parts of his body were found firme and ſound. Now that which I ſhall relate concerning him in all thoſe places and changes of life wherein God diſpoſed of him, I will caſt under the ſeveral heads upon which I did diſcourſe in my Sermon. And this method I do the rather reſolve upon, both becauſe it beſt ſuits with mine own thoughts, and may prove the moſt profitable unto them who ſhall be pleaſed to read the Sermon, when they perceive the maine parts thereof, applied and verefied in this providential Text, Our friend Whitaker ſleepeth.

The firſt Head, He loved Christ. He loved Chriſt, 1. Quickly. 2. Strongly. 3. Conſtantly. The Lord did win his heart unto himſelfe, while he was a Scholar at Wakerfield, where he had his education. For then and there his affections did flow out towards thoſe who were moſt religiouſly diſpoſed, with whom he went frequently eight or ten Miles to heare a wakening-ſoul-warming Sermon, p. 53and he was wont to joyne with them in prayers and other holy exerciſes. And being able to take Sermon-notes, both underſtandingly and largely, he was very helpful to Chriſtians in the repeating of what they had publickly heard, being from his childhood ful of affections in whatſoever buſineſſe he undertook. Thus this plant did both bloſſome and put forth fruit quickly, which providence did afterwards make a very fruitful tree. For the more cleare diſcovery of his abundant love to Jeſus Chriſt, I will give theſe demonſtrations.

Firſt, from his early, and conſtant vigorous workings of heart towards the calling and work of the Miniſtery; becauſe he alwayes conceived, that therein a Chriſtian might enjoy moſt fellowſhip with Chriſt, and do him the beſtJoh. 21. 15, 17.John 21:15John 21:17 ſervice. And he conſidered Chriſts ſpeech to Peter, If thou love me, feed my ſheep, feed my lambs.

