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The Licencer's Epiftleto the READER,

is reported in the life 0/Ambrofe 3 that when he Ambropi rid th of any

«fr beard of the death of any bdy Miniflers

lf** "V bttttrlyAhe I* I read ^3&*%?K>ben ht came into any TttW or Village^and heard of quodefcunquc the death of any pood wan there dwelling he would mourn excee- forte nuntia-dingly becaufe of the great tiff that place and the whole Church cum il!i fuer *c ofCbrtfl had received thereby. How much more caufe have we r e ^ u j u [ cun( i»

r i !•*.- it • r r n r MnCtl ObltU

of this age to lament our condttion^who have in jew years loft jo facerdotis,&c»

many freciousSaints^andfoman) Reverend JLearncd)& god- 1(3.57.1.

ly Mimfters \ Surely this fad providence of God JpeaJ^ with a * Mr

loudvoice y that miseries and calamities Are hafting upon this

Nation. For the Righteous perifh (faitb the Prophet) and

no man layeth it to heart, and merciful men are taken a- Mr.Litdtom.

way^ Hone conlidering that the righteous is taken away Mr.

from the evil to come. Thus Auftin dyed a little before Hip- Dr'.

po (wberin he dwelt) was takgn. And Paracas^^fof Heilder- Mr

berghwasfacked.AndLuthcr immediately be fore Germany Mr.

was ouerrun with war and bloodjbed. * And now of late years Mr -

many eminent Lights have been extinguished in this Nation, ^'

to forefignifiejhe great darknefitthat is coming upon us. A- ^

won ft which) 1 Cannot but reckon my revennd brother Mr. Je- *%, ^ T $ TOf

reniiah Whi taker at whofe Funeral this enfuing Sermon was $**

freachedjflfhould enter upon his commendaUon^ I might tru-

fyfay what Nazianzen« doth of hisfifterGorgoma, ^hatI

have more caufe tofeare leaftljhould fpeake below, then a-

i i ^ / r t i • f i n • • t i '

hove the Truth 5 for he was a burning and /zinining light in this our Ifrael 5 a M^ffcnger and an Interpreter, we among fa'

ft thonfand $a Bczaleel m Gods Tabernacle,* true Nathaniel that by his integrity, humility conftanc)', charity ^publicknefs^ an d peace aliened ofIp irit^ and by his diligence and faithful-ttefi in preaching the Gofptl^ -made his life both amiable and de-fir able. He was £ yet not he, but the grace of God "With him.)

Oratio Funebrisin jauderrv LS

e- f^jAtiffjpi'^f** •m i ei>'f>t*1O' 'M*l~Ayety99» And though l-wdmt

/ Athanaiius, that to. commend him y were to commend Vertue, bccauie all Vertues were

- contraftcd in him 5 jf t this I mil fay (which is alfo \aid of AthanafiusJ'T^t he was 'AA*V^£M*>7W77f, An Adamant ^^^ * Load-ftonc. To <?// t^^t convened with him be was as a.

- Load ftone, to draff their hearts to love him: but in the caufe of V God*> and in reference to the Trtlthes of'Chrtfl he is as an uncon-

j«- qucrablc Adamant. He was a Jeremiah both in mourning for 7 w* and witnejfing againftthe fim of the times. He wasaftcond

. y Whitakerjf^e«g^/ot fo eminent in learning as to be (-what is

laferi OratkT ^^ c /^ w J Mundi ^ racll ^ im 5 Academi32 oraculum;^ t he Funcbris- was(ffkich is alfofaid of ^/w)found in the faithjow* that had no private opinionjhat did not in veteri vi'£ novam femitam quaerercj/fe^ out newpathes of his own^but kept the old way and the old J/zt^Thathad a great wit without any mixture of madnefs.

It is very difputable to we^ whether he preached more by the

by the holiness of his life. Sure I

he had this peculiar difpenfation y 'that he preached as tf-fettually by his death as by his life or iJottrwe.For the manner of his fickpeffi end death fpeaketh to ali that faw it^orjbal now fynow it by reading this Sernton*.

I 'that the beft of men are fubjcti to the worfl o/Difeafes: That all things come alike to all, that no man knoweth love or hatred by all that is before him.

tfhat though the Lord caufe hit children to paffe through the Waters and through the fire^ yet he will be with them,/? *.f the waters Jhgll not overflow thtm> mr the fire burn them.

Chough

"though they an troubled on every fide,;** they are not difiref-fed y though perplexed,^?* not in defpair, though perfecuted 3 yet not forfaken 5 though caft down, yet not deftroyed. For fo great was the patience that God measured out to this our dearBrother^/zt though he groaned^et he never gambled; though he often moumed y yet he never murmuredjW/ry, though he-'often roared by reafon ofthegteatnejlofhispain,}et ht ai ry ays juftified and magnified God ; and this he did fo son-ftavtly-) and in fuch a degree and proportion^that as it is faid of Joby fo it mil be faid by the Saints that I'ucceedus^for their mutual confolation and encouragement^ Ye have heard of die patience of Whi taker, He had an ulcerated ftefh y but A found and whole fpirit, and that made him bear his infir mity 5 he had a ftone in the bladder^ but a very tender and foft heart, he had a body gangren'd but afoul nnbeleapred with fin. I heard him often jay -with thaxkjulneffe , ¥hat under all his bodily fufferings^he had a bleffed calmnefle.> and quietnefi in his fpi'rit 5 that God ffakg peace ; that though he roared for pain^et the divelwas chained up from roaring upon him.

It was no fmaU delight to we to behold the tears that were foed at hi? Funeral. Not that I was glad that there was fiich caufe offorroW) but to fee (in thefe dayes^efpecially wherein the godly Mmiftry is fo much undervalued) a Minifter that nei ther lived undelired, nor died unlamented: of whom it may befaid, as is of Stephen, That devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. But I will n§t detain the Reader from beholding thefe things more largely related in the following Sermon 5 by one that was his fidus Achates, and as dear to him as Jonathan to David/7/fo Lordfaftfitfie this example to all that Jhall hear ofit y and fit us hisMinifters that fttpervive^ to preach and live as he did-) To fight a good fight, to finifh our courfe, and to keep the faith, that fo we may at laft obtain a crown of righteouf-nefs which the righteous Judge wil give at the laft day to all that love his appearing. So prayeth

lourfcrvant in the work^

of the Mini/try EDM.CALAMY.

To the Right Honourable

ELIZABETH, Counted

Dowager of Exeter . MADAM,

w irrefiftible is thePower of Love and Impor tunity/The holy Scriptures do plentiful 1 v mani-tfeft, that divine love doth let Gods All (whether ithin or without hin.ielQ on work for his childrens good, and that his children? importu nity hath in all Ages prevailed with his Omnipotency,to appear for their comfort: And multitudes of daily experi ence do evidence the prevalency of thefetwo Arguments among the fens of men.My felf makes one inftance for the verifying hereof,by preaching at Reverend, worthy Mr. TFbitakers Funeral^ and by printing my Sermon with the Narative of his memorable life; both which come abroad with enlargments 5 becaufe ftraights of time, and the dif-compofednefs of my fpirit through grief, would not fuf-fer me thus fully to dilate upon in the pulpit. Madam,! am confident that your Ladyfhip can of your own know-ledg, not only atteft the truth of moft paffages in my Nar rative, but add alfo much more from your own obfervati-on, which will render his memory precious unto pofte-rity.

And will your Honor give me leave to give fome fur ther account unto the world, wherefore I have prciumed to dedicate unto your Ladyfhip thefe expreffionsofmy great refpecl: to my precious much endeared brother Mr. Jeremiah Wbitakgri Gratitude is at the bottom of th& De dication, Madam.) As I fhall always really acknowledge your Honours favour towards my worthlefs fejf 3 fe I

judge

jadg it Jttcct to make known upon this occafion that more then many thanks are moil due unto your Ladyfhip from all Mr.W&r*%ttRelations,for your many and great tefti-monies of your conftant refpe&s unto him all his life long fince your firft acquaintance with him. I have often heard him mention before the Lord with praifes and pray ers, your Honours abundant kindneffes, both unto him-* felfe and his family ,which 1 believe are on record in hea ven to be fully recompenced in due time, becaufe they were the produces of your fincere love unto him, as the faithful Minifter of Jefus Chrifl:. Madam , there are not many who be fo deeply fenfible as your felfe of the great lofle fuftained by the death of this holy man of God; What mine own lofs is, I had rather exprenc it before the Lord, then publifh it unto the world. He wzs^Mailam)* faithful fervant to your immortal foul,the welfare where of God in mercy hath given you to mind much more then all matters fublunary whatsoever. In reference hereun to, he was your wife counfellour, in all your doubts and difficulties, your compaflionate comforter ; in all ftraights and forrowes, your vigilent phyfician to prevent fpiritual ficknefs and infe&ionj your zealous Incourager in all wayes of holy fervice, and a daily Remembrancer of you and yours before the Throne of Grace. Though thefe things fpeake your lofs,which may warrantably aftllcY your heart,yet I befeech you (good MadamJ confider with comfort,, that notwithftanding this bucket be broken fas T>r.Preflon was wont toexprefsit)neverthelefs tke foun tain of light, life, grace, ftrength, comfort and fatis fa&i* on is ftill at hand, ever full, and alwayes flowing. He who is now removed, out of the Land of the living,ftobe ferviceable by preaching, praying, conference no more) was only one of thofc golden pipes through which the God of your mercies conveyed relief fweetly and feafona--bly unto your foul: the wel-head is not removed,and m£-~ ny other choice conveyances of grace 8fc confolation from Chriftbe ftill continued to you.Let this therefore be the language of your faith.The Lord liveth,and blefied bethe

God

God of my falvations, xvho will never Forfake nor failc the foul which in humility and faithfulncfs doth depend rupon his Majefty. Ad^Madam^Mrffhitakjr his rich veceipts of much fancYrfying grace, ftrong confidence, in-

incible patience, undaunted courage, un-interrupted Peace, with pure elevating joyes from the Lord may en-Enrage the hopes of the pooreft Chriftians to ex peel: great things from heaven, according to their neceffities and de-fires, becaufe God is no refpefter of perfons, but free and liberal in the communications of his peculiar goodnef*. Thefe are the words of his grace , Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Pfal. 81.10. If any man thirft, let him come un to me and drink^fie that believeth on me^(as the Scripture hath faid*) out of bis beUy faallflow rivers of living water jjoh.y.^y, 38. The Almighty hath given you fome taftes of that in comparable fruit which comes from the Land ofpromife 3 that you may be encouraged to hold on in the way thither "with cbcerfulnefle and perfeverance. Madam,lt is no fmall addition unto your Honour here, and it will undoubted ly make to your happinefs hereafter., that you do own God in unwearied attendance upon his facred Ordinances laying forth your felf for his name faithfully with that prudence, felf-deriial, and plainenefs of heart where with he hath adorned you,through his rich mercy in Jefus Chrift. Uadam^ I humbly beg pardon for this my bold-and crave leave to fub ribe my felfc

(MadamJ four Honours humble Servant,

SIMEON ASHE,

(O

JOHN ii.ii. Our friend Lazarus Jleepcth*

•are the words of Chrin\concerning J zaruf> and they fpeak i.His relation. 2. His diffolution:

Firft, the relation was friendship, wherein wearetoobferve, I. How far this friendship was extended,z>/£.both unto Chrifyand to his Difciples, our friend. Itis not my friend, or your friend, but our friend^both yours and mine.

2 That this friendfhip was acknowledged by Chrift himfelfe, not only while Ltzarus was yet alive, but even now when he was dead, Our friend Lazarus fleepetb.

In the (econd part of the Text (viz. Lazarus's diffolu tion) we may note

1 The truth afferted(z/;£.)that Lazarus though a friend both to Chrift and to his'Difciples, yet he was dead.

2 The Metaphor whereby it is expreffed,which is taken from natural ileep. He fleepeth.

3 The notice which our Saviour took of Lazarus his deceafe. This he reporteth unto his Difciphs, he faith un to them, Our friend La zar as fleepetb.

Thus from this plaine divifion of the Texts 1 proceed unto the cbfervations which do from hence offer them-felves naturally unto our confideration. And the doct rines will be fix in number 3 t//£. three from each part into which theText hath been divided.

B The

Thefirftis this, viz. TiM there is a Mutual friendship letvpixt Chrift and true Chriftians. Our Lord himfclfe here calleth Lazarus friend. And that this friendfhip was mutu al, it is evident from this hiftory.

Firft, the love of Lazarus towards the Lord Jefus was witnefiedby the many entertainments and hearty wel comes which he recived at his houfe. And the frindftYip of Chrift unto Lazarus isattefted by his lifters, former ly, Hcwbomtbou loueflisfwk^ ver, 3, and by this our E-vangelift, Jefus loved Martha^ and her lifter and Laza rus ±ver. 5. And the Jewes faid, Behold how he loved him. ver. 36. yea our Saviour himfelfe in the Text calleth him friend.

Now as it was betwixt Chrift and Lazarus, fo is it like-wife betwixt Chrift and all real Chriftians 5 their friend-ftiip is mutual. The word friend expre&th love, and this love hath its viciditude amongft frinds. As tennife balls with rackets are banded and returned too and fro, fo love amon gft cordial friendes hath its intercourfe, it is received amaturl With acceptance,and returned with requitals. Greater love Stcph.Thcfau. has no man then thisjhat a wan lay doun his life for his friends John 15.13. This exprefleth Chrift his love to his Chriftian friends. John 15,14, y € arf m y f r j en d s ifj ee j oe wkatfoever I command you. This fpeaketh the love & friendfhip of Chriftians to Chrift. And you muft know that this afFedion of love was not only betwixt Chrift and fome peculiar Chriftians, to Chrift. as his Difciples and Lazarus^ but betwixt him and all o* ther foundhearted Chriftians alfo.Whcn he preached to a very great multitude ofpeople> having warned them to take heed of hypocri{ie,henfeth this compel latfon,!/^ unto you Like 12.1,$. ^ friends. And long before his incarnation this was the language of Chrift (the eflential Wifdom of the Father,^) Ffov,8.i7. Hove them that love we. Whereas it is fometimes faid of our friends, that they have onely one foule in feveral bo-. . « . dies, it is moft true, being applyed unto Chrift and (ingle-*bi™ma™d hea fted Chriftians. the Spirit of God dwelletb in them, and *bi amat. ' ifwy v* an hath not the Spirit of Chrift he is none of his. JK>».a.£. Asfriend5j being, in pcint of friendftiip, afted by the

fame

C3)

ame pr!nciples,tney will and nill the fame things. So t is with Jefus Chrift and thofewho who ar e unfained «'««*«"«* riendes unto him. AstheApoftle Paul thusadvifedthe fbilippianSiLtt the fame mind be inyou that was in Cbrifti fo he affirmeth of the Saints at Cer/»r/;,that they had the mind i.Cor.a.U. *j Chrift.

The obligations of love are fo ftrong upon friends, that they can heartily fay one to another, I am as thoii art. The 2 Chron.iS.j, Lord accounted Abraham his friend., and it is confidera- L ay 4Ii * ble how God and Abraham being friends did communi cate themfelves, With their all, unto each other.

As God by way of covenant promifeth to be an all \uf- ^"' ^ I" ficient portion unto him, to blefie thofe who bleffe him> and to curfefuch who curfe him , and to beftow Canaan ( the land flowing with milk and hony ) upon him: fo Abraham gave 2 C h ron . 2a ,j, tip himfelfe wholly to be at Gods difpofing, in regard of his habitadon,to dwellwherehis Majefty would fettle him; Gen.i2.i,5. and in refpeft of his relations to command his children and /.*.> houfbould after htm to keep the way of the Lord) to do jufttce and judgment. In this manner Chrift and believers, they are for each others, with their All, even as for themfelves. I am my beloveds (faith the loving, beloved Spoil fe) and my beloved is mine. They are the fame i. In their wils 5 as they in things moft difficult andcroffe to themfelves (in ap-perance) doe fay, The will of the Lord be done. So Chrift is Aa * 2r ' r4 ' ready to fpeak unto them, in reference to the rcguler mo tions of their wils, as once to the woman of Canaan, Be it Matth.i$.a8. unto thee even as thou wilt.

2 In their defires 5 As theft are their breathings :there is *?*!• 75 '3 5 * none upon earth that I depre bepdes thee. So his depers are to- cant ' 7 ' l * warts ihem. Not long before his departure from his Apo-ftles,!tocvodence his defires of fpiritual fellowfhip with Luke 22.15. them. He fa'id unto them, with defer e 1 have defer ed to eat this f**^*W'* Pajfecver with yeu before Ifuffer. •ntopugi

3. And in their defegns. As this is in their eyes and aims, Phil.i.2o. that whether^) life or death Chrift may be magnified in them. , So he will never turne from them to do them goody lut witt rejoyce ever them to do them good.

B 2 thcfc

(4)

Thefc are briefe hints in refcrenccto the doftrinej more generally confidered. In the more diftinft handling of it, both the branches are to be taken apart, and particular ly to be difcourfed upon.

And here give me leave to premife the reafons where-* fore I flu'll difcourfe of this mutual friendship under the notion of love, in a latitude: viz. becaufe, i. The word, friend (as we already hinted) fpeaketh hve. 2 In this Hi*" fiory thefe phrafes fisnirk the fame thing; viz.. friend La-zarus.) and Lazarus loved. ^ And the holy Ghoft elfewhcre ufeth thefe words indifferently, -viz. friend^ h:loved.

That real right &red Chriftians are friends untoChrift. His endeared Spoufe fpeaketh this openly ; this is my belo-

Cant.$.i6. ved) and this is my friend, 0 Daughters ofjerufalew. An-fwerablc whereunto is the language of the Gofpel-Pro-

Bfoy 5.1. phet, a fong of my beloved to his -vineyard. Let it be noted that Chrift is not looked upon and loved as an ordinary friend,but as an extraordinary, either a friend already marryed,or one affe&ed fingularly with expectations of

Cant.^-3- marriage, "fhe virgins lew thee. And indeed, none doe love Chrift fincerely, who doe not love him fingulerly fupcr--latively. Let his owne words bee well weighed; Hetlat

Matth: 10.97. tovtfh father er mother w&re then me, is not worthy ofm^and he

Certe illi mn a- that louethfon or daughter more then nt£ is not worthy of me. ^

mint chriftuw^ This aflertion is bottomed u pon good reafon, becaufe Chri& both in his owne perfonal excellencies, and com-i^unicated advantages,is infinitely better then any crea ture with its faireft amiabilities whatfoever.

Now this their love is not blindj but it abouvdtth m e& judgement and knowledge^ as will be manifeft by thefe four reafons following.

Rcsjon.l. Becaufe of his incomparable, unpaFallelled beauttes a This account his dear Spoufe giveth of her ftrong infla med affections; My beloved is white and ruddy jhc chiefeft a-mong ten tboufind. His head is as the moft fne gold. And ha ving metaphorically commended him from the head to thefoot,(he thus conclude tfi, Ibiiismyldoved^andth'uit wyjriend*

Hk

C5)

His graces which are like to a moft fragrant perfume>c?o inamour the hearts of all them who are truly fpiritual. Be caufe of the favour of thy good ointments, thy Name is as an Canc.i. 3; ointment pomed forth y therefore do the Virgins love thee. And in the fong of conjugal loves^thisis rendred as thereafon of thofe (park 1 ings,, 7&0# art fairer then the children 0/P&1. 45.2. men. As there was not among the children ofilfraela goodlier f erf on then Saul) from ike (boulders upwards hewas higher * S*m.$.2. then any of the people: So Jefus Chrift doth wonderfully o- .^ ver-top and exceed in all rich endowments, the moft aim-able creatures in the world. And as in all Ijraeltherewas 2 Sam. 14 2$. none to /'*< jo much praifed &$ Abfolomfor his beauty ; from the file.of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no ble -m\(h in &/w(and this might be fome reafon vtDavids great love towards him.^Soin the Lord Jefus, there are per fect beauties without the leaft blemifhes: Hee is altogether Ibuely.No wonder therefore that wife, knowing Chriftians do chufe and value 3 and embrace him with vigorous loves*

Becaufc of his famous 3 magnanimous undertakings and j> ca r 3 , adventures as Mediator^that he might 'at once advance ; his ff' Fathers glory, and thehappinefs ofhisEleft.

We read that Jonathans \oul was kgit to the foul of David) i Sam. 18.1. and that &c loved hint as his own foul) becaufe upon a Duel he had enrountred and conquered the Monfter Goliah) who had blaiphemcd God & vilified hi« people. Now this fer-vice was low. and inconfidcrable, being compared with Chrifts renowned exploits, who hand to hand combated with the divel in the wilderness for the fpace of forty daies y " who fpoiled principalities-and power*) made a fcew of them o- L u k e , 4 2 •frenly)trinmphiitiz over them in his croft. Who did bear up Col.a.i $,* bravely againft the power of darknefs to be quell'd under the weight of divine ]uftice to be fati^fied,and under the flames of his Fathers difpleafure to be quenched. Thefe &: the like rare agings of Chrift being pondered by Chrifti-ans do draw forth their hearts in friendship towards him.

He

.CO

John 10.17. He himfelf faith, f ftm/ore doth my Father hue w?, hecaufe I lay down my life. And how can new born Chriftians, par takers of the divine Naturejbe otherwifeaffe&ed upon the fame account twards their bkiled Mafter ?

Reafon 5. Becaufe of their manifold rich receipts from ChriflDtf-

vids heart giveth out loves to the Lord 3 becaufe upon his

Pfd. nd.i,8. prayers he had delivered his eyesfnm fears and his feet from

falling. Now Chrift hath refcued his people from wrath to

cotncjand that without rcfpeft to their requtf^yea before

they fought him,

Our Saviour himfelf giveth this as the reafon where-

luke 7.47. f ore t h e fjnful woman loved him ,Many fns are forgiven her,

i Sam.i^.s. therefore Jhe loveth much. And Jonathanby this Argument

laboureth to win Sauls heart towards T>avid y Becaufe the

Lord by him wrought a great falvation t& alllfrael.

In this refpeft the Apoftle Paul was rationally under the ccnftraint of commanding Loves to Chrify becaufe of quietening grace received by his death.

Now if 1 (hould here difcover our large enjoyments fromChriftj it would abundantly appear to every inge nuous foul, that there is fufficient eaufe wherefore he (hould be accounted and affefted as an incomparable friend.

