n' 
 
 fnmml ^ttmmi 
 
The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104035906 
 
Jfttneral ^txmtm* 
 
 II CORINTHIANS I. 12. 
 
 FPIV OUR REJOICING JS THIS, THp TESTIMONY OF OUR, 
 CONSCIENCE, THAT IN SIMPLICITY AND GODLY SINCERITY, 
 JfOT WITH FLESHLY WISDOM, BUT BY THE GRACE OF 
 GQD WE HAVE HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN THE WORLD, 
 AND MQRE ABUNDANTLY TO YQU-WARDS. 
 
 X HESE words are part of an excellent epiflle 
 of Saint Paul, wrote to the Corinthians after his pre- 
 fervation from great dangers, to which he had been 
 expofed in Afia. 
 
 WHAT kind of trouble it was, with which he 
 had been vi|jted, he does not declare. It gave him 
 
 reafoH 
 
( 6 ) 
 
 reafon however to fuppofe, an end would foon be put 
 to his life, and that he muft go down to the grave. 
 " We were preiTed out of jjieafure, above ftrength, 
 infomuch that we defpaired even of life. We had 
 the fentence of death in ourfelves." 
 
 BUT the Apoftle was delivored out o£ his ^n- 
 ger, he cfiraped the dcalii that was threatened hnn:; 
 and this deliverance he afcribes to his Maker. 
 ** Who delivered us from fo great a death and doth 
 deliver ; In whom we truft he will yet deliver us : Ye 
 alfo helping together by prayer for us, that for the 
 ^ft beftowed upon us by the means of many per- 
 fons ; thanks may he given by many on our behalf." 
 
 THEN comes in the text. And it fecms to be 
 defigned, as a recommendation of himfelf and his 
 brethren ta their prayers : It appears as an argument 
 to prevail upon them to help the minifters of Chrift 
 in their important work, by feeking the. divine mercy 
 and grace for them. " For our rejoicing is this, the 
 teftimony of our confcience," Sec. As if he had 
 (aid — " We alk your prayers for us, not to carry on 
 a fly crafty fchemc, but that we might fulfil our 
 
 miniftry 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 miniftry with ttpri^tnels. We^ you to interceed 
 for thofe, who are ctofcious of their integrity in 
 their pafl eonduft to yovj, and who feel the fatisfae- 
 tion thence arifing, in the adverfe hour, and even 
 in the view of death." . 
 
 WE ar6 led in our difcouifing upon the words 
 to confider — the wi'tnefs mentioned— '{he 'te'ftimony 
 it gave— and the refult of this teftimony. 
 
 I. As to the witnefsmeritioned, it is confcicncCi 
 " Our rejoicing is this, the teftimony of our confci- 
 
 ence." 
 
 THE wifdom and goodnfefe of God are raanifef- 
 ted in the creation of man. He has implanted with- 
 in him certain powersand faculties which are to guide 
 and direct him. Man is endowed with a capacity of 
 reflecling upon himfelf in his various circumftances, 
 of comparing-bimfelf with fonie rul€,and thence learn- 
 ing his true and' real charafter. Now the feiiti- 
 ments thus formed, are a witnefs for or againft him. 
 Confcience has therefore been defined, " the declara- 
 tjon of our mind concerning ourfelves." And thus 
 
 the 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 the fcriptures reprefent it.* " The Gentiles whifelt 
 have noc the law, do by nature the things contained 
 in the law, theft, having not the law, are a law unto 
 themfelycs j which fticw the work of the law written 
 in their hearts, their confciencc alfo bearing witnefs, 
 and their thoughts (or reafonings within themfelves) 
 accufing or elfe excufing one another."-)- " The fpi* 
 rit itfcif bearcth witnefs with our fpirit." 
 
 BY reafon and revelation, we are taught the be* 
 log and perfefHons of God. Rewards and punilh* 
 ments are connefted with a fenfe of right and wrong 
 in ourfelves. Confcience therefore muft bear refer- 
 ence to the judgment of God — to his approbation and 
 bleffing J or to his relentment and the unhappy con- 
 fequencesofit. When therefore it teftifies of our 
 charafter, it muft aUo teftify of our ftate. And 
 hence we find, not only fhame attends its teftimony 
 againft us, but fear : Not only comfort and fatisfac- 
 tion accompany it's witnefs in our favor, but alfo hope. 
 Which muft be an undoubted evidence, that it does 
 extend further, than merely to the character of men, 
 It's fitnefs or not ; but alfo to the fruits and confe- 
 quences 
 
 • Rom. ii, 4 , Ij. \ Rom. viii. i6. 
 