Here I judge theſe particulars very worthy of conſideration. 1. That while he was a Grammar-Scholar, this calling he choſe; and though his father endeavoured often and earneſtly to divert his thoughts from the Miniſtery, yet he was unmovable in his deſires to be a Miniſter. 2. That he never repented of this his choice, but would all his life long, upon all occaſions, magnifie this his office. I have many times heard him ſpeak theſe words, I had much rather Rom. 11. 13.Rom 11:13be a Preacher of the Goſpel, then an Emperour. And when a motion was once made to him for a Maſterſhip in the Univerſity, he readily returned this anſwer, My heart doth more deſire to be a conſtant Preacher, then to be the Maſter of any College in the world. 3. That when he was motioned to marry her whom God afterwards made his wife; he was the rather inclined to accept the motion, becauſe ſhe was daughter to a pious, painful, learned Miniſter of the Goſpel, and would occaſionally tell his friends, that he was the better pleaſed with his choice, becauſe of that relation. 4. That he was never ſo well pleaſed with any imployment, as that of his Miniſtery. In the Pulpit he ſtill was like a fiſh in the water. Though many times he went halting and full of paine thither; yet he would not manifeſt any ſenſe of diſtemper, while he was there. p. 54How often hath he gone upon crutches unto the Congregation of his own people, to fulfil his Miniſtery! yea, once (at leaſt of my knowledge) he adventured to Preach at Michaels Cornhil, when he was ſcarce able to get into the Pulpit, and his friends with much difficulty helped him out of the Church homeward. 5. That when he was by extreame paines taken off from his Miniſtery, he would ſometimes profeſſe unto ſome ſpecial friends, that the paine felt was not ſo grievous to his Spirit, as his inability (by reaſon thereof) to manage his wonted work. Many times theſe were his words, If I could but Preach, I ſhould be much better. And he would rejoyce with chearfulneſſe, and thankfulneſſe, when in the times of his weakneſſe, he found not himſelfe more diſtempered by his preaching, and would mention ſuch experiences as arguments to move his friends to yield unto his preaching, when they did diſſwade it as prejudicial 6. He did zealouſly, upon all occaſions, both in publick and private defend the office of a Goſpel Miniſtery, and eſpecially amongſt thoſe perſons, and in ſuch places, where (as he conceived) there was moſt need. This paſſage fell from him with affection, in one of his morning Lectures at Weſtminſter: Though I have read and heard of ſome good men, who unadviſedly in their paſſion have perſecuted the perſons of ſome godly Miniſters, (as Aſa was angry with the Seer, and caſt him into priſon) yet I never knew, I never read, nor heard of any godly perſon, who did dare to oppoſe the calling of the Miniſtery. And whereas at the end of his Sermon, a ſouldier (expreſſing himſelfe diſſatisfied with the Sermon) came to him in private and asked him, whether he meant this Miniſtery of England, as now conſtituted? he returned this anſwer, Although I will not juſtifie the calling of every individual Miniſter in the Church of England (as you dare not juſtifie the Saintſhip of every member in your independant Congregations) yet I will be ready when and where you pleaſe to maintaine the office and calling of Englands Miniſtery at this day. 7. And that he continued unchanged in this his eſtimation of the calling Miniſterial, may be manifeſted by one paſſage in his laſt Will and Teſtament, p. 55(though it was not long) which I will put down in his own words, writ with his own hand: For my ſon Jeremiah, my deſire is, that he be bred a Scholar, and that the Lord would ſpiritualy incline his heart, freely to give up himſelfe to the Lord, to ſerve him in the work of the Miniſtery, which calling and employment (though now deſpiſed) I do eſteem above all other in the world, and do commend it to all mine, that if the Lord bleſſe them with ſons, they would commend this calling to their poſterity. Before I paſſe from this my firſt demonſtration of his love to Chriſt, I heartily deſire, that this may be ſeriouſly conſidered, whether there be not herein much to credit and incourage the Miniſtery of the Goſpel; That a learned man, and ſo eminent for piety, who alſo had throughly ſtudied the Controverſies of the times againſt the Miniſtery, ſhould upon his death-bed, give ſuch a teſtimony unto it, when he daily expected to make up his account before God, and alſo give ſo great incouragement unto his poſterity, to undertake this calling now, even now when ſuch diſgrace is caſt upon it, and when the Miniſters ſetled maintenance is threatned to be taken from them? And may not thoſe men who know Mr. Whitaker's worth be hereby awed, and moved to take heed how they oppoſe or ſlight that calling of men, whom he (living and dying) judged to be ſo highly honoured by God himſelf? To all this adde, that it was an ordained Miniſtery, which he thus valued, as is evident by theſe two things (as by many living teſtimonies,) viz. 1. That he joyned with the Claſſis whereof he was a member in ordaining Miniſters. 2. That he had an hand in the book lately publiſhed by the Province of London in the defence of ſuch a Miniſtery, not only by aſſent, but alſo by aſſiſtance.

Secondly, his love to Chriſt was proclaimed, by his unwearied laboriouſneſſe in his Miniſterial ſervices. 1. While he continued Schoolmaſter at Okeham, he undertook a Lecture there weekly, beſides many Sermons preached occaſionally in neighbour Congregations. 2. During his abode at Stretton, beſides his Paſtoral imployment twice every Sabbath, his conſtant weekly Preaching at Okeham, he was a principal prop to hold up the Lectures in the neighbourhood. p. 56His manner was to ſet apart every holy day (if but one in the week) as a day of ſeeking God, in reference to the neceſſities of the times, and no man was more frequent in aſſiſting in dayes of humiliation in private, both in Rutland ſhire, and the adjacent Counties, when ever invited thereto. 3. And ſince Gods good providence brought him to the neighbourhood of London, he was in labours more abundant (2 Cor. 11. 23.) For the moſt part, his ſet task was foure Sermons weekly, (viz.) two at home, and two elſewhere, (viz.) at Weſtminſter and Chriſts Church London, or Weſtminſter and Stepney, (ſince he laid down Chriſts Church Lecture) together with two Sermons every quarter at Michael Cornhil. Adde hereto his Preaching monethly at the morning-exerciſe, or aſſiſtance on the faſt day at the concluſion thereof, beſides occaſional Sermons for preparation to the Sacrament at his own place, and at Funerals, both at home and abroad: Yea, I will cloſe up the evidencing of the labours of his love, with this true report, (viz.) that he would never deny any motion for preaching, and praying, if God gave bodily ability, and other unavoidable occaſions did not neceſſarily hinder. Many week-dayes he preached twice, yea, then when he attended the work of the Aſſembly of Divines, (viz.) the morning-exerciſe, either at Weſtminſter or elſewhere, & afterwards in the afternoon. I here remember the commendation which St. Paul gave of Epaphroditus, in his Epiſtle to the Philippians; For the work of the Lord he was nigh unto Phil. 2. 30.Phil 2:30death, not regarding his life. How farre this is appliable to painful Mr. Whitaker, multitudes do well know, yea, many conceive that his painful diſtempers (which haſtened his removal from us) were cauſed and increaſed by his many conſtant labours in this kind. Neither were his Sermons jejune and dry, becauſe thus frequent; but always full of Scriptureſtrength, ſavoury & affectionate, as his Auditors will teſtifie.