By him we are delivered from fin and hel(as is hinted c-Gal.g. 13. ven nowj from the curfe of the Law 5 the hater of God^the Eph.2.i4,i5. deadly (hares of the world , and the poifon fting of Gal.i.4. de&th.iyeare blcfied with aU fpintualbleffitt£s in heavenly Epheii'a^ pl aces * W'e are accepted in the Beloved. He is ntade unto us i Cor.i.'|o.' fftfdomci Right eoujnefsy Stwftification and Redemption. And and 2.1,20, all the Promifes of God are in him f t$<i) and in kirn Amen. How rationally therefore doth living love to Chrift fpring

Reafon 4. out °^ tn * ls root ^

Becaufe of their full expectations from him for the future,

Cant.2.1?. evcn unto ^ ou ^ fatisfaftion and that to eternity. Many chearing cordials are handed to Chriftians from Chrift

John 2.10. here upon earthen which regard he doth lye as a bundle of wifrhe between tben brefts;but he referveth the btftwine for the lait.Whatfoever for kind,or for meafure the believing

Chrifti-

C7)

Chriftians comforts are here, yet to be with Chrift in hca- p^j-ven will be far better ; and this,thisin glory is looked for through Chrift. This confederation caufeth their love un to (Thrill to break forth in a great flame. Let the words of the Apoftle be weighted for the evidence hereof, who ha ving ipoken both of the Inheritance incorruptible^ and un-1 Pcf. 1,3,4: defiled^ that fadeth not tway-> referred in heaven^ as alfo of the aflured Prefeverance through Godspov>er> and all this by Chrift) he adds Whom having notfeen^yetye love. Ingeni- { p et ^ ^ ous Chriftians duty weighing the worth of their future fc happinefs 3 dearly purchased by Chrift, and undoubtedly to be poffiffed by them through Chriftj do hereupon pra-ftically couclude, that nothing can be imagined more rea-fonable then this, that they (hould love him as their fpe-cialfri nd.

Thus from confirmation, I proceed to the Application of this Truth by way of life •, which I will progound un der three heads j viz. i. Information. 2, Examination* 3. Exhortation-

Sad therefore is their condition who are not loving ^ friends unto Jefus Chrift. For doubtlefs though they be by profit flionj& in the eftimation of others true Chriftian? 3 yet they are but only Slips in Chriftianity. As Judasfcc.

Our Sauiour fpeaketh roundly unto fuch : If God were your Father you would love me. And if God be not their J ohn 8< 42t father, they are queftionlefle the Devils children, children of the curfe.How open and exprefs are the words of the A-poftle to this purpofc ? If any man love not the Lord Jefusjet Cof f ^ ^ hint be Anathema Maran-atha. The heavy andlafting ma- l lediftions of God hang over the heads of all them who love not Chrift. This is the great fcverity of God againfl fuch who are not friends unto Chrift: and that the righ-teoufnefle of his Majefty herein may be manifeftcd, I wiffi that this maybe mindcd^fz.that unfiindlinefs to theLord Jcfus in Gofpel times Cwherein) his excellences & defer-vings arefo fuly laid openj doth proceed either from I Infidelity. Or 2 Contumacy $ Either people hearing fcon* Scripture of Chrifts lovelmefsj do g?ve God the lye to

hi*

his free by not lelievmg him^or elfe their difregard of Chrift

arifeth from malignity and ftubbornefs of will, though

MnAcaiwe the yy cild to tne report-of his incomparable worth. And

mentHjed a ^oth r ^ e ^ are daring, and God-incenfing provocations.

fwitate cordis. Now if any dial be awakened by theieflafoes of Gods

Aug, anger, to inquire. Who are to be judged perfons void

of love tpJefusChriftH-fhall refer them for fatisfaftion

to Chriits own words, both the parable and his expofition

of it. The Parable is this, The Cnwm bated him andfint *

Luk i?,i4<21- meffage after him faying, We mil not have h i.wan to raigne

over us. And the Application made is thus exprefled, Thofc

mint tmmiesiwbich wouldmt tbatlfrould raigneovsrthem,

bring them hither and flay them before we. Therefore all iuch

are proclaimed Chrifts enemies, Chrift-haters, (even by

Chrift himfelfe,)who refufe to fubmit unto him as their

Lord and King*

Its no uncharitablenefs, but judgment according to the Wordoftrutlvto determine thofe to be no fi lends unto Chrift,whofe refolutions arc rather to order their lives ac cording toxuftomsjhmriane traditions,their own humors, and the practices of the multitude, then according to the commands and councels of Chrift.

-Vfi 2. <It much concerns us all to examine our frindftiip unto

Chnft, To quicken this Jearcfa, thefe things areconfi-derable.

i Becaufe many profefs much love outwardly,whofe hearts affeft him not unfainedly. As David defcribcth fome counterfeit Courtiers, whofe wards werefoft lib oyle,

Pfai. 5 5.2i! **™ ^re vere drawn fiords in their bofmesi Never was Chrift more in mcns mouths with fmooth language then now, when their lives fpeak treachery againft him. thus Judas callethhim Mafter, and giveth}himakifs,yetwas

John 6. 79; no friend. Havel not chofen twelve (Taith Chriftj and yet one is a dwc!?Wh*t Sugared words did the divelufc wken he defignedthe ruin of Adam* and of all his poflc-nty/

2 -Becaufe the-comfom of the GofpeLdo appertain to

them

(9)

t-hem alone, \vhofeloveis without diffimulation. The Apoftles benediftion was this, Grace be with all them who Ijve our Lord Jefus insincerity. The ricli piiviledges of grace are appropriated unto Chrifts cordial friends.

3. Bccaufe Chrift f vvhofe eyes are like unto flames of . f u fire) doth difcern clearJy, all them that are falfe friends, though they pretend fair. We read of many who believed

when they jaw bis miracles^ but ]efas did not commit himfelf^ Q \\.2.2^. untQthtMy becaufe he jyiew all men > and needed not that 24,25. any Jhould tejUfie of n*n j far he knew what was in man.

4. Becaufe we cannot tell how foon we fhall be cal-kd to the fcrutiny. The Lord may be awakning our con-fciences, and fetting them as upon a rack 5 propound that queftion unto us,which he asked Peter oncejand again,and

the third time, Lovefl tbou we ? But though he mould John.27.

not deal thus with us in our life time, yet be fure we fhall

be examined upon our departure hence, for after death

wmes judgement infallibly. Therefore kwil be our wif- Hcb.p-27.

dom in the ways of felf-renewing, to fay as lob did

When God v/ftetb^hat fa all I anfvper him ? j 0 ^ 31.1

5. Bccaufeby ferious felf-rcfleftions we may attaine fuch full aiHiranceofourloveunto Chrift, that we may

with confidencefpeak with Peter , Lord> tbou knowefl aU J 0 ^ 111 al » ! thitigSj tbcukgowejl that I love thec.

Having thus moved the Examination of your love to Chrift,! proceed to give in fome Difcoveries of Chrifts loving friends; and the rather, becaufe according to Gods inftitution, we Minifters are fet up amongft people to try fa* ^ 2 ^ their wayes.

And the characters of love being many, I fhall be the fhorter in them all. True it it, that mens love burning in their bofoms^they many times better expreis thcmielvs by ^ more ft fenfe then Arguments 5 yet God having in his word held €CL qua mt \ forth manifold Signes of fincere Iove 3 it is our duty to make our ufe of them.

i. Love ro Chrift is always accompanied with hatred of (in. Tt that low tbc Lord htte wil. And the Apcftlc pf a i.

C his

Disconnexion is ebfervable, Letlcvebe witho :om.i2. 9. f ; Wj Morrivg that which is etil: The ground here-„ , of is threefold, *«'*, both beca life Ch rift hatethall fin, he

SS/^ ru %4 dcathfo? ' fin andisd'Oionourcdby it. Th-re-adhucamas fore it is not poffible, that love unto Chrift and love inte odit unto fin fliould peaceably lodge together in the fame bo-

2. Love to Chrift is attended with care to prevent what--foever might be injurious or difpleafing unto him. Thus the loving Spoufelaycrh this command upon all under her Authority. 7 charge }c>u that you awake not my Belo-

Cant. 5. ved till he pltafe. In like manner Jonathans love pleadeth

VihhSauJforlDavidsrife. Let not the King fin againfthis

i Sam firvant, *gaivfl~David : wherefore wilt thonfin againft in~

5 ' nccent blocd^ to flay David w'nhout A caufe ? And Jacobs

Gen. ^g. affeftionsdid projeft theprefervation of his near relati on from ruine. HenCe it appeareth therefore, that peo*

Afts 18. IT. pie of Gallio his temper, do not love Chrift, who care not what wrongs are done to Chrift, in the liberty or parity of his Ordinances and comfort of his fervants , if thcmfelves can fleep warm in their owne well feathered nefts.

3. Love to Chrift difcovered it felf by felicitous cnqui* ries after the mind of Chrift , fearing leaft through mi-flakes he might be provok«d. How inquifitive were his Apoftles to know his pleafure in all particulars 5 relating

th. ^6.l^, to the pafl^y^ > ^ e J)jf c j f i e5 cam e unto Jefus, foingjrhcre Gen 8 wiltthou that we prefarefor theeto eat thefaffovtr. And

Rettftfolliciti now timorous was Abraham fGods friend) left he mi^ht by overmuch boldnefle incenfe him, when he was media-ting for Sodom ! Shall they therefore be accounted friends to Ghrift who walk at all adventures, without any fears ©f his frown, or enquiries after his will ?

4. Love caufeth Sowings forth of thoughts upon its ebjeft. The beatings of the pulfe are according to the

45« f. heat in the heart. In the Song of Loves this is the firft claufe. My heart is inditing of * good matter* I fpe ah of tfa things which Ih#u9 made concernwg the King. Sparks

do

do not more naturally arife out of a flaming furnace, then muGngsnpon Chrift from the: foule which is ficed with loves towards him. With how much intention, freq^cn- * l ey and ftfddinefs doe people think upon the perfons and' things which are greaily loved. Tins cojnfjderation therefore cafts them ofFas no friends to Ghr'ft, of whom it may be truly faid, in refpeft of diligent meditation, *lw Lwd is not in all tbtir thoughts.

5. Longings after Chrift, together xvith fatisfa&ions while he is abfcnt, are evidences of love unto him. The

loving Spoufe fliakes ofTfloath, gets out of bed in the Cant & night, and goeth abroad tojeekjrim whom her foul loved. Nei- > j mnr * cu'nitper ther eafe in a warm bed, nor chamber comforts, nor CT- d-frderlum. ty contentments could fatisfie her. Her Beloved (he mufl Aug. have, and her Beloved (he will have, for fhe is fick of love. Love like the Load-ftone is attractive, and the nee dle touched with it, will unccffmtly move till it ftand di-reftly North-ward. In like manner ivill the heart which is well warmed with love to Chrift : this is its language, Whom have I in heaven but ikee ? and there is none that Idefire Pfal. 73. 2$. on earth befide thee. Give me Ghrift, or I dye.

6, Contentation in the enjoyment of Chrift doth de-monftrate love : Some note this from the Greek word,'Ay«wa'« quAp which fignificth Love, viz. that wherein the heart taketh •>*' r *2 f " reft. When any thing comech.to its center, there it ™^ e fo quiet and (till. So it is with the heart which loveth God. ^o^'quiefiit This was Davids meaning, as fome Expofitors judge,when per&tndiutn. he having exprefled his love to God , fpeaketh thus in an Aug.

holy Soliloquy, Return to thy reft 0 my JW. This reft the ^ D *" m ' A *** loving Chriftian attaineth in Chrift, by complacency tttff^J"^! dependency. The SpouCehfftigth frcfteth her felf) ufon het S^rem. Beloved, and he for delight is A bundle of myrrh between* Vaubl-in Pfc-: whereunto the ivords of the Api/ftle fuit very n^- 7«

all, 1 need no more j for in him all wants are either fup-plitd or (anftificd. In him juilify ing grace will make up

C 2 all

all dcfefts In fervice. And what is wanting in the ftreams of creature enjoyments, is given in with more fweetnefs in the full fountain of his All-fufficiency.

Efther;$. jo. & 7 .Communication of fecrets fpeaketh friendfhip. H&-*• J 3- mandoth unboforne himfelf to his friends, by layingo-

jxn unto them all his concernments, both crofs and com fortable. And Chrift bids him who was difpofleflld of a Mark £. 19. pi ve ] 3 Go borne to thy friends and tell them how great thirds God hath dene for thee.

We can put that into a friends bofom which we would not have bla7ed abroad in the world. Thus Chrifts friends do tell him of all their troubles5fearS5wantSjtenip-tationsj lufts, as alfo of their comforts, receipts, experi ences , upon all occafions they ftep unto him, and he i £am.u$. knoweth from them by prayer how things go with PfaJ. 103.4. t h enij u/hether by encouragement or difcouragement in their courfe.

I here remember thefpeech of Samp fins xvife, when he-concealed what (he defired to know 5 How canft \hm faj^ Judges 16* 15. n ove t k ee ^ ypfa n thy i !€an JS mt Wlt fr me $ ^ n ^ doubtlefs-

oureftrangcment from Chrift, in not laying open ous felves upon all occafions before him 3 doth more then in-umate our unfriendlinefs.

8. Readinefs to comply wth Chrifts command will undeniably prove that we are his friends. Our Lord is

, often upon this Argument: You are wy friends if }cu doe 2% wbatfoevfr I command you. He that hath my commandments «&*'*- ^d kftfttb them, he it is that lovelb me. If any man leve me^ eT*, or he mil keep mywords. Thus Abraham made it manifcft that tbjtwf »ar* he was Gods friend by being ready to offer up Ijaac upon *«'• his call. And the Apoftle fpeaketh of the labour of love, be-

caufe love will not withdraw from any work, wherelff eb. 9-10* Q OC J jfg^jj cau f c to employ his friends. The woman who loved Chrift much, will wajk his feet, and wipe them with the hair of her head. This is the language of Love, I account no work too mean, wherein I may ferve Chrift.

9. Love is content to be at any coft for Chrift. Heark

en

en unto the expreflibm of the loving 'Spoufe,. At are all manner of pie aj ant fruits^ newand old y whichlbavs laid up for thee> 0 my Beloved. And I would caufe thee to CajK g 2 drinkjffactdwine) andof the juyce of Pomegranates. The bcft of all kinds, and the beft of the beft is provided for Chrift. if he be Beloved. She who loved much, Brought zftoxof oyntmentvery coftly. In like manner, whatever Luke , duties Chrifts friends discharge, or whatever Ordinances w j t h j^ \ 2 they frequent, they are wont to fay with David, I mil 283111.24.24.' not&ffertotheLordthatwhick cofl me nothing» Theyfcorft to give him the chaffand bran, when others eat the Kid neys of wheat. To be warm and vigorous in creature communion, and all a-mort 5 chil and cold" converfing with Chrift; is an abomination to Chrifts friends.

10. Love is liberal and free, not grudging any kincf-neffe layed forth for a friend. This is the loveofGod£fz\t\\ l JQ^ ^, the beloved DifcipleJ that we kgep his Commands me nts 9 attd his Commandements are not grievous.

When the moft is done and endured for Chrift, the foul faith, How little have F either afted or fufFered for Chrift ? Oh that it had been more. Oh that it had been more! How little is all my fervice, how fmall are all my disburlmentf for Chrift? When lacob had paffed' twoApprentefhipsfor Rachel,, under a fowre Uncle and ehurlifhMafter. wherein he had been pinched with cold, and parched with heat, ihey feewed to hint but a few days. Gen. 29. IQ. for the love he bare unto her. And when Jonathan had ftrifpedhiwftlfeoftherobethat was upon him, and gave it to i Sam. 18:5. J)avidj and his garments even to his faord and to his bow, and to his girdle 5 we read not of any repinings after ward 5 and the reafon was, becaufe he loved himj as his twnfoul: Chrifts friends look upon him as deferving over and over again, infinitely more then they fhall ever be able to requite, and therefore are troubled that Chrift hath had fo little fervice, never repenting that he hath re ceived fo much. They know that God giveth liberally Janxrs i- $• andufhraideth not. VVorthy Doftor Sibs was wont to iay, Suppofingapoffibiluy of forrow in Heaven, this

would

M

woukl be the grief of the Saints there, that they have dor* fo little for Chrift upon earth 3 from whom they haven-ceived fo much.

n. Love maketh couragious for Chrift. Every one knoweth that St. P^w/was Chrifts cordial fiiend 5 whirh he 21.13. cxprcfltd by his magnanimity. I am ready net lobe bound Phil. 3. onl)^ Lut to dye atjernjalemfjr tke ftameoftht Lvrd Jefus,

D/fcijtffoj */MJ f or vbow I ba wftffind the hffi of all. Much was loft aj-

ASSS- w and lifc k idf was now at ftakc > Let a]1 s° ^ rahh

henn&m, Bern, lovej for Chrift.

Jmantinibii Lovelookcth upop nothing as impofiible 5 or as too

vgMpbfc+M difficult to be undertaken. The fearful Htn will fly fierce-

difficilt. Aug. jy at the devouring Creatures which would devour her chickens; and the timorous fheep wil turn head upon a

Canr.8.6.7. maftiffdog 5 to fecure her beloved Lamb. Love ?s flrong as deatby many waters cannot quench love 3 neither can the foods drown it. Marji whofebofom was ful of burning love to Chrift, is a rare example of that mettal and fortitude which love breedcth in Chrifts friends. Shee feeking Chrifts dead body^and meeting with the Gardiner ( as (he imagined) (he ipeaketh thus: £/>, // thou baft

John,2o.i$. borne him hence) tell we where thou hafl laid him, and I will takf him away. Neither the ghaftly looks of a dead body could aff. ight, nor the weight of it difcourage her rcfc-lutions to bear it away. Though (he was not able (good foul) by her own ftrength to carry fuch a burden, yet her Jove made her confident that (he could do it, and therefore was refolved to undertake it.

12. All thefe forementioned actings and adventures of love in Chrifts friends, do arife, neither only nor prin cipally from felf-advantages received from him, but from his excellencies, and refpeft to his honour. Becauje of the fai'cwr of thy good ointments , thy name :s an ointment foured forth , therefore doe the Virpines love thee* And in this, Saint Paul centered as the Taft end of his love, that Jeftis Chrifl nti^ht be magnified in him whether by life or

John 6. ?6. ^* r *sWhereas when Chrift is looked after rather for haves then for his divine lovelinefle, its rather to be judged a

turck-

Ci5)

trucking with him, then a loving of him. When men feek only to ferve their turn of Chrift, as it were by merchan- m dizing, they may be called friends to themfelves; but mn'micitj*' will never 6e reputed faithful friends unto him. This nw acquitfcit difcovery lies inward, and clofe in our bofoms 5 in which indiqwt ex-regard; the more cautioufneffe is needful, that we may l ™'* jj^'^j" not be deceived. amatum. Aqui,

Laftly,and for our help in the former, I adde this(as the conclufion of this fearch, upon which I have held you fo longj That fincere friendflr p unto Chrift, wil raife rejoy-cings in our hearts upon his advancement though this may feem to tend to our perfonal detriment. Here the words of Chrift to his drooping Difciples, fearing that themfelves fhould be damnified by his departurefrom them, are very confiderable 5 If you loved me^jou would rej oyce bccauje Ifaid, I%o unto the Father. John the Baptift J ohn l ^ 28 ' is a rare inftance to evidence this character of tru« friend-(hip: for he being told chat Chrift was likely to carry away credit from hinr, returned this anfwer. He that hath the Bride is the bridegroom 5 but the friend of the Bridegroom, J bhn 32 9-3Q* whichftandeth and'hetreth htm^ rejoyceth greatly becaufe of the 'Bridegrooms voke : this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He tmtft increafe but I muft decreafe. And the Apoftle Paul was another example of this ingenuous love; Some (faith P ' he) preach Chrift of envy *ndftrife y fappofing fo add afflt&i-w unto my bonds: Notwithftauding Chrift is preached^ and I therein do rejoyce, and will rejoyce. Make application hereof, and ask your felves this queftion, whether you ca« be content that Chrift fhould be fet upon your flioul-ders, and that your credit fhould be crop*cfj rather then it fhould hinder his fhine and profpeft ? can you lay your felves down in the duft, that the crown may be fet upon Chriftsheadf can you willingly be little or nothing in the account of the world, that Chrift may be all in all among the children of men ? By fincere anfwers returned upon (erious considerations of all thefe foregoing parti-culars,you may be able to give a right judgement oryour ©wn eftate, whether you be indeed and intruth friends to Jefus Chrift. The

Vfe %. TlieUfe of Exhortation followcth: wherein I am to

•befpeak your love unto Jefus Chrift. And O chat I knew tvhat Arguments to ufe^that I might prevaile with you to btcome friends unto Chrift. Might .not the remembrance of the forementioned Reafons wherefore believers love him, being faithfully prcffcd upon your fpirits, be hope-lully operative for this end ; Take into your confiderati-on i. His incomparable beauties. 2. His famous exploits. ?,. Your former rich receipts. 4. Your future expectations from him: and hereupon command your fouls to give in their anfwer, whether in be not reafonable that you fhould love Chrift. But forbearing the rehearfal of thofe heads, I will deal with you upon principles of felf-love, to love the Lord Jefus. So many and fo precious are the priviledges belonging unto them who are thus affected, that David knew not how to defire more at the hand of God. Lookjhoujfpon me aud be merciful .unto me y asthouu»

Ffal. iJ9.i)2. Jefl to do unto thofe that love thy navns.

Shal I mention(and do little more then mention)fomc particulars?

i. Thus you (hall work your felves into Chrifts bofom,

Prov.8.17. -("which will be no fmall advantage} I love them that love

item r^^n3 ?Mr > raidourLorci]on S fince * It is reported that Vcffafian afam&to. commanded a large recompence to be given unto a wo man that fell in love with him 3 and ordered that it (hould berecordedj that fuch afumof money was given upon that accotmt.Mor^ beautiful wilChrift be unto his friends. Pro, 8. 21. T^hat I may caufe thoft that love me to inherit fubftftnce y and I mil fill their 'Ireafures : Riches, fubftantial riches, fub-ftantial riches making treafures: and all this by the right of inheritance, flial] be the reward of them who love Chrift.

2.Hereupon you may confidently expect familiar fel-

lowfliip with Chrift and his Father, which is the Chpifti-

joh, ,,4.21,23, ans Heaven upon Earth, If any man love we, my Father will

* love him, and I will love him y and manifeft myfelfto him> and

VPS will come unto him % and wakg our abode with hint.

3, Hence iffuethaiTurance, that all events and exercifes

fhall

feall prove, fplritually advantageous. 'Alfiwe know that all things worl( together for good nnto them who love God. Every wind will undoubtedly bring in their profit, and their gain (hall come in at every door.

4 And the Crown of glory ispromifed to them who love Jaacs 1.12; the Lord.

Now if you dial demand. How may we kindle the fire of love in our brefts towards Chrift ? 1 anfwer,

i By informing your felves from thei Scripture con cerning Chrift his worthinefs, both in his perlon, relati ons, and feveral Adminiftrations as Mediator betwixt J 0 { ln 5 .^ God and man. As this is his own advice , Search the Scripturesyfor they teftifie of we: So by the manifestations of him, friendly affe&ions are kindled towards him. Witneffe the experience of fuch who during their igno rance of Chrift were fo far from loving him, that they ac counted the love of others groundlefs, yet underft and ing his tiparallell'd beauties, fel in love with him. This is open and apparent by comparing Ctnt* 5. 9. with ver. 10. to the end, and with Chap.6+i. The words being many, I refer you to the reading of them. T'he rich hath Prov.i4.2o.' many friends (faith Solomon ) And are not all the riches of earth and heaven in Chrifts pofleflion and at his difpo-fing ?

