A funeral sermon for that very reverend, and most laborious servant of Christ, in the work of the ministry, Mr. Matthew Mead who deceased Oct. 16, 1699 / by John Howe ... Howe, John, 1630-1705. 1699 Approx. 77 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 38 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A44677 Wing H3025 ESTC R3677 11790825 ocm 11790825 49196 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A44677) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 49196) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 535:13) A funeral sermon for that very reverend, and most laborious servant of Christ, in the work of the ministry, Mr. Matthew Mead who deceased Oct. 16, 1699 / by John Howe ... Howe, John, 1630-1705. [10], 63 p. Printed for T. Parkhurst ..., London : 1699. Title within black bar border. Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Mead, Matthew, 1630?-1699. Bible. -- N.T. -- Timothy, 1st, IV, 16 -- Sermons. Funeral sermons. 2004-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-01 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2005-01 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Funeral Sermon FOR That very Reverend , AND Most laborious Servant of Christ , In the Work of the MINISTRY , Mr. MATTHEW MEAD . Who Deceased Oct. 16. 1699. By JOHN HOWE , Minister of the Gospel , and some time Fellow of Magd Coll. Oxon. LONDON , Printed for T. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside , 1699. TO The Right Honourable , John , and Frances , The Lord , and Lady HAVERSHAM . May it please Your Honours , THE Request of the Mournfull Widow , and other Relatives , of the worthy Person , deceased ; concurring with my own Inclination , left , with me , no room to deliberate , concerning this Inscription . I easily apprehend , how quick , and deep , a sense You both have , of the loss of such another valuable person , from off this Earth ; having so lately born Your part , in lamenting the Decease of one You much valued also . Upon which account , I put into Your Hands , a Discourse on those words , John 11. 16. Let us go , that we may die with him . Such Persons leave this World so fast , that it grows a more difficult choice , with whom to live , than with whom to die . When , on that sad occasion , I did set my self to consider , that passage of Holy Scripture , I had seen some Expositors , that made it a doubt , whether that were meant of Lazarus , or of our Lord himself . Some , of good note , thought the latter . For which , was plausibly to be alledg'd , what we find , vers . 8. and that , in this verse 16. the words were spoken , not to Christ , but to the Fellow-Disciples That Doubt was not to have been mov'd in an Assembly , where was neither time , nor a sit season to discuss it . And tho' I might more conveniently , I shall not say much to it , now . Only I iudge , that , without necessity , the present coherence was not to be torn . When , by the series of Discourse , the same [ him ] seems plainly to be referr'd to , in the close of the 15. verse , and of this 16. — Lazarus is dead , v. 14. — nevertheless , let us go to HIM , vers . 15. — Let us also go , that we may die with HIM . It was little needfull to say to Christ , Let us go , whose Mind appeared set upon going , already , but to the Disciples , who drew ba●k . Besides that Reverence might restrain from saying this to our Lord , when what was to be propos'd was matter of Hortation , not of Enquiry . Tho' sometimes they feared even to ask him a Question , also ; as Luk. 9. 45. And they might the rather , be now , under a present awe , from the rebuke , or expostulatory answer , he had given them , for their objecting against going into Judea . Especially , so as not to signifie a remaining fear , which he had so newly check'd Therefore Thomas's speech , directed to his Fellow-Disciples , but not out of Christ's hearing ( for we have no reason to suppose , that he separated them from him , that he might say this to them apart ) is so ordered , as not to import fear of death , but Love to the Deceas'd . If any should object , that Thomas could not mean dying WITH Lazarus , when he was told , he was already dead . That scarce deserves answer , to any one that understands the latitude of the Particle render'd WITH , especially , that it frequently signifies after , and not always with . And very often notes nothing of time at all . And therefore may here , mean no more , than let us go that we may die too , or , die , as well as he . All this I say , not that I have heard any Person , in our days , object against , or plead for , this or that sense of these words : But knowing they have been differently understood ; and this being the first opportunity I had to take publick notice of the difference , I am not ill pleased , that I have now , this occasion of representing it , to so competent Judges , partly to prevent Objection , or at least , to shew with what temper of mind , any such different apprehensions , in matters of no greater moment , ought to be look'd upon . Nor shall I here vye Authorities of Commentators , that have gone this way , or that in this matter . Therefore I name none : Only some , of as great name as any , have judg'd this the more probable Opinion , which I have follow'd . Many Instances might be given , wherein , when matters , extra-essential to the Summ of our Religion , are deliver'd , one Sense must be pitch'd upon , tho' another , very divers , ( of which there cannot be two ) is not to be demonstrated impossible . In which case , I much prefer a tacit following that which one chooses , before a conceited Confidence , and crying down of the other . For confident Clamour neither admits light , nor tends to enlighten any body . In the present case , it makes no difference , to any disadvantage . For if we desire to be united in death , or in that state , to which it introduces , with this or that H. Man : To be with our Blessed Lord , in that state , must be much more desirable . But the departure of the excellent Ones of the Earth , from it , leaves us less , here , of present attractive , and gives us a very threatning prospect , and presage of what we are to expect , for the future . Your Lordship's great respect to this Servant of Christ , was even hereditary , and descended to him , by You , from Tour Family ; as I have often heard him acknowledge , with great Sense of Obligation . And ( Madam ) Your Ladyship 's great value of him , tho' it might take its first rise from so near , and judicious a Relative , could not but receive a great increase , from his known worth , and Your own discerning Judgment . I pray , ( not doubting it ) that with whatsoever kindness , You have received any Prophet , or other Servant of Christ , in that Name , You may have a proportionable Reward ; and am , my most Honoured Lord , and Lady ; Your most obliged , humble Servant , in the Work of the Gospel , John Howe . A Funeral Sermon On the Reverend Mr. MEAD . 1 TIM . IV. 16. — Thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee . THese words I principally design to insist upon at this time , and on this sad , and mournful occasion ; but not without Retrospection , to the foregoing Verse , and the former part of this ; which run thus , verse 15. Meditate upon these things , give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all . V. 16. Take heed to thy self , and thy doctrine ; continue in them , for in doing this , thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee . This whole foregoing Context contains Precepts , which reduc'd to practice , afford an eminent Example and Patern of a true Gospel-Preacher : Or as the words are , v. 6. Of a good Minister of Jesus Christ , nouristed up in the words of Faith , and of good Doctrine . As these last words shew the blessed end and issue of such a one's Ministry , i. e. that he shall save himself ; which must be look'd upon as certain . And them that hear him ; i. e. as much as in him lies , he shall herein do his part , and what is incumbent upon him , to the saving of his Hearers . These latter words hold forth the double end which a Minister of Christ is to pursue , the saving his own , and his Peoples Souls . The foregoing words , considered in reference to these , contain the proper means lie is to use in order to this two-fold end . i. e. He is to meditate much on the great things of the Gospel . He is to be wholly in them , as the words literally import , which we read , he is to give himself wholly to them . He is to be continually increasing in the knowledge of God , and that so as not to know only to himself , but so as to make known what he knows . He is especially ( tho' that be the common duty of Christians ) to turn all to the use of Edifying , Eph. 4. 