A gainful death the end of a truly Christian life a sermon at the funeral of Mr. John Griffith, late minister of the Gospel, who departed this life May 16, in the 79th year of his age / preached May the 20th, 1700 by Richard Allen.
AS I thought strange when Application was made to me, so I doubt not but several here may wonder that I should be ingaged in a Funeral Discourse at the Interment of this antient and worthy Minister of the Gospel:
AS I Thought strange when Application was made to me, so I doubt not but several Here may wonder that I should be engaged in a Funeral Discourse At the Interment of this ancient and worthy Minister of the Gospel:
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Such I would inform that it was nothing but the earnest Solicitations of his dearest Friends and Relations, together with the venerable Esteem I had for himself, that prevailed with me.
Such I would inform that it was nothing but the earnest Solicitations of his dearest Friends and Relations, together with the venerable Esteem I had for himself, that prevailed with me.
but being assured that these excellent words of the Apostle were a very great Support and Solace to the Mind of this Reverend Person in the approaches of his Dissolution,
but being assured that these excellent words of the Apostle were a very great Support and Solace to the Mind of this Reverend Person in the Approaches of his Dissolution,
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and the rather because they are the words of one to whom I will venture to liken (tho in vastly different degrees) this our deceased Friend, viz. an antient faithful Minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Apostle Paul, who was now a Prisoner at Rome, and under the apprehensions of a sudden Dissolution, not indeed (as our antient Friend) through the Infirmities of Age and Sickness,
and the rather Because they Are the words of one to whom I will venture to liken (though in vastly different Degrees) this our deceased Friend, viz. an ancient faithful Minister of the Lord jesus christ, the great Apostle Paul, who was now a Prisoner At Room, and under the apprehensions of a sudden Dissolution, not indeed (as our ancient Friend) through the Infirmities of Age and Sickness,
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as appears v. 20. The ground of which holy Confidence and fearless Expectation of Death, was his consciousness that Christ was his Life, and that therefore Death would be his Gain, as it is expressed in my Text;
as appears v. 20. The ground of which holy Confidence and fearless Expectation of Death, was his consciousness that christ was his Life, and that Therefore Death would be his Gain, as it is expressed in my Text;
or as Tremellius (from the Syriac ) and others render it, For Christ is my Life, understanding that the Apostle useth the Infinitive to live, for the Noun Life; which is very usual both in Scripture and other Authors:
or as Tremellius (from the Syriac) and Others render it, For christ is my Life, understanding that the Apostle uses the Infinitive to live, for the Noun Life; which is very usual both in Scripture and other Authors:
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He that can say upon clear grounds with the Apostle, That Christ is his Life, may assure himself that Death will be so far from being the King of Terrors, that it will be Gain to him.
He that can say upon clear grounds with the Apostle, That christ is his Life, may assure himself that Death will be so Far from being the King of Terrors, that it will be Gain to him.
I. The first thing we shall enquire is, What may be included in Christ's being the Life of a true Christian, that thereby we may make some Judgment of our own State.
I. The First thing we shall inquire is, What may be included in Christ's being the Life of a true Christian, that thereby we may make Some Judgement of our own State.
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We are all thro Sin dead in Law, and under Condemnation; but a true Christian is passed from this State of Death and Condemnation, into that of Justification and Life.
We Are all through since dead in Law, and under Condemnation; but a true Christian is passed from this State of Death and Condemnation, into that of Justification and Life.
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but the true Christian is rais'd up from a Death of Sin, to a Life of sincere Holiness. But how? 'tis by the gracious operation of the Spirit of God, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
but the true Christian is raised up from a Death of since, to a Life of sincere Holiness. But how? it's by the gracious operation of the Spirit of God, which he shed on us abundantly, through jesus christ our Saviour.