2. By prefenting often unto your view by meditation ^^ m 39' 5 all things amiable in Chrift. While Imufedfaith the Pfal-mift) the fire burned. Looking caufeth loving, fhe eye ajfefts the heart: By blowing, a fpark becomes a flame. As Abrahams fervant brought forth Jewels.of filver y and Jewels of Gold to win Rebecca- her heart towards Ifaac$ So fhould we fpread before our fouls frequently thofe things which are enjoyed in Chrift, that our hearts may be ena moured with him. Ponder upon his own exprtffions; I love them that love w, and thofe that feek^we early Jhal find Prov,8.i7,it, mt.Rkhts and honour are with me: ye a y durable riches and*?' Righteottfneffe. My fruit is better then Gold, yea then fine Gold) and my revenues then choice Silver. Dwel upon thefe

D and

and the like confiderations, and the Lord blefiethemto the end for which propounded, that your fouls may flame forth loves upon the Lord Jefus.

'Branch 2. The fecond Branch ofthe Doctrine followeth \ viz.

*Ihat Cbrift is a loving friend unto all true Chrijrians.

Howfoever he here calleth Lazarus his fpecial friend, and the Apoftles were fo accounted in Tome way of pecu liar! ty, Henceforth Icall you.not few ant s^ but I have called John 15.15; jou friends. Yet this compellation, and this amiable rela tion belongeth unto all faithful Chriflians likewife. He John 13. i. loved all bis own in the world ; which is plain alfo, by that Cant $ t gracious invitation. Eat 0 friends^ and drink^O Beloved^ wherein he intendeth to take i n all living Ghriftians.

Now iftheReafon be demanded. Wherefore Chrift is fo good a friend unto believing Chriftians? 1 anfwer 3 « r i Becaufe they are his owne upon Covenant compaft be-

Gal 2.16. ' twix* tbc Father and kimfelfe . The Covenant was^prima-rily betwixt God and Chrift, whereupon they were com mitted to his trufi for the praife of glorious grace. And He John 13. i; loved them therefore becaufe his own. This our Lord him-felf doth more then intimate in his moft heavenly prayer, wherein expreflmg his refpeft to his Fathers honour, toge ther with abundant love towards the Eleft 5 he doth ve'ry John 17.2,4,6, often touch upon them as given unto him by the father. And 7>8>9»i 1*12,24. U pon this account it was that he thus fpeaketh of the com munion which he had with his Father before the founda tions of the world were laid. I was by him as one brought ov, 30,31. up with hint) and 1-was daily his deli^ht^rijoycin^alwayes before biw.Rejoycinfr in the habitable far s of his eartb^and my delights were with thefons of men.

Heafon 2* Becaufe of the dear deliberate purchafe which he made Titus 2.14.* of them,that they might be brought in to friendly fellow-fhipwith hinv It is commonly faid, that the mother loveth thofe children moft which coft her the moft pain when Ihe brought them into the world] The Prophet calleth the fruit of the wom^ Beloved. And that is very confiderablc to this ;purpofc which the Evangelical

Prophet

Prophet foretold of Chrift , He fialtfee of the travel of his J f g^/- • fouUndfyalt-hfatnfi^. We are Chrifts by redemption, and in this regard alfowe are his beloved friends, and highly ({Itemed by him cbove others, as the Prophet ivimcfiedi , Since thou wfi f redout in -my fight I loved thee, »• 434*

3. Becaufe of their fpiritual troth-plight unto Chrift. Reaf. 3. The Apollle fpeaketh of efpoujlxg the believing Corinthians 2 Cor ^ u 2< unto him as \heir husband. And as this is done in loving Hof. 2.19. kjn'dmfie and mercy 3 fo becaufe of this relation , Chrift is propounded as an example of great love. Husbands , love Eph. 5.25. ) our wives^ven as Chrift loved bis Church^and gave himfdfe

for it.

4. Eecaufe they are incorporated into Chrift as mem- Reaf. ^ bers ofhisbody.myfticaJ. As the body is one^ and bath ma- iCo r . 12J2 , vj members , fo alfo is Chrift. And upon this ground like-

wife is Chrifts love to his people inferred. No man ever yet £ph. 5.29,50, hated kit ownflefa) but nounjheth and cheri/beth it^ even <K the Lord bis Church: For we are members cfhis bcdy^ efbisflejkj andof his bone*

5. Eecaufe all the revenues (as it were) of Chrifts ho-nour and reputation on earth, are raifed from among be lieving Chriftians: for fraife waitetb for him m Zion: and this is the feed which jbattferve hint. As before his incar-nation they are called Gods peculiar treafure, and his lew- j,' ds9 fofincehis Afccnfion the Apoftle Paul ftileth them Mai,5.17.' * the Glory of Chrift. And in this regard a principle of di- 2 Cor.8.2j< vine felt-love doth incline the Lord Chrift to be a friend

unto Believers.

For the illuftration of this truth, knoWj that this love of Chrift is fourfold; viz. j. Of his eternal pur~ poje. 2. Of Benevolence. 3. OtComplacency. A.QfCom-pajjion.

i. There is a love of divine good pleafiire appertain ing unto Gods people; In this fenfe God faith, lacob have Amtr ILved'.znd in the purfuit hereof the Lord in due time con- e ' rf "-vcrteth them unto hinifdfe; I have loved thee with an ever-

yfm-or bent vo-kntj*,

Gal. 2.20. i Cor.3.21: 2Cor.4.i5*

iChro.2o.7.

lick".

(20)

lafting loW) therefore with loving kjndmfl have I thee.

2 The Lord loveth them with the love of benevolence, communicating to them 3 together with himfelf and his loves, his All, for their comfort; If ho loved me ( faith Saint Paul) and gave himfelf for me. AH are yours ; and all things art for your jakes^ faith the fame ApoftJe. Chrift himfelf being the heir of all things , both in heaven and earth) the fountaine both of grace and comfort, brings along with himfelf all needful accommodations5terreftri-a! 3 celeftial, whether they concern this life or that which is to come. How liberal was Gods love to Abraham his friend^ giving all Canaan to him, and his feed after him!

3, The Lord embraceth them with a love of delight and complacency, he himfelf having made them lovely by putting upon them his own robes and ornaments, both by juftifying and fanftifying grace. This is taught by fundry expreffions in that Song of Loves. 'Ike Kings "Daughter is all glorious within.) her doathing is of wrougl;t Gold. Vponthy right hand did ft and the Queen ,in Gold of Gphersfo jhall the King greatly defire thy beauty. And to [the fame purpofe doth the Prophet Ezekjel metapho rically hold forth this Truth, I wafoed thee with water> yea^ I throughly wajhed away thy blood front thee 9 and I anointed thee with oile: I doathed thee alfo with broidered work^ I girded the£ about with fine linnen> and covered thee with plfa I decked thee alfo with Ornaments^ and I put bracelets upon thy handj and a chain onthynecl^: Andlfutajewelontty fore-head^, and ear ings.in thy ears^ and a beautiful crown on thy head. Thus waft th$u decked with G eld a*dfi!ver 3 and thy raiment was ojflne linnen andfilk^ andbroideredwor^ and thou waft exceeding beautifuU ; and thy renown went forth a** fttong the Heathen for thy beauty 5 for it was perfett through my comelinefs put upw thee y faith the Lord God. Therefore though the Elect themfelves are rather loathfome then delightful in their unregenerate eftate, yet being covered with Chrift his righteoufnefsj and adorned with thegra«

•n

ces of his holy fpirit, they are friends in whom he taketh much delight. Hereupon the Church is called Hepbzzbab* ,/•.; ^

r i T i t i' i i • t " llwl. Q2t&«

pr the Lord dehghietb in her.

4. Chrift exprefleth towards them the love of conipaf- j mr mifiti-fion 5 Sympathizing with them in all their forrowes and ccrdi*> fufFerings.-in all their afflittion be was afflitted. As in refe- I&i. ^3.9-rcnce to his friend Lavtruf 3 being Brought to the place where he was buried , Jeju* wept. Andhencethe Jewes John n.35.3*5 inferred this conclufion, fahold how he loved him!

This makes much for the comfort of all truly graci- Vfe I. ous Chriftians/eeing the Lord Jefus is their friend. God intending to give David a cordial upon the death of his 2

childe, befloweth upon him Solomon y with this affurance a$> that he loved him 3 whereupon he was called Jedsdiah^ And for the chearing of Daniels heart, he was told once and againe, that be was greatly beloved by the Lord. Now Dan.g.2g. this refreshing reacheth all Gofpel-Chriftians tiniver-&IO » II » 1 5 > -fally.

In theferving out of this cordial', I will briefly cndea* your to lay before you

1. The Characters of Chrifts beloved friends.

2. The comforts hencededucible for their reliefe. Firft, for thefe fignes of Chrifts beloved friends 5 I

refer you to the review and application of the particulars in the former branch of the Doftrine,for the difcoveiy of fuch who are his loving friends. For this is moft certain^ thatChrift lovetk all tbofe who love hint. And I adde p rov ;g. I7 thefe two further evidences of them who are beloved of Chrift.

i, Thofe who are beloved oftke Lord^are called to be Saints, ^ om§ ,^ 7a Two things are confiderable in the quotation, viz.

That thefe Saints are not fo titulaiiy onely (becaufe fcr reputed and nominated among men;) but Saints in reality and praftice, being perfons whofe hearts are fepa-rated from common pollutions, raifed above creature contents, to riiin^c the matters of God in good earnefhin P/al.^^.ss which refpecl: they are called his Saints devoted unto him peculiarly*

And

» s

And this calling is not alone external (for thoufands who continue hatei s of God,are called upon 3 to lay down Ifa 55,2,g. their armes of rebellion jb. to fubmit unto the government .of Chriftjbut it is a calling internal and efficaciou.e ? con-quering the foul to come in unto Ghrift, leaving all in re-iolution,affec~tion,and endeavour for him. Therefore in the application of this, note, the Qiierc mould be, winch way the ftrongcit ft ream of mind and will doe run ? whe ther Jin-ward; world-warder God-ward ? and what is the greateft defignc^driven on by projeft and practice,whether to fatesfie I lifts, and to grow great in the world, or to con form unto laws divinejand to advance (Thrifts glory.

2. The Apoftle Paul conjoyncth faithfuU and beloved. Perfons beloved by the Lord,are faithful to the Lord.And this fidelity doth evidence it felfe by two things efpe-cially.

1. By cleaving infeparably unto the guidance of God, when others are fwayed by the multitude, fwimming downc the tide of times. Jn this regard in times of gene ral apoftacy , Judab is faid to continue faithfull with tte

*liaj * 12 '^ T| Sarnts 9 .h olding clofe to his will in holy woi"(hip, when Ephraim followed mens traditions and commandements.

2. By intending Gods glory more then perfonal ad vantage in courfe of life and converfation.

And in this refpeft the Apoftle fpeaking of the fer-T . ^ % vants duty, doth place f urloymngjn oppofition to goedf-d'jlity ; that fervant who purfeth his matters gain, he is not faithful. If thefe things were brought home by an unpar-tial application, hoiv many would be found in thefe t'ur.es not befriended by Chrift, though they would be cryed up as his cheiftft favourits among men ?

Secondly,the comforts which belong unto fuch whom Chrift affefteth as his friends 3 may be coniidered under two heads, viz.

i.Thequality •> c

2.The efficiency^ ofhis Iove towards them.

Firft,his love thcmward,for quality is, ]er.i2. 7 . I. Moft cordial. They are the dcerly lelovedofkis foul.

It Is not lip-love, love from the teeth outward, bat love from the heart root.

2 Mod large ; it paffetb knowledge^. cxccedeth all di- Ep?*f 3,19. menfions. Whereas never greater /owwas expreflcd, \hsn I 0 * 10 *5-*B» thata.manjb' J ulddyefor his friend. Chr/ft commendeth his love as much more , becaufe he dyed for finxers and for ?- £om.5. 5,7,8:

3 Moft refrefhing. This love is not cnely fleeter then Cant.r 3. ine} bm&lfo better then life, yea better then lives, astheP^lm 65.

Original imports. All the comforts of life natural and ci vil 5 all the comforts of the fevcral ages and conditions of life are not comparable to this love.

4 Moft conftant ; whom he loveth once> he loveth to the John 1.31. end. This Chrift did caft in to cheare his difciples being to depart from them. No opposition Iofle 3 or change what* foever,canpo]j?bljrfeparate beloved -Chnftlans from this love^ which the Apoftle mentioneth as a matter of high joy and

holy triumph. Whereas Solomon telleth us, that a friend loveth at all timts and that there is afriendthatftickfth clc-fir then a brother*, this may moft truly be applyed|unto our loving friend Chrift Jefus. This the Text fuggefteth; for Chrift did not only love Lazarus while he lived^but called him friend, even now when he was deader friend Lazarus fleepetb.

Secondly the efficiency of his love is admirably com fortable 5 to all fuch who enjoy it. For firft, it workcth their deliverance from whatsoever may be grievous and dangerous. He loved us^ and rrafhed us from ourfns in his Rcv^i.5. blood. And hence followes deliverance from the curfe of the !av>-> and from the math to come. G ^j- ^ J 5 •

Secondly 3 'it procureth whatsoever, may be joyous un- ! to a fpirkual heart.

1. He hath made us (upon this account)* Kings tf#^Rev.i.£. Priefts unto God and hh father.

2. He feedeth the foul plentifully by the dainties of fa-cred ordinances; Eat 0 my friends 3 and drink^y yea abundantly^ 0 my beloved.

3. This his love running through all providences, ma

ke th-

keth Wettings the more iweet, and fupporteth the fink ing foule under crofies. As Hezefyah's recovery was the i ,«V * more Pkafant y becaufe Go^ in love u his foul, wrought it;

. I <2.5)9* /"* r A n.i t • i r • • r

lo the Apoitle puts this as a prop under a fainting af-fii&cd Chriftian^that the Lord correfteth with paternal lo.i'e.

^ 4. And his love wil prepare his beloved for glory, Chrift loved the Church that be wight fa net i fie it^ with ^ tbt wafting of water by the word) that he might frefent it to himfiljea glorious Churchy not having Jpot , or wrinkle> or any fuch tfing^ but that it might be holy and without blemijk. If unto all thefe (which I mentioned without enlargment) ivc add the complacency which he takah in all communi cations of his love, it wil be a great addition to their joy.

Zeph.3.i7, ^ Lord willrcejoyce over thee, he wtllreft in his love y he will joy over thte v\'th finging. Godfeemeth to take fuch con tent in his loving tranfaftions them-ward, as though he defircd nothing more.

, Let the friends of Jefus Chrift feed and feaft them-felvcs with thefe expreflions and provifions of his love. How fnould the remembrance of fuch rare refreftiings

~j* belonging to them, who are the beloved friends of Chrift,

q licken endeavors in all forts to gain a fharc in his friend-ihip. To enforce this exhortation, I will caft thefe few thoughts into your minds.

j. Whereas Solomon telleth us (What every dayes ex perience alfo fpeaketh ) that wanyfeekjhe Rulers favour 5

&2P \°6. J erus Chrift is thc Km & tf&Hf' 5 md the Lord ofLtrds, the

1 Tim. 6. 15. onclj potentate, .unto whom all authority in heaven and earth Matth.28.i8. i $ committed, by whom Kings raigne^ Princes rule ? and all the Fro.8.15,15. Judges of the earth.

2. That it will be an high honour to be called Gods

2 Sam.i $.27. friend.In-holy ftory Hujbai and Zckudk&rc this title of re-i Kmg.4.5. fp e £ p ut U p 0n ^gjj^ ^ at tnc y were tne fyvgs friends. And

it wil be for the cverlafting credit of father Abraham^ that Ifa. 41. 8. he is recorded in facred pages, to be the friend of God.

3. That Chrift is and ever wil be in favour with God, to

make

make and to maintaine our peacg wtt\h though we frequently, tnd fearfully doc provoke him c-vcry day. The ink*bit**ts of Tyre #nd Side* mtdt BUjus Ad, I *i io. the Kings ehttvtberUine thfir friend, xekt* HtreA w*$ high ly difpleaffd vitk them, btetufc their ftnntrty was neHrifail by tkt Kings tenntrej* And is not our ekpendance more uponGod* 1 And doc net we hourly give the Almighty great oecafion to rffja&u$, yea to take up arms againft us? And is there any one, cither ia earth or in heaven, that can affwage Godi anger, and procure his favour, befidcs Jefas Chrift? Therefore (hould means be ufed to ~

make him oar friend.

4* The p«ople of God conceiting hope that ChriH re-gtrdeth us, they will be incouraged with the more afcdtio-nate confidcace to pray for us in the times of oar ueed. As th« fitters of Ln^a/rus making addrefs unto hioi ia the be* fealf of their dear brother, pleaded thif, Lord bet »iw» J ofa * " ; ^ $li9H levcR isfieks

5. Hereby we fball bt hortaed with the mdre hope to apply ourfches unto God by prayer for our felves. Our Saviour fuggcft«th this in the parable of the man, wh6 go- Luc - I ^?i^-eth at mid-night r* hitfriend t9 borrow tntd^ he applycth it to incourage prayer.

6. Becaafe all our crctturc friends may either fall off by wnfaithfHlncfs,forfakeus by death, or bee forced from as other ways. This the doleful complaints of fandry dwre unto the Lord recorded ia Scripture, doe declare: Mj lovers 4*4 mj friers ft And *t9offr0m **J fare , tnd *} phi. 3 8. ir7 kinfmf*fl*»d Aloof off, Lovtr AttdfriendtketiljAft put far and 83. it frem me> and wj AsqttAinttntc into darknefs. Upon this l Kin 5- I ^Ii coafideration, the humane prudence of the uajuft Steward Lukc is commended, in providing ?friendi againft tkc time of need. How far our experience fct this day fpeaketk cur lorfe of creature friends, viz, of fornc by death, and of others by an unfaithful dcferu'ng, I forbear to fpcak: Bat I do upon this confideration move your care to gainc the friend&ip of Cbrift, who wil bve and live for ever; Now if thcfe argumfntsfluli force refo'la-

E tioas

.

dons ia yourbofoms to feck Chrifts love, and thereupon metm to itttift it, (hall be enquired after ; I give thcfc

i. Accept of God and of Gofpcl-righteoufnefs with him, by a felfc-outing and a grace- prizing faith. The far*. l. *$• Ssrifinrc faiih,AbraihAin btlieved Gsd^d it was iwptttei tt*-to him for rightcetifnefsyAtidhe WAS called the friend of G0d.

a. Upon thefenousconfideration of his whorthinefs,

and hopeful expectations of happinefs, labour to endeare

Chrift unto your hearts. Altkough cur love to him doth

not merit his love, yet it will clearly make maniftftation

Pro 8 17. thereof unto our fouls. I lo vt them ( fauh hej voko love me.

3. And (as an exprefllon of your Iove)fubmit obedi

ently unto his govcrnmcnt,ftudiou{ly conforming unto all

his commands. This is his own promife which hec

will perform infallibly. He-tfat b*tb wj commtn&cments

Job. 14. u. Art ketpcth them Joe it is that Iwtth me,and I mil love him.

Ufe^> The third ufeistobe direfted unto them whom Chcift

cmbraccth as friends with love, and they are to be per-

fwaded unto real gratitude for his love. TheDifcipIc

whom (Thrift loved, having touched upon his incoropa-

llom. it. rablc Jove, addeth thisdoxology: Tohim he glo/j and do*

tmwnfrr tver /indevcri Amtn. Fiom whence mi^hc be

noted,

1. That the glory to be returned unto Chrift for his love Oiould not be verbal ondy, but real alfo, exprcflcd by fubjcftton unto his dorr;ir.ioo.

2. That thisobcdientiai gratitude fliould not be con fined to terme of time, but p^mdcd unto ttcinity, fore-vtr swdtver.

3. And a 1 ! Chriftiansfhould heartily give in iheiraiTent ani atteftuion hereto, by annexing that Amc*.

In the amplification of this peifvafion , I might call yon back to the review both of ihe proof of this doftrine, and of the qualities and .efficiency of his love, fpoken unto, ir» the fiift ufc: Buc that 1 may not tautologize by telling the fame things again, I wifh you to medicate .upon t'aefe . fiartuukrs which will yet further commend Chrifls love,

and

and may call you forth in thankfulncfs for rt.

i. His love waspiimary to us,and ours fecundary,fttCc£e* ding iC 5 as the efoft and confcqucnee thereof,*^ Iwed i. J©h4, &/w £rt-4*/* &* loved w fir ft. If hce had not fired our heart* 'with thcfbmes of his Jove, wee (houid never have beftovved one fpaik of fpiritual afteftion upon hire.

•2. His lore was free when there was much loath-fomnefs, and no lovelinefsat all in us. when thcu wait E**k, i c<*ft cut in the eftn field , to the loathing of thy ferfon in the day that theft weijt horn, esfnd wktn I pa fed by thef^nd f#w thfe pc/lttud in thy bleed^ veken thott ve*$ nak^d **d bare* New when 1 paffed by thee,and loekfd HfW thc*> behold thy time x>M the timetf love.

3. Hislove workcth him unto a familiar converfing with them, Which himfclf cxprefleth by feafting with them, He bright me into the banqueting hoftfe^ and his banner over mt wat lovt) I wiflfup with them, And they fball fup with me: and by acquainting them with himfelf, Jm& maniftft my J° h « M» filfunteihcm: as allb by revealing his fecrets, / have called you friends", fer aH things that I have heard of my father, I Joh i j. i -have nttf'k k*own untoyo*. As alfo by conjugal embracings; His lefth aid is under my heady and his right hand doth im- -Cant. z» brace me.

Now if Chrifts beloved friends,thankfully difpofcd to wards him for his love, (bail demand how their gratitude p j§ fhould be really difcovercd/1 anfwer in the words of'.Soh-wan; A mar, that hath friends , mttft Jbttv himfelf friendly : which is done,

i. By a cautious declining of whatfoever i«ay bc« ofFefifive unio him ; as the returning of evil for good is very finful, snd a pradife prejudicial to our fclves, fo is it taken very urkind'y by the Lord. Thus D^^Wcomplaineth of dfkittfbej^wi as fome conceive Chrift of Judas ) My friend that didcat of my bread> hath lifted tip his keelagxinjt Pfal/4i". me. As Ce/4rwa§ moft aiflided with the wound received from his own ions hands. And thou my fon too !

