Funeral Sermon on the
Death of Dr. William Bates,
by John Howe.
It is grievous to me to tell you, in whose room and stead
I do now stand, in this place this day.
Nor do I need; you can tell
yourselves, observing the stated courses and alternations, held in this
lecture, that if the counsels of heaven had agreed with our desires and hopes
on earth; this is the day, this is the hour, wherein you had again seen the
face, and heard the voice of that excellent servant of Christ, whom we now
lament as lost to us, and dead out of the world: not absolutely dead. For God,
who is his God for ever and ever, is not the God of the dead, but of the
living. Dying out of this world, he was born into the other.
But in that
sense wherein he is dead to us, and this world of ours, what remains? But that
we agree to say, "Let us die with him." And these are the words, which if God
will graciously afford us his help and presence, we may fruitfully entertain
ourselves with, upon this sad occasion at this time; you will find them in
-
JOHN 11.16.
'Then said Thomas, whch is called Didymus, unto his
fellow disciples,
"Let us also go, that we may die with him."'
The
history to which these words belong, contains so illustrious, and instructive
an instance of the Redeemer's power over both worlds, and so plainly shows,
that he could, at his pleasure, translate men out of the one into the other, as
might best serve the proper purposes of his redemption, that it can never be
unseasonable to us to consider it, who are always subject to the same power.
And it is very especially seasonable at this time, when we have reason
enough to re-consider his late use of this power, in another kind, less
grateful to us, but not less wise, or just in itself; not the recalling of one,
out of the other world into this, but the calling away of one, out of this
world into the other, the translating of this excellent person from among us,
whose longer abode here had been highly desirable, as his removal is most
bitterly grievous, and must have been intolerable, were it not that though this
is not the same act, it is an act of that same power over lives, which in all
its exertions, we are always to behold, with the same profound, adoring
silence, and disposition of mind, to receive instruction from it, whether it be
pleasing to us, or displeasing.
I will make no apology for my recalling
your thoughts, so long after to this sad theme. Our mutual endearedness, his
condescending affection to me, and my reverential affection to him, were so
generally known to those that knew either of us, that it might be expected I
should take some public notice of this severing stroke; and I may suppose my
circumstances to be so known, that it is obvious to every one to understand I
could do it no sooner.
It will not be unuseful, to make some brief
reflection, upon this miraculous work of our Lord, and thence return to the
special subjeet, which I desire your thoughts may be fixed upon, as mine have
been. It was the most memorable of all our Lord's works of this kind, yet not
mentioned by the other evangelists; lest, as is supposed, it should revive the
Jewish malice against Lazarus; who, as Epiphanius tells us, was reported to
have lived thirty years after, within which time the others had all writ,
whereas this evangelist wrote not, till after his final decease. It was wrought
for the same great end, for which all his wonderful works were done, and
written, generally, for the glory of God, as is intimated, ver. 4. and
particularly, as this evangelist tells us, chap. 20. 20, 21. 'That we might
believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God ;' and that believing we
might 'have life through his name.' And though they all had this design; this,
toward the end of his course, seems meant for the last, and conclusive, stroke,
having a brighter, and more conspicuous appearance of the divine glory in it,
for a fuller, and more convictive, demonstration, that he was the Son of God,
and the Messias, as he gave himself out to be. And all things were designed in
the aptest subserviency hereto; that, once for all, this long disputed point
might be put out of all doubt.
For this end it is ordered, that Lazarus
should at this time fall sick. Nothing more appeared to human prospect, but
that the disease befell him according to the common course of natural causes
but says our Lord, 'This sickness is not unto death,' viz as the final and
permanent event, or design of it, 'but for the glory of God, that the Son of
God might be glorified thereby,' ver 4. God's counsels lie deep, not obvious to
common view. When such a servant of God is fallen sick, we know not, what he
intends to bring out of it. His glory, may in his own way, and time, so much
the more brightly shine forth, though we yet distinctly know not when, or how.
Upon this account, when our Lord not only heard of Lazarus' sickness, but knew
he was dead, he yet defers two days, even though he knew him to have then been
at least two days dead before: so that when he now comes to the place 'he finds
him to have lain four days in the grave ;' ver. 17. he resolves to give so much
the greater scope, and advantage, to the glory of the divine power, to display
and evidence itself. He defers till now death, and the grave, were in full
dominion, that his conquest might be the more glorious. He had before raised
some from death, none from the grave. The lamenting relatives were now in
despair: the thoughts of restitution were quite laid aside. All their hopes
were buried with the deceased in the same grave, as may be collected from
sundry following verses.
In the like despair, not long after, were the
mournful disciples, concerning their not only deceased, but entombed Lord, unto
whose surprising resurrection, this seems a designed prelude, the bereaved
relations, and their comforters were now all abandened to sorrow, and drenched
in tears. And with the rest we are told, ver. 33. that 'Jesus wept.' But why
was this? Was it that he knew not his own mind, or distrusted his own power? He
had given sufficient intimation of his own purpose, and of the foresight he had
of the certain, glorious issue, of this gloomy dark providence. It is evident
therefore for what he wept not. It is not so obvious to conclude for what he
wept. It is most unworthy of him to suppose his was feigned sorrow or that he
shed hypocritical tears. Nor was this the only instance of his weeping; no, no,
he was 'a man of sorrow, acquainted with griefs ;' and had always in view,
sufficient cause of real soul-trouble, as this is called, ver. 33. 'He groaned
in Spirit and was troubled ;' it must be, by the contexture of the evangelical
history, near the time of his weeping over Jerusalem when his soul was filled
and taken up with sad and mournful themes.
But who can tell what thoughts
lay deep in that large and comprehensive mind! We are sure, though he wept with
the rest, that it was not as they wept, nor from the same motives. His thoughts
were not as their thoughts, but as far wider, and higher, as the heavens are
than the earth. We have no way to know what his thoughts were, we know what
they might be. He saw not Jerusalem only, but all this world buried in sin and
death. He could not as the second Adam be, 'the resurrection and the life,' as
he speaks, ver. 25. without beholding, with a compassionate heart, the
impurities, and miseries, wherewith it was deluged by the first. And he had now
enough in view, to discompose his pure mind, intent upon high and great things;
that when his business into this world was to prepare men for another; and,
when they were fit, to translate them thither : even they that professed to
believe on him, should no more understand him; that his kind, and great design
should be no more grateful to them, and so slowly enter into their minds and
hearts, that when they saw one such translation, it should so much displease
them, and they so little relish it, as to be all in tears and lamentations
thereupon; and thereby discover such an affixedness of heart and spirit to this
present world, and state of things, as to prefer the enjoyment of a friend on
earth, before all the glories of the heavenly state; so might their immoderate
weeping some way cause his tears. But when he expressed his trouble by groans,
and tears, he suppressed the causes of it, and goes on to his present intended
work. In order hereto, ver. 39. he commands the grave-stone to be removed;
neglecting the objection, ver. 39. ['by this time he stinks.']
He
observed, with a compassionate indulgence, the diffidence, which he meant
speedily to refute. Nor, because we also are too prone to prescribe limits to
the divine power, ought we, for his indulgence, to be the less severe to
ourselves. Forgetting the transcendency of that power, we think this or that
strange, and scarce possible to be done, because we too lightly, consider the
equal, Or greater, strangeness, of what we see is done. We count things easy,
that are by use become familiar to our senses, and apprehend we have the notion
of them clear, and how they can come to be as they are; not having examined, or
inquired, whether our apprehensions were right, and congruous, or not. Things
that have not struck our sense, making ourselves, and even our sense, the
measure, we count impossible, and inconceivable.
By the course of nature,
our sense hath told us, a body so long in the grave, must be putrid, and stink.
