The important concerns of ministers, and the people of their charge, at the day of judgment. Illustrated in a sermon, delivered at Rutland, Orange Society; August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the Rev. Abraham Carpenter, their worthy pastor. / By Lemuel Haynes, Pastor of a church in Rutland, Vermont.

The important concerns of ministers, and the people of their charge, at the day of judgment. Illustrated in a sermon, delivered at Rutland, Orange Society; August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the Rev. Abraham Carpenter, their worthy pastor. / By Lemuel Haynes, Pastor of a church in Rutland, Vermont.

Table of contents

Title page

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IMPROVEMENT.

MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF THE REV. ABRAHAM CARPENTER.

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The important concerns of Ministers, and the People of their charge, at the day of Judgment.

ILLUSTRATED IN A SERMON, delivered at Rutland, ORANGE SOCIETY; August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the Rev. Abraham Carpenter, THEIR WORTHY PASTOR.

BY LEMUEL HAYNES, PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN RUTLAND, VERMON [...].

PRINTED AT RUTLAND, 1798.

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THESSALONIANS, 11. 19.‘For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?’

THE second coming of Christ is a source of peculiar joy and consolation to the people of God: it is a day in which their hopes and expectations will be fully answered. Tribulation attends the good man while in this life; the scenes of divine providence are mysterious, and many things unaccountable and insignificant without a day of judgment; they will▪ then be explained and adjusted to the joy and admiration of all who love Christ's appearing. Many of the events that take place in this life, stand in a solemn relation to the judgment day, and none more so than the gospel ministry; hence it is that the attention of the true servants of Christ is so much taken up with a future state. St. Paul being detained from the Church of Thessalonica▪ sends this epistle as a token of his love and respect to them; in which he anticipates that blessed period, when he should meet them at the bar of Christ, which would afford such joy and satisfaction as to more then compensate for all their sorrow, more especially for his being prevented a personal inteview with those to whom he wrote. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of[Page]our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? We have two very important ideas suggested in the words. One is, that ministers and their people must meet each other at the day of judgment.—The second is, that although ministers are often separated from their hearers in this life, yet the people of God among whom a pious preacher finish [...]s his work, will be a cause or crown of peculiar joy and satisfaction at the second coming of Christ.

With respect to the first point we may observe, to give us a striking contrast between this and the coming world, we are in the present state subject to many vicissitudes.

What changes are taking place in empires, states, societies, and families? In nothing is this more observable than in matters relating to ministers and the people of their charge. A persecuting spirit, that prevailed in the apostolic age, was often a mean of parting friends, and especially of driving preachers from churches: the same cause has had influence in every age of the church; but if religious societies are so happy, as to escape such a calamity, yet it pleases the Great Head of the church in his sovereign wisdom, to separate ministers and their people by death; this gives feeling to a pious preacher, and in some degree has influence in every sermon he delivers. That all mankind will be collected before the bar of Christ, to see the great and intricate affairs of the universe adjusted, is a plain dictate of reason and scripture; but that [Page] many will meet there as having mutual concerns with each other, is evident.—More especially, ministers and the people once committed to their charge, doubtless will appear in some sense as distinct societies, as having particular and personal matters to attend to.—This supposes that they will have a knowledge of each other: for without this the purposes of their meeting in such a manner could not be answered. How far this will extend, or by what means it will be conveyed, is too curious to enquire. It seems, unless we are able by some means to distinguish those from others with whom we have been intimate in this life, the designs of a future judgment will in some measure be frustrated. The great end of that day is to illustrate divine truth, or make that appear conspicuous to created intelligence; to effect this, God will make use of mankind as instruments; this is the method he takes in this life, and doubtless it will be most eligible in the world to come. For our acquaintance to be summoned as witnesses for or gainst us at this court, will perhaps be the best means to administer conviction. In this way the great God can speak in language easy for finite creatures to understand. One design of the world, being divided into distinct societies and communities, is doubtless to prepare matters for the day of judgment. The relation between ministers and people is such as [...]enders them capable of saying much about each other; in this way the justice and mercy of God will be illustrated, divine proceedings [Page] vindicated, and every mouth stopped. It is our conduct in this life that will direct divine proceeding towards us at the final judgment; that the equity of God's administrations may appear, 'tis necessary that our characters be clearly investigated. The salvation and damnation of many souls will be through the instrumentality of faithful and unfaithful watchmen: this is an idea contained in the charge God gave to Ezekiel, 32d Chapter. It will be necessary that the motives by which ministers have been influenced in their work, be brought out to view: for without sincerity of heart they can never execute their office with any degree of true faithfulness, and are an high affront to God, and a vile imposition on the people.

