Full text of "The faithfull Christians gain by death : opened, confirmed, and improved, in a sermon at the funeral of the Right Honourable Essex, Countess of Manchester, preached at Kimbolton, Octob. 12, 1658"

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THE 

Faithfull Chriftians Gain 

DEATH: 

Opened, confirmed, and improved, in a 

SERMON 

A T THE 

FUNERAL 

of the Right Honourable 

ESSE XCountefs ofMancbefter, \ 

Preachedat Kimbolton, O&ob.n. 1658. 



i/ 

By-Simeon &ffbe Minifter of the GoipclatS c &4*~ 

gufiines in TVatlingfireet , London, 



The righteous is ta\en &w ay from the evil to come. He (hall 
enter into -peace ', they fit all reft in their beds , every one 
walking in his yprightnef. Ifa. 57. I, 2. 

And 1 heard a voice from Heaven , faying unto me , Write, 
Bleffed are the dead , which die in the Lord , from hence- 
forth j yed, faith the Spirit, that they may nit from their 
labours, and their worlds do follow them, Rev. 14. 15. 





London, Printed by aA: lM. for George SawbridgeZX. 
the Sign of the Bible oviLndgatc-Hill-> x 6 5 $;. 




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TO THE 



Right Honourable 

EDWARD 

Earl of sZMancbefter Vifcount 

<t5hd andeyile , Baron of 

K^imboltorii 



Right Honourable, 



JbJ^fSf Sermon was Preached, 
^jjTv ^^ # #<?»> Printed upon 
your Lordjhifs Deftres , 
which my great Rejpcffs to 
your Honou* , A? tnterfret 
to he commands, I pro- 
fe([e, that I did not judge 
it worthy fublick *viem$ 
and therefore I laid my 
Notes afide , till by the Reiteration of your Re- 

A 2 que ft, 




The Epiftle Dedicatory. 



queft , I was necefitated to re-aflame them, which' 
ha'h occafioned the enlarging of my Meditati- 
ons. My Lord 3 fince I promifed to make this 
Sermon publicky your Expectations have been long 
fruf rated, by reafon of my many bodily diftem- 
pers y accompanied with other unlooked for diver ft- 
im. Now hoping that your Lord/hip , will accept 
this my Apolcgie , for my Delayes , I doe humbly 
prefent , that Sermon in Print y which ycu havc^j 
often called for. My Lord , The Almighty hath 
feen caufe to exercife you , with mixtures of Pro- 
vidences. As he hath fet you high in the eflima- 
tions of many y who have experienced your worthy 
and your confeientious fleadtneffe , in Covenant- 
keeping with God and man (notwithflandingjhcj 
manifold temptations , whereby you have been^j 
follicited to change your courfe : ) So his Majeflie 
hath been p leafed, to give you a great [hare in the 
difcomforts of thefe troublefome times. Tour 
Name hath been blasted , as a man unfaithfull 
U your Tru(l , when the Parliament had made you 
Major-General of the JEaflerne Afociation ; And 
you have been a great Sufferer in your outward 
Eft ate y having been cut fhort of fundry thousand 
pounds due Debt , becaufe you would not (for in 
Confcience you could not ) engage with feme men, 
in their Principles and PracJices : But as your 
Integrity cleared your Lord [hip , in the Confcien- 
ces of sour Accufers y So your inward peace doth 
more than countervail your mtward loffes. And 
now (my Lord) it cannot but paine your hearty 
(as it doth many thoufands be fdes) to fee Reli-- 
gipn it jdf wounded through the fides of your Jelf 

and 



The Epiftle Dedicatory.. 



and others, who appeared for the Parliament: in 
the JVarre betwixt the late King and it , because 
fuch who feemed zealous in the fame caufe , have 
not only diferted , but have made , and fill doe 
make oppofition againfi the Effentials thereof. But 
( my Lord) the naked Narrative of that fir ft un- 
dertaking, compared with your fubfequent and pre- 
fent practice , may vindicate your Lordjlip, 
( with all ethers who continue firme to their pri- 
mary principles) from the Ajperfions of dijlemper- 
td Spirits. When the late King forfook his Par- 
liament y being mi f guided by evil C ounce Hours, 
the raiftng of an Arm) , was judged necejjary to 
reflore Peace , preferve Religion, eftabhjl) Funda- 
mental Lawes , and fecure the ancient Priviledg- 
es of Parliament. This was the Good Old Cauie, 
held forth by the Solemn e Ledgue and Covenant, 
in the Defence whereof , fo much Treafure and B loud 
was exhaufted. And this, this only was in the hearts 
of your Lordjhip and multitudes more , who f e fin- 
cerity (exprefj'ed by their practices) doth now yeeld 
refreshing, when others crying up the Good Old 
Caufe, dee pollute Religion , violate Lawes , tear 
Parliaments into peeces , and governe according 
to their own pleafure , which is matter of much 
lamentation , and jhall be for a lamentation unto 
Pojlerity, 

And new ( my good Lord ) God hath by a 

jtroak ( breaking your Conjugal Relation) removed 

an Helptr, whereby your heart was wont to be fupport- 

td in the times of your beavineffe $ but yet , you 

may, and doe encourage your felf in the Lord your 

God: 



The Epiftle Dedicatory, 



God i For , as you hope, that her Ladijhifs Death 
is her £**$•, fo your cart to advance Godlineffe in 
ypur (elf, and j of* r Relation*, mil undoubtedly gain 
the fanclif cation of your afflictions , with ground 
of rejoycing to the day e$ of 'Eternity, through Chrifl] 
My Lord, thefubject matter of this Sermon, viz,. 
(Gain by Death) was feafonable at a Funeral, both for 
the comfort of real mourners, and to move the Auditors 
to lay infuch proviflon for their later end, that th^j 
thought thereof ?night rather he joy <om than grievous to 
their fpirits ? How cheating are expectations of a good 
fhelter unto Travellers in jl or my weather f At this 
time{notwithjlanding ourprejent peace)black clouds (as 
many fear) are gathering which threaten m with afl)arp 
t em pefl, and therefore this dijeourfe may, upon that ac- 
count, be judged the more ferviceable unto your Lord- 
jbip and others y which that it may be, is the Prayer of 

My Lord, 

May 2<*. 

Tour Honours humble and 



faithfull Servant 

Simeon Afhe. 



PhiLx.zx. 




Phil. i. 2i. 

To die is gainz->. 



x O die Ugttin. This affertion is a Umnm 
^^ r ■MX3^i^f-■ laradox, not only unto the He*-m!i,x\>hpM. 
ffS^fi^^f^Wf tbmifnEficures-bul alfo to all tinbe- 
W~Q\ i p>§£ HevingChriuians. Men without 



God in this world, do acknow- 




Such were their apprchenfions, 
whofaid, Let m eat and drink^ for to morrow re e (hall ** a22 ' 13 - 
die. And thit Epicure wasoi the fame mind, who 
having laid in provisions , for the comforts of this 
prelent life 3 fpake thefe words, Soul, Soxl, Take 
thy reft , for thou ha'i foods laid up for many years. But 
S TauI being animated by an higher, and a more 
noble fpirit, with confidence doth report, That to 
die is gain. Thisaflertion of the holy Apoftlefcto 
be underftood, i. Either according to the interpre- 
tation of his love. 2. Or according to the expecta- 
tion of h is faith. 

Firfr, S Pauls lovetojefus Chrift, was (o ftrong 
and operative, that, as he made his glory, the end 
of his life, [To me t o live is fori I J So he would ac- 
count it a qrcat gain unto himfelf , if by dying as a 
Martyr for him, he might be to the honour of his 
Name. Anddoubtkfsthisis the ingenuity of Go- 

B fpel-love 



To die is gain. 



fpel-love unco the Lord Jefus , in the heart, which 
knoweth his worth , and its perfonal propriety in 
him. This our Apoftlc was ready, not ondy to be 

Aa.20.24.Sc bound, but alfo to tit for Chrlf. Yea he himfeU, with 
21 ' others, being cruelly dealt with by perfecutours, 
a rejqycedj that they were indeed worthy to fujfer for bis 

fake. For as they (ee caufe to prize Chrift , in re- 
gard of his perfonal worth infinitely above them- 
fclves : So they for the prefent poflefs in him, and for 
the future look for much more from him, than .their 
lives, their All, which they have tolofe, can poffi- 
bly countervail. They know, That it is given (as a 

Phil 1 io. pnviledgeof grace) to fiffir for Chrht. And there- 

t^JS." * ore S :C Pj#/ mentioneth this, as a matter of glory- 
ing, that for Chrift , he had fnfained the lope of all 

Phil. 3. things. His reputation in the world, and hopes of 

preferment from the great ones of the times, together 
with his perfonal liberty ( for now he was a prifoner 
in bonds) were loft already, and life it f elf, now lay 
at ftake. 

Whereas vain-glorious fpirits amongft the children 
of men, are hvifh of their own limbs and lives, for 

KruneYxtmi- the honour of filch, who have advanced them into 

Us vainer a. high-places of favour and honour ; yea they do boaft 
of the hazards runne, and the hardftnps endured up- 
on that account. This our blefled Apoftle doth upon 
farre better ground-in a way of holy triumph,reckon 
up the federal troublefome exercifes, which he had 
experienced in a Chriftian courfe for Chrift : thus he 
boafteth with confidence , I have been in Jiripes above 

2 Cor, 1 1 .1 5, me a fare, in frifons more frequent, in deaths often,§CC. 

17,23. to 28. Aria 1 now, expecting to be made a Sacrifice 
for the Lord jefus $ this was his chief defign, 
delire and ex e£htion, that Chrift (hould be magnifi- 
ed by h m tvhetber by life or by death. This high 

PhU. 1.20. pitch o r Jove ? which S c Paul had attained towards 
Jefus Chrift, might be propounded (by way of im- 
prove- 



To die is gain, 



provement) as a patern for Chriftian imitation. 
Gods Worthies of old, Chriftian Martyrs in all ages 
of the Church, have fo burned in love towards the 
Lord their Saviour, that they have been fearlef s of 
death; yea they have been for ward to exoofe them- 
felves unto the flames, and other killing torments, for 
hiscaufeand praife. How great a dishonour therefore 
isituntoChrilliansinthefedayes, toflirink through 
cowardly fears, of fuffering any thing for the Lord Je- 
fus^Is Chrift worfe in himfelf, or lefs worthy to be (uf- 
fered for now, than heretofore? Do:h not Chrift de- 
ferve as well at our hands, and are not his Truths,his 
Ordinances, equally precious 5 as informer times? And 
hath not the Lord obliged himfelf by promifes ( both 
as many, and as great) to Chriftians in this age, as 
in former generations ? This is drifts promife, 
back'd with an Afleveration, Every one that hath for- a,I9 ' 29< 
faken boufes, or brethren, or fifters, or father s or mother, 
or wife, or children^ or lands, for myl^jtmes fakj, (bill 
receive an hundred- fold, and Jhall inherit life ever lofting* 
Therefore this was not the language of blind lov", 

when S : Pml faid, To me to die if gain. 

But I will not infift upon this Point : I (hall rather 
pitch upon thattruth,which the Text holdeth forth, 
fpeakingthe expectation of the Apcftles faith : S Paul 
wot confident that his death rvsuld he his gain. 

This Propofkion is to be explained, that it may be 
the better improved : wherein enquiry muft be made, 
i. What isfignifiedby Death. 2. In what fenfethe 
Apoftle was perf waded, that Death would be his gain, 

Firft, By Death we are not to underftand the death 
of the foul, which is called the fecond de *tb. For in 
thatfenfe, to die is the grcateft lofs, not to be made R<:v - 2I -?« 
up, bythevafteft advantage in the world ; becaufe 
this death confifteth in ancverlafting feparation from 
the prefence of God in glory, and in the enduring of 
extream, unquenchable burnings. And in this fenfe 

B a our 



4- To die is gain. 



