David serving his generation. Or, A sermon shewing what is to be done in order to our so serving our generation, as that when we dy, we shall enter into a blessed rest. (Wherein some assount is given concerning many eminent ministers of Christ at London, as well as in N.E. lastly gone to their rest.) Occasioned by the death, of the Reverend Mr. John Baily, who deceased at Boston in New-England. December 12th 1697. / By Increase Mather, president of Harvard College. ; [Three lines from Numbers]

David serving his generation. Or, A sermon shewing what is to be done in order to our so serving our generation, as that when we dy, we shall enter into a blessed rest. (Wherein some assount is given concerning many eminent ministers of Christ at London, as well as in N.E. lastly gone to their rest.) Occasioned by the death, of the Reverend Mr. John Baily, who deceased at Boston in New-England. December 12th 1697. / By Increase Mather, president of Harvard College. ; [Three lines from Numbers]

Table of contents

Title page

David Serving his Generation.

[Page]

David Serving his Generation.

ACTS 13.36.

For David, after he had served his own Generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his Fathers, and saw corruption.

THESE words are part of a Sermon which was Preached by Paul an Antioch, wherein he demonstrates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, by what is written in the 16th. Psalm, where it is said, thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see Corruption. That must needs be meant either of David himself or of the Messiah: But it cannot be so affirmed of David himself, for ha saw Corruption. Davids Body had been turned to Dust in the Grave for some Ages before that Time; therefore that passage in the Psalm must be meant of Christ, whose Holy Body did not lie long enough i [...] the Grave to see Corruption. This is the Apostles [Page] scope and design in the words before us, which are a Compe [...]dious History of the Life and Death of David. 1. We have his Life. It was a Life of Service to his own Generation, and that by the Will of God. The Greek word HUPERETESAS, here Translated he had Served, is a Metaphor taken from Rowers, who se [...]ve the Pilot in the safe passage of the Vessel. This World is a Sea, the Church is like a Ship tossed on the Sea, God is the Pilot, by whose Skill and Providence that Ship is Steered: He is pleased to make use of men as Under-Rowers to Serve his Providence. Whereas David is here said to Serve his own Generation; That Expression may imply two things. (1.) That he Served the People who Lived in the same Age in which he Lived; for in that sense is the word frequently used in the Scripture. No man can do Service for a Generation of men who were gone out of the World before he came into it. No [...] can any man do Service for those that shall come into the World, after he is gone out of it, excepting what he did whilst himself was here. (2.) A Generation is sometimes taken for the Age of one man, as well as for the men of one Age. Thus when 'tis said, David Served his own Generation, this is intended, sc. that as long as he Lived in the World, he continued to Serve those that were his Contemporaries. He Lived to be Seventy years old, and so long did he continue [Page] a Servant of his Generation. Moreover, when it is affirmed, that He Served them by the Will of God, that may import: (1.) That he fulfilled the Decree of God in that his Service. He did all ths Service which God from Eternity had willed that David should do. As no Servant of the Lord can Dy before the appointed time, so neither shall he Dy until he has finished all that work which God has asore determined that that man shall do. Every Servant of God is Immortal, until his work is done. (2.) The Expression imports, that the Preceptive Will of God was that according to which David acted in his Serving his own Generation. As he used to Pray that he might know, and that he might do the Will of God. We hear him praying, Give me Understanding, shew me the way wherein I should go, Lord, Teach me to do thy Will, so he did Practise according to his own Prayers. Thus did David Live.

2. We have a description of the Death of this Faithful Servant of God, and of his People. (1.) He fell Asleep. That Expression and Description of Death when applied to Holy men, intimates an happy Death: In this World (as 'tis said of Judah) they find no rest; but Death puts an end to all their hard Service and Sufferings. (2.) He was Laid unto his Fathers. This is true both in respect of his Body which was Laid in the Grave, as his Fore fathers who [Page] were Dead had been. And in respect of his Soul, which which was carried to that Heaven, where his good Father Jesse (whom the Jews are wont to call Jessai the Righteous) and his Fore-fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were gone before. Often in the Scripture when men dy, they are said to be Gathered unto their People; which Expression implies the Immortality of the Soul. At the Hour of Death men pass out of this World into the World of Souls. (3.) David saw Corruption; which is to be understood not of his Spirit, but of his Body only. That Corruption is in order to a Resurrection unto a Glorious Incorruption. As Grain, it may chance or Wheat or some other Grain, is sown under the Earth, and then it corrupts, but after that riseth again with a great addition of beauty; so it is as to the Dead Bodies of Saints, they are sown in Corruption, but raised in Incorruption. This may serve for the opening of the words.

The Doctrine from them is,

That the Grave will be a Blessed Bed of Rest to that man who shall Serve his own Generation according to the Will of God.

In order to the Explication and Confirmation on the Doctrine mentioned, I shall only Answer this practical Case of Conscience. Viz.

[Page]What is to be done in order to our so Serving ou [...] Generation, as that when we Dy, we may go int [...] a Blessed Rest.

For Answer.

1. This is to be laid in the Foundation, we mus [...] be Principled and Spirited aright, or we shall no Serve the Generation wherein we Live so as to fin [...] Acceptance with God. They that have not [...] principle of Grace in their Souls, whose heart are not Established with Grace, either will not d [...] that Service which the Lord requi [...]es of them or if they do, they will not so perform it as t [...] please him. All acceptable Obedience spring from two principles.

1. From a principle of Faith in Christ. If th [...] person is under the Curse and Wrath of God the Service done by him is not pleasing. N [...] man is accepted with God, but the Believer o [...] Christ. It was by Faith that Abel offered a [...] Acceptable Sacrifice, and without Faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11.4, 6.