At the day of judgment the doctrines with which a minister has entertained his hearers must be examined. However, doctrinal preaching may be discarded by many and such words as metaphysical abstruse, &c. are often made use of to obstruct free and candid enquiry. Yet it is evident that one great end of the gospel ministry is to disseminate right sentiments; hence it is that Paul so often exhorts Timothy to take heed to his doctrine. Sound doctrine, as well as good practice is necessary to constitute the christian character; whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God, 2 John, 9.

A careful inquiry will be made whether an [Page] empty parade of learning, elegancy o [...] [...], &c. have been the main things with which a people have been entertained; tending only to gratify vain curiosity, and to fix the attention of the hearers on the Speaker. This made St. Paul contemn such a mode of preaching, and determine not to know any thing save Jesus Christ, and him crusified, 1. Cor. 2. 2. Whether vague equivocal expressions have been used to convey, or rather to obscure the truths of the gospel; by which any thing, and almost every thing may be understood. This is causing the trumpet to give an uncertain found; & has no tendency to impress, or give feeling to the mind, as is the case with the words of the wise, being as goads and nails, Eccle. 12. 11.—Whether to please men has had greater influence in our composing and deliver our sermons and the glory of God and the good of souls. People will be examined at the bar of Christ, whether they have not been dealt plainly with—Been told their characters and danger—That they are wholly opposed to God, destitute of every thing that is holy, or morally good.—That they are by nature under the curse of God's law, exposed every moment to endless woe—That they are hopeless and helpless in themselves—The necessity of the renewing influences of the spirit—The nature of their imputency, that it consists in an evil heart; that therefore they are altogether inexcusable, and are criminal in proportion to the degree of their inability—That nothing short of repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord [Page] Jesus Christ, is the immediate duty of all that hear the gospel.

Ministers and their people must meet before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account whether the true character of God has in any good measure been investigated—As a sin hating and sin revenging God—As one who in his sovereign wisdom and goodness has elected some to everlasting life, and others for the display of his power and justice to eternal death—That he governs all things by a fixed unalterable plan. That of him, and to him, and through him are all things.

Without this, the character of God is kept out of sight, people left in the dark, and ar [...] not able to determine whether they love or hate the true God.

It must be known whether people have had the character and work of the Redeemer set before then—The design of his sufferings; the efficacy of his blood, and the necessity of our union to him. The manner in which divine truth has been delivered, will be a matter worthy of serious examination at that day; Whether with that earnestness & servor, becoming the vast importance and so-solemnity of gospel truth, tending to effect the mind. The deportment, or examples of ministers among their people will be closely attended to: their private visits, exhortations and reproofs, holy desires and wrestlings for the souls of their hearers, will not escape [Page] public notice; the improvement that people have made of such advantages will be bro't into public view.

How often people have attended on the ministration of the word, and the manner how, will he matters of serious concern at the judgment day. Those excuses that men make for neglecting public worship, will be weighed in a just scale. Whether people have so far contributed to the temporal support of their ministers as to enable them to devote themselves to the service of Christ: or by too great neglect, have not obstructed the gospel, robbed God, wounded their own souls.

It will be useful that the time of a ministers continuance among a people be known, as it will serve to set the characters of gospel despisers in a true point of light. That ministers and the people of their charge will meet each other at the bar of Christ is suggested in my text, and in other parts of the sacred writings.—It has already been observed, that in this way truth will appear conspicuous, and the conduct of God will be vindicated, and the designs of a judgment-day in the best manner answered. It may further be observed, that the matters relating to the gospel ministry are of such magnitude that it appears important that they be attended to; they concern a judgment day, and an eternal state. When ministers and people meet in the house of God it is an acknowledgment [Page] that they believe in a future state of retribution, and is a sort of appeal to the day of judgment. The influence of a faithful, or unfaithful minster is such as to effect unborn ages; it will commonly determine the sentiments and characters of their successors; and in this way they may be doing good or evil after they are dead and even to the second coming of Christ. That God's hatred towards false teachers, and against those who choose them, together with their criminality may appear, it will be necessary that these matters are laid open at the tribunal of Christ.—As a proof of the matter under consideration I may only add: That there always has been an important controversy in a greater or less degree between ministers and part of their people; it is so with faithful preachers and some of their hearers; wicked men oppose the doctrines they preach, and will not be convinced. Unfaithful preachers, they have advocates and opposers; the dispute involved the character of Christ, it cannot be settled in this world: how necessary that ministers and people meet at the great day, to have the matter decided, the doctrines of Christ vindicated, and the characters of ministers or people exonerated?