Joh.8.50. & cur Saviour givethaflurance, That he who keej>e:h his 

11.26. fajings , frail never fee death \ and that, Whofoever belie- 
Vffh in kirn, /ball never die. But that death which our 
Apoftic intendeth, is Natures diflolution, which is 
in his own language fetin opposition unto the foul its 
abode in the flefh ; If I abide in thefiejh. To abide in th? 

Rid. 1.22,24. fl e fe ; s mon nezdfu'-l for you. The? tore this is the meaning 
oi S ? Foal) that the departure oi his fan 1 out of his 
body, would tend to his advantage. 
. Secondly, If it be demanded, upon what account, 
and under what notions the Apoilh believed, that his 
natural death, would be his gain? I aniwer, both 
1.. Negatively.- And, 2. Affirmatively. 

Firir, Negatively. Hi?, pjrfwafion of gain to be 
received by his death, did not iilue from miftake of 
his future condition, hoping for better v than he had 
caufe to expect. Our Saviour indeed fpe^k-ch of 
(omc, pleading with hopes of Heaven, when their 
fouls have left their bodies, who are beaten off with 

Mac. 7.*2 2g. ^appointments , Marty frail [ay to me , Lord, Lnd, 
&c. And then, / will frtfeffe .unto them, I never kjiew 
you ' ^Depart from wf, )e that wcrh^ iniquity. But 
S £ Faul knew afluredly , by divine Revelation, that 
he was elected unto life. And upon the ferious review 

3TM1.4. of his holy con verfat ion, he concluded, That there 
was laid up for him a crown of ri^htcoufn;f, which God 
would give him infallibly* 

2 . Nor did he through wearinefs, and defpondency 
under his prefent preflures , and his imprifonmenr, 
thus exprefs himlelf, To die U gain. As holy Job, 
when engulphed into difcomforts , defired to die up- 
on this account, and to be carried unto the dufr, There 

Jofc3".i7,T8. f ^ e vricked eeafe from troubling , and there the wearie 
are at reft. There the frifiners rtft together, they hear 
not thtveiceof the opfrefrmr. For the Apoftle,his bo- 

fome was fo brim-full of love to Chnft 3 and real 
Chriftiatr, that he did rather rejoyce , than defpond 

under 



To dt 



e is gain. 



under his p.rlecutions (as was formerly hinted) be- 
caufe he apprehended that Chriit would be magnifi- 
ed, and his Church benefited thereby. Some f reach} 
fitffi'ijing to adde affiditft unto my bonds. T^otwitl:- Phil. i. i5,i8, 
jianding Cbrijl it preached, and I do there n rtjoyct'^ \ea Piiil.2.17. 
and will re Joyce. Tea, and if I he offered upon the Sacri- 
fice and fervicc ' of your faiib , / joy and reoyce with 
you all. 

3. Much lefs did thefc word?, To die U gain, dif- 
cover difedntentednefs with his fufrering condition. 
It is true, thatfomcof Gods Worthies have in this 
regard defired to die.- As Elijah , who .{pake thus to 1 King 19.4. ' - 
God, It it enough now , O Lord , tal{e a*ay my life. 
Arid fmab , who fainting under the fcorching Sunne, T . 
wifhed in himfeif iodic, andfaid, It u better for me J 
to dze, than to live. But this our Apoftle had learn- 
ed, In every efliteto be content • And doubtlefs that Phil.4 11. 
inward peace of covfeience , whi-h pajf'ch all under land- Phil.4.7. & 

urgi and thofe joyes in Chnft, wuh which his fpiric 33 ' 

Wis refrcftied, did raife • his heart above fuch difcon- 
tcntments, as might draw forth paffionate defires to 
die, - 

Secondly, Affirmatively."' He therefore without 
the leaft doubt % ffi-rmeth, That to die would be IpU gain^ - 
becaufe he knew, that upon his departure by death, 
he fhould be with Cbrift , which is farre better. Thete rafl.1^3* 
words farre better , are not to be reftrictively refer- 
red unto hi many and great fuffjrin^s ; but are to be 
extended u .to all that outward refpect which he had 
amongft Gods people ; yea, and unto all that inward 
comfort, which he enj )yed in his prefent faithiulnefs, 
and his future hopes. To be with Chnft is farre bet- 
ter than all, 

Tnefe things be ; ng premifed , the Do-ftrine, 
which I fhall undertake from the Texr, is thiSj 

That natural death will be a gain unto fmctre Chri- *Z)<?"= j 

fiians* 

B -3 If « 



6 To die is grin. 



If icfhould be enquired, With what warrant I do 

make an universal inference, from a particular, a per- 

fonal inflance ? 

Ianfwer, BecauSe the comforts of grace, and the 

crown of glory, do equally belong unco all believers, 

as to any one who believeth. For, 
i eor.ro. 3. *. Chrift in all ages is the fame unto all who do en- 
Heb.13.8. joy him ; Jefyf, yefierdaj , and to day, is the fame for 

ever, 
Ephcf.4. 2t There is but one faith. All believers have recei- 

2 Feci. 1. , . . r • t 

Col. 1 .27. VCcl " K e "precious] 21th. 

Ad.i$.o. 3. And Chrift is the hope of glory, unto all who re- 

celvebim into their hearts, whether Jews or Gentiles, 
without any difference at all. This our Apoftlc ha- 
ving luggefted the fruit of \D avids faith, doth apply it 
unto himfclf, and to all the Saints in the Church of 
2 Cor.4.13. Qorinth'jVe having the fame Jpirit of faith, tec or ding as it is 
written , I hlievedy therefore have I sf>oken,we alfo believe, 
■ and therefore ff>ea!{. ■ 

The confirmation of this truth followeth, both in 
the 8fo and the =M'. Herein I ihall diScover^ i . That 
death is gain unto the godly. 2. And whence it is, 
that their death is gainfull. 

As for the former, It is considerable, that theA- 
1 cor.3.21. poftle inftanceth in death, amongft all other things, 
which are for the advantage of Christians : And the 
proof thereof is more full and pregnant. Revel. 1 4. 1 ?. 
1 heard a voice from Heaven, faying unto me , Write, 
Revel.14.13. Blejfed are the dead, which die in the Lord, from 
henceforth •* yea, faith the Spirit, that they may reft 
from their labours, and their worses doe follow them. 
From this Quotation two things are considerable ; 
1 . The aptnefs and opcnnels of the teftimony, Bleffed 
are the dead who die in the Lord. If their death be 
blisfull, then gainfull. Now this is not only testifi- 
ed, but the reafon thereof isrendred (vu.) T'hey refl 
from their labours , and their worlds do follow them. 

Hence- 



To die is gain, 



Henceiorth {not to couch upon other fen(es) even 
from the time of Natures diflolut ion, all their trou- 
bles fha.ll be ended, and all their a£ts oi obedience fhail 
be recompenced. 

2. How many wayes this teftimony is made the 
more credible? i. It is given in from Heaven. 
2. The Authour thereof is the Spirit. 3. It is deli- 
vered by audible voice. 4, It is doubled with an 
Aflevjration from the Holy Ghoft, Tea 9 fntb the 
Spirit. 5. And there is an exprefs charge , that thefe 
things fhould be kept on Record for future ages, / 

beard a voice from Heaven , faying , Write. Now be- 
caufe this Scripture is thus pertinent and convincing, 
to ratific the Doctrine, I will enlarge this proof under 
the two heads here hinted, whence the gain of death 
unto the godly is concluded. 

Firft, By death they are fet free from all things, 
which might make their condition sricvous. CW 

n 1, ■ u I 7 • ,ih /.Revel. 2 1. 5. 

[hall wife away, all tears prom their eyes , md there jhaU 
he no more death , neither for raw , nor cr\ ivg , neither {hill 
there he any more fain, • 

In the amplifying of this head, I will briefly in 
fome particulars compare their condition before 
death, and after death. 

Firft, By means of death , the fouls of believers 
are fet at liberty from that reftraint , which they are 
Jcept under, during their abode in their bodies. This 
Simeon fuggefteth in his Swan-like Song before his 

death , N w Utitfk thou thy fervant depart in -peace. ^'^' 
The pnfoncr would account it a gain to be fet at li- f^i^rll'me 
berty, 'Br'uigmyfuH.oittofptfon ( faith David) that I dirmtteti 
may traif thy Nmie. The Bird in a cage, defireth to Hal.141.7- 
be let our, that it may take wing and flee abroad. 
This fpeech 1 oitcn heard from Reverend M r Jtr. whi- 
taker in the time of his laft ficknefTe, Oh that the Lord 
ivouldopm th: / rifcn door y tba mjfwd may depart I How 

are our {pkit c ,while in our bodies (as it were) under 

fliakles > 



8 To die is gain, 

fhakles, which hold them down, that they cannot 
expatiate, an i (oar aloft in the contemplation and 
improvement of the things above > but by death God 
granteth a gainfull releafe and enlargement. 
Rcvel.14.13. Secondly, Thofewho die in the Lord, dorefl from 
kotttov. their Ubottrs. I grant that there is work in Heaven for 

1 TiflM-io. the believing louls, which by death are translated 

thither: but it is not cutting j grievous (as the word 
fignifies ) it is joyous rather. Here thofc, who truft 
in the Lord, do labour , in reference to manifold Cervi- 
ces and fufrjrings, together- with varirtv of exercifes, 
m regard of their peifon? and relations/ They do ex- 
perience the confequencc of ma.ns-firft Apoftafie from 

Gen. 5. 19. God, In the five at of thy face, ibmftah eat bread j 

till thou return? to the -ground. B*it there nmtiieth a 

Heb.4.9. re} for the people of God} and upon Natures difToluti- 

Ifa 57. 2. °n, they (hail ret in their beds. And as red is fweet to 

the labouring man^o will dead* be unto the laborious 

Chriftian. 

Thirdly,Whereas here on earth they profefs them- 

Heb. 11. ig. fclves to be pilgrims and fir angers ; And while their 

2Cor.$.$. fouls dwell in their bodies, l%ef are abfent from the 

-Lord. In -which- regard , like Travellers in a ffrange 

Countrey, how well foevei* accommodated with nc- 

ceflaries, do long for home. Hme Uhom . So do the 

2 Cor. 5. 4. godly groin ^ be'ittg burthmtd ', while in the Tabernacle 
Hcb. 1 1. 1 3 . f t ^ e i 0( jy % Here they frfou n , ^ in a Grange Countrey , 

verf 1^' do fe'ei{a better' Countrey , which is heavenly; yea lonh^ 
for a City , whofe builder and maker i< God. And be- 

caufe by death , they (hall be brought home to their 
heavenly countrey, their City , where their neareft 
relations are , therefore their death will be their 
gain. Upon thh confidence they are rather wil- 
2 Cor.5.8. ^ n S i0 b e abfent from the body, and to be frefent with 
tbeLird. 

Fourthly, During life, Chriftians are like them 
who fume a race. . This is intimated by (undry Scri- 
pture 



To die is gain. 



pture-exhortations , Let u» runm mtb patience , the Heb.ii 2. 

race which k fet before us. So runr.e, that ye may ob- l Cor '9' 2 4- 
tain. And though mother races runne, there is one 
only of the runners which gecteth the prize : Yet in l or -* a 4»* 
the Chriftian race , all who hold on (hall certainly 
receive it. St T j«/aflured himfelfoi the Crown, upon 2 thn.4. 
the fnijhing of his courfe. In running the body is ti- 
red, and the natural (pities ars fpent, by Sweating and 
by (training with the ut;mo(l of endeavours, to make 
fpeed unto the Goal : but the gain cometh in, by win- 
ning the prize. Thus ac the end of our dayes on 
earth, we receive the fruit of our long continued, 
vigorous motions for Heaven ; and therefore death 
will be gain. 