2. All acceptable obedience proceeds fro [...] a Principle of Sincere Love to God. He shew mercy to thousands of them that love him an [...] keep his Commandments. Exod. 20.5. Tha [...] keeping of the Commandments which proceed from a slavish fear, and not from love, is no pleasing. A small matter that proceeds fro [...] hearty love, will be accepted. History tell us of a poor man, that when he had nothing [Page] [...]etter to give, presented to his King a Cup of [...]old Water, which because it was from hearty [...]ove was accepted and rewarded. To be sure the King of Heaven will reward small Services [...] the best of ours are such) which he sees flow [...]rom a principle of love to his Name. Heb. 6.10. God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love which you have shewed to his Name. We see this in that instance of the poor widow, whose two Mites being cast into the Lords Treasury were highly acceptable, because an evidence of great love to his Name. Whenas the most splendid Services not proceeding from these principles are of no account. King Amaziah did notable things in his Generation, which the Church of God in that age was benefited by. He destroyed no less than twenty thousand of their Enemies: but God did not approve of him, because his heart was not rightly principled in what he did. It is noted of him that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. 2 Chron. 25.2. He wanted faith in Christ, & a sincere love to God in what he did. There have been amongst the Gentiles famous Heroes, who have done mighty things for their Country in the age wherein they lived, but since they had not faith in Christ, all those Services were (as Austin truly speaks) no better than Splendida peccata, glistering sins.

Moreover, Men will be spirited and inclined [Page] according as they are principled. The man that has faith which worketh by love in his heart, can not be of a meer selfish Spirit. It is private Interest and Selfishness which makes men unserviceable to the World in their Generation. Whenas it is impossible that the same Person should be a true Believer oh Christ, and yet a meer self-seeker. Faith and Love will make a Christian deny himself, that so he may promote the Interest of Christ, and the good of his People. This we see in Timothy of whom the Apostle writing to the Philippians, giveth this Character, For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state: for all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christs. Phil. 2.20, 21. He that would do Service for his Generation must be of a publick Spirit. He must have a large Soul that shall design and endeavour not so much his own particular profit, as the good of many. A man can't Serve his Generation without Serving many: for there is no Generation wherein there are not many whose welfare is to be endeavoured. For this we have a great Example in M [...]rd [...]cai, who was accepted of the Multitude of his Brethren, seeking the wealth of his People. Esth 13 3. And no less an Instance of a publick Spirit we see in Paul, who did not only Exhort Christians, not to seek their own, that is to say, not that only, but every man anothers wealth, but did himself practise accordingly. [Page] I (sayes he) Please all men in all things, (he meaneth so far as in duty he was bound to) not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many that they may be Saved. 1 Cor. 10.24, 33. He that will Serve his Generation must be willing to spend and be spent to promote the welfare of others It is reported of one of the German Princes, that he took for his device a Can [...] burning, with this Motto under it, Alijs Servi [...]s, meipsum Consumo, in Serving others, I consume my self. The like unto which was that of Doctor Sibs, who had for his device, a light burning with this Motto, Praelucendo pereo; in giving light to others, I wast away. The man that is principled, and well stored with Faith and Love, will certainly be of a publick Spirit, and so Serve his Generation.

2. In order to Serving our Generation, it is necessary that we should make the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures our Rule. The written word of God is the Rule according to which we must believe. It was well replyed by our famous English Martyrologist, when some urged him to Subscribe certain Ecclesiastical Canons, he produced a Greek Testament, saying, I'le Subscribe to all this, with all my heart, but if your Canons are not according to this Book of God, I dare not Subscribe them. And this was but according to Pauls profession, Act. 24.14. Believing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets. [Page] The will of God as revealed in the Scripture, is a Rule of Obedience as well as of Faith. It is a perfect directory, shewing us how we must Serve God, and how we must Serve the Generation wherein we live: Nor will any man Serve his Generation aright, if he does not make that his Rule. This was the Rule that David acted by, as the Apostle in the words before us does Testify, He Served his Generation by the will of God. No man is to make his own will his Rule. Kings themselves may not do it. David was a King: nevertheless, the Rule by which he Served his Generation, was not his own will, but the will of God. The Kings o [...] Israel, where with their own hands to Copy out the Divine Law, that so they might from thence take direction how they should Govern It is reported to the everlasting honour of tha [...] Christian King Alphonsus, that he read over th [...] whole Bible with Comentaries fourteen times that so he might be the better able to Serve hi [...] Generation, and that too as a King. Nor [...] the will of other men, or of the Generatio [...] wherein we Live, the Rule according to whic [...] we must Serve them. Gal. 1.10. Do I seek [...] please men, if I pleased men, I should not be a Se [...] vant of Christ; we may do great Service [...] the present Generation in a way of Active Obedience. By activity in a good cause, but th [...] cannot be without taking direction from t [...] [Page] Word of God. So the Psalmist, Psal 119.24. Thy Testimonies are my Counsellors. A man may likewise do singular Service for the Generation wherein he liveth, by Suffering in a good cause. Some will thereby be confirmed in the Faith▪ That Consideration was one thing which made the Holy Apostle willing to Dy a Martyr. Phil. 2.17. If I be offered upon the Sacrifice and Service of your Faith, I joy and rejoyce with you all: since they [...]ould have benefit by his Sufferings, he was willing in that way to Serve them: or, it may be others will be Converted thereby. The Martyrs were instruments of Converting many in the Generation in which they lived & dyed, by their Sufferings. The Papists said concerning one of the Martyrs in Scotland, that was burnt to Death for his Religion, that the smoke of that fire infected all that it was blown upon, and made them turn Protestants. But in passive as well as active Obedience we must have respect to the will of God. Christians must be careful that they do not suffer as evil doers▪ Nor ought they to bring Sufferings on themselves further than as God shall call them thereunto: A regard must be had to the will of God in all. Wherefore the Apostle sayes, Let them that suffer according to the will of God [...]ommit the keeping of their Souls to him, in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Pet. 4.19.

