Moses his death

Joshua 1.2. Moses my Servant is dead.

SAd News: But may it not bee hoped, that hee, who in his infancy was mi∣raculously preserved in an Ark of Bulrushes; and therefore called Moses,* 1.1 because drawn out of the water: And hee, who once was absent forty dayes, and forty nights, and the Israelites said,* 1.2 As for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him; Yet hee descended from the Mount with his face shining, and brought excellent Laws for the Jewish Nation, and established a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.3 a Divine Government amongst them: May it not bee hoped, that a third provi∣dence equally miraculous attends him, and that once more his presence may scatter these fears of his death, as the rising Sun doth the foggy vapours? Never did the poor He∣brews need him more, they were yet in the Wilderness, had Jordan to pass over, the Canaanites to conquer: And will the compassionate God take away the Nurse before the childe can go alone? Will it bee a crime then to question that intelligence, it will, if you consider who is the Intelligencer, viz. God himself, for so it is said, vers. 1. The Lord spake to Joshua, saying, Moses my Servant is dead.

But if the Sun bee set, and work bee yet to bee done, a candle must bee lighted. If Moses Gods Servant, bee not here, then Joshua who was Moses servant shall arise, and lead the people over Jordan, no Parenthesis put in by God, shall spoyl the sense of what hee was speaking: his gracious providences may, like some Rivers, run on a sudden under ground, but by and by they appear again, and the swelling torrent pleaseth and refresheth him who sees it: Israel must take possession of the promised Land, and since it cannot bee done by the hand of Moses, it shall by the hand of Joshua, Moses my Servant is dead, now there∣fore arise,* 1.4 go over this Jordan, thou and all this people unto the Land which I do give unto them.

That is the Context.

The Text it self presents to us,

• 1 Moses his relation; and God owning him in it, A Servant: My Servant.
• 2 Moses his present condition: Moses my Servant is dead.

A transient view shall serve for the first part of the Text, the latter wee must longer gaze on; for wee are not now considering Moses going up to Mount Sinai to receive Gods Oracles, and coming down with his face shining; but wee are considering him as gone up to Pisgah to view the promised Land, and dye there: And therefore three or four Conclusions shall contain what at present shall bee said on the relation wherein Moses stood to God.* 1.5

Moses my Servant.

Conclu. 1. The proper notion of a servant is to bee used at the pleasure of another.* 1.6 Zeno well defined liberty, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: And Cicero to the same purpose, in Paradox. Est potestas vivendi ut velis, a power of living and acting at a mans own pleasure: The true notion of servitude which is opposed to liberty, must therefore bee this, To bee de∣termined to act, or not to act at the command and will of some other.* 1.7 The Philosopher hath no less ingeniously, than truly defined a servant, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a living in∣strument. And the Centurion in the Gospel described a ser∣vant

to the life, when hee said of him, I say, Go, and hee goeth, Come and he cometh: All that wee have said in this Conclusion, is asserted by the Apostle, Know yee not that to whom yee yeeld your selves servants to obey,* 1.8 his servants yee are to whom yee obey? and is implied in our Saviours words, Whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin.* 1.9

Conclu. 2. The use of any person at pleasure, or obedience from him, can no further bee demanded, than there is right and title to him, and it: That the difference of right and title doth alter the case as to the power of use,* 1.10 is palpably evi∣dent from this one instance: Hee that holds Lands in Fee-simple, hath power to alienate, sell, or let them to whom hee will; hee which is a Tenant, and only rents those lands, hath the fruits that grow upon them, as intirely his, and will dispose of them without controle, but either give away, or sell a foot of the Soil hee dare not, because that is the Landlords. The common maxime amongst Civilians, is, Servus non est sui juris, a servant so far as hee is a servant, hath no right to himself: yet Masters had not equal title to all servants; for amongst the Heathen, those whom they took captive (and called mancipia quasimanu capti) them they made account they could sell, and dispose of,* 1.11 as wee of lands that are our own inheritance; those whom they hired, they could dispose of, as wee of land rented (i.e.) They thought they had right to the persons of the former, but to the acti∣ons only of the latter.

Conclu. 3. God alone hath an universal right to all that any creature, is, hath, or can bee done by it: And therefore the Apostle hath most properly joyned these two together,* 1.12 Whose I am, and whom I serve, by reason of that short and imperfect title which one creature hath to another. The same Apostle argues excellently,* 1.13 Col. 4.1. That Masters should give to their servants that which is just and equal, be∣cause they also have a Master in heaven. Which notion I finde urged by the Masters of Moral Philosophy among the heathen, who put us in minde, that though they bee ser∣vants, yet they are men; and that wee and they too are ser∣vants together of the supreme Deity. And howsoever the world hath neglected this great truth in their practise. Yet

the beauty of it hath so far enamoured all persons that they have rather chose to bee called Patres-familias,* 1.14 fathers of all their Family, quam Domini, than Lords or Masters, as Tertullian hath observed to my hands.

Amongst the Romans, it was lawful, if any servant was mis-used, to flye to the Statues of their gods, whereby it was an acknowledged case,* 1.15 that Masters had not full and ab∣solute Dominion. In the Jewish Politie God ordained, Ex. 21.26, 27. If a man smite the eye of his servant that it perish, or smite out his tooth, that hee should let him go free for it.

Amongst other famous instances of most remarkable and imitable piety, wherewith the 31. Chapter of Job is filled,* 1.16 wee finde this for one, vers. 13. that that holy man did not despise the cause of his Man-servant, nor of his Maid-servant, when they contended with him. O rare ex∣ample of incomparable humility! hee who had so much authority, that before him Princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The Nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth:* 1.17 Yet hee secured his humility as well as his Majesty; of which this is sufficient evidence, that hee did not despise the cause of his meanest servant;* 1.18 his reason for this noble practise is unanswerable, and pertinent to our purpose, vers. 14, 15. What then shall I do when God riseth up, and when hee visiteth, what shall I an∣swer him? Did not hee that made mee in the womb, make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?

But though the title which one creature hath to another, bee imperfect, as wee have demonstrated, yet Gods is full, compleat, perfect, absolute; His wee all are by Creation: Hee made us, not wee our selves: Wee are, as the Psalmist phraseth it,* 1.19 Psalm. 95.7. The sheep of his hand. No Shep∣herd makes their sheep, as this heavenly Shepherd doth, as St. Austin paraphraseth upon that Text: His wee are, not only by Creation, but Preservation, which is Creation every moment in a new edition: His wee are by Redemption, by vertue whereof, all his Saints shall when the day of glory dawns, come out of his hand as a curious volume which Angels shall read with admiration, wherein there shall bee no blot, no Errata, though they were whilst in the Devils

hands as a copy spoyled, that nothing almost could bee seen in them that was imprinted; when the prime and Ma∣ster-piece of Gods Workmanship came into the world: Upon this last foundation of Divine right, the Apostle concludes, Wee are not our own,* 1.20 for wee are bought with a price.

I have insisted the more largely upon this Conclusion, not only because the whole superstructure of Worship is built upon it, but because it is peculiarly useful.

• 1 To Masters, and all in Authority, that they impose no other commands on those under them, and behave themselves no otherwise towards the meanest servant, than the supreme Lord will allow of.
• 2 That all who are under subjection, and are diligent observers of the pleasure of those who are above them, would remember, that they owe more to God, than to any creature, and that his service never must bee neg∣lected.

* 1.21Conclu. 4. Since God alone hath a sovereign and pecu∣liar right to all his creatures, it follows naturally, that all Angels and men, ought freely and voluntarily to pay that homage, to do those acts of obedience, to perform that ser∣vice which is due to him. Our Saviours maxime, should bee evermore before our eyes, as the Jewish Phy∣lacteries were before theirs, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.* 1.22 The unhappy Jesuite, who in most of his notions is like the horse-leech, sucking the worst blood, and leaving the best behinde, might if fond prejudice would have given him leave, have under∣stood enough from this place, to have abhorred the do∣ctrine of Saint-worship: For hee might easily observe that our Saviour refuseth not to worship the Devil, because hee was Gods enemy, because a Rebel, because an Apostate, but because hee was not God; for his answer is framed, as an universal deciding of this case, that religious worship is due to God alone; and therefore the holy Angel refused it upon this account; See thou do it not,* 1.23 I am thy fellow-servant.

Let that which is Caesars bee given to Caesar; those testi∣monies

of honour and respect which wee owe to creatures, let them have it, but that which is Gods, let it bee given to God; who since hee hath a peculiar right, ought to have a peculiar service; for so wee are taught by the examples of all pious, and understanding persons mentioned in holy Writ, the Holy Jesus said, It was his meat and drink to do his Fathers will; and though hee fulfilled the Law, and might by vertue thereof have demanded life (for the Law saith, Do this and live) yet hee became obedient to the death, and spoke words never to bee forgotten, Father, not my will, but thine bee done.

Abraham is called Gods servant, Gen. 26.24. as a faith∣full servant hee followed his heavenly Master whitherso∣ever hee pleased; and therefore it is said, Isa. 41.2. That God called him to his foot, that which is in the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 righteousness; wee well translate the righteous man, for the following words that speak of a person, justifie that Translation; and the Chaldee Paraphrase tells us, who the person was, which is plainly intimated by the Context. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Abrahamum electum justum. Abraham that choice and famous man for righteousness, God said no more but this, Go to a place that I shall shew thee, leave thy Country, and thy friends: Hee is obedient, fol∣lows his Master step by step,* 1.24 whithersoever hee leads him.

I must confess Moses Gods servant in the Text, was at first unwilling to go about the work God called him to, yet not because hee was unwilling to do God service, but be∣cause hee thought himself unfit for it; yet I cannot think him so unwilling, as some incautelous Reader may perhaps guess hee was at first sight of those words, recorded in Exod. 4.13. And hee said, O my Lord, send I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send; Which to a vulgar English eare, sounds as if hee should say, O Lord, send whom thou wilt, I will not go about this errand; I rather think as a very learned man hath observed to my hand, that hee desired God to send by the Messiah, that

excellent Messenger whom hee had promised to the lost world: For the common name of the Messiah among the Jews, as the New Testament informs us was, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hee that was to come, Mat. 11.3. and he who was to bee sent, by which notion Johns expression may be understood, Joh. 3.34. For hee whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God. John was Gods Messenger, yet hee utterly disclaimes this title of being that person whom God hath sent, which hee could not have done had it not been peculiar to the Messiah;* 1.25 the meaning therefore of Moses his words seems to bee, Lord I know thou hast promised to send an authentick Messenger into the world, one that shall speak as never man spake, I beseech thee at this time send him on this great Errand to Pharaoh for the deliverance of thy people Israel: I am the more inclined to this interpretation, be∣cause I yet see nothing in our Modern Commentators that oppose it, which should weigh down the scales against the judgement of the Ancients: But whether hee did parti∣cularly eye the Messiah or not, or whether hee left the per∣son to bee indifferently at Gods choice, so hee might bee ex∣cused himself; It is certain it was his fault to dispute so long against Gods call; For which God was angry, vers. 14. Yet his modest intreaty, vers. 13. O my Lord, I pray thee, makes it to mee evident, that this unwillingness arose not from perversness of spirit, but a deep sense of his inability: But wee finde sometimes that a tree shaken by the wind roots it self the faster, and broken bones well set, grow stronger, and they who go backwards, leap the further for it: Moses when once hee accepts Gods imployment (ha∣ving bafled the great temptation at the first undertaking) hee doth his work with courage, and afterwards receives Gods testimony, that Moses his servant was faithful in all his house.* 1.26

* 1.27For God useth to observe, and to own all that are in re∣lation to him; Moses my Servant; which was the second thing wee took notice of in the first part of the Text; and had wee time to dwell upon it, it might bee of excel∣lent use to consider, that God hath not only minded them, and acknowledged them whilest living, but hee hath evi∣denced

great respect to them when they are dead. The Israelites got many a blessing for Abrahams sake; and it is remarkable, that when God considers himself, hee considers David too, 2 King. 19, 34. I will defend this City to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant Davids sake.

Oh rare encouragement to bee faithful to God! when it shall not only bee said to us at death, Well done good and faithful servant, enter into thy Masters joy: But for our sakes also it shall go better with those wee leave behinde us on earth. Children, Families, Countries, shall all partake of a blessing, out of Gods respect to us when wee are laid in the dust, and they say of us, what the Jews said of Abraham and Israel,* 1.28 That wee are ignorant of them, and acknowledge them not.