Therefore upon remembrance of Ghrifts kindneffe -learn to beat Daek temptations *&.hftph did. Hwtben

E 2

a. By an infepanble adherence unco drift in d*ycs of deepeft difficulty and danger. The fervant engaged to kisMaftcr by his favours, is willing to have his care kored l ^^^>thatkem^ydweUmthkimfor ever. Rnth upon the receipt of lefs love a great deal from Naomi her mother in Itw, . i5. taketh up this refolution, Nothing wall f*rt thte And me tat death. God forbid that ever we by our Apofhcy fhould give Chrift occafion to fpeak by way of reproach to MS as idhfalo* did to Hnfiai ( deferring *DavU, ts he im - l6 ' ^'apprehended ) // tku thy tyndnefs to thy fritnti why wentef. mot tho* vitk tbjfricnd> So be you fare that this one circun-ftance will gripe your hearts with great griefc for yoor backflidings. As Ptttr in this regard, wpt bitter Ij bectwft *' k« had denyed, and defertcd Chrift, fo good a Wafter, fo wcl dcferving a friend.

3. By uafaincd love unto all them, who art the belo

ved friends of Chrift. This is the inference of Sainc

Joh*) from this confideration under difcoarfe, that there

fore we cugbttoloveone another, and we ought ttUy dm»

jjoh. 4. n." cur lives for the brethre*. But ot this more in the dodrinc

ai That til Chrifts friends are Mutually lo?iag friends ton to

one another. As Chrift kere faith not, my friend, but

**rfrie*d La*,*rus,thetebj intending to dcclaae the fricnd-

ihip which was betwixe Zw*^^a«ia1iii Difciple*, as be*

twixchimfelf and Lazarus.

In the proof of this doctrine, I will point at two particulars ( which I conceive this inftanee uniier hand raay

Tt That tkerc is friend lineffe and lov< amongft all good Chriftians. In this rcfpeft tfce Apoftfe Paul in his FhHcra. ^ Epiftle to the Efhefa*s t joyneth their fatk \* £hritt, and their love to allSamts. And in his Epiftle tb-PkiUmo*i he coanedeckkis Joreto Chrift, and kit low tt mil Saints. Yea, our Saviour maketk this the Jivery whereby kis fer-

from whew: BjtkHfiaH *U

m

men tyow tktt jie Are wj diftifl**! tfj$ have lev* ther,

2. That there is a peculiarity of friendly refped in ChriftiansuntoChriftsMinillers, as here in LA*,*MJ to wards Chrift his Apoftles. This is obfenrable in the Let ter fent from leruftltm to ^ntioch, wherin their cxprefli-onoffpecialk>Y«is recorded; viz* Our beloved, 'Barnabas

a

But I will not deal with the Dodtrinc in both thefe bran ches diftin&ly. The handling of it more generally (for bre vity fake ) fhall be alone undertaken.

And the rcafoni of the poini are four. Amongft r.Bccaufc of their relation both unto Chrift and araongft R ^/- f ^ tketnfelves. They ftaod related uuto Chrift as his fubjeds, fcrtaflts, children, Spoufe, Members, (which, all will acknowcldge, and therefore needcth no proof. ) And be nee iffucth love. As 'D*vU was ready to ftiew kindnefs ro tke houfe of S**l for f*n*tk&t/f*lqti \ Sam. $/ -r.o

And among themfdves they arc related many Philemon. 16, ways moft nearly, They ate brethren ? and the 1 Pct - 3- 8 -fatktrkoed is t* he lw<*. And they are fellow- I Q ™ d £ I a 7 members, and tlaerefore to have aautuai rifa&wc to arta-'tier.

2. Becaufc of Chriil his cxprefs command, which is ^r t . repeated anrfftrengthacd with his own example. 7^j> ijoha 4, iii ce*tma*d we have frem kim that he wk$ Uvcth God, l&vgth his brother #lfo* Anew fintmandmext I give ttnte J0u t John 15; 3-4. Thatjon lovt one Attethw, AS I have Loved ywjhAt jr lovt owe and 15.11* Another, Aad again, This is i»j fiwmtM&msnt) Thxt yehvt 0ne another 0s Iktvc l&vedjw,

3. Becaufeof the image of God engraven upon the», Retf* 5. cxpreffed by their holy conveifation. ^John 5, j^-

The Apoftie fib* affcrts this, Tk.it every on e ^9 lovttk kimtk*tlKg**,lwetkhit»ft!fo that is btgdtte* of h$n*. Be-caufe the child is the picture (is it were) of his fatker, therefore beloved for kis fathers fake. n

I hear forbear to difcover how Believers begotten Again *?"* *'**'

*s> tb? -fffrl*ti*£ .f*tjw ) ^! i ^^V/»^; i Cori ^.4

but

but this I propound ai the reafon of Chriffians i»utHa! love.

*• Cor. 7. i >. ^ s t h e iwArb ajfctti** of Titus was wort

wards tktCtrintkiAHswkilfl he rdttemkrtd. their A»d as it's report* d of Beucer and CWviw, that they loved ail them in whom they could efpyc tltquid Ckrifli, any thing of C hrtft: So doubtlefs it is with ail others who are friends unto Chrift,

Rw/" % 4- Becaufe of the habitation and operation of Gods Spirit

in- their hearts. The Apoftle Paul callcth this love,

Col.i.S. IwdntlicSfirit. And the Apoftle S,M» difcouiilngof

this Chriftian aflfcdlion,and cofefcquently of Gods dwelling

in us ( being thereby evidenced ) giveth in this, as the con-

)Job;4.wj fi rmat i ono f both, Beewfc kg bath givtn us tfbis Spi~

rit.

This I place as the laft Argument, becaufeit is the rrue reafoa which m%keth all the former concluding: For nei ther fpiritual relation, nor divine injundion, nor Chrifit image" upon tbe Chriftians foul, cou'd hav« any commsn-ding influence to draw forth this holy love amoDgft Belie^ vers, ifGodiidnot cc-operate by the power of the holy Gboft.

Thus from the Confirmation I proceed to the Apply cation of the Daftrine; which I frail mike in four Ufesj v'«. I. Cortvictitw. ^. £xan%t*&lion* l.Ccwfort. ^*Ex» hortation.

vfc. j. Hence two forts of pcrfons are cafliicfd, as people

who are Grangers to friendly fellowfhip with lefus Chrill.

Firft; Such who ar« rather enemies, then friends anto

the people of God, as their own confciences witnefs to

thcmfclves, and their practices proclaim to the world, this

•being thcfr dcfign and endeavour ( if they coaid effect it )

to ruinate them in their comforts and lives alrogether;

Pi"al.£$,4. Thcyltvt f**£( in their defires, though not with theic

lips^) Come lit us cat them ffffrem being A Natlen^ thtt tht

name of Ifratl may be no mere in nwembrAHce. Whatfoevcr

ftiewofloveiunoChrift thcfc perfons make among men,

doubt-

(5O

doubtlefe they are Adverfarie* to him, as fuadry furrorinding the la^Q^ptation.do clearly expreJVAV,? »*/ p;j!.8i.i,t,r ifatfflfactQIfid, bold *>t thy piact,axd 6f nst fttl O G id. Li thine (ttfwits m*k« * tumult, 4*d they th*t batg tkee t bdveltfi tip the hs*d, they are confsdcr&te againfl thce. A> * Sain. 3. 17, Jo*b cook ,-lb*trafiJet9?pe*kep<*M*bly t biit fmite him u*-dtr the fifth rib that 1st dyed-, So thcfe, though they fmile upon Cfcnfts face with i aline ^ctthcy ftab his body; or ( as one wittily exprefft th it )they kifs the mouth snd tread upon the toes. Such unfriendlincfs co Godly Chriftians, -:'^\

i. Argucth an unregenerare eftatc. The Height in kis p r0 v. 19. 27. •WAJ if #» fibemi**iion t* the wicked- And he that loveth not thofe wh© arc like G jd, is enc of the cbittrc* *f the D;- i Job. g. 10

2. And is not confiftent with roeetncfs to be made par takers of the inheritance of Saints in light. For it is not a Col. 1. 1*. heiv<fi, but a hell rather to be confined to the toaspiny of fuch ai are hated. Ht (kat lavttb vot his hrotker tbidttb in l J^^-S 14 * death, &c.

As this doctrine fals thus heavy upon all thofe who are enemies, rather rhea friends unto ordinary Chriftians- fo upon fuch efpecialy who are profcffcd advcrfaries to the SMmiftersof Chrift. You know how the Holy Ghoft doth ftigmuiz,? Ak by who hated Micktiab, that he was a mm vthufild kimfclffo do vrirktdrtffs; wh-rcas unro true Gofpel i Kings ir/ Believer* the very feet oftbtm are b^amifnl who bring the Rim ic. i^. ghd tidings of peace.

Secondly, Thofe much more are by this do^rine fet afidc as no friends to Cha&,who arc Boutcfeuz ind In;endi-tries, fecking to kindle coals o r contentions 9 and to incrcafe the £Ums«.of difcontcnt and animofues among the peop'e of God, This practice prove ih rhtm to be Factors for the D.v'.l, and expofeth th m to the wrath of God. It was T 4 an evil fpirit tb*t m*de di-vifio* betwixt Ab'meltch and the ^'^ wen cfSbecljent. The Dcwl is pidured with a cloven foot, to figntfie that it's his work tu caufe arid continue divifions in the worldj And thoft who fo,wthoft/i«|/ v l/ difcorai are p fOY 6 l6 ^ reckoned by Silomov among ihcm w'aom the Lord h/ttttb,

,.

r 4»d who Art An tto&ivatien unto htm.

^ t i From this open Conviction I proceed unto Exami

nation, bccaufc there are many who upon tryal will not be found real friends unto Gods people, though they be not fuck notorious oppofites as were difcribed in the for-; »erUfc.

Therefore take thofe difcoveries of them who are right in their loves to real Chriftians.

Firftjfrom the tbjtft QflQVC,viz,.Sa>*8ifjiit££r*t*.*fhtt€ Mark 6. IP, are many lovely qualifications in Gods faithful fervants, which in ingenuous moral man may value; ts Htrod re verenced John the Baptift; but it's holinefs w ch is the load-ftonetodraw the lov« of the regenerate Chriftian. Be-pfal. 16. a. caufe Saiitts, thcrforecxttRent in a gracious eye. And hence Epbef. 1.15. fottowethuniverfatitjofLovttQ all fuch, mil the aboun* a Cor. 7. *f« ding of refped: according to the increafe of Grace.

Secondly, from Ac>-q**liticj of his friendship; It is ac companied,

i. With an honourable cflimation of them. The heirs of Pfal 15.4. feeavcn d? honour[tich who fear the Lord.

«. And with complacency, A&my Migh ( faith D-it/W) is in tltem.

Thirdly, from the Effifts of this love; w*. i. Readincfs to perform real offices for their comfort; 24 ' Thus i. 'Paul proved ttefttctritj tf-thc Cirintbians /0v* 9 by their contribution, for the relief of poor Saints.

a. And compaflionatc fympathiei when they are in trou ble. Tflkim th*t is fiffliRed fity fetuld be fitwtd from his Job 6. 14. frint. By this D*vM did dcmoaftrate his real refpeds unto fome who ill dcferved them, When they wtre fcl§ mj cloa-ial> l^^^kingvAsfMWttkylbekavtdwyfelfts though he had fac* wy friend.

Thefe fliorc hints I leave to your amplification and faitk-ful Application, that your felves may underftand whether your love unto godly Chriftians be f«ch as will evideicc your regenentee^ate.

The third Ufc is for tht comfort of all them, wfco caa in this grace of Chriftian IQVC and friend&ip, approve their

fincerity

fincerity uato God, not doubting but tint Cfarift him-

felfwill give the like teflimony unto them herein, ~<

as hee did unto Lazarus in th« Text. Ow friend.

For i it is no fmall priviledge to pattake in the love of all heavens favourities, and this love is mutual; Thefe who are cordial friends to Chriftians, are cordially beloved by Chriftiausj which is a matter of much jaj to them who will consider it, as in other regards, fo becaufe their love drtmth our prajtrs unto God, as need requi- Pfal iu,£- 8 rcth.

2. From hence they may infallibly conclude their re generation by fpecial grace. Let us love one another, i Job. 4. 7. ( faith Saint lohn ) for love is of (jod % and. every one that lo- ^iofcitur ex vithuhrnrfgod. Whereas perfofls under the power of&**£&• depraved nature, Are difpifers of them who A^e^ood, '* Tim§ 5- J-

3. And, ts ihey may upon this evidence lay claime to the comforts of grace upon earth, fo may they rayfe confidence of future glory in heaven. Wefyow that nvte l J°^« S- *4- -baveptffedfrtm death unit life , bcc**/* we lov* tke bre thren.

Thelaftufeis exhortation,wherein two duties might v(c 4. beperfwaded.

Firft, To love Chriftfans becaufe they are like unto Chrift, and belonging unto him in the neareft relations. The Holy GhoH: is often and earned in this perfwafion, ^

hue the Brotherhood^ love as brethren: and above All thing? ' - g

fut on charity l which it the bond ofpcrfeftnefs. Col. 5.14.

As helps herein, let chefe meditations be moulded-be: lisvingly upon yoar hearts, i That they are in regard of fpiritualbeauties,ths lovelieft people under the Sun. Mxctcfang beautiful. The Church is called the fweft among Ezek. \6. 15 women. And this is not the judgment of perfons fubject Canc,<5,i £ $• to miftakes, but even of Chrift himfelf, which hec gives in, again and again, both as aground of his own love, and requiring attention unto his teftimony. Behold tkou art fair my helovedy behold thou art fair, behtid thon art fair> €ant. 1.1 s. 15 jea fltafant* Tbo* art all fair mj love l there is no fotin & 4-7

F There-

Therefore, that you may beget love in your bofomw towards Saints, do not fo much pore upon their blemifhcs as their beauties, look rather upon their vertue then their vices; as Titus bj rementb ring the obedience, rather thea the Cor. 7. 15. difobedience of the Corinthians ,found his affcttins enlarged towards them.

a. That the obligations of lote which the Gofpel hath laid upon you, are many, and commanding. Here I will oftly name (without enlargement) the particulars, whereby ph. 4. 5.4,5,6 Saint Paul perfwadeth the Chriftian £bht[ians> to keep the unity oftheffirit in the bond of peace. Thtre is one tody an&oneffirit t onebaptifn*e)0ne (j*d and father of att, who is above all, and thrsugh all t and in Jou all.

1. That no perfons whatfocver, have been, or are likely tobe,foufefultoyourfelves, and to the publick, asthefe Sainrsandfervantsofthemofthigh God. This argument i . P«ttl preffcth upon Philemon^Q more his aflxdions to wards converted Onffmn, becaufc now ( failh he ) frefitA-

Thefe are refairm of breaches, and rtflorers of paths is Ifa. 5 8 - 1 1. dvettt in. And theff are the remnant, which iftjid had not Ieff 9 Ila. i, ? . VrgfiouU have t>e*n tike unto Sod*in and Gomorrh*.

I forbear to report how they beftead the publick, i By their prayers, As if Mofet hal not (Ito4 up i* the PuLioS. 13. breach to turn *w*j Qeds vratk, Ifrael had been dt-ftrojid.

a. And by their prefence, As God told L$t> he could

Gen. 19. 21 do nothing til he removed from Stdeme. By this reafon

lonarkan fpeaketh to move Saul's bowei^ towards 'David,

Sam. 18,? j or he ^ dpjft his/ ;f, in fa x k AUdt M ± Jlwth* Philifiin, and

the Lerdyrrougbt a great Salvation for all Ifratl,

Secondly, I might from this dodrine deale with all forts by perfwafion to endeavour to become Godlv, that they may b? admitted as friends into the bofomes of Gods propie. Although I know that there are higher ends to foe intended ia undertaking the praftice or piety, vix Coils glory, and our owne falvacjon, yet this confidcration un der hand vwuN not be (lighted, if chclc particulars 'Which

%

(35) I (kl onely name) were well weighed.

1. That the lore of Gods people towards us will phii.i, 4 ,« produce their frequent and fervent addrcflfes unto hea ven foi us, according to our ferviceable neccfllties.

2. That their applications unto the Lord, are very Job 41, * prevalent in regard of their great favour with his Highnefs.

2. Their lore will work them unto rcadinefs in any other kind to fervc us with their interefts and Hcb 6 10 abilities,councels and communication of their expe riences, as opportunity may be offered.

3. And t heir expreffions of loving refpecl may ad-minifler fome relief unto the faint hopes of fdf-fu-fpefting fouls, becaufe they are to be looked upon as beft able^in regard of their principles and experiments) to judge of the (piritual conditions of .other Cbri* Riant,

I proceed to the third circumftance, confiderable in the firft part of the Text, viz. That Chrifthimfclf doth teftifiethe forementioned relation of friendfoip betwixt LAZ>ATHI and himfelf with his Difciples: Our friend.

That lefttf Ckrift k*owtk and aekyowledgtth then* ViStr. £ fdrticultirlyi who Are friends nnto himfelf and hisfecttliar people. T-be Ltrd k»ovfeth them that are hu t This x Jim. f. ^ knowledg comprehends obf^rvation,approbation,and .commemoration, As he owned Lazarw here,his friend; So likewifc he did his Difciples under the relation of brotherhood after his Refnrreftion,C7* telmj brethren. Matth. 18. ic> And fincc his Afcenfion into glory, fuch is his refped: uato all fandlificd ones, That ht is not ajbamed to ^//Heb.x, n them brethren.

If more clear Scripture proof be demanded, let thefc two pad-ages be obfervcd.

i. That Chrift knowcch who love him, while they are alive. This is manifeft by Peters attcftation, Lord,

fl th*t Hove thcc. Job ^ - ^

Cm

i. that the Lord rcmembreth after the death of his g - friends, that they were Co during life. As dead ^**<i-

rti* is thus fpoken of, Our friend. And long after A bra-Avfw.f deceafe,God fpeaking of Jfraely thuscxprtffeth Ifa. 41. 8. himfeif, fiiiflidtf Abraham my friend. Reafons.- j ftuii only point at the Reafons whence this truti

may be concluded.

1. God knoweth his friends, becaufe himfelf ma-keththemfo. And therefore becaufe he undcrftands

Pfal.3j.i4.i5 Disown actions, he cannot be ignorant in whofe bo-fomestherc arethefc friendly di(petitions.

2. And God will acknowkdg therr^becaufe he hath undertaken to recompence them. He i* xot unrighteous

H.fe. 6, 10 to forget labours of love.

ihe Application followeth. This coniideration may be a cooling card unto two forts of people.

V r- lm i. To all thtm whofe confcicnces bear witnefs,

th*t they have no fritndty frame of heart unto fticb godly ones, whofe holy converfatioas difcover them te be chofen and called out of the world. If me*s

i Job. 3 10 ketrts condemn them , Gols ugreater and kpowttk alL There will be many rejected ac the lad day who have

Mirfc.j.az^ pretended much refpeft to Chrift.

2. To all thofewbo are afhamed to own Chrifl inhiscaufc, and hit friends in their holy converfa-tion : for all thefe our Lord obferveth , and of

Mark 3. 31 them he will be tfbAmed when he cometb in the glory of I u Father with the holy Angtls. And I leave it to jour consideration, how nnferablc their cafe will beat the laft day, wben Chrift who knoweth alt his friends and foes , (ball feparate the fleep and the*

Mitth.25, 1*goats. And fhall come to execute judgement upon

Judc i j *M> an & to Fowixce all that are ungodly anjongft them of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly com" milted , and of all their hard fpeeches -which ungodly fin-againfl him. And of the individual

an-

unfriendlyneglc<3fof hisneceflitous fervants: theft muft depart with a cnrfefrem Chrift } And go away into e-fjerlafling punifontent*

This Truth adminiftreth fwcet comfort unto all vfe *. them who are faithful friends unto the Lord Jefus Chrift, and his real Relations. The testimony of their * Cor * I§ l * cwnconjcienccs, will in this cafe reflect refrefhing; and this will be a great addition unto their comfort, that expreffions of friendly refpcft both to God and his fervants,*re thus obferved and will be acknon lodg ed. The Lord himftlf to incourage Ifrael in captivity, giveth them to underftand that he will own them in Jcr, 14. if that eftate. No doubt ft was good news to Corntliut, when he heard from heaven, Thy 'Prayers and thing A . Alms Are ceme for a Memorial btfore God. So the Pfal-mift cheareth himfelf by this confideration,/ have prea ched Right eoufnefs in the great Congregation. Lo I hwi *&• 40. p, 10 n. t refrained my /*>/, O Lord thott tyojetft it.

This Confolation will be admirably fweet it two feafons.

Firft, When we may be injurioufly fufperted and •cenfured for falfcnefs and unfaithfulncfs, cither to God or to his people. How well was it for UWerde- Efther i. 2 i'] tai (whenhimielf with his Countrey-men, werede-crytd and condemned as enemies to the State) that his fidelity in a particular inftaae« was recorded ? And to bring this home to the knowledge that God taketh of his fervants fincerity ; lob being re-oroachcdas an hypocrite, hatfarecourfe to this, He-, .

. , . 1 . 1 . / A J O • I I • f J OD lj .IO

the way that J take. Andferewiah being fu-fpe^ed to bee one ill-affcfted towards the place where he lived , maketh this appeahto t^c Lord,

1 have not defired the wofttll day , thott k*ow- T ^

eft

Secondly, At the day of Judgment, when God will meafuie out unto people according to then: ways*

The

The Prophet Ms.l*tty hiving mentioned both God* hearing the good conferences of fuch who fcarc his Namcinevili times, and the book of Remembrance i6ji7 recording all ; he addeth, And theft [bill bt mint frith the Lord of Hdfts, in the day when I f»a^e up mj jewels > &c. And this cordial is contained in ^Pauls Tin \\6\7 P ra V er f° r Onefiplotrus , 7 he L$rd give mtrcj to thf jg .houfe of Ofitfiphorus , for Ite rtfrefted me, and KV/U

not aft anted of mj chain • But when he w/u at Kerne y hi fought me diligently, and found me. The Lord grant u*t$ him , that he waj find wer€j of tke Lord in that dttj*

But moft comfortable is that full promifcof Chrift

himfelf unto all fuch who arc friendly unto him in his

Math: 15. 34. relations, recorded in Matthew 25. from tvr/* 34. to

4*-4* verfe^c. from whence chcf« particulars are worthy

confideration.

i« That he will at the lad day remember all the in

dividual offices of friendship to his members, and

will mention mnch that themfelves never minded.

Ver. 37 es£*d tbtj /ball fay , When faw jve tkte an httngrcd ?

2. That all ads of love and pity towards his rela

tions (even thelcaft andloweft) fhill be intcrpre-

Ver. 4» tedasafpecialkindnefsfhcwed unto himfelf, In as

much at you have dene it tione of the It aft of thtfc &J

brethren, you have done it unto me.

3. And the recompencc fliall be exceeding great. Ver. 3 4, 4$ Then ftall the Kingfay^ Come ye blejfed of my Father > in herit the Kingdom prepared for you. And the Righteous /ball g9 into eternal life:

Z>[c j. 1 will conclude this Dodrine (and this firft part

of my Text ) with a double (hots Exhortati on.

