A sermon preached at the funeral of the Rt Honorable John Earl of Rochester, who died at Woodstock-Park, July 26, 1680, and was buried at Spilsbury in Oxford-shire, Aug. 9 by Robert Parsons ...

St. LUKE 15.7.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one Sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance.

IF ever there were a subject that might deserve and exhaust all the treasures of Religious Eloquence in the description of so great a Man, and so great a Sinner as now lies before us; together with the won∣ders of the Divine goodness, in making him as great a Penitent; I think the present occasion affords one as remarkable as any place or age can produce.

Indeed so great and full a matter it is, that tis too big to come out of my mouth, and perhaps not all of it fit or needful so to do. The greatness of his Parts are well enough known, and of his Sins too well in the world; and neither my Capacity, nor Experience, nor my Profession will allow me to be so proper a judge, either of the one or the other. Only as God has been pleased to make me a long while a sad Spectator, and a secret Mourner for his Sins; so has he at last graciously heard the prayers of his nearest Relations, and true Friends, for his Conversion

and Repentance: and tis the good tidings of that especially, what God has done for his Soul, that I am now to publish and tell abroad to the world, not only by the obligations of mine Office, in which I had the honour to be a weak Minister to it, but by his own ex∣press and dying Commands.

Now altho, to describe this worthily, would re∣quire a Wit equal to that with which he lived, and a Devotion too, equal to that with which he died, and to match either will be a very hard task; yet besides that I am not sufficient for these things, (for who is?) and that my thoughts have been rather privately bu∣sied to secure a real repentance to himself, whilst living, than to publish it abroad to others in artificial dress after he is dead; I say, besides all this, I think I shall have less need to call in the aids of secular Eloquence. The proper habit of Repentance is not fine Linnen, or any delicate Array, such as are used in the Court, or Kings Houses, but Sack-cloth and Ashes: And the way which God Almighty takes to convey it, is not by the words of mans wisdome, but by the plainness of his written Word, assisted by the inward power and de∣monstration of the Spirit: and the effects it works, and by which it discovers it self, are not any raptures of wit and fancy, but the most humble prostrations both

of soul and spirit, and the captivating all humane ima∣ginations to the obedience of a despised Religion, and a crucified Saviour.

And tis in this array I intend to bring out this Penitent to you; an array which I am sure he more valued, and desired to appear in, both to God and the World, than in all the triumphs of Wit and Gallantry, And there∣fore (waving all these Rhetorical flourishes, as beneath the Solemnity of the occasion, and the majesty of that great and weighty Truth I am now to deliver) I shall content my self with the office of a plain Historian, to relate faithfully and impartially what I saw and heard; especially during his Penitential sorrows; which if all that hear me this day had been spectators of, there would then have been no need of a Sermon to con∣vince men, but every man would have been as much a Preacher to himself of this Truth, as I am, except these sorrows: And yet even these Sorrows should be turn'd into Joys too, if we would only do what we pray for, that the will of God may be done in earth, as it is in hea∣ven: for so our Blessed Lord assures us; I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that re∣penteth, &c. From which I shall consider,

1. The Sinner particularly that is before us.

2. The Repentance of this Sinner, together with

the means, the time, and all probable sincerity of it.

3. The joy that is in Heaven, and should be on Earth, for the Repentance of this Sinner.

4. The comparative greatness and preeminence of this joy, on the account of his Example, that is, and should be for the Repentance of this Sinner, more than for the constant and uniform virtuousness of any good liver; which will naturally lead me to my

Fifth and last particular, to a speciall address or application to all that hear me; that they would all joyn in this joy, in praise and thanksgivings to God for the conversion of this Sinner; and if there be any that have been like him in their sins, that they would also speedily imitate him in their repentance.

And 1. let us consider the Person before us, as he cer∣tainly was, a great Sinner. But because man was upright before he was a sinner, and to measure the greatness of his fall, it will be necessary to take a view of that height from wich he fell; give me leave to go back a little to look into the rock from which he was hewn, the Quality, Familie, Education, and Personal Accom∣plishments of this Great man. In doing of which I think no man will charge me with any design of cu∣stomary flattery, or formality; since I intend only thereby to shew the greatness and unhappiness of his

folly, in the perverting so many excellent abilities and advantages for virtue and piety in the service of sin, and so becoming a more universal, insinuating, and prevailing example of it.

As for his Family, on both sides, from which he was descended, they were some of the most famous in their generations. His Grandfather was that excel∣lent and truly great man, Charles Lord Wilmot, Vis∣count Athlone in Ireland. Henry his Father, who in∣herited the same Title and Greatness, was by his late Majesty King CHARLES the I. created Baron of Ad∣derbury in Oxfordshire, and by his present Majesty Earl of Rochester. He was a man of signal Loyalty and Inte∣grity indeed; and of such Courage and Conduct in Military affairs as became a great General. But my endeavours of this kind are superseded, tho I had time, by my want of abilities to declare it worthily, as well as by the notoriety of these severals; and that person must be very ignorant of the late Transactions in the three Kingdoms, and the misfortunes of our present King, who understands not the service and value of that eminent Subject. His Mother (of whom I might speak great and worthy things, were it not that I avoid the imputation of flattery) was the Relict of Sir Fran∣cis-Henry Lee of Ditchly in the County of Oxford Ba∣ronet,

Grandmother to the present Right Honourable Earl of Litchfield, and the Daughter of that Generous and Honourable Gentleman Sir John St. Johns of Lyddi∣ard in the County of Wilts Baronet, whose Family was so remarkable for loyalty, that several of his Sons wil∣lingly offer'd themselves in the day of battel, and died for it; and whilst the memory of the English or Irish Rebellion lasts, that Family cannot want a due vene∣ration in the minds of any person, that loves either God or the King.

As for his Education, it was in Wadham College in Oxford, under the care of that wise and excellent Go∣vernour Dr. Blanford, the late Right Reverend Bishop of Worcester; there it was that he laid a good founda∣tion of learning and study, though he afterwards built upon that foundation hay and stubble. There he first suck'd from the breasts of his Mother the University those perfections of Wit, and Eloquence, and Poetry, which afterwards by his own corrupt stomach, or some ill juices after, were turn'd into poison to him∣self and others: which certainly can be no more a blemish to those Illustrious Seminaries of Piety and good Learning, than a disobedient Child is to a wise and virtuous Father, or the fall of Man to the excel∣lency of Paradise.

