The Orphans Best Legacy
The source for this document is http://name.umdl.umich.edu/N02811.0001.001
Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
Mr. Sewall 's DISCOURSE Occasion'd by the DEATH OF HIS FATHER.
THE Orphan's best Legacy: OR, GOD's Parental Care OF Bereaved Children: A DISCOURSE Occasion'd By the DEATH of the HONORABLE Samuel Sewall Es;q Who departed this Life, Jan. 1. 1729, 30 Aetatis 78.
By His Son, Joseph Sewall, Pastor of the South Church in Boston.
Isai. xlix. 15.
Chap. lxiii. 16.
BOSTON: Printed by B. Green: Sold by S. Gerrish and D. Henchman, at their Shops. 1730.
The Orphans best Legacy.
PSALM XXVII. 10.
_THE Title of this Psalm informs us who was the inspired Penman, King David: In it he encourageth himself in the LORD under his extreme dangers from his Enemies, and especially from Saul. v. 1. The Lord is my light, the author of my joy, and my salvation, whom shall I fear —: And also offers to GOD his earnest requests for help and succor, as in the verse before my Text. Hide not thy face far from me — leave me not —. And these words may be brought in as an argument to enforce his Petition from the consideration of his present state, That of an Orphan, who stood in great need of help; or for the encouragement of his faith, to trust in that GOD with whom the Fatherless find Mercy.
In the words we have, 1. A sorrowful case supposed, When my Father —. 〈◊〉 reads it, Because my Father — so it is an argument to enforce his Petition, that GOD would not leave him, nor forsake him. Piscator and Mollerus read it, Altho'—. Our reading is, When: and thus Calvin.
2. We have his relief under this sorrow, Then the LORD will take me up: Receive, or gather me. Now we donit read that David 's Parents did ever desert him, though' we find them so unable to help him, and so unfit to attend his Marches, that David desires of the King of Moab, that they might be with him till he should know what GOD would do for him, 1 Sam. 22.3. Accordingly, some Expositors take the words as signifying all human helps under the Name of Parents,
DOCT. It is the great Privilege of the Children of GOD, that when their best Friends and Helpers on Earth, their Fathers and Mothers forsake them, He will take them up.
- I. Our Fathers and Mothers must forsake us.
- II. It is the Privilege of GOD's Children, that He will then take them up.
Prop. I. Our best Friends on Earth, our Fathers and our Mothers must forsake us.
GOD alone can say to us and fulfil that His word, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Our choicest friends here are, as we, frail, mortal Creatures. For what is your life? it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Your Fathers where are they? — Zech. 1.5. They are no more in this World; they are gone to their long home, to the house appointed for all living; and the Places which once knew them shall know them no more. Accordingly, when the godly depart this life, they are said to be gathered to their People. Thus Abraham died in a good old Age, and was gathered to his People, Gen. 2 • .8.
1. All Men are subject to the law of Mortality, and must be removed out of this World by Death. There is a Statute of Heaven for it, Heb. 9.27. — It is appointed unto Men once to die —. Indeed the LORD of Life hath made, and will make exceptions to this general rule. Thus Enoch and Elijah under the Old Testament, were translated, that they should not see death. (And surely it was a great favor of GOD to the departed Spirits of the Saints, so early to give them an Example of the glorious beauty and perfection which their bodies should be advanced to at the Resurrection .) And the Apostle informs us that the People of GOD, who shall be found alive at our Savior's coming to raise the dead, Shall not sleep, (i.e. die) but be changed, 1 Cor. 15.51, 52. However this is the common lot. Psal. 89.48. What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? No sooner had Man sin'd but Death had power over him, and began to work towards a dissolution of this earthly frame. Gen. 2.17. — In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shall surely die. And it is plain from Scripture that this Threatning Extends to Adam's Posterity: Rom. 5.12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the World, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Men are various ways distinguished in the World into high and low, rich and poor, young and old, &c but in this respect they are all upon a level, equally subject to death. And this the Experience of all Ages teacheth. One Generation passeth away, and another cometh; — Eccl. 1.4. Rom. 5.14. — Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sin'd after the similitude of Adam's transgression —. As infants who have not been guilty of Actual transgression committed in their own persons, and yet the sentence of the law takes hold of them, an undediable evidence that Adam's first sin is imputed to them; and that we all bring a corrupt Nature into the World with us. It is true, the Children of GOD are delivered from the sting and curse of death by JESUS CHRIST, who by dying hath conquered this last Enemy; so that they shall all Triumph, and say, O death, where is thy sling? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Cor. 15.55. However, GOD will have them also taste of this bitter cup as a testimony of His displeasure against their sin, and as a means of purging away the remains of it, that they may be presented without spot before Him. They must pass thro' this Jordan before they obtain Rest in the heavenly Canaan. Their Faith in JESUS CHRIST, and other Graces may help them to die well; but will not exempt them from the stroke of death: Heb. 11.13. These all died in faith —. They must this way, thro' the valley of the shadow of death, follow the Captain of their Salvation to Glory. They must be brought down to the dust in order to their being exalted to sit with Him on Thrones in His Fathers Kingdom. Their warfare is not accomplished till they have encountered this Enemy, nor can they say, It is finished, until, with our Savior, They give up the Ghost. Thus died Moses the Servant of the LORD. Thus David after he had served his generation according to the will of GOD, fell a sleep, & was laid to his Fathers —. The matter of Fact which the Jews alleged was true, though' misapplied, Joh. 8.52. — Abraham is dead, and the Prophets —. Accordingly, when our Savior asserts, If any man keep my saying, he shall never see death, v. 51. He must be understood of the second death, which is eternal, comprehending the destruction of Soul and Body in Hell. Now, by death we are remove'd out of this World, agreeably death is called a departure, 2 Tim. 4. 6. — The time of my departure is at hand. The Soul goeth forth out of the Body, the vital union between them being dissolvd'd. Gen. 35.18. — As her soul was in departing, for she died —. And the Body is then carried to the Grave, the House appointed for all the living. Death dissolveth the Union, and breaks off the Society there was between the nearest Relations; they are separated forever as to what concerns this life, which leads me to say,
2. According to the Course of Nature Parents forsake their Children, and leave them behind in this World; when they depart out of it by death. Indeed, it is no uncommon thing to have this order of Nature inverted. We read that of old, Haran died before his Father Terah, i. e. "In his sight and presence, he being yet alive, Gen. 11. 28. Thus Aaron, Job, David, &c. surviv'd to bewail the loss of Children. And alas! how common is this in our day? Upon this account among others the land of darkness may be said to be without order, Job 10. 22. The young and strong have the precedency oftentimes, and go to the Grave before the aged and infirm. The lamp of life is not seldom blown out. Diseases & Accidents, as we call them, though' all under the government of GOD's Providence, often put a period to lives which might endure much longer. We die sooner or later according to the will of the Sovereign GOD, who hath determined our Days on Earth in His Decree, & appointed our bounds which we cannot pass. Job 14.5. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass. However, according to the course of Nature, as Parents are born into the World first, so they die out of it before their Children. The decays of Nature and infirmities of Age gradually grow upon them; we see them decline and wear away under the fatigues and burdens of life, until, as the Candle burns down and goeth out, so the vital heat and moisture being consumed, they expire. Psal. 90.10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow: for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. This hath been accounted the Age of Man since Moses 's time. Here also we may observe, That it is no strange thing for Parents to be taken away in their full strength, yea, even before middle Age, and so to leave their Children Young, sometimes not capable of understanding the greatness of their loss; but then, others by the favor of GOD continue till their Children are grown up, and after that they have for some time experienced the great benefit of their Presence, Counsels and Prayers, the Parents die and leave them to lament their loss. And the pious Parent may when leaving this World, say to survivours, something as our Savior to the daughters of Jerusalem; — Weep not for me, but for yourselves . For when such depart, they go to be with CHRIST, which is far better; they go out of a World of sin and sorrow to that better Country, which is an heavenly, where they are comforted in the glorious Presence of the Lamb, having all tears wiped from their Eyes, and being made perfect in holiness. The Day of their death is better to them than the day of their birth. But then, by such a bereaving Providence, GOD calls us to lament and mourn; for they are gone from us, and that not to return again to converse with us here. We see their faces no more; we behold their exemplary Conversation no more, receive their Instructions and help no more. And therefore such a Bereavement ought to be lamented, even though' our Parents should live to a good old Age: When their hoary heads which were a Crown of Glory, being found in the way of righteousness, are laid in the dust, We may well take up a lamentation, and say, the Crown is fallen — for the glory of children are their fathers, Prov. 17.6. However, the Children of GOD have this Consolation when exercised with such Bereavements, that though' their Fathers are not, yet the GOD of their Fathers lives to take care of them, and fulfil the promises of His Everlasting Covenant: Which brings me to,
Prop. II. It is the great Privilege of GOD's Children, that when their Fathers and Mothers forsake them, He will take them up.