29. that his profiting may appear to all . For tho' Timothy was at this time a young man , yet the most grown , did always need to be still growing : None have here , attain'd their Ne plus ultra , but may still write for their Motto , Plus ultra , all their days ; even Paul the Aged , as he writes himself to Philemon , tells the Philippians ( both those Epistles being dated from Rome , and supposed to be written about the same time , when he was first there ) that he had not yet attain'd , in point of the transforming knowledge of Christ , chap. 3. 10 , 11. And unto what pitch soever he grew , it was still in order to communication . He writes to the Corrinthians , that he determined to know nothing among them ; which is so to know , as to make known , nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucify'd . And to the Ephesians , that he would have them understand , his knowledge in the Mystery of Christ ; no doubt that their Salvation might be promoted thereby . And hereupon , in great part , depends a Minister's own Salvation ; as hereafter will further appear . But besides , he is to take heed to himself , and see to the good state of his own Soul ; he is to take heed to his Doctrine , not to corrupt , or handle deceitfully the word of God , but represent it sincerely , and as the truth is in Jesus . He is to continue in them , i. e. in the things he before exhorts him to meditate on , and be wholly in them ; to continue in the Faith , of what was to be believed ; and the Practice , of what was to be done ; and in pressing and insisting on both . And all for the mentioned Ends , that he might both save himself , and those that hear him . And it is this two-fold End of a Minister's Care , and Labour , that will take us up at this time . This is that therefore , which as God shall help , I am to evince and apply , viz. Doct. That a Minister of Christ is to make it his business , both to save himself , and his hearers . I am , as the Text directs , to speak of these two Ends conjunctly : And here I stall not spend time , or use a a liberty , beyond what is obvious , and useful ; in enquiring into the Counsel of God , why he makes use of such in order to the saving of others , as need to be saved themselves , also . But shall principally insist , that since it appears to be God's pleasure to make use of such , they should , therefore , most earnestly concern themselves , and be very intent upon carrying on this design ; viz. of their own , conjunctly with that of their Hearers Salvation . Yet as to the former of these , 1. Somewhat it may be requisit to say , concerning this Course and Method , which we find the Wisdom and Good-pleasure of God have pitch'd upon , for the carrying on a saving Design in this World ; to make use of such for the saving of others , as do need to endeavour the saving of themselves . And here I shall briefly shew ; 1. How it is to be understood . 2. How the fitness of this Course may be evinced . As to the former we shall briefly note ; That we must be cautious to understand aright , how , and in what sense any one can be said , to save himself , or another . Therefore , 1. It must be understood so , as to keep at a remote and awful distance from intrenching upon a Divine Prerogative . It being most expresly said , Isa. 43. 11. I , even I , am the Lord , and besides me there is no Saviour : and Chap. 45. 21 , 22. There is no God beside me , a just God , and a Saviour , there is none beside me . Look to me , and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth : for I am God , and there is none else . Which plainly signifies , that in the highest sense , to save , is most appropriate to Deity , especially , with an everlasting Salvation , as 't is express'd , v. 17. of this Chap. 45. Israel shall be saved , in or by the Lord , with an everlasting Salvation . And that to be so a Saviour , is equally incommunicable , as to be God. How gloriously doth he triumph in this excellent peculiarity of the Godhead , in his Expostulations with Job , Chap. 40. 9. Hast thou an arm like God! q. d. Come let us compare ; stretch out that weak withered ulcerous Arm of thine . Deck thy self now with Majesty and Excellency , array thy self with Glory and Beauty ; try if thou canst make thy self shine in God-like splendor : Cast abroad the Rage of thy Wrath : behold every one that is proud and abase him . Try thy power upon thy fellow mortals . See if thou canst crush all the haughty ones of this World , bring them down , and bind their Faces in the Dust of the Grave . And ( to recall thee to the greater things mention'd before ) try if thou canst form me such another Earth as this , establish its Foundations , lay its corner Stone . If thou canst countermand the Motions , bind up the Influences of the Stars in the Heavens . Then will I confess unto thee , that thy own right-hand can save thee , vers . 14. It is , it seems , as much above created Power to be a Saviour , as to be the Creator or Ruler of the World. And how should we dread to think of usurping the Title and Office of the great Emanuel , the Saviour , who is therefore call'd JESUS , because he was to save his People from their sins , Matth 1. 21. 2. Yet there is a true sense wherein the saving Act and Power , are otherwise , and very variously ascrib'd . Sometimes to Faith , Luk. 7. 50. Thy Faith hath saved thee ; sometimes to Hope , We are saved by Hope , Rom. 8. 24. sometimes to Baptism , 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptism doth also now save us , not the putting away the filth of the flesh , &c. sometimes to Husbands and Wives in reference to one another , 1 Cor , 7. 16. So is the Gospel call'd the Gospel of our Salvation , Eph. 1. 13. And to you is the word of this Salvation sent , Act. 13. 26. So are we exhorted to save our selves , Act. 2. 40. and others , Jud. 23. Others save with fear . Thus in lower matters , is the act , of Writing , for instance , ascribed to the Pen , to the Hand that uses it , and to the Writer himself , that moves both ; and we have no difficulty to understand those different forms of Speech : Nor is there a greater difficulty in the present case ; so to ascribe to the Creature , the low subordinate Agency , which in distinct capacities may belong to it , as in the mean time to reserve to God and Christ the supream Agency , which is most peculiar and appropriate to Divine Power and Grace , 1 Pet. 1. 5. Eph. 2. 8. 2. We now come next to shew , That it was very manifestly agreeable to the most accurate Wisdom of God , to imploy such in the design and work of saving others , as were themselves concern'd , and needed to be saved too , that were to be upon the same bottom themselves with the rest ; and to venture their own Souls , and their everlasting concernments the same way , and into the same Hands . And this we shall labour to clear and make evident by degrees . 1. It was fit , since Creatures were to be employ'd in this work , to make use of Intelligent Creatures , such as could understand their own errand , and act with design in pursuance of it . 2. Mankind was universally lost , so as all do need being saved themselves . 3. Therefore no intelligent creatures else , could be employed herein , but the unfall'n Angels . 4. We may adventure to say after God , and when he hath so determined the matter himself , though it was not fit for us to have said it before him , as if we would direct the Spirit of the Lord , or as his Counsellours would instruct him , Isa. 40. Rom. 11. that it was more suitable to make use to this purpose of sinfull Men , than of sinless Angels . Let us sever and lay aside herein , what may at first sight , seem specious , but is really not considerable in this matter , as that men , in the same miserable circumstances with those whom they are to perswade , that they may save them , will be so much the more earnest , and importunate , use so much the more pressing arguments , as having been upon the brink of hell , and the borders of destruction , for we suppose such as are most likely to promote the salvation of others , to have been made sensible of their own undone lost state , and to be in a way of recovery themselves . But hereupon it may also be supposed , they will therefore so much the more pathetically plead with sinners . Their knowledge of the terrors of the Lord will urge them to perswade men , 2 Cor. 5. 11. and make them eloquent at it . But what ? more than Angels ? When the Apostle , 1 Cor. 13. supposes one speaking with the tongue of Men and Angels , doth he not intend a gradation , and signify the latter far to excel ? And are we to suppose that the benignity of their own natures , their kindness to man , and their perfect conformity , and obediential compliance and subjection to the will of their sovereign Lord , would not have oblig'd them to do their uttermost , if he had sent them upon such errands ? we cannot doubt it . But , 1. It is apparent that what the Blessed God doth in pursuance of this saving design , he doth to the praise of the glory of his grace , and that it might appear the more conspicuous , in the whole conduct of this affair . 