A
Li VING LOVES!
Si BETWIXT
i r H R T S ItS
1 Vx I 1 JL-1; 1 O JL f£
OS AND ||.
1 DYING CHRISTIANS!
IS E R M GTS!
PREACHED
| At M. Magdalene Bermondfey in SoHthwar^ |
b5 neer London^ ^une 6. 1654. At the Funerall of that
j? faithfull Servant of Chrift, £
Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER.,
Minifterofthe Gofpel, and Paftor of the Church there.
ji With a Narrative of his exemplary Life and Death. |
J^SlMEONAsHEj |
his much endeared Friend and Brother.
f ; s
| Together with POEMS and ELEGIES on his death, |
by divers Miniftt'rs in the City of London.
^ * . _ y
§ The Second Edition>wherein fun dry Errata's in the former ,by jj
^ ' reafon of the Printers hafte,and the Authors abfence,are amended.
Many other Poems and Elegies arealfo added.
y . J.- - • - - IT— . . ill-. - . - -"»» . . " }*
^ The righteous peri (I) , and no man layeth it to heart, and rnercifull men are takfn ^
§ away none confidering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. !t
He fhali enter into Peace, tfayflwtt reft in their beds, ea<h one walking jn his K
^ uprigteeneff* Ifai, $7.1,2. •
g London, Printed for Ralph Smith , at the Bible in Cornhill,
neer the Royall. Exchange, i 6 $ 4.
The Licencer's Epiftleto the
READER,
is reported in the life 0/Ambrofe3 that when he Ambropi rid
th of any
«fr beard of the death of any bdy Miniflers
lf** "V bttttrlyAhe I* I read
^3&*%?K>ben ht came into any TttW or Village^and heard of quodefcunquc
the death of any pood wan there dwelling he would mourn excee- forte nuntia-
dingly becaufe of the great tiff that place and the whole Church cum il!i fuer*c
ofCbrtfl had received thereby. How much more caufe have we r e ^uju[cun(i»
r i !•*.- it • r r n r MnCtl ObltU
of this age to lament our condttion^who have in jew years loft jo facerdotis,&c»
many freciousSaints^andfoman) Reverend JLearncd)& god- 1(3.57.1.
ly Mimfters \ Surely this fad providence of God JpeaJ^ with a *Mr
loudvoicey that miseries and calamities Are hafting upon this
Nation. For the Righteous perifh (faitb the Prophet) and
no man layeth it to heart, and merciful men are taken a- Mr.Litdtom.
way^ Hone conlidering that the righteous is taken away Mr.
from the evil to come. Thus Auftin dyed a little before Hip- Dr'.
po (wberin he dwelt) was takgn. And Paracas^^fof Heilder- Mr
berghwasfacked.AndLuthcr immediately be fore Germany Mr.
was ouerrun with war and bloodjbed. * And now of late years Mr-
many eminent Lights have been extinguished in this Nation, ^'
to forefignifiejhe great darknefitthat is coming upon us. A- ^
won ft which) 1 Cannot but reckon my revennd brother Mr. Je- *%, ^ T$TOf
reniiah Whi taker at whofe Funeral this enfuing Sermon was $**
freachedjflfhould enter upon his commendaUon^ I might tru-
fyfay what Nazianzen« doth of hisfifterGorgoma, ^hatI
have more caufe tofeare leaftljhould fpeake below, then a-
i i ^ / r t i • f i n • • t i '
hove the Truth 5 for he was a burning and /zinining light in
this our Ifrael 5 a M^ffcnger and an Interpreter, we among fa'
ft thonfand $a Bczaleel m Gods Tabernacle,* true Nathaniel
that by his integrity , humility conftanc)', charity ^publicknefs^
an d peace aliened of Ip irit^ and by his diligence and faithful-
ttefi in preaching the Gofptl^ -made his life both amiable and de-
fir able. He was £ yet not he, but the grace of God "With him.)
Oratio
Funebrisin
jauderrv LS
e- f^jAtiffjpi'^f** •miei>'f>t*1O' 'M*l~Ayety99» And though l-wdmt
/ Athanaiius, that to. commend
himy were to commend Vertue, bccauie all Vertues were
- contraftcd in him 5 jf t this I mil fay (which is alfo \aid of
AthanafiusJ'T^t he was 'AA*V^£M*> 7W77f, An Adamant
^^^ * Load-ftonc. To <?// t^^t convened with him be was as a.
- Load ftone, to draff their hearts to love him: but in the caufe of
V God*> and in reference to the Trtlthes of'Chrtfl he is as an uncon-
j«- qucrablc Adamant. He was a Jeremiah both in mourning for
7w* and witnejfing againftthe fim of the times. He wasaftcond
. yWhitakerjf^e«g^/ot fo eminent in learning as to be (-what is
laferi OratkT ^^c/^wJMundi^racll^im5Academi32 oraculum;^ t he
Funcbris- was(ffkich is alfofaid of ^/w)found in the faithjow* that had
no private opinionjhat did not in veteri vi'£ novam femitam
quaerercj/fe^ out newpathes of his own^but kept the old way
and the old J/zt^Thathad a great wit without any mixture
of madnefs.
It is very difputable to we^ whether he preached more by the
by the holiness of his life. Sure I
he had this peculiar difpenfationy 'that he preached as tf-
fettually by his death as by his life or iJottrwe.For the manner
of his fickpeffi end death fpeaketh to ali that faw it^orjbal now
fynow it by reading this Sernton*.
I 'that the beft of men are fubjcti to the worfl o/Difeafes:
That all things come alike to all, that no man knoweth
love or hatred by all that is before him.
tfhat though the Lord caufe hit children to paffe through the
Waters and through the fire^ yet he will be with them,/?
*.f the waters Jhgll not overflow tht m> mr the fire burn them.
Chough
"though they an troubled on every fide,;** they are not difiref-
fed -y though perplexed,^?* not in defpair, though perfecuted3
yet not forfaken 5 though caft down, yet not deftroyed. For
fo great was the patience that God measured out to this our
dearBrother^/zt though he groaned^et he never gambled;
though he often moumedyyet he never murmuredjW/ry, though
he- 'often roared by reafon ofthegteatnejlofhispain,}et ht ai
ry ays juftified and magnified God ; and this he did fo son-
ftavtly-) and in fuch a degree and proportion^that as it is f aid
of Joby fo it mil be f aid by the Saints that I'ucceedus^for their
mutual confolation and encouragement^ Ye have heard of
die patience of Whi taker, He had an ulcerated ftefh ybut
A found and whole fpirit, and that made him bear his infir
mity 5 he had a ftone in the bladder^ but a very tender and
foft heart , he had a body gangren'd but afoul nnbeleapred
with fin. I heard him often jay -with th axkjulneffe , ¥hat
under all his bodily fufferings^he had a bleffed calmnefle.> and
quietnefi in his fpi'rit 5 that God ffakg peace ; that though
he roared for pain^et the divelwas chained up from roaring
upon him.
It was no fmaU delight to we to behold the tears that were
foed at hi? Funeral. Not that I was glad that there was fiich
caufe offorroW) but to fee (in thefe dayes^efpecially wherein the
godly Mmiftry is fo much undervalued) a Minifter that nei
ther lived undelired, nor died unlamented : of whom it may
befaid, as is of Stephen, That devout men carried Stephen
to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. But
I will n§t detain the Reader from beholding thefe things more
largely related in the following Sermon 5 by one that was his
fidus Achates, and as dear to him as Jonathan to David/7/fo
Lordfaftfitfie this example to all that Jh all hear ofity and fit us
hisMinifters that fttpervive^ to preach and live as he did-) To
fight a good fight, to finifh our courfe, and to keep the
faith, that fo we may at laft obtain a crown of righteouf-
nefs which the righteous Judge wil give at the laft day to
all that love his appearing. So prayeth
lourfcrvant in the work^
of the Mini/try
EDM.CALAMY.
To the Right Honourable
ELIZABETH, Counted
Dowager of Exeter .
MADAM,
w irrefiftible is thePower of Love and Impor
tunity /The holy Scriptures do plentiful 1 v mani-
tfeft, that divine love doth let Gods All (whether
ithin or without hin.ielQ on work for his
childrens good, and that his children? importu
nity hath in all Ages prevailed with his Omnipotency,to
appear for their comfort: And multitudes of daily experi
ence do evidence the prevalency of thefetwo Arguments
among the fens of men. My felf makes one inftance for the
verifying hereof,by preaching at Reverend, worthy Mr.
TFbitakers Funeral^ and by printing my Sermon with the
Narative of his memorable life ; both which come abroad
with enlargments 5 becaufe ftraights of time, and the dif-
compofednefs of my fpirit through grief, would not fuf-
fer me thus fully to dilate upon in the pulpit. Madam,!
am confident that your Ladyfhip can of your own know-
ledg, not only atteft the truth of moft paffages in my Nar
rative, but add alfo much more from your own obfervati-
on, which will render his memory precious unto pofte-
rity.
And will your Honor give me leave to give fome fur
ther account unto the world, wherefore I have prciumed
to dedicate unto your Ladyfhip thefe expreffionsofmy
great refpecl: to my precious much endeared brother Mr.
Jeremiah Wbitakgri Gratitude is at the bottom of th& De
dication, Madam.) As I fhall always really acknowledge
your Honours favour towards my worthlefs fejf 3 fe I
judge
jadg it Jttcct to make known upon this occafion that more
then many thanks are moil due unto your Ladyfhip from
all Mr.W&r*%ttRelations,for your many and great tefti-
monies of your conftant refpe&s unto him all his life long
fince your firft acquaintance with him. I have often
heard him mention before the Lord with praifes and pray
ers, your Honours abundant kindneffes, both unto him-*
felfe and his family ,which 1 believe are on record in hea
ven to be fully recompenced in due time, becaufe they
were the produces of your fincere love unto him, as the
faithful Minifter of Jefus Chrifl:. Madam , there are
not many who be fo deeply fenfible as your felfe of the
great lofle fuftained by the death of this holy man of God;
What mine own lofs is, I had rather exprenc it before the
Lord, then publifh it unto the world. He wzs^Mailam)*
faithful fervant to your immortal foul,the welfare where
of God in mercy hath given you to mind much more then
all matters fublunary whatsoever. In reference hereun
to, he was your wife counfellour, in all your doubts and
difficulties, your compaflionate comforter ; in all ftraights
and forrowes, your vigilent phyfician to prevent fpiritual
ficknefs and infe&ionj your zealous Incourager in all
wayes of holy fervice, and a daily Remembrancer of you
and yours before the Throne of Grace. Though thefe
things fpeake your lofs,which may warrantably aftllcY
your heart,yet I befeech you (good MadamJ confider with
comfort,, that notwithftanding this bucket be broken fas
T>r.Preflon was wont toexprefsit)neverthelefs tke foun
tain of light, life, grace, ftrength, comfort and fatis fa&i*
on is ftill at hand, ever full, and alwayes flowing. He
who is now removed, out of the Land of the living,ftobe
ferviceable by preaching, praying, conference no more)
was only one of thofc golden pipes through which the
God of your mercies conveyed relief fweetly and feafona--
bly unto your foul: the wel-head is not removed,and m£-~
ny other choice conveyances of grace 8fc confolation from
Chriftbe ftill continued to you. Let this therefore be the
language of your faith.The Lord liveth,and blefied bethe
God
God of my falvations, xvho will never Forfake nor failc
the foul which in humility and faithfulncfs doth depend
rupon his Majefty. Ad^Madam^Mrffhitakjr his rich
veceipts of much fancYrfy ing grace, ftrong confidence, in-
incible patience, undaunted courage, un-interrupted
Peace, with pure elevating joyes from the Lord may en-
Enrage the hopes of the pooreft Chriftians to ex peel: great
things from heaven, according to their neceffities and de-
fires, becaufe God is no refpefter of perfons, but free and
liberal in the communications of his peculiar goodnef*.
Thefe are the words of his grace , Open thy mouth wide, and
I will fill it. Pfal. 81.10. If any man thirft, let him come un
to me and drink^fie that believeth on me^(as the Scripture hath
faid*) out of bis beUy faallflow rivers of living water jjoh.y.^y,
38. The Almighty hath given you fome taftes of that in
comparable fruit which comes from the Land ofpromife3
that you may be encouraged to hold on in the way thither
"with cbcerfulnefle and perfeverance. Madam,lt is no fmall
addition unto your Honour here, and it will undoubted
ly make to your happinefs hereafter., that you do own
God in unwearied attendance upon his facred Ordinances
laying forth your felf for his name faithfully with that
prudence, felf-deriial, and plainenefs of heart where
with he hath adorned you,through his rich mercy in Jefus
Chrift. Uadam^ I humbly beg pardon for this my bold-
and crave leave to fub ribe my felfc
(MadamJ
four Honours humble Servant,
SIMEON ASHE,
( O
JOHN ii. ii.
Our friend Lazarus Jleepcth*
•are the words of Chrin\concerning J
zaruf> and they fpeak i.His relation. 2. His
diffolution:
Firft, the relation was friendship, wherein
wearetoobferve,
I. How far this friendship was extended,z>/£.both unto
Chrifyand to his Difciples, our friend. Itis not my friend,
or your friend, but our friend^both yours and mine.
2 That this friendfhip was acknowledged by Chrift
himfelfe, not only while Ltzarus was yet alive, but even
now when he was dead, Our friend Lazarus fleepetb.
In the (econd part of the Text (viz. Lazarus's diffolu
tion) we may note
1 The truth afferted(z/;£.)that Lazarus though a friend
both to Chrift and to his' Difciples, yet he was dead.
2 The Metaphor whereby it is expreffed, which is taken
from natural ileep. He fleepeth.
3 The notice which our Saviour took of Lazarus his
deceafe. This he reporteth unto his Difciphs, he faith un
to them, Our friend La zar as fleepetb.
Thus from this plaine div ifion of the Texts 1 proceed
unto the cbfervations which do from hence offer them-
felves naturally unto our confideration. And the doct
rines will be fix in number3t//£. three from each part into
which theText hath been divided.
B The
Thefirftis this, viz. TiM there is a Mutual friendship
letvpixt Chrift and true Chriftians. Our Lord himfclfe here
calleth Lazarus friend. And that this friendfhip was mutu
al, it is evident from this hiftory.
Firft, the love of Lazarus towards the Lord Jefus was
witnefiedby the many entertainments and hearty wel
comes which he recived at his houfe. And the frindftYip
of Chrift unto Lazarus isattefted by his lifters, former
ly, Hcwbomtbou loueflisfwk^ ver, 3, and by this our E-
vangelift, Jefus loved Martha^ and her lifter and Laza
rus ±ver. 5. And the Jewes faid, Behold how he loved him.
ver. 36. yea our Saviour himfelfe in the Text calleth him
friend.
Now as it was betwixt Chrift and Lazarus, fo is it like-
wife betwixt Chrift and all real Chriftians 5 their friend-
ftiip is mutual. The word friend expre&th love, and this
love hath its viciditude amongft frinds. As tennife balls
with rackets are banded and returned too and fro, fo love
amongft cordial friendes hath its intercourfe, it is received
amaturl With acceptance,and returned with requitals. Greater love
Stcph.Thcfau. has no man then thisjhat a wan lay doun his life for his friends
John 1 5. 13. This exprefleth Chrift his love to his Chriftian friends.
John 15,14, y€ arf my frjends ifjee joe wkatfoever I command you. This
fpeaketh the love & friendfhip of Chriftians to Chrift. And
you muft know that this afFedion of love was not only
betwixt Chrift and fome peculiar Chriftians, to Chrift.
as his Difciples and Lazarus^ but betwixt him and all o*
ther foundhearted Chriftians alfo.Whcn he preached to a
very great multitude ofpeople> having warned them to take
heed of hypocri{ie,henfeth this compel latfon,!/^ unto you
Like 12.1,$. ^ friends. And long before his incarnation this was the
language of Chrift (the eflential Wifdom of the Father,^)
Ffov,8.i7. Hove them that love we. Whereas it is fometimes faid of
our friends, that they have onely one foule in feveral bo-
. . « . dies, it is moft true, being applyed unto Chrift and (ingle-
*bi™ma™d heafted Chriftians. the Spirit of God dwelletb in them, and
*bi amat. ' ifwy v*an hath not the Spirit of Chrift he is none of his.
JK>».a.£. Asfriend5j being, in pcint of friendftiip, afted by the
fame
C3)
ame pr!nciples,tney will and nill the fame things. So
t is with Jefus Chrift and thofewho who ar e unfained «'««*«"«*
riendes unto him. AstheApoftle Paul thus advifed the
fbilippianSiLtt the fame mind be inyou that was in Cbrifti fo
he affirmeth of the Saints at Cer/»r/;,that they had the mind i.Cor.a.U.
*j Chrift.
The obligations of love are fo ftrong upon friends, that
they can heartily fay one to another, I am as thoii art. The 2 Chron.iS.j,
Lord accounted Abraham his friend., and it is confidera- L ay 4Ii *
ble how God and Abraham being friends did communi
cate themfelves, With their all, unto each other.
As God by way of covenant promifeth to be an all \uf- ^"' ^ I"
ficient portion unto him, to blefie thofe who bleffe him> and to
curfefuch who curfe him , and to beftow Canaan ( the land
flowing with milk and hony ) upon him: fo Abraham gave 2 Chron. 2a,j,
tip himfelfe wholly to be at Gods difpofing, in regard of
his habitadon,to dwell wherehis Majefty would fettle him; Gen.i2.i,5.
and in refpeft of his relations to command his children and
/.*.> houfbould after htm to keep the way of the Lord) to do jufttce
and judgment. In this manner Chrift and believers, they are
for each others, with their All, even as for themfelves. I
am my beloveds (faith the loving, beloved Spoil fe) and my
beloved is mine. They are the fame i . In their wils 5 as they
in things moft difficult andcroffe to themfelves (in ap-
perance) doe fay, The will of the Lord be done. So Chrift is Aa* 2r'r4'
ready to fpeak unto them, in reference to the rcguler mo
tions of their wils, as once to the woman of Canaan, Be it Matth.i$.a8.
unto thee even as thou wilt.
2 In their defires 5 As theft are their breathings :th ere is *?*!• 75'35*
none upon earth that I depre bepdes thee. So his depers are to- cant'7' l *
warts ihem. Not long before his departure from his Apo-
ftles,!tocvodence his defires of fpiritual fellowfhip with Luke 22. 15.
them. He fa'id unto them, with defer e 1 have defer ed to eat this f**^*W'*
Pajfecver with yeu before Ifuffer. •ntopugi
3. And in their defegns. As this is in their eyes and aims, Phil.i.2o.
that whether^) life or death Chrift may be magnified in them. ,
So he will never turne from them to do them goody lut witt
rejoyce ever them to do them good.
B 2 thcfc
(4)
Thefc are briefe hints in refcrenccto the doftrinej more
generally confidered. In the more diftinft handling of it,
both the branches are to be taken apart, and particular
ly to be difcourfed upon.
And here give me leave to premife the reafons where-*
fore I flu'll difcourfe of this mutual friendship under the
notion of love, in a latitude: viz. becaufe, i. The word,
friend (as we already hinted) fpeaketh hve. 2 In this Hi*"
fiory thefe phrafes fisnirk the fame thing ; viz. . friend La-
zarus.) and Lazarus loved. ^ And the holy Ghoft elfewhcre
ufeth thefe words indifferently, -viz. friend^ h:loved.
That real right &red Chriftians are friends untoChrift.
His endeared Spoufe fpeaketh this openly ; this is my belo-
Cant.$.i6. ved) and this is my friend, 0 Daughters ofjerufalew. An-
fwerablc whereunto is the language of the Gofpel-Pro-
Bfoy 5.1. phet, a fong of my beloved to his -vineyard. Let it be noted
that Chrift is not looked upon and loved as an ordinary
friend,but as an extraordinary, either a friend already
marryed,or one affe&ed fingularly with expectations of
Cant.^-3- marriage, "fhe virgins lew thee. And indeed, none doe love
Chrift fincerely, who doe not love him fingulerly fupcr--
latively. Let his owne words bee well weighed; Hetlat
Matth: 10.97. tovtfh father er mother w&re then me, is not worthy ofm^and he
Certe illi mn a- that louethfon or daughter more then nt£ is not worthy of me. ^
mint chriftuw^ This aflertion is bottomed u pon good reafon, becaufe
Chri& both in his owne perfonal excellencies, and com-
i^unicated advantages,is infinitely better then any crea
ture with its faireft amiabilities whatfoever.
Now this their love is not blindj but it abouvdtth m e&
judgement and knowledge^ as will be manifeft by thefe four
reafons following.
Rcsjon.l. Becaufe of his incomparable, unpaFallelled beauttesa
This account his dear Spoufe giveth of her ftrong infla
med affections; My beloved is white and ruddy jhc chiefeft a-
mong ten tboufind. His head is as the moft fne gold. And ha
ving metaphorically commended him from the head to
thefoot,(he thus conclude tfi, Ibiiismyldoved^andth'uit
wyjriend*
Hk
C5)
His graces which are like to a moft fragrant perfume>c?o
inamour the hearts of all them who are truly fpiritual. Be
caufe of the favour of thy good ointments, thy Name is as an Canc.i. 3;
ointment pome d forth y therefore do the Virgins love thee. And
in the fong of conjugal loves^thisis rendred as thereafon
of thofe (park 1 ings,, 7&0# art fairer then the children 0/P&1. 45.2.
men. As there was not among the children ofilfraela goodlier
f erf on then Saul) from ike (boulders upwards hewas higher * S*m.$.2.
then any of the people: So Jefus Chrift doth wonderfully o- .^
ver-top and exceed in all rich endowments, the moft aim-
able creatures in the world. And as in all Ijraeltherewas 2 Sam. 14 2$.
none to /'*< jo much praifed &$ Abfolomfor his beauty ; from the
file. of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no ble -
m\(h in &/w(and this might be fome reafon vtDavids great
love towards him.^Soin the Lord Jefus, there are per
fect beauties without the leaft blemifhes : Hee is altogether
Ibuely.No wonder therefore that wife, knowing Chriftians
do chufe and value 3 and embrace him with vigorous
loves*
Becaufc of his famous3 magnanimous undertakings and j>car 3 ,
adventures as Mediator^ that he might 'at once advance;his ff '
Fathers glory, and thehappinefs ofhisEleft.
We read that Jonathans \oul was kgit to the foul of David) i Sam. 1 8.1.
and that &c loved hint as his own foul) becaufe upon a Duel he
had enrountred and conquered the Monfter Goliah) who
had blaiphemcd God & vilified hi« people. Now this fer-
vice was low. and inconfidcrable, being compared with
Chrifts renowned exploits, who hand to hand combated
with the divel in the wilderness for the fpace of forty daiesy "
who fp oiled principalities -and power*) made a fcew of them o- Luke,4 2
•frenly)trinmphiitiz over them in his croft. Who did bear up Col.a.i $,*
bravely againft the power of darknefs to be quell'd under
the weight of divine ]uftice to be fa ti^fied, and under the
flames of his Fathers difpleafure to be quenched. Thefe &:
the like rare agings of Chrift being pondered by Chrifti-
ans do draw forth their hearts in friendship towards him.
He
.CO
John 10. 17. He himfelf faith , fftm/ore doth my Father hue w?, hecaufe I
lay down my life. And how can new born Chriftians, par
takers of the divine Naturejbe otherwifeaffe&ed upon the
fame account twards their bkiled Mafter ?
Reafon 5. Becaufe of their manifold rich receipts from ChriflDtf-
vids heart giveth out loves to the Lord3 becaufe upon his
Pfd. nd.i,8. prayers he had delivered his eyesfnm fears and his feet from
falling. Now Chrift hath refcued his people from wrath to
cotncjand that without rcfpeft to their requtf^yea before
they fought him,
Our Saviour himfelf giveth this as the reafon where-
luke 7. 47. fore the fjnful woman loved him ,Many fns are forgiven her,
i Sam.i^.s. therefore Jhe loveth much. And Jonathanby this Argument
laboureth to win Sauls heart towards T>avidy Becaufe the
Lord by him wrought a great falvation t& alllfrael.