But who settled that course of nature? If we ascend not to the original cause,
the fixation of that course is as admirable and unaccountable; if we do, a
departure from it is as easy. What can the wisest philosophers conceive of the
difference between an offensive smell, and a grateful; but the different
disposition, or texture of the particles of matter, in relation to the
sensorium, or the receptive organ? When, what that different disposition is,
remains altogether unapprehensible, and what no man can tell. We go away well
satisfied concerning what we see happens every day, because we never inquire
how things came to be as they are; when what we have not known to come to pass,
though not more difficult, we say, can never be. Otherwise we should think it
no more admirable, or difficult, to reduce in a moment, the parts of matter to
such a situs, as that they should give no offence to the sense of smelling,
though before they did, than it was, to the same power, so to dispose, that, in
one sort of location, they should give that offence, in another, they should
not, and perhaps, in a third, highly gratify and please! Thousands of like
instances might be given, but this comes now in our way.
The world is full
of miracles, we are compassed about with such, and are such. There is, it is
true, a peculiar notion of them, as necessary as they are themselves;
signifying, not what is done by a greater power, but less usual. As such, the
use, and need of them only argues the infirmity of our minds, sunk into earth
and sense, and grown somnolent; whence they need to be roused, by surprising,
and uncommon things; and brought to consider, that he only, who could fix and
settle the so steady course of nature, could alter it, and make it forsake its
wonted tract: which he must always be supposed to do, for some very weighty,
important end, and reason, So absolute power, being ever in strict connexion
with the most perfect wisdom, and therefore claiming to be the most earnestly
attended to, and considered the more deeply. To that power that could create a
man, it was equally easy to perfume a grave; or to make a new man spring up out
of it, in fresh strength, comeliness, and vigour. To recompose the disordered
parts of a body turning to dust, and refit it, for the union, and use of the
returning soul. This he will not do often, but he saw a just and valuable
reason for his doing it at this time.
He was now to give, and leave behind
him, a full conclusive demonstration, once for all, of his being the Son of
God, by whom the worlds were made. And the Christ, or Messiah (the great
controverted point of that time) which ver. 5. is called, 'Glorifying the Son;'
who for asserting this, was calumniated as an impostor and 'deceiver of the
people.' He was to give a specimen of his power, as such, over universal
nature, and that he could at pleasure control, and countermand the most
established law of it. All things being put under that notion, as he was the
Christ, into 'his hands,' John 13. 3. and 'all power given him, both in heaven
and earth,' Mat. 28. 18. so as that, 'by him, all things must consist.' Col. 1.
17. A power he was to use, being gradually, and at last, perfectly, 'to make
all things new.' Rev. 21. 5. He was to make good his own title, 'I am the
resurrection and the life,' Ver. 25. which he assumes in this context; to let
it be seen he was no vain pretender; and that it was no vain faith that should
be placed upon him, in this respect; but that, what he should now do, as to
one, he was able equally to do, in the fit season for every one, when 'all that
are in their graves should hear his voice.' Chap. 5.28. He was to show forth a
resemblance of that more peculiar act, of his most graciously undertaken
office, to be a spring of life to souls morally dead, viz. 'in trespasses and
sins.' Eph. 2. 1. To give this divine, and most noble kind of life! to do that,
most merciful, and most godlike work! He was to take away all cause or pretence
for despair, but that, whereas a death was to pass upon himself, and upon his
Church on Earth, both he himself, and it, 'with his dead body, should arise.'
Isa. 26. 19. Therefore he utters that mighty commanding voice, at which rocks
and mountains tremble, and shiver, and which all the powers of nature must
obey; 'Lazarus come forth!' and he comes forth.
Where Lazarus' soul had
been in the mean time, was too light a matter, to weigh against these mighty
things our Lord was intent upon. His concerns were to yield and bow to his Lord
and Master's great designs; he could not be unfitter for his own business
afterwards, than the apostle in the like case (for ought that he himself knew)
was for his. The consideration of this did not divert our Lord Christ, from
what he was intent upon, nor let it divert us, but as a lighter matter, be left
for the exercise of lighter minds.
These things we now lightly touch,
hoping they may be of further use to us afterwards. We expect not the like
thing in our present mournful case; but we expect greater things; for which we
are to await our Lord's season.
In the mean time, let us return and
consider, what is overtured in the case the text refers to, when, as to any
such remedy, the mourning friends expected as little as we. Here was a worthy
good man gone. A friend of Christ, and of his friends. Christianity gives no
man a terrestrial immortality. Christians, even the best of them, must die as
well as other men. This was a matter taken to heart by Christ himself, as we
have seen, in a way becoming, and worthy of him. His disciples also are deeply
concerned, and they consider, and discourse it, their way. One of them, Thomas,
who also was called Didymus (wherein is no other mystery, than that his name is
first given us in Hebrew, then in Greek, as is not unexampled elsewhere)
proposes, as you have heard; 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' Out of
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. There was, no doubt, an
abounding fulness of sense, in this good man's soul, from whence these words
did proceed. And it might be two-fold: either,
1. Good and commendable,
fit for our imitation, and whereto the temper of our spirits should be
conform.
2. Faulty and reprehensible; such, as against which, we should arm
and fortify ourselves. Such mixtures are not to be thought strange. It is
little to be expected, that in what is hastily said, by the best on earth, on
an occasion apt to stir passions, there should be nothing but pure breathings
of heavenly wisdom, and goodness. Under the former head, we shall speak of
divers things which we cannot, indeed, be sure were the explicit, distinct
sense of this good man, at this time, but which might be; and should be ours on
a like occasion. Which well agree with christian principles, and which his
words serve aptly enough to express; as,
1. A firm belief of a future
state. Did this good man only desire to partake with the other in death, and no
more? Did his wish terminate here? Can we apprehend any thing good, or
desirable, in mere death, that one would covet to share in, with another? Or
which one would be loath he should engross alone? Nor could Thomas mean this,
having heard that Lazarus was already dead. It cannot be thought, that one who
had been some years in immediate attendance upon the Son of God, the Lord from
heaven, and under his instructions, and who had so much opportunity to observe,
that his whole design lay for another world; and that he never encouraged his
followers to expect from him any advantages, above others, in this world, but
forewarned them of troubles, and sufferings, to which they would be always
liable from it, and that they must be content to await for their rewards in
another state. It is not to be thought that such a one was an infidel in
reference to any such state: or that he thought his friend extinct, by dying:
or that when he wished to be with him, he wished to be no where, or
nothing.
2. A mind loose, and disengaged from this present world. He could
be intent upon no great designs for this earth, who with the next that leaves
it, was willing to go too.
3. Easy, placid thoughts of dying. He looked
upon death as no such frightful thing: that could so familiarly, and off-hand,
say, when he thought of such a one's dying; come, let's go, and die with
him.
4. A distinguishing judgment concerning the states of men hereafter,
remote from thinking it fares with all alike, in the other world; but well
informed, that it could only be ill, with ill men; and well only, with the
good. A settled persuasion of a judgment to come. According to declared rules
of which judgment, this present judgment is formed. That they who 'continue in
a course of well-doing, shall have eternal life; evil-doers, indignation and
wrath.' Rom. 2.7,8. This wish could not be thought less caution than his, who
says with distinction, 'Let me die the death of the righteous.' Num. 23.10. It
must be far from him to be content, 'God should gather his soul with sinners.'
Ps. 26.9. The future state was, no doubt, considered as a state of separation
between men and men. He could not covet to be associated with good and bad,
promiscuously, and at random.
