The Failing & Perishing OF GOOD MEN A Matter of Great & sore Lamentation. Held forth in A SERMON Preached the 26 of June 1662. Being the day before the INTERMENT OF THAT Eminent and Faithful GOSPEL PREACHER, Mr. John Sympson. Prov. 10.7. The memory of the just is blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot. Psal. 116.15. Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his Saints. Accusator qui confortem defert, seize iutueatur. Printed in the Year, 1663. To the Church of Christ, and every member thereof, over which Mr. john Sympson was made (by the Holy-spirit) overseer. Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, thorough the knowledge of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved in the Lord! IF I should spend much time in making an Apology for myself in reference to the Dedication of this following Discourse to you of the Congregation, I might well be judged to compliment. It's yours by right: If it come into other hands (through God's blessing) it may do good, but as in the preaching of it I had, so now in the Printing of it I have a special respect for you, and to you of the Church it was first preached, and now printed for your sakes. However I think meet in this place, to give some brief account of the reason both of its Publication and Dedication. First, for its Publication, the reason is manifold: 1. For that I did judge the subject in itself to be suitable to the present state of the people of God, and might be of use to the stirring them up to humiliation and reformation. 2. That I might manifest that dear respect I had for, and that affection I did bear unto that choice servant of Christ deceased, under whose Ministry I have been so often refreshed and raised in my spirit. 3. Because I was desired by several of the friends of Mr. john Sympson, either to print my discourse, or give them copies of it; wherefore I chose to do the former, because I did judge it might give the greater satisfaction. 4thly, That I might do something towards the vindication of the name of that glorified saint, both from former, and later reproaches, and slanders. Those that have a good conscience, have not always a good name. The people of God in this life are called the troublers of Israel; they are seditious, rebellious, what not? Christ himself was accounted a deceiver, and imposter; and Paul was said to be aseditious person, and suffered (in the opin on of some) as an evil doer, 2 Tim. 2.9. Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. Job was represented unto the world as an hypocrite, and that by his friends; which went very near him. The ministers of the Gospel must expect above any other to meet with reproaches (2 Cor. 6, 8.) the Devil hates them most, because they most oppose his Kingdom, and interest; and therefore if he can't debauch their consciences, he'll spit his venom at them through the mouths of wicked and ungodly men. But let wicked men know, that the time is hastening on apace, wherein as God will make inquisition for blood, so for names; as the death, so the name of a saint is precious in God's account: God will roll away the reproach of his people; * Josh. 5.9. Psal. 37.6. Psal. 112.6. he'll cause their innocency and righteousness to break forth as the sun at noon, * and their names shall be had in everlasting remembrance. I had thought something might have been done this way by a better pen before this time, but it being several months since the death of Mr. Sympson, and nothing done, I was willing to make public what I had preached; & I hope it is not out of the pride and haughtiness my heart, (though a proud, and wicked heart I have, and blessed be free grace that in any measure I know it so to be, but to do Christ and his people service. The soul of our dear brother is in glory, above any Encomivas or Eulogy that can be made of him: What therefore is spoken in the following discourse, extends not to him, but unto the living; it's not to advantage him, but to prevent others from disadvantaging themselves by thinking or speaking evilly of him. Lastly, That I might present the virtues of Mr. Sympson to you for your imitation: Undoubtedly it's your duty to follow him so far as he followed Christ. Now there were very many choice things in that faithful man, worthy of emulation and imitation, wherein you will do well to walk, as you had him for an example. Thus m●ch for its publication. The Reasons why I did dedicate it to you of the Congregation, are, First, Because I did judge the Dispensation of God to which the following Discourse refers, did more immediately concern you, than any other: it's true, there are many not of the Congregation, that did undoubtedly receive good by Mr. sympson's Ministry, and will have cause to bless God for it unto all Eternity; and these are much concerned in his death: But however, considering his relation unto you, how he was under Christ your Bishop, Faster, Feeder, Leader, etc. And how faithful, constant and laborious he was in the discharge of his trust committed to him, it must needs be granted, that that Providence of God did most nearly concern you, and consequently this following Discourse. 2. It's to acknowledge my thank, fullness to God and you, for all those presious days and hours which I have enjoyed in your Assemblies. To my best remembrance I never saw nor enjoyed more of the presence and glory of God in any Assembly (setting the Minstry of Mr. Bridge of Yarmouth aside) than I have done in your Assemblies. The consideration of which, as it doth in the first place oblige me to bless the Lord (in whom all my Well-springs are, and who is the Fountain of consolation to his people) so in the next place it doth engage me to serve you his people (with, and among whom I have enjoyed such great mercies) to the utmost of my abilities. By this Dedication I do not profess to have paid my Engagements unto you, I do only take an occasion hereby to acknowledge myself your Debtor. Pay my Engagements I cannot better then by praying for you. My hearty desire therefore to God for you is, That you all may know, love and enjoy Christ in truth, that every member of your visible Body may (by the Spirit) be baptised into that one Mystical Body, over which Christ is the Head, that Hell may be never the fuller for any of you, but that you may all live graciously, which is the way to die blessedly. And further, that God would keep you together, and hid you in the secret of his presence, cause his glory to rest upon you, and cause a defence to be upon that his glory, that he would give you Pastors after his own heart, and anoint them with a double measure of his Spirit, a spirit fit both to rule and teach; to rule I say (not as Lords over your consciences, but) according to the blessed direction of Scripture-Canons; that so you may be able to bless God in the words of Ezra, (cap. 9.8.) And now for a little space grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, to leave us a Remnant to escape, and to give us a Nail in his holy Place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage, All I desire (which I am sure I shall have) is your acceptance of this my love in the Lord. I can't say that I do here present unto you the same Sermon (verbatim) that you heard preached; For, besides those necessary distinctions that must be put between the Tongue and the Pen, I hàve superadded some things for the perfecting this Discourse, which I think you will not judge useless or needless when you shall have read it. When aught of Truth is presented unto you, take heed of looking too much upon the hand that brings it, or upon the dress in which it comes; not upon the hand, because then if the instrument that presents it, be accounted unworthy, Truth will be despised: He that presents you with this following discourse, is a very unworthy instrument, as unworthy as you can imagine him to be; though blessed be God, how vile soever he be in other men's eyes, he desires to be more vile in his own: But yet I hope you have learned with the holy Prophet, to be content to be fed, though it be by a Raven; it's no matter who brings truth, so God sends it; though withal I would here give you this caution, Take heed of going out of God's way for feeding. I conclude that that man that resolves to go to Rome to learn the Articles of the Christian Faith, hath met with