'Tis a dangerous Error for any to suppose themselves to live a Life of Justification, before they have some real experience of a Life of Sanctification; and 'tis impossible to live a Life of Sanctification before this vital Ʋnion. I live, says the Apostle, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me;
It's a dangerous Error for any to suppose themselves to live a Life of Justification, before they have Some real experience of a Life of Sanctification; and it's impossible to live a Life of Sanctification before this vital Ʋnion. I live, Says the Apostle, yet not I, but christ lives in me;
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The Crown of Righteousness is promised to all them, and to them only who love his appearing: And to be sure, none can love Christ's appearing but such as can truly say, We love him, because he first loved us.
The Crown of Righteousness is promised to all them, and to them only who love his appearing: And to be sure, none can love Christ's appearing but such as can truly say, We love him, Because he First loved us.
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unless, in some good measure, we are like him in Holiness, Humility, Meekness, Selfdenial, Zeal for the Divine Glory, &c. He that saith he abideth in him, must needs himself also so walk, even as he walked.
unless, in Some good measure, we Are like him in Holiness, Humility, Meekness, Self-denial, Zeal for the Divine Glory, etc. He that Says he Abideth in him, must needs himself also so walk, even as he walked.
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He does not only sometimes speak or act for Christ, but habitually lives to him. Our Apostle tells us here, he rejoic'd while Christ was preached and glorified,
He does not only sometime speak or act for christ, but habitually lives to him. Our Apostle tells us Here, he rejoiced while christ was preached and glorified,
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These are brief hints of the severals I take to be included in this Phrase, To me to live is Christ, or Christ is my Life; which taken together, I conceive, give us an excellent Description of a true living Christian.
These Are brief hints of the severals I take to be included in this Phrase, To me to live is christ, or christ is my Life; which taken together, I conceive, give us an excellent Description of a true living Christian.
He is one that, through the meritorious Sufferings and Obedience of the Lord Jesus, is vitally united to him by Faith, and thereby justified and sanctified;
He is one that, through the meritorious Sufferings and obedience of the Lord jesus, is vitally united to him by Faith, and thereby justified and sanctified;
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Without presupposing this, I can't see what rational Account can be given of the Apostles Option, ver. 23. Having a desire to depart, or to be dissolv'd, and be with Christ. Which Truth I think also plainly taught by our Saviour, in his gracious Promise to the petitioning Malefactor, Verily I say to thee, To day, or this very day, thou shalt be with me in Paradise;
Without presupposing this, I can't see what rational Account can be given of the Apostles Option, ver. 23. Having a desire to depart, or to be dissolved, and be with christ. Which Truth I think also plainly taught by our Saviour, in his gracious Promise to the petitioning Malefactor, Verily I say to thee, To day, or this very day, thou shalt be with me in Paradise;
Whence all that have valiantly and victoriously fought the good fight, &c. die in a comfortable hope of receiving a Crown of Righteousness at that day, viz. of his appearing. Thus much in general.
Whence all that have valiantly and victoriously fought the good fight, etc. die in a comfortable hope of receiving a Crown of Righteousness At that day, viz. of his appearing. Thus much in general.
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1. They gain thereby a perfect freedom from all Sin. I need not prove to any serious Christian that this is a very great Gain. Believers are indeed now characteriz'd to be such as are made free from Sin; but this means no otherwise than as the Apostle afterwards explains himself, made free from the Law, or Dominion of Sin. An absolutely perfect freedom from Sin, is peculiar to the future Life.
1. They gain thereby a perfect freedom from all Sin. I need not prove to any serious Christian that this is a very great Gain. Believers Are indeed now characterized to be such as Are made free from since; but this means not otherwise than as the Apostle afterwards explains himself, made free from the Law, or Dominion of Sin. an absolutely perfect freedom from since, is peculiar to the future Life.
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The remains of this Plague in Believers, like that inveterate Leprosy in the Houses of Israelites, can't be perfectly cur'd without dissolving this earthly House of their Tabernacle.
The remains of this Plague in Believers, like that inveterate Leprosy in the Houses of Israelites, can't be perfectly cured without dissolving this earthly House of their Tabernacle.
