T 'i^M^-f^^''- "/"'■»■'., '"i-Wi'l^"^ \ B^ \ ..•?. Mr. benedict's SERMON, AT THE FUNERAL OF, • DocT. BELLAMY, ^ V J-' .1^;* ;.•.-" vi:'.Ma$(%,. Preparation for Death. ^ i f»y^,^g?r^^^Ar:'^xaaB7n SERMON, DELIVERED AT THE FUNERAL OF THE REVEREND JOSEPH BELLAMY, D.D, OF BETHLEM, MARCH IXth. 1790. ^^^HHHIHDHHBBHi^DHi^flHHiBiHI^^HIHHIHH^^H By NOAH BENEDICT, A.M. PASTOR OF THE CHURCH IN WOODBURY. It ii appointed unto men ence to die. St. Paui.. Therefore be ye alfo ready, Jesus Christ. NEW-HAVEN; PRINTED BY THOMAS AND SAMUEL GREEN, M.DCC.XC. u w A FUNERAL SERMON. Respectable Audience, I RISE to addrefs you upon a mofl folemn occafion. An occafion which forces the convidlion on me, that, as well the fpeaker as the hearer, muft die. It was the defire of the deceafed, while yet alive, that at his funeral, a difcourfe might be delivered adapt- ed to folemnize the mind, and benefit the living -, but not to penegyrize the dead. Your attention is therefore requeued to that pafTage of infpiration, recorded in II TIMOTHY, IV. 6. For I am now ready to be offered^ and the time of my departure is at hand. W^^ HESE are the words of Paul the great apoftle ^ ^ J of the Gentiles, in which he has a fpecial re- ^'^^ ference to himfelf. Though he was educated in the Pharifaic fyftcm of religion, yet, by the aflon- ilhing grace of God towards him, he was powerfully conftrained to renounce that fyftem, and to embrace the religion of the Goipel. Not cnly did Paul be- come 'Ht-^3/(> 4 A FUNERAL SERMON. come friendly at heart to Chriftianity, and zealous for the faith he once deftroyed, but was advanced to the office of an Apoftle, to which he devoted his life, and in which he fpent the refidue of his days. In dif- charging the duties of his office, he endured great per- fecution and hatred. That fcheme of fcntinnents he embraced, preached, and in a mod mafterly manner defended, was oppofite to the general opinion of man- kind, whether Jews or Gentiles, and tended to fap their religion at the root. This gave them great dif- guft, and on this account, they confidered and treat- ed him as their enemy. So that, as he himfelf de- clares, the holy Ghoft witnejj'eth iyi every cily, J^yi^gy iThat bonds and affli£fions abide me. However, in his view, the caufe he efpoufed was fo glorious and im- portant, tending fo much to advance the honor of God, and the eternal welfare of mankind, that none of thofe things moved him, neither counted he his life dear unto himfelf : So that he might finifh his courfe with joy, and the miniftry which he had received of the 3l.ord Jefus, to teftify the gofpel of the grace of God. When he wrote this epiftle, he was a prifoner at Rome for the caufe of Chriftianity ; and foon expedl- ed to fuffer as a martyr for the truth — Hence, as in the pafTage before us, he fays, Now I am ready to be cfferedy and the time of my departure is at hand. In this paflage, two important ideas are difclofed. One in that claufe of the vcrfe. For I am now ready to be offered j the other in this, and the time of my departure is at hand. Some attention to each of thefe two ideas is defign- ed in the following difcourfe. I. I (hall point out in fome particulars, when the time pf perfons death or departure is at hand. IL A FUNERAL SERMON. 5 11. Shew what is implied in readinefs for death. Lafllf, conclude the fubjed with remarks and addref- {es fuited to the prefent mournful occafion. I. I fliall point out, in fome particulars, when the time of perfons death or departure is at hand. I. In a comparative view this is ever true of them while here in the world. No fooner do v/e enter upon the theatre oi life, than death purfues us, and v/hatevermdy be our expeflati-* ons, it is but a little time before it will overtake us, and conclude the lad ftory of our pilgrimage on earth. To a perfon in youthful days, feventy or eighty years appear a lengthy period, and could he be affured of living to that age, it would go far towards equaling his wifhes. But how great is the miftake ! Such it is known to be by thofe who have had the trial. The blooming youth, may dote on old age, and think the man with an hoary head has lived till length of days has made him weary of the world; but meafure- the exiftence of fuch an one with any thing durable, and it is as nothing. In the firft age of the world, the life of man was near a thoufand years; afterwards it was reduced to four or five hundred. In fucceed- ing time, it v/as fliortened to the fpace of betv/een cnc and two hundred years. And now at laft we can reckon only threefcore years and ten. Now compare a life of the laft period with, the firft, and it is fhort indeed. But if we dill further compare it with our future^ eadlefs exiftence, it is but a poinL, it is as nothing. Agreeable to this, it is v/ritten, Man that is horn cf € v^oman is of few days^ and full 'of trouble. For what it n '^/i3/^ 6 A FUNERAL SERMON. is your life ? it is even a vapour that eippeareth for a little timey and then vanifheth a'-jvay. The days of men on the earth, are faidto be as an hand breadth, and their as^e as nothing before God. 2. This is more emphatically the cafe with perfons how few foever their years, months, or days have been, if yet the greater pa:t of them are paft, and there re- mains bu.t a ftcp betwen them and eternity. Obfervation, as well as the book of the fcriptures, teaches, that there is no age fecure from death. Man- kind die in infancy, and youth, and in every other pe- riod of life. No external circumftances whatever, en- fure future continuance on earth. A firm conftitu- tion is no effccliual bar againft the arrows of death. The greateft caution in diet, labour, recreation, and fieep, affords no certainty of fo much as to-morrow. Hence it is written, Boafl not thy/elf of to-morrow \ for thou knowefl not what a day may bring forth, A bow, (hot at a venture, may wing its way with unerring aim, and hit the mark, — an unexpedled arrow from the Almighty's quiver, may do execution. Some fa- tal difeafe, may fuddenly feize them, and bring them down to the grave; or fome accident may happen, to put a period to their life. Men may die by the hand of violence, or more immediately by the hand of God. Innumerable are the avenues of death, and in ways Ijttle thought of by mankind, may they be called to depart out of the world. Perfons of every age, fex, and condition, in an in- finite variety of Drcumltances, give up the ghoft, and reafe to be numbered with the living. However li- zTsited then, the time of their exiftence, in this world, if ?:he ga^^Mfl: part of th^ir days are finiHied, and they on A FUNERAL SERMON. 