( 9 1 
 
 quences oi" this charafter. This is, in a few words, 
 what we may unde'rftand by cbnfcience, or the witnefj 
 hrrc rnehtiohed. 
 
 il. WE are In the next place to obferve the 
 teflimony it gave. " In fimplicity and godly finceri- 
 ty, not with fleftily wifdom," &c. Two things may be 
 here noticed by us — that confcience witneffed to the 
 courfe of the Apoftle's condu(9: — and then to the 
 manner of his converfation — the temper which at- 
 tended it — the principle from whence it flowed. 
 
 I. CONSCIENCE witneffed to the courfe of the 
 Apoftle's condiift. " We have had our converfation 
 in the world." 
 
 ACTIONS muft be an important article about 
 which confcience is converfant, Anci it will teftify to 
 the good or iljoffingle adibns. But then a confcience 
 that is rightly inrurmed, will never witnels to the good- 
 nefs or badnefs of a man's ch^jraSer and the reward 
 or puiiidiment cohfequerit thereupon, fo far as cither 
 depend upon actions ; merely frorii a firigle a£l. A 
 fingle ad can never denominate a man good or bad, 
 B if 
 
(' ^o ) 
 if bis condu(fl ia general be quite the contrary. It 
 is a man's habitual behaviour which charafVerizes him 
 virtuous or vicious. An enlightened confcience there- 
 fore, which always fpeaks truth, can never witnefs that 
 his charader is good or bad in any particular branch 
 of conduct, by one or by few a<f^s, which are not con- 
 fonant to the general pradlice. And as confcience 
 when properly regulated will not witnefs to any per- 
 fon's charafter or eftate by fingle actions, but only 
 thofe which are habitual ; fo neither will it witnefs in 
 behalf of any man, merely on account of the fleady 
 habitual pradtice of one virtue. In regard to vice it 
 is undoubtedly different. Confcience will teftify a- 
 gainfl men for one fin indulged, as well as againft ma- 
 ny tranfgreffions. For the allowed pradice of one 
 iniquity, fully evinces that there is a firm and fettled 
 violation of the di(flates.of reafon and the Jaws of God. 
 But in religion — to proyc that it is genuixic and what 
 God will accept ; it muft be . uniform, confiftent and 
 univerfal. Without this, no regard, is paid to the 
 voice of God. as written, upon our own hearts, or as 
 revealed in his word. Fpr-there, no t!iftindtion is 
 made.. One virtue is as much inculcated and as bind- 
 ing as the other. They who continue in one kind 
 
 of 
 
( 'I ) 
 
 of fin ; and they who perform but one part of duty, 
 are in reality equally negligent of God and difobedient 
 to him. 
 
 PERFECTION is not to be expefted of any.* 
 *' If we fay we have no fin, we deceive ourfelves and 
 the truth is not in us." -f " All have finned and 
 come fliort of the glory of God." And becaufe man- 
 kind are finners, becaufe the beft charafters fall from 
 virtue, a remedy is provided. The Son of God has 
 undertaken -for the rebellious. He came into our 
 world — ftiffered and died. Through him it is, all 
 muft be received to fevor. But then, in order to 
 reap the benefit of his interpofition, wc mufl; pofifefe a 
 particular character. And although we cannot render 
 an unfinning obedience, yet our hearts may be right 
 with God, and we unblameable in the general courfc 
 of our lives. This we muft fuppofe, God would infift 
 upon in every difpenfation to his creatures j otherwife 
 religion would be but a name. Thole then to whom 
 confcience teftifies, that they have their converfation 
 in the world, are they who are univcrfaljy religious. 
 
 And 
 
 »»^ — . — ■■— . I.. ■.■■■■I.I ■■ ■ « ■— .M*'*!!.- — myp — '■■ JH b il^l.^ I..I .. III . 
 
 * z John i. 8. f Rom. iii. z j. 
 