Firft, To rcall friendlincfs both unto Chrift, and to allthofewho peculiarly belong unto him. Sup-ye faw Chrift iitting in a chair of Majcfty, and

heard

heard him fpeaking tkus in the audience of all the

inhabitants on earth, Who is on my fide! Let

all my faithfull friends gather themfeives before me.

In this cafe would not multitudes come in with pro-

fcfilonsand prott (rations oflovc? No* it is thus

in truth, for oar Lord lookcth from heaven, and

confidereth «xadly fchoarefeis friends and who are

not. Therefore bethink your felvci what you will

do. And if you be content to come in to Chtift

as faithful friends,then befriend (for his fakej thofee- Gal 6. 10

fptciati vfha are of his boftJ&M, for this will be obfer-

ved and rewarded. Tk refrrt my belwtd> be je (ltd-1 Cor.i j 58

f<*!} tidHumovtaklt, tlwayts thotindiug in the wer^ «f

the Lordfir AS m*ch ASJG* k*ow thttytur Ubonr it not

i* VMH in the Ltrd.

Secondly, To beware of all kinds of doubling and hypocrific both in the prdfeffion and practice of Jove, whether towards Chritl or faithfal Chriftians.

It is the admoaition of the Apoftle, Lit love ^Kom.u. ^> without dijjtmtil<tion. And the Doftrine is a ftrong Argument to back it, becaufe of the notice which our Saviour taketh thereof. Chrift himfclf by this confederation moveth fincerity in all fervices, whc-ther of fbtj towards ged> or cktrity twtrds mtn^ be-Matth.6,4,6 caufe an eye from heaven doth eipie whatfocveris done on esrth with grcatcft fccrecy.

This motive wil be the more prevalent, if we mind Chrift,whoasthe jttdgofallmen.will mA*if*ft*ndrv Luke ^-i, ^> comptxc* their fervices according to their nature and a Cor.5.9,10 manner of performance.

The r econc j part of my Text followeth; in thg handling t*»rco f jfoaiibc the fhortcr,becaufe I have been fo Urge ^, he former

Ltx&utfinptk. r n thedivifion-ofiht Text rhere were three thinjsnotec.thencej which I (hall fpeakc

unto

unto very brtefl*, in three points of Doftrine. Peftr.il j t Thatfnc k wko are Cbrifts **d his pctples friends 3 *ri

fttlj'ft to death.

This word [ Slecptth ] is by our Eyangclift himfdf thus expounded, ?/fiufteai(eefbvJt4H} ; and it isad-Verfe.xj. fa&iItfMsfMtktathem jlawlj, L*X*MM vdead.

There is no need of Scripture quotations here, bc-caufe experiences from sge to age every where give ;. in fnfficicnt proof of this Truth. When the Apoftlc had particularized many worthie ts examples of ftith and kolineflc, he addeth ihcfc words, v4& .theft died.

The reafons arc not only;

i.Becauie of Adams fin tnnfmittcd. Si* enter eth into the world and death by fa.

2. And by reafon of Gods determination, with re ference to his own glory, many waics to be tnanifeft-ed in the confluence o{ death. It u *pp<inted unit mm one* toilit, and After this the judgmtnt. For up on thefc accounts the wicked who are Chrifts enemies do die alTo.

But there arc peculiar Reafons wherefore Chrifts Verfe if. and the Churches friends do die. v - I will not here fpcak unto thtt which was extraor

dinary in tb^s death of La*,srvs- vhfor theglorj ofGtd, that the Sen of God might be glorified thereby; and for tbcfjlynfthm tvtojhottld btlieve upon the obfcrvati-on of Cfarifts power in a miraculous Faifing him from the dead.

I will only inftance in thofe ends which Godin-teac'f n a way more ordinary, with refped unto his people themfdves.

i.Somtimcs that they may befccured frrv'com-

ifaiatv 57.1. man calamities coming upon the world,? ^ 5 nien do

aCbro.34.i2. houfe their cattel before the ftorm- ^ ]an « Thus

God takes away the rttfactu fry* tbe

wicrcof the cafe

a. Thitrtey may t-sd furring, when their u*k and cxtrciici arc over; wfcen their work is done , and the Lord bach fufficiently proved and purged them by variety of providences, both crofs and comfortable, in t^is world , then he calleth tkem ^ $& chis ftigc, and caufeth their departure hence.

3. That they might enjoy immediate communion with Chrift in heaven , which is ftrrc beittr then thebeftcon- ph{1 r ' dilion attainable in this life; and that their fptrits might Hcb!u.i| btm*<is pe fift in glcwy , before the day of the general Rtfurredton, when their fouls and bodies (bill be re paired.

Ther^ tr« many profitable Ufes to bt made of thi Do^rine, which I (hall only poiat tt.

'Vft i. Therefore aarural death is not tht greatcfttfil, neither are thole comforts whereof death doth deprive the txft good ; bccaufe it is abfurd to imagine that the mod godly fliould undergo the heivierl evils, and be ftriptofthe chiefeft comforts. ...... — this inference is ob*

vious,and might be ufef'ully enlarged. But I mud forbear.

Vf* 2. Therefore death is not 'alwaycs co bo looked upan, ai a deaoaftration of Gods anger igainfl them who die : neither is any fickneffe bringing death Co be judged a figne of divine wrath and feverity.

Chr fts friend 4ied,aad it was faid before. He -wktnt y ( -tko» lovfft, isfitk; This if allcdgrd as the reafon of chc death of ler ob •mms child, becaufe thtnwM feme gtodHtftei* him. l Kino fftz.ckt<tlt '*as (ick unto death, and it** conjectured thac hisdifcafcwas the Plagac, both bccaufe of the fwelling ^iieiitioned, and the- medicine advifed. Let them tak* * lump of fil** **l l*J it fa * flatitr ttpo* tbtbMle; Aad how fad loh condition was, I need noc to relate , vrh^ yet (according to Gods owo tcftimony) was a map incomparable^ piety : Satan fmott Job wkfire boiles, front th* fwlc of tht fodi n*t9 hi* crown, *sfttd kg to«k_ki& A p*tfot*r£t9 fff'ape himfclfe witktll , *xd he fat down amsng thetfbci. This 1 do rather note, i. Becaufe people arc fubjcct to cenfurc fevcrcly thofe who undergo un.if»al

(40

afflictions. W^tn the Barbarians faw the Vtntmotts

M' kaxg on Pauls hand , thejfaid amvng ihsmfelves ,

this man is a WHrtberer , vengeance fufftreih not him to lve» i. Becaufe by this uncharitablecenforioufnefle, men do cxpofe themfelves unto Gods difpleafurr. Hence it was, Job 4$.r. that the Lord thus fpakc anto Elipha*, the Ttmanite , tJiiy wrath is kindled again ft t bee , and rgxinft thy two friends , fer you have net fake* of me the thing that is right.

Vfe 3. Therefore Gods people fliould the ratkr hold

up with hope, comfort, and patience under all forts of

their fufcrings here, becaufe their death (which is certain^

NukecuU */?, wjjj put a period, an end unt» all. Though the Sea

&"totwfi~ be ftormy, yet the voyage is fhort , we (hall ere

long come fafc to flaoare. For thif cattfe m faint not ,

A Cor 4.16 |7 dough the outward man ftrifo (Ttappofe rotting and un-

favory, &c.) for this light tffiitlit* > is but for

Do yen net remember how the holy Martyr cona-forttd his fellow-fuf&rer, (vi*.,) that death would cure the one of his blindnefs,and the other of his latneuefle. And doubtleffein thisfenfe, it may be faid fafely, that death unto the godly k the beft Phyfician, curing them perfcdly of all dikafcs whatfocrer. Therefore chear up, ye Saints of God, under all your grievances, upon the thought of death. Say to your fdvcs, as the good Martyr did, 2?#* we flile or two more 3 And then I an at mj journeys

Vfe 4, Therefore Gods fervants (Kould be the more

indufirious in doing all the good which poflnly they caa,

withfpecd, becaufe they muft die, ar;d death" will take

them off their work. This is Sdomsns inference , what"

.- foever thine hand fittdeth to do> do it with thy might ; f; r there

is nowork,', nor dwice^ nor knowledge^ rcr mfdoms in the

Joh.t^.i. grave whither thoagoeft. How did our Saviour beftirre him- ^

fclf,w^<rw hckytvt that hishotirtwas csmetWhzt a great dral

of good work did he then difpatch in a (lioitr ; me? And

•jA^.io.f, it-fccmefeh to be the rcafon, why Paul at Troas preached

till midnight JcCAiift he w& rtady to depart w the morrow. The

nearer

(43)

nearer uflto the center, the fWifccr is the motion. Famous Doctor Sttfo wo old fay, Could we fuppofc forrow in hea ves, this would be our forrow there, that we did no more woik for God , before we came thither to receive fo great wages.

Vfe 5. Therefore we all fhould be perfvvaded, to improve our ChrifUaa friends, both Miniftersand others, in all 'their gifts , graces and experiences, fo much as may be, and that with fp ed, becaufc they muft die/ Upon this ground the Prophet Ztcbarj quickcneth obedience, Thus faith (he LQY\ of hefts y '1 time ye nert

from jottr evil T*;ijes , Your fathers where Are they .?

'And the prophets, do thtj live for ever ? Our Saviour is often in this exhortatioa , having foretold his owne de parture, Ttt 4 little while is the light with you, walkjfhile you have the light. As all godly ones are called light: John J * ??• So Miniflcrs are the lights of the *orU\ John vafabttrn- ^^'^ ing, and ^ fhin'mg light. Beloved , death will blow out j o ^ 5,21 thcfe your candles, and your Torches; therefore while they live, white they give out their fhinc aad their light B make a profitable ufe of them , to Gods honour and your own fouk welfare.

Vfe 6. Therefore I hence exhort all the friends of Chrili, to prepare themfclves for death, and to main tain upon their Spirits a prepared pofhirc for natures diifolation Although I know, that they being united unto Chrift, and reconciled to God through him, they Rev. 14.15; (lull undoubtedly (whensoever they die) bs tranflatcd from eatth to heaven: yet there is fornething mora to be minded by Chriftians, that they may be ready to die, Luke i6.i How much might be comprized in Jobs expreflion , «xf// the dajes of mine appointed time nitt I wait untill mj Job 14.1^, chA*ge[hall comg . ? I ftjall aot undertake to difcover; bun I delire to leave thefe foure words of advice, in the bofoms of Chriftians, in tendency unto their preparation for death, i. Seek well grounded aflurance of your une-reft in Chrift, and of undoub^d title unto heaven, through him. This foundation being laid, Taul could triumph

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iCor i ° VCr ^ fat ' li *" tlp " -OhJeath v>bcrt u.thy fling

Qod, who hath given ut vitlory through ^e'-ut Chrift. And

Luke a, ip ; jo 4 *$Yw^* could fing when ready to die, 2Qw Iftttft th*m rfj fervant depart in ptAte 5 For wing tjts b*ve/(tx thy falvAli en. Whereas there are fad (hivcrings upon Come graci-012$ hearts, when death look-eth in at the windows, be-caufe they queftion their admiffion into heaven, upon na tures diflbluuon.

i. Take heed of all fcandalons finnes, finnes againft confcicnce, the eommiffion whereof may blemidiRelig^ on, and lie as blocks of offence in the wayes of ohc*?. It is conceived by fomeDivines, that in this regard Saint Paul died with the more confidence, faecaufe after hi* con-vcrfion he was no way fcandalous : / have fought the

2.Tioi.47.8. good fight, find I have kfft the ftit b , and hen ee forth is Uid Hp for mt a grown of righteoufnefs. Whereas Petsv having dishonoured Chrift ,"difgraced his profcffion, wounded his own conference , and prejudiced others (how ?arre we know not) by his fearful, threefold deni-

J*hn,i^ al . was fo full of perplexity, that Chrift fa w ca ufc f before the foretelling of his death) to confirmc his heart in help ing on the difcovcry of hisfinccrc love, notwkhftaiding that fad offcnfire Apoftacie. Broken bones, though knit, will ake towards change of weather. And the remem brance of fcandalous mifcarriages, may occafion anguiihifl the bofomes of dying Saints,

3. Settle your outward cftate and concernments, ac cording to dirin-e prudence and holy principles, remem-bring chat you miift be accountable unto the Lord, .i. (whofe flwarAs you are ) how you difpofe of the things of this life, with which he hath crttrufted .i. y°' J « This was Gods own advice unto Hezelyah. Tkus faith the Ltrd.fet thint btftfc in crder^ for the ft fialt die.

Many good people dear unto God, upon this neglect, ire Icffe comfortable to themfelves, and left ferviceablc unto others upon their death-beds, becaufe they fufpecl the many fad confequences of their not endeavouring to prevent fmne and trouble by an orderly fctlingof all there earthly enjoyments, 4.Lcave

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^.Lcave with gracious grtyity and ferioufntffc , charges and conri&ions upon the confeiences ofyotr netreft rela-dons, that Chrift, heaven and their immortal fouls, ma? be L^ ts divi-principally cared for. Warnc your friends to beware of the nior. fins of the times , and of their own inclinations. Comtna-aicate your experiences for future pro/it , prudently. Here I might cxpai ate upon the examples of /mibleffing Gen. 4*, his fons, when on his death-bed ; of Mofes and of fofiua Dent. $ i. i.& their plaine dealing *ittif/rW/, when ready to die ; yea, ^& **• andofCfcrifthiffifelf : But I am nectflltated to abbreviate { ?*?£ thefe things, with this hearty requcft , that my friendly , i*'.'!; &i4 & faithful counfel in thefe things may not be for- if,& 16. £17. gotten.

And do no! ( I pray you ,) do not defcrre thefc thifigs , for death may fteal upon you fuddenly; unexpectedly, as a man falls a fleep fometirnes, when he thought not of it.

This lets in the next point.

*Z)0#. 2. That Chrifts friends by death, do fall a-flccp. The Protomartyr Stephen his death is thusexpref- A ^7.6o. fed : H* fttt tflt'p. And the Apoftle P*ul d«th often \i%>*£ in tkc fifteenth Chapter of his firftEpiftle to the £<?r/»/fe? 4»/,atteft this truth.

This fleep is noc to be applied unto the fouUfter its Ecckf. 127. departure from the body (as fome fondly dreame;) for Luke 13. 4 j. it goeth /• Cod immediately, forth-with wjiytth fellow- Phil.i.^.H'tfe. fity with fhritt , and beeomgtbpcrfitt : But it belongs te llflj ' the dead body, laid in the grave, which in this regard is called a fleeping place. lirnll not *Ha^niK>ftt^ fembhncc betwixt death and flsep, which is fully done Sermon up by others : But I wilt only touch upon two things Ads 7.60. which are here intended, i. Death is a deep unto the godly, becaufe thereby they are laid to reft: There is a Vcn H> <* °f r t& tjflcep* T! ej #&r*fl »* *k<ir bibs , faith the T ,

Prop&et, fpeaking of the death of righteoss ones. thtj reft from their Ubctirs, (fo faith the Spirit,) wka */WRsv. in the Lord. 2. Becaufe thsir bodies fhall be raifed , as men are awakened out of fkep : This is cxpreScd in the words which immediately follow the text : Our

friend

cut fff fl tp* Ai.d cbs Ap^Me Paul is much upon this i€or.i<. Metaphor, in that yl-ictf V;here he undcrtakcch to prove the RJui -region.

Uf< i. Therefore t.u: bekevcrs, real Saints fhould net be afraid to die.

I grant dm death nnto nature i§ the King of feare*,.

. tnd ithaih its poison* ftingwith which it will wound

the wicked, whom it coth uflicr into kcll. This/"with

n r taev mac y oc * lcr w<efu ^ Krut ^ 5 « rcjat i n g u »to ^eat^|) is adrai-

hj, r ' SeTmo/s "bly laid open of late by a worthy fcrvant of Chnft,

upon and it vreuid be a digrtffion , if 1 ihouid undertake thai

i Cor. i $ .55. • difcovety : But! only move Gods people, to arme thern-

felves a?9inft the finking fear of death , becaufe unto

them it is no worfe then falling albep. And indeed

there is great weed of this couofd among Gods own fer-

vantsevery where, who like foolifti chiidrea arc afraid to

put off the it cloathcf, and go to bed in a dark chamber.

As Backer in Herein the forcmcntioned Authour, and othtrs ,

his s.iiirs c- haveadminiftrcdrattchgood help, ia which regard I m^y

verlaiiing reft. [j e filcnt.

Ufa 2. Neither let asmourne immoderately becanfc of the deith of our Chriftian friends; feeing they arc on ly fallen tfloep. When our Saviour had fpoken the VerC.ii, words of the Text; Thtn Jati his difciplcs, If lie (lecf , he (k*H do weS. And by the argumest the Apoltlc (eeks to preraile with the Thffalo»ians 9 that they might noc mourne excefllvely upon fuch occafion. For tbefe i Thtf.A u 14 vhoflftfi* Itfffs , j»M (j}4 bring with him. Then he ad-17,18. % deth, JYe Jhsll be tvtr with iks Lord ; whertfore comfort

one another tri\h tktft words. Love roovcch joy , when our weak, weary, pained, difesfed friends ate filkn into a foar.d fweet deep. lh ; s confideration therefore fhould cheerc our drooping fpirics, in reference unto godly friends, who died in the Lord. Let us rninde this the ra ther, bccaufe God u ho prcpoundcth this ground of com fort, cbferveih both when vva have need of ibis cordial, and alfo what improvement we make thereof, asitfol-

lovveth

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loweth in the next and laflDodrine, which remajnes to be handled.

Dott. B. The Lord knowcth whsn his own and his Churches friends do fall afleep by death. As Chrjft, though now at a bodily diftance from Bctb MJ , the place of LAH&W his abode, yet told his Difciplcs of bis death, Onr friend Lazaru [liepctb. As God fpake this to Jofixzk , tJWyfsrvant Mofes /'/ de&L [This truth may be concluded ftrongly by tkefe arguments

Rcaf. i. Bccaufc Chrift hath the keys of death RcY>1 18 -in his keeping; the foul cannot be let out of the body , without his leave. And he knoweth all kis own grants.

Reaf. 2- Becaufc he alfo hath power in heaven, keep ing (as it were,) the gate thereof, into whick none can enter without his allowance. This is raanifeft by his promife to the penitent thief: This day tbou fhtlt be T»itk we in Parvdife. Therefore he exactly obferveth, Luk, z? 4* when any persons or perfon hath admiffion thither.

*Ufc i. Hence the Deity of Chrift may be proved un-deni'ably; for though there be thoufaads dying hourely in tke feveral places of the world, yetChtiftknoweth particularly,- T . Both their qualification, whether his friends and his Churches friends, or no. 2; And the time, when every one of them glveth up the ghoft. As the iuftanee under difcourfe doth evince, i. He underftood infallibly that La^rm was a faithful friend, both unto himfelfe and his fervants: Our friend Lazarus. 2. And though he was not corp really prcfent with LA^IYHS ia the place where he died, yet he knew without any creature -intelligence, that now he was fallen afleep by death.

^ Vft 2. This truth fpeaketh manifold comforts nnto Gods children: For, i. This hints his refped to them ; Preci-9Ut lie the fight eftke Lord is the death of his Saints He will Pfal. u£.i$. not fuf&r any of them to lofe life without his fpscial ob-fervation tkercof, together wuh eaufes and conco mi-tan (s therein confidcrabje.

5. Itfoggefts bis care of every foul; when it removeth out of the bodv the place of it* habitation , it fball not mifcarry orbe ii ft through (Thrifts rt'gardlefmfs. Though th;>ufands of devils may watch to intercept the foule yeC Chnlt who oofciveth when it Icsveth the body., will un doubtedly, accord*- g ro his chirge and promiie , fecurt its Paflfages toglory.Th'sis a Cordial to the pooreft '• hriftian, for there is no rcfpeft of pcrfons with the Lord, it ftmt 19

L kc \6 12 f a fl* l ^** *^ e ^ f *& fr ** ft ^> **** **** e*nitd by -tie A gtls wto Abrahair;s^^o^tf And,

3. It mny relicvt: the fad hearts of godly ones; mourning for their !< (Tt- in the death of their dear Chriftian frierds; for their God and Savioir is quickly and fully itquaintcd \\ith thi* thtir aflR-dion , he faw nhen our beloved rehiions breathed out their hft gafp. Qutftionlcflfe ic cheated Hagar , ifchen (he undejftood that God took notice, when the bottle was empty, ind faeatd the eric of Gm 21.1^ 17 lfi***ili becaufe he wanted water. Andyoumay'bc cocfidert , that Chnft who undcrftands when your Parents ycur Paflors , your yoakfellows, your friends die , he doth aKoconfiderwhatcounfel, what comfort, what fuppoits , what fupplies , what encouragements yon bedcpnvcdof by mcanes of their death. Is not this a choice Cordiall to Gods children, that tkeir kcwwlj Faibcr k^owttk tkty nted

Vf*. 3. Laflly, thfs Doctrine yields matter offcafon-able and ueedful admonition. Therefore upon tht death of Gods fcrvaots, we fhonldfetk after fueh dif-petitions, as may be plcafing unto his Majcfty, whoob-icrveth together wuh fuch providences, how we are af fected there with.

Here then 1 would advife two particulars, wherein I intreat the Lord to make us ferious.

i. To be tigfetly a&dhd with fuch like difpenfations, laying to heart thc~publick lofs fifhtned , when the friends of Chrift and his fervants are taken away by death. The Lord obferveth and complaineth, when peo ple do not herein anfwer his expedition: Tkerigktcous

ptrifl,

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tfndno man lajcth it to heart. And our love unto Efay.?7. i. the publick, together with the confideration of the great ufe of fuch perfons would help forward our hu miliation in fuch cafes. You heard before that they are friendsfo Chrift, and much befriended by Chrift, yea, that they are lovers of the caufe and people of God* Now is not the death of fuch to be bewailed ? When pltjth went up by a whirlewind to heaven , Elifia iKing.r.iijit fawit 3 <ind he cryed, My father^ my father, the fharet of Ifrael^W the horfemn thereof. And when Slijba was iKing.ig.11,14 fitk, Joafi ( though not a good man ) wept over him , andfaidjOh my father ^my father, the Charet of Ifrael,4*uf the horfemen thereof. Bicaufe they beleeved that the publick fafety depended much upon the intereft of god ly men in God,theretore their death was thus lament ed. And truly fuch friends of God are the chief (lakes in the hedge, and main pillars in the building, both of Church and Common-wealth. Therefore in fuch cafes, it may well become us to imitate the devout men, who AftsS.z carried Stephen to his grave 3 and made great lamentation for him.