7 on the borders of eternity, this with propriety may be faid of them, their departue is at hand. 3. This then, is evidently the cafe of thofe who have pad the age of men, and yet are continued among the living. The departure of fuch, is miOft clearly ar hand. With them it is the eleventh hour of the day. They have furvived the morning and meridian of life, and their fun, like that in the wcftern ficy, declining behind the hills, is juft ready to fet. The lad fand in their glafs is running i the curtain of time clofing ; and eternity, immenfe and boundlefs, foon, very foon, to open to their view. They feel the decays of nature^ and may know their diflblution drawcth nigh. But a flep divides between them and the world of fpirits. Their next rem.ove, is into the unfeen flate. The departure of other people may be at hjind, and they not know it. They may fancy they fhall live many )fears, and hope to rejoice in them. all. But a- ged perfons may know, both from their own obferva- tion and the word of God, that their day is over, and the night of death at hand, which will forever feparate them from all tranfitory things. Yet if they can fay with fincerity they are now ready to be offered^ they are happy. Though in one view, they are to be pitied, in ano- ther, their fituation is more to be envied, than that of any other people on this fide heaven. They are to be pitied, confidering the burdens and forrows, the trou- bles and calamities, which attend their declining days: But otherwife their condition is bleffed indeed. They have almoft finifhed a weary pilgrimage on earth ; they have crofTed the rocks iind mountains,r precipices and miry places which attend the jourjiev of 8 A FUNERAL SERMON. of life, and are foon to enter upon the wilhed for refl, which remains for the people of God. The liiiiiation of fuch, is fimilar to that of the mari- ners, who have been a voyage to a diftant country, and arc returning home. Tlie voyage hath beendan- .gerous, the fea boifterous, end their lives eminendy cxpoled. They have been toflfed from billow to bil- low in jeopardy, from hidden flioals and towering waves : But finaliy the much defired port heaves in Tight — they enter the harbour with a propitious gale, and brufii the azure deep. The difbance between them and the fhore continually decreafes ; and nov/ nothing remains but to furl the fails, drop anchor, and leap to tlie fhore of the long, long wifhed for peaceful haven. II. Proceed v/e nov/, to fhew what is implied in readinefs for dcach. And in general it implies the fame, as a readinefs for heaven or the enjoyment of that glorious world. Here I am (enfible, the queftion v/ill arife, wherein confifts a r-eadinefs for heaven ? It is moH: clearly not true, that mankind, as they are in the;iiiclves, are ready to die, by being qualified for heaven. A change muft therefore take place in them, v/hcreby they fpecificaliy difFer from the refl of the v/orld, that thereby they may be ready to die, by being prepared for heaven. I. With refpedto a right and title to heaven. That a perfon may enter, and take pofTefTion of an earthly inheritance, it is neceiTiry he fiiould have a good title, Unlefs his title is good, he has no right to en- ter. A FUNERAL SERMON. 9 ter, and improve as his own. Neither, unlefs perfons have a good title to heaven, are they prepared to die, being as yet difqualified for that world. But how a title to heaven is obtained, is a great queilion. This is our anfwer. I. Not by the merit of perfons own doings, or by their obedience to the perfed law. For, let it be confidered, they are under a law, which requires finlefs pcrfedlion, on pain of eternal death. This law they have broken, and thus failed of that finlefs obedience which it requires ; confe- quently, they have fallen under its awful curfe. If therefore, they have merited any thing, it is hell by iheir difobedience. For them now, to go to the law to get life, and to imagine by their own obedience to its demands, to reverfe the ientence of condemnation, is folly in the extreme. As well may they think to countermand the laws of nature, and flop the fun in its orbit, as to cfcape hell, and attain heaven in this way. This is to join the old Pharifees in principles, and is reprobat- ed by the gofpel of Chrift. Such a fyftem if true, would overfet the whole of chriftianity. For if rights eoujnejs come by the law, then Chrift is dead in vain. Let every fuch legalift hear thofe words of our apofllc, and tremble. For as many as are of the works of the lawy are under the curfe : For it is written^ curfed is every one^ that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the laWy to do them. But, 2. A title to heaven is obtained by faith in the Lord Jefus Chrift. Chrift is the great medium of all friend- ly intercourft between heaven and earth. It is xhro^ B iim 10 A FUNERAL SERMON. him only," that God can extend his mercy to the guil- ty ; and it is through faith in his name, that they may be acquitted from guilt and have a fure title to the heavenly inheritance. He is of infinite confcquence in the grand affair of man's falvation. Set afide his righteoufnefs and atonement, and our cafe would be hopelcfs and defperate. But, glory to God in the higheft, whst the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flelh, God hath fent his own Son, in the likenefs of fmful flefh, and as a facrifice for fin, condemned nn in the flcili : Vaat the righteoufnefs of the law might he fulfill^ ed in us, Chrift hath undertaken the work of our re- demption ; he has come into the world, obeyed the law, and died to make atonement for fin, that God might be juji, and the juflifier of him which believeth in Jefus, Faith in Chrift, is the required condition of an intereft in the atonement, a compliance with the covenant of grace, and fecures a title to heaven. All boafting is excluded, and the crown placed upon the head of the Redeemer. Look through the gofpel, and you will find that faith' in the Mediator, is ever confidered as the grand effential requifite to a title to heaven. It is that exercife of heart, without which, we are condemned, and the wrath of God abides up- on us. Go ye into all the worlds and f reach the gofpel to every creature \ he that