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Yea the second Adam, our Lord Jesus, tho perfectly holy and undefil'd, yet, in the state of his Humiliation, he was not only assaulted with Temptations,
Yea the second Adam, our Lord jesus, though perfectly holy and undefiled, yet, in the state of his Humiliation, he was not only assaulted with Temptations,
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But Death will free the sincere Christian not only from the destructive malignity of the fiery Darts of the wicked one, but also from their afflictive Injections; not only from being overcome by those fleshly Lusts which war against their Souls, but also from being any more molested by the motion of them.
But Death will free the sincere Christian not only from the destructive malignity of the fiery Darts of the wicked one, but also from their afflictive Injections; not only from being overcome by those fleshly Lustiest which war against their Souls, but also from being any more molested by the motion of them.
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In this respect Death will usher the living Christian into a Life transcendently more excellent than the present Life of Grace, wherein whatever ground Christians have to think themselves to stand, or to be established, they must still take heed lest they fall.
In this respect Death will usher the living Christian into a Life transcendently more excellent than the present Life of Grace, wherein whatever ground Christians have to think themselves to stand, or to be established, they must still take heed lest they fallen.
And sure the most confirm'd Christian, while here, as well as the great Apostle, has need to maintain a cautionary Fear and Endeavour, lest he should be, or become a Reprobate or Castaway.
And sure the most confirmed Christian, while Here, as well as the great Apostle, has need to maintain a cautionary fear and Endeavour, lest he should be, or become a Reprobate or Castaway.
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Yea Death will advance the living Christian into a transcendently better Life than that paradisical one of our first Parents in Innocency, as was hinted before:
Yea Death will advance the living Christian into a transcendently better Life than that paradisical one of our First Parents in Innocency, as was hinted before:
But Believers thro Death will be secur'd not only from Sin, but from all danger of sinning, and establish'd in an impeccable and immutable state of Holiness.
But Believers through Death will be secured not only from since, but from all danger of sinning, and established in an impeccable and immutable state of Holiness.
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3. Death will free the living Christian from all Sorrows and Miseries. They are already exempted by their Justification from liableness to future-Wrath and Condemnation:
3. Death will free the living Christian from all Sorrows and Misery's. They Are already exempted by their Justification from liableness to future-Wrath and Condemnation:
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so those few days are full of trouble. How many Sorrows afflict some thro want and penury; and no less Sorrows attend others in obtaining and using of Riches; and a while after it may be far greater accost them by the sudden loss of an Estate,
so those few days Are full of trouble. How many Sorrows afflict Some through want and penury; and no less Sorrows attend Others in obtaining and using of Riches; and a while After it may be Far greater accost them by the sudden loss of an Estate,
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Many times they have great Sorrows from the Malignity of open Enemies, at other times no less from the Treachery of pretended Friends, and the Mutability and Fickleness of once real ones.
Many times they have great Sorrows from the Malignity of open Enemies, At other times no less from the Treachery of pretended Friends, and the Mutability and Fickleness of once real ones.
The dear Children of God here labour often under Sorrows by reason of Pains, and dolorous Distempers in their Bodies, and many times by reason of Doubts and Fears in their Minds: They have many times Heartbreaking Sorrows from the woful Miscarriages of Children, or other dear Relations;
The dear Children of God Here labour often under Sorrows by reason of Pains, and dolorous Distempers in their Bodies, and many times by reason of Doubts and Fears in their Minds: They have many times Heartbreaking Sorrows from the woeful Miscarriages of Children, or other dear Relations;
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It would be equally false and irreligious for any to say that our Saviour had a sinful Body, but it is certainly true that he had an animal Body like ours, liable to the like natural tho not moral Infirmities, which Sin hath brought into our Bodies.
It would be equally false and irreligious for any to say that our Saviour had a sinful Body, but it is Certainly true that he had an animal Body like ours, liable to the like natural though not moral Infirmities, which since hath brought into our Bodies.
as they are to them an occasion of much Sin, so when they are not so, they are a great clog and hindrance, and as it were a dead weight, to keep their aspiring Souls from mounting upwards in Divine Contemplations and Communion with God.
as they Are to them an occasion of much since, so when they Are not so, they Are a great clog and hindrance, and as it were a dead weight, to keep their aspiring Souls from mounting upward in Divine Contemplations and Communion with God.