GOD is the everlasting Father, and in CHRIST JESUS the Father of Mercies, and the GOD of all Consolations to His Covenant-People. They that receive the eternal Son of GOD by faith, have power to become the sons of GOD "They are received into this happy number, and have a right to the precious Privileges of such: They have the Spirit of Adoption, whereby they cry, Abba Father, and GOD pitieth them, as a father pitieth his Children. Yea, GOD hath more than the compassions of the tender Mother: Isai. 49.5. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. The love of the Mother, the more tender Sex towards her Offspring, is a strong and constant affection indeed, especially while the child hangs at her Breast; yet such are the moral and natural infirmities of human Nature since the Fall, that even she may forget — but GOD remembers His Children with an everlasting Love, and is accordingly always ready to succor them under their sorrows, with the most tender compassion. Isai. 66.13. As one whom his Mother comforteth, so will I comfort you —. Our Lord JESUS CHRIST was with His Disciples as the Father of the Family while on Earth, and when the time of His departure drew nigh, one of the good words He spake to them was that, Joh. 14.18. I will not leave you comfortless —: In the Original it is, Orphans, bereaved ones: When about to leave this World, as to His bodily presence, He committed them to the care and protection of their heavenly Father. Joh. 17.11. Holy Father keep thro' thine own Name, those whom thou hast given me —. And to speak more directly of earthly Parents and Ancestors; the People of GOD comfort themselves from this consideration: Isai. 63.16. Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou O LORD, art our father, our redeemer, thy name is from everlasting. Upon which a worthy Expositor observeth, "That they own themselves Fatherless, if He be not their Father, and so cast themselves upon Him with whom the Fatherless findeth mercy, Hos. 14.3. It was the honor of their Nation that they had Abraham to their Father, Mat. 3.9. who was the friend of GOD; and Israel, who was a Prince with GOD; but what the better were they for that, unless they had GOD Himself for their Father; for Abraham and Israel cannot help them, they have not the power that GOD hath, they are dead long since, and are ignorant of us, and acknowledge us not, they know not what our case is, nor what our wants are, and therefore know not which way to do us a kindness —. But thou O LORD art our Father still. The fathers of our flesh may call themselves Ever Loving, but not Ever Living; it is GOD only that is the immortal Father, that always knows us, and is never at a distance from us, and therefore our Redeemer, from everlasting is thy Name, the Name by which we will know and own thee, it is the Name by which from of old thou hast been known; Thy People have always looked upon thee as the GOD to whom they might appeal to right them, and plead their cause"
I would here very briefly speak to a few particulars, further to show the Privilege of the Children of GOD contained in that good word, The LORD will take me up: which word in the Original is observed to be used of taking up and bringing home a stray sheep: Deut. 22.1, 2.
1. When Father and Mother forsake, GOD will as a tender Father take up his People, own them as of His Family, and treat them as his Children. GOD will take them up, and receive them under His Roof. Children are wont to gather to their Fathers House, while their Parents live to enjoy their Company, take their Advice, and receive their blessing, &c. Accordingly, when their Parents are removed by death, the LORD who is a dwelling place to His People in all Generations, will grant them Rest and Shelter by His gracious Presence with them, and the care of His good Providence over them. They shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, and that not solitary, but having Him as a tender Father ready to assist and comfort them. GOD will not cast them off at such a time, No! but will fulfil that word to them, Heb. 13.5. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The Scripture referred to is supposed to be GOD's word to Joshua after Moses's death, Josh. 1.5. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. With this David encouraged his Son Solomon, when the time of his departure drew nigh, 1 Chron. 28.20. And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong, and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the LORD GOD, even my GOD, will be with thee, he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee — When this trouble is near, GOD will not stand afar off, but will be found their present help. He will say to them, Fear not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy GOD, I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness . They shall have freedom of access to GOD, and may pour out their Complaints before Him with the liberty of Children; and GOD will hear them when bemoaning themselves as Ephraim, under His correcting hand, and give that gracious answer, Jer. 31.20. Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. This the word of GOD further declareth to us, that thro' the patience & comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope: Psal. 103 13—18. Like as a father pitieth his children: so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame: he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower the field, so be flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him: and his righteousness unto children's children. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Now, GOD's owning & treating His People as Children may comprehend the particulars which follow, however, I shall distinctly consider them.