Fifthly, Here, upon earth, we are like men upon 
£ ttoublefome Sea, but by death we come unto fhore. 
The condition of the Difciples , in that cafe doth re- 
prefentours, when the Ship, wherein they were, be- Matth. 14.24. 
ing in the midft of the Sea, wzstcjfed with waves, by Mark 6.48. 
contrary winds , and they toyled and rowed , to gee 
unto Land. The Pfalmifi doth very elegantly de- 
(cribe theeftatcof them, who fail upon a tempeftu- 
ous Sea, both while they (lay there, and when they 

come to fhore, They mount up to the Heaven, they ?o ir . 

j • 1,1 1 • ■ r 1 ■ 1 j 1 r '1al.107.23, 

down again to the depths, their Joul is melted, becauje 27,30 

of trouble. They reel to and fro, and fiagger lihg a 
drunken man j and are at their wits end. Then they cry 
unto the Lord in their trouble , and he deliver eth them 
out of their dijlrejfes* He makpb a Ihrm, a calm ; fo 
that the wives thereof are \ltll. Then are they glady 
becaufe they be quiet, fo he bring eth them unto their 
defired Haven. Oh how welcome is the change unto 
featuring men, when having been engulphed into 
many dangers, and perplexed with (unary uncertain- 
ties, they are brought unto fetlednefs / Now after Ror^i.i. 
death, there will be m mire Sea unto the Saints; and 
therefore to die will be gain, 

C Sixthly, 



io To die is gain. 



Sixthly, Our lifetime is our feed tinr, but death 

Gal. 5. 8. brings hi our Harvcft, He that fi&nh to the Sprit, 

fh.i'i teaf life ever Lilt h?g. The Husband man is put 

upon great pains, colt and care in preparing the toil 

for feed , and in bellowing feed upon the ground, 

but his gain cometh in at Harveft. And thus it is 

f&bi.26.$ y <. yf.fafa ChriiliiQS, T/je? that fow in tears , (hall reap in 

fy'i He thit gcetb forth and weepcth , bearing preci~ 

out feedy (J? ill djiibthfi come again rejojeing, bringing 

hit fh?*res with him. After many weary dayes pa& 

in the pinching Winter and (corching Summer, the 

income of the crop, is the Husband-mans gain. More 

certainly (hall all true believers be advantaged, when 

cut down by death , thcmlelves with all their good 

BtT.14.1g. works following them, (hall be inned in the place of 

Mar.13.g8. bleflednefs. Although nothing is merited, yet God 

recompenceth in mercy, Pfal. 62. 12. They who fow 

„. r in righteoufneffe , (hall reap in mercy: And thoiC who 

few liberally ^ [hall reap liberally. 

Seventhly, Here upon earth , Chriftians are in a 
condition of warfare, and they muft endure hard(hi$, 
if«Mo> a* g n °d fiddlers , who are neceflitated to take up with 

2 Tim. 2. 3. hard lodging, coutfefare; who are toyled with te- 
dious marchefs , and tormented with dangerous 
^ 8 wounds : But at death they (hall be more than conqtte- 

Revel.3. ronrs through (/brift j And having fought the good 

2 Tim.\j..7,g. fight, they (hall receive the crown of life , as this our 
Apoftle with confidence did expert. Therefore, as 
the time of conqueft, is a time of gain to the fouldier, 
when he is enriched with the fpoils, and cometh out 
of the field with honour ; fo is the day of death gain- 
full to the true believer. 

Eighthly, In this life, the godly are moleftcd with 

bad company. "David thus bemoaneth himfelf, up- 

Pfahi20.$. on this account, Woe is m?^ that I fjourn in Mejbech, 

and that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar. And again, 

Pfal. 1 1 9.1 58; Ifuiv the tranfgrejfoxrs ) aid was grieved 7 btcaufe 

they 



To die U gain. 1 1 



wej klP not thy Word. A good imn can fcarcely look 
abroad amongft the children of men, but he fhall 
both fee and hear matter of f orrow, while he abidcth 
in the Land of the living ; for till be goe out of deiCor 5.10. 
world , he (hall be neceflltated., to converfe with wic- 
ked ones. But by death, the foul is translated to the 

fellowship of fouls made prfett ; into which (ocicty, Heb.T2.2g. 
no pofhane ferfon can poffibly be admitted. How R evcI - 2I - 2 7« 
fweet is that change accounted, when we remove 
from Jewifk fogs, ugly fights, harfli founds, and un- 
fa voury fmels, into the open healthfull air, to curi- 
ous Profpccts, delightful! Mufick, and fweet Gar- 
dens? No lefs comfortable , is the tranflation of a 
real Chriftian, from the company oi wicked ones ( who 
are filthy and {linking) into communion with glorified praJ ' r 4- 
Saints in Heaven. 

Ninthly, While the foul abideth in the body, it 
is often fhaken by the aflaults of Satan. He voetb \ p , et -*- 
about like a roartng Lion, peeking whom he may de- 
vour. And though their foul-fafcty be fecurecl by 
Chrift, yet he will moleft them, as hedidPe^, de- 
firing to winnow him like wheat. He will brnift the G 
heel , though he cannot breaks the head ; and a bruife 
in the heel , may reach the heart with pain. As 
S c Pauls buffet bigs by a Afeffenger of Satan, were like 2 Cor. 12, 
a thorn in the flefb. Yea , the Devil doth not only 
affright the faithfull, but doth often toyl them, as is 
manifefl by the example of David, who was by him \ c ? iron>2I . 
moved through pride and carnal confidence, to tbim* widnSsifc&t 
her the people \ whereby much anguifh was wrought 
in his heart, and great judgement brought upon his 
Kingdom : But death doth remove them from the 
reach of the Devils Gun-fhot: For then he is trod Rom.i<5,2o. 
under their feet. The fears with which Satan filleth Heb.2.15. 
their minds, laft no longer than this life. And nei- Luk. 15.29. 
thcr Devils, nor damned fpirits can poffibly ap- 
proach Heaven, whither the fouls of Saints, are 

C 2 tran- / 



12 To die is gain. 



trail flated , upon Natures diflolution. In this rc- 
fpe& therefore, the death of believers becomes their 
gain. 

Tcnthly, During the time of the foul its abode in 
the body, there IS a body of death dwelling in the foul, 
which doth alwayes difpofe the foul unto finne , and 
indifpofeth it unto good. Oh how grievoufly did 

Rom,?, this our Apoftle cry cut of the body of this death ! Oh 

wretched man that 1 am , when I would do good , evil 
U prefent with me I It worketh in mt all manner of cor.cupi- 
fence, and it carrieih me captive. And thus it is with 

Ga!.$J7. all regenerate ChriftianS. The fiefh lulhth againjithe 
Spirit , and the fe are contrary the one to the other , fo that 
they cannot do the things that they would. And 
many wofuil fruits , break forth from hence in their 
lives, as the Apofllefuggefteth, and experience too 
often proveth, in the hearts and lives of believers. 
But death ( which is the lafi enemy which [hall be de- 

l Ccr.i-$.25. firoyed) hringeth a total conqueft of all corruptions 
rehatfoever. Nothing within, or without , fhall be 

Jijdg. 16.30. left., asanadverfary to a believer after death. How 
many thoufands of enemies did Samfen kill at his 

Exod.14.13. de^h 1 And as Mofs fail to the Jfraclites, jht*A.- 
gyptians, whom ye have feen today, ye fo all fee them 
again no more for ever : So I may confidently affirm, 
to the comfort of all believing Chriftians. Your lufts 
which warreagai nil your fouls, and carry you ca- 
ptives , lhall after death moled you no more. You 
fliall never any more, be kept off from Chrift, by 
unbelief, never {welled by pride, difguifed by dif- 
content, vexed with envy, {rained with hypocrifie, 
or prejudiced by diftruftfull difpondency, any 
more. And doubtlefs upon all thefe confederati- 
on , the people of God will joyfully fay, To die is 

gain* ■ 

Secondly, Their death is gainfull, not only inre- 
(pe& of the grievances from which it frecth them ; 

but 



Te die is gain. 13 



Thefl^.i^ 



but alfo in regard of the advantages into which it 
eftatcth them, both in reference unto their bodies and 
their fouls. 

1. Their bodits fall a/lee?, and upon the fouls de- A frn.6 Qi 
pirture, they reft in their graves, as in their beds> lu $l- 2 - 
where they fhall continue, without any painfull di- 
fturbance, till the day of the general Rf fur region, I l 
remember, that when Chrift had fuggefted the death' 

of Laz,arns under this notion, that he was fallen fjltffi j h.i 1 .11 ,i 
the Difciples anfwered , if he fleep , be [hall do witf % 
Now the fieep of Saints, who die in the Lord, is much 
better, both for quality and continuance, for they 
fhall reft, and noc be awakened, till the end of 
the world ; and therefore to die will be their 

2. Their fofithe %ain by death , will ef^cialry 
appear, if we consider the condition of their (ouls ? 
upon Natures diflolucion, in the particulars follow- 
ing: 

1 . Now the foul d welleth in the body,as in a Tent, 
or ( a$ the Prophet "Daniel ex;refleth it) like a Sword Dan.7.15. * 
in its (heath ; but when this earthly Tabernacle IZ ta- 
ken down, the foul fhall have, an Boufi not made with 2 Cot. $.1.] 
hands , but eternal in the Heavens. And great s the 
difference, both in ftatelinefs and durablencfj , be- 
twixt our bodies of clay, and the higheft Heavens. 
The Apoftle calleth them, Bodies of yikntfi \ (and Phil.3.20.' 
in how many regards, fo to be accounted, it is worth 
our consideration) whereas Heaven is the high and 1 ^-^' 1 ^' 
holy place, the Palace for Gaisfpecial refidence. And 
therefore the tranfhtion of the foul by death , will be 
gainfull, 

a. Here Saints are vilified, fcorned and reproach- 
ed, but there advanced and crowned. This Apoftle 
having fpoken of his death, whereby he was offered 
as a facrifice, he addeth , Henceforth there # W/4> 2 Tim.4# 
fir me y a Crownc of right eoufnejje , which the herd, 

C 3 ■ the 



*4 To die is gain. 



the righteous Judge fhall give me. The righteoufaefs 
here mentioned., whence they are faid to receive this 
crown, doth not intimate any merit (as the Papifts 
imagine) but doth rather exorefs Gods truth and fi- 
i Joh.1.9. dduy. For as here it's ailerced,ihat this crown is Gods 
gift ; fo this is promifed to the Church of Smyrna ; 
Rev.2.10. £ e ^-Gtt fatibfull unto death., and 1 mill give thee a 
crown of life. Askwasmuch toCHordecM his ad- 
vantage, when taken from the CDurt-gate , in his 
Elth.5.8. mourning garment, Tin Royal apparel waipnt upon 

him , arid rhe crown Royal fet upon his head. Thus 
fhall it be with all the godly, who during their abode 
upon earth, are accounted , astheofr-fcouringof all 
things, fhall upon Natures difiblution, receive the 
crown of glory. 

3 . And ( that they may be judged meet for this 
glorious advancement ) their fouls fhall be compleat- 
ly furnifhed 5 with all rich, gracious, beautifying 
qualifications. For there the spirits of all jmfl ones, 

Heb 12.23. (hall be made per fea. As their fouls fhall be raifed in 
their feveral faculties , unto the utmoft , to which 
their capacities can be extended: fo they fhall be fil- 
led brim-full with all graces 5 whereof they be capa- 

1C0r.13.1o. ble. When that which is perfefi is come, then that 
-which is in part , fhall be dons away. Whereas the 

Phil 2 foul dwelling in the body, is not perfect (as our A- 

Gal.5.17. poftle confefieth ) and much flefh continueth , wa- 
ging warre againft the fpirit: When it is admitted 
into Heaven, it fhall be full of light, without any 
darknefs, full of rectitude, without any exorbitancy, 
full of humility , without the lead pride , of fince- 
rity, without the lead hypocrifie at all : And the 
like I might fpeak in regard of all the other gra- 
ces of the Holy Ghoft. I appeal therefore unto all 
gracious hearts,whether in this regard their death will 
not be their gain. 