believeth and is baptizedy fhall be faved j and he that believeth not fh all be damn- ed. He that believeth is not condemned -, but he thai believeth not is condemned already^ becaufe he hath not believed in . the name of the onty begotten Son of God, therefore being jujiified by faith, we have peace with Gody through our Lord Jefus Chrift, This is a fcheme for finners to obtain falvation, ho- norable to God, and fuited,io their condition. Mer- cy A FUNERAL SERMON. it cy and truth may meet together, righteoufnefs and peace embrace each other ; God may be glorified, the law magaified, ami the finner pardoned and faved. This is a device worthy of a God, and merits the admiration and wonder of the whole intelligent crea- tion. 2. They muft differ from the reft of mankind by having their hearts fiiited to the great good there en- joyed, and fo to rclifh the blifs and happinefs of that world. The felicity of heaven is not merely negative, but it is pofitive ; fuch as is fuited only to perfons of a diftinguifhed, particular, moral chara(5l:er. In heaven, there is not only no evil endured, but a good poflelTed of invaluable worth. This good is of a peculiar na- ture and kind. To fettle the point then, when perfons are prepared to die, by being prepared for heaven, wc muft confi- der the nature of the good there enjoyed, and fo the nature of the happinefs of that world. In this world, men have different taftes, appetites and propenfities ; hence, they fteer their courfes dif- ferently, feeking happinefs in different objects. Rich- es are the idol of many. Worldly honor dazzles the eyes of not a few. Women and wine are in the high- eft eftimation by multitudes. Sqme prefer a tavern to any home, where the juice of the grape and intox- icating liquors are plenty, and all is noife and tumult. Some are delighted widi mufic and dancing, and foaie with chambering and wantonnefs. In various ways men feek for happinefs. But, in heaven, there is nei- ther filver nor gold j no carnal mirrh, or any finful gratifications rx A FUNERAL SERMON^. g;ratifications. That is a world facrcd to virtue, p»* rity and holinefs, God is the good there enjoyed, and froni thence refults its chief felicity. Were the inhabitants of Paradife deprived of enjoying God, their laughter would be turned into mourning, and their joy into heavinefs. Every harp would be un- ftrung, and all the fongs of Zicn ceafe. But know ye, that God is infinitely holy, and there- fore the good there enjoyed is of an holy nature. Hd declares himfelf to be holy. The angeb pronounce him fuch. His moral government bears witnefs to that truth. Tlie law requires holinefs, and the great defign of the gofpel is to recover men to fuch a ftatCy and fo to a conformity to the moral image of God. ^s therefore God is the chief good of heaven, and as he is an holy God, fo to be pr^-pared to die, is to have an holy temiper of heart, prepared to enjoy him, arid to be happy in that enjoyment. Without fuch a difpofition, it Is abfurd to fuppofe that he can be enjoyed as the portion of the foul. For what fellowjhip hath right eoujnefs with unrighteoujnejs ^ what communion hath light with darknejs ? and what concord hath Chrift with Belial ? Deftitute of fuch a temper, it is in the nature of things, impoffible for perfons to find contentment in God. To this end, they mud be conformed to him in holinefs. Accord- ingly, it is reprefented, as being the defiga of Chrift, in coming into the world and laying down hk life to redeem his people from all iniquity, and purify them unto himfelf, a peculiar people zealous of good works^ Analogous to what hath now been faid, 3. That perfons may be ready to die, their minds muft be formed and fuited to the fociety, byfinefe and einployment of the heavenly world. The A FUNERAL SEROTON. ij The beings wiih whom they are to afibciate in that world, are the ekdl angels, and faints made perfe^l in holineis. The nioral chara:6ler of the heavenly inhabit- ants, is one and the fame. They are perfectly joined together in the fame mind, and in the fame judgment. And as their moral chara6ler is the fame, fo it accords^ io that of God himfelf. He is an holy being ; and as they are conformed to him, fo they are holy. To be prepared to die, is to have a mind formed for the fociety of fuch beino;s. And it is alfo to have a taflc fuited to the bufineis and employment of that world. In that blefled region, there is room for the moft vigorous exertion ; every inliabitant hath bufinefs af- figned him, which will demand ail ifis attention, thro' fhe whole of his endlefs exlRence. And fuch will it be, as can only delight the upright in heart. Far dif- ferent will it be from the temporary concerns of the preferit ftate. The products of the earth are the me- dium by which life in the prcfcnt (late is fapportcd ; a?nd to procure them, calls for much attention and eare. But the employ of heaven confifts, and wiU forever, in furveying the works of God, contemplat- ing his perfc6lions, and celebrating his praife. From the enjoyment of him, principally refults the ha-ppinefs of heaven ; hence, the more fully he is enjoyed, the greater will be the felicity. And as the eniovm.ent will be anfvverable to the knowledge of the objefb, the fludy of his perfeftions will engage the min^Ls of its inhabitants ; and while they ftudy and invefiig-atc, they will not forget to praife. God is infinite; ^ therefore, creatures miuft obtain the knowledge of him, hy the manifeftations he makes of hlmfeif, they •vili attend to his works, that they may learn his characler, and increafe their acquaintance v/ith him. The gre^r work of redemption, being that by which he liath ma« 14 A FITNERAL S E R M O K, mfefted himfclf more clearly than in all his other works, xhty will contemplate it with ineffable pleafure, in- creafe their knowledge, and heighten their happinefs. And praifes to God and the Lamb will be lung in flich drains of rapturous joy, as furpafTes all prelenC conceptions ; and a period, as bound lefs as eternity itfc'Uvwill be allowed them in that bkfled fociety and divine employ ment« Thus I have attempted to point out and Ihew, what is implied in preparation for death. Union to Chrifl: by faith, and a holy temper of heart, comprifes the whole. Yet, to what hath been faid, I may add, that to be under circumllances to fay with the Apoflle, / am nczv ready to he offered^ it is requifite that perfons have comfortable