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TO THE

Right Honourable

EDWARD

Earl of sZMancbefter Vifcount

<t5hdandeyile , Baron of

K^imboltorii

Right Honourable,

JbJ^fSf Sermon was Preached, ^jjTv ^^ # #<?»> Printed upon your Lordjhifs Deftres , which my great Rejpcffs to your Honou* , A? tnterfret to he commands, I pro-fe([e, that I did not judge it worthy fublick *viem$ and therefore I laid my Notes afide , till by the Reiteration of your Re-

A 2 que ft,

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

queft, I was necefitated to re-aflame them, which' ha'h occafioned the enlarging of my Meditations. My Lord 3 fince I promifed to make this Sermon publicky your Expectations have been long fruf rated, by reafon of my many bodily diftem-pers y accompanied with other unlooked for diverft-im. Now hoping that your Lord/hip , will accept this my Apolcgie , for my Delayes , I doe humbly prefent , that Sermon in Print y which ycu havc^j often called for. My Lord , The Almighty hath feen caufe to exercife you, with mixtures of Providences. As he hath fet you high in the eflima-tions of many y who have experienced your worthy and your confeientious fleadtneffe, in Covenant-keeping with God and man (notwithflandingjhcj manifold temptations , whereby you have been^j follicited to change your courfe: ) So his Majeflie hath been pleafed, to give you a great [hare in the difcomforts of thefe troublefome times. Tour Name hath been blasted , as a man unfaithfull U your Tru(l, when the Parliament had made you Major-General of the JEaflerne Afociation ; And you have been a great Sufferer in your outward Eft ate y having been cut fhort of fundry thousand pounds due Debt , becaufe you would not (for in Confcience you could not) engage with feme men, in their Principles and PracJices : But as your Integrity cleared your Lord [hip , in the Confcien-ces of sour Accufers y So your inward peace doth more than countervail your mtward loffes. And now (my Lord) it cannot but paine your hearty (as it doth many thoufands befdes) to fee Reli--gipn it jdf wounded through the fides of your Jelf

and

The Epiftle Dedicatory..

and others, who appeared for the Parliament: in the JVarre betwixt the late King and it, because fuch who feemed zealous in the fame caufe, have not only diferted , but have made, and fill doe make oppofition againfi the Effentials thereof. But ( my Lord) the naked Narrative of that fir ft undertaking, compared with your fubfequent and pre-fent practice , may vindicate your Lordjlip, ( with all ethers who continue firme to their primary principles) from the Ajperfions of dijlemper-td Spirits. When the late King forfook his Parliament y being mifguided by evil CounceHours, the raiftng of an Arm), was judged necejjary to reflore Peace, preferve Religion, eftabhjl) Fundamental Lawes, and fecure the ancient Priviledg-es of Parliament. This was the Good Old Cauie, held forth by the Solemne Ledgue and Covenant, in the Defence whereof, fo much Treafure and B loud was exhaufted. And this, this only was in the hearts of your Lordjhip and multitudes more , whofe fin-cerity (exprefj'ed by their practices) doth now yeeld refreshing, when others crying up the Good Old Caufe, dee pollute Religion, violate Lawes , tear Parliaments into peeces, and governe according to their own pleafure , which is matter of much lamentation, and jhall be for a lamentation unto Pojlerity,

And new (my good Lord ) God hath by a

jtroak ( breaking your Conjugal Relation) removed

an Helptr, whereby your heart was wont to be fupport-

td in the times of your beavineffe $ but yet, you

may, and doe encourage your felf in the Lord your

God:

The Epiftle Dedicatory,

God i For , as you hope, that her Ladijhifs Death is her £**$•, fo your cart to advance Godlineffe in ypur (elf, and j of* r Relation*, mil undoubtedly gain the fanclif cation of your afflictions , with ground of rejoycing to the daye$ of 'Eternity, through Chrifl] My Lord, thefubject matter of this Sermon, viz,. (Gain by Death) was feafonable at a Funeral,both for the comfort of real mourners,and to move the Auditors to lay infuch proviflon for their later end, that th^j thought thereof ?night rather he joy<om than grievous to their fpirits ? How cheating are expectations of a good fhelter unto Travellers in jl or my weather f At this time{notwithjlanding ourprejent peace)black clouds (as many fear) aregathering which threaten m with afl)arp tempefl,andtherefore this dijeourfe may, upon that account, be judged the more ferviceable unto your Lord-jbip and others y which that it may be, is the Prayer of

My Lord,

May 2<*.

Tour Honours humble and

faithfull Servant

Simeon Afhe.

PhiLx.zx.

Phil. i. 2i.

To die is gainz->.

x O die Ugttin. This affertion is a Umnm ^^ r ■MX3^i^f-■ laradox, not only unto the He*-m!i,x\>hpM. ffS^fi^^f^Wf tbmifnEficures-bul alfo to all tinbe-W~Q\ i p>§£ HevingChriuians. Men without

God in this world, do acknow-

Such were their apprchenfions, whofaid, Let m eat and drink^ for to morrow ree (hall ** a22 ' 13 -die. And thit Epicure wasoi the fame mind, who having laid in provisions , for the comforts of this prelent life 3 fpake thefe words, Soul, Soxl, Take thy reft , for thou ha'i foods laid up for many years. But S TauI being animated by an higher, and a more noble fpirit, with confidence doth report, That to die is gain. Thisaflertion of the holy Apoftlefcto be underftood, i. Either according to the interpretation of his love. 2. Or according to the expectation of h is faith.

Firfr, S Pauls lovetojefus Chrift, was (o ftrong and operative, that, as he made his glory, the end of his life, [To me to live is fori I J So he would account it a qrcat gain unto himfelf, if by dying as a Martyr for him, he might be to the honour of his Name. Anddoubtkfsthisis the ingenuity of Go-

B fpel-love

To die is gain.

fpel-love unco the Lord Jefus, in the heart, which knoweth his worth, and its perfonal propriety in him. This our Apoftlc was ready, not ondy to be

Aa.20.24.Sc bound, but alfo to tit for Chrlf. Yea he himfeU, with 21 ' others, being cruelly dealt with by perfecutours, a rejqycedj that they were indeed worthy to fujfer for bis

fake. For as they (ee caufe to prize Chrift, in regard of his perfonal worth infinitely above them-fclves: So they for the prefent poflefs in him, and for the future look for much more from him, than .their lives, their All, which they have tolofe, can poffi-bly countervail. They know, That it isgiven (as a

Phil 1 io. pnviledgeof grace) to fiffir for Chrht. And there-

t^JS." * ore S :C Pj#/ mentioneth this, as a matter of glorying, that for Chrift, he had fnfained the lope of all

Phil.3. things. His reputation in the world, and hopes of

preferment from the great ones of the times, together with his perfonal liberty ( for now he was a prifoner in bonds) were loft already, and life it f elf, now lay at ftake.

Whereas vain-glorious fpirits amongft the children of men, are hvifh of their own limbs and lives, for

KruneYxtmi- the honour of filch, who have advanced them into

Us vainera. high-places of favour and honour; yea they do boaft of the hazards runne, and the hardftnps endured upon that account. This our blefled Apoftle doth upon farre better ground-in a way of holy triumph,reckon up the federal troublefome exercifes, which he had experienced in a Chriftian courfe for Chrift: thus he boafteth with confidence, I have been in Jiripes above

2 Cor, 11.15, me a fare,in frifons more frequent, in deaths often,§CC.

17,23. to 28. Aria 1 now, expecting to be made a Sacrifice for the Lord jefus $ this was his chief defign, delire and ex e£htion, that Chrift (hould be magnified by h m tvhetber by life or by death. This high

PhU. 1.20. pitch o r Jove ? which S c Paul had attained towards Jefus Chrift, might be propounded (by way of improve-

To die is gain,

provement) as a patern for Chriftian imitation. Gods Worthies of old, Chriftian Martyrs in all ages of the Church, have fo burned in love towards the Lord their Saviour, that they have been fearlefs of death; yea they have been for ward to exoofe them-felves unto the flames, and other killing torments, for hiscaufeand praife. How great a dishonour therefore isituntoChrilliansinthefedayes, toflirink through cowardly fears, of fuffering any thing for the Lord Je-fus^Is Chrift worfe in himfelf, or lefs worthy to be (uf-fered for now, than heretofore? Do:h not Chrift de-ferve as well at our hands, and are not his Truths,his Ordinances, equally precious 5 as informer times? And hath not the Lord obliged himfelf by promifes ( both as many, and as great) to Chriftians in this age, as in former generations ? This is drifts promife, back'd with an Afleveration, Every one that hath for- a,I9 ' 29< faken boufes, or brethren, or fifters, or father s or mother, or wife, or children^ or lands, for myl^jtmes fakj, (bill receive an hundred-fold, and Jhall inherit life everlofting* Therefore this was not the language of blind lov",

when S : Pml faid, To me to die if gain.

But I will not infift upon this Point : I (hall rather pitch upon thattruth,which the Text holdeth forth, fpeakingthe expectation of the Apcftles faith: S Paul wot confident that his death rvsuld he his gain.

This Propofkion is to be explained, that it may be the better improved: wherein enquiry muft be made, i. What isfignifiedby Death. 2. In what fenfethe Apoftle was perfwaded, that Death would be his gain,

Firft, By Death we are not to underftand the death of the foul, which is called the fecond de*tb. For in thatfenfe, to die is the grcateftlofs, not to be made R<:v 2I -?« up, bythevafteft advantage in the world; becaufe this death confifteth in ancverlafting feparation from the prefence of God in glory, and in the enduring of extream, unquenchable burnings. And in this fenfe

Joh.8.50. & cur Saviour givethaflurance, That he who keej>e:h his

11.26. fajings , frail never fee death \ and that, Whofoever belie-Vffh in kirn, /ball never die. But that death which our Apoftic intendeth, is Natures diflolution, which is in his own language fetin opposition unto the foul its abode in the flefh ; If I abide in thefiejh. To abide in th?

Rid. 1.22,24. fl e fe ; s mon nezdfu'-l for you.The?tore this is the meaning oi S ? Foal) that the departure oi his fan 1 out of his body, would tend to his advantage. . Secondly, If it be demanded, upon what account, and under what notions the Apoilh believed, that his natural death, would be his gain? I aniwer, both 1.. Negatively.-And, 2. Affirmatively.