But if I should stay here, I should prevent my self, in that which is most pertinent, both to the Text and the present occasion: It is sufficient that I have given you gold in the mass, your meditation must beat it into leaf gold; and it may be I shall assist you, before I put a full period to this Discourse.

The second thing which the Text presented to us, was Moses present condition;* 1.29 Moses my Servant is dead.

Faithful service to God is no security from the common Law of Mortality:* 1.30 Gods best servants are not persons priviledged from the arrest of this surly Serjeant.

Of the man Moses it is said, That hee was very meek above all the men which were upon the face of the earth;* 1.31 Yet his meekness could not charm this adver∣sary.

Hee was admirably useful, and so is the Sun to the Traveller, and yet it sets: Deaths sithe makes no distincti∣on betwixt wholesome herbs, and stinking weeds.

Hee was a man of excellent Education, brought up in Pharaohs Court,* 1.32 hee was skilled in all the learning of the AEgyptians.

But China mettal, and Venice Glasses, are as soon, yea sooner broken to peeces, than course pots: Pure com∣plexions

soon catch infectious diseases.* 1.33 Hee was a man of power and authority. The man Moses was great in the land of Egypt; Yea hee was mighty in words, and in deeds: But hee that could work Miracles, to save or destroy others, can work none to save himself: The great Xerxes wept when all the strength of his Army could not keep death out of their Quarters. A holy man hee was that chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,* 1.34 than enjoy the pleasures of sin; But yet hee was a man, and a na∣tural body will bee natural, when the soul is refined from the dregs of wickedness; and a sick horse will bee faint, and go heavily, and at length fall, though you should set a better Rider on his back: Yea which is further remark∣able, hee was a man whose prayers were prevalent with God for others; that when God was about to destroy the Israelites, hee saith to him, Let mee alone; and upon his in∣tercession the Text saith, That the Lord repented of the evil which hee thought to do unto his people. Yet when this man comes to beg for his own life, yea when hee begs that hee may but live a little longer to enter the promised Land, yet God will not hear him.

If my memory fail mee not, it is the onely request recorded in Scripture which God denied to grant him; after hee had accepted this service of bringing the people out of Egypt.

Moses was such a man that God saith of him,* 1.35 There arose not a Prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, a man rarely accomplished;* 1.36 will you know what is become of him? Moses Gods ser∣vant is dead.

I shall give three Reasons for it.

Reason 1. That God may shew the world how little hee stands in need of any creature; when God would punish the Aegyptians, hee doth not bring Earthquakes, not only Thunder and Lightnings, but Frogs, and swarms of Flyes,* 1.37 the dust of the Land is turned into Lice, and the Magi∣cians that had done some thing greater, shall not bee able to do this: God makes the meanest things the greatest

scourges, and then much of himself is visible: When God will break Nebuchadnezzars pride. Hee will not bring a Puissant Army to conquer him: Nor shake the fabrick of the world to amaze him;* 1.38 but when hee speaks loftily, Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the Kingdom, ••c. he doth but hear a few words, The Kingdome is departed from thee, and God lets a melancholy fancy pur∣sue him, and the great King is below the poorest man in all his Dominions. One would have thought if Moses should have delivered the people, it should have been done whilst hee was a favourite in Pharaohs Court. But hee must go into the Wilderness, and live forty years in Midian, indure hardship and misery,* 1.39 lose his favour in Aegypt, be∣fore hee bee fit for God to make use of as a Deliverer. And when God hath sent him, and hee hath wrought miracles, and carried the people through the Red Sea, they are ready to say, Exod. 32.1. It was Moses that brought us up out of the Land of Egypt. But they shall see God needs him not. Joshua one of his young men, that used in all his addresses to say, My Lord Moses, Numb. 11.28. hee shall conduct them, and it shall bee evident God can bee with him as he was with Moses: And sure God is seen most when Daniel looks better with poor pulse, than the rest do with the Kings delicious fare.

The way to shorten the best mens lives, is for people to think they cannot live without them. The Sun never yet needed a Glow-worm; nor God a creature, as God sometimes dis∣covers himself in his dealings with wicked men, that hee brings the mischief upon them they feared, by the means they used to prevent it. Pharaoh fears the Israelites should multiply, and bee mightier and greater than the Egyptians, and therefore hee will oppress them, Exod. 1.9, 10. Jero∣boam fears that the hearts of the people will return to Reho∣boam if they should go up to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice, and therefore hee sets up two golden Calves, 1 King. 12.27. The Jews are afraid, if they suffer Christ to proceed in his Doctrine, and Miracles, all would beleeve on him, and the Romans would come and take away their Kingdome: These instances makes that truth evident which Solomon

hath recorded, Prov. 10, 24. That which the wicked fears shall come upon him; yea, his own policy to prevent it, shall be the means to bring it, the Israelites increase the more for their affliction, Exod. 1.12. Jeroboams family is therefore rejected, 1 King. 14.8, 9, 10. The Jewes are destroyed by the Romans for crucifying Jesus Christ: and have ever since continued the scorn of the world; so God in his dealing with his people in waies of mercy, chuses not the means which they think most, but least on: Gideous army is too great, a few shall do that work, Moses is too much admi∣red; Moses shall die, that God may be more acknowledg∣ed, and man lesse; for it is our sin and folly to ascribe to Saul his thousands, and to David his ten thousands, but to God nothing at all.

Reas. 2. Moses is dead. That God may shew what an extreme hatred and antipathy hee hath to sin every where;* 1.40 even in a Moses: If this meek man be provoked, and speak unadvisedly with his lips, it shall go ill even with Moses, Psal. 106.32, 33. If the good man be passionate, and say, I am not able to hear all this people alone, it is too heavy for mee,* 1.41 and if thou deal thus with mee, kill mee I pray thee out of hand. Moses shall know that God can take him at his word, and another shall have the burden, and the honour too; yea, though hee be afterward earnest for lite, and beg importu∣nately that hee may enter into the promised Land, yet God will not be intreated: Wee little think, how much mis∣cheif wee do our selves, who may be any way publickly serviceable, to be at any time weary of the imployment God hath charged us with; especially if the discontent shew it self to others, for then the divine providence is ingaged to make it manifest, that hee can well enough be without such muttering servants; and that it becomes us not to be too bold, or presumptuous by the confidence we have in our former fidelity, or present usefulnesse. Let Jonah run away if he will, but a storm shall follow him: For God will have all the world take notice, that hee hates sin, because it is. sin, and not because such a person commits it.

If wee would observe, wee might easily perceive, how

irreconcileable Gods hatred is to sin. Adam was the prime peece of divine Art; the glory and honour of the visible World; if hee sin, hee shall die; and because the dishonour is great, an•• unavoidable necessity of death, shall bee the fad condition of all his posterity. Wee read of none except∣ed from the execution of this fatal sentence but Enoch and Elijah: one would think that any considering minde, that shall see the tears of them that are in misery, hear the groans of them that lye on sick-beds; observe the sighs of consuming persons, who decay by little and little, as a gar∣ment that is Moth-eaten, or that shall surveigh the tossings of men in feavers, who are never at rest. God outs them off with pineing sicknesse, and as a Lion hee breaks their bones: I say, one would think, a very weak head, that will but se∣riously consider, might easily from those premises con∣clude, that sin is a thing odious and abominable, and though God bee good, yet hee is not fond; for the righteous Lord loveth righteousnesse.* 1.42

If this convince thee not sufficiently; come nearer, and see how sin like a noisome carkasse. infects the air, and all that come near it, suffer for it; let a man bee openly wick∣ed, and do high acts of basenesse, and his relations, his children,* 1.43 yea his childrens children shall smart for it; for God v••sits the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children to the third and fourth Generation.

Epiphanius tells us that for three thousand three hundred and thirty two years; there is not one example in Scripture of a Son that died before his Father: till Terahs time, whom he conceives to be a notorious Idolater; and of him it is said Gen. 11.28. That Haran died before his Father Terah, in the Land of his nativity in Ur of the Chaldees: hee could not forget Abel, and therefore no question hee intended only that they of whom it might properly bee said, They died, not they who were killed should come within the reach of this observation.

Hee that is not a very carelesse reader of Scripture, cannot but grant, that if this Leprosie once break forth, no man knows whither it will spread: When Korah, Dathan,* 1.44 and Abiram sin, the earth swallows them up, and

their little children two, even all that appertained to them.* 1.45 Adams sin made death certain, and when sin grew grea∣ter, than death which before crept like a Snail, began to come faster, till it had brought the life of man, from a thousand years long to seventy; and if any one was an open affronter of the Lawes of Heaven, the poor family, and the innocent infants found the thread of life cut asunder for the Parents crime: Do you yet beleeve that God hates sin? If you will see further, behold the holy God is no re∣specter of persons; and it David murder Uriah, the sword shall follow him; If Moses be angry, and speak unadvised∣ly, God is angry presently, and Moses shall die in the Wil∣derness.

Reas. 3. Moses is dead, that hee may bee rewarded for the faithfull service he hath done already; sin brought in death, but God hath made death to bring in glory: the dark room is an entry into the presence chamber: It was a great rid∣dle to flesh and blood, but was perfectly discovered at Christs resurrection, and ascension; Out of the cater comes meat: Had Moses lived, hee would have found that in every day there was something of Autumn, as well as Spring; even in the face the most beautifull part of the bo∣dy, is the sink of the brain; It is better to bee in the mount with God, than to be troubled with the Idolatrous Israe∣lites; hee cannot forget,* 1.46 that even Aaron and Miriam spake against him.

Meeknesse of spirit is one of the best Antidotes against such mischiefs from neer relations, but no man knows what trouble hee may finde from those hee loves best, and whom hee hath served most: If Moses be blamelesse himself, they will bee angry, because of the Aethiopian Woman: Thus one relation produceth trouble from another: If his face shine, when hee comes down from the mount, the Israelites cannot bear it, hee must put a veil on; let the life bee carelesse, and then hee scornes himself, or others may quickly scorn him; let it bee exemplary that a man shines as a light in the world, holding forth the word of life; it will be alwaies true, that sore eyes cannot

bear it. It is better to be with Angels, who alwaies-behold the face of God in Heaven: All things are yours, Life and Death:* 1.47 in life, good men do work; after death, they enter into joy; yea, into the joy of their Lord; they are glorified together, Rom. 8.17.* 1.48 Here they serve, there they are served, Luk. 12.37. Blessed are those servants which waited for their Lord, whom at his comming, hee shall finde watching; Verily I say unto you, that hee shall girde himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them: Moses cryed out passionately, Lord, shew mee thy glory; God will now answer that prayer,* 1.49 but then his desire of life must be de∣nyed, for no man can see my face, and live; upon which words Saint Augustine meditating, cryed out, Moriar Domine ut te videam, Let mee die Lord, that I may see thee. And indeed, Paul told him, that he must be dissolved, if he would bee with Christ: A soul that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 winged with divine love, is like a poor bird in a cage, sits often sad, because imprisoned,* 1.50 looks through the wires, sings when the Sun comes at it, but alass, it sets by and by, and a clou∣dy dismal night follows it: The souls clear visions of God are too glorious for this state; here it is rara hora, br••vis mo∣ra, as Bernard phraseth it; the man whose piety is steddy, and industry great, sees here through a glass darkly, there face, to face; and then hee shall know, even as hee is known; When you therefore wonder why good men die, you for∣get too much the trouble of life, and the glory after death: Jacobs Motto agrees well with their experience: Few and evil have been my daies. So great are the exigencies and ne∣cessities of the present state, that it requires the skill of the wisest man, and most self-observing, to give a catalogue of those imperfections which all persons feel and groan under; the happinesse of infancy is, that wee feel only the trouble of what is present, and wrack not our selves with fears of what is future; when we get up to understanding there are boisterous lusts, like cruel Pyrates, setting upon us that we cannot quietly sail to the Haven of peace and rest. What it is to be wise, and live in the enjoyment of God, and a mans self-busy-passions scarce suffer the Juvenile age to make en∣quirry: If a man come to old age, hee is an Imperious In∣fant,

or a childe in authority: If a man bee good, the Devil sets on him, Waspes are busie where the honey is. If hee cannot bee hindred from doing good, which is the Devils first design, hee shall bee Fly-blown with pride, which is the second, and as dangerous. Upon due thoughts it will bee found that for us to serve God here, is our great wisdome; for us to dye when God pleaseth, is Gods great mercy. La∣bour in the Lord shall not bee in vain, but the reward of Labour in the Lord, is when wee dye in the Lord; For then wee rest from our labours,* 1.51 and our works follow us.