II. Another important idea contained in the text is, That the church, or people of God, among whom a faithful minister finishes his work, will be a cause, or crown of peculiar joy or rejoicing at the coming of Christ. It will be matter of great satisfaction to set [Page] down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and other saints at that day; but the scriptures represent that godly ministers will derive peculiar joy from the pious part of their congregations. Dan. 12. 3, 2. Cor. 1. 14. Phil. 2. 16. Reflecting on past providences, will be a source of great joy at the day of judgment: and as many things have taken place between a minister and his people in which they are more particularly conversant and interested, when they come to be explained, it will afford special joy and admiration, as they have been companions in tribulations, so now it is likely they will be in a more peculiar sense co-partners in joy, and help each other in magnifying the Lord for special favors, and displays of divine power and grace on their behalf.

The prayers & struggles of pious teachers have been for Zion in general, and for those over whom the Holy Ghost has made them overseers in particular: Now God will give their hearers who have been converted through their instrumentality as a kind of reward and fruit of their travel or labor. When it appears that God has made use of the true ministers of Christ for the conversion [...] some of the souls once committed to their charge, it will excite wonder joy, and humility in the minds of pious teachers, that God should deign to honor them as instruments of such glorious work, by which they will be [...]led to adore sovereign grace, and condescending love. As it is often through the painful labors [Page] of Christ's servants that souls are bro't home to God, doubtless he will approve of such virtues by confering signal honors on such who have turned many to righteousness, who will shine as stars forever and ever.

Pious people will give such account of their faithful teachers as will meet with approbation of God, which will be expressed by that heavenly plaudit. "Well done good and faithful servant! Their mutual accounts will be given up with joy, and not with grief, Hebrews 13. 17. The hopes and expectations of such ministers are great, as the apostle suggests in the text—For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are no [...] even ye? &c. He speaks of it as the earnest hope and expectation of all Christ's ministers, by calling it our hope. They reflect with pleasure on the approaching happy moment, and when it comes it will greatly gratify their holy desires.

That it will be possible to hold equal communion with all the saints, especially at one time in the invisible world, perhaps is not admissible. It appears that the wicked, who have been associates in sin here, will be companions of torments hereafter, Luke 16. 28.

They are to be gathered like the standing [...]orn, and to be bound in bundles to burn.—It is more than possible that the righteous [Page] who have lived together in this life, will have a more intimate access to each other in the world to come.

If it will be useful for them to meet in some sense as distinct societies, perhaps it will subserve the interest of the universe that they in a degr [...]ee continue so—It is the character of the true church of Ch [...]t that they treat his ministers with respect in this life, accounting them as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, 1. Cor. 4. 1. They help them in their work, 2. Cor. 1. 11. God will in the great day reward people for such kindness; as hereby they express their love to Christ, Mat. 25. 40. This will gratify the benevolent feelings of Christ's servants; at the same time fill them with holy admiration, and deep humility, that what has been done to such poor sinful creatures should be taken notice of.

Ministers and the people of their charge will assist each other, and be united in bringing a verdict against the wicked and impenitent, among whom they lived while on earth. The saints are to judge the world, 1. Cor. 6. 2. One way by which they will do this, will doubtless be to declare before angels & men that they know about them, or their conduct [...]n this life. An attachment to divine justice will make this delightful work. Ministers just declare what and how they have preached to them, and the bad improvement they [Page] have made of the gospel, so far as it has come under their observation; how they have despised and mocked the messengers of the Lord, contemned his word and ordinances. Pious hearers can witness to the same things, and in this way the mutual testimony of godly ministers and people will be strengthened and supported, and divine proceedings against impenitent sinners vindicated. Thus [...] a crown of joy to her faith [...] [...] ▪

IMPROVEMENT.

1. WE may infer from this subject, that the gospel ministry is of God, and that we ought to seek its welfare, and use suitable exertions for its support.

Does scripture and reason dictate that it is of so much importance, especially as it relates to a judgment day, we may conclude that God would not do without it, and we may see divine wisdom and goodness in the institution. Nothing more conducive of divine glory, and salutary to men, than the preaching of the gospel.—Without these glad tidings are proclaimed, the Incarnation of Christ is vain. Nothing but opposition to God, and disregard to his glory, will make them indifferent to the preaching of the gospel. A rejection of Christ and his ministers, have commonly vice, and open prophanity, for their inseparable companions. The opposition that the impenitent part of [Page] mankind have made to the servants of Christ, has doubtless in some measure had its rise from a consciousness that they must meet them at the bar of Christ, to their disadvantage.

We may conclude that since the gospel ministry is so very useful, that it will be continued to the end of the world.

