Christ the Sts advantage both in life and death. A sermon preached at the funerall of Ms Elisabeth Coke, wife to Colonell Tho. Coke of Pebmersh, Esquire. By Thomas Burrough, preacher of the Gospel at Pebmersh in Essex.

CHRIST THE Sts ADVANTAGE both IN LIFE AND DEATH.

WEe are met to ſolemnize the memoriall of our dear friend, that vertuous Gentlewoman the Lord hath lately taken from us; deſiring to improve our beſt indeavours to make ſome ſpirituall advantage of this our great loſſe. If ever there was a time when that ſad complaint of the Prophet Iſaiah might be taken up, viz. The righteous are taken away from the evill to come, Iſa. 57.1, 'tis ſurely now. If ever the ſurviving Saints might fear that their dear deceaſed Chriſtian friends were taken away from future evils, then ſurely may we now in theſe ſad times. May we not fear there is ſtill a ſtorm approaching, when the Lord houſeth his friends? And that a night of trouble and perplexity draweth nigh, when the great God (as I may with reverence ſo ſpeak) diſpatcheth his children to bed, and thus layeth his beloved ones to ſleep?

Providence hath choſen my Text for mee, and I have willingly ſubmitted to it. When it pleaſed the Lord to take away this our deare friend, I may truely ſay, my wonned ſleep (that night immediately enſuſuing) departed from mine eyes; and in the ſilent time of the night did my phantaſie continually preſent her ſpeaking unto me with her accuſtomed lively voyce, Chriſt is to mee gain both in life and death: whereupon I reſolved (for this time and occaſion) to fix my thoughts upon that portion of Scripture to which I ſhall now crave your attention, as it is upon record,

(The TEXT.)

PHILIP. 1.21. For to mee, to live is Chriſt, and to die is gain:

Or, as the Geneva Tranſlation readeth it,

Chriſt is to mee both in life and death advantage.

THe Apoſtle Paul, when hee wrote this Epiſtle, was priſoner at Rome: which the Philippians underſtanding, (having formerly received the Goſpel by his miniſtery) ſend Epaphroditus their miniſter to viſit him; and by Epaphroditus ſend reliefe to his neceſſities. Whereupon Paul taketh occaſion to write this Epiſtle to them. In the beginning whereof (after his ſalutations) he giveth thanks to God in the behalfe of the Philippians, for their communion and fellowſhip in the Goſpel; confirming them with an aſſured confidence, that the ſame God who had begun that good work in them, would alſo perfect it unto the end. And to this purpoſe he prayeth for them, that they might increaſe daily in the knowledge of God, and abound in the fruits of righteouſneſſe. But fearing leſt his preſent bonds and impriſonments might be an occaſion of diſcouragement to any of them, hee tels them that the cauſe of his impriſonment was well known both in Nero's Palace, and to the Citizens of Rome: yea, his ſufferings had been ſo farre from hindering, that they had helped much towards the progreſſe of the Goſpel; for many through his bonds had ſearched more into the cauſe of his ſufferings, and were grown more bold and confident in the profeſſion of the Goſpel. And although there were ſome that preacht Chriſt out of envie and contention, ſuppoſing to add affliction to his bonds; yet hee therein rejoyced. How theſe thought to adde affliction to his bonds, Expoſitors doe not abſolutely reſolve us: Some think that they did adulterate and corrupt the Doctrine of the Goſpel, mixing it with divers erroneous tenents, ſuch as they conceived might render Paul more odious in the eyes of authority, and ſo they thought to adde affliction to his bonds. Others are of opinion, that they obſerving what high place and eſteem Paul had in the hearts and affections of the godly by preaching Chriſt: they reſolved that they would alſo preach Chriſt, thinking thereby to eclipſe and obſcure his fame. But what-ever was their intent, in Paul wee have a pattern of a truely Heroick and heavenly ſpirit: Hee was willing to be debaſed that Chriſt might thereby be exalted. Chriſt is preached, ſaith hee, and therein I rejoyce, v. 20. Knowing that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 According to my earncſt expectation: an expectation with lifting up the head, or ſtretching out the neck, as one that looketh for the coming of ſome ſpeciall friend, whoſe company he much delighteth in; ſo much the word importeth. Such an earneſt expectation and aſſured hope had Paul, that Chriſt ſhould be magnified by him either by life or death: And upon this perſwaſion hee findeth it difficult to determine whether to make choice of life or death. His life and abode was better for the Philippians; but for himſelfe it was far better to be diſſolved, and to be with Chriſt. If I live (ſaith hee) I have devoted my life to Chriſt; if I die, I am fully perſwaded that Chriſt ſhall be magnified by my death. Therefore, Whether I live or die, Chriſt ſhall be to mee advantage.