Hitherto our Discourse hath tended to give satisfaction to this enquiry why Moses dyed: It remains that wee draw some Corollaries, and so make application to all your consciences.

• 1 The death of Moses speaks something to all that stand in the same relation to God, that hee did, viz. that are his servants, publick instruments for the doing of his work.
• 2 The death of Moses speaks something to all those, who are in a capacity of losing persons so eminently use∣full and beneficiall to them, as Moses was to the Israelites.

I begin my Discourse with all those that are in publick imployment, and are sincerely faithful to the trusts com∣mitted to them, whether they be Magistrates or Ministers: Two things are proper advice, from all that wee have hi∣therto spoke upon this Text.

Corol. 1. Promise not to your selves long life: One would have thought if any man in the world might have bee confident of his life, sure Moses might, till hee had carried the people through the Wilderness, and brought them into the Land of Canaan; this business was that which God set him about. It was the fulfilling of the ancient Promise made to Abraham; Gods glory was ingaged to per∣fect it, that his Name might not bee dishonoured by the heathen round about, who had seen, or heard of all his Miracles. Moses knew the people, and was much honour∣ed by them; and so one would imagine the fittest man in the world for it, yet Moses dyeth.

Know therefore that when you are about the best work, the most excellent design, most honourable for God, most usefull for others, yet then death comes with commission, the shadows of the evening stretch themselves upon you, it is no longer day; And when this night comes, no man can work.

* 1.52Philosophers observe, that a very great calmness usually goes before a mighty Earthquake; Such folly and mad∣ness hath spread it self upon the hearts of men, that gene∣rally they promise to themselves, what God never promised them, and promise not to themselves, what hee hath promised them. God never perswaded men to bee Christians by con∣stant health, by long life, by applause and honour, but hee hath told us of a providence about us that shall make all things work for good. Wormwood wee may drink, but it shall turn to health, that wee shall not dye, or that wee shall not dye at thirty, as well as at threescore, God hath not spoke one syllable; but hee hath told us of a great glory hereafter, and that our labour shall not bee in vain in the Lord. If ever a good man might have hoped for exempti∣on from such sore calamities, sure Job might, then, when they fell upon him,* 1.53 though hee lived not among the Jews, but in the land of Uz, yet hee was perfect and upright, hee feared God, and esehewed evill. The Sun-shine of outward plenty, put not out the fire of his devotion; hee did but fear that his sons might sin, It may bee that my sons have sinned, vers. 5. and hee must send for them, and sanctifie them, and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. Did not' Job hope for a happy life from hence? Yes, When I looked for good,* 1.54 then evill came unto mee, and when I waited for light, then came darkness? Was hee not one that acted the part of a good Magistrate? Yes, Hee was eyes to the blinde, and feet to the lame, hee was a father to the poor,* 1.55 and the blessing of him that was ready to perish, came up∣on him. But the conclusion which hee made, did not follow from the premises;* 1.56 Then I said I shall dye in my nest, and I shall multiply my dayes as the sand. Long life and peace, were things presumed; but you will finde it a sad mistake,

if you peruse the next Chapter, vers. 15. T••rr••urs are tur∣ned upon mee, vers. 23.* 1.57 I know that thou wilt bring mee to death, and to the house appointed for all living. His harp was turned to mourning, and his organ into the voyce of them that weep.

In the time of our Saviours greatest joy,* 1.58 when the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his rayment was white and glistering, and Moses and Elias appeared in glory, they spake to him of his decease. I could wish all persons of worth and excellency in their mutual converse, in their contribution of assistance for the promoting of the most pious interests, would sometimes entertain one another with a discourse about their decease, for that would pluck up the weeds of vain hopes, and fond imaginations which are apt to grow in the hearts of good men.

And though some men, whose thoughts are so immer∣sed in secular and worldly affairs that they are scarce at leasure to consider whether their strength bee the strength of brass or clay: Though they bee guilty of this mistake, whose lives meet with few hours of pain, and their little sadness is but like vinegar put into sweet sauce, makes it taste better, or like a harsh note in musick, that goes be∣fore a sweet one, forcing the ear to bee more cove∣tous, and making the harmony more grateful; yet it is wonderfully strange, that they who by long study and serious thoughts have macerated their bodies and made them sickly, who are like a flower exposed to the violence of the North wind, and have no shelter; that such as these should forget their death, seems to bee incredible: Did not sad experience tell it was too true. I would not bee as the Screech-owl, a messenger of death to any one, much less to my beloved brethren in the Ministry, I would gladly bee as the Crow on the Capitol, who when shee could not say, It is well, said, It shall bee well: I cannot say,* 1.59 It is well with us, when Mr. Vines, Mr. Frost, Mr. Bright,* 1.60 are carried to their graves, I would say, It shall bee well, and the next year shall produce no such sad spectacies. But neither my Text, nor the occasion of this solemn Assembly, make mee able to promise it: In the former you finde a Prophet,

that never had one like him (till the Son of God appear∣ed) dead before you; By the latter you may bee informed, that a holy man may have his Autumu even in his Spring, and his leaves may drop asunder before hee bee well ripe. When the Sons of the Prophets came forth to Elisha, they said to him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy Master from thy head to day? hee answered, Yes, I know it, hold you your peace.* 1.61 If I should tell you that your Saviour is dead, I might say, Know you that your Master lay in the grave, and the servant must not bee better than his Lord. But now I say, Know you that God hath taken away from you your fellow-servant? I presume you will answer mee, Wee know it, hold you your peace. Yet I am ready to urge that Question thrice, as the Sons of the Prophets did; for I am sure that which you know quickly, you may forget hasti∣ly. It is not hasty showers, but soft snow that soaks deep, whilst the former runs off as fast as it comes, the latter gently creeps in at every chink of ground.

Let mee humbly therefore beseech you, to think again, and again, to look wishly upon the Text, and upon the Grave of that usefull friend whom God hath now taken from us; And then I question not, but you will bee pre∣pared for the second thing which the Text recommends to your practice.

Corol. 2. Then it is good reason you should do your work, as fast, and as well as you can.

It is good reason,

• 1 Because you are servants.
• 2 Because you are dying servants.

1 Consider, you are servants: If you bee asked, Why stand you idle, and go not down into Gods Vineyard? you cannot answer, God hath not called us: Shall servants loyter? It was Moses commendation, that as a servant hee was faithfull in all Gods house: Let it bee yours: Suffer mee to propound a few Queries: Let all your consciences answer them.

Query 1. Is it not your Justice: Is not your service a debt? Ought you not to discharge it? Have you a right to your selves? Did you make and redeem, or do you now preserve your selves? Hath God no way ingaged you?

Did God give you your parts and talents to bee laid up in napkins, or doth hee expect his own with due improve∣••••ent? or were not your gifts given you for others sake? as the mothers breast for the childes advantage.* 1.62

A most accurate Preacher hath said truly,

If the Mi∣nister labour not to increase his stock, hee is the worst Theef in the Parish. It is wicked for a man trusted with the improving of Orphans estates, to let them lye dead by him, much more for a Minister not to improve his gifts, which I may call the Town stock, given for the good of the souls of both rich and poor.

Or have you a minde it shall bee said at your death, There is gone the unjust servant, that called God Master, but served the Devil.

Quer. 2. Is not faithful service, the expression of your ingenuity? Are you not beholden to God? Do not mercies make thee resolve to present thy self to him,* 1.63 which is thy reasonable service? Can you forget how passionately the bleeding Saviour said, If thou lovest mee feed my sheep; Lovest thou mee, feed my lambs: Have divers lusts and pleasures which you have served too long, Tit. 3.3. Done you greater favours than God?

Quer. 3. Is it not your security? The Coward that runs away in this service shall certainly bee killed: If Jonah will go to Tarsus, a storm must follow him, and overtake him; Do wee provoke God to jealousie?* 1.64 are wee stranger than hee? Oh remember often those dreadful words of our Sa∣viours, Take the unprofitable servant, and c••st him it to ever∣lasting burning. The servant that had work to do, and began to drink and bee drunken; His Lord will come in a day when hee looketh not for him, and will cut him in sunder,* 1.65 and will ap∣point him his portion with the unbeleevers. None were safe when the earth was hurt, Rev. 7.3. but the servants of God who were sealed in their fore-heads. Do you think you shall alwaies live at Gods table, to delight in the Devils drudgery? No, at length you must have their portion too, Depart yee cursed, I know you not. Wee may flatter, and deceive men, but wee cannot that God, who will not bee mocked, who tells us, That hee will require the blood of others at our hands.

Quer. 4. Doth not your compassion to others force it? You that are Gods Stewards, have this for your work in Gods houshold,* 1.66 To give them their portion of meat in due season; Can you forbear to break the bread of life to souls; souls for which Christ dyed? Can you forget how passio∣nately hee said, If yee love mee feed my sheep? Have you neither love to Christ, nor his sheep neither? Do you not remember that your Saviour had compassion on the mul∣titude, because they had nothing to eat, and hee would not send them away fasting,* 1.67 lest they should faint by the way? Oh that wee had as much love to souls as Christ had to bodies, How many have continued many years, and never yet tasted the bread of life! Oh what sad deliqui∣ums, what fainting fits at death! what dreadfull horror, when they shall enter into the borders of Eternity, and see themselves separated from the true portion of immortal spirits! Will they not bee ready to upbraid your cruelty, and unmercifulness. Observe what ridiculous and absurd things sinners make themselves here. The covetous man that hath more than enough, yet perplexeth himself with his own wants, look how like a fool hee goes leading his horse in his hand, and carrying his saddle on his back till hee bee pickled in his own sweat, when his horse would with ease carry him, and his saddle too. Look what a fool the proud man is, that will needs bee popular, and do every thing to bee honoured by others, yet himself is as much afraid, left this secret plummet which puts all the wheels in motion, should bee discovered, as a Theef is to bee taken in the very act; and if hee have the hat and the knee of spe∣ctators: the poor man doth as the Ass, that thought shee was honoured, when alas it was the image shee carried. It is not the man (for him they scorn) but the fine cloaths, and the great estate, that is so much Idolized; for so a dull beast shall command the eyes of the multitude with gaudy trappings, when one of better spirit and ser∣vice shall not bee looked on. Do you not minde what a Swilling-tub a beastly Drunkard is? what a childish Ape hee is that is given to chambering and wantonness? Look how the poor discontented man like the Silkworm, eats

out his own bowels? Can you see all this, and much more which your own thoughts tell you, and not pitty the de∣generate estate of lost man?

Oh what is become of the glory of Gods Creation! How hath this fair Picture lost the oriency of all its co∣lours, that beauty of all its Lineaments? Cast your eyes upon the excellency of a true Christian, who is bonorum rector, malorum victor, one that knows how to want, how to abound; one whose goodness and wisdome, strikes an awe and reverence into all that converse with him, the prophane person fears him, the hypocrite counterfeits him, as knowing hee hath no beauty, unless painted with those colours? Can you see sinners want these perfections and bee satisfied? Hath the Devils malice done so much mischief? Shall your affectionate compassion do no good? but the dreadful terrors of Eternity (mee thinks) should strike fire out of a flint. All vice is folly here, and this folly will bee punished with weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth hereafter. Oh think when you are preaching, it may bee here are many that have not hearkned to Gods voyce, and God may now be about to swear that they shall never enter into his rest. Can this enter into your serious thoughts, and you forget to do the work of faithful ser∣vants: If it bee possible, perswade this foolish world to leave mudwalls for good food, and Pest-houses for health∣full air.* 1.68

Query 5. Is it not your glory and perfection, your own great honour and priviledge, to bee Gods servants? Abraham is Gods servant, but hee is his friend too, Isa. 41.8. Moses is his servant, but Moses sees him face to face.

How sweetly doth My Master sound, My Master. As Amber-greese leaves a rich Sent unto the Taster. So do these words a sweet Content An oriental fragranoy, My Master.