2. GOD will take them up, direct & conduct them in the ways which shall be pleasing to Him, and profitable for them. One great advantage we receive from wise and good Parents is their Advice & Counsel. "Some of the Ancients say, that the word Pupil, which is from the Latin, signifieth, One without sight, or wanting the apple or pupil of his Eyes; because being deprived of his Parents, he wants the light of counsel and direction, to carry him on in his course thro' this World. What Moses spake to Hobab his father in law, is a truth of all good Parents to their Children, "They are to them instead of eyes, Numb. 10.31" But now, when their eyes are closed by death, and their thoughts perish, GOD will direct His People, and guide them by His counsel. He who is the Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, will enlighten their darkness, and guide them with His Eye. When Children are thus bereaved, they are often in great perplexity, not knowing what to do: Jer. 10.23. — The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man to direct his steps. The People of GOD are convinced of this truth, and accordingly obey that command, Psal. 37.5. Commit thy way unto the Lord: — And find by happy experience that it is a command with promise. Prov. 3.6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. When thus forsaken, the Spirit of Adoption moves them to cry to the Eternal GOD, as, Jer. 3.4. My Father, Thou art the guide of my Youth. And GOD's ear is open to their cry. He will by the care of His watchful Providence, and by the influence of His Word & Spirit effectually say to them, This is the way, walk ye in it, when they may be ready to turn to the right hand or to the left; so that they shall make no fatal mistakes, nor be lost in that path which leads to destruction. As to what concerns their Souls welfare, which is the One thing needful, GOD will guide them with his counsel, and afterward receive them to glory . And as to what concerns their temporal Affairs, GOD will enable them to guide these with discretion, or so over-rule even their mistakes, as that all things shall work together for their good .
3. GOD will take them up to help, defend and provide for them. Parents are a great help and protection to their Children, however, when GOD's People are bereaved of those earthly helpers, they shall not be left naked & exposed. No. Psal. 115.11. The Lord is their help and their shield. Psal. 10.14. — The poor committeth himself unto thee, thou art the helper of the fatherless. GOD will be their guardian and protector, so that they may boldly say, Heb. 13.6. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. When Children are forsaken of their Parents, the Men of the World many times take the advantage to oppress them. Job complains, Ye overwhelm the fatherless, chap. 6.27. But now, GOD will stand on their side, and if any injure them, He will resent and avenge it. Jer. 2.3.— All that devour him, shall offend: — saith the LORD. GOD hath forbidden us to afflict any Widow, or fatherless Child whatsoever, Exod. 22.22. And assureth us that if they cry to Him under such affliction, He will hear their cry, v. 23. How much rather will He hear when His Covenant-Children cry to Him under such oppression, and fulfil the threatening which follows: v. 24. My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. GOD is their Judge, and He will do them right. Psal. 10.18. To judge the fatherless, and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress. It is one of His Titles as it were, whereby He makes Himself known to us, Psal. 146.9. The Lord relieveth the fatherless and widow. When they may be most destitute of human aid, then will GOD be nigh to them, and encompass them with His favor as with a shield. Now they may sing as Psal. 121.5. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. v. 7. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. Yea, they shall not only be defended from evil; but be well provided for and supplied with that good which GOD shall see most needful & suitable for them: their heavenly Father, who knoweth that they have need of these things, will give them bread to eat, and raiment to put on, until they are brought to His House which is eternal in the Heavens. David says, Psal. 37.25. I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He had not, it may be, observed the pious Children of godly Parents brought to begging; and though' it is not uncommon now for GOD's Children to be poor in this World, yet they are not forsaken when brought thus low; no, GOD hath often given remarkable instances of His fatherly care of such as have had scarce any visible means of support. He that hears the Ravens when they cry, and feeds them, will not suffer His Covenant People to want the good things of this life which are proper for them; when they pray, as directed by their Lord & Savior, Give us this day our daily bread. How strongly doth the Apostle argue, Rom. 8.32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Let the bereaved be left in ever such poor and distressed circumstances, GOD's promise must be fulfilled, Psal. 84.11. The LORD God is a fun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
4. GOD will take them up, and Comfort them under such a Bereavement. Pious Parents are dear to such Children, and their loss in them is in a manner irreparable as to the Creature: who will, who can do for us as our Fathers that begat us, and our Mothers that bear us? GOD hath implanted in them a strong and almost invincible affection towards the Offspring of their bodies, themselves multiplied; so that they scarce think anything too much to do or suffer for them: And their removal by death is often attended with peculiar difficulties. Agreably, we have that expression of distressing sorrow, Psal. 35.14. I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his Mother. But when they are in this mournful state, desolate & forsaken, GOD will visit them, and speak comfortably to them; He will sit as One that comforteth the Mourners. Our Lord JESUS CHRIST who knows how to speak a word in season to them that are weary, and hath been anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows, will give unto these mourners in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning There are many good words spoken to His People in the Scriptures, by which He revives the spirits of these mourners, when He pleaseth. Psal. 68.5. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Joh. 11.25. — I am the resurrection, and the life. Matt. 9.2. — Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. Joh. 14.27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 1 Thes. 4.13, 14. Heb. 13.5. I will never leave thee —. And by His good Spirit, the Comforter, He makes His word a word of life and comfort to their Souls.