The words are a triumphant manifeſtation of that benefit and comfort which Paul did aſſuredly expect to finde from Chriſt both in life and death. Which words (as I conceive) not needing any further explication, hold forth this Propoſition.

DOCT. That the Lord Jeſus Chriſt is a beleevers greateſt advantage and beſt comfort both in life and death.

To mee to live is Chriſt, and to die is gain: Chriſt is my comfort both in life and death. If I live, the life that I leade is by faith in Chriſt: If I die, Chriſt ſhall be to mee advantage: yea, it is farre better for mee to be with Chriſt. So affectionately deſirous of enjoying ſtill more communion with Chriſt was this bleſſed Apoſtle, that hee tels the Corinthians, I deſire to know nothing among you but Chriſt, and him crucified: 1 Cor. 2.2. No, not at Corinth a City of Greece, a famous and learned City: yet hee deſired (even among them) to know not a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , not a tittle of any thing but Chriſt, and him crucified. The ſame Apoſtle telleth the Coloſſians, that all outward priviledges and excellencies without Chriſt are nothing, they cannot all make a man happy, nor render him acceptable in the ſight of God: no, it is Chriſt that is all in all, Coloſſ. 3.11. A title, an intereſt in a Chriſt can onely doe this. Wee are made accepted in the Beloved, Epheſ. 1.6. Againe, if you look forward into this Epiſtle written to the Philippians, you ſhall finde the Apoſtle diſrobing himſelfe of all outward priviledges: he was one of a good Family, excellent parts, one of the ſtricteſt Sect of the Phariſees; yet (ſaith hee) I account all theſe loſſe in reſpect of Chriſt. I account my time loſt that was ſpent in theſe things: I account them but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , offall, garbage, and filth that is thrown out to dogs. Things they are indeed that may entice the dogs of the world, but alas, to mee (ſaith the Apoſtle) they are things of no value. Such ſweet comforts have the Saints found in Chriſt, that Chryſoſtome ſaith, The Name of Jeſus hath a thouſand treaſures of joy and comfort in it. And it is uſed by Paul (as ſome have reckoned) no leſſe then five hundred times. Thus Moſes, that holy man of God, eſteemed reproaches for Chriſt greater riches then the treaſures of Egypt. But how could thoſe many opprobrious and contumelious ſpeeches which the Hebrewes (at that time in a ſtrange land) were ſubject unto, be ſaid to be the reproaches of Chriſt, or for Chriſt, when Chriſt was not yet born? For anſwer to this, yee know that Chriſt was the Lamb ſlain from the beginning of the world. Hee hath ever been afflicted from the beginning of the world. The afflictions of the Church are called the rebukes of Chriſt: when the Saints are rebuked and perſecuted, Chriſt is perſecuted; and theſe Moſes accounts greater riches then the treaſures of Egypt: Mocks and taunts, baniſhment, impriſonment, loſſe of goods, burning at a ſtake for the Name of Chriſt; theſe are greater riches then all the treaſures in the world without Chriſt, and ought to be ſo eſteemed. I reckon, ſaith the Apoſtle Rom. 8.18. or upon juſt reaſoning I conclude, that all the ſufferings of this world are not worthy to bee compared with the glory which ſhall be revealed in us: they are too light to be weighed with that glory. The glory which the Saints ſhall have with Chriſt in the world to come ſhall abundantly exceed all their ſufferings for Chriſt here. And as their glory which they ſhall receive in the world to come is incomparable, ſo their joy and conſolation which they finde in communion with Chriſt here is unſpeakable: nothing elſe can ſatisfie or content them. Should a Chriſtian ſend out his ſoule by way of enquiry, to knock at the door of all worldly contentments, demanding whether any true ſoule-ſatisfying comfort and gain could be found in any of them; they would all give in a negative anſwer: Even as wee read concerning Wiſdome, Job 28.12, 14. The depth ſaith, It is not in mee, &c. ſo here of ſoul-ſatisfying comfort and gain, it will be anſwered, It is not in us.