some bad counsel. Keep in thy way, and have thy Touchstone always ready, and then (with the Goldsmith) when ought is presented unto thee, first try it, and if it prove right and sound, take it, and bless God for it, and mind not the person that brings it; but take heed of going out of thy shop, for it may be whilst thou art trading in other men's shops, thine own may be rob. Again, Mind not the dress in which Truth comes. Many have such critical stomaches, that plain wholesome fare will not down with them, notwithstanding times are hard, and bread dear, yet they must have food in such a dress, or else they are not pleased; they'll be ready to slight such food as the Country people would be glad of with all their heart: I dare not invite one such person to my little Feast, and that because I fear there's not one bit will please him. I am plain, and cannot be otherwise: I dare say the following discourse is wholesome; if therefore wholesome food will please thee, eat, and much good may do thee. As to this particular I would only beg you, To look back and consider those many exhortations you had from that blessed man Mr. Cradock, to keep close to the plainness and simplicity of the Gospel. To close: My dearly beloved, you are a people greatly blest of God, with respect to the means of Grace; your constant helps (for above these twenty years) have been glorious helps; your Auxiliary helps (which you have had in abundance) have been glorious helps. Considering one thing with another, I think I may say and not sin, you have enjoyed the Cream of the world: Surely Friends, God expects great things from you, expects you should be eminent Christians; Eminent, 1. In thankfulness; the high praises of God should be in your mouths, for that he hath dealt so bountifully with you. 2. Eminent in fruitfulness; Unfruitsulness under such means, soon fits the soul for cursing and burning; Isa. 5. Mat. 3.10. Heb. 6, 7, 8. 3. Entinent in faithfulness; and that, 1. in respect to sincerity, Phil. 1.10. You should not do things to be seen of men, but as always under God's eye. 2. In respact of constancy, Rev. 2.10. Be faithful unto the death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life. The Sermons thou hast heard, and the Servants of Christ that have preached unto thee, will all witness against thee, if thou shalt turn Apost eaten, Consider these things and do accordingly, and it will be well with you now, better anon, and best of all at last. Vale. The perishing and failing of good men, a matter of great and sore lamentation. Joh. 11.35. Jesus wept. AS every thing is beautiful in its season, so words when spoken in due season, are like apples of gold in pictures of silver. And therefore it is the great work of a Preacher to consider the state of the people to whom he preaches, so to prepare his work before hand, as that he may hit the mark, knock the nail on the head: The Preacher sought out acceptable words; now generally those words are most acceptable to, and best received by the hearers (especially intelligent hearers) that are suited to their present condition. Good words may be vain words in a preachers mouth, and they are evermore so, when they are either inconsistent to the argument in hand, or else altogether unsuitable to the capacity and state of the hearers. I considering therefore the secret hand of God upon this Congregation, in taking away that eminent Servant of Christ, Mr. John Sympson, thought it incumbent upon me to speak something at this time that might be suitable to the present dispensation of God towards you, and in my meditations this Scripture was cast in, Jesus wept. The occasion of this text is known unto you; in the beginning of this Chapter you read that Lazarus was sick, and the news thereof immediately sent to Jesus; who notwithstanding he dearly loved him, yet (as the sequel of the story acquaints you) he doth not presently go up to Bethany to visit sick Lazarus, but maketh a stay for several days; the reason whereof is at hand, viz. That a sentence of death might pass upon beloved Lazarus, and he be laid in the grave, and a stone rolled upon him; and all this in order to the manifestation of the glory and power of Christ in his resurrection. It is good here to note, that as Christ here dealt with Lazarus, so he doth often deal with his beloved Spouse, his Church on earth: the Church she is sick, lieth languishing, and nigh to death; report hereof is made to Christ in heaven, and he is desired to come and visit his sick Spouse; Christ, though he loves his Spouse with a dear immutable love, yet he seemeth to turn a deaf ear upon this request, and carrieth it as if he did not mind Zions' concernments, as if he cared not how she was abused and trampled on by this wicked persecuting world; but the reason (as above) lieth here, that so a sentence of death might pass upon the Church, and upon all her concerns and glory; and all this in order to the manifestation of Christ's glorious power in her resurrection, that he may appear to be the great God, that can raise deliverance out of the dust, appear for his people when there is none shut up or left. After Lazarus had been in the grave four days, Christ he comes up to Bethany, and the sisters of Lazarus, viz. Martha and Mary, they come out to meet Jesus; first Martha she cometh, ver. 20. and she saith, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died, ver. 21. After this comes Mary, vers. 32. and she falls down at Christ's feet, saying, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother, had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. There is very much wrapped up in the bowels of this little Text: The text opened. Here we may take notice of the humanity of Christ; it appears by Christ's weeping that he is perfect man, as well as perfect God. That Christ wept, is to be referred, not to his Divinity, but to his Humanity; and so we shall find that Christ was subject as to this, so to all natural infirmities; as hunger, thirst, weariness, etc. which may comfort the Saints that groan under natural, as well as sinful infirmities; and that from the reason why Christ was made in all things like unto his brethren; namely, That he might be a merciful Highpriest, Hebr. 2.17, 18. And though Christ be now in glory, yet he is touched with the feeling of the infirmities of his people here on earth, Hebr. 4.15. so touched, as that he cannot but have compassion on them under all their pressures and grievances whatsoever. Dost thou then groan under natural weaknesses and infirmities? Go boldly to the throne of grace, (which is the use the Apostle makes of this doctrine, Heb. 4.16.) and spread thy weaknesses and infirmities before the Lord, and thou mayest in faith expect grace to help in this need, that Christ should enable thee to bear up under these weaknesses, until mortality shall have put on immortality. But to come to the thing I intent, and that is the occasion of Christ's weeping, which was the death of Lazarus, a good man: whence I shall observe and prosecute this Doctrine; Doctr. That it is a Christ like frame of spirit, to be deeply affected with, and to mourn over the death of such as are truly gracious. Here's Lazarus a good man in his grave, and Christ he weeps over him: you have a weeping Christ over a dead Lazarus. When old Jacob an eminent person was buried; it's said Gen. 50: 10: (That they mourned with a great and sore lamentation, and that for 7 days together. And so when Moses (that eminent servant of the Lord, that brought the children of Israel out of Egypt very near to the good Land) died, and was buried by a secret hand, it's said, the children of Israel mourned for him 30 days, Deut. 34.8. M●●●eerly beloved, you have lost a Moses, one that was valiant for God in former times, when the people of God in England were coming out of Egypt, & he hath been an eminent leader to the saints in their wilderness state, and God did often take him to the top of Pisgah, and gave him their glorious visions, and that not only of heavenly Canaan, but also of that glorious land of rest and righteousness that the Saints shall enjoy in this world, when the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be advanced upon the top of all mountains, and the Kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ; of which things he hath often spoke