Thirdly, Such was his love to Chriſt, that his publick Imployments did not take him off from family-duties, nor from more private exerciſes of communion with God. His ordinary courſe was, together with prayers, to expound ſome parts of the holy Scriptures in his own family p. 57twice every day: and beſide other parts of Scripture which he daily read in ſecret, he uſually read over all the Epiſtles in the Greek Teſtament twice every fourtnight: yea when by reaſon of pain and weakneſs he himſelf could not read, he herein imployed others for his help. Hence it was that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures (like unto Apollo, Acts 18. 24.) as was obſerved by all who converſed with him. And this courſe he earneſtly commended to the practice of his dearly beloved eldeſt ſon, as an excellent means to make him both a ready and a profitable Preacher.

Fourthly, His courage in Chriſts Cauſe did much commend his love, whereof I will ſuggeſt theſe evidences.

1. While he lived in Rutland-ſhire, he refuſed to read the book allowing of ſports upon the Sabbath, though it was with commands and threatnings preſſed upon him. And when he was called to give in his anſwer, about the collection amongſt Miniſters to maintain the War againſt Scotland, he openly told the Biſhop or Chancellor that his conſcience could not yield thereto. This his anſwer expoſing him to great danger both to loſe living and liberty in thoſe times, a neighbour through miſguided love (compaſſionating him and his family) payed the money, and ſubſcribed Mr. Whitakers name without his knowledge. This he was long ignorant of; and when he heard it, he expreſſed, with many complaints, much grief of heart.

2. Since our times of woful deſertion and Apoſtaſie both from Goſpel-truths and practices, he would undauntedly in private conferences and in his publick Miniſtery expreſs his diſlike, yea, deteſtation thereof to the faces of them who too much favoured Errour, Hereſies and ranting courſes, though he knew that thereby he did run hazards and procure many frownes. He refuſed to ſubſcribe the late Engagement, though thereby he was in danger to be taken off from his Weſtminſter Lecture. And if his Sermons preached there, upon Epheſ. 2. 2, 3. (concerning p. 58mens walking according to the courſe of this world, &c. fulfilling the luſts of the fleſh &c.) could be collected and publiſhed, thereby it would be manifeſt that M^r. Whitaker in love unto his Lord Chriſt, was a man of good metal and magnanimity.

3. One more private proof of the good mans valiant love to Chriſt I will make bold to inſert; becauſe my ſelf can knowingly atteſt its truth▪ Since theſe ſtormy dayes, wherein the liberty and livelihood of Miniſters have been maligned and ſtruck at, he riding with an intimate friend by Tiburn, (which he had not known or not obſerved before) demanded what that was? and anſwer being made this is Tiburn, where many Malefactors have loſt their lives, he ſtopped his horſe, and uttered theſe words with great affection, O what a ſhame is it that ſo many thouſands ſhould die for the ſatisfaction of their lusts, and ſo few be found willing to lay down their lives for Chriſt▪ Why ſhould not we in a good Cauſe, and upon a good call, be ready to be hanged for Jeſus Chriſt? It would be everlaſting honour; and it is a thouſand times better to die for Chriſt, to be hanged, to be burnt for Chriſt, then to die in our beds. And how much he condemned life, in reſpect unto Chriſt Jeſus, there are many who from his own mouth can witneſſe.