With these all day I do perfume my minde: so Mr. Herbert, that pious, and most incomparably ingenious Poet of whom it is said, That in his ordinary speech when hee made mention of the blessed Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, hee used to adde, My Master, Who is it, I beseech you, that you can glory in as your Master? your selves, your lusts, the world, the Devil, or God; which is greatest honour to bee Ambassador for a wise Prince, or to bee a slave to a base beggar?

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉* 1.69

Alas, wee are too much fools to bee fit to rule our selves, and the Devil hath wit enough, but it is to cheat us, and make us miserable.

The Philosopher hath well observed,* 1.70 that there is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, one whose weak spirits, and crazie intellectuals shew him born to bee in subjection to another wiser than himself, and the best character that can bee given of him is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, hee is able to bee under Autho∣rity; hee is not so wilful as to refuse government, not so stubborn as to scorn direction. Unhappy and miserable creature that cannot see it self, and will not bee led by a seeing guide. The greatest favour that can bee done to children, is to put them under the inspection of wise and sober Tu∣tors; and it is childrens credit when under them; to bee like soft wax warmed, that will receive any impression: It is the happiness of an Angel to comply with the Divine will: sure it must bee ours, who are yet in a state of infancy and nonage, ready to run headlong into all dangers to consult the Oracle of heaven, and take Gods advice in all wee go about;* 1.71 for it any thing bee rational, this is: Where the su∣periour is infallibly wise, righteous, and good; there the inferiour cannot do himself so great a courtesie, as univer∣sally to surrender his uncertain, fallible, mutable will to him in all things. I wonder not therefore that David chuseth to bee a door keeper, and that hee cryes out so

pathetically, Psal. 116.16. O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant.

I might at large prosecute this great argument to dili∣gence, and fidelity by propounding,

• 1 The excellency of all Gods Laws.
• 2 The great reward which his bounty hath promised. Compare the former with your own passions, the latter with shame and death, the onely profit that can bee reaped from sin, and it will easily bee granted, that every prodigal when he comes to himself, will quickly cry out, Make mee as one of thy hired servants: And indeed a right under∣standing in this point, makes the service to bee such as it should bee; For hee that looks upon God as a hard Ma∣ster, will either hide the Talent in a Napkin, and do no∣thing, or else that which is as good as nothing; whilst hee hath better thoughts of sin, and the pleasures of this world, then hee hath of God, and of the rewards which hee will give to them that observe him. Gods Creation, Preser∣vation, and Redemption, give him a right to us, and make our service necessary: but the excellency of his nature, the goodness of his worke, the future happiness promised, make the service cheerful.

The summe of all is, Yee are servants: And then your Justice, your Ingenuity, your Security, your Compassion, your Glory, requires faithfulness.

I conclude this Consideration with Mr. Perkins Motto.

Minister Christies, hoc age, Thou art Christs servant, minde thy work.

We have at length finished the first Consideration, which should promote care in Gods service. I shall briefly urge the second.

Consideration 2. Yee are not onely servants, but dying servants, and therefore do your work as well,* 1.72 and as fast as you can. When Mr. Calvin grew sickly, and some friends disswaded him from some imployments, hee gave

this answer, Vultisne Christum me invenire ••tiosum? Would you have Christ finde mee idle? Shall death, a Messenger that was never idle, but alwayes did his errand, finde us idle when Christ sends it? there is a night coming when wee cannot work, and it is very like our day is a Winter day, not a Summer day. Play the lesson God hath set you whilst the Instrument is in tune, the weather will alter pre∣sently, and then the strings will fall, or break.

* 1.73Gregory hath observed that the Spirit of God des∣cended in two shapes, the first was of a Dove, the last of Fire; the first shewed Innocency and Simplicity; the last Zeal and Activity: That wee must do no harm, is certain, (let none but hellish slaves carry Plague-sores about them) but that wee must do good, bee fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, is as certain: What good from an eye that is al∣wayes covered with its own lid, or from fire that is al∣wayes buried in the ashes, or a ship that alwayes lyes at anchor? You must bee doing, for God will ere long say, Give an account of your stewardship, you must bee no longer stewards.

The last words almost which were heard from that fa∣mously learned, and pious Bishop of Armagh, were, Lord in special forgive my sins of omission; yet hee was singularly industrious in writing, reading, exhorting, instructing. Sins of omission will at death go nearer our hearts than wee thought they would in life. Bee as zealous for God all your life, as you thought you should bee when you first en∣tred on this publick imployment for God, and as you re∣solved to bee when you last lay upon a bed of sickness. But sad experience findes the common observation too true, That bells strike thick while they are rising, but stand still, and give no sound at all when they are at full pitch, Wee forget what wee were, and what wee shall bee, and consider not what a great account wee must suddenly make, and therefore fall asleep, and do not by deep medi∣tation, winde up those weights which must keep our souls in spiritual motion; Wee finde in nature, that stones the nearer the center, move faster. Wee finde the Devil raging, because his time was short;* 1.74 Shall not wee bee as industri∣ous

who have but little time for better work; reprove sin to day, as a man that may dye at night,* 1.75 for when thou dyest, the opportunity is lost, then you know not how to beseech sinners to bee reconciled, then it is too late to make Dives his motion. Oh that my brethren were warned not to come into this flame!

The Stoick saith truly, Maximum vivendi impedimentum est,* 1.76 expectatio qua pendet ex crastino, The greatest impe∣diment to a good life, is hope of living to morrow. They who please themselves with their own thoughts and com∣pany, sometimes finde they are at their journies end, be∣fore they thought that they had been near it. Men that sleep securely wonder so much time should bee gone, as they finde there is when they awake: Whilst wee are im∣ployed in things worldly and sensual, our time is gone, but our work is not done.

I read lately Chrysostomes third Homily upon the Acts, wherein because I found many things, which affected and awakened mee much. I shall recommend them to your consideration.

I am perswaded saith hee,* 1.77 That very few of them who are intrusted with the Gospel, and the care of souls, shall bee saved, the far greater part is damned; my reason is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sc. This work requires a soul more than ordinary, hee had need have a thousand eyes in his head, and have them all awake. The sin of a publick Minister gives more offence, than of a pri∣vate person. God could better bear with the discontent of an ordinary Jew, than hee could with the passion of Moses.* 1.78

Which of us shews so much care of the flock of Christ, as Jacob did of his Uncle Labans, In the day the drought consumed mee, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.* 1.79 I value (saith hee) nothing more than the light, yet I could wish to bee blinde, if by that means I might open the eyes of your mindes, and convert your souls, yea this I could wish a thousand times:* 1.80 I wish you may never further make experiment by your ini∣quity, of the truth of this vastaffection: When so great

a calamity befalls mee, as if any of you sin, Let mee perish, if I bee not like one paralytical, or in an extasie, that I can truly say with the Prophet,* 1.81 As for the light of mine eyes it is gone from mee, Psal. 38.10. I hope this fire warms.

I would adde more force to these considerations of our relation as servants, of our sudden discharge from that relation by death, but that my charity forbids mee to suspect that others needs so much as myself, to awaken constant dili∣gence; and to prevent that dull Lethargie which is apt to creep upon us.

* 1.82God grant that all Christian Magistrates may minde the affairs of all particular persons under them, as if they were their own: And that all Ministers of the Gospel, may sin∣cerely endeavour to save themselves, and them that hear them, not preaching themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and themselves the servants of others for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4.5.

I have now finished the first part of my task, which was to draw practical inferences that did concern all that stood in Moses relation, that were Gods publick officers in the world, acting for him by his direction; the other part must now bee undertaken, which wee hope will more briefly bee dispatched: It is to tell you, what Moses death speaks to all those, who are daily in a capacity of losing such ser∣vants of God, who are usefull to them in their generation, as Moses was to the Israelites in his.

Wee have heard what Moses death spoke to Joshua, and the Elders of Israel, let us now hear what it speaks to the people, and it recommends five things.

* 1.831 Let no man bee Idolized, bee hee what hee will, hee is but a servant, and a dying one too, a flower, yet withering and fading. Epiphanius saith, That in Arabia Moses was accounted a god, and there his Image was worshipped; their reason was because of the miracles which hee wrought; Sure they knew not that hee was but a servant, and that hee dyed in the Wilderness: Fools wee are to a∣dore the conduit-pipe, and forget the Fountain. Wee look to instruments, and forget the principal Agent:

When Pharaoh consulted Joseph as an Oracle, hee wisely told him, God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace: When Paul and Barnabas come to preach the Gospel; if they may bee looked upon as gods for their Miracles, the mali∣cious Devil is as well pleased, as if they had bee scorned or trampled on.

And if some great Schollars bee not mistaken, the great respect which were in the world to the better sort of men among Heathens,* 1.84 and holy men amongst Christians have served his interest, more to bring in Idolatry, than the base practises and wanton wits of prophane men could to bring in Atheism; for by this art (it is thought) the silly beasts came to bee worshipped as gods; for whereas seve∣ral Princes and great men, applauded by the people, had several devices and emblems which they bare in their Shields or Crests (some best liking Dogs, others Lions; Wolves, or Cats, as sympathy of nature, fancy, or particu∣lar occasion led them) the spectators mindes were by little and little tainted, and for the mans sake began to give ado∣ration to the Beasts, till posterity looked upon them as Co∣adjutors, and helpers in all victorious success in war, or prosperous events in peace.

I might at large prosecute this notion, if I had time to view Popish Images: Wee sometimes finde a sordid, but a cunning fellow, turned out at one door, to sneak in at ano∣ther: When Paganish Idolatry must fall to the ground, and the Iles hear a d••leful voyce, that the Great god Pan is dead, the Devil joyns with the multitude of Christians, and cryes down all the ancient duties, but it is that hee may the more applaud the Saints; and then you know, if any person bee much beloved, his picture shall bee desired. Experience hath given sad testimony, that adulterous hearts, when they once had Minions, pleased themselves more with them, than with their lawful Consorts. To this day the Devil hath no such engine to winde up the hearts of the faithless Jews to such an incredible height of unbelecf, as their high thoughts of Moses, and of that Law, which they kiss and reverence: Insomuch that this is now their setled maxime, that no person can bee looked on as com∣ing

from God, that doth not establish the Mosaical Occo∣nomy, the fancy of whose perpetuity would prejudice and take away the efficacy of that great Argument,* 1.85 used by our blested Saviour, I mean Miracles.

I am perswaded the Devil hath plaid the same game, in these late years of the Christian world; for when men are perswaded to have mens persons in admiration, either the ad∣mired creatures continue what they were thought to bee, & then God is little acknowledged, or if they turn to error and bad practice, either their admirers see it not, and so follow them, or if they do see it, then it is a good argument to Scepticisme, and make men suspect all Religion. I perswade my self, most Sects (which have caused woful divisions) have arose from Idolizing the Sect-master. It is known well enough that a Masters errour is no small temptation to a Scholar: And indeed there is no temptation to the Master, like the admiration of the Scholar.

But I forget my self, and stay too long upon this head; Lonly suggest that then wee Idolize any man:

• 1 When wee set him up as a Dictator, to beleeve and act as hee would have us, without his shewing Gods Com∣mission for what is propounded by him to us. For who dethroned God, and set up man as the ruler of my faith and life?
• 2 When wee are so dis-satisfied at the loss of any crea∣ture that wee enjoy not quiet of minde in God, and beleeve not his ability to supply that loss; as if God could not make the stream to run as well for our advantage in ano∣ther channel. It is a sign when the case is thus, that wee put the servant into the Masters place, and make account the Families welfare depends on him who is sent, and not on him who sends him. Whatsoever hee bee, though ex∣cellently adorned with the accomplishments of a man, with the perfections of a Christian, know, if hee do good, it is because God blesseth him, the Instrument makes no Musick, unless some curious hand touch it; and know, that all that glory thou admirest is carried in an earthen vessed, and a little knock may break that Pitcher which hath often brought good water from the bubling

• fountain. Let these considerations keep our affections so∣ber; for if men bee once inordinate in passion, and listen to temptation, you had as good talk to mad men, and the De∣vil knew there was such amongst the Jews, and therefore contended about the body of Moses with the Angel. Not questioning but they who were so ready to worship a gol∣den Calf, would quickly have some devotion to pay upon his Sepulchre; but the phyfick, and those cordials which do no good when nature is spent, are proper and succes∣ful medicines, before strength bee too much impaired, and spirits wasted. Those arguments which speak to sober, in∣different, or not over much prejudiced Auditors, are to others whose passions are engaged, like lightning, which goes through a porous body, and leaves no impression, nor any testimony of its presence there.

