viz. 1. Because of the graces with which he was enriched 2. Because of the Comforts with which he was refreshed As for the first Love-tokens are real messengers of his love who sendeth them and what surer signes of divine love then the graces of the holy Ghost Now of these the Lord had given him in measure more then ordinary That which was hinted before in his love to the Lord Jesus expressed by laborious couragious endeavours to advance his praise and to continue communion with him doth manifest that he was very rich in Grace but thereunto I will add five more graces which were very shining in his crown 1. Tendernesse of heart Who ever knew man of a more melting frame before God whether in confessions petitions or thanksgivings Is there any one living that can say I have sometimes joyned with him in Prayer and he shed no teares How did his own sinfulnesse though no more then the ordinary imperfections of the fairest Saints on earth the evils of the times and the testimonies of Gods displeasure breaking out break his heart into pieces Truly I beleeve that for the space of many years he did never come off from the serious consideration of these things with dry eyes And how many thousands would account it a signe of much love from Christ if they could finde such thawings in their frozen breasts 2. Meeknesse of spirit With this precious Jewel he was adorned richly Who ever saw him transported by passion on a fire through foolish anger or disguised by discontent Though he would be warm for God yet he was a man of a cool spirit meek like Moses in all his own concernments Among many other manifestations hereof this one was remarkable that when upon warm disputes with men of dissenting principles and opinions his spirit was so even that unhansome provocations would not discompose him Hereof I could give instances but I must forbear 3. For Patience he may well be called a second Job Many who saw him under his racking pains so frequently reiterated and so long continued are confident that God did put him and keep him in his furnace to be a pattern of patience unto posterity It 's true he did roar many times till his throat was dry but who ever heard him speak one word of murmuring or discontent because of Gods afflicting providence He himself indeed would sometimes through tendernesse charge himself of impatiency because he made a noise whereas that expressed only Natures sensiblenesse not sinful frowardness And when accusing himself in that kinde causelesly he was minded of Christs roarings though free from all sin he would be silent I confesse that in desires to be dissolved he would take up Jobs complaint Wherfore is light given to him that is in misery and life unto the bitter in soul Which long for death but it cometh not and dig for it more then for hid treasures c. for my sighing cometh before I eat and my roarings are poured out like waters Job 3. 20 24. But he always concluded with submission unto the good pleasure of God When he had been asked how he did this was frequently his answer The bush alwayes burning but not consumed and though my paines be above the strength of nature yet they are not above the supports of grace 4. The Lord gave him so much of the Spirit of grace and supplications that his soul was never out of tune for that service Most of his words when under torment were holy complaints and prayers to God some of them I will record that they may not be forgotten O my God help Father of mercies pity Do not contend for ever consider my frame that I am but dust My God that hath made heaven and earth help me O give me patience and inflict what thou wilt If my patience was more my pain would be lesse Dear Saviour where are thy bowels Why doest thou make me an astonishment to my self and others Why doest thou cover thy self with a thick cloud that our prayers cannot passe Blessed is the man that endureth temptation Lord this is a sad temptation stand by me and say It is enough Am I not thy servant Consider Lord that I am thy servant O these bitter waters of Marah Lord drop sweet comfort into these bitter waters of Marah O the blood of sprinkling Lord Lord the blood of sprinkling That blood which extinguisheth the fire of thine anger O that it might allay my burning pains I am in a fiery furnace Lord be with me as thou wast with the three children bring me out refined from sinne When I have sailed through the Ocean of these paines and look back I see none of these can be wanting I flie unto thee O God hide me under the shadow of thy wings till these terrible storms be over-past 5. God added Humility as a crown to all his other Graces which did shine very bright in the eyes of all who were acquainted with him Hence it was that he would converse familiarly with the poorest Christians and with them who were of low parts for knowledge This his ordinary expression of himself before God spake loud Poor worm sinful wretch O pardon my transgressions for they are very great Hereupon he would weep much when he was told how much he was prayed for wondering at Gods goodnesse that so worthless a wretch should have so much interest in the hearts and prayers of the people of the Lord. And his language in his Will reports how little he was in his own eyes The words are there I desire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp but that so poore a worthlesse wretch may be privately laid in