Funeral Sermon of Samuel Willard, Sermon – Title page 2

Funeral Sermon of Samuel Willard · Sermon – Title page 2

p. 1A Funeral SERMON On that Learned and Excellent DIVINE The Reverend Mr. SAMUEL WILLARD▪

Matthew XXIV.45, 46.

Who then is a faithful and wiſe Servant whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his Houſhold, to give them meat in due ſeaſon?

Bleſſed is that Servant, whom his Lord when he cometh ſhall find ſo doing.

IN the Concluſion of the former Chapter, our Lord-Redeemer entertains his Diſciples with a Praediction of thoſe Deſolations, that were coming upon the Jewiſh Nation; In the final Deſtruction of their City and Temple, their Polity and Worſhip; in which He would appear in the viſible terrors of his Wrath, and the Triumphs of his Power p. 2and Juſtice: and is therefore ſtiled his Coming. Upon this Praediction his Diſciples came to Him as He ſat on the Mount of Olives, and put two Queries to Him, viz. When ſhall theſe things be? i. e When will the final Ruin of Jeruſalem Commence? The other Enquiry was, What ſhall be the ſign of thy Coming, and of the End of the World? This I underſtand to be diſtinct from the former; and to refer to the Final Judgment. The reaſon why the Diſciples joyn theſe two Queries together, may be this, viz. They had haply Entertained that Miſtake, which prevailed in that day, that the End of the World, or Final Judgment, would either Synchroniſe with, or immediately follow upon, Jeruſalems Deſtruction. Our Saviour returns an Anſwer to both theſe Queſtions; which tho' not fitted to gratify their Curioſity, yet was wiſely adapted to promote their praeparation for theſe his Awful Appearances. He particularly acquaints them with ſome of the infallible Prognoſticks and Fore-runners of his Appearance in the Clouds of Heaven, to Judge the Quick and Dead. For I can by no means perſwade my ſelf to ſubſcribe the Opinion of ſome **Grotius, Dr. Hammond.Criticks of no common figure in the Learned World, who look upon the whole of our Saviours Diſcourſe in this Chapter, to look no further than the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem: But muſt think that a great part of this p. 3Diſcourſe has a principal aſpect upon the Final Judgment. Now Chriſt applies the Doctrine of this his Perſonal Appearance to Judge the World, to Engage them to greater diligence and watchfulneſs, in their preparation to meet Him, when He ſhall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire, and with the Retinue of Mighty Angels. This their preparation He further Excites them to, from two Conſiderations, the Suddenneſs of his Appearance, and the certain Bleſſedneſs of ſuch as ſhall be found diligent and faithful in their Maſters Work at his Coming▪ The latter of which Arguments is contained in our Text. The words read, tho' in their general ſcope are applicable to all Believers; yet nextly and peculiarly they belong to Chriſt's Faithful Miniſters; who are in an appropriate ſenſe the Servants of his Houſe, the Stewards of his Family, and the Shepherds of his Flock. In them we may obſerve two principal parts.

1. We have the Character of a true Goſpel Miniſter; which is drawn.

(1.) From his Relation to Chriſt. He is Chriſt's Servant, and Chriſt is his Lord. And every Goſpel Miniſter is his Servant, not only by the common profeſſion of Chriſtianity, but ſpecial deſignation; by their particular as well as general Calling.

(2.) From his Work, i. e. to Rule and Feed Chriſt's Houſhold▪ this is Eſſential to the Office p. 4of a Steward in a Family, to aſſign to every Servant his Work and Proviſion. He has the Care and Order of the other Servants committed to him. The Church is Chriſt's own Houſe, the Houſhold of Faith; and this muſt be cared for: fed with the Word and Bread of Life; govern'd & order'd according to Chriſt's Inſtitutions, who is the Great LORD of the Houſhold.

(3.) From thoſe Vertues and Endowments which qualifie him for his Poſt, and which are to be Exerciſed in the diſcharge of the Duties thereof, viz. Fidelity and Wiſdom. He muſt be a Faithful and Wiſe Servant; faithful to keep the charge and truſt committed to him; and wiſe to diſcharge it in the beſt manner, ſo as beſt to ſerve the end of it; the Good of Chriſt's Family, and the Honour of the Great Maſter of it.

2. We have the reward of that Servant, who is wiſe and faithful in the Service aſſigned him. He ſhall be Bleſſed when his Lord comes; which undoubtedly intends not barely that he ſhall obtain true bleſſedneſs, but an Eminent degree thereof, in proportion to his wiſdom and fidelity.

I ſhall not Endeavour to graſp all theſe things into one Doctrine; But ſhall conſider them diſtinctly in that order in which they have been obſerved to lie in our Text. So that there are theſe four things to be conſidered.

p. 51. The Relation that a Goſpel Miniſter bears to Chriſt, He is his Servant.

2. The Work incumbent on him, to Feed and Rule Chriſt's Flock.

3. The Virtues and Endowments that are neceſſary to the true diſcharge of this Work. Fidelity and Wiſdom.

4. The Diſtinguiſhing Reward, that ſhall be given unto him, by his Lord at his Coming.

I. We are to Conſider the Relation that an Evangelical Paſtor ſtands in to Chriſt: He is the Servant of Chriſt. The Great Doctor of the Gentiles glories in this Relation, and challenges the acknowledgment of it from others, 1 Cor. 4.1. Let a man account of us as the Miniſters of Chriſt, & the Stewards of the Myſteries of God. The Honour of this Relation belongs not only to the Exalted Station of an Apoſtle; but to the meaneſt in the Sacred Function in the Succeſſive Ages of the Church.

It muſt be acknowledged that there are ſeveral Wayes in which Men, and other Creatures, may truely come under this Denomination. By Creation, all Creatures are his Servants: For He is Lord of Heaven and Earth: He has an unalienable Propriety in, and an abſolute Supreamacy over all Creatures therein, as they are the Works of his hands. Subjection to his Government well becomes the State of the higheſt Order of Created Beings. The bright Angels. p. 6of Light, who Excel in Strength, are at his Command, and obey his Will. He ſtands at the Head of the Lower Creation, and leads forth Creatures Animate, & Inanimate to Serve him, at his Pleaſure. The Sun, Moon, and Stars in their Courſes; Stormy Wind, Hail, Snow and Vapour, in their places are under his Command, and fulfill his Will. Thus all men as they are the Creatures of God, are his Servants. He ſpake the Word, and we Started into Being at his Creating Call: He made us, and not we our ſelves; Let us come before the Lord our Maker, and give him the Glory due to his Name.

All profeſſed Chriſtians are his Servants by External Vocation; viſible Dedication, and ſolemn Stipulation. In Baptiſm we are openly conſecrated to the Service of the Living JEHOVAH: And did ſolemnly renounce all other Service, unleſs in Subordination to Chriſt: And ſo we ſtand obliged to Chriſt as our Maſter by our own free Conſent and Compact; to which Heaven and Earth are Witneſſes.

All Believers are the Servants of Chriſt by Redemption, and the UNCTION of the HOLY ONE. They are not their Own, for they are bought with a price, their Spirits and Bodies are his Propriety. He has formed them for himſelf; and their Ears are bored to the Poſts of his Door. And theſe are of his Family.

But in a more Appropriate Sence, Evangelical Paſtors are the Servants of Chriſt's Family, by a peculiar Separation to Special Service; p. 7by which they are diſtinguiſhed not only from the World, but from the reſt of Chriſts own Houſhold. By a ſpecial Deputation He has Set them over his houſe; He has given them a Commiſſion to repreſent his Perſon, and Praeſide under him in the great Affairs of his Viſible Kingdom, Worſhip and Service. To be ſeparated to the Work of the Goſpel is not the peculiar priviledge of an Apoſtle, but common to every ordinary Goſpel Miniſter. Chriſt has not left the Work of his Houſe in Common, but has drawn a Sacred Incloſure about it, to keep out vain pretenders, that would take this Honour to themſelves. A Liberty of Propheſying, as aſſerted by ſome, is indeed but a liberty to overturn the Order of the Goſpel. All are intruders, and guilty of an Invaſion upon the Sacred Office of the Miniſtry, that have not their Miſſion from Chriſt. For how ſhall they Preach unleſs they be ſent? And who ſhall ſend them but Chriſt whoſe Ambaſſadors they are? No man taketh this Honour to himſelf, but he that is Called as was Aaron. This authority the Apoſtles, who were the firſt Heralds of the Everlaſting Goſpel, were immediately by Chriſt inveſted with: But this is mediately communicated to Chriſts ordinary Miniſters, as their Succeſſors. And theſe are not of men, tho' they are by men, by whom they are authoriſed to diſpenſe the Unſearchable riches of Chriſt. Their Meſſage they receive from Chriſt, whoſe Meſſengers they are. Their p. 8ſolemn Charge is given in his Name, and by his Authority they act. Agreeable hereto the Elders of Epheſus, tho' appointed by an ordinary Call, are ſaid to be made Overſeers of the Flock by the Holy Ghoſt, the Spirit of Chriſt, Act. 20.28. And none but ſuch can Adminiſter the Word and Sacraments with Authority, or a reaſonable proſpect of Succeſs. The Service that every Goſpel Miniſter is Engaged in has an immediate reſpect to Chriſt: He aſſigns them their Work: Of his Revenue they are Maintained; and to him they muſt finally give up an account. Thus in a peculiar ſence they are the Miniſters of Chriſt; and only the Servants of their People for Chriſts ſake. They are the Stewards of his Houſhold; Labourers in his Vineyard & Harveſt; Whoſe Province is to Sow, Plant, Cultivate and Manure the Soil of the Church, that Garden of Chriſt. And this their Relation to Chriſt tells us that their Station is high and honourable; their Charge moſt important; and their Account awful: That to contemn, inſult, and outrage their Character, will be interpreted as an inſufferable Indignity offer'd to Chriſt himſelf; and that their Maſter will highly reſent it as ſuch.

II. In the Second place we are to Conſider the Work of Goſpel Miniſters. The relation of Servants neceſſarily infers Work, and Service for their Lord. And the ſpecial Service, which they are called to, is to Feed, Rule and Order Chriſts Family. p. 9They are Rulers over his Houſhold to give them their Meat in due Seaſon. How honourable is their Work! How difficult their Poſt, and the Service thereof! The dignity of their Station and Employment would well become the Excellency, and its difficulty requires the power, purity, and activity of the Higheſt Angels, that incircle the Throne of God. Their Work conſiſts of two parts, and we may Conſider them diſtinctly.

1. The Work of an Evangelical Miniſter is to Feed Chriſt's Family. Chriſt's Flock muſt be fed, and his Houſhold muſt have ſuitable Proviſion made for them. And this by Office belongs to Chriſt's Servants, to whom he has committed the Word of Reconciliation. Theſe are under the moſt Solemn Obligations, and awful charge to take care of this; as they would not be found Idle Shepherds, Slothful Servants, and Unfaithful Stewards, by their Lord at His Coming; and be Animadverted on as ſuch. What Chriſt pathetically inculcates upon Peter, has a reſpect to all the Meſſengers of Peace, John 21.15, 16, 17. Simon Son of Jonas loveſt thou me more than theſe? — Feed my Lambs— Feed my Sheep— Feed my Sheep. The ſame addreſs He makes to every Paſtor with the like Expreſſions of Endearment. This therefore is a principal, and eſſential part of their Office Work, to give the other Servants of God's Family their Food.

This Food muſt be Spiritual: Such a Proviſion p. 10as may be a proper Entertainment for the Soul: as may be ſuited to the Nature, Neceſſities, Spiritual Appetite, and Cravings of an Immortal Spirit, As bodily Food does anſwer the wants of the Body. Proper Food is Pabulum Vitae. It is neceſſary to the preſervation, growth and nouriſhment of the outward man: It is ſuitable in its nature and deſign, to confirm and encreaſe the ſtrength and health of the Body: To repair the decayes of Nature, and maintain it in a due Temperature and diſpoſition to diſcharge the proper functions of life. Now in Analogy to this: Spiritual Food is whatever tends to beget, maintain and improve the true ſpiritual life of man. To nouriſh the Soul with Divine Knowledge, which is the proper food of the Underſtanding; to beget and ſtrengthen, to encreaſe and nouriſh the Divine Principles of Grace and Vertue in the heart; to advance the Soul from one degree of Vertue to another; from it's Infant to a more virile State; To reſtore it from it's decayes and ſpiritual languiſhments to an athletick and healthy Condition; This is to afford it ſuitable food. And this is the buſineſs of the Stewards of Goſpel Myſteries. Chriſt ſends his Servants on this very Errand to open blind eyes, to ſoften hard Hearts, to awaken ſecure Conſciences, and Edify the Body of Chriſt. And to feed Chriſt's Flock is to inſtruct their ignorance, inlighten their darkneſs, to nouriſh them with p. 11ſpiritual wiſdom and vertue; to uſe proper methods to render their knowledge productive of an Heavenly Converſation, and to turn the principles of Truth into living principles of Action: It is to heal the wounded ſpirit, to comfort the Diſconſolate, to raiſe up the Dejected, to encourage the Fearful, confirm the Wavering, reduce the Straying, to ſpur up the Loytering, and ſtrengthen the Weak, that they may advance to higher degrees of the Divine Nature and Life. The Servants of Chriſt cannot indeed by any vertue of their own, or by the proper force of their Diſpenſations convey life and ſtrength to the Soul: Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but God gives the increaſe: He bleſſes Zion's Proviſion, and cloaths her Prieſts with Salvation. They therefore are ſaid to feed Chriſt's Family, when they uſe the Means Ordained for their Spiritual Nouriſhment. Now there are ſeveral Duties, in the diſcharge whereof, this food and nouriſhment is to be afforded to a People.