unto you in much life and power. Now that such a Moses should be taken off in the Wilderness, while the people of God are yet short of this good Land, is matter of great humiliation. Likewise you find the same spirit in those Christians, Acts 20. that Paul (the great Apostle of the Gentiles) did there take his farewell of, saying, ver. 25. And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. It's said, 37, 38 verses, And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him: Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke [that they should see his face no more] David also is exceedingly affected in this kind, Psal. 12.1. Help Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men. And so the Church, Micah 7. Woe is me, for I am as when they have gathered the summer-fruits, as the grape-gleaning of the Vintage; there is no cluster in me— The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright, among men, etc. And the Prophet Isaiah, Chap. 57 vers. 1. laments and bemoans the spiritual security of the children of Israel, expressed by this, That they did not observe & take notice, neither were they affected with the perishing & taking away of the righteous, and the merciful man, and chargeth upon them this senseless and stupid frame of heart, as their great and common sin. Now by all this it appears, that it is both the duty and property of a Christian (such an one as hath been baptised into the spirit of Jesus) to be deeply affected with the death of such as are truly gracious, especially when they are eminent for use and service to Christ, and his people. Reas. We shall now give you the reasons why it is so, and cannot be otherwise, but that gracious persons must needs be affected with, and mourn over the death of good men. First, Because every stroke in this kind, puts a serious heart in mind of its mortality, tells us that we are dying mortal creatures, and that's a very serious consideration to every awakened soul. The living, the living will lay it to heart, saith Solomon, Eccle. 7.2. The stroke of death upon others, tells us that die we must, and how soon the Lord knows; and O happy! thrice happy is that person that can die well: We are ready to say, blessed is the rich man, and the honourable man, and the professing man; the man that can speak well, and pray well, and live well; but above all (say I) blessed is the person that dies well. Now such strokes as these puts a serious soul in mind of dying. there's none present knows who may die next, may go to the grave next. That's the First; but then, 2 It springs from that Sympathy that is both in nature, and in grace: first in nature, when God takes away a husband, a father, a child, etc. this cuts deep, and affects much. Abraham he mourns over beloved Sarah. David over Absalon, though a rebellious son. To be stupid, and not to mind the hand of God when he smites our near and dear relations, doth declare, that we do not only want grace, but natural affection; and to be without natural affection, is a very black character, 2 Tim. 3.3. And then in Grace there is also a great sympathy: If God smites one member of the Church, the rest are affected with it: If a Paul, a Minister of Christ, a Pastor, a spiritual Father, comes to take his farewell of his people, and tell them that they shall never see his face more; oh what weeping, and mourning, and lamenting is there at his departure! 3dly, Another reason is, Because there is much of God's anger oft times to be seen in such strokes of God's anger; I say, not against the persons taken away, but against those that remain; As when God taketh away a Father, a Husband, a Wife, etc. the soul of that Relation may be carried to Heaven, and there possessed of glory, and yet nevertheless the death of that Relation may be in judgement to the Family. And so in a spiritual Relation, God may take away a holy Minister, a faithful Pastor, and this in judgement to the Flock, to those that sat under his Ministry: And surely it is the great concernment of you of this Congregation to hear the voice of this Rod, and of him that hath appointed it, and to endeavour to know the mind of God in this great stroke. 4thly, The perishing of good men is a matter of great humiliation, and that because they are a great blessing to the nations, cities, families, etc. where they are cast. It fares either the better, or the worse with such places for their sake. When God destroyed the old world, the family of Neah was saved for Noah's sake, Gen. 7. And God hath promised to bless them that bless his people, and curse them that curse his people. Gen. 12: 3: & 27: 29 Numb. 24.9. woe then to the ranting damning crew of this generation; who make it a matter of sport to curse the saints of the most high; for as sure as God is in heaven (without true repentance) those curses will return upon there one heads, The story likewise of Abimelech is remarkable, Gen. 20. it's said, God fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife, ver. 18th. and ver. 7, God himself saith to Abimelech, restore the man (meaning Abraham) his wife, for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee; and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know you, that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. Moreover you read that God blessed the house of Potipher, and all that he had for joseph's sake, Gen. 39.1. & 5 verses. And the house of Obed-Edom was blest for the ark sake, 2 Sam 6.10, 11. And the City of Zoar was saved for Let's sake, that he might have a refuge to fly unto, Genesis 19 and Proverbs 11.10.11. saith thus, When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoices: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Surely then, if the city rejoiceth, and is exalted by the blessing, and prosperity of the righteous, those rulers and great men of the earth, that have endeavoured, or shall endeavour to establish themselves in their greatness, power, and glory, by the imprisoning, & banishing, of the saints, are exceedingly blinded, and infatuated; for by this they discover themselves to be of the spirit of Haman; who could not be contented with his name, and honour, so long as Mordecai sat at the King's gate: so they, they have not been content with their greatness, so long as the people of God have had any breathing among them, but still have designed the building of themselves, and their kingdoms, upon the ruins of such, of whom this world is not worthy: It had been well for such, if they had seriously considered the just judgement of God, upon this proud Haman, he sought his own advancement, designed that, and he was advanced, with a witness; for he was hanged upon a Gallows fifty cubits high. Mind also these Scriptures, wherein this particular is further proved, Isa. 19.24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land. Ezek. 34.25.26. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. And I will make them, and the places round about my hill, a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season: there shall be showers of blessing. Micah 5.7. And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. In which scripture the great increase the remnant of Jacob shall have in, and the great blessing they shall be unto the nations of the world, is prophesied of. The people of God must needs be a blessing to the places where they dwell; for. First, There is God especially present: that land that is planted with righteous people, may be rightly called Jehovah Shammah; Ezek. 48. ult. Psal. 46.5. for the Lord is there. God is in the midst of her, etc. But. 2 Righteous ones are the strength and safety of the nations where they are, the pillars indeed upon which the world stand: and to speak the truth, the world is saved for their sakes. Jer. 5. ver. 1. God there saith, That if one man could be found in Jerusalem that did execute judgement, and sought the truth, he would pardon it. In these words two things are to be noted: First, that the people of God were at this time reduced to a very small number, and those that were, Jer. 5.25. to the end. were hid, could not be seen; for Solomon saith Prov. 28.12— but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. The rulers and magistrates at this time were as bad as hell, Devils incarnate; and when there are such magistrates, then righteous persons must lie