the ground Thus from the rare Graces received I proceed to the rich Comforts vouchsafed as manifestations of Christs singular love towards this Saint of the most High God O what kisses of Christs mouth and what embraces from the arms of his love were bestowed upon this man of God! He enjoyed all along his afflâ—cted condition an uninterrupted assurance of Gods fatherly love in Christ In his addresses to God he constantly claimed propriety My God and my Father His inward peace and joy were the support of his heart under all his gâ—inding paines He was confident of mercies mixtures with all his grievous distempers not at all doubting of the Sanctification of them through grace Thus he spake many times in his Applications to God Consider and save me for I am thine How long Lord how long shall I not be remembred yea I am remembred blessed be thy Name This is a fiery chariot but it will carry me to heaven Blessed be God that hath supported me hitherto and he that hath delivered will deliver Thou Lord never forgettest them that put their trust in thee Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over he would with smiles speak of Gods mercies Though trembling took hold upon him when his violent paines began yet he would with confidence say Now in
a friend lies sleeping in the dust The blessed Saint dear Jeremy is gone And who shall write his lamentation Had we his eyes which always showry were Such is our loss each word should have a tear Another Whitaker in a Coffin plac'd The first the Chair this the Pulpit grac'd Reader would'st know his worth then cast thy eye Upon the Narrative there 's his excellency Rings hold not Histories who can rehearse His vast perfection in a narrow Verse Take Vertues Graces Gifts and all you can All are concentred in this holy man A brighter star in all our orb there 's none None do exceed few equal him that 's gone Ah pious soul What mortal man can speak out Thy rare humility Who ere meanly thought Of thee besides thy self What mov'd thy passions But Eulogies and Commendations 'T is well th' art gone from us shouldst thou but look Into and read thy praises in this book I 'm sure by this thou would'st be somewhat moved And Simeon himself should be reproved He speaks thy worth so much yet but little 'T is scarce enough but true to every tittle Thy personal endowments who would commend Should neither know where to begin nor end Thy Minister'al accomplishments were rare Thy constant pains thy diligence thy care For souls in holy things who can expresse Thou might'st have longer liv'd had'st thou liv'd lesse O melting Suppliant who e're did know Thy prayers to heaven without some tears to go The secret ravishings which poor souls have found When from thy mouth the Word of life did sound Our very Pulpits wonder where thou art In which thou didst such spiritual gifts impart But 't is enough we 'l weep the rest we can Launch out no farther in this Ocean Could prayers and teares have kept thee here thy stay It had been longer in this house of clay Pray'r barr'd thee in some time till death would throw Open the door by force to let thee go At last thy soul did finde the way to blisse And now is steep'd in heavens happinesse O blessed change for thee the painful bed Is now a Throne where not a tear is shed No dismal groaÌ„ings now from thee do come But everlasting Triumphs in their room Farewel blest Saint farewel and since 't is thus We 'l hast to thee thou wilt not come to us THO. JACOMB of M. Ludg. Vpon the death of the reverend Learned and Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker late Minister of Magdalene Bermonsey in Southwark WHat speaks this sudden storm of brinish teares What means this doleful volley in mine ears Is the Sun darkned Do the Lamps above Resolve their fiery station to remove And shine no more on earth Doth the Creation Intend to melt it self with Lamentation The holy Whitaker is stept away Late Angel of the Church of Bermonsey A Pillar in Gods house a sweet Musitian That gladded drooping hearts A soul-Physician A Sun whose beams did consolation shine A faithful skilful guide a rare Divine He was a Watchman could not wel be blamed A workman needed not to be ashamed No Proteus that could change to every shape No servile spirited Preacher that could scrape And cringe to please the lusts of wanton men He could not say and then unsay agen Learned yet very humble prudent dear To God to men meek holy wise sincere He lov'd the Truth he hated Heresie A strong opposer of all Blasphemy His heart was toward a holy Reformation But set against a godlesse toleration Of lewd Opinions Great was his care To keep the holy Covenant which he sware The marrow of Gods O acles was iâ— him No Scripture Mystery was hidden from him Cases of Conscience he could well unty Scruples and Doubts from Scripture satisfie His holy Function was his consolation His Pulpit work to him was recreation His pray'rs were zealous heavenly steep'd in teare His Doctrine Orthodox convincing clear Ful of the spirit of life and Power his words Did pierce like nailes did cut like sharpned swords He durst tell Ahab of his great oppression What! dost thou kill and after take possession He durst tell Herod though it cost his life 'T is wickednesse to take thy brothers wife Had strangers heard him Preach they would have sed Sure John the Baptist's risen from the dead His carriage holy