and fatisfying evidence of their title to and meetnefs for the world of glory. This is to be attained by living religion, and m.aintaining a eourie of perfevering fidelity to God. To this end, they muil add to faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowlege temperence, to temperence patience, and to patience godlinefs. They muft imitate the exam- ple, not of (lumbering, but of wakeful virgins, having their lamps trimmed and burning, waiting for the coming of the bleffed Bridegroom. They muft live as llrangers and pilgrims on earth \ as men on a jour- ney, travelling to adiftant countr}^, who fit not down by the way, but keep their eye on the end of their journey, and make that the goal at which thjey af- pire. That fo when death arrefts them, may be rea- dy to bid it welcome,and prepared to enter upon the joys of heaven which are fatisfying and everlafting. I fhall now proceed to clofe this Difcourfe, with fome remarks and addreilcs. And, , I. Iknce let it be remarked, that death is the ap- pointed A FUNERAL SERMON, 15 pointed lot of us all: And whether prepared or not, may be nigh at hand. That fentence of God to Adam, Duft thcu €irt^ arj unto dufi JJoalt thou return J applies to all his poflemy. Nothing can give us fecurity of life; no, not for an hour. Are we in childhood, ) outhfui life, or middle age, we know not the day of our death. If we (lat- ter ourfelves, that to-morrow fliall be as this day ; yet, this day, or this night, our fouls may be required of us. 2. Let it be remarked, that as preparation for death, ha^h been fet before you at this time, (b yoii are under advantages to learn whether you are the lub- je6ls of it. And let me afk you, do you entertain hope, that your title to heaven is fure ? If fo, on what ground do you build your hope ? On the works of the lav/, or on Chrift Jefus, the only fure foundation ? If you think on Chrift, why think you fo ? Have you ever been made fenfible of yourlofl perifhing condition in your- felves? Has the law come home on your confciences, fin revived in your view, and you made fc:nfible, you were dead in fin ? Can you call to m.ind the time, when he who commanded the light to fhine out of darknefs, Ihone into your hearts, to give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jefus Chrift ? Have you the fpirit of the gofpel ? Is the law writ- ten in your hearts ? Do you delight in it ? And afrc you pleafed with the gofpel fcheme ? Do you take God's word to be your rule, and attend with perfe- vering fidelity, upon the duties of the firft and fecond table of the law ? Is God the ohjedl of your worfhip, in the clofet, family, and fanduary ? Are the righte- ous t6 A FUNERAL SERMON. ous in your view, the excellent of the earth ? Do yoti make a point of all perfonal and relative duties, livl Jng foberly, rightcouQy, and godly in the world P Are you perfons of meeknefs, and gendenefs, as the ferviints of Chrrfl ? Fcllowing peace with all msn^ and hclinejs.^ withcut which no man jhalljee the Lord, Do you mourn on account of remaining corruption ? And for- getting the things which are behind, do you prefs for- ward toward perfeftion ? Is religion your delight, and tliat which you are after to apprehend that for 'zz'hich ycu are apprehended cf Chrifi ^ If fo, thefe are fymp- toms, that you are heirs of the heavenly inheritance. 3. Hence let it be remarked, that the people of God have reafon to rejoice in the near view of their departure. Death will make an alteration much to their advantage. It will liberate them from all the troubles and calamities of the prefent ilate, and intro- duce them to the uninterrupted enjoyment of the greateil good. Biejfed are the dead, who die in the Lord^ The grave is a quiet refiing place for tfieir bodies, and their fouls are inconceivably happy in the prefence and fruition of their God. Death to the faints, is but to bid farewel to this v/orld, to be with Chrifl, join the fongs, and aid the trium.phs of heaven. Thence forth they are ever before the throne of. God, and ferve him day and night in his temple : And the Lamb in the midft of the throne, feeds them, and leads them unto living fountains of water ; and God wipes away all tears from their eyes. 4. Let it be remarked, that the preparations for death fpoken of in the preceding part of this dif* cpurfe, we may reafonably believcj took plaee i^ that VENERABLE PERSON^ whofc dead) we ax.e called to lament* Hence, A FUNERAL SERMON. 17 Hence, in the near view of his departure, he might with propriety have aflumed the language of our apof- tle, in the verfes following our text ; / have fought a good fight ^ 1 havefinifhedmy courfe^ I have kept the faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of right eouf- nefsy which the Lord^ the righteous Judge fhall give me at that day\ and not to me only hut unto all them, who love his appearing. As a minifter of Chrift Jcfus, and as a Chriilian, he had fought a good fight, done the work, gone through the hard (hips of his fpiritual warfire, and been happily inftrumental of promoting the caufe of the exalted Redeemer. He had kept the faith, bringing forth the fruit of the fpirit in aa holy life, and vindicating the do6trinesofthegofpel, inop- poficion to the corrupt fcntiments of the day in which "he lived. Between the apoMe and him, there was m many Tefpecls, a great fimilarity. Paul profeiTed Chriftia- nit}^, and fo did he. Paul was a minifter of Chrift, and fo was he, Paul fpent his life in the golpel mi- niftry, and fo did he. Befides his dated labours at home, he rode and preached abundantly abroad. la this, as well as by his writings, in defence of the gofpel, to which wc might add, his inftru6ting of candidates for the evan- gelical miniftry, he was a rich blefTing to the church of Chrifl in New-England, and to the Chriftian Church in general. It pleafed God, in the early part of his life, to call him by his grace, and reveal his Son in him, that he "might preach to mankind the unlearchable riches df Chrift. The power of religion which he experienced in his own foul, fwectly conftrained him to devpte his C life iS A FUNERAL SERMON. life to that glorious work. When but young, he ap- plied himfelf with affiduity, to the ftudy of divinity, in which he made fb laudable proficiency, that he foon became qualified for the work, which ever after was the delight of his heart. His tafte for divine things, excited him to fearch