4. Their fouls being thus compleated in refpeel: 

of 



To die is gain. *5 



-of all gracious habits, fliallbcalwayes in the unwea- 
ried excrcife thereof, to the honour of the Almi Jity. 
As the four Beajts , fo the foHr and twenty Elders , 
ceafe not da) , and night in Jingifig Hallelujahs mm Rcr.4.8 f io. 
the moil High. This f ugucfleth the conftant practice, 
both of the glorious Angels, and glorified S.iints, in 
honouring God in Heaven. The graces of Gods Spi- 
rit in the bofoms of his people on earth, are frequent- 
ly fufpended in their exercife, their motions are in- 
terrupted. The time was, when it was thus with 
Ghrifts Difciples, in refped of their faith. Hence ic 
was, that he (pake thus chidingly unto them, tfftrre £^.3 2$< 
m yt.ur faith? How is it , that you have no faith f Mark 4. 40, . 

Where was the patience of -Jonah > when he told the y 

Lord to his face , / doe well to be angry , even unto j0nai * 

death. And alas, alas, which of Gods Worthies, 
do not know this frequently by fad experience ? 
Oh , what a gain will they efteem it , when the 
foul compleatly furnifhed with allfaving graces, (hall 
be evermore on the wing, with holy enlargements, in 
the exercife thereof in Heaven. 

5. In this vigorous exercife of all graces in their 
perfection, the foul lhall enjoy the fociety of fpotlefs 
Saints in glory, with the fweeteft complacency. Ii's 
true>that the faithfull people of God, hzvcfelh-wjhip one * Joh.1.7. 
with another ,m this world ; and this is marvellous de- 
lightiull. Barnabas being a good man, coming to a#. ii. 22,25, 
Antioch , and feeing the grace of God which appeared, 24., 

hi wo4 glad. But their communion in Heaven, is 
more immediate and full, their graces fhali be more 
ihining, and their fociety fhall never be interrupted. 
Here our joy in the company of the belt Chrjftians> is 
checked both by their weaknefles and fome mifcar- 
riages, together with our own inability to improve 
them : But then being come into the fellowship of the Hcb. 12.23, . 
tyirits of jttft men made per fed , with perfonal perfe- 
ction, our gain will be very great, how comfortable 

foever: 



1 6 To die is gdin. 

foever our fociety was, with the belt people living up- 
on earth. 

6, And they (hall be admitted into the beatifical 
prefenceof God, and Jefus Chrift his Sonne, in tran- 

rhil.1.23. fcendent glory. This Apoftle telleth us, (asaRea- 
fonof ourDo&rine) That ti be with Jefm Chrft in 
Heaven , is farrs better , than any eftate upon earth. 

Match. 17.2,4. When P<r*fr, Jtmes and John y were with Chrift,at 
his transfiguration, they were ravifhed with chat 

Ffal. 10.11. fight:, and faid, Lord, it U good to be here. How 
mnch more taking upon the heart, will his glorious 
fight be in Heaven , wherein his prefence y there will 
be fulnefi of joy? The happinefs of Heaven is thus 
described, for the comfort of fuch , who are heirs 
thereof. God himfelf will be with them , and he (hall 

Revd.21.5. dmll wlth thtm% When Chrift after his Refurredti- 
on, manifefteci himfelf unco his Apoftles , they re- 

Luk.24.40,41. jojetd anc ( wondered, though he there was not to con- 
tinue long with them. And when we have the clear- 
ed: views of the Lord here, we doe oncly (as the 

Cant. Spoufeexprefleth.it) fee him through the lattice; ma- 

ny things intcrpofing between him and us, while our 
fouls do dwell in tabernacles of clay : How much 
more ravifhing will his prefence be, when we fhall/e^ 
ai tve are ftcn , God the Father , and Chrift his holy 
Sonne, to abide with 115 for ever ? This, this is the 
utmoft, which the Lord Jcfus could a:k for them , to 
t . . compleat their blefledncfs, Father , / will, that they 

J0Il.i7.24. , r r , , . „ 7 • ; L / 

alfu , whom thou hat given me, be with m% where 1 
am , that they may behold the glory which thou baft gi- 
ven mr. 

7. Laftly, In all thofe enjoyments and imploy- 

ments, therefliallbenonaufioufnefsnor fatiety. For 

Ffal.i5.ii. in Gods prefence > there it faint (fe of joy , and at his 

ri<rht hand) there are fleafurts f>r evermore. Thela- 

tifa£rions of the foul enjoying God with futable di- 
fpofitioas, fha.ll be both tranfeendently and everla- 

ftingly 



To die is gain. 17 



ftingly dclighsfull. Here the ftomack in a fhort time, 
will naufeate the fwceteft meats and drinks, The full 
foul doth loath the honey- comb. By long continuance,the 
mod melodious Muiick becomes an off unlive found, 
and the mod lovely fight*, are accounted dull dif- 
plefrng objects. But Heavens joy cs,fervices, and en- 
joyments , will abide as fully ravifliing , as they 
were the firft moment, when enpyed. And 
therefore unto the heirs of Heaven , To die mil be 
gain. 

Having thus farre demonstrated this Truth ( vi£. ) 
That natural death will be a fpiritual gain unto the 
godly. 1 proceed togi^e an account of the grounds 
thereof. And here in general, know, that the root 
from whence all our real comfort arifeth, whether in 
life, at death, or after death, is Jefu? Chrift. When 
S r Paul had fpoken thus unto the believing Corinthi- 
ans , All things are yours , whether life , or death 9 1 Cor.g.21,22 
things pefent^ or things to cornel he addeth as the rea- 
fon of all , Tofi are Cbrifis. And the fame Apoftle 
(aith , // Cjod hath given tu hti Sonne , how {hall he 
not with him alfo , freely give All things. For feeing Rom.8.32. 4 
God hath made him the Mediatour of the new Cove- 
nant, all Gofpel-promifes, whether they concern this 
life, or that which is to come , They are in him , TWr, 
And in him , Amen , to the fralfe of Cj od, 2 Cor.1.20 

More particularly ( wherein I will be the fhorter, 
becaufe I have been too large in the former ) the gain 
which cometh in, by death, unto regenerate Chriftt- 
ans,i procured by Chrift. 

Firft, By the prevalency of his prayer unto God 
his Father. This was his great requeft, in his mod 
folemn application unto the Lord; Father, I will, 
that thofe whom then haft given me , may be where I ] hn 17.24. 
am , to behold my glory , which thou haft given me* 
And he did not, in the leaft doubt of Gods readinefs, 
to gxatifie him ; inwhatfoever he asked: Father ((aid 

D he) 



1 8 To die & gain. 

he ) / know that thox hearefi me alvpayes. For he well 
John 11.41. un: u r [i 00 i that promife made long before, which 
niiight be a (ufficient ground of his ftrong confidence, 

zAsh^of me } and I xv ill give thee , the He ..it hen for 
thine ink ' ince y and the Utmoft parts & / the earth , for 
t,: J t°S , 7 "' • ' ow tnCL " e * 5 no queftion to be made, 
but chat Ghrift praying for his heritage, (hall have au- 
dience for their ad /ancement. 

6n3ty, By the meritorious worth of his active 

f hef 11 and paffiveooedience. In this regard Heaven is cal- 

Rorni.^?.' l ec ^> Tbtir for chafed pfeffltn. For although in refpect 
of our worthlefncfs , Eternal life is the gift of Gods 

Rom. $.16,17, £^p; yet in reference unto the Lord Jcfus, eternal 
21 • life is conferred in a way of right eoufnejfe , upon his 
account. 

Thirdly, By his afcenfion into Heaven, he hath 
prepared and taken pofleflion of an happy eftate for 
rhem. This Chrift reporter , for the comfort of his 
Apoftles, being fubjecl: to finking troubles, in regard 
of death-threatning perfecution , upon his departure 

jbhn 14.2. from them. In my Fathers houfe are many man /tons , / 
go to prepare a place for yon ; and if I go to prepare a 
place far you , / re ill conn again r and receive you unto 
my felf, that rrhere I am-, there Jon may be alfo. 
" Fourthly, By cooperating by his Spirit , with his 
Ordinance*, that they might be fitted through San- 
cTification, for beatifical fellowfliip and fatisfa&ion in 

Rom.9.23. glory, Habere as all the vejfels of mercy , are prepared for 

Col.1.12, gfoy . and they are made meet to be made partakers of 
the inheritance of Saints in light. The Lord Chrift 
hath inftituted Ordinances and Officers to difpenfe 

Sphcf.4.12,13 tncni 5 f° r *¥* fzrfe&ing of the Saints, for the edifying 
of the body cf C&rift) till we all come ^ in the unity 
of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God, 
unto a p'feEl nym t and to the meafure of the ftature 

Eph, 5. 2$,i*, °f the f Hlm $ °l Ohrifi. And he himfelf doth in fuch 
27! fort accompany th emby his Spirit r That he might 

fanttifi* 



i Ti~*rr "**"**T - - —-■ - — ' 1 n - rrr i 



To die is gain. 19 



fantlifie and clean fe his (fhurch with the waging cf 
wrter by the Word, That he might prefent it unto him- 
felf a glorious Qhurch , not having ffot , cr wrinkle , or 
any fuch things but that it (honld be holy , and without 
bhmijh. Therefore our Saviour having provided 
Heaven for his Elect, and having prepared them for 
Heavens happinefs, with himfelf, their fouls ftiali 
without doubt, enjoy the gain of glory, upon Na- 
tures diflolution by death. 

Fifthly, By undertaking their perfeverancc in this 
eftateof grace and ian£tification. Although it muft 
be acknowledged, that true believers, are oppofed by 
manifold difficulties, with dangers alfo, in their paf- 
iage to Heaven ; and themlelves are too weak to 
overcome the oppofitions made and maintained 
againft them, from Earth , Hell , and their own 
corrupt hearts ; yet they (hall be kept by the power of 1 Peci.4,5. 
God} through faith unto falvation : Yea, as an inhe- 
ritance incorruptible , that fadeth not away y is refer* 
ved in Heaven for them ; fo infallibly (hall they be 
preferved for it. And the Apoftle *Paul , reckoning 
up many particular?, which may probably threaten 
their perf everance,both perfons and things, doth upon 
the confideration of all , confidently conclude their 
conqueft and glory. Who (hall lay any thing to the charge g 
of Gods elect t It is God that jufii^eth - Who is he that 3 5^ 7,2 to 9 • 
condtmmtht It is Chrift that died , yea rather that is 
rifen again , who is even at the right hand of Gjod^ 
who alfo mah^th interceffion for ns. Who (hall feparate 
us from the love of Chrifl ? ShaH tribulation , ordijire^ 
or perfection , or famine , or nakednef , or peril y $r 
fword ? T^ay , in all thefe things , we are more tban 
ConqHerours through him that loved us. For I am per" 
fwaded that neither death , nor life y nor Angels , nor 
principalities , nor powers > nor things prefent , nor 
things to come y nor height , nor depth , nor any other 
creature > jhai be able to feparate us from the love of 

*D 2 God, 



20 To die is gain* 



God, which is in Qhri\t Jeftu our Lord. ThllS having 

briefly from pregnane Scriptures held forth the 
grounds , from whence the true Chriftians gain 
by death, arifeth through Chriif, 1. now pn> 
ceed to the Application of the Do&rinc by way of 
Uie. 
Vfe t. There are two erroneous conceits cruflied by this 

Confutation* Dcclrine, {-vU.) i. The Mortality of the foul: 
2. The flceping of the foul, upon its departure out of 
the body. 