harmlesse free from strife His Sermons were imprinted in his life His body was infirm diseased weary His soul still vigorous active strong and cheary The more the Cabinet did waste and wear The brighter did the Jewel stil appear Goodness of nature made the world admire him The brightness of his grace made Saints desire him The Church on earth hath lost a precious plant The Church in heaven hath gain'd a glorious Saint Ra. Robinson Minister of Mary Wolnoth Lumbard street London Jeremiah Whitaker ANAGRAM I have hit everi Mark THou didst not shoot at rovers in the dark Thy polisht shaft could hit the smallest mark Gods glory was thy scope his Word thy guide His stable Spirit did teach thee to divide The word of truth aright A signal Teacher An useful pious fruitful powerful Preacher God made thee to his Chuâ—th None better knew Then Whitaker to carve to each his due The mark of saving grace was first obtain'd And now the mark of glory thou hast gain'd Enjoy it and let other Archers see Thy happy pattern and take aim by thee Ra. Robinson Minister of Mary Wolnoth Lombardstreet London Vpon the death of his most dear friend that eminent servant and Minister of Jesus Christ Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker Pastor of Mary Magdalen Bermonsey in Southwark THus Cedars fall thus Stars do disappear Prophets though Angels yet but mortals are Our Prophet Jeremy's dead and now there 's none That 's fit to make his Lamentation Plato once wisht that vertue could appear To mortal eyes his wish was granted here If any Breviator would comprize All vertues in a word then let his eyes Be fixed here keep Whitaker in minde And there you have the vertues all defin'd Or would you know what all the graces are In short hand writing they make Whitaker Would any have the Bible in a word And what the vastest comments can afford Read Whitakers Works peruse his conversation And there 's the Bible and th' Interpretation That Book was in his brest so well ingrost He could restore it if it had been lost He that by thee blest Saint shall calculate Will finde that Miracles are not out of dare Who e're was so far blest to hear him teaching Was prone to think a Seraphim was preaching 'T was Austin's wish i'th'Pulpit Paul to hear He had been satisfied hadst thou been there Me thought when thy sweet soul was poured out In fervent prayer I began to doubt Whether Elias was come down again And mounting heaven-ward with his fiery train In this thou didst excel he scal'd the sort Alone but thou thy hearers didst transport But whither goes my doleful Muse to
his friend giving all Canaan to him and his seed after 1 Chron. 20. 7. him 3. The Lord embraceth them with a love of delight Amor Amicitiâ— and complacency he himself having made them lovely by putting upon them his own robes and ornaments both by justifying and sanctifying grace This is taught by Ps 45. 9 11 13. sundry expressions in that Song of Loves The Kings Daughter is all glorious within her cloathing is of wrought Gold Vpon thy right hand did stand the Queen in Gold of Ophir so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty And to the same purpose doth the Prophet Ezekiel metaphorically hold for this truth I washed thee with water yea I throughly washed away thy blood from thee and I anointed thee with oile I clothed thee also with broidered work I Ezek. 16. 9 10 11 12 13 14 girded thee about with fine linnen and covered thee with silk I decked thee also with Ornaments and I put bracelets upon thy hand and a chaine on thy neck And I put a Jewel on thy fore head and ear-rings in thy ears and a beautiful crown on thy head Thus wast thou decked with Gold and Silver and thy raiment was of fine linnen and silk and broidered work and thou wast exceeding beautiful and thy renown went forth among the Heathen for thy beauty for it was perfect through my comelinesse put upon thee saith the Lord God Therefore though the Elect themselves are rather loathsome then delightful in their unregenerate estate yet being covered with Christ his righteousnesse and adorned with the graces Tit. 3. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his holy Spirit they are friends in whom he taketh much delight Hereupon the Church is called Hephzibah Isa 62. 4. for the Lord delighteth in her 4. Christ expresseth towards them the love of compassion Amor misericordiae Isa 63. 9. sympathizing with them in all their sorrows and sufferings in all their affliction he was afflicted As in reference to his friend Lazarus being brought to the place Joh. 11. 35 36. where he was buried Jesus wept And hence the Jewes inferred this conclusion behold how he loved him Vse 1 This makes much for the comfort of all truly gracious Christians seeing the Lord Jesus is their friend God intending to give David a cordial upon the death of his childe bestoweth upon him Solomon with this assurance 2 Sam. 12. 24 25. that he loved him whereupon he was called Jediâ—iah And for the chearing of Daniels heart he was told once and againe that he was greatly beloved by the Lord. Now Dan. 3. 23. 10. 11 19. this refreshing reacheth all Gospel-Christians universally In the serving out of this cordial I will briefly endeavour to lay before you 1. The Characters of Christs beloved friends 2. The comforts hence deducible for their relief First for these signes of Christs beloved friends I refer you to the review and application of the particulars in the former branch of the Doctrine for the discovery of such who are his loving friends For this is most certaine that Christ loveth all those who love him And I adde Prov. 8. 