In this refpeft the Apoftle Paul was rationally under
the ccnftraint of commanding Loves to Chrify becaufe of
quietening grace received by his death.
Now if 1 (hould here difcover our large enjoyments
fromChriftj it would abundantly appear to every inge
nuous foul, that there is fufficient eaufe wherefore he
(hould be accounted and affefted as an incomparable
friend.
By him we are delivered from fin and hel(as is hinted c-
Gal.g. 13. ven nowj from the curfe of the Law5 the hater of God^the
Eph.2.i4,i5. deadly (hares of the world , and the poifon fting of
Gal.i.4. de&th.iyeare blcfied with aU fpintual bleffitt£s in heavenly
Epheii'a^ places* W'e are accepted in the Beloved. He is ntade unto us
i Cor.i.'|o.' fftfdomci Right eoujnefsy Stwftification and Redemption. And
and 2. 1,20, all the Promifes of God are in himft$<i) and in kirn Amen.
How rationally therefore doth living love to Chrift fpring
Reafon 4. out °^ tn*ls root ^
Becaufe of their full expectations from him for the future,
Cant.2.1?. evcn unto ^ou^ fatisfaftion and that to eternity. Many
chearing cordials are handed to Chriftians from Chrift
John 2. 10. here upon earthen which regard he doth lye as a bundle of
wifrhe between tben brefts;but he referveth the btftwine for
the lait.Whatfoever for kind,or for meafure the believing
Chrifti-
C7)
Chriftians comforts are here, yet to be with Chrift in hca- p^j-
ven will be far better ; and this,thisin glory is looked for
through Chrift. This confederation caufeth their love un
to (Thrill to break forth in a great flame. Let the words of
the Apoftle be weighted for the evidence hereof, who ha
ving ipoken both of the Inheritance incorruptible^ and un- 1 Pcf. 1,3,4:
defiled^ that fadeth not tway-> referred in heaven^ as alfo of
the aflured Prefeverance through Godspov>er> and all this
by Chrift) he adds Whom having notfeen^yetye love. Ingeni- { pet ^ ^
ous Chriftians duty weighing the worth of their future fc
happinefs 3 dearly purchased by Chrift, and undoubtedly
to be poffiffed by them through Chriftj do hereupon pra-
ftically couclude, that nothing can be imagined more rea-
fonable then this, that they (hould love him as their fpe-
cialfri nd.
Thus from confirmation, I proceed to the Application
of this Truth by way of life •, which I will progound un
der three heads j viz. i. Information. 2, Examination*
3. Exhortation-
Sad therefore is their condition who are not loving ^
friends unto Jefus Chrift. For doubtlefs though they be
by profit flionj& in the eftimation of others true Chriftian?3
yet they are but only Slips in Chriftianity. As Judasfcc.
Our Sauiour fpeaketh roundly unto fuch : If God were
your Father you would love me. And if God be not their John 8< 42t
father, they are queftionlefle the Devils children, children
of the curfe.How open and exprefs are the words of the A-
poftle to this purpofc ? If any man love not the Lord Jefusjet Cof f ^ ^
hint be Anathema Maran-atha. The heavy andlafting ma- l
lediftions of God hang over the heads of all them who
love not Chrift. This is the great fcverity of God again fl
fuch who are not friends unto Chrift : and that the righ-
teoufnefle of his Majefty herein may be manifeftcd, I wiffi
that this maybe mindcd^fz.that unfiindlinefs to theLord
Jcfus in Gofpel times Cwherein) his excellences & defer-
vings arefo fuly laid openj doth proceed either from
I Infidelity. Or 2 Contumacy $ Either people hearing
fcon* Scripture of Chrifts lovelmefsj do g?ve God the lye to
hi*
his free by not lelievmg him^or elfe their difregard of Chrift
arifeth from malignity and ftubbornefs of will, though
MnAcaiwe theyycild to tne report- of his incomparable worth. And
mentHjed a ^oth r^e^ are daring, and God-incenfing provocations.
fwitate cordis. Now if any dial be awakened by theieflafoes of Gods
Aug, anger, to inquire. Who are to be judged perfons void
of love tpJefusChriftH-fhall refer them for fatisfaftion
to Chriits own words, both the parable and his expofition
of it. The Parable is this, The Cnwm bated him andfint *
Luk i?,i4<21- meffage after him faying, We mil not have h i.wan to raigne
over us. And the Application made is thus exprefled, Thofc
mint tmmiesiwbich would mt tbatlfrould raigne ovsrthem,
bring them hither and flay them before we. Therefore all iuch
are proclaimed Chrifts enemies, Chrift-haters, (even by
Chrift himfelfe,)who refufe to fubmit unto him as their
Lord and King*
Its no uncharitablenefs, but judgment according to the
Wordoftrutlvto determine thofe to be no fi lends unto
Chrift, whofe refolutions arc rather to order their lives ac
cording toxuftomsjhmriane traditions,their own humors,
and the practices of the multitude, then according to the
commands and councels of Chrift.
-Vfi 2. <It much concerns us all to examine our frindftiip unto
Chnft, To quicken this Jearcfa, thefe things areconfi-
derable.
i Becaufe many profefs much love outwardly, whofe
hearts affeft him not unfainedly. As David defcribcth
fome counterfeit Courtiers, whofe wards werefoft lib oyle,
Pfai. 5 5.2i! **™ ^re vere drawn fiords in their bofmesi Never was
Chrift more in mcns mouths with fmooth language then
now, when their lives fpeak treachery againft him. thus
Judas callethhim Mafter, and giveth}himakifs,yetwas
John 6. 79; no friend. Havel not chofen twelve (Taith Chriftj and yet
one is a dwc! ?Wh*t Sugared words did the divelufc
wken he defignedthe ruin of Adam* and of all his poflc-
nty/
2 -Becaufe the-comfom of the GofpeLdo appertain to
them
(9)
t-hem alone, \vhofeloveis without diffimulation. The
Apoftles benediftion was this, Grace be with all them who
Ijve our Lord Jefus insincerity. The ricli piiviledges of
grace are appropriated unto Chrifts cordial friends.
3. Bccaufe Chrift f vvhofe eyes are like unto flames of .f u
fire) doth difcern clear Jy, all them that are falfe friends,
though they pretend fair. We read of many who believed
when they jaw bis miracles^ but ]efas did not commit himfelf^Q\\.2.2^.
untQthtMy becaufe he jyiew all men > and needed not that 24,25.
any Jhould tejUfie of n*n j far he knew what was in
man.
4. Becaufe we cannot tell how foon we fhall be cal-
kd to the fcrutiny. The Lord may be awakning our con-
fciences, and fetting them as upon a rack 5 propound that
queftion unto us,which he asked Peter oncejand again,and
the third time , Lovefl tbou we ? But though he mould John. 27.
not deal thus with us in our life time, yet be fure we fhall
be examined upon our departure hence, for after death
wmes judgement infallibly. Therefore kwil be our wif- Hcb.p-27.
dom in the ways of felf-renewing , to fay as lob did
When God v/ftetb^hat fa all I anfvper him ? j0^ 31.1
5. Bccaufeby ferious felf-rcfleftions we may attaine
fuch full aiHiranceofourloveunto Chrift, that we may
with confidencefpeak with Peter , Lord> tbou knowefl aU J0^111 al» !
thitigSj tbcukgowejl that I love thec.
Having thus moved the Examination of your love to
Chrift,! proceed to give in fome Difcoveries of Chrifts
loving friends; and the rather, becaufe according to Gods
inftitution, we Minifters are fet up amongft people to try fa* ^ 2^
their wayes.
And the characters of love being many , I fhall be the
fhorter in them all. True it it, that mens love burning in
their bofoms^they many times better expreis thcmielvs by ^moreft
fenfe then Arguments 5 yet God having in his word held €CL qua mt\
forth manifold Signes of fincere Iove3 it is our duty to
make our ufe of them.
i. Love ro Chrift is always accompanied with hatred
of (in. Tt that low tbc Lord htte wil. And the Apcftlc pfai.
C his
Disconnexion is ebfervable, Letlcvebe witho
:om.i2. 9. f;Wj Morrivg that which is etil: The ground here-
„ , of is threefold, *«'*, both beca life Ch rift hatethall fin, he
SS/^ru%4dcathfo?'fin andisd'Oionourcdby it. Th-re-
adhucamas fore it is not poffible, that love unto Chrift and love
inte odit unto fin fliould peaceably lodge together in the fame bo-
2. Love to Chrift is attended with care to prevent what--
foever might be injurious or difpleafing unto him. Thus
the loving Spoufelaycrh this command upon all under
her Authority. 7 charge }c>u that you awake not my Belo-
Cant. 5. ved till he pltafe. In like manner Jonathans love pleadeth
VihhSauJforlDavidsrife. Let not the King fin againfthis
i Sam firvant, *gaivfl~David : wherefore wilt thonfin againft in~
5' nccent blocd^ to flay David w'nhout A caufe ? And Jacobs
Gen. ^g. affeftionsdid projeft theprefervation of his near relati
on from ruine. HenCe it appeareth therefore, that peo*
Afts 18. IT. pie of Gallio his temper, do not love Chrift, who care not
what wrongs are done to Chrift, in the liberty or parity
of his Ordinances and comfort of his fervants , if
thcmfelves can fleep warm in their owne well feathered
nefts.
3. Love to Chrift difcovered it felf by felicitous cnqui*
ries after the mind of Chrift , fearing leaft through mi-
flakes he might be provok«d. How inquifitive were his
Apoftles to know his pleafure in all particulars 5 relating
th. ^6.l^, to the pafl^y^ > ^e J)jfcjfie5 came unto Jefus, foingjrhcre
Gen 8 wiltthou that we prefarefor theeto eat thefaffovtr. And
Rettftfolliciti now timorous was Abraham fGods friend) left he mi^ht
by overmuch boldnefle incenfe him, when he was media-
ting for Sodom ! Shall they therefore be accounted friends
to Ghrift who walk at all adventures, without any fears
©f his frown, or enquiries after his will ?
4. Love caufeth Sowings forth of thoughts upon its
ebjeft. The beatings of the pulfe are according to the
45« f. heat in the heart. In the Song of Loves this is the firft
claufe. My heart is inditing of * good matter* I fpe ah of
tfa things which Ih#u9 made concernwg the King. Sparks
do
00
do not more naturally arife out of a flaming furnace, then
muGngsnpon Chrift from the: foule which is ficed with
loves towards him. With how much intention, freq^cn- * l
ey and ftfddinefs doe people think upon the perfons and'
things which are greaily loved. Tins cojnfjderation
therefore cafts them ofFas no friends to Ghr'ft, of whom
it may be truly faid, in refpeft of diligent meditation, *lw
Lwd is not in all tbtir thoughts.
5. Longings after Chrift, together xvith fatisfa&ions
while he is abfcnt, are evidences of love unto him. The
loving Spoufe fliakes ofTfloath, gets out of bed in the Cant &
night, and goeth abroad tojeekjrim whom her foul loved. Nei- >jmnr* cu'nitper
ther eafe in a warm bed, nor chamber comforts, nor CT- d-frderlum.
ty conten tments could fatisfie her. Her Beloved (he mufl Aug.
have, and her Beloved (he will have, for fhe is fick of
love. Love like the Load-ftone is attractive, and the nee
dle touched with it, will unccffmtly move till it ftand di-
reftly North-ward. In like manner ivill the heart which
is well warmed with love to Chrift : this is its language,
Whom have I in heaven but ikee ? and there is none that Idefire Pfal. 73. 2$.
on earth befide thee. Give me Ghrift, or I dye.
6, Contentation in the enjoyment of Chrift doth de-
monftrate love : Some note this from the Greek word, 'Ay«wa'« quAp
which fignificth Love, viz. that wherein the heart taketh •>*' r*2f"
reft. When any thing comech.to its center, there it ™^efo
quiet and (till. So it is with the heart which loveth God. ^o^'qu iefi it
This was Davids meaning, as fome Expofitors judge,when per&tndiutn.
he having exprefled his love to God , fpeaketh thus in an Aug.
holy Soliloquy, Return to thy reft 0 my JW. This reft the ^ D*"m' A***
loving Chriftian attaineth in Chrift, by complacency tttff^J"^!
dependency. The SpouCehfftigth frcfteth her felf ) uf on het S^rem.
Beloved, and he for delight is A bundle of myrrh between* Vaubl-in Pfc-
: whereunto the ivords of the Api/ftle fuit very n^- 7«
all, 1 need no more j for in him all wants are either fup-
plitd or (anftificd. In him juilify ing grace will make up
C 2 all
all dcfefts In fervice. And what is wanting in the ftreams
of creature enjoyments, is given in with more fweetnefs
in the full fountain of his All-fufficiency.
Efther;$. jo. & 7 .Communication of fecrets fpeaketh friendfhip. H&-
*• J3- mandoth unboforne himfelf to his friends, by laying o-
jxn unto them all his concernments, both crofs and com
fortable. And Chrift bids him who was difpofleflld of a
Mark £. 19. pive]3 Go borne to thy friends and tell them how great thirds
God hath dene for thee.
We can put that into a friends bofom which we would
not have bla7ed abroad in the world. Thus Chrifts
friends do tell him of all their troubles5fearS5wantSjtenip-
tationsj lufts, as alfo of their comforts, receipts, experi
ences , upon all occafions they ftep unto him, and he
i £am.u$. knoweth from them by prayer how things go with
PfaJ. 103.4. thenij u/hether by encouragement or difcouragement in
their courfe.
I here remember thefpeech of Samp fins xvife, when he-
concealed what (he defired to know 5 How canft \hm faj^
Judges 16* 15. nove tkee^ ypfan thy i!€an JS mt Wltfr me $ ^n^ doubtlefs-
oureftrangcment from Chrift, in not laying open ous
felves upon all occafions before him3 doth more then in-
umate our unfriendlinefs.
8. Readinefs to comply wth Chrifts command will
undeniably prove that we are his friends. Our Lord is
, often upon this Argument : You are wy friends if }cu doe
2% wbatfoevfr I command you. He that hath my commandments
«&*'*- ^d kftfttb them, he it is that lovelb me. If any man leve me^
eT*, or he mil keep mywords. Thus Abraham made it manifcft that
tbjtwf »ar* he was Gods friend by being ready to offer up Ijaac upon
*«'• his call. And the Apoftle fpeaketh of the labour of love, be-
caufe love will not withdraw from any work, wherelff
eb. 9- 10* QOCJ jfg^jj caufc to employ his friends. The woman who
loved Chrift much, will wajk his feet, and wipe them with
the hair of her head. This is the language of Love, I
account no work too mean, wherein I may ferve
Chrift.
9. Love is content to be at any coft for Chrift. Heark
en
en unto the expreflibm of the loving 'Spoufe,. At
are all manner of pie aj ant fruits^ newand oldy whichlbavs
laid up for thee> 0 my Beloved. And I would caufe thee to CajK g 2
drinkjffactdwine) andof the juyce of Pomegranates. The
bcft of all kinds, and the beft of the beft is provided for
Chrift. if he be Beloved. She who loved much, Brought
zftoxof oyntmentvery coftly. In like manner, whatever Luke ,
duties Chrifts friends discharge, or whatever Ordinances wjth j^ \2
they frequent, they are wont to fay with David, I mil 283111.24.24.'
not&ffertotheLordthatwhick cofl me nothing » Theyfcorft
to give him the chaffand bran, when others eat the Kid
neys of wheat. To be warm and vigorous in creature
communion, and all a-mort 5 chil and cold" converfing
with Chrift; is an abomination to Chrifts friends.
10. Love is liberal and free, not grudging any kincf-
neffe layed forth for a friend. This is the loveofGod£fz\t\\ l JQ^ ^,
the beloved DifcipleJ that we kgep his Commands me nts9attd
his Commandements are not grievous.
When the moft is done and endured for Chrift, the
foul faith, How little have F either afted or fufFered for
Chrift ? Oh that it had been more. Oh that it had been
more ! How little is all my fervice, how fmall are all
my disburlmentf for Chrift? When lacob had paffed'
twoApprentefhipsfor Rachel,, under a fowre Uncle and
ehurlifhMafter. wherein he had been pinched with cold,
and parched with heat , ihey feewed to hint but a few days. Gen. 29. IQ.
for the love he bare unto her. And when Jonathan had
ftrifpedhiwftlfeoftherobethat was upon him, and gave it to i Sam. 18:5.
J)avidj and his garments even to his faord and to his
bow, and to his girdle 5 we read not of any repinings after
ward 5 and the reafon was, becaufe he loved himj as his
twnfoul: Chrifts friends look upon him as deferving over
and over again, infinitely more then they fhall ever be
able to requite, and therefore are troubled that Chrift
hath had fo little fervice, never repenting that he hath re
ceived fo much. They know that God giveth liberally Janxrs i- $•
andufhraideth not. VVorthy Doftor Sibs was wont to
iay, Suppofing a poffibiluy of forrow in Heaven, this
would
M
woukl be the grief of the Saints there, that they have dor*
fo little for Chrift upon earth3 from whom they haven-
ceived fo much.
n. Love maketh couragious for Chrift. Every one
knoweth that St. P^w/ was Chrifts cordial fiiend5whirh he
21.13. cxprcfltd by his magnanimity. I am ready net lobe bound
Phil. 3. onl)^ Lut to dye atjernjalemfjr tke ftameoftht Lvrd Jefus,
D/fcijtffoj */MJ for vbow I ba wftffind the hffi of all. Much was loft aj-
ASSS- w and lifc k idf was now at ftakc> Let a]1 s° ^ rahh
henn&m, Bern, lovej for Chrift.
Jmantinibii Lovelookcth upop nothing as impofiible5 or as too
vgMpbfc+M difficult to be undertaken. The fearful Htn will fly fierce-
difficilt. Aug. jy at the devouring Creatures which would devour her
chickens ; and the timorous fheep wil turn head upon a
Canr.8.6.7. maftiffdog5 to fecure her beloved Lamb. Love ?s flrong
as deatby many waters cannot quench love 3 neither can the
foods drown it. Marji whofebofom was ful of burning
love to Chrift, is a rare example of that mettal and
fortitude which love breedcth in Chrifts friends. Shee
feeking Chrifts dead body^and meeting with the Gardiner
( as (he imagined) (he ipeaketh thus : £/>, // thou baft
John,2o.i$. borne him hence ) tell we where thou hafl laid him, and I will
takf him away. Neither the ghaftly looks of a dead body
could aff. ight, nor the weight of it difcourage her rcfc-
lutions to bear it away. Though (he was not able (good
foul) by her own ftrength to carry fuch a burden, yet
her Jove made her confident that (he could do it, and
therefore was refolved to undertake it.
12. All thefe forementioned actings and adventures
of love in Chrifts friends, do arife, neither only nor prin
cipally from felf-ad vantages received from him, but from
his excellencies, and refpeft to his honour. Becauje of
the fa i' cwr of thy good ointments , thy name :s an ointment
foured forth , therefore doe the Vir pines love thee* And
in this, Saint Paul centered as the Taft end of his love,
that Jeftis Chrifl nti^ht be magnified in him whether by life or
John 6. ?6. ^*r*sWhereas when Chrift is looked after rather for haves
then for his divine lov el inefle, its rather to be judged a
turck-
Ci5)
trucking with him, then a loving of him. When men feek
only to ferve their turn of Chrift, as it were by merchan- m
dizing, they may be called friends to themfelves; but mn'micitj*'
will never 6e reputed faithful friends unto him. This nw acquitfcit
difcovery lies inward, and clofe in our bofoms 5 in which indiqwt ex-
regard; the more cautioufneffe is needful , that we may l™'* jj^'^j"
not be deceived. amatum. Aqui,
Laftly,and for our help in the former, I adde this(as the
conclufion of this fearch, upon which I have held you fo
longj That fincere friendflr p unto Chrift, wil raife rejoy-
cings in our hearts upon his advancement though this
may feem to tend to our perfonal detriment. Here
the words of Chrift to his drooping Difciples, fearing
that themfelves fhould be damnified by his departurefrom
them, are very confiderable 5 If you loved me^jou would
rej oyce bccauje Ifaid, I%o unto the Father. John the Baptift John l^ 28'
is a rare inftance to evidence this character of tru« friend-
(hip: for he being told chat Chrift was likely to carry
away credit from hinr, returned this anfwer. He that hath
the Bride is the bridegroom 5 but the friend of the Bridegroom, Jbhn 3-29-3Q*
which ftandeth and'hetreth htm^ rejoyceth greatly becaufe of
the 'Bridegrooms voke : this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He
tmtft increafe but I muft decreafe. And the Apoftle Paul
was another example of this ingenuous love ; Some (faith P '
he) preach Chrift of envy *ndftrifey fappofing fo add afflt&i-
w unto my bonds : Notwithftauding Chrift is preached^ and
I therein do rejoyce, and will rejoyce. Make application
hereof, and ask your felves this queftion, whether you
ca« be content that Chrift fhould be fet upon your flioul-
ders, and that your credit fhould be crop*cfj rather then
it fhould hinder his fhine and profpeft ? can you lay your
felves down in the duft, that the crown may be fet upon
Chriftsheadf can you willingly be little or nothing in
the account of the world, that Chrift may be all in all
among the children of men ? By fincere anfwers returned
upon (erious considerations of all thefe foregoing parti-
culars,you may be able to give a right judgement oryour
©wn eftate, whether you be indeed and intruth friends to
Jefus Chrift. The
Vfe %. TlieUfe of Exhortation followcth: wherein I am to
•befpeak your love unto Jefus Chrift. And O chat I knew
tvhat Arguments to ufe^that I might prevaile with you to
btcome friends unto Chrift. Might .not the remembrance
of the forementioned Reafons wherefore believers love
him, being faithfully prcffcd upon your fpirits, be hope-
lully operative for this end ; Take into your confiderati-
on i. His incomparable beauties. 2. His famous exploits.
?,. Your former rich receipts. 4. Your future expectations
from him : and hereupon command your fouls to give
in their anfwer, whether in be not reafonable that you
fhould love Chrift. But forbearing the rehearfal of thofe
heads, I will deal with you upon principles of felf-love,
to love the Lord Jefus. So many and fo precious are the
priviledges belonging unto them who are thus affected,
that David knew not how to defire more at the hand of
God. Lookjhoujfpon me aud be merciful .unto meyasthouu»
Ffal. iJ9.i)2. Jefl to do unto thofe that love thy navns.
Shal I mention(and do little more then mention)fomc
particulars?
i. Thus you (hall work your felves into Chrifts bofom,
Prov.8. 17. -("which will be no fmall advantage} I love them that love
item r^^n3?Mr>raidourLorci]onSfince* It is reported that Vcffafian
afam&to. commanded a large recompence to be given unto a wo
man that fell in love with him3 and ordered that it (hould
berecordedj that fuch afumof money was given upon
that accotmt.Mor^ beautiful wilChrift be unto his friends.
Pro, 8. 21. T^hat I may caufe thoft that love me to inherit fubftftncey and I
mil fill their 'Ireafures : Riches, fubftantial riches, fub-
ftantial riches making treafures : and all this by the right
of inheritance , flial] be the reward of them who love
Chrift.
2. Hereupon you may confidently expect familiar fel-
lowfliip with Chrift and his Father, which is the Chpifti-
joh, ,,4.21,23, ans Heaven upon Earth, If any man love we, my Father will
* love him, and I will love himy and manifeft myfelfto him> and
VPS will come unto him% and wakg our abode with hint.