hid, there is no appearing for them at such a time. Proverbs 28. ult. when the wicked rise, men (that is good men) hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. But. 2, and to the purpose, by (a man) in this text, we are to understand, that a very few, a small number of righteous ones should serve to save the city. And answerable to this, Gen. 18. you have God condescending to the prayer of Abraham concerning Sodom so low, that if there were but 10 righteous persons to be found in it, yet he would save the city for the sake of those ten righteous. And although there was but one righteous person to be found in Sodom, namely Lot, (and therefore called by the Sodomites, This one fellow, Gen. 19.9:) yet Gods hands were so tied, and bound up by this one righteous man, that he could not destroy Sodom, until Lot was got safe to Zoar; for, saith the Angel to Lot, verse 22. Hast thee, escape thither; (for I cannot do any thing) till thou be come thither, etc. The people of God by their prayers & tears preserve the places wherein they live from wrath and judgement, as appears by these scriptures, Gen. 19.20. Exo. 32.11.12.13.14, 31.32. & 33.12.13. & 34: 8: 9: Deut. 9: 18. to the end joshua 7: 7: 8: 9: 1: Sam. 23: Jer. 13.17. & 14: 7: 8, 9, 19: to the end; Lamen: 1.16. And although its possible the sin of a nation, or people may be so very great, 2 Chion. 36.16. of such a Scarlet die, and clothed with such circumstances, as that God may not hear the prayers of his righteous ones for that nation or people, (as Jer. 15.1. Ezek. 14.14.) but pour out his wrath upon them without remedy; * yet nevertheless such is the prevalency of the saints with God in prayer, as that we find, when destruction and ruin hath been threatened, and hath seemed to be entering in at the windows, and at the door, the prayers and intercessions of righteous ones (they slinging themselves in the gap, and pleading with God upon the account of his name, honour and mercy) hath diverted judgement, and procured national mercy and pardon many a time: And again, such is the prevalency of saints in prayer, as that if God be resolved to destroy a nation, he first restrains the spirit of prayer; he saith to his holy ones, pray not for this people for their good, (Jer. chap. 7.16. & 11.14. & 14.11.) and let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them, (Exod. 32.10.) as much as to say, Give me my hands at liberty, and do not tie me up from destroying this people. I can't destroy while Moses doth thus pray, and therefore Moses hold thy peace; cease praying, that I may devour, and destroy. Yet once more, such is the prevalency of Prayer, that if there be a spirit of Faith and Prayer in the Saints on the behalf of a Nation, or people, it's almost an infallible sign that God will not destroy, but have mercy upon that people. The prayers of the Saints (with holy reverence be it spoken) do overcome the Almighty; so that God cannot withstand the faith and prayer of his people, and the reason lieth here; Because they wrestle with God in his own strength, they engage the Almighty in almighty strength, and so must needs be prevailers. Well then might Elisha say of Elijah (that mighty man of prayer) when he was taken up to heaven, [the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof] and also King Joash say the same of Elisha, when he lay sick of his deadly sickness; For that indeed the strength of a Nation lieth not in chariots and horsemen, in towers and castles, etc. but in the prayers of the [Faithful] of the land. It's not the Common-prayers of the common swearers and drunkards that will secure and insafe a people, but the fervent prayers of righteous ones. Wicked swearers, Drunkards, Adulterers, Idolaters and truce-breakers are the plague and curse of a Nation; but holy, believing and praying ones, they are the blessing of a Nation. A Nation is more beholding to the meanest Kitchenmaid in it, that hath in her a spirit of prayer, then to a thousand of her profane swaggering Gentry; such Gentry that are better at whoring, swearing and drinking, than they are at praying. When they are drunk they'll curse and ban the people of God to the pit of hell; but alas, the people of God (in a holy sense) doth laugh them to scorn: they'll put the prayers, and tears, and sighs of one righteous person, against ten thousand of these poor self-destroyers; and will be confident that the prayers and tea●s of that one person (be he a Cobbler, or a Tinker, or be she a Kitchen maid, as abovesaid) shall do them more good, than ten thousand of them shall do hurt by all their oaths and curses. These profane wretches, are ready to wish the people of God all out of the world, but alas! what would then these wretches do? they are beholding to the saints for their very beings, and for the continuance of all their mercies. When God hath but once gathered in his elect, and done his work in Zion, he will soon pull the world about these men's ears: If the righteous be taken away, he is taken away from the evil to come, (Isa 57: 1:) Woe to Sodom, if Let departed; and so I may say, Woe to England, if the righteous should be taken away; Woe to London, whenever thou ceasest to be a refuge to the saints, whenever thy gates shall be shut against the ministers and people of the Lord Jesus. Ten thousand woes to that man, family, city, or nation, that engageth against the prayers of the Saints; that seeks to defend and maintain that interest which the Saints do (by Scripture-rule) pray against, and believe must go down. If I know my heart, I would not be in the condition of such for the whole world. Blind fools! do they think to stand against the faith and prayers of the Saints, which (in a holy sense) overcometh God himself? If they do, they may find themselves mistaken when it is too late. The children of Israel, though they slighted and despised the Prophets, would in time of destress come to them for prayer, 1 Sam. 7.8.9. & 12.19. Yea Pharaoh, as proud, and as high as he was, yet when the plague was upon him, Moses he must be sent for, and be entreated to pray for him, and his people. The time may come, when the proudest persecutor on earth, may see cause to beg the prayers of such whom he now persecutes. And thus much for the reasons of the doctrine, showing why the people of God must needs be affected with, and mourn over the death of praying and believing ones. We shall now proceed to application. Use 1 And first it affords matter of information; as First, if it be a Christ like frame to mourn over the death of such as are truly gracious, it informs us, how unlike to Christ such are; who though they plead for Christian burial, yet do attend funeral solemnities with a vain, wicked, ungodly spirit, and carriage, making the house of mourning a house of laughter, and filling themselves with wine (wherein is excess) until they become more like beasts than men, which is a practice that may be found, not only among the poor ignorant country people, but too often in this great city. You may soon judge how fit such persons are to attend upon a funeral Sermon; but indeed I am apt to think, funeral Sermons have generally been rather for ostentation, and vain glory, then for profit. Hereby is likewise condemned that heathenish practice of ringing of bells so soon as ever funeral solemnites are performed: How unsuitable is it, that so soon as ever the husband, or wife, or a godly friend is laid in the earth, to set the bells a ringing, which imports matter of joy rather than of sorrow? I am preaching now to a people, who have by a profession separated themselves from the world, and the traditions thereof; you'll do well to keep your ground in these evil days, and so to educate and bring up your children as that they also may be delivered from these snares, But 2 If it be a Christ like frame of spirit to bewail the perishing of good men, it informs us how unlike to Christ that spirit is, whereby men do censure, and reproach good men when taken away by death. And I do the rather mention this, because some have taken the boldness to judge and censure this precious servant of Christ now in glory, and to speak very unworthily concerning him, since his death: Oh dreadful how unlike to Christ is this spirit? thou that shouldst be judging & condemning thyself for non improvement of so great a mercy, artjudging