2. When a faithful minister is taken away it ought seriously to be regarded. But few ways perhaps that God shews greater displeasure against a people than in calling his ambassadors home. By this he threatens to put an end to his treaty of peace, and become irreconcilable. It may sometimes be the case that God has no more chosen or elect ones among them. When Paul and Barrabas were preaching at Antioch, as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed, then they departed, Acts 13. All the encouragement for a minister to preach among a people, so far as the salvation of souls ought to be a motive, is the doctrine of election. After the death of a faithful minister there is less hope of a people.

We may further observe, when it is considered, that we are to meet them no more in the house of God, to hear them declare unto us the words of reconciliation; but our next interview will be at the tribunal of Christ, to hear them testify, for or against us, how affecting the consideration! It is more solemn to die than if we had never been favored [Page] with the gospel ministry. People, whether they hear, or forbear, shall know to their joy, or sorrow, that there hath been a prophet among them, Ezek. 2 5.

3. The subject affords [...] direction how ministers should preach, and how a people ought to hear, viz. with death and judgment in view. It is this that makes preaching and hearing a serious matter, and renders the house of God so very solemn. We must soon meet before the bar of Christ, and perhaps before the next Sabbath, to have our sermons and our hearing examined, by him who is infinite in knowledge, and is present in every congregation. Did we always consider these things, it would tend to abolish that coldness, drowsiness and indifference, that too often attend the ministers of the gospel, and that formal spirit which is too apparent among hearers. How would it check that levity of mind, and disorderly behaviour, that presumptuous creatures often indulge in the house of God. How dreadful is this place!— [...] a reflection suitable on all occcasions, and more especially when we meet for public devotion.

4. The surviving widow and children will for a moment suffer the word of exhortation. Are not you in some sense his hope and joy? Was it not a reflection that tended to smooth the rugged road through death, that he should meet you before the bar of Christ, and that you would be a crown of rejoicing in that [Page] day? If ministers and people are to meet each other before the tribunal of Christ, as having special business together, then we may conclude that this will be the case with particular families, such as husbands and wives, parents and children; you can say much about each other upon that occasion, having for so long a time composed one family on earth.

You, who are this day called to mourn▪ must give an account how you have improved his public and more private admotions: & especially this providence. The present occasion, however solemn, will appear more so at the great day. Consider, that although he is gone to return no more, yet God the source of consolation ever lives—His promises are always new to the widow and fatherless. That God who gave, has taken him away. But still he lives in another state, and is more useful to the universe, than he could be in this world. God's people always die in the best time, manner, and place. You have only time to take up the body and bury it, set your houses in order, & follow him. Manifest your love to the deceased by preparing to meet him, and make his heart glad in the day of the Lord Jesus. Contemplate the rectitude of divine government, and a future world, and b [...] still.

Let the children remember, that to have pious faithful parent taken away, is an unspeakable [Page] loss. Your father has done much for your bodies, but we trust more for your souls; never, never forget his prayers and admonitions. Can you, dare you meet him at the bar of Christ in impenitence? Should this be the case, instead of those endearing and parental caresses that you have r [...]ived from him in this life, be will join with the judge of all in saying, depart! He will declare what he has done for you▪ and condemn you. Let your mother experience that tender regard and kind assistance, during her short continuance with you, as becomes dutiful obedient children. Make her heart glad by a holy life, and let your father live daily before her eyes, in your pious examples.

Let me say a word to the Church, and congregation in this place:—Dear Friends, I am not a stranger to those mournful sensations that the present melancholy providence tends to inspire. I trust I am a hearty mourner with you, and am a share in your loss.

By the foregoing observations you have eason to conclude that you have lost a faithf [...]ul minister.

You can't forget those solemn & affectionate warnings that he has given you from the desk: Nor those pious examples he has set before you. He has preached his last sermon. Your next meeting must be before the tribunal of Christ, where those sermons you have heard him [Page] deliver in this life, will come to view, and the improvement you have made of them. Will you, my brethren, be his crown of rejoicing in that day? If you were his hope and joy in this life, you doubtless are still. It is with satisfaction we trust that he this moment looks foward to that day, when he expects to see this the dear people once committed to his charge; and doubtless he hopes to meet some of you as crowns of rejoicing. Oh! do not disappoint the hope, and expectations of your Rev. Pastor. Manifest your love to him by imitating his holy examples, and by having those heavenly instructions, that he so often inculcated, always in remembrance; & by preparing to give him joy in the day of the Lord Jesus. Examine what improvement you have made of the gospel ministry while you had it: and whether too great inattention has not had influence in its being removed. Have you ever experienced the power and efficacy of the gospel upon your own souls▪ Have you by the holy spirit been formed into the moral likeness of the blessed God, and into the image of his son Jesus? Or have you been contented with the mere form of Godliness? Have you not through sloth and unbelief, neglected attending on the preaching of the gospel, during the residence of your pastor among you? Oh! what account will such gospel despisers have to give another day! Consider, I intreat you, how dreadful it will be to have these things bro't into view, when you come to meet your ministe▪ who was once, & perhaps is now an eye-w [...]ess of your [Page] conduct▪ and will testify against you to your everlasting conde [...]menation!