[Page]3. In order to Serving our own Generation, so as to be able to give a Comfortable account at Death, it is necessary that we should improve the Talents which God betrusteth us with, for the good of others. There is great variety as to the Talents which the Lord of all seeth meet to commit unto men. There are some whom he blesseth with Estates above others: They are in that respect more able to promote the publick good; and the Lord expects it from them. Men are apt to think that their Estates are given to them fo [...] themselves, or for their own Relations only but they ought to do good in their Generation therewith, devoting some part of their Estate unto Publick, Pious, and Charitable uses. 1 Tim▪ 6.17, 18. Charge them that are Rich in this world that they do good, that they be rich in good work ready to distribute, willing to Communicate. A ric [...] man if he has an heart may do a world of goo [...] with his Estate, which will be Comfortable [...] Death, and augment his glory after Deat [...] There are some that God has blessed them wi [...] Excellent parts, both natural and acquired. Th [...] ought not to hide those Talents under groun [...] but to Serve the Church of God in their Gen [...]ration therewith. The manifestation of the Spi [...] is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Cor. 12 The Holy Spirit does furnish some with Emine [...] gifts for the sake of his Church in their Gene [...]tion. The whole Church of God is profited [...] [Page] one man that has Excellent gifts and parts with a Sanctified heart to improve them to the utmost for God and for his People. A man of Eminent parts and ability may possibly do great Service for a whole Generation, by speaking a few words: That accomplished Persom, Sir William Fitz James, by a speech in Parliament made way for the Reformation in England, begun [...]n the Reign of K. H. 8. There are some whom the Providence of God has made Rulers [...]n the Common Wealth: They ought to [...]mprove that Power which God has put [...]nto their hearts for the Publick good. [...]or the Encouragement of Vertue, and the Sup [...]ression of Vice, Rulers should not be a Terror [...] Good Works, but to the Evil. Thus did [...]avid when in Government, Serve his Genera [...]on. His Eyes were on the Faithful in the [...]nd, to Countenance them, but as for Evil [...]oers, he would cut them off from the City of [...]e Lord. As wee see in the 101 Psalm; He [...]ecuted Judgment and Justice to all his people. [...]d in so doing Served his Generation. 2 Sam. [...]15. There are some that bear a Sacred [...]fice, whose chief Employ [...]ment is in [...] wherein the Souls of men are concerned. [...] Generation wherein they Live will certain [...] be either much the better, or much the worse [...] them. If they are corrupt, they will be [...]rupters of the Generation. From the Prophets[Page]in Jerusalem did profaness go forth into al [...] the Land. Jer. 23.15. But if they are Able and Faithful men, they will be great Blessings to the Generation. All that Live in the Age and Place with them, will have cause to bless God for them: A few such are a great Blessing to a whole Land. The Prophet Elisha was so; therefore when he was Sick of the Sickness whereof he Dyed, the King himself wept over him, saying, O my Father my Father, the Chariots of Israel and the Horsemen [...]hereof! 2 King. 13.14. intimating that his Death would make as sore Breach upon the Land, as if the Chariots and Horsemen by whom they were defended, should be removed from them. All the Nation of Israel did more than once fare the better for a Prophet that was among them. Hos. 12.13. By a Prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a Prophet was he preserved. A Prophet! a Prophet! that is Eminent and Faithful; all Israel fares the better for him; he is an inexpressible Blessing to the Generation. One Justin Martyr, by writing an Apology for Christians, was a Blessing to all the Churches throughout the Roman Empire. The Ministers of the Gospel are by the Lord Jesus Christ himself resembled unto Stars, Rev. 1.20. The Seven Stars are the Angels of the Seven Churches. Stars have a great influence on the World. The Scripture speaks of the sweet influence of the [Page]Pleiades, which are those that are usually called the Seven Stars. So have Faithful Ministers whom Christ has fixed in the Firmament of his Church an happy influence on the World, in their several Generations. As the Stars are common Blessings to all the World, so are they They are the Salt of the Earth ▪ Mat. 5.14. should there be but one Age in which were no Faithful Ministers of Christ, the whole World would purify for want of this Spiritual Salt by which Generations are preserved from Corruption. Ministerial Gifts are a great Talent; whoever shall improve them faithfully in Serving his own Generation, will find the Grave to be a Blessed Bed of rest to him, and his Works will follow him to Heaven. Daniel did not only do great Service for the People of God in the Court of Persia, but as a Prophet. And an Angel from Heaven said to him, Thou shalt Rest, &c. at the End of this World, he shall have a Glorious Lot in the First Resurrection. Dan. 12.13. Thus then do we Serve our Generation by improving the Talents which God has given to us. There are some that have many Talents committed to them As in the Parable, one had two Talents, another one, another Five. David had so. He was a P [...]ince and a Prophet too, a man that was va [...]ly Rich, and one of extraordinary Parts, Wise like an Angel of God. All these Talents did he use for the benefit [Page] of his own Generation. There are none but they have some Talent or other whereby they may be Serviceable. Tho men in Publick Place have greater Talents than others, nevertheless, they that sustain only a Private Capacity, are for all that in a Capacity to Serve the Generation which they are of. He that has a Family, by giving a good Education to his Children, Serveth the Common wealth which will be advantaged by those Children. A private man that has a Calling, and is diligent therein, Serveth the Publick. He that is a Sincere Godly man, by his Prayers and by his Exemplary Conversation does good to others in his Generation.