His Quality I shall take no notice of, there being so much of what was excellent and extraordinary in this great Person, that I have no room for any thing that is common to him with others.

A Wit he had so rare and fruitful in its Invention, and withall so choice and delicate in its Judgment, that there is nothing wanting in his Composures to give a full answer to that question, what and where Wit is? except the purity and choice of subject. For had such excellent seeds but fallen upon good ground, and in∣stead of pitching upon a Beast or a Lust, been raised up on high, to celebrate the mysteries of the Divine Love, in Psalms, and Hymns, and Spirtual songs; I per∣swade my self we might by this time have receiv'd from his Pen as excellent an Idea of Divine Poetry, under the Gospel, useful to the teaching of Virtue, especially in this generation, as his profane Verses have been to destroy it. And I am confident, had God spared him a longer life, this would have been the whole business of it, as I know it was the vow and pur∣pose of his Sickness.

His natural talent was excellent, but he had hugely improved it by Learning and Industry, being through∣ly acquainted with all Classick Authors, both Greek and Latin; a thing very rare, if not peculiar to him,

amongst those of his quality. Which yet he used not, as other Poets have done, to translate or steal from them, but rather to better, and improve them by his own natural fancy. And whoever reads his Compo∣sures, will find all things in them so peculiarly Great, New, and Excellent, that he will easily pronounce, That tho he has lent to many others, yet he has bor∣rowed of none; and that he has been as far from a sordid imitation of those before him, as he will be from being reach'd by those that follow him.

His other personal accomplishments in all the per∣fections of a Gentleman for the Court or the Country, whereof he was known by all men to be a very great Master, is no part of my business to describe or under∣stand: and whatever they were in themselves, I am sure they were but miserable Comforters to him, since they only minister'd to his sins, and made his example the more fatal and dangerous; for so we may own, (nay I am obliged by him not to hide, but to shew the rocks, which others may avoid) that he was once one of the greatest of Sinners.

And truly none but one so great in parts could be so; as the chiefest of the Angels for knowledge and power became most dangerous. His Sins were like his Parts, (for from them corrupted they sprang,) all

of them high and extraordinary. He seem'd to affect something singular and paradoxical in his Impieties, as well as his Writings, above the reach and thought of other men; taking as much pains to draw others in, and to pervert the right ways of Virtue, as the Apostles and Primitive Saints, to save their own souls, and them that heard them. For this was the height∣ning and amazing circumstance of his sins, that he was so diligent and industrious to recommend and propagate them; not like those of old that hated the light, but those the Prophet mentions, Isaiah 3.9. who declare their sin as Sodom, and hide it not, that take it upon their shoulders, and bind it to them as a Crown; framing Arguments for Sin, making Proselytes to it, and writing Panegyricks upon Vice; singing Praises to the great Enemy of God, and casting down Coro∣nets and Crowns before his Throne.

Nay so confirm'd was he in Sin, that he lived, and oftentimes almost died, a Martyr for it. God was pleased sometimes to punish him with the effects of his folly, yet till now (he confessed) they had no power to melt him into true Repentance; or if at any time he had some lucid intervals from his folly and madness, yet (alas) how short and transitory were th••••? all that goodness was but as a morning cloud, and as the early

dew which vanishes away; he still return'd to the same excess of riot, and that with so much the more gree∣diness, the longer he had fasted from it.

And yet even this desperate Sinner, that one would think had made a covenant with Death, and was at an agree∣ment with Hell, and just upon the brink of them both; God, to magnifie the riches of his grace and mercy, was pleased to snatch as a brand out of the fire. As St. Paul, tho before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious, yet obtein'd mercy, that in him Christ Jesus might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them that should hereafter believe on him to everlasting life. 1 Tim. 1.13.16. so God struck him to the ground as it were by a light from heaven, and a voice of thunder round about him. Insomuch that now the scales fall from his eyes, as they did from St. Pauls; his stony heart was open'd, and streams of tears gusht out, the bitter but wholsome tears of true Repentance.

And that this may appear to be so, I think it neces∣sary to account for these three things.

1. For the means of it: that it was not barely the effect of Sickness, or the fear of Death; but the hand of God also working in them and by them manifestly.

2. For the time of it: that though it was a Death-bed Repentance, and therefore full of danger, and the

utmost hazard; yet was it not impossible to be true, nor absolutely desperate.

3. For the sincerity of it: that what was thus pos∣sible to be good and true, probably was so; which though none but God that sees the heart, can tell cer∣tainly, yet man even also may and ought to believe it; not only in the judgment of Charity, but of moral Ju∣stice, from all evident signs of it, which were possible to be given by one in his condition.

And first for the Means or method of it. That which prepared the way for it was a sharp and pain∣ful Sickness, with which God was pleased to visit him; the way which the Almighty often takes to reduce the wandring Sinner to the knowledge of God and of him∣self: I will be unto Ephraim as a Lion, and as a young Lion unto the house of Judah; I even I will tear and go away, and none shall relieve him; I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face; and in their affliction they will seek me early. Hos. 5.14, 15.

And tho to forsake our sins then, when we can no longer enjoy them, seems to be rather the effect of im∣potency and necessity, than of choice, and so not so acceptable or praise-worthy; yet we find God Al∣mighty uses the one to bring about the other; and

improves a forced abstinence from sin, into a settled loathing and true detestation of it: of which I shall give two noted Instances. The first out of the Old Testament, in that famous case of Manasseh, 2 Chron. 33. (the nearest parallel that I can find, both to the Sin, and Repentance of the Person now before us,) when he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all the Kings of Judah before him, and had made Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem to erre, and do worse then the Heathen whom the Lord had destroyed before them; yet we see God made use even of this way to reduce him to true Repentance, for we read at the 11. v. of this Chapter: Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the Captains of the host of the King of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon; and it follows in the next verse, When he was in affliction he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him, and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jeru∣salem, and unto his Kingdom; then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God, v. 13. and the truth of his Repen∣tance, tho occasioned first by his affliction, appeared afterwards by the following reformation which he wrought; for he took away the strange Gods, v. 15.

The second instance I shall give of a true, tho for∣ced Repentance, is in that well known case of the Pro∣digal son, which follows my Text in this chapter: tho he had wasted all his substance with riotous living, and was forced back to his fathers house only by extreme hun∣ger and necessity; yet was he joyfully received by him, for his father ran and fell upon his neck, and kissed him, v. 20. and the fatted calf was killed for him; and when his elder brother was angry at it, the good father justifies his procedure, v. 32. It was meet that we should make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again, was lost and is found.