5. GOD will take them up, and Sanctify such Bereavement to them for saving good. How grievous soever the Chastening may be for the present, yet shall it yield to them the peaceable fruit of righteousness. When GOD chastiseth them it is in measure, as a Father His Children. And by such afflictions GOD humbleth and proves them and doth them good for their latter end; so that they have reason to say with him, Psal. 119.71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted —. Their iniquity is purged, their faith and patience are tried and improved, and they grow in the experience of GOD's fatherly care & pity towards them, which must be for their great profit & advantage.
6. GOD will give them the Inheritance of Children, and take them up to dwell with Him forever in Heaven. Rom. 8.17. If children, then heirs; heirs of God, & joint-heirs with Christ. GOD Himself will be their Portion, and fulfill the precious Promises of the New-Covenant to them: Psal. 16.5. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. They have chosen Him as their Portion, and GOD hath given Himself to them as their GOD and Father in CHRIST, & will accordingly bless them with all spiritual Blessings in heavenly things; yea, GOD will bless them indeed, even in the good things of this life, which their earthly Parents leave them; for He gives these things to His chosen People, being mindful of His Covenant; and hence it is that a little which a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Psal. 37.16. In a word, GOD will not leave them, until he hath done that which he hath spoken to them of ; and put them into the full possession of all that good which is contained in the Promises of which they are the Heirs. GOD will be their guide to death, and when they fail here will receive them to the everlasting Habitations which He hath prepared for them in Heaven, where they shall have a perfect deliverance from all evil, and the possession of all good in the full and everlasting enjoyment of GOD the chief good; where they shall meet their godly Parents gone before never to part again, and have every dark Providence cleared up to their abundant satisfaction. Joh. 14.2, 3. In my fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go & prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. As Children, they shall dwell in in the House of the LORD forever, and there will GOD make the sullest manifestations of His fatherly love to them. Agreably, in our Version of the singing Psalms, the words are thus rendered. Yet will JEHOVAH gathering, unto Himself me take. And surely they need no more to complete their happiness: Ever to be with the LORD, is to be eternally blessed.
APPLICATION
USE I. Must our Fathers & Mothers forsake us, see here what an evil & bitter thing sin is, by the fruit of it. It is a root of bitterness bearing wormwood & gall. It kills even them that were most dear to us, and separates the nearest Relations; it puts lover & friend far from us, and our Acquaintance into darkness. It is sin that hath brought misery and death into the World. Rom. 6.23. The wages of sin is death. O let us then turn from all sin as the abominable thing which our souls hate: Let us under such Bereavements, mourn for our 〈◊〉 with that godly sorrow which worketh Repentance, and so fly from them unto JESUS CHRIST, who saves his People from their sins: Blessed are they who thus mourn; for they shall be comforted.