17. these two further evidences of them who are beloved of Christ 1. Those who are beloved of the Lord are called to be Saints Rom. 1. 7. Two things are considerable in the quotation viz. That these Saints are not so titularly onely because so reputed and nominated among men but Saints in reality and practice being persons whose hearts are separated from common pollutions raised above creature contents to minde the matters of God in good earnest in which respect they are called his Saints devoted unto him Psal 56. 5. peculiarly And this calling is not alone external for thousands who continue haters of God are called upon to lay down Isa 65. 2 3. their arms of rebellion and to submit unto the government of Christ but it is a calling internal and efficacious conquering the soul to come in unto Christ leaving all in resolution affection and endeavour for him Therefore in the application of this note the Quere should be which way the strongest stream of minde and will do run whether sin ward world-ward or God-ward and what is the greatest designe driven on by project and practice whether to satisfie lusts and to grow great in the world or to conform unto laws divine and to advance Christs glory 2. The Apostle Paul conjoyneth faithful and beloved 1 Tim. 6. 2. Persons beloved by the Lord are faithful to the Lord. And this fidelity doth evidence it selfe by two things especially 1. By cleaving inseparably unto the guidance of God when others are swayed by the multitude swimming down the tide of times In this regard in times of general Apostacy Judah is said to continue faithful with the Saints holding close to his will in holy worship when Hos 11. 12. with chap. 5. 11. Ephraim followed mens traditions and commandments 2. By intending Gods glory more then personal advantage in course of life and conversation And in this respect the Apostle speaking of the servants duty doth place purloyning in opposition to good fidelity Tit. 2. 10. that servant who purseth his Masters gaine he is not faithful If these things were brought home by an unpartial application how many would be found in these times not befriended by Christ though they would be cryed up as his chiefest favourites among men Secondly the comforts which belong unto such whom Christ affecteth as his friends may be considered under two heads viz. 1. The quality of his love towards them 2. The efficiency First his love them ward for quality is 1. Most cordial They are the dearly beloved of his soul Jer. 12. 7. It is not lip-love love from the teeth outward but love from the heart-root 2. Most large it passeth knowledge it exceedeth all dimensions Eph. 3. 19. Whereas never greater love was expressed then Joh. 15. 13. that a man should die for his friend Christ commendeth his love as much more because he died for sinners and for enemies Rom. 5. 6. 7 8 3. Most refreshing This love is not only sweeter then Cant. 1. 3. Psal 63. 3. wine but also better then life yea better then lives as the Original imports All the comforts of life natural and civil all the comforts of the several ages and conditions of life are not comparable to this love 4 Most constant whom he loveth once he loveth to the Joh. 1. 31. end This Christ did cast in to chear his Disciples being to depart from them No opposition losse or change whatsoever can possibly separate beloved Christians from this love Rom. 8. 55 which the Apostle mentioneth as a matter of high joy and holy triumph Whereas Solomon telleth us that a friend Prov. 17. 17. 18. 24. loveth at all times and that there is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother this may
give out their shine and their light make a profitable use of them to Gods honour and your own souls welfare Vse 6. Therefore I hence exhort all the friends of Christ to prepare themselves for death and to maintaine upon their Spirits a prepared posture for natures dissolution Although I know that they being united unto Christ and reconciled to God through him they Rev. 14. 13. shall undoubtedly whensoever they die be translated from earth to heaven yet there is something more to Luke 16. 22. be minded by Christians that they may be ready to die How much might be comprized in Jobs expression All Job 14. 14. the dayes of mine appointed time will I wait until my change shall come I shall not undertake to discover but I desire to leave these foure words of advice in the bosomes of Christians in tendency unto their preparation for death 1. Seek well grounded assurance of your interest in Christ and of undoubted title unto heaven through him This foundation being laid Paul could triumph over death Oh death where is thy sting thanks be to 1 Cor. 15 55. God who hath given us victory through Jesus Christ And Simeon could sing when ready to die Now lettest thou thy Luk. 2. 19 30. servant depart in peace For mine eyes have seen thy salvation Whereas there are sad shiverings upon some gracious hearts when death looketh in at the windows because they question their admission into heaven upon natures dissolution 2. Take heed of all scandalous sinnes sinnes against conscience the commission whereof may blemish Religion and lie as blocks of offence in the wayes of others It is conceived by some Divines that in this regard Saint Paul died with the more confidence because after his conversion he was no way scandalous I have fought the 2 Tim. 4. 