Firft errour concerning the foul its mortality, is 
overthrown by the truth, which hath been fufficient- 
ly confirmed, by the fore-going difcourfe : For it is 
abfurd to imagine , that the death and annihilation 
fliould be more for its gain> then to remain in a rege- 
nerate eftate within the body. Although this grofs 
opinion may by (ober Chriftians, be judged unwor- 
thy confutation^ yet becaufe pleaded for by (ome in 
the(e corrupt times 3 I will fugged: (ome Arguments 
againftit; and the rather, becaufe it layeth the foun- 
dation of much finfull^ (enfual loofnefs, amongftthe 
children of men. S r Paul endeavouring to flop their 
mouths, who in hisdayesfaid, There w*s no refurre* 

fcG0r.15.33* &i Qn °f the iodjy (which falleth in, with this phancy 

of the foul its mortality ) telleth us> That thefe evil 

words y do corrupt good manners. 'And the Prophet 

• Ifaiah long before, bringeth in, menof this mind,. 

encouraging themielves in courfes of (enfual ity, np- 

Ifa.25.13, on this imagination,. Let us eat , and drink, , for to- 
morrow we fiail die. Therefore here confider thefe 
tilings: 

1 . That our Apoft le his expectation by faith, to be 
a gainer by death, doth ftrongly militate againft this 
conceit concerning the mortality of the foul, becaufe 

EGcl.9.4. Solomon faith, That a living dog is better than a dead' 
Lion. 

2^ That manifold paflages in the Scriptures of 

truth, 



To die is zain. it 



truth, do openly and exprefly contradict it. \Vficii? 
the body gneth to the dtfji , then the foul returneth foEccl.12.1. 
God who gave it. The fouls both of the godly and 
ungodly, leaving the mortal body, do forthwith ap- 
pear alive before the Lord, by him to be adjudged unto Heb.9.27, 
an everlajiing eft ate , either ot weal , or woe. And 
Chrift, (who 2S called The true and faith full wiinefi y Luk. i5.22. 
Revel. 3.14. In whefe mouthy there was no guiU y ^ Pet. 
2.22.) doth once and again tugged the foul its im- 
mortality. In the Parable of the rich man and Laz,a- 
rusy the one is fpoken of, as in unquenchable flames, 
and the other in an unchangeable cftate of comfort, 
fuddenly upon their natural-death. His promife alfo 
made to the petition of the penitent thief, \_This day Luk.23.43;. 

thw (halt be with me in Paradifc J dothaflert, That 
his foul died not with his body. Yea once more,confi- 
der how clearly our Saviour doth confute this opini- 
on, by citing Gods own words fpoken unto AUfes , 
long after the death of Abraham , Ifaac and Jacobs 
acknowledging himfelf,. even then to be their God,, 
whence he concludeth their immortal life , (ay* 
ing, God' if not the God of the dead^ but of the li~ Mat. 22.31,32* 
ving. 

3. The immortality of the foul may befirongly 
evidenced, by the Nature of it, being fpiritual, and 
often called a Spirit, ( viz,. ) That part of man^ 
whereby he underfiandeth, his reafonablefoul. There T , 
is ( faith' Elih u ) a spirit in man , and the inspiration* 
of the aAimlghty giveth them under]} anding. And 
S Paul profeffing his in wardnefs and heartinefs in 
Gods worfhip, he thus exprefTeth himfelf, Whom iRom.i.p.'. 
ferve in my fyirit , knowing that God being a fpirik, 
muft be worfhipped in jpirit. Now Jefus Chrift him- ^ 0lin 4 ' 249 ' 

lelfattefteth, That a jpirit cannot die. Luk.20.3S, 

The (econd errour hence to be confuted , is that 
concerning the ileep of the foul from the time of its 
4iflblution from the body,, till the Day ©f theGene.- 

D 3 ral 



■ " ■ ■■" ■■ ™- ,»---. . > - . — — Y . -..**. 

22 To die Is gain. 



ral Refurre&ion. Although I grant, that the Scriw 
Tohnn pcute caiicr ^ death a Aeep, anc * fpeakech of Chrifti- 
i°iheir.4.i$. ans ^ead, as of perfons fatten afleep • yet it is mani- 
" left, that thefe cxprctfions, do relate to the body alone, 
Dan.12.2. Which is (aid to fleep in the ditfl , and there to rejl as 
iCi.57.2. in a y gc i^ cill Go J (hall awaken it by the found of his 
Trumpet, and raife it by his power. And the Apo- 
ftle difcourfing of the Refurrection of them, who fall 
afleep by death, doth openly apply it to the body, It 
I. Cor »i 544- u f ovpn (faidlhe) a natural body , hut it is raifed * 
spiritual body. Whereas we know, that deep is the 
binding up of the (enfes by vapours, the foul being 
incorporeal is not capableof humours, norfubjed to 
have its operation ? ceafed thereby. And my Text al- 
fo, and my Doctrine from thence, do ftroogly beat 
down this carnal imagination. For Chriftians,whilc 
their fouls dwell in their bodies, do judge their condi- 
tion lefle comfortable in the night, when through 
corporeal fleep, their fpiritual motions are (ufpended : 
Therefore doubtlefs their death would rather render 
their eftatewode than better, if the foul fhould ileep 
upon its departure from the body. How ordinarily 
do gracious ones lament their fluggiftinefs, when with 
God in holy duties ; therefore their death could not 
be their gain, if thereby their fouls, fhould be laid 
afleep, without any fpiritual activity, to the end of 
the world. 
Vfe 2. Vfe 2. Examination) whether we have a good, 

and a well-grounded hope, that our death fhall be 
found our gain. When Rihal heard that Jericho , the 
place of her prefent abode, would ere long be befieg- 
edandfpoiled, fhefeekethfecurity, that her (elf and 
relations fhould be preferved : Thus fhe fpeakcth to 

Jofh. 2.12 12. tne Spies Give me a true token, that you will fave 

' me alive. Now the cafe (lands thus with us all , we 
are befieged with bodily diftempcrs, which threaten 
death, when our earthly Tabernacles will be thrown 

down* 



To die is gain, 2 3 



down, &c. Therefore fhould we enquire, what true* 
tokens wc have, to ftrengthen our hopes, that Na- 
tures diffolution (hall rather tend unco our advantage, 
then prejudice, This trial may be quickened by thcie 
confiderations : 

t . Becaufe gain by death is not the common porti- 
on of all. Our Apoftle in the Text fpeaketh of it, as 
a peculiar pnviledge , To me ( faith he ) to die U 
gain •• But all cannot be thus confident. In the 
Parable of the rich mans death and burial , this Luka 6.2 2,23, 
followeth immediately , Thai he was in hell in tor- 
ment j. 

2. Multitudes, in the bofome of the Church, arc 
filled with vain hopes. Our Saviour bringeth in ma- 
ny, pleading boldly for admiiHon into Heaven, ha- 
ving died, with hopefull perl wafions , bottomed up- 
on a glorious profeffion, and a commendable conver- 
fation , who are caft off, with doleful! difappoint- 

ment, Many will fay to me at that dxy y Lord r Lord, have Mat. 7.22,23, 
we not frophefied in thy Name , and in thy Name have 
eafi out 'Devils T and i?i thy J^ame^ done many wort- 
derfull works ? And then I will profejje unto them . I 
never knew you' Depart from me , ye that works fair- 
quity.. As Do?s are ready to fnatch the childrens 
meat out of their hands, (o are the worft of men ve- 
ry apt to appropriate to themfelves, the privi ledges 
which do peculiarly appertain unto the people of 
God. Wicked Haman no fooner heareth of a man, 
whom the King delighted to honour, but he thought 
thus in his heart ; To whom will the King ddighi to Efth.6.6. 
doe honour y more than to my felfe ? In this refpe6r. 
therefore, we fhould take heed of building our 
hopes of happinefs after death, upon a fandy foun- 
dation. 

3. Infallible affarance may be attained, that natu- 
ral death, will make way for incomparable and ever- 
lafting gain j and therefore there is hope, that labour 

in 



24 To die is gain. 



in this fearch, fhall not be in vain. My Text fpeak- 
cthout.S*f 2»/'s confidence, To me to die is gain. And 
eii where , being in expectation to fuffer death, he 
2 Tim. 4.3. faith, Henceforth is laid uj> for me a Crown of rigb- 
teoufneffe • Yea , this our Apoftle bringeth in other 
Chriftiani with, hitnfelf, without the lead hefitancy, 
profeffing their undoubted hopes hereof, We know* 

2 Cor. 5. 1. that if our earthly houfe , of this Tabernacle were dif- 
folved, we have a building of God, an houfe-j not 
made with hands , hut eternal in the Heavens. And 
there is no good reafon can be rendred, wherefore or- 
dinary Chnftians in thefe dayes, may not arrive at 
the fame certainty. For, 1. We enjoy Gods Word, 

\ John 5.13* That we ?nay know we have eternal life. 2. And WC 
have the promife of his Spirit , That we may 
1 Cor 2 12 b*ow the things , which art freely given us of 
God. 

4. Andtheconfequencesof this certainty, will be 
many wayes advantageous, as the experiences of 
Godslervants have witnefied in all ages. I will briefly 
point at fome : 

1. Hereupon the Tfalmift was wrought unto con- 
tentment in a low condition, being confident, That 

#al. 73.24- God would bring him to glory , when he had pafled 
through a wildernefs, by the conduct of his counfel. 
The traveller contentedly will take up with little and 
courfe allowance, from hope of full provifions at 
home , whenhe cometh unto his journeys end . 

2. The thought and approach cf death, haftening 
on by means of many weaknefles and (offerings, will 
be the lefs tedious and terrible, m faint not ( faith 

, the Apoftle ) though the outward man perifb , for our 
' light affti&iony worknh for us , a farre more exceeding 
eternal weight of glory. 

3. Thus courage will be increafed, when the great- 
eft difficulties and dangers fhall be encountred- in 2. 
Chriftian courfe. S c Faul , as a valiant Souidier, did 

undaunt- 



To die is gain. 25 



datintedly bear up, when in expectation of a violent 
death from the Lion-like perfecutors; / am rexdj ^2 Tim. 3. 
be offered, Henceforth tc laid up for me a Crown* 

Eccleiiaftical Hiftory giveth many fuch like inftanccs 
amo ngft the worthy Martyrs of old. 

4, And hereby we fhall be much quickened in 
waves ot ferviceablenefs, both unto God and man. 
By this argument the Apoftle urgeth double diligence 
and unweariednefs in well-doing ; Therefore he ft edfaft, l Cor.15.52. 
immoveable., alwayes abounding in the work^of the Lord, 
forafmuch , a* ye know , that your labour ii not in vain 
in the Lord. * The Mariner knowing that he is in a 
iafe road towards his native Countrey, hoifeth up 
fail, and pucteth on with the more vigour. 

Now all thefe confiderations being enlarged and 
applied by meditation, may be fufficient to perfwade 
aferious tryal, whether we have a well-bottomed 
hope, that our death fhall be our gain. 

The Characters of them, to whom death will be 
gain, I will caft uuder two heads, making a double en- 
quiry. 

Firft, Whether in our inward difpofition, and out- 
ward practice, we be really like S^Taul, who was 
lure ( as my Text tells us ) that unto himfelf. To die 
would he gain f Here I will hint (ome few particulars 
from this his Epiftle, referring the improvement unto 
your own faithfulncfs : 

I. His converfation wo* in Heaven , while he wai p , .. 
on earth; and upon this account he was confident of ^/^^ 
communion with (Thrift in Heaven. The good Apo- 
ftle did look upon himfelf, as a Citizen, a free Deni- 
fon of Heaven ; and therefore ftudied and endea- 
voured, that his carriage might be anfwerable to this 
his condition. Query therefore upon what you do 
mod beftow your heads and hearts, your thoughts 
and affections. Whether do you rather order your 
courfe according to the fafhion of this world ? Or do 

E you 



25 ?° die ** gM#. 



you labour to be like them who are with God in Hea- 
vens glory ? 