this eminent servant of Christ now dead. The Liturgy of the Church of England will teach theebetter; for let personsbe never so vile in their lives, yet when they come to be laid in the grave, than they are dear brethren & sisters. Consider you that are of this spirit, how sad it will be if this servant of Christ shall appear as a witness against you at the great day of account, if the sermons that he preached, & the proffers of grace that God made by him, shall witness against thee, and thou then be judged, condemned, and sent to hell for not receiving, entertaining, and improving the precious sermons of this glorified saint. It's possible now you that judge and condemn him, and speak more than you know, or more than is truth of him, and that possibly to carnal and wicked persons, you may have your tale heard, & it may be pleasing to wicked profane people, that he should be so judged by his own followers, but at the great day of Christ there will be none to hear a tale against him: at that day, God will clear his innocency before men and Angels, and it shall appear to all the world, that he was a true and a faithful servant of Christ, when it may be some of those that do now judge him, shall then be condemned for notorious hypocrites, and it shall appear, that (notwithstanding all their profession, and pretended Zeal for the name, and glory of God,) they were workers of iniquity, and such who did live in the love of some accursed sin or other. O therefore away with this spirit, to hell with it, for from thence it came. Let it suffice that this glorified saint suffered much in this kind while he was living: I am apt to think the heats, and passions, and rash censures of professors, hath made him oft go home with a sad heart, and cost him many a tear in private: let this his suffering suffice, let not his name suffer now he is dead: suffer him to be quiet in his grave: Leave his judgement to the Lord, and let it be your work to improve those many precious sermons that he hath in the fear of his God preached unto you. As to the matter of his taking the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy upon his releasement out of Prison, About Mr. Sympson's taking the Oaths. which hath occasioned so much talk, I shall only say these two things. First, that in Queen Elizabeth's, and King James time, these Oaths were taken and pleaded for; and that not only by the faith and troth Christians, but even by the Non-conformists of those times, who were eminent for God in their day, and whose names are yet precious among the Lord's people, & who are known (by their works) to be men greatly enlightened in the mysteries of the Gospel. Now although I do not look upon their example to be binding to the saints in after-ages, or a sufficient rule for our practice, yet I judge the consideration not only of the great holiness, but also of the clear light that many of those (who did them take the Oaths with great satis faction) had in the word of God, may a little take off the edge of that bitter spirit that is in many professors against their brethren for these things; for that it cannot be judged otherwise, but that many who did take these Oaths with great satisfaction, are now in glory: But 2. Who made thee Lord over thy Brother's Conscience? Must all professors be condemned by thee, because they cannot see with thy eyes, and tread in thy steps? By what authority dost thou impose thy particular light and persuasion upon thy brother; & that so, as almost to un-saint him without conformity? This imposing spirit is an Antichristian spirit evermore. How unlike thyself dost thou act, when notwithstanding thou pleadest for Liberty of Conscience, and against impositions, yet thou shalt impose thine own persuasions upon thy brother after this rare: Such imposing spirits (let their protessions be what they will) are not to be confided in; for it may well be feared, that those that can so readily take away the good name of a godly man, because he cannot conform to their Light, would take away his estate and liberty also upon the very same account, were it in their power. Note. Indeed those men are greatly to be lamented that shall sin against Light, against avowed principles, against solemn covenants and engagements, shall do that which is clean contrary to their own doctrines and assertions; I mean, when those avowed principles, folemn covenants, doctrines and assertions have been according to the Word of God. But thus did not this faithful man, he did nothing in this matter but what was according to his Light; and that is evident, for that several months before his imprisonment he did publicly declare his judgement to be for, and not against the taking of these Oaths, and did plead it while in prison with several friends; and when he came before the Court, the matter lying so, that either he must take the Oaths, or else return to prison, he did judge that he should have sinned against God, and against those over whom the Holy Ghost had made him overseer, and against his family, and against himself, if he should have returned to prison for refusing that which he had light to do. The case being thus (as it is known to hundreds to be) I should hardly trust my life, estate, or liberty in that man's hand, that should trample upon the name of Mr. John Simpson for so doing. Use 2 The next use may be of Exhortation. Is it so, that it is a Christ-like frame of spirit to be deeply affected with, & to mourn over the death of such as are truly gracious; Then it concerns us seriously to consider the providences of God this way, and that more generally, and more particularly. First more generally, God hath lately made sad breaches upon many of the families of his precious servants; many a flourishing samily hath mouldered away in a little time: And God hath lately taken away many very famous instruments, both Ministers and others; so that we have cause to cry out with the Psalmist, Ps. 12.1. Help Lord, for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. Now this dispensation of God calls for deep humiliation, and it becomes us to bow before God, and to meet him in the way of his judgements, lest his wrath break out further against us, and there be no remedy. But 2d. and more particularly, I would beg you of this Congregation to consider the present stroke of God upon you in taking away Mr. John Sympson: And for the enforcing of this consideration, I shall propose these few particulars: First, This to me is a very speaking providence. I know all the providences of God speaks something to us, but this speaks very much; as, first it speaks forth an immediate hand of God: God hath taken him from you, and not man. Now for God to take away his Ministers at such a day as this is, must needs be a speaking providence; even at such a day wherein men slay them civilly, slay them in their testimony, and render them as naturally dead, for God then to take them away by death, is as much as if God should say, Well, if my servants trouble you, if their testimony be a torment unto you, I'll take them from you, and provide for them in another world. You say they shall be as if they were naturally dead; and because you say so, they shall be dead indeed: for God and man to be both at this work; man to slay them civilly, and God to slay them judicially, is surely matter of great lamentation. 