Got causeth the Sun to rise, like a Gyant to run its course, and he makes it to set at night; God sends forth men into the world to bee useful, they are his servants; hee calls them home, they dye; Let God every where bee acknowledged, no man••dolized.

2 Yet Moses his death, chargeth you that they bee not sleighted: Servants indeed they are, but they are Gods servants, they dye, but it is God that calls them from you to himself that he may reward them: Have you any good Magistrates? thank God for them, live quietly under them in all godliness and honesly. Have you good Ministers that labour in the word and doctrine? bless God for them; they beseech you, as in Gods stead that you would bee re∣conciled to him, respect the Ambassador for his sake that sends him; those whom you value not upon their own ac∣count, value as they stand in relation to God. I presume no man can easily bee so fond and ignorant as to imagine that hee is bound to think, every one that hath the name and the garb of a Minister, must bee looked on as Gods ser∣vant; No it is too evident that many carrie Gods livery on their backs, which do the D••vils service, with their hands: Unto many of whom, even men may say, what God will, when they talk of prophesying in Christs Name, Yee are workers of iniquity, wee know you not; and

if Korah, Dathan and Abiram, will offer strange fire, the con∣gregation must leave them:

But I now speak of those whose study and prayer is to save themselves, and them that hear them, who prayes to their people whilest they are spectators, as well as whilest they are auditors; they are would convert souls to righte∣ousness; let them bee respected for their works sake; yea, for their Masters sake, let them bee reputed servants of the most high God: The Devil found it would bee a good way to pine and starve the vitals of Christianity, to make the feet lame,* 1.86 and the hands feeble, if hee made the head too bigge, if hee put a Pope into St. Peters chair; and then the design ever after should be, more to maintain their own grandeur and greatness, than the life and power of godli∣ness: If the Protestant Religion findes out this temptation, then scorn, vilifie, down with Ministers, and Ministry, vilifie the persons, and that will help to make the Doctrin vile.

I cannot forget how angry God was even with Aaron and Miriam, Numb. 12. For alas! even they could speak against Moses: Wherefore saith God, were yee not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? vers. 8. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them: Why, what had they spoke? see vers. 2. Hath the Lord spoke only by Moses; he married the Aethiopian, a strange woman, hee is not so much wiser than wee. God will not bear any thing which manifests contempt of them that are imployed by him.

But the best way to shew respect to them, that now con∣secrate themselves to Gods service, is to accept of the Do∣ctrine which they preach (viz.) the holy commands and promises of the Gospel: What though some of them have not such parts, such sagacious apprehensions, such peircing expressions, such lively representations of their thoughts: remember, that Isaiah was a noble man, and nearly allyed to the King. Amos was a Herds-man, yet both were Pro∣phets. Jesus Christ dieth,* 1.87 and sends out poor Fisher-men, and they do more miracles, and greater than ever hee did; and convert more souls: If God please, the pulse, the

courser fare, shall make Daniel look better than the rest: though Moses must not bee idolized, yet Joshun must not be despised. I of Paul, and I of Apollo, and I of Cophas; sure yee are carnal: are they not all the servants of Christ? what, is no sense nor reason spoke, unless it bee adorned with such a degree of eloquence? Is there no light, unless there be noon-day glory? this is just like a silly Country∣man, that counts him the King which hath most silver lace, and can shew the biggest handfuls of gold: the foolish sports of lacivious fancies, grave and masculine plety, looks on with a noble contempt; though I love with all my heart to hear discourses, wherein my understanding perceives learning, and my affections feel piety, yet I am far from thinking, that one quarter of them is learned, which the world reputes so: where the words are starched, and they are set together, to make a few fine cadencies, and they please an itching eare, that affects trifles, but cure no dis∣ease, blow away no mist from the understanding, leave no foundation for setled peace, or sober godliness:* 1.88 Cito tur∣gens spuma dilabitur, this froth that looks white is present∣ly wasted. A tumor in the face that glisters and shines much, is contrary to that healthful complexion which makes beau∣ty: I would have learning, but it should be to convey truth better to the understandings of all that hear mee: learning to make every thing plain, not to make any thing obscure and difficult.

Mr. Meade used to say, to preach so as people should not understand, was like a Shooe-makers bringing home a handsome Shooe, but with a Last in it: it looked nearly, but it was of no use as it was; for no foot could bee put into it: When I am in pain, and a member gangrenes, talk not to mee how the Chirurgeon looks, but tell mee how fit hee is, and how well skilled for the cure: doth the Prince applaud the Ambassador? that hath shewed hee could speak elegantly, and had words at will, but left out the potent reasons, wherewith hee should have secu∣red the business, or else so buried them in his own phrases, that they were not understood: If any one ask why I speak all this, I shall tell him no other reason but this (I wish I had

no more) I would not have the water of life valued, for the Vessel through which it runs, nor Gods truth for the mans parts, but them for truth; and every one esteemed as hee is a member of Gods family, and is more or less a faith∣ful servant.

But if you will sleight them, let mee tell you, they shall not be troublesome to you very long; for Moses shall die: God sends them now to demand fruit, and to charge you to prepare for eternity, and to invite you to accept of great salvation, it may be, it is the last time that ever this Messen∣ger shall bee sent to you, welcome him now or never: Think every time you see a godly Minister going into the Pul∣pit, it may be I shall never hear this man more, never hear him pray for my soul more, never perceive him entring into my very heart, and command my affections, and raise my spirit by Gospel Arguments, and allure mee by divine motives, if not now, never; if not now, nothing must speak to mee but his gra••e, until the day of judgement, when hee who loved my soul, and asked mee why I would die; must come in as a witnesse a∣gainst mee, and justifie God in my condemnation, why should I slight Gods message, or slight him who brings it? Now hee is for ought I know, entring into the joy of his Lord; now God so values him, as to reward him.

Surely this arguing is rational, and might easily enter into any mans minde, who observes but common experi∣ence, though hee had nothing else to prompt him. — I hope all of you will reap this advantage from the present occasion, to value the persons, and the Sermons of all con∣sciencious preachers better: idolize them not, was our first advice, that is one way to lose them. Gustavus the renowned King of Sweden, prophesied truth when hee said, God would take him off, because men too much admired him; yet scorn them not, for Ambassadors are soon called home, when it is desperate to prevail so far as to get fair audience: but howsoever you deal with us, do but practise godliness, and we shall rejoyce; for I question not but holy men can hear∣tily present Pauls petition: Now I pray to God that yee do no evil,* 1.89 not that wee should appear approved, but that yee should do that which is honest, though wee bee as reprobat••••. Experience

tell us, that good thoughts of the Physitian facilitate the cure, and the good health of a sickly patient, brings credit enough to the Physitian.

3 Moses his death, Chargeth you not to be confident of long life your selves: if Palaces crack and fall, sure weak cotta∣ges must; if Moses die, a••private Israelite must not live al∣waies: All flesh is grass, Isa. 40.6, 7, 8. Homo cum sis, id fac ut semper intelig as: The Heliotrope, may pride it self, at the Suns presence, the pretty flowers may open all their heads, and welcome the salutes of the grand beauty of this vi∣sible world; but the Sun will set, and a night must be found every four and twenty hours in Summer, but at length comes a cold Winter, a tedious absence of the warm beams, and then the leaves drop, and the roots perish; we are far nearer sickness and death, than wee think wee are: Soul take thine ease; that the man said; This night shall thy soul bee taken away from thee, that God said: Is not this great Babel that I have built for the honour of my name. The great King hath no sooner said it, but hee hears a voice, that speaks something of a different nature, like the noise of a thunder-clap, that swallowes up the melody which his secure pride made him: The Kingdome is departed. A remarkable check you have to mens vain presumption of life, in 1 King. 16.8, 9. Elah is drinking himself drunk, and his servant Zimri comes in and kills him; — Well, Zimri will bee King, promiseth himself much hap∣pinesse in his royalty, but it hastens his death. Omri besiegeth him, and when the City is taken,* 1.90 the poor King goes into the Palace, burns the house over him with fire, and dies.

The Israelites like not Mannah, they must needs feed more delicioussy; they shall; but while the meat was in their mouthes, the wrath of God fell upon them, and slew the mightiest of them; wee are blinde if wee see not, that man groweth up as a flower, and is cut down;* 1.91 hee fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not: Every thing in nature tells us of changes; our very Table is but a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a bier, whereon every dish of meat stands as a dead corpse: I could weep sometimes, and drop my tears as the dew of

the morning, when I see a young man in the pride of his strength,* 1.92 in the acuteness of his parts, in the blossome of his beauty, whilst hee is the delight of friends, and his so∣ciety the ambition of spectators; hee sits still, and thinks no hurt, when a rude passion stabs him; or hee is innocently merry, but his juvenile blood is inflamed, hee is sick, hee groans, hee sighs, hee dyes: But I resolve to stop the flood-gates, and blame my folly; for it is folly to forget that it is as natural for the grass to wither, and it is as ordinary for it to bee cut down, as it is to creep out of the womb of the earth: Bee as careful as wee can, good fruit will perish, because it is worm-eaten, and that which eats it, is bred within it. Just when Pharaoh will have bricks made, and build Pyramids; leave Monuments of his greatness to posterity, then is God about to break him, and pluck down the plumes of Aegyptian pride.

And surely, if an Israelite cannot presume that long life shall bee his portion, an Aegyptian cannot; if a Moses can∣not, then not an Israelite; but this fond self-flattery, this great disease of besotted humane nature, whilst I perceive so much reason as a medicine proper for its cure, and yet so little of it received; makes mee sad, and bewail the deli∣rium that hath deprived us of all sober understanding: And indeed who can think of Jonathans great integrity, and read his great mistake, without some degree of this pas∣sion, 1 Sam. 23. hee said to David, Thou shalt bee King over Israel, and I shall bee next unto thee. Alas, good man, who knew not that hee was to dye in the next battel, and shall not the tares▪ bee cut up when the wheat is? Shall not the dust bee blown away when pearls are? Whether I, or you shall bee deaths portion next, I know not, but that wee shall all bee, is certain, for Moses is dead; neither humi∣lity, nor meekness, power, and greatness; neither the love of God to him, nor the love of Israel gives a dispensation, from deaths claim.

4 Moses his death: Commands you to prepare for death; nothing will secure from it; therefore provide for it: Art thou great or small, in prosperity, in adversity, the way may differ, it may bee fairer to thee, fouler to

another; but the journies end is the same; the debt is due, the day of payment not expressed, and therefore it may bee demanded presently: What have you to say when death comes? Will you speak to Time, as Joshua to the Sun, Stand still, that I may bee avenged of all my adver∣saries, that I may murder and crucifie those sins and lusts which have robbed mee of God and Heaven: Alas, you cannot, Times Chariot runs post, hee will not hear; or is the grim visage of death, and the thoughts of eternity, and a day of judgement so little formidable, that thou canst look steadily without amazement on them? Alas thy heart fails thee at the thought of them? What cordial then hast thou? Moses my servant goes before, Death comes after: bee Gods servant; and thou art well prepa∣red for this charge; bee the Devils servant, and have the Devils curse; bee Gods, and the gift is eternal life: Aaron goes up willingly to Mount Hor and dyes: Moses when hee sees it is Gods will, is satisfied: Nothing like the testimony of a good conscience, that a man hath been faithful in Gods service; though every one in Gods family bee not a steward, a publick officer as Moses was, yet every one is a servant, hath some work to do; oh why do you neglect it? Is that a fit time for man to dress himself in a dark night, when the dreadful cry astonisheth him that his house is on fire about his ears? the poor man stands naked, amazed, and is either burnt, or runs down the stairs, with fears not to bee conceived by any body but himself; so it is when death fetcheth the sinner, and conscience cryes aloud that the fire of hell will scorch him, and the great Judge infal∣libly condemn him: Is this a time now for him, to put on the ornaments of grace, when hee is putting off the body? No, alas, that is too great a work to bee done so soon, and hee is too much amazed to go about it: The fear of a danger past, kills Nabal, and makes his heart like a stone within him. There are sad instances that make it evident, that the time which men allot to make preparation for death, is generally useless, and ineffectual for that pur∣pose.