2. That it is not within the compass of any created , no not of angelical power , to change the hearts of men , and turn them to God. If Angels were the constant Preachers in all our Assemblies , they could not with all their heavenly eloquence convert one sinner , if the immediate Divine Power did not exert it self . The People are willing in the day of his Power , who was God-man , as Psal. 110. 3. The Jews at Mount Sinai received the Law by the Dispensation of Angels , yet kept it not , Act. 7. 53. 3. Yet if God should put forth his own power , by such a Ministration : If Angels should appear in glorious aray among us , and speak to men with greater advantage , and more perswasive eloquence , than we can conceive ; and marvellous effects , by divine concurrence , should ensue ; Those great effects , among a sort of creatures led by sense , and who judge by the sight of the eye , would all be ascribed to the visibly glorious Instrument , not to the supreme Agent , who is invisible and out of sight ; even as in effects of another kind , the invisible Power and Godhead , that do all , are little regarded by stupid man , whose dull eye stays , and rests in the visible outside , and fixes his mind there too . 4. Therefore the rich treasures of the Gospel are put into earthen vessels , that the excellency of the power might be , i. e. might appear to be of God , and not of the inferiour Instrument , 2 Cor. 4. 7. 5. In this way of dispensation , wherein God speaks to men liable to the same passions with themselves , he accommodates himself to their frail state , who cannot bear glorious appearances ; and to their own option and desires , who say to Moses , Exod. 20. 19. Speak thou to us and we will hear , but let not God speak to us lest we die . When they had heard the sound of the trumpet , and the voice of words accompanied with thunders and lightenings , they entreated that they might hear no more , Heb. 12. 19. The celestial glory , while our mold and frame is dust , doth more astonish , than instruct . Those soft and pleasant words , This is my beloved Son — hear him , spoken by a voice from the excellent glory in the Transfiguration , made the Disciples that heard them sore afraid , and fall on their faces , Matt. 17. How would it unhinge the world , and discompose the whole state of civil affairs if all conversions were to be as Saul's was , when he became Paul , with such concomitant effects , not only on himself , but all others present , especially being wrought ( as most Conversions may be ) in numerous Assemblies , the Convert struck blind for some days , and all that were in the place , speechless ! Perhaps we have one such instance to let us see how inconvenient it were , such instances should be common ; or that this should be God's ordinary way of converting , and saving sinners . 6. The holding of men in this world under the ministery of Men , not of Angels , in reference to the affairs of their Salvation , is certainly more sutable to the condition of Probationers ; for eternity , and another world ; and more aptly subservient to the business of the Judgment-day , when all the talents men were entrusted with , their natural endowments , and faculties , as well as additional advantages , are to be accounted for . We shall hereafter understand better , but may , in good measure , conjecture now , why there is so fix'd a gulf by the Wisdom and Counsel of God , between the two Worlds , the visible , and the invisible , and so little commerce between them . And whereas in the Old Testament , the apparition of Angels was more frequent , that passage , the world to come , being said , not to be put in subjection to Angels , seems to signify the time after the Messiah's appearing should be more entirely left to the conduct of a Gospel-ministery , as the connection , Heb. 2. vers . 4 , 5. intimates . 7. And tho' the compassions of men , who have been in danger to perish themselves , cannot be supposed more powerfully to influence them , unto an earnest endeavour of saving them that are in the like danger , than the kindness and benignity of Angels would do , if they were so employ'd ; yet their concern to save others , who are also to be saved themselves the same way , is likely , more easily , more generally , more sensibly , to be apprehended by those others , to whom they are to apply themselves , upon this account . They have kinder thoughts of one another , than they are like to have of a superiour order of creatures . Their own flesh and bloud , is nearer akin to them . Yea they are more apt to love one another ( and consequently to apprehend one anothers love ) than the Blessed God himself . Which is more than intimated in that of that II. Apostle , 1 Joh. 4. 20. He that loveth not his Brother , whom he hath seen , how shall he love God , whom he hath not seen ? Things affect us , not meerly as they are , but as they are understood . Ministers cannot be kinder to mens Souls , than the Blessed Angels , among whom there is a joy for the conversion of a sinner , much more pure , exalted , and sublime , than an humane breast is capable of , and in proportion , more servent desire of such conversions : But their propensions towards us , tho' they should be expressed by Counsels and Precepts that tend to our good , would be less apprehended by most men ; they carrying a severity with them , which makes them need such insinuative recommendations , as slide more easily into their minds , from creatures of their own Order . 8. Our Lord himself was so concern'd for the saving of Souls , as who could be besides ? But tho' before the Floud he is said to have preached to the Old world , 't was , by his Spirit , in the Ministery of Noah , a Man like themselves , to whom he preach't . But when he thought sit to preach immediately himself , he put on flesh ; and dwelt , or did tabernacle , among men as one of them , Joh. 1. 14. So Moses foretold . A Prophet like to me shall God raise up , him shall you hear . So his terrour was not to make us afraid . And tho' his compassionateness towards us is argued from his being tempted , and compas't with infirmities , as we are , that cannot be understood , as if hereby he became more gracious and mercifull towards us in himself ; but his being so , was the more apprehensible to us . 9. The steadiness of the Course God hath taken in this matter , shews , what his Judgment was of the fitness of it ; who doth all things according to the counsel of his will , Eph. 1. 11. 'T is observable , that when our Lord was now about to ascend , he fixes a Ministery that he promises his Presence unto , always , or every day , unto the end of the world , Matt. 28. 19 , 20. Ascending on high he gave ( among other ) these gifts to men , ( even to the rebellious , Psal. 68. ) Apostles , Prophets , Evangelists , Pastors , Teachers , Eph. 4. 8 , — 11. And that he might put an honour upon this Ministery , when he designed the Gospel to be preached to Cornelius , and his Relatives ; tho' he prepares Peter , by a Vision , and sends an Angel to Cornelius , 't was not to preach to him , but to direct him to send for Peter , to preach to him and his ; who tells him , when he fell at his feet , I also am a man , Act. 10. We are humane Preachers , tho' from a divine Master and Lord ; and of a divine Word . 2. But now the Mind , and Counsel of God being sufficiently evident in this matter , both in the fact , and in the fitness of it , to make use of such , for promoting the common salvation , as do need themselves to partake therein ; we come now to shew , That the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ , ought to be very intent upon the business of their own salvation , conjunctly , with that of them that hear them ; and of theirs with their own . There is a double obligation meeting upon a Minister of the Gospel ; that of the Law of Nature , and of the Law of his Office ; he is to comply with both . Nature obliges him to intend his own Salvation ; his Office , theirs that hear him . The same Authority lays him under the one obligation , and the other . For he that is the Author of Nature , is the Author of his Office too . 1. He ought so to mind the concern of his Peoples Salvation , as not to neglect his own . This is so evident in it self , that it would be supersluous to speak to it , were it not that we , as well as they to whom we preach , do need to be put in remembrance of very important things , tho' we know them , 2 Pet. 1. 