Inquiry I.

If you ſhould inquire of riches, whether they cannot give ſuch ſoul-ſatisfying content: Alas, the anſwer is already upon record, Riches availe not in the day of wrath: but righteouſneſſe delivereth from death, Pro. 11.4. from the ſting and curſe of the firſt death, and altogether freeth from the ſecond death. Tis righteouſneſſe; but what righteouſneſſe? Surely, none other but the righteouſneſſe of God by faith in Chriſt: That righteouſneſſe, which in regard of working, was the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, Rom. 5.18. and in regard of the imputing or appropriating of it, is called the righteouſneſſe of God, Rom. 3.21. Philip. 3.9. Paul durſt not ſtick to a legall and duty-righteouſneſſe: this will not ſtay the ſoule, nor quiet the conſcience in times of deep diſtreſſe; but it muſt be a better, an higher righteouſneſſe, even the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt. This is the righteouſneſſe that God will accept, and that will afford quiet peace unto the ſoule. This is that righteouſneſſe that will deliver from death.

Inquiry II.

Honours and preferments, cannot you ſtand the ſoule in ſtead in an evill day? Cannot you ſtep betwixt Gods wrath and a troubled conſcience? Alas, theſe may carry worth and eſtimation among men; but they are nothing in reference towards God. Honour is but the raiſing of the value and eſteem of a man here among others: And when men have done what they can, there is onely one Heraldry that maketh the difference of men; and that is the grace of God.

Summa apud Deum Nobilitas eſt clarum eſſe virtutibus, as one ſaith well: 'Tis grace that maketh men of the blood-royall, partakers of the divine nature. The beſt Nobility is the Nobility of faith, and the beſt genealogie the genealogie of good works: and they that truly endeavour to honour Chriſt, them will hee honour. But for worldly honour, when it is once laid in the duſt, who can diſtinguiſh betwixt the greateſt favourite of Princes here on earth, and the pooreſt peaſant? Theſe worldly preferments may adde much to the aggravation of mens condemnation in the day of the Lord Jeſus: but (without grace to improve them to the glory of God) they ſhall never adde to their conſolation. Theſe cannot (of themſelves) yeeld any true ſoule-ſatisfying comfort in time of diſtreſſe.

Inquiry III.

Wife and children (thoſe dear delights of men here upon earth) can you afford no ſoule-ſatisfying comfort in a time of ſpirituall diſtreſſe? Theſe, theſe indeed, are ſweet comforts whileſt injoyed with the favour of God in Chriſt; as that bleſſed Martyr acknowledged, who being asked wh • her did love his Wife and children (hee ſeeming ſo willing to leave them to die for the name of Chriſt;) Yea, (ſaith hee) ſo deer are my wife and children to mee, that (were the whole world mine) I would give it to live with them, though it were but in priſon: But if either I muſt forſake them, or deny Chriſt, were they a thouſand times dearer, I would willingly leave them. Deereſt friends, chiefeſt delights (coming in competition with Chriſt) muſt be diſregarded. In this caſe wee muſt Patrem calcare, &c. as Jerome ſpeaketh; wee muſt trample upon father, and caſt away mother: we muſt know no relation ſo as to hinder us from Chriſt. Hee that doth not thus hate father and mother, and wife and children, in reſpect of Chriſt, is not worthy of Chriſt.

Thus you ſee (upon inquiry) that there is no ſoule-ſatisfying comfort to be found on this ſide Chriſt. As every thing moveth towards its owne proper center, and is not at reſt untill it come thither: ſo the ſoule of a true beleever inclineth and moveth towards Chriſt, and never reſteth contented untill it come to Chriſt, and hath the fruition of Chriſt. As Noah's Dove found no reſt untill ſhee returned to the Ark; and as the Bee findeth no reſt untill ſhee returne to the hive: ſo the ſoule that truely deſireth communion with Chriſt, can meet with no true contentation but in Chriſt: As David ſweetly, Returne unto thy reſt, O my ſoule, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. The reconciled face and favour of God in Chriſt is the onely true reſt of the ſoule: The ſoule is reſtleſſe untill it finde this reſt.