To this end the Word of Truth muſt be diſpenſed, and applyed. In which the myſterious methods of Divine Wiſdom and Grace muſt be diſplay'd, and unfolded: By this the knowledge of God and Chriſt is to be propagated, whom to know is Life Eternal. The Preaching of the Goſpel is a wiſe and condeſcending method in which Chriſt is pleaſed to carry on a Treaty of Peace with Rebel Sinners. It is a proper p. 12Remedy for the ſpiritual ignorance and blindneſs, the forgetfulneſs and inconſiderateneſs of men. It is admirably adapted to rouze the ſecure and ſtupid out of their Spiritual Lethargy; to convince them of their ſin and miſery; to turn them from the Error of their wayes, and transform them into the Image of Divine Purity. It is fitted to build up Saints in Faith, Holineſs and Comfort. Agreeably we have this Encomium given of this Word of Grace, the Diſpenſation whereof is committed to the Goſpel Miniſtry: 2 Tim. 3.15, 16. It is able to make Wiſe to Salvation: It is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Inſtruction in Righteouſneſs. This is the (a)(a)1 Cor. 4.15.1 Cor 4:15good Seed by which Sinners are begotten, and tranſlated into the Kingdom of Light and Grace. By this Saints are (b)(b)1 Pet. 2.2▪1 Pet 2:2nouriſhed, and made to thrive in all the diſpoſitions of Holineſs. In this the Wells of Salvation are open'd, whence the diſconſolate may draw Water with Joy. And in the right diſpenſation of this the Servants of Chriſt are helpers of the Believers Joy (c)(c)2 Cor. 1.24.2 Cor 1:24. This Word they are oblig'd to diſpenſe as they have Opportunity in their Private Applications to their People; and in the Publick Service of Gods houſe.

Again, they are to Feed the Houſhold of Chriſt by a due Adminiſtration of the Seals of p. 13the Covenant, the Sacraments of BAPTISM and the LORD's SUPPER.

They are Authorized to Baptize: Mat. 28.19. By Baptiſm they Enroll Souls in the Number of Chriſts Servants, and acknowledge them as the viſible Subjects of his Kingdom. Hereby they bring them under the Wings and Bonds of the Covenant; under the Care and Government of Gods Family; and intitule them to the proviſion of his Domeſticks.

By a due Adminiſtration alſo of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper theſe Shepherds are to Feed the Flock of Chriſt. Herein Chriſt himſelf is ſet forth as the proper Food of Souls. His Fleſh is Meat indeed, & his Blood is Drink indeed; & theſe are here under the ſenſible and lively Symbols of Bread & Wine, Exhibited for the nouriſhment of Grace. Chriſt's Miniſters are to prepare their People for this Spiritual Banquet; lead them to it, that there they may be Royally Entertained with the Heavenly Manna, the Bread of Angels; which tho' not ſuited to the Guſt of a Carnal Appetite; yet affords Superiour Satisfaction to the Spiritual Senſes of the Divine Nature in the renew'd; and it is Wiſely deſigned by it's Author to Maintain, Strengthen, and Perfect the Divine Life. And hereby we are to be ſuſtained in our paſſage thro' this Wilderneſs, till we ſhall arrive ſafe at the good Land of Promiſe.

Again, Miniſters muſt feed their People by p. 14their Prayers, both Publick and Private. **A Miniſter will do more good, ſayes Auſtin, Pietate Orationis, quam facultate dicendi.By their private and ſecret addreſſes to God for their Charge, and the ſucceſs of their work. For this they muſt daily bend their Knees before the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and in an holy agony, wreſtle with God to obtain the beſt of Bleſſings for themſelves, and for their Flock.

Jacob's Ladder on which Angels were ſeen to aſcend and deſcend, is thought to be a lively Emblem of a Goſpel Miniſter; who is firſt to aſcend to Heaven in holy Meditation & Prayer; and then to deſcend in holy Diſpenſations to his people. In this way they are to ſtorm Heaven, and with holy violence wreſt down the Bleſſing; give God no Reſt till he comes and breathes his Holy Spirit upon them.

Miniſters are alſo to nouriſh their People by their Publick Prayers. But then they muſt ſee that they be proper for nouriſhment: Not dark, myſterious, and unintelligible diſcourſes; but proper addreſſes to Heaven, ſuitable to the Majeſty, and Purity of the Preſence they approach; and the ſtate, wants and circumſtances of Immortal Souls, whoſe Caſe they are to carry before the Throne of Grace. Their Prayers muſt not be Doctrinal, but Devotional: Thus there muſt be a care that they do not give their people p. 15Stones inſtead of Bread. And by theſe well order'd Prayers, they will afford true food to Souls. And not only as theſe Prayers are Means Sanctify'd, and approved to procure the Dews of Divine Grace: But alſo as they have a natural tendency to refreſh and cheriſh the Souls of Gods People. Theſe have a proper aptitude to inkindle Divine Breathings in their hearts; to inſpire them with the true ſpirit of Devotion, to refine and purifie their carnal affections, to help them to ſome ſpiritual views of the beauty and excellency of Chriſt, and thereby to cheriſh the vital flame of Grace, and make it burn with greater heat and light. The experience of the Faithful will ſet a ſeal to this; that their hearts have been many times by the Prayers of their Paſtors, rapt up to Heaven in Holy ardours, diſſolved in love; their Souls pleaſed, and profited to no common degree.

In fine, they are to feed them by their Good Example. ††Copia Operum Egregia Copia fandi. Auſtin.They are under the awe of a ſtrict Command from their Lord, to be Examples to the Flock; In Word, in Converſation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity, 1 Tim. 4.12. The want of this in Miniſters has a fatal tendency to deſtroy Souls; to harden the prophane and diſſolute, to make them think all Religion to be no better then a cheat and fiction; and it tends to p. 16make the more ſerious to ſtumble, and deſpiſe the Altar of the Lord. The wicked Lives of ſuch will read loud Lectures of Atheiſm and Irreligion; while in their Diſcourſes they talk like Angels of Light. And many will give more credit to the Life they live, than to the Doctrine they Preach. Their good Example will be many ways beneficial: This will inform others in their duty, in their ſpiritual danger, and proper remedy: and Examples are the moſt eaſie and compendious way of Inſtruction: This will afford motive and incentive to encourage and inflame perſons to preſs forward in the Service of God, and purſuit of the Heavenly Prize. Hence it is given as the property of the good Shepherd, that He goes before the Sheep. Joh. 10.4. They muſt labour to go before them in all parts of the Chriſtian Life, and thereby recommend it to their choice and practice, they muſt be, as far as may be, inſtances of the comforts and joyes of Religion. Thus they are in all things to imitate the Great Shepherd of the Sheep; and this will be a Noble and Divine way of feeding the Flock of Chriſt. Theſe are the ſeveral ways in which the Servants of Chriſt are to feed his Houſhold; and if they neglect it, they muſt do it at their Utmoſt Peril, and know they muſt anſwer for it at the Grand Viſitation of the Great Shepherd and Biſhop of Souls, which is expected.

p. 172. We muſt conſider the other part of their work: Which is to Rule, Inſpect and Order the Houſhold. As the Church is a Society diſtinct from the World, ſo it muſt be under a diſtinct Polity. A Government ſuitable to it's Nature, Conſtitution, & End, was undoubtedly appointed for it. A Society without Government will be but an Epheſian Rout. There can be no Unity or Harmony between the parts of a Body Politick, if all its Members are in a State of Equality, and of the ſame Uſe & Service; But Confuſion & Diſorder will devour all that is good & beautiful without a Miraculous Interpoſition of Heaven. And this can on no terms be allow'd to be the State of the Church; that Houſe and Temple of the Living God; who is a God not of Confuſion but of Order. Now this Government lyes primarily upon the Shoulders of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; who is King of Zion, and Head of his Church. By his governing Providence he preſerves and defends it againſt all the aſſaults of the combined force and malice of Earth & Hell. He has fixed it on a Rock, and the Gates of Hell ſhall never move it. By the Secret Power of his Word, and the unconquerable influence of his Spirit He rules in the Hearts of his People. And as the Great Law-giver of his Church. He has ordained Laws, Orders, Ordinances, Sacraments and Cenſures. All which are appointed for the due regulation of this Special Society. He does not Adminiſter theſe in his own Perſon, for He is long p. 18ſince with drawn as to Bodily Preſence from his Militant Flock; and appears at the head of his Triumphant People in Glory: And has appointed Officers, who, during his abſence, are to act in his Name, and to ſee that his Laws, and Orders, made for the Government of his Viſible Kingdom, be obſerved and executed; and the charge of theſe is committed to the Evangelical Paſtors. I ſhall not here diſpute who are the Firſt Recipients of the Keyes of Chriſt's Kingdom. Thus much ſeems evident beyond contradiction, that it belongs to the Miniſters by Office to Exert this Power; that by their hands the Keyes are to be turned both in Opening and Shutting the Kingdom of Heaven; that they act herein under Chriſt, by a power derived from him, what ſubordinate Helps to them, or what concurrence ſoever of others with them, in the Exerciſe of this power, may be thought requiſite. The Paſtor is therefore in our Text ſtyled a Ruler over Chriſt's Houſhold: And ſubmiſſion to Spiritual Guides as ſuch, is an indiſpenſible duty. Heb. 13.17. Obey them that Rule over you in the Lord; who watch for Souls, as thoſe that muſt give an account. Their Power is not Secular but Spiritual. The Rods, Axes and Swords of Civil Government, are not the Inſtruments of their Government. Their (a)(a)2 Cor. 10.4.2 Cor 10:4Weapons are not Carnal, p. 19but Spiritual; yet mighty thro' God to diſmantle the Strong holds of the Kingdom of Darkneſs. Their Authority is not Legiſlative, but only Executive. They are not (a)(a)1 Pet. 5.….1 Pet 5Lords of God's Heritage, nor have they (b)(b)2 Cor. 1.24.2 Cor 1:24Dominion over the Faith of his People: They are to govern, not by their own will and humour, but by the Laws of Chriſt; according to the Orders appointed by his Sovereign Authority, and Governing Wiſdom, who alone is Lord of Conſcience. In the Exerciſe of this Power they inſpect the Houſhold of Faith; give every one their meat in due ſeaſon. By this Authority they Preach, Pray, & bleſs their Charge; by this they adminiſter Sacraments, Cenſures: And in the regular diſcharge of this their Truſt they can't be impeded, without a Breach upon the Authority of their Great Lord and Maſter.

III. We muſt conſider thoſe Vertues and Endowments which qualifie Miniſters for their Station and Work, and are to be exerciſed in the diſcharge of the duties of it. And theſe are Fidelity and Prudence: They muſt be Faithful and Wiſe Stewards. We muſt conſider theſe diſtinctly, as they are exerciſed in the diſcharge of the Truſt committed to them. And,

(1.) The Goſpel Miniſter muſt be Faithful. He is a Steward, & it is required of a Steward to be (c)(c)1 Cor. 4 ….1 Cor 4faithful. Hence we have that charge, p. 202 Tim. 2.2. That theſe things be committed to faithful men. The Charge committed to them is great, of the higheſt importance: On the faithful management whereof, the Honour of God, the good of Immortal Souls, and their own peace and Salvation, does not a little depend Fidelity ſuppoſes a Truſt committed or repoſed; and intends a conſcientious regard to all the parts of it, as it reſpects Chriſt, their Flock, and their own Souls. Now this Fidelity obliges, and diſpoſes to the obſervation of ſuch Rules as theſe, viz.