5. A rationally charitable opinion, and
estimate, that he was sincerely good, and happy; with whom he coveted to be
united in death. Such an opinion, is all that is here requisite. Faith it
cannot be, for the object is not a revealed thng. Knowledge it is not, for we
have no medium to know it by. That we have more reason to think this, than the
contrary, of such a one, is sufficient, and that this should be implied, in
this wish, is necessary. Here was an apprehension, of an happy state, the other
was passed into. That saying, Sit anima mea cum philosphis, implied, that he
who said it, thought their state better, than some other men's. And Thomas
could not but have sufficient reason, for his apprehension of Lazarus'
sincerity, so as not to doubt of his felicity. His house, he observed, was our
Lord's resort. Here he was received gladly, by him, and his good sisters. His
doctrine, we have cause to think, he entertained as well as himself, and
himself, for his doctrine's sake. The peculiar affection our Lord had for him,
observed by the domestics, that say, 'He whom thou lovest is sick,' ver.3,
noted by the Jews, with a 'behold how he loved him,' ver. 26, could leave
Thomas no ground of doubt, but he was a sincere believer on the Son of God, and
now, in a blessed state: so are christians, visibly such, to esteem one
another, and accordingly to have communion with one another, in grace; and
hope, and wish for it, in glory. A temper, now, very alien from too many, that
go under that name; who make not the great substantials of Christianity the
measure of their present and hoped communion, but devised additions of their
own: or rather, not what they add to, but substitute in the stead, of faith,
mercy, and the love of God; and license themselves, to ascend the throne, usurp
the seat of judgment, and boldly damn all them, who are not of their own
complexion, and party; and that cannot so far conform to their humours,
passions, prejudices, and interested inclinations, as to say, and act in every
thing, just as they do.
6. A most ardent, and most generous love to such
good men, upon that just, and reasonable apprehension of them. For what love
can be greater? How can one more highly express love to any man, than by a
declared willingness to live, and die with him; and simply to die, when he can
no longer live with him. Love raised to this pitch is stronger than death.
Heathen story is not without some instances, of some, whom no dread of death
could sever from each other; but that they have been willing, as the case
should require, to die with, or to die for, another. To be either each others
companions, or substitutes in death. The tyrant Dionysius having sentenced to
death one of that admirable pair, Damon and Pythias, and fixed the day of
execution, the condemned person petitioned for leave to be absent upon
important occasions; in that interval, his friend offering himself, as his
sponsor, to die for him, if he returned not by the appointed day. He returning
punctually with all diligence, knowing his friend's life to be, otherwise in
hazard; the tyrant, in great admiration of their mutual love and fidelity,
pardons the condemned, and requests of them both, that they would admit him, as
a third person, into society of their friendship. What they tell us of divers
others, I mention not, whom no death could sever: whom dangers did more closely
unite.
Such as are conjoined in the same common cause, their mutual love,
mutually animates them, even to face death; because each finds the other will
not flinch, or leave him in danger alone. 'Many waxed bold by the apostle's
bonds,' Phil.1.14. when they could not but be thought bonds of death. No doubt,
because he was dear to them. So that they were willing, even to run into the
same bonds, because he was bound by them. Even in this sense, love casts out
fear. And what could more either express his own love, or tend to inflame other
men's, than when that great apostle bespeaks the christians of that time, as
having his life bound up in theirs? 'I live if ye stand fast' I Thes. 3.8. that
he was 'ready to impart, with the gospel, even his own soul to them, because
they were dear to him.' Chap. 2.8. And that 'they were in his heart to live and
die with them. 2 Cor.7.3. There seemed to be but one life, common to him and
them. When there are such unions, that each, is to the other, an alter ego,
another self; and anothers soul, is to a man as half his own; as he
pathetically phrases it. Here is the height of affection! And that affection
mutually heightens each others courage, and is a continual and reciprocated
source of a generous magnanimity, springing from the one, into the others
breast; while they perceive in one another, a mutual vying, who shall the more
adventurously rush upon death, for, the conjunction with, the other.
This
seems not alien from the temper of Thomas' mind in his uttering of these words.
For when our Lord proposed going into Judea, other of the disciples objecting
that the Jews had there lately sought to kill him ; he, when he understood
Lazarus was dead, whom he knew to be a friend to that cause, though he died not
for it; come, says he, let us now fear no death, let us rush, throw ourselves
into the midst of death, and there breathe forth our souls, full of love, to
God, and Christ, and him, and one another; even upon the same spot, where this
friend of our Lord, and our common cause and interest, breathed forth his.
These noble principles, fortitude and love, might have made two distinct heads
of discourse; but they are so complicated, and interwoven with one another,
that they were scarce to be considered apart. And this complication, these
words more than intimate. 'That their hearts may be comforted' (or incited, and
stirred up, as the word there used signifies) 'being knit together in love.'
Col. 2. 2.
7. A lively apprehension of the large, abounding diffusion of
the divine fulness; sufficiently able to replenish, and satisfy, all that shall
be prepared to partake in it. That this good man's eye was upon somewhat else,
than mere death, and that he coveted not to die, for dying sake, must be out of
doubt with us. He certainly aimed at a blessed state after death. And who can
suppose his mind void of that so common notion, that the blessedness of souls
must lie in God? But this could not be all. The faint, spiritless notion of a
felicity to be enjoyed in God, could signify little to the present purpose.
Here must be a lively, gustful apprehension of it too. For here is intervening
death to be gone through. And he expresses himself willing to attempt this
difficult pass. 'Let us go - that we may die -.' How few do you know, or
converse with, that are without this notion, that God is the blessedness of
souls? Or that assent not to it as soon as they hear it? Yet how few do you
know, that are willing to die, to enjoy him? no, no, they are generally
willing, rather to 'eat the dust of the earth,' and 'feed upon ashes,'
thousands of years, than go to God for a better portion ! Notwithstanding their
dead, spiritless, inefficacious notion of a divine heavenly felicity, they had
rather want it. A blessedness not to be had on earth, or that must come by
dying! They bless themselves from such a blessedness! It is plain then, there
must be more than a dead notion, to overcome their aversion to dying. And what
can be that more? It is as plain, it must be a vivid apprehension of such a
blessedness in God, after death. And that imports two things.
(1.) A divine
faith of it. It must be the apprehension of faiths and of a divine faith.
Almost every one pretends to believe it; but it is generally, with an human
faith only. Because their parents, or preachers, or the common voice of the
country, hath told them so. A divine faith, is full of divine life, and vigour.
The substance and evidence of what is believed. The soul being overpowered into
this belief by the majesty, and authority of the great God revealing it, and
the awfulness of his testimony; the 'word of God' revealing this, as other
portions of sacred truth, works effectually in them that so believe it : that
is, that 'receive it not as the word of man, but as the word of God.' 1 Thes.
2. 13. They that live in the hope of eternal life, which 'God that cannot lie
hath promised,' Tit.1.2. would break through a thousand deaths to obtain it.
This is more than a spiritless notion. And
(2.) Such a lively apprehension
hath in it somewhat of a present sense, and foretaste of that blessedness. An
heaven begun. Which is of the same kind with their future heaven. They have the
'kingdom of God,' in them, 'which stands in righteousness, peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost.' Rom. 14. 17. Such an earnest speaks their own right, while
they are yet sensible of the great imperfection of their present state. They
are therefore willing to die, that they may be made perfect. They now know by
taste what it is to enjoy God. 'O taste and see that God is good! Ps. 34. A
mere notion informs us not enough, so as to actuate our minds what that means.
Notwithstanding it, the carnal mind can frame no distinct heart-moving thought
of felicity; other, or more grateful, than the relishes of meat and drink, or
the satisfaction of some, or other, mean, or carnalized appetite. They that
have tasted somewhat of an higher kind, long for more, and most of all that
most perfect fruition, which they must pass through death to attain.
We
will not suppose this good man to have been destitute, of such a faith, and of
such tastes, of the heavenly felicity. And as, hereby he was not without a
lively apprehension, of the kind and nature of it, so we must suppose him, to
have a like apprehension. O the large, copious, abounding, and diffusive
fulness of it. Whereof his words give some intimation. 'Let us go, and die with
him.' He doubted not of a sufficiently extensive communion in this blessedness.
As if it had been said, There is enough for him, and us all. And such an
apprehension, we all ought to have, of the blessedness of the heavenly state,
into which we are to be introduced by death, that it is enough for all that can
be in any possibility to partake in it. So that the abounding plenitude of no
one's portion, can be any diminution to anothers. The kind and nature of
material, sensible good, hath a remarkable, and most agreeable affinity to what
is said (and what upon very strict inquiry, one knows not how, not to say) of
matter itself, that it is perpetually divisible; but so, as that every part,
and particle, is still less and less. Whereupon it cannot but be, that
whatsoever any enjoy of terrene good, so much is detracted from the rest. Of
intellectual, spiritual good, knowledge, wisdom, grace, glory, the case is
quite different. Let any possess never so much, it nothing diminishes anothers
possession, in the same kind. If another man be never so wise, good, and happy,
it takes nothing from me, I may be as wise, good, and happy. At least, that
hinders not, but I may.