3, Hence iffuethaiTurance, that all events and exercifes
fhall
07)
feall prove, fplritually advantageous. 'Alfiwe know that
all things worl( together for good nnto them who love God.
Every wind will undoubtedly bring in their profit, and
their gain (hall come in at every door.
4 And the Crown of glory ispromifed to them who love Jaacs 1.12;
the Lord.
Now if you dial demand. How may we kindle the
fire of love in our brefts towards Chrift ? 1 anfwer,
i By informing your felves from thei Scripture con
cerning Chrift his worthinefs, both in his perlon, relati
ons, and feveral Adminiftrations as Mediator betwixt J0{ln 5.^
God and man. As this is his own advice , Search the
Scripturesyfor they teftifie of we: So by the manifestations
of him, friendly affe&ions are kindled towards him.
Witneffe the experience of fuch who during their igno
rance of Chrift were fo far from loving him, that they ac
counted the love of others groundlefs, yet underft and ing
his tiparallell'd beauties, fel in love with him. This is
open and apparent by comparing Ctnt* 5. 9. with ver.
10. to the end, and with Chap.6+i. The words being
many, I refer you to the reading of them. T'he rich hath Prov.i4.2o.'
many friends (faith Solomon ) And are not all the riches of
earth and heaven in Chrifts pofleflion and at his difpo-
fing ?
2. By prefenting often unto your view by meditation ^^m 39' 5
all things amiable in Chrift. While Imufedfaith the Pfal-
mift) the fire burned. Looking caufeth loving, fhe eye
ajfefts the heart: By blowing, a fpark becomes a flame.
As Abrahams fervant brought forth Jewels. of filver y and
Jewels of Gold to win Rebecca- her heart towards Ifaac$ So
fhould we fpread before our fouls frequently thofe things
which are enjoyed in Chrift, that our hearts may be ena
moured with him. Ponder upon his own exprtffions; I
love them that love w, and thofe that feek^we early Jhal find Prov,8.i7,it,
mt.Rkhts and honour are with me: ye ay durable riches and*?'
Righteottfneffe. My fruit is better then Gold, yea then fine
Gold) and my revenues then choice Silver. Dwel upon thefe
D and
08)
and the like confiderations, and the Lord blefiethemto
the end for which propounded, that your fouls may flame
forth loves upon the Lord Jefus.
'Branch 2. The fecond Branch ofthe Doctrine followeth \ viz.
*Ihat Cbrift is a loving friend unto all true Chrijrians.
Howfoever he here calleth Lazarus his fpecial friend,
and the Apoftles were fo accounted in Tome way of pecu
liar! ty, Henceforth Icall you.not few ant s^ but I have called
John 15.15; jou friends. Yet this compellation, and this amiable rela
tion belongeth unto all faithful Chriflians likewife. He
John 13. i. loved all bis own in the world ; which is plain alfo, by that
Cant $ t gracious invitation. Eat 0 friends^ and drink^O Beloved^
wherein he intendeth to take i n all living Ghriftians.
Now iftheReafon be demanded. Wherefore Chrift
is fo good a friend unto believing Chriftians? 1 anfwer3
« r i Becaufe they are his owne upon Covenant compaft be-
Gal 2.16. ' twix* tbc Father and kimfelfe . The Covenant was^prima-
rily betwixt God and Chrift, whereupon they were com
mitted to his trufi for the praife of glorious grace. And He
John 13. i; loved them therefore becaufe his own. This our Lord him-
felf doth more then intimate in his moft heavenly prayer,
wherein expreflmg his refpeft to his Fathers honour, toge
ther with abundant love towards the Eleft5 he doth ve'ry
John 17.2,4,6, often touch upon them as given unto him by the father. And
7>8>9»i 1*12,24. Upon this account it was that he thus fpeaketh of the com
munion which he had with his Father before the founda
tions of the world were laid. I was by him as one brought
ov, 30,31. up with hint) and 1 -was daily his deli^ht^rijoycin^alwayes
before biw.Rejoycinfr in the habitable far s of his eartb^and my
delights were with thefons of men.
Heafon 2* Becaufe of the dear deliberate purchafe which he made
Titus 2.14.* of them,that they might be brought in to friendly fellow-
fhipwith hinv It is commonly faid, that the mother
loveth thofe children moft which coft her the moft pain
when Ihe brought them into the world] The Prophet
calleth the fruit of the wom^ Beloved. And that is very
confiderablc to this ;purpofc which the Evangelical
Prophet
09)
Prophet foretold of Chrift , He fialt fee of the travel of his Jfg^/- •
fouUndfyalt-hfatnfi^. We are Chrifts by redemption,
and in this regard alfo we are his beloved friends, and
highly ({Itemed by him cbove others , as the Prophet
ivimcfiedi , Since thou wfi f redout in -my fight I loved thee, »• 434*
3. Becaufe of their fpiritual troth-plight unto Chrift. Reaf. 3.
The Apollle fpeaketh of efpoujlxg the believing Corinthians 2 Cor^ u 2<
unto him as \heir husband. And as this is done in loving Hof. 2.19.
kjn'dmfie and mercy 3 fo becaufe of this relation , Chrift is
propounded as an example of great love. Husbands , love Eph. 5.25.
) our wives^ven as Chrift loved bis Church^and gave him fdfe
for it.
4. Eecaufe they are incorporated into Chrift as mem- Reaf. ^
bers ofhisbody.myfticaJ. As the body is one^ and bath ma- iCor.12J2,
vj members , fo alfo is Chrift. And upon this ground like-
wife is Chrifts love to his people inferred. No man ever yet £ph. 5. 29,50,
hated kit ownflefa) but nounjheth and cheri/beth it^ even <K the
Lord bis Church : For we are members cfhis bcdy^ efbisflejkj
andof his bone*
5. Eecaufe all the revenues (as it were) of Chrifts ho-
nour and reputation on earth, are raifed from among be
lieving Chriftians : for fraife waitetb for him m Zion : and
this is the feed which jbattferve hint. As before his incar-
nation they are called Gods peculiar treafure, and his lew- j,'
ds-9 fofincehis Afccnfion the Apoftle Paul ftileth them Mai, 5.17.' *
the Glory of Chrift. And in this regard a principle of di- 2 Cor.8.2j<
vine felt-love doth incline the Lord Chrift to be a friend
unto Believers.
For the illuftration of this truth, knoWj that this
love of Chrift is fourfold; viz. j. Of his eternal pur~
poje. 2. Of Benevolence. 3. Ot Complacency. A.QfCom-
pajjion.
i. There is a love of divine good pleafiire appertain
ing unto Gods people ; In this fenfe God faith, lacob have Amtr
ILved'.znd in the purfuit hereof the Lord in due time con- e'rf"-
vcrteth them unto hinifdfe ; I have loved thee with an ever-
yfm-or bent vo-
kntj*,
Gal. 2.20.
i Cor. 3.2 1:
2Cor.4.i5*
iChro.2o.7.
lick".
(20)
lafting loW) therefore with loving kjndmfl have I
thee.
2 The Lord loveth them with the love of benevolence,
communicating to them3 together with himfelf and his
loves, his All, for their comfort ; If ho loved me ( faith
Saint Paul) and gave himfelf for me. AH are yours ; and
all things art for your jakes^ faith the fame ApoftJe. Chrift
himfelf being the heir of all things , both in heaven and
earth) the fountaine both of grace and comfort, brings
along with himfelf all needful accommodations5terreftri-
a!3 celeftial, whether they concern this life or that which is
to come. How liberal was Gods love to Abraham his
friend^ giving all Canaan to him, and his feed after
him!
3, The Lord embraceth them with a love of delight
and complacency, he himfelf having made them lovely
by putting upon them his own robes and ornaments, both
by juftifying and fanftifying grace. This is taught by
fundry expreffions in that Song of Loves. 'Ike Kings
"Daughter is all glorious within.) her doathing is of wrougl;t
Gold. Vponthy right hand did ft and the Queen ,in Gold of
Gphersfo jhall the King greatly defire thy beauty. And
to [the fame purpofe doth the Prophet Ezekjel metapho
rically hold forth this Truth, I wafoed thee with water > yea^
I throughly wajhed away thy blood front thee9 and I anointed
thee with oile : I doathed thee alfo with broidered work^ I
girded the£ about with fine linnen> and covered thee with plfa
I decked thee alfo with Ornaments^ and I put bracelets upon
thy hand j and a chain onthynecl^: Andlfutajewelontty
fore-head^, and ear ings. in thy ears^ and a beautiful crown on
thy head. Thus waft th$u decked with G eld a*dfi!ver3and thy
raiment was ojflne linnen andfilk^ andbroideredwor^ and
thou waft exceeding beautifuU ; and thy renown went forth a**
fttong the Heathen for thy beauty 5 for it was perfett through
my comelinefs put upw theey faith the Lord God. Therefore
though the Elect themfelves are rather loathfome then
delightful in their unregenerate eftate, yet being covered
with Chrift his righteoufnefsj and adorned with thegra«
•n
ces of his holy fpirit, they are friends in whom he taketh
much delight. Hereupon the Church is called Hepbzzbab* ,/•.; ^
r i T i t i' i i • t " llwl. Q2t&«
pr the Lord dehghietb in her.
4. Chrift exprefleth towards them the love of conipaf- jmrmifiti-
fion 5 Sympathizing with them in all their forrowes and ccrdi*>
fufFerings.-in all their afflittion be was afflitted. As in refe- I&i. ^3.9-
rcnce to his friend Lavtruf 3 being Brought to the place
where he was buried , Jeju* wept. Andhencethe Jewes John n. 35.3*5
inferred this conclufion, fahold how he loved him !
This makes much for the comfort of all truly graci- Vfe I.
ous Chriftians/eeing the Lord Jefus is their friend. God
intending to give David a cordial upon the death of his 2
childe , befloweth upon him Solomon y with this affurance a$>
that he loved him 3 whereupon he was called Jedsdiah^
And for the chearing of Daniels heart, he was told once
and againe , that be was greatly beloved by the Lord. Now Dan.g.2g.
this refreshing reacheth all Gofpel-Chriftians tiniver- &IO»II»15>-
fally.
In theferving out of this cordial', I will briefly cndea*
your to lay before you
1. The Characters of Chrifts beloved friends.
2. The comforts hence deducible for their reliefe.
Firft, for thefe fignes of Chrifts beloved friends 5 I
refer you to the review and application of the particulars
in the former branch of the Doftrine,for the difcoveiy of
fuch who are his loving friends. For this is moft certain^
thatChrift lovetk all tbofe who love hint. And I adde prov;g.I7
thefe two further evidences of them who are beloved of
Chrift.
i, Thofe who are beloved oftke Lord^are called to be Saints, ^om§ ,^7a
Two things are confiderable in the quotation, viz.
That thefe Saints are not fo titulaiiy onely (becaufe
fcr reputed and nominated among men;) but Saints in
reality and praftice, being perfons whofe hearts are fepa-
rated from common pollutions, raifed above creature
contents, to riiin^c the matters of God in good earnefhin P/al.^^.ss
which refpecl: they are called his Saints devoted unto
him peculiarly*
And
» s
And this calling is not alone external (for thoufands
who continue hatei s of God,are called upon3to lay down
Ifa 55,2,g. their armes of rebellion jb. to fubmit unto the government
.of Chriftjbut it is a calling internal and efficaciou.e?con-
quering the foul to come in unto Ghrift, leaving all in re-
iolution,affec~tion,and endeavour for him. Therefore in
the application of this, note, the Qiierc mould be, winch
way the ftrongcit ft ream of mind and will doe run ? whe
ther Jin-ward; world-warder God-ward ? and what is the
greateft defignc^driven on by projeft and practice, wh ether
to fatesfie I lifts, and to grow great in the world, or to con
form unto laws divinejand to advance (Thrifts glory.
2. The Apoftle Paul conjoyncth faithfuU and beloved.
Perfons beloved by the Lord,are faithful to the Lord.And
this fidelity doth evidence it felfe by two things efpe-
cially.
1. By cleaving infeparably unto the guidance of God,
when others are fwayed by the multitude, fwimming
downc the tide of times. Jn this regard in times of gene
ral apoftacy , Judab is faid to continue faithfull with tte
*lia j *12'^T| Sarnts9.h olding clofe to his will in holy woi "(hip, when
Ephraim followed mens traditions and commandements.
2. By intending Gods glory more then perfonal ad
vantage in courfe of life and converfation.
And in this refpeft the Apoftle fpeaking of the fer-
T. ^ % vants duty, doth place f urloymngjn oppofition to goedf-
d'jlity ; that fervant who purfeth his matters gain, he is not
faithful. If thefe things were brought home by an unpar-
tial application, hoiv many would be found in thefe t'ur.es
not befriended by Chrift , though they would be cryed up
as his cheiftft favourits among men ?
Secondly,the comforts which belong unto fuch whom
Chrift affefteth as his friends 3 may be coniidered under
two heads, viz.
i.The quality •> c
2.The efficiency ^ofhis Iove towards them.
Firft,his love thcmward,for quality is,
]er.i2.7. I. Moft cordial. They are the dcerly lelovedofkis foul.
It
It Is not lip-love, love from the teeth outward, bat love
from the heart root.
2 Mod large ; it paffetb knowledge^. cxccedeth all di- Ep?*f 3,19.
menfions. Whereas never greater /owwas expreflcd, \hsn I0*10 *5-*B»
thata.manjb'Julddyefor his friend. Chr/ft commendeth his
love as much more , becaufe he dyed for finxers and for ?- £om.5. 5,7,8:
3 Moft refrefhing. This love is not cnely fleeter then Cant.r 3.
ine} bm&lfo better then life, yea better then lives, astheP^lm 65.
Original imports. All the comforts of life natural and ci
vil 5 all the comforts of the fevcral ages and conditions of
life are not comparable to this love.
4 Moft conftant ; whom he loveth once> he loveth to the John 1.31.
end. This Chrift did caft in to cheare his difciples being to
depart from them. No opposition Iofle3or change what*
foever,canpo]j?bljrfeparate beloved -Chnftlans from this love^
which the Apoftle mentioneth as a matter of high joy and
holy triumph. Whereas Solomon telleth us, that a friend
loveth at all timts and that there is afriendthatftickfth clc-
fir then a brother*, this may moft truly be applyed|unto our
loving friend Chrift Jefus. This the Text fuggefteth; for
Chrift did not only love Lazarus while he lived^but called
him friend, even now when he was deader friend Lazarus
fleepetb.
Secondly the efficiency of his love is admirably com
fortable 5 to all fuch who enjoy it. For firft, it workcth
their deliverance from whatsoever may be grievous and
dangerous. He loved us^ and rrafhed us from ourfns in his Rcv^i.5.
blood. And hence followes deliverance from the curfe of the
!av>-> and from the math to come. G^j- ^ J 5 •
Secondly3'it procureth whatsoever, may be joyous un- !
to a fpirkual heart.
1. He hath made us (upon this account)* Kings tf#^Rev.i.£.
Priefts unto God and hh father.
2. He feedeth the foul plentifully by the dainties of fa-
cred ordinances; Eat 0 my friends 3 and drink^y yea
abundantly^ 0 my beloved.
3. This his love running through all providences, ma
ke th-
keth Wettings the more iweet, and fupporteth the fink
ing foule under crofies. As Hezefyah's recovery was the
i , « V * more Pkafant y becaufe Go^ in love u his foul, wrought it;
. I <2.5)9* /"* r A n.i t • i r • • r
lo the Apoitle puts this as a prop under a fainting af-
fii&cd Chriftian^that the Lord correfteth with paternal
lo.i'e .
^ 4. And his love wil prepare his beloved for glory,
Chrift loved the Church that be wight fa net i fie it^ with
^ tbt wafting of water by the word) that he might frefent it to
himfiljea glorious Churchy not having Jpot , or wrinkle> or
any fuch tfing^ but that it might be holy and without blemijk.
If unto all thefe (which I mentioned without enlargment)
ivc add the complacency which he takah in all communi
cations of his love, it wil be a great addition to their joy.
Zeph.3.i7, ^ Lord willrcejoyce over thee, he wtllreft in his lovey he will
joy over thte v\'th finging. Godfeemeth to take fuch con
tent in his loving tranfaftions them- ward, as though he
defircd nothing more.
, Let the friends of Jefus Chrift feed and feaft them-
felvcs with thefe expreflions and provifions of his love.
How fnould the remembrance of fuch rare refreftiings
~j* belonging to them, who are the beloved friends of Chrift,
q licken endeavors in all forts to gain a fharc in his friend-
ihip. To enforce this exhortation, I will caft thefe few
thoughts into your minds.
j. Whereas Solomon telleth us (What every dayes ex
perience alfo fpeaketh ) that wanyfeekjhe Rulers favour 5
&2P \°6. Jerus Chrift is thc Km& tf&Hf' 5 md the Lord ofLtrds , the
1 Tim. 6. 1 5. onclj potentate, .unto whom all authority in heaven and earth
Matth.28.i8. i $ committed, by whom Kings raigne^ Princes rule ? and all the
Fro.8. 15,1 5. Judges of the earth.
2. That it will be an high honour to be called Gods
2 Sam.i $.27. friend.In-holy ftory Hujbai and Zckudk&rc this title of re-
i Kmg.4.5. fpe£ put Up0n ^gjj^ ^at tncy were tne fyvgs friends. And
it wil be for the cverlafting credit of father Abraham^ that
Ifa. 41. 8. he is recorded in facred pages, to be the friend of God.
3 . That Chrift is and ever wil be in favour with God, to
make
make and to maintaine our peacg wtt\h
though we frequently, tnd fearfully doc provoke him c-
vcry day. The ink*bit**ts of Tyre #nd Side* mtdt BUjus Ad, I *i io.
the Kings ehttvtberUine thfir friend, xekt* HtreA w*$ high
ly difpleaffd vitk them, btetufc their ftnntrty was neHrifail
by tkt Kings tenntrej* And is not our ekpendance more
uponGod*1 And doc net we hourly give the Almighty
great oecafion to rffja&u$, yea to take up arms againft
us? And is there any one, cither ia earth or in heaven,
that can affwage Godi anger, and procure his favour,
befidcs Jefas Chrift? Therefore (hould means be ufed to ~
make him oar friend.
4* The p«ople of God conceiting hope that ChriH re-
gtrdeth us, they will be incouraged with the more afcdtio-
nate confidcace to pray for us in the times of oar ueed. As
th« fitters of Ln^a/rus making addrefs unto hioi ia the be*
fealf of their dear brother, pleaded thif, Lord bet »iw» Jofa* ";^
$li9H levcR isfieks
5. Hereby we fball bt hortaed with the mdre hope to
apply ourfches unto God by prayer for our felves. Our
Saviour fuggcft«th this in the parable of the man, wh6 go- Luc- I^?i^-
eth at mid- night r* hit friend t9 borrow tntd^ he applycth it
to incourage prayer.
6. Becaafe all our crctturc friends may either fall off
by wnfaithfHlncfs,forfakeus by death, or bee forced from
as other ways. This the doleful complaints of fandry
dwre unto the Lord recorded ia Scripture, doe declare:
Mj lovers 4*4 mj friers ft And *t9offr0m **J fare , tnd *} phi. 3 8 . ir7
kinfmf*fl*»d Aloof off, Lovtr AttdfriendtketiljAft put far and 83. it
frem me> and wj AsqttAinttntc into darknefs. Upon this l Kin5- I^-Ii
coafideration, the humane prudence of the uajuft Steward Lukc
is commended , in providing ?friendi againft tkc time
of need. How far our experience fct this day fpeaketk
cur lorfe of creature friends, viz, of fornc by death,
and of others by an unfaithful dcferu'ng, I forbear to
fpcak: Bat I do upon this confideration move your care
to gainc the friend&ip of Cbrift, who wil bve and live
for ever ; Now if thcfe argumfntsfluli force refo'la-
E tioas
.
dons ia yourbofoms to feck Chrifts love, and thereupon
metm to itttift it, (hall be enquired after ; I give thcfc
i. Accept of God and of Gofpcl-righteoufnefs with
him, by a felfc-outing and a grace- prizing faith. The
far*. l. *$• Ssrifinrc faiih,AbraihAin btlieved Gsd^d it was iwptttei tt*-
to him for rightcetifnefsyAtidhe WAS called the friend of G0d.
a. Upon thefenousconfideration of his whorthinefs,
and hopeful expectations of happinefs, labour to endeare
Chrift unto your hearts. Altkough cur love to him doth
not merit his love, yet it will clearly make maniftftation
Pro 8 17. thereof unto our fouls. I lo vt them ( fauh hej voko love me.
3. And (as an exprefllon of your Iove)fubmit obedi
ently unto his govcrnmcnt,ftudiou{ly conforming unto all
his commands. This is his own promife which hec
will perform infallibly. He-tfat b*tb wj commtn&cments
Job. 14. u. Art ketpcth them Joe it is that Iwtth me,and I mil love him.
Ufe^> The third ufeistobe direfted unto them whom Chcift
cmbraccth as friends with love, and they are to be per-
fwaded unto real gratitude for his love. TheDifcipIc
whom (Thrift loved, having touched upon his incoropa-
llom. it. rablc Jove, addeth thisdoxology: Tohim he glo/j and do*
tmwnfrr tver /indevcri Amtn. Fiom whence mi^hc be
noted,
1. That the glory to be returned unto Chrift for his
love Oiould not be verbal ondy, but real alfo, exprcflcd
by fubjcftton unto his dorr;ir.ioo.
2. That thisobcdientiai gratitude fliould not be con
fined to terme of time, but p^mdcd unto ttcinity, fore-
vtr swdtver.
3. And a1! Chriftiansfhould heartily give in iheiraiTent
ani atteftuion hereto, by annexing that Amc*.
In the amplification of this peifvafion , I might call
yon back to the review both of ihe proof of this doftrine,
and of the qualities and .efficiency of his love, fpoken unto,
ir» the fiift ufc: Buc that 1 may not tautologize by telling
the fame things again, I wifh you to medicate .upon t'aefe
. fiartuukrs which will yet further commend Chrifls love,
and
and may call you forth in thankfulncfs for rt.
i. His love waspiimary to us,and ours fecund ary,fttCc£e*
ding iC5as the efoft and confcqucnee thereof,*^ Iwed i. J©h4,
&/w £rt-4*/* &* loved w fir ft. If hce had not fired our heart*
'with thcfbmes of his Jove, wee (houid never have beftovved
one fpaik of fpiritual afteftion upon hire.
•2. His lore was free when there was much loath-
fomnefs, and no lovelinefsat all in us. when thcu wait E**k, i
c<*ft cut in the eftn field , to the loathing of thy ferfon in the
day that theft weijt horn, esfnd wktn I pa fed by thef^nd f#w
thfe pc/lttud in thy bleed^ veken thott ve*$ nak^d **d bare* New
when 1 paffed by thee,and loekfd HfW thc*> behold thy time x>M
the timetf love.
3. Hislove workcth him unto a familiar converfing with
them, Which himfclf cxprefleth by feafting with them,
He bright me into the banqueting hoftfe^ and his banner over
mt wat lovt) I wiflfup with them, And they fball fup with me:
and by acquainting them with himfelf, Jm& maniftft my J°h« M»
filfunteihcm: as allb by revealing his fecrets, / have called
you friends", fer aH things that I have heard of my father, I Joh i j. i
-have nttf'k k*own untoyo*. As alfo by conjugal embracings;
His lefth aid is under my heady and his right hand doth im- -Cant. z»
brace me.
Now if Chrifts beloved friends,thankfully difpofcd to
wards him for his love, (bail demand how their gratitude p j§
fhould be really difcovercd/ 1 anfwer in the words of'.Soh-
wan; A mar, that hath friends , mttft Jbttv himfelf friendly :
which is done,
i. By a cautious declining of whatfoever i«ay bc«
ofFefifive unio him ; as the returning of evil for good is
very finful , snd a pradife prejudicial to our fclves , fo is it
taken very urkind'y by the Lord. Thus D^^Wcomplaineth
of dfkittfbej^wi as fome conceive Chrift of Judas ) My
friend that didcat of my bread> hath lifted tip his keelagxinjt Pfal/4i".
me. As Ce/4rwa§ moft aiflided with the wound received
from his own ions hands. And thou my fon too !