( I^ ) 
 
 And as confcience thus witnefled to the courfc of tb<; 
 Apoftle's conduft, 
 
 2. SO it aUo witnefled to the manner of his con- 
 verfation — the temper which attended it— the prin- 
 ciple from whence it flowed. 
 
 HE obferves that it was " by, or in the grace of 
 God." It was agreeable to that fyfl:em of divine grace 
 which is in the gofpel j and which hath appeared unto 
 all men, * " teaching us that denying ungodlinefs and 
 worldly lufts, we ftiould live foberly, rightcoufly and 
 godly in the prefent world." This was the rule of 
 his life, and by this, he condudled himfelf in his whole 
 courfe. The grace of God reigned in his foul, it was 
 an operative principle, it led to " all holy converfation 
 and godlinefs/* The holy fpirit dwelt in his heart, 
 and it had an abiding powerful influence over him. 
 It formed him to a truly religious difpofition, by im- 
 prefling upon his mind the truth as it is in Jefus. 
 
 His converfation he alfo declares, was not with 
 " flefhly 
 
 • Titus U. It. 
 
*fj&e(hly ^vifdom." 4 i^culat iptereft yrasnpt hii 
 prevailing motive. His coiwjuft was not that, which 
 t?q4?d to promote the pleafures of the body, or to 
 fccure the great things of this life. He did j^ot pro* 
 ce?d vpon worldly political niaxiins,or purfue low in* 
 tfigucs, or crafty fchenjes, which were inconfifteot 
 with a njpral and cbrlftian cha'rader ; and this, with a 
 view to raife and fet himfelf up at the expence of his 
 brethrep. On the. contrary, his l?eI:javior, he tell^ us 
 was " in fiioplicity and godly iincerity." He was 
 the honeft and upright, the fair and open minlflef. 
 He was really what he appeared ; his heart agreed 
 with his words and adbions. And declarations to this 
 purpofe, he repeatedly makes to the Corinthians in 
 this epiftle. 
 
 * *' FOR we are not as many which corrupt the 
 word of God, but as of fincerity, but as of 
 God, in the fight of God Ipeak we in Chrift." 
 ■f " Therefore feeing we have this miniftry, 
 as we have received mercy we faint not : But have re- 
 nounced the hidden things of difhonefty, not walking 
 in craftinefs, nor handling the word of God deceitful- 
 
 __^ h2__ 
 
 * ii. 17.' + iv. 1. z. 
 
( «4 ) 
 
 fy, but by manifcflation of the truth cotntnending our- 
 felves to every man's confcience in the fight of God." 
 And indeed, it is neceflary to that approving tefli- 
 tnony of confcience which is true, and is tbo 
 (burce of real fatisfaftion, that the nature of aftions, 
 and the inward fprings of thofe aftions fliould be taken 
 into view. For aftions that are materially good can 
 never be denominated religious in the (cripturc fenfe, 
 if they do not arifc from a juft opinion or belief of di- 
 vine truth, hearty affeftion to it, and experience' of 
 its power. On the other hand, no inward affeftions 
 can be truly religious, which do not animate and 
 quicken men to an holy uniform courfe of adtion. 
 Accordingly, when we find the real fubjed of God — 
 the true chriftian defcribedin his word ; it is in this 
 way — principle and adion are included — both are 
 comprehended '^. 
 
 ALL the faithful minifters of Chrilt then will 
 
 (with the apoftle) ever aim to approve themfelves to 
 
 God through the whole of their condud. Their 
 
 great endeavor is to be accepted of him ; and in the 
 
 . method 
 
 » £zek. xxxir. 26, zj. £ptM>. iv. zo--tj. v. i. 
 
( 15 ) 
 
 mcthQ4 which he has appointed, They have refpeifl 
 to the chriftian fcheme, tiw remedy provided in the 
 Gofpel for finners ; heartily embrace the mercy of 
 God through Chrift, and that atonement which 
 opens the way to it : And are juflueAced by his 
 grace to a confiftency of charadler. They are men 
 of integrity. Deceit is their abhorrence. . Plainnels 
 of fpcech their pradice. As they deteft ail mean and 
 fervile compliances with the humors of others, de- 
 claring that, to pleafe which they do not believe ; 
 fo will thpy not ungroundedly traduce the charafters 
 of their fellow-chriftians, or mifreprefent their tenets 
 and practices to promote the defign of a fe<fl or party j 
 or appropriate the diftinguilhingcharafter of chriftian 
 to themlelves. They defire not " to be called Rab- 
 bi, knowing that one is their iVIaffcr, even Chrift, 
 and all his followers are brethren."* Popular ap- 
 plaufe is not their aim, but the commendation of 
 their God. 
 