Fifthly, So great was his love unto his God and Saviour, that he maintained and expreſſed high eſtimations, and honourable thoughts of his Majeſty, when under tormenting providences, nothing being more feared then this, leſt he ſhould do or ſpeak any diſhonours unto his Name. Theſe were ſome breathings of his large love, when through paine he was, as in the fire, and upon the Rack, Good Lord, keep me from diſhonouring thy Name by impatiency. O, who would not even in burnings have honourable thoughts of God! Who that knoweth thee would not fear thee, O Lord, love thee, and honour thee! Lord, thou giveſt me no cauſe to have any ha…d thought of thee! Bleſſed be God, there is nothing of hell in all this. Bleſſed be his Name for Jeſu… Chriſt, and the revelation of the everlaſting p. 59Goſpel. Who knoweth the power of thy wrath? If it be ſo heavy upon thy ſervant here, how heavy ſhall it be to all thoſe who ſhall endure it without mixture? Bleſſed be God for the peace of mine inward man, when my outward man is ſo full of trouble. This is a bitter cup, but it is of my Fathers mixture, and ſhall I not drink it? yea, Lord, through thy ſtrength I will: this is my burthen; and I will beare it. Upon any abatement of his paines, he was conſtantly much in bleſſing God, uſing theſe and ſuch like expreſſions▪ O! what a mercy is it that there is any mitigation, any intermiſſion! Lord, make me thankful. And turning himſelfe towards thoſe who ſtood by, he would ſpeak thus. O help me to be thankful! O lift up a prayer for me that I may be thankful! O what a mercy is this! How much worſe might this affliction have been! I might have been diſtracted or laid roaring under diſquietneſſe of ſpirit. By theſe workings of his ſpirit (which my ſelf and others do well remember, and I could heartily wiſh that all the reſt had been recorded) who perceiveth not the ſparklings of his love to God? I will annex one more, which hath much affected my heart, viz. theſe words he hath often ſpoken to me; Brother, through mercy I have not one repining thought against God.

Now upon all theſe conſiderations, I appeale unto the conſciences of all ingenuous ones, whether there be not ground▪ to beleeve, that Chriſt (if here with us) would give him the honour of this compellation, My loving friend Whitaker.

The ſecond head of my Narrative followeth, That Chriſt loved Mr. Whitaker. (For as I diſcovered in my Sermon, this love is alwayes mutual.) The diſcovery hereof will be clear upon a double account, viz.

1. Becauſe of the graces with which he was enriched.

2. Becauſe of the Comforts with which he was refreſhed.

As for the firſt. Love-tokens are real meſſengers of his love who ſendeth them: and what ſurer ſignes of divine love then the graces of the holy Ghoſt? Now of theſe p. 60the Lord had given him, in meaſure, more then ordinary. That which was hinted before in his love to the Lord Jeſus, (expreſſed by laborious, couragious endeavours to advance his praiſe, and to continue communion with him) doth manifeſt that he was very rich in Grace; but thereunto I will add five more graces which were very ſhining in his crown.

1. Tenderneſſe of heart. Who ever knew man of a more melting frame before God, whether in confeſſions, petitions, or thankſgivings? Is there any one living that can ſay, I have ſometimes joyned with him in Prayer, and he ſhed no teares? How did his own ſinfulneſſe, (though no more then the ordinary imperfections of the faireſt Saints on earth) the evils of the times, and the teſtimonies of Gods diſpleaſure breaking out, break his heart into pieces? Truly I beleeve that for the ſpace of many years, he did never come off from the ſerious conſideration of theſe things with dry eyes. And how many thouſands would account it a ſigne of much love from Chriſt, if they could finde ſuch thawings in their frozen breaſts?

2. Meekneſſe of ſpirit. With this precious Jewel he was adorned richly. Who ever ſaw him tranſported by paſſion, on a fire through fooliſh anger, or diſguiſed by diſcontent? Though he would be warm for God; yet he was a man of a cool ſpirit, meek, like Moſes, in all his own concernments. Among many other manifeſtations hereof, this one was remarkable, that when upon warm diſputes with men of diſſenting principles and opinions, his ſpirit was ſo even, that unhanſome provocations would not diſcompoſe him. Hereof I could give inſtances; but I muſt forbear.