2. To imitate the deccafed Saints in their graces and holy converfation; (he would lay their lives, as fo many fairecopies before our eyes, and labour to write after them, by confciencious imitation. The Apoftle having given in a catalogue of Old Teftament-beleevers, who in their feveral places and ages did Worthily, he earneftly perfwadeth Chriftians to be followers ofthem. And feeing God hath given us to behold the beauty of ho- H Ir ' Com< " linefle, and the power of godlineffe in their courfes , it will much aggravate our iinne, if we labour not to be like them.

This leadeth me to that which you ail look for,(^/*.;to fpread before you the exemplary life of .Milter Jeremiah Whitaker the late Paftorof this place,whofe Funeral hath occafioned this great Aflembly and my Sermon, in re ference unto whom,that Imay fpeak unto your edification, I will (with the change of one word only ) undertake

H- my

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my Text again, Our frUnd Wfiitaker fltepetk. And truly lam very confident, that if Jefus Chrift was here in his bodily prefence among us, he would not be unwilling to fpeak thefe words, Our friend Whitaker fleepetb, Be fore I begin fny Narrative, I crave leave to premife this, ( w*. ) that though ( in fome refpefts)! know a more meet man might have been chofen for rhis work ; who could have done it more exactly and gracefully : yet I acknowledge that my (elf am not the unmeeteft, confidcring my long and familiar acquaintance with him , efpeciallyif this be added, (^/^.) that in Summer was twelve-moneth - I riding with him unto Tunbridge Wells, he was pleafed to give me the Hiftory of his life,from his youth till that time, and fince that timc,ic is well known to many, that no one hath had more frequent and familiar converfe with him , then my felf. Oh how often, and with what meltings hath he pour ed forth his heart into my bofome, in reference to all concernments, perfonal, relative, private, publick, com-fortable and uncomfortable, which have deeply afte&ed him ! My forgetfulnefle will neceffitate the omilfion of many things,and my faithfulnefle with prudence com mand me to conceal much of that, which to my heart fpakc aloud his great goodneffe and high commenda tions. I will fuggeft the fum of what I judge moft con venient todifcover,in the report whereof,my foul defi-reth(I hopej to honour God, and to profit his peo»

He was borne at Bfcfy/UA in Torkfare in the year 1 599. VVhen he was fixceen years old,he was tent to fam-bridgc^nb placed a Sizir in Sydney Colkdgc , where he was much valued for his pregnam parts, and Scholardiip. At twenty years of age^having commenced Batchelar of Art9,he was fertt unto -0^*w(ihe chief Town in Rntlavd* farcy® teach the free-School there. About toure yeares after he married • £bepht*,ibab the daughter of Mafter ml-tiamTeachy Minirtcr ofO/^ww, an eminent linguift, a godly mm and( as I am informed)! painful Preacher of

the

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SheGofpel, who dearly loved, and highly valued Mi% fatwhitakfr, from his firft acquaintance to his end; whofc afTedtons to him , wrought on the marriage be-twixc him and his daughter. By whom God gave him foure fonnes and thr.ee daughters; onefonne died ac Cambridge , two are ordained Miniliers, and the other is to be educated for the Miniftery. Haviag flayed abour feven years at Okfham , he was removed unco a Paftorai charge at Strttton in the fame County, where he continued thirteeneyeares, from whence he was called to M*rj Magdalen TSermondfeji (with the approbation of many godly Minifters, whom he confulted in the cafe) where he after twelve yeares fpcnt in his Minifterial charge fi-nifhed his courfe npon the firft day of June, i654-and fell aQeep in Jefus. He was betwixt fifty five and fifcy fix yeares old when the Lord was pleafed to take him unto himfelf. He was buried in Bcrmondfcy Church June the fixth, with expreflions of much love from a very great multitudeof godly perfons, both Minifters and others of feveral ranks and conditions, who attended his corps to the grave. By reafon of much ftudy,and manifold imploy-mentsin his calling , he was filled with various bodily diftempers from his youth. In the Jatter part of his time, he -was for fundry years exercifed frequently with the painful difeafes of thegowt and of the ftone. Notwith-ftanding the reiteration of thefe tormenting pains, he at tended upon his Miniflery both at home and abroad,whiic he was able to creep into the Puipit,or to crawle unto the Congregation.

But about the beginning si November lift paft,the vio lent paine of the (lone did in fuch meafure and manner ar-reft him, that from that time, he continued Gods prifonec in his bed, or chamber, till he was fet free by a long expe-ded death. Moft Phyficians in the City were confulted, & were from time to time very ready to fervehim with their advice: who did unanimoufly conclude, his (harp pains to proceed originally from an ulcer in the kidneys, but im mediately from an ulcer in the neck of the biadder,caufcd

H 2 by

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by a continual flux of ulcerons matter dropping down up on that part. And by reafon of the acuteneiTe and quicknefs, of the fenfe there 5 his paines were almoft altogether in that place, though the fountain of them was from the kidneys. Towatds his end, ( about two moneths)the paine grew more cxtreame/yet divine indulgence vouchfa-fed fome abatements and intermiflions,both in the night Sc day. As his death drew nigh ; his fits of pain were more fie-quent,either every half hour,and many times every quarter,-yea,twoor three times in a quarter of an hour,wberby na ture being quite fpent he died in the Lord. After his death v Matter Holiard opened his body in the prefence of D'.^AT, D r . Mickl#lt»<tite&tA D T .B»vyr,((<xnc other more anci ent Doctors would have been there, if either their being out of Town,orprefent urgent occasions had not hundred) > who found both his kedneys full of ulcers, and one was Iwelled to anextreamebignefle, by the abundance of pu rulent matter in it. Upon the neck of his bladder, they-found a ftone, ( which was about an inch and an half long, and one inch broad, weighing above two ownces, when firft taken out;and withalf,an u'cer which was gangrened^ ' and this was judged the caufc of his death. All other pjrts of his body were found firme and found. Now that which I fhall relate concerning him in all thofe places and changes of life wherein God difpofed of him, I will caft under the feveral Heads upon which I did difcourfe in my Sermon. And this method I do the rather refolve upon, both becaufe it beft fuiteswith mine own thought^ and may prove the moft profitable unto them wfco-fhall be pleafed to read the Strmon 5 when they perceive the main parts thereof, applied and veri-.i fied in this providential Text, Our friend Whit&trjktpetb i

ThtfirilHcad. H* loved Chrift. He loved Chrift ; i. Quickly. 2. Strongly. 3. Confhntly. The-Lord did ; win ins heart unto hirnklr, while he was a Scholar at Wqkf$*t&s where iiehadhis edccation. For then and there his offcdioris did flow out towards thofe who were mod religioufly difpofed, with whom he went frequently tight or ten Miles 10 hear a wakcning-foul-warming Ser mon „

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nvon j and he was wontro joyne with them in prayers

and other holy exercifes. And being able to cake Ser-

mon-notes,both underftandingly am} largely,he was very

helpful! to Chriftians in the repeating of what they had

publickly heard, being from his childhood .full of afTec"H-

oris in whatfoever bufinefle he, undertook. Thus this

plant did both bloflame and put forth fruit quickly , : ( ^

which providence did afterwards make a very fruitful

tree. For the more cleare difcovefy of his abundant love

to Je/ds Chrift,l will give-thefe demonftrations.

Fir ft,from his early,and cotiftant vigorous Workings of heart towards the calling and work of the Miniftery, becaufe he aiwayes conceived , that therein a Chriftian might enjoy moftfdlowlhip withChrift, an'ddo him the, beftfervice.Andheconfidered Chrifts fpeech to Peter,/f thou love mefceh my (heep^etA my Umbs, Job .21. i j,- 7 • •

Hea I judge theie parncutars very worthy of confider-ation. i. That while he was a' Grammar-Scholar, this calling he chofe^ and though his father endeavoured of ten and earneftly to divert his thoughts from the Mini* fteiy, yet he wasunmovible in his defires to be a Minifter. 2..That hqnever repented of this his cho:ce,but' would all his life longjiipon all occafions.w^M/^ this bu officc.l have many times heard him (peak thefe words, I had muck ra~ Rom ix tker be a Preacher of the (jo[pel 3 then'an Emperour. And when a motion was once made to him fora Mafterfhip in the Univer(uy 3 hc readily returned this anf^ver, My heart d^th more defire to be 4 covftant Preacher,tben to be thcAfa* fterofanyColedge intkcWorld.i.^lnt when he was rnoci-oned to marry her whom pod afterwards made his wife, he was the rather inclined to accept the mation , be caufe fhe was daughter to a pious,piinful 5 learned Mir.i'ler of the Goipeljand would occafionally tell his friends, that he was the better pleafed with his choice, becaufe of that relation.^.That he was never fo wel pleafed wi.h any imp!oyment,asthatof his Mmiftery. In the Pulpit he dill was like a fith in the water. Though many times he went halting and full of piine thither, yet he would not nuoifeft any fenfe of diftemper, while he was there.

H 3 How >

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How often hath he gone upon crutches unto the Congre gation of his own people,to fulfill hisMiniftery ! yea,once (at If aft of my knowledge) he adventured to Preach at Michaels CV06i/,wbenhe was fcaice able to get into the Pulpit, and his friends with much difficulty helped him out of the Church homeward. 5. That when he was by extreamc paines taken off from his Miniftery, he would fometimes profefle unto fome fpecial friends, that the paine felt was not fo grievous to his Spirit, as his inability (by reafon thereof) to manage his wonted work, Many times thefe were his words, If I could but Preach, 1 fhould be much better. And he would rejoyce with chearfulnefs, and thankfulnefle, when in the times of his weaknefle , he found not himfelf more diftempcred by his preaching, and would mention fuch experiences, as arguments to move his friends to yield unto his Preaching, when they did difTvvade it as prejudicial. 6 t He did zealoufly, upon all occasions, both in publick and private defend the of fice of a Gofpel-Miniftery , and efpecially anjongft thofe perfons 5 and in fuch places, where ( as he conceived)there was molt need. This paflage fell from him with afteclion, in one of his morning Lectures at Weftminfter-. Though! have read and heard of fome good men, who unadvifcdly in their paflion have perfecuted the perfons of fome godly Miniften, ( as Afa was angry with the Seer, and caft him intoprifon)vtt I never knew,I never read,nor heard of any godly perfon, who did dare to oppofe the calling of the Miniftery. And whereas at the end of his Sermon, a fouldierC cxpreffing himfelf difiatisficd with the Ser mon) came to him in private, and asked him, whether he meant this Miniftery of EnglavA, as now conftituted ? he returned this anfwer 3 Although 1 viHnotjutfifie the calling of every individual Alinifter in the CkttrcbofEnghnd, (as you dare not juftifie the Saint {hip of every member in your in-dcpendant Congregations) yet I will be ready when and where you pleaie to maintaine the office and calling of En-glands Mwiflerj at thif day. j. And that he continued unchanged in this his eftimacion of the calling Minifterial may be manifcfted by one piflage in his laft Will and Te-

fiamenc

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Ramtnt,(though it was not long)which I will put down in his own words, writ with his own hand: For mjfon Jere miah, wpdtfrcit , that he be bred* Scholar, and that the Lord w outdfpirittt ally incline his heart t f'eety to give tip him-fe^fto the Lord, tojerve him In ihf work^of the Miniftcry , which calling andemployment {though now dcfpifed) I do c-fteem above all other in the Vvorld> and do commend it to All mint, that if the Lord blffe them with fans ^t hey would com mend this calling to their pofteritj. Before I pafle from this my firft demonftration of his love to Chrift, I heartily de-fire,that this may be ferioufly corfidered , whether there be not herein much to c redit and incourage the Miniftery oftheGofpel; That a learned man , and fo eminent for piety,who aJfo had throughly ftudied the Concroverfies of the times againft the Miniftery s fhouid upon his death-bed, givefuchateftimonyunto it, when he daily expecled to make up his account before God, and alfo give fo great incouragmentunto his pofterity, to undertake this caU ling now, even now when fuch difgrace is caft upon ir,and when the Ministers fetled maintenance is thrcatned to be taken from them? And may not thofe men who know Mr. tvhitaket's worth be hereby awed, and moved to take heed how they oppofe or flight that calling of men,whom he(living and dying) judged to be fo highly honoured by God himfclf? To all this adde,that it was an ordained Mi niftery, which he thus valued, as is evident by thefe two things(as by many living teftimonies,)z//*,i.That he joyn-ed with the Claflis whereof he was a Member in ordaining Minifters. 2. That he had an hand in the book lately pub-liftied by the Province of London^m the defence of fuch a JMiniftery,not only by a{Ient,butalfoby affiftance.

Secondly,his love to Chrift was proclaimcd,by his un wearied laborioufnefle in his Minifterialfervices.i. While he continued Schoolmafter at Okehamfc undertook a Lec ture there weekly,beddes many Sermons preached occafi-onally in neighbour Congregations. 2. During his abode at Stretton^ befides his Paftorall inployment twice every Sabbathjhis conftant weekly Preaching at Ofyhamjnc was ^principal prop to hold up the Leflures in the neighbour hood'

hood. His manner was to fet apart every holy day (if but one in the week) as a day of feeking God, in reference totheneceffitiesof the times, and no man was more fre quent in aflifting in dayes of humiliation in privatc^both in Rutland-fare pn& the adjacent Counties,when ever invited thereto. 3. And (ince Gods good providence brought him to the neighbourhood of London , he was in l*boun more abundant (2 Cor.i 1.23. ) For the mod part,his Tec task was foure Sermons weekly,f •&//*£.) two at home, and twoelfewhere/v/'*,.) ziWcftminfter and Chrifts Church London,wwcftminfter ml Stepney , ( fince he laid down .Chrifb Churd>Leclu re) together with two Sermons eve ry quarter at Michael CorMt. Addc hereto his Preaching monethly at the morning-exercife, or affiftance on the f aft-day at the conclufion thereof, befides occafi* onal Sermons for preparation to the Sacrament at his own place,and at FuneralSjboth at home and abroad:Yea, I wilJdofe up the tvidcndngofthelaboursof his love,w\th this true rcporc,(z//« ) that he would never deny any tfio-tion-for preaching,and praying,if God gave bodity ability, & other unavoidable occafions did not neceffarily hinder. Many week-dayes he preached twice, yea, then when he attended the work of the Aflembly of Divines, (viz* ) the morning exercife^icher at WsftminficrQi elfewhere^ af terwards in the afternoon.! here remember thecommen-dacion which St/'j^/ gave of Ep.iph;edittu,m his Epiftle to Phil, i.jo the ^hilippiansi For the ^ork^ofthe Lord he was nigh unto dcath,not regarding his life. How farre this is appliable to .painful! Mr. /%/";,i^r ; muhitudcs do.well know^'ea^many conceive that his painfull di(lcmper^(which haftened his re moval from us) were caufed and increafedby his many con-liant labours in this kind.Neither were his Sermons jejune and dry,bfcaufe thus frequent;but always ful of Scripture* ftrengrh,favoury & affcdionare,as his Auditors will teftifie. Trtirdly, Such was his iove to Chrift, that his publick .Imploymcnts did not take him off from family-duties , ncr from more private exercifes of communion with God. His ordinary courfewas, together with prayer?, toex* pound fome pares of che holy Scriptures in his own family

tw : ce

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twice every day i and befidc other parts of Scripture which he daily read in fccret, he ufually read over all the E-piftlesin the Greek Teftament twice every fourtnight: yea when by reafon of pain and weaknefie he himfelf could not read, he herein imployed others for his help. Hence ic was that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures (like on to *s4potto,Aff,i$.i4,} as was obferved by all who conver-fed with him. And thiscourfe beearneftly commended to the practice of his dearly beloved elded Ton , as an ex. cellent means to make him both a ready and a profitable Preacher.

Fourthly, His courage in Chrifts Caufe did much commend his love, whereof I will faggeft thefc evi dences.

i. While he lived in Rxtl&Arfnrefa refufed to read the book allowing of Sports upon the Sabbath, though it was with commands and threatenings preffed upon him. And when he was called to give in his anfwer, about the colle-&ion amongftMiniflers to maintain the War againft Scot* /W,he openly told the Biftiop orChancellor that his con-fcience could not yield thereto. This his anfwer expo* fing him to great danger both to lofc living and liberty in thofe times, a neighbour through mifguided love ( com-paffionating him and his family ) payed the mo ney j and lubfcribed M r . JVhitakers name without his knowledge. This he was long ignorant of 5 and when he heard it,he exp re fled, with many compiaints,much grief of heart.

2. Since our times of woful defertion and Apoftafie both from Gofpel-Truths and practices, he would un dauntedly in private conferences & in his publickMiniftry exprefshisdiflike,yea,deteftation thereof to the faces of them who too much favoured Error, Herdies and ranc-ing courfes, though he knew that thereby he did run ha zards., and procure many frowncs. He refufed to fub-fcribs the late Engagement, though thereby he was in danger to be taken off from his Weftminfler\;Z&\xe. And if his Sermons preached there, upon gphcfazfi. ( concer-

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fling mens walking according to theccurfe of this world, &c fulfUlingtheluftsofthcflffi, &c.} could be co le<5hd and' publifhed ^hereby it would be manifeft that M r . whitaker in love unto his Lord Chrift.was a man of good metal and magnanimity.

3 One more private proof of the good mans valiant love to Chrift I will make bold to infert; becaufe my felf can knowingly atteft its truth. Since thefe ftormy daycs , wherein the liberty and livelihood of Miniftershave been maligned and ftruck at, he riding with an intimate friend by T/£0rw, ( which he had not knowne or not obferved before) demanded what that was? and anfwer being made, This is Tiburn^ where many Malefactors have loft their lives; he flopped his horfe, and uttered thefe words with great affc&ioo, O What a/bamf ts it that fo thoftfanAi [houlh dje for the fiUtffcSfcfi of their tufts, ew be fotindwillwg to lay down their lives for Chrift ! roe in a good Caufe, and upon a good call , be ready to be hanged for Jefas £hrift ? It weutd be ever li fting honour., and it if a thottftwd times better to dye for Chrift^to be hanged, to be burnt for forift, then to dye in ^^.r.Andho.v much he condemned life,in refpeci un to Chrift Jefus,thcre are many who from his own mouth can witnefr.

Fifthly$o great was bis love unto hi? God and Savi our that he maintained and cxpafled high c&imations. and honourable thoughts of his Ma jelly, when under tcr^ menting providences, nothing being more feared then this, lefthefhoulddo or (peak any difhonours unto his Name. Thefe were fome breachmgs of his large lover, when through painc he was, as in the Hre, and upon the Rack, Goo& Lord^keep me from dtfionouring thy biams by impAtiency. 0>who would not even in burnings have hor.Qx* rable thoughts of God \ Who that fyoTveth ihce would not feur thee^O Lord) love tbee t and honour thsc ! Lord,:hot* give ft m? no cAufe to have any hard thought ofthee ! 1> tiffed be God there is nothing of hell in all this . Bk$ed be his NamgforJefusChrift,<indther(Vflxtionbftke

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Who knoweth the power of thy wratfo If it be fo heavy upon thy fervant here, how heavy flwll it be to att tho[e Who (ballendttre it Without mixture ? 'Blcffedbe god for tks peace of mine inward wan, when my outward man is fa full of 'trouble .7 'his i* a bitter cupjut it is of my Fathers mix* tare, and fall I not dr intuit ?yea y Lyrd, through thy ftrength I fr/#, this it my burthen } and lyoill bear it. Upon any abatement of his pains, he was conthncly much in blef-(ing God, ufing thcfe and fuch like expretfions O 1 nhat A mercy is it that there is any mitigation, any inter miffion ! Lord^makemethan^ftilL And turning himfclfc towards thofe who 3ood by,he would fpeak thus. O help me to be t hank f f*H ! 0 /if t#p a pray erf or me that I may bcthankfttll !

0 what a mercy is thit ! How much worfe might this affli-£f ion have been ! 1 might have been diftrtfted or laid roar ing under difyuietneffe of fpirit. By thefe workings of his fpirit ( which my felf and others do well remember , ard

1 could heartily wifh that all the reft had been recorded ) whoperceivethnot the fparklings of his love to God ? I will annex one more, which hath much affefted my heart, »ia. thefe words he hath often fpoken to me-, "Brother^ through mercy I have not one repining thought againft

god.

Now upon all thefe confederations, I appeal unto the confciences of all ingenuous ones, whether there be not ground to believe that Chnft ( if here with us ) would give himth£ honour of this compellation My Uviw friend

Thefecond head of my Narrative followeth,ThatC^///? loved Mrjfhitaker. ( For as I difcovcred in my Sermon, this love is alwayes mutual. ) The difcovery hereof will be clear upon a double account/^,

i.Becaufe of the graces with which he was enriched. 2. Becaufe of the Comforts with which he was re-frefoed.

Asforth'e firft. Love- tokens are real meflengers of his love wfrofendeth them: and what furer fignes of divine love then the graces of chc Holy Ghoft? Now of thefe

the Lord had given him, in meafure, more then ordinary. That which was hinted before in his love to the Lord Je. fus,(exprefledby laborious,couragious endeavours to ad« var.ce his praife, and to continue comn union with him) doth manifeft that he vvae vt ry rich in Grace; but there-iinro 1 will add five more gracts which were very {Lining inhis crown.

i.Tevdernefs of heart. Who ever knew man of a more melting frame before God,whether in confeflions, pentions,orthankfgivings? Is there any one living thac can fay, I have fomctimes joyned with him in Prayer, and he (lied no tears ? How did his own (infulne(Il',( though no more then the ordinary imperfections of the faircft Saints on earth ) the evils of the times, and the teftimo-nies of Gods diipleafure breaking out break his heart into pieces?Tiu!yJ[ believe, thatforthefpaceof many years, be did never come off from the fetious confideration of tbefe things with dry eyes. And how many thxwfands would account it afigne of much love, from Chrift , if they could finde fuch thawings in their frozen breafts.

2. Mtefyefs of $irit. With this precious Jewel he was adorned richly. Who ever faw him tranfported by pa0ion,ona fire through fooli(hanger,or difguifed by dif* content? Though he would be warm for God, yet he was amanofa cool fpiric, meek, like /fc/0/r.f ,inall his own concernments. Among many other manifestations here of, this one was remarkable, that when upon warm dif* putes with men of diffenting principles and opinion?, his fpiric was fo even, that unhandfome provocations would not difcompofe him. Hereof I could give inftances- but I'muft forbear.