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Tho the Flesh in them be not so strong as to prove a victorious Enemy, yet 'tis so weak as to prove a very untoward and sluggish Servant, even when they are bless'd with a willing Spirit in religious Duties.
Tho the Flesh in them be not so strong as to prove a victorious Enemy, yet it's so weak as to prove a very untoward and sluggish Servant, even when they Are blessed with a willing Spirit in religious Duties.
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Whence the best Saints have continual need not only to watch, but pray earnestly for help from above, to secure them from being vanquished by Temptation.
Whence the best Saints have continual need not only to watch, but pray earnestly for help from above, to secure them from being vanquished by Temptation.
But Death will bring them into that blessed State wherein this contemptible, and, it may be, deform'd Body shall be made glorious and beautiful: This weak and frail Body shall be made vigorous and powerful; this Earthly and Terrene Body shall be made Heavenly and Celestial; this gross and sluggish Body shall be made pure and spiritual: Then I conceive they will be enabled even literally to mount up as with Eagles Wings, to run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.
But Death will bring them into that blessed State wherein this contemptible, and, it may be, deformed Body shall be made glorious and beautiful: This weak and frail Body shall be made vigorous and powerful; this Earthly and Terrene Body shall be made Heavenly and Celestial; this gross and sluggish Body shall be made pure and spiritual: Then I conceive they will be enabled even literally to mount up as with Eagles Wings, to run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.
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In a word, our gracious Redeemer will change this our vile Body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.
In a word, our gracious Redeemer will change this our vile Body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.
The most illuminated Saints here have cause, with Elihu, to complain we can't order either our Thoughts and Conceptions, or our Words and Expressions aright, concerning him, by reason of Darkness. Indeed the most raised Notions and Conceptions, Words and Discourses even of an Apostle, while here, concerning the Mysteries of God and Religion, are but like the imperfect and confus'd Thoughts, or lisping and broken Expressions of Children, compar'd with what they shall be in Heaven, whence spring so many different Apprehensions amongst the most sincere Christians;
The most illuminated Saints Here have cause, with Elihu, to complain we can't order either our Thoughts and Conceptions, or our Words and Expressions aright, Concerning him, by reason of Darkness. Indeed the most raised Notions and Conceptions, Words and Discourses even of an Apostle, while Here, Concerning the Mysteres of God and Religion, Are but like the imperfect and confused Thoughts, or lisping and broken Expressions of Children, compared with what they shall be in Heaven, whence spring so many different Apprehensions among the most sincere Christians;
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and hence they are too often vehemently contending and quarrelling like Children about those abstruse Difficulties which are clearly apprehended by neither of the contending Parties.
and hence they Are too often vehemently contending and quarreling like Children about those abstruse Difficulties which Are clearly apprehended by neither of the contending Parties.
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then their present obscure Knowledg shall vanish, as the twinkling Light of a Candle before the resplendent Brightness of the Sun. All which is fully and clearly expressed by the Apostle to the Corinthian Christians.
then their present Obscure Knowledge shall vanish, as the twinkling Light of a Candle before the resplendent Brightness of the Sun. All which is Fully and clearly expressed by the Apostle to the Corinthian Christians.
Then will the infinitely wise and beautiful Series of Divine Providence be display'd, which here appears many times, to the best, dark and unaccountable for want of their seeing it from the beginning to the end:
Then will the infinitely wise and beautiful Series of Divine Providence be displayed, which Here appears many times, to the best, dark and unaccountable for want of their seeing it from the beginning to the end:
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Then shall the Depths of the Divine Wisdom and Goodness in all God's Works appear to his Saints, who shall be the wondring and delightful Beholders thereof.
Then shall the Depths of the Divine Wisdom and goodness in all God's Works appear to his Saints, who shall be the wondering and delightful Beholders thereof.