3. For Patience he may well be called a ſecond Job. Many who ſaw him under his racking pains, ſo frequently reiterated, and ſo long continued, are confident that God did put him, and keep him in his furnace to be a pattern of patience unto poſterity. It's true, he did roar many times till his throat was dry, but who ever heard p. 61him ſpeak one word of murmuring or diſcontent becauſe of Gods afflicting providence? He himſelf indeed would ſometimes through tenderneſſe charge himſelf of impatiency, becauſe he made a noiſe, whereas that expreſſed only Natures ſenſibleneſſe, not ſinful frowardneſs. And when (accuſing himſelf in that kinde cauſeleſly) he was minded of Chriſts roarings, though free from all ſin, he would be ſilent. I confeſſe that in deſires to be diſſolved, he would take up Jobs complaint: Wherfore is light given to him that is in miſery, and life unto the bitter in ſoul? Which long for death, but it cometh not, and dig for it more then for hid treaſures, &c. for my ſighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like waters, Job 3. 20, 24. But he always concluded with ſubmiſſion unto the good pleaſure of God. When he had been asked how he did? this was frequently his anſwer, The buſh alwayes burning, but not conſumed; and though my paines be above the ſtrength of nature, yet they are not above the ſupports of grace.

4. The Lord gave him ſo much of the Spirit of grace and ſupplications, that his ſoul was never out of tune for that ſervice. Moſt of his words when under torment, were holy complaints and prayers to God: ſome of them I will record, that they may not be forgotten. O my God help! Father of mercies pity! Do not contend for ever, conſider my frame, that I am but duſt! My God that hath made heaven and earth help me! O give me patience, and inflict what thou wilt! If my patience was more, my pain would be leſſe. Dear Saviour, where are thy bowels! Why doeſt thou make me an aſtoniſhment to my ſelf and others? Why doeſt thou cover thy ſelf with a thick cloud, that our prayers cannot paſſe? Bleſſed is the man that endureth temptation. Lord, this is a ſad temptation; ſtand by me and ſay, It is enough! Am I not thy ſervant? Conſider, Lord, that I am thy ſervant. O theſe bitter waters of Marah! Lord, drop ſweet comfort into theſe bitter waters of Marah. O the blood of sprinkling, Lord: Lord, the blood of ſprinkling! That blood which extinguiſheth the fire of thine anger, O that it might allay my burning pains! I am in a fiery furnace; Lord, be with me, as thou p. 62waſt with the three children, bring me out refined from ſinne. When I have ſailed through the Ocean of theſe paines, and look back, I ſee none of theſe can be wanting. I flie unto thee, O God, hide me under the ſhadow of thy wings till theſe terrible ſtorms be over-paſt.

5. God added Humility as a crown to all his other Graces, which did ſhine very bright in the eyes of all who were acquainted with him. Hence it was, that he would converſe familiarly with the pooreſt Chriſtians, and with them who were of low parts for knowledge. This his ordinary expreſſion of himſelf before God, ſpake loud: Poor worm, ſinful wretch! O pardon my tranſgreſſions, for they are very great. Hereupon he would weep much when he was told how much he was prayed for, wondering at Gods goodneſſe, that ſo worthleſs a wretch ſhould have ſo much intereſt in the hearts and prayers of the people of the Lord. And his language in his Will reports how little he was in his own eyes: The words are there, I deſire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp, but that ſo poore a worthleſſe wretch may be privately laid in the ground.