Firir, Negatively. Hi?, pjrfwafion of gain to be received by his death, did not iilue from miftake of his future condition, hoping for better v than he had caufe to expect. Our Saviour indeed fpe^k-ch of (omc, pleading with hopes of Heaven, when their fouls have left their bodies, who are beaten off with

Mac. 7.*2 2g. ^appointments , Marty frail [ay to me , Lord, Lnd, &c. And then, / will frtfeffe .unto them, I never kjiew you ' ^Depart from wf, )e that wcrh^ iniquity. But S £ Faul knew afluredly , by divine Revelation, that he was elected unto life. And upon the ferious review

3TM1.4. of his holy converfation, he concluded, That there was laid up for him a crown of ri^htcoufn;f, which God would give him infallibly*

2. Nor did he through wearinefs, and defpondency under his prefent preflures, and his imprifonmenr, thus exprefs himlelf, To die U gain. As holy Job, when engulphed into difcomforts, defired to die upon this account, and to be carried unto the dufr, There

Jofc3".i7,T8. f ^ e vricked eeafe from troubling , and there the wearie are at reft. There the frifiners rtft together, they hear not thtveiceof the opfrefrmr. For the Apoftle,his bo-

fome was fo brim-full of love to Chnft 3 and real Chriftiatr, that he did rather rejoyce, than defpond

under

To dt

e is gain.

under his p.rlecutions (as was formerly hinted) be-caufe he apprehended that Chriit would be magnified, and his Church benefited thereby. Some f reach} fitffi'ijing to adde affiditft unto my bonds. T^otwitl:- Phil. i. i5,i8, jianding Cbrijl it preached, and I do there n rtjoyct'^ \ea Piiil.2.17. and will re Joyce. Tea, and if I he offered upon the Sacrifice and fervicc' of your faiib , / joy and reoyce with you all.

3. Much lefs did thefc word?, To die U gain, dif-cover difedntentednefs with his fufrering condition. It is true, thatfomcof Gods Worthies have in this regard defired to die.- As Elijah , who .{pake thus to 1 King 19.4. ' -God, It it enough now , O Lord , tal{e a*ay my life. Arid fmab , who fainting under the fcorching Sunne, T . wifhed in himfeif iodic, andfaid, It u better for me J to dze, than to live. But this our Apoftle had learned, In every efliteto be content • And doubtlefs that Phil.4 11. inward peace of covfeience , whi-h pajf'ch all under land- Phil.4.7. &

urgi and thofe joyes in Chnft, wuh which his fpiric 33 '

Wis refrcftied, did raife• his heart above fuch difcon-tcntments, as might draw forth paffionate defires to die, -

Secondly, Affirmatively."' He therefore without the leaft doubt % ffi-rmeth, That to die would be IpU gain^ -becaufe he knew, that upon his departure by death, he fhould be with Cbrift , which is farre better. Thete rafl.1^3* words farre better , are not to be reftrictively referred unto hi many and great fuffjrin^s; but are to be extended u .to all that outward refpect which he had amongft Gods people; yea, and unto all that inward comfort, which he enj )yed in his prefent faithiulnefs, and his future hopes. To be with Chnft is farre better than all,

Tnefe things be ; ng premifed, the Do-ftrine, which I fhall undertake from the Texr, is thiSj

That natural death will be a gain unto fmctre Chri- *Z)<?"= j

fiians*

If icfhould be enquired, With what warrant I do

make an universal inference, from a particular, a per-

fonal inflance ?

Ianfwer, BecauSe the comforts of grace, and the

crown of glory, do equally belong unco all believers,

as to any one who believeth. For, i eor.ro.3. *. Chrift in all ages is the fame unto all who do en-Heb.13.8. joy him ; Jefyf, yefierdaj , and to day, is the fame for

ever, Ephcf.4. 2t There is but one faith. All believers have recei-

2 Feci.1. , . . r • t

Col. 1.27. VCcl "K e "precious] 21th.

Ad.i$.o. 3. And Chrift is the hope of glory, unto all who re-

celvebim into their hearts, whether Jews or Gentiles, without any difference at all. This our Apoftlc having luggefted the fruit of \D avids faith, doth apply it unto himfclf, and to all the Saints in the Church of 2 Cor.4.13. Qorinth'jVe having the fame Jpirit of faith,tec or ding as it is written , I hlievedy therefore have I sf>oken,we alfo believe, ■ and therefore ff>ea!{. ■

The confirmation of this truth followeth, both in the 8fo and the =M'. Herein I ihall diScover^ i. That death is gain unto the godly. 2. And whence it is, that their death is gainfull.

As for the former, It is considerable, that theA-1 cor.3.21. poftle inftanceth in death, amongft all other things, which are for the advantage of Christians: And the proof thereof is more full and pregnant. Revel. 14.1 ?. 1 heard a voice from Heaven, faying unto me , Write, Revel.14.13. Blejfed are the dead, which die in the Lord, from henceforth •* yea, faith the Spirit, that they may reft from their labours, and their worses doe follow them. From this Quotation two things are considerable; 1. The aptnefs and opcnnels of the teftimony, Bleffed are the dead who die in the Lord. If their death be blisfull, then gainfull. Now this is not only testified, but thereafonthereof isrendred (vu.) T'hey refl from their labours , and their worlds do follow them.

Hence-

To die is gain,

Henceiorth {not to couch upon other fen(es) even from the time of Natures diflolution, all their troubles fha.ll be ended, and all their a£ts oi obedience fhail be recompenced.

2. How many wayes this teftimony is made the more credible? i. It is given in from Heaven. 2. The Authour thereof is the Spirit. 3. It is delivered by audible voice. 4, It is doubled with an Aflevjration from the Holy Ghoft, Tea 9 fntb the Spirit. 5. And there is an exprefs charge, that thefe things fhould be kept on Record for future ages, /

beard a voice from Heaven , faying , Write. Now be-caufe this Scripture is thus pertinent and convincing, to ratific the Doctrine, I will enlarge this proof under the two heads here hinted, whence the gain of death unto the godly is concluded.

Firft, By death they are fet free from all things, which might make their condition sricvous. CW

n 1, ■ u I 7 • ,ih /.Revel. 21.5.

[hall wife away, all tears prom their eyes , md there jhaU he no more death , neither for raw , nor cr\ ivg , neither {hill there he any more fain, •

In the amplifying of this head, I will briefly in fome particulars compare their condition before death, and after death.

Firft, By means of death, the fouls of believers are fet at liberty from that reftraint , which they are Jcept under, during their abode in their bodies. This Simeon fuggefteth in his Swan-like Song before his

death, N w Utitfk thou thy fervant depart in -peace. ^'^' The pnfoncr would account it a gain to be fet at li- f^i^rll'me berty, 'Br'uigmyfuH.oittofptfon ( faith David) that I dirmtteti may traif thy Nmie. The Bird in a cage, defireth to Hal.141.7-be let our, that it may take wing and flee abroad. This fpeech 1 oitcn heard from Reverend M r Jtr. whi-taker in the time of his laft ficknefTe, Oh that the Lord ivouldopm th: / rifcndoor y tba mjfwd may depart I How

are our {pkit c ,while in our bodies (as it were) under

fliakles >

fhakles, which hold them down, that they cannot expatiate, an i (oar aloft in the contemplation and improvement of the things above > but by death God granteth a gainfull releafe and enlargement. Rcvel.14.13. Secondly, Thofewho die in the Lord, dorefl from kotttov. their Ubottrs. I grant that there is work in Heaven for

1 TiflM-io. the believing louls, which by death are translated

thither: but it is not cutting j grievous (as the word fignifies) it is joyous rather. Here thofc, who truft in the Lord, do labour , in reference to manifold Cervices and fufrjrings, together-with varirtv of exercifes, m regard of their peifon? and relations/ They do experience the confequencc of ma.ns-firft Apoftafie from

Gen.5.19. God, In the five at of thy face, ibmftah eat breadj

till thou return? to the-ground. B*it there nmtiieth a

Heb.4.9. re} for the people of God} and upon Natures difToluti-

Ifa 57. 2. °n, they (hail ret in their beds. And as red is fweet to

the labouring man^o will dead* be unto the laborious

Chriftian.

Thirdly,Whereas here on earth they profefs them-

Heb. 11. ig. fclves to be pilgrims and fir angers; And while their

2Cor.$.$. fouls dwell in their bodies, l%ef are abfent from the

-Lord. In -which-regard, like Travellers in a ffrange

Countrey, how well foevei* accommodated with nc-

ceflaries, do long for home. Hme Uhom . So do the

2 Cor.5.4. godly groin ^ be'ittg burthmtd ', while in the Tabernacle Hcb. 11.13. 0 f t ^ e i 0( jy % Here they frfou n , ^ in a Grange Countrey ,

verf 1^' do fe'ei{a better'Countrey , which is heavenly; yea lonh^ for a City , whofe builder and maker i< God. And be-

caufe by death, they (hall be brought home to their heavenly countrey, their City , where their neareft relations are, therefore their death will be their gain. Upon thh confidence they are rather wil-2 Cor.5.8. ^ n S i0 b e abfent from the body, and to be frefent with tbeLird.

Fourthly, During life, Chriftians are like them who fume a race. . This is intimated by (undry Scripture

To die is gain.

pture-exhortations, Let u» runm mtb patience , the Heb.ii 2.

race which k fet before us. So runr.e, that ye may ob- l Cor '9' 2 4-tain. And though mother races runne, there is one only of the runners which gecteth the prize: Yet in l or -* a 4»* the Chriftian race , all who hold on (hall certainly receive it. St T j«/aflured himfelfoi the Crown, upon 2 thn.4. the fnijhing of his courfe. In running the body is tired, and the natural (pities ars fpent, by Sweating and by (training with the ut;mo(l of endeavours, to make fpeed unto the Goal: but the gain cometh in, by winning the prize. Thus ac the end of our dayes on earth, we receive the fruit of our long continued, vigorous motions for Heaven; and therefore death will be gain.