2. H j Lice not down fatisfied with [that mcafure of 
grace and (an&ification, which he had attained, but 
preffed hard towards perfection, that he might be 
compkat both in heart and life, in a way of confer- 

rh:U.ic,ii, mity to the mind of Chrift. I freffe towards the mark? 
v*ih>\4 This therefore talleth toul upon fuch, who. fatisfie and 
flatter themfelves in their prefenc attainments and en- 
joyments, like the Lacdiceans , faying, lam rich , and 
.3- 1 7* fo ave nee£ i ^ mt \ ) \ n g % 

3. He did not center in him(elf, in his own com- 
fort, but defigned the honour of Chrift, in all the 
graces with which he was enriched, and in all his fer~ 
viceablenefs , both in active and paffive obedience. 

Phi! 1.20. According to my earneft expect ation and hofe (faith he) 
that Jeftu Chrift (hall be magnified in me , whether by 

Zech.7.5,5. life-, or death. This cuts the combs, and crufh- 
cth the hopes of fuch, who are meerly felfifh in their 
ends and aims, in religious performances. And this 
is (o ordinary, that our Apoftle faith, All feekg 

£hil.2.2i» their owne things^ not the things , which are JtffM 
Cbrijis. 

4. Notwithftandingall his graces received, Cervi- 
ces dilcharged, and perfeftion with fincerity defign- 
ed, he did not dare to depend upon felf, in regard of 
parts railed, priviledges pofleflcd , duties performed, 
but pitcheth his confidence upon Chrift, and upon him 

Phil. 3 3,4. alone. / rejoyce in Chrift Jefus , having no confidence 



in the fie 
luk.189, fplitsthc 



§ 9 though 1 might ^if any other. ,8£C. This 
lopesof proud Jufticiaries , who pharifai- 
cally truft to their own goodnefs, unto whom S* Paul 
fpeaketh fmartly ; Chrift U become of none efefi unto 
Qal.5,4.] yoHy whofoever of you are juftified by the Law ' ye are 
fallen from grace. 

f. And he fought, both by his counfel and conver- 
sation* to winnc and work others with himfelf, untc 

the 



To die U gain. 27 



the like dif pofition and coaverfation. Let as many as 

be perfed y be thus minded. Be followers of me. And PtiiLg.i 5,17. 

though he longed for immediate fellovvfliip with 

Chrift, yet he was content to (layout of Heaven, for 

a time, that he might be inftru mentally ferviceable to 

the promoting of Sanctification in Saints on earth. 

To abide in the fle[h (faith he) is more needful I for Phil.1.24,25 

you' Hiving this confidence j 1 [hall continue with you 

all-i for your furtherance and joy of faith. Here I 

referre it to every mans confcience,to give in evidence, 

how carefull,or carelefs he is of the fouls welfare, of 

fuch with whom they do converfe 5 for accordingly, 

either hope, or hopelef nef s of gain by death, may be 

inferred. 

Secondly, Whether Chrift be our life. This is the 
Argument from whence our Apoftle doth fatisfyingly 
inferrehis hope of gain by death. To me , to live is 
Chrift; and therefore \indoubtedly , To die will be 
gai w.— This lieth fair in the face of the Text • and he 
argueth in like manner elfwhere, If Chrift be our Ufa 
then death willproduce our glory. 00^3.4. 

Now as Natural life, fo alfo fpiritual life may be 
manifefted, by 1. Breathings. 2. Senfes. 3. Mo- 
tions : 

Firft, Breath evidenceth life. The firft difcovery 
of life in the child enlivened by the Prophet, was this, 
He nee fed f even times. And fpiritual breathing, is 2 King.4.55. 
exprefled : 

1. By groans and grievous complaints, becaufe of 
finfull principles and out-breaches ; felt within, and 
appearing outward. As this Apoftle, I fi?id a Law 

in my members , warring againfi the Law of my mindj 
SCC, Oh wretched man that I am ! &C. 

2. Bydefires, ga(pingafterGod,in wayes of com- 
munion and holy obedience. There is none upon earth p ^- 73-2 5. 
(faith the Pfalmifi) tbatJdefire, be fide thee. And, Oh 

that my wayes were directed > to J\eep thy ftatutes. Pfal.i 19.$ . 

E 2 Secondly, 



2 8 To die is gain* 



Secondly, Senfe fheweth life, whether it be from 
that which toucheth with painfull trouble, or with 
tickling delight. 

i . The foul enlivened by grace,doth feel the weight 
Pfal.38.4. of finne. UMine iniquities (faith David) are an hea- 
vy burthen ^ too heavy for me to bear : I am tr ubled y 
and bowed down greatly, Whereas a dead man would 
not be fenfible, though a mountain fhouid be caft upon 

hirm or though fore wounded. And men dead.m [mne 
Epher.4.19. nrnailfeding , • 

2. And the Chriftian who is made fpiritually alive 

by Chrift, doth fenfibly rejoyce in fellowfhip with 

him. UMy Spirit hath rejoyced (faith the blefled 

T . > Virgin) in God my Saviour. Whereas an utter want 

jer.v.io. o j delight in the Ordinances of communion with God, 

doth argue the abfence of this life. 

Thirdly,. Motion manifefteth life. So foon as La- 
-r . z,ant$ was reflorcd to life, he arifeth out of bis grave , 

joi.11.44. an d goeth abroad. As in all other motions, fo in this 
which is fpiritiul, there are two terms,, a quo , and 
Ephef<2.i,2, ad quern. The Efhefians being quickened > they re- 
s' 10 * linquifh their old converfation in. the lujis of the flefh, 
and walh^in good works. And the regenerated Thejfe- 
lefl.i.p. lonians , Turn from Idols to ferve the living and true 
God. In like manner, all thofe in whom Chrifl li- 
veth by his Spirit, they turn their backs upon finne, 
withdiflike, deteftation, and endeavour to decline 
it : And they face about towards God, in approving, 
loving and profecuting whatfoever is good in his 
fight. 

Now all thefe particulars thus generally and briefly 
hinted , being conjoyned , and without partiali- 
ty applyed, may ferve to difcover. Whether we 
have a good Scripture-hope ,. That ohy death will be 
Vfe 5. our gain. 

Anteobitum y Vfe^. Information, in four particulars : 

vemofuprcma?, p irft Tllat a fu [[ / u d gernent carjn ot be given of the 



biiflcfull 



To die is gain. 2 9 



bliffefuhcondition of godly perfons, while they live on 

earth. For their death bringeth in their greateft gain. Eccl.9.1,2. 

1S{j man knoweth either Pove or hatred^ by all that h be- 
fore him. All things come alike to all y there is one 
event to the righteous^ and to the wicked •> &C. And it 1 Joh 3.2. 
doth not yet appear , what we Jhall he. As the profit, 
which cometh in by Husbandry, cannot be difcerned 
till Harveit ; if a man unacquainted with that courfe 
of life, fhould fee his Neighbour plough up his 
ground, tear it in peeccs with the Harrow^ and throw 
away his feed upon it, he would judge all loft. So 
while we behold Gods people periecuted, racked and 
tormented in this world, we cannot make out their 
happinefs. If in this life only 9 wehav hope in Chrift, 1 Cor. 15. 19, 
we are of all men mofl miferable (faith the Apoftle ) 32. 

And if after the manner of men , / have fought with 
keAfts at Sphefus , what advantageth it me , if the 
dead rife not ? Therefore conclude not, what the 
eftate or true Chriftians is y till you have confidered^ 
the conclufion of their lives. Mark, the perfect man y pral -37-37. 
and behold the upright , for the end of that man is 
peace. During the time of life ( as the Parable tel- 

leth US ) the rich man being cloatbed in purple , and. 

fine linnen , and faring fumptuo u fly every day v feemed Lu ^ 16.19,10. 

to be in a farre better condition, than Laz,arus-> who 
was laid at his gate full of feres 5 but upon their 
death , and the lequell thereof , a right judgement 
might be pafled, whether of the two was the hap- 
pier man. For the beggar died-, and was carried by ver r 2 2 22 
the Angels into Abrahams b ifome ; the rich man died alfo y 
and went to Hell. 

Secondly, That the condition of the Saints in Hea- 
ven, will be uncxprcffibly joyous and happy, be- 
caufe their death will be their gain. For all the de- 
lights, with which their hearts arc cheared in the 
land of the living, are only the taftes, the firft fruits 
of Heaven. That bunch of. Grapes? which was 

E 3 brought 



3° To die is gain, 

brought komCanAan y w<LS nothing in companion of all 

the fruits of that promifcd Land , which were aflurcd 

upon Ifiael. Who knoweth* how fweet, and how 

many cordials Gods fervants are refrefhed with, in 

their paflage through the wiidernefs of this world? 

and yet it will be admirably to their advantage, when 

they ftiall upon Natures diflolution, take pofletfbn of 

^ their heavenly countrey. Doubtlefs this our Apoftk 

•4-7* j lac j experience of that peace, which pajfeth all under- 

flanding , and of thofe joyes of the Holy Ghoft, 

iFet.i.8. which are ntoft unspeakable , and j #11 of glory ; he re- 

2C01M.5. portethtothe Corinthians ^ his enjoyment of abounding 

confolations ; and yet he was confident. That to die 

2 ThefT.2.i5. would y e fa g A ' lHm The Lord giveth his people ever- 

lading comfort through grace , which in that regard is 

Tfal.45.7. called , The oyl of glad?tejfe. All wifdomes rvayes are 

Prov.3.17. pleafantnefi. And 'David rejoyced therein y more tha?i 

\V^ 1 * n a ^ riches; who tooh^ delight alfo in the fociety of 

Ifa.$6.7. Saints on earth. God maketh his fervants glad in the 

hotifc of prayer. The Spirit of the blefled Virgin did 

Luk.1.47. leap for joy, in Qod her Saviour, llOtwitllftanding 
nytT^icm. h C r fmarting exercifes. But this, all this poflefled 
upon earth, in the habit of grace, in the ads of grace, 
in the ufe of holy Ordinances, in fellowfhip with the 
godly, and in communion with God, Father, Sonne 
and Holy Ghoft, doth fall very fhort of that fulnefs 
of joy, thofe Rivers of delight, wherein they fhall 
bathe in blifs upon their departure by death, from 
Earth to Heaven. For unto them , To die will he 
gain. Therefore from hence, we may with the admi- 
rations of faith, confider the provifions which Gods 
grace hath made in Heaven for believing fouls. 
S r Paul in reference unto the priviledges to be poflefled 

011 earth , fpeaketh thus , Eye hath not feen , nor ear 

2Cor.2.9« heard) neither hath entred into the heart of man, the 

things -which God hath prepared for them that love him-'&nd 

yet he faith in my Tcxt,To me to die is gain. 

Thirdly, 



To die is gain, 3 1 



Thirdly , That therefore the eftate of glorified 
Saints will be tranfeendently glorious at the Day of 
the General Refurrectitm ; for then doubtlefs there 
fhall be an addition made unto the gain, which death 
doth bring in unto them. The Scripture calleth it, 
The time when refreshing (fuperlative refrefhingj 
jhall eome from the Lord. And the language of the 
Apoftle is very notable, fpeaking of the reji with which 
believers jhall be recommenced , when the Lord J e fits fhall 2 Theft", i. 7 
be revealed with his mighty Angels. When he fhall I0# 

come (faith he) to be glorified in his Saints , and ta 
be admired in all them that believe in that day. Then, 
then, both the glorified Saints themfelves, and the 
glorious Angels alfo, fhall wonder with amazement, 
to behold the amazing comforts and glory , with 
which they fhall be crowned. Here I will briefly point 
at a few particulars. 

i. Then they fhall behold all their fellow- members 
of that my ft icai Body, whereof (Thrift is the Head, 
brought together into one company. Them which x Theft: 4. 14, 
(leep in Jefus^ will God bring with him , and then 
we which are alive and remain , fhall be caught up to- f 

gether with them in the clouds , to meet the Lord in '* 

the AW. 