Thus from the rare Graces received, I proceed to the rich Comforts vouchſafed, as manifeſtations of Chriſts ſingular love towards this Saint of the moſt High God. O what kiſſes of Chriſts mouth, and what embraces from the arms of his love were beſtowed upon this man of God! He enjoyed all along his affl…cted condition, an uninterrupted aſſurance of Gods fatherly love in Chriſt. In his addreſſes to God he conſtantly claimed propriety, My God, and my Father. His inward peace and joy, were the ſupport of his heart under all his g…inding paines. He was confident of mercies mixtures with all his grievous diſtempers, not at all doubting of the Sanctification of them through grace. Thus he ſpake many times in his Applications to God: Conſider and ſave me, for I am thine. How long, Lord, how long ſhall I not be remembred? yea, I am remembred, bleſſed be thy Name. This is a fiery chariot, but it will carry me to heaven. Bleſſed be God that hath ſupported p. 63me hitherto, and he that hath delivered, will deliver. Thou, Lord, never forgetteſt them that put their truſt in thee. Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over, he would, with ſmiles ſpeak of Gods mercies. Though trembling took hold upon him when his violent paines began, yet he would with confidence ſay, Now in the ſtrength of the mighty God I will undergo theſe paines. O my God put under thine everlaſting arms, and ſtrengthen me. Many times he hath told me, that notwithſtanding all his rentings and roarings (from which he expected no deliverance but by death) he would not for a thouſand worlds change eſtates with the greateſt man on earth, whom he looked upon as in a way of ſin. And let me tell you one providence of fatherly indulgence towards him▪ That Satan never ſhaked his confidence, nor aſſaulted his hopes, all the time of his tireſome, irkſome exerciſe. There is but one paſſage more which I ſhal point at under this ſecond head of my Narrative, viz. That he accounted all theſe inward chearings the fruits of Prayers made for him, though God ſaw cauſe to deny that eaſe and recovery to his body which was much begged; withal valuing thoſe ſpiritual cordials much beyond deliverance from the Gowt and Stone, and death it ſelf.

All theſe things I have the rather mentioned, to prevent that diſcouragement or offence, which ſome may be too apt to take at the continuance of his waſting, tormenting paines, notwithſtanding his own godlineſſe, and the unceſſant Prayers, both ordinary and extraordinary, which were made unto God in his behalfe: for he found the ſweet fruits of them in his own boſome, when he felt the continuance and increaſe of his bodily griefs.

I proceed to the third head of my promiſed Narrative, which will ſpeak Mr. Whitakers love to his fellow-Chriſtians. He was a man made up (as it were) of love: His delight was in the Saints upon earth, whom he eſteemed moſt excellent, and their ſociety was a conſtant cordial unto his ſpirit. H…s f…equent viſits of them who were in trouble, and his ſtirring up others to the like practice, p. 64were teſtimonies of his friendſhip. His love was not only verbal, but real. Truly I know no man of his eſtate more liberal. He would often ſay. It's a brave thing when a man with a full estate hath a charitable heart. Sometimes upon ſpecial occaſions he himſelf hath given away all the money he had in his houſe. It was not unuſual with him to give twenty ſhillings unto a poor Saint, and he had many experiences of Gods gracious returns in ſuch caſes. By his Will he gave 20. l. to the godly poor of his own Pariſh.

There were two caſes wherein his loves were moſt enlarged to the people of God, whereof I ſhall give in two inſtances. The one when their ſufferings were publick. He hath often told me that Englands late breach with Scotland, and the blood ſhed, with other ſad conſequences thereof, had taken ſuch impreſſion upon his heart, that the ſorrow would never be removed till his death. And the ſufferings both in Holland and England, upon our late Sea-fights, were great burdens upon his ſpirit. The other caſe was in reference to the inward perplexity of ſuch as were afflicted in minde. Having moved me the week before his death to beſtow a viſit upon one in that condition, the morning before his death, (when ſpeech was grievous in reſpect of his weakneſſes) he asked me whether I had remembred the party troubled in ſpirit? which is a remarkable evidence of ſtrong loves. Beſides all that hath been mentioned, I could relate his many wreſtlings with God to prevent the flood of troubles which he apprehended the Proteſtant Churches are now in danger to be overflowed withal; as alſo his compaſſionate reſpect to Congregations in the Country, who were like ſheep wandring upon the barren mountaines without a ſhepherd.