Fifthly, Here, upon earth, we are like men upon £ ttoublefome Sea, but by death we come unto fhore. The condition of the Difciples, in that cafe doth re-prefentours, when the Ship, wherein they were, be- Matth. 14.24. ing in the midft of the Sea, wzstcjfed with waves, by Mark 6.48. contrary winds, and they toyled and rowed , to gee unto Land. The Pfalmifi doth very elegantly de-(cribe theeftatcof them, who fail upon a tempeftu-ous Sea, both while they (lay there, and when they

come to fhore, They mount up to the Heaven, they ?o ir .

j • 1,1 1 • ■ r 1 ■ 1 j 1 r '1al.107.23,

down again to the depths, their Joul is melted, becauje 27,30

of trouble. They reel to and fro, and fiagger lihg a drunken man j and are at their wits end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble , and he delivereth them out of their dijlrejfes* He makpb a Ihrm, a calm; fo that the wives thereof are \ltll. Then are they glady becaufe they be quiet, fo he bring eth them unto their defired Haven. Oh how welcome is the change unto featuring men, when having been engulphed into many dangers, and perplexed with (unary uncertainties, they are brought unto fetlednefs / Now after Ror^i.i. death, there will be m mire Sea unto the Saints; and therefore to die will be gain,

C Sixthly,

Sixthly, Our lifetime is our feed tinr, but death

Gal.5.8. brings hi our Harvcft, He that fi&nh to the Sprit,

fh.i'i teaf life ever Lilt h?g. The Husband man is put

upon great pains, colt and care in preparing the toil

for feed, and in bellowing feed upon the ground,

but his gain cometh in at Harveft. And thus it is

f&bi.26.$ y <. yf.fafa ChriiliiQS, T/je? that fow in tears , (hall reap in

fy'i He thit gcetb forth and weepcth , bearing preci~

out feedy (J? ill djiibthfi come again rejojeing, bringing

hit fh?*res with him. After many weary dayes pa&

in the pinching Winter and (corching Summer, the

income of the crop, is the Husband-mans gain. More

certainly (hall all true believers be advantaged, when

cut down by death , thcmlelves with all their good

BtT.14.1g. works following them, (hall be inned in the place of

Mar.13.g8. bleflednefs. Although nothing is merited, yet God

recompenceth in mercy, Pfal. 62.12. They who fow

„. r in righteoufneffe , (hall reap in mercy: And thoiC who

few liberally ^ [hall reap liberally.

Seventhly, Here upon earth, Chriftians are in a condition of warfare, and they muft endure hard(hi$, if«Mo> a* g n °d fiddlers , who are neceflitated to take up with

2 Tim. 2.3. hard lodging, coutfefare; who are toyled with tedious marchefs, and tormented with dangerous ^ 8 wounds : But at death they (hall be more than conqtte-

Revel.3. ronrs through (/brift j And having fought the good

2 Tim.\j..7,g. fight, they (hall receive the crown oflife , as this our Apoftle with confidence did expert. Therefore, as the time of conqueft, is a time of gain to the fouldier, when he is enriched with the fpoils, and cometh out of the field with honour; fo is the day of death gain-full to the true believer.

Eighthly, In this life, the godly are moleftcd with

bad company. "David thus bemoaneth himfelf, up-

Pfahi20.$. on this account, Woe is m?^ that I fjourn in Mejbech,

and that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar. And again,

Pfal. 119.158; Ifuiv the tranfgrejfoxrs ) aid was grieved 7 btcaufe

they

wej klP not thy Word. A good imn can fcarcely look abroad amongft the children of men, but he fhall both fee and hear matter of forrow, while he abidcth in the Land of the living ; for till be goe out of deiCor 5.10. world , he (hall be neceflltated., to converfe with wicked ones. But by death, the foul is translated to the

fellowship of fouls made prfett ; into which (ocicty, Heb.T2.2g. no pofhane ferfon can poffibly be admitted. How R evcI 2I 2 7« fweet is that change accounted, when we remove from Jewifk fogs, ugly fights, harfli founds, and unfa voury fmels, into the open healthfull air, to curious Profpccts, delightful! Mufick, and fweet Gardens? No lefs comfortable, is the tranflation of a real Chriftian, from the company oi wicked ones ( who are filthy and {linking) into communion with glorified praJ ' r 4-Saints in Heaven.

Ninthly, While the foul abideth in the body, it is often fhaken by the aflaults of Satan. He voetb \ p , et -*-about like a roartng Lion, peeking whom he may devour. And though their foul-fafcty be fecurecl by Chrift, yet he will moleft them, as hedidPe^, de-firing to winnow him like wheat. He will brnift the G heel , though he cannot breaks the head ; and a bruife in the heel, may reach the heart with pain. As S c Pauls buffet bigs by a Afeffenger of Satan, were like 2 Cor. 12, a thorn in the flefb. Yea , the Devil doth not only affright the faithfull, but doth often toyl them, as is manifefl by the example of David, who was by him \ c ? iron>2I . moved through pride and carnal confidence, to tbim* widnSsifc&t her the people \ whereby much anguifh was wrought in his heart, and great judgement brought upon his Kingdom: But death doth remove them from the reach of the Devils Gun-fhot: For then he is trod Rom.i<5,2o. under their feet. The fears with which Satan filleth Heb.2.15. their minds, laft no longer than this life. And nei- Luk. 15.29. thcr Devils, nor damned fpirits can poffibly approach Heaven, whither the fouls of Saints, are

C 2 tran /

trail flated, upon Natures diflolution. In this rc-fpe& therefore, the death of believers becomes their gain.

Tcnthly, During the time of the foul its abode in the body, there IS a body of death dwelling in the foul, which doth alwayes difpofe the foul unto finne, and indifpofeth it unto good. Oh how grievoufly did

Rom,?, this our Apoftle cry cut of the body of this death ! Oh

wretched man that 1 am , when I would do good , evil U prefent with me I It worketh in mt all manner of cor.cupi-fence, and it carrieih me captive. And thus it is with

Ga!.$J7. all regenerate ChriftianS. The fiefh lulhth againjithe Spirit , and thefe are contrary the one to the other , fo that they cannot do the things that they would. And many wofuil fruits, break forth from hence in their lives, as the Apofllefuggefteth, and experience too often proveth, in the hearts and lives of believers. But death ( which is the lafi enemy which [hall be de-

l Ccr.i-$.25. firoyed) hringeth a total conqueft of all corruptions rehatfoever. Nothing within, or without, fhall be

Jijdg. 16.30. left., asanadverfary to a believer after death. How many thoufands of enemies did Samfen kill at his

Exod.14.13. de^h 1 And as Mofs fail to the Jfraclites, jht*A.-gyptians, whom ye have feen today, ye fo all fee them again no more for ever : So I may confidently affirm, to the comfort of all believing Chriftians. Your lufts which warreagai nil your fouls, and carry you captives , lhall after death moled you no more. You fliall never any more, be kept off from Chrift, by unbelief, never {welled by pride, difguifed by dif-content, vexed with envy, {rained with hypocrifie, or prejudiced by diftruftfull difpondency, any more. And doubtlefs upon all thefe confederation 0 , the people of God will joyfully fay, To die is

gain* ■

Secondly, Their death is gainfull, not only inre-(pe& of the grievances from which it frecth them;

but

Thefl^.i^

but alfo in regard of the advantages into which it eftatcth them, both in reference unto their bodies and their fouls.

1. Their bodits fall a/lee?, and upon the fouls de- A frn.6 Qi pirture, they reft in their graves, as in their beds> lu $l2 -where they fhall continue, without any painfull di-fturbance, till the day of the general Rffur region, I l remember, that when Chrift had fuggefted the death'

of Laz,arns under this notion, that he was fallen fjltffi j 0 h.i 1.11,i the Difciples anfwered, if he fleep , be [hall do witf % Now the fieep of Saints, who die in the Lord, is much better, both for quality and continuance, for they fhall reft, and noc be awakened, till the end of the world ; and therefore to die will be their

2. Their fofithe %ain by death , will ef^cialry appear, if we consider the condition of their (ouls ? upon Natures diflolucion, in the particulars following:

1. Now the foul dwelleth in the body,as in a Tent, or ( a$ the Prophet "Daniel ex;refleth it) like a Sword Dan.7.15. * in its (heath ; but when this earthly Tabernacle IZ taken down, the foul fhall have, an Boufi not made with 2 Cot. $.1.] hands , but eternal in the Heavens. And great s the difference, both in ftatelinefs and durablencfj, betwixt our bodies of clay, and the higheft Heavens. The Apoftle calleth them, Bodies of yikntfi \ (and Phil.3.20.' in how many regards, fo to be accounted, it is worth our consideration) whereas Heaven is the high and 1 ^-^' 1 ^' holy place, the Palace for Gaisfpecial refidence. And therefore the tranfhtion of the foul by death, will be gainfull,

a. Here Saints are vilified, fcorned and reproached, but there advanced and crowned. This Apoftle having fpoken of his death, whereby he was offered as a facrifice, he addeth , Henceforth there # W/4> 2 Tim.4# fir me y a Crownc of right eoufnejje , which the herd,

C 3 ■ the

*4 To die is gain.

the righteous Judge fhall give me. The righteoufaefs here mentioned., whence they are faid to receive this crown, doth not intimate any merit (as the Papifts imagine) but doth rather exorefs Gods truth and fi-i Joh.1.9. dduy. For as here it's ailerced,ihat this crown is Gods gift ; fo this is promifed to the Church of Smyrna ; Rev.2.10. £ e ^-Gtt fatibfull unto death., and 1 mill give thee a crown of life. Askwasmuch toCHordecM his advantage, when taken from the CDurt-gate, in his Elth.5.8. mourning garment, Tin Royal apparel waipnt upon

him , arid rhe crown Royal fet upon his head. Thus fhall it be with all the godly, who during their abode upon earth, are accounted, astheofr-fcouringof all things, fhall upon Natures difiblution, receive the crown of glory.

3. And (that they may be judged meet for this glorious advancement) their fouls fhall be compleat-ly furnifhed 5 with all rich, gracious, beautifying qualifications. For there the spirits of all jmfl ones,

Heb 12.23. (hall be made perfea. As their fouls fhall be raifed in their feveral faculties, unto the utmoft, to which their capacities can be extended: fo they fhall be filled brim-full with all graces 5 whereof they be capa-

1C0r.13.1o. ble. When that which is perfefi is come, then that -which is in part , fhall be dons away. Whereas the

Phil 2 foul dwelling in the body, is not perfect (as our A-

Gal.5.17. poftle confefieth) and much flefh continueth, waging warre againft the fpirit: When it is admitted into Heaven, it fhall be full of light, without any darknefs, full of rectitude, without any exorbitancy, full of humility, without the lead pride, of fince-rity, without the lead hypocrifie at all : And the like I might fpeak in regard of all the other graces of the Holy Ghoft. I appeal therefore unto all gracious hearts,whether in this regard their death will not be their gain.