4. In order to Serving our Generation, we should consider what are the special Sins of the Age wherein we Live, and Endeavour the Reformation of them; and what are the more peculiar Truths and Duties of the Times, so as to fall in with them ▪ There are some Evils which are Errores Secult, the more special Errors of that Age, either Practical or Doctrinal: Sometimes one Evil break [...] forth, sometimes another. As any Scandal appears, we shall do a good Service in our Generation, to give a faithful Testimony against it if it be indeed a Sin. Although there is no Age without its Errors, yet nevertheless, the Sins of the Times are not always the same That Iniquity prevails in one Nation, which doe [Page] [...]ot in another; so in one Generation which [...]oes not in another. In the Dayes of Noah, [...]he Crying Sin of the Old World was Sensuali [...]y. The World was Drowned in Sensual Lusts, while the Flood came and Drowned them all. The Earth was corrupt before God; all Flesh [...]ad Corrupted his way. Only Noah was found Righteous in that Generation. Gen. 7.1. He Preach [...]d against the Sins of the Times; the Scripture [...]alls him a Preacher of Righteousness. 2 Pet. 2 [...] He Preached that men should Turn from Sin, [...]nd Live an Holy, Righteous Life. In that [...]ay did he Serve his Generation according to [...]he will of God. When the Children of Israel [...]ere in the Wilderness, the sin which they were [...]hiefly guilty of was Unbelief and Murmurings, [...]he fruit of their Unbelief: That whole Gene [...]ation was guilty, excepting Joshua and Caleb, who were of another Spirit; and did a good [...]ervice for that Generation, in endeavouring to Convince them of their Evils. After they were settled in the Land of Canaan: Idolatry was the Reigning Sin in divers Ages. The Holy Prophets Served their Generation in bea [...]ing witness against the Idolatries and Supersti [...]ions of the Times. After the Return from Captivity, neglect of Divine Institutions and Worldliness were the special Sins of that Generation. The Prophets Haggat ▪ and Zechary, whose Ministry was blessed to [...] Conversion [Page] of no [...] a few in that Generation, did thereby do singular Service for God and for them. None have done greater Service for the Age wherein they Lived, then Eminent Reformers. David was such an one. Things were much out of order when he first came to the Throne; his Predecessor Saul was a man of little Religion. The Ark of God was not regarded in the Dayes of Saul. 1 Chron. 13.3. He was a bloody hater of the most Holy men, and one that put the Wickedest in the Nation into Places of Power and Trust; and as long as it was so, there was no possibility of the Nations being Reformed; but David no sooner had power to do it, but he Turned Ungodly men out, and put better in their places. Such did he make to be Pillars in the Civil State, and did himself Judge uprightly. Psal. 75.2, 3. And he Settled Religion according to the mind of God. Thus did he cause a great Reformation, Serving his own Generation by the will of God. Several of the Kings of Judah were great Reformers. So Jehosaphat, Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah; and in their being such, they Served their Generations. The Reformers who lived in the last Century, were great Servants of their Generation. What Service did Luther & Melancthon, do for Germany? Zuinglius for Switzerland, Calvin and Beza, for Geneva & France? Knox for Scotland. And the Reformers in the Dayes of K. Edw. the 6th. for England? As [Page] there are the special Sins▪ of the Times to be Testified against, and that we should endeavour the Reformation of; so there are the more peculiar Truths and Duties of the Times, which men that would Serve their own Generation, must witness unto. That Truth which is received in one Age, is Persecuted in another. There are Labouring Truths, which meet with the greatest opposition from Satan and from the World. There is that which is called the present Truth. 2 Pet. 1.12 In the Apostles Dayes, the present Truth was, That Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the Saviour of the World. The Holy Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ by Preaching and Propagating that Glorious Truth throughout the World, Served their own Generation according to the Will of God. After that Christianity had prevailed and triumphed over Judaism and Heathenism, the great Truth most opposed in the World, was that which concerns the Eternal Deity of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Athanasius did singular Service for his Generation, in standing up as a Champion for the Truth, when (as that Ancient speaks) the whole World sighed to see it self become an Arian. After this, Antichristianism (that is Popery) sprung up, and got head, and then the Truths which concern the Offices of Christ were invaded and violated by the Man of Sin. There have been many Confessors [Page] and Martyrs, whom the Lord Jesus has raised up in the last Ages of the World, who by their Preaching, Writing, and Sufferings, have born witness to the Truth relating to the Prophetical Office of Christ, in asserting the perfection and fulness of the Scripture, against all Traditions and Canons devised by men; and to the Priestly Office of Christ, in maintaining Justifica [...]ion by the alone merit of that one Sacrifice of the Humane Nature of Christ, but once offered; and by maintaining those Bl [...]ssed Truths, they Served their own Generations. The Truths of this Age wherein it has been the Will of God that our Lot should be cast, are those which concern the Kingly Office and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ. That He is the only Head of his Church: That no Officers, no Ordinances, no Sacraments, or Religious Ceremonies ought to be there, besides what Christ himself has appointed. And as such as these are the Truths of the Age, so in a very special manner of the place wherein the Divine Providence has cast our Lot to be. What was it that our Fathers came into this Wilderness for? It was pure Conscience to the Second Commandment that brought them hither. It was that so they might build Sanctuaries for the Name of the Lord. It was, that so they might measure the Temple according to the Golden Rule of the Scripture. It was with respect unto Purity [Page] as to all Church Administrations, that they followed the Lord into a Land which was not Sown. Wherefore notwithstanding too many of this Generation, who are lamentably Degenerated from the Principles and Spirit or their Fathers and Grandfathers, will rage at it, we cannot easily do a better Service, than to withstand Innovations which would prove fatal to the Churches, and to the Interest of Christ's Holy Kingdom among them. And let not those enter into the Sanctuary, which thou, O Lord didst Command that they should not enter into thy Congregation. Lam. 1.10. We shall do well to remember, that there are Practices which in some other places of the World, would be a step towards Reformation; that in a people so Instructed and Enlightend as we have been, would deserve the Name of great Degeneracy & Apostasy.