How pleasant a contemplation is this! that in the
vast, and numberless, regions of light, bliss, and glory, the blessed
inhabitants are all drawing from the same fountain, solacing themselves in the
'fulness of joy,' drinking in from those 'rivers of pleasure,' that flow from
the divine presence, for evermore! All deriving, unto satiety, from that
fulness, 'that filleth all in all.'
8. Preference of the society with holy
ones, in the heavenly state, above any to be enjoyed on earth. The words, as to
their most obvious sense, seem to be full of this. With whom I would live, with
him I would die. Is not this our common sense? Not that we can apprehend any
thing in the very act, or article of dying, that can make dying with one, more
desirable, than with another, but it must be meant, of what is to follow. We
would not have death to part us. We would enjoy one another, after death; but
so, as we did not before. It is very probable, our Lord, and his disciples, had
formerly enjoyed pleasant hours with Lazarus, in his own house. But why doth
Thomas, therefore, desire they might die, to be with him? Excepting him, he
might still have enjoyed the same society on earth, and of many other christian
friends besides. But we see his proposal concerned not himself only. It is,
'Let us go die with him.' He reckoned they should all die, and be with him
together. And that the state they should then be in, would have, in point of
society, and conversation, such advantages, above what their present state
afforded, as were worth dying for.
And how can we but apprehend the vast
difference? Whatever delight good men, on earth, have had in one anothers
society, they must, then, be better company than ever. How hard is it now, to
communicate our sentiments! We know not what our ways of converse shall
hereafter be, but we know that such words as we now use, are very slow,
defective media of conveying, our minds and sense, to one another. What a
difficulty do we now find, if we apprehend a thing clearly ourselves, to make
another master of our notion? What circumlocutions do we need! What
explications, to make another understand our meaning! And then those
explications need further explication! And so we run ourselves into new
difficulties, and entangle one another more, and more. Most of our
controversies arise from our mistaking one anothers sense; though too often
those mistakes are wilful with them who love strife more than truth: and it is
industriously endeavoured, to pervert each others words, and put senses upon
them quite besides, or against our true intent. But if we speak and hear with
the greatest candour, and sincerity that is possible, we are frequently not
understood aright, either through the unskilfulness of him that speaks, to
choose the aptest words, and forms of speech, or unattentiveness, incapacity,
and dulness, in them that hear: frequently from both together. Hence is the
conversation of christians so little edifying, though their discourse of useful
subjects, which, God knows, there is little of amongst us! Though much more
than I commonly apprehended, proceeds from want of love, that should let us
into one anothers minds, and hearts.
Our very sermons, when we study to
make important things as plain as we can, are lost upon the most. Though here
we see the advantage of a people's having a love to their master, which is a
mighty orator within themselves, and will make them endeavour to take in his
heart, and soul; as on his part, his love to them will make him willing, as we
heard from the apostle, to 'impart, with the gospel, his own soul.' I Thes.
2.8. But as to christian converse in this our present state, besides the
difficulty of understanding one another, all, even of them who have great
treasures of knowledge in them, are not alike conversable, and communicative,
nor any, at all times. The dearest friends often find one another indisposed,
otherwise busy, morose, sour, and out of humour; apt to take, and perhaps, to
give offence, on one hand, and the other. And whereas we should most intimately
converse with ourselves; upon the mentioned accounts, we are, now, very often
the worst company that can be, to ourselves; through the darkness, confusion,
intricacy, and incoherence of our own thoughts; the fervour, and tumultuation
of ill affections, and the sluggishness, and drowsy torpor of good. And in what
case are we to please others, by our converse, that have so much cause, to be
always, in a very great degree, displeased with ourselves!
When death shall
have disencumbered, and set us free from all sorts of distempers, and brought
us, into the state of perfect, and perfected spirits, how delectable will that
society be! When all shall be full of divine light, life, love, and joy, and
freely communicate, as they have received freely! How pleasant will it be, to
sit down with 'Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God.' To converse
with angels! Those wise, kind creatures! So full of profound knowledge, and
benignity! instructed by long, uninterrupted, experience, and observation of
the methods of the divine government, and dispensation; highly pleased with our
accession to the 'General assembly; that rejoiced in the conversion of a
sinner,' whereby but one, was hereafter, in due time, to be added, much more in
the glorification of so many, that are now actually added to them! What
delightful communings will there be, of the mysteries of nature! Of the methods
of providence! Of the wonders of grace! Of the deep and hidden counsels of God!
In what part it shall be agreeable to his wisdom, and good pleasure, to let
them appear, and stand in view. The conferences at the transfiguration made the
transported disciples say, 'It is good to be here :' when the glory, which
while it oppressed, pleased them. Though this was but a transient view.
But
above all that is conceivable in that other state, how delectable will their
society be in worship! In their unanimous adoration of the 'Ever-blessed God!
Father, Son, and Spirit!' In how pleasant, eternal raptures of delight, and
praise, will all those excellent creatures be, that inhabit and replenish the
vast realms of light, and bliss; when all behold, how the several kinds of
being, light, life, excellency, and perfection, by a perpetual efflux, spring
from the first. The fountain of all being. The parent of so glorious, and so
numerous a progeny! all Godlike, and bearing the bright image of their Father!
O the inexpressible pleasure of this consociation in worship, perpetually
tendered with so absolute a plenitude of satisfaction, in the due-ness of it !
And the gustful apprehension of what whose words import, 'Worthy art thou, O
Lord!' each one relishing his own act, with just self-approbation, and high
delight; heightened by their apprehended, perfect unanimity, and that there is
among them, no dissenting vote. Whence it cannot be but to 'worship God in
Spirit and in truth, must be to enjoy him.' And that he is not, under any other
notion, more the satisfying object of our enjoyment, than as he is the object
of our worship. What room, or pretence, is there now left, for unwillingness to
die, on the account of relatives, we have been wont to converse with in this
world? When such an exchange as this, is to be made by dying! But,
II. We
are also to consider, There might be an intermixture in the temper of this good
man's spirit, when he uttered these words, of somewhat faulty and blameable.
Which we are to be cautioned against.
1. There might be too little
consideration had, of the dignity and value of human life; of which the great
God takes so particular care, to guard and sustain it both by law and
providence. And of this creature, Man, so noble a part of divine workmanship,
and whom he 'set over all the works of his hands,' in this lower world. To
propound throwing away, at once, so many such lives, seems somewhat too
precipitant.
2. The words seem not to savour enough of that deference that
is due to the God of our lives; whose prerogative it is to 'kill, and to make
alive:' to measure our time, and number our days. It might have been said, at
least, 'If God will,' etc.
3. There might be in them, too little gratitude
for the mercies of life, or patience of the difficulties of it : somewhat like
that of Jonah, 'Take now, I beseech thee, my life from me.'
4. Too little
regard to the business of life, it might have been, more at leisure,
considered, is the business done, I was born for! Their special business, who
were to be the 'Apostles of our Lord, already called,' Mat.10.1, etc. and
instructed in great part in the work of their calling; was, apparently, too
little considered, especially, how, or for what, his Lord was to die himself,
so far as either from his own words, or from the prophets, might have been
collected.
5. Nor, perhaps, enough; how awful a thing it was to die! to
change states, and pass into eternity! This might, upon this account, be too
hastily said. Good old Simeon seemed to have considered the matter more, when
he said, 'Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,' etc.
6. And there
is reason to apprehend, in these words, too much displicency at the providence
of God, in taking away such a man, now at such a time; with some appearance of
despondency, concerning the christian interest. This Lazarus, is thought to
have been a wealthy man (though he in the parable, is represented otherwise.)