Therefore upon remembrance of Ghrifts kindneffe
-learn to beat Daek temptations *&.hftph did. Hwtben
E 2
39. ?l JktMfdo tbiwitfyfaeft, and fi* againfl the Lord?
a. By an infepanble adherence unco drift in d*ycs
of deepeft difficulty and danger. The fervant engaged to
kisMaftcr by his favours, is willing to have his care koredl
^^^>thatkem^ydweUmthkimfor ever. Rnth upon the receipt
of lefs love a great deal from Naomi her mother in Itw,
. i5. taketh up this refolution, Nothing wall f*rt thte And me
tat death. God forbid that ever we by our Apofhcy
fhould give Chrift occafion to fpeak by way of reproach
to MS as idhfalo* did to Hnfiai ( deferring *DavU, ts he
im- l6' ^'apprehended ) // tku thy tyndnefs to thy fritnti why wentef.
mot tho* vitk tbjfricnd> So be you fare that this one circun-
ftance will gripe your hearts with great griefc for yoor
backflidings. As Ptttr in this regard, wpt bitter Ij bectwft
*' k« had denyed, and defertcd Chrift, fo good a Wafter, fo
wcl dcferving a friend.
3. By uafaincd love unto all them, who art the belo
ved friends of Chrift. This is the inference of Sainc
Joh*) from this confideration under difcoarfe, that there
fore we cugbttoloveone another, and we ought ttUy dm»
jjoh. 4. n." cur lives for the brethre*. But ot this more in the dodrinc
ai That til Chrifts friends are Mutually lo?iag friends ton to
one another. As Chrift kere faith not, my friend, but
**rfrie*d La*,*rus,thetebj intending to dcclaae the fricnd-
ihip which was betwixe Zw*^^a«ia1iii Difciple*, as be*
twixchimfelf and Lazarus.
In the proof of this doctrine, I will point at two
particulars ( which I conceive this inftanee uniier hand raay
Tt That tkerc is friend lineffe and lov< amongft all
good Chriftians. In this rcfpeft tfce Apoftfe Paul in his
FhHcra. ^ Epiftle to the Efhefa*st joyneth their fatk \* £hritt, and
their love to allSamts. And in his Epiftle tb-PkiUmo*i he
coanedeckkis Joreto Chrift, and kit low tt mil Saints.
Yea, our Saviour maketk this the Jivery whereby kis fer-
from whew: BjtkHfiaH *U
m
men tyow tktt jie Are wj diftifl**! tfj$ have lev*
ther,
2. That there is a peculiarity of friendly refped in
ChriftiansuntoChriftsMinillers, as here in LA*,*MJ to
wards Chrift his Apoftles. This is obfenrable in the Let
ter fent from leruftltm to ^ntioch, wherin their cxprefli-
onoffpecialk>Y«is recorded; viz* Our beloved, 'Barnabas
a
But I will not deal with the Dodtrinc in both thefe bran
ches diftin&ly. The handling of it more generally (for bre
vity fake ) fhall be alone undertaken.
And the rcafoni of the poini are four. Amongft
r.Bccaufc of their relation both unto Chrift and araongft R^/- f ^
tketnfelves. They ftaod related uuto Chrift as his fubjeds,
fcrtaflts, children, Spoufe, Members, (which, all will
acknowcldge, and therefore needcth no proof. ) And
be nee iffucth love. As 'D*vU was ready to ftiew kindnefs
ro tke houfe of S**l for f*n*tk&t/f*lqti \ Sam. $/ -r.o
And among themfdves they arc related many Philemon. 16,
ways moft nearly, They ate brethren? and the 1 Pct- 3- 8-
fatktrkoed is t* he lw<*. And they are fellow- I Q™d£ Ia7
members, and tlaerefore to have aautuai rifa&wc to arta-
'tier.
2. Becaufc of Chriil his cxprefs command, which is ^r t.
repeated anrfftrengthacd with his own example. 7^j> ijoha 4, iii
ce*tma*d we have frem kim that he wk$ Uvcth God, l&vgth
his brother #lfo* Anew fintmandmext I give ttnte J0ut John 15; 3-4.
Thatjon lovt one Attethw, AS I have Loved ywjhAt jr lovt owe and 15.11*
Another, Aad again, This is i»j fiwmtM&msnt) Thxt yehvt
0ne another 0s Iktvc l&vedjw,
3. Becaufeof the image of God engraven upon the», Retf* 5.
cxpreffed by their holy conveifation. ^John 5, j^-
The Apoftie fib* affcrts this, Tk.it every one^9 lovttk
kimtk*tlKg**,lwetkhit»ft!fo that is btgdtte* of h$n*. Be-
caufe the child is the picture (is it were) of his fatker,
therefore beloved for kis fathers fake. n
I hear forbear to difcover how Believers begotten Again *?"* *'**'
*s> tb? -fffrl*ti*£ .f*tjw ) ^!i^^V/»^; i Cori ^.4
but
but this I propound ai the reafon of Chriffians i»utHa!
love.
*• Cor. 7. i > . ^s the iwArb ajfctti** of Titus was wort
wards tktCtrintkiAHswkilfl he rdttemkrtd. their
A»d as it's report* d of Beucer and CWviw, that they loved
ail them in whom they could efpyc tltquid Ckrifli, any
thing of C hrtft: So doubtlefs it is with ail others who are
friends unto Chrift,
Rw/"% 4- Becaufe of the habitation and operation of Gods Spirit
in- their hearts. The Apoftle Paul callcth this love,
Col. i.S. IwdntlicSfirit. And the Apoftle S,M» difcouiilngof
this Chriftian aflfcdlion,and cofefcquently of Gods dwelling
in us ( being thereby evidenced ) giveth in this, as the con-
)Job;4.wj firmationof both, Beewfc kg bath givtn us tfbis Spi~
rit.
This I place as the laft Argument, becaufeit is the rrue
reafoa which m%keth all the former concluding: For nei
ther fpiritual relation, nor divine injundion, nor Chrifit
image" upon tbe Chriftians foul, cou'd hav« any commsn-
ding influence to draw forth this holy love amoDgft Belie^
vers, ifGodiidnot cc-operate by the power of the holy
Gboft.
Thus from the Confirmation I proceed to the Apply
cation of the Daftrine; which I frail mike in four Ufesj
v'«. I. Cortvictitw. ^. £xan%t*&lion* l.Ccwfort. ^*Ex»
hortation.
vfc. j. Hence two forts of pcrfons are cafliicfd, as people
who are Grangers to friendly fellowfhip with lefus
Chrill.
Firft; Such who ar« rather enemies, then friends anto
the people of God, as their own confciences witnefs to
thcmfclves, and their practices proclaim to the world, this
•being thcfr dcfign and endeavour ( if they coaid effect it )
to ruinate them in their comforts and lives alrogether;
Pi"al.£$,4. Thcyltvt f**£( in their defires, though not with theic
lips^) Come lit us c at them ffffrem being A Natlen^ thtt tht
name of Ifratl may be no mere in nwembrAHce. Whatfoevcr
ftiewofloveiunoChrift thcfc perfons make among men,
doubt-
(5O
doubtlefe they are Adverfarie* to him, as fuadry
furrorinding the la^Q^ptation.do clearly expreJVAV,? »*/ p;j!.8i.i,t,r
ifatfflfactQIfid, bold *>t thy piact,axd 6f nst fttl O G id.
Li thine (ttfwits m*k« * tumult, 4*d they th*t batg tkeet
bdveltfi tip the hs*d, they are confsdcr&te againfl thce. A> * Sain. 3. 17,
Jo*b cook ,-lb*trafiJet9?pe*kep<*M*blytbiit fmite him u*-
dtr the fifth rib that 1st dyed-, So thcfe, though they fmile
upon Cfcnfts face with i aline ^ctthcy ftab his body; or
( as one wittily exprefft th it )they kifs the mouth snd tread
upon the toes. Such unfriendlincfs co Godly Chriftians, -:'^\
i. Argucth an unregenerare eftatc. The Height in kis pr0v. 19. 27.
•WAJ if #» fibemi**iion t* the wicked- And he that loveth not
thofe wh© arc like G jd, is enc of the cbittrc* *f the D;- i Job. g. 10
2. And is not confiftent with roeetncfs to be made par
takers of the inheritance of Saints in light. For it is not a Col. 1. 1*.
heiv<fi, but a hell rather to be confined to the toaspiny of
fuch ai are hated. Ht (kat lavttb vot his hrotker tbidttb in l J^^-S 14 *
death, &c.
As this doctrine fals thus heavy upon all thofe who are
enemies, rather rhea friends unto ordinary Chriftians- fo
upon fuch efpecialy who are profcffcd advcrfaries to the
SMmiftersof Chrift. You know how the Holy Ghoft doth
ftigmuiz,? Ak by who hated Micktiab, that he was a mm
vthufild kimfclffo do vrirktdrtffs; wh-rcas unro true Gofpel i Kings ir/
Believer* the very feet oftbtm are b^amifnl who bring the Rim ic. i^.
ghd tidings of peace.
Secondly, Thofe much more are by this do^rine fet afidc
as no friends to Cha&,who arc Boutcfeuz ind In;endi-tries,
fecking to kindle coals orcontentions9 and to incrcafe the
£Ums«.of difcontcnt and animofues among the peop'e of
God, This practice prove ih rhtm to be Factors for the
D.v'.l, and expofeth th m to the wrath of God. It was T 4
an evil fpirit tb*t m*de di-vifio* betwixt Ab'meltch and the ^'^
wen cfSbecljent. The Dcwl is pidured with a cloven foot,
to figntfie that it's his work tu caufe arid continue divifions
in the worldj And thoft who fo,wthoft/i«|/vl/ difcorai are pfOY 6 l6 ^
reckoned by Silomov among ihcm w'aom the Lord h/ttttb,
,.
r4»d who Art An tto&ivatien unto htm.
^ ti From this open Conviction I proceed unto Exami
nation, bccaufc there are many who upon tryal will not
be found real friends unto Gods people, though they be
not fuck notorious oppofites as were difcribed in the for-;
»erUfc.
Therefore take thofe difcoveries of them who are right
in their loves to real Chriftians.
Firftjfrom the tbjtft QflQVC,viz,.Sa>*8ifjiit££r*t*.*fhtt€
Mark 6. IP, are many lovely qualifications in Gods faithful fervants,
which in ingenuous moral man may value; ts Ht rod re
verenced John the Baptift; but it's holinefs wch is the load-
ftonetodraw the lov« of the regenerate Chriftian. Be-
pfal. 1 6. a. caufe Saiitts, thcrforecxttRent in a gracious eye. And hence
Epbef. 1. 15. fottowethuniverfatitjofLovttQ all fuch, mil the aboun*
a Cor. 7. *f« ding of refped: according to the increafe of Grace.
Secondly, from Ac>-q**liticj of his friendship; It is ac
companied,
i . With an honourable cflimation of them. The heirs of
Pfal 15.4. feeavcn d? honour [tich who fear the Lord.
«. And with complacency, A& my Migh ( faith D-it/W)
is in tltem.
Thirdly, from the Effifts of this love; w*.
i . Readincfs to perform real offices for their comfort;
24' Thus i. 'Paul proved ttefttctritj tf-thc Cirintbians /0v*9by
their contribution, for the relief of poor Saints.
a. And compaflionatc fympathiei when they are in trou
ble. Tflkim th*t is fiffliRed fity fetuld be fitwtd from his
Job 6. 14. frint. By this D*vM did dcmoaftrate his real refpeds unto
fome who ill dcferved them, When they wtre fcl§ mj cloa-
ial> l^^^kingvAsfMWttkylbekavtdwyfelfts though he had fac*
wy friend.
Thefe fliorc hints I leave to your amplification and faitk-
ful Application, that your felves may underftand whether
your love unto godly Chriftians be f«ch as will evideicc
your regenentee^ate.
The third Ufc is for tht comfort of all them, wfco caa
in this grace of Chriftian IQVC and friend&ip, approve their
fincerity
fincerity uato God, not doubting but tint Cfarift him-
felfwill give the like teflimony unto them herein, ~<
as hee did unto Lazarus in th« Text. Ow friend.
For i it is no fmall priviledge to pattake in the
love of all heavens favourities, and this love is mutual;
The fe who are cordial friends to Chriftians, are cordially
beloved by Chriftiausj which is a matter of much jaj to
them who will consider it, as in other regards, fo becaufe
their love drtmth our prajtrs unto God, as need requi- Pfal iu,£- 8
rcth.
2. From hence they may infallibly conclude their re
generation by fpecial grace. Let us love one another, i Job. 4. 7.
( faith Saint lohn ) for love is of (jod% and. every one that lo- ^iofcitur ex
vithuhrnrfgod. Whereas perfofls under the power of &**£&•
depraved nature, Are difpifers of them who A^e^ood, '* Tim§ 5- J-
3. And, ts ihey may upon this evidence lay claime
to the comforts of grace upon earth, fo may they rayfe
confidence of future glory in heaven. Wefyow that nvte l J°^« S- *4- -
baveptffedfrtm death unit life , bcc**/* we lov* tke bre
thren.
Thelaftufeis exhortation, wherein two duties might v(c 4.
beperfwaded.
Firft, To love Chriftfans becaufe they are like unto
Chrift, and belonging unto him in the neareft relations.
The Holy GhoH: is often and earned in this perfwafion, ^
hue the Brotherhood^ love as brethren: and above All thing? ' - g
fut on charityl which it the bond ofpcrfeftnefs. Col. 5. 14.
As helps herein, let chefe meditations be moulded -be:
lisvingly upon yoar hearts, i That they are in regard
of fpiritualbeauties,ths lovelieft people under the Sun.
Mxctcfang beautiful. The Church is called the f weft among Ezek. \6. 15
women. And this is not the judgment of perfons fubject Canc,<5,i £ $•
to miftakes, but even of Chrift himfelf, which hec gives
in, again and again, both as aground of his own love, and
requiring attention unto his teftimony. Behold tkou art
fair my helovedy behold thou art fair, behtid thon art fair> €ant. 1. 1 s . 1 5
jea fltafant* Tbo* art all fair mj lovel there is no fotin & 4-7
F There-
Therefore, that you may beget love in your bofomw
towards Saints, do not fo much pore upon their blemifhcs
as their beauties, look rather upon their vertue then their
vices; as Titus bj rementb ring the obedience, rather thea the
Cor. 7. 15. difobedience of the Corinthians ,found his affcttins enlarged
towards them.
a. That the obligations of lote which the Gofpel hath
laid upon you, are many, and commanding. Here I will
oftly name (without enlargement) the particulars, whereby
ph. 4. 5.4,5,6 Saint Paul perfwadeth the Chriftian £bht[ians> to keep
the unity oftheffirit in the bond of peace. Thtre is one tody
an&oneffirittonebaptifn*e)0ne (j*d and father of att, who is
above all, and thrsugh alltand in Jou all.
1. That no perfons whatfocver, have been, or are likely
tobe,foufefultoyourfelves, and to the publick, asthefe
Sainrsandfervantsofthemofthigh God. This argument
i . P«ttl preffcth upon Philemon^Q more his aflxdions to
wards converted Onffmn, becaufc now ( failh he ) frefitA-
Thefe are refairm of breaches, and rtflorers of paths is
Ifa. 5 8- 1 1. dvettt in. And theff are the remnant, which iftjid had not Ieff9
Ila. i, ? . VrgfiouU have t>e*n tike unto Sod*in and Gomorrh*.
I forbear to report how they beftead the publick,
i By their prayers, As if Mofet hal not (Ito4 up i* the
PuLioS. 13. breach to turn *w*j Qeds vratk, Ifrael had been dt-
ftrojid.
a. And by their prefence, As God told L$t> he could
Gen. 19. 21 do nothing til he removed from Stdeme. By this reafon
lonarkan fpeaketh to move Saul's bowei^ towards 'David,
Sam. 18,? jor he ^dpjft his/;f, in fax kAUdt M± Jlwth* Philifiin, and
the Lerdyrrougbt a great Salvation for all Ifratl,
Secondly, I might from this dodrine deale with all
forts by perfwafion to endeavour to become Godlv, that
they may b? admitted as friends into the bofomes of Gods
propie. Although I know that there are higher ends to
foe intended ia undertaking the praftice or piety, vix Coils
glory, and our owne falvacjon, yet this confidcration un
der hand vwuN not be (lighted, if chclc particulars 'Which
%
(35)
I (kl onely name) were well weighed.
1. That the lore of Gods people towards us will phii.i, 4,«
produce their frequent and fervent addrcflfes unto hea
ven foi us, according to our ferviceable neccfllties.
2. That their applications unto the Lord, are very Job 41, *
prevalent in regard of their great favour with his
Highnefs.
2. Their lore will work them unto rcadinefs
in any other kind to fervc us with their interefts and Hcb 6 10
abilities, councels and communication of their expe
riences, as opportunity may be offered.
3. And t heir expreffions of loving refpecl may ad-
minifler fome relief unto the faint hopes of fdf-fu-
fpefting fouls, becaufe they are to be looked upon as
beft able^in regard of their principles and experiments)
to judge of the (piritual conditions of .other Cbri*
Riant,
I proceed to the third circumftance, confiderable
in the firft part of the Text, viz. That Chrifthimfclf
doth teftifiethe forementioned relation of friendfoip
betwixt LAZ>ATHI and himfelf with his Difciples: Our
friend.
That lefttf Ckrift k*owtk and aekyowledgtth then* ViStr. £
fdrticultirlyi who Are friends nnto himfelf and hisfecttliar
people. T-be Ltrd k»ovfeth them that are hut This x Jim. f. ^
knowledg comprehends obf^rvation,approbation, and
.commemoration, As he owned Lazarw here,his friend ;
So likewifc he did his Difciples under the relation of
brotherhood after his Refnrreftion,C7* telmj brethren. Matth. 18. ic>
And fincc his Afcenfion into glory , fuch is his refped:
uato all fandlificd ones, That ht is not ajbamed to ^//Heb.x, n
them brethren.
If more clear Scripture proof be demanded, let thefc
two pad-ages be obfervcd.
i. That Chrift knowcch who love him, while they
are alive. This is manifeft by Peters attcftation, Lord,
fl th*t Hove thcc. Job ^ - ^
5 2 2. That ,7
Cm
i. that the Lord rcmembreth after the death of his
g - friends, that they were Co during life. As dead ^**<i-
rti* is thus fpoken of, Our friend. And long after A bra-
Avfw.f deceafe,God fpeaking of Jfraely thuscxprtffeth
Ifa. 41. 8. himfeif, fiiiflidtf Abraham my friend.
Reafons.- j ftuii only point at the Reafons whence this truti
may be concluded.
1. God knoweth his friends, becaufe himfelf ma-
keththemfo. And therefore becaufe he undcrftands
Pfal.3j.i4.i5 Disown actions, he cannot be ignorant in whofe bo-
fomestherc arethefc friendly di (petitions.
2. And God will acknowkdg therr^becaufe he hath
undertaken to recompence them. He i* xot unrighteous
H.fe. 6, 10 to forget labours of love.
ihe Application followeth.
This coniideration may be a cooling card unto two
forts of people.
Vr- lm i. To all thtm whofe confcicnces bear witnefs,
th*t they have no fritndty frame of heart unto fticb
godly ones, whofe holy converfatioas difcover them
te be chofen and called out of the world. If me*s
i Job. 3 10 ketrts condemn them , Gols u greater and kpowttk alL
There will be many rejected ac the lad day who have
Mirfc.j.az^ pretended much refpeft to Chrift.
2. To all thofewbo are afhamed to own Chrifl
inhiscaufc, and hit friends in their holy converfa-
tion : for all thefe our Lord obferveth , and of
Mark 3. 3 1 them he will be tfbAmed when he cometb in the glory of
I u Father with the holy Angtls. And I leave it to
jour consideration , how nnferablc their cafe will
beat the laft day, wben Chrift who knoweth alt
his friends and foes , (ball feparate the fleep and the*
Mitth.25, 1* goats. And fhall come to execute judgement upon
Judc i j *M> an& to Fowixce all that are ungodly anjongft them
of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly com"
milted , and of all their hard fpeeches -which ungodly fin-
againfl him. And of the individual
an-
unfriendly neglc<3f of his neceflitous fervants: theft
muft depart with a cnrfefrem Chrift }And go away into e-
fjer la fling punifontent*
This Truth adminiftreth fwcet comfort unto all vfe *.
them who are faithful friends unto the Lord Jefus
Chrift, and his real Relations. The testimony of their * Cor* I§ l*
cwnconjcienccs, will in this cafe reflect refrefhing;
and this will be a great addition unto their comfort,
that expreffions of friendly refpcft both to God and
his fervants,*re thus obferved and will be acknon lodg
ed. The Lord himftlf to incourage Ifrael in captivity,
giveth them to underftand that he will own them in Jcr, 14. if
that eftate. No doubt ft was good news to Corntliut,
when he heard from heaven , Thy 'Prayers and thing A .
Alms Are ceme for a Memorial btf ore God. So the Pfal-
mift cheareth himfelf by this confideration, / have prea
ched Right eoufnefs in the great Congregation. Lo I hwi *&• 40. p, 10
n. t refrained my /*>/, O Lor d thott tyojetft it.
This Confolation will be admirably fweet it two
feafons.
Firft, When we may be injurioufly fufperted and
•cenfured for falfcnefs and unfaithfulncfs, cither to
God or to his people. How well was it for UWerde- Efther i. 2i ']
tai (whenhimielf with his Countrey-men, werede-
crytd and condemned as enemies to the State) that
his fidelity in a particular inftaae« was recorded ?
And to bring this home to the knowledge that God
taketh of his fervants fincerity ; lob being re-
oroachcdas an hypocrite, hatfarecourfe to this, He-, .
. , . 1 . 1 . / A J O • I I • f J OD lj .IO
the way that J take. Andferewiah being fu-
fpe^ed to bee one ill-affcfted towards the place
where he lived , maketh this appeahto t^c Lord,
1 have not defired the wofttll day , thott k*ow- T ^
eft
Secondly, At the day of Judgment, when God
will meafuie out unto people according to then:
ways*
The
The Prophet Ms.l*tty hiving mentioned both God*
hearing the good conferences of fuch who fcarc his
Namcinevili times, and the book of Remembrance
i6ji7 recording all ; he addeth, And theft [bill bt mint
frith the Lord of Hdfts, in the day when I f»a^e up
mj jewels > &c. And this cordial is contained in ^Pauls
Tin \\6\7 PraVer f°r Onefiplotrus , 7 he L$rd give mtrcj to thf
jg .houfe of Ofitfiphorus , for Ite rtfrefted me, and KV/U
not aft anted of mj chain • But when he w/u at Kerne y hi
fought me diligently, and found me. The Lord grant
u*t$ him , that he waj find wer€j of tke Lord in that
dttj*
But moft comfortable is that full promifcof Chrift
himfelf unto all fuch who arc friendly unto him in his
Math: 15. 34. relations, recorded in Matthew 25. from tvr/* 34. to
4*-4* verfe^c. from whence chcf« particulars are worthy
confideration.
i« That he will at the lad day remember all the in
dividual offices of friendship to his members, and
will mention mnch that themfelves never minded.
Ver. 37 es£*d tbtj /ball fay , When faw jve tkte an httngrcd ?
2. That all ads of love and pity towards his rela
tions (even thelcaft andloweft) fhill be intcrpre-
Ver. 4» tedasafpecialkindnefsfhcwed unto himfelf, In as
much at you have dene it tione of the It aft of thtfc &J
brethren, you have done it unto me.