Your minister, though dead, now speaketh. He preaches a most solemn lecture to us all this day on mortality.

You will, as it were, hear his voice when you look on the place of public worship, where he and you so often attended—When you look on his grave, which is here among you—and when you look to the second coming of Christ. Think often of that day.—Let the Sabbath, and worship of God, be still dear unto you; and remember him who has spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow.

[Page] [...]

MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF THE REV. ABRAHAM CARPENTER.

[Page]

HE was born on the 23d of Sept. 1739▪ at Rehoboth, Massachusetts: was son of Mr. Abiel Carpenter of that place; who was a man of piety and industry; by which means his family received a religious education▪ the fruit of which was conspicuous in his children, especially in his son, the subject of these memoirs, who dates his conversion in the 23d year of his age, when he became a member of the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Rogerson. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Bliss, daughter of Mr. John Bliss of Rehoboth, in his 21st year. They had ten children, four sons and six daughters; their mother and six children only survive.

In his 24th year he moved to Killingsly, in Connecticut, where he resided eight years, and commenced a preacher of the gospel.—Soon after he removed to Plainfield, N. Hampshire, where he had a call to settle in the work of the gospel ministry, which he accepted; and continued pastor of a church there for 15 years, and was much esteemed by his people and acquaintance.

Some divisions arising in the town respecting a place to build a Meeting House, together [Page] with a great depreciation of numbers in the church, an ecclesiastical council was called, and for the reasons above, thought it expedient to dismiss him from his pastoral relation to that people.

The church at the same time cordially united in ‘Recommending him, as one who had approved himself able and faithful in his work, during the time of his having exercised the pastoral care of the church among them.’ The council at the same time concurred with the church in recommending their pastor, so far as their acquaintance would admit. This appears from a result of council left among Mr. Carpenter's papers. He removed to Rutland, State of Vermont, March 13 1789, and was again settled in the work of the ministy, and discharged the duties to which he was called, to the great satisfaction of his people, and gained the love and esteem of all who knew him. But few give greater evidence of this love to Christ and the souls of men, than Mr. Carpenter, both in his public ministry, and private deportment. He always discovered that simplicity and chearfulness, mixed with christian sobriety, as endeared him to all his acquaintance, to th [...]se especially with whom he conversed, we may say without flattery, that he was a rare example of piety. His health evidently began to decline several months before his death, which at times impeded his public ministry—Love to his divine master and to the souls of men, often urged him on beyond his strength. For some weeks before [Page] his death, he was much troubled with a billious disorder, to which he had been much subject, which greatly debilitated his constitution, but had in some measure recovered; when he was seized with a violent diarrhoea, which carried him off on the evening of the [...] August, 1797, in his 58th year. He was speechless for some time previous to his exit; but while able to speak, manifested the most placid resignation to the will of God; earnestly exhorted others to prepare for death; He said, he had no will as to living or dying, but chos [...] to submit the matter to that God, to whom belong the issues of life and death, that the great truths that he had preached to others, were those on which he could now venture his soul for eternity, that he had no desire to out-live his usefulness.

We trust he has fallen asleep in Jesus.

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Title statement

The important concerns of ministers, and the people of their charge, at the day of judgment. Illustrated in a sermon, delivered at Rutland, Orange Society; August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the Rev. Abraham Carpenter, their worthy pastor. / By Lemuel Haynes, Pastor of a church in Rutland, Vermont.

Haynes, Lemuel, 1753-1833.

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2008-09.

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N37005

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N37005

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Shipton 48467

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48467

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Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 48467.

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— The important concerns of ministers, and the people of their charge, at the day of judgment. Illustrated in a sermon, delivered at Rutland, Orange Society; August 22d, 1797, at the interment of the Rev. Abraham Carpenter, their worthy pastor. / By Lemuel Haynes, Pastor of a church in Rutland, Vermont., Haynes, Lemuel, 1753-1833..

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[by Josiah Fay?],. Printed at Rutland [Vt.], :: 1798.. (Ascribed to the press of Josiah Fay by McCorison.)

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