4. Their fouls being thus compleated in refpeel:

To die is gain. *5

-of all gracious habits, fliallbcalwayes in the unwearied excrcife thereof, to the honour of the Almi Jity. As the four Beajts , fo the foHr and twenty Elders , ceafe not da) , and night in Jingifig Hallelujahs mm Rcr.4.8 f io. the moil High. Thisf ugucfleth the conftant practice, both of the glorious Angels, and glorified S.iints, in honouring God in Heaven. The graces of Gods Spirit in the bofoms of his people on earth, are frequently fufpended in their exercife, their motions are interrupted. The time was, when it was thus with Ghrifts Difciples, in refped of their faith. Hence ic was, that he (pake thus chidingly unto them, tfftrre £^.3 2$< m yt.ur faith? How is it , that you have no faith f Mark 4. 40, .

Where was the patience of -Jonah > when he told the y

Lord to his face , / doe well to be angry , even unto j0nai *

death. And alas, alas, which of Gods Worthies, do not know this frequently by fad experience ? Oh, what a gain will they efteem it, when the foul compleatly furnifhed with allfaving graces, (hall be evermore on the wing, with holy enlargements, in the exercife thereof in Heaven.

5. In this vigorous exercife of all graces in their perfection, the foul lhall enjoy the fociety of fpotlefs Saints in glory, with the fweeteft complacency. Ii's true>that the faithfull people of God, hzvcfelh-wjhip one * Joh.1.7. with another ,m this world ; and this is marvellous de-lightiull. Barnabas being a good man, coming to a#. ii. 22,25, Antioch , and feeing the grace of God which appeared, 24.,

hi wo4 glad. But their communion in Heaven, is more immediate and full, their graces fhali be more ihining, and their fociety fhall never be interrupted. Here our joy in the company of the belt Chrjftians> is checked both by their weaknefles and fome mifcar-riages, together with our own inability to improve them : But then being come into the fellowship of the Hcb. 12.23, . tyirits of jttft men made per fed , with perfonal perfection, our gain will be very great, how comfortable

foever:

foever our fociety was, with the belt people living upon earth.

6, And they (hall be admitted into the beatifical prefenceof God, and Jefus Chrift his Sonne, in tran-

rhil.1.23. fcendent glory. This Apoftle telleth us, (asaRea-fonof ourDo&rine) That ti be with Jefm Chrft in Heaven , is farrs better , than any eftate upon earth.

Match. 17.2,4. When P<r*fr, Jtmes and John y were with Chrift,at his transfiguration, they were ravifhed with chat

Ffal. 10.11. fight:, and faid, Lord, it U good to be here. How mnch more taking upon the heart, will his glorious fight be in Heaven , wherein his prefence y there will be fulnefi of joy? The happinefs of Heaven is thus described, for the comfort of fuch, who are heirs thereof. God himfelfwill be with them , and he (hall

Revd.21.5. dmll wlth thtm% When Chrift after his Refurredti-on, manifefteci himfelf unco his Apoftles, they re-

Luk.24.40,41. jojetd anc ( wondered, though he there was not to continue long with them. And when we have the cleared: views of the Lord here, we doe oncly (as the

Cant. Spoufeexprefleth.it) fee him through the lattice; ma-

ny things intcrpofing between him and us, while our fouls do dwell in tabernacles of clay : How much more ravifhing will his prefence be, when we fhall/e^ ai tve are ftcn , God the Father, and Chrift his holy Sonne, to abide with 115for ever ? This, this is the utmoft, which the Lord Jcfus could a:k for them, to t . . compleat their blefledncfs, Father , / will, that they

J0Il.i7.24. , r r , , . „ 7 • ; L /

alfu , whom thou hat given me, be with m% where 1 am , that they may behold the glory which thou baft given mr.

7. Laftly, In all thofe enjoyments and imploy-

ments, therefliallbenonaufioufnefsnor fatiety. For

Ffal.i5.ii. in Gods prefence > there it faint(fe of joy , and at his

ri<rht hand) there are fleafurts f>r evermore. Thela-

tifa£rions of the foul enjoying God with futable di-fpofitioas, fha.ll be both tranfeendently and everla-

ftingly

ftingly dclighsfull. Here the ftomack in a fhort time, will naufeate the fwceteft meats and drinks, The full foul doth loath the honey-comb. By long continuance,the mod melodious Muiick becomes an off unlive found, and the mod lovely fight*, are accounted dull dif-plefrng objects. But Heavens joy cs,fervices, and enjoyments , will abide as fully ravifliing , as they were the firft moment, when enpyed. And therefore unto the heirs of Heaven, To die mil be gain.

Having thus farre demonstrated this Truth ( vi£. ) That natural death will be a fpiritual gain unto the godly. 1 proceed togi^e an account of the grounds thereof. And here in general, know, that the root from whence all our real comfort arifeth, whether in life, at death, or after death, is Jefu? Chrift. When S r Paul had fpoken thus unto the believing Corinthians , All things are yours , whether life , or death 9 1 Cor.g.21,22 things pefent^ or things to cornel he addeth as the rea-fon of all, Tofi are Cbrifis. And the fame Apoftle (aith , // Cjod hath given tu hti Sonne , how {hall he not with him alfo , freely give All things. For feeing Rom.8.32. 4 God hath made him the Mediatour of the new Covenant, all Gofpel-promifes, whether they concern this life, or that which is to come, They are in him , TWr, And in him , Amen , to the fralfe of Cj od, 2 Cor.1.20

More particularly (wherein I will be the fhorter, becaufe I have been too large in the former) the gain which cometh in, by death, unto regenerate Chriftt-ans,i procured by Chrift.

Firft, By the prevalency of his prayer unto God his Father. This was his great requeft, in his mod folemn application unto the Lord; Father, I will, that thofe whom then haft given me , may be where I ] 0 hn 17.24. am , to behold my glory , which thou haft given me* And he did not, in the leaft doubt of Gods readinefs, to gxatifie him ; inwhatfoever he asked: Father ((aid

D he)

he ) / know that thox hearefi me alvpayes. For he well John 11.41. un: u r [i 00 i that promife made long before, which niiight be a (ufficient ground of his ftrong confidence,

zAsh^ofme} and I xvill give thee , the He ..it hen for thine ink ' ince y and the Utmoft parts & / the earth , for t,: J t°S , 7 "' • ' ow tnCL " e * 5 no queftion to be made, but chat Ghrift praying for his heritage, (hall have audience for their ad /ancement.

6n3ty, By the meritorious worth of his active

f hef 11 and paffiveooedience. In this regard Heaven is cal-

Rorni.^?.' l ec ^> Tbtir for chafed pfeffltn. For although in refpect of our worthlefncfs, Eternal life is the gift of Gods

Rom. $.16,17, £^p; yet in reference unto the Lord Jcfus, eternal 21 • life is conferred in a way of righteoufnejfe , upon his account.

Thirdly, By his afcenfion into Heaven, he hath prepared and taken pofleflion of an happy eftate for rhem. This Chrift reporter, for the comfort of his Apoftles, being fubjecl: to finking troubles, in regard of death-threatning perfecution, upon his departure

jbhn 14.2. from them. In my Fathers houfe are many man/tons , / go to prepare a place for yon ; and if I go to prepare a place far you , / re ill conn again r and receive you unto my felf, that rrhere I am-, there Jon may be alfo. " Fourthly, By cooperating by his Spirit, with his Ordinance*, that they might be fitted through San-cTification, for beatifical fellowfliip and fatisfa&ion in

Rom.9.23. glory, Habere as all the vejfels of mercy , are prepared for

Col.1.12, gfoy . and they are made meet to be made partakers of the inheritance of Saints in light. The Lord Chrift hath inftituted Ordinances and Officers to difpenfe

Sphcf.4.12,13 tncni 5 f° r *¥* fzrfe&ing of the Saints, for the edifying of the body cf C&rift) till we all come ^ in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God, unto a p'feEl nym t and to the meafure of the ftature

Eph, 5.2$,i*, °f the f Hlm $ °l Ohrifi. And he himfelf doth in fuch 27! fort accompany th emby his Spirit r That he might

fanttifi*

To die is gain. 19

fantlifie and cleanfe his (fhurch with the waging cf wrter by the Word, That he might prefent it unto him-felf a glorious Qhurch , not having ffot , cr wrinkle , or any fuch things but that it (honld be holy , and without bhmijh. Therefore our Saviour having provided Heaven for his Elect, and having prepared them for Heavens happinefs, with himfelf, their fouls ftiali without doubt, enjoy the gain of glory, upon Natures diflolution by death.

Fifthly, By undertaking their perfeverancc in this eftateof grace and ian£tification. Although it muft be acknowledged, that true believers, are oppofed by manifold difficulties, with dangers alfo, in their paf-iage to Heaven; and themlelves are too weak to overcome the oppofitions made and maintained againft them, from Earth, Hell, and their own corrupt hearts; yet they (hall be kept by the power of 1 Peci.4,5. God} through faith unto falvation: Yea, as an inheritance incorruptible , that fadeth not away y is refer* ved in Heaven for them ; fo infallibly (hall they be preferved for it. And the Apoftle *Paul , reckoning up many particular?, which may probably threaten their perfeverance,both perfons and things, doth upon the confideration of all, confidently conclude their conqueft and glory. Who (hall lay any thing to the charge g of Gods elect t It is God that jufii^eth - Who is he that 3 5^ 7,2 to 9 • condtmmtht It is Chrift that died , yea rather that is rifen again , who is even at the right hand of Gjod^ who alfo mah^th interceffion for ns. Who (hall feparate us from the love of Chrifl ? ShaH tribulation , ordijire^ or perfection , or famine , or nakednef , or peril y $r fword ? T^ay , in all thefe things , we are more tban ConqHerours through him that loved us. For I am per" fwaded that neither death , nor life y nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers > nor things prefent , nor things to come y nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature > jhai be able to feparate us from the love of

*D 2 God,

God, which is in Qhri\t Jeftu our Lord. ThllS having

briefly from pregnane Scriptures held forth the grounds, from whence the true Chriftians gain by death, arifeth through Chriif, 1. now pn> ceed to the Application of the Do&rinc by way of Uie. Vfe t. There are two erroneous conceits cruflied by this

Confutation* Dcclrine, {-vU.) i. The Mortality of the foul: 2. The flceping of the foul, upon its departure out of the body.