7. 8. good fight and I have kept the faith and henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteousnesse Whereas Peter having dishonoured Christ disgraced his profession wounded his own conscience and prejudiced others how farre we know not by his fearful threefold denial was so full of perplexity that Christ saw cause before Joh. 21. 15 19 the foretelling of his death to confirme his heart in helping on the discovery of his sincere love notwithstanding that sad offensive Apostacy Broken bones though knit will ake towards change of weather And the remembrance of scandalous miscariages may occasion anguish in the bosomes of dying Saints 3. Settle your outward estate and concernments according to divine prudence and holy principles remembring that you must be accountable unto the Lord whose stewards you are how you dispose of the things of this life Luke 16. 2. with which he hath entrusted you This was Gods own advice unto Hezekiah Thus saith the Lord set thine house i◠Esay 38. 1. order for thou shalt die Many good people deare unto God upon this neglect are lesse comfortable to themselves and lesse serviceabl◠unto others upon their death-beds because they suspe◠the many sad consequences of their not endeavouring t◠prevent sinne and trouble by an orderly setling of all the◠earthly enjoyments 4. Leave with gracious gravity and seriousnesse charges Appropinquante morte multò es divinior and convictions upon the consciences of your nearest relations that Christ heaven and their immortal soules may be principally cared for Warne your friends to beware of the sinnes of the times and of their own inclinations Communicate your experiences for future profit prudently Here I might expatiate upon the examples of Jacob blessing Gen. 49. Deut. 31. 2. 32. 33. Josh 23. 1 2. 24. 1. Joh. 13. 1. 14. 15. 16. 17. his sonnes when on his death-bed of Moses and of Joshua their plaine dealing with Israel when ready to die yea and of Christ himself But I am necessitated to abbreviate these things with this hearty request that my friendly faithfull counsell in these things may not be forgotten And do not I pray you do not deferre these things for death may steale upon you suddenly unexpectedly as a man falls asleep sometimes when he thought not of it This lets in the next point Doct. 2. That Christs friends by death do fall asleep The Protomartyr Stephen his death is thus expressed He Act. 7 60. 1 Co◠15. 16 18 20 51. fell asleep And the Apostle Paul doth often in the fifteenth Chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians attest this truth This sleep is not to be applied unto the soule after its Eccles 12. 7. Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1. 23. Heb. 12. 23. departure from the body as some fondly dreame for it goeth to God immediately forth-with enjoyeth fellowship with Christ and becometh perfect But it belongs to the dead body laid in the grave which in this regard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mr. Calamy his Sermon upon Acts 7. 60. is called a sleeping place I shall not dilate upon the resemblance betwixt death and sleep which is fully done by others But I will only touch upon two things which are here intended 1. Death is a sleep unto the godly because thereby they are laid to rest There is a Verse 13. taking of rest by sleep They shall rest in their beds saith the Prophet speaking of the death of righteous ones And Isa 57. 2. they rest from their labours so saith the Spirit who die in the Lord. 2. Because their bodies shall be raised as Rev. 14. 15. men are awakened out of sleep This is expressed in the words which immediately follow the Text Our friend Lazarus sleepeth but I go that I may awake him out of sleep And the Apostle Paul is much upon this Metaphor Cor. 15. in that place where he undertaketh to prove the Resurrection Vse 1. Therefore true beleevers real Saints should not be afraid to die I grant that death unto nature is the King of feares and it hath its poisonous sting with which it will wound the wicked whom it doth usher into hell This with many other useful truths relating unto death is admirably Dr. Tuckney his Sermons upon 1. Cor. 15. 55. laid open of late by a worthy servant of Christ and it would be a digression if I should undertake that discovery But I only move Gods people to arme themselves against the sinking feare of death because unto them it is no worse then falling asleep And indeed there is great need of this counsel among Gods own servants every where who like foolish children are afraid to put off their cloathes and go to bed in a dark chamber As Baxter in his Saints everlasting rest Herein the forementioned Authour and others have administred much good help in which regard I may be silent Vse 2. Neither let us mourne immoderately because of the death of our Christian friends seeing they are only fallen asleep When our Saviour had spoken the Verse 12. words of the