Now, as you have ſeen that there is no true comfort to be found in any enjoyment on this ſide Chriſt: So wee ſhall endeavour to give in ſome arguments to prove, That it is Chriſt alone in whom this comfort is wrapped up.

That the Lord Jeſus Christ is a beleevers greateſt advantage and beſt comfort both in life and death.

REAS. 1.

Becauſe Chriſt onely can free the ſoule from the greateſt evill, from the greateſt burthen here in this life. What is it that maketh the life of many a poor ſoule to be as bitter as death it ſelfe, that maketh them to walk mournfully, and (Rachel-like) refuſe to be comforted? Is it not ſenſe of ſinne, and the weight of remaining corruption? Doth not this conſtraine the poor wearied ſoule to cry out, O wretched man that I am, &c.? Now it is Chriſt alone that can eaſe this burthen: I thanke God through Chriſt (ſaith the Apoſtle.) Hee hath borne our griefes, and carried our ſorrowes, ſaith the Prophet, Iſai. 53.4. Wee are naturally dead in ſinnes and treſpaſſes, 'tis he that hath quickened us. Wee have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , an hand-writing againſt us; 'tis hee alone that hath taken it away, and nailed it on his croſſe. We are ſubject to the power of darkneſſe; 'tis hee that hath ſpoyled principalities and powers, Coloſſ. 2.15. Hee hath diſarmed Sathan of all power (finally) to hurt his elect. It is Chriſt alone that can free the ſoule not onely from the guilt and puniſhment of ſinne, but alſo from the power and dominion of ſinne. Hee was made ſinne for us, (that is, by imputation) that wee might be made the righteouſneſſe of God in him; 2 Cor. 5.21.

God in his eternall councell appointed Chriſt to be ſurety for his elect, and for his righteouſneſſe ſake to accept of them, as if they had been perfectly righteous in themſelves. Whom hee hath ſet forth (ſaith the Apoſtle) to be a propitiation for ſinne, Rom. 3.25. The originall word [ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ] ſheweth the everlaſting purpoſe of God to give his Sonne for the redemption of his elect. So the ſame word is uſed Rom. 8.28. Chriſt was deſigned to this work of propitiation; that is, to bring his elect againe into grace and favour with God: which hee performed, By the merit of his death; By the obedience of his life; And alſo by the holineſſe and purity of his birth and conception.

1. By the merit of his death; ſubmitting himſelfe to the whole curſe of God deſerved by their ſinnes, and ſtanding in the gappe (as it was ſaid of Moſes) ſo bearing the brunt of Gods fiery wrath and indignation, and thereby removing from them whatſoever Wrath or Juſtice could be offended at.

2. By the obedience of his life; in fulfilling Gods moſt righteous Law, by yeelding perfect and entire obedience, whereby they are accounted juſt and righteous.

And 3. By the holineſſe and purity of his conception and birth imputed unto them; whereby they are accounted perſonally as holy and pure (in the ſight of God) as if they themſelves had been conceived and born without ſpot of ſinne. And this holineſſe and purity of Chriſts humane nature is no leſſe reckoned to beleevers for healing their defiled nature, then his obedience and ſuffering for remiſſion of actuall ſinnes, and acquitting them from eternall deſtruction. And to this purpoſe ſaith the Apoſtle, Chriſt is made to us of God, Wiſedome, Righteouſneſſe, Sanctification, and Redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30. CHRIST is made (to ſuch as beleeve in him) not onely Righteouſneſſe in reſpect of his perfect fulfilling the Law of GOD for them; but Sanctification alſo, in reſpect of his holineſſe, innocency, and moſt perfect purity of his holy and ſanctified nature. Thus there is from CHRIST made over to the true beleever, whatever is needfull to his full and perfect juſtification in the ſight of GOD.

Firſt, There is merit and paſſion upon the Croſſe, anſwering for that curſe and torment which hee deſerved.

Secondly, Integrity and obedidience of life, anſwering for his diſobedience.

Thirdly, Perfect purity of nature, anſwering for the impurity of his corrupt nature.