3. And the recompencc fliall be exceeding great.
Ver. 3 4, 4$ Then ftall the Kingfay^ Come ye blejfed of my Father > in
herit the Kingdom prepared for you. And the Righteous
/ball g9 into eternal life:
Z>[c j. 1 will conclude this Dodrine (and this firft part
of my Text ) with a double (hots Exhortati
on.
Firft, To rcall friendlincfs both unto Chrift, and
to allthofewho peculiarly belong unto him. Sup-
ye faw Chrift iitting in a chair of Majcfty, and
heard
heard him fpeaking tkus in the audience of all the
inhabitants on earth, Who is on my fide ! Let
all my faithfull friends gather themfeives before me.
In this cafe would not multitudes come in with pro-
fcfilonsand prott (rations oflovc? No* it is thus
in truth, for oar Lord lookcth from heaven, and
confidereth «xadly fchoarefeis friends and who are
not. Therefore bethink your felvci what you will
do. And if you be content to come in to Chtift
as faithful friends,then befriend (for his fakej thofee- Gal 6. 10
fptciati vfha are of his boftJ&M, for this will be obfer-
ved and rewarded. Tk refrrt my belwtd> be je (ltd- 1 Cor.i j 58
f<*!} tidHumovtaklt, tlwayts thotindiug in the wer^ «f
the Lordfir AS m*ch ASJG* k*ow thttytur Ubonr it not
i* VMH in the Ltrd.
Secondly, To beware of all kinds of doubling
and hypocrific both in the prdfeffion and practice of
Jove, whether towards Chritl or faithf al Chriftians.
It is the admoaition of the Apoftle, Lit love ^Kom.u. ^>
without dijjtmtil <tion. And the Doftrine is a ftrong
Argument to back it, becaufe of the notice which
our Saviour taketh thereof. Chrift himfclf by this
confederation moveth fincerity in all fervices, whc-
ther of fbtj towards ged> or cktrity twtrds mtn^ be- Matth.6,4,6
caufe an eye from heaven doth eipie whatfocveris
done on esrth with grcatcft fccrecy.
This motive wil be the more prevalent, if we mind
Chrift,whoasthe jttdgofallmen.will mA*if*ft*ndrv Luke ^-i, ^>
comptxc* their fervices according to their nature and a Cor. 5.9,10
manner of performance.
The reconcj part of my Text followeth; in thg
handling t*»-rcof jfoaiibc the fhortcr, becaufe I have
been fo Urge ^,he former
Ltx&utfinptk. rn thedivifion-ofiht Text rhere
were three thinjsnotec.thencej which I (hall fpeakc
unto
unto very brtefl* , in three points of Doftrine.
Peftr.il j t Thatfnc k wko are Cbrifts **d his pctples friends 3*ri
fttlj'ft to death.
This word [ Slecptth ] is by our Eyangclift himfdf
thus expounded, ?/fiufteai(eefbvJt4H} ; and it isad-
Verfe.xj. fa&iItfMsfMtk ta them jlawlj, L*X*MM vdead.
There is no need of Scripture quotations here, bc-
caufe experiences from sge to age every where give
;. in fnfficicnt proof of this Truth. When the Apoftlc
had particularized many worthie ts examples of
ftith and kolineflc, he addeth ihcfc words , v4&
.theft died.
The reafons arc not only;
i.Becauie of Adams fin tnnfmittcd. Si* enter eth
into the world and death by fa.
2. And by reafon of Gods determination, with re
ference to his own glory, many waics to be tnanifeft-
ed in the confluence o{ death. It u *pp<inted unit
mm one* toilit, and After this the judgmtnt. For up
on thefc accounts the wicked who are Chrifts enemies
do die al To.
But there arc peculiar Reafons wherefore Chrifts
Verfe if. and the Churches friends do die.
v - I will not here fpcak unto thtt which was extraor
dinary in tb^s death of La*,srvs- vhfor theglorj ofGtd,
that the Sen of God might be glorified thereby; and for
tbcfjlynfthm tvtojhottld btlieve upon the obfcrvati-
on of Cfarifts power in a miraculous Faifing him from
the dead.
I will only inftance in thofe ends which Godin-
teac'f n a way more ordinary, with refped unto his
people themfdves.
i.Somtimcs that they may befccured frrv'com-
ifaiatv 57.1. man calamities coming upon the world,? ^5 nien do
aCbro.34.i2. houfe their cattel before the ftorm- ^]an« Thus
God takes away the rttfactu fry* tbe
wicrcof the cafe
a. Thitrtey may
t-sd furring, when their u*k and cxtrciici arc over;
wfcen their work is done , and the Lord bach fufficiently
proved and purged them by variety of providences, both
crofs and comfortable, in t^is world , then he calleth tkem ^
$& chis ftigc, and caufeth their departure hence.
3. That they might enjoy immediate communion with
Chrift in heaven , which is ftrrc beittr then thebeftcon- ph{1 r '
dilion attainable in this life; and that their fptrits might Hcb!u.i|
btm*<is pe fift in glcwy , before the day of the general
Rtfurredton, when their fouls and bodies (bill be re
paired.
Ther^ tr« many profitable Ufes to bt made of thi
Do^rine, which I (hall only poiat tt.
'Vft i. Therefore aarural death is not tht greatcfttfil,
neither are thole comforts whereof death doth deprive
the txft good ; bccaufe it is abfurd to imagine that the
mod godly fliould undergo the heivierl evils, and be
ftriptofthe chiefeft comforts. ...... — this inference is ob*
vious,and might be ufef'ully enlarged. But I mud forbear.
Vf* 2. Therefore death is not 'alwaycs co bo
looked upan, ai a deaoaftration of Gods anger igainfl
them who die : neither is any fickneffe bringing death
Co be judged a figne of divine wrath and feverity.
Chr fts friend 4ied,aad it was faid before. He -wktnt y( -
tko» lovfft, isfitk; This if allcdgrd as the reafon of chc death
of ler ob •mms child, becaufe thtnwM feme gtodHtftei* him. l Kino
fftz.ckt<tlt '*as (ick unto death, and it** conjectured thac
hisdifcafcwas the Plagac, both bccaufe of the fwelling
^iieiitioned, and the- medicine advifed. Let them tak* *
lump of fil** **l l*J it fa * flatitr ttpo* tbtbMle; Aad
how fad loh condition was, I need noc to relate , vrh^
yet (according to Gods owo tcftimony) was a map
incomparable^ piety : Satan fmott Job wkfire boiles, front
th* fwlc of tht fodi n*t9 hi* crown, *sfttd kg to«k_ki& A
p*tfot*r£t9 fff'ape himfclfe witktll , *xd he fat down amsng
thetfbci. This 1 do rather note, i. Becaufe people arc
fubjcct to cenfurc fevcrcly thofe who undergo un.if»al
G if-
(40
afflictions. W^tn the Barbarians faw the Vtntmotts
M' kaxg on Pauls hand , thejfaid amvng ihsmfelves ,
this man is a WHrtberer , vengeance fufftreih not him to lve»
i. Becaufe by this uncharitable cenforioufnefle, men do
cxpofe themfelves unto Gods difpleafurr. Hence it was,
Job 4$.r. that the Lord thus fpakc anto Elipha*, the Ttmanite , tJiiy
wrath is kindled again ft t bee , and rgxinft thy two friends ,
fer you have net fake* of me the thing that is right.
Vfe 3. Therefore Gods people fliould the ratkr hold
up with hope, comfort, and patience under all forts of
their fufcrings here, becaufe their death (which is certain^
NukecuU */?, wjjj put a period, an end unt» all. Though the Sea
&"totwfi~ be ftormy, yet the voyage is fhort , we (hall ere
long come fafc to flaoare. For thif cattfe m faint not ,
A Cor 4.16 |7 dough the outward man ftrifo (Ttappofe rotting and un-
favory, &c.) for this light tffiitlit* > is but for
Do yen net remember how the holy Martyr cona-
forttd his fellow- fuf&rer, (vi*.,) that death would cure
the one of his blindnefs,and the other of his latneuefle. And
doubtleffein thisfenfe, it may be faid fafely, that death
unto the godly k the beft Phyfician , curing them perfcdly
of all dikafcs whatfocrer. Therefore chear up, ye Saints
of God, under all your grievances, upon the thought of
death. Say to your fdvcs, as the good Martyr did, 2?#*
we flile or two more 3 And then I an at mj journey s
Vfe 4, Therefore Gods fervants (Kould be the more
indufirious in doing all the good which poflnly they caa,
withfpecd, becaufe they muft die, ar;d death" will take
them off their work. This is Sdomsns inference , what"
.- foever thine hand fittdeth to do> do it with thy might ; f; r there
is nowork,', nor dwice ^ nor knowledge^ rcr mfdoms in the
Joh.t^.i. grave whither t hoa goeft. How did our Saviour beftir re him- ^
fclf,w^<rw hckytvt that hishotirtwas csmetWhzt a great dral
of good work did he then difpatch in a (lioitr;me? And
•jA^.io.f, it-fccmefeh to be the rcafon, why Paul at Troas preached
till midnight JcCAiift he w& rtady to depart w the morrow. The
nearer
(43)
nearer uflto the center , the fWifccr is the motion. Famous
Doctor Sttfo wo old fay, Could we fuppofc forrow in hea
ves, this would be our forrow there, that we did no more
woik for God , before we came thither to receive fo
great wages.
Vfe 5. Therefore we all fhould be perfvvaded , to
improve our ChrifUaa friends, both Minifters and others,
in all 'their gifts , graces and experiences, fo much as
may be , and that with fp ed , becaufc they muft die/
Upon this ground the Prophet Ztcbarj quickcneth
obedience, Thus faith (he LQY\ of hefts y '1 time ye nert
from jottr evil T*;ijes , Your fathers where Are they .?
'And the prophets, do thtj live for ever ? Our Saviour is
often in this exhortatioa , having foretold his owne de
parture, Ttt 4 little while is the light with you, walkjfhile
you have the light. As all godly ones are cal led light: John J* ??•
So Miniflcrs are the lights of the *orU\ John vafabttrn- ^^'^
ing, and ^ fhin'mg light. Beloved , death will blow out jo^ 5,2 1
thcfe your candles, and your Torches; therefore while
they live, white they give out their fhinc aad their light B
make a profitable ufe of them , to Gods honour and your
own fouk welfare.
Vfe 6. Therefore I hence exhort all the friends of
Chrili, to prepare themfclves for death, and to main
tain upon their Spirits a prepared pofhirc for natures
diifolation Although I know, that they being united
unto Chrift , and reconciled to God through him, they Rev. 14.15;
(lull undoubtedly (whensoever they die) bs tranflatcd
from eatth to heaven: yet there is fornething mora to
be minded by Chriftians, that they may be ready to die, Luke i6.i
How much might be comprized in Jobs expreflion , «xf//
the dajes of mine appointed time nitt I wait untill mj Job 14.1^,
chA *ge [hall com g .? I ftjall aot undertake to difcover; bun
I delire to leave thefe foure words of advice, in the bofoms
of Chriftians , in tendency unto their preparation for
death, i. Seek well grounded aflurance of your une-
reft in Chrift, and of undoub^d title unto heaven, through
him. This foundation being laid, Taul could triumph
G 2 over
(44)
iCor i °VCr ^fat'li*"tlp" -OhJeath v>bcrt u. thy fling
Qod, who hath given ut vitlory through ^e'-ut Chrift. And
Luke a, ip;jo4*$Yw^* could fing when ready to die, 2Qw Iftttft th*m rfj
fervant depart in ptAte 5 For wing tjts b*ve/(tx thy falv Ali
en. Whereas there are fad (hivcrings upon Come graci-
012$ hearts, when death look-eth in at the windows , be-
caufe they queftion their admiffion into heaven, upon na
tures diflbluuon.
i. Take heed of all fcandalons finnes , finnes againft
confcicnce, the eommiffion whereof may blemidiRelig^
on , and lie as blocks of offence in the wayes of ohc*?.
It is conceived by fome Divines, that in this regard Saint
Paul died with the more confidence , faecaufe after hi* con-
vcrfion he was no way fcandalous : / have fought the
2.Tioi.47.8. good fight , find I have kfft the f tit b , and hen ee forth is
Uid Hp for mt a grown of right eoufnefs. Whereas Petsv
having dishonoured Chrift ,"difgraced his profcffion,
wounded his own conference , and prejudiced others
(how ?arre we know not) by his fearful, threefold deni-
J*hn,i^al. was fo full of perplexity, that Chrift fa w ca ufc f before
the foretelling of his death) to confirmc his heart in help
ing on the difcovcry of hisfinccrc love, notwkhftaiding
that fad offcnfire Apoftacie. Broken bones , though knit,
will ake towards change of weather. And the remem
brance of fcandalous mifcarriages, may occafion anguiihifl
the bofomes of dying Saints,
3. Settle your outward cftate and concernments, ac
cording to dirin-e prudence and holy principles, remem-
bring chat you miift be accountable unto the Lord,
.i. (whofe flwarAs you are ) how you difpofe of the
things of this life, with which he hath crttrufted
.i. y°'J« This was Gods own advice unto Hezelyah. Tkus
faith the Ltrd.fet thint btftfc in crder^ for the ft fialt die.
Many good people dear unto God, upon this neglect,
ire Icffe comfortable to themfelves, and left ferviceablc
unto others upon their death-beds, becaufe they fufpecl
the many fad confequences of their not endeavouring to
prevent fmne and trouble by an orderly fctlingof all there
earthly enjoyments, 4.Lcave
(45)
^.Lcave with gracious grtyity and ferioufntffc , charges
and conri&ions upon the confeiences ofyotr netreft rela-
dons, that Chrift, heaven and their immortal fouls, ma? be L^ ts divi-
principally cared for. Warnc your friends to beware of the nior.
fins of the times , and of their own inclinations. Comtna-
aicate your experiences for future pro/it , prudently.
Here I might cxpai ate upon the examples of /mibleffing Gen. 4*,
his fons, when on his death-bed ; of Mofes and of fofiua Dent. $ i. i.&
their plaine dealing *ittif/rW/, when ready to die ; yea, ^-& **•
andofCfcrifthiffifelf : But I am nectflltated to abbreviate { ?*?£
thefe things, with this hearty requcft , that my friendly , i*'.'!; &i4 &
faithful counfel in thefe things may not be for- if,& 16. £17.
gotten.
And do no! ( I pray you ,) do not defcrre thefc thifigs ,
for death may fteal upon you fuddenly; unexpectedly,
as a man falls a fleep fometirnes, when he thought not of it.
This lets in the next point.
*Z)0#. 2. That Chrifts friends by death, do fall a-
flccp. The Protomartyr Stephen his death is thusexpref- A^7.6o.
fed : H* fttt tflt'p. And the Apoftle P*ul d«th often \i%>*£
in tkc fifteenth Chapter of his firftEpiftle to the £<?r/»/fe?
4»/,atteft this truth.
This fleep is noc to be applied unto the fouUfter its Ecckf. 127.
departure from the body (as fome fondly dreame;) for Luke 13. 4j.
it goeth /• Cod immediately, forth-with wjiytth fellow- Phil.i.^.H'tfe.
fity with fhritt , and beeomgtbpcrfitt : But it belongs te llflj'
the dead body, laid in the grave, which in this regard
is called a fleeping place. lirnll not *Ha^niK>ftt^
fembhncc betwixt death and flsep, which is fully done Sermon up
by others : But I wilt only touch upon two things Ads 7.60.
which are here intended, i. Death is a deep unto the
godly, becaufe thereby they are laid to reft: There is a Vcn H>
<* °frt& tjflcep* T! ej #&r*fl »* *k<ir bibs , faith the T ,
Prop&et, fpeaking of the death of righteoss ones.
thtj reft from their Ubctirs, (fo faith the Spirit,) wka */WRsv.
in the Lord. 2. Becaufe thsir bodies fhall be raifed , as
men are awakened out of fkep : This is cxpreScd in the
words which immediately follow the text : Our
friend
frisnd tazlfUS fltffttb} txt 1 jffl, tk*t I rHMj *»*1<t tim
cut fff fl tp* Ai.d cbs Ap^Me Paul is much upon this
i€or.i<. Metaphor, in that yl-ictf V;here he undcrtakcch to prove
the RJui -region.
Uf< i. Therefore t.u: bekevcrs, real Saints fhould
net be afraid to die.
I grant dm death nnto nature i§ the King of feare*,.
. tnd ithaih its poison* ftingwith which it will wound
the wicked, whom it coth uflicr into kcll. This /"with
n r taev macy oc*lcr w<efu^ Krut^5« rcjating u»to ^eat^|) is adrai-
hj,r' SeTmo/s "bly laid open of late by a worthy fcrvant of Chnft,
upon and it vreuid be a digrtffion , if 1 ihouid undertake thai
i Cor. i $ .55. • difcovety : But! only move Gods people, to arme thern-
felves a?9inft the finking fear of death , becaufe unto
them it is no worfe then falling albep. And indeed
there is great weed of this couofd among Gods own fer-
vants every where, who like foolifti chiidrea arc afraid to
put off the it cloathcf, and go to bed in a dark chamber.
As Backer in Herein the forcmcntioned Authour, and othtrs ,
his s.iiirs c- have adminiftrcdrattch good help, ia which regard I m^y
verlaiiing reft. [je filcnt.
Ufa 2. Neither let asmourne immoderately becanfc
of the deith of our Chriftian friends; feeing they arc on
ly fallen tfloep. When our Saviour had fpoken the
VerC.ii, words of the Text ; Thtn Jati his difciplcs, If lie (lecf , he
(k*H do weS. And by the argumest the Apoltlc (eeks
to preraile with the Thffalo»ians9 that they might noc
mourne excefllvely upon fuch occafion. For tbefe
i Thtf.A u 14 vhoflftfi* Itfffs , j»M (j}4 bring with him. Then he ad-
17,18. %deth, JYe Jhsll be tvtr with iks Lord ; whertfore comfort
one another tri\h tktft words. Love roovcch joy , when our
weak, weary, pained, difesfed friends ate filkn into a
foar.d fweet deep. lh;s confideration therefore fhould
cheerc our drooping fpirics, in reference unto godly
friends , who died in the Lord. Let us rninde this the ra
ther, bccaufe God u ho prcpoundcth this ground of com
fort, cbferveih both when vva have need of ibis cordial ,
and alfo what improvement we make thereof, asitfol-
lovveth
(47)
loweth in the next and laflDodrine, which remajnes to
be handled.
Dott. B. The Lord knowcth whsn his own and his
Churches friends do fall afleep by death. As Chrjft,
though now at a bodily diftance from Bctb MJ , the place
of LAH&W his abode, yet told his Difciplcs of bis death,
Onr friend Lazaru [liepctb. As God fpake this to Jofixzk ,
tJWyfsrvant Mofes /'/ de&L
[This truth may be concluded ftrongly by tkefe arguments
Rcaf. i. Bccaufc Chrift hath the keys of death RcY>1-18-
in his keeping ; the foul cannot be let out of the body ,
without his leave. And he knoweth all kis own
grants.
Reaf. 2- Becaufc he alfo hath power in heaven, keep
ing (as it were,) the gate thereof, into whick none can
enter without his allowance. This is raanifeft by his
promife to the penitent thief: This day tbou fhtlt be
T»itk we in Parvdife. Therefore he exactly obferveth, Luk, z? 4*
when any persons or perfon hath admiffion thither.
*Ufc i. Hence the Deity of Chrift may be proved un-
deni'ably; for though there be thoufaads dying hourely
in tke feveral places of the world, yet Chtift knoweth
particularly,- T . Both their qualification, whether his friends
and his Churches friends, or no. 2; And the time,
when every one of them glveth up the ghoft. As the
iuftanee under difcourfe doth evince, i. He underftood
infallibly that La^rm was a faithful friend , both unto
himfelfe and his fervants : Our friend Lazarus. 2. And
though he was not corp really prcfent with LA^IYHS
ia the place where he died, yet he knew without any
creature -intelligence, that now he was fallen afleep by
death.
^ Vft 2. This truth fpeaketh manifold comforts nnto
Gods children: For, i. This hints his refped to them ; Preci-
9Ut lie the fight eftke Lord is the death of his Saints He will Pfal. u£.i$.
not fuf&r any of them to lofe life without his fpscial ob-
fervation tkercof , together wuh eaufes and conco mi-
tan (s therein confidcrabje.
I- It
5. Itfoggefts bis care of every foul; when it removeth
out of the bodv the place of it* habitation , it fball not
mifcarry orbe ii ft through (Thrifts rt'gardlefmfs. Though
th;>ufands of devils may watch to intercept the foule yeC
Chnlt who oofciveth when it Icsveth the body., will un
doubtedly, accord*- g ro his chirge and promiie , fecurt its
Paflfages toglory.Th'sis a Cordial to the pooreft '• hriftian,
for there is no rcfpeft of pcrfons with the Lord, it ftmt 19
L kc \6 12 fafl* l^** *^e ^f*&fr **ft^> **** **** e*nitd by -tie A gtls wto
Abrahair;s^^o^tf And,
3. It mny relicvt: the fad hearts of godly ones; mourning
for their !< (Tt- in the death of their dear Chriftian frierds;
for their God and Savioir is quickly and fully itquaintcd
\\ith thi* thtir aflR-dion , he faw nhen our beloved
rehiions breathed out their hft gafp. Qutftionlcflfe ic
cheated Hagar , ifchen (he undejftood that God took
notice, when the bottle was empty, ind faeatd the eric of
Gm 21.1^ 17 lfi***ili becaufe he wanted water. Andyoumay'bc
cocfidert , that Chnft who undcrftands when your Parents
ycur Paflors , your yoakfellows, your friends die , he doth
aKoconfiderwhatcounfel, what comfort, what fuppoits ,
what fupplies , what encouragements yon bedcpnvcdof
by mcanes of their death. Is not this a choice Cordiall to
Gods children, that tkeir kcwwlj Faibcr k^owttk tkty nted
Vf*. 3. Laflly, thfs Doctrine yields matter offcafon-
able and ueedful admonition. Therefore upon tht
death of Gods fcrvaots, we fhonldfetk after fueh dif-
petitions, as may be plcafing unto his Majcfty, whoob-
icrveth together wuh fuch providences, how we are af
fected there with.
Here then 1 would advife two particulars, wherein I
intreat the Lord to make us ferious.
i. To be tigfetly a&dhd with fuch like difpenfations,
laying to heart thc~publick lofs fifhtned , when the
friends of Chrift and his fervants are taken away by
death. The Lord obferveth and complaineth, when peo
ple do not herein anfwer his expedition: Tkerigktcous
ptrifl,
(49)
tfndno man lajcth it to heart. And our love unto Efay.?7. i.
the publick, together with the confideration of the great
ufe of fuch perfons would help forward our hu
miliation in fuch cafes. You heard before that they are
friends fo Chrift, and much befriended by Chrift, yea,
that they are lovers of the caufe and people of God*
Now is not the death of fuch to be bewailed ? When
pltjth went up by a whirlewind to heaven , Elifia iKing.r.iijit
fawit3<ind he cryed, My father^ my father , the fharet of
Ifrael^W the horfemn thereof. And when Slijba was iKing.ig. 11,14
fitk, Joafi ( though not a good man ) wept over him ,
andfaidjOh my father ^my father, the Charet of Ifrael,4*uf
the horfemen thereof. Bicaufe they beleeved that the
publick fafety depended much upon the intereft of god
ly men in God,theretore their death was thus lament
ed. And truly fuch friends of God are the chief (lakes
in the hedge, and main pillars in the building, both of
Church and Common-wealth. Therefore in fuch cafes ,
it may well become us to imitate the devout men, who AftsS.z
carried Stephen to his grave 3 and made great lamentation
for him.