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How and after what manner Saints shall see him who is invisible, what human Mind can now conceive? and how much less can my Tongue or Pen express it? But in this the Holy Ghost is express;
How and After what manner Saints shall see him who is invisible, what human Mind can now conceive? and how much less can my Tongue or Pen express it? But in this the Holy Ghost is express;
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And well may this, according to the Apostle's design, raise admiring Thoughts and Meditations in our Minds concerning that State, and the Divine Love which gives us an Interest therein.
And well may this, according to the Apostle's Design, raise admiring Thoughts and Meditations in our Minds Concerning that State, and the Divine Love which gives us an Interest therein.
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Father (saith he) I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory, &c. O! what a desirable thing must it be to be for ever with the Lord, and in the perpetual and uninterrupted fruition of him? To all such who count it no less their Privilege than their Duty to behold his Glory now, tho it be only in the Glass of Ordinances; to all those who often, in some good measure, experience the Psalmist's Devotion, breathing forth with him, My Soul thirsteth for God, for the living God;
Father (Says he) I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory, etc. OH! what a desirable thing must it be to be for ever with the Lord, and in the perpetual and uninterrupted fruition of him? To all such who count it no less their Privilege than their Duty to behold his Glory now, though it be only in the Glass of Ordinances; to all those who often, in Some good measure, experience the Psalmist's Devotion, breathing forth with him, My Soul Thirsteth for God, for the living God;
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They now enjoy not only a visible Fellowship with Saints, but a sweet and invisible Communion with holy Angels, who delightfully perform that kind Office, in which they are imploy'd by our common Head, being by him made all ministring Spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation.
They now enjoy not only a visible Fellowship with Saints, but a sweet and invisible Communion with holy Angels, who delightfully perform that kind Office, in which they Are employed by our Common Head, being by him made all ministering Spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation.
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But they shall ascend from the valley of Death to the top of Mount Sion, and to the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels;
But they shall ascend from the valley of Death to the top of Mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels;
that is, freed from all those defects in Knowledg and Holiness, which here render the Society even of Saints sometimes very unpleasant and troublesom.
that is, freed from all those defects in Knowledge and Holiness, which Here render the Society even of Saints sometime very unpleasant and troublesome.
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The most happy Estate here is often obtain'd with care, kept with fear, and lost with trouble: Honour and Greatness are commonly uneasy to those that have them,
The most happy Estate Here is often obtained with care, kept with Fear, and lost with trouble: Honour and Greatness Are commonly uneasy to those that have them,
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yet even this (if we may believe him who had the largest Experience of it) is not without its Vanity and Vexation of Spirit. For in much Wisdom, saith he, is much Grief; and he that increaseth Knowledg, increaseth Sorrow.
yet even this (if we may believe him who had the Largest Experience of it) is not without its Vanity and Vexation of Spirit. For in much Wisdom, Says he, is much Grief; and he that increases Knowledge, increases Sorrow.
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Yea, the very Sweets and Delights of Religion are here exceedingly dampt; partly by the Consciousness of our great Imperfection therein, partly by Melancholy, and partly by the Malice of that malignant Spirit, who if he can't hale us with himself into Hell, will be sure to make us go as droopingly as possible in our way to Heaven. But Death transmits holy Souls into the immediate Presence of God, where there is fulness of Joy, and at whose right-hand there are Pleasures for evermore.
Yea, the very Sweets and Delights of Religion Are Here exceedingly dampt; partly by the Consciousness of our great Imperfection therein, partly by Melancholy, and partly by the Malice of that malignant Spirit, who if he can't hale us with himself into Hell, will be sure to make us go as droopingly as possible in our Way to Heaven. But Death transmits holy Souls into the immediate Presence of God, where there is fullness of Joy, and At whose right-hand there Are Pleasures for evermore.
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Then all the Doubts of sad and dejected, tho sincere Souls, shall be chang'd into full assurance; all their Darkness into the most clear Light, their Mournings into Melodies, their Sorrows and Sighs into Songs of Praise and joyful Hallelujahs to him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.