1. Fidelity obliges the Goſpel Miniſter to make the Honour of Chriſt, and the good of Souls, the governing deſign of his Miniſtry: The End is the Rule to direct our judgment and choice of means: A corrupt deſign in Spiritual Guides will corrupt their whole Miniſtry; For that will be correſpondent to that which is their primary intention, and laſt deſign in their work. If a Miniſter be under the governing influence of a worldly or ambitious ſpirit, all his adminiſtrations will, in probability, be ſuited to the depraved inclinations of that evil ſpirit: This will prophane his moſt ſolemn and ſacred performances. There will be infinite hazard that his Doctrine, his Converſation, and Diſcipline be all proſtituted to baſe ſelfiſh deſigns; and that the whole of his Miniſterial Diſpenſations be calculated to the Meridian of Honour or Gain; which he makes his ruling Intereſts. p. 21If it will ſerve this worldly deſign, he will appear like an Angel of Light, all flame and zeal in the Cauſe of God; he will ſpeak like an Apoſtle with Fiery Tongues, as if he had been filled with the Holy Ghoſt: But if another ſcene be open'd; and he perceive that zeal for the purity of Goſpel Truth, for the chaſtity of Divine Worſhip, and beauty of Holineſs, will not advance, but contradict his carnal deſigns; no wonder if we ſhould ſee his zeal chill'd, and a time-ſerving indifferency take its place, and his courage wholly Exſtinguiſhed by a pretended Diſcretion. There will be great danger that ſuch will diſguiſe Truth, varniſh over Error, and rebate the edge of the Word, that Sword of the Spirit, leſt preſumptuous haughty Sinners be too deeply wounded. There is nothing tends more to corrupt the Fidelity of Miniſters, than falſe ends; for this will be a falſe byaſs to diſorder them in their whole Walk: Hence they are ſolemnly charged to take the overſight of Chriſt's Flock, not for Filthy lucre: 1 Pet. 5.3. Such Buyers and Sellers Chriſt will ere long come and Whip out of his Temple. Neither muſt their own Applauſe and Repute govern them. It was part of Luthers Litany, for the Church, A Doctore Glorioſo, Good Lord deliver us. It was the Apoſtles profeſſion, that of men they ſought not Glory, 1 Theſ. 2.6. And it was the high Commendation given by Paul of Timothy, Phil. 2.20, 21. p. 22I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your ſtate. For all ſeek their own, and not the things that are Jeſus Chriſts. Chriſt's Servants if faithful, muſt be inſpired with purity of intention in their Diſpenſation of the Means of Grace: They muſt imitate the good example of the ancient Stewards of the Myſteries of God; who could ſay, as 2 Cor. 4.5. We preach not our ſelves, but Jeſus Chriſt the Lord, and our ſelves your Servants for Chriſts ſake. Thus Fidelity requires that they have the Honour of God, and the Eternal Salvation of Souls, always in their Laſt View; and then all their Endeavours will be levelled to promote theſe bleſſed deſigns: and this will not permit them to debaſe their Heavenly Calling to mean, earthly deſigns. If they be faithful, they will be jealous for the Glory of Chriſt; & thirſt after Souls,(a)(a)Gal. 4.19.Gal 4:19 travail in birth with them till Chriſt be formed in them: They will Preach, Pray, Reprove, Exhort, and Perſwade, as thoſe that have a juſt ſence of the value of Souls, and of that weight of ſin and miſery that lies upon them; and as reſolved to do all that they can to reſcue them from Everlaſting Burnings, and lead them to the Kingdom of Unperiſhing Glory. Thus with the Flames of Zeal and Love, and with the ſtrength of unbroken reſolution, they muſt proſecute their Maſters Work; that they may p. 23ſave Sinners from Death, enlarge the Kingdom, and extend the Empire of Chriſt over the loſt Rebel Sons of Adam.

2. Fidelity requires the Servants of Chriſt to furniſh their own minds with a ſuitable meaſure of Divine Knowledge. (a)(a)Mal. 2.7.Mal 2:7The Prieſts lips are to preſerve knowledge, and we muſt ask the law at his mouth. Miniſters are appointed Guides to direct loſt Souls to Glory: but if the blind lead the blind, the iſſue will be unſafe; they may both expect to fall into the pit of Everlaſting Darkneſs. An Ignorant Miniſter cannot be faithful: A Sun without Light, is not a greater Solaeciſm, than ſuch an one: He muſt know every part of his duty, otherwiſe He cannot do it faithfully. Evangelical Paſtors are to be Ready Scribes, well inſtructed for the Kingdom of Heaven; they are to be like the good Houſholder that brings out of his treaſure things new and old. Mat. 13.52. It is not a ſmall degree of knowledge that will be ſufficient to quality a perſon for the faithful diſcharge of the Miniſterial Office. There muſt be a conſiderable acquaintance with the Learned Tongues, and Liberal Arts, which are ſubſervient to Divinity: And a good Divine will make it his great care to tranſfer the ſpoils of other Arts, to the Service of the Temple. It was a Barbarous Age when there was reaſon of that complaint, p. 24viz. Graece noſſe ſuſpectum Erat, Hebrai…e prope Haereticum; and ſuch ignorance will make it a dark Day with the Church of God: It will be cover'd with Clouds of Error & Ignorance. It was a Comprehenſive Petition which was once made by a Grave Divine, when taking his farewell, for his bereav'd Flock, viz. That God would not leave them under the influence of a Dark Lanthorn, nor yet under the falſe light of an Erratick Fire; which would bewilder them in the by-paths of ſimplicity. Miniſterial Fidelity will engage perſons to uſe utmoſt care to be neither of theſe; that the light they give may not be faint thro' want of due knowledge, nor falſe thro' Error.

This Knowledge muſt be attained in an ordinary way, by much Study, Meditation and Prayer: For we are not born with it: Nor in this Age can we expect to be qualify'd for this Work by a Miraculous Deſcent of the HOLY GHOST in Tongues of fire, which was the priviledge of the Apoſtles on the Day of Pentecoſt. We may not without daring preſumption depend on Extraordinary Viſions, nor Immediate Inſpiration; but on the bleſſing of God on our Endeavours. This Faithfulneſs muſt govern us in our Study, as well as in the Pulpit. And the care any take to accompliſh themſelves with knowledge to an uncommon degree, is to be eſteemed true fidelity to thoſe under their Paſtoral Care; p. 25whoſe Service they are thus preparing themſelves for. All Miniſters ſhould labour to deſerve the Character of Apollos, a man Eloquent, and mighty in the Scriptures: They ſhould fear to run like Ahimaaz, on a Meſſage, without ſuitable tidings to carry to a people. They that are faithful will dread that Charge, 1 Tim. 1.7. who are deſirous to be teachers of others, underſtanding neither what they ſay, nor whereof they affirm.

3. Fidelity requires that they keep not back any part of the Counſel of God from their Flock. A Steward cannot be faithful, if he with-hold any part of that portion, which belongs to the Servants of the Family: What Chriſt has appointed for them, they muſt give them in due ſeaſon. The Holy Scriptures are a Sacred Repoſitory of Divine Truths; they are comprehenſive of all Articles of Faith, and Rules of Duty; and theſe muſt be open'd. The Truth as it is in JESUS, is perfective of the Underſtanding in Divine Knowledge, and Directive of the Chriſtians practice: And no eſſential part of this can be concealed, without the guilt of Sacriledge to God, and Injuſtice to the Souls of men; and both will infer unfaithfulneſs. The great deſign of Divine Revelation, is to retrieve Sinners from their ſtate of ſin and miſery, and advance them to a ſtate of Holineſs, and compleat Bleſſedneſs: The whole Counſel of God is of Service to carry on this deſign of Grace.

p. 26It is to this end requiſite that men be informed what was that ſtate of Honour, Holineſs and Perfection, in which Man was at firſt Created; How he was placed at the Head of the Viſible Creation as Lord of the Lower World; How bright with the Beauty of Holineſs, and Glory of the Divine Image, and what happineſs he ſtood a Candidate for. They muſt be acquainted how this glorious Son of the Morning is fallen, his pomp and glory laid in the duſt: How he revolted from God as his Sovereign Lord, and Supream Good; and put himſelf under a foreign Juriſdiction: What permanent Depravation and diſorder in all his powers is contracted; What impotency has invaded his Nature, and what Treaſures of Divine Wrath he is become Heir of; How the Infection and Pollution, together with the guilt of the firſt tranſgreſſion is intailed as a curſed Inheritance upon all the Progeny of Apoſtate man.

They muſt be inſtructed in the bleſſed deſign of God to raiſe up, out of the corrupt maſs, & rubbiſh of the Apoſtacy, ſome Glorious Monuments to illuſtrate the Honour of Sovereign Grace: The method in which this great affair was carried on to ſucceſs, according to the Infallible Counſel of God: The Scheme of Apoſtate mans Recovery, which was projected, and methodized by Unerring Wiſdom; How all the Divine Attributes herein meet in an adorable Harmony, and have a favourable aſpect upon p. 27guilty man; muſt be, as far as is clearly revealed, explained and ſet in a proper light. There muſt be a diſcovery how the Three Perſons in the GODHEAD do concur in this Deſign; and what part of mans Salvation is in the Word of God aſſigned to the diſtinct Agency of each Perſon. Miniſterial Fidelity requires a Declaration of the nature of man's Redemption, the method in which it was impe…rated, and muſt be apply'd. To this end Sinners muſt be informed in the Doctrine of Chriſt's Perſon, who was true God, and real man; In the Doctrine of his Offices; in the truth, neceſſity and perfection of his Satisfaction, and the prevalency of his Interceſſion; In the extent and power of his Government; in the light and wiſdom of his Inſtructions. To this end they muſt be inſtructed in the Doctrine of the Perſon and Office of the Bleſſed Spirit: In the nature and neceſſity of Regeneration, without which there can be no application of Redemption to Captive man.

The tenour of the Covenant of Reconciliation muſt be laid open; the duties it enjoins, the demands it makes of Sinners, the Bleſſings it offers; and the inſeparable connexion between the duties and promiſes of this Covenant muſt be declared: And the nature, deſign and import of the Seals of the Covenant, Baptiſm, and the Lords-Supper, muſt be unfolded.

In fine, The Servants of Chriſt muſt labour p. 28to give Sinners a true view of the UNSEEN WORLD: They muſt ſet before them Future Miſery in its Reality, Extremity, and Interminable Duration: And Future Bleſſedneſs in its Fullneſs and Certainty, Excellency and Eternity. Thus Fidelity requires that Articles of Faith, and Rules of Life, Promiſes and Threatnings, be diſpenſed according to Divine Revelation: And this gave the Apoſtle Paul boldneſs in making his Appeal to thoſe that had been under his Tuition, and to take his Leave of them with this ſolemn addreſs. Ye know—How I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you; wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am PURE from the BLOOD of all men; for I have not ſhunned to declare unto you all the COUNSEL of God, Acts 20.20. and 26, 27.

4. Fidelity requires that Miniſters deliver nothing as the Counſel of God, but what they are fully perſwaded is ſo. Miniſters are Chriſt's (a)(a)2 Cor. 5.20.2 Cor 5:20Ambaſſadors, and the Fidelity of ſuch requires, that they deliver no Meſſage in their▪ Maſters Name, but what their Commiſſion directs to▪ and will bear them out in. And their Commiſſion runs thus. Mat. 28.20. Go teach all Nations—to obſerve all things that I have commanded you. They are (b)(b)Luke 12.41.Luke 12:41Stewards, and as ſuch, muſt bring forth and diſpenſe nothing but what their LORD has committed to them. They are p. 29(a)(a)Ezek. 33.7.Ezek 33:7Watchmen, and are bound to receive the Word at CHRIST's mouth, and to warn Sinners from Him. Hence they cannot be faithful in delivering any thing in the Name of their Great Maſter, but what they have received from him. The contrary would be to abuſe his NAME and AUTHORITY; to fix his Royal Stamp upon their own Wares. They muſt not therefore be wiſe in their Adminiſtrations above what is written: but muſt have all their Doctrines approved by the Law and by the Teſtimony. It is a Divine and Apoſtolick Canon, 1 Pet 4.11. If any man ſpeak, let him ſpeak, as becomes the Oracles of God; i. e. what is agreeable to the Form of ſound words there laid down; and the Analogy of Faith there delivered to the Saints. Their Doctrine muſt contain nothing as Divine, but what can be proved, either by Expreſs Scripture, or by juſt and neceſſary Conſequence there-from. They muſt not make more Articles of Faith, nor Rules of Duty, than the Goſpel has made: And what they deliver muſt be only with the ſame degree of Certainty, that they ſtand in the Oracles of Heaven: Doubtful things muſt be delivered only as Doubtful; Certain, as Undoubted: What are doubtfully true, or undoubtedly falſe, will but ill become the Mouth of an Ambaſſador of the God of Truth. They muſt not think to refine Goſpel p. 30Truths; or blend them with their own miſtaken vain Conjectures; which will make a medley no way wholeſome to the Souls of men. And indeed nothing has been more injurious to the Church of Chriſt, than for perſons of the Sacred Character to publiſh their own Whims, the freaks of wild Enthuſiaſm, and the Rants of an over-heated Imagination for the Unerring Counſels of Heaven. Firſt to form a Module of Notions in their own heads, and then to ſtrain Scripture to approve their preconceiv'd Schemes, to torture it to confeſs truths it is a ſtranger to; this is every way unworthy the Character of a Goſpel Miniſter, and is moſt prejudicial to the Sacred Intereſt of the Goſpel: Fidelity commands here a Caution; how elſe can they come with a, THUS SAITH THE LORD.