2. They (hall arife firft j both that the Lord may r Their§ - ltf> 
exprefs his peculiar refpecT: unto them, and that they 

may not want that honour and comfort which the 
fubfequent providences of that great Day (hall af- 
ford. 

3. Forthwith upon their RefurrecTion, they fhall 
ride (as it were) in joy and triumph, to attend the 

Judge of the ivorld in his glory , which will be no fmall f The ^ 
honour, when Chrij} fioall come with ten thoufands of his Judev.14.' 
Saints , and all 4 he holy A'ngels with him. Mar. 2 5.31 e . 

4. When the Lord Jefus fhall fit down upon the 
Throne of Judgement, they fhall be admitted to be 
Affeflors, giving in their atteftation unto all his 

ngh- 



3 2 To die is gain. 



righteous, judicial administrations. Know ye not 
i Cor 5.2,3- (faith the Apoflle) that the Saints (hall judge the 

world ? And know ye not , that we jhall judge *An- 

gels ? 
Col.3.4. S« When (fhrifi who is their life Jhall apfear , they 

-Phil 3.21. jhall appear with him in glory. As their bodies (hall 
Mat 13.43. i e m ade like unto his glorious body, Alining like the 
1 Cor!i3 5 io. S# me in ibe firmament: So their fouls fliall be fatif- 
1 John 3. 2. fied with Gods Image, both in ? erf eel kiiowledge , and 

all other divine graces, made like unto his Majefty, ac- 
cording to their utmoft capacities. 

6. And in this happy condition, they all fliall have 
compleat communion with each other, without the 
mixture of any forrow, and crowned with immedi- 
ate fellowfhip with the Lord himfelf unto all eternity. 
1 Thefr.4.1 7. And then wejhzll ever be with the Lord, 

Fourthly, Hence it followeth by the rule of con- 
traries, that the death of the wicked fliall be greatly 
to their lofs. For the confequences of contraries, are 
as contrary, as the contraries themferws. And fuch 
like inferences, are made ordinarily in holy Scripture, 
£rc/.8.T2. 7/^.3.10,11. 

As the inference is natural , and not enforced ; fo 
the mifery of the ungodly upon their death , may 
many wayes be manifefted , both in refpect of lots 
andfenfe. 

Their punifhment of lofs confifteth : 

1. In the want of all inferiour creature-comforts 
here enjoyed , Fer they have their portion in this life 

Pfal.17.14. only. And therefore it was thus fpoken to the covet- 
ous worldling when ready to die, This ?iight [hall thy 
Luk. 1 6. 20. f ou i fr e taken from thee, and whofe then (hill all thefe 

things be ? Thy enlarged Barns, and thy fruits with 
which filled, fliall be thine no more. 

2. In their feparation from the fociety of all Gods 

Mat.25.32. &faithfllllfervantS. The Sheep mid be fevered from the 
J 3'3 ' Goats^he tares from the good corn^he chaff" from the wheat* 

3. In 



To die u gain. 33 



Thirdly 3 In their cverlaftingbaniftiment from God 
the Father, and the Lord Jefus. They (hall be punifhed 2 Thefti.?, 
with everlafling dejlruclion from the prefence of the Lord> 
and from the glory of his power. And Chrift will fay. 
Tie-part from me ye workers of iniquity. Mat. 7. 25. 

Now what lofs can be fo great? But this is not all 
the mifery, which (hall befall the ungodly in the 
world to come; for the puniftiment of fenle will be ex- 
ceeding grievous alfo. 

i m Their departure from God fliall be attended with 
his heavy difplcafure. Go ye cur fed, will chcLQrdMat.25.14. 
fay (q.d.) *Bc gone with a vengeance under my heavy 
difpleafure. 

2. They jhafl be turned into hell , the torment Pfal-p.c 7. 
whereof is metaphorically exprefled by fire, which 

U handled by the breath of God-) as a Jiream of brim- I la 3°«33~ 
ftone. 

3. This pain flull not only be extream, but ever- 
laftingalfo. The worm (of an accufing ever-gnaw- 
ing confcience ) [hall never die> and the fire (of their Mlrk s« 
torment ) never goeth out. 

4. In this dolcfull condition , there fhall be no 
means of mitigation to their pain. Not one drop 

of Water 3 or the tip of a cold finger to cqsI an infla-^' 1 ?' 2 ** 

med tongue , and no better company than "Devils, 
whofe fellowfliip will rather augment,then abate their 
grief. 

5. And whereas perfons in mifcry would be pitied hb 19.11. 
(the want whereof caufeth fad complaints, ^^ {^n /^ 

you no pity , all ye who pajfe by?) thefe wretched crea- Ifa J 6 2 ' 4 * 
tures fliall arifeoutof the dufi to flj.mie and everlajling Pfal.58.10. 
contempt •* Yea, They fhall be an abhorring to all fie(h. 
The righteous (hall rejoyee ,' when he feeth the venge- 
ance, 

Thefe particulars do in fome meafure nunifeft, 2Pet.4.i?. 
What fhall be the end of them , who obey not the Goffrf. 
And if the Queftion of the Apoftlc fhould be pro- 

F pounded 



54. To die is gain. 



rtrf.18. pounded CO l!? 5 Where (hill the wicked and ungodly ap- 
fear ? We may return anf wer from thh, which hath 
been hinted (vU. ) They (hall appear at a great di- 
stance from ail creature-comforts r feparated from 
God v and all godly ones in the place of unexpretfi- 
ble torment with Devils, without any relief, un- 
der the curfe of Gjd t and the contempt of all godly- 
ones for evermore. 

Thus from thefe inferences, by way of Information 
I proceed to the Ufes of Exhortation 3 which I (hall 
call under three heads, according to the number of 
thofe perfon^ unto whom they are to be directed, in 
ail which I fhal! be lhort. 

Firft,. Allfuch whohavecaufeto fufpect their in- 
tereft in this priviledge (viz,.) that their death will 
be their gain, they arc to be perf waded, to (cek their 
propriety therein, by looking out, after thoic quali- 
fications formerly mentioned, unto which this rich. 
Hcb4.$,ii. prerogative doth appertain. There rtrmimth a reft to 
the people of Cod ^ let tu labour therefore to enter into 
that refl. This endeavour may be quickened by con- 
iidering the miferable eftate of all others (which was 
cleared in the laft branch of the former life) who in 
Hab.2 ; i$. that condition are in bondage all their life time , 
through the fear of death. And as that conflderation 
may affright, (o the thought of the happinefsof fuch, 

who have good aflurance, That death will he thetr 

gam , may allure to this, practice. Balaam himfelf 

faith , Let me die the death of the righteous y and 

Niuub; 23.1c. i et my j a j? tnc i i e Hj^ fcg 4 Think thus with your 

(elves : 
Heb.c.27. l - & x appointed for all men once to die , and after that 

the judgment. 
job 18.14. i. Death it the King of terrours. 

3. (Thrift IS both in life and death advantage, unto 

all fuch who are united unto him by faith , and the 

knowledge hereof will be admirably advantagious 

(as 



To die is gain* 35 

(as hath been difcovered) unto all fuch^ who mani- 
feft this their union, by an holy life; therefore we 
will without delay, with double diligence, en- 
deavour to efiate our felves in this precious pri- 
yiledge. 

Secondly, All the heirs of this precious priviledge, 
(hould be moved to thcie enfuing duties. 

Firft, Be very thankfull to the Lord. I will paife pr a i.85.i2 15. 
thee, O Lord my Cj ' od , with all my heart (faith Da- 
vid) and I will ghrifie thy Name fir evermore , for 
great is thy mercy toward me , and thou haft de'ivered 
my foul from the loweft Hell. Now the gain by death, 
is a greater bleffing, and a fruit of fweeter mercy, then 
to be fecured from death; and therefore this his thank- 
falnefs (hould quicken out gratitude. 

2, Moreover , coniider that this priviledge was 
dearly purchafed by Jefus Chrift. Upon this account 
S' Paul breakcth forth into his Doxology, O death, I Cor . J$ $$ 
where if thy fling ! O grave , where k thy victory! $- 

Thanks, be given to God 3 who hath given us the vidory 
through our Lord Jefus thrift. 

3. Remember that the benefits of death fhall ex- 
tend unto all eternity (as hath been manifefted ) both 
in reference unto body and foul. The fpeech of *Da- 
vid is here Applicable, Who am J, O Lord God ', that2Sam.j.iB i if 
thou haft brought me hitherto ? tAnd yet this wm a 
fmall thing in thy fight, O Lird God , but thou haft 
fyvken alfo of thy fervant for a great while to come. 
Now the advantages by death are greater, and many 
more, which (hall be reaped, not only upon nttures 
diflolution, but thoufand thoufands of years, after 
the general Refurre&ion. 

The work of thankfgiving thus perfwaded, (hould 
beexprefled, 

1, By our conflant and abundant fruitfulnefs in all 
the practices of holinefs. Therefore my beloved Bre-* Cor.15.58. 
thren y be ye ftedfaft y unmoveable, alwayes abounding in 

F 2 the 



36 To die is gain. 



the work^of the Lord j forafmuch as ye know that your 
labour is not in vain in the Lord, 

2. Andbyfeekingtomake others partakers with 
our felves in this rich prerogative. The fpeech and 
^KiBf.4.9. praftice of the Lepers is imitable, They [aid one to ano- 
ther , we do not well 3 this is a day of good tidings , and 
we hold our -peace , dec. As love, fo all grace is com- 
municative ; therefore let us acquaint our friends 
with the gain which is to be reaped by death, ad- 
ding counfcl and encouragement, that they may 
feverally fhare therein > through Gods rich grace in 
(Thrift. 

Secondly, Be not difcouraged in a courfc of godli- 
nefs, though for the prcfent you meet with much 
trouble, and little comtort ; for at death ( if not foon- 
, er) you fhall receive that which will pay for all. Be 

not weary of well-deing^ for in due time you fhall reap) 
Urn. $ 7 if you faint ?iot. Behold the Husbandman waiteth for 

the precious fruit of the earthy and hath long -patience 
Hcb. 14.25,25. for it. Adofes chofe rather to fnffer affliction with the 
people of God} than to enjoy the pleafures of finne for a 
fzafon , &CC for he had reified to the recommence of re- 
ward. AndChrifthimfelf, who was a man of for- 
rowS} yet for the joy that was fet before him , endured 
Htb.12,2. ife cro jf 6y anddeffifedtkejhame. Hopcof gain heart- 
nerh both Merchant and Mariner, notwithftanding 
high winds, and boifterous waves upon the troubie- 
fomeSeas, though the voyage be long, and the pro- 
fit of it very uncertain : but the promife of gain by 
Hab,2,g. godlinefs at the end , will fpeak^ and not lie \ though 

it tarry ,. wait, for it , beeaufe it will fnrely come , it 
will not tarry. 

Thirdly, Be not immoderately afraid of death. 
Although Nature feeking its own prefervation, doth 
fhrink from approaching death in Gods own peculiar 
rial. J 5. 4. people. The ttrrours of death ( faith "David) are fal- 
len upon me, And though the unregencrate under 

the. 