with indefatigable induftry after knowledge, that he might become more thoroughly acquainted with the things which appertain to the kingdom of God. Application, aided by eminent na- tural abilities, rendered him one of the mofl able di- vines, and brighteft luminaries, in this our weftern world. . A fuperficial knowledge of things did little fatisfy his great contemplative mind. He fearched for know- ledge, as for fiiver, and took peculiar pleafure in find- ing out not only what was true, but why it was fo. In a variety of refpe(5ls, he fhonc with diftinguifh- ed luflre. Extenfive fcience, eafe of communicating his ideas, rendered him one of the befl inftru6lors. He was not unacquainted with perfons and things, as he perufed every author which came to his hands. This enabled him to converfe with propriety and to edification on almof!; every fubjedt. In councils, lie was much improved ; for with fin- ■gular facility, could he look into cafes of difficulty, and inveftigate ways and means for ajuft and amicable fettlemenr. His benevolent feelings, were not confined to a nar- row circle, but were as extenfive as the globe. Sion lay near his heart, her ruins he lan^ented, and her prof- perity, filled him with exceeding joy. Oh, what marks ,of anguifh have I feen in him, v/hcn furveying the ftatc of A FUNERAL SERMON. 19 of the world lying in wickednefs — God dilTionored, his law contemned, his grace defpifed, and mankind in- volving themfelves in irretrievable ruin. Thefe re- flexions almoft overwhelmed his pio-js foul, and de- ftroyed his comfort. He had but one refuge, which was God. His providence he believed to be univer- fal, and that good would refult from all the evil which took place, by the agency of him, who made all things for himfclf, and is engaged to fecure his own glory. His acquaintance, as well with the political as mo- ral ftate of the world, was general, and efpecially of his native country ; and like the men of IfTachar, un- derftood the times, to know what Ifrael ought to do. However, divinity was his favorite fludy, and gained his chief attention. As a preacher, he had perhaps no fuperior, and ve- ry few equals. His voice was manly, his manner engaging. Even thofe who were unfriendly to his re- ligious fentiments, were pleafed to hear him preach. His voice was mufic to their earsi his method invit- ing. In the defk, he appeared to underftand human nature to perfedion, and knew how toaddrefs him- felf to his auditory, fo as feldom failed of gaining uni- verfal attention. He was mafter of his fubjedl when he fpake, and had a fingular faculty of adapting him- felf to the meanefl capacity. As his field was bound- lefs, he gave fcope to his penetrating genius, and fa- vored his hearers with a rich v..riety. No fubjedt ef- caped his notice, or that was not at proper times, held up to the view of his people. By this means, their advantages were great to make fwift progrefs in know- ledge, and become a people of much underftanding. Yet, the more important things of religion were chief- ly dwelt upon by him in his public performances. His pri^ 2a A FUNERAL SERMON. primary aim, was to promote the glory of God, an(> the good of immortal fouls. You well know, that his ta- lent was furprifing at painting divine truth, in the mod lively colours, and making invifible things appear near and real. The pafTions of his auditory were at his command, and he well knew how to inftrudk the undcrftanding, and touch the heart. When the law was his theme, Ivlount-Sinai was all in a finoke; the thunder and the lightning iffued from his lips, and all was folemn as the grave. On the contrary, in the moft melting ftrains, would he de- fcribe the fufFerings of Chrift, his matchlefs love for finners, and in perfuafive eloquence, invite them to bo reconciled to God. With what amazing terror, would he reprefent the torments of the damned! And in what lively pi6tures, lay open the glories of heaven, and paint the joys of the paradife of God ! He Was truly a workman, who needed not to be afhamed. But after all, it was the will of heaven, that he ihould fhare the common lot of mankind, and ceafe to be afojourneron earth. Death, inexorable death, hath ended his long and ufeful life ; it hath removed him far away from all tranfitory things. In his laft illnefs, when he moft poflefled himfelf, he appeared to enjoy great ferenity of mind, and to look forward with pleafing, nay^ almoft impatient ex- pedlation, of the glory that fhould be revealed. His mind was much engaged in the contemplation of the perfeftions and government of God, and of the ilTue to which things would be brought, under the dire6li- on of the wife Governor of the World. He was fa- tisfied as to the truth of the religion he had profcffed, ^nd derived great comfort from the evidence he had of A FUNERAL SERMON. 21 of his experimental acquaintance therewith. He an- ticipated the joys of heaven — he longed to be then-. The manner of his dying, was not fuch, as had it been left to his choice, would have been mod agreeable to him, having repeatedly faid, he could wifh to drop dead in his pulpit, at the clofe of public exercife. But it was not the pleafure of God to gratify him herein. He was continued upon the threlhold of eternity for more than three years. Though it was contrary to his expedation, to be thus long fufpended between the earth and heaven, he acquiefced in the wifdom of Providence. The welcome mefienger hath at length arrived, put a period to his troubles, and crowned his willies. Behold, there lies the remains of that eminent fervant of God, wrapped in a winding-fheet, and drefTed for the grave ! Mourn ye inhahitants of Bethlem, let the town of Woodbury, join in the lamentation. Let the neighbouring hills echo the found, and the waves of the fea roll the tide of grief to diftant regions. Lee the church of God in every realm, take a fympathetic part, and bewail her lofs. O Zion, one of thy (Irong pillars is removed, one of thy gapmen is no more. But not to purfue thefe reflexions, I fhall proceed to fome addrelTes, and fo clofe the fubje<5l:. And, I. This folemn occadon dictates the propriety of faying a few words to her whom God hath bereaved of the neareft friend in life. Much reJpeSted MadatUy Divine Providence hath realised to you, the truth of man's mortality, by removing your afFed:ionate huf- band from your embraces. This is not the firft, nor the fecond time in which lover and friend^ have been removed 22 A FUNERAL SERMON. removed far from you, and your acquaintance into darknefs.