5. It requires that they Employ all their Talents in this Work. Our great Lord has diſtributed his Talents among his Servants with an admirable variety according to his Sovereign pleaſure: and none has reaſon of juſt Complaint; for he is Lord of his own, and is a debtor to no man. (a)(a)1 Cor. 12.7.1 Cor 12:7There are Diverſities of Gifts, tho' the ſame Spirit. Some enjoy Gifts more Excellent as to Nature & Kind, more as to Number, and greater as to Degree, than others. (b)(b)Mat. 25.15.Matt 25:15One Servant has but One Talent, and another two, and a third five. There is a great difference as to the Natural p. 31and Acquired Abilities of Chriſts Servants; and as to Grace as well as Gifts. All the Stars that appear in the Firmament of the Church, are not of equal Magnitude, nor do they ſhine with equal brightneſs. There is a vaſt difference as to the Opportunities of Exerciſing theſe different Endowments, which ariſes from their ſeveral Stations, or parts of the Vineyard they are Set to labour in. There is a great difference alſo as to their Name, and repute in the World, and conſequently, as to their Intereſt, Influence, and Authority over others. Now all theſe are improveable in their Maſters Service, which they are to Occupy for his Honour, till He come▪ And they cannot be Faithful if they do not improve all theſe, in their juſt proportion, to the advancement of the great Work they are Engaged in. For to whom God has given much, He requires the more. (a)(a)Luke 12.48.Luke 12:48God expects a proportion between mens Receipts and Returns. Hence it is not ſufficient for one Servant to ſay, he does as much as ſome others, who are undoubtedly faithful, whereas he ought to do more Service than they, who have not equal Ability and Opportunity. He that has but two Talents will be faithful, if there-with he gaineth but two; but he that hath five will be unfaithful if he gaineth not five more. Their Work is ſo Excellent, and difficult, that it deſerves and needs the greateſt p. 32Abilities. The moſt Exalted Capacities will here find Employ, more than they will be able to goe thro'; tho' their Knowledge was as quick and extenſive as the Intuitions of Angels. None of their Talents are to lye by without improvement; none muſt be imbezled, or miſplaced upon other things, neither upon affairs of State, nor Trade. For tho' men may not be able to charge them with neglect of their duty, yet they will fall under the charge of Chriſt, who has given them their Abilities.

All the Talents committed to the Miniſters of Chriſt are conſecrated to the Service of Chriſt in his Church: and what is it leſs than Sacriledge to alienate them? They muſt Employ them in proportion to what they have received, if they expect the EUGE at laſt from the Mouth of Bleſſing: Well done good and faithful Servants.

6. It requires the greateſt Impartiality in all their Adminiſtrations. Partiality is a Crime of unpardonable Guilt in Civil Rulers, but of a much heavier Imputation in Eccleſiaſtical. To have reſpect of Perſons argues Injuſtice, and infers Unfaithfulneſs. Miniſters ſhould imitate their Lord and Judge, who is (a)(a)Act. 10▪ 34.Acts 10:34no Reſpecter of Perſons; before whom the Poor and Rich, the Baſe and Honourable ſtand upon the ſame Level. Indeed as to the Manner of Application p. 33to Perſons of differing Characters, there may, & many times ought to be a Difference, but not as to the Matter. The High & Low, the Maſter and Servant have one and the ſame Rule of Life: They muſt enter the ſame Strait Gate, and walk in the ſame Narrow Way, if ever they arrive ſafe at the Port of Bleſſedneſs. The Goſpel has not made that Sin in the Poor, which is not (Caeteris Paribus) in the Rich. All Souls are of equal price in the Sight of Chriſt, and ought to be ſo in ours. Hence with what Awfulneſs and Majeſty is that charge given; 1 Tim. 5.21. I charge thee before God, the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and the Elect Angels, that thou obſerve theſe things, without preferring One before another; doing nothing by Partiality. They muſt not be byaſt by favour and affection, in their Maſters cauſe; They muſt ſearch every Wound to the bottom, and bear witneſs againſt the Sins of all in their Adminiſtration of Cenſures and Reproofs. It will be their honour and duty to approve themſelves the true Sons of Levi; (a)(a)Deut. 33.9.Deut 33:9who ſaid to his Father and to his Mother, I have not ſeen him; neither did he acknowledge his Brethren, nor knew his own Children; that he might obſerve God's Word, and keep his Covenant. The practice of the Apoſtles muſt be their Rule. (b)(b)Col. 1.28.Col 1:28They muſt Warn every man of his danger, and Teach p. 34every man his Duty; that every man may be preſented at laſt Perfect in Chriſt.

7. It requires Unwearied Application, and Unſtinting Reſolution in the Diſcharge of the duties of their Poſt. The Honour of their Lord, the Excellency of Immortal Souls, that are in the laſt hazard of Eternal Perdition, the ſolemn Charge they are under, and the ſtrict account they muſt live in expectation of, do demand, and are preſſing arguments to move them to the greateſt watchfulneſs, diligence and conſtancy in their work. The neceſſities of their Flock do importune and challenge this of them. Without this application they can have no good proſpect that their work will be crowned with ſucceſs; but have reaſon to fear leſt their labour ſhould be under the blaſt of Heaven. Sloth and negligence is inconſiſtent with Fidelity. To do the work of the Lord Negligently, is to do it Deceitfully; and ſuch as are thus guilty, will never fullfil their Miniſtry. It has been faithfully obſerved by **Dr. Bates.a Great Divine, what a vaſt difference there is between the work of an Artificer and a Miniſter: The Statuary with long labour cuts the Marble to form it into a noble Image, but he leaves his work at his pleaſure; and when he reſumes it, the Matter being durable, it is in the ſame ſtate towards finiſhing, as when he left it. But it is not ſo with the hearts of men, which Miniſters are at work upon. Fleſh, p. 35World and Devil are joyned in a curſed Concert to ruine their work, and to deface all good impreſſions that at any time are made upon the hearts of their People: And their diligence is equal to their policy and malignity in counter-working Chriſt's Labourers. Worldly cares and carnal pleaſures eaſily divert the thoughts of the awakened Soul, and ſo damp and ſtifle the Convictions, with great difficulty and labour wrought within them: Satan like a Bird of Prey watches the ſeed of the Word as ſoon as ſown, and picks it up, that it may not take root; and is ready to ſow tares in the room of good Seed. The greateſt diligence and watchfulneſs is neceſſary to prevent his ill deſigns. By ſloth and negligence there is advantage given to the Evil One: while the Labourer ſlept, the Enemy ſoweth Tares, Mat. 13.25. When a Holy Spark is ſtruck into the Soul, either by publick or private addreſſes; and ſeems to have taken hold, how ſoon is it quenched? Good reſolutions are eaſily dampt; devout deſires and affections chill'd; and the Heart that ſeem'd to melt and flow at the Preſence of God in an Ordinance, is often by the next Ordinance grown as hard as the adamant: And thus the work of Chriſt's Miniſters is often undone, nay, goes backward, rather than forward. And what reſolution and pains are enough to withſtand and vanquiſh this oppoſition, and carry on the deſired work to ſucceſs? Sure we may be, that p. 36the work is like to be left undone, unleſs God's Servants are patient, unwearied, & faint not in their labours. Hence the Apoſtle with the greateſt ſolemnity, and authority lays this charge upon them, 2 Tim. 4.1, 2. I charge thee before the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall judge the Quick and Dead at his Appearance and Kingdom, Preach the Word, be inſtant in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-ſuffering and doctrine. This diligence and application muſt be exerciſed in their preparations for their publick Diſpenſations; without which they can't well expect to proſper. It was an awful word ſpoken **Mr. Shepard Camb.by an Excellent Perſon, whoſe praiſe has been thro' out theſe Churches: viz. ;God will curſe that mans Labours, who lumbers up and down in the World all the week; and then on Saturday afternoon goes to his Study.

There muſt be alſo the Exerciſe of an indefatigable Spirit in all their applications to their Flock, if they would maintain their Fidelity. They muſt give way to no diſcouragements. Want of ſucceſs and reproach, hopes and fears muſt not move them from their duty. No preſent Evil, or Advantage muſt prevail upon them to ſtand ſtill, and ſee the Truths of the Goſpel undermined, or adulterated; but muſt couragiouſly make head againſt the moſt popular Errors, and common Immoralities, in the face of the greateſt outward danger. Truths muſt p. 37not be concealed, nor the ſtrictneſs of Goſpel precept relaxed to gain the favour of men, of what figure ſoever; for thus their truſt would be betrayed. The Temper and Reſolution of the Apoſtle will well become every Servant in Chriſt's Family. Acts 20.…4. None of theſe things move me, neither count I my life dear to my ſelf, ſo that I may finiſh my Courſe with joy, and the Miniſtry that I have received of the Lord Jeſus. This Reſolution and Application to their work is neceſſary, that they may ſtand before Chriſt's Tribunal Pure from the Blood of Souls.

(2.) Prudence is another Vertue that is a neceſſary qualification of the Stewards over Chriſt's Houſhold, which muſt be exerciſed in the diſcharge of every part of their Function. They muſt be Wiſe, as well as Faithful: This is a perfection, by which we not only conſider and judge aright of things in their general nature, and underſtand Truth and Error, Vertue and Vice; but alſo it enables to take a view of things in their various circumſtances, and to form a right judgment of particular caſes, and well to determine what is moſt fit, proper, and expedient to be done in that variety of Caſes, which are to be expected when we come to practice. When the right end is fixed, Wiſdom directs in the choice of thoſe means that are beſt adapted to attain the deſign: And agreeably, Aquinas.the p. 38Chief among the School-men define Wiſdom to be Recta Ratio Agibilium. A due knowledge how to conduct our ſelves in the performance of thoſe things which are incumbent on us; ſo that our work may ſucceed. The Wiſeman has more intelligibly deſcribed this Vertue to the ſame purpoſe: (a)(a)Prov. 14.8.Prov 14:8The wiſdom of the prudent is to underſtand his way, and (b)(b)Eccl. 10.10.Eccl 10:10Wiſdom is profitable to direct. Carnal Policy, or Serpentine Subtilty, if not temper'd with a Dove-like innocency, … not an Ornament, but a reproach to an Ambaſſador of the King of Heaven. There are vile arts of inſinuation, which ſuit well enough the Character of the Emiſſaries of Hell, who are cunning to deceive; which muſt not be accounted any part of the Character of the Miniſters of Truth, who muſt be wiſe to win Souls. They muſt not only conſider what is duty, but alſo in what method this may be done to the greateſt ſucceſs. Prudence includes great Praecaution to obviate difficulties, and evils that may threaten their work with unſucceſsfulneſs; and Sagacity to eſpy and improve all advantages to carry on their laudable deſigns. It is impoſſible for me fully to ſet forth this vertue in its nature, excellency and power; or in that influence it ought to have upon this Sacred Order of men, in their faithful diſcharge of the duties of their Place. I ſhall only hint p. 39at a few Cardinal points, to which Miniſterial Prudence muſt always have reſpect, viz.

1. Miniſterial Wiſdom muſt be Exerciſed in a ſuitable Care and Caution not to Expoſe their Character to Contempt. There is a juſt Reverence due to the Character of God's Ambaſſadors, which cannot be loſt without Evident dammage to their Maſters Service. Few People are ſo Metaphyſical as to abſtract the Calling from the Perſon: to contemn the Perſon of a Miniſter & yet reverence his Office. It muſt be allowed therefore as a ſtanding Maxim of Wiſdom, that Miniſters muſt be careful to Maintain that Reverence, which is due to them for their Work ſake. Indeed many times Vile and Profligate men will load them with contempt tho they are never ſo circumſpect: Their very Character is enough to Expoſe them to the ſcorn and banter of ſome, whoſe Vices have ſunk them below the vileſt parts of the Creation, who are loſt to all ſenſe of what is virtuous, good and ſacred▪ But they muſt be careful not to deſerve ſuch rude treatment. That by their fooliſh anguarded Converſation, they do not invite the Profane to ridicule and inſult them. And it muſt be acknowledged that they are the Criminal Occaſions too often of that Contempt and Indignity which is caſt on them. Hence we have that advice given to Titus, and to every Miniſter in him, Tit. 2.15. Let no man deſpiſe thee. Which Precept muſt be obſerved by avoiding every thing p. 40that will make them appear Vile, Mean & Little in the eye of the World. And this Prudence is to be ſeen in.

To this End Prudence directs and requires Miniſters to avoid Vice and Immorality. For this will wound the beſt Reputation, and Expoſe to Contempt. And renders theſe Servants of God in a peculiar manner Vile. Thus Eli's Sons rendred themſelves Vile. This will darken the LIGHTS of the World; and render the SALT of the Earth inſipid; and no Wonder then they are of no Account.

To this End they muſt take heed of Ignorance. Knowledge is a good Medium to preſeve their Character; but Ignorance will render them contemptible in the Eyes of Good and Bad. This may ſometimes be from want of Natural Abilities; and the defects of Nature are not to be Expoſed, but Pitied. But this defect ſhould keep them from invading that Office, where Knowledge is neceſſary; and Ignorance challenges Contempt, being Expoſed to open view. There is good inſtruction in that Admonition that dropt from a Witty Pen, If Owls would not be hooted at, let them keep cloſe within the Tree, and not Perch upon the upper bows.