12. To know , and to consider , we not only may distinguish , but do , too often , separate . And there are divers things to be considered to this purpose . 1. That the Royal Law , as 't is call'd , Jam. 2. 8. which requires us to love our Neighbour as ones self , makes love to our selves ; i. e. not meerly which we bear , but which we owe to our selves , the measure of that which we ought to have for our Neighbour . And that which ought to be the measure in any kind , should be the most perfect in that kind ; and must oblige us to love first , our most noble self , our own Souls . 2. 'T is gross hypocrisy to seem earnestly intent upon saving other men , and to be neglectfull of ones own Salvation . 'T is sin only which endangers both ; meant by the mote and the beam , Matt. 7. 3 , 4 , 5. And our Saviour , we see there , stigmatizes such a one , with the brand of an hypocrite , that is officious to take out the mote from his brother's eye , but never concerns himself to cast out the beam from his own eye . 3. 'T is a scandalous and an ignominious absurdity , as the Apostle's sharp expostulations imply , Rom. 2. 19 , 20 , 21 , 22. to take upon ones self to be a guide to the blind , a light to them that are in darkness , to take up with having a form of knowledge , and of the truth in the Law ; and to teach others , and not to teach ones self ! Preachest thou ( as he adds ) A man should not steal ? and dost thou steal ? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery , dost thou commit adultery ? Thou that abhorrest idols , dost thou commit sacrilege ? Thou that maketh thy boast of the Law , by breaking the Law dishonourest thou God ? This is that which makes the name of God be blasphem'd among the Gentiles ; as he tells us 't is written , referring to some Texts in the Old Testament , Ezek. 16. 47 , — 52. Ch. 36. 22. 'T is a blackening thing when it can be said , I was keeper of the vineyards , but my own vineyard have I not kept , Cant. 1. 6. Our Lord speaks of it as a reproachfull Proverb , which he , knowing the hearts of men , observed some were apt to misapply to him , Luke 4. ( noted to have been in use among the Greeks , and which , with that Empire , had reach't Judaea ) Physician , heal thy self . It would be very opprobrious to us , who are in the Ministry , if it could be truly said to us , we seem concern'd at the diseasedness that appears in our flocks , but overlook the diseases , and distempers of our own Souls . That was meant for a bitter reproach to our Lord , dying upon the Cross ; He saved others , himself he cannot save . To us , if it might be truly said , it must be a just reproach , as well as bitter ; our saving our selves being our duty enjoyn'd us , and tending to the saving of others ; whereas our Lords saving himself , in the sense intended by those Scoffers , was against the Law he was , then under ; and against his own design ; tending to overthrow it , and leave them to perish , whom he was dying to save . 4. The observable neglect of the design to save our own Souls , would defeat and destroy the other design of saving theirs that hear us . For who can think us serious in our preaching , or that we believe our selves , in what we say ; if we manifestly decline , our selves , that way of salvation , which we propose to others ? we tempt men to Infidelity , if we live like Infidels . It was a cutting Repartee , made by an Atheistical person , to one , that leading an ill life , yet profest to wonder , that the other , the Arguments for a Deity being so plain and cogent , did not own there was a God ; The other reply'd he much more wonder'd , that he who did own him , should yet live as he did ! This tends to overthrow all our preaching . Tho' our Saviour directs , to do as they said , who sate in Moses ' s chair , not as they did ; because they said and did not : Yet he did not thereby justify those self-repugnant Teachers ; for his reflection upon them is sufficiently severe . And we are to consider in the case , not meerly what man's duty is , but what their dispositions are . Not what they ought , but what they are apt , to do . If they think we do but act a part , when we speak never so movingly to them , they will be little mov'd by all that we can say . They will be more apt to conclude , that we who have studied , and searched into the matters of Religion , more than they have done ; have found some flaw at the bottom , and perceive the very Foundations of it to be infirm ; and therefore practice not according to the Doctrines , and Rules of it . But that for our gain , because it was the Calling we were bred to , and we know not how else to live , we are content , and some way constrain'd , to keep up the forms , we found in use ; and maintain them , that they may maintain us . 5. Yet when it shall be found , as upon strict enquiry it cannot but be , that the Foundations of Religion , are more firm than those of Heaven and Earth , how dismal will it be to have preach't to others , and our selves to be cast-aways ? 1 Cor. 9. 27. For as , by loose , licentious walking , we hazard other mens Souls , which we should endeavour to save ; so we , more certainly , lose our own . God may save them , some other way , and by other , more apt Instruments ; but we have little reason to expect that we shall save our own ; either while we design it not , ( as if we were to be saved by chance ) or , much less , if we counteract any such design . Which we may , most destructively , by that single Instance , which the Apostle , in that last mentioned place , refers to ; an indulg'd intemperance ; or not keeping our bodies in subjection ; in servitude , or in a serviceable temper , as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imports ; to subdue them into the state of Servants ; wherein , rather than fail , one would use the severity which this other word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there signifies . It is plain that if we live after the flesh we must die , Rom. 8. 13. There is one Law for Ministers and People . And it is only by the spirit , we are so to mortify the deeds of the flesh , that we may live . How dismal when a Minister's own breath poisons him ! When the very Gospel which he preaches is a deadly odour to himself ! how horrid when a Shepherd is the Leader of the Epicurean Herd ! 6. But if by neglecting visibly the Gospel-way of saving himself , he not only hazard , but actually destroy other mens Souls , together with his own , he then perishes , under a much heavier load of guilt , than another man can , that was not under his obligations . As his obligation was double , so is his guilt . When sinfull , vicious inclination , hath depraved his mind , put out the eye of his practical understanding , so that the blind leads the blind , both fall into the ditch ; but he falls much the deeper , having the others destruction charg'd upon him , together with his own . Such Teachers as bind heavy burdens for others , which they will not touch fall under an aggravated woe . And the case is the same , with them that prepare , and set before their Hearers , the most nutritive and delectable fare , which they will not tast . And for that Reason , perhaps , the People will not feed on them , because the Preachers themselves too evidently , appear , to have no tast or relish of them . 2. The Ministers of Christ ought to conjoyn the serious design , and earnest endeavour , of saving them that hear them , with the design , and endeavour of saving themselves . They are not to be so bound up within themselves , as only to mind their own things , tho' of this most noble kind . 1. The Law of Nature obliges them to it . Which extends its obligation , as far as humane nature extends . And must therefore include them with the rest of Mankind , under the same common notion : viz. them , who are Ministers , not as they are such ; for nature hath not made them Ministers ; but as they are Men. Whom the Royal Law , mention'd before , requires to love their neighbour as themselves : and therefore to seek anothers felicity ; not before , but as their own . We are taught to count it an unnatural barbarity , when we see any prest and pincht by bodily wants , and miseries , to hide our selves from our own flesh , Isa. 58. 7. How much more , if we see immortal Souls in danger to be lost and perish , that are of the same make , and capacity , with our own ! 2. The Law of Christ as such , obliges Christians to the same thing . Which is not , in this instance , therefore , a divers Law , but hath a different stamp , and impress , as being the Law of the Kingdom of God in Christ. We are to bear one anothers burdens , so fulfilling the Law of Christ , Gal. 6. 