speech to Peter If thou love me feed my sheep feed my lambs Here I judge these particulars very worthy of consideration 1. That while he was a Grammar-Scholar this calling he chose and though his father endeavoured often and earnestly to divert his thoughts from the Ministery yet he was unmovable in his desires to be a Minister 2. That he never repented of this his choice but would all his life long upon all occasions magnifie this his office I have many times heard him speak these words I had much rather Rom. 11. 13. be a Preacher of the Gospel then an Emperour And when a motion was once made to him for a Mastership in the University he readily returned this answer My heart doth more desire to be a constant Preacher then to be the Master of any College in the world 3. That when he was motioned to marry her whom God afterwards made his wife he was the rather inclined to accept the motion because she was daughter to a pious painful learned Minister of the Gospel and would occasionally tell his friends that he was the better pleased with his choice because of that relation 4. That he was never so well pleased with any imployment as that of his Ministery In the Pulpit he still was like a fish in the water Though many times he went halting and full of paine thither yet he would not manifest any sense of distemper while he was there How often hath he gone upon crutches unto the Congregation of his own people to fulfil his Ministery yea once at least of my knowledge he adventured to Preach at Michaels Cornhil when he was scarce able to get into the Pulpit and his friends with much difficulty helped him out of the Church homeward 5. That when he was by extreame paines taken off from his Ministery he would sometimes professe unto some special friends that the paine felt was not so grievous to his Spirit as his inability by reason thereof to manage his wonted work Many times these were his words If I could but Preach I should be much better And he would rejoyce with chearfulnesse and thankfulnesse when in the times of his weaknesse he found not himselfe more distempered by his preaching and would mention such experiences as arguments to move his friends to yield unto his preaching when they did disswade it as prejudicial 6. He did zealously upon all occasions both in publick and private defend the office of a Gospel Ministery and especially amongst those persons and in such places where as he conceived there was most need This passage fell from him with affection in one of his morning Lectures at Westminster Though I have read and heard of some good men who unadvisedly in their passion have persecuted the persons of some godly Ministers as Asa was angry with the Seer and cast him into prison yet I never knew I never read nor heard of any godly person who did dare to oppose the calling of the Ministery And whereas at the end of his Sermon a souldier expressing himselfe dissatisfied with the Sermon came to him in private and asked him whether he meant this Ministery of England as now constituted he returned this answer Although I will not justifie the calling of every individual Minister in the Church of England as you dare not justifie the Saintship of every member in your independant Congregations yet I will be ready when and where you please to maintaine the office and calling of Englands Ministery at this day 7. And that he continued unchanged in this his estimation of the calling Ministerial may be manifested by one passage in his last Will and Testament though it was not long which I will put down in his own words writ with his own hand For my son Jeremiah my desire is that he be bred a Scholar and that the Lord would spiritualy incline his heart freely to give up himselfe to the Lord to serve him in the work of the Ministery which calling and employment though now despised I do esteem above all other in the world and do commend it to all mine that if the Lord blesse them with sons they would commend this calling to their posterity Before I passe from this my first demonstration of his love to Christ I heartily desire that this may be seriously considered whether there be not herein much to credit and incourage the Ministery of the Gospel That a learned man and so eminent for piety who also had throughly studied the Controversies of the times against the Ministery should upon his death-bed give such a testimony unto it when he daily expected to make up his account before God and also give so great incouragement unto his posterity to undertake this calling now even now when such disgrace is cast upon it and when the Ministers setled maintenance is threatned to be taken from them And may not those men who know Mr. Whitaker's worth be hereby awed and moved to take heed how they oppose or slight that calling of men whom he living and dying judged to be so highly honoured by God himself To all this adde that it was an ordained Ministery which he thus valued as is evident by these two things as by many living testimonies viz. 1. That he joyned with the Classis whereof he was a member in ordaining Ministers 2. That he had an hand in the book lately published by the Province of London in the defence of such a Ministery not only by assent but also by assistance Secondly his love to Christ was proclaimed by his unwearied laboriousnesse in his Ministerial services 1. While he continued Schoolmaster at Okeham he undertook a Lecture there weekly besides many Sermons preached occasionally in neighbour Congregations 2. During his abode at Stretton besides his Pastoral imployment twice every Sabbath his constant weekly Preaching at Okeham he was a principal prop to hold up the Lectures in the neighbourhood His manner was to set apart every holy day if but one in the week as a day of seeking God in reference to the necessities of the times and no man was more frequent in assisting in dayes of humiliation in private both in Rutland shire and the adjacent Counties when ever invited thereto 3. And since Gods good providence brought him to the neighbourhood of London he was in labours more abundant 2 Cor. 11. 