Again, To this End Wiſdom directs to avoid every thing that will argue a Servility of Temper: All Sordid Complyances with men of Corrupt Affections. They muſt take heed not to uſe any mean Acts of flattery to inſinuate themſelves into p. 41the favour of Men. They muſt not ſtoop to any thing below the Dignity of their Station, to gain the Eſteem of the World. All Methods of Diſſimulation and Flattery argue a mean and little Spirit, which is the proper object of Contempt. Thus they muſt Watch againſt every thing that is contrary to true Generoſity, or Greatneſs of Soul▪ which ſhould appear in their whole Deportment; and which will make them Venerable in the Eyes of the World. They muſt avoid all Actions that will argue them to be under the influence of Narrow and Stingy Principles. Fear and Cowardiſe, an immoderate Opinion of, and Fondneſs for the Pomp and Grandeur of the World; Too nice a regard to circumſtances, & Shadows, and a diſregard of Subſtantial Realities, will Tarniſh the Glory of the brighteſt Character, and invite the Contempt due to a Little and Mean Soul.

To this End they muſt be careful not to go to the Utmoſt Limits of what is Lawful. What others may do without Scandal and Reproach, Miniſters many times may not without Expoſing their Character. Thus alſo all affectation, affected … Modes of Speech, Geſture, &c. And a Spirit of Popularity are to be ſhun'd, if they would obſerve the Rules of true Prudence: For all theſe debaſe the High Calling of the Miniſtry, and deſtroy that Reſpect and Reverence, which is requiſite to a ſuccesful diſcharge of their Office.

p. 422. Prudence muſt be Exerciſed in forming a Right Judgment of Things, Perſons, and Seaſons, for the more Succesful diſcharge of the ſeveral parts of their Truſt. There is a great variety of Circumſtances which may have an aſpect upon each of theſe, which muſt be underſtood in order to our carrying on our Work to the beſt advantage.

There muſt be a right Judgment of Actions and Things. The Apoſtle layes it down as a neceſſary point of true Knowledge and Judgment to Approve the things that are Excellent, or which differ, Phil. 1.10. There is a vaſt difference between things, and without the knowledge hereof we can never make a Wiſe choice, which ſhould be made according to the value, and rate that things bear. Some things are Eſſential and Fundamental, without which neither Grace here, nor Glory hereafter can be Expected; other things are Circumſtantial: Some things are Duties by Divine Inſtitution, other things are ſo only from Principles of meer Prudence: Some things are the Weightier Matters of the Law, other things are but as the Tithings of Mint & Cummin: Some are Gnaws, others Camels ▪ Some are Moats, and others Beams, as our Saviour calls them: Some are indiſpenſibly Neceſſary, other things are Expedient Pro hic ad nunc. And moſt frequently the Moral denomination of Actions, and eſpecially as to their degree, does depend upon circumſtances, which are Variable. Now Wiſdom muſt diſcern between theſe, and the judgment p. 43muſt conclude and determine accordingly. For things muſt be preſſed, inſiſted on in proportion to their neceſſity and excellency. The want of Prudence to make this judgment, is many times highly prejudicial to the Work of the Miniſtry.

Again, there muſt be a right judgment of Perſons. Without this they can never divide every one his Portion aright. All reſpect to Perſons is not a Criminal Partiality; but there is a conſideration of Perſons, and a diſtinguiſhing regard to them, which will argue no common Wiſdom in the diſcharge of their Paſtoral Care. There is a great difference in the Tempers of Perſons to be treated with; nay a great variety is obſervable in the Frames and Diſpoſitions of the ſame Perſon at different Seaſons. That addreſs that may be ſuitable to Melt one, may Exaſperate another; that, which may be fit to Gain a man at one time, may have a tendency to Alienate him at another, and to fill him with prejudice againſt the Truth. Every man has ſome Quality, that renders him Acceſſable, and capable of perſwaſion, which if underſtood and wiſely addreſſed would afford an happy proſpect of Succeſs. And tho' Religion will not allow Miniſters to gratify the Vitious humours of men, yet Wiſdom requires that care be taken to improve their tempers to the beſt advantage, to recover them from the Error of their Wayes. Wiſdom requires a Diſtinction to be made between theſe p. 44that are of a different Growth and Improvement in the School of Chriſt. (a)(a)Heb. 5.12.Heb 5:12Some are Children and they muſt be fed with Milk; Some are Strong Men, and they can bear Strong Meat. (b)(b)Iſa. 4….11.Isa 4:11Some are Lambs in Chriſts Flock, and theſe muſt be gather'd with our Arms, and carryed in our Boſomes; Some are with Young, and theſe muſt be led with great tenderneſs, gentleneſs and compaſſion▪ There is a great difference in the diſeaſes that Chriſts Flock may be infected with; which requires a different application▪ What is Obſtinacy in one, is a Pitiable Infirmity in another; and the obſtinate are to be ſharply reproved; and the Weak to be pityed, and by degrees ſtrengthen'd.

There is a difference to be obſerved between the Civil Characters of men, which Miniſterial Wiſdom directs to a due care not to make a breach upon in treating with them. They are not to be ſoothed up in any Evil wayes; Sin muſt not be ſuffer'd to ly upon theſe; the Rich and High are to be charged in the Name of Chriſt to perform the Duties, and ſhun the Sins, of their Station; their Sins are to be reproved▪ but Prudence directs that all this be done in a way conſiſtent with that diſtinction that Providence has made. Nathan in reproving David has Set Miniſters a Pattern to Write after. Superiors muſt not be inſulted, nor expoſed to the p. 45Contempt of thoſe that are under them: The reproofs given them muſt not be Satyr which will Sting, but ſuch Wiſe Remonſtrance of their reproveable Actions, as ſhall at once convince of their own Error, and the reſpect and love of him that makes it.

Again, Wiſdom requires a right Diſcerning of Times, and to act according to a true judgment of them. It is the Character of the Wiſe man, That his heart diſcerneth time and judgment, Eccleſ. 8.5. One ſeaſon may afford an happy Conjunction of favourable Circumſtances, which may promiſe Chriſt's Miniſters greater ſucceſs in one part of their work, than another ſeaſon may. Now a Word ſpoken in ſeaſon has its peculiar beauty and advantage. Miniſters are not to be Time-ſervers to promote their own ſecular deſigns; but they muſt be Time-ſervers in ſuiting their Diſpenſations to the advantages that every ſeaſon may peculiarly afford them to do good to Souls. A word ſeaſonable at one time may not be ſo at another. Providences which are various, call for that at one time, which they do not at another. And Wiſdom obliges to a right Conſideration, and Application proper to a day of Adverſity, and to what is proper for a day of Proſperity. There are Truths of the day to be open'd and defended; Errors of the day to be detected and confuted; Sins of the day to be Witneſſed againſt. And Prudence directs the Servants of God to a regard to theſe. There are p. 46ſome Seaſons more proper than others to treat with the ſame Perſons; and theſe muſt be watch'd for, and improved. This point of Wiſdom Abigail critically obſerved in her treatment with the Churl Nabal. And … the want of this many times Pearls are Expoſed before Swine, and Holy things are thrown to Dogs. In theſe things therefore Miniſters are to Exerciſe a diſcerning judgment: and ſo approve themſelves Wiſe as well as Faithful.

3. Prudence muſt temper, regulate and proportion the expreſſions of their Zeal. Zeal is a Grace neceſſary to every Chriſtian; and is required to an Eminent degree of thoſe that watch for Souls. Theſe are ſtiled Angels, who are Flames of Fire: They are to be like them in a warm Indignation againſt Sin, in a burning love to Chriſt and Immortal Souls, and in holy ardours in the Service of God. Lukewarmneſs and indifferency of ſpirit in the Cauſe of Chriſt, and of periſhing Souls, will be a reproach to their Work, and Maſter; and tends to make Sinners indifferent and careleſs about the great intereſt of Eternity: whereas a well regulated zeal in the Advocates for God and Souls, will be a proper medium to make Sinners in earneſt in working out their own Salvation. But all is not true zeal that men call ſo; what many times aſſumes the name is but a degenerate paſſion, a fury raiſed in their own cauſe, and not in Gods: It p. 47is a fire indeed, but an unhallowed one, not kindled at Gods Altar, that neither came from Heaven, nor aſcends thither. It is therefore requiſite that this affection be under an holy Goverment; which muſt be managed by that true wiſdom that comes from Above. Prudence muſt direct it to a Right Object; for without that it will be a zeal not according to knowledge: the matter of it muſt be good; it muſt be placed upon true Catholick Chriſtianity; and not on the Religion of a Party. It muſt be founded upon right and durable Principles, which right Reaſon, and the Holy Word of God will juſtifie; and not built upon unaccountable Impulſes, nor deſigned to ſerve the Intereſts of any particular party; Prudence here is profitable to direct.

Again, Wiſdom will ſee that it be exerciſed in ways conſiſtent with Charity and Chriſtian Compaſſion; and not with the corrupt ferment of wrath and bitterneſs to the perſons of any. It muſt alſo Regulate the Meaſure and degree of this affection. It muſt take care that it be only in proportion to the value and importance of the thing, about which zeal is exerciſed. It muſt not with the ſame heat be exerciſed about Modes and diſputable Rites, as about the Eſſentials of our Chriſtian Faith, and Practice. The ſame degree of zeal is not due to Tithing Anniſe, Mint and Cummin, as to Righteouſneſs, Mercy and Peace, which are the weightier matters of the Law; and the very vitals of p. 48and undefiled Religion. Herein therefore Wiſdom teaches them to make a difference in the expreſſions of their zeal; and not to purſue every thing with equal heat, earneſtneſs and paſſion. And this zeal, thus attemper'd and proportioned to the weight of objects, and according to theſe rules directed by Prudence, will help Chriſt's Ambaſſadors to carry on the Treaty of Peace with Sinners to advantage.

4. Prudence is to direct them in the right management of their addreſſes to men. And there is a great degree of Prudence neceſſary to the right ordering of the Publick Diſcourſes of Chriſt's Meſſengers: That they may know what to ſay, and what not; to determine in what Order, Method and Manner to treat of Divine Truths, that they may have the beſt influence upon their Audience. The Underſtanding is the Leading Faculty in the Soul, under the influence of its Light and Conduct the Will, Affections, and all the executive powers are to be exerciſed. Hence Religion muſt firſt in order of nature have poſſeſſion of this power; and conſequently this Faculty muſt be firſt informed, and Wiſdom will direct the Servants of God, like wiſe Maſter Builders to lay here the Foundation of true Divine Knowledge.

It will alſo inſtruct what things are to be taught in the Firſt Place, and what Principally to be inſiſted on, with greateſt frequency and inculcation. It muſt direct in the Choice of p. 49Subjects ſuitable to the ſtate and neceſſities of a People.

Wiſdom muſt teach alſo in what Manner the Truths and Laws of Heaven are to be promulgated. That they be diſpenſed with Gravity, without Affectation; with Zeal and Courage without Temerity; with Authority without Uſurpation; with Tenderneſs and Affection without the Weakneſs of humane Paſſion. It muſt direct in the Dreſs and Language of their Diſcourſes. This muſt be Intelligible, Pertinent, neither too Laboured nor too Negligent, moſt expreſſive of the notions to be communicated, and free from that Pomp of Words that will obſcure the Matter diſcourſed of: this latter muſt be avoided, left there be reaſon to ſay of a Diſcourſe, as the Philoſopher did of a Tragedy: It was a good One, if a man could have ſeen it for words. And as to the Language of Diſcourſes, a difference muſt be allow'd, and is proper on ſeveral accounts: One Subject will allow greater Ornament of Language without any oſtentation, than another; an Addreſs to the Affections will admit that Language which may not be ſo proper when the Underſtanding for its information is immediately apply'd to; there is a difference here alſo to be allowed between one Auditory and another; between common Diſcourſes, and ſuch as are made on ſome ſpecial Occaſion; and there is a difference between the Natural and Acquired Gifts of Preachers, ſome p. 50being able to ſpeak with greater Strength, others with more of Ornament and Politeneſs. Now Wiſdom is to conſider theſe different circumſtances, to ſuit the Language to the Subject, Occaſion, and End.

Again, This muſt direct to the beſt method of diſcourſing: This can't be always the ſame, a variety of Subjects to be treated on, will not allow it. But Prudence will teach that Diſcourſes be made always in the moſt eaſy, natural, and intelligible method, that the matter will allow. This will be not only helpful to the Memory in retaining, but to the Underſtanding in taking a juſt view of things.

In all theſe things the Wiſdom of the Heralds of the Everlaſting Goſpel is to be diſplayed, to promote the good Entertainment of their Meſſage.

And thus we have finiſhed the Conſideration of their Qualifications. We proceed to the laſt thing.

IV. Laſtly, We are to Conſider that Diſtinguiſhing Reward that will be given them when their work is done. They ſhall be Bleſſed. Here two things.