And truly tis one good sign, that God is now tak∣ing men into the number of his children, when he is fixing upon them one of the greatest badges and cha∣racters of them; for therefore saith the Apostle, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world; whilst those who are reserv'd for de∣struction hereafter, do usually in this life come into no misfortune, nor are plagued like other men. For God, does not afflict any willingly, nor grieve the children of men: but as he is grieved himself for the sufferings of his children, (for in all their affliction, saith the Prophet, he was afflicted,) so he doth not usually punish wicked men both here and hereafter: and therefore they who are

to be punished with everlasting destruction, God suf∣fers to enjoy their portion in this life without disturbance. And because the days of darkness must be many, there∣fore does he suffer the sinner many times to die an hun∣dred years old, that he may take his full swinge of what he hath set his affections upon; and after a long and prosperous life here, without any check in his career of wickedness, he lets him drop down into hell, with∣out the least apprehension of danger. So that in that sense it is true which the Poets say, when they tell us, that the descent into hell is easie and pleasant.

And therefore on the contrary we may reasonably presume, that tribulation and anguish, when it is born with patience, and resignation to God, and when it works a serious Reformation, will certainly minister to us an entrance into everlasting rest; and that the grea∣ter our sufferings have been, the more abundant and much more grateful shall the rest be.

Affliction, as it rises not out of the dust, but descends from that God, at whose hands we receive evil as well as good; so neither is it design'd to deject us thither, but to raise us up to God from whence it self comes. The pains of the Cross, as well that Cross which we must bear our selves, as that which our Sa∣viour bore, do in some sense open the Kingdom of

heaven to all believers; and to some, as the Penitent Thief, the hope of Paradise is not given till their last hour; and those who come in then, God is often pleased to make equal to them who have born the bur∣den and heat of the day; nay oftentimes to give them more, for he will love much to whom much is forgiven.

It is true, there are such stubborn natures, that like clay are rather hardned by the fire of afflictions; ungra∣cious children, that fly in the face of their heavenly Fa∣ther in the very instant when he is correcting them; or, it may be, like those children under the rod, who pro∣mise wonders then, and presently after forget all. Such as these we have described Ps. 78.34, 35, 36, 37. When he slew them, then they sought him, and they return'd and en∣quired early after God; then they remember'd that God was their rock, and that the high God was their redeemer: ne∣vertheless they did but flatter him with their mouth, and lied unto him with their tongues, for their heart was not right with him, neither continued they stedfast in his cove∣nant. And tis probable this has been the case for∣merly of this person. But there was an evident diffe∣rence betwixt the effects of this sickness upon him, and many others before: He had other sentiments of things now, (he told me) and acted upon quite different principles; he was not vext with it as it was painful, or hinder'd

him from his sins, which he would have roll'd under his tongue all the while, and long'd again to be at it; but he submitted patiently to it, accepted it as the hand of God, and was thankful, blessing and praising God not only in, but for his extremities. There were now no cursings, no railings or reproaches to his servants, or those about him, which in other sicknesses were their usual entertainment, but he treated them with all the meekness and patience in the world, begging pardons frequently of the meanest of them but for a hasty word, which the extremity of his sickness, and the sharpness of his pain might easily force from him. His Prayers were not so much for ease or health, or a continuance in life; as for grace, and faith, and perfect resignation to the will of God. So that I think, we may not only charitably but justly con∣clude, that his Sickness was not the chief Ingredient, but through the grace of God an effectual Means of a true, tho late Repentance.

2. And for that I am to account in the next place, I mean the time of it; and to make out to you, that tho it was a Death-bed Repentance, and therefore full of danger, and the utmost hazard, yet it was not wholly impossible to be true, nor absolutely desperate.

That it was hugely dangerous, and of the utmost hazard to defer it so long, must needs be granted by all

all wise and considering men: I wish all men were so wise as seriously to consider it, and provide for it.

For should God have snatch'd him away in the very act of his sin, and that, like Zimri and Cozhi, Da∣than and Abiram, Ananias or Sapphira, he had gone down quick into hell; yet we must have acknow∣ledged, that righteous art thou, O Lord, and clear when thou art judged. If God had taken him from the land of the living, either by some sudden accident, by a raging Feaver, or by some stupid Lethargy or Apople∣xie, when he had had no time for reflection or repen∣tance; in what a dreadful condition had his Soul been for ever? Or if God had vouchsafed him (as he did) some sharp lingring Sickness, when he might have had leisure to repent; yet what assurance was there that such a Repentance would have followed? or if it had, that it would have been accepted? Was it not more likely that he would still have cried with the Wise man's Sluggard, yet a little sleep, and a little slum∣ber, till poverty, a dismal poverty, came upon him.

But if he had resolved at that time to break off his sins by Repentance, yet alas how improper a time was that for it? Tis not easie to be present and consistent to our selves, when we are surrounded with disquiet∣ing if not stupifying pains, when there is a necessary

decay and dulness of spirits, a short memory, flat and low affections; and at the same time a more then or∣dinary hurry and surcharge of worldly business; a house to be set in order, children to be provided for in their fortunes and education; creditors to be satis∣fied, and all this amidst the cries and mournings of our nearest relations and friends about us. And certainly we must think Repentance a very easie task, if we reckon ordinarily, that he that is disabled from all other things else, shall yet be fit to perfect and complete it.

But allowing our thoughts to be as clear or clearer in our sickness than in our calmest and strongest sea∣sons, (which yet I think no man in his wits will be∣lieve) yet after all, what security have we that we shall be able to improve or employ it to a true repentance? It may be, before we come to that, the measure of our iniquities is fill'd up already, and the irreversible sen∣tence is gone out, tho not executed against us: My Patience shall not always strive (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the LXX) with men; Cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground? it may be curs'd and devoted, tho we do not see it actually wither'd and destroy'd.

But supposing this also, that we are allow'd a far∣ther time and means for repentance; yet alas, no or∣dinary means will serve us, when we have been thus

harden'd by customary sinning: and I am sure, should God proceed with us by the measure of strict justice, he might rather take from us even that which we have, then give us any extraordinary assistances which we have so abused.