* We defirc to fympathize with you in your affli(5lion, and to bear a part with you, in your for- row. In the death of the deceafed, you have loft: a companionate hufband, a faithful friend, an able guide, whom, had heaven feen fit to fparc, and fparc in health, might have been a rich blefTing to you. His tender regard for you^ was confpicuous, and ta render you happy was an obje6l of his attention and care. The footfleps of divine providence, in his re- moval, feem fomewhat myfterious. Why is it, that he fhould become helplefs, fo foon after you had form- ed thofe conne6tions, which by his death, are diflblv- cd ? Why, when you had fo newly began in ma- trimonial endearments, to tafte the fweets of domeftic happinefs; and when you had a profpe6l of living fome years in a family ftate, muft he be feized with that fatal difeafe which put a period to his life ? God's way is fometimcs in the fea, his path in the mighty waters, and his defigns unfathomable. Yet, from the perfeflions of his nature, we are bound to believe, that juftice and judgment are the habitation his throne. It muft afford you fenfible fatisfadion, that you dif- charged the duties of your relation to him, with fidelity J as you have negledled nothing, to lengthen put a life fo valuable and dear. But his day was come to fall; the unchanged decree of heaven muft bring forth. His death is the refult of unerring wifdom, and perfed moral reditude. Therefore, inftead of find- ing fault with God's adminiftrations, hufh every rifing murmur, quietly acquiefce. Eye with attention, the hand which fmites you j patiently fubmit to the rod by which you v/ere chaftizcd. Then fhall meat come out • She had before loft two hufbands, the R.»v. Mr. Lca-yltt, «f Somers, ihA the Rev. Mr. Storrs, ef NQrthburj-, A FUNERAL SERMON. 23 •out of the cater, and fweetnefsoutof the ftrong— your afHiclions fhall be your blelTings. We wifh you the light of God*s countenance, the fupport of his graci- ous fpirit. He is able to comfort you in all your tri- bulations. He can adminifter abundant confolation. You have loft but a ftream, God is a fountain. In him all fullnefs dwells. To him we invite you to look, and under the fhadow of his wings, to feek refuge. May this affli<5live providence, befandcifiedtoyou; may it be the happy means of preparing you to follow your departed confort into the world of fpirits ; that you may be happy with him, in the enjoyment of God for- ever. This, dear Madam, is our ardent wifh, and with this, we muft clofe our addrefs to you. 2. The children of the dcceafed, next claim pur at- tention. Jffll5led Friends y Confidering the heavy lofs you fuftain, and the keen fenfibllity it muft occafion, I feel myfelf at a lofs, in what language to addrefs you. The near relation which fubfifted between the dcceafed and you, toge- ther with the paternal tendernefs he exercifed toward you, muft necefTarily caufe his death, to be greatly la- mented. By his removal, you have experienced the lofs of a father, nay, m.ore than a father, a kind parent and a faithful minifter. Should I dwell upon the dark fide of this difpenfation, it would but open thefprings of grief, it would but enlarge the tide of forrow. I wifti not to give you pain, but rather adminifter com- fort, to your Ibrrowful hearts. Though your dear pa- rent is gone, never more to be an inhabitant of this our world, you have this fource of confolation, that his death is his eternal gain. He has exchanged worlds ^5f4 A FUNERAL SERMON. worlds infinitely to his advantage. Methinks there was a croud of angels, who furrounded his dying bed, comnniflioned from the court above, to take the charge t)f his departing fpirit, and fee it fafely lodged in the embraces of his Redeemer. Charity forbids us to place him, but in the bofom of Abraham, furround- ed with kindred fpirits, folacing himfelf at the foun- tain head of delight, and drinking full draughts of the rivers of pleafure, which flow at God's right hand. He died but to live, and to live in a more happifying and exalted manner, than when here on the earth. You have no reafon to lambent his death, as a lofs to him- felf; for, while for him to live, was Chriil, fo, for him to die, was gain. The calamity is yours, and great indeed is it, in every view. While you feel the pain, forget not the hand which caufed it ; but remember that fubmillion is your duty. Let God be your refuge, and his name your ftrong tower. In this dx^y of adverfity, repair to ■him for proted:ion. Let it be your chief care, to have a fandlified improvement of this providence. Then may you fay, it is good for you that you have been afflidled. You will never more be bieffed with the private councils or p.ublic inftrudlions of your fa- ther. Remember the pafl ; lee them enter into your hearts, copy them in your lives, and you will be wile for yourfelves. We commend you to God, who is able to fandlify this difpenfation, and over-rule it to your everlafting good. 3. Let me in the next place, addrefs myfelf to the bereaved church of Cirift, and congregation in this place. Men^ A FUNERAL SERMON. 2^ Men^ Brethren^ and Fathers^ You have occafion to fing of mercy and of judg- tnent. Of mercy, in fparing the life of your worthy Paftor for fo many years to you ; of judgment, in that he is called away, leaving you as fheep without a fhepherd. Your lofs, it is probable, is in fome re- fpe6ls irreparable. It is fcarce to be expedled, that you will ever be blefied with another fo able, faithful, fkilful infl:ru61:or. I have in time pad viewed you as one of the miofl priviledged people on this fide hea- ven. O, v/hat a price have you had in your hands to G:et wifdom ! what a blelTed chance for a glorious im- mortality ! But, alas, the labours of your Minifler are over with you. He has done his work, and is called home to receive his reward. Your eyes will lee him no more 3 his voice will no more be heard a- mong you. Pie w'ill no more fet before you the cha- ratler of Jehovah, and delineate his glorious perfedli- ons. He will no more bring into your view, your Jiatural depravity, or your ill defert for fin. No more unfold the riches of God's grace in the gift of his Son, difplay the banner of the crofs, and invite you to take ihelter there. No more explain the god-like, glori- ous doftrines of grace