2. To imitate the deccafed Saints in their graces and
holy converfation; (he would lay their lives , as fo many
faire copies before our eyes, and labour to write after
them, by confciencious imitation. The Apoftle having
given in a catalogue of Old Teftament-beleevers, who in
their feveral places and ages did Worthily , he earneftly
perfwadeth Chriftians to be followers ofthem. And
feeing God hath given us to behold the beauty of ho- H Ir' Com<"
linefle, and the power of godlineffe in their courfes , it
will much aggravate our iinne, if we labour not to be
like them.
This leadeth me to that which you ail look for,(^/*.;to
fpread before you the exemplary life of .Milter Jeremiah
Whitaker the late Paftorof this place,whofe Funeral hath
occafioned this great Aflembly and my Sermon, in re
ference unto whom,that Imay fpeak unto your edification,
I will (with the change of one word only ) undertake
H- my
(50)
my Text again, Our frUnd Wfiitaker fltepetk. And truly
lam very confident, that if Jefus Chrift was here in his
bodily prefence among us, he would not be unwilling
to fpeak thefe words, Our friend Whitaker fleepetb, Be
fore I begin fny Narrative, I crave leave to premife
this, ( w*. ) that though ( in fome refpefts)! know a
more meet man might have been chofen for rhis work ;
who could have done it more exactly and gracefully : yet
I acknowledge that my (elf am not the unmeeteft,
confidcring my long and familiar acquaintance with him ,
efpeciallyif this be added, (^/^.) that in Summer was
twelve-moneth - I riding with him unto Tunbridge
Wells, he was pleafed to give me the Hiftory of his
life,from his youth till that time, and fince that timc,ic
is well known to many, that no one hath had more
frequent and familiar converfe with him , then my felf.
Oh how often, and with what meltings hath he pour
ed forth his heart into my bofome, in reference to all
concernments, perfonal, relative, private, publick, com-
fortable and uncomfortable, which have deeply afte&ed
him ! My forgetfulnefle will neceffitate the omilfion
of many things,and my faithfulnefle with prudence com
mand me to conceal much of that, which to my heart
fpakc aloud his great goodneffe and high commenda
tions. I will fuggeft the fum of what I judge moft con
venient todifcover,in the report whereof,my foul defi-
reth(I hopej to honour God, and to profit his peo»
He was borne at Bfcfy/UA in Torkfare in the year
1 599. VVhen he was fixceen years old,he was tent to fam-
bridgc^nb placed a Sizir in Sydney Colkdgc , where he
was much valued for his pregnam parts, and Scholardiip.
At twenty years of age^having commenced Batchelar of
Art9,he was fertt unto -0^*w(ihe chief Town in Rntlavd*
farcy® teach the free-School there. About toure yeares
after he married • £bepht*,ibab the daughter of Mafter ml-
tiamTeachy Minirtcr ofO/^ww, an eminent linguift, a
godly mm and( as I am informed)! painful Preacher of
the
(51)
SheGofpel, who dearly loved, and highly valued Mi%
fatwhitakfr, from his firft acquaintance to his end;
whofc afTedtons to him , wrought on the marriage be-
twixc him and his daughter. By whom God gave him
foure fonnes and thr.ee daughters; onefonne died ac
Cambridge , two are ordained Miniliers, and the other is
to be educated for the Miniftery. Haviag flayed abour
feven years at Okfham , he was removed unco a Paftorai
charge at Strttton in the fame County, where he continued
thirteeneyeares, from whence he was called to M*rj
Magdalen TSermondfeji (with the approbation of many
godly Minifters , whom he confulted in the cafe) where
he after twelve yeares fpcnt in his Minifterial charge fi-
nifhed his courfe npon the firft day of June, i654-and fell
aQeep in Jefus. He was betwixt fifty five and fifcy fix
yeares old when the Lord was pleafed to take him unto
himfelf. He was buried in Bcrmondfcy Church June the
fixth, with expreflions of much love from a very great
multitudeof godly perfons, both Minifters and others of
feveral ranks and conditions, who attended his corps to
the grave. By reafon of much ftudy,and manifold imploy-
ments in his calling , he was filled with various bodily
diftempers from his youth. In the Jatter part of his time,
he -was for fundry years exercifed frequently with the
painful difeafes of thegowt and of the ftone. Notwith-
ftanding the reiteration of thefe tormenting pains, he at
tended upon his Miniflery both at home and abroad,whiic
he was able to creep into the Puipit,or to crawle unto the
Congregation.
But about the beginning si November lift paft,the vio
lent paine of the (lone did in fuch meafure and manner ar-
reft him, that from that time, he continued Gods prifonec
in his bed, or chamber, till he was fet free by a long expe-
ded death. Moft Phyficians in the City were confulted, &
were from time to time very ready to fervehim with their
advice : who did unanimoufly conclude, his (harp pains to
proceed originally from an ulcer in the kidneys, but im
mediately from an ulcer in the neck of the biadder,caufcd
H 2 by
(•SO.
by a continual flux of ulcerons matter dropping down up
on that part. And by reafon of the acuteneiTe and quicknefs ,
of the fenfe there5his paines were almoft altogether in
that place, though the fountain of them was from the
kidneys. Towatds his end, ( about two moneths)the
paine grew more cxtreame/yet divine indulgence vouchfa-
fed fome abatements and intermiflions, both in the night Sc
day. As his death drew nigh;his fits of pain were more fie-
quent,either every half hour,and many times every quarter,-
yea,twoor three times in a quarter of an hour,wberby na
ture being quite fpent he died in the Lord. After his deathv
Matter Holiard opened his body in the prefence of D'.^AT,
Dr. Mickl#lt»<tite&tA DT.B»vyr,((<xnc other more anci
ent Doctors would have been there, if either their being
out of Town,orprefent urgent occasions had not hundred) >
who found both his kedneys full of ulcers, and one was
Iwelled to anextreamebignefle, by the abundance of pu
rulent matter in it. Upon the neck of his bladder, they-
found a ftone, ( which was about an inch and an half long,
and one inch broad, weighing above two ownces , when
firft taken out;and withalf,an u'cer which was gangrened^ '
and this was judged the caufc of his death. All other
pjrts of his body were found firme and found. Now that
which I fhall relate concerning him in all thofe places and
changes of life wherein God difpofed of him, I will caft
under the feveral Heads upon which I did difcourfe in my
Sermon. And this method I do the rather refolve upon,
both becaufe it beft fuiteswith mine own thought^
and may prove the moft profitable unto them wfco-
fhall be pleafed to read the Strmon 5 when they
perceive the main parts thereof, applied and veri-.i
fied in this providential Text, Our friend Whit&trjktpetb i
ThtfirilHcad. H* loved Chrift. He loved Chrift ;
i. Quickly. 2. Strongly. 3. Confhntly. The-Lord did ;
win ins heart unto hirnklr , while he was a Scholar at
Wqkf$*t&s where iiehadhis edccation. For then and
there his offcdioris did flow out towards thofe who were
mod religioufly difpofed, with whom he went frequently
tight or ten Miles 10 hear a wakcning-foul-warming Ser
mon „
(53)
nvon j and he was wontro joyne with them in prayers
and other holy exercifes. And being able to cake Ser-
mon-notes,both underftandingly am} largely, he was very
helpful! to Chriftians in the repeating of what they had
publickly heard, being from his childhood .full of afTec"H-
oris in whatfoever bufinefle he, undertook. Thus this
plant did both bloflame and put forth fruit quickly , : ( ^
which providence did afterwards make a very fruitful
tree. For the more cleare difcovefy of his abundant love
to Je/ds Chrift,l will give-thefe demonftrations.
Fir ft, from his early,and cotiftant vigorous Workings
of heart towards the calling and work of the Miniftery ,
becaufe he aiwayes conceived , that therein a Chriftian
might enjoy moftfdlowlhip withChrift, an'ddo him the,
beftfervice.Andheconfidered Chrifts fpeech to Peter,/f
thou love mefceh my (heep^etA my Umbs, Job .2 1 . i j ,- 7 • •
Hea I judge theie parncutars very worthy of confider-
ation. i. That while he was a' Grammar-Scholar , this
calling he chofe^ and though his father endeavoured of
ten and earneftly to divert his thoughts from the Mini*
fteiy, yet he wasunmovible in his de fires to be a Minifter.
2..That hqnever repented of this his cho:ce,but' would all
his life longjiipon all occafions.w^M/^ this bu officc.l have
many times heard him (peak thefe words , I had muck ra~ Rom ix
tker be a Preacher of the (jo[pel 3 then'an Emperour. And
when a motion was once made to him fora Mafterfhip in
the Univer(uy3hc readily returned this anf^ver, My heart
d^th more defire to be 4 covftant Preacher ,t ben to be thcAfa*
fterofanyColedge intkcWorld.i.^lnt when he was rnoci-
oned to marry her whom pod afterwards made his wife,
he was the rather inclined to accept the mation , be
caufe fhe was daughter to a pious,piinful5 learned Mir.i'ler
of the Goipeljand would occafionally tell his friends, that
he was the better pleafed with his choice, becaufe of
that relation. ^.That he was never fo wel pleafed wi.h any
imp!oyment,asthatof his Mmiftery. In the Pulpit he
dill was like a fith in the water. Though many times he
went halting and full of piine thither, yet he would not
nuoifeft any fenfe of diftemper , while he was there.
H 3 How >
(54)
How often hath he gone upon crutches unto the Congre
gation of his own people,to fulfill hisMiniftery ! yea,once
(at If aft of my knowledge) he adventured to Preach at
Michaels CV06i/,wbenhe was fcaice able to get into the
Pulpit, and his friends with much difficulty helped him
out of the Church homeward. 5. That when he was by
extreamc paines taken off from his Miniftery , he would
fometimes profefle unto fome fpecial friends, that the
paine felt was not fo grievous to his Spirit, as his inability
(by reafon thereof) to manage his wonted work, Many
times thefe were his words, If I could but Preach, 1 fhould
be much better. And he would rejoyce with chearfulnefs,
and thankfulnefle, when in the times of his weaknefle ,
he found not himfelf more diftempcred by his preaching ,
and would mention fuch experiences, as arguments to
move his friends to yield unto his Preaching, when they
did difTvvade it as prejudicial. 6t He did zealoufly, upon
all occasions, both in publick and private defend the of
fice of a Gofpel-Miniftery , and efpecially anjongft thofe
perfons5 and in fuch places, where ( as he conceived)there
was molt need. This paflage fell from him with afteclion,
in one of his morning Lectures at Weftminfter-. Though!
have read and heard of fome good men, who unadvifcdly
in their paflion have perfecuted the perfons of fome godly
Miniften, ( as Afa was angry with the Seer, and caft him
into prifon)vtt I never knew,I never read,nor heard of any
godly perfon, who did dare to oppofe the calling of the
Miniftery. And whereas at the end of his Sermon , a
fouldierC cxpreffing himfelf difiatisficd with the Ser
mon) came to him in private, and asked him, whether he
meant this Miniftery of EnglavA, as now conftituted ? he
returned this anfwer3 Although 1 viHnotjutfifie the calling
of every individual Alinifter in the CkttrcbofEnghnd, (as
you dare not juftifie the Saint {hip of every member in your in-
dcpendant Congregations) yet I will be ready when and
where you pleaie to maintaine the office and calling of En-
glands Mwiflerj at thif day. j. And that he continued
unchanged in this his eftimacion of the calling Minifterial
may be manifcfted by one piflage in his laft Will and Te-
fiamenc
(551
Ramtnt,(though it was not long)which I will put down in
his own words, writ with his own hand: For mjfon Jere
miah, wpdtfrcit , that he be bred* Scholar, and that the
Lord w out dfpirittt ally incline his hearttf'eety to give tip him-
fe^fto the Lord, tojerve him In ihf work^of the Miniftcry ,
which calling andemployment {though now dcfpifed) I do c-
fte em above all other in the Vvorld> and do commend it to All
mint, that if the Lord blffe them with fans ^t hey would com
mend this calling to their pofteritj. Before I pafle from this
my firft demonftration of his love to Chrift, I heartily de-
fire,that this may be ferioufly corfidered , whether there
be not herein much to c redit and incourage the Miniftery
oftheGofpel; That a learned man , and fo eminent for
piety, who aJfo had throughly ftudied the Concroverfies of
the times againft the Miniftery sfhouid upon his death-bed,
givefuchateftimonyunto it , when he daily expecled to
make up his account before God, and alfo give fo great
incouragmentunto his pofterity, to undertake this caU
ling now, even now when fuch difgrace is caft upon ir,and
when the Ministers fetled maintenance is thrcatned to
be taken from them? And may not thofe men who know
Mr. tvhitaket's worth be hereby awed, and moved to take
heed how they oppofe or flight that calling of men,whom
he(living and dying) judged to be fo highly honoured by
God himfclf? To all this adde,that it was an ordained Mi
niftery, which he thus valued, as is evident by thefe two
things(as by many living teftimonies,)z//*,i. That he joyn-
ed with the Claflis whereof he was a Member in ordaining
Minifters. 2. That he had an hand in the book lately pub-
liftied by the Province of London^m the defence of fuch a
JMiniftery,not only by a{Ient,butalfoby affiftance.
Secondly,his love to Chrift was proclaimcd,by his un
wearied laborioufnefle in his Minifterialfervices.i. While
he continued Schoolmafter at Okehamfc undertook a Lec
ture there weekly, beddes many Sermons preached occafi-
onally in neighbour Congregations. 2. During his abode
at Stretton^ befides his Paftorall inployment twice every
Sabbathjhis conftant weekly Preaching at Ofyhamjnc was
^principal prop to hold up the Leflures in the neighbour
hood'
hood. His manner was to fet apart every holy day ( if but
one in the week) as a day of feeking God , in reference
totheneceffitiesof the times, and no man was more fre
quent in aflifting in dayes of humiliation in privatc^both in
Rutland-fare pn& the adjacent Counties, when ever invited
thereto. 3. And (ince Gods good providence brought
him to the neighbourhood of London , he was in l*boun
more abundant (2 Cor.i 1.23. ) For the mod part, his Tec
task was foure Sermons weekly, f •&//*£.) two at home, and
twoelfewhere/v/'*,.) ziWcftminfter and Chrifts Church
London, wwcftminfter ml Stepney , ( fince he laid down
.Chrifb Churd>Leclu re) together with two Sermons eve
ry quarter at Michael CorMt. Addc hereto his Preaching
monethly at the morning-exercife , or affiftance on the
f aft-day at the conclufion thereof, befides occafi*
onal Sermons for preparation to the Sacrament at his
own place,and at FuneralSjboth at home and abroad: Yea,
I wilJdofe up the tvidcndngofthelaboursof his love ,w\th
this true rcporc,(z//« ) that he would never deny any tfio-
tion-for preaching, and praying,if God gave bodity ability,
& other unavoidable occafions did not neceffarily hinder.
Many week-dayes he preached twice, yea, then when he
attended the work of the Aflembly of Divines, (viz* ) the
morning exercife^icher at WsftminficrQi elfewhere^ af
terwards in the afternoon.! here remember thecommen-
dacion which St/'j^/ gave of Ep.iph;edittu,m his Epiftle to
Phil, i.jo the ^hilippiansi For the ^ork^ofthe Lord he was nigh unto
dcath,not regarding his life. How farre this is appliable to
.painful! Mr. /%/";,i^r;muhitudcs do. well know^'ea^many
conceive that his painfull di(lcmper^(which haftened his re
moval from us) were caufed and increafedby his many con-
liant labours in this kind.Neither were his Sermons jejune
and dry,bfcaufe thus frequent;but always ful of Scripture*
ftrengrh,favoury & affcdionare,as his Auditors will teftifie.
Trtirdly, Such was his iove to Chrift , that his publick
.Imploymcnts did not take him off from family-duties ,
ncr from more private exercifes of communion with God.
His ordinary courfewas, together with prayer?, toex*
pound fome pares of che holy Scriptures in his own family
tw:ce
(57)
twice every day i and befidc other parts of Scripture which
he daily read in fccret, he ufually read over all the E-
piftlesin the Greek Teftament twice every fourtnight : yea
when by reafon of pain and weaknefie he himfelf could not
read, he herein imployed others for his help. Hence ic
was that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures ( like on
to *s4potto,Aff,i$.i4,} as was obferved by all who conver-
fed with him. And this courfe be earneftly commended to
the practice of his dearly beloved elded Ton , as an ex.
cellent means to make him both a ready and a profitable
Preacher.
Fourthly, His courage in Chrifts Caufe did much
commend his love, whereof I will faggeft thefc evi
dences.
i . While he lived in Rxtl&Arfnrefa refufed to read the
book allowing of Sports upon the Sabbath , though it was
with commands and threatenings preffed upon him. And
when he was called to give in his anfwer, about the colle-
&ion amongftMiniflers to maintain the War againft Scot*
/W,he openly told the Biftiop orChancellor that his con-
fcience could not yield thereto. This his anfwer expo*
fing him to great danger both to lofc living and liberty
in thofe times, a neighbour through mifguided love ( com-
paffionating him and his family ) payed the mo
ney j and lubfcribed Mr. JVhitakers name without his
knowledge. This he was long ignorant of 5 and when he
heard it,he exp re fled, with many compiaints,much grief of
heart.
2. Since our times of woful defertion and Apoftafie
both from Gofpel-Truths and practices, he would un
dauntedly in private conferences & in his publickMiniftry
exprefshisdiflike,yea,deteftation thereof to the faces of
them who too much favoured Error, Herdies and ranc-
ing courfes, though he knew that thereby he did run ha
zards., and procure many frowncs. He refufed to fub-
fcribs the late Engagement, though thereby he was in
danger to be taken off from his Weftminfler\;Z&\xe. And
if his Sermons preached there, upon gphcfazfi. ( concer-
I ning
(58)
fling mens walking according to theccurfe of this world, &c
fulfUlingtheluftsofthcflffi, &c.} could be co le<5hd and'
publifhed ^hereby it would be manifeft that Mr. whitaker
in love unto his Lord Chrift.was a man of good metal and
magnanimity.
3 One more private proof of the good mans valiant
love to Chrift I will make bold to infert ; becaufe my felf
can knowingly atteft its truth. Since thefe ftormy daycs ,
wherein the liberty and livelihood of Miniftershave been
maligned and ftruck at, he riding with an intimate friend
by T/£0rw, ( which he had not knowne or not obferved
before) demanded what that was? and anfwer being
made, This is Tiburn^ where many Malefactors have
loft their lives; he flopped his horfe, and uttered thefe
words with great affc&ioo, O What a /bamf ts it that fo
thoftfanAi [houlh dje for the fiUtffcSfcfi of their tufts,
ew be fotindwillwg to lay down their lives for Chrift !
roe in a good Caufe, and upon a good call , be
ready to be hanged for Jefas £hrift ? It weutd be ever li
fting honour., and it if a thottftwd times better to dye for
Chrift^to be hanged, to be burnt for forift, then to dye in
^^.r.Andho.v much he condemned life,in refpeci un
to Chrift Jefus,thcre are many who from his own mouth
can witnefr.
Fifthly $o great was bis love unto hi? God and Savi
our that he maintained and cxpafled high c&imations.
and honourable thoughts of his Ma jelly, when under tcr^
menting providences, nothing being more feared then
this, lefthefhoulddo or (peak any difhonours unto his
Name. Thefe were fome breachmgs of his large lover,
when through painc he was, as in the Hre, and upon the
Rack, Goo& Lord^keep me from dtfionouring thy biams by
impAtiency. 0 >who would not even in burnings have hor.Qx*
r able thoughts of God \ Who that fyoTveth ihce would not
feur thee^O Lord) love tbee t and honour thsc ! Lord,:hot*
give ft m? no cAufe to have any hard thought ofthee ! 1> tiffed
be God there is nothing of hell in all this . Bk$ed be his
NamgforJefusChrift,<indther(Vflxtionbftke
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Who knoweth the power of thy wratfo If it be fo
heavy upon thy fervant here, how heavy flwll it be to att tho[e
Who (ballendttre it Without mixture ? 'Blcffedbe god for tks
peace of mine inward wan, when my outward man is fa full
of 'trouble .7 'his i* a bitter cupjut it is of my Fathers mix*
tare, and fall I not dr intuit ?yeayLyrd, through thy ftrength
I fr/#, this it my burthen } and lyoill bear it. Upon any
abatement of his pains, he was conthncly much in blef-
(ing God, ufing thcfe and fuch like expretfions O 1 nhat A
mercy is it that there is any mitigation, any inter miffion !
Lord^makemethan^ftilL And turning himfclfc towards
thofe who 3ood by,he would fpeak thus. O help me to be
t hank f f*H ! 0 /if t#p a pray erf or me that I may bcthankfttll !
0 what a mercy is thit ! How much worfe might this affli-
£f ion have been ! 1 might have been diftrtfted or laid roar
ing under difyuietneffe of fpirit. By thefe workings of his
fpirit ( which my felf and others do well remember , ard
1 could heartily wifh that all the reft had been recorded )
whoperceivethnot the fparklings of his love to God ? I
will annex one more, which hath much affefted my heart,
»ia. thefe words he hath often fpoken to me-, "Brother^
through mercy I have not one repining thought againft
god.
Now upon all thefe confederations, I appeal unto the
confciences of all ingenuous ones, whether there be not
ground to believe that Chnft ( if here with us ) would give
himth£ honour of this compellation My Uviw friend
Thefecond head of my Narrative followeth,ThatC^///?
loved Mrjfhitaker. ( For as I difcovcred in my Sermon,
this love is alwayes mutual. ) The difcovery hereof will
be clear upon a double account/^,
i.Becaufe of the graces with which he was enriched.
2. Becaufe of the Comforts with which he was re-
frefoed.
Asforth'e firft. Love- tokens are real meflengers of his
love wfrofendeth them: and what furer fignes of divine
love then the graces of chc Holy Ghoft? Now of thefe
I $ the
the Lord had given him, in meafure, more then ordinary.
That which was hinted before in his love to the Lord Je.
fus,(exprefledby laborious,couragious endeavours to ad«
var.ce his praife, and to continue comn union with him)
doth manifeft that he vvae vt ry rich in Grace; but there-
iinro 1 will add five more gracts which were very {Lining
inhis crown.
i.Tevdernefs of heart. Who ever knew man of a
more melting frame before God , whether in confeflions,
pentions,orthankfgivings? Is there any one living thac
can fay, I have fomctimes joyned with him in Prayer, and
he (lied no tears ? How did his own (infulne(Il',( though
no more then the ordinary imperfections of the faircft
Saints on earth ) the evils of the times, and the teftimo-
nies of Gods diipleafure breaking out break his heart into
pieces?Tiu!yJ[ believe, thatforthefpaceof many years,
be did never come off from the fetious confideration of
tbefe things with dry eyes. And how many thxwfands
would account it afigne of much love, from Chrift , if
they could finde fuch thawings in their frozen
breafts.
2. Mtefyefs of $irit. With this precious Jewel he
was adorned richly. Who ever faw him tranfported by
pa0ion,ona fire through fooli(hanger,or difguifed by dif*
content? Though he would be warm for God, yet he was
amanofa cool fpiric, meek, like /fc/0/r.f ,inall his own
concernments. Among many other manifestations here
of, this one was remarkable, that when upon warm dif*
putes with men of diffenting principles and opinion?, his
fpiric was fo even, that unhandfome provocations would
not difcompofe him. Hereof I could give inftances- but
I'muft forbear.