And after all this, if God shall give us such extra∣ordinary assistances, whatever allowances God may make, yet there is still no certain security or comfort to any dying death-bed Penitent; Charity hopeth all things, and believeth all things, and the relaxations of the censures of the Church in Absolution on probable signs of Repentance, must follow the judgment of Charity; yet the certainty of the Sinner's Absolution with God in heaven, depends only upon the inward real sincerity of his Repentance, and consequently upon the approving of it by his future conversation; and therefore God Almighty, who only knows what the one is at present, and what the other will be, can be a competent judge of it. And certainly tis enough for such a Penitent if he be secured at last of entring into the Kingdom of heaven, tho he has very rarely, if at all, the present comfortable experience and assurance of it on a death-bed Repentance, which indeed is re∣serv'd as the reward of a constant virtuous, and holy life.

But tho what I have said be enough to conclude a Death-bed repentance infinitely hazardous, and there∣fore hugely unfit for any wise man to depend upon; yet will it not be sufficient to prove it absolutely im∣possible. No sober man certainly would hazard his life upon the chance of a Die, when tis a thousand to one but he miscarries; or venture into a crazy Cock-boat out of a sound Ship, when tis but barely possible he may be saved; and yet no wise man neither but will allow a possibility of being sav'd both for the one and the other: and it is only this bare possibility of a Death-bed Repentance that I am now pleading for.

And that this Possibility was produced into act, and so render'd very probable also in the case of this Per∣son here before us, will best be judged by the marks I am now to give you of the sincerity of his Repen∣tance; for which I am in the next place to account.

3. And twas the power of the Divine Grace, and of that only, that brake through all these obstacles that I have now mention'd; that God (who is a God of infinite compassion and forbearance) allow'd him lei∣sure and opportunity for Repentance; that he awa∣ken'd him from his Spiritual slumber by a pungent Sickness; that he gave him such a presence of Mind, as both to provide prudently for his worldly affairs, and

yet not to be distracted or diverted by them from the thoughts of a better world; that lengthened out his day of grace, and accompanied the ordinary means of salvation, and the weak ministry of his Word, with the convincing and over-ruling power of his Spirit to his Conscience; which Word of God became to him quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of his soul and spirit; and at last the Spirit of God witnessed to his spirit, that now he was become one of the children of God.

Now if the Thief upon the Cross (an instance too much abused) was therefore accepted, because accom∣panied with all the effects of a sincere Convert, which his condition was capable of; as confession of Christ in the midst of the blasphemies of Pharisees, and his own lewd companion, and desertion even of Christ's Disci∣ples; if his repentance be therefore judged real, because he seems to be more concern'd in the remembrance of Christ's future Kingdom than his own death; if St. Paul was approv'd by the same more abundant labours which he commended in the Corinthians, yea what zeal? what fear? what vehement desire? 2 Cor. 7.11. I think I shall make it appear, that the Repentance of this Per∣son was accompanied with the like hopeful symptoms: and I am so sensible of that awful Presence both

of God and man before whom I speak, who are easily able to discover my failings, That I shall not deliver any thing, but what I know to be a strict and a religi∣ous truth.

Upon my first visit to him, (May 26.) just at his re∣turn from his journey out of the West, he most gladly received me, shew'd me extraordinary respects upon the score of mine Office, thank'd God, who had in mercy and good providence sent me to him, who so much needed my prayers and counsels; acknowledging how unworthily heretofore he had treated that order of men, reproaching them that they were proud, and prophesied only for rewards; but now he had learnt how to value them; that he esteem'd them the servants of the most High God, who were to shew to him the way to everlasting life.

At the same time I found him labouring under strange trouble and conflicts of mind, his spirit woun∣ded, and his conscience full of terrors. Upon his jour∣ney he told me, he had been arguing with greater vigor against God and Religion than ever he had done in his life time before, and that he was resolved to run 'em down with all the argument and spite in the world, but, like the great Convert St. Paul, he found it hard to kick a∣gainst the pricks. For God at that time had so struck his heart by his immediate hand, that presently he

argued as strongly for God and Virtue, as before he had done against it. That God strangely open'd his heart, creating in his mind most awful and tremendous thoughts and Ideas of the Divine Majesty, with a de∣lightful contemplation of the Divine Nature and At∣tributes, and of the loveliness of Religion and Virtue. I never (said he) was advanced thus far towards happiness in my life before, tho upon the commissions of some sins ex∣traordinary I have had some checks and warnings considera∣ble from within, but still struggled with 'em, and so wore them off again. The most observable that I remember was this: One day at an Atheistical Meeting, at a person of Qualitie's, I undertook to manage the Cause, and was the principal Disputant against God and Piety, and for my performances received the applause of the whole company; upon which my mind was terribly struck, and I immediately reply'd thus to my self. Good God! that a Man, that walks upright, that sees the wonderful works of God, and has the uses of his senses and reason, should use them to the defying of his Creator! But tho this was a good beginning towards my Conversion, to find my Conscience touch'd for my sins, yet it went off again; nay, all my life long I had a secret value and reverence for an honest man, and lov'd Morality in others. But I had form'd an odd Scheme of Religion to my self, which would solve all that God or Conscience

might force upon me; yet I was not ever well reconciled to the business of Christianity, nor had that reverence for the Gospel of Christ as I ought to have. Which estate of mind continued, till the 53d. Chapter of Isaiah was read to him, (wherein there is a lively description of the Sufferings of our Saviour, and the benefits there∣of) and some other portions of Scripture; by the power and efficacy of which Word, assisted by his Holy Spirit, God so wrought upon his heart, that he de∣clar'd, that the mysteries of the Passion appeared so clear and plain to him, as ever any thing did that was represented in a Glass; so that that Joy and Admiration, which possess'd his Soul upon the reading of Gods Word to him, was remarkable to all about him; and he had so much delight in his Testimonies, that in my absence he begg'd his Mother and Lady to read the same to him frequently, and was unsatisfied (notwithstanding his great pains and weakness) till he had learned espe∣cially the 53. of Isaiah without book.

At the same time, discoursing of his manner of life from his youth up, and which all men knew was too too much devoted to the service of sin, and that the lusts of the flesh, of the eye, and the pride of life, had capti∣vated him: He was very large and particular in his ac∣knowledgments about it, more ready to accuse himself

then I or any one else can be; publicly crying out, O Blessed God, can such an horrid Creature as I am be ac∣cepted by thee, who has deny'd thy Being, and contemn'd thy Power? asking often, Can there be mercy and par∣don for me? Will God own such a Wretch as I? and in the middle of his sickness said, Shall the unspeakable joys of Heaven be confer'd on me? O Mighty Saviour! never but through thine infinite Love and Satisfaction! O never but by the purchase of thy Bloud! adding, That with all ab∣horrency he did reflect upon his former life; that sincerely and from his heart he did repent of all that folly and mad∣ness which he had committed.