2. This stroke may speak forth to many of you, a non improvement of so great a mercy as the continuance of his Ministry was: I judge many of you present lived years under the Ministry of this faithful servant of Christ, and his Ministry hath been unto you As a very lovely song, Ezek. 33.32 of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: you have heard his words, but you would not do them. There hath not been a suitable conversation to such a Ministry: A Gospel, spiritual, heavenly Ministry, calls for a Gospel, spiritual and heavenly Conversation; such was his Ministry, but such (I fear) hath not been the conversation of many of his hearers. And indeed all of us that did enjoy more or less of his labours, have cause to mourn before the Lord this day for our non-improvement, that we were so vain and careless in our hearing; that we took no more care about the hearing, receiving, and practising what God was pleased to reveal unto us by his servant. This faithful man might (according to the judgement of reason) have lived many years, & done much service: Now for God to take away his faithful labourers in the midst of their days, to cause their son to set at noon, is a providence that hath a dreadful aspect upon unfaithful, and unfruitful hearers. And indeed such like strokes tells us all, that Eternity draws on apace, that 'twil not be long ere the Kingdom of Christ's patience be over: 'twil be but as a day, and Christ shall cease to make proffers of grace, and the spirit shall cease to strive with man, and all faithful Ministers and Laborers shall cease to pray and preach for ever: and those unalterable words shall be made good, Rev. 22.11. Let him that is unjust be unjust still, etc. Oh! what would many a condemned wretch give at the great day to have Christ, and mercy, and pardon proffered to it then, as they have been many a time proffered in the Ministry of this glorified Saint? But know (O soul) that if thou diest despising and rejecting Christ and spiritual blessings, Christ will despise thee at that day; and than 'twil not be all thy crying and roaring that will save thee from the wrath of the Lamb, from everlasting plagues and judgements. 3. This dispensation of God may possibly speak to many of you, a despising & slighting the person and gifts of this holy man. In this generation of professors hath been found a haughty proud spirit, a heart lifted up against God, and his honest sincere hearted servants: No sooner have persons gotten a few airy notions of religion, but presently they have been apt to slight, and trample upon, not only those that have been below them, but upon those also who have infinitely (to speak by way of comparison) excelled them, both in parts, and grace. Now for God to take away his eminently gifted servants, doth very much condemn this proud and haughty spirit. In such kind of providences, God seemeth thus to speak, Is it not enough, [O ye professors of England] is it not enough, that my faithful ministers, & labourers should be reproached, and scorned, and trampled on by the profane wicked people, but you [my professing people] must despise, and scorn them, and delight to grieve their spirits. When it may be a faithful servant of mine hath with prayers, and tears [secretly] sought unto me for light in such a scripture, or truth, and I have answered his prayer, and given him light therein, and he hath preached unto you in my spirit, and fear, than (with a great deal of disrespect to my servant) you have brought forth your objections and cavils against the truth delivered, and this not to satisfy yourselves in the knowledge of truth: It hath not been that you might know, love, and obey truth, but to please your itching ears, and your critical fancies; and so have sent home my servant with a troubled and a perplexed spirit for your sakes. Well, saith God, since it is so, that my servants testimony is a torment to the profane, and their gifts, and persons despised by you, that profess my name, I'll take them out of the world, out of all your way, take them into mine own bosom, and kingdom, where neither a scornful malicious sinner, nor a proud professor shall trouble, or grieve them more. This kind of spirit was in the Church of Corinth: Paul (that glorious preacher) was slighted by many of the gifted persons of that Church, 2 Cor. 10.10. and it's not to be questioned, but that there were some in that Church that thought themselves as wise as Paul, and as fit to preach as Paul, and to advise, and give counsel as Paul, etc. But I would have persons of this spirit, to weigh that text, Ezek. 33.30. saith God to Ezekiel, Also thou son of man, the children of thy people are still a talking against thee by the walls, and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh from the Lord. Here God taketh notice of their secret whisper against his Prophets, how they spoke against Ezekiel behind the door, and the wall, and said (scoffingly) come, let us go hear what this Ezekiel will tell us from the Lord, what story of judgement and wrath he hath to prate of to day. My dearly beloved, God taketh notice of all those unworthy speeches that are spoken secretly concerning his ministers, he takes notice of that vain sleight spirit that hath been among professors; who have said one to another, Come, let's go hear such a man to day, hear what he will say, what news he will tell us, what he will speak in the name of the Lord to us this day, etc. Beloved, is there ever a soul in this congregation, that hath secretly spoken against this faithful servant of Christ, now in heaven? Oh! that God would break thy heart, and so sanctify this present stroke, as that it may tend to humble thee under the sense of thy sin. And thus much for the first argument to move to humiliation, viz. that the death of this faithful servant of Christ, is a very speaking providence. Secondly, To move you to a sense of this stroke consider these two great circumstances wherewith it was clothed: First, That God took him away immediately upon his releasement out of Prison, when you had some hopes of a further enjoyment of his labours: and Secondly, That God should take him away at such a time, a time wherein there is the greatest want of faithful and zealous laborers, as hath been for many scores of years in England; especially of such as are enlightened in, and zealous for Church-work; such as have abilities for, and a heart to that great work of maintaining the people of God in their separation from the world, and Antichristian defilements. Thirdly, A third motive to humiliation, is that near relation that was between this servant of the Lord, and many of you present: he was to many of you a faithful Pastor and Teacher; who laboured amongst you in the Word and Doctrine. And mind what the Prophet saith, Zech. 13.7. Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered, etc. If the Lord prevent not, now the shepherd is smitten you'll be scattered; for it will be hard to find a person so ready to venture life and liberty to feed you, as undoubtedly (had God spared him) he would have been. And besides, to many of you he might be a spiritual Father, a Father in Christ, a means of your Conviction and Conversion; and oh! what hard hearts have you, if you cannot mourn over a dead Father, a dead shepherd, a faithful Pastor when taken from you, & c? But Fourthly, consider those blessed qualifications wherewith this servant of Christ was bespangled, and whereby he was enabled to serve the glory of God and your souls: As, First, he was one that had love for all Saints: he had room in his heart for every soul that he did judge to be received into the heart of Christ: he held communion with the Saints, not upon the account of this or that form, or name, but uponthe account of union with the Lord Jesus: he loved no man upon the account of opinion, but upon the account of union with Christ, and this he hath declared many a time in this Congregation. There was hardly a member that he did in the name of Christ and the Church give the right hand of fellowship unto, but he did acquaint them with this his principle; told them that union with Christ was the ground of communion among the Saints; and the reason of their admission was not their being of this or that opinion, but for that they were judged persons interested in Christ, and such who (by virtue of Christ's purchase) were heirs of that glory above that must receive all Saints (not as Presbyters, or Independents, or Anabaptists, etc.) but as Saints, into its everlasting habitations. Secondly, He had great light in the doctrine of Free Grace, he had cast anchorwithin the vail, and understood much of that great mystery of the mercy seat. And indeed here lay the glory of his ministry, in holding forth the riches of God's grace by Jesus Christ. In the preaching of this Doctrine, he was a mystery to this blind world, they could not understand him, and therefore hardly knew by what name to call him; and not only so, but he was an offence to many professors; for they (not being able to reach him) did judge that he intended liberty to sin, notwithstanding he did often mention those cautions laid down by the Apostle, Rom. 6.1.2.15. Gal. 2.17. And as at many other times, so (blessed be God) a little before his imprisonment, preaching from that text Rev. 3.15.16. etc. he did so charge