 IN a word, inftead of looking altogether at repu- 
 tation and the good^opinion of men ; they maintain 
 a principal regard to the unerring judgment of that 
 
 Being 
 
 • Wat. xiif. 8. 
 
( 16 ) 
 
 Being; " who loveth righttournefs; arid wlibie countc.' 
 narice beholdeth the tipright." * Who will at laft 
 openly owri and honor theiti, and caufe them to ftand 
 " before his face forever." 
 
 in. WE are yet t6 c6rifider the rfefutl of this 
 teftimony. " This is our rejoicing." 
 
 THIS witnefs of confcience to an holy cotiverfa- 
 tron, affords ground of comfort and joy. It is the 
 natural fruit of fuch a tfeftitnohy.J •* A good man 
 Qiall be iatisfied from himfelf." There muftbefatif- 
 facuorii where there is a confcioufnefs 6t doing well. 
 •[- " Beloved ((ays Saint John) if our heart condemn 
 us ndt, then have we confidence towards God." The 
 teftlmony 6i confcience is an undoubted prelage 
 of the inheritance to come ; of that which is incorrup- 
 tible and undefiled. For the judgment of God at 
 laft — the fentence to be palfcd upon rrien, will be ac- 
 cord! ng to this tcftimony. Hence we find Saint Paul, 
 when he reflefted that |t " he had fought a good 
 fight; kept the faith and finilhed his courfe i" coijjd 
 lay with the grcateft chearfiiilnefs, " henceforth there 
 is 
 
 f Ptiim xi. ■;, I Prgr. ziv. 14. -f- i. £pb. iii. ai, || ii. lim. iv. 7, 8. 
 
( 17 ) 
 
 is laid up for me a crown of righteoufnefs, which' the 
 Lord the righteous judge Ihall give me at that day." 
 
 AND the delight founded upon this teilimony 
 muft be fuperior to every thing clfe. Nothing in this 
 world can be compared to it. And as the world can- 
 not give, fo it can never take it away. 
 
 IN the prcfent ftate, difficulties are to be expec- 
 ted. * " In the world (fays our Lord t6 his follow- 
 ers) ye (hall have tribulation." The religion of Jefus 
 Chrift does not fcrcen it's profeflbrs from trouble ; its 
 defign is to fupport and ftrengthen them under it. 
 " Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 
 The apoflles and firft chriftians had a large fhare of 
 afflidion. And we will allow, that their circumftan- 
 ces were Angular. But yet, both miniftcrs and chrif- 
 tians in later ages of the church,have not beeri whol- 
 ly ftrangers to forrow. The abandoned part of man- 
 kind, certainly do not look with a favorable eye up- 
 on thofe, whofe condud is a conftant reflexion upon 
 their own. In many cafes therefore, afting agreeably 
 C - to 
 
 • John XVI. 33- 
 
( i8 ) 
 to the didates of confcience, expofes to refcntment 
 and ill uiage. 
 
 BUT unkind treatment hath ibmctiftics arifen 
 to the difciples of Chrift from Ihcir own brethren. In 
 this world we know things but imperfeftly. We have 
 our corruptions and prejudices. We judge differ- 
 ently of men and oiMnions, and cannot readily bear 
 with a difference of fcntiment and judgment. Ourpaf- 
 fionsare apt torife,and we think wemuftgivc them vent; 
 And the man who oppofes the opinions of others, fliall 
 fometimes be feverely treated, however confcientious 
 he may appear to the impartial ; and alfo to be under 
 the habitual influence of virtue and gooSnefs : And 
 however both perhaps, may unite in much greater 
 things> than thofe wherein they difTcr, Hence proceed 
 many Uncomfortable adls, by which,the relij^ion of the 
 meek and companionate Savior is difhonored, and the 
 hearts of his true friends greatly v/ouhded. Now al- 
 though they will not be infehfible to thefe trials, bijt 
 muft beaffedled with them ; yet with the tellimohy 
 of confcience, they may not only " poffefs their fouls 
 in patience," but even glory in the furnace. Thus 
 Job when he was fenfible that " his friends fcorned 
 
 him," 
 