Indeed he had a true and lively sense of God's great mercy to him in striking his hard heart, and laying his Conscience open, which hitherto was deaf to all Gods calls and methods; saying, if that God, who died for great as well as lesser sinners, did not speedily apply his in∣finite merits to his poor soul, his wound was such as no man could conceive or bear, crying out, that he was the vilest Wretch and Dog that the Sun shined upon, or the earth bore; that now he saw his error in not living up to that Reason which God endued him with, and which he unwor∣thily vilify'd and contemn'd; wish'd he had been a starving Leper crawling in a ditch, that he had been a Link-boy or a Beggar, or for his whole life time confin'd to

a dungeon, rather than thus to have sinned against his God.

How remarkable was his Faith, in a hearty embra∣cing and devout confession of all the Articles of our Christian Religion, and all the Divine mysteries of the Gospel? saying, that that absurd and foolish Philosophy, which the world so much admired, propagated by the late Mr. Hobbs, and others, had undone him, and many more, of the best parts in the Nation; who, without Gods great mercy to them, may never, I believe, attain such a Repentance.

I must not omit to mention his faithful adherence to, and casting himself entirely upon, the mercies of Jesus Christ, and the free grace of God, declared to repenting sinners through him; with a thankful remem∣brance of his Life, Death, and Resurrection; begging God to strengthen his faith, and often crying out, Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief.

His mighty love and esteem of the holy Scriptures, his resolutions to read them frequently, and meditate upon them if God should spare him, having already tasted the good Word; for having spoken to his heart he acknowledgd, all the seeming absurdities and contradi∣ctions thereof, fancied by men of corrupt and reprobate judgements, were vanished, and the excellency and beauty appeared, being come to receive the truth in the love of it.

His extraordinary fervent Devotions in his fre∣quent Prayers of his own, most excellent and correct; amongst the rest, for the King, in such a manner as became a dutiful Subject, and a truly grateful Servant; for the Church and Nation, for some particular Rela∣tions, and then for all Men; his calling frequently up∣on me at all hours to pray with him, or read the Scrip∣tures to him; and towards the end of his sickness would heartily desire God to pardon his infirmities, if he should not be so wakefull and intent through the whole duty as he wish'd to be; and that tho the flesh was weak, yet the spirit was willing, and hoped God would accept that.

His continual invocation of God's grace and holy Spirit to sustain him, to keep him from all evil thoughts, from all temtations and Diobolical sugge∣stions, and every thing which might be prejudicial to that religious temper of mind, which God had now so happily endued him withall, crying out, one night especially, how terribly the Temter did assault him, by casting upon him lewd and wicked imaginations, but I thank God (said he) I abhor them all, and by the power of his grace, which I am sure is sufficient for me, I have over∣come them; tis the malice of the Devil, because I am re∣scu'd from him; and the goodness of God, that frees me from all my spiritual enemies.

His great joy at his Ladies conversion from Popery to the Church of England, (being, as he term'd it, A faction supported only by Fraud and Cruelty,) which was by her done with deliberation and mature judgment; the dark mists of which have for some months before been break∣ing away, but now cleared, by her receiving the blessed Sacrament with her dying Husband, at the receiving of which no man could express more joy and devotion than he did; and having handled the word of life, and seen the salvation of God, in the preparation of his mind, he was now ready to depart in peace.

His hearty concern for the pious Education of his Children, wishing that his Son might never be a Wit, that is, (as he himself explain'd it,) one of those wretch∣ed Creatures, who pride themselves in abusing God and Re∣ligion, denying his Being, or his Providence, but that he might become an Honest and Religious man, which could only be the support and blessing of his Family; complain∣ing what a vitious and naughty world they were brought into, and that no Fortunes or Honours were comparable to the Love and Favour of God to them, in whose Name he blessed them, pray'd for 'em, and committed them to his Protection.

His strict charge to those persons, in whose custody his Papers were, to burn all his profane and lewd Writings,

as being only fit to promote Vice and Immorality, by which he had so highly offended God, and shamed and blasphemed that Holy Religion into which he had been Baptiz'd; and all his obscene and filthy Pictures, which were so notoriously scandalous.

His readiness to make restitution to the utmost of his power to all persons who he had injur'd; and for those whom he could not make a compensation to, he prayed for Gods, and their pardons. His remarkable justice in taking all possible care for the payment of his debts, which, before, he confessed he had not so fairly and effectually done.

His readiness to forgive all Injuries done against him, some more particularly mention'd, which were great and provoking; nay annexing thereto all the as∣surance of a future friendship, and hoping he should be as freely forgiven at the hand of God.

How tender and concern'd was he for his Servants about him in his extremities, (manifested by the bene∣ficence of his Will to them,) pittying their troubles in watching with him, and attending him, treating them with candor and kindness, as if they had been his In∣timates!

How hearty were his endeavours to be ser∣viceable to those about him, exhorting them to the

fear and love of God, and to make a good use of his forbearance and long-suffering to sinners, which should lead them to repentance. And here I must not pass by his pious and most passionate exclamation to a Gentle∣man of some character, who came to visit him upon his Death-bed: O Remember that you contemn God no more, He is an avenging God, and will visit you for your sins; will in mercy, I hope, touch your conscience sooner or later as he has done mine; You and I have been Friends and Sinners together a great while, therefore I am the more free with you; We have been all mistaken in our conceits and opinions; our perswasions have been false and ground∣less, therefore God grant you repentance. And seeing him the next day again, he said to him, Perhaps you were disobliged by my plainness to you yesterday; I spake the words of truth and soberness to you, and (striking his hand upon his brest) said, I hope God will touch your heart.

Likewise his Commands to me, to preach abroad, and to let all men know (if they knew it not already,) how severely God had disciplin'd him for his sins by his afflicting hand; that his sufferings were most just, tho he had laid ten thousand times more upon him; how he had laid one stripe upon another because of his grievous provo∣cations, till he had brought him home to himself; that in his former visitations he had not that blessed effect he was

now sensible of. He had formerly some loose thoughts and slight resolutions of reforming, and design'd to be better, because even the present consequences of sin were still pester∣ing him, and were so troublesome and inconvenient to him; but that now he had other sentiments of things, and acted upon other principles.