The fourth head of my Narrative ſhould hold forth the love which he received from the Saints of God. What godly heart that either knew him, or heard of his fame, did not love him? I will not ſpeak of the frequent friendly viſits of the Religious ones in the neighborhood round about. I never heard of any man ſo much prayed for, p. 65both in publick and private. There was no particular caſe ſo frequently, ſo affectionately ſpread before God in moſt of the Congregations about London as his. Three dayes were ſet apart by Miniſters, and many other praying friends to ſeek God in his behalf; one in private, and two in publick, which alſo were obſerved much better then ſuch dayes uſually are; yea, in remote Countreys, beſides the ordinary prayers made for him, there were ſome Faſts kept, with ſpecial reference to his affliction. The multitude of people attending his Funeral, with the many weeping eyes, did witneſſe how much he was beloved. Here I might remember the readineſſe of London-Miniſters to ſupply his place at home, and Lectures elſewhere, as alſo the willingneſs of fellow-Lecturers at Weſtminſter to preach for him there, when he himſelf by reaſon of weakneſſe could not poſſibly do his own work: But I may be ſilent, for ſtill every where upon the naming of him, love is ſome way diſcovered by ſuch who had knowledge of him.

Though I have related much concerning the worth of this good man; yet my conſcience tells me, that I have rather been defective then exceſſive in my relation. I have not told you of his humility, expreſſed by fears, leſt Gods people praying for him ſhould ſpeak too well of him before the Lord. Neither have I mentioned his ſelfdenial, never daring to look after great matters in the world, whereby he condemneth many whoſe ſelf-ſeeking in earthly advantages, rendereth them very offenſive and unſavoury in the Church of Chriſt. Towards his end neither faith nor patience did abate, though his grievous paines were more frequent and violent; in which regards his longings for death were much increaſed, yet attended with holy ſubmiſſion unto the good pleaſure of God: Theſe were ſome of his expreſſions, O my God, break open the priſon-door, and ſet my poor captive ſoul free; but enable me willingly to wait thy time! I deſire to be diſſolved; never did any man more deſire life then I do death! When will that time come, when I ſhall neither ſin more, nor p. 66ſorrow more? When ſhall mortality put on immortality? When ſhall this earthly be diſſolved, that I may be cloathed upon with that houſe which is from heaven? Bleſſed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours, and follow the Lamb whereſoever he goeth.

The Sabbath ſeven-night before God releaſed him, though his paines were very ſharp, yet he beſtowed moſt part of the time of publick Ordinances in prayer with thoſe that were with him, and his petitions were moſt for Miniſters, that God would cloath his Ordinances with his own power, and enable Miniſters to ſpeak unto the ſouls of people. Then alſo he did with many tears bewail his detainment from the Sanctuary and Sabbath-opportunities, which had been his delight; profeſſing alſo, that his being taken off from ſervice was a greater affliction to him then all his pains. And becauſe this apprehenſion, (viz. his unſerviceableneſſe) did much afflict him; therefore this was often ſuggeſted to him, (which alſo was relieving to his ſpirit,) viz. that now by the practice of Faith, Patience, Contentment, and Spiritualneſſe (which he had formerly preached) he was very profitable unto them who did viſit him, and might alſo prove very advantageous unto others who might be acquainted therewith, through Gods grace by Chriſt. So great was his tender reſpect unto his friends, that when his pains were coming with violence, he would intreat them to with-draw from him, that they might not be grieved with his roarings. He would often bleſs God, that his compaſſionate friends were not neceſſitated to abide within the reach of his doleful lamentations.

I hearing, the night before God tranſlated him, that he was not likely to live another day, I went early in the morning to take my leave of him (whom my ſoul loved) and found his bodily ſtrength almoſt ſpent. And becauſe he could not ſpeak without difficulty, I ſpake the more unto him, in relation to the approach of his happy hoped for change: my diſcourſe through Gods mercy was refreſhing unto his ſpirit. Minding him that many of his p. 67friends intended to ſet apart that day in ſeeking the Lord for him, I asked him in what things eſpecially he deſired to be remembred before the Throne of Grace? His anſwer was, Do not complaine, but bleſſe God for me, and intreat him to open the priſon-door. Hereupon laying my hand upon his cold hand, covered with a clammy ſweat, I took my laſt farewel with an aking heart: and upon my departure from him, theſe were his laſt words unto me, Brother, I thank you, I pray God bleſſe you, and I bleſſe God for you.