( 19 ) 
 
 him," could fay to his unfpeakable comfort. * " My 
 witnefs is in heaven and my record is on high." And 
 the apoftle before us, when (urrounded with diftrcffis, 
 could break forth in this noble and triumphant kn- 
 guage. -f- " The fpirit itfeK witneffeth with our {pi- 
 rit that we are the children of God ; and if children, 
 then heirs ©f God, and joint-heirs with Ghrift ; if 
 fo be that we fuff^r with him,that we aHb. may be glo- 
 rified together. For I reckon,that the fufferings of this 
 prefent tinie,arenot worthy to be compared, with the 
 glory which (hall b|e revealed in ij|.s." 
 
 ONCE more. This tcftimony, i& a ground gf 
 rejpicipg in the hour of death. 
 
 DEATH is the bt of all' mankind. Good men 
 have the fame feeds of mprtality as the wielded, which 
 fcring up in difeafes and ripen into death. Thoig 
 who are raifed by God to any plage of. ^nxineiice, are 
 flill compofed of the fame frail materials as others. 
 They are liable to the fame animal di{orders,and their 
 very work and bufinels frequently tend to weakea 
 
 them, 
 
 » Job xvi. 19. f Rom. viii. 16, 17, 18. 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 them, bring on decays and hallen their diflblution. 
 . Now when nature is diffolving, and " flefh and heart 
 failing ;" what a fupport mufl the conkioufnels of in- 
 tegrity be ! Such as poffefs it, need not be affrighted 
 at the King of terrors, but meet him with firmnefs 
 and compofure. For " the righteous" fhall affuredly 
 " enter into peace; they fliall reft in their beds, each 
 one walking in his upri;ghtnefs."* 
 
 HOW may thofe then, who can in feme good 
 degree adopt the language of the Apoftle in our text, 
 and who in great mcafure poflefs his charafter ! How 
 may they be congratulated.when they are taken out 
 of this life ; and what confolation muft it afford us 
 when we are called to part with them ! 
 
 AND this I think may with the greateft propri- 
 ety be applied to the venerable fervant of God, whofe 
 remains are now before us. 
 
 I AM fully fenfible,how unfit Iam,andinmyfitua- 
 tion efpecially, to give his charadler at large, and ftiall 
 
 not 
 
 * Ifaiah Ivii. z. 
 
( ^^ ) 
 
 not therefore attempt it. ' But as I have been a nain- 
 ifter in his neighborhood, for more than tweiity eight 
 years, of the fame aflbciation, and had a particular ac- 
 quaintance with him ; I may be forgivenj if I endea- 
 vor to mention a few things, that were the more 
 confpicuous in him. 
 
 THE great Author of all good, was pleafed to 
 afford him ftrong powers of mind,which being impro- 
 ved by a liberal education, he was fuitably qualified 
 for, and enabled to appear with dignity.in the honor- 
 able employment of a minifter of the golpel. 
 
 THIS he did not enter upon,without great (eri- 
 oufnefs, thoughtfulnefs and concern. He had ajuft 
 fenfe of the importance of the office — the difficulties 
 attending it — the fidelity required, and the danger of a 
 negledl of duty : And his mind at times (I have been 
 informcd)was fo opprefled with the weight of the work, 
 that he was ready to abandon all thoughts of the calling. 
 It pleafed God however to remove his fears j and be- 
 ing as we doubt not, under the influence oi disrine 
 
 grace. 
 
C " ) 
 
 grace, he devoted himfelf to the fervicc of his Maker 
 and the care of immortal fouls. And poflefling fuch 
 views, he difeharged the duties of his ftation, with 
 great diligence and fidelity. 
 
 WHEN he addrcflcd the throne of grace, it 
 was with great ferioufnefs and pathos ; as one who 
 had a ftriking fenfe of the duty» how interefting ! 
 how important ! 
 