A learned Doctor of our own hath collected three sad examples which give sufficient restimony to our last asser∣tion,* 1.93 the first of them he met with in S. Gregory, who reports of Chrysaurius a Gentleman in the Province of Valeria, rich, and vitious, witty, but lascivious covetous, proud; that be∣ing cast upon his death bed, he fancied he saw evill spirits coming to arrest him, and drag him to hell; hee fell into a great agony, shreeked out; And when his disease grew desperate, hee cryed out, Give mee respite, but till the mor∣row, And with those words he dyed. His second example is of a drunken monk, whom Bede mentions; who upon his death-bed seemed to see hell opened,* 1.94 and a place assigned him near Caiaphas, and those which crucified our Saviour. The Religious persons which stood about his bed, called on him to repent of his sin, to implore the mercies of God, but hee answered, this is no time to change my life, the sentence is passed upon mee, it is too late. His third example is one Gunizo, a factious and ambitious person, of whom Damianus reports, that the Tempter gave notice to him of his approaching death; but when any man preached re∣pentance to him,* 1.95 out of a strange incuriousness, or the spirit of reprobation, hee seemed like a dead and uncon∣cerned man; in all other Discourses hee was awake, and apt to answer.

Divers now in Cambridge will quickly perceive that these three instances call to their mindes a fourth, of a woman that lived there, who on a sick-bed being visited by divers persons of piety, and entertained with holy discourses, used to say nothing but this, Call Time again.

It is true, wee have not every day such remarkable in∣stances, no more is every murderer hanged upon the Gib∣bets, yet so many suffer this dreadful punishment, as to make acts of baseness formidable, and to shew the sore hatred, which a good and compassionate Magistrate hath against them; so the former examples demonstrate that Gods grace (though of absolute necessity to our happiness) yet then when wee should need it, wee may either forget, or else not finde it, wee thought wee should, at the com∣mand of our wishes.

But what is the design of poor besotted man? Let a sickness arrest us, a Physitian is sent for, an estate, a great revenue shall bee parted with for Time, get but health, and then any man shall have it for a trifle: Nay wee are weary of it if it must bee spent in the thoughts of God and eterni∣ty; then this short, very short life, is too long for us: Men that are full of business in the world, talk like Augustus, Aliquande se victurum sibi sperabat, he hoped he should some∣time live to enjoy himself, and they long passionately for a great Vacation; but when it may bee in their power, they act like Turannius, who after the ninetieth year of his age, having received a discharge from Caesar, and got liberty to bee freed from Court attendance,* 1.96 will needs bee laid in his bed, like one that hath breathed his last, and all his family must bewail the old mans death. The God of heaven will tel us at the day of judgement, how little wee knew what to do with our selves, and our time when we had fair oppor∣tunities to prepare for death, and to work out our salvation: God will easily convince us, that it was our wilful prosecu∣tion of our own lusts which ruined us, and that wee would not come to him that wee might have life.

If any one shall ask mee, what should bee done to make preparation for death: I would beg of him, first,* 1.97 That hee would bee so much at leasure as to bee a while serious, if hee can but prevail so far with himself, as not to bee turned out of doors by his own thoughts, hee will answer his own question himself, and soon resolve, that to live, is the best preparation to dye.* 1.98

For it is one thing to bee in the world, another thing to live: To bee a man in the due use of all powers and fa∣culties in the just command of all passions, to bee a Chri∣stian in the exercise of all Divine graces, this is to live, o∣therwise men are dead in sins and trespasses, and their souls are buried in a lump of flesh.

I perswade my self in this point, men need more to bee awakened than instructed, for who knows not that hee ought to repent, and who understands not that by repen∣tance, God means that which hee himself means, when hee charges a son, a friend, a servant to repent, viz. That hee

should bee heartily sorrowful for what is past,* 1.99 and do so no more; why then is not the Catalogue of sin read over till thy heart bee melted with godly sorrow, and a con∣stant antipathy against iniquity make thee watchful That thou sin no more lest a worse thing come.

Reader, tell mee, Wouldest thou not do this, this week, it thou thoughtest thou shouldest dye the next? but remem∣ber this day cannot bee too soon, because to morrow may bee too late. It was a good saying of a wise Rabbi, It is every mans duty to repent one day before hee dyes; and hee that knows not but that this day may bee his last, had need begin to day, and so make every day a continued act of repen∣tance: Do this to purpose now, for since nothing makes enmity betwixt the holy God and us but sin, practise this duty daily by surveying all thy life, by continuing reso∣lutions of obedience, by holy watchfulness, that when the hour of death comes, thou mayest have this by thee as a never failing cordial.

And dost thou not know, that thou wilt then need a strong beleef of this great truth, That God hath mercy for a repenting sinner, That the case of man is not desperate; That wee have liberty for second thoughts by the New Covenant; That there is a great glory hereafter, and a cer∣tain resurrection to eternal life? why is not this point stu∣died by thee till thy soul bee fully confirmed in this great Article?

Or art thou ignorant that thou shalt be unwilling to dye if thy treasure be not laid up in heaven?* 1.100 you may pull off a glove with ease, but not the skin; you may easily see a soul go hence, that hath none on earth that it desires in comparison of God. Whereas a soul immersed in body, used to no∣thing but eating and drinking, and the pleasures of the belly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sc. that is bewitched by the body, faln in love with it, and imbraceth it; Oh how willing it is to catch at, and clasp about every thing that might make it stay in its be∣loved tabernacle; Oh be sure to inure thy minde to things heavenly, and spiritual, for inordinate consent to the plea∣sures of our outward man do 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as the noble Philo∣sopher

speaks) strangely unite our souls to our bodies, that they cannot go from that which they count their happiness without infinite torment and vexation: That day wherein the vanity of the world, the emptinesse and dissatisfaction of all corporal delights are not so far studied, as to preserve our love for God, that day did nothing for our provision for death.

Reader, all this thou art perswaded of, practice it; yet for thy comfort and quiet, at the hour of death, remem∣ber to familiarize death to thy thoughts in life; a Mariner is not afraid in a storm at Sea, when a childe, or a timo∣rous woman quakes for fear in a fair day, on a shallow river: Think thy Saviour the beloved Son of God died, and lay in the grave; remember if thou art Christs, all things are thine, life, and death; seriously read, and duly consider, Heb. 2.14.15.* 1.101 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, hee also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death hee might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the Devil, and de∣liver them, who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage.

Did wee thus practice, and thus anticipate death by thoughts, wee should finde our childish fancies apt to con∣verse with that grim visage, which at the first they ran a∣way from.

By this means wee should bee worthy that character of those valiant people.* 1.102

— Animae{que} capaces Mortis. —

Men not transported with the love of life, nor inslaved with the fear of death: Men fit to live; fit to die; men that could triumph, and sing that glorious 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Oh death! w where is thy sting, Oh grave! where is thy victory?

Fifthly and lastly,* 1.103 Moses death chargeth you to bee satis∣fied, quiet, and contented, when you die your selves, when your friends, when good Magistrates, good Ministers die before you; for sure wee, and they may bee sick, and die, and yet bee beloved of God; so was Moses: Yea behold a greater than Moses, Jesus Christ; hee that heard the voice from Heaven, this is my beloved Son, hee felt the pains of

death, and lay three daies in a Sepulchre: deaths face looks more lovely ever since, and may bee beheld with less asto∣nishment: Now wee may chearfully say, come let us go and dye also: sure though the Bee humme, and make a noise, though the Serpent hiss, yet the sting is gone: Blessed bee God for the satisfaction wee have in this great case by the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour: when our pains are next to intollerable, though wee should sweat as hee did, drops like blood; yea, when wee feel the stroak of death, and finde the face besmeared with a cold clammy moisture; the eyes are dimme, the hands stiffe, the friends stand by and weep, they speak, but can receive no answer: there is no liberty for a thought of any thing but pain and sadness, grief and sorrow, yet may a sober Christian now by this Gospel-knowledge of the death of Christ, make this happy conclusion; this may bee my case, and yet I not bee hated, but so far beloved of the holy God, as that I may hereafter shine as the Sun in the firmament,* 1.104 and may for ever bee as the Angels beholding the face of my Father in Heaven: Go then yee useful exemplary persons, who speak much to the World, when you say nothing, who by good works,* 1.105 those unanswerable syllogismes, those in∣vincible demonstrations, convince spectators, who by the beauty of holinesse, steal away the hearts of gainsayers, and win their affections almost against their wills; go, lay y••••r heads upon a cold stone, or a soft turfe, wee are satisfied; if wee weep, it shall bee for our selves, not for you: Our Saviour, when he died, charged his disciples they should not let their hearts bee troubled, his death hath prevented the cause of trouble, wee are no more Scepticks, whether the grave bee the way to glory or not? no more scrupulous whether it bee best for you to die,* 1.106 or live? It is not now, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Socrates speaks, a thing known only to God, whether the Scales turn for the advantage o•• the dead or living; and since the Son of God, and the best o•• Gods servants, ever since the creation, have walked through this dark vault, wee will never expect a better way fo•• our selves (that is to be proud) nor will we be amazed whe•• wee come at it, for (after this Gospel knowledge) it is to 〈◊〉〈◊〉

nothing but play the fool, or to fear where no fear is.

And if ever I needed this understanding, I do now; for if ever I had reason to resent deeply, the loss of any man, I have reason now to bee affected at the losse of my faithful friend Mr. Edward Bright, Minister of the Gospel to this Parish; what affections you had to him your tears at the late publick fast wee kept on his behalf, did abundantly te∣stifie: Shall I a little tell you and the world, who is dead, when it shall bee said, that Mr. Bright is dead.

I abhorre to bee unworthy in my speech of any dead per∣son: It is base, when others cast friendly dust, to affect to cast dirt into any ones face; yet I think painting becomes dead people worse than living; and whosoever have used it, have hitherto got but little credit by it: I would bee as un∣willing to speak more good, than truth allows mee of a dead friend, as I would to raise an evil report upon a living enemy.

I shall therefore say nothing but that which all who had any converse with him, whose funeral wee now solemnize, might easily observe in him.

* 1.107I meddle not with that part of his life which I knew not my self, and therefore shall only tell you those things where∣in hee was exemplary since I had happy acquaintance with him.

1 The first which I shall instance in was, the noblenesse of his disposition; hee was not like a Whirle-pit, to suck all into it self, but like a fountain, that sent forth streams from it self, to refresh others; amongst other things which I heard from him in his sicknesse, this was often repeated, I thank God I came not to London for mony: few nights passed over his head, but he used to say to his Uncle (a most affectionate Uncle in whose house hee dyed) if you would bee rich, Re∣member hee that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord: Ma∣ny there are in Cambridge who had much experience of this good Spirit; Munerarius pauperum, & egentium,* 1.108 candidat us sic fest••nat ad Coclum.

2. The plainness, sincerity, and simplicity of his heart: his actions were not checker-work, half black, and half,

white: hee was not as too many now are, a great nothing i•• a Jugling box: that which glistered was mettal, not gilt o∣ver with pretences; this hee used to say often to mee, I thank God I brought a good conscience from Cambridge, and have not lived here to spoil it; and indeed he was a man so free from all dissimulation, that I know very few his equals in that perfection; being as far from flattery as any man I know, I had almost said, as any man living; yea hee would when you required it, open his breast, speak so plainly to you, that you might see his heart spoke five words, when his tongue spake but one.

3 His courage and resolution: Elijah durst speak to A∣hab, and Moses to Pharaoh: I can truly say, I never knew him timorous, where hee was conscientious; and I could have promised this Parish this great happinesse, that the greatest man in it should not have been bold to sin, but hee would (since God had given him this relation) have been bold to tell him of it, and accent it too, with all those circum∣stances which were convenient: hee was not steel in one cause, lead in another, if hee thought Religion concerned: and as Solomons throne was supported by Lions, so must Christs by such as these.

4 His candour and moderation: though zealous for practise, for truths fundamental to a pious life, yet in other things fairly hee allowed good men to differ; and if his na∣tural temper, did at any particular time on a sudden trans∣port him, yet hee was quickly sensible.