1. They ſhall obtain the Reward of Bleſſedneſs.

2. This their Reward ſhall be diſtinguiſhingly great.

1. The Wiſe and Faithful Servant ſhall obtain the Reward of Bleſſedneſs. This reward comprehends p. 51in it a perfect freedom from all diſquieting Evils, and the full poſſeſſion of all Satisfying Good. The Nature and Excellency, of this reward, we are not able in our preſent Embodied State, to take a comprehenſive view of. We have not Faculties enlarged to that Capacity, nor refined to that Purity, and Clearneſs, nor Exalted to that Strength and Vigour, which are neceſſary to Entertain, and bear an Open View of Future Glory. The Object is too Vaſt and Bright, and our Underſtanding too weak, narrow, and earthy. A Sight of it in its true beauty, brightneſs and fullneſs, would dazle, confound and overpower the mind; & Mortality muſt ſink under the very ſight of that weight of Glory. God has ſeen meet in condeſcention to our Infirmity, to repreſent this under the ſhadow of ſuch Earthly Things which have moſt of Profit, Pleaſure and Honour in them: But after all, the Reward is Great and Excellent, beyond thought and expreſſion.

This however we may be ſure of is contained in it, viz. That theſe Bleſſed Ones, during their State of Separation from the Body, ſhall be ſafely lodged by their Lord, who has the KEYS of the INVISIBLE WORLD, in the Paradiſe of God, a place of inconceivable Refreſhment; a Place ſo bright and ſerene, as not to need either Sun or Moon to Enlighten it. Where they ſhall Enjoy the happy Society of Angels and Perfected Spirits; nay, of CHRIST p. 52himſelf; with whom they ſhall live in the Exerciſe of the wiſeſt acts of Endearment, and in the higheſt Expreſſions of mutual Love and Friendſhip. There their Employ will be that of Angels, every way ſuited to the Perfection of Glorify'd Saints. There they ſhall be fully freed from all that Sin that here infeſted them; from all thoſe ſufferings that here griev'd them; from all thoſe Labours that here waſted their Spirits; from all thoſe Enemies that were here ſhooting their envenom'd arrows to wound their peace. There the Divine Image which was here begun, will receive its finiſhing ſtrokes: Their knowledge will be without Error, or faulty Ignorance; their Holineſs without Defect; their Love in its Perfection; and their Joy in its Fullneſs: and all their Enjoyments will be agreeable, not to a State of Tryal, which is now over, but to a Life of Rewards.

In the Day of the Final Judgment they ſhall appear as true CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION: Their Bodies ſhall be Transfigured according to the Glory, Purity & Perfection of the Reſurrection Body of the Son of God. They ſhall appear in all circumſtances of Honour before the General Aſſembly of Hell, Earth and Heaven▪ And when the affairs of this Day are finiſhed, they ſhall aſcend with their Glorify'd Maſter, above the viſible Heavens; and with Him Enter in Triumph into the City of God; and ſhall Sit down with him upon his Throne, & ſhall p. 53be FOR EVER WITH HIM to behold and Partake in his Glory. But after all, How ſmall a Portion is Known of it! tho' more than enough to pronounce them Bleſſed.

2. The Reward of Wiſe and Faithful Miniſters ſhall be Diſtinguiſhingly Great. I am not ignorant that the Doctrine of Degrees of Glory has been holy diſputed in the Schools. The Affirmative ſeems ſo agreeable to the Principles of Right Reaſon, and ſo clearly revealed in the infallible Oracles of Truth; that to me it appears more than Problematical. The Schoolmen indeed and Doctors in the Church of Rome build this upon a rotten Foundation, viz. The different degrees of Merit in Good Works. But their Error ought not to ſhake the true foundation of this Doctrine; which appears with a clear Light in the Sure Word of Propheſy. Here we are taught to diſtinguiſh between the Reward of a Prophet, and the Reward of a Righteous Man, Mat. 10.41, 42. The Parable of the Talents appears to aſſert & juſtify different degrees of Glory: Luke 19.16, 17, 18, 19. Where we find every Servant received from his Lord in proportion to his Improvement of what had been committed to him. And the Truth flows not from a bare Circumſtance of the Parable; but from the Main Scope of it, which was to Excite Chriſtians to an Improvement of their Talents in proportion to what they had received; and the Argument to engage to it is that their Reward ſhall be Proportionable. He that p. 54gains ten Pounds ſhall be Ruler over ten Cities; and he that gains five ſhall Rule over five Cities. This Doctrine alſo is aſſerted by the Apoſtle as an Argument to engage the Corinthians to abound in Works of Charity & Liberality, 2 Cor. 9.6. He that Soweth Sparingly ſhall reap Sparingly; But he that Soweth Bountifully, ſhall reap Bountifully. In which there would be no force or motive if there be not a Diſtinction between the Rewards of the bleſſed. And this point ſeems ſtill to be ſet in a fuller Light, in the 1 Cor. 15.41, 42. There is one Glory of the Sun, another of the Moon; another Glory of the Stars; for one Star differeth from another Star in Glory: So alſo is the Reſurrection of the Dead. Many other places might have been brought to have given in their Teſtimony to confirm the Doctrine aſſerted; but it ſeems needleſs, Scripture appears for it, and has nothing, that I know of, againſt it: Nor do any of the pretended Arguments againſt it ſeem to be of any force. This will not infer a real Imperfection in the bleſſedneſs of ſuch Saints as Enjoy a Leſs Degree of Glory. A Star is as perfect in its order as the Sun, yet they ſhine with a different Luſtre. And I do not at preſent ſee any Abſurdity in allowing a different Strength and Capacity in the bleſſed. Every Soul ſhall be full of Glory, but One may be capable to contain more than another. Saints are not Imperfect when they firſt Enter upon their Inheritance; yet a growth and improvement ſeems p. 55reaſonable to be allow'd them. Knowledge is an Eſſential part of their happineſs; and in this undoubtedly they will be always making Advances. The knowledge of Angels to be ſure was improved by the Coming of Chriſt, and the Goſpel Revelation made to the Church, Eph. 3.10. And yet before that, they were perfectly bleſſed; tho' this their increaſe of knowledge muſt add to their Glory.

Again, This will not conclude any Imperfection in the Intereſt that the Leaſt Saint has in the Merits of Chriſt, which purchaſed this Glory, and the higheſt Degrees of it. The Graces of Sanctification in this Life are the purchaſe of Chriſts Righteouſneſs; yet there is not an Equality of theſe conferred upon believers here. And Different Degrees of Grace in this Life ſeem as inconſiſtent with an Equal Intereſt in the Merits of Chriſt, as Different Degrees of Glory in the Next. But the Truth appears to me to lye thus. The Meritorious Obedience and Sufferings of Chriſt were a Refuſable Price in themſelves, which God was at Liberty to accept or refuſe, antecedently to his own Promiſe: And ſo was at liberty to accept it for Whom, and to what Degree He ſaw meet. By free Compact between the Father and Son it was agreed to be accepted for the full Pardon, Juſtification and Happineſs of all God's Choſen and Sanctifyed, and for the purchaſe of a greater degree of Glory for ſome, that ſhould diſtinguiſh themſelves in higher degrees of p. 56Holineſs. And all this may be and yet an Equality be aſſerted in their Election, Adoption, and Juſtification.

Now, if there be ſuch a gradual difference in the Glory that ſhall be revealed in the Saints; Doubtleſs, thoſe that have been Wiſe and Faithful Stewards in Gods Houſe here, will obtain a proportionable Exaltation in the Kingdom of Glory. Their Lord will diſtinguiſh them by Particular Marks of Honour there, as they have diſtinguiſhed themſelves here in Zeal and Fidelity in his Service. The Service they are now called to is Honourable, Great, and Difficult; the Diſcouragements they meet with, the Temptations they conflict with, the Self-denyal they muſt Exerciſe, are all Peculiarly great; if therefore under all they maintain their Poſt, are Wiſe and Faithful, their Reward will be as Peculiar. They are now placed in a Station of Honour and Dignity, if they are Faithful to their Truſt, Chriſt will not Degrade them in the other World. And this diſtinguiſhing Glory the Prophet Daniel refers to, Dan. 12.3. And they that are Wiſe ſhall ſhine as the Bightneſs of the Firmament; and they that turn many to Righteouſneſs as the Stars for Ever and Ever.

APPLICATION.

USE. I. This tells us what need Goſpel Miniſters have of the PRESENCE OF CHRIST p. 57with them. To Rule and Feed Chriſt's Flock, is a Work, which who is ſufficient for? The dreadful Office of Watching, not only for their own, but the Souls of others, is enough to make the moſt Strong and Perfect of meer men to tremble. And if we add to theſe the conſideration of their own Weakneſs, Sins, and Imperfections; the obſtinacy of Secure, Proud Sinners, that they have to do with; the many ſtrong Temptations that continually aſſault them, & the many circumſtances of diſcouragement they are under; we muſt conclude that without a Superior Influence to Suſtain, Encourage, and Strengthen them, they will infallibly faint in their Work: and reſolve with the Prophet to Speak no more in the Name of the Lord. How rich and ſweet muſt then that Promiſe of Chriſt, made to them, be? Mat. 28.20. Lo! I am with you to the End of the World.

USE. II. This aſſures us that not the Succeſs, but the Wiſdom and Fidelity of Miniſters will be the Meaſure of their Reward at Laſt. The Wiſe and Faithful ſhall be bleſſed, what ever their Succeſs be. The moſt Wiſe and Faithful are not always the moſt Succeſsful. The Prophets, who were honoured with the brighteſt Viſions, were many times diſpatch'd in judgment, to blind Eyes, and harden Hearts; to a People of an uncircumciſed Ear; and to ſuch as would p. 58hear but not do. Thus (a)(a)Iſa. 6.9, 10.Isa 6:9Isa 6:10Iſaiah, (b)(b)Jer. 6.10.Jer 6:10Jeremiah, (c)(c)Ezek. 33.31, 32.Ezek 33:31Ezek 33:32Ezekiel. But our Text affords Encouragement: tho' their Unſuccesfulneſs may be for the preſent an inſupportable burden to them, & may fill them with dread and horror, yet ſhall not Rob them of the leaſt degree of their Reward. It aſſures them that their judgment is with the Lord, and their Work with their God; and tho' Iſrael be not gathered, they ſhall be glorious in the Eyes of the Lord. And nothing ſhall abate the fulneſs of their Joy.

USE. III. This ſets before Chriſt's Labourers the Strongeſt Motives to be diligent in their Maſters Vineyard. Miniſters ordinarily have little or nothing on this ſide Eternity to encourage them, but much on the contrary; there is the frowardneſs of ſome, the wickedneſs of others, and the difficulty of their work at the beſt, which if fleſh and blood were conſulted with, would make them lay down their Office: But they have a glorious Proſpect beyond the Grave. They have the Promiſe of a Reward that will infinitely compenſate all they undergo in their Maſters Service. And are aſſured that the Honour done them at laſt will be in proportion to their Diligence & Application to the Work of the Lord. And ſurely the Proſpect of this is ſufficient to inſpire them with Zeal, Courage, Vigour and Unfainting Reſolution.

p. 59USE IV. This affords both Direction, and Incentive to the People of God, in Praying for their Miniſters.

It directs a People to Pray that God would qualifie them for their work, and aſſiſt and proſper them in the diſcharge of it: That they may find Mercy to be faithful and wiſe in Feeding & Ruling Chriſt's Houſhold: that thoſe Gifts and Graces may be multiplied upon them; in the faithful improvement whereof they may Save their own Souls, and the Souls of them that hear them.

It affords alſo the moſt Moving Arguments to Engage a People to the conſtant Exerciſe of this duty of Prayer for their Paſtors. For if this be their Work, which has been now laid down; if theſe the Qualifications neceſſary to the due diſcharge of the duties of their Function; then we may be ſure they need much of the Divine Preſence and Bleſſing, and much of the Prayers of their People, as a medium to obtain theſe. The very nature of their work contains in it the moſt powerful motives and perſwaſives hereto. It tells a People that if they have any tender regard to the honour of Chriſt, if any Love to his Spirit, if any true Compaſſion to their own Souls, and the Souls of others; if any reſpect and tenderneſs for Chriſt's Meſſengers, they muſt with the moſt preſſing inſtances, conſtantly addreſs the Throne of Grace in their behalf.

p. 60Let then the conſideration of theſe things move this Aſſembly before the Lord this Day, to lift up their Hearts and Eyes with the greateſt efforts of Faith, and ardours of Devotion to God for his Bleſſing upon all his Servants; and in eſpecial manner for that Unworthy Perſon, who now addreſſes you in the Name of the Lord. Pray with inceſſant importunity, that God would give him a Double Portion of the Spirit, Gifts and Graces of his Aſcended Maſter and Father, who has lately been ſnatcht from his Head; That he may enjoy the Preſence of Chriſt with him, to aſſiſt & ſtrengthen him to his work; to make him faithful to Chriſt, and wiſe to win Souls; that he may fulfil his Miniſtry, and give up his Account with joy to the Great Biſhop of Souls. Suffer therefore that addreſs made by the Apoſtle, Rom. 15.30. Now I beſeech you Brethren, for the Lord Jeſus Chriſt's ſake, and for the love of his Spirit, that ye ſtrive together with me, in your Prayers to God for ME.