Firft errour concerning the foul its mortality, is overthrown by the truth, which hath been fufficient-ly confirmed, by the fore-going difcourfe: For it is abfurd to imagine , that the death and annihilation fliould be more for its gain> then to remain in a regenerate eftate within the body. Although this grofs opinion may by (ober Chriftians, be judged unworthy confutation^ yet becaufe pleaded for by (ome in the(e corrupt times 3 I will fugged: (ome Arguments againftit; and the rather, becaufe it layeth the foundation of much finfull^ (enfual loofnefs, amongftthe children of men. S r Paul endeavouring to flop their mouths, who in hisdayesfaid, There w*s no refurre*

fcG0r.15.33* &i Qn °f the iodjy (whichfalleth in, with this phancy

of the foul its mortality ) telleth us> That thefe evil

words y do corrupt good manners. 'And the Prophet

• Ifaiah long before, bringeth in, menof this mind,.

encouraging themielves in courfes of (enfuality, np-

Ifa.25.13, on this imagination,. Let us eat , and drink, , for tomorrow we fiail die. Therefore here confider thefe tilings:

1. That our Apoftle his expectation by faith, to be a gainer by death, doth ftrongly militate againft this conceit concerning the mortality of the foul, becaufe

EGcl.9.4. Solomon faith, That a living dog is better than a dead' Lion.

2^ That manifold paflages in the Scriptures of

truth,

truth, do openly and exprefly contradict it. \Vficii? the body gneth to the dtfji , then the foul returneth foEccl.12.1. God who gave it. The fouls both of the godly and ungodly, leaving the mortal body, do forthwith appear alive before the Lord, by him to be adjudged unto Heb.9.27, an everlajiing eft ate , either ot weal, or woe. And Chrift, (who 2S called The true and faith full wiinefi y Luk. i5.22. Revel. 3.14. In whefe mouthy there was no guiU y ^ Pet. 2.22.) doth once and again tugged the foul its immortality. In the Parable of the rich man and Laz,a-rusy the one is fpoken of, as in unquenchable flames, and the other in an unchangeable cftate of comfort, fuddenly upon their natural-death. His promife alfo made to the petition of the penitent thief, \_This day Luk.23.43;.

thw (halt be with me in Paradifc J dothaflert, That his foul died not with his body. Yea once more,confi-der how clearly our Saviour doth confute this opinion, by citing Gods own words fpoken unto AUfes , long after the death of Abraham , Ifaac and Jacobs acknowledging himfelf,. even then to be their God,, whence he concludeth their immortal life, (ay* ing, God'if not the God of the dead^ but of the li~ Mat. 22.31,32* ving.

3. The immortality of the foul may befirongly evidenced, by the Nature of it, being fpiritual, and often called a Spirit, ( viz,. ) That part of man^ whereby he underfiandeth, his reafonablefoul. There T , is ( faith' Elih u ) a spirit in man , and the inspiration* of the aAimlghty giveth them under]}anding. And S Paul profeffing his inwardnefs and heartinefs in Gods worfhip, he thus exprefTeth himfelf, Whom iRom.i.p.'. ferve in my fyirit , knowing that God being a fpirik, muft be worfhipped in jpirit. Now Jefus Chrift him- ^ 0lin 4 ' 249 '

lelfattefteth, That a jpirit cannot die. Luk.20.3S,

The (econd errour hence to be confuted, is that concerning the ileep of the foul from the time of its 4iflblution from the body,, till the Day ©f theGene.-

D 3 ral

■ " ■ ■■" ■■ ™ ,»---. . > - . — — Y .-..**.

22 To die Is gain.

ral Refurre&ion. Although I grant, that the Scriw Tohnn pcute caiicr ^ death a Aeep, anc * fpeakech of Chrifti-i°iheir.4.i$. ans ^ead, asof perfons fatten afleep • yet it is mani-" left, that thefe cxprctfions, do relate to the body alone, Dan.12.2. Which is (aid to fleep in the ditfl , and there to rejl as iCi.57.2. in a y gc i^ cill Go J (hall awaken it by the found of his Trumpet, and raife it by his power. And the Apo-ftle difcourfing of the Refurrection of them, who fall afleep by death, doth openly apply it to the body, It I.Cor »i 544- u f ovpn (faidlhe) a natural body , hut it is raifed * spiritual body. Whereas we know, that deep is the binding up of the (enfes by vapours, the foul being incorporeal is not capableof humours, norfubjed to have its operation ? ceafed thereby. And my Text al-fo, and my Doctrine from thence, do ftroogly beat down this carnal imagination. For Chriftians,whilc their fouls dwell in their bodies, do judge their condition lefle comfortable in the night, when through corporeal fleep, their fpiritual motions are (ufpended: Therefore doubtlefs their death would rather render their eftatewode than better, if the foul fhould ileep upon its departure from the body. How ordinarily do gracious ones lament their fluggiftinefs, when with God in holy duties; therefore their death could not be their gain, if thereby their fouls, fhould be laid afleep, without any fpiritual activity, to the end of the world. Vfe 2. Vfe 2. Examination) whether we have a good,

and a well-grounded hope, that our death fhall be found our gain. When Rihal heard that Jericho , the place of her prefent abode, would ere long be befieg-edandfpoiled, fhefeekethfecurity, that her (elf and relations fhould be preferved: Thus fhe fpeakcth to

Jofh. 2.12 12. tne Spies Give me a true token, that you will fave

' me alive. Now the cafe (lands thus with us all, we are befieged with bodily diftempcrs, which threaten death, when our earthly Tabernacles will be thrown

down*

down, &c. Therefore fhould we enquire, what true* tokens wc have, to ftrengthen our hopes, that Natures diffolution (hall rather tend unco our advantage, then prejudice, This trial may be quickened by thcie confiderations :

t . Becaufe gain by death is not the common portion of all. Our Apoftle in the Text fpeaketh of it, as a peculiar pnviledge , To me ( faith he) to die U gain •• But all cannot be thus confident. In the Parable of the rich mans death and burial , this Luka6.22,23, followeth immediately, Thai he was in hell in torment j.

2. Multitudes, in the bofome of the Church, arc filled with vain hopes. Our Saviour bringeth in many, pleading boldly for admiiHon into Heaven, having died, with hopefull perlwafions, bottomed upon a glorious profeffion, and a commendable conver-fation, who are caft off, with doleful! difappoint-

ment, Many will fay to me at that dxy y Lord r Lord, have Mat. 7.22,23, we not frophefied in thy Name , and in thy Name have eafi out 'Devils T and i?i thy J^ame^ done many wort-derfull works ? And then I will profejje unto them . I never knew you' Depart from me , ye that works fair-quity.. As Do?s are ready to fnatch the childrens meat out of their hands, (o are the worft of men very apt to appropriate to themfelves, the priviledges which do peculiarly appertain unto the people of God. Wicked Haman no fooner heareth of a man, whom the King delighted to honour, but he thought thus in his heart ; To whom will the King ddighi to Efth.6.6. doe honour y more than to my felfe ? In this refpe6r. therefore, we fhould take heed of building our hopes of happinefs after death, upon a fandy foundation.

3. Infallible affarance may be attained, that natural death, will make way for incomparable and ever-lafting gain j and therefore there is hope, that labour

in

in this fearch, fhall not be in vain. My Text fpeak-cthout.S*f 2»/'s confidence, To me to die is gain. And eii where , being in expectation to fuffer death, he 2 Tim.4.3. faith, Henceforth is laid uj> for me a Crown of rigb-teoufneffe • Yea , this our Apoftle bringeth in other Chriftiani with, hitnfelf, without the lead hefitancy, profeffing their undoubted hopes hereof, We know*

2 Cor.5.1. that if our earthly houfe , of this Tabernacle were dif-folved, we have a building of God, an houfe-j not made with hands , hut eternal in the Heavens. And there is no good reafon can be rendred, wherefore ordinary Chnftians in thefe dayes, may not arrive at the fame certainty. For, 1. We enjoy Gods Word,

\ John 5.13* That we ?nay know we have eternal life. 2. And WC have the promife of his Spirit , That we may 1 Cor 212 b*ow the things , which art freely given us of God.

4. Andtheconfequencesof this certainty, will be many wayes advantageous, as the experiences of Godslervants have witnefied in all ages. I will briefly point at fome:

1. Hereupon the Tfalmift was wrought unto contentment in a low condition, being confident, That

#al. 73.24- God would bring him to glory , when he had pafled through a wildernefs, by the conduct of his counfel. The traveller contentedly will take up with little and courfe allowance, from hope of full provifions at home, whenhe cometh unto his journeys end.

2. The thought and approach cf death, haftening on by means of many weaknefles and (offerings, will be the lefs tedious and terrible, m faint not ( faith

, the Apoftle ) though the outward man perifb , for our ' light affti&iony worknh for us , a farre more exceeding eternal weight of glory.

3. Thus courage will be increafed, when the great-eft difficulties and dangers fhall be encountred- in 2. Chriftian courfe. S c Faul , as a valiant Souidier, did

undaunt-

datintedly bear up, when in expectation of a violent death from the Lion-like perfecutors; / am rexdj ^2 Tim.3. be offered, Henceforth tc laid up for me a Crown*

Eccleiiaftical Hiftory giveth many fuch like inftanccs amongft the worthy Martyrs of old.

4, And hereby we fhall be much quickened in waves ot ferviceablenefs, both unto God and man. By this argument the Apoftle urgeth double diligence and unweariednefs in well-doing; Therefore he ftedfaft, l Cor.15.52. immoveable., alwayes abounding in the work^of the Lord, forafmuch , a* ye know , that your labour ii not in vain in the Lord. * The Mariner knowing that he is in a iafe road towards his native Countrey, hoifeth up fail, and pucteth on with the more vigour.

Now all thefe confiderations being enlarged and applied by meditation, may be fufficient to perfwade aferious tryal, whether we have a well-bottomed hope, that our death fhall be our gain.

The Characters of them, to whom death will be gain, I will caft uuder two heads, making a double enquiry.

Firft, Whether in our inward difpofition, and outward practice, we be really like S^Taul, who was lure ( as my Text tells us) that unto himfelf. To die would he gain f Here I will hint (ome few particulars from this his Epiftle, referring the improvement unto your own faithfulncfs:

I. His converfation wo* in Heaven , while he wai p ,.. on earth; and upon this account he was confident of ^/^^ communion with (Thrift in Heaven. The good Apoftle did look upon himfelf, as a Citizen, a free Deni-fon of Heaven ; and therefore ftudied and endeavoured, that his carriage might be anfwerable to this his condition. Query therefore upon what you do mod beftow your heads and hearts, your thoughts and affections. Whether do you rather order your courfe according to the fafhion of this world ? Or do

E you

you labour to be like them who are with God in Heavens glory ?