Now, what greater comfort can there be to a beleeving ſoule, then to have all his ſinnes diſcharged and blotted out, and himſelfe acquitted in the ſight of God, and accounted as holy and pure, as if hee had been conceived and born without ſinne? And to finde all his ſinnes (in CHRIST) not onely pardoned, but alſo overpowred: and himſelfe daily by degrees changed from one ſteppe of glorious excellency to another, in ſinnes ruine, and graces reviving, by the Spirit of the LORD? Like as that poore cripple wee reade of Acts 3. v. 8. when hee was cured, hee walked into the Temple, praiſing GOD, and leaping for joy: even ſo the ſoule that findeth it ſelfe once thus ſet free by CHRIST, cannot but with much more abundant joy triumphantly rejoyce in the free grace and mercy of GOD in CHRIST, which hath ſet it free: yea, with a joy unſpeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1. verſ. 8. None knoweth the joy that ſuch finde, but the ſoule that hath laboured under the ſame burden, and taſted of the like freedome. A ſtranger intermedleth not with this joy.

REAS. 2.

Becauſe CHRIST onely can conferre upon the ſoule the greateſt good. What is the chiefeſt good that the ſoule is capable of here in this life? What is it to have an heaven upon earth? Is it not to enjoy GOD? to have an intimate acquaintance with the LORD JESUS CHRIST? to enjoy the ſweet manifeſtations of his preſence, John 14. ver. 21.? Is not this the chiefeſt good, and the great requeſt of the ſoule, To be kiſſed with the kiſſes of CHRIST'S mouth, Cant. 1. v. 1.? The ſweet intimations of CHRIST'S love to the ſoule are good more then wine: better then what-ever elſe can comfort. For CHRIST to take the ſoule into his banquetting-houſe, Cant. 2. v. 4. to communicate unto it largely the rich graces and treaſures of his bleſſed Spirit; to leade it (as it were by the hand) into his privie chambers, and let it take a view of thoſe jewels and precious things laid up for his people: to refreſh the ſoule with thoſe ſpirituall conſolations which exceed all outward troubles; and to ſpread his banner or flagge of defence over the foule; a banner againſt ſinne; Sathan, and the world, and this banner to be Love; all this, the love which CHRIST beareth to the foule: This, this ſo raviſheth the foule, that ſhee is ſick of love, faint and ſick with deſire of enjoying more communion with CHRIST. As Daniel, when hee had recei ed abundance of revelations, was faint and ſick with deſire of more cleare knowledge of his viſions, and of the Churches deliverance, Dan. 8. v. 27. ſo the ſoule that hath once throughly taſted of theſe ſweet conſolations, is ſick after more communion with CHRIST: crying out with the Spouſe, Stay mee with flagons, &c. Cant. 2.5. with the flagons of the wine of grace and ſpirituall conſolations which Chriſt reacheth out to the ſoules of his.

REAS. 3.

Becauſe CHRIST onely can fit a Chriſtian for all eſtates and conditions, for all changes and alterations: CHRIST can teach the ſoule humility in proſperity, patience in affliction; yea, not onely ſo, but alſo to rejoyce and glory in tribulations. To glory is to have a kinde of inſulting over them, to live above them, to undervalue them, to ſet light by them. And not onely to triumph over ſome light trials; but even 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , in preſſing afflictions, in tribulations, Roman. 5. ver. 3. The preſence of CHRIST carrieth the ſoule above all the troubles of the world, and ſets it upon that rock that is higher then all outward diſcouragements. 'Tis CHRIST alone that can teach the ſoul how to reſt content in every condition: I have learned, ſaith Paul (and ſurely it is a bleſſed art) in whatſoever eſtate I am, therewith to be content, Philipp. 4.11. But this knowledge hee tels us, hee obtained from CHRIST; I can doe all things through CHRIST that enableth mee.

REAS. 4.

Becauſe CHRIST onely can ſweeten death, and enable the ſoule couragiouſly to encounter that enemy which Aristotle calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , The moſt Terrible of Terribles; and Bildad (one of Jobs friends) The King of terrours; when Sathan (as uſually hee doth in his laſt and greateſt aſſault) ſendeth in his accuſations like the waves of the ſea, or like Jobs meſſengers, one in the neck of the other, ſeeking to ſwallow up the ſoule in the gulfe of utter deſpaire; preſenting unto the ſoule (as it were in one view) the ſight of the ſinnes of her whole life, together with all the aggravating circumſtances. Now it is CHRIST alone that can (and at this time uſually doth) ſtep in and reſcue the ſoule, taking away the captive out of the power of the enemy: CHRIST now ſmileth upon the ſoule, letting her feel the ſweetneſſe that redoundeth to the beleever by his bitter ſufferings. Hee enableth the foule by faith to caſt anchour in heaven; to ſtay it ſelfe upon the alone and all ſufficient merits of the LORD JESUS. And now the ſoule dares challenge death, hell, and Divels: Who can lay any thing to the charge of GOD's Elect! 'Tis CHRIST that died; yea, rather that is riſen againe for their juſtification.