His willingness to dye, if it pleased God, resigning himself always to the Divine disposal; but if God should spare him yet a longer time here, he hoped to bring glory to the name of God in the whole course of his life, and particu∣larly by his endeavours to convince others, and to assure them of the danger of their condition, if they continued im∣penitent, and how graciously God had dealt with him.

His great sense of his obligations to those Excellent men, the Right Reverend my Lord Bishop of Oxford, and Dr. Marshal, for their charitable and frequent Visits to him, and Prayers with him; and Dr. Burnet, who came on purpose from London to see him, who were all very serviceable to his Repentance.

His extraordinary duty and reverence to his Mother, with all the grateful respects to her imaginable, and kindness to his good Lady, beyond expression, (which may well enhance such a loss to them,) and to his Children, obliging them with all the endear∣ments that a good Husband or a tender Father could bestow.

To conclude these Remarks, I shall only read to you his dying Remonstrance, sufficiently attested and sign'd by his own hand, as his truest sense, (which I hope may be useful for that good end he design'd it,) in manner and form following.

FOr the benefit of all those whom I may have drawn into sin by my example and encouragement, I leave to the world this my last Declaration, which I deliver in the pre∣sence of the great God, who knows the secrets of all hearts, and before whom I am now appearing to be judged.

That from the bottom of my soul I detest and abhor the whole course of my former wicked life; that I think I can ne∣ver sufficiently admire the goodness of God, who has given me a true sense of my pernicious Opinions and vile Practices, by which I have hitherto lived without Hope, and without God in the world; have been an Open Enemy to Jesus Christ, doing the utmost despite to the holy Spirit of Grace. And that the greatest testimony of my Charity to such is, to warm 'em in the Name of God, and as they regard the welfare of their Immortal Souls, no more to deny his Being, or his Providence, or despise his Goodness; no more to make a mock of Sin, or contemn the pure and excellent Religion of my ever Blessed Redeemer, thro whose Merits alone, I one of the Greatest of Sinners, do yet hope for Mercy and Forgiveness. Amen.

Declared and Sign'd in the presence of

• ANNE ROCHESTER.
• ROBERT PARSONS.

Jun. 19. 1680. J. ROCHESTER.

And now I cannot but mention with joy and admi∣ration that steddy temper of mind, which he enjoy'd through the whole course of his Sickness and Repen∣tance; which must proceed, not from a hurry and per∣turbation of mind or body, arising from the fear of Death, or dread of Hell only, but from an ingenuous love to God, and an uniform regard to Virtue, (suita∣ble to that solemn declaration of his, I would not commit the least sin to gain a Kingdom,) with all possible symp∣toms of a lasting perseverance in it, if God should have restored him. To which may be added his comforta∣ble perswasions of God's accepting him to his mercy, saying three or four days before his death, I shall die, But Oh, what unspeakable glories do I see! what joys, be∣yond thought or expression, am I sensible of! I am assured of Gods mercy to me through Jesus Christ. Oh how I long to die, and to be with my Saviour!

The time of his Sickness and Repentance was just nine weeks; in all which time he was so much master of his reason, and had so clear an understanding, (saving 30 hours, about the middle of it, in which he was delirous,) that he never dictated or spoke more composed in his life: and therefore if any shall con∣tinue to say, his Piety was the effect of madness or va∣pours; let me tell them, tis highly disingenuous, and

that the assertion is as silly as it is wicked. And moreover that the force of what I have delivered may not be evaded by wicked men, who are resolv'd to harden their hearts, maugre all Convictions, by saying, This thing was done in a corner; I appeal, for the truth thereof, to all sorts of persons who in considerable numbers visited and attended him, and more particu∣larly to those eminent Physicians who were near him, and conversant with him in the whole course of his tedious sickness; and who, if any, are competent judges of a Phrensy or delirium.

There are many more excellent things in my ab∣sence which have occasionally dropt from his mouth, that will not come within the narrow compass of a Sermon; these, I hope, will sufficiently prove what I produce them for. And if any shall be still unsatisfied herein in this hard-hearted generation, it matters not, let them at their cost be Unbelievers still, so long as this Excellent Penitent enjoys the comfort of his Re∣pentance. And now from all these admirable signs we have great reason to believe comfortably, that his Repentance was Real, and his End happy; and accor∣dingly imitate the neighbours and Cosens of Elizabeth, (Luke 1.58.) who, when they heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her, came and rejoyced with her.

For so we must learn, like the Ambassadors to some new Prince, to turn our condolances into congratu∣lations, in conformity to an heavenly example; For there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents:

1. A joy to God the Father, who has solemnly sworn, that he delights not in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent and live; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

2. A joy to God the Son, that good Shepherd, mention'd in the verse before my Text, who left the ninety and nine just persons in the wilderness, and went after that which was lost, till he had found it; and when he had found it, he laid it on his shoulders rejoycing; and when he cometh home, he calls together his friends and his neigh∣bours (on heaven and earth,) saying unto them, Rejoyce with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.

3. A joy to God the Holy Ghost, after he had been so often griev'd, so despitefully treated, and so long resisted.

And 4. a joy to the whole Court of Heaven in the presence of the holy Angels, v. 10. those ministring Spi∣rits, sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation; to see that now at last their labour is not in vain in the Lord, but that there is one more Subject gained to the obedience of their and our common Lord, deliver'd from the slavery, and admitted to

fill up the vacancy of Apostate Spirits.

And as our 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, our proper or natural Citizen∣ship or conversation is in heaven; so should our joys too be conformable to those of our fellow-citizens. And therefore after the Relations and Friends of this great Person have paid their natural tribute of tears to so near a Relation, they should then turn their sorrows in∣to joys, by the comfortable consideration of his being a Penitent upon earth, and a Saint in heaven.

Thus his dear Mother should rejoyce, that the Son of her love and of her fears, as well as of her bowels, is now born again into a better world; adopted by his heavenly Father, and gone before her to take possession of an eternal inheritance.

2. His truly loving Consort should rejoyce, that God has been so gracious to them both, as at the same time to give him a fight of his errors in point of Pra∣ctice, and her self (not altogether without his means and endeavours) a sight of hers in point of Faith. And truly, considering the great prejudices and dangers of the Roman Religion, I think I may aver that there is joy in heaven, and should be on earth, for Her conversion, as well as His.