2. H j Lice not down fatisfied with [that mcafure of grace and (an&ification, which he had attained, but preffed hard towards perfection, that he might be compkat both in heart and life, in a way of confer-

rh:U.ic,ii, mity to the mind of Chrift. I freffe towards the mark? v*ih>\4 This therefore talleth toul upon fuch, who. fatisfie and flatter themfelves in their prefenc attainments and enjoyments, like theLacdiceans , faying, lam rich , and .3-17* fo ave nee£ i 0 ^ mt \ ) \ n g %

3. He did not center in him(elf, in his own comfort, but defigned the honour of Chrift, in all the graces with which he was enriched, and in all his fer~ viceablenefs, both in active and paffive obedience.

Phi! 1.20. According to my earneft expectation and hofe (faith he) that Jeftu Chrift (hall be magnified in me , whether by

Zech.7.5,5. life-, or death. This cuts the combs, and crufh-cth the hopes of fuch, who are meerly felfifh in their ends and aims, in religious performances. And this is (o ordinary, that our Apoftle faith, All feekg

£hil.2.2i» their owne things^ not the things , which are JtffM Cbrijis.

4. Notwithftandingall his graces received, Cervices dilcharged, and perfeftion with fincerity defigned, he did not dare to depend upon felf, in regard of parts railed, priviledges pofleflcd , duties performed, but pitcheth his confidence upon Chrift, and upon him

Phil.3 3,4. alone. / rejoyce in Chrift Jefus , having no confidence

in the fie luk.189, fplitsthc

§ 9 though 1 might ^if any other. ,8£C. This lopesof proud Jufticiaries, who pharifai-cally truft to their own goodnefs, unto whom S* Paul fpeaketh fmartly ; Chrift U become of none efefi unto Qal.5,4.] yoHy whofoever of you are juftified by the Law ' ye are fallen from grace.

f. And he fought, both by his counfel and conversation* to winnc and work others with himfelf, untc

the

the like dif pofition and coaverfation. Let as many as

be perfed y be thus minded. Be followers of me. And PtiiLg.i 5,17.

though he longed for immediate fellovvfliip with

Chrift, yet he was content to (layout of Heaven, for

a time, that he might be inftrumentally ferviceable to

the promoting of Sanctification in Saints on earth.

To abide in the fle[h (faith he) is more needful I for Phil.1.24,25

you' Hiving this confidencej 1 [hall continue with you

all-i for your furtherance and joy of faith. Here I

referre it to every mans confcience,to give in evidence,

how carefull,or carelefs he is of the fouls welfare, of

fuch with whom they do converfe 5 for accordingly,

either hope, or hopelef nef s of gain by death, may be

inferred.

Secondly, Whether Chrift be our life. This is the Argument from whence our Apoftle doth fatisfyingly inferrehis hope of gain by death. To me , to live is Chrift; and therefore \indoubtedly, To die will be gai w.— This lieth fair in the face of the Text • and he argueth in like manner elfwhere, If Chrift be our Ufa then death willproduce our glory. 00^3.4.

Now as Natural life, fo alfo fpiritual life may be manifefted, by 1. Breathings. 2. Senfes. 3. Motions :

Firft, Breath evidenceth life. The firft difcovery of life in the child enlivened by the Prophet, was this, He nee fed feven times. And fpiritual breathing, is 2 King.4.55. exprefled:

1. By groans and grievous complaints, becaufe of finfull principles and out-breaches; felt within, and appearing outward. As this Apoftle, I fi?id a Law

in my members , warring againfi the Law of my mindj SCC, Oh wretched man that I am ! &C.

2. Bydefires, ga(pingafterGod,in wayes of communion and holy obedience. There is none upon earth p ^-73-25. (faith the Pfalmifi) tbatJdefire, be fide thee. And, Oh

that my wayes were directed > to J\eep thy ftatutes. Pfal.i 19.$.

E 2 Secondly,

Secondly, Senfe fheweth life, whether it be from that which toucheth with painfull trouble, or with tickling delight.

i. The foul enlivened by grace,doth feel the weight Pfal.38.4. of finne. UMine iniquities (faith David) are an heavy burthen ^ too heavy for me to bear : I am tr ubled y and bowed down greatly, Whereas a dead man would not be fenfible, though a mountain fhouid be caft upon

hirm or though fore wounded. And men dead.m [mne Epher.4.19. nrnailfeding , •

2. And the Chriftian who is made fpiritually alive

by Chrift, doth fenfibly rejoyce in fellowfhip with

him. UMy Spirit hath rejoyced (faith the blefled

T . > Virgin) in God my Saviour. Whereas an utter want

jer.v.io. o j delight in the Ordinances of communion with God,

doth argue the abfence of this life.

Thirdly,. Motion manifefteth life. So foon as La--r . z,ant$ was reflorcd to life, he arifeth out of bis grave ,

joi.11.44. an d goeth abroad. As in all other motions, fo in this which is fpiritiul, there are two terms,, a quo , and Ephef<2.i,2, ad quern. The Efhefians being quickened > they res' 10 * linquifh their old converfation in. the lujis of the flefh, and walh^in good works. And the regenerated Thejfe-lefl.i.p. lonians , Turn from Idols to ferve the living and true God. In like manner, all thofe in whom Chrifl li-veth by his Spirit, they turn their backs upon finne, withdiflike, deteftation, and endeavour to decline it: And they face about towards God, in approving, loving and profecuting whatfoever is good in his fight.

Now all thefe particulars thus generally and briefly hinted, being conjoyned, and without partiality applyed, may ferve to difcover. Whether we have a good Scripture-hope,. That ohy death will be Vfe 5. our gain.

Anteobitum y Vfe^. Information, in four particulars :

vemofuprcma?, p irft Tllat a fu [[ / u d gernent carjn ot be given of the

biiflcfull

bliffefuhcondition of godly perfons,while they live on

earth. For their death bringeth in their greateft gain. Eccl.9.1,2.

1S{j man knoweth either Pove 0 or hatred^ by all that h before him. All things come alike to all y there is one event to the righteous^ and to the wicked •> &C. And it 1 Joh 3.2. doth not yet appear , what we Jhall he. As the profit, which cometh in by Husbandry, cannot be difcerned till Harveit; if a man unacquainted with that courfe of life, fhould fee his Neighbour plough up his ground, tear it in peeccs with the Harrow^ and throw away his feed upon it, he would judge all loft. So while we behold Gods people periecuted, racked and tormented in this world, we cannot make out their happinefs. If in this life only 9 wehav hope in Chrift, 1 Cor. 15.19, we are of all men mofl miferable (faith the Apoftle ) 32.

And if after the manner of men , / have fought with keAfts at Sphefus , what advantageth it me , if the dead rife not ? Therefore conclude not, what the eftate or true Chriftians is y till you have confidered^ the conclufion of their lives. Mark, the perfect man y pral -37-37. and behold the upright , for the end of that man is peace. During the time of life ( as the Parable tel-

leth US ) the rich man being cloatbed in purple , and.

fine linnen , and faring fumptuoufly every day v feemed Lu ^ 16.19,10.

to be in a farrebetter condition, than Laz,arus-> who was laid at his gate full of feres 5 but upon their death, and the lequell thereof, a right judgement might be pafled, whether of the two was the happier man. For the beggar died-, and was carried by ver r 2 2 22 the Angels into Abrahams b ifome ; the rich man diedalfo y and went to Hell.

Secondly, That the condition of the Saints in Heaven, will be uncxprcffibly joyous and happy, be-caufe their death will be their gain. For all the delights, with which their hearts arc cheared in the land of the living, are only the taftes, the firft fruits of Heaven. That bunch of. Grapes? which was

E 3 brought

brought komCanAan y w<LS nothing in companion of all

the fruits of that promifcd Land, which were aflurcd

upon Ifiael. Who knoweth*how fweet, and how

many cordials Gods fervants are refrefhed with, in

theirpaflagethrough the wiidernefs of this world?

and yet it will be admirably to their advantage, when

they ftiall upon Natures diflolution, take pofletfbn of

^ their heavenly countrey. Doubtlefs this our Apoftk

•4-7* j lac j experience of that peace, which pajfeth all under-

flanding, and of thofe joyes of the Holy Ghoft,

iFet.i.8. which are ntoft unspeakable , and j#11 of glory ; he re-

2C01M.5. portethtothe Corinthians ^ his enjoyment of abounding

confolations ; and yet he was confident. That to die

2 ThefT.2.i5. would y e fa g A ' lHm The Lord giveth his people ever-

lading comfort through grace , which in that regard is

Tfal.45.7. called , The oyl of glad?tejfe. All wifdomes rvayes are

Prov.3.17. pleafantnefi. And 'David rejoyced therein y more tha?i

\V^ 1 * n a ^ riches; who tooh^ delight alfo in the fociety of

Ifa.$6.7. Saints on earth. God maketh his fervants glad in the

hotifc of prayer. The Spirit of the blefled Virgin did

Luk.1.47. leap for joy, in Qod her Saviour, llOtwitllftanding nytT^icm. h C r fmarting exercifes. But this, all this poflefled upon earth, in the habit of grace, in the ads of grace, in the ufe of holy Ordinances, in fellowfhip with the godly, and in communion with God, Father, Sonne and Holy Ghoft, doth fall very fhort of that fulnefs of joy, thofe Rivers of delight, wherein they fhall bathe in blifs upon their departure by death, from Earth to Heaven. For unto them, To die will he gain. Therefore from hence, we may with the admirations of faith, confider the provifions which Gods grace hath made in Heaven for believing fouls. S r Paul in reference unto the priviledges to be poflefled

011 earth , fpeaketh thus , Eye hath not feen , nor ear

2Cor.2.9« heard) neither hath entred into the heart of man, the

things -which God hath prepared for them that love him-'&nd

yet he faith in my Tcxt,To me to die is gain.

Thirdly,

Thirdly, That therefore the eftate of glorified Saints will be tranfeendently glorious at the Day of the General Refurrectitm; for then doubtlefs there fhall be an addition made unto the gain, which death doth bring in unto them. The Scripture calleth it, The time when refreshing (fuperlative refrefhingj jhall eome from the Lord. And the language of the Apoftle is very notable, fpeaking of the reji with which believers jhall be recommenced , when the Lord Jefits fhall 2 Theft", i. 7 be revealed with his mighty Angels. When he fhall I0#

come (faith he) to be glorified in his Saints , and ta be admired in all them that believe in that day. Then, then, both the glorified Saints themfelves, and the glorious Angels alfo, fhall wonder with amazement, to behold the amazing comforts and glory, with which they fhall be crowned. Here I will briefly point at a few particulars.

i. Then they fhall behold all their fellow-members of that my fticai Body, whereof (Thrift is the Head, brought together into one company. Them which x Theft: 4. 14, (leep in Jefus^ will God bring with him , and then we which are alive and remain , fhall be caught up to f

gether with them in the clouds , to meet the Lord in '*

the AW.