professors with their lukewarmness, and hypocrisy, and neglect of closet duty, and family duty, and Church duty, that he left a sussicient testimony behind him, for the stopping of such mouths for ever. But in this the servant was not above his Lord; for the Pharisees did thus charge Christ, they did charge him with being a friend to publicans and sinners * Mat. 11.19. : Something of truth there was in this charge; for Christ he was the sinner's friend, but undoubtedly the intent of that charge was to accuse Christ with being a friend to sin, and with indulging sin and wickedness in his followers; which was abominable; for though Christ loveth the sinner, yet he hates the sin with a perfect hatred. Hebr. 1.9. Now if the wicked heart of man could thus charge Christ, it's no wonder that this his faithful servant should thus be judged. And further, as he had great light in the Covenant of Grace, so he preached that Doctrine with the greatest alacrity, and raisedness of spirit imaginable. In the handling of other subjects he was more straightened and discomposed; but when he came to speak of the unsearchable riches of the Grace of Christ, he was as an Angel of God, lifted up above himself: he had a flood of words, and yet seemed to want words to express what he did know, and what he did enjoy of divine grace and favour. This being true (as those that did live under his Ministry knows it to be) the loss must needs be great. To lose a pure Gospel Preacher is a great loss: Eternity depends upon a right understanding of the great Doctrine of Justification by Christ: Eternity depends not upon being baptised once or twice, upon this or the other Form; we may be guilty of mistakes about the circumstances of worship, and yet be happy; but if we mistake about the greatmatter of our Justification by Christ, we are lost for ever. And besides, this Doctrine gives in the best comfort in the worst times; gives peace in trouble, and joy in sorrow, and life in death, etc. When there are troubles without, and fears within, it is the consideration of the Covenant of Grace alone that can establish and settle the heart of a true believer. It's not so much the souls looking to the light within, or to its own qualifications, as to that perfect satisfaction that Christ made to divine justice for all its sins in his own person, that must beget in the soul a well-grounded hope of eternal glory. All our inherent qualifications without an interest in the righteousness and satisfaction of Christ, will leave us short of heaven at the last. But Thirdly, he was a faithful servant of Christ; faithful I say, and that both in respect to God, and also to the souls of such to whom he preached. First faithful to God; in that whenever it pleased the Lord to reveal aught of his will and pleasure unto him, whenever anything was warm upon his spirit, that he did judge to be from the Lord, out it came, let it please or displease, he would not bawk his light and conscience upon no account whatever. He did not shun to declare unto you the whole counsel of God, so far as it was revealed untohim. And then his faithfulness unto your souls did appear in this, that if at any time he was convinced that he had delivered any thing that was not consonant to Scripture, he would publicly and openly confess his mistake and error, and trample upon his own name and honour to secure your souls, that you might not be mistaken and deceived through his means. That he did at any time mistake, shows that he was a man subject to error, as the best of men are; that he did thus ingenuously and openly confess his error when convinced, shows that he was an eminent faithful Christian, faithful both to truth and the souls of his hearers. I am apt to think that many Preachers have taught erroneous and damnable doctrines, and thereby have seduced many; and that some of these Preachers have been convinced that they have so done, but notwithstanding this conviction, the persons seduced by them might go to hell in their mistakes, before they would endeavour to reduce them, by making an open and public acknowledgement of those errors which they have preached. Man is a proud creature, and stands much upon his name and honour; so that it is rare to find a person that is willing (as Mr. Sympson often hath done) to trample upon his name, though thereby he might lift up Christ's name, and save souls from dropping into hell. Fourthly, he was a zealous servant of Christ, he was willing to spend and be spent that he might fulfil his Ministry, and do your souls good. How laborious was he in preaching? how constant was he in attending upon the Assemblies of the Church? and how often hath he blamed you for neglecting those Assemblies? He was not one that did the work of the Lord negligently, but with a fervent spirit he served his God. He was not one that would indent with God beforehand, that would stand upon terms, saying, Lord, I'll serve thee, so my name, and estate, and liberty may be secured; but whatever he did judge to be his duty, he would presently up and be doing, and leave the success and blessing to the Lord. Fifthly; he was an experimental Christian, one that had much communion with God, and much experience ●f his goodness, as you have heard him often express, ●ny a Preacher dishes out largely to others, of that which he tastes but little himself. I am not to think, many a faithful Minister of Christ lives but low, in comparison to what this blessed Saint enjoyed. By this his experience, he was enabled to speak a word in due season to the weary soul. Sixthly, he was a very humble condescending Christian: How did he labour after those things that might make for peace? he laboured always to maintain the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace: he would condescend to the meanest member of the Church for peace sake. If he failed in any thing, it was in that he was too apt to be drawn away by the persuasions of his brethren, and could not carry on Church matters with that authority, majesty, severity, and spirit of government, which he might (according to scripture rule) have done, to the reproof, and shame of such, who are desirous of, and content with the enjoyment of Church previledge; but are too high and proud to submit unto Church discipline. There are deversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Cor. 12.6. For to one is given a ruling spirit, to another, a healing spirit: But all these worketh that one and the self same spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. And the works and graces of God in his people, are to be honoured and admired according as they shine forth in their operations and diversities. Domination, and rule is that most men seek after. It's hard to find a person that is gifted, willing to condescend (even in those things wherein he may) to those Christians that are below him for peace sake. A healing spirit is a glorious spirit, and a spirit much wanting among the people of God in England. To lose therefore a Christian of a healing composing spirit, is a great loss. Lastly, He was a holy man. After the Lord was pleased to work upon him by his mighty spirit and power, and to reveal the riches of grace thorough Christ unto his soul, he was (as is known to many) of a heavenly conversation. He walked close with God in his family; he was not a saint abroad, and a Devil at home; but made it appear that he was really good, by this, that he was relatively good; good in his relations; a good husband, a good father, &c, He sat lose from this world; he made not gain his godliness; he did not design to make merchandise of Christ and the Gospel. He hath often denied money for preaching, especially funeral Sermons; and if any were forced upon him, or sent after him, he would soon dispose of it to the poor. His discourse was mostly heavenly, and spiritual: If other discourse was in hand, he was but dull company, he had little to say: but if the conference were heavenly, he was as upon the wing, as a fish in the water, and a bird in the air, etc. If it be here objected, that Mr. Sympson was in his younger years of a vain and slight conversation; I answer, First, Divine love rideth in greatest triumph, when it hath the greatest sinners following it as its captives. Secondly, Some in the Church of Corinth that did hearty close with Christ, were before their