3. His Noble and most hopeful Issue should rejoyce, as their years are capable; not that a dear and loving

Father has left them, but that since he must leave them, he has left them the example of a Penitent, and not of a Sinner; the Blessing of a Saint, in recommending them to an All-sufficient Father, and not entailing on them the fatal Curse that attends the posterity of the wicked and impenitent.

4. All good men should rejoyce, to see the triumphs of the Cross in these latter days, and the words of Di∣vine Wisdom and Power. And bad men certainly, when ever they consider it, are most of all concern'd to joy and rejoyce in it, as a condemn'd Malefactor is, to hear that a fellow-criminal has got his Pardon, and that he may do so too, if he speedily sue for it.

And this joy of all will still be the greater, if we compare it with the Joy there is in the case of Just per∣sons, that need no Repentance, viz. that need not such a solemn extraordinary Repentance, or the whole change of heart and mind, as great Sinners do: and of this my Text pronounces, that there is greater joy in heaven over one such sinner that truly repenteth, than there is over ninety and nine just persons that need not such a re∣pentance. And the reason we may conceive to be this; that since all Joy arises from Admiration and Surprize, as from something that is new and unexpected; accor∣dingly the joy that proceeds from the repentance and

new life of a notorious Sinner, must needs be greater then that which rises from the constant piety of a good man, which we have seen every day; as a resurrection from the dead is more remarkable then our first life. Besides, that such a Penitent's former failings, are ordi∣narily the occasion of a greater and more active piety afterwards; as our Convert earnestly wish'd, That God would be pleased to spare him but one year more, that in that he might honour his Name proportionably to the dishonour done to God in his whole life past. And we see St. Paul la∣boured more abundantly than all the Apostles in the planting of the Church, because he had raged most fu∣riously before in the destruction of it; and our Saviour himself tells us, that to whom much is given they will love much, but to whom little is forgiven they will love little; and we know, a Commander will love a Soldier more that redeems his former cowardise, by doing some brave and daring action, then him, who never had that taint upon him, but yet never atchieved any thing re∣markable. A Husbandman more rejoyces at the im∣provement of briars and thorns into an excellent crop, from which once he had but little expectation, than for such a soil as was remarkable neither for the one or the other.

Tis certainly the more safe, indeed the only safe way

to be constantly virtuous, and he that is wise indeed, i. e. wise unto salvation, will endeavour to be one of those that need no repentance; I mean that entire and whole work of beginning anew, but will draw out the same thred through his whole life, and not let the Sun go down upon any of his sins; but then the other Re∣pentance is the more remarkable, and, where it is real, the more effectual, to produce a fervent and a fruitful piety; besides the greater glory to God in the influence of the example. Which may probably be a farther reason of the excessive joy of Angels at the Conversion of such a Sinner; because they, who are better ac∣quainted with humane nature than we; and knowing it apt, like the Pharisees, to demand a Sign from heaven, for the reformation of corrupted customs; they di∣scern too, that such desperate Spiritual recoveries, will seem so many Openings of the Heavens in the descent of the holy Dove, visibly to the standers by; and ac∣cordingly will have the greater influence upon them. And tis this in the last place, that I am to recommend to all that hear me this day.

And having thus discharg'd the office of an Histo∣rian, in a faithful representation of the Repentance and Conversion of this great Sinner; give me leave now to bespeak you as an Ambassador of Christ, and in

his name earnestly perswade you to be reconcil'd to him, and to follow this Illustrious person, not in his Sins any more, but in his Sorrows for them, and his forsaking them. I hope better things of you, my Brethren, then to think that all that now hear me, have need of such a repentance, tho all have need of some, and the best are most sensible of it. But if there be any in this place, or elsewhere, who have been drawn into a com∣placency or practice of any kind of sin from his exam∣ple, let those especially be perswaded to break off their sins by repentance, by the same example; that as he has been for the fall, so he may be now for the rising again of many in Israel. God knows there are too many that are wise enough to discern and follow the examples of evil, but to do good from those examples they have no power; like those absurd flatterers we read of, who could imitate Plato in his crookedness, Aristotle in his stammering, and Alexander the Great in the bending of his neck, and the shrilness of his voice, but either could not, or would not, imitate them in any of their perfections; or like to those bad stomachs, that delight in dirt and charcoal, but nauseate savory and wholsome food. Such as these I would beseech, in their cooler seasons, to ask themselves that question, What fruit had you in those things whereof you are now ashamed, for the

end of these things is death? And if any incou∣rage themselves in their wickedness from this exam∣ple, resolving however to enjoy the good things that are present; to fill themselves with costly wines, and to let no part of pleasure pass by them untasted, supposing with the Gospel rich man, that when one comes to them from the dead, when Sickness or old Age approches, that then they will repent; let such as these consider the dreadful hazard they run by such pernicious counsels. It may be (and it is but just with God it should be) that whilst they are making provisions for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof, and are saying to their souls, Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years, therefore take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry; perhaps just then at the same time the hand of God may be writing upon the walls of their habitations that fatal sentence, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee, and then whose shall all those things be, which thou hast provi∣ded? And what sad reflections must such a one needs make upon his own folly, when he sees that all that mirth and ease, which he has promised himself for so many years, must be at an end in a very few hours? and not only so, but that mirth turn'd into howlings, and that ease into a bed of flames; when the soul must be torn away on a sudden from the things it

loved, and go where it will hate to live, and yet cannot die. And were it not better for us to embrace cordi∣ally the things which belong to our everlasting peace, be∣fore they are hid from our eyes? Were it not better for us all to be wise betimes by preventing such a danger, then to open our eyes, as the unhappy rich man did, when we are in the place of torment?