3. Por Patience he may well be called afecond Job.
Many who faw him under his racking pains, fo frequently
reiterated , and fo long continued , are confident that
God did put him % and keep him in his furnace to be a
pattern of patience unto pofterity. It's true, he did roar
many times till his throat was dry, but who ever heard
him
him fpeak ofle word of murmuring or difcontent becaufe
of Gods afflicting providence ? He himfelf indeed would
fornetimes through tendcrnefle charge himfelfofimpau-
ency, becaufe he made a noife, whereas thatcxprcffcd on
ly Natures fenfiblene {Te,not finful frowardnefs. And when
(accnfing himfelf in that ktnde caufekfly) he was minded
of Chrifts roarings, though free from all fin, he would be
Client. I ccnfefie that in deftres to be diffolved, he would
take up Jobs complaint: Wherefore u light given to him that
it in mifery^ and life unto the bitttrin foul? (f'hicb long for
death) bttt it ccmeth nfit^ And dig for h more then for hid trea*
fare*) Sec. for my (ighingcometh before 1 eat^ and my row
ings are poured out like wateri , Job 3. 2O, 24. But he
alwayes concluded with fubmiflion unto the good pleaCure
of God. When he had been asked how he did? this was
frequently his anfwcr, The bttjh alwajes turning, fat not
confumed ; and though my paint be above theftrengtb ofna*>
lurejtt they are not above the fupforts of grace.
,4 The Lord gave him fo muctvof the Spirit of grace and
[applications, that his foul was never one of tune for that
fervice. Moft of his words when under torment were ho*
ly complaints and prayers to God : fome of them I will-
record,that they may not be forgotten. O my God help I
Father of mercies pity \ Do not Contend for ever, confider
my frame, that I am but dtift / My God that katb made hea
ven and earth help me \ 0 give me patience and inftitl what
thoH wilt 1 If my patience was morey my pain Would be lefft.
Dear Saviour, where are thy bowels \ Why doefl thou make
mean attonifamtnt to my felfand others? Why doefl thou co
ver thy [elf With a thick cloud that our prayers cannot pajfe ?
Bleffid is the man that endur&th temptation. Lord', this is
a fad temptation; ftaxd by me and fayy It is enough ! Am 1
not tbyfervant ? Conpder^Lordjhat 1 am thy fervant. 0
thtfe bitter waters of Marah I Lord^drop fweet comfort into
tbefe bitter waters 0f Marah. 0 the blood offprinkjing^ Lord:
Lvrdythe blood of Spar tying \ That blood which extivgui'
jheth the fire of thine anger, 0 that it might allay my burning
pains \ lam.ina fiery furnace; Lorfyc with me, as thou
^ffafl with the three children , bringmeottt refined from fin.
• When I have failed through the Ocean of thefe fains , and
lookj?acl>jl fee none cfthefe can be wanting. Ifye unte theef)
god, hide me under the fiadow of thy wings till thefe tertibtc
ftormsbeoverpaft.
5. God added Humility as a crown to all his other
Graces, which didfhinc very bright in the eyes of all who
ivere acquainted with him. Hence it was that he would
converfe familiarly with thepooreft Chriftians, and with
them who were of low parts for kno wlcdge.This his ordi*
flary expreffions of himfelf before God , (pake loud „• Poor
worm^ fitful wretch \ Op&donmy tranfgrcffions for they ate
very great. Hereupon he would weep much when he was
told bow much he was prayed for, wondering at Gods
goodneffe that fo worthlcfs a wretch Chould have fo much
intereftinthe hearts and prayers of the people of the
Lord. And his language in his Will reports how little
he was in his own eyes.- The words are there, 1 de+
fire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp , but that fo
poor a wort hie ffe wretch may be privately laid in tke
ground.
Thus from the rare Graces received, I proceed to
the rich Comforts vouchfafed, as manifeftations of Chrifts
fingularlove towards this Sainrofchc moft high God.
' O what kifles of Chrifts mouth, and what embraces from
the arms of his love were beftowed upon this man of God!
He enjoyed all along his afflifted condition, an uninter
rupted afTurmce ot Gods fatherly love in ChriftJn his ad*
drefles to God he conftantly claimed propriety. My God,
andmy Father. His inward peace and joy, were the
fupport of his heart under allhis grinding patns. He was
confident of mercies mixtures with all his grievous diftem*
persj not at all doubting of the San^ification of them
through grace. Thus he Jpake many times in his Applies-
lions to G od : Confide* and f aw me, for 1 am thine. How
long, Lord, how long foall 1 rtot be nmembrefa yea, lam
remembred)bleffedbe thj Name . This ii a fiery chariot , but
;*t will carry me to heaven . Btffltd be God that hath f ftp-
ported,
hath
, LorAwverforgetufttkemihAt put their trttft In thfe.
Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over, be would,
with fm iles fpeak of Gods mercies. Though tr em bi^gf
took hold upon him when his violent paines beg-n ',
yet he would with confidence fay, AT<AV »* the flrengt of
the mighty God I will undergo thefe pains. 0 my God jut
uvder thine ever Uft ing arms,Av& ftrexgtken m&. Many.
times he hath told me,, that notwithftanding all his rent-
ings and roarings (from which he expefted no deliver
ance but by death) he would not for athoufand worlds
change eftates with the greateft man on earth, whom he
looked upon as in a way of fin. And let me tell you one
providence of fatherly indulgence towards him,, That £*-
t&n never fbaked bis Cortfider.ee $ nor affaultcd bis hopes , all
thettmc ofhhtirtfomejrks°me exerciff. There is but one
pafTage more which I (hall point at under this fecond head
of my Narrative, v/« That he accounted all thefe inward
chearings the fruits of Prayers made for him, though God
faw caufe to deny that cafe and recovery to his body
which was much begged;withal valuing thofe fpiritual cor
dials much beyond deliverance from the Gout and Scone,
and death it felf*
All thefe things I have the rather mentioned, to pre
vent that difcouragement or offence, which /ome may be
too apt to take at the continuance of his wafting,torment-
ing pains , notwithftand his -own godlinefle , and the
unceflant Prayers, both ordinary and extraordinaryjwhich
were made unto God in his behalfe : for he found the
fweet fruits of them in his own bofome, when he ftlt the
continuance and increafe of his bodily griefs.
I proceed to the third head of my promifed Narrative,
which will fpeak Mp. mitakers love to his fellow-Chrifti-
ans. He was a man made up (as it were ) of love : His
delight was in the Saint? upon earth, whom he efteemed
molt excellent, and their fociety was a conflant cordial
unto his fpirir. His frequent vifits of them who were in
trouble > and his {lining yp others to the like practice-
were teftimonies of his friendfhip. His love was not on
ly verbal,hut real. Truly I know no roan of his eftate
more liberal. He would often fay. It's* brave thing
when a maw Vcith a full eft ate hath a charitable heart .Some*
times upon fpecial occafions he himfeif hath given away
all the money he had in his houfc. It was not unufual
with him to give twenty (hillings unto a poor Saint,and
he had many experiences of Gods gracious returns in fuch
cafes. By his Will he gave 20 /. to the godly poor of his
own Panfli.
There were two cafes wherein his loves were mofl en-
largedto the people of God, whereof 1 (hall give in
two inftances. The one when their fufferings were pub-
lick, He hath often told me that Englandt late
breach with Scotland , and the blood (hed , with other
fad confequences thereof, had taken fuch imprefiion up
on his heart,that the forrow would never be removed till
his death. And the fufferings both in Holland and E»g-
l*nd, upon our late Sea-fights, were great burdens upon
his fpirit. The other cafe was in reference to the inward
perplexity of fuch as were afflided in minde. Having
moved me the week before his death to beftow a vifit up
on one in that condition, the morning before his death,
(when fpeech was grievous in refped of his weakne(Te$;he
asked me whether I had remembred the party troubled in
fpirit f which is a remarkable evidence of ftrong loves.
Befides ail that hath been mentioned , I could relate his
many vvreftlings with God to prevent the flood of trou
bles which he apprehended the Proteftant Churches are
now in danger to be overflowed withal ; as alfo his com-
paffiorrate refpeft to Congregations in the Country, who
were like (heep wandring upon the barren mountains
without a (hepherd.
The fourth head of my Narrative (hould hold forth the
love which he received from the Saints of God. What
godly heart that either knew him, or heard of his fame,
did not love him ? I will not fpeakofthe frequent friend
ly vifits of the Religious ones in the neighborhood round
about, I never heard of anyman'fo much prayed for,
both
both in publick and private. There was no particular
cafe fo frequently , fo affe&ionately fpread before God
in moft or the Congregations about London as his. Three
dayes were fee apart byMinifters; and many other pray
ing friends to feek God in his behalf ; one in private,and
two in publick , which alfo were obferved much better
then fuch daycs ufually are ; yea , in remote Countreys,
bdides the ordinary prayers made for him, there were
fome Faftskept, withfpecial reference to his afflidion.
The multitude of people attending his Funeral, with the
many weeping eyes, did witneflehow much he was belo
ved. Here I might remember the readinefle of London-
Miniftersto fupply hi§ place at home, and Leftureselfe-
where,as alfo the willingnefs of fellow- Ledurers at Weft-
minfter to preach for him there, when he himfelf by rea-
fon of weaknefs could not poflibly do his own work: But
I may be filenr, for ftill every where upon the naming of
him, love is fome way difcovered by fuch who had know
ledge of him.
Though I have related much concerning the worth of
this good man, yet my confcience tells me , that I have
rather been defective then excefiive in my relation. I
have not told you of his humility, exprefled by fears,lefl:
Gods people praying for himfhould (peak too well of
him before the Lord. Neither have I mentioned his felf-
denial , never daring to look after great matters in the
world, whereby he condemned! many whofe felf-feeking
in earthly advantages, rendreth them very offenfiveand
unfavoury in the Church of Chrift. Towards his end
neither faith nor patience did abate, though his grievous
paines were more frequent and violent; in which
regards his longings for death were much increafed, yet
attended with holy fabmiffion unto the good pleafureof
God: Thefewere fome of hi? expreffions, 0 mj God
brta&pen the prifon-hoor, andfct my poore captive foul free ^
b ttt enable me willingly towait thy time \ Idtjiretohedif-
never did any man more defire life then I do death I
n will that time come^hen I {hall neither fin more, nor
K forrovf
When fiall mortality f*t on immortality'? when
fiatl this earthly be diftolved , th it I may be clotthedupon
fe '
with that boufe which is from he wen 'fBleficd are the
wbichdyefx the Lord, for the) reft from their labors , and
follow the Lamb vrhere/oever hegoeth.
The Sabbath feven- night before God releafcd him,
though hispaines were very fharp,yet he beftowed moll
part of the time of pubiick Ordinances ia prayer with
thofe that were with him, and his petitions were moft for
MinifterSjthatGod would cloath his Ordinances with his
own power, and enable Minifters to fpeak unto the fouls
of people. Then alfo he did with many tears bewail his
detainment from the Sanctuary and Sabbath-opportuni-
ties, which had been his delight ; profetfing alfo , that
his being taken off from fervice was a greater affti&ion to
him then all his pains, And becaufc this apprehenfion ,
(ViV his unferviceableneffe) did much afflid him; there.
fore this was often fuggefted to him, ( which alfo was re
lieving to his fpiric, ) viz,, that now by the practice of
Faith, Patience, contentment, and Spiritualneffe ( which
he had formerly preached ) he was very profitable unto
them who did vifit him, and might alfo prove very advan
tageous unto others who might be acquain'ed therewith,
through Gods grace by Chrift. So great was his tender
refped unto his friends, that when his pains were coming
with violence, he would irurcat them to with-draw from
him, that they might not be grieved with his roarings.
He would often blefs God, that his compaflionatc friends-
were not neceflkatcd to abide within the reach of his
doleful lamentations.
I hearing,the night before God tranflated him^hat he
was not likely to live another day, 1 went early in the
morning to take my leave of him ( whom my foul loved)
and found his* bodily ft rengthalmoft fpent, Andbecaufe
he could not fpeak without difficulty, Ifpakc the more
unto him, in relation to the approach of his happy hoped
forchange.- my difcourfe through Gods mercy was re-
frefhing unto his fpirifc Minding him that many of his,
friends.
friends intended to fet apart that day in feeking the Lord
for him, I asked him in what things efpectolly hedefired
to be remembred before the Throne of Grace f His an-
iwer was,*D0 not complain, but bleffeGodfirme, and in*
treat him to of en the pr if on- door. Hereupon laying my hand
upon his cold hand,covered with a clammy fvveat, I took
my laft farewel with an aking heart : and upon my de
parture from him, thefe were his lad words unto me,
'Brother , Itbanfyou, I pray Godbleffc you,and 1 bleflc God
for you.
That day was fpent in addrefles to God for him it TV*
ters Cornhil, where Mr Ncwomcn quickened and guided
our prayers in his Sermon from John. n. wherein he in-
lifted efpecially upon thefe words , Lordjebo/d, he whom
thouloveftisficki ver.4. AndMr. Jenkjn endeavoured
to moderate and regulate our forrows from Luke 23. 28.
f^ffp not for me.
Thus his friends having by prayers, with praifes(on
his behalf) given him up to God , and having prepared
their herrts for their lofs of hinijthe Lord was pleafed that
evening to take him unto himfclf.
And now our friend Whitaker/^^. i. He is dea^
that fpeaketh forrow. 2. H« death is ajleep, this yieldeth
relief.
Firft, His death is ground of lamentation , becaufe
Chrift and his Church have now one friend lefson earth
to be Jerviceab!c unto both. I woukt awaken your hearts
unto fenfibleneffe under this great lofle, and there
fore wifh that his great parts, many {mere fts, frequent
opportunities of fervice, together with the unmovablc
faithfulnefsof his heart to improve all for good , may be
duly remembred,^*.
i.AsforhisAbilitieSjhe was an nniverfal Schoiar,both
in the Arts and Original Languages; by much ftudy he
had digefted the whole Body of Divinity, he was well ac
quainted both with the Schoolmen and the Fathers , a
good Difpw ant, judicious in Cafes of Confcience,and fe-
cond unto none in acquaintance with the holy Scripture.
K 2 a, He
z.He had much intereft in the hearts of perfons of chief-
eft places and power in the Nation;for the plainneffe:
of his fpirit, together with the power of godlineis ( which
did fhme in his converfation , gamed bun much Authori
ty in the coniciences of all forts with whom he converted,
whether in the City or Countrey.
3. And his Opportunities of fervice were many,not only
in SoUtb&arJ§ but alfo in Londont Wejlminfter^ Stepnej^
where ht had much imployment,
Weread when*Z)w«*rf was dead,that the widowcs ftcod
VveefiHg^ndfiewirtg the COAIS Which /be hadnt^de, ^(^5.9.39.
and that upon Pauls departure the people wept^becaufe
they fliouldfee his face no more, Ads 20.3 8, And is there,
not reafon that we (hould be in like manner affeded re-
membringhowliwh hath been defended, error confuted,
holinefscherilhedrrwickednefs checked, the caufe of the
poor pleaded, and the violence of fome pailionace fpirits
allayed byMr.^»/4^r?But now this ablf,pubiick-fpirited
man muft be ferviceable on earth no more^now we ftal noc
be edified by hisMiniftry anymore,nor warmed by his prai?
ers any more.nor cheated by his company and conference
any more»Butkt us moderate our forrow by this follow
ing confideration,That our friend trhitakfr is not deadfitit
fietpetbi For this affureth us both of his prefent cafe, and
future Rcfurredion. Now being afleep he is well , he
refleth5(as in a bed ) and we (hall not fee his pale face,
his weeping eyes, his trembling hands any more, we (hall
.?io more hear his deep groans^nd doleful lamentations*
He is fallen afleep intbg Lcrd> and he and we (hall have a
better meeting ac the general Refurredion then ever
heretofore,and then (hall we.evcr be with the Z0r</,There*
fore/r/ w comfort ont wot her with tkefe w^5iThefr,4.i5,
1.3.
I have but one thing more to hint -,^k,. That Chrift
now knowetn that this our precious friend fleepeth From
whence I infer,i. Comfort, 2, CounfrL This may be chear-
mg unco all his mourning Relations, Domeftical,Paftorai
GMical. For Chrift underflandeth that his wife hath loft.
a dear riusband,his children an indulgent father,his people*
a faithful Paftor, the Claflis achief Pillar, and all good
Chriftians a real friend.
And feeing Chrift ( cor.fidering that Mr. wbitAker\s
dead ) doth alfo obferve how we all are afftfted with this
provtdence;theiefore I befeech you.and befeech you agair ,,
to ftudy in good earned the gracious improvement of this
fiddifpenfation. Let«s hear the voice of this rod, re-
pentingiy remember the forfeitures made of this blelTing,
and make confcionable imitation of the good example he
hithleftus.
Though W.Wkitaker is dead, yet his holy life /ptafyfh.
My Narrative hath told much of that which it fpeaketh,
and my prayers are , that it may fpeak ( through the
concurrence of Gods grace ) that unto all our hearts v
which may be for fpiritual and eternal benefit by Chrift*
FINIS;
(7o)
POEMS,
>Y.VV,- AND ^"^V^:-??
E LEG IE $K
On the Death of
Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER.
On the much lamented Death of that Re<ve/ end Man of
God, <JMr. Jeremiah Whi taker,£/V dear friend and
old neighbour, both in City and Countrey.
IF Reafon,Vertue, Wifdome make a nun,
If Faith,Hope, Charity the Chriftian*3
Iffaithful,ufcful,cheerful grace n friend}
Arts, Tongues, choice Wit, rare Memory commend
The Scbo/ar'if Humanity, Divinity,
Candor, Humility, bowelsjntegrity;
Ifpans.painSjZcalJoundDodrinejUtterancejtears,
Faithjcourage, prudence, patience/afting prayers,
Succtfs,crown Prttcher; Lo, of thoufands ten
That <-fr!an>Fricy}d>Cbrifti(in,ScholArfreAchtr then,
Never in times unfrxt a man more/u;/;
Never in heart fo ^^,graces more mixt;
Mildnefs with boldneis,couragc with courtefie;
High partsjow thoughts.yielding with conftancy;
(7O
Well to conceive and fpcak , to frcak^ and At>
And do fo much, fo much to fufter too.
For Love a Jonathan, for Truth IWfjftaWj
For Meekntfle Mofes&nd for Courage 'Darnel^
Call'd when a child,a fccond Jeremiah;
For fpirit,prayer, power the third Etiab,
For firmnefTe £tyLw,for fympathy a Paul,
For pains,fuccefs,exceeding moft,or all*
One thing was lacking yet to make him higher,
As Gold ,or ^0£,he mufl into the fire,
As Gold^or tyl he was unto the laft,
For patience pto\*d>lnttgrity be Id f aft*
Who ere faw fuch fharp pains? heard fuch fweet prayers?
Strong cryes.but (Ironger faith^praifcs with tears?
Our Lord by fuffering did toperfeElioit grow.-
In fuffering obedience he did learn and (bow*
This Man of God came to that altitude
By fuffering,of fore pains,that multitude.
The racking (jout and the tormenting Stonrr
In Kidneys Ulcers two3m ^^rone,
Made pains fharp/orejong^hickjbut refpite fmalfj
Ytt faith and Patience overcame them all,
Now after well fpent life,and reftleffc pains,
And heaven afTursd,we reckon death for gains:
Death when by felf dcfired,by friends bewayl'd,
And a fweet memory left have IH11 prevailed
To call dead happy. Then our lofs to thee
Was greateft gains,compleat felicity,
Weep Berm'fej ^London wail,mourn£»£/W all,
Here did thy Cro^n.Ch^rio^s and H
S H E f
Swithins Londori-ftone.
of
(7*')
Of the fame
Jeremian 1.7,6 f\Ld Jeremy a Prophet
Ver.iS. \^/Yct was a £rd*<?» w*//and 7>///4r ftil'd.
He liv'd in troublous times, fad changes faw,
, 15.16. Hc fuffered much, yet kept he faft Gods Law.
0?. 16. ty all good hpnour'd, by enonies approved:
' By many cenfur'd, by none faulty proved.
17.1^. He deak with perfons highefl:,and with low j
Chap.ij.io. He warned all,but wiQicd no mans woe.
Son of Contention called, when of peace
. & The greateft friend, and of his Lands increafe.
'ss. He preached much of Chrift and GofpeJ-dayes,
The Covenant New he taught, and its rich Grace*
-tib yet was his lift a doleful Lamentation,
Sad to himfelf, (adder to the Nation.
Thou art, or waft the fame. His Itaruck he
Jeremiah 36. Companion had to him, let me to thee.
Ejufdem in Nomtn Whitakeri.
was» an *s*cre 'was of Ground;
Gar » *scre as o ru
Befet with T*&*J white, enclofed it was Round;
No 8*4 into it came,/^ IaY» nor »Wdid grow :
Wtite Acre it was callM, moc ^en the name dld knovv»
Here pleafant was the fight I how Jwcet thereof the (ent/
To Angels as to Menu gave alike contf nt :
Here often both did meet, here met thus frequently
TheSonofmahhimfelf, Among (ach lilies high
*!)( V ght s alone to fin &e. The fruit him fo muchgladded,
That he this isfcrc cook, and to his Eden added.
C/3)
OF like extent there was of late a Field of Corn,
Of pureft Whe at it was,no Cockletfarc or thorn
Among it grties Thick ftood the Root s9 Loaden the E*ws
Twas Early fwn, came on faft, foon appeare
White to the Harveft 5 The Lord of the Harveft fpycs
One of his Reapers neer, and to him Cryes,
Goe cut me down that F eld : yet fee thou cut it fo
That none of it be loft, for it a^am muftgrow.
Into my Barn the grape fee it fafc laid and kept,
While all the fares and Chaffe are inco Hell- fire fwcpt,
J purged have the Soul from all corruption ;
He pu rge the body too at the Refurreftion.
Then both into my Game* dial gathered be.
To raign with me to all Eternity.
I.S.
An Elegy upon the much lamented death of my late
dear and reverend Friend Mr. Jeremiah Wh i taker. . T
ENzlAttd wil foon grow poor, if in one ycer
fan* lofe a W>lfon , we a Whiter.
A U banteS) and * Medway from our heads arife,
Their ftreams our tears, their channels are our eyes.
Our many lofles call for tears, not fewer 5
The breaft a Bafon makes, the eye an Ewer.
No longer (now) (hal Ifis part the Burrough
From London, fince that both fides meet in forrow.
Not (as of old) by ftriving whither fide
Should for their own obtain the Silver tide 5
No, not to gain the water wee'l con tend 5
But wee'l by weeping ftrive who moft can fpend.
Conduits give wine (indeed Jwhen th'Crown's put on,
Now run they tears,becaufe our Crown is gone.
Our Friends Dtceafe and Death our troubles Were,
We nor his Sicknefanw his Mcd'cines bear.
1
*MaidJione
river.
*Rivales were
fuch who ha
ving their
lands parted
by a river,did]
both claim an
intereftin it.
His
His Pulpit te'eftecm'd his IT/?, his bed ;
We thought his bed a Pulfit , where he read
Le&ures of patience j theie he loudly utter'd,
By filence of the groan'd, but never mutter'd.
Of mournful Magdalen^ Kermonfey bears
Thew/nH^and with her Title hath her tears*
And our dear Whitaker* was Jeremy
In name) in weeping, and in Prophecy ;
But he f no Prophet «^ no facecloth wears,
His*w\is done, and fo are all his tears.
May Bermonfey of him the late poffeffbr
Mourn for her Jiw^ but joy in his fucceffir.
GUI1»
*Vpon the Death of the Reverend^ his never to be for
gotten friend^ Mr. Jeremiah Whitakeiv
O That aff^lion could but make a Poetl
If griefe could rhimc with Art, fure 1 fhould doe itj
(Though fo difuied to verfify,) We'l try,
The Subject's fad, and fo°s the Poetry.
The tender Ton that never fpake before,
To fave his fathers life turn'd Oratop.
Shall I forbear in filence ? Write I muft,
When fuch a friend lyes ileeping in the dufl,
The bleffed Saint, dear Jeremy is gone,
And who (hall write his lamentation ?