 IN his preaching, he was remarkably clear and 
 plain. He did not ftudy for ornament, accuracy of 
 diftion, or elegance of ftile ; but it was his chief aim 
 to be underftood by all, and that they might be made 
 better by what he offered. He firft endeavored to 
 enlighten their undcrltandings, and then to warm 
 their hearts. And there was a fervor — an earneft- 
 nefs in his manner ; which led thofe who heard him, 
 to believe, that he felt what he delivered, and com- 
 manded their attention. 
 
 HE did not think himfelf obliged to be confi- 
 ned 
 
aed to any human fyftems, but thought for himfelf. 
 To the word of God he applied. There he imbibed 
 his fentiments. And having adx)pted,what he fuppo-- 
 fed the divine oracle inculcated, however it might dif- 
 fer from the opinions of others, he freely and plainly 
 taught it. He preached not the things of " doubtful 
 difputation," or what would tend to " flrife and con- 
 tention," but the more perfpicuous and momen- 
 tous doftrines and duties of the BIBLE. This 
 perhaps rendered him lefs popular with fome, and in 
 the coUrfe of his mifliftry tXpofed liim to troubles. 
 He neverthelefs. Went oft fleadily and firmly. None 
 of thefe thingSjVery greatly moved him ; his principal 
 concern, being,to preferve the teflimony of his con* 
 fcience, and to obtain the favor of his God. 
 
 In vifiting his people he evidently fhbne. Irt 
 this refped it might be faid, " he had his converfa- 
 tion more abundantly towards them." And they cannot 
 foon forget him in this charader. He rejoiced with then! 
 in their profperity, and fympathized with them in 
 their adverfity. He had a happy talent of conveying 
 
 his 
 
( 24 ) 
 
 his ideas — affording inftniftion — adapttiig himfcJf to 
 their various circumftances ; and coQld make his vi- 
 lits greatly ufeful and profitable. 
 
 IN domeftic life, he was- a kind hufband and 
 an affciStionate father. He was bleffed with a nurac- 
 xous offspring. But in the righteous,though myflerious 
 providence of God, many of his children were taken 
 from him by death, and that, at an age, when they 
 were peculiarly defirable, and much happinefs was ex- 
 pefted from them. * One of them in particular, who 
 WHS devoted to the fenice of the fanfluary, and had 
 been fettled a few years in the miniftry. From whofe 
 abilities and piety, it was hoped and believed, he 
 would have been a great blefllng to his connexions 
 and the world. But the Sovereign Difpofer of all 
 events, faw fit, to cut him down in the prime and vi- 
 gor of life ; and thereby to put an end to all expeda- 
 tions concerning him. His untimely death is this 
 day, and on this occafion, brought frelh to our re- 
 membrance. And we are fenfibly taught by fuch 
 
 dif penfations 
 
 • Rev. Samuel Webfter, jun. He was ordained pallor of the charch in Tem- 
 ple, New-Hamp(hire, Oftober 2, 1771, and died Auguft4, 1777 i in the 341)1 
 year of Us age, and 6th of his miniAry. 
 
( H ) 
 
 ^llpenfations, that " all flelh is as grafs, and all the 
 
 glory of man as the flower of grafs. The grafs wither- 
 
 eth and the flbwet thereof falkth away."* The'e 
 
 were heavy trials ; but our departed friend was ena- ' " " " ' 
 
 bled to exercife patiencd and refignation to tHe divine 
 
 will. And thefe afSiii^ions undoubtedly fitted him, 
 
 to mourn with others m their diftrefles, ahd led him 
 
 both in his conyerfatiofl and preaching, to be fo Very 
 
 attentive and particular as he was ; that ftriking and 
 
 ipecial providences (hould make impreffion, and be 
 
 fuitably improved^ 
 
 INDEED in his whole walk, both as a chriftian 
 ^nd a minifter, he exhibited the beauties of a good {• 
 life. He had his " conveffation as became the grace 
 6f God." He ever appeared tb'aft from the Heft mo- 
 tives. Principle and pradtice Were uhited in him. 
 He condufted not " with flefhly wifdom, but in fim- 
 plicity and godly fincenty" — witH uniformity arid 
 confiftency— not in one aS: only, but in his general 
 courfe. He had his failings^ lione are without them. 
 But perhaps few; in fb long a life, with fo rfiany chan- 
 ges as- he experienced, and various trials he met with, 
 El could 
 
 • I Peter i. 24. 
 
f 26 ) 
 
 \ 
 
 could have conduftcd with more propriety, or appear- 
 ed to greater advantage. 
 