3. Por Patience he may well be called afecond Job. Many who faw him under his racking pains, fo frequently reiterated, and fo long continued, are confident that God did put him % and keep him in his furnace to be a pattern of patience unto pofterity. It's true, he did roar many times till his throat was dry, but who ever heard

him

him fpeak ofle word of murmuring or difcontent becaufe of Gods afflicting providence ? He himfelf indeed would fornetimes through tendcrnefle charge himfelfofimpau-ency, becaufe he made a noife, whereas thatcxprcffcd on ly Natures fenfiblene {Te,not finful frowardnefs. And when (accnfing himfelf in that ktnde caufekfly) he was minded of Chrifts roarings, though free from all fin, he would be Client. I ccnfefie that in deftres to be diffolved, he would take up Jobs complaint: Wherefore u light given to him that it in mifery^ and life unto the bitttrin foul? (f'hicb long for death) bttt it ccmeth nfit^ And dig for h more then for hid trea* fare*) Sec.for my (ighingcometh before 1 eat^ and my row ings are poured out like wateri , Job 3. 2O, 24. But he alwayes concluded with fubmiflion unto the good pleaCure of God. When he had been asked how he did? this was frequently his anfwcr, The bttjh alwajes turning, fat not confumed ; and though my paint be above theftrengtb ofna*> lurejtt they are not above the fupforts of grace.

,4 The Lord gave him fo muctvof the Spirit of grace and [applications, that his foul was never one of tune for that fervice. Moft of his words when under torment were ho* ly complaints and prayers to God : fome of them I will-record,that they may not be forgotten. O my God help I Father of mercies pity \ Do not Contend for ever, confider my frame, that I am but dtift / My God that katb made hea ven and earth help me \ 0 give me patience and inftitl what thoH wilt 1 If my patience was more y my pain Would be lefft. Dear Saviour, where are thy bowels \ Why doefl thou make mean attonifamtnt to my felfand others? Why doefl thou co ver thy [elf With a thick cloud that our prayers cannot pajfe ? Bleffid is the man that endur&th temptation. Lord', this is a fad temptation; ftaxd by me and fay y It is enough ! Am 1 not tbyfervant ? Conpder^Lordjhat 1 am thy fervant. 0 thtfe bitter waters of Marah I Lord^drop fweet comfort into tbefe bitter waters 0f Marah. 0 the blood offprinkjing^ Lord: Lvrdythe blood of Spar tying \ That blood which extivgui' jheth the fire of thine anger,0 that it might allay my burning pains \ lam.ina fiery furnace; Lorfyc with me, as thou

^ffafl with the three children , bringmeottt refined from fin.

• When I have failed through the Ocean of thefe fains , and

lookj?acl>jl fee none cfthefe can be wanting. Ifye unte theef)

god,hide me under the fiadow of thy wings till thefe tertibtc

ftormsbeoverpaft.

5. God added Humility as a crown to all his other

Graces, which didfhinc very bright in the eyes of all who

ivere acquainted with him. Hence it was that he would

converfe familiarly with thepooreft Chriftians, and with

them who were of low parts for kno wlcdge.This his ordi*

flary expreffions of himfelf before God, (pake loud „• Poor

worm^ fitful wretch \ Op&donmy tranfgrcffions for they ate

very great. Hereupon he would weep much when he was

told bow much he was prayed for, wondering at Gods

goodneffe that fo worthlcfs a wretch Chould have fo much

intereftinthe hearts and prayers of the people of the

Lord. And his language in his Will reports how little

he was in his own eyes.- The words are there, 1 de+

fire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp , but that fo

poor a wort hieffe wretch may be privately laid in tke

ground.

Thus from the rare Graces received, I proceed to the rich Comforts vouchfafed, as manifeftations of Chrifts fingularlove towards this Sainrofchc moft high God. ' O what kifles of Chrifts mouth, and what embraces from the arms of his love were beftowed upon this man of God! He enjoyed all along his afflifted condition, an uninter rupted afTurmce ot Gods fatherly love in ChriftJn his ad* drefles to God he conftantly claimed propriety. My God, andmy Father. His inward peace and joy, were the fupport of his heart under allhis grinding patns. He was confident of mercies mixtures with all his grievous diftem* persj not at all doubting of the San^ification of them through grace. Thus he Jpake many times in his Applies-lions to G od: Confide* and faw me, for 1 am thine. How long,Lord, how long foall 1 rtot be nmembrefa yea, lam remembred)bleffedbe thj Name . This ii a fiery chariot , but ;*t will carry me to heaven . Btffltd be God that hath fftp-ported,

hath

, LorAwverforgetufttkemihAt put their trttft In thfe. Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over, be would, with fmiles fpeak of Gods mercies. Though trembi^gf took hold upon him when his violent paines beg-n ', yet he would with confidence fay, A T <AV »* the flrengt of the mighty God I will undergo thefe pains. 0 my God jut uvder thine ever Uft ing arms,Av& ftrexgtken m&. Many. times he hath told me,, that notwithftanding all his rent-ings and roarings (from which he expefted no deliver ance but by death) he would not for athoufand worlds change eftates with the greateft man on earth, whom he looked upon as in a way of fin. And let me tell you one providence of fatherly indulgence towards him,,That £*-t&n never fbaked bis Cortfider.ee $ nor affaultcd bis hopes , all thettmc ofhhtirtfomejrks°me exerciff. There is but one pafTage more which I (hall point at under this fecond head of my Narrative, v/« That he accounted all thefe inward chearings the fruits of Prayers made for him, though God faw caufe to deny that cafe and recovery to his body which was much begged;withal valuing thofe fpiritual cor dials much beyond deliverance from the Gout and Scone, and death it felf*

All thefe things I have the rather mentioned, to pre vent that difcouragement or offence, which /ome may be too apt to take at the continuance of his wafting,torment-ing pains, notwithftand his -own godlinefle, and the unceflant Prayers, both ordinary and extraordinaryjwhich were made unto God in his behalfe : for he found the fweet fruits of them in his own bofome, when he ftlt the continuance and increafe of his bodily griefs.

I proceed to the third head of my promifed Narrative, which will fpeak M p . mitakers love to his fellow-Chrifti-ans. He was a man made up (asit were ) of love : His delight was in the Saint? upon earth, whom he efteemed molt excellent, and their fociety was a conflant cordial unto his fpirir. His frequent vifits of them who were in trouble > and his {lining yp others to the like practice-

were teftimonies of his friendfhip. His love was not on ly verbal,hut real. Truly I know no roan of his eftate more liberal. He would often fay. It's* brave thing when a maw Vcith a full eft ate hath a charitable heart .Some* times upon fpecial occafions he himfeif hath given away all the money he had in his houfc. It was not unufual with him to give twenty (hillings unto a poor Saint,and he had many experiences of Gods gracious returns in fuch cafes. By his Will he gave 20/. to the godly poor of his own Panfli.

There were two cafes wherein his loves were mofl en-largedto the people of God, whereof 1 (hall give in two inftances. The one when their fufferings were pub-lick, He hath often told me that Englandt late breach with Scotland, and the blood (hed , with other fad confequences thereof, had taken fuch imprefiion up on his heart,that the forrow would never be removed till his death. And the fufferings both in Holland and E»g-l*nd, upon our late Sea-fights, were great burdens upon his fpirit. The other cafe was in reference to the inward perplexity of fuch as were afflided in minde. Having moved me the week before his death to beftow a vifit up on one in that condition, the morning before his death, (when fpeech was grievous in refped of his weakne(Te$;he asked me whether I had remembred the party troubled in fpirit f which is a remarkable evidence of ftrong loves. Befides ail that hath been mentioned , I could relate his many vvreftlings with God to prevent the flood of trou bles which he apprehended the Proteftant Churches are now in danger to be overflowed withal; as alfo his com-paffiorrate refpeft to Congregations in the Country, who were like (heep wandring upon the barren mountains without a (hepherd.

The fourth head of my Narrative (hould hold forth the love which he received from the Saints of God. What godly heart that either knew him, or heard of his fame, did not love him ? I will not fpeakofthe frequent friend ly vifits of the Religious ones in the neighborhood round about, I never heard of anyman'fo much prayed for,

both

both in publick and private. There was no particular cafe fo frequently , fo affe&ionately fpread before God in moft or the Congregations about London as his. Three dayes were fee apart byMinifters ; and many other pray ing friends to feek God in his behalf; one in private,and two in publick, which alfo were obferved much better then fuch daycs ufually are; yea, in remote Countreys, bdides the ordinary prayers made for him, there were fome Faftskept, withfpecial reference to his afflidion. The multitude of people attending his Funeral, with the many weeping eyes,did witneflehow much he was belo ved. Here I might remember the readinefle of London-Miniftersto fupply hi§ place at home, and Leftureselfe-where,as alfo the willingnefs of fellow-Ledurers at Weft-minfter to preach for him there, when he himfelf by rea-fon of weaknefs could not poflibly do his own work: But I may be filenr, for ftill every where upon the naming of him, love is fome way difcovered by fuch who had know ledge of him.

Though I have related much concerning the worth of this good man, yet my confcience tells me , that I have rather been defective then excefiive in my relation. I have not told you of his humility, exprefled by fears,lefl: Gods people praying for himfhould (peak too well of him before the Lord. Neither have I mentioned his felf-denial, never daring to look after great matters in the world, whereby he condemned! many whofe felf-feeking in earthly advantages, rendreth them very offenfiveand unfavoury in the Church of Chrift. Towards his end neither faith nor patience did abate, though his grievous paines were more frequent and violent; in which regards his longings for death were much increafed, yet attended with holy fabmiffion unto the good pleafureof God: Thefewere fome of hi? expreffions, 0 mj God brta&pen the prifon-hoor, andfct my poore captive foul free ^ bttt enable me willingly towait thy time \ Idtjiretohedif-never did any man more defire life then I do death I n will that time come^hen I {hall neither fin more, nor

K forrovf

When fiall mortality f*t on immortality'? when fiatl this earthly be diftolved , th it I may be clotthedupon fe '

with that boufe which is from he wen 'fBleficd are the wbichdyefx the Lord, for the) reft from their labors , and follow the Lamb vrhere/oever hegoeth.

The Sabbath feven- night before God releafcd him, though hispaines were very fharp,yet he beftowed moll part of the time of pubiick Ordinances ia prayer with thofe that were with him, and his petitions were moft for MinifterSjthatGod would cloath his Ordinances with his own power, and enable Minifters to fpeak unto the fouls of people. Then alfo he did with many tears bewail his detainment from the Sanctuary and Sabbath-opportuni-ties, which had been his delight ; profetfing alfo , that his being taken off from fervice was a greater affti&ion to him then all his pains, And becaufc this apprehenfion , (ViV his unferviceableneffe) did much afflid him; there. fore this was often fuggefted to him, ( which alfo was re lieving to his fpiric, ) viz,, that now by the practice of Faith, Patience, contentment, and Spiritualneffe ( which he had formerly preached ) he was very profitable unto them who did vifit him, and might alfo prove very advan tageous unto others who might be acquain'ed therewith, through Gods grace by Chrift. So great was his tender refped unto his friends, that when his pains were coming with violence, he would irurcat them to with-draw from him, that they might not be grieved with his roarings. He would often blefs God, that his compaflionatc friends-were not neceflkatcd to abide within the reach of his doleful lamentations.

I hearing,the night before God tranflated him^hat he was not likely to live another day, 1 went early in the morning to take my leave of him ( whom my foul loved) and found his* bodily ft rengthalmoft fpent, Andbecaufe he could not fpeak without difficulty, Ifpakc the more unto him, in relation to the approach of his happy hoped forchange.- my difcourfe through Gods mercy was re-frefhing unto his fpirifc Minding him that many of his,

friends.

friends intended to fet apart that day in feeking the Lord for him, I asked him in what things efpectolly hedefired to be remembred before the Throne of Grace f His an-iwer was,*D0 not complain, but bleffeGodfirme, and in* treat him to of en the pr if on-door. Hereupon laying my hand upon his cold hand,covered with a clammy fvveat, I took my laft farewel with an aking heart: and upon my de parture from him, thefe were his lad words unto me, 'Brother , Itbanfyou, I pray Godbleffc you,and 1 bleflc God for you.

That day was fpent in addrefles to God for him it TV* ters Cornhil, where M r Ncwomcn quickened and guided our prayers in his Sermon from John. n. wherein he in-lifted efpecially upon thefe words , Lordjebo/d, he whom thouloveftisficki ver.4. AndM r . Jenkjn endeavoured to moderate and regulate our forrows from Luke 23.28. f^ffp not for me.

Thus his friends having by prayers, with praifes(on his behalf) given him up to God , and having prepared their herrts for their lofs of hinijthe Lord was pleafed that evening to take him unto himfclf.

And now our friend Whitaker/^^. i. He is dea^ that fpeaketh forrow. 2. H« death is ajleep, this yieldeth relief.

Firft,His death is ground of lamentation, becaufe Chrift and his Church have now one friend lefson earth to be Jerviceab!c unto both. I woukt awaken your hearts unto fenfibleneffe under this great lofle, and there fore wifh that his great parts, many {merefts, frequent opportunities of fervice, together with the unmovablc faithfulnefsof his heart to improve all for good, may be duly remembred,^*.

i.AsforhisAbilitieSjhe was an nniverfal Schoiar,both in the Arts and Original Languages; by much ftudy he had digefted the whole Body of Divinity, he was well ac quainted both with the Schoolmen and the Fathers, a good Difpwant, judicious in Cafes of Confcience,and fe-cond unto none in acquaintance with the holy Scripture.

K 2 a,He

z.He had much intereft in the hearts of perfons of chief-eft places and power in the Nation;for the plainneffe: of his fpirit,together with the power of godlineis ( which did fhme in his converfation , gamed bun much Authori ty in the coniciences of all forts with whom he converted, whether in the City or Countrey.

3. And his Opportunities of fervice were many,not only in SoUtb&arJ§ but alfo in London t Wejlminfter^ Stepnej^ where ht had much imployment,

Weread when*Z)w«*rf was dead,that the widowcs ftcod VveefiHg^ndfiewirtg the COAIS Which/be hadnt^de, ^(^5.9.39. and that upon Pauls departure the people wept^becaufe they fliouldfee his face no more, Ads 20.3 8, And is there, not reafon that we (hould be in like manner affeded re-membringhowliwh hath been defended,error confuted, holinefscherilhedrrwickednefs checked, the caufe of the poor pleaded, and the violence of fome pailionace fpirits allayed byM r .^»/4^r?But now this ablf,pubiick-fpirited man muft be ferviceable on earth no more^now we ftal noc be edified by hisMiniftry anymore,nor warmed by his prai? ers any more.nor cheated by his company and conference any more»Butkt us moderate our forrow by this follow ing confideration,That our friend trhitakfr is not deadfitit fietpetbi For this affureth us both of his prefent cafe, and future Rcfurredion. Now being afleep he is well, he refleth 5 (as in a bed ) and we (hall not fee his pale face, his weeping eyes, his trembling hands any more, we (hall .?io more hear his deep groans^nd doleful lamentations* He is fallen afleep intbg Lcrd> and he and we (hall have a better meeting ac the general Refurredion then ever heretofore,and then (hall we.evcr be with the Z0r</,There* fore/r/ w comfort ont wot her with tkefe w^ 5 iThefr,4.i5, 1.3.

I have but one thing more to hint -,^k,. That Chrift now knowetn that this our precious friend fleepeth From whence I infer,i. Comfort, 2, CounfrL This may be chear-mg unco all his mourning Relations,Domeftical,Paftorai GMical. For Chrift underflandeth that his wife hath loft.

a dear riusband,his children an indulgent father,his people* a faithful Paftor, the Claflis achief Pillar, and all good Chriftians a real friend.

And feeing Chrift ( cor.fidering that M r . wbitAker\s dead ) doth alfo obferve how we all are afftfted with this provtdence;theiefore I befeech you.and befeech you agair,, to ftudy in good earned the gracious improvement of this fiddifpenfation. Let«s hear the voice of this rod, re-pentingiy remember the forfeitures made of this blelTing, and make confcionable imitation of the good example he hithleftus.

Though W.Wkitaker is dead, yet his holy life /ptafyfh. My Narrative hath told much of that which it fpeaketh, and my prayers are , that it may fpeak ( through the concurrence of Gods grace ) that unto all our hearts v which may be for fpiritual and eternal benefit by Chrift*

FINIS;

POEMS,

>Y. V V,- AND ^"^V^:-??

E LEG IE $K

On the Death of Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER.

On the much lamented Death of that Re<ve/ end Man of God, <JMr. Jeremiah Whi taker,£/V dear friend and old neighbour,both in City and Countrey.

IF Reafon,Vertue, Wifdome make a nun, If Faith,Hope, Charity the Chriftian* 3 Iffaithful,ufcful,cheerful grace n friend} Arts, Tongues, choice Wit,rare Memory commend The Scbo/ar'if Humanity, Divinity, Candor, Humility, bowelsjntegrity; Ifpans.painSjZcalJoundDodrinejUtterancejtears, Faithjcourage, prudence, patience/afting prayers, Succtfs,crown Prttcher; Lo, of thoufands ten That <-fr!an>Fricy}d>Cbrifti(in,ScholArfreAchtr then,

Never in times unfrxt a man more/u;/; Never in heart fo ^^,graces more mixt; Mildnefs with boldneis,couragc with courtefie; High partsjow thoughts.yielding with conftancy;

(7O

Well to conceive and fpcak , to frcak^ and At> And do fo much, fo much to fufter too. For Love a Jonathan, for Truth IWfjftaWj For Meekntfle Mofes&nd for Courage 'Darnel^ Call'd when a child,a fccond Jeremiah; For fpirit,prayer, power the third Etiab, For firmnefTe £tyLw,for fympathy a Paul, For pains,fuccefs,exceeding moft,or all*

One thing was lacking yet to make him higher,

As Gold ,or ^0£,he mufl into the fire,

As Gold^or tyl he was unto the laft,

For patience pto\*d>lnttgrity be Id f aft*

Who ere faw fuch fharp pains? heard fuch fweet prayers?

Strong cryes.but (Ironger faith^praifcs with tears?

Our Lord by fuffering did toperfeElioit grow.-

In fuffering obedience he did learn and (bow*

This Man of God came to that altitude

By fuffering,of fore pains,that multitude.

The racking (jout and the tormenting Stonr r In Kidneys Ulcers two 3 m ^^rone, Made pains fharp/orejong^hickjbut refpite fmalfj Ytt faith and Patience overcame them all, Now after well fpent life,and reftleffc pains, And heaven afTur s d,we reckon death for gains: Death when by felf dcfired,by friends bewayl'd, And a fweet memory left have IH11 prevailed To call dead happy. Then our lofs to thee Was greateft gains,compleat felicity,

Weep Berm'fej ^London wail,mourn£»£/W all, Here did thy Cro^n.Ch^rio^s and H

S H E f Swithins Londori-ftone.

(7*') Of the fame

Jeremian 1.7,6 f\Ld Jeremy a Prophet

Ver.iS. \^/Yct was a £rd*<?» w*//and 7>///4r ftil'd. He liv'd in troublous times, fad changes faw, , 15.16. Hc fuffered much, yet kept he faft Gods Law. 0 ?. 16. ty all good hpnour'd, by enonies approved:

' By many cenfur'd, by none faulty proved. 17.1^. He deak with perfons highefl:,and with low j Chap.ij.io. He warned all,but wiQicd no mans woe. Son of Contention called, when of peace . & The greateft friend, and of his Lands increafe. 'ss. He preached much of Chrift and GofpeJ-dayes, The Covenant New he taught, and its rich Grace* -tib yet was his lift a doleful Lamentation, Sad to himfelf, (adder to the Nation.

Thou art, or waft the fame. His Itaruck he Jeremiah 36. Companion had to him, let me to thee.

Ejufdem in Nomtn Whitakeri.

was » an *s* cre 'was of Ground;

Gar » *s cre as o ru

Befet with T*&* J white, enclofed it was Round; No 8*4 into it came,/^ Ia Y» nor »Wdid grow : Wtite Acre it was callM, moc ^ en the name dld knovv » Here pleafant was the fight I how Jwcet thereof the (ent/ To Angels as to Menu gave alike contf nt : Here often both did meet, here met thus frequently TheSonofmahhimfelf, Among (ach lilies high *!)( V ght s alone to fin &e. The fruit him fo muchgladded, That he this isfcrc cook, and to his Eden added.

C/3)

OF like extent there was of late a Field of Corn,

Of pureft Wheat it was,no Cockletfarc or thorn

Among it grties Thick ftood the Roots 9 Loaden the E*w s

Twas Early fwn, came on faft, foon appeare

White to the Harveft 5 The Lord of the Harveft fpycs

One of his Reapers neer, and to him Cryes,

Goe cut me down that F eld : yet fee thou cut it fo

That none of it be loft, for it a^am muftgrow.

Into my Barn the grape fee it fafc laid and kept,

While all the fares and Chaffe are inco Hell-fire fwcpt,

J purged have the Soul from all corruption ;

He pu rge the body too at the Refurreftion.

Then both into my Game* dial gathered be.

To raign with me to all Eternity.

I.S.

An Elegy upon the much lamented death of my late dear and reverend Friend Mr. Jeremiah Wh i taker. . T

ENzlAttd wil foon grow poor, if in one ycer fan* lofe a W>lfon , we a Whiter. A U banteS) and * Medway from our heads arife, Their ftreams our tears, their channels are our eyes. Our many lofles call for tears, not fewer 5 The breaft a Bafon makes, the eye an Ewer. No longer (now) (hal Ifis part the Burrough From London, fince that both fides meet in forrow. Not (as of old) by ftriving whither fide Should for their own obtain the Silver tide 5 No, not to gain the water wee'l con tend 5 But wee'l by weeping ftrive who moft can fpend. Conduits give wine (indeed Jwhen th'Crown's put on, Now run they tears,becaufe our Crown is gone. Our Friends Dtceafe and Death our troubles Were, We nor his Sicknefanw his Mcd'cines bear.

1

*MaidJione river.

*Rivales were fuch who ha ving their lands parted by a river,did] both claim an intereftin it.

His

His Pulpit te'eftecm'd his IT/?, his bed ; We thought his bed a Pulfit , where he read Le&ures of patience j theie he loudly utter'd, By filence of the groan'd, but never mutter'd. Of mournful Magdalen^ Kermonfey bears Thew/nH^and with her Title hath her tears* And our dear Whitaker* was Jeremy In name) in weeping, and in Prophecy ; But he f no Prophet «^ no facecloth wears, His*w\is done, and fo are all his tears. May Bermonfey of him the late poffeffbr Mourn for her Jiw^ but joy in his fucceffir. GUI1»

*Vpon the Death of the Reverend^ his never to be for gotten friend^ Mr. Jeremiah Whitakeiv

O That aff^lion could but make a Poetl If griefe could rhimc with Art, fure 1 fhould doe itj (Though fo difuied to verfify,) We'l try, The Subject's fad, and fo°s the Poetry.

The tender Ton that never fpake before, To fave his fathers life turn'd Oratop. Shall I forbear in filence ? Write I muft, When fuch a friend lyes ileeping in the dufl,

The bleffed Saint, dear Jeremy is gone,

And who (hall write his lamentation ?

Had we his eyes ( which alway es' fhowry were}'

Such is our leffe, each word fhould have a tear !

Another^/r*j^rinaCoffin plac'd,

The firft the Cta/r, and this the fulpit grac'd-

Reader, would'ft know his worth, then caft thy eye

UpOB

Upon the Narrative 5 there's his excellency*

Rings hold not HHJories 5 who can rehearfe

His vaft perfe&ion in a narrow Verfe!