Christianity was, as yet, a little thing in the world. Our Lord had signalized
himself, by his wonderful works, and drawn many eyes upon him, that were at a
gaze, by his heavenly doctrine, and the true design of his coming, had entered
into the minds of but a few; and they, of the meaner sort; 'Had any of the
rulers believed on him ?' It was yet a dubious twilight; the dawning of the
morning. 'The Spirit, that was to convince the world, was not yet given, for
Jesus was not yet glorified.' John 7.39. chap.16.8. Nicodemus, 'a Rabbi,' came
to him, 'but by night.' This cause, as still, according to human estimate,
depended much on reputation. 'Men loved' (till an overpowering influence bore
down all before it) 'the praise of men, more than the praise of God ;' John
12.43. and 'believed not, because they sought honour one of another.' John
5.44.
It was, now, a mighty loss, to have one such man drop, 'that lived so
near Jerusalem, where our Lord's great work did much lie, but where he chose
not to lodge: this was in Bethany, but two miles off, a convenient retreat. The
Master of the house is himself dislodged: and whereas, though the 'Foxes had
holes and the birds nests, the Son of Man had not where to lay his head.' Luke
9. 22, 23. This disciple might probably think where shall be our next resort?
Where is there a considerable person to be found, that will hereafter give us
harbour and countenance? He might hence be induced, even to utter his
conclamatum est; and to this purpose, say, now he is dead, 'Let us all go die
with him.' Their Lord and Master had before told them, of his being ere long to
be taken from them; and that his followers must count upon 'taking up of their
cross daily.' And what, might he think, is to become of us, upon whom, left
desolate, the stress is to lie, of the christian cause! What storms will be
raised against us, whose province it must be, to plant and propagate a new
religion in the world! The tenderest concern in all the world, and about which
men are most apt to be enraged at any attempt of innovation! And by us,
unlearned, uninterested, obscure and contemptible men! By what he here says, he
seems 'not afraid to die,' but he seems 'afraid to live,' and face the storm,
and contend with the difficulties, of that (even hopeless) undertaking, which
he perceived himself, and his companions, designed unto. Rather than this, he
seems to apprehend a present death was to be chosen.
And I, now, no way
doubt, hut any serious person, that shall be at the pains to commune with
himself, will judge, there may be such quick turns of thoughts, this way, and
that, as those opposite senses of this passage do import; the variety, and
contrariety of principles that are in us, in this imperfect state, makes it no
impossible thing, but that, amidst the various agitations of a musing mind,
somewhat of grace, and somewhat of sin, yea much of an holy and heavenly
temper, with some degree of incogitancy, haste, and faulty distemper, might be
vented together in such an expression.
III. And now for the use of it, we
must have distinct respect to both these sorts of sense, which the words may
admit of. And.
1. For whatsoever of good sense they have in them, let us
endeavour to have it deeply impressed, and inwrought into our souls. So far as,
upon good and self-justifying accounts, one may wish to die with another,
eminently holy and good. Let us labour to be in that temper of spirit, that
with all reverential submission to the wise, holy, and sovereign will of God,
we may ever be ready to go with the first: 'A good man should need only leave
to die.' Consider, are we so loose from all worldly enjoyments, and designs, as
to be capable, when an holy man dies, of adopting these words, 'Let me die with
him ?' Will they fit our spirits? Can we so far comport with them, as to avow
it with an heart not reproaching us, that it is only obedience to the supreme
ruler, nor terrene inclination, that makes us willing to survive such, as we
see going off this stage before us? That if he in whose hands our breath is,
will have us still live, we can submit 'with patience;' if he signify his mind,
we shall die, we shall comply 'with gladness?' But,
Do we find it
otherwise? Doth the bent of our own spirits urge and press us downward? And fix
us to the earth? Are we so within its magnetism? We have a worse evil to fear
than bodily death. 'To be so carnally minded is death,' in a far more horrid
sense. This temper of mind, to prefer an earthly abode, before the purity, and
bliss, of the 'heavenly society,' is so repugnant to the most constituent
principles of a living christian, his faith of the unseen world, his delight in
God, his love of the divine presence, and converse with the Father, and Son, in
glory; his hatred of sin, and desire of perfect holiness, that he should rather
take another name, than wear that of a christian, in conjunction with the
allowance of so unchristian a spirit, a temper that tends to subvert whole
christianity. And puts a man into a posture of hostility against the cross of
Christ, and the very design of his dying. For in contradistinction to them,
'whose conversation is in heaven, from whence they look for the Saviour, are
they become the declared enemies of his cross, who mind earthly things;'
Phil.3.18,19,20. preferring an earthly before the heavenly state. And the
apostle tells such, (weeping as he wrote) that 'their end will be destruction.'
This I must therefore say and testify in the Lord, that if any will indulge
themselves in such a temper of spirit; and whosoever goes, even of the most
excellent of God's saints and ministers, they would (because they love the
present world more) stay with the last; 'as to such, our preaching is vain, and
their faith is vain.' But if there have been any within the compass of your
knowledge and acquaintance, of whom dying, or lately dead, you could say, 'Let
me die with him, or die to be with him.' Of whom would you rather say it, than
of the excellent Dr. Bates!
But do you expect I should give you a distinct
and full account of him? Many of you know, or may easily apprehend, I have not
been in circumstances, by which it could be so much as possible to me. The
surprising, overwhelming tidings of his death, with the signification of my
being expected to do this part, first reached me, by just estimate, at about
two hundred miles distance. Nor did any thing to that purpose, from such as
were concerned, come to my hands, till a fortnight after his decease. At my
return, towards the end of the week preceding this sad solemnity, I had my own
charge, from which I had been long absent, to provide for against the Lord's
Day: after which, only one day intervened, wherein thoughts that accompanied me
in my way, were to be reduced into some order: but had I had never so much time
and leisure, I cannot but reflect on what was said of that famous Roman, to
give the just praises of Cicero, Cicerome laudatore opus fuerit, there was need
of Cicero himself to be the encomiast.
No man knows how to speak
becomingly of the excellencies of Dr. Bates, that hath not the eloquence of Dr.
Bates. He did that office most laudably for divers others, for those reverend
and truly great men, Dr. Manton, Mr. Clarkson, Dr. Jacomb, and the admirable
Mr. Baxter. But now there is no man left to do it suitably for him, that is,
that both is fit and willing. So that this part comes to be devolved, upon the
unfittest among many. Yet thus, while others have declined it, out of a modest
opinion of its being above them, whose abilities and conveniences, for the
performance, did much more concur: this looks like an art, and contrivance of
providence, to greaten him the more, that every one reckons him too great for
their commendation: and, that consequently, he is to pass out of our world, as
one too big for our praises, with no encomium, or that which is next to none.
Though I first had the opportunity, and great pleasure of his acquaintance,
above forty years ago; yet I have no present way while I am writing this, of.
knowing, or recollecting, with certainty, any thing of the earlier days of his
life. As therefore the case is, the little I shall say of him, shall be, not by
way of history, but of character. Nor in giving somewhat of that, can one well
omit,
(1.) To take notice of, what must with every one, come first in view,
viz. His self-recommending aspect, composed of 'Gravity aud pleasantness, with
the graceful mien, and comeliness of his person.' That was said upon no slight
consideration of the nature of man, from unbribed common estimate, that
whatever a man's virtuous endowments be, it is the more taking and acceptable,
as coming, - E pulchro corpore. From a handsome well-framed body. God had
designed him to circumstances, and a station, not obscure in the world, and had
accordingly formed him with advantage; so as that his exterior, and
first-aspectible part, might draw respect. And though the treasure to be lodged
there, was to be put into 'an earthen vessel,' yet even that was wrought,
Meliore luto, of finer, or more accurately figured, and better turned clay. He
was 'to stand before kings;' Prov. 22.29. you know in what relation he stood
'to one,' as long as was convenient for some purposes; and how frequent
occasion he had of appearing (never unacceptably) 'before another.' His concern
lay not only 'with mean men,' though he could tell also how to condescend to
the meanest. His aspect and deportment was not austere, but both decently grave
and amiable, such as might command at once, both reverence and love; and was
herein, not a lying, but the true picture of his mind.