conversion very vile, and wicked; see 1. Cor. 6.9.10.11. Such were some of you: but ye are washed, etc. but Thirdly, This blessed saint would to his dying day acknowledge his former vanity, and ungodlyness, to his own shame, and the lifting up of the riches of free grace through the blood of Christ: and mind what the Apostle saith, 1 John 1.9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness. Thus much for the 4th. motive to humiliation, which was drawn from the qualifications of this servant of Christ. The 5th. and last motive to humiliation is, to consider the great blessing, and success that did attend his ministry: He was (through God's blessing) instrumental for the conversion of many souls, he hath l●ft behind him many seals of his ministry. Every faithful laborious preacher is not attended with such a blessing. Many a Godly minister hath Isaiahs' commission (Chap. 6.10.) To make the heart of his people fat, and their ears heavy; (dreadful work) and to shut their eyes: lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. It was the saying of a godly Minister in England, after some years preaching to a people, That he had preached his people dead: I say not, but that many might be the more fit for hell by the means of Mr. Sympson's ministry; it might (through the wickedness of the hearers) be the savour of death unto death to many: but this I say, that God blest him above scores, nay hundreds of Preachers in the great work of Conversion, in turning souls from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, etc. Now to lose a Minister, whose ministry was attended with so great a blessing (especially at such a time, when it is rare to hear of one new Convert) must needs be a great loss. I shall here in the close of this Exhortation speak a word or two by way of Caution; Caution. and that 1. Though this stroke of God be a matter of sorrow and humiliation, yet you must take heed of a murmuring spirit: You have cause to be displeased with yourselves, and your sins, but not with God; and that 1. Because God takes away nothing but what he first gave. The person and gifts of this Saint, were given unto you by the Lord; he hath taken nothing but his own. Learn therefore to say with Job, Chap. 1.21— The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. 2. You have no cause to murmur, and that because you had sorfeited this mercy long ago: that God continued the Ministry of this his servant so long among you, was a fruit of his superabounding love. 2. Though you are to mourn under this stroke, yet take heed of mourning as those without hope; without hope I say, 1. With respect to him; his happiness is unquestionable: your loss is his gain. He is taken up into glory, and hath there communion with God. He is out of the reach of all his enemies, they can now imprison him no more. He is where he'll never have any thing imposed upon him contrary to Conscience: he'll never suffer there for Nonconformity sake. There God is served, adored and glorified with one heart, and with one consent. 2. Mourn not without hope with respect to yourselves, as if God were not able to make up this loss. I remember a relation of a Lady, from whom it pleased God to take an only Son, that sometime after a friend coming to visit her, and bemoaning this her sad loss, she breaks forth into these expressions, [I profess (saith she) God can never make me amends for the taking away of that Son] A dreadful speech it was; take heed (my friends) of this spirit. It's true, your loss is great, but God is able to supply it; and that either 1. By causing the spirit of Elijah to fall upon Elisha, by anointing and raising up of some other to head and feed you in the room of this his servant. Or 2ly, he can feed you himself without a Minister: God can fill up the room of Ministry and Ordinances. Indeed let God be absent, and there's nothing can fill up his room: It's not husband, wife, children, estate, liberty, Pastors, Ordinances, etc. can supply the want of God: but now let God be present, and that is above, and more than all. And undoubtedly, if God deny you a public Gospel-Ministry, it's your duty to wait upon him for more secret and immediate feedings. I am afraid, that as formerly professors were greatly guilty of slighting and despising the means and ministry of the Gospel, so now they will be guilty of Idolising the Ordinance of public Preaching at such a rate, as to think themselves bound and obliged to hear men of any principles or practices, rather than to neglect that Ordinance— Arminians, Socinians, Jesuits, etc. any thing, every thing, rather than be out of public worship. Take heed of mourning in a spirit of unbelief, saying, Can God spread a table in the wilderness? can God feed and teach without a Preacher. To live without the true worship of God is bad, but to be found in a way of false worship is worse. It's my duty to omit that Ordinance of Christ, which I can't enjoy without sin. Thus much for that part of the Exhortation, which relates to Humiliation: I shall give you two brief words further, and so close. First, Is it so that the death of faithful instruments is a matter of great Humiliation; Then let this stir you up to be earnest with the Lord, that he would continue and preserve those faithful ministers that do yet remain, that he would double his spirit upon them: hid them in the secret of his presence: increase their number; Not forgetting the prayer of Moses for the tribe of Levi, (Deut. 33.11.) in these words. Bless, Lord, his substance, and except the work of his hands; smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again. These words shall undoubtedly be made good with respect unto the ministry of the Gospel, Christ will in his time smite through the loins of them that rise up against a Gospel ministry; hating, and despitefully using his faithful servants, & he'll so pierce through their loins, as that they shall fall, and never rise more. In the mean time take heed you that profess the name of Christ, that you do not endanger the rest of the faithful labourers that are left amongst you; and that neither, 1. By slighting and despising the meanest of them, 2 Chron 36.16. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Nor Secondly, By idolising those that are most eminent. How many famous instruments (to speak according to man's judgement) hath the professors of this age sent to their graves before their time, by idolising their persons and gifts, ascribing that honour and glory to them, which was due to Christ alone? This spirit and frame hath even forced the Lord (in order to the convincing and humbling of his people) either to take away the spirit of zeal and courage from such instruments, & thereby render them unfit for further service, or else to remove them by death from earth to heaven, out of the sight of all his people that dwell in tabernacles of corrupt clay. Lastly, Such strokes should teach us all to provide for death. God takes away our leaders, and we must follow them: those that would not follow the counsel and advise of Mr. Sympson while living, must follow him to the grave now dead; to the grave we must all go, and the Lord knows how soon; Of what import therefore is it, that we all manage matters so while we live, as that when we come to die we may die in peace, & in full assurance of our entrance into glory? We should manage all our matters so in this world, as those that must once die, and come to judgement: performing every thing with this proviso, That I may die well. I am so to buy, sell, and converse with creatures, that I may die well. I am so to hear, pray, read, receive the supper, have communion with the saints, as that I may die well, die in peace; all is to be done in order to dying well. My beloved, this life is the trimming chamber unto eternity: by all the means and mercies that thou dost enjoy, thou art fitting either to bear the eternal weight of glory, or the eternal weight of wrath: thou art fitting either for heaven, or hell: thou wilt either be bound up in the bundle of life, or else thou wilt be bound up for hell fire: Now the Lord give us all hearts to provide for that everlasting state. Amen, and Amen. FINIS. ERRATA. Page 1. line last, for secret read severe; and what literal mistakes or mis-pointings-hath escaped the Press, you are desired to amend as you find them.