5. It will be good for us to follow the Examples of those who have Served God, and his People with the greatest Fidelity. There are Examples recorded in the Scripture, not only for Their Commendation, but for Our Imitation. The Apostle therefore speaks, as in Heb. 12.1 Seeing we are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us run with Patience the race that is set before us. Doubtless the words allude to the Cloud in the Wilderness by which the Children of Israel were directed in the way to Canaan. That Cloud had a dark side, and a light side. The Egyptians [Page] looked only on the dark side of the Cloud, & so perished. The Israelites looked on the bright side of the Cloud, and were Saved. But so [...] here: The Servants of God in this World have a dark side; in that they must not be imitated We see it in David: he was guilty of some very Scandalous Practices: Many Egyptians, Reprobate Sinners, I mean, will imitate him, therein Some of the Ancients complain, that in thei [...] dayes, there were men that would say, Si Davi [...] cur non ego: If David was guilty of such and such Sins, why may not I venture to do as he did; but they consider not Davids deep Repen [...]tance; nor did they, consider his bright side how faithful he was as to the general course o [...] his life in the World, Not turning aside from [...] thing the Lord Commanded him all the dayes of [...] life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittit. 1 King. 15.5. We should mind and imitate onl [...] the holy Example of them that have Served Go [...] and their Generation, with diligence and faith [...]fulness. Heb. 6 12. That you be not slothful, b [...] followers of them who through Faith and Patienc [...] inherit the Promises. We should consider how th [...] holy Prophets Served their Generations, and en [...]deavour to do like them. Jam. 5.10. Take [...] Brethren the Prophets, who have spoken in the Nam [...] of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. So we should take the Prophe [...] for an Example of Serviceableness in their G [...]nerations. [Page] We should consider how the holy Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ Served their Generation, according to the will of God, and take Patern by them. Phil. 3.17. Brethren (saith the Apostle) be ye followers together of me, and mark them that walk so as you have us for an Example. And besides Scripture Examples, we should consider those whom we our selves have known, that have faithfully Served their Generation: And in a special manner such faithful Ministers of Christ as we have had the knowledge of, and most of all, if we have lived under their Ministry. Heb. 13.7. Remember your guides; so he words should be read, and not as we have [...]hem, them that have the rule over you; for it is [...]poken of such as were then gone out of the World; wherefore it is added, who have spoken [...]o you the word of God: you must not only Remember those that Do, but those that Have [...]poken the word of God to you; whose Faith [...]ollow, considering the end of their Conversation. They have finished their course: they are come [...]o the end of their Conversation in this World: [...]ey have done all the Service that it was the Will of God they should do in & for their Genera [...]on. Now their Survivers must Remember them [...]nd their Graces, so as to imitate them The best [...]membrance of a departed Minister, is to imi [...]te his Virtues and Graces. But above all, we [...]ould consider the Example of the Lord Jesus [Page] Christ. Confessors Reformers, Ministers, Martyrs, must be followed; but more than to any of them, we must be Looking to Jesus. Heb. 12.1, 2. No other man, no not the best Apostle is to be imitated in every thing: We may not follow Peter himself, nor Paul neither in every thing, only so far as they followed Christ: We must not follow Peter in his dissimulation, nor Paul and Barnabas in the [...] which was between them. 1 Cor. 11.1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Christ is an unerring Example for us to follow in every thing that is imitable: So in particular, in this of being useful and Serviceable. Never man did so much good in the world, as the Man Christ Jesus did. It is said of him▪ He went about d [...]ing good Act. 10.3 [...]. And he said of himself, The Son of Man came to Minister, and to give his Life a ransome for many Math. 20.28▪ He is the light, the Sun of the World. The Hebrews call the Sun by that name of Shimosh, which signifyeth to Minister, because the Sun is a most beneficial, Serviceable Creature: It is the glorious Servant of the whole World: but not to be compared with Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. The whole World of mankind has received benefit by the Man Christ Jesus. As for the Elect World, they are all Eternally Saved by him▪ As for the Reprobate World, He has caus'd them to be put under a dispensation of Divine Patience. Let us then do [Page] good to all, but especially to the house hold of Faith: The more good we do, the more like are we to Christ. Examples are many times more prevalent than Precepts. That so we may be both directed and quickened in Serving our Generation according to the will of God, it will be profitable for us, to have our Eyes upon the most Holy Examples.