I may (to this
purpose) borrow his own words (and whose could I more rightfully borrow, or to
so much advantage?) concerning that excellent person, alderman Ashurst, whose
fragrant memory will long survive the age he lived in. And O that his example
might govern in London, as long as his name lasts! Of him the doctor says, 'A
constant serenity reigned in his countenance, the visible sign of the divine
calm in his breast;' 'the peace of God that passes all understanding!' And who
could have said this but Dr. Bates! Or so appositely have applied what had an
higher author! So expressively! so fully! so truly! and justly was it spoken!
But also, of whom could this have been more fitly said, than Mutato nomine, of
Dr. Bates! How rarely should we see a countenance so constant, and so faithful
an index, of an undisturbed, composed mind? Through that, if we looked into
this, how rich furniture of the 'inner man' should we soon perceive, and
admire!
(2.) His natural endowments, and abilities, appeared to every
observer, great, much beyond the common rate. His apprehension quick, and
clear. His reasoning faculty acute, prompt, and expert: so as readily and aptly
to produce, and urge closely, the stronger and more pregnant arguments, when he
was to use them; and soon to discern the strength of arguments, if he was to
answer them. His judgment penetrating and solid, stable and firm. His wit never
vain, or light, but most facetious and pleasant, by the ministry of a fancy,
both very vigorous and lively; and most obedient to his reason; always remote
both from meanness, and enormity. His memory was admirable, and never failed,
that any one could observe, not impaired by his great age of seventy four:
insomuch, that speeches made upon solemn occasions, of no in-elegant
composition (some whereof the world hath seen, though extorted from him with
great difficulty, and by much importunity) he could afterwards repeat to a
word, when he had not penned one word of them before. And his sermons, wherein
nothing could be more remote from ramble, he constantly delivered from his
memory. And hath sometime told me, with an amicable freedom, that he partly did
it, to teach some that were younger, to preach without notes. His learning, and
acquired knowledge of things, usually reckoned to lie within that compass, was
a vast treasure. He had lived a long, studious life; an earnest gatherer, and
(as the phrase is) devourer of books. With which he had so great an
acquaintance, and they that were acquainted with him so well knew it, that one,
who was for the dignity of his station, and the eminency of his endowments, as
great a pillar, and as excellent an ornament of the church, as any it hath had
for many an age, hath been known to say, that were he to collect a library, he
would as soon consult Dr. Bates, as any man he knew. He was indeed himself a
living one.
He knew how to choose, and was curious in his choice.
Whatsoever belonged to the finer, and more polite sort of literature, was most
grateful to him, when it fell into a conjunction with what was also most
useful. Nothing mean was welcome into his library, or detained there; much less
thought fit to be entertained, and laid up, in the more private repository of
his mind. To speak of the particular parts of his learning wherein he excelled,
were to trifle, when there are so many visible effects extant, that enough
inform the world. His divine knowledge, and the abundant grace of God in him,
have been eminently conspicuous, the same way, in great part; but otherwise
also. For his private conversation was so instructive, so quickening, in
reference to what lay within the confines of religion, and godliness, that no
man of ordinary capacity could hear his usual, and most familisr discourses,
but either with great negligence, or great advantage.
When he hath been to
consider a case of conscience, I have sometimes had opportunity to observe,
with what wisdom, what caution, what tenderness, he hath spoken to it, and with
what compass of thought; turning it round this way, and that; most strictly
regarding our sacred rule, and weighing all circumstances that concerned the
case: but withal, taking occasion from thence (when the persons concerned have
not been present) to magnify and adore the grace of Cod; which he would do most
pathetically, and with great affection; for keeping us out of the way of
temptation. Which he thought was too little considered by christians; and
thereby saving us from the entanglements, and perplexities of spirit, as well
as from the scandals that befel many. I never knew any more frequent, and
affectionate, in the admiration of divine grace, upon all occasions, than he
was; or who had a deeper sense of the impotency, and pravity of human
nature.
His discourses were usually (as our rule directs) 'savoury, as
seasoned with salt, and such as might minister grace to the hearers.' He was
frequently visited by persons of higher rank, and that made no mean figure in
the world, Of whom, some have acknowledged, that going abroad upon hazardous
employments, they have received from him, such wise and pious counsels, as have
stuck by them, and they have been the better for, afterwards. Though in his
communing with so many friends, whom he irresistibly constrained to covet his
most desirable society, he did not exclude the things that were of common human
concernment, he still discovered a temper of mind most intent upon divine
things. He did not look with a slight or careless eye upon the affairs of the
public; but consider, and speak of them as a man of prospect, and large
thought, with much prudence, and temper; not curiously prying into the arcana
of government, or reasons of state, which it was necessary should be under a
veil; much less rudely censuring what it was not fit should be understood: but
what was open to common view, he was wont to discourse of instructively; both
as lying under the direction of providence, and as relating to the interest of
religion.
Nor was he wont to banish out of his conversation the
pleasantness that fitly belonged to it: for which his large acquaintance, with
a most delightful variety of story, both ancient and modern, gave him advantage
beyond most. His judicious memory, being a copious promptuary, of what was
profitable, facetious, and disdaining to be the receptacle of useless trash. To
place religion in a morose sourness, was remote from his practice, his
judgment, and his temper. But his discourses, taking in, often, things of a
different nature, were interwoven with religion, and centred in it; especially
such things as were most intimate, and vital to it, of those things, he was
wont to speak, with that savour and relish, as plainly showed, he spake not
forcedly, or with affectation, as acting a part; but from the settled temper,
and habit of his soul. Into what transports of admiration of the love of God,
have I seen him break forth! when some things foreign, or not immediately
relating, to practical godliness, had taken up a good part of our time. How
easy a step did he make of it, from earth to heaven! Such as have been wont, in
a more stated course, to resort to him can tell, whether, when other occasions
did fall in, and claim their part, in the discourses of that season, he did not
usually send them away, with some-what that tended to better their spirits, and
quicken them in their way heavenward? With how high flights, of thought, and
affection, was he wont to speak, of the heavenly state! Even like a man much
more of kin to that other world, than to this! And for his 'Ministerial
qualifications, and labours;' do I need to say any thing to themselves, who had
the benefit thereof? Either them, who have so many years lived under his most
fruitful, enlightening, quickening, edifying ministry? 'Whether week by week,'
as his beloved, peculiarly privileged charge, at Hackney, that mournful,
desolate people! Who have been fed with the heavenly, hidden Manna, and with
the fruits of the tree of life, that grows in the midst of the paradise of God;
so prepared, and presented to them, and made pleasant to their taste, as few
besides have ever had: but now sit in sorrow, hopeless of full, or any equal
relief, but by transportation into that paradise itself, whence all their
refections were wont to come! Or do I need to inform such inhabitants of
London, as in a 'doubled three monthly course,' have, for many years, in
throng-assembly, been wont to hang upon his lips? To whose, if to any one's in
our days, the characters belonged, of the wise, and the righteous man's lips,
which are said to 'disperse knowledge;' Prov. 15.7. and (which is therefore
most agreeable) to 'feed many.' chap.10.21. Or can it be needful to acquaint
the world? Who have volumes of his discourses, of sermons in their hands! Or
tell them of their singular excellencies, who can as well tell me! I can speak
to none of his great worth and accomplishments, as a richly furnished, and most
skilful, dispenser of divine knowledge, and of the mysteries of the gospel of
Christ, an 'instructed scribe, able to bring forth of his treasury things new
and old;' but who may say to me, as those Samaritan christians, 'we believe him
to be such; not because of thy saying; for we have heard (or read) him
ourselves.' And they may say so, with judgment, upon this proof, that shall
consider both the select, choice, and most important matter of his tractates,
and sermons, published, or unpublished. And the peculiar way and manner of his
tractation thereof.