Oh that the Christian world did enough remember, that it is good to bee zealous alwaies in a good matter: Sincerity is good blood, zeal is good spirits; and it is pitty good spirits should be spent in throwing feathers. Moses could not bear the people in Idolatry, no more would hee any in prophane∣nesse; yet hee is a very unwise Phisitian that makes no dif∣ference betwixt an ordinary boil, and the plague sore; be∣twixt a little dirt in the skin, and a leprosie; hee that knows not how to consider that in every thing, hee is not infallible, is like to bee a very inconsiderate person; and hee who takes it for granted, that hee is fallible, would have but little love himself, because hee hath none for others; if hee

would, s••••e hee is very proud, to think all the world ought to give him that which hee gives to no body; and indeed that act of pride will soon follow, if men can once per∣swade themselves, that every one ought to bee of their minde which if I mistake not, is though the subtilest, yet the highest pride in the world, The heat of the heart purifies the blood, yet if good air bee not sucked in by the ••ungs to cool it, it will ruine the body by hectick feavers. That may bee of excellent use which is boyled gently upon a little fire, but let it boyl hastily, and run over, it raiseth ashes enough to spoil it self, to make it good for nothing, and to put out the fire too, which had been usefull for many purposes.

5 His abilities for the Ministry: — hee had good natu∣ral parts, and so the mettal was good at first, hee had well improved them by study, and so the mettal was kept from rust; besides, hee had a deep compassion for souls: And in∣deed hee had need bee able that goes about Gods work, 1 Chron. 29.1. The work is great it is for the Lord, said good David, when a palace was to bee built for God. To prepare spiritual Temples where God shall dwell, is a greater bu∣siness than most of our Tradesmen think it is; he loved to have his Sermons filled with sense, could not endure a great bundle of words: And indeed it is absurd to see mens tongues run as fast as the River at full tide, but their judge∣ments move, as standing water, covered with a sheet of ice; or if you will, it is ridiculous to see fancy and humour riding gallop, but sober reason, just understanding, come speaking like a Lacquey behinde them: The judi∣cious Discourses, of which divers of you were Auditors, made by this able Preacher upon Eph. 4.14. [That yee bee not as children tossed to and fro, with every winde of doctrine] shall witness that his name was to bee put into the Cata∣logue of them, whose thoughts are sober, and who do as tis said Aristole did, when he wrote his book, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Dip their pen in their soul, in the composing of Divine Treatises.

I could wish that qualification required by the Apostle was a little more considered by the present generation, viz.

That he who is to take care of souls, and preach the Gospel must not bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.109 a Novice, wee translate it in the Mar∣gin, plainly one newly come to the faith; they that were yester∣day Gentiles, to day should they be imployed as the publick dispensers of Gods Oracles? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Stay a while, the armour may bee good, but every young man cannot use it; and hee may do well under command, that would be a bad leader. It would bee better for young students to stay longer at their studies, to satisfie them∣selves in the great truths of Scripture, than to bee baffled by every one that shall ask them how they can confute an Atheist, and how they can prove the Divine Authority of the Bible;* 1.110 and when truth is known, it is good to see the heart bee well ballanced, that it bee not quite discou∣raged if the world frown, nor lifted up with pride if it smile; it is dangerous to lay a great building upon green walls. This good man therefore was thankful for his Fellowship in Emanuel Colledge above all the providences that hee had in his life; whereby hee had liberty for study, for converse with men of the greatest worth, thinking al∣wayes, that it was no wisdome to bee hasty to spend, if there was no good stock.

But besides the accomplishments which hee had by his natural parts, his acquired learning, his diligent perusal of the holy Scripture, and other Authors subservient to his design, hee had a most deep compassion to souls; nothing more appeared in his prayers in publick, in his private con∣ference than this: And indeed no man is rightly qualified to preach Christs Gospel, that hath not Christs affection in some measure; hee had need bee compassionate, that will give good food, and good phyfick to mad people, though they beat him for it; the world loves their bodies, and will thank a Physitian that discovers their disease, but are either so careless of their souls, or so confident of their own skill, that they will hate a Minister that shall shew them the leprosie of sin which hath spread it self over their per∣sons, and their families: But herein was this good man singular, that hee had a most ardent desire to save the souls of them that heard him, and cared not what the

sinner said of him, so hee at length might pluck him out of the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity; hee that is to guide the Israelites, those peevish creatures through the wilderness, had need bee a Moses, that is, a man of great abilities, and vast affection.

6. His admirable Industry, a very learned and worthy friend in the University, whose thoughts of Mr. Bright I de∣sired, (because (if I may bee bold to use his expression) Good Astronomers are in this case to bee imitated, who chuse to take the altitude of a star at two several stations, that they may make the more steady judgement) gave me this account of his industry; for one whole year (I think the last of his residence there) hee discharged all these several imployments, viz. preaching once every Lords day in Tri∣nity Church, besides Catechizing there frequently in the afternoon, explaining the Commandements, examining the younger and more ignorant sort, to whom hee gave Catechismes; also preaching in the Colledge once every fourteen night, and moderating Divinity Disputations, both which were his charge as Dean of that Colledge, be∣sides the care of his Pupils (above thirty) which was conti∣nually upon him, who fared very little the worse for all his other business.

* 1.111Nor must I forget his diligence in instructing Colledge servants, and constant attendants upon young Scholars, wherein they that knew his practice, know hee was very exemplary.

Nor must I forget his readiness to visit the meanest man or woman in Town, whose necessity required his pre∣sence.

Thus did this good man put the Talents that God gave him to use: Idleness is the burial of a living man, every where odious, but there abominable, where sloth will not suffer a man to stir, though it bee to save a life: No death is cruel enough for that Nurse, that lets her childe, though it cries, starve to death, because shee will not be at the pains to pluck out her breast; This good man so much abhor∣red this vice, that it might bee said to him what Jethro said to Moses (unto whom, but that I dare not bee nice

and curious, I might shew him very parallel) Thou wi•••• surely wear away,* 1.112 for this thing is too heavy for thee.

The strict••ess and exactness of his life, standing al∣wayes Sentinel to observe what thoughts appeared in his soul,* 1.113 and that hee might secure a good fra••••e of heart, and a holy life, he kept a constant Di••ry, and no day we••t over his head for some years before his sickness▪ but hee called himself to an account, that he might see, what evill had that day been done, what good neglected; hee used to record his fins which hee had to consess, to make the ••••reams of godly sorrow run fresher; to record the mercies hee wanted, to make his prayers more importunate; to record the mer∣cies hee received, to make his thankfulness more hearty, and more constant: hee used to compare the observations hee made of himself at the latter end of the month, with those made in the beginning of it, that bee might see whether his sins or his graces had made the greater pro∣gress: This is a course which no man will long keep, but hee that is resolute to follow holiness, without which no man can see God.

8 His profound humility: pictures that have no cur∣tains before them, gather nothing but dust, and so do their mindes that stand exposed to all mens view, and their own too: that is a blessed soul which knows how to do good for goodness sake, and when it is done by him, to bee able to say, Not I, but the grace of God with wee; the sense that Mr. Bright had of his own infirmities, together with his con∣tracted melancholly, made him more apt to complain than boast.

It is said, Numb. 12.3. that the man Moses was meek above all the men of the earth. Meekness was Moses his great per∣fection, and when our Saviour proposeth himself as a pattern, hee saith, Learn of mee, for I am meek and lowly: It is admirable when wee receive many mercies to see our selves lesse than the least of them. When Peter hath the draught of fishes, hee cryes out, Lord, I am a sinful man, Luke 5.8. It is excellent when Gods affliction makes us not to forget his goodness, and when Gods mercy makes us not to forget our sinfulnes. Loss than the least of all Saints, is the Motto

of the greatest A••••stle. I never perceived our good man apt to prefer himself above others, hee would heartily bless God for breaking that pride of his spirit which hee would say was too wilful, and excessively impetuous be∣fore hee had a serious sense of true piety;* 1.114 when hee read over to mee (as hee did often) the history of his life, hee was willing to stay there where hee might speak some∣thing to shame himself; but true beauty will bee seen through such Cypress, hee got respect by it: Like Fabius in the Historian▪ who got more honour by refusing the triumph, than others did by having it: Follow thy Sa∣viour, O my sould and tread in the foot-steps of all thy friends, who are truly humble; humility is the souls orna∣ment,* 1.115 the basis of all Religion, the vessel of graces, the foundation of friendship betwixt God and man, the chan∣nel of all divine communications, the proper imitation of Christ, the transcendent excellency of the Gospel, the only way to true rest and peace, Matth. 11.29.

9. The faithfulnesse of his friendship, and this whosoever forgets, I must not, who had happy experience of it: how rare a thing is it, to finde prepared souls, where secret thoughts are safely laid up, and a man is more afraid of himself, than hee is of him with whom hee doth converse, and is more suspicious of self-flattery, and falseness, to his own interest, than he is of either from his friend: the present temper of this age, makes mee think most men take that ad∣vice, which if I mistake not, the Oratour, saith Bias gave; it a amare oportet, ut aliquando osurus; you must love no man otherwise to day, than as you may hate him to morrow; But Scipie said,* 1.116 never was there a speech more pestileutial to the vitals of this noble thing, friendship, than this is: But the former vertues wee have observed in this good man, made him capable of being a faithful, sincere friend:* 1.117 the Philosopher saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a friend is another self, and therefore a wicked man can never bee a true friend, hee is not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not himself, but one passion or other is alwaies in rebellion, and they make him to have so many interests, that hee cannot bee faithful to the dictates of reason, which is the foundation of friend∣ship,

but hee that steadily aims at this one thing which wee call piety, and true goodness, hee converseth with himself, and so may others too, and not finde him Proteus like, changing shape in every place hee comes to, but the humi∣lity, the strictness and exactness of this holy person, made him amiable, made him love, and bee beloved: might I lawfully take the Poets expression of his friend, Dimidium anims mea, I must then say, I am half buried since hee is, or hee is but half dead since I am alive; my passion speaks as St. Austins did,* 1.118 when hee had lost his friend Nebridius; I wondred any mortal man could live, when hee was dead, whom I loved as if hee had been immortal, but I wondred more how I lived my self, when our affection had made us as it were one per∣son.

With thankfulness to God I this day remember this friends readiness to preach every other Lords day for mee in Cambridge, when my own weakness made mee despair of being able to preach constantly, and attend my other bu∣siness.

Something I have now told you, what Mr. Bright was; but alas! I have but drawn up the flood-gates, which I should rather have let down, Miserum est fuisse felicem; but it is ordinary to see sad persons pleasing themselves with stories of their friends, that they have lost, and though eve∣ry word almost is interrupted with a sigh, and every sen∣tence hath tears, to make it emphatical, yet no other dis∣course delights; nor is any thing else grateful, but what leads to raise this passion higher; so me thinks I could begin again, and tell the story of his life larger; and when I have finished it, wonder how I did to make an end so soon: I have said the less, because hee charged mee to say but little of him, and only referre him to God.

But this I have said, because I desire, that the Parish, to which hee was related that this City which yet knew not his worth might know whom they have lost, and might bee sensible of it. It is sad to lose a good Christian, but more to lose a good Minister:* 1.119 It was a notable speech of Metania, mentioned by Hierome, who when shee saw her Husband dead, presently before hee was cold, had two chil∣dren

died also: shee only said, Expeditius sum tibi servitura Domine, quiatanto me onere liberasti, I hope Lord I shall serve thee better, having now nothing to attend but God;* 1.120 what her relations were, I cannot tell, but I am sure Ministers should bee helpes in our service of God, not hinderances; that is it which makes the loss multiply, when death summons them out of this world; and this is it, which is grievous to mee at the present, I am afraid you will not serve God so well without him.

Yet I would not have any who are most sensible of this loss, bee discouraged: I did not all this while make the wound gape, that the patient should faint, but that I might make the safer cure: Was hee not Gods servant? yes, that is it which causeth our present sorrow for his ab∣sence; but is hee the first servant that ever God took away out of the world? You have seen in the particulars I men∣tioned, how like hee was to Moses in his life: see how like hee was in his death: Moses had but begun that blessed work, of bringing the people to a quiet injoyment of the promised land, and hee dies in the wilderness: so this Mi∣nister of the Gospel had but begun to sow this seed of life,* 1.121 lived not to see it comming up, but a sore feaver arrests him, and a pineing ague, with other sad distempers, cut the thread of life, and makes us call for a burying place, where wee may bury our dead (formerly the delight of our eyes) out of our sight, let us see whether our sins made not this breach, and let us remember to mourn for them:* 1.122 Let us sin no more, lest a worse thing come, lest God send sorer and heavier judgements upon the Parish and City too.