Then all the Doubts of sad and dejected, though sincere Souls, shall be changed into full assurance; all their Darkness into the most clear Light, their Mournings into Melodies, their Sorrows and Sighs into Songs of Praise and joyful Hallelujahs to him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.
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This is indeed but a Circumstance, but 'tis such a Circumstance, without which all the Happiness of Heaven it self would be imperfect: Yea, the greater the Felicity is, the greater and more amazing would be the damp it would strike upon the Spirits of those who are in the fruition of it, to think;
This is indeed but a Circumstance, but it's such a Circumstance, without which all the Happiness of Heaven it self would be imperfect: Yea, the greater the Felicity is, the greater and more amazing would be the damp it would strike upon the Spirits of those who Are in the fruition of it, to think;
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I believe there are few living Christians but are ready to cry out with Job, under a sense of the Sinsulness and Miserableness of the present Life, I would not live always.
I believe there Are few living Christians but Are ready to cry out with Job, under a sense of the Sinfulness and Miserableness of the present Life, I would not live always.
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Where there is fulness of Joy, it can't but be an inconceivable Pleasure to know it shall be for evermore. As the Felicities of Saints after Death are call'd weights of Glory,
Where there is fullness of Joy, it can't but be an inconceivable Pleasure to know it shall be for evermore. As the Felicities of Saints After Death Are called weights of Glory,
for such are begotten to an Inheritance, not like the Inheritances of this World, fading and uncertain, but to an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled,
for such Are begotten to an Inheritance, not like the Inheritances of this World, fading and uncertain, but to an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled,
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Thus I have set before you a little, and I may, without any Rhetorical Flourish, say but a little of the Advantages which every sincere Christian shall gain by Death. I am confident whoever of you pass thro the dark valley and shadow of Death into those Regions of Light and Blessedness (and O that it may be the Portion of every one of you, who are my Hearers or Readers!) you will then wonderingly say of this your Gain by Death,
Thus I have Set before you a little, and I may, without any Rhetorical Flourish, say but a little of the Advantages which every sincere Christian shall gain by Death. I am confident whoever of you pass through the dark valley and shadow of Death into those Regions of Light and Blessedness (and Oh that it may be the Portion of every one of you, who Are my Hearers or Readers!) you will then wonderingly say of this your Gain by Death,
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And among many very useful Reflections, which might be made upon this excellent Subject, I shall shut up my present Discourse with these brief ones following.
And among many very useful Reflections, which might be made upon this excellent Subject, I shall shut up my present Discourse with these brief ones following.
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If such be the end of a truly Christian Life, then, as the Scriptures frequently, so they most fitly represent sincere Religion and Piety as the truest Wisdom. Let even Reason impartially speak whether it be not the truest Wisdom to prefer the Fountain of Living Waters, before broken Cisterns that can hold no Water;
If such be the end of a truly Christian Life, then, as the Scriptures frequently, so they most fitly represent sincere Religion and Piety as the Truest Wisdom. Let even Reason impartially speak whither it be not the Truest Wisdom to prefer the Fountain of Living Waters, before broken Cisterns that can hold no Water;
to prefer our Souls, in which we were made but little inferior to Angels, before our Bodies, in which we are little superior to Beasts; to give the Preference to Heaven above Earth, to Eternity above Time; to prefer solid and endless Joys and Felicities, before empty and perishing Pleasures:
to prefer our Souls, in which we were made but little inferior to Angels, before our Bodies, in which we Are little superior to Beasts; to give the Preference to Heaven above Earth, to Eternity above Time; to prefer solid and endless Joys and Felicities, before empty and perishing Pleasures:
but what unaccountable Madness is it wholly to neglect this great Salvation! Nor is it less folly for any to satisfy themselves with the Name, without the Life of Christianity, with a mere Form, without the Power of Godliness;
but what unaccountable Madness is it wholly to neglect this great Salvation! Nor is it less folly for any to satisfy themselves with the Name, without the Life of Christianity, with a mere From, without the Power of Godliness;
tho they secretly work Iniquity, and indulge themselves in worldly and fleshly Lusts. Such have no part or lot in this whole matter. However such Hypocrites may now flatter themselves with a vain expectation of Happiness, tho they are regardless of that sincere Holiness which is the only way to it, this their Hope shall at last utterly perish, and be suddenly cut off, and their Trust will be as a Spider's Web. Tho they feed upon Ashes, and carry a Lie in their right-hand, and are so turn'd aside by a deceived and flattering Heart, as to entertain no serious thoughts of securing and delivering their Souls; they shall at length be rouz'd out of this delusory Dream.