USE 1.

The firſt Uſe wee deſire to make of this point may be to diſcover the vanity of all other comforts. All comforts without CHRIST are but ſeeming comforts: they are (at the beſt) but bitter-ſweets; there is farre more gall then honey in the beſt of them. All other comforts, without CHRIST, are but like a lamp without oyle, or a bone without marrow. Without CHRIST the ſoule meeteth with emptineſſe in the greateſt worldly fulneſſe. 'Tis CHRIST that filleth all in all. Epheſ. 1.23. He putteth fulneſſe of content and ſatisfaction into all the things that his ſervants enjoy: The righteous eateth to the ſatisfying of his ſoule, Prov. 13.25. If hee have much, hee bleſſeth GOD for it, and laboureth to improve it to his glory; if little, hee is thankfull for it, and content with it. Godlineſſe carrieth a ſelfe-ſufficiencie along with it: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , 1 Timoth. 6. ver. 6.

Other things without CHRIST may carry a ſhew of happineſſe in them; but indeed and in truth, there is no true reall content and ſoule-ſatisfying comfort to be found in them. The glory of the greateſt that want CHRIST, doth many times decay before them; at the utmoſt it dyeth with them: when they goe from their houſe to the grave their glory ſhall not deſcend after them.

It is not the quinteſſence of all things here below, without the fruition of CHRIST with them, and in them, that can make a man happy. Men doe but dreame of a contentedneſſe in them: They are but a meer image and repreſentation: All worldly pomp is but a phantaſie: Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Acts 25.23. Theſe things are not ſo excellent as men think them to be. But truely happy, and aſſuredly bleſſed is that ſoule that enjoyeth communion with the LORD JESUS CHRIST; that can truly ſay with Paul, CHRIST is to mee both in life and death advantage.

USE 2.

Secondly, This may be an Uſe of Inſtruction, to teach Chriſtians ſeriouſly to take notice of the happy eſtate and condition of every ſoul reconciled to GOD in CHRIST: The LORD JESUS is all the ſweetneſſe that the ſoules of his can deſire: Hee is honey in the mouth, muſick in the eare, and a Jubilee in the heart (ſaith Bernard).

Look upon one of GOD's reconciled ones in his moſt afflicted eſtate, when hee is moſt eſtranged from all worldly comforts, yet in the midſt of all his outward wants and ſufferings, hee is truely happy by enjoying communion with GOD in CHRIST.

Let a mans outward condition be what it can; yet in enjoying GOD, the ſoule enjoyeth what-ever is neceſſary and conducible to her comfort and happineſſe. All comforts are in GOD as in the fountaine and ſpring; all are primarily in him. That which the Apoſtle ſpeaketh to this purpoſe (a Corinth. 6. ver. 10.) is a ſtrange Paradox to a naturall man, As having nothing, and yet poſſeſſing all things. In enjoying GOD, the beleever enjoyeth all; even in that GOD who can not onely command, but alſo create comforts. Although the Lord many times leadeth his people into the wilderneſſe, yet even there will hee ſpeake comfortably unto them, Hoſ. 2. verſ. 14. GOD uſually giveth in moſt of himſelfe to his when they are moſt deſtitute of outward comforts: The LORD dealing (in this regard) with his people as Phyſicians with their Patients; who keep their choyceſt cordialls for fainting fits. Thouſands (I am confident) of impriſoned and plundered Saints can experimentally ſpeake to the truth of this. It is but the fulfilling of that promiſe of him who is Truth it ſelfe; who hath engaged himſelfe to be preſent with his in their greateſt ſtreights, When thou paſſeſt thorow the waters, I will be with thee, and thorow the rivers, that they ſhall not overflow thee. When thou walkeſt thorow the fire, thou ſhalt not be burnt, neither ſhall the flame kindle upon thee, Iſai. 43.2.