Yet let Moses his death satisfie you in Mr. Brights: let Mr. Brights in your own. God hath used to do thus in the world: and if the tide stay not for the best Merchant, every petty chapman must not chafe, because it runs too fast from him: If the Sun set to Kings and Princes while they travel, it will to beggers: God will not comply with all our humours,* 1.123 nor must his wise understanding submit to our passionate fancies, where a Moses is taken away, it be∣comes them, from whom hee is taken to bee modest, not to murmure against Gods pleasure, but to pray hard, and use

all the means they can to get a Joshua, and when they have him, to bee thankful.

I have done, only I beseech you that are Parishioners here, that you would remember to use all the means you can, if it bee possible to get another Bright amongst you. Empe∣ricks were alwaies confident, but there were that heard, Paul I know, and Jesus I know, but who are yee? hee said wisely who said, th•• Cart was empty when the Horses ran so fast: get a Minister that will bee faithful to your souls, that you are assured aimes at your everlasting wel-fare, and when you have him, hear divine truth from him with attention, practise it with conscience, refresh him by the fruits of your piety, by the exercise of the power of godliness; no comfort to the ten∣der nurse, like the thriving of the childe.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  n="a" Exod. 2.10 Hanc nomi∣nis rationem as∣signant tum illi qui verbum volunt esse Aegyptium, ex 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 aquâ & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 servatus factum. Sic Philo. Jud. Josephus. Cl. Alex. Tum illi qui ex Hebrae•• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 derivatū volunt quod verbum nun∣quam usurpati nisi de educti∣one ex aquis, observat. Bochartus. v. 2 Sam. 22.17. Isa. 63.11.
• * 1.2

  n="b" Exod. 32.1.
• * 1.3

  n="c" Joseph. Cont. Apion.
• * 1.4

  Vers 2.
• * 1.5

  Deut. 34.1.6.
• * 1.6

  What a ser∣vant is. Laert, in vita Zen. Arist. 1. polit. c. 9.
• * 1.7

  See Justinians Instunt. l. 1. Tit. 3.
• * 1.8

  Rom. 6.16.
• * 1.9

  Joh. 8.34.
• * 1.10

  A servant hath no right to himself.
• * 1.11

  Justin. Inst. ut supra.
• * 1.12

  Act. 27.23.
• * 1.13

  Seneca Ep. 47. Servi sunt imo homines; Servi imo Conservi. In mancipio Cogitandum quantum per∣mittir aequi bo∣nique natura•• lib. de Clem.
• * 1.14

  Gratius est no∣men pictatis quam potesta∣tis.
• * 1.15

  Grot. de Jure. Bel. & Paci••. lib. 3.
• * 1.16

  Job 31.13.
• * 1.17

  Job 29.9, 10.
• * 1.18

  In caetu princi∣pum memor regiminis, in ceitamine fi∣mulorum me∣mor conditio∣nis, Gregor. Mag. in 31. c. Job 17.
• * 1.19

  Ps. 100.
• * 1.20

  1 Cor. 6.
• * 1.21

  Therfore God ought to bee served.
• * 1.22

  Mat. 4.10.
• * 1.23

  Rev. 19 10.
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer.
• * 1.25

  The Syriack, Arabick, and Samaritan versions. Quem mislurus es.
• * 1.26

  Heb. 3.5.
• * 1.27

  God owns Mo∣ses in this rela∣tion.
• * 1.28

  Isa. 63.16.
• * 1.29

  Moses condi∣tion.
• * 1.30

  Note.
• * 1.31

  Numb. 12.3.
• * 1.32

  Act. 7.21.22.
• * 1.33

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Philo, called the yong King. Exod. 11.3.
• * 1.34

  Act 7.22. Deut. 34.12. No Prophet like him in all the terror which he shewed in the sight of all Israel. Heb. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Philo. lib. 1. de vita Mosis Exod. 32.10. Vers 14.
• * 1.35

  Deu 34.10, 11
• * 1.36

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.37

  Exod. 8.16.18.
• * 1.38

  Qui•• autem dicit sensum libi redditum, oftendit non forman se amisisse sed mentem. Hiei on. in 4. Dan. v. 34.
• * 1.39

  Act. 7.30. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Philo.
• * 1.40

  Psal. 106.32.
• * 1.41

  Numb. 11.14 15.
• * 1.42

  Psal. 11.7.
• * 1.43

  Exod. 20.5.
• * 1.44

  Numb. 18.30, 31.
• * 1.45

  Yet we must remember that a temporal evil brought upon the childe, as a punishment of the Father, may be a mercy to the childe, of which wee have a happy instance, 1 King. 14.13. that this childe came to the grave, was the great grief of Jeroboam, and yet the great blessing of the childe.
• * 1.46

  Numb. 12.1.
• * 1.47

  1 Cor. 3. ult.
• * 1.48

  Particeps est herilis gaudij. Grot. in Mat. 25.23.
• * 1.49

  Honorem illis novum habebit at{que} insolitum Grctius. in loc.
• * 1.50

  Chrysost. In Acts 26.
• * 1.51

  Rev. 14.13.
• * 1.52

  When first thou didst en∣tice to thee my heart; I thought the service brave See Herberts Poems.
• * 1.53

  Immensi prae∣conii est bo∣num eriam in∣ter malos ex∣titisse. Gregor. Mag.
• * 1.54

  Job 30.26.
• * 1.55

  Job 29.
• * 1.56

  Job 29.18.
• * 1.57

  Job Chap. 30.
• * 1.58

  Luke 9.28, 29, 30, 31.
• * 1.59

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.60

  Sueton. Domit.
• * 1.61

  2 King. 2.3.
• * 1.62

  Mr. Gurnals Christian Ar∣mour, Part. 1. p. 333.
• * 1.63

  Rom. 12.1.
• * 1.64

  1 Cor. 10.••••
• * 1.65

  Luke 12.46. M••s crat do∣minorum no∣men servis in fronte scribere. Ari••ophan•••• Babylonios s••rvos cum fronte inscrip∣tâ introduxit in Scenam. Grot. in loc.
• * 1.66

  Luke 12.42.
• * 1.67

  Mat. 15.32.
• * 1.68

  Tibinobilius est servire quam regna mundi capesse∣re, merito, quando ex ser∣vis filii, exim∣piis Justi de eaptius reddi∣mur absoluti. Cassidor. in orat. p. 439. Herbe••ts Odor: p. 169. new. Ed.
• * 1.69

  Aristoph, Plut.
• * 1.70

  Arist. pol. lib. 1. cap. 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.71

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Plut. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.72

  Dying servants
• * 1.73

  Per columbam simplicitas, per ignem zelus judicatur. In cap. 1. Job.
• * 1.74

  Hev. 12.12.
• * 1.75

  Nemo restituet annos nemo iterum te tibl reddet. Seneca de Brevit. vit•••• cap. 8.
• * 1.76

  Idem cap. 9.
• * 1.77

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.78

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.79

  Gen. 31.40.
• * 1.80

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.81

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.82

  Tanta sane diligentia sub∣jectos sibi po∣pulos rexit & omnia & om∣nes quasi sua essent, curaret. De Antonio pio. Julius Capitolinus.
• * 1.83

  What Moses death speaks to the people.
• * 1.84

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Chrysost ad 12 cap. 2. ad Co∣rinthos. Luodo: Vives in Comment. in August de Civit. Dei. I am not igno∣rant that Gro∣tius gives ano∣ther account of the original of this practice viz. because the stars had been by the Astronomers cast into the forms and shape•• of Beasts. See Ex∣plicat. De ealog. p. 28. Plut. de Defect. Orac.
• * 1.85

  Maimon. Fund. legis with Vorstius.
• * 1.86

  Mr. Baxters learned and excellent Dis∣course, to prove that over doing is undo∣ing; in his di∣rections for peace of con∣science.
• * 1.87

  Mark. 16.
• * 1.88

  Hieronimus ad Pannachium.
• * 1.89

  2 Cor. 13.7.
• * 1.90

  1 King. 16.18
• * 1.91

  Job 14.2.
• * 1.92

  Quis pacturi∣entem rosam & papillacam corymbum an∣teq••••m in ca∣larnum f••anda¦tur orbis, & totâ ruben ium foliorum un∣bitione imma∣ture demesium aequis oculis mai cessere vi∣deat. Hieron. ad Pammachiam super obit. Paulinae uxoris.
• * 1.93

  Great Exampl. 3. Part. p. 144.
• * 1.94

  Lib. 5. c. 15. Hist. Gent. Angloium.
• * 1.95

  Biblioth. F. Pp. Tom. 3.
• * 1.96

  Componi se in lecto, & ve∣lur exanimem a circumstante familia plangi jussit. Sene∣ca de Brevit∣vitae, cap. ult.
• * 1.97

  Nihil minus est hominis oe∣cupati quam vivere, idem cap. 6.
• * 1.98

  Haec quae vides ossa circumvo∣lura nervis, & obductam cu∣tem, vultum que & ministias manus & caete∣ra quibus in∣voluti sumus, vincula ani∣morum tene∣brae{que}; sunt. Se∣neca Consol. ad Marciam. c. 24.
• * 1.99

  S. Augustinus sibi jussera: Psalmos Di∣vidicos de pae∣nitentia scribi ipsos{que} jacens in lecto contra paretem Posito Jegebat jugi∣ter & ubertim flebit. Posido∣nius.
• * 1.100

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Plat. in Phaed.
• * 1.101

  1 Cor. 3. last.
• * 1.102

  Lucan.
• * 1.103

  I speak here only of good men that make provision for death by a pi∣ous life.
• * 1.104

  Mat. 13.43.
• * 1.105

  Est aliquid quod a magno viro, vel tacen∣te proficias. Seneca.
• * 1.106

  Fine Apolo∣giae.
• * 1.107

  Though I have often heard him thankful for his good e∣ducation, of which his Fa∣ther, a godly Minister in Kent, was very careful.
• * 1.108

  Hi••ronimus ad Pammachi∣um.
• * 1.109

  1 Tim. 3.6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Su••••as Inter∣preta••ur. Gregor. Nazi∣an. Vide Justel. Notas in codi∣cem Canonum Eccles. Univer∣sal p. 134.
• * 1.110

  Read Pownals excellent Apo∣logy for a young Divines stay in the University.
• * 1.111

  I humbly pro∣pose this to the consideration of all pious and conscienti∣ous men in the University, in∣to whose hands these papers shall come.
• * 1.112

  Exod. 1••.1••.
• * 1.113

  Cum sublatum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conspectu lu∣men est, & con∣ticuit uxor moris jam mei ••onse ia, totum diem mecum scrutor▪ facta ac dicta mea ••emetior, nihil mihi ipse ab∣scondo, nihil transeo: quare enim quicquam ex e••••oribus meis timeam cum possim dicere, vide ne istud amplius facias, nunc tibi ig∣nosco; in illâ disputatione pugnacius loquutus 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Noli postea congredi cum im perltis, N••∣lu•••• diseere qui nunquim dili∣cerunt. in lib. 3. de ira cap. 36
• * 1.114

  Omni acto tri∣umpho deposi∣tus triumphus clarior, adeo spreta in tem∣pore gloria, in∣terdum redit, cumulatior. Livi. lib 2.
• * 1.115

  Quantum bo∣num est ubi sunt praeparata pectora in quae tuto see otum omne descen••∣dat quo••um conscien••••am minus quam tuam timea••, quorum sermo solitudinem le∣niat, sententia, concilium ex∣pediat, hilaritas tristitiarn dissi∣pet, conspectus ipse delectet. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Seneca de tran∣••quillit. cap. 7.
• * 1.116

  Vide Cicero∣nis Laelium.
• * 1.117

  Aristot, in•• Ethic.
• * 1.118

  Mirabar caete∣ros mortales vi∣vere, quia ille quem quasi non moriturum dil xeram. mortuus erat, & me magis quia ille alter eram vivere il∣lo mo••tuo mi∣rabar. Lib, 42. confess. cap. 6.
• * 1.119

  Ad Pammachi∣um.
• * 1.120

  S••ent immobi∣lis nec gutta fluxit.
• * 1.121

  Hee preached not above six or seven Lords daies. Hee lay sick fifteen weeks.
• * 1.122

  Quod gravissi∣mum fecit, na∣tura commune fecit, ut crude∣litatem facti consolaretur ae∣qualitas. Sene∣ca. consol. ad Polyb.
• * 1.123

  Id Princeps potest, quod salva majestate porest.