contained in the gofpel 3 point our the nccefTity of regeneration, and faving converfi- on, and Hiew wherein they confifl. No more vindi- cate the doflrine of imputed righteoufnefs againft gain- fiyers ; or urge the im.portance of true holinefs, ex- horting you to follow peace with all men, and holinefs, without which no man fhall fee the Lord. He v/ill no more reprove the vicious, deted the hypocrite, or perform any branch of the minifterial office. You, who are heads of families, will no more hear the fo- knnn counfels of his mouth, and his pathetic intrea- ties, to take care of vour own foul^, as well as thofe ' D ^t %6 AFUNERAL SERMON. of your children. You, who are young, will no more be called upon by him, to remember your Cre- ator, in the days of your youth, to forfake the foolifh and live, and go in the way of underftanding. He has bid a final adieu, to this defk, tothishoufe, to this people of his charge. He will never give you another warning to flee from impending danger, nor another invitation, to haften to the mountain of fafety. Lo, his tongue cleaves to the roof of his mouth, and his lips are fealed in death. Never forget his pafl la- bours among you ; his prayers and tears, his cries and inrreaties with and for you. Be humble under the mighty hand of God. Confider the ground of this fore bereavem^ent. Reflect upon the improvement you have made under the miniltry of this eminent teacher, whofe labours you fo long enjoyed. Take the warning given you by the providence, and be quickened thereby, to prepare for your own departure. May a merciful God, who hath broken, heal you, and he who hath wounded, bind you up. Brethren, we commend you to God, and the power of his grace, who is able to build you up, and finally give you an inheritance among them which are fandified through faith in the Redeemer. 4. I am naturally led on this occafion, to addrefs m.yfelf in a few words, to my Fathers and Brethren, in the work of the miniflry. Reverend Sirs, Not only one of our fellow mortals is called away by death, but alfo, a fellow labourer in the vineyard of God. Not only a man, a Chriftian, but an eminent minifter of the Gofpel. He was intrufted with a like office as we s he was engaged in the fame caufe with AFUNERALSERMON. 27 ns. But neither his office, nor his en^xinence, could lecure him from the ftroke of death. May we not juftly lament over this man of God in the exprelTive language of Elifha, as he faw the prophet Elijah af- cending from earth to heaven, My Father^ my Fcithe}\ the chariot of IfraeJy and the horfemen thereof. Well may we cry out. Our fathers^ where are they, and the pro^ fhets do they live forever ? Hereby are we folemnly adrRonifhed that we muft die. How doth it become us to Ihake off floth, and be a6live in our Mailer's work. We are intruded, not only with the care of our own fouls, but alfo the fouls of our people. Let us awake to the greatefl of all concerns, the falvation of men. It Ihould be our care to follow the example of Chrift, that we may be patterns to our 'flocks, in vir- tue and true piety. How ought love to God and be- nevolence to men, to excite us to difcharge the duties of our office with fidelity ! Let us keep future reali- ties much in view, and with an eye to the day, when we muft give an account of our ftewardfnip, let u? pray for our flocks, warn finners of impending de- {lru6tion, and exert ourfelves as under-fhepherds, to turn them from darknefs to light, and from the power of fatan unto God. Let us purfue them to the gates of death, with our entreaties and admonitions. Let us cry aloud, and not fpare, lift up our voices like trumpets, and Ihew finners their tranfgreffions and fins. Knowing the terrors of the Lord, let us per- fuade men to be reconciled to God, With bowels of companion and tendernefs, let us feed the Iheep, and lambs of Chrift's flock, with the fincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby. Let us take heed to ourfelves, and to our dodlrine, and continue in them; for in fo doing, we fhall both fave ourfelves and thofe that hear u$. And when the chief Shepherd ftiaU a« AFUNERAL SERMON, thall appear, we fhall receive a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. To conclude. Let one and all lay it to heart, that they muft die : and now in this their day, attend to the things which belong to their peace, left they be hi4 from their eyes. Amen. iv^.f*s«^»*r^« APPENDIX. '^T^HE principal defign of publifliing memoirs •*- of men, eminent in knowledge and pi- ety, is the benefit of furvivors, through the in- fluence of example. With this view the fol- lowing fketches arc prefented to the reader. The editor enters on the work with diffi- dence; but he owes it to the memory of his venerable friend, to fuch as fhall read his the- ological writings, and to the churches of Chrift, The fummary of Dr. Bellamy's charafter, as a Chriftian and minifter, in the preceeding difcourfe, was all that was neceffary, or per- haps proper, on that folem.n occafion : To thofe who wxre perfonally, and many of them inti-. mately acquainted, it was fufficient. The fol- lowing particulars are fubjoined for the informa- tion of ftrangers. Th^ 36 APPENDIX. The Reverend Dr. Joseph Bellamy, was Wra at New-Chefhire, in the county of New* Haven, of reputable parents, in the year 171 9. His early days were devoted to literature ; and at the age of fix teen years, he was graduated at Yale- College, in New-Haven. The courfe of his academical ftudics being finifhed, he retired from the univerfity. And, from his private writings, "* which were begun about this time, it appears that it was not long, after his remov- al from New-Haven, before he became the fub- jeft of thofe icrious impreffions, which we have abundant reafon to believe, iffued ir^ a faving con- verfion. From this period he confecrated his talents and ftudies to the evangelical miniftry. At a- bout the age of eighteen, he pafled the ufual ex- amination before the Aflbciation of New-Haven county, and received their recommendation as a candidate for the gofpel miniftry. He preach- ed in feveral congregations to good acceptance, and with hopeful fuccefs. But a diftinguifhing bleffing attended his miniftry, to the people of Bethlem> in the town of Woodbury. A large pro- * Among the Doftor's papers is found a joiirnal, contalnlrg an account of Ills life^ religious cxercifes, &c. v/alch he had kept, a number of years, for