II. Must our Fathers & Mothers forsake us; Then we should prize them and do our Duty towards them while we enjoy them; and humble ourselves under GOD's correcting Hand, when they are taken from us. We are very much obliged to our Parents: In them GOD hath made a wife and gracious provision for our continuance & comfort in the World; Indeed earthly Fathers are but the fathers of our flesh, which is also GOD's Creature; GOD is the Father of Spirits, He forms the Spirit of Man within him; however, they are instruments in GOD's hand, of our being and well being here. What creature so helpless as Man in his Infant state? In answer to which, we have the tender love & care of our Parents: Thus did GOD make us to hope when we were upon our Mother's breasts, who must have perished if left to ourselves. Many and great are the benefits which we receive from our Parents, especially from pious Parents both relating to this and a better life, in our comfortable Subsistance, early Dedication to GOD, Education, &c. Certainly then, we should highly esteem and dearly love them; we should honor and obey them in the LORD, as the fifth Commandment requireth, which is the first Commandment "with a special Promise of life and prosperity" annexed to it. Eph. 6. 〈◊〉 Honor thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long on the earth. And if they live to stand in need of our help thro' the infirmities of age, or upon other accounts, We should show piety at home, and requite our Parents: for that is good and acceptable before God, 1 Tim. 5.4. And when GOD removes them from us by death, we should see His hand stretched out against us, and humble ourselves under it; we should neither despise the Chastisement of the LORD, nor yet saint when rebuked of Him; but be in subjection to the Father of Spirits that we may live, and enjoy His presence with us when our earthly Parents forsake us. And therefore, as it hath pleased GOD to take my aged and honored Father from my head, whose memory will ever be precious to me; I beseech you, Brethren, that ye strive together with me in your Prayers to GOD for me; that I may be enabled so to attend these Duties, as to give glory to GOD, and to be an Ensample to the Flock. I acknowledge myself unworthy of the honor & privilege I enjoyed in such a Parent, and would abase myself before the LORD, that I made no better improvement of my advantages, especially on spiritual accounts: And while I cry after him, my Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof I would earnestly seek to GOD our heavenly Father, that the Spirit which was on him may be given unto me, that I may exalt 〈◊〉 Father's GOD, and follow His Servant as he followed JESUS CHRIST. May the LORD be the GOD and Judge of the Widow; may He take up the Fatherless into the Arms of His everlasting Mercy, and bless them with the Blessings of His well ordered & sure Covenant: And may we all be followers of them who thro' faith and patience inherit the promises.
III. We should be above all things concerned to make sure of this, that the everlasting Father is our GOD and Father in CHRIST JESUS. Our earthly Parents are mortal, and must be taken from us by death; but GOD is the same and His years fail not; He lives forever the Hope of His Israel and the savior thereof in all times of trouble: Let us then return to Him from whom we have departed by the Apostasy, confessing we have sinned in His Sight, and are unworthy to be called His Children; let us cry to Him to extend His fatherly pity and mercy to us in and by His beloved Son, whom in the fullness of time He sent forth made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the Adoption of Sons, Gal. 4.4, 5. Let us by His Grace heartily consent to receive JESUS CHRIST according to the New Covenent, then His Father will be our Father, and His GOD our GOD Let us ask of GOD His Holy Spirit, that being born again, not of corruptible Seed, but of incorruptible by the word of GOD which liveth and abideth forever, we may bear His Image, and bring forth that fruit whereby our heavenly Father shall be glorified. Let us reverence and honor, obey and submit to Him in all things, and be followers of Him as dear Children: Then we may rejoice in Him under all sorrowful Bereavements, and say, The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock. We may comfort ourselves with these words, and be assured that what ever is taken from us, GOD Himself who is all in all, will never forsake us. He will come unto us, and make His abode with us while in this World, and when we shall be here no more, will receive us to His House which is eternal in the Heavens, where we shall be forever comforted in His Presence, in whose Presence is fullness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures forever more.
IV. I would close the subject with a word of Exhortation, directed to Parents and Children.
I. To Parents, in a few particulars.
1. Be Exhorted, Early to Pray for your Children, and in this way commend them to be Care & Blessing of the Everlasting Father.