 HIS life was protraded to a great age. He has 
 outlived all his brethren in the miniftry around usj 
 of the fame {landing with him. And now, after " ha- 
 ■\ing fcrved liis generation according to the will of 
 God." After having been a faithftil minifter, and an 
 cxamplary chriftian, " he has fallen afleep, and miift 
 be gathered to his fathers." But blefled be God, he 
 (ball live again. " Chrift is the rcfurreftion and the 
 life." And the " hour is coming, when all, who arc 
 in their graves (hall hear his voice and come forth." 
 And in that important day, when all mankind (hall in 
 their united nature ftand before God, to be approved 
 or rejefted j we doubt not, that this, his fervant, will 
 then be owned and honored by his LOrd and Judge, 
 and have that glorious fentence pronounced upon 
 him. *" Well done thou good and faithful fervant 
 — thou haft been faithful— enter thou into the joy of 
 thy Lord." 
 
 MAY this confidcration then, have a fuitabie 
 inftaence- 
 
 • Matth. ixT. 21. 
 
( ^7 ), 
 
 influence upon us all ■, and efpecially, be the fupport 
 _,of thofc who are more immediately interefted in the 
 prefent bereavement. 
 
 MAY this be the confolation of the worthy per- 
 fon, from whom, * " Lover and friend is now remo- 
 ved, and her acquaintance into darkncfs." May (he 
 repair to Him who is able to fuftain her. And in the 
 midft of her heavy thoughts, may his confolations re- 
 frefh her foul. May God be with her in advanced 
 life and under growing infirmities. Prepare her for 
 the important change. Always afford his gracious 
 prefcnce in this 'world, and receive her to dwell in his 
 prefence forever. 
 
 AND may the ALMIGHTY be the God of 
 the children, as we truft he was, the God of their fa- 
 ther i and make them bleffings in their day and gene- 
 ration. The opportunity of further pcrfonal advan- 
 tage from their earthly parent miaft forever ceafe. 
 They can no more go to him for his counfels, ad- 
 monitions and prayers ; but their heavenly^ Father 
 Uves : " In him may they fjnd mercy." May they 
 
 ever 
 
( ^8 ) 
 
 ever be fo^icitous to fecure his friendfhip who hath 
 declared hirafelf " the Father of the fatherlefs," and 
 find him their friend and everlafting portion. 
 
 AND may you my friends of this church and 
 congregation be concerned, to rightly notice, and 
 wilely improve th'S difpenlation of Heaven. M^y 
 you lay to heai t tl^e death of your minifter. You 
 liave had toT Riany years 'f a burning and a fliining 
 light." * Be tl^anktql you '^njoycd him fo long, and 
 for all th? adv^nt^ges you have received. No mor^ 
 fhall you hc?.r his voice, his work is finifhed with 
 men, his miniftry is at an end. t " Remember how 
 you have received ar>d heard, and hold faft and repent." 
 And may you be concerned ir^ this day of viGt^tion, 
 and in your bereaved ftate, to bow before Qod, and 
 wa:t upon him for hialing the breach now piade upon 
 
 you. 
 
 ' The fccond t.h_tv{i inSali'.bury was gathet^id ^ov, 19, ijii, mi qti the 
 s6th following, the Rev. Jofcpb Pjrfons, A. M. wasinftallcd their pallor. Ha 
 died Martb J3th, 1739, in th^ 6gth year of his age and zili oi bis mi^illry. 
 
 Rev. S^3i,c] Webfter, p. D, was i)or|iAuguft 1718. OrJained Auguft ii, 
 J 7+1. Died July iSih, 1796, in the 78th year of his age and 5jth «f his 
 «n''«ft7' JRev.iii^ 
 