the alGdaace of ferious refteition in liis own bread. Extrads from ihefe private vrrrtings, together with the publication ot feveral trails of his, on important fubr lt£ts, might better illuftratc th? chsrail-tr »b»ve att re-print- cd in Scotland. * From this period, his abilities, as a divine, became more confpicuous. : And young gentle- men, who were preparing for the gofpel mini- llry, applied to him as a teacher. He continu- ed to be eminently ufeful, in this branch of his work, till the decline of life induced him to re- linquifli it. As his method of inftruftion has met the ap- probation of thofe to whom it was known, and may probably be beneficial to others, the follow- ing fummary is inferted* After fcme conference, on religious fubjefts, with thofe who applied to him for inftrudion, by which he might learn their abilities, and caft of mind — ^he commonly gave them a number of queftions, on the leading and moft eflential fubjed:s of religion, both natural and revealed, in the form of a fyftem. This fyftem of quef- tions, began with that which is the foundation of all true religion — the exiftence, unity^ natural and moral attributes of God ; and proceeded to the grounds, nature, extent and perfection of his providential and moral government of the world — the qualities effentially requifite to con- flitute a moral agent, or accountable creature — the APPENDIX. 3S the evidences that man is fuch a being — the tno- xal law, or law of nature, with refpe ended. A iermon from Ecclefiaftes xii. i, 2. Trui 38 APPENDIX. 2. True Religion delineated. (Already mentioned.) 3. Sermons on the Divinity of Chrift. — The Milenium, and The Wifdom of God, in the permiffion of Sin. 4. Dialogues, on Theron and Afpafio, By Paulinus. 5. Eflay on the Gofpel. 6. The great Evil of Sin. A fermon, 7. The Law, a Schoolmafter. A fermon. Belides thefe, he publifhed feveral fmall pieces on creeds and confeffions — on the Covenant of Grace — and on church Covenanting. Alfo, fome fmall pieces, in anfwer to objedions pub- liihed againil fome of his other works. He was a Proteftant, and a Calvinift. He taught the truths contained in the Weftminfter Confeffion of Faith and Catechifms, and other approved creeds and confeffions. But called no man father ; and endeavoured to build all his o- pinions on the word of God. As a paftor, he was diligent in the difcharge of his duty, taking heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghofl had made him an over- fcer. A P P E N D I X/ 39 feer* He taught his people publlckly and from houfe to houfe* He was efpecially attentive to the riling generation, and fpent much time in \ teaching and warning the children and youth, Eefides his ftated labours on the Lord's-day, he i frequently fpent an hour, in the intervals of pub- lic worfliip, in catechiiing the children of the congregation. He was a fkilful guide to en- quiring fouls, — and was ever ready to inftrudi his people and Qthers, who applied to him in private, in the great concern of man, — and in all cafes of confcience. He had an excellent talent at compofing differences, and preventing or healing breaches in churches, and was much employed in fuch cafes. And his name will long be had in honorable remembrance by our mini- fters and churches ; efpecially in the ' confoeia- tion of Litchfield county, to which he belonged. His heart was eminently formed for chriftian friendfhip : Among his intimates and tried friends he was open and free — ever careful to fpcnd the interviews of friendfhip on fubjedts ufeful and important. His company was much fought- — it was enjoyed with pleafure — and his friends rarely parted from him without fenfible improve- ment, unlefs they were wanting to themfelves. He poflelTed a fufHcient degree of natural for- titude—was a firm and decided defender of what he 40 APPENDIX/ he believed to be divine truth ; but v^^as a friend to the perfons of thofe, v^hofe errors he oppofed. His writings procured him the eflecm of the pious and learned at home and abroad. They have been read and feveral of them re-printed in Great-Britain. As a mark of this efleem^ he, in the year 1768, received his Dodlorate in Divini- ty,, from the Univerfity of Aberdeen. During the aclive part of life, he maintained an extenfive, epiftolary correfpondence, by which he was beneficial to many, and obtained much ufeful knowledge to himfelf. By means of his corrofpondence in Britain, and efpecially by his worthv and conftant friend* the Reverend Dr. John Erikine of Edinburgh, he annually re- ceived regular accounts of whatever materially affedled the flate of religion and the intereft of the churches in England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe. It has already been mentioned that, in the early part of his miniftry, he con- traded an acquaintance with the late Prefident Edwards — this produced an intimate friendihip, which continued till the Prefident's much la- mented death — and which muft be abundantly improved ngw they are happily reunited : To this early acquaintance and friendfhip with that eoiinent Divine, muft be attributed, in part, the APPENDIX. 41 the Do<5or*s improvement in theological learn- ing, and his ufefulnefs in the churches. The reader may perhaps wifh to fee the Doftor in a more private walk. — The leading indicati- ons of his countenance were dignity and firm- nefs. He was tall, and, in his youth, flender and of a thin habit — in middle life, well pro- portioned — in old age, his afped: and mien were commanding and venerable. About the year 1744, he married Mifs Frances Sherman of New^ Haven, a Lady pofTefled of many amiable accom- plifhments, and eminent piety. By her he hacj feven children, five of which furvive their pa* rents : — .Two are no more on earth. * From nature, education and piety, Mrs. B.eU lamy was qualified to fill her jftation with un- common ufefulnefs. Among otlier important F branches ♦ Of the two children who died before their father :— The firft wis Ijis fccond (on yoratban : Who linifhed his academical educa::ion and gra- duated in Yalc-Collegc, in 1772. And, having purfucd the ftudy of the law under an able teacher, and palTed the accuftomed eyammation, was admitted to the bar, as a pradlifing attorney. Soon after which the conomencement of hoftilities between Great-Britain and America, induced him to take an aftive part. And at the ciofe of the campaign of 1776, juil as he was ret\«rning t