Whither will the childe feare to goe whileſt it is in the fathers armes. Though I walke thorow the valley of the ſhadow of death (ſaith David) yet will I feare none evill: for thou art with me, Pſal. 23.4. CHRIST's preſence maketh amends for all. Hee is ſo eminently and tranſcendently good, that what-ever is wanting in the creature, is ſupplyed out of his bleſſed ſelfe. If food be wanting to his to feed them, if clothes to cover and keep them warme; yet hee is equivalently good; yea, better to them then all theſe, or whatſoever elſe they can ſtand in need of. O ſtand ſtill then and ſeriouſly take notice of the happy eſtate of a ſoule reconciled to GOD in CHRIST; all outward troubles cannot hinder his joy, nor ſtoppe the entercourſe of love betwixt CHRIST and his ſoule. Hee liveth above all troubles: His life is hid with CHRIST in GOD, Coloſſ. 3. verſ. 3. Hee liveth where hee loveth: his converſation is in heaven, Philip. 3. verſ. 20. All the enemies in the world cannot take away his joy: Hee may loſe houſe, goods, lands, friends; but ſtill hee hath his portion: GOD is the ſtrength of my heart, and my portion for even. Pſal. 73. ver. 26. All the powers of hell, and all the enemies in the world are not able to take away his comfort: They may ſtrip him naked of all the comforts of this life; yea, they may (if the LORD permit) take away life it ſelfe: but yet they cannot take away CHRIST, who is the life of his life, and the joy of his ſoule. Here is a true beleevers conqueſt; His jewell, his treaſure, his beſt and greateſt comfort both in life and death, cannot be taken away. Enemies may ſeparate betwixt the body and the ſoule, but never betwixt the ſoule and CHRIST.

USE 3.

Thirdly, This may diſcover unto us the deſperate folly of thoſe who are ſollicitouſly carefull after the things of this world, and in the meane time altogether careleſſe concerning that which they ought principally to labour after, never truely ſeeking after communion with GOD in CHRIST. Of ſuch wee may juſtly take up that complaint, Yee will not come unto mee, that yee might have life, John 5. verſ. 40. They will not come to CHRIST, they will not beleeve in him, they will not roll themſelves upon him for life and ſalvation: They will not kiſſe the Sonne, they will not have CHRIST to reigne over them: To ſuch I may ſay (in the words of the holy Spirit), Why is there a price put into the hands of fools, ſeeing they have not an heart to it? Why doe ſuch lay out their money for that which is not bread? (Iſa. 55. ver. 2.) for that which will not comfort in time of need? Why is the bleſſed, free and gratious tender of CHRIST ſo ſlenderly eſteemed, and ungratefully refuſed? This, this will prove The condemnation, That men love darkneſſe rather then light, John 3. ver. 19. How ſhall this muzzle the mouthes of all impenitent ſinners that have lived in theſe Goſpel times, who have neglected ſo great ſalvation as hath been held forth unto them? How unutterably miſerable ſhall the condition of ſuch be, When the LORD JESƲS ſhall bee revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and obey not the Goſpel of our LORD JESƲS CHRIST? 2 Theſſ. 1.7, 8.

USE 4.

Fourthly, The Uſe of this in the laſt place ſhall be for exhortation, to exhort every one of us, that as wee deſire to finde any true, ſolid, ſoule-ſatisfying comfort either in life or death; ſo to labour now to get a title and intereſt in CHRIST. Strive to be found in CHRIST, not having any righteouſneſſe of your owne, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteouſneſſe which is of GOD by faith, Philipp. 3. ver. 9. Endeavour to get ſtrong evidence to your ſoules, that you are Chriſt's, and hee yours. Get the love of CHRIST ſhed abroad in your hearts, that your ſoules may be heated with the reflection of this love. Pray that your ſoules may be arreſted with the love of CHRIST; with ſuch a love as the Spouſe; mentioneth, Cant. 8. verſ. 6. A love as ſtrong as death, that conquers the greateſt giant, and mightieſt Monarch; A zeale for CHRIST as inexorable as the grave, that the coales thereof may be fiery coales, ſcorching coals. This love will facilitate the greateſt difficulties, and make the Saints not to love their lives unto death. This hath made the holy Martyrs kiſſe the ſtake and joyfully embrace the flames. This made that bleſſed Ignatius, when hee heard the lions roare, (that were purpoſely kept hungry, to the end they might more eagerly devour him) cry out, O that I were with thoſe beaſts that are prepared for mee, whom I deſire ſhould ſoon make an end of mee: but if they ſhould refuſe to touch my body (as through fear ſometimes they have abſtained from ſome of the Saints) I would provoke them to fall upon me.