6. Let us often think on those things the Consideration whereof has a tendency to make us Serviceable. There are Meditations, which did we often entertain them in our minds, they would be a means to awaken us unto constant and utmost endeavours to do all the good we can whilst we remain in this World e. g. Let us alwayes remember what Eyes are upon us. There are glorious Eyes, which though we see not them, they are observing us in all our motions. The Eyes of holy Angels are upon us. 1 Cor. 4.9. We are made a Spectacle to Angels: They observe how we acquit our selves, and if we Serve God and our Generation as we ought to do, they will come in as Witnesses of our Fidelity at the last day. And the Eyes of Jesus Christ the Son of God behold us: He said to every one of the Churches, I know thy workes: and to the Minister in the Church of Thyatira. He said, I kn [...]w thy Service. Rev. 2 19 And the Eyes of God are upon us. All this does the Apostle intimate to Timothy, as that which should make him the more [Page] careful to attend the Service he was called unt [...] with utmost diligence and Fidelity 1 Tim. 5 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ and the Elect Angels. It is reported of a faithfu [...] Minister of Christ, that there was written or the walls of his Study, Deus video, Angeli adstant Conscientia testabitur. God seeth thee, Angel are by thee, Thy own Conscience will be a witness how thou dost behave thy self. Let us consider, that in Serving our own Generation, i [...] is possible that we may do that which will be Service for after Generations. Isa. 58.12. Thou shalt raise up the foundation of many Generations. A man may do that whilest he liveth, that others shall fare the better for in all Generations to the end of the World. This we see in David. Psal 71.18. I have shewed thy strength unto this Generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. He wrote the Book of Psalms; and the Church o [...] God in all Succeeding Generations has been E [...]dified by that Divine Composure. We should consider that by being Serviceable, we shall glo [...]rify God. Joh. 15.8. Herein is my Father glorifye [...] that you bear much fruit. The Christian that i [...] very Serviceable in his Generation, bears muc [...] fruit whereby God hath much glory. And le [...] us remember that God honoureth us, if he doe condescend to make use of us, to do any Servic [...] for his Name. All the Angels in Heaven thin [...] so Heb. 1.14. Are they not all Ministring Spirit [...][Page]sent forth to Minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation. The holy Angels do by the will of God, [...]ervice for the World, but especially for the E [...]ect; and count it an honour that the Great God will so imploy them. So if we are any of [...]s Serviceable to the World, but much more to [...]he Church of Christ, it is a great honour that God puts upon us. Luthers highest ambition was that he might be a Servant of the Church, and was most willing to Dy, might his Death prove beneficial to the Church of God. Modo nec mo [...]iente floreat Ecclesia. The man who is more Ser [...]iceable than his Neighbour, is on that account more honourable. Our famous Devenants Motto was, Praefuit qui profuit. He that does most good in his Generation is the best man; such shall appear most honourable another day: For Christ has said; If any man shall honour me, he that Serveth his Generation according to the will of God does so, him will my Father honour. Joh. 12.26. Let us consider, this is the way to Live desired and to Dy lamented by the best men. Let a man be never so Serviceable, there are [...]ome ill Spirits that will wish him out of the World: but they whose esteem is to be valued, will say, Long may that man live, who is of such [...]se, and does so much Service in his Generation. And when he is taken away by Death, good men will lament for him exceedingly. Praying Jacob was a Serviceable man, and when he was dead, [Page] they mourned with a great and very sore Lamentation Gen. 50.20. Josiah was a Serviceable man, and when he was by an immature death snatched a way, the Prophet Jeremy lamented for him, an [...] in their Lamentations, that is to say, in their fune [...]ral Elegies, they speak of Josiah to this day. 2 Chron▪ 35.25. Steven, the Proto Martyr for Chris [...] was a Serviceable man, and when he was dea [...] devout men carried him to his Grave, and ma [...] great Lamentation over him. Act. 8.2. A Service [...]ble life useth to be attended with honour [...] Death. Hezekiah Served his Generation wit [...] singular Piety and Fidelity: when his work wa [...] done, he slept with his Fathers, and they buri [...] him in the chiefest of the Sepulchres of the sons of D [...]vid, and all Judah and the Inhabitants of Jer [...]salem did him honour at his death. 2 Chron. 32.3 [...] Jehojada the Priest had been an Eminent S [...]vant of his Generation; and when he was De [...] they Buried him in an Honourable Tomb. [...] Buried him in the City of David amongst the Kin [...] because he had done good in Israel, both towards [...] and towards his House. 2 Chron. 24.16. And us consider, that our Service will be reward [...] ▪ Tho it may be not by men. We may do [...] most Generous and General Service for our p [...]ple, & be ill rewarded by an Ungrateful Wo [...] ▪ But we Serve a better Master then is the Ge [...]ration whom we Serve, we Serve the Lord [...] Christ; and he will be sure to reward w [...]ever [Page] Service we have done according to the Will of God. Rev. 22.12 Behold I come quickly, and [...] reward is with me, to give every man according [...] his works shall be: If he that has given a cup [...]f cold water to a Disciple shall be rewarded, what a glorious reward shall that man have, who [...]as been instrumental to the Conversion and [...]lvation of many Souls. It was once the Ex [...]ession of a Dying Minister, We Serve a good [...]aster, who will pardon our imperfections, and give great Wages for a little Service. Let us more [...]er cohsider, That we have but a little time to [...]rve our Generation in; it is but whilst Life [...]ntinues; that we can do any Service: There [...] work in the Grave whither we are all a [...]ing apace; we have but a short Age to be [...]rking in, our days are but an hands breadth, [...] our age is as nothing. Tho thought of it [...]uld make us do all the good we can, the lit [...] time that we have to live: It concerns us to [...]rk whilst the day or life last, for the night of [...]ath is hastening, when no man can work. It [...]or this reason chiefly that life is to be desired [...] a good man that is fit to dy. It would be [...]ch better for him to Dy, and go to Heaven, [...] to abide longer in this woful World; only [...] as long as we are alive, we may do that [...]vice for God and his people, which after [...] cannot be done by us: Therefore are we [...] [...]hank God for continuing our lives. Excellent [Page] was the Speech and Spirit of our English Josiah (as he is commonly and deservedly called) King Edward 6. who after he had promoted the Building of Christ Church Hospital, and other Works for the benefit of the City & Nation, and with his own hand, both Signed a Charter, & contributed liberally, in the presence of his Council, Lifting his Eyes to Heaven, said, O Lord God, I thank thee, in that thou hast spared my life to do this Service for thy Name before I Dy. Two days after which he dyed, having in a few years done wonderful Service for God and for his People.