USE V. Hence the Death of WISE and FAITHFUL MINISTERS is a great Judgment, which calls for deep Reſentment. Theſe are to be number'd among the Firſt Rate Bleſſings of a People. They are the Purchaſe of the Death, and the Gifts of the Aſcention of our Enthroned Jeſus. And in proportion to their value, muſt the loſs of them be rated. God threatens his p. 61People to take away the Prophet, (a)(a)Iſai. 3.2.Isa 3:2as one of the higheſt Expreſſions of his anger. When therefore he comes and executes that threatening, he expects it be ſuitably reſented: and it will be laid to heart by every Soul whoſe fleſh trembleth for fear of God, and is afraid of his Judgments.

THIS neceſſarily brings me to the SORROWFUL SUBJECT, which has been the occaſion of my preſent Meditations: To take a view of that Awful Rebuke of Heaven upon this Whole LAND, & on this CONGREGATION in particular, in the ſudden Departure of that Eminent MAN OF GOD, who has been for ſo long a time the Light, Joy and Glory of this Place: By whoſe Tranſlation God has given us reaſon to a great degree to take up that Lamentation; The joy of our heart is ceaſed, our Dance is turned into Mourning; The Crown is fallen from our heads; For THIS our heart is faint, and our eyes are dim.

I muſt freely confeſs, I never had any fondneſs for Funeral Encomiums; unleſs when Gifts and Graces have been Eminent & Diſtinguiſhing; when the Honour of Chriſt the fountain from whence they flow'd, Juſtice to the Dead, and the Good of the Living, do demand them; and when the Merits of the Departed leave no room, at leaſt no neceſſity for the paint of Flattery.

p. 62Sure I am, on this preſent Melancholly Occaſion, the juſt ſenſe I have of my own Peculiar Share in this Loſs, makes it more eligible to take my place in the Silent Train of Mourners, that nothing might interrupt the Sighs & Tears of a wounded Spirit; than to appear in this Desk. But the Duties of my Station require, that at preſent I chain up my paſſions, ſuppreſs my own ſorrows, and bank up the ſwelling Tide of Grief; that it may not diſturb me, while I am paying to the Memory of my Tranſlated Father, that Juſt Tribute, which all, but the Ignorant and Envious, will acknowledge due by all the Laws of Juſtice and Gratitude.

I am deeply ſenſible how every way Unequal I am to my preſent Province, to do his Memory juſtice; and what danger I am in of ſlurring his Character by my unskilful hand. I have neither Art to draw his Picture, nor yet to ſet it, when drawn, in a true Light, that it may be ſeen to advantage. What Livy ſays of the Roman Orator, diſcourages me: That to give Cicero his juſt Encomium, Cicerone Laudatore opus eſt. To give a Great man his juſt praiſes, requires the skill of One as Great. However, Duty to Chriſt, whoſe Servant he was, and with whoſe Gifts and Graces he was conſpicuouſly adorned; a juſt honour for the Memory of a Prophet of no common Figure, a Paſtor, Father and Friend, do conſtrain me to riſe up and Call him Bleſſed; and command me to Eſſay his CHARACTER.

p. 63His DESCENT was Honourable, from a Sage Patriot in our Iſrael; whoſe Wiſdom aſſigned him a Seat at the Council-Board, and his Military Skill, and Martial Spirit intituled him to the Chief Place in the Field: But in no External regard could be more Honourable than in being the FATHER of ſuch a SON.

In Him Bountiful Heaven was pleaſed to cauſe a Concurrence of all thoſe Natural and Acquired, Moral and Spiritual Excellencies, which are neceſſary to conſtitute a Great Man, a profound Divine, a very conſiderable Scholar, and an Heavenly Chriſtian. In the light and influence of theſe Perfections he appeared as a Star of the Firſt Magnitude in the Orb of the Church.

The God of Nature was pleaſed with a Liberal Hand to beſtow on him thoſe Natural Intellectual Endowments, which laid the Foundation of Great Improvement in Knowledge. And did from his Youth praeſage Uncommon Service for God and his People, which his Maſter had deſigned him for. In Natural Endowments, he appeared as the Elder Son among many Brethren: In theſe very few, if any, could pretend to ſtand upon a Level with him. The Natural Capacity of his Soul was of that Diſtinction, that it ſeem'd an undeniable Confutation of the Doctrine of the Equality of Souls; and left it no longer Problematical.

His Phanſy was Copious, tho' not Luxuriant, p. 64but moſt Correct, being Obſequious to the Dictates, and kep't under the Strict Guard of a well poiſed judgment: By which it was reſtrained from thoſe lawleſs Luxuriances & Extravagances, which this power is Subject to, when it has broken looſe from the Government of a well-informed Underſtanding. His Apprehenſion was quick, his Reaſon bright, and his Judgment exact and ſolid: which made him baniſh ſuch things as trivial, as were not capable of Improvement to advance his Soul, either in its Intellectual or Moral Perfection. His Underſtanding was of Great Proſpect: His mind filled with bright Images of things; inricht with a vaſt number of noble Ideas, and knew well their ſeveral Connexions, Relations and Dependencies, how to ſeparate, and how to unite them in deep ſearches after Truth. He had a deep thought, and penetrating Sagacity to make a juſt Eſtimate of things on ſudden Emergencies; which made him juſtly Eſteem'd One of the Wiſeſt Men, that has been known, of his Order, in Our Land. His Natural Genius and Spirit ſeem'd ſuperior to all narrow ſelfiſh Intereſts; not govern'd by Rules of Carnal Policy, nor byaſt by private views; but appear'd almoſt uncapable to be under the commanding influence of any thing, but what appeared Great, Good and Honourable. He had a Native Modeſty, which continued in his advanced years, ſeldom known in Conjunction with Gifts of p. 65ſo Conſpicuous an Elevation; which might ſeem to ſome to Vail the Brightneſs of ſome of his Publick Appearances; tho' in the Opinion of others was but a Foil to his greater Excellencies.

Theſe Gifts of Nature in him were Advanced and rendred more bright by Great Improvements of Hard Study, Intimate Acquaintance with Many of the moſt Celebrated Authors in the Learned World, by long Experience and Conſtant Prayer. He was well Verſed in the Principal parts of Subſtantial Learning; which furniſhed him with that Knowledge, which was requiſite for a Wiſe Maſter Builder in the Houſe and Temple of the Living God. He always affected that Learning, which was leaſt for Pomp and Oſtentation, & moſt for Service; the Knowledge of Things more than of empty Words & Names: And he muſt be allowed the Character of an Uncommon Schollar; If the Knowledge of thoſe things, which perfect the Underſtanding, may be allowed Worthy of the title of Learning. And I think it is High Time to reject other Knowledge, which does not Better or Improve the Mind, which does not Profit, but only Amuſe, as Unworthy of the Specious Title, at leaſt unfit to IMPROPRIATE the Name of Learning.

Divinity was his Favourite Study; and in the purſuit of this moſt Excellent & Divine Knowledge, he engaged not only from Duty, but Inclination. And Excelled to an Eminent degree in the p. 66Knowledge of the moſt Abſtruſe parts of Theology. And a Great Divine muſt of neceſſity be a Great Clerk.

He was a Judicious Textuary. Like Apollos a Man mighty in the Scripture. His common Publick Diſcourſes were a Demonſtration of this; but eſpecially thoſe Judicious and Elaborate COMMENTARIES, made in the School of the Prophets, upon ſeveral whole Books of the Divine Oracles, remain as a Laſting Monument of this skill.

His Knowledge in Syſtematical Divinity was celebrated by all. He had a Body of Divinity well digeſted in his head. And was careful to hold faſt the Form of Sound Words. His Knowledge was not like a Light in a Dark Lanthorn: But out of the Treaſury of his Head and Heart was able to communicate to others. He had a great Dexterity in confirming Truths by Inconteſtible Arguments, and to Set them in an Advantagious Light; to Explain them fully, and Apply them with the greateſt Cloſsneſs and Pertinency. This was obſervable in the Diſcharge of the Common Duties of his Paſtoral Care: But this his Knowledge appeared with a peculiar Luſtre in his CATECHETICAL LECTURES, which if Publiſhed, would be found One of the beſt Bodies of Divinity, that has been known.

In Controverſy he was a Champion, a Worthy of the Firſt Stength, Skill, and Courage. He p. 67was qualifyed for it by a clear Head, a cool Thought, and Inflexible Principles. He was able to weild the Sword of the Spirit to the Terrour of Gainſayers; to their Confutation, tho' not always to their Conviction: And has once and again ſheathed this Sword of the Spirit in the Bowels of Triumphant Errors. And was every way fit to be Set for the Defence of the Goſpel.

He was an Excellent Caſuiſt. Where the Perplexed and Scrupulous might have their difficulties Eaſed, their doubts reſolved with Safety. When any Caſes of Conſcience came under his thought, he was wont to handle them with Wiſe Caution, and admirable Compaſſion; He deliberated Maturely on all circumſtances, and laid the Whole by the Unerring Rule, and with great judgment determined agreeably.

All that knew him, and were Competent judges of his Worth, muſt do him the Honour and Juſtice, to Acknowledge theſe Gifts were Eminent in him. And theſe rendred him as Capable as any man to direct the Sons of the Prophets, and Young Divines in their Theological Studies; & I believe was as oft as any addreſſed to on this Head. His DIRECTIONS to the Candidates of the Miniſtry, left in the hands of many, are of great Value and Service, and will be a Teſtimony how Safe and Skilful a Guide he was.

As he was Excelling in Gifts, ſo he was no p. 68leſs Eminent in the Graces of Chriſt. He had A Sanctifyed Heart as well as a Well-Regulated, Logical Head; and was a Scholar of great Proficiency in the School of Chriſt. His Graces Conſecrated his Gifts, and made them appear with a more obſervable luſtre, with Life as well as Light. All the Vertues of the Divine Nature and Life were viſible in his Holy Walk: Which openly diſcover'd his Soul to be A LIVING TEMPLE of the LORD JEHOVAH, where his Throne was prepared, his Image ſet up, and his Spirit dwelt. With what warm Tranſports of Affection and Admiration would he diſcourſe, or hear of the Wonders of Divine Grace Unveil'd in the whole Method of the Redemption of man? How low did he bow in profound Reverence and Adoration of the Spotleſs Sovereignty of God in the Myſterious Diſpenſations of the Kingdom both of Grace and Providence? How jealous was he in his whole Converſation of the Honour of Sovereign Grace? How fearful leſt any thing ſhould betray it, or cloud its Glory? How thoughtful alſo leaſt Grace ſhould be abuſed unto Wantonneſs? And how careful in all his Diſpenſations to guard againſt this Myſtery of Iniquity, and to ſet out the Glory of Divine Grace, and the Beauty of Holineſs in their proper Luſtre and Admirable Harmony? His Zeal was what became an Apoſtle; tho' flaming in the Cauſe of Chriſt, yet was temper'd by Love, and guided by Prudence. p. 69No pretence could make him tranſgreſs his own Line; and from the duties of his own Poſt nothing could move him. His Spirit was truly Pacifick; and could ſacrifice every thing but Duty for Peace: And accounted nothing too dear, but Truth and Holineſs, for the purchaſe of it. He was a Lively Example of Self-denyal, and ſeperation from the World, of Patience under the reproaches of men, and Sufferings from God, and of Reſignation to the Abſolute Supremacy of Heaven under the Darkeſt Diſpenſations. The moſt black and ſorrowful Providence never cauſed him to hang his Harp on the Willows, or ſo put him out of Tune, as to unfit him to Sing a Zions Song of Praiſe: But he could diſcourſe of, nay realize, the Excellency and Glory, the Majeſty, Righteouſneſs and Grace of his Maſters Kingdom, even when Clouds and Darkneſs were about his Throne.

No man had a deeper ſenſe of the Poverty, Impotency and Depravation of Humane Nature by the Apoſtacy; nor any a clearer view of the Fulneſs of that Proviſion made in Chriſt for the Sinners Righteouſneſs and Salvation. The Body of Sin was his conſtant Burden, which he bewailed, groaned under, & expreſſed his longing deſire to be freed from in ſome of his lateſt hours. Meditation, which gives Life and Power to Grace, was his Exerciſe and Delight; and to what good purpoſe he performed this, may be ſeen in many SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS, p. 70penned for his own Uſe, which are left behind him. He undoubtedly lived under the View of the UNSEEN WORLD, which he is now gone to, & is filled with the Glory of.

Theſe Gifts and Graces in Conjunction made him in a great degree Equal to the Station his Lord had fixed him in. And this was the Stage on which they appeared with beauty, and acted their Part with Glory. All that has been ſaid, in deſcribing the Evangelical Paſtor under the Doctrine, belong to his Character: whoſe Picture therein I was deſignedly drawing. And his Wiſdom and Fidelity in their moſt comprehenſive ſenſe, in Feeding and Ruling the Houſe of God, are juſtly Celebrated thro' theſe Churches.