Be perswaded then with humble, penitent, and obedient hearts to go out of your sinful selves, and meet the Blessed Jesus, who is now on the way, and comes to us in the person and in the bowels of a Sa∣viour, woing us to accept those easie conditions of pardon and peace offer'd in his holy Gospel, rather then to stay till he become our Adversary and our Judge too, when he will deliver us over to the tormentors, till we have paid the utmost farthing, i.e. to all eterni∣ty: when those who have made a mock at sin all their lives, and laugh'd at the pretended cheats of Religion and its Priests, shall find themselves at last the greatest fools, and the most sadly cheated in the world; for God will then laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh, when it cometh as desolation, and their de∣struction as a whirlwind. And since they would not suf∣fer his Mercy to rejoyce over his Justice, nor cause any joy in heaven, as the Text mentions, in their conver∣sion;

his Justice will certainly rejoyce over his Mercy, and cause joy in heaven (as it did at the fall of Babylon, which would not be cured, Rev. 19.1.) in their confu∣sion. And O that there were such a heart in them, that they would consider this betimes: that in the midst of their carnal jollities they would but vouchsafe one regard to what may happen hereafter, and what will certainly be the end of these things. For however the fruits of sin may seem pleasant to the eye, and to be desired, to make one seem wise and witty to the world; yet alas, they are all but emty and unsatisfactory at present, and leave a mortal sting behind them, and bit∣terness in the later end; like the book St. John ate, (Rev. 10.10.) which in his mouth was sweet as honey, but as soon as he had eaten it, his belly was bitter. And tho God should please at last to bring men back in their old age from their sinful courses, by a way of weeping, to pluck them as fire-brands out of everlasting burnings; yet if men consider how rare and difficult a thing it is to be born again when one is old, how many pangs and violences to nature there must needs be, to put off the habits and inclinations to old sins: as difficult (saith the Prophet) as for the Leopard to change his spots, or the Ethiopian his skin; and then when that's done, what scars and weaknesses even a Cure must leave behind,

I say, he that duly considers this, will think it better to secure his salvation, and all his present true com∣forts, by preserving his innocency, or alleviating his work by a daily repentance for lesser failings, then to venture upon one single chance of a death-bed repen∣tance; which is no more to be depended upon, for the performance, or acceptance, then it can encourage any man not to labour, because Elias was fed by Ra∣vens, or the Israelites with Manna from heaven.

If then there be any (tho alas that need not be asked) that have made the greatness of their Wit, or Birth, or Fortune, instruments of iniquity to iniquity; let them now convert them, in their own conversion, to that original noble use for which God intended them, viz. to be instruments of righteousness unto holiness.

To these especially that are thus great, not onely God, but this great Person also, by my mouth, being dead yet speaketh; for as St. Paul seem'd more espe∣cially concern'd for his brethren and kinsmen accord∣ing to the flesh; and even the rich man in hell, tho suffi∣ciently distracted by his own sufferings, yet seems huge∣ly desirous that one might be sent from the dead to his brethren, that he might testifie unto them, lest they also come into that place of torment: so this Illustrions Con∣vert, after God had open'd his eyes to see his follies,

was more especially desirous of the salvation of those that were his brethren, tho not in the flesh, yet in the greatness of their quality, and of their sins; passio∣nately wishing, that all such, were not only almost, but altogether such as he now was, saving his bodily afflictions; and of great force, me thinks, should the admonitions of a dying friend be. The ingenious Michael de Mon∣taigne reckons him the best Physician, who himself has had the disease which he pretends to cure; and be∣hold a greater than he says to St. Peter, when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren; which assures us, that they which have themselves been in a condition to need a remarkable conversion, are not uncapable there∣by, but obliged, and the better qualified for such a charitable work.

Now these especially I would beseech, as the Mini∣ster of Christ, and as such, tho we are reviled we bless, tho we are defamed we intreat, to suffer the word of Exhor∣tation, that they would not terminate their eyes upon the outward pomp and pageantry that attends them, as the vulgar Jews did upon their Rites and Ceremo∣nies; but (as the wiser Israelites, who esteem'd those glittering formalities as the Types and Images of hea∣venly things,) be quickned by them to the ambition of original honours, and future glory. How much

were it to be wish'd, that such persons especially would be followers of God and goodness, since whether they will or no men will be followes of them; all of them according to their respective magnitudes, like Stars, casting a good or bad influence upon their inferiors, and not only so, but oftentimes upon their superiors too; as the corrupt bloud in the feet, in the course of its circulation, after some time passes upwards into the head.

It is true, an eminent station is liable to several mis∣chiefs, from which a mean condition is free; but the God of order, who has made dignity in place, and affluence of riches necessary to the world, has propor∣tion'd his supports: and if the incitements to sin do a∣bound unto the rich and noble, the grace of God, if they are careful to improve it, will much more abound, both to Gods glory and their own. Thus if the temtations of great persons be more, and greater then those of inferi∣ors; their abilities and understandings are ordinarily greater too: and if they lie more open to the assaults of the Devil, they have generally greater sagacities to foresee the danger, and more powerful assistances to go through it. Nor is Piety inconsistent with Great∣ness any more then it is with Policy, but is the best foun∣dation and security both to the one and the other. The

breeding of Moses at Court, without doubt contribu∣ted much even to his Religious performances, at least so far, as to make them more useful and exemplary to others: but then he was sincerely virtuous all the while, as well whilst reputed the Son of Pharoh's daughter, as Jethro's Son in-law. The Prophet Isaiah was Ne∣phew to a King, and bred, as is supposed, in the Court; whence we may observe his style is more majestic then the other Prophets; as that of the great Doctor of the Gentiles, who was bred at the feet of Gamaliel, is then the other Apostles; God making use of the natu∣ral tempers and educations of men, to be assisting to supernatural purposes.

We find Christians in Cesar's household as soon as any where else in Rome; and when Christianity had once gain'd Constantine, it spread it self farther over the Empire in a few years, then before it had done in some Centuries: as waters running downwards spred themselves freer, then when forced upwards against nature. Since then so much mischief depends upon Il∣lustrious examples, will it not better become men to draw the multitude after them to heaven, by their pie∣ty, then by infectious guilts be at the head of a misera∣ble company of the Damn'd?

Tis this piety, a timely and exemplary piety, that

will perpetuate to men of birth and fortunes, their Honors, and their Estates too, as well by deriving on them the blessing of God, who is the true fountain of honour; as by creating an awe and a reverence for them from all orders of men, even to many generations; a re∣verence which will be fresh and lasting, when all the trophies of wit and gaity are laid in the dust. Tis this piety that will be the guide of their youth, and the com∣fort of their age; for length of days are in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Tis this, and this only, that can make all outward blessings comfortable, and indeed blessings to us, by making them the steps and means of attaining the never fading honours and incomprehensible glories of that Kingdom which is a∣bove; where there shall be no more sin, nor sickness, nor pain, nor tears, nor death, but we shall rest from our labours, and our works shall follow us.

Unto which God of his infinite mercy bring us, for the merits and for the mediation of Jesus Christ our Saviour; to whom with the Father and Holy Spirit, ••et us ascribe all Praise and Adoration, now and for ever. Amen.

THE END.