7. We should in a singular manner take care of those things wherein the Welfare of the Generation is concerned. The Spiritual and Eternal Welfare of those we live amongst, we ought most of all to desire and endeavour. And therefore to do what in us lieth, that the Gospel of Salvation may be Preached to them. Alas, there are dark Corners in this Country, which are perishing for lack of Vision. It is said, (Cant. 8.8.) We have a little Sister that has no Breast, what shall we do for her! So there are little places (and some considerable ones too) in New-England, that have no Breasts, no Ministers from whom they may receive the sincere milk of the Word. What shall be done for them? There are some especially in this Town of Boston, who have Contributed liberally unto so good a Work, by which they [Page] have done a real Service for Christ, and for the Souls of men, and so it will be acknowledged another day. In taking yet further care, as for the Gospellizing of Heathen Indians, so of Heathenish English, we shall do an acceptable Service in our Generation. Let me also say, That the Welfare both of this present, and of succeeding Generations, is very much concerned in the Establishment of the Colledge, which is the Fountain from whence must flow those Streams which will make glad the City of God. By taking care that the Government thereof be confirmed in faithful hands, that will transmit it unto such Successors; we may be instrumental to make Generations happy. Whoever shall be instrumental in obtaining so great a Good, will do a singular Service both for the present, and After Generations. What a doleful Case had New-England been in before this day, had it not been for that Blessed Nursery, almost all the Churches being supplied from thence. Nor do I know wherein I or any man can do a greater Service for this Generation, than by taking effectual care that the Tutors there be such as shall make Conscience to Establish the Young Scholars in those Holy Principles of Truth, for a Testimony whereunto their Blessed Fathers came into this Wilderness, and for the Defence and Propagation whereof they Erected a Colledge here.

[Page]But thus for Answer to the Case proposed.

All that I shall say by way of Application is only this.

We see that no Eminency of Usefulness can keep men out of the Grave. A David that Serveth his Generation with the greatest industry and fidelity, must fall asleep, and see Corruption. When his work is done, he must go to Rest in the Bed of the Grave; and a sweet Rest and Repose will it be. It is said of Merciful men, & Righteous men; yea, of Serviceable Josias's, that they Enter into Peace. So they do at the Hour of Death in respect of their Souls, and they shall rest in their Beds, namely in respect o [...] their Bodies, which are Laid in the Grave. Isa 57.1, 2. The Psalmist takes notice that Wise men Dy as well as the Fool, and the bruitish person. Psal. 49.10. So the most Useful me [...]dy, as also those who are telluris inutile pondus Burdens on the Face of the Earth, and it may be Scandals to the Generation whereof they are. Yea, it is one of the Mysteries of Divine Providence, that eminently Useful men are ta [...]ken away by Death, when others that only number the Ground, are suffered to live. A [...] Holy Minister, (who has lived Sermons as wel [...] as Preached them) Dyes, when others wh [...] [Page] have been a reproach to the Gospel, and to all Religion, are living still.