Take Vertues, Graces, Gifts, and all you can*

All are concentred in this holy man.

A brighter Star in all our orb there's none.

None doe exceed, few equal him that's gone.

Ah pious foul! What mortal man can fpeak out Thy rarehu nility / Whoe're meanly thought Of thee befides thy lelfe ? What mov'd thy p But Eulogies and Commendations ?

Tis well th* art gone from us, Ihouldft thou but look

Into and read thy praifes in this Book,

Tm fureby this thou would'ft be fomewhat moved,

And Simeon himfclfe fhould be reproved,

He fpeaks thy worth fo much,and yet but little,

Tis icarce enough (but true to every tittle.^

Thy perfonal endowments who would commend,,

Should neither know whereto begin nor end.

Thy Minifter'al accomplifhments were rare,

Thy contlant pains, thy diligence, thy car*

For fouls in holy things, who can expreffe ?

Thou might'ft have longer liv'd,had'ft thou liv'dlefTc.

O melting Suppliant 1 who e're did know

Thy Prayers to heaven without fome teares to go?

The fecret ravifhings which poor fouls have found

When from thy mouth the Word of life did found I

Our very Pulpits wonder where thou art,

In which thou didft fuch fpiritual gifts impart.

But 'tis enough! 'we'J weep the reft; we can Launch out no farther in this Ocean.

Could prayers and teares have kept thee here, thy ftay It had been longer in this houfe of clay. Pray V barr'd thee in foinc time, till death would throw

(76)

Open the door by Force to let thee go 5 At laft thy foul did finde the way to bliffe. And now is fteep'd in Heavens happineffe.

Oblefied change for thee? the painful bed Is now a Throne, where not a tear is (bed. No difaul groanings now from thee do conie^ But evcrlafting Triumphs in their room.

Farewelfbleft SaintJ farewel,and fince f cis thus; We'l hafte to thee, thou wilt not come to us.

THO. JACOMB. ofM.LuJg<

Vf Oft the death of the Reverend^Learned^and Faithful Servant ofjefusChriji^Mr. Jeremiah Whita-ker 3 late Minifter of Magdalene Bcrmonfey in Southwark.

W Hat fpeaks this fuddcn ftorm of brinifli tears ?" What means this doleful volley in mine ears ?•' Is the Sundarkned V Doe the Lamps above^ Rtfolve thdr fiery ftation to remove. And (hinc no more on earth ? Doth the Creatioir In tend-tomtit it ielf with Lamentation ? f he holy Whttaker is ftept away. Late Angtl of the Church of Berwottfcy-. A Pillar in Gods houfe, a fweet Mufitian That gladded drooping hearts; ATouI-Phyfi'tian*•• A Sun whoft beams did coniolation fliine, A faithful^kilful guide,a rare Divine. He was a Watchman could not well be blamed *• A workman netdtd not to be afhamed. No Protect* that could change to every ffiape, No fervilc fpirited Preacher, that could fcrape And cringe to plcafe the Lufts of wanton mtn:

Ht

He could not fay, and then unfay agen.

Learned, yet very humble, prudent, dear

To God, to men : meek, holy 5 wife>> fin cere,

He lov'd the Truth, he hated Herefie,

A ftrong oppofer of all Blafphemy.

His heart was toward a holy Reformation^

But let againft a godlefle toleration,

Of lewd Opinions. Great was his care

To keep the holy Covenant which he fware.

The marrow of Gods Oracles was in him.

No Scripture Myftery was hidden from him;

Qafes of Confcience he could well unty,

Scrupk^and Doubts from Scripture fatisfie*

His holy Function was his confolation,

His Pulpit work to Him was recreation.

His pray'rs were zealous,hcavenly fteep'd in tear.>

His Doftrine Orthodox, convincing cleare.

Full of the fpirit of Life and Power, his words

Did pierce like nails, did cut like fharpned fwords :

H^durft tell Akab of his great oppreflion ;

What! doftthoukill and after take poffeffion">

He dui ft tell H^W, though it coft his life,

'Tis wickediivfle to take thy brothers wife.

Had ftrangers heard him preach, they Would have fed ?

Siire John the Eafttjfs rifen from the dead.

His carriage holy, harmleffe, free from ftrife.

His Sermons were impr need in his life.

His body was infirme, dlfeaied, weary,

His foul ftill vigorous, aftive, ftrong and cheary.

The more the Cab'net did waft? and wear,

The brighter did the Jewel ftill appear.

Goodneffe of Nature made the world admir6 him,

Tht- brightnejSe of his grace made Saints, defire him.

The Church on earth hath loft a precious plant.

The Church in heaven hath gain'd a glorious Saint,

RA. ROBINSON, Minifttr of Mary Wolnotb, Lumbard Street London*

Jtrtmtak

(78)

Jeremiah Wbtitk

ANAGRAM,

I have bit everi

THou didft not fhoot at rovers in the dark, Thy polifht (haft could hit the finallc ft mark * Gods glory was thy fcope,his Word thy guide, His {table Spirit did teacjj thee to d'vide The word of truth iright: A fignaLTeachei, AnufefiiJ,p5ous,fruitful, powerful Preacher God made thee to his Church. None better knew Then Whitaker to carve to each his due : The mark of faving grace was firft obtain'd, And now the mark of Glory thou haft gain'd.' Enjoy it ; and let other Archers fee Thy happy pattern, and take aim by thee.

Ra. Robinfon Minijier of Mary Wolnoth^ Lombardftreetj London,

on the death of his moji dear friend D that eminent fervant and Mini fter of'jefwChrifts Mr. Jere miah Whitaker, Taftor of Mary Magdalen Bermondfey in

THus Cedars fall^thus Stars doe difappear, Prophets though Angels, yet but mortals are. Our prophet Jeremy's dead, and now there's none That's fit to make his Lamentation. Plato once wifht that vertue could appear To mortal eyes, his wi(h was granted here. It any Breviator would comprize All vertues in a word, then let his eyes

Be

(79)

Be fixed here, k&fWhitafyr in minde, And there you have thevertuesall defin*d. Or would you know what all the Graces are? In (hart hand writing, they make Wbitaker. Would any have the Bible in a word, And what the vafteft comments can afford ? Read tfhitafars Works, perufe his converfation. And there's the Bible and th* Interpretation j That Book was in his breft fo well ingroft, He could reftore ft if it had been loft. H: that by thee (bleft Saint) (hall calculate. Will finde that Miracles are not out of date. Whoe're was fo far bleft to hear him teaching Was prone to think a Seraphim was preaching. 9 Twas Auflitfs wifh iWP,ilpic Paul to hear 5 Hi had been fatisfied, hadft thou been there. Me thought when thy fweetfotil was poured out In fervent prayer, Ibegan to doubt Whether Elias was comedown a^ain, And mounting heavenward with his fiery train. In this thou diditexcel^ he fcaTd the fort Alone, but thou thy hearers did tranfport. Bat whither goss my doleful Mufe ? to fpan 1'th hollow of thy fid the Ocean. Or to defcnbe his boundleifc hidden worth ? Nor tongue, nor pen can let his praifes forth. This only I will adde, he that w / uld draw His Pon Juture, muft ufe Afxlles Law, When to paint Lady Venn* with a grace, Tiiis Beauty gave a hand, that gave a face 5 The third a colour gave, the next a feature, All joyn*d together made that lovely creature* In the fame manner, whofoeVe would paint The beauty of this thrice illuft /ions Saint, Muft rifle all the world, and-lojk apart For that iv'iich fh'ics tnmtn each ruble heart. OfiemaftfljinUity give, another Zeal, Another Prudence bfethrens rents to h«al.

teaming

(So)

Learning a fourth inks highcft elevation* A fifth muft give a fpotltfll conversation. His preaching one man cannot imitate.} Here wee muft have Bezas triumvirate. And when we 'ave traveled all the world to findc Or make a copy of this matchkfle mind, When other niens perfe&ions all do fail, We muft with that old Linuier dranl a vail Upon his pearlcffe parts, or for the reft, Say,Here lies that which cannot be exprefh

Sicflevit Mat. Poole, Mini far of Michaels at the Quern in London.

An Epitaph.

HZre lies Saint Whitaker,t^ reft '.annot) need not be exprejr. Gnat Borrows noife not 3 Give fomejetrs Tor the world toffeak^in tears, fir ft this age muft vent itsgriefe In figbsy the next mayfinde rehefe, Andjoyn theirforrojrs to compnte 1 ill griefe,returning ftrikes themmute^ And make .them flently cenfffi Their lofi : his worth was faihomtefl:

Another Epitaph.

UNdtr this Stone entombed lies 4n heaf oj contrarieties^ One thai'* dead,yet doth remain forper\ony place^ and worh^ the fame. Hisprecwusperfon wascotrtbirfd ,0f foul and bod} firmly pyrfd. Softill, thefe partsjhwgb diftant, }€t

1

(80

In Cbrift are to etch other £?//* 70 earth hts body wjs confind^ Alw&tes beatfn bad and hath his mind. His workjvjsf reaching) jo ^tisftill) And f reach his name for ever mil.

Mat. Poole.

On the memory of the

Mini ft er oftheGoffel (bis reverend brother de-ceafed) Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker.

WHttaktr fleeps,fpices you need not bring For's.bodyjdeath it felf's embalm'd to him. Ahblefled Saint! his Sermons were not done When preach'djhe liv'd the Application : A figh was breathed out^God breath'd in a pray'r. Lie gently onhimduft 3 thisfeed isfown To fpring again at th'Refurreftion. Oh for a verfe in black! Reader prepare For every .drop of Ink to melt a tear. Yetftay ; with griefether's caufe of joy: then thus Joy fhal fhed tears for him, and griefe for us.

Benjamin Needier.

Indbitum eximii tamDodrinJ quam pietate Theologi, *]tremi& Whitakeri, funebre

•

DEfleat occiduos etas ingrata prophetas} Liquit Evangelicum collapfa. *fynaftritt extern : Lugen+em & moefto Whitakerus/«wr^ mtmdum Defer uit ; lachrjmif fquaUeHtem liquerit urbem : .

Jam per eat mendax (leflorido vpinio l*ch y Mr.

Mwtuus bic V*tcsnoflrumfefAivit honor em t

M Cmuit

.

Corruit & Veraxfacundi gloria roflri : Patronum anufit Pauper ;populufque Lutheran : Amifitque pium mutilata tcclefut gna\um y Paftorcmccetuty patrent amifere Miniftri : Gensnttl&frtconw, intmot&m fjnodufq; columnam,

]. Wells 3 Old ^evory^ Lond. P after

To the memory of his dear friend dnd Mr.

BEhold this fhadow whofe admired worth Nor pen,nor tongue is able to fet forth !

Jiewhofe vaftfoul Walk'd through the Iflc of Man,

Is here confined in a fhorter fpan.

Whofc worth the world though 'twere as big again

Were much too fhort and narrow to contain.

Sweet were his life and death^his wel fpent daies

Began with goodnefle andexpir'd with praife^:

His lamp was ever burning, never hid; And when his tongue preacht not 5 his a&ions did * And to his death he ftil fought faiths good fight, And then .his Lamp exchanged his borrowed light Fcjr aiv Imniortal luftre, and here lies, £n(hrin'd 3 not dead, for Vertue never dyes.

ti.'&.PariJhioner.

, ;.

.

; On the death of the Reverend Mr. Jeremiah < - -~ Whitaken

TJOw, facrilcgloas Death, r prov ? ftthou(b bold JLXTo rob the Tttnple^ of calcined Gold ? What Alchimy profane whh thee's fo juft> To turne fuch metal to igpobler [daft >°

(§3)

Moft orient tPUttfyfy whofe beaming rate

Haiti foil'd all others to adulterate,

O how with Rvman Bards fhal we complain

That Altars want their incenfe once again ?

That the Church odours ceafe to orifons blefs

Since earths perfumes transformed to rottenneflk

But is he dead ? and can new * Troy that bears ;*City of £»i<

His name,not ftrait diflblve her (tones to tears, don.

Anjd weep into the duft, when they may have

A Burial too ? whilft every frighted grave

At this new gutlifhall charm his mouldring bones

To eccho to the dead the living mones,

That fo our Lcvite by both Tomb and City,

May be condol'd with Epidemick pity.

William Lewis, M. of A. of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge.

Epitaphium ad tumulum Sanfti Whitakeri, qui

quoad corpus morbidus quo ad animum pur-

gatiffimus & maximefaaus 3 circa veficarn

gangrcna laborabatjcirca pr^cordia

finceritate folgebat.

f)0ft exanilatos tot nofte dieque labores 1 indent mrte vemt cceltius alma quies* Laflatus ntorbif ftudtis rojbtsjacbryntifque)

]amplacide hie dormtffanw in hoc tumulo. Sanior heufi wens babitaffet corf ore fano^

N'obu tar da ntagis iHors y iibi tar da wims. Altdita namque latet dwn invunt vita piorunt

Cbrifloy atque in vitam, dum ntoriuntur cunt* Nafcitttr in vitamqvifa moriturus Qlynqum

dfcenditfohts cvrfore minus babens^

Ntc

Nec Whkakere fruw/ properw* ma

NawqueCaro ante obit?imMortificata fiat.

Lugens pofuit Johan. Fuller^ Ecclef; Martin. Lond. Paftor.

More upon the Death D 4io/ f0/£e bk/ed memory of that Man of God^ Reverend and worthy Mr. Jere miah Whitaker, a Faith full, laborw^and z,ealo#*Minifter ofjefus Chrift.

28. QO 7«wfc flept in Bethel on the Stone,

OWhere he enjoyed Heavens glorious vifion*

In life,in fickneffe 3 Ltf2/?r^-like the poor

So beg f d 3 prayed,wept, with ulcers at the door

Of hardned Z>*ivw, as thon at the Throne

Of grace to a better P/^^ madtft thy moan^

God rich in mercy ; and fo now to us

Thou lleepft our friend, the rich loved Lazaru**,

Saints live here (ick, poor, toylfom at the beft;

Whilft from all labours Heaven gives rich bleft rdh r?o-

So lilk-worms with their Weary web out Wrought, Themfelves uncloath, that they may others cloath.^

So with the induftrious Bee, thou long haft brought Sweet Honey from thy lips to others; loath

We were to lofe thee$ but lights fo faft fpendihg, Themfelves fhinc brighteft,and arefooncft ending.

Saints tears arc Angels wine, which they oft tailing' 5

From this our weeping Jeremiahs eyne, Thefe fervants longd fornwre, and over-hafling

Crav'd leave to take up this fo fruitfull Vine, And ittranfplant to Heavenly Canaam foyle ;

\Vherc it bears fweetcr fruic with far Icfle toyle,

After

After To raany foul -affifting

Tis juft thqukcep'ft eternity in praife*

"Britain that from white-rocks gain'd Altiw name

Of Whtie-ttkps, reaps crop of higher fame.

Fields here have flood white to Heavens harveft grown^

*Mongft reft two white akers moft richly fown^

Divine Whtiabgrs this rich foyl hath born,

Laden with found good full andripeft Cornv

Both in their generation crown'd with piety

And learning, ferv'd here the higheft Deity*

Both Teacliers,P reachers, and Profeflbrs were

Of found Divinity, in Mofes chaire.

Both valiant for Ghrifts truth, and both befide

For reformation ftood 'gainft Romifh pride*

Both richly laden Corn, ere harveft fell,

Harveft of Autumn-age, and now both dwell

In their Lords barn, Heavens Mansions. What's firft fown*

Is not firft cut, but what's moft ripe, beft grown.

Wfon earth-quakes fluke the whole, no wonder then

Church-pillars fall, fuch prime rare men of men.

Oh that Eliflia-Yike we might inheric

A double part of thefe Elijahs {pint.

What famin's comming well may England doubt,

When God and men thruft Harvcft-labourers out.

* flwake him heartier.'

Saints dead^tKeir Names embalm'd like Phoenix lie In her fweet funeral pile of fpicery. f Emblem of refurreftionj whence goes forth A favor of moft rich and precious worth : So from thy fragrant name in death afcends A fume of lively hope that chears thy friends. For though in death thy wearied body fleepeth, Ht'l keep and wake thee that his Ifrael keepeth..

OuiL/?£/rrw< not in death but fleep doth d\vtl$ I wake him heartier (peakes he (hall doe well, Whiift life and truth this prcrnife didaverre I goe to wake him, lure then heartier.

So over-toild labourers, Harveft-fpent, Are to their bed of rcti more timely fent, That when in Morn they heartier awake Td'th matters joy they may themfelves betake.

Upon the fecond C Jeremiah Wktiaker^ Anagram; Anagram, £ I here^l a whit*

Nor is this all thy precious name affords

Of ufe, thou gaveft us ever more then words. 1,1 here a white Mark mews us befidc

Thou art a white, a Mark,our faithful guide, A Paul in health, for paines; for patience

A Job in ficknefle, and without offence. Now in white mark aftarthou doft appear

Of the firft magnitude and higheft fphear ; Directing us leaft wandring in the dark

By fin we rove from the high callings marjc,-And mifle our garland that rich glorious prize

To which thou aim'ft us, blefled Paradifc ; Thy name bleit foul thus by a facred charme

From Earth to Heaven givesois a loud alarm.

J.F.

the Life and Death of that freciow Servant of God^Mr Jeremiah Whitaker 3 n>60/e name(lik$ that of his Lord and Mafter) is an Oyntment poured forth.

JER. EMI A H WHITAK ER 3 <?r

Etymologic.

He ./&*l/7,His work, White-aker.

wait God. $Jer.20.i 3 . Afietdvhtte^ „.--,,

God (hall Ks wages, for Harveft, V^.Tf ^

exaltbim.$Jer.5.io. John 4,35. >

Left Saint, how well thy Name and worth agree I

In Name and Office thou art Jeremj. A God-exalter, and by God exalted 5

APrif/f,a tropbet: one that never halted Twixt God and Btf/j/,twixt the truth and errour 3

Nor couldft be made to dart for hope or terrour. Heroick Champion, thou deaths venemous fting

Haft cpnquer'd and with Chrift now raign'it as King; A wife and fai thful Labourer for thy Lord>

To gather in his Harveflby the word: Thou haft approv'd thy feife to Earth and Heaven,

Witneffc thy Life and Do&rine purg'd from Leaven. : • Both Labourer and Harveft were thy part,

The former living, this thou dying art. The ¥eild being for Harveft, ler. V/hite-aker %

Is reapt, and of a better foyle partaker. Thy melting teares now cordial-water be,

Let me thy forrowes tafte,thy joy es to fee,

Paftor of peters

(88)

A Tuner all Elegy upon the rwer end hh dear e dc .ceafedfriend^ Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker.

O Let me w(ef> 9 and eventide a Spring Vnto the Sea. ofgriefefome tribute bring. Ihtje Cheekes of mine with "fears bedew'dfkall fwfll

For this Serafhique Sa'mi who lately fell. 70 lofe a Friend is fa'd^but for our Nation

To lofe a. Jeremy is Lamentation. Could he front death fome way releafed be

His venues furely might hjivefet himfree\ But 'twas a debt 5 and what enflamed depre

Had he to leave his mantle andflye higher ! HowyMlfrarfe his worth, and not d/fpraife f

Say wore^and not fay lefte? darkntng his rayes. Meekneffe) humility y in this Orbe fhitfd,

In him the chaine ^/Graces was conbin'di How was hcfir'dwith zeaisven from his youth)

And though he loft dV,woutd hold faft the truth. With Jeremy he was a man offtrife,

Tei net for Tithes but Souls* this was his ///<?> A downright^ upright man he was, a Star

Wbofefacred influence diffnfedfar : And that ofthefe an end I may endo\e,

His faitb in Chrift befolely did repofc. I'h/s made him when he felt the f) or f eft fain,

Vfon the flinty racl{e, not to complaine$ Nay when he at the joint of death did lye,,

Did as the milkj Swan moftgently dye* What did he dye ? his foul as in a CeU y

In heavens bright paradife isgine to dweti ^Among the Cherubines , where he doth ring k them *batjo}Htlj HaVelujabs fing: re he for t tares in joy doth much encreafa

Pleafure dotb kirn of former paittc reletfe $

Ht never Jhatltf Stone", or Ulcer heare^ He never need any moreficfyteffefeare.

Deare Saint ! 1 fooner had adorn* d thy hearfe, Gut griefefirft vents by weeping, thcnjy verfe.

Thomas Watfon, p/r/fo' <?/ Stephens Wai brook, London,

Vpon the death of that Reverend Divine^ Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker.

STay and lament, all you that travel by 5 'Tisfin to pafle,and not to caft an ey Upon this mournful^//? e^acle^ the hear ft Of one, whofe name can dignifie a verfe. Loe here th' exuvium of that heavenly foul, Who living did by's words and wovkj controule The powV of fm and Satan; and whofe breath Redeem'd poor fouls from darkgefond from death, And by his pious Doctrine did convince The fly Temptations of that ayery Prince. He whofe whole life, was a continued ft aft OfprattJcallTHvinitfo each aft A $ert*ott) and each word an explanation ; So that hi sdudients might, by imitation Of him, and of his life, to Heaven come, Although they had been deaf, or he been dumb, But that Almighty potfr who from above Does all things order, and in whom we move Wrapt all thefe trea/ures up in brittle Clay; Death gave*t a crack, and fo tooke all away. And now our griefs amount to fuch ft fumme That to exprefs them beft is to be Dumbe. They that can count their wealth,are ccunted poore^ And wha ,^n ^^his greifes-can fufFer more*

C9<0

Tis diminution to his worthy® weepe Withftngh Teares,we his whole flock of ffaepe Joyne in one Lawntation, and let fall Our general! tea res at this fad Funeral! Of our dear Shepherd^ in whofe fatal grave Both he and we one joint mterrment have. From hence there's no return for him to us, Bat we muft by degrees all follow thust He's gone before to it/her us, now dead What all his life he wrought is perfefted. Living he fieri*d the way to Heaven^ whither dead he*$ gone to dears onrpaffage thither;

§r

rifcioners of Bermonfey

1 »i

FINIS.

Books newly printed by Ralph Smithtfii.

Mr. Dickjons Expofition on the whole Book of Pfalmes in three Books.

The Chriftian Charter, (hewing the priviledge of Belie vers in this life , and in the life to come : by Mr. Watfon % Minifter of Stefhen Walbrok$ 5 the third Edition , much enlarged.

Alfo, Mr. Watfons Art of Divine contentment 5 the fe-cond Edition.

Mr. Hutchwfons Expofition on the fix fmall Prophets, viz. Obtidia^Jonah^dicah^Nahum^ Habakfal{ , and Zepha-niah.

Mr. Hutchinfons Expofition on : the three laft Prophets, viz. Haggaiy Zcchariah 9 Malachi.

An Expofition on the whole book of Ecchfafles , by that late learned and pious Divine, Mr.

l\

,K '.>