At firſt in his younger Years, his Maſter committed to his Paſtoral Care a Flock in a more obſcure part of this Wilderneſs: But ſo great a Light was ſoon obſerved thro' the whole Land: And his Lord did not deſign to bury him in obſcurity, but to place him in a more Eminent Station, which he was qualifyed for. The Providence that occaſioned his Removal to this Place was an Awful Judgment upon the whole Land; yet was Eventually a Mercy in this reſpect, that it made way for the Tranſlation of this Bright Star to a more Conſpicuous Orb; where his Influence was more Extenſive and Beneficial; and in this it was a great Bleſſing to this Congregation, to this Town, nay, to all New-England.

p. 71With what Prudence and Faithfulneſs, Diligence and Impartiality, he diſcharged the duties of his Paſtoral Office to this Flock, GOD, CHRIST and ANGELS are Witneſſes; and I doubt not but he has received the Teſtimony hereof from many in the World of Perfected Spirits, who have been Bleſſing God for him, as the Inſtrument by whom they have been led to Glory: And I truſt there are many yet Living, and now Standing before God, who are the Seals of his Miniſtry, and will be his CROWN and JOY in the Day of the Lord. In his whole Miniſtry he expreſſed a true love and zeal for Chriſt, and tender compaſſion to Immortal Souls: There was light, heat and life in all his Addreſſes to them, which argued he well underſtood the worth of Souls, and had a juſt ſenſe of their miſerable Apoſtate Circumſtances.

His Diſcourſes were all Elaborate, Acute and Judicious; Smelt of the Lamp, & had nothing Mean in them. His Common Sermons might have been pronounced with Applauſe before an Aſſembly of the Greateſt Divines. The Matter of his Publick Diſcourſes was alwayes weighty; His Subjects well Choſen; ſuited to the State of his Flock, and every way adapted to make them Wiſer and Better. The Articles of Faith he Opened and Confirmed; The Duties of Holineſs he Explained, and Enforced with the moſt powerful Arguments; and with an Addreſs ſuited to melt the Rocky Heart, to bow p. 72the Stubborn Will, to humble the proudeſt Sinner, and charm the deafeſt Adder. The Manner in which he deliver'd his Diſcourſes was agreeable to the Matter. In reſpect of both he Spoke as became the ORACLES of GOD: With Gravity, Courage, Zeal and Prudence, and with tender Bowels to periſhing Souls. His Language was always good; His Stile Maſculine, not Perplexed, but Eaſy as well as Strong. And when the Matter required it, no man could ſpeak with a greater Pathos and Pungency.

He applyed himſelf to Wounded Conſciences with great Skill, Faithfulneſs and Tenderneſs. He ſearcht their Wounds to the bottom, and made Application of Terror or Comfort, as their State called for, and as became a Wiſe, Tender and Faithful Phyſician: And he knew how to be a Son of Thunder to the Secure and Hardened; and a Son of Conſolation to the Contrite and Broken in Spirit.

His Publick Prayers were always Pertinent and Pathetical, animated with the Spirit of Devotion; and in them an Uncommon Compaſs of Thought was obſervable. In the Whole of his Work he was Laborious, careful to redeem time, and was inſtant in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon in his Maſters Service.

His Affection & Tenderneſs to THIS HIS DEAR FLOCK was ſingular. He might have ſaid with the Apoſtle, that he could have imparted with the GOSPEL his own SOUL to them.

p. 73As a Wiſe and Faithful Steward over this Houſe of Chriſt, he gave every man his Portion in due Seaſon. And might at his Departure have called Heaven and Earth to Record, That he had not ſhun'd to declare the Whole Counſel of God, and was Pure from the Blood of all men.

He went before this Flock as a Good Shepherd, Gathering the Lambs with his Arm, carrying them in his Boſome, and Gently driving thoſe that are With Young: And is now gone to the GREAT Shepherd of the SHEEP; whoſe Flock he here Watch't over, Lead, Fed and Defended.

He took his FAREWELL of us at the TABLE of the LORD; and ſhall Enjoy no more ſuch Fellowſhip with him, till we come to Eat Bread and Drink New Wine with Him; in our Fathers Preſence.

AND how deeply ſhould we reſent the hand of God herein Stretch't out againſt us?

GOD Calls this Whole People to lay it to Heart, and to improve this Awful Providence to awaken to Repentance.

His Removal is a Great Judgment upon the whole Land. He was a Great Bleſſing to it by his Faithful Warnings, Counſels, Prayers and Tears, Life and Doctrine. He was a Main Pillar in our Building, which is Weakened by his fall; A Main Stake in our Hedge is pluck't up, which has made a wide Gap, & made the whole p. 74Wall about this Vineyard to totter. He was a Great part of the Chariots and Horſe-men of our Iſrael; A Faithful Watchman, Quick to eſpy danger, and Faithful to Sound an Alarm: And has often Warned this People of Evils Approaching, and againſt their Sins the procuring Cauſe of them. He was alwayes ready to ſtand in the Gap in times of greateſt hazard.

And it ought never to be forgotten, with what Prudence, Courage and Zeal he appeared for the good of this People, In that Dark and Myſterious Seaſon, when we were aſſaulted from the Inviſible World. And how Singularly Inſtrumental he was in diſcovering the Cheats and Deluſions of Satan, which … ſtained our Land with Blood, and did threaten to deluge it with all manner of Woes.

It is a Critical Seaſon he is removed in; as dark a Day as ever paſſed over this Land; and it is well, if it be not a Praeſage of greater darkneſs; I am Sure the Setting of ſo Bright a Star will make it ſo.

We had ſcarce dry'd our Eyes for the loſs of One **The Reverend Mr. Samuel Torrey.SAMUEL, but Providence opens anew the Fountain of our Tears by Afflicting us with the Death of ANOTHER. It is well if the Conjunction of their Funerals be not Portentous of further, and greater Calamities: I am ſure it will be ſo if it be not laid to heart.

p. 75It is a Humbling Rebuke to the Whole Miniſtry. By this Stroke of Heaven a Conſiderable part of their Strength, Wiſdom, and Beauty is Gone; and a Cloud drawn over their Glory. Their Union, which is both their Strength and Glory, in the moſt Critical Seaſons, & Hours of Temptation, is well known in a great Meaſure to be owing to his Wiſdom, and Temper. And God Grant! That we may not too ſoon feel the ſad Effects of this blow from Heaven upon that Order. I cannot but here obſerve, That the Younger Miniſters alwayes repaired to him, and found him their tender Father, their faithful Counſellor, ſure Guide, and Powerful Guardian. Theſe he cheriſh't under his Wings, and was tender of their Perſons and good Names: And often interpoſed to put by thoſe Thruſts that were made to Wound their Reputation; and they have now loſt the Beſt Friend that Many of them ever had a this ſide Heaven.

His Removal is a Frown upon the School of the Prophets, which has been for ſeveral years under his Faithful and Prudent Inſpection. And God has now come to the Sons of the Prophets, and taken their MASTER from their Head. And they have Reaſon to Lament after him as Eliſha did after Elijah; My Father, my Father, the Chariots of our Iſrael and the Horſemen thereof.

p. 76This Judgment has the Blackeſt Aſpect upon this Congregation, who have long Lived under, and rejoyced in this Light. But this Light of our Iſrael is Quenched, or rather has quitted our World of Darkneſs, and is fixed in a Brighter Firmament.

GOD hereby tells us that He is very angry with us; and expects that we ſhould ſee to pacify His Diſpleaſure.

GOD's Voice herein is loud to Sinners that have been Deaf to the Charms of this Wiſe Charmer; whoſe hearts have not been wounded by thoſe Arrows of the Almighty which have been Shot by his Strong and Skilful Hand. And the Language of it is, that they forthwith Encline their Ears unto the Voice of Wiſdom, leſt God withdraw his Spirit, as well as Call Home his Ambaſſador; for then they will be Sealed up unto Ruine, and all the Reproofs and Counſels of his Servant will be heavy Items to Inflame their Reckoning.

GOD calls aloud to Looſe Profeſſors, that they Gird up the Loyns of their Mind.

And expects that the Beſt of us now make a juſt & ſorrowful Reflection upon our Barrenneſs.

In a word, This Solemn Providence ſhould influence all of us to Search and Try our Ways & Turn unto the Lord; leſt He go on to Smite us in His Wrath, and at laſt quite REMOVE OUR CANDLESTICK, AND HIDE THE THINGS OF OUR PEACE FROM OUR EYES.

p. 77USE VI. The Conſideration of the Reward reſerved for ſuch, ſets before us what ſhould Moderate our Sorrows for the Departure of Chriſt's Faithful Servants.

The Loſs of Such is Great; and we ſhall be ſtupid if we do not lay it to heart. The very thought of parting with them, whom we loved as our own Souls, is full of Darkneſs: And their actual Removal cannot but fill a ſenſible Soul with bitterneſs and wormwood.

But we muſt remember, we muſt not Weep for them, but for our ſelves. Our Loſs is their Gain: They have run their Race, finiſhed their Courſe, and have laid hold of Eternal Life: They Dyed in the Lord and are Bleſſed. The thoughts of what State of Happineſs they are gone to, ſhould mix joy with our deepeſt grief. Love to them would not allow us, were it poſſible, to pluck them out of the Arms of their Redeemer, where they are ſolacing themſelves; to call them back to this World of Sin and Darkneſs, which we our ſelves are groaning for a Deliverance from.

Let this therefore aſſwage our griefs for the Death of that Prophet, over whoſe Tomb we have been now dropping our Tears.

He is Enter'd into his Maſters Joy, and is poſſeſt of that immarceſſable Crown of Glory, which with patience and agony of Soul he has been contending for. He is now free from the p. 78ſtains of Sins, and pains of Suffering: He will never more cry out under the Weight of a Body of Death, nor ever-more be aſſaulted by the Grand Adverſary of Souls. His Righteous Soul will be no more grieved with the impure Converſation of the Wicked; nor wounded with his own Infirmities. His Knowledge of God and Chriſt, his Love, Holineſs and Joy are now in their Perfection. The Reward he has received is undoubtedly of Great Diſtinction, in proportion to his Prudence, Zeal, Diligence and Fidelity in his Maſters Service.

And will not this relieve our mournful thoughts? Is it no Conſolation, for us to reflect on that State of Unſtained Purity, Perfection, and full Satisfaction he is advanced to? Is it no Comfort under our Sorrows, to think, with what Congratulations of Triumphant Joy many of his Spiritual Children did welcome his ſafe Arrival to thoſe Bright Realms of Light? And how all Heaven rung with new Anthems of Praiſe on this Occaſion? To think what Honour was done him at his Admiſſion into the Heavenly City by his Lord-Redeemer, Ange… and the whole Aſſembly of the Firſt-born? Is it no Joy to us to take a view of that Ocean of Delight he Swims in? What Bread of Angels he feeds on? How Bright and Maſſy the Crown his Maſter has fixed on his Head? Surely it cannot but pleaſe us to realize, that he that a few days ſince was with us viewing God and p. 79Chriſt in the Dark Glaſs of Ordinances, is now Standing in his Maſters Preſence, and has a Satisfying, & Transforming View of his FACE and GLORY. To conſider with what fullneſs of Deſire & Satisfaction his Purify'd, Strengthen'd and Enlarged Powers behold the Glory of God, and drink down full draughts of thoſe Rivers of Truth, Goodneſs and Delight, that flow from the LIGHT of his COUNTENANCE: With what Tranſports of Soul he flings himſelf, and lays down his Crown before the THRONE of GOD and the LAMB; This cannot but afford us ſome preſent Refreſhment.

Do we not Rejoyce? When we Conſider what Society he … Aſſociated with, who are moſt Knowing and Friendly; What Noble Service he is Employed in: While with Angels & Crowned Saints, he is Shouting forth HALLILUJAHS to the Honour of the LAMB that was Slain, who Redeem'd him, and Waſhed him in his Blood, & has now preſented him without SPOT before the Throne of God.

Theſe thoughts ſhould in ſome meaſure dry up our Tears; at leaſt ſhould turn our Grief into the Chanel of Godly Sorrow.

What Remains but that we follow this Servant of God, as he followed Chriſt: That we p. 80Imitate his Love, his Faith, Holineſs and Patience in Well-doing. We have the Same Maſter to Serve▪ the Same Spirit to aſſiſt us, and the Same Glory to Entertain us, if we are faithful to the Death.

Thus let us prepare to follow: And this will give us a Comfortable Proſpect, that when the time of our Diſſolution ſhall come, we ſhall Goe to HIM, nay to CHRIST, which is infinitely better; And ſhall have our part in the WORK, and REWARDS of our Father's Kingdom.

Let us now therefore Comfort our ſelves and one another with THESE THINGS.

AMEN.

A POEM ON ELIJAHS Tranſlation, Occaſion'd by the DEATH of the Reverend and Learned M^r. SAMUEL WILLARD, Late Paſtor to a Church of CHRIST in Boſton, and Vice-Preſident of Harvard Colledge in Cambridge.

By Mr. COLMAN, V. D. M.

Coelo Muſa beat.

Hor. Carm. Lib. 4. Od. 8.

—Nec meus audet

Rem tentare pudor, quam Vires ferre recuſent.

Hor. Ep. 1. Lib. 2.

BOSTON: Printed for Benjamin Eliot, 1707.