For the former: 'The choice of subjects;' and of such
materials of discourse, as are to be reduced, and gathered in to them,
discovers as much of the judgment, spirit, and design of the compiler, as any
thing we can think of. When we consider what sort of things, a man's mind hath
been exercised, and taken up about, through so long a course and tract of time;
we may see what things he counted great, important, necessary to be insisted
on, and most conducing to the ends, which one, of his calling, and station,
ought to design, and aim at. And are thereupon to appeal to ourselves, whether
he did not judge and design aright, and as he ought? As what could be of
greater importance, than to discover the 'Harmony of God's Attributes,' in the
work of saving sinners? 'The final happiness of man: the four last things,'
etc. What more important than that of spiritual perfection? Which last he
dropped, as Elijah, his mantle, when he was to ascend into that state, most
perfectly perfect; wherein that which he had been discoursing of, finally
terminates. Read it, and invocate the Lord God of Elijah! saying, 'Where is
he?' Nor were his discourses of less consequence, that, in his stated course,
he delivered to his constant hearers. They were always much allied to the lamp,
and did not need to fear the brightest light. His last sermon in this place,
(who of us thought it the last! Hearing it delivered, with so much life and
spirit?) challenges our re-consideration over and over. It was about 'Sins
against knowledge,' from Luke 12.47. A warning to the age, uttered (though not
faintly) as with his dying breath. O that it could have reached ears, and
hearts, as far as the concern of it doth reach. The sins of our days, of
professors, and of others, are more generally, sins against knowledge, than
heretofore, and may make us expect and dread the more stripes, that text speaks
of.
As for his manner and way of handling what he undertook, we may use the
words, which he recites from the incomparable bishop Wilkins, concerning Mr.
Baxter; which, no doubt, if there had then been the occasion, he would have
judged not unapplicable here also: 'That he cultivated every subject he
handled, and had he lived in an age of the fathers, he would have been one.'
His method in all his discourses, might be exposed to the most critical
censurer. What could be more accurate! And for his style, it was even
inimitably polite, and fine; but to him, so natural, that it was more uneasy to
have used a coarser style, than to others; so neat a one as his was. Nor is it
to be thought strange, that there should be in this, a peculiarity; style
being, to any man, as appropriate, upon the matter, as his visage, or voice;
and as immediately depending on the temper of the mind, in conjunction with
fancy, as that is, more or less, brisk, lively, and vigorous; as the other do
on the complexion of the body, or the disposition of the organs of speech. They
that would, in this case, attempt to force nature, would, I suspect, be very
awkward at it, would bungle scurvily, and soon find, they had better be content
to creep on all four, than aim to fly and soar, with borrowed wings, or stolen
feathers. If God, with a man's nature, gives a disposition of this kind, it
may, in his younger years, admit of innocent improvement: but that which is
most peculiar to any, in this respect, is what one insensibly slides into, with
no more design, than one hath to walk after this, or that manner; by which,
yet, many persons are known, and distinguishable from other men. But I doubt
not, that excellency in any such kind, as hath been anciently observed of
poetry, and oratory, must have its foundation in nature; and they that will
strive against that stream, will soon perceive, that such proverbial sayings
were grounded upon prudent observation and long experience, that a mercury is
not to be made of every log; and that nothing is to be attempted, invita
minerva, or against one's genius, and natural inclination. Therefore that
monition, Lege historiam ne fias historia, one may vary and say, cave, etc.;
Take heed of a proverb, lest thou become a proverb. That is easy, and pleasant,
which is natural. And now when the grace of God supervenes, and doth exalt, and
sublimate nature, it makes that mean beginning, and its progress, into use and
custom; which is said to be a second nature, subservient to very high and
excellent purposes; as is eminently conspicuous in the doctor's peculiar way of
preaching and writing: especially in his frequent, most apt, similitudes, and
allusions; to be attributed to a brisk and vivid fancy, regulated by judgment,
and sanctified by divine grace, so as greatly to serve his pious purpose; to
illustrate the truth he designed to recommend, and give it the greatest
advantage of entering into the mind, with light and pleasure; and at once both
to instruct and delight his reader or hearer. And so much more grateful have
his illustrations been, by how much the more they have been surprising, and
remote from any forethought in them that read, or heard. And I may here freely
put his most constant and attentive hearers, upon recollecting, whether he have
not usually pleased them, by surprising them? (for I know there are surprisals
ungrateful enough.) And in most sermons, whether they did not meet with what
they did not expect from him; and might in vain have expected from any body
else?
Some, it is possible, may find fault with that in this kind, to which
they can do nothing like themselves; who yet, I hope, may admit of conviction
of their own fault, herein, by gentler means, than by being put in mind of the
fable. They might, upon the matter, as well find fault, that God had made him a
taller man than the most; perhaps, than themselves, or of a more comely
complexion, or that all were not of one stature, size, or feature. If any do,
it is most probably such, to whom one may truly say, they blame what they could
not mend, nor he, help; at least, without much pain to himself, and to no
purpose. One may venture to say, that in that fine way of expressing himself,
which was become habitual to him, he much more pleased others than himself. For
in the excellent Mr. Baxter, he highly commends much another way, saying of
him, He had a marvellous felicity, and copiousness in speaking. There was a
noble negligence in his style. For his great mind could not stoop to the
affected eloquence of words. Very excellent men excel in different ways : the
most radiant stones may differ in colour, when they do not in value.
His
judgment in ecclesiastical matters, was to be known by his practice; and it was
such, that he needed not care who knew it. He was for entire union of all
visible christians, (or saints, or believers, which in scripture are equivalent
terms) meaning by christianity, what is essential thereto; whether doctrinal,
or practical, as by humanity, we mean, what is essential to man, severing
accidents, as not being of the essence. And by visibility, the probable
appearance thereof. And for free communion of all such, of whatsoever
persuasion, in extra-essential matters, if they pleased. And this design he
vigorously pursued, as long as there was any hope; desisting, when it appeared
hopeless, and resolving to wait till God should give a spirit suitable hereto;
from an apprehension, that, when principles on all hands, were so easily
accommodable, and yet that there was with too many, a remaining insuperable
reluctancy to the thing itself, God must work the cure, and not man. Accounting
also, in the mean time, that notwithstanding misrepresentations, it was better,
to cast a mantle over the failings of brethren, than be concerned to detect and
expose them. Knowing, that if we be principally solicitous for the name of God,
he will in his own way and time, take care of ours. And in this sentiment he
was not alone.
But now is this great luminary, this burning and shining
light, (not extinct, but) gone out of our horizon. We for a season rejoiced in
this light, and are we not to mourn for its disappearance? Yet not without
hope. 0! the inconceivable loss of his domestical relatives ! Who, in respect
of his most private capacity, and conversation, are deprived of such an head,
father, and guide! yet in this lies their advantage, that since nothing that is
mortal can fill up his room, they are under a necessity, to betake themselves
thither where the surest and fullest relief is to he had. Having in the mean
time, among mortals, a far greater number of fellow-sufferers and
fellow-mourners, to bear a part with them in their sorrows, and ready to afford
them all suitable consolation, than most in this world can be capable of
expecting in such a case. Let those of his own peculiar charge; let those that
were wont, though not so often, in a stated course, to hear him in this place,
with all other his more occasional hearers, mourn, that they are to hear no
more his weighty sentences, his sweet honey-dropping words: let them mourn,
that never heard to purpose, that were never allured, never won, that were
always deaf to this charmer, though charming so wisely. Let those that have got
good by him, mourn, that, in this way, they are to get no more; those that have
got none, that they have lost so much of their day; that they are to be
addressed, by this persuasive advocate for Christ, and their own souls, no
more. Let his brethren, all of us, mourn, that we have lost so prudent, so
humble, so instructive, so encouraging a guide, so bright an ornament from
among us.