( 29 ) 
 
 you. We heartily wifli you the gracious pr^fence apcj 
 
 (direction of the great Head of the church. May the 
 
 Lord be with you, and " life up the light of his 
 
 countenance upon you." Cultivate harmony and 
 
 love. Study the " things which make for peace, 
 
 and wherewith you may edify one another." And 
 
 Uaay you, with " one mind and one mouth glorify 
 
 God."- It is our fervent wifh and prayer, " That the 
 
 Lord, the God of the fpirits of all flefh would fet a 
 
 qian over the congregation, which may go out before 
 
 ^hem, and which may go in before them, and which 
 
 may lead them out, and which may bring thcni in ; 
 
 that the congregation of the. Lord, be rjot as (h^e^ 
 
 which have no fhephfrd,'"^ 
 
 My brethren in. the ruinij^ryj 
 
 « THE fathers where, aj-e. they ? and the pro- 
 phets do tb?y live foi^ ?ver r'X W9 fee they dc not. 
 ^nd we f^nd oqrfelv^s ;;o be hai^enipg pff the ftage; 
 Of what importance is it, w? ^.t^end to the folem^j 
 cay. Let us then endeavor to have our converfation 
 
 * Num, xxvii. lb, i/. t /.cch, (. j, ' 
 
((3? ). 
 AS becomes ^e golpe).of Cbrill. Let us ever aft with, 
 that-f ^w^ s and flmpUcity in our whole courfe, ttod, 
 with khatstendemefs and charity tqwacds.Mch other ; 
 set. axe qeitainly neceflkry^ would we poiTeis thi; cbft-. 
 ra&er qif the niinK^ers of the benevolent Jei|tis> Let 
 us aim to execute with this gr<fateft HddlStix, the im- 
 pOfftint truft committed to lis* *' It is required m 
 {fewat^s that a man be found faithfuL"* Minifter%» 
 are ftewaids of the myfteries of God. .'L^pon «in up- 
 right di&hitige of oui* duty, <$9pe9d& the appila^ufe of 
 the fighie«u$ Judge, at " the d^.of his appearaace 
 and kingdom," and" the award pf heavenly glory. 
 Looking forward to the final acceunt, m^y it quicken 
 us to the greatcft diligence. If we arc fuccefiful, 
 we fhall have many for " our aown of rejoicing" at 
 the coming of oyr Lord. If we are faithful, *' though 
 Ifiael be not gathered," yet we Ihall have the tcfti- 
 OTony of confciencc in our favor, and meet with the 
 plaudit of our Matter. ♦' If we fpend our ftrength 
 for nought, ftJU' our judgment is with the Lord, and 
 our reward with our God," 
 
 FINALLY 
 
 " I Cor. iv. 2. 
 
( 3* ) 
 
 you Will remember (my heaifers) Mt yoti 
 "iftiuft die as wtll as yoiir mi'rtifters. ** Ih'that War ftitre 
 "is Ko difchar^e." * 'Aad'yota 'will be» it inttiind, 
 Qiat would ^'Du be jjrepar^d for death, and happyin 
 ahother ftate j you^lfo, muft hearken to the veiee df 
 -confcieheb^— litten to its diftatesj ian3 coaduft agreea- 
 bly thereto. Be ye then, efhcirtfed, ^to copy after tkt 
 apoftlc Paul, atid may your converfation be lik<e his. 
 This was the method he took, who" we believe to have 
 been under the guidance of inspiration j be not afraid 
 to purfue the fame. Juftification and eternal lite are 
 the free gift of God to men, 6n accouiit ^Pthe ritfcrits 
 of the great Redeemer. , But fd long as holincfs is a 
 necefTary qualification for heaven ; fo long as fan£tifi- 
 cation is the evidence of juflificationj it is impoffible, 
 but that the teflimony of confcience in your favor, 
 mufl depend upon your converfation. May ye then 
 be perfuaded to have it, as the gofpel requires — influ- 
 enced by proper principles — ^without difguife and af- 
 
 fedtation — 
 
 » Eccles. viii. i, 
 
fetation— plain and confiftent. Thus will yc g6 
 throu^ thisfale of tears with calmnefs and ferenity,- 
 Svith-ifelf enjoyment, and the moft glorious prdpefts; 
 Thus, wmle-|th^ hypocrites and wicked, hover upon 
 the borders of eternity, juftly and tearfully expeding 
 divine wrath, yc may be glad and rejoice. Being ful- 
 ly affured that, « THOSE WHO ORDER THEIR 
 CONVERSATION ARIGHT, SHALL SEE 
 THE SALVATION OF GOD." 
 
 PSALM L. 23.