2. They (hall arife firft j both that the Lord may r Their§ - ltf> exprefs his peculiar refpecT: unto them, and that they

may not want that honour and comfort which the fubfequent providences of that great Day (hall afford.

3. Forthwith upon their RefurrecTion, they fhall ride (as it were) in joy and triumph, to attend the

Judge of the ivorld in his glory , which will be no fmall f The ^ honour, when Chrij} fioall come with ten thoufands of his Judev.14.' Saints , and all 4 he holy A'ngels with him. Mar. 25.31 e .

4. When the Lord Jefus fhall fit down upon the Throne of Judgement, they fhall be admitted to be Affeflors, giving in their atteftation unto all his

ngh-

righteous, judicial administrations. Know ye not i Cor 5.2,3- (faith the Apoflle) that the Saints (hall judge the

world ? And know ye not , that we jhall judge *An-

gels ? Col.3.4. S« When (fhrifi who is their life Jhall apfear , they

-Phil 3.21. jhall appear with him in glory. As their bodies (hall Mat 13.43. i e m ade like unto his glorious body, Alining like the 1 Cor!i3 5 io. S# me in ibe firmament: So their fouls fliall be fatif-1 John 3. 2. fied with Gods Image, both in ? erf eel kiiowledge , and

all other divine graces, made like unto his Majefty, according to their utmoft capacities.

6. And in this happy condition, they all fliall have compleat communion with each other, without the mixture of any forrow, and crowned with immediate fellowfhip with the Lord himfelf unto all eternity. 1 Thefr.4.17. And then wejhzll ever be with the Lord,

Fourthly, Hence it followeth by the rule of contraries, that the death of the wicked fliall be greatly to their lofs. For the confequences of contraries, are as contrary, as the contraries themferws. And fuch like inferences, are made ordinarily in holy Scripture, £rc/.8.T2. 7/^.3.10,11.

As the inference is natural, and not enforced ; fo the mifery of the ungodly upon their death , may many wayes be manifefted, both in refpect of lots andfenfe.

Their punifhment of lofs confifteth :

1. In the want of all inferiour creature-comforts here enjoyed , Fer they have their portion in this life

Pfal.17.14. only. And therefore it was thus fpoken to the covetous worldling when ready to die, This ?iight [hall thy Luk. 16.20. f ou i fr e taken from thee, and whofe then (hill all thefe

things be ? Thy enlarged Barns, and thy fruits with which filled, fliall be thine no more.

2. In their feparation from the fociety of all Gods

Mat.25.32. &faithfllllfervantS. The Sheep mid be fevered from the J 3'3 0 ' Goats^he tares from the good corn^he chaff"from the wheat*

3. In

Thirdly 3 In their cverlaftingbaniftiment from God the Father, and the Lord Jefus. They (hall be punifhed 2 Thefti.?, with everlafling dejlruclion from the prefence of the Lord> and from the glory of his power. And Chrift will fay. Tie-part from me ye workers of iniquity. Mat.7.25.

Now what lofs can be fo great? But this is not all the mifery, which (hall befall the ungodly in the world to come; for the puniftiment of fenle will be exceeding grievous alfo.

i m Their departure from God fliall be attended with his heavy difplcafure. Go ye cur fed, will chcLQrdMat.25.14. fay (q.d.) *Bc gone with a vengeance under my heavy difpleafure.

2. They jhafl be turned into hell , the torment Pfal-p.c 7. whereof is metaphorically exprefled by fire, which

U handled by the breath of God-) as a Jiream of brim- I la 3°«33~ ftone.

3. This pain flull not only be extream, but ever-laftingalfo. The worm (of an accufing ever-gnawing confcience ) [hall never die> and the fire (of their Mlrk s« torment) never goeth out.

4. In this dolcfull condition, there fhall be no means of mitigation to their pain. Not one drop

of Water 3 or the tip of a cold finger to cqsI an infla-^' 1 ?' 2 **

med tongue , and no better company than "Devils, whofe fellowfliip will rather augment,then abate their grief.

5. And whereas perfons in mifcry would be pitied hb 19.11. (the want whereof caufeth fad complaints, ^^ {^n/^

you no pity , all ye who pajfe by?) thefe wretched crea- Ifa J 6 2 ' 4 * tures fliall arifeoutof the dufi to flj.mie and everlajling Pfal.58.10. contempt •* Yea, They fhall be an abhorring to all fie(h. The righteous (hall rejoyee ,'when he feeth the vengeance,

Thefe particulars do in fome meafure nunifeft, 2Pet.4.i?. What fhall be the end of them , who obey not the Goffrf. And if the Queftion of the Apoftlc fhould be pro-

F pounded

rtrf.18. pounded CO l!? 5 Where (hill the wicked and ungodly ap-fear ? We may return anf wer from thh, which hath been hinted (vU. ) They (hall appear at a great distance from ail creature-comforts r feparated from God v and all godly ones in the place of unexpretfi-ble torment with Devils, without any relief, under the curfe of Gjd t and the contempt of all godly-ones for evermore.

Thus from thefe inferences, by way of Information I proceed to the Ufes of Exhortation 3 which I (hall call under three heads, according to the number of thofe perfon^ unto whom they are to be directed, in ail which I fhal! be lhort.

Firft,. Allfuch whohavecaufeto fufpect their in-tereft in this priviledge (viz,.) that their death will be their gain, they arc to be perfwaded, to (cek their propriety therein, by looking out, after thoic qualifications formerly mentioned, unto which this rich. Hcb4.$,ii. prerogative doth appertain. There rtrmimth a reft to the people of Cod ^ let tu labour therefore to enter into that refl. This endeavour may be quickened by con-iidering the miferable eftate of all others (which was cleared in the laft branch of the former life) who in Hab.2 ; i$. that condition are in bondage all their life time , through the fear of death. And as that conflderation may affright, (o the thought of the happinefsof fuch,

who have good aflurance, That death will he thetr

gam , may allure to this, practice. Balaam himfelf

faith, Let me die the death of the righteous y and

Niuub; 23.1c. i et my j a j? tnc i i e Hj^ fcg 4 Think thus with your

(elves: Heb.c.27. l - & x appointed for all men once to die , and after that

the judgment. job 18.14. i. Death it the King of terrours.

3. (Thrift IS both in life and death advantage, unto

all fuch who are united unto him by faith , and the

knowledge hereof will be admirably advantagious

(as

(as hath been difcovered) unto all fuch^ who mani-feft this their union, by an holy life; therefore we will without delay, with double diligence, endeavour to efiate our felves in this precious pri-yiledge.

Secondly, All the heirs of this precious priviledge, (hould be moved to thcie enfuing duties.

Firft, Be very thankfull to the Lord. I will paife pr a i.85.i215. thee, O Lord my Cj' od , with all my heart (faith David) and I will ghrifie thy Name fir evermore , for great is thy mercy toward me , and thou haft de'ivered my foul from the loweft Hell. Now the gain by death, is a greater bleffing, and a fruit of fweeter mercy, then to be fecured from death; and therefore this his thank-falnefs (hould quicken out gratitude.

2, Moreover, coniider that this priviledge was dearly purchafed by Jefus Chrift. Upon this account S' Paul breakcth forth into his Doxology, O death, I Cor . J$ $$ where if thy fling ! O grave , where k thy victory! $-

Thanks, be given to God 3 who hath given us the vidory through our Lord Jefus thrift.

3. 0 Remember that the benefits of death fhall extend unto all eternity (as hath been manifefted ) both in reference unto body and foul. The fpeech of *Da-vid is here Applicable, Who am J, O Lord God ', that2Sam.j.iB i if thou haft brought me hitherto ? tAnd yet this wm a fmall thing in thy fight, O Lird God , but thou haft fyvken alfo of thy fervant for a great while to come. Now the advantages by death are greater, and many more, which (hall be reaped, not only upon nttures diflolution, but thoufand thoufands of years, after the general Refurre&ion.

The work of thankfgiving thus perfwaded, (hould beexprefled,

1, By our conflant and abundant fruitfulnefs in all the practices of holinefs. Therefore my beloved Bre-* Cor.15.58. thren y be ye ftedfaft y unmoveable, alwayes abounding in

F 2 the

the work^of the Lord j forafmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,

2. Andbyfeekingtomake others partakers with our felves in this rich prerogative. The fpeech and ^KiBf.4.9. praftice of the Lepers is imitable, They [aid one to another , we do not well 3 this is a day of good tidings , and we hold our -peace , dec. As love, fo all grace is communicative ; therefore let us acquaint our friends with the gain which is to be reaped by death, adding counfcl and encouragement, that they may feverally fhare therein > through Gods rich grace in (Thrift.

Secondly, Be not difcouraged in a courfc of godli-nefs, though for the prcfent you meet with much trouble, and little comtort; for at death ( if not foon-, er) you fhall receive that which will pay for all. Be

not weary of well-deing^ for in due time you fhall reap) Urn. $ 7 if you faint ?iot. Behold the Husbandman waiteth for

the precious fruit of the earthy and hath long-patience Hcb. 14.25,25. for it. Adofes chofe rather to fnffer affliction with the people of God} than to enjoy the pleafures of finne for a fzafon , &CC for he had reified to the recommence of reward. AndChrifthimfelf, who was a man of for-rowS} yet for the joy that was fet before him , endured Htb.12,2. ife cro jf 6y anddeffifedtkejhame. Hopcof gain heart-nerh both Merchant and Mariner, notwithftanding high winds, and boifterous waves upon the troubie-fomeSeas, though the voyage be long, and the profit of it very uncertain : but the promife of gain by Hab,2,g. godlinefs at the end , will fpeak^ and not lie \ though

it tarry ,. wait, for it , beeaufe it will fnrely come , it will not tarry.