But let none of us mourn without hope. God will be a husband to
the widow trusting in him, and the father of the fatherless, taking God in
Christ for their father, and their God. He hath not forgot the titles he hath
assumed. He can also find, or make for his widowed church, a pastor after his
own heart. And the great shepherd and bishop of souls, that gave his life for
the sheep, though he was dead, is alive, and lives for evermore. All his
hearers, though they are no more to hear his pleasant human voice, sounding in
their ears, if they attend and listen, may hear a divine voice crying after
them, 'This is the way, walk in it.' And let them know, that the gospel he
preached, is immortal, and never dies, though all flesh is grass: and his own
books, though he is dead, yet speak. We, his brethren, were to follow him, as
he followed Christ; who will himself be with us, always to the end. The work
wherein he was engaged, was common to him and us. Herein, if we follow him,
though not with equal steps, faithfully endeavouring to 'turn many to
righteousness,' we shall shine as he doth, like the stars in the firmament, we
need not be solicitous, though not with equal lustre, as 'one star differs from
another in glory.' 1 Cor.15.41.
The cause wherein he was engaged unto his
death, and from which no offered emoluments, or dignities, could ever draw him,
was not that of a party; for he was of none, and was of too large a mind to be
of any, but that noble cause of union and communion, with all christians that
hold the head. That cause is not dead with him. Now that he is dead, we are to
say, as that is the voice of the christian faith, of divine and brotherly love,
'let us die with him,' but not as it is the voice of despondency, or despair.
Let us covet to be with him in that blessed state; the reality whereof we
believe, and of which our faith is to be to us the substance and evidence.
I know no good man, that, knowing him, would not say, 'Let me die with him.' I
very well know, who would. And, if breasts could be laid open to inspection, as
by a glass, do know, in whose breast this sense would be found, engraven, as
with the point of a diamond. O! that my soul were in his soul's stead, or, if
the Supreme Disposer had thought fit, or seen an equal fitness for translation,
that I had died with him, but, knowing his much greater usefulness in this
world, O! that I had died for him. For since it is expressly said, 'We ought to
lay down our lives for the brethren.' 1 John 3.16. A life, that could,
regularly, and effectually, have redeemed his, had been laid down for many, in
that one, of holy, prudent, heavenly Dr. Bates.
This is the sense of one,
not weary, blessed be God, of the business of life, and that enjoys as much of
the comforts of life, as any man can reasonably wish, scarce any one more. But
it must be confessed, as this world was not worthy of this servant of Christ;
it is become far less worthy now so excellent a person Hath left it. His love,
his converse, was pleasant, beyond what can be expressed! It is now a grievance
not to have a part with the silent mourners, when lamentations could freely
have been poured forth, without noise or interruption! As the case is,
necessity lays a restraint, and leaves it an easier thing to die, than weep
out; otherwise, can one be shy in a way that can admit it, to tell the world,
that to live in it, now he is dead out of it, much less deserves the name of
life! It can be felt, that those words, among the many, divine raptures, of
that holy man, have a most perceptible meaning. When I got health, thou tookest
away my life; and more, for my friends die. If one may innocently borrow words,
from so impure a mouth, they are very expressive: I scarce count myself a man,
when without Iamblichus.
Here were two souls knit together, as the soul of
one man! What there is of present separation, shall be but for a little while.
And by how much the separation is more grievous, the reunion will be with the
stronger propension, and the more delightful, everlasting cohesion. As also,
separation from this terrene clog will be much the easier. One great weight is
added above, to pulley up what ought to ascend, thither. How can that but be a
blessed state, into which, he that is essential love hath caught up such a man!
One, in so great part, transformed before, into the same likeness, and fitted
to dwell in love: And accordingly God took him, even kissed away his soul, as
hath been said of those great favourites of heaven; did let him die without
being sick; vouchsafed him that great privilege, which a good man would choose
before many, not to out-live serviceableness. To live till one be weary of the
world, not till the world be weary of him! Thus he prayed wisely, thus God
answered graciously.
2. But be it far from us to say, 'Let us die with
him,' as despairing of our cause. If our cause be not that of any
self-distinguished party; but truly that common christian cause, of which you
have heard. While it is the divine pleasure to continue us here, let us be
content, and submit, to live and own it, to live and serve it, to our
uttermost. If ever God design good days to the christian church on earth, this
is the cause that must prevail, and triumph in a glorious conquest over death.
But I must freely tell you my apprehensions, which I have often hinted, that I
fear it must die first; I mean, a temporary death; I fear it, for it hath been
long, gradually, dying already : and spiritual diseases, which have this
tendency, are both sinful, and penal. Lazarus' death and resurrection, I think,
to have been meant, for a sort of prolusion, to the death, and resurrection of
Christ, both personal, and mystical. I only say this for illustration, not for
proof. That sickness and death of his, was not in order to a permanent death,
but for the glory of God; that when the case was deplorate, and hopeless, and
he four days buried, he might, surprisingly, spring up again alive. I know not,
but the sickness and death, of this our incomparablv worthy friend, and (for
ought I know, of many more of us) may be appointed, the same way, to be for the
glory of God; that is, as tending to introduce that death, which is to pass
upon our common cause; which such men help to keep alive, by their earnest
strugglings, though in a languishing, fainting, condition, every hour.
Think me not so vain, as to reckon, exclusively, the cause of dissenters, the
cause I now speak of: No, no, I speak of the common cause, of all serious,
sober-minded christians, within the common rule, or without it. I neither think
any one party to include all sobriety of mind, or to exclude all insobriety.
But I apprehend converting work to be much at a stand, within the pales, that
men have set up, severing one party from another, and without them. Few are any
where brought home to God, through Christ. And God knows, too few design it,
otherwise, than to make proselytes, to their several parties. And this is
thought a glorious conversion. Serious piety, and christianity, languishes
every where. Many that have a name to live are dead, and putrefied, already
stink! Common justice, and righteousness, are fled from among us. Sincerely
good and pious men, die away in the natural sense, apace. You know, if deaths
burials, should, in the weekly bills, exceed birth, and other accessions, to
the city, whither this tends ! When so many great lights are withdrawn, both
such as were within the national church constitution, and such as were without
it. Is there no danger God should also remove the candlestick ?
Our
obduration, and insensible stupidity, portends a deadly darkness to be drawing
on. And must such lives go, to make a way for God's anger? And lead on a more
general, and more dreadful, approaching death! Oh! 'that God would rent the
heavens, and come down!' He may yet melt our hearts, and make them 'flow at his
presence,' notwithstanding their mountainous, rocky height, and hardness. This
may be the means of saving some souls, and of deferring the common calamity. A
great thing it would be, to have it deferred. What a privilege would many
servants of Christ count it, not to live to the day, when the spirit of the
living God, shall be generally retired and gone. And atheism, sceptism,
infidelity, worldliness, and formality, have quite swallowed up our religion.
While such men as we have lost, lived, they did, and such do, as instruments,
keep somewhat of serious religion alive, under our several forms, but as ready
to expire. But though it should seem generally to have expired, let us believe
it shall revive. When our confidences, and vain boasts cease, 'The temple of
the Lord! The temple of the Lord!' Lo here is Christ, and there is Christ. And
one sort ceases to magnify this church, and another that, and an universal
death is come upon us, then (and I am not afraid, not till then) is to be
expected a glorious resurrection, not of this or that party: for living,
powerful religion, when it recovers, will disdain the limits of a party.
Nor is it to be thought, that religion, modified by the devised distinctions,
of this, or that party, will ever be the religion of the world. But the same
power that makes us return into a state of life, will bring us into a state of
unity, in divine light, and love. Then, will all the scandalous marks, and
means, of division, among christians, vanish. And nothing remain as a test, or
boundary of christian communion, but what hath its foundation, such, as in
plain reason, or express revelation. Then as there is one body, and one Spirit,
will that almighty spirit so animate, and form this body, as to make it
every-where amiable, self-recommending, and capable of spreading, and
propagating itself, and to 'increase with the increase of God.' Then shall the
Lord be one, and his name one, in all the earth.
Home | Literature | E:Mail | Links