2. What so weighty a burden can there be upon any man as this , the importance of his eternal salvation ? And which is plainly here referr'd to , when we are required to endeavour the restoring of such as have been overtaken , and lapsed into sin ; by which the precious Soul is hurt , and endangered , should they be left to sink under such a burden . Christians are elsewhere , required to have compassion on such as they see in such danger , to save them with fear , and pull them as firebrands out of the fire , Jud. 23. These are obligations common to Ministers with others . But , 3. The Law of their own Office , lays upon them an obligation , peculiar , as such , to themselves . What serves their Office for , but this ; as the principal end and design of it ? What is it meant for ? but to gather in Souls to Christ ; and confirm them in him , because there is salvation in no other , nor is there any other name given among men by which any can be saved , Act. 4. They are the Messengers of the glad tidings of peace . Their business is so well known , even in hell it self , that a Spirit from thence speaks it out , These are the Servants of the most high God , which shew unto us the way of Salvation : i. e. to humane creatures , of whom the possessed person was one , Acts 16. 17. 4. They are obliged by the example of their Blessed Master . Our Lord Jesus himself , the Primary Saviour by Office ; whom they are both to imitate , and to serve in this mercifull design . Christians are so far to imitate them as they do Christ , 1 Cor. 11. 1. which implies their obligation to imitate him , as the word there used , signifies . The great Salvation , which none that neglect , can escape vengeance , began to be spoken by the Lord himself , then by them that heard him , and so on ; by others that succeed in the same Office. This is following Christ in the way of imitation , as in the mentioned place . And we are required to have the same mind in us , which was in Christ , Phil. 2. 5. and are told wherein , v. 6 , 7 , 8. which read over at leisure , and consider what was that deep humiliation and suffering for ? but the salvation of Souls . And consider that this is said , as to the Saints at Philippi , so particularly to the Bishops and Deacons there ; which shews their common and their special obligation both together . And now can we behold with what compassions , and in what agonies , even unto blood , our blessed Lord pursued this design , and not feel a constraint in our spirits , in our lower sphere , and capacity , to serve it also to our uttermost ! 5. They are obliged by the peculiar advantages they have for this work , and those they expect by it . 1. They have special advantages , for it , from their very Calling , being separated to the Gospel ; taken off from other business , to give themselves ( as in this Context ) wholly to this . They are supposed therefore , to know more of the concernments of Souls ; of the terrors of the Lord , 2 Cor. 5. 11. whence , therefore , they are to perswade men ; of the nature of Sin , and how it entang'es mens Spirits ; of the wiles of Satan , and how he waits for advantages to destroy them ; of the foundations of Religion , and by what Arts they are endeavour'd to be subverted , or shaken : and by what means and methods , they are to be demonstrated , and establisht . Of the Mysteries of the Gospel of Christ , and how they are to be unfolded ; to have more special assistances from Heaven , in their work , according as they faithfully mind it : Christ's promised presence , therein , even to the end These are Talents , with others , tending to the obtaining of these , which they are to be accountable for . And hereby they are strongly oblig'd , with their own , to intend earnestly the Salvation of other mens Souls . 2. They expect great advantages by it . That , since nothing is more gratefull to our Lord Christ , than the progress of this saving work , he will bountifully reward them that faithfully serve him in it . That if they be stedfast and immovable , abounding in this work of the Lord ( as he hath not a greater , now in doing , in this world ) their labour , in him , shall not be in vain . They shall hear from him , well done good and faithful servant , enter into the joy of thy Lord. If they turn many to Righteousness ( or endeavour it with sincere minds ) they shall shine as Stars in the Firmament . And in the mean time , the honour , and the pleasure , of serving that mighty Redeemer , and lover of Souls , in so glorious a design , have in them a very excellent reward ; and which cannot but be esteem'd such , by a right mind . 6. They are oblig'd by the exigency of their own case . They cannot , as that is stated , neglect the design of saving other mens Souls , without forfeiting their own . If they warn them not , over whom , as Watchmen they are set , they perish , but their bloud will be requir'd at their hands . it is a mighty trust they stand charg'd with , which if they discharge not , they are liable to Accusation , and Condemnation , as false , and faithless Servants ; perfidious to the Souls of men ; traiterous to the King of Kings — whose Interest they will have betray'd , being his Agents , and Ministers , in his Kingdom of Grace ; about the prosperous state of which Kingdom , with the successful progress of the Affairs of it , he is most deeply concern'd . And now from this conjunct consideration of these two great ends , which a Minister of Christ is to propound to himself . I might proceed to consider them severally , and a part ; but this the case doth not require , it being easie to sever what hath been said to the one and the other ; nor do our limits allow it . We , therefore , go on to the ( more necessary ) Use of the whole . To this purpose , we collect , 1. That this World is universally in a very miserable state . For it is the business of Christ's Ministers , to endeavour , both , The Salvation of them that hear them , and their own . 1. The Salvation of them that hear them . This is very indefinite . Let who will be the hearers , they are supposed to be such as need to be saved . The Object of their Ministry is all Nations , and every Creature , viz. that is , or shall be , capable of being taught the way of Salvation . Therefore all Nations are delug'd by the destructive evils , from which they are to be saved . And the world is every where inhabited by miserable Creatures . We are told , that sin and death have pass'd upon all men , Rom. ● . 12. And all the ends of the Earth are invited to look unto God in Christ ( as the application of this Context , Phil. 2. shews ) that they may be saved , Isa. 15. 22. whereas , 〈…〉 we , the Ministers of the Gospel of Salvation , wheresoever they can obtain to be heard , are to endeavour the Salvation of their Hearers , it shews , they can speak to none , who stand not in need of saving Mercy . 2. And that they are also to save themselves as well as them that hear them , more fully shews the absolute universality of the ruin that hath befal'en this World ; that there are , among men , none to be found , that may be employ'd in saving others , but who are of the lost , themselves , and , so far , drown'd in the c●mm●n deluge of perdition , and destruction , as to need his help , as well as the rest , who came to seek and save them who are lost ; and to stretch out to him craving hands , with , that crying voice , Lord , save us , we perish . 2. The common stupidity of this wretched World , is , hereupon , most observable , and amazing ▪ that so few such cries are sent up to Heaven ! Men are involv'd in a common Ruine ; overtures are made to them of a common Salvation ; but they are in reference hereto , destitute of common sense , i. e of such sense as is common , in less important cases . Their misery lies in their having lost God ; but little do they apprehend this loss . Amidst their other miseries , they cry out , when some that are mightier oppress others , but none says , Where is God my Maker , Job 35. 9 , 10. The Lord looks down from Heaven , upon the children of men , to see if any will understand , and seek after God : but they are every one gone back ; or are in an averse posture , none doth this good , no , not one , Psal. 14. and 53. None , till he give an effectual touch to their drowsie Spirits ; and say , inwardly , and vitally , to their Hearts , seek ye my face , so as to make their Hearts answer , Thy face , Lord , will we seek . Preventing Grace doth this , Psal. 27. 8. otherwise they feel no need of God , they miss him not , are content to be without him in the world ; yea , say to him , depart from us . Distance from him is chosen , and desired . From him , whose off-spring we are , who is the Father of Spirits , their Parent , their Life , their Blessedness ; of whom they are , and to whom , if they tend not , they cannot but be miserable . It is the Salvation of the Soul that is the end of Faith , 1 Pet. 1. 