It is one great Privilege which belongs to the Relation of Parents in Covenant with GOD, bless their Children in the Name of the LORD, by asking His Blessing for them. And surely the consideration of your Mortality should quicken you to begin this Duty so soon as you know they begin to live, and to continue instant in it with all perseverance; for when you are removed, you will not be acquainted with their condition as now you are, and if faithful, will be taken up from them to Praise GOD in His Temple above. Now then, lay up a stock of Prayers for them which may come down in Blessings upon them, even after your decease. You have been instrumental of conveying sin and death to them. Psal. 51.5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my Mother conceive me. O cry to GOD then that they may experience the power of the New Birth, and that being cleansed from their sins by the Blood and Spirit of CHRIST, they may live to GOD here, and be prepared to follow you to Heaven, Thus David prayed for Solomon, 1 Chron. 29.19. Give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart to keep thy commandments —. Seeing you know not the day of your death, how soon and suddenly it may come upon you; attend this Duty daily, in secret, and in your families; yea, take them with you sometimes in your Retirements, and let them see your concern for them in your servant Prayers to GOD on their behalf. Thus to attend your duty will be one likely way of enjoying them as Blessings of GOD to you while you live; and in this way, you may with the more comfortable assurance commit them to the care of the ever-living GOD, when you leave them at death.
2. Give them up to GOD in Baptism, and thus do your endeavor to bring them under the wing and blessing of the everlasting Covenant established with GOD's People, and their Seed in CHRIST JESUS.
As Children are virtually in their Parents before they are begotten and born into the World, so it hath pleased GOD to include Parents together with their Children in the Covenant. Thus it was under the first Covenant, the Covenant of Works made with Adam, "not for himself only, but for his Posterity". And thus it is under the New Covenant, the Covenant of Grace. GOD promised Abraham, Gen. 17.7. I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations for an everlasting covenant; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Which blessing is come on the believing Gentiles thro' JESUS CHRIST, Gal. 3.14. Let Parents then under the realizing view of the frailty of this life, make hast to lay hold of GOD's Covenant, and to give up themselves and their Seed to Him as their GOD, and that with their whole hearts; that whatever changes pass over your Houses, you may rejoice with David, 2 Sam. 23.5. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me in everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. In this way, devote them to GOD, that He may own them as His Children, and take them up when you forsake them: In this way, bring them to CHRIST for His blessing, who said, Suffer little Children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven, Mat. 19.14. In this way, seek to GOD that they may be Saved by the washing of Regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, we cannot say that all who are visibly in Covenant obtain the invisible Grace and saving Blessings of the Covenant: For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel, Rom. 9.6. Sad experience teacheth us that not a few have with profane Esau despised the Birth-right. However, this is one of the means of Grace which that GOD hath appointed who alone can command the Blessing; and the consideration of the uncertainty of our own lives as well as the lives of our Children, should make us speedy and very serious in this Covenant transaction with GOD on their behalf, that we may in faith plead the Promises of GOD's Covenant for them, when we are about to be taken from them.
3. Teach them the Will of GOD, and call upon them to Choose that good Part which cannot be taken away.
All flesh is as grass,— but the word of the LORD endureth forever . O do your utmost then that they may know the Scriptures from their childhood, and have the laws of GOD written upon their hearts. Labor to instill the principles of Religion into them, and teach them early how they must fear and serve the LORD, while you look to GOD to fulfill His promise: Isai. 54.13. All thy children shall be taught of the LORD —. Shew them their sin and misery by the Fall, and the only remedy provided in JESUS CHRIST, the only Name given among Men whereby we can be saved. Call upon them to know the GOD of their Fathers, and to choose Him as their GOD. Urge them to make sure of an Interest in CHRIST, and the Blessings of the Covenant; to Repent of their Sins, and make haste to keep GOD's Commandments; that He may never leave them, and that in Him the unchangeable GOD, they may have an unfailing Friend and everlasting Portion. You know not how soon you may be silent in the Grave: O do not delay then to speak to them about the concerns of their Souls, and to teach them the good knowledge of the LORD, that they may be wise for Eternity & to Salvation!
4. Go before them, while GOD continueth you with them, in an holy Exemplary Conversation.
Walk before GOD within your house with a perfect heart, and before them, in a perfect way; for it is natural and common for Children to imitate their Parents. It is true, they stand in need of supernatural Grace, to enable them to follow your pious Examples; however, the duty is your's, and you must discharge it, looking to GOD to turn their feet to His Testimonies. Be exhorted then to set the great and weighty matters of GOD's law before your Children, not only in verbal Instructions, but in a living Pattern; that they may be encouraged to follow your faith, considering the end of your conversation. It may be you have but a little time to be with them, O endeavor then to do much, by living much to the honor of GOD, the little time that remains! Take heed you do not lay a stumbling-block before them by living in the Omission of Duty, of Family-prayer, of the strict Observation of the Lord's-day, of a devout Attendance on the Lord's Table, &c. Or, in the Commission of Sin, of profaneness, of intemperance, lying, dishonesty in dealing, &c. left they fall after your Example, and GOD visit the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children. O do not walk in that broad way which leads to destruction, left they follow you, and you have a dreadful meeting in Hell; but in that narrow way which leads to life, that you may have a joyful meeting in Heaven.