And truly, every year does sadly confirm the Truth of what you hear. Have we not seen very Afflicting Instances of it in the year that is past. Look over into London, and we shall see that eminently Faithful and Useful Ministers of God, are lately removed from thence. I forbear to speak of a Brother of mine, who had his Education in this Colledge, and after that Served his Generation in the Work of the Gospel for the space of Forty Seven Years in England, Holland and Ireland; and now he is Fallen asleep. But there is Blessed Anstey, Cole, James, Vincent, all within this twelve-month Gone to the Spirits of Just men made perfect; and a little before them, Buris, Fincher, Laurence, Mayo, these were all Eminent Ministers of Christ. And I have the rather mentioned them because I had not long since a dear Acquaintance with them all. One such stroke seldom goes alone. An ingenious Writer on occasion of many Ministers Dying in the same year, observes, That when a Generation of Contemporary persons begins to Crack, it quickly falls. The Leases of their Earthly Cottage Commencing at the same date, oft at the same Term Expire. And I remember that Twenty years ago, an Eminent Person in London, sent me a Catalogue of no less then Forty Two Ministers belonging to that City, [Page] who Dyed in the space of about ten years. But we need not look so far off as London for a tremendous Verification of the Truth before us, since amongst our selves in less then half a year, besides several young Ministers, three others of principal Note, and Use, are Laid in the Grave. In the Neighbouring Colony, no longer since than the last month, that Serviceable Hooker, (who was the worthy Son of a most worthy Father) is gone to his Rest. He was eminently Useful on more accounts than one. The Lord Jesus Christ had made him a Pillar in the Temple of his God: (And without Envy be it spoken) there is not a greater Pillar remaining in all the House of God throughout that Jurisdiction. The Churches there are all weakned by his Fall, The manner of his Death was very much like unto that of our Precious and forever famous Juel, whom Death found in the Pulpit Preaching to a Congregation at Lacock in Wiltshire. I observe that many Super eminent Ministers of the Gospel have dyed suddenly: So Mr. Norton the never to be forgotten Teacher of this Boston: And in England of late years; Mr Hol [...]ingsworth in Manchester, Mr. Wills and Mr. P [...]edger in London: And when a few years since I Sojourned in that City, Mr. Hurst (my dear friend) and Mr. John Oakes, (faithful and eminent Ministers of Christ both of them) were taken ill in the Pulpit, from thence carried home and [Page] dyed suddenly. It was an honour and a favour from God to them, that they were found so doing. Mr Capel, Mr. Vines, and Mr. Gouge, (that Eminent Servant of his Generation, who was the Son of famous Doctor Gouge, and in Exemplary Piety not inferiour to his Father (all these (honourable men of God) dyed in their sleep, on a Lords day night: Thus did they fall asleep after they had Served their Generation according to the will of God: What hapned to them was more like a Translation, than a Death. Such a Death as theirs was, and as our Hookers was, is sometimes a sign of Gods special Love to his Servants, but of his Anger kindled against that People, out of whose hands he has snatched his Jewels. But we see then that the dearest Servants of Christ are Subject to the arrests of Death. Yea, if we look into this very Congregation, we see it, one that often spoke in the Name of the Lord from this Pulpit, and (as I take it) the words which I am now upon, were the last which he Preached on in this Place; six months ago he Rested from all his Labours. God made him very Serviceable, especially in that part of the Country where for the greatest part of his Time, he had Served his Generation. Portsmouth oweth more than a little to his Memory. No longer since then the last Week, another Faithful Ambassador of Christ is called Home, who if he had been Living, [Page] and in Health, should have spoken in the Name of the Lord here this day. It is said in Prov. 10.7. the memory of the Just is blessed, which words the Jews constantly apply to their Dead Deceased Friends that have been of eminent Use among them. The Seventy Greek Interpreters express it by saying. The Memory of the Just is [met enkomione] with Praises. It is not my work this day so much to Praise the Dead, as to Instruct the Living: Nor shall I enlarge on his Character of whom you heard many things the last Lecture. Only I must say of him, as is here said of David, He Served his Generation according to the will of God. He was truly a very faithful Servant of God. Considered as a Christian. He kept a strick Watch over the frame of his own heart every day. If he had hapned to speak but so much as one unprofitable word, so tender was his Conscience as that he would severely reflect upon it, and mourn before the Lord in Secret, afore he slept that night. He was of a Peaceable temper; and would do any thing which he thought was not repugnant to the will of God, rather than make a Schism in a Church of Christ. Considered as a Minister, he was Eminently Faithful and Serviceable. God honoured him, in making him one of the Confessors of these last dayes. The Spirit of a Martyr was in him. He endured a sore [Page] Imprisonment in Limrick in Ireland, for his bearing witness unto the present Truth, which the Lord would have his Servants in this Generation to stand up for. And on that account (as our Fathers, & we our selves, some of us did) he became Subject unto a Voluntary Exile into these goings down of the Sun. I have been informed, that the unhappy man, who was the chief Instrument and Instigator of his Imprisonment in Limrick, was afterwards himself by the Papists made a Prisoner there, and that then he Cryed out in horror; This misery is come upon me, for my causing Mr. Baily to be cast into Prison. When his Ministry found great acceptance in the World, his Soul would tremble lest haply his Reward should be (like that of the Pharisees) only a Reputation amongst men in this World. His very heart was ingaged in desires and endeavours to promote the Conversion of Souls: And God made him Eminently Successful therein. There are many who will bless God to Eternity, that ever they knew him: And at the day of Judgment (which the Lord hasten) we shall no doubt see verified in him that Scripture in Daniel, where it is laid, They that turn many to Righteousness shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever.

[Page]The Use which we should all make of such a Death, is, to Prepare to follow: And therefore to make all the hast we can in finishing our work. If we serve our Generation according to the will of God; If we Glorify him on the Earth, when we have finished the work which he has given us to do, he will glorify us with Himself, and that not for one Generation, but throughout the never ending dayes of ETERNITY.

Tibi Domine et a Te.

§

§

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David Serving His GENERATION.

Or, A SERMON Shewing What is to be done in order to our so Serving our Generation, as that when we Dy, we shall Enter into a Blessed REST.

(Wherein Some account is given concerning many Eminent Ministers of Christ at London, as well as in N.E. lately gone to their Rest.) Occasioned by the Death, of the Reverend Mr. JOHN BAILY, Who Deceased at Boston in New-England. December 12th. 1697.

By Increase Mather, President of Harvard Colledge.

Numb. 20.29.

When all the Congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty dayes, even all the house of Israel.

Boston, Printed by B. Green, & J. Allen. 1698

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Title statement

David serving his generation. Or, A sermon shewing what is to be done in order to our so serving our generation, as that when we dy, we shall enter into a blessed rest. (Wherein some assount is given concerning many eminent ministers of Christ at London, as well as in N.E. lastly gone to their rest.) Occasioned by the death, of the Reverend Mr. John Baily, who deceased at Boston in New-England. December 12th 1697. / By Increase Mather, president of Harvard College. ; [Three lines from Numbers]

Mather, Increase, 1639-1723.

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2005-12.

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N00686

ID [TCP]

N00686

ID [STC]

Evans 831

ID [STC]

Wing M1195

ID [NOTIS]

APX2917

ID [IMAGE-SET]

831

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99019668

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Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 831.

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(Evans-TCP ; no. N00686)

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— David serving his generation. Or, A sermon shewing what is to be done in order to our so serving our generation, as that when we dy, we shall enter into a blessed rest. (Wherein some assount is given concerning many eminent ministers of Christ at London, as well as in N.E. lastly gone to their rest.) Occasioned by the death, of the Reverend Mr. John Baily, who deceased at Boston in New-England. December 12th 1697. / By Increase Mather, president of Harvard College. ; [Three lines from Numbers], Mather, Increase, 1639-1723..

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39, [1] p. ; 14 cm. (8vo)

Printed by B. Green, & J. Allen.,. Boston, :: 1698..

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