9. that Faith by which we are to come to God , believing that he is , and will be , the rewarder of them that diligently seek him ; being redeemed to God , by the bloud of his Son , Rev. 5. 9. And who suffered once , the just for the unjust , to bring us to God , 1 Pet. 3. 18. and who upon his suffering , intercedes , for the same purpose ; and is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him , because he ever lives to make intercession for them . But this Salvation of the Soul , this coming to God , or redemption by Christ , and his intercession thereupon , who looks after ? neither the end , the Salvation of their Souls , coming back to God ; nor his Method for attaining this end , are regarded , or so much as thought on . To have this Flesh saved from any thing that is grievous to it , every one covets , and endeavours , in vain . It must , however , rot in the Dust , and be , in the mean time , a prey to Worms . It s own Father , Mother , and Sister , will devour it , Job 17. 14. The Father of their Spirits would save , and satisfy them , but him they shun , and will not know . Who that observes how men spend their days , even under the Gospel , which makes their time a day of Grace , wherein they should be working out their Salvation , can think they have any concern to be saved ? Their life is continual trifling , some pass their days in mirth and jollity ; doth this signify any sense of misery , or fear of perishing , and that destruction from the Almighty is a terrour to them ? These are not more idle , than others are idly busie , to get Estates , and a Name on Earth ; but what is this to their being saved ? They are liable to the common , more sensible , miseries of life , and they are without God ; but this is no misery with them . This misery is their element , and burdens them not . Were their present case , and future danger , in this respect apprehended , and felt , how full of outcries would this World be ; O we are lost , and perishing ! Such cries would ring through the Earth , and pierce Heaven ! But the same carnality that is death , and makes them miserable , makes them stupid too , and insensible of their misery . And are these reasonable Souls , intelligent , immortal Minds and Spirits , that are thus stupify'd ! turn'd into such Clods , and Stones ! O deplorable case ! Methinks such an Office , set up in the World , of men that are to save their own , and other mens Souls , should make them consider , and bethink themselves , what is it for ? It must have had an original ; and so , it hath a Divine Aspect ; a tast of Heaven upon it , and must have an end , suitable to the Wisdom , and Grace of Heaven , which claims to be entertain'd otherwise , than with neglect , and contempt ! And indeed , this leads to take notice more expressly , in a further Inference . 3. That there is a saving design on foot in the World. Set a foot by the Blessed God himself . Otherwise in so great a ruine as is come upon this wretched World , what could it signifie ? for any man , to offer at saving either himself or others ? How vain an attempt were it ! for any man , out of so deep and horrid a gulf , of impurity , misery , darkness and death , to think of lifting up himself , and of plucking up others as high as Heaven ! This intimation , carries hope with it . It is a Voice from Heaven to such as are so imploy'd , as Timothy was : O save thy self , and as many as thou canst besides . It takes away all pretence for despair . God puts not men upon vain attempts . A lively hope ought to spring from hence . And we are saved by hope , Rom. 8. 24. As without Hope no man would ever design for Salvation , or any thing else . Hope is the Engine that moves the World , keeps the intelligent part of it , in action , every where . No man could rationally stir in pursuit of any design , whereof he despair'd . But as to other designs , mens hopes are commonly self-sprung , and end in shame . But when one can say , Lord , thy word hath caused me to hope . Thou hast put me upon aiming to be saved , and to save others , it speaks this to be a just and a hopefull undertaking . I will therefore set about working out my own salvation ( and with my own , other mens , as far as is within my compass ) expecting he will graciously set in with me , and work in order hereto , to will , and to doe , of his own good pleasure , without which , all mine will be lost labour . 4. We further collect , That the Blessed God is most intent upon this design . That which this supposes , and that which it imports , speaks him intent . It supposes he hath appointed a Sovereign Saviour set over this work ; otherwise , there could be none subordinate . It imports , he hath settled an Office on purpose . Made it some mens special business , to intend ( as every one ought ) his own salvation , and withall , to give himself up to this great work , the saving all he can . An Office set up for the saving of Souls , ought to be a great thing in our eyes ; and is a standing testimony for God , how willing he is men should come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved . 5. They that bear this Office should be highly honoured for their works sake . For how glorious an employment is it , to be instrumental to Salvation ! To be , in any kind , Saviours . I could tell you of some great Princes , in the Pagan world , that to their other splendid Titles , have had the addition , of Soter , a Saviour ; as to some other , the Destroyer of Cities , hath been given as a name of reproach . And you do know who hath the name of Apollyon , or Abaddon . Rev. 9. 11 6. It highly magnifies the Wisedom , Power , and Sovereignty of God , that he can , and will , make use of so mean Instruments , for so high and glorious a purpose . For what end and purpose can be greater , than the Recovery , and Salvation of Souls , so deformed , miserable , and lost , as the Souls of men , universally , were ? And what Instruments could be meaner , or more vile , than such as needed to be saved themselves , with the same Salvation ? That God should make use of them who were darkness , Eph. 5. 8. to enlighten the world Matt. 5. 14. of such as were but sinfull flesh , Joh. 3. 6. to be able Ministers of the spirit , 2 Cor. 3. 6. of such as had minds that were cumity against God , Rom. 8. 7. to reconcile men to him ! 2 Cor. 5. 20. These are some of the wonders he works among the children of men . When he hath converted some to use them ( first for the converting of others , and then ) for the strengthening of their converted brethren . 7. The Ministers of Christ are to be examples to them over whom they are set . They are to be so in the beginning of their course , in their first turn to God , tho' then , in a more passive sense , that I might be a patern , &c. saith the Apostle , 1 Tim. 1. 16. and in their after-course ; as in this Context , v. 12. Be thou an example of the believers , in word , in conversation , &c. They must be Leaders in the whole way of Salvation , from first to last . 8. Pride , in the Ministers of the Gospel , and in them that live under a Gospel-Ministery , is a most monstrous absurdity : For what are we all of us , but a company of wretched creatures , just perishing , and only ( at the best ) but in the way of being saved ! What have such to be proud of ! 9. Both Christ's Ministers , and their Flocks , are under the greatest obligation imaginable unto union . For their case is one and the same ; their miseries were the same , their dangers the same . They must all have the same Saviour , the same way of salvation , and the same end ; the same state of salvation , which all the nations of the saved are to be brought to at last , Rev. 21. 24. 10. 'T is an unquestionable thing , that salvation is to be designed for , by all sorts . Ministers must aim to save themselves , and their hearers . And is the Minister to design his Peoples salvation , and not they , their own ! They have mean thoughts of Salvation that stumble here , as if they were only to be saved from hell-flames ! but to be saved from sin that makes us unlike God! to have his Image , and his Love perfected in us , to be with the rest of the elect , partakers of salvation , with eternal glory , is that mean ? 2 Tim. 2. 10. 