Thirdly, Be not immoderately afraid of death. Although Nature feeking its own prefervation, doth fhrink from approaching death in Gods own peculiar rial. J5.4. people. The ttrrours of death (faith "David) are fallen upon me, And though the unregencrate under

the.

the awakenings of their guilty conferences, are through the fear of death in bondage; yet when faith Heb.2.i$. is on exercife in believing brefts, they are bravely elevated above thefe fears, whether bodily difeafes,or bloudy perlecutours, do threaten Natures downfall. Holy Job knowing, that his Redeemer liveth , doth upon this ground, glory over death: Though after Job. 19.25,25, my skinne wormes dejtroy this body , yet in my flejh , / 2 7«

(hall fee God •' tVhom I fkall fee for my felf 0 and mine eyes [hall behold , and not another , though my reins be eenfumed within me. And S: Paul fpeaketh thus of himfelf, and fellow-fuffircrs, For thts eattfe we faint 2 furt 15 ' not , though our outward man ferifh , SCc. For we ' know that if our earthly houfe were dijfolved , we have a building of God ," an houfe eternal in the Heavens* And many fuch like examples, might cafily be produced from Ecclefiaftical Hiftories of worthy Martyrs, who with undaunted magnanimity expected death, and with joy clapped their hands in the flames, being.confident, that their death would be their gain. But I forbear.

Fourthly, Be willing to welcome death when k cometh, as a Meflenger from God to call the foul out of the body. Hear what this our Apoftle faith upon this ground, I defire to de.fart , and to be with Cbrift, Phil.1.23. which is, farre better. And dying Simeon in his Swan-like Song ufeth the like language, T^ow let thy fervant Luk.2.25, depart in feace. For the truth in my Text, which hath occafioned this long difcourfc, rendreth the re-queft reafonable, which the Spoufe of (Thrift makes to him, Make hafte*y my Beloved , and be thou like to a Roe , or to a young Hart upon the Mount aims ^ Cant.8,14, Spices.

Here thefe Cautions are needfull, to be caft into your confideration,that this Ufe may not be abufed.

t. Dare not to defire death from proud paffion or difcontent; as Slijah and Jonah did,

F 3 2. Negleft

i » —-—■ "—————————

2. Negleft not the life ot means ot life, cither food, Phyfickle, byyeelding to melancholy fancies, or diabolical delufions.

3. Do not through pride or fool-hardinefs hazard your lives by Duels, or any other defperate adventures.

4. Efpecially take heed of fliortening your own lives byfelf-murther upon the bloudy aflauks, and iniinuations of Satan. But thefe things I fhall not enlar. e.

2Pet.3.i4. Fifthly, Laftly, Wherefere, Beloved , feeing ye looh^

for fuch things ^ be diligent $ that you may hi found

without ff>ot and blameleft. Men are wont to furnifh the mfelves with fuch apparel, and to be every way in fuch fort qualified, as may anfwer the places, relations, imployments, unto which they exped advancements : and holy wifdome will work us to the like endeavour from our hope of the gain of death. The Apoftle S John having touched upon this glorious Me-ijoh.3.2,3. tamorphofis, m (hall be like Chrifty addeth, And every one that hath this hope in him , purifieth himfelfy even as he is pure. S^Walfo, from this expedition of faith , When tfhwfi who is cur life (hall appear, we fhaH appear with him in glory , doth perfwade both to mortifie all fin full lufts , -and te fet our affe [lions more upen the things above , than the things en the earth* .. And he himfclf doth intimate this happy change look-

1.3.20,21. €c jf or ^ through Jefus (Thrift, to be a ftrong argument

to promote his heavenly converfation in this world. A Spirit of gracious ingenuity, love and gratitude, will undoubtedly inferre the fame conclusion from thefe premifles.

Thirdly, The Friends of godly perfons deceafed, are hence to be advifed, to moderate their forrow, becaufe the death of fuch Ftf ends tends to their gain. The Apoftle S*?aul y by this very argument, which he much enlargeth, warncth the Jheffakmans not to

mot+m

Col.3.2,4,5.

mourn infuch cafes, as men without hope ' but rather to i Theft 4.1?, comfort one another. 18.

Although I am very farre from condemning all forrow upon fuch occafions,

1. For wc have approved examples of the mourn-Gen 5c I% ingfor Jacob, and for Dorcas, and of Chrift himleli A&9.39. weeping for Lazarus being dead. J oh*-1 *.$>.

a. And not mourning at all in fuch cafes, would argue people to be without natural #jfeaion 3 which isjRonM-S 1 * a f infull frame of heart; and God threatneth this, as a great judgement againfi people, who die, not /j-Jer.15.4. men ted,

Yet forrow upon the death of real Saints, fhould be moderate and mixed with comfort, Becaufi their death k their gain. Here the words of Chrift unto his defpondingDifciples,arcconiiderable, Let not jour 1011.14.27,18. heart be troubled. Ye have heard how I faid unto you, I go away : If ye loved me , ye would reioyce^ becauje 1 faidy I go unto the Father. Thofe parents who were exceffive in their grief, becaufe their children were carried into captivity,- were check'd , becaufe God J er - 3»-i$»*«*i promifed their return. Now the gain to godly per 17 *

tons by death,is much more than their return from the duft, by the general Rxfurrcction (as hath been largely difcovered ) therefore our forrow fhould be kept within its due bounds. As David cheered his f £ inr, when his child was dead, becaufe he was perfwaded, that his foul was gone to Heaven, where himfelf hoped to be ere long, 1 [hall go to him. Therefore upon 2 Sanu 2 * 2 3-the death of the godly, though we fhould lament our own lofs.and the expreffion of Gods difpleafure againft them who furvive, together with the finncs whereby their lives have been forfeited, yet in love to rhem we fhould not mourn unto deje&ednefs; for as Chrift was in life their advantage, fo in death their gain. To die* kgain.

F 1 N I S.

£d To Me is gain.

I Know it is-expected 3 that I {hould (peak fome-thing, in reference to the Life ana Death oi the Honourable Lady, whole Funeral hath occahoned this AfTembly and Sermon; and becaute I hope it-may be ufefull to the living, and do right to the memory of her that is dead, I (hall mention the heads of what my-felf have obferved, and have received from the credible tcftimony-of others.- I judge it needlefs to fugged her Noble Extraction, her Religious Education, together with her Perfonal Beauty, great Ingenuity, fwect natural Difpofition, and courteous commendable Deportment towards all with whom (he converfed.

My firft acquaintance with ber Ladifhb was brought on, by my relation unto my much honoured. Lord, the Earl of Martchefiet\ upon whom I waited, when their Marriage was tranfacted and. concluded. Then (he told me, That by means of the Small-Pox, whereby her life was threatned, God was pleafed to awaken her heart, tofeekhim 3 and to mind her foul more exactly than formerly. At the fame time, (he did earneftly intreat me, not for the prefent only, to beftow fuch counfel, as I judged mod expedient, but for the future alfo, to deal plainly with her in foul-concernments Then (he profeffed with ferioufnefle, that the chiefed Loadftone, which drew forth her heart in Conjugal love towards my Lord of Manche-iur , was, his Ingenuity and Piety, hoping that in (o near a Relation, he might prove an happy indrument of good unto her immortal Soul. This alfo I took to be an evidence of a gracious frame, that as (he did often requed me, to tell her of what my (elf might efpy, or others judge blame-worthy; fo (he did alwayes with meeknefs and thankfulnefs, accept my faithful* nefs therein. In her firft Marriage (when (he was "/cryyoung) (headed not, without the advice and

confeni

To die u gain. &i

confent of her Parents: And upon the Death of her Husband, fhe returned to her Fathers Family, with resolutions to be guided by Patcrn.il coonfe), in her i nure com fe. Herein her practice proved the line: city oi her purpofe ; and this was very commendable in her- that fhe would not fo take the liberty allowed by her Widdow hcoJ, as to caft off duty and obfervance to her Parents,, in her fecond Marriage. Her love to her Husband wasfaithfnil and conftant ; God was plcafed to give her eight Children by my Lord of AL:ncb?\ier y to whom fhe was an aff.&ionate tender Mother, a carefull and diligent Nurfe, giving fuck to (even ol them ; which commendable practice is very rare in this Age, amongft women of her K\ik and Quality. She was careiull of their Religious Education, that they might be inftrucled m the Principles of the Oracles of God, and be kept in awe by his fear, that they might be fecured from finne. She was charitable to the poor, friendly in vifiting her Neighbours, efpecially when fick and weak : yea, fhe would upon neceflary occafions, draw forth her own breafts, to dve ftukunto the Children of fuch , who were of low condition in the world. Although her cftimations and loves unto her precious Husband, were high, and his company dclightfull; yet fhe was willing he fhould be much abfent from home, when appointed by both Houfes of Parliament (is Ma; a: General of the Eaflern Aflociation) to arterid their Army for the recovering oi Brigands peace, the fet-lingofLaws, thePrefervation'oi Parliament Pnvi-ledges, and theEftabliuhmeut of Protcftant Religion, wi'hout mix:ure of Popifh Innovations. ( Fw mfe were thetrue ends of that fVarre , which the *P arl'iarntnt held forth by their manifold''Declarations , and bit L r rd-fhip , with others who engaged therein did verily belit^ve^ now heartily bewailing theb' dole full difajfoihtmints ther>-

mi) I have been afTured , that fhe kept a cooftaiw

G courfe.

courfe daily, m her fecret Devotions, befides her attendance upon Family-duties, fetting apart alfo every day fome time, wherein her Lord and flic did by prayers and praifes to God , commend thernfelves^ their Relations, conditions and concernments to his .Majwfty before the Throne of Grace.

As ihe waited upon holy Ordinances in publick on the Lords-day 3 fo Ihe frequented Sermons upon Lecture dayes, both in London , andelfwhere, as opportunities were afforded. And her great Knowledge in matters of Religion, did difcover her good improvement of the means enjoyed. That bodily difternper, which fliortened hd life,did mind her in fuch manner of her latter cnd,that flie (pake often affeftionatelyof it, with care to make ready tor the Lord. Although I was notwithherLadiftiipinthe time of her laft licknefs, yet I have heard of her patient and pious fubmiffion to Gods will therein. And however flie expreflcd de-fires to live, in tender refpeft tQ her dear Husband, and that flie might further take care of the Education of her beloved Children: yet with contentment and comfort, &e ^commended her felf by prayer to the good pleafure of the Almighty, with hope of everla-fting reft in glory, through Jefus Chrift, preffing this, asaRecjueftto her Lord, that he would think that beft, which God ftiould pleafc to determine.

Thus in her Life flie was many wayes an honour to her Sex and Family, and her Death is matter of lamentation to all who knew and loved her, whofe forrow may be abated, and their comfort promoted, by their hopes, that Chrift wasunto her, both in life and death advantage.

F 17^1 S<

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