though they secretly work Iniquity, and indulge themselves in worldly and fleshly Lusts. Such have no part or lot in this Whole matter. However such Hypocrites may now flatter themselves with a vain expectation of Happiness, though they Are regardless of that sincere Holiness which is the only Way to it, this their Hope shall At last utterly perish, and be suddenly Cut off, and their Trust will be as a Spider's Web. Though they feed upon Ashes, and carry a Lie in their right-hand, and Are so turned aside by a deceived and flattering Heart, as to entertain no serious thoughts of securing and delivering their Souls; they shall At length be roused out of this delusory Dream.
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However they have lull'd their Consciences asleep, fancying themselves spiritually rich, by reason of their Profession and external Privileges, they shall not by all their empty Pleas be able to deceive their all-knowing Judg, nor appease him who will then be inexorable to their most earnest Intreaties;
However they have lulled their Consciences asleep, fancying themselves spiritually rich, by reason of their Profession and external Privileges, they shall not by all their empty Pleasant be able to deceive their All-knowing Judge, nor appease him who will then be inexorable to their most earnest Entreaties;
3. Seeing none shall be admitted into Heaven, but those who have Christ for their Life, as far as in us lies we should admit and retain no other in Christ's Church, which ought to be an Emblem of Heaven, upon which account 'tis often call'd the Kingdom of Heaven. Such as make Christ's Laws the Rule of their Life, Christ's Life the Pattern of theirs,
3. Seeing none shall be admitted into Heaven, but those who have christ for their Life, as Far as in us lies we should admit and retain no other in Christ's Church, which ought to be an Emblem of Heaven, upon which account it's often called the Kingdom of Heaven. Such as make Christ's Laws the Rule of their Life, Christ's Life the Pattern of theirs,
or receive benefit by Church Communion. One scandalous Sinner being indulg'd in the Church, tho but a little Leven, yet leveneth the whole lump, that is, renders the whole Church guilty by their abetting of him.
or receive benefit by Church Communion. One scandalous Sinner being indulged in the Church, though but a little Leven, yet leveneth the Whole lump, that is, renders the Whole Church guilty by their abetting of him.
if such a one should be a magnified Teacher in any Society of Christians, as several of the Greek Fathers tell us, that incestuous Fornicator amongst the Corinthians was,
if such a one should be a magnified Teacher in any Society of Christians, as several of the Greek Father's tell us, that incestuous Fornicator among the Corinthians was,
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lest there be any Fornicator, or profane Person, and thereby many be defiled. 4. This should perswade all that have Christ for their Life, to love one another.
lest there be any Fornicator, or profane Person, and thereby many be defiled. 4. This should persuade all that have christ for their Life, to love one Another.
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and peculiar Treasure, being, by their gracious Redeemer, chosen out of the World; and therefore the World hates them, and carries it strangely towards them;
and peculiar Treasure, being, by their gracious Redeemer, chosen out of the World; and Therefore the World hates them, and carries it strangely towards them;
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yet are much endeared in their mutual Affections by meeting together in a strange Land, especially if it be withal a barbarous Country, where they are Partners in Sufferings and Hardships;
yet Are much endeared in their mutual Affections by meeting together in a strange Land, especially if it be withal a barbarous Country, where they Are Partners in Sufferings and Hardships;
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so Christians, considering they are all fellow Travellers thro a wast howling Wilderness to the Celestial Canaan, should take that excellent Counsel good Joseph gave his Brethren, See that ye fall not out by the way.
so Christians, considering they Are all fellow Travellers through a wast howling Wilderness to the Celestial Canaan, should take that excellent Counsel good Joseph gave his Brothers, See that you fallen not out by the Way.