11. The Ministers of the Gospel must , sometime , or other , be taken away from their work . It is time , a limited duration , within which their work and business lies , for the saving themselves and those that hear them . They are to save themselves . This end they are to pursue ; and it must sometime be attain'd . They are not alwaies to labour , and never rest : sometime , they are to receive the fruit of this their Labour , and the end of their Faith , the salvation of their Souls . As more time passes , their salvation draws nearer than when they believed ; they are not always to be in saving , and never saved . In mercy to them , God will translate them ; and may it not be in judgment to many , whom they earnestly laboured to save , but who rejected their counsels , and strove against their own Salvation ! That they may not , always , labour in vain , for themselves , and because they have laboured in vain for many others , they must be withdrawn from their hard and toilsome labour , and enter into rest . 12. The loss is great , and grievous , beyond all expression , above all our lamentation , when such are taken away as have made it their business , to save themselves , and those that heard them . In their endeavour to save themselves , they have been great examples . In their endeavour to save others , they may have been great Instruments , of much saving good to many a Soul. How few are they that drive such designs ! how fast doth their number decrease ! How fitly may we take up that of the Psalmist , when the godly man ceases , and the faithful fail from among the children of men ? And what could be said with greater Pathos , I sal . 12. 1. Help , Lord , as in a common Ruine ; help , help , for God's sake , help , Lord , help ! My Friends , are you not sensible you have lost such a one , even while you are not yet sav'd ! while you yet need to be working out your Salvation ! The effectually called , 't is true , are saved , 2 Tim. 1. 9. Who hath saved us , and called us with an holy calling . — And ( which is , in substance , the same thing ) the Regenerate are saved : Not by works of righteousness which we have done , but of his mercy he saved us , by the washing of regeneration , and the renewing of the H. Ghost ; Tit. 3. 5. But , if this were the case of you all , how much yet remains to be done , in order to your full , and consummate Salvation ! You have yet mighty difficulties to overcome . A body of death , which you are not yet delivered from . For are not these some of your groans , in reference to it , O , who shall deliver us ? A World , full of troubles , and snares . Your adversary the Devil , that goes about seeking whom he may devour : All the Principalities and Powers of the Kingdom of Darkness , that you are to contend with , and with whom you are to dispute every step of your way to Heaven . And do you not need such a Leader , in that way ? And if any are fall'n into drowsie Slumbers , do you not need his awakening Ministry ? If dead , how often hath the blessed Spirit breathed life into you , by his quickening Ministry ? How often hath God us'd him , to enlighten you , when you have been in the dark ; to clear up the great Doctrines of the Gospel , when you have not distinctly understood them ? to establish you in the Faith , when you have wavered , to resolve you in matters of practice , when you have been in doubt , to encourage you in your fears and faintings , to comfort you , in your sadness , and sorrows ! I wonder not that there are many weeping Eyes , and should much wonder , if there be not many aking , trembling Hearts among you , for what you have lost , and from an apprehension , how hard , and , almost , hopeless it is , your loss should be soon , or equally supply'd . He was long in preparing , and forming , to be what he was when you lost him . His Station among you in this Neighbourhood , when first he undertook the Pastoral Charge of this Church over which the Holy Ghost made him overseer , requir'd a man of as much Wisdom and Grace , as any such Station could well be supposed to do . Considering how numerous , how intelligent , and well instructed a People , he was to take the care of . I well remember , that about 3 or 4 and 40 years ago , being desir'd to give some help , on a Lord's-day , to that eminent Servant of Christ , Mr. Greenhill , whose praise is still , in all the Churches , I then first heard him preach ; and ( if my Memory fail not ) he had about that time in hand , some part of that excellent Discourse , of the Almost Christian ; I had then the opportunity of beginning an acquaintance with him . His excellent good natural Parts , his ingenuous Education , his Industry , his early Labours in preaching the Gospel of Christ , in his native Country , in the City , and in this place . His Conjunction̄ and Society , for some years , with that excellent Servant of God before named ; above all , the gracious assistances he had from Heaven , gave him great advantages , to be a Minister of Christ , approved unto God , a Workman that needed not to be ashamed , rightly dividing the word of truth . And his multiply'd years , unto the 70th , with the continual addition thereby , to the rich Treasury of his Experiences , still improv'd him more and more : So that there being no decay of his natural Endowments , and a continual increase , of his Supernatural ; you had the best of him , at last , whereby , indeed , your loss was the greater , but your obligation was also the greater , that God continu'd to you the enjoyment of him so long : and that in a serviceable state . But when he could be no longer serviceable in his stated , delightful work , it was by the decay , not of the inward , but the outward man ; so that when he could preach to you , and converse with you no longer , he could earnestly , and servently pray for you , to the end . And God did not afflict you , by leaving , long among you , only the shadow , the outside of the man , and of such a man ! He took little pleasure in embroiling himself , or his Hearers , in needless , and fruitless Controversies . The great , substantial , Doctrines of the Gospel , were his principal study , and delight ; such as lay nearest the Vitals , and the very Heart of Religion , and Godliness ; and most directly tending to the saving them that heard him . The Subjects which he chose to insist upon , from time to time , in the course of his Ministry , shew'd , as to this , his Spirit , and Design . Having formed , from the H. Scriptures , that Scheme of Thoughts which satisfy'd him , and gave him a clear ground , whereupon to preach the Gospel , with an unrecoiling Heart , he lov'd not to discompose it . His Judgment , in things which had that reference , being constantly moderate , and unexceptionably sound ; remote from rigorous , and indesensible extremities , on the one hand , and the other . Hereupon he drove at his mark , without diversion ; not so much aiming to proselyte Souls to a Party , as to Christ. And to engage men , as much as in him lay , to be sound and thorough Christians . Hitherto tended his Sermons , from Year , to Year . The great Subject he had in hand , and which he left unfinish'd , when God took him off from his publick work , was manifestly pointed this way , viz. Of the Covenant of God in Christ. And his annual course , of preaching a Sermon on May-day , to Young Men , had the same manifest scope , and aim , with which his publick Labours were concluded . God so ordering it , that his last Sermon , was this Year , on that day . His Judgment in reference to matters of Church Order , was for Union , and Communion of all visible Christians , viz. of such as did visibly hold the Head , as to the principal credenda , and agenda , of Christianity . The great things belonging to the Faith , and Practice of a Christian , so as nothing be made necessary to Christian Communion but what Christ hath made necessary ; or what is indeed necessary to one's being a Christian : What he publickly essay'd to this purpose , the World knows . And many more private endeavours and strugglings of his , for such an Union I have not been unacquainted with . The unsuccessfulness of which endeavours , he said , not long before his last confinement , he thought would break his Heart . He having openly , among divers persons , and with great earnestness , sometime before , exprest his consent to some Proposals , which if the Parties concern'd , had agreed in the desire of the thing it self , must unavoidably have inferr'd such an Union , without prejudice to their Principles ; and on such terms , as must have extended it much further ; else it had signify'd little . But this must be effected , as is too apparent , not by meer humane endeavour , but by an Almighty Spirit pour'd forth , which ( after we have suffered a while ) shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , put us into joynt , and make every joynt know its place in the Body , 1 Pet. 5. 