5. Endeavor to leave your Children with GOD, when you forsake them; and do what you can that they may live in Peace among themselves.
The great work we have to do when we come to die, is to commit our departing Spirits into the Hands of JESUS CHRIST, and so to resign our lives to GOD by Him as a free-will Offering; but this is not all, we should also commit our dear Relatives, and in particular our Children, to the care of the living GOD, when we are leaving them. If you understand that word as an exhortation and promise to GOD's People, it may be fitly applied here, Jer 49.11. Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive, and let thy widows trust in me. Now then commend them to GOD in a solemn manner, and if GOD give you the opportunity, Charge them to keep His Covenant, that they may happily find that GOD is the GOD of His People, and of their Seed in their Generations. And in order to their obtaining the gracious Presence of GOD with them, you should do what you can that they may dwell together in Unity; for thus runs the promise, 2 Cor 13.11. — Live in Peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you. And here it may not be amiss to say, prudently and seasonably settle your Affairs, that there may be no occasion of unhappy division and alienation upon temporal accounts.
In a word, Whatever your hand finds to do for the welfare of your Children, do it with your might; for there is no work nor knowledge in the Grave whither you are going. If there be any Commands or Charges needful for you to give, and them to receive, delay them not, left you be prevented by Death. If you are middle Aged, you may not presume you have time enough before you; for not a few die in their full strength: And if GOD hath spared you to old Age, you had need make haste to attend your duty in these & other respects, that when Death comes, you may take leave of your Children with a comfortable hope that GOD will take them up and bless them, as He did Isaac after his Father's death, Gen. 25. 11. And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and that you shall have a Seed to serve GOD on earth, when you are called up to Praise Him in Heaven.
II. Let the Exhortation be directed, to Children.
1. Be thankful to GOD if He continueth your Parents to you after you are grown up.
It is the sorrowful case of many, that their Parents forsake them while very young: If it be otherwise with you, humbly bless GOD, and consider how you may best show your grateful sense of such a benefit, and improve it to the honor of GOD, and your own advantage. And remember, you are in an especial. manner obliged thus to express your thankfulness, if your Parents have not only some external resemblance of GOD upon them, who is the Father of all, in the authority this Relation gives them over you; but also his moral Image in them, which is created in righteousness and true holiness: The presence of such Parents who have GOD graciously present with them, is a great savor indeed. Happy, thrice happy the Children! who are thus favor'd of the LORD, know their Privilege, and wisely improve it.
2. Do your utmost that you may be Blessings and Comforts to them, while they live.
Altho' you are grown to years capable of choosing & acting for yourselves, and removed into distinct Families, yet your obligation to honor your Fathers and Mothers abides with the Relation; though' indeed the authority of Parents and obedience of Children are to be exercised after a different manner: Do you then express your filial duty in a manner becoming your riper Age, and labor to be helpful to your Parents, even when you are removed from under their immediate care. Now endeavor to be under GOD their Staff, when they decline thro' age; and do what you can to sweeten and brighten the evil days which are come upon them, by your good carriage. O despise them not when they are old; but succor them under their infirmities, and let them now have some good fruit of their unwearied care and pains with you. Heavenly Father! forgive our sinful defects for Thy Son's sake, with whose perfect Obedience Thou wast ever well pleased.
3. When your Parents forsake you, Look to GOD to take you up.
Prepare for such a dark hour by taking care to give up yourselves to the living GOD, as your GOD and Father, by receiving all the good you can from your Parents, and doing all the good you can to them, while you are continued to each other. Live under the realizing view of their and your own Mortality. Let their commands, and especially their dying charges have great weight with you. And when they are taken from you, go to GOD in the Name of CHRIST, and depend on Him for all that light and grace, direction and help which you need. Thus you shall find Him the Father of Mercies to you; He will take you up, and make up your loss in Himself, and in His CHRTST.
To fill up this vacant Page, the following HYMNS are added from the excellent Mr. WATTS.