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But especially, if, besides all this, we are visibly initiated into Christ's Church by that one Baptism which he instituted, different Apprehensions about more disputable Matters of Religion, should not hinder us from jointly and studiously endeavouring to keep the most close Ʋnity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.
But especially, if, beside all this, we Are visibly initiated into Christ's Church by that one Baptism which he instituted, different Apprehensions about more disputable Matters of Religion, should not hinder us from jointly and studiously endeavouring to keep the most close Ʋnity of the Spirit in the Bound of Peace.
and the Church of Christ hath great cause to mourn for hers; but you have both great ground of Support, in that God continued him with you to a good old Age, and especially in that his hoary Head was a Crown of Glory, being found in the way of Righteousness.
and the Church of christ hath great cause to mourn for hers; but you have both great ground of Support, in that God continued him with you to a good old Age, and especially in that his hoary Head was a Crown of Glory, being found in the Way of Righteousness.
He liv'd near fourscore years, and more than threescore of them were solemnly, and (we have just reason to believe) sincerely devoted to the Lord Jesus in his Church:
He lived near fourscore Years, and more than threescore of them were solemnly, and (we have just reason to believe) sincerely devoted to the Lord jesus in his Church:
He was indeed (in my opinion, and in the opinion of several other Christians) somewhat too strait and narrow in his Notions concerning the terms of Church-Communion; but even this, we have good reason to think, proceeded from his sincere Zeal, and tender respect to the Laws of the blessed Jesus.
He was indeed (in my opinion, and in the opinion of several other Christians) somewhat too strait and narrow in his Notions Concerning the terms of Church-Communion; but even this, we have good reason to think, proceeded from his sincere Zeal, and tender respect to the Laws of the blessed jesus.
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and to the last rejoiced in full assurance of hope: He being conscious that Christ was his Life, thereupon comfortably concluded that Death would be his Gain.
and to the last rejoiced in full assurance of hope: He being conscious that christ was his Life, thereupon comfortably concluded that Death would be his Gain.
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We have good ground, through Grace, to believe him among those blessed Ones who died in the Lord, who rest from their Labours, and their Works follow them:
We have good ground, through Grace, to believe him among those blessed Ones who died in the Lord, who rest from their Labours, and their Works follow them:
In the last place, Let us labour to be Followers of him, so far as he followed Christ; and of all others who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises.
In the last place, Let us labour to be Followers of him, so Far as he followed christ; and of all Others who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises.
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This antient Minister of Christ now laying in the Dust, liv'd indeed to be full of days; but who of you can promise your selves to be herein like him? For what is your Life? it is even a Vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
This ancient Minister of christ now laying in the Dust, lived indeed to be full of days; but who of you can promise your selves to be herein like him? For what is your Life? it is even a Vapour that appears for a little time, and then Vanishes away.
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O remember that the youngest and strongest, and the most healthy walk but in a vain shew, and at their best, most establish'd State, are altogether Vanity!
Oh Remember that the youngest and Strongest, and the most healthy walk but in a vain show, and At their best, most established State, Are altogether Vanity!
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Let us therefore earnestly pray, and labour so to number our days, and consider the great uncertainty of our Life, that we may apply our Hearts to Divine and Heavenly Wisdom. We see many of our dear Friends and Relations suddenly cut off as a Flower, and snatch'd from us;
Let us Therefore earnestly pray, and labour so to number our days, and Consider the great uncertainty of our Life, that we may apply our Hearts to Divine and Heavenly Wisdom. We see many of our dear Friends and Relations suddenly Cut off as a Flower, and snatched from us;
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let us bless God for the good hope we have, thro Grace, of their being ready; and let us pray and labour that we may be also ready, because our Lord assures us, he will come in such an hour as we think not.
let us bless God for the good hope we have, through Grace, of their being ready; and let us pray and labour that we may be also ready, Because our Lord assures us, he will come in such an hour as we think not.
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