10. Shall conquer private Interests and Inclinations , and over-awe mens Hearts by the Authority of the Divine Law ; which now , how express soever it is , little availeth , against such prepossessions . Till then Christianity will be ( among us ) a languishing , withering thing . When the season comes , of such an effusion of the Spirit from on high , there will be no Parties . And a midst the Wilderness-Desolation that cannot but be , till that season comes , it matters little , and signifies to me scarce one straw , what Party of us is uppermost . The most righteous ( as they may be vogu'd ) will be but as Briars , and scratching Thorns ; and it is better to suffer by such , than be of them . In the mean time , it is a mark of God's heavy displeasure , when persons of so healing Spirits are taken away . And if it awaken any of us , that will tend to prepare us for the effects of it , which Preparation , seems a thing more to be hoped , than prevention . But this worthy Servant of Christ sees not the woful day , whatever of it he might foresee . His removal makes , to many , indeed , a woful day , and that , all about him , did long foresee . He was long languishing , and even dying daily . But amidst surrounding death , as a Relation told me , there was no appearance of any the least Cloud upon his Spirit , that obscured the evidences of his Title to a Blessed Eternity . Being asked how he did , he said , Going home , as every honest man ought , when his work is done . He was much in admiring God's Mercies under his afflicting hand , saying , every thing on this side Hell is Mercy . That the Mercies he received were greater than his Burthens , tho' in themselves grievous . That he rested upon that promise , that his Father would lay no more upon him than he would enable him to bear . That he expected to be saved only by the Righteousness of Christ imputed to him . Tho' he well understood , as I had sufficient reason to know , that Christ's Righteousness is never imputed to any , but where , if the Subject be capable , there is an inherent Righteousness also , that is no cause of our Salvation , but the Character of the saved . And having before precaution'd some as were about him , not to be surpriz'd , if he went away suddenly , he repeated the Ejaculation , Come , Lord Jesus , come quickly ; and renewing the former caution , by saying , Remember what I said before ; as he sat in his Chair , with all possible composure , he bow'd his head , and without sigh , or motion , expir'd in a moment . The sighing part , he left to others that stay behind . And I do even feel the Sorrows of his most afflicted Family , his mournful Widow , his sorrowing Sons and Daughters , his destitute Church , with all others that got good , or might have done by his quickning , spiritful , piercing Ministry , or had the advantage , and satisfaction of his acquaintance , and converse . Your Grief cannot but be measured , by your Love ; and your Love by his in the several kinds , and objects of it . His Conjugal , Paternal , Pastoral , Friendly Love , as he was an affectionate Husband , a tender Father , a vigilant Pastor , and a pleasant Friend . But withall , let your Consolations be measur'd by the proper grounds thereof . It is a most improper , irrational , unchristian way of being comforted in such a case , only to let time wear away our sorrows . It is but a negative , an heathenish , yea a worse than heathenish method of receiving Comfort . For I have observed it to be animadverted on , as an intolerable absurdity , by some among the Heathens , that time should work that cure of Grief and Sorrow , which Reason and Prudence work not . And thus 't is plain , we shall be relieved , not by holy thoughts , but by not thinking . So it may , in time , be forgotten , that ever such a Man as Mr. Mead , was Minister in Stepney ! And what is this to Christian Consolation ? But we need not wander from the Text for a positive , and a solid ground of Comfort . Remember it was his business to save himself , and those that heard him . As you have no doubt of his . Salvation , which I believe none of you have , make sure of your own . Put on , with the breast-plate of Faith , and Love , that helmet , the hope of Salvation . You are of the day , watch , and be sober , as those that are not appointed to wrath , but to obtain Salvation by Jesus Christ. And then consider ( as I doubt not many a Soul will bless God for him for ever ) how glorious a sight it will be , to see him , one day , appear in the Head of a numerous company , of saved ones ; and say , ( as a subordinate Parent in the Apostle's sense , 1 Cor. 4. 15. ) Lord , here am I , and the children thou hast given me . In conclusion For you of his dear , and beloved Flock , this may be directive to you as well as consolatory ; would you have a Pastor after God's Heart ? put your selves under the conduct , as much as in you is , of such a Pastor , as you apprehend will be intent , in all his Ministrations , upon this double end , to save himself , and them that hear him . And labour to be perfect , be of one mind , and live in Peace , so the God of Love and Peace shall be with you . And remember him as one that hath had the Rule over you , and hath spoken to you the word of the Lord , and follow the Faith of such , considering the end of their Conversation ; and that Jesus Christ is the same , yesterday , and to day , for ever . As you change Pastors you will not need to change Christs , so as to have one yesterday , another to day , and a third to morrow . Pastors under the Gospel , as well as Priests under the Law were many , because of death . But our B. Lord , because he continueth ever , hath an unchangeable Priesthood , Heb. 7. 24. Therefore do you never think of another Christ , as their doubt was , Matt. 11. 3. but cleave to this your great Lord with purpose of Heart , till he give you at last , an abundant entrance into his everlasting Kingdom . Let his mournfull Relatives , and all of you to whom he was dear , consider , what our Lord offer'd as matter of Consolation , in the most trying case , of this kind , that ever could occur to poor mortals ; i. e. when he himself was to be taken away , from his sorrowing Family , and Followers . It is but a little while , q. d. my words have a plain meaning . A little while , and you shall not see me , and again , a little while , and you shall see me : and because I go to my Father — Ye now have sorrow , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy , and your joy no man taketh from you . Now the God of Peace , that brought again from the dead , our Lord Jesus , that great Shepherd of the Sheep , through the Bloud of the everlasting Covenant , make you perfect in every good work , to do his will : working in you that which is well-pleasing , in his sight , through Jesus Christ ; To whom be Glory , for ever , and ever . Amen . FINIS . Books written by the Reverend Mr. J. Howe , and printed for T. Parkhurst , at the Bible and three Crowns near Mercers-Chappel . OF Thoughtfulness for the Morrow . With an Appendix concerning the immoderate Desire of Foreknowing Things to come . Of Charity , in reference to other Mens Sins . A Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. Richard Adams , M. A. sometime Fellow of Brasen-Nose Colledge in Oxford . The Redeemer's Tears wept over lost Souls : In a Treatise on Luke 19. 41 , 42. With an Appendix , wherein somewhat is occasionally discoursed , concerning the Sin against the Holy Ghost , and how God is said to will the Salvation of them that perish . A Sermon directing what we are to do after a strict enquiry , Whether or no we truly love God. A Funeral Sermon for Mrs Esther Sampson , the late Wife of Henry Sampson , Doctor of Physick . The Carnality of Religious Contention . In two Sermons , preach'd at the Merchants Lecture in Broadstrees . A Sermon for Reformation of Manners . A Sermon preach't on the Day of Thanksgiving , Decemb. 2. 1697. to which is prefix'd Dr. Bates's Congratulatory Speech to the KING . A Calm and Sober Enquiry , concerning the Possibility of a Trinity in the Godhead . A Letter to a Friend , concerning a Postscript to the Defence of Dr. Sherlock's Notion of the Trinity in Unity , relating to the Calm and Sober Enquiry upon the same Subject . A View of that part of the late Considerations to H. H. about the Trinity : which concerns the Sober Enquiry on that Subject . The Redeemer's Dominion over the Invisible World. A Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Hammond . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A44677-e1490 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . In a better than the Poets sense , scire tuu●● nihil est . 1 Cor. 2. 2. Eph. 3. 4. Acts 3. 22. from Deut. 18. Heb. 4. & 5. 2 Cor. 2. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8. 6. 1 Thess. 5. 7 , 8 , 9. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Joh. 16.