Had we his eyes ( which alway es' fhowry were}'
Such is our leffe, each word fhould have a tear !
Another^/r*j^rinaCoffin plac'd,
The firft the Cta/r, and this the fulpit grac'd-
Reader, would'ft know his worth, then caft thy eye
UpOB
Upon the Narrative 5 there's his excellency*
Rings hold not HHJories 5 who can rehearfe
His vaft perfe&ion in a narrow Verfe !
Take Vertues, Graces, Gifts, and all you can*
All are concentred in this holy man.
A brighter Star in all our orb there's none.
None doe exceed, few equal him that's gone.
Ah pious foul ! What mortal man can fpeak out
Thy rarehu nility / Whoe're meanly thought
Of thee befides thy lelfe ? What mov'd thy p
But Eulogies and Commendations ?
Tis well th* art gone from us, Ihouldft thou but look
Into and read thy praifes in this Book,
Tm fureby this thou would'ft be fome what moved,
And Simeon himfclfe fhould be reproved,
He fpeaks thy worth fo much,and yet but little,
Tis icarce enough (but true to every tittle.^
Thy perfonal endowments who would commend,,
Should neither know whereto begin nor end.
Thy Minifter'al accomplifhments were rare,
Thy contlant pains, thy diligence, thy car*
For fouls in holy things, who can expreffe ?
Thou might'ft have longer liv'd,had'ft thou liv'dlefTc.
O melting Suppliant 1 who e're did know
Thy Prayers to heaven without fome teares to go?
The fecret ravifhings which poor fouls have found
When from thy mouth the Word of life did found I
Our very Pulpits wonder where thou art,
In which thou didft fuch fpiritual gifts impart.
But 'tis enough ! 'we'J weep the reft ; we can
Launch out no farther in this Ocean.
Could prayers and teares have kept thee here, thy ftay
It had been longer in this houfe of clay.
Pray V barr'd thee in foinc time, till death would throw
L 2 Open
(76)
Open the door by Force to let thee go 5
At laft thy foul did finde the way to bliffe.
And now is fteep'd in Heavens happineffe.
Oblefied change for thee? the painful bed
Is now a Throne, where not a tear is (bed.
No difaul groanings now from thee do conie^
But evcrlafting Triumphs in their room.
Farewelfbleft SaintJ farewel,and fince fcis thus ;
We'l hafte to thee, thou wilt not come to us.
THO. JACOMB. ofM.LuJg<
Vf Oft the death of the Reverend^Learned^and Faithful
Servant ofjefus Chriji^Mr. Jeremiah Whita-
ker3 late Minifter of Magdalene
Bcrmonfey in Southwark.
W Hat fpeaks this fuddcn ftorm of brinifli tears ?"
What means this doleful volley in mine ears ?•'
Is the Sundarkned V Doe the Lamps above^
Rtfolve thdr fiery ftati on to remove.
And (hinc no more on earth ? Doth the Creatioir
In tend -tomtit it ielf with Lamentation ?
f he holy Whttaker is ftept away.
Late Angtl of the Church of Berwottfcy-.
A Pillar in Gods houfe, a fweet Mufitian
That gladded drooping hearts; A TouI-Phyfi'tian* ••
A Sun whoft beams did coniolation fliine,
A faithful ^kilful guide,a rare Divine.
He was a Watchman could not well be blamed *•
A workman netdtd not to be afhamed.
No Protect* that could change to every ffiape,
No fervilc fpirited Preacher, that could fcrape
And cringe to plcafe the Lufts of wanton mtn :
Ht
He could not fay, and then unfay agen.
Learned, yet very humble, prudent, dear
To God, to men : meek, holy 5wife>> fin cere,
He lov'd the Truth, he hated Herefie,
A ftrong oppofer of all Blafphemy.
His heart was toward a holy Reformation^
But let againft a godlefle toleration,
Of lewd Opinions. Great was his care
To keep the holy Covenant which he fware.
The marrow of Gods Oracles was in him.
No Scripture Myftery was hidden from him;
Qafes of Confcience he could well unty,
Scrupk^and Doubts from Scripture fatisfie*
His holy Function was his confolation,
His Pulpit work to Him was recreation.
His pray'rs were zealous,hcavenly fteep'd in tear .>
His Doftrine Orthodox, convincing cleare.
Full of the fpirit of Life and Power, his words
Did pierce like nails , did cut like fharpned fwords :
H^durft tell Akab of his great oppreflion ;
What! doftthoukill and after take poffeffion ">
He dui ft tell H^W, though it coft his life,
'Tis wickediivfle to take thy brothers wife.
Had ftrangers heard him preach , they Would have fed?
Siire John the Eafttjfs rifen from the dead.
His carriage holy, harmleffe, free from ftrife.
His Sermons were impr need in his life.
His body was infirme, dlfeaied, weary,
His foul ftill vigorous, aftive, ftrong and cheary.
The more the Cab'net did waft? and wear,
The brighter did the Jewel ftill appear.
Goodneffe of Nature made the world admir6 him,
Tht- brightnejSe of his grace made Saints, defire him.
The Church on earth hath loft a precious plant.
The Church in heaven hath gain'd a glorious Saint,
RA. ROBINSON, Minifttr of Mary
Wolnotb, Lumbar d Street London*
Jtrtmtak
(78)
Jeremiah Wbtitk
ANAGRAM,
I have bit everi
THou didft not fhoot at rovers in the dark,
Thy polifht (haft could hit the finallc ft mark *
Gods glory was thy fcope,his Word thy guide,
His {table Spirit did teacjj thee to d'vide
The word of truth iright: A fignaLTeachei,
AnufefiiJ,p5ous,fruitful, powerful Preacher
God made thee to his Church. None better knew
Then Whitaker to carve to each his due :
The mark of faving grace was firft obtain'd,
And now the mark of Glory thou haft gain'd.'
Enjoy it ; and let other Archers fee
Thy happy pattern, and take aim by thee.
Ra. Robinfon Minijier of Mary Wolnoth^
Lombardftreetj London,
on the death of his moji dear friend D that eminent
fervant and Mini fter of'jefwChrifts Mr. Jere
miah Whitaker, Taftor of Mary Magdalen
Bermondfey in
THus Cedars fall^thus Stars doe difappear,
Prophets though Angels, yet but mortals are.
Our prophet Jeremy's dead, and now there's none
That's fit to make his Lamentation.
Plato once wifht that vertue could appear
To mortal eyes, his wi(h was granted here.
It any Breviator would comprize
All vertues in a word, then let his eyes
Be
(79)
Be fixed here, k&fWhitafyr in minde,
And there you have thevertuesall defin*d.
Or would you know what all the Graces are?
In (hart hand writing , they make Wbitaker.
Would any have the Bible in a word,
And what the vafteft comments can afford ?
Read tfhitafars Works, perufe his converfation.
And there's the Bible and th* Interpretation j
That Book was in his breft fo well ingroft,
He could reftore ft if it had been loft.
H: that by thee (bleft Saint) (hall calculate.
Will finde that Miracles are not out of date.
Whoe're was fo far bleft to hear him teaching
Was prone to think a Seraphim was preaching.
9Twas Auflitfs wifh iWP,ilpic Paul to hear 5
Hi had been fatisfied, hadft thou been there.
Me thought when thy fweetfotil was poured out
In fervent prayer, I began to doubt
Whether Elias was comedown a^ain,
And mounting heavenward with his fiery train.
In this thou diditexcel^ he fcaTd the fort
Alone, but thou thy hearers did tranfport.
Bat whither goss my doleful Mufe ? to fpan
1'th hollow of thy fid the Ocean.
Or to defcnbe his boundleifc hidden worth ?
Nor tongue, nor pen can let his praifes forth.
This only I will adde, he that w / uld draw
His Pon Juture, muft ufe Afxlles Law,
When to paint Lady Venn* with a grace,
Tiiis Beauty gave a hand, that gave a face 5
The third a colour gave, the next a feature,
All joy n*d together made that lovely creature*
In the fame manner, whofoeVe would paint
The beauty of this thrice illuft /ions Saint,
Muft rifle all the world, and-lojk apart
For that iv'iich fh'ics tnmtn each ruble heart.
OfiemaftfljinUity give, another Zeal,
Another Prudence bfethr ens rents to h«al.
teaming
(So)
Learning a fourth inks highcft elevation*
A fifth muft give a fpotltfll conversation.
His preaching one man cannot imitate.}
Here wee muft have Bezas triumvirate.
And when we 'ave traveled all the world to findc
Or make a copy of this match kfle mind,
When other niens perfe&ions all do fail,
We muft with that old Linuier dranl a vail
Upon his pearlcffe parts, or for the reft,
Say,Here lies that which cannot be exprefh
Sicflevit Mat. Poole, Mini far of Michaels
at the Quern in London.
An Epitaph.
HZre lies Saint Whitaker,t^ reft
'.annot) need not be exprejr.
Gnat Borrows noife not3 Give fomejetrs
Tor the world toffeak^in tears,
fir ft this age muft vent itsgriefe
In figbsy the next mayfinde rehefe,
Andjoyn their forrojrs to compnte
1 ill grief e, returning ftrikes themmute^
And make .them flently cenfffi
Their lofi : his worth was faihomtefl:
Another Epitaph.
UNdtr this Stone entombed lies
4n heaf oj contrarieties^
One thai'* dead,yet doth remain
forper\ony place^ and worh^ the fame.
Hisprecwusperfon wascotrtbirfd
,0f foul and bod} firmly pyrfd.
Softill, thefe partsjhwgb diftant, }€t
1
(80
In Cbrift are to etch other £?//*
70 earth hts body wjs confind^
Alw&tes beatfn bad and hath his mind.
His workjvjsf reaching) jo ^tisftill)
And f reach his name for ever mil.
Mat. Poole.
On the memory of the
Mini ft er oftheGoffel (bis reverend brother de-
ceafed) Mr. Jeremiah Whit aker.
WHttaktr fleeps,fpices you need not bring
For's.bodyjdeath it felf's embalm'd to him.
Ahblefled Saint! his Sermons were not done
When preach'djhe liv'd the Application :
A figh was breathed out^God breath'd in a pray'r.
Lie gently onhimduft3thisfeed isfown
To fpring again at th'Refurreftion.
Oh for a verfe in black ! Reader prepare
For every .drop of Ink to melt a tear.
Yet ftay ; with griefether's caufe of joy : then thus
Joy fhal fhed tears for him, and griefe for us.
Benjamin Needier.
Indbitum eximii tamDodrinJ quam pietate
Theologi, *]tremi& Whitakeri, funebre
•
DEfleat occiduos etas ingrata prophetas}
Liquit Evangelicum collapfa. *fynaftritt extern :
Lugen+em & moefto Whitakerus/«wr^ mtmdum
Defer uit ; lachrjmif fquaUeHtem liquerit urbem : .
Jam per eat mendax (leflorido vpinio l*chy Mr.
Mwtuus bic V*tcsnoflrumfefAivit honor em t
M Cmuit
.
Corruit & Veraxfacundi gloria roflri :
Patronum anufit Pauper ;populufque Lutheran :
Amifitque pium mutilata tcclefut gna\umy
Paftorcmccetuty patrent amifere Miniftri :
Gensnttl&frtconw, intmot&m fjnodufq; columnam,
]. Wells3 Old ^evory^ Lond. P after
To the memory of his dear friend dnd
Mr.
BEhold this fhadow whofe admired worth
Nor pen,nor tongue is able to fet forth !
Jiewhofe vaftfoul Walk'd through the Iflc of Man,
Is here confined in a fhorter fpan.
Whofc worth the world though 'twere as big again
Were much too fhort and narrow to contain.
Sweet were his life and death^his wel fpent daies
Began with goodnefle andexpir'd with praife^:
His lamp was ever burning, never hid;
And when his tongue preacht not5his a&ions did *
And to his death he ftil fought faiths good fight,
And then .his Lamp exchanged his borrowed light
Fcjr aiv Imniortal luftre, and here lies,
£n(hrin'd3not dead , for Vertue never dyes.
ti.'&.PariJhioner.
, ;.
.
; On the death of the Reverend Mr. Jeremiah < - -~
Whitaken
TJOw, facrilcgloas Death, rprov?ftthou(b bold
JLXTo rob the Tttnple^ of calcined Gold ?
What Alchimy profane whh thee's fo juft>
To turne fuch metal to igpobler [daft >°
(§3)
Moft orient tPUttfyfy whofe beaming rate
Haiti foil'd all others to adulterate,
O how with Rvman Bards fhal we complain
That Altars want their incenfe once again ?
That the Church odours ceafe to orifons blefs
Since earths perfumes transformed to rottenneflk
But is he dead ? and can new * Troy that bears ;*City of £»i<
His name,not ftrait diflblve her (tones to tears, don.
Anjd weep into the duft, when they may have
A Burial too ? whilft every frighted grave
At this new gutlifhall charm his mouldring bones
To eccho to the dead the living mones,
That fo our Lcvite by both Tomb and City,
May be condol'd with Epidemick pity.
William Lewis, M. of A. of Trinity
Colledge in Cambridge.
Epitaphium ad tumulum Sanfti Whitakeri , qui
quoad corpus morbidus quo ad animum pur-
gatiffimus & maximefaaus3circa veficarn
gangrcna laborabatjcirca pr^cordia
finceritate folgebat.
f)0ft exanilatos tot nofte dieque labores
1 indent mrte vemt cceltius alma quies*
Laflatus ntorbif ftudtis rojbtsjacbryntifque)
]amplacide hie dormtffanw in hoc tumulo.
Sanior heufi wens babitaffet corf ore fano^
N'obu tar da ntagis iHorsy iibi tar da wims.
Altdita namque latet dwn invunt vita piorunt
Cbrifloy atque in vitam, dum ntoriuntur cunt*
Nafcitttr in vitamqvifa moriturus Qlynqum
dfcenditfohts cvrfore minus babens^
Ntc
Nec Whkakere fruw/ properw* ma
NawqueCaro ante obit?imMortificata fiat.
Lugens pofuit Johan. Fuller^ Ecclef;
Martin. Lond. Paftor.
More upon the Death D 4io/ f0/£e bk/ed memory of
that Man of God^ Reverend and worthy Mr. Jere
miah Whitaker, a Faith full, laborw^and
z,ealo#*Minifter ofjefus Chrift.
28. QO 7«wfc flept in Bethel on the Stone,
OWhere he enjoyed Heavens glorious vifion*
In life,in fickneffe3Ltf2/?r^-like the poor
So begfd3prayed,wept, with ulcers at the door
Of hardned Z>* ivw, as thon at the Throne
Of grace to a better P/^^ madtft thy moan^
God rich in mercy ; and fo now to us
Thou lleepft our friend, the rich loved Lazaru**,
Saints live here (ick, poor, toylfom at the beft ;
Whilft from all labours Heaven gives rich bleft rdh r?o-
So lilk-worms with their Weary web out Wrought,
Themfelves uncloath, that they may others cloath.^
So with the induftrious Bee, thou long haft brought
Sweet Honey from thy lips to others ; loath
We were to lofe thee$ but lights fo faft fpendihg,
Themfelves fhinc brighteft,and arefooncft ending.
Saints tears arc Angels wine, which they oft tailing'5
From this our weeping Jeremiahs eyne,
Thefe fervants longd fornwre, and over-hafling
Crav'd leave to take up this fo fruitfull Vine,
And ittranfplant to Heavenly Canaam foyle ;
\Vherc it bears fweetcr fruic with far Icfle toyle,
After
After To raany foul -affifting
Tis juft thqukcep'ft eternity in praife*
"Britain that from white-rocks gain'd Altiw name
Of Whtie-ttkps, reaps crop of higher fame.
Fields here have flood white to Heavens harveft grown^
*Mongft reft two white akers moft richly fown^
Divine Whtiabgrs this rich foyl hath born,
Laden with found good full andripeft Cornv
Both in their generation crown'd with piety
And learning, ferv'd here the higheft Deity*
Both Teacliers,P reachers, and Profeflbrs were
Of found Divinity, in Mofes chaire.
Both valiant for Ghrifts truth, and both befide
For reformation ftood 'gainft Romifh pride*
Both richly laden Corn, ere harveft fell,
Harveft of Autumn-age, and now both dwell
In their Lords barn, Heavens Mansions. What's firft fown*
Is not firft cut, but what's moft ripe, beft grown.
Wfon earth-quakes fluke the whole, no wonder then
Church-pillars fall, fuch prime rare men of men.
Oh that Eliflia-Yike we might inheric
A double part of thefe Elijahs {pint.
What famin's comming well may England doubt,
When God and men thruft Harvcft- labourers out.
* flwake him heartier.'
Saints dead^tKeir Names embalm'd like Phoenix lie
In her fweet funeral pile of fpicery.
f Emblem of refurreftionj whence goes forth
A favor of moft rich and precious worth :
So from thy fragrant name in death afcends
A fume of lively hope that chears thy friends.
For though in death thy wearied body fleepeth,
Ht'l keep and wake thee that his Ifrael keepeth. .
Otir
OuiL/?£/rrw< not in death but fleep doth d\vtl$
I wake him heartier (peakes he (hall doe well,
Whiift life and truth this prcrnife didaverre
I goe to wake him, lure then heartier.
So over-toild labourers, Harveft-fpent,
Are to their bed of rcti more timely fent,
That when in Morn they heartier awake
Td'th matters joy they may themfelves betake.
Upon the fecond C Jeremiah Wktiaker^ Anagram;
Anagram, £ I here^l a whit*
Nor is this all thy precious name affords
Of ufe, thou gaveft us ever more then words.
1,1 here a white Mark mews us befidc
Thou art a white, a Mark,our faithful guide,
A Paul in health, for paines; for patience
A Job in ficknefle, and without offence.
Now in white mark aftarthou doft appear
Of the firft magnitude and higheft fphear ;
Directing us leaft wandring in the dark
By fin we rove from the high callings marjc,-
And mifle our garland that rich glorious prize
To which thou aim'ft us, blefled Paradifc ;
Thy name bleit foul thus by a facred charme
From Earth to Heaven givesois a loud alarm.
J.F.
the Life and Death of that freciow Servant of
God^Mr Jeremiah Whitaker3n>60/e name(lik$
that of his Lord and Mafter) is an
Oyntment poured forth.
JER. EMI A H WHITAK ER3<?r
Etymologic.
He ./&*l/7,His work, White-aker.
wait God. $Jer.20.i3. Afietdvhtte^ „.--,,
God (hall Ks wages, for Harveft, V^.Tf ^
exaltbim.$Jer.5.io. John 4,35. >
Left Saint, how well thy Name and worth agree I
In Name and Office thou art Jeremj.
A God-exalter, and by God exalted 5
APrif/f,a tropbet: one that never halted
Twixt God and Btf/j/,twixt the truth and errour3
Nor couldft be made to dart for hope or terrour.
Heroick Champion, thou deaths venemous fting
Haft cpnquer'd and with Chrift now raign'it as King;
A wife and fai thful Labourer for thy Lord>
To gather in his Harveflby the word :
Thou haft approv'd thy feife to Earth and Heaven,
Witneffc thy Life and Do&rine purg'd from Leaven.: •
Both Labourer and Harveft were thy part,
The former living, this thou dying art.
The ¥eild being for Harveft, ler. V/hite-aker%
Is reapt, and of a better foyle partaker.
Thy melting teares now cordial-water be,
Let me thy forrowes tafte,thy joy es to fee,
Paftor of peters
(88)
A Tuner all Elegy upon the rwer end hh dear e dc
.ceafed friend^ Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker.
O Let me w(ef>9 and eventide a Spring
Vnto the Sea. ofgriefefome tribute bring.
Ihtje Cheekes of mine with "fears bedew'dfkall fwfll
For this Serafhique Sa'mi who lately fell.
70 lofe a Friend is fa'd^but for our Nation
To lofe a. Jeremy is Lamentation.
Could he front death fome way releafed be
His venues furely might hjivefet himfree\
But 'twas a debt 5 and what enflamed depre
Had he to leave his mantle andflye higher !
HowyMlfrarfe his worth, and not d/fpraife f
Say wore^and not fay lefte? darkntng his rayes.
Meekneffe) humility y in this Orbe fhitfd,
In him the chaine ^/Graces was conbin'di
How was hcfir'dwith zeaisven from his youth)
And though he loft dV,woutd hold f aft the truth.
With Jeremy he was a man offtrife,
Tei net for Tithes but Souls* this was his ///<?>
A downright^ upright man he was, a Star
Wbofefacred influence diffnfedfar :
And that ofthefe an end I may endo\e,
His faitb in Chrift befolely did repofc.
I'h/s made him when he felt the f) or f eft fain,
Vfon the flinty racl{e, not to complaine$
Nay when he at the joint of death did lye,,
Did as the milkj Swan moft gently dye*
What did he dye ? his foul as in a CeUy
In heavens bright paradife isgine to dweti
^Among the Cher ubines , where he doth ring
k them *batjo}Htlj HaVelujabs fing :
re he for t tares in joy doth much encreafa
Pleafure dotb kirn of former paittc reletfe $
Ht never Jhatltf Stone", or Ulcer heare^
He never need any moreficfyteffefeare.
Deare Saint ! 1 fooner had adorn* d thy hearfe,
Gut griefefirft vents by weeping, thcnjy verfe.
Thomas Watfon, p/r/fo' <?/ Stephens
Wai brook, London,
Vpon the death of that Reverend Divine^
Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker.
STay and lament, all you that travel by 5
'Tisfin to pafle,and not to caft an ey
Upon this mournful^//? e^acle^ the hear ft
Of one, whofe name can dignifie a verfe.
Loe here th' exuvium of that heavenly foul,
Who living did by's words and wovkj controule
The powV of fm and Satan; and whofe breath
Redeem 'd poor fouls from darkgefond from death,
And by his pious Doctrine did convince
The fly Temptations of that ayery Prince.
He whofe whole life, was a continued ft aft
OfprattJcallTHvinitfo each aft
A $ert*ott) and each word an explanation ;
So that hi sdudients might, by imitation
Of him, and of his life, to Heaven come,
Although they had been deaf, or he been dumb,
But that Almighty potfr who from above
Does all things order, and in whom we move
Wrapt all thefe trea/ures up in brittle Clay;
Death gave*t a crack, and fo tooke all away.
And now our griefs amount to fuch ft fumme
That to exprefs them beft is to be Dumbe.
They that can count their wealth,are ccunted poore^
And wha ,^n ^^his greifes-can fufFer more*
C9<0
Tis diminution to his worthy® weepe
Withftngh Teares,we his whole flock of ffaepe
Joyne in one Law ntation, and let fall
Our general! tea res at this fad Funeral!
Of our dear Shepherd^ in whofe fatal grave
Both he and we one joint mterrment have.
From hence there's no return for him to us,
Bat we muft by degrees all follow thust
He's gone before to it/her us, now dead
What all his life he wrought is perfefted.
Living he fieri* d the way to Heaven^ whither
dead he* $ gone to dears onrpaffage thither;
§r
rifcioners of Bermonfey
1 »i
FINIS.
Books newly printed by Ralph Smithtfii.
Mr. Dickjons Expofition on the whole Book of
Pfalmes in three Books.
The Chriftian Charter, (hewing the priviledge of Belie
vers in this life , and in the life to come : by Mr. Watfon%
Minifter of Stefhen Walbrok$ 5 the third Edition , much
enlarged.
Alfo, Mr. Watfons Art of Divine contentment 5 the fe-
cond Edition.
Mr. Hutchwfons Expofition on the fix fmall Prophets,
viz. Obtidia^Jonah^dicah^Nahum^ Habakfal{ , and Zepha-
niah.
Mr. Hutchinfons Expofition on:the three laft Prophets,
viz. Haggaiy Zcchariah9 Malachi.
An Expofition on the whole book of Ecchfafles , by
that late learned and pious Divine, Mr.
l\
,K '.>
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