That day was ſpent in addreſſes to God for him at Peters Cornhil, where M^r. Newcomen quickened and guided our prayers in his Sermon from John 11. wherein he inſiſted eſpecially upon theſe words, Lord, behold, he whom thou loveſt is ſick, ver. 4. And M^r. Jenkyn endeavoured to moderate and regulate our ſorrows from Luke 23. 28. Weep not for me.

Thus his friends having by prayers, with praiſes (on his behalf) given him up to God, and having prepared their hearts for their loſs of him, the Lord was pleaſed that evening to take him unto himſelf.

And now our friend Whitaker ſleepeth. 1. He is dead, that ſpeaketh ſorrow. 2. His death is a ſleep, this yieldeth relief.

Firſt, His death is ground of lamentation, becauſe Chriſt and his Church have now one friend leſs on earth to be ſerviceable unto both. I would awaken your hearts unto ſenſibleneſſe under this great loſſe, and therefore wiſh that his great parts, many intereſts, frequent opportunities of ſervice, together with the unmovable faithfulneſs of his heart to improve all for good, may be duly remembred, viz.

1. As for his Abilities, he was an univerſal Scholar, both in the Arts and Original Languages; by much ſtudy he had digeſted the whole Body of Divinity, he was well acquainted both with the Schoolmen and the Fathers, a good Diſputant, judicious in Caſes of Conſcience, and ſecond unto none in acquaintance with the holy Scripture.

p. 682. He had much intereſt in the hearts of perſons of chiefeſt places and power in the Nation: for the plainneſſe of his ſpirit, together with the power of godlineſſe (which did ſhine in his converſation) gained him much Authority in the conſciences of all ſorts with whom he converſed, whether in the City or Countrey.

3. And his opportunities of ſervice were many, not only in Southwark, but alſo in London, Weſtminſter, Stepney, where he had much imployment.

We read when Dorcas was dead, that the widows ſtood weeping, and ſhewing the coats which ſhe had made, Acts 9. 39. and that upon Pauls departure the people wept, becauſe they ſhould ſee his face no more, Acts 20. 38. And is there not reaſon that we ſhould be in like manner affected, remembring how truth hath been defended, error confuted, holineſs cheriſhed, wickedneſſe checked, the cauſe of the poor pleaded, and the violence of ſome paſſionate ſpirits allayed by M^r. Whitaker? But now this able, publick-ſpirited man muſt be ſerviceable on earth no more; now we ſhall not be edified by his Miniſtery any more, nor warmed by his prayers any more, nor cheared by his company and conference any more. But let us moderate our ſorrow by this following conſideration, That our friend Whitaker is not dead, but ſleepeth: For this aſſureth us both of his preſent eaſe, and future Reſurrection. Now being aſleep he is well, he reſteth, (as in a bed) and we ſhall not ſee his pale face, his weeping eyes, his trembling hands any more, we ſhall no more hear his deep groans, and doleful lamentations. He is fallen aſleep in the Lord, and he and we ſhall have a better meeting at the general Reſurrection then ever heretofore, and then ſhall we ever be with the Lord. Therefore let us comfort one another with theſe words, 1 Theſ. 4. 15, 18.

I have but one thing more to hint; viz. That Chriſt now knoweth that this our precious friend ſleepeth From whence I infer, 1. Comfort. 2. Counſel. This may be chearing unto all his mourning Relations, Domeſtical, Paſtoral, Claſſical. For Chriſt underſtandeth that his wife hath loſt p. 69a dear husband, his children an indulgent father, his people a faithful Paſtor, the Claſſis a chief Pillar, and all good Chriſtians a real friend.

And ſeeing Chriſt (conſidering that M^r. Whitaker is dead) doth alſo obſerve how we all are affected with this providence; therfore I beſeech you, and beſeech you again, to ſtudy in good earneſt the gracious improvement of this ſad diſpenſation. Let us hear the voice of this rod, repentingly remember the forfeitures made of this bleſſing, and make conſcionable imitation of the good example he hath left us.

Though M^r. Whitaker is dead, yet his holy life ſpeaketh. My Narrative hath told much of that which it ſpeaketh, and my prayers are, that it may ſpeak (through the concurrence of Gods grace) that unto all our hearts, which may be for ſpiritual and eternal benefit by Chriſt.

FINIS.