To die is gain. 37 



the awakenings of their guilty conferences, are 
through the fear of death in bondage; yet when faith Heb.2.i$. 
is on exercife in believing brefts, they are bravely 
elevated above thefe fears, whether bodily difeafes,or 
bloudy perlecutours, do threaten Natures downfall. 
Holy Job knowing, that his Redeemer liveth , doth 
upon this ground, glory over death: Though after Job. 19. 25,25, 
my skinne wormes dejtroy this body , yet in my flejh , / 2 7« 

(hall fee God •' tVhom I fkall fee for my felf and mine 
eyes [hall behold , and not another , though my reins be 
eenfumed within me. And S: Paul fpeaketh thus of 
himfelf, and fellow-fuffircrs , For thts eattfe we faint 2 furt 15 ' 
not , though our outward man ferifh , SCc. For we ' 
know that if our earthly houfe were dijfolved , we have 
a building of God ," an houfe eternal in the Heavens* 
And many fuch like examples, might cafily be pro- 
duced from Ecclefiaftical Hiftories of worthy Mar- 
tyrs, who with undaunted magnanimity expected 
death, and with joy clapped their hands in the flames, 
being. confident, that their death would be their gain. 
But I forbear. 

Fourthly, Be willing to welcome death when k 
cometh, as a Meflenger from God to call the foul out 
of the body. Hear what this our Apoftle faith upon 
this ground, I defire to de.fart , and to be with Cbrift, Phil.1.23. 
which is, farre better. And dying Simeon in his Swan- 
like Song ufeth the like language, T^ow let thy fervant Luk.2.25, 
depart in feace. For the truth in my Text, which 
hath occafioned this long difcourfc, rendreth the re- 
queft reafonable, which the Spoufe of (Thrift makes 
to him, Make hafte*y my Beloved , and be thou like to 
a Roe , or to a young Hart upon the Mount aims ^ Cant.8,14, 
Spices. 

Here thefe Cautions are needfull , to be caft into 
your confideration,that this Ufe may not be abufed. 

t. Dare not to defire death from proud paffion or 
difcontent ; as Slijah and Jonah did, 

F 3 2. Negleft 



38 To die U gain. 

i » — - — ■ "— — — — — — — — — 

2. Negleft not the life ot means ot life, cither food, 
Phy fickle, byyeelding to melancholy fancies, or 
diabolical delufions. 

3. Do not through pride or fool-hardinefs hazard 
your lives by Duels, or any other defperate adven- 
tures. 

4. Efpecially take heed of fliortening your own 
lives byfelf-murther upon the bloudy aflauks, and 
iniinuations of Satan. But thefe things I fhall not 
enlar. e. 

2Pet.3.i4. Fifthly, Laftly, Wherefere, Beloved , feeing ye looh^ 

for fuch things ^ be diligent $ that you may hi found 

without ff>ot and blameleft. Men are wont to furnifh 
the mf el ves with fuch apparel, and to be every way in 
fuch fort qualified, as may anfwer the places, relati- 
ons, imployments, unto which they exped advance- 
ments : and holy wifdome will work us to the like en- 
deavour from our hope of the gain of death. The 
Apoftle S John having touched upon this glorious Me- 
ijoh.3.2,3. tamorphofis, m (hall be like Chrifty addeth , And 
every one that hath this hope in him , purifieth himfelfy 
even as he is pure. S^Walfo, from this expediti- 
on of faith , When tfhwfi who is cur life (hall appear, 
we fhaH appear with him in glory , doth perfwade both 
to mortifie all fin full lufts , -and te fet our affe [lions 
more upen the things above , than the things en the earth* 
.. And he himfclf doth intimate this happy change look- 

1.3.20,21. €c jf or ^ through Jefus (Thrift, to be a ftrong argument 

to promote his heavenly converfation in this world. A 
Spirit of gracious ingenuity, love and gratitude, will 
undoubtedly inferre the fame conclusion from thefe 
premifles. 

Thirdly, The Friends of godly perfons deceafed, 
are hence to be advifed , to moderate their forro w, 
becaufe the death of fuch Ftf ends tends to their gain. 
The Apoftle S*?aul y by this very argument, which 
he much enlargeth , warncth the Jheffakmans not to 

mot+m 



Col.3. 2,4,5. 



To die is gain. 39 



mourn infuch cafes, as men without hope ' but rather to i Theft 4.1?, 
comfort one another. 1 8 . 

Although I am very farre from condemning all 
forrow upon fuch occafions, 

1. For wc have approved examples of the mourn- Gen 5c I% 
ingfor Jacob, and for Dorcas, and of Chrift himleli A&9.39. 
weeping for Lazarus being dead. J oh*- 1 *.$>. 

a. And not mourning at all in fuch cafes, would 
argue people to be without natural #jfeaion 3 which isjRonM-S 1 * 
a f infull frame of heart; and God threatneth this, as 
a great judgement againfi people, who die, not /j-Jer.15.4. 
men ted, 

Yet forrow upon the death of real Saints , fhould 
be moderate and mixed with comfort, Becaufi their 
death k their gain. Here the words of Chrift unto 
his defpondingDifciples,arcconiiderable, Let not jour 1011.14.27,18. 
heart be troubled. Ye have heard how I f aid unto you, 
I go away : If ye loved me , ye would reioyce^ becauje 1 
faidy I go unto the Father. Thofe parents who were 
exceffive in their grief , becaufe their children were 
carried into captivity,- were check'd , becaufe God J er - 3»-i$»*«*i 
promifed their return. Now the gain to godly per- 17 * 

tons by death, is much more than their return from the 
duft, by the general Rxfurrcction (as hath been large- 
ly difcovered ) therefore our forrow fhould be kept 
within its due bounds. As David cheered his f £ inr, 
when his child was dead, becaufe he was perfwaded, 
that his foul was gone to Heaven, where himfelf ho- 
ped to be ere long, 1 [hall go to him. Therefore upon 2 Sanu 2 * 2 3- 
the death of the godly, though we fhould lament our 
own lofs.and the expreffion of Gods difpleafure againft 
them who furvive, together with the finncs whereby 
their lives have been forfeited, yet in love to rhem we 
fhould not mourn unto deje&ednefs ; for as Chrift was 
in life their advantage, fo in death their gain. To die* 
kgain. 

F 1 N I S. 



£d To Me is gain. 



I Know it is -expected 3 that I {hould (peak fome- 
thing, in reference to the Life ana Death oi the 
Honourable Lady, whole Funeral hath occa hon- 
ed this AfTembly and Sermon ; and becaute I hope 
it-may be ufefull to the living, and do right to the me- 
mory of her that is dead, I (hall mention the heads 
of what my-felf have obferved, and have received 
from the credible tcftimony-of others.- I judge it 
needlefs to fugged her Noble Extraction, her Reli- 
gious Education, together with her Perfonal Beauty, 
great Ingenuity, fwect natural Difpofition, and cour- 
teous commendable Deportment towards all with 
whom (he converfed. 

My firft acquaintance with ber Ladifhb was 
brought on, by my relation unto my much honoured. 
Lord, the Earl of Martchefiet\ upon whom I waited, 
when their Marriage was tranfacted and. concluded. 
Then (he told me, That by means of the Small-Pox, 
whereby her life was threatned, God was pleafed to 
awaken her heart, tofeekhim 3 and to mind her foul 
more exactly than formerly. At the fame time, (he 
did earneftly intreat me, not for the prefent only, to 
beftow f uch counfel, as I judged mod expedient, but 
for the future alfo, to deal plainly with her in foul- 
concernments Then (he profeffed with ferioufnefle, 
that the chiefed Loadftone, which drew forth her 
heart in Conjugal love towards my Lord of Manche- 
iur , was, his Ingenuity and Piety, hoping that in (o 
near a Relation, he might prove an happy indrument 
of good unto her immortal Soul. This alfo I took to 
be an evidence of a gracious frame, that as (he did of- 
ten requed me, to tell her of what my (elf might efpy, 
or others judge blame-worthy ; fo (he did alwayes 
with meeknefs and thankfulnefs, accept my faithful* 
nefs therein. In her firft Marriage (when (he was 
"/cry young) (headed not, without the advice and 

confeni 



To die u gain. &i 



confent of her Parents : And upon the Death of her 
Husband, fhe returned to her Fathers Family, with 
resolutions to be guided by Patcrn.il coonfe), in her 
i nure com fe. Herein her practice proved the line: ci- 
ty oi her purpofe ; and this was very commendable in 
her- that fhe would not fo take the liberty allowed by 
her Widdow hcoJ, as to caft off duty and obfervance 
to her Parents,, in her fecond Marriage. Her love 
to her Husband wasfaithfnil and conftant ; God was 
plcafed to give her eight Children by my Lord of 
AL:ncb?\ier y to whom fhe was an aff.&ionate tender 
Mother, a carefull and diligent Nurfe, giving fuck to 
(even ol them ; which commendable practice is very 
rare in this Age, amongft women of her K\ik and 
Quality. She was careiull of their Religious Educa- 
tion, that they might be inftrucled m the Principles 
of the Oracles of God, and be kept in awe by his fear, 
that they might be fecured from f i nne. She was cha- 
ritable to the poor, friendly in vifiting her Neigh- 
bours, efpecially when fick and weak : yea, fhe 
would upon neceflary occafions, draw forth her own 
breafts, to dve ftukunto the Children of fuch , who 
were of low condition in the world. Although her 
cftimations and loves unto her precious Husband, 
were high, and his company dclightfull ; yet fhe was 
willing he fhould be much abfent from home, when 
appointed by both Houfes of Parliament (is Ma; a: 
General of the Eaflern Aflociation) to arterid their 
Army for the recovering oi Brigands peace, the fet- 
lingofLaws, the Prefervation'oi Parliament Pnvi- 
ledges, and theEftabliuhmeut of Protcftant Religion, 
wi'hout mix:ure of Popifh Innovations. ( F w mfe 
were thetrue ends of that fVarre , which the *P arl'iarntnt 
held forth by their manifold ''Declarations , and bit L r rd- 
fhip , with others who engaged therein did verily belit^ve^ 
now heartily bewailing theb' dole full difajfoihtmints ther>- 

mi) I have been afTured , that fhe kept a cooftaiw 

G courfe. 



4* To die is gain* 



courfe daily, m her fecret Devotions, befides her at- 
tendance upon Family-duties, fetting apart alfo eve- 
ry day fome time, wherein her Lord and flic did by 
prayers and praifes to God , commend thernfelves^ 
their Relations, conditions and concernments to his 
.Majwfty before the Throne of Grace. 

As ihe waited upon holy Ordinances in publick on 
the Lords -day 3 fo Ihe frequented Sermons upon Le- 
cture dayes, both in London , andelfwhere, as oppor- 
tunities were afforded. And her great Knowledge in 
matters of Religion, did difcover her good improve- 
ment of the means enjoyed. That bodily difternper, 
which fliortened hd life,did mind her in fuch manner 
of her latter cnd,that flie (pake often affeftionatelyof it, 
with care to make ready tor the Lord. Although I was 
notwithherLadiftiipinthe time of her laft licknefs, 
yet I have heard of her patient and pious fubmiffion to 
Gods will therein. And however flie expreflcd de- 
fires to live, in tender refpeft tQ her dear Husband, 
and that flie might further take care of the Education 
of her beloved Children : yet with contentment and 
comfort, &e ^commended her felf by prayer to the 
good pleafure of the Almighty, with hope of everla- 
fting reft in glory, through Jefus Chrift, preffing this, 
asaRecjueftto her Lord, that he would think that 
beft, which God ftiould pleafc to determine. 

Thus in her Life flie was many wayes an honour to 
her Sex and Family, and her Death is matter of la- 
mentation to all who knew and loved her, whofe 
forrow may be abated, and their comfort promoted, 
by their hopes, that Chrift wasunto her, both in life 
and death advantage. 



F 17^1 S< 



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