Others have ſaid, Racks, ſtrappadoes, torments, are but a play to us. Flames of fire have ſeemed to them no leſſe pleaſant then beds of downe: Thus have theſe bleſſed ſoules beene warmed, yea, inflamed with love to CHRIST. The heat and ſtrength of this love hath alſo moved the Saints, lying upon their death-beds, (even as it is reported of the Swanne) to ſing before their death; and to allure their ſoules (as it were) to haſten out of their bodies: with old Simeon to cry out, LORD, now let thy ſervant depart in peace, Luke 2. verſ. 29. And with good Hilarian, Theſe ſeventy yeeres and upwards thou haſt ſerved the LORD; therefore now goe forth, O my ſoule with joy.

They know right well that though they die, yet the ſting is pulled out, and death to them is but a paſſage to a better life. Hence it is that they welcome death as that bleſſed harbinger of their ſoules eternall happineſſe. This hath made them look upon the day of death as the day of harveſt to the huſband-man, as the day of deliverance to the priſoner, as a day of marriage to the Bride. Upon this day have the Saints looked as a day of exultation and triumph over ſinne, death, and hell: O death, Where is thy ſting? O grave, Where is thy victory? 1 Corinth. 15. ver. 55. It hath made them to long to be diſſolved, and to bee with CHRIST, which is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , farre, farre the better, Philip. 1.23. As a Reverend Divine that I have read of, who the day before hee died, called earneſtly for the Bible, ſaying, Come, oh come, death approacheth, let us gather ſome flowers to comfort this houre. Another, Oh what an happy change ſhall I make! from night to day, from death to life, from a troubleſome world to an heavenly reſt? Thus have many bleſſed Saints even longed for death, and rejoyced at the very approaching of it: which they could never have done, had they not aſſuredly knowne that they ſhould be exceeding gainers by their change, had they not confidently beleeved, that when theſe earthly tabernacles ſhould be diſſolved, they ſhould have a building of GOD, not made with hands, &c. Oh how doth it concern us (eſpecially in theſe cloudy dayes) to ſtrive for intereſt in CHRIST!

Therefore, as ever you deſire to finde any comfort in theſe ſad times, eſpecially at the hour of death, when all other comforts ſhall take their leave; ſo labour to get a tirle and intereſt in CHRIST, that with Paul you may be able to ſay, CHRIST is to mee both in life and death advantage.

NOw concerning this Gentle-woman, whoſe death we have all cauſe to lament, being one who was in an eſpeciall manner inſtrumentall to the glory of GOD. Although I have ever hated flattery; yet, where I finde much of GOD, I deſire to ſpeak ſomething to his glory.

Many things worthy of imitation have I (being much converſant with her) obſerved in her: A briefe account of ſome of them I ſhall in a word or two hint unto you:

Firſt, Shee was very conſcientious in obſerving the Lords day.

Secondly, Shee was principally carefull over the ſoules of her children and ſervants in her huſbands abſence: A lively character of a truely vertuous wife. When ſhould the Moon ſhine bright, but in the abſence of the Sun?

Thirdly, The cauſe of GOD, and the welfare of his people were moſt deer unto her.

In a word: Such was her demeanor in her whole converſation, that I could eaſily be eloquent in ſpeaking of her; but I muſt ſet bounds to my ſelfe. God hath taken her from us, I muſt ſpeake no more to her, neither ſhall I for the preſent ſpeak any more of her. But oh that what I have (or deſervedly might have) ſpoken of her, might provoke others to emulation: that you would ſtrive to walk in her pathes, that you might hereafter partake of her Crown.

I ſhall conclude in the words of the Apoſtle in the ſame Epiſtle wherein I began, Phil. 4.8. Finally brethren, whatſoever things are true, whatſoever things are honeſt, whatſoever things are juſt, whatſoever things are pure, whatſoever things are of good report: if there be any vertue, if there be any praiſe, think on theſe things.

FINIS.