23. For the most part his set task was foure Sermons weekly viz. two at home and two elsewhere viz. at Westminster and Christs Church London or Westminster and Stepney since he laid down Christs Church Lecture together with two Sermons every quarter at Michael Cornhil Adde hereto his Preaching monethly at the morning-exercise or assistance on the fast day at the conclusion thereof besides occasional Sermons for preparation to the Sacrament at his own place and at Funerals both at home and abroad Yea I will close up the evidencing of the labours of his love with this true report viz. that he would never
deny any motion for preaching and praying if God gave bodily ability and other unavoidable occasions did not necessarily hinder Many week-dayes he preached twice yea then when he attended the work of the Assembly of Divines viz. the morning-exercise either at Westminster or elsewhere afterwards in the afternoon I here remember the commendation which St. Paul gave of Epaphroditus in his Epistle to the Philippians For the work of the Lord he was nigh unto Phil. 2. 30. death not regarding his life How farre this is appliable to painful Mr. Whitaker multitudes do well know yea many conceive that his painful distempers which hastened his removal from us were caused and increased by his many constant labours in this kind Neither were his Sermons jejune and dry because thus frequent but always full of Scripture-strength savoury affectionate as his Auditors will testifie Thirdly Such was his love to Christ that his publick Imployments did not take him off from family-duties nor from more private exercises of communion with God His ordinary course was together with prayers to expound some parts of the holy Scriptures in his own family twice every day and beside other parts of Scripture which he daily read in secret he usually read over all the Epistles in the Greek Testament twice every fourtnight yea when by reason of pain and weakness he himself could not read he herein imployed others for his help Hence it was that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures like unto Apollo Acts 18. 24. as was observed by all who conversed with him And this course he earnestly commended to the practice of his dearly beloved eldest son as an excellent means to make him both a ready and a profitable Preacher Fourthly His courage in Christs Cause did much commend his love whereof I will suggest these evidences 1. While he lived in Rutland-shire he refused to read the book allowing of sports upon the Sabbath though it was with commands and threatnings pressed upon him And when he was called to give in his answer about the collection amongst Ministers to maintain the War against Scotland he openly told the Bishop or Chancellor that his conscience could not yield thereto This his answer exposing him to great danger both to lose living and liberty in those times a neighbour through misguided love compassionating him and his family payed the money and subscribed Mr. Whitakers name without his knowledge This he was long ignorant of and when he heard it he expressed with many complaints much grief of heart 2. Since our times of woful desertion and Apostasie both from Gospel-truths and practices he would undauntedly in private conferences and in his publick Ministery express his dislike yea detestation thereof to the faces of them who too much favoured Errour Heresies and ranting courses though he knew that thereby he did run hazards and procure many frownes He refused to subscribe the late Engagement though thereby he was in danger to be taken off from his Westminster Lecture And if his Sermons preached there upon Ephes 2. 2 3. concerning mens walking according to the course of this world c. fulfilling the lusts of the flesh c. could be collected and published thereby it would be manifest that Mr. Whitaker in love unto his Lord Christ was a man of good metal and magnanimity 3. One more private proof of the good mans valiant love to Christ I will make bold to insert because my self can knowingly attest its truth Since these stormy dayes wherein the liberty and livelihood of Ministers have been maligned and struck at he riding with an intimate friend by Tiburn which he had not known or not observed before demanded what that was and answer being made this is Tiburn where many Malefactors have lost their lives he stopped his horse and uttered these words with great affection O what a shame is it that so many thousands should die for the satisfaction of their lusts and so few be found willing to lay down their lives for Christ Why should not we in a good Cause and upon a good call be ready to be hanged for Jesus Christ It would be everlasting honour and it is a thousand times better to die for Christ to be hanged to be burnt for Christ then to die in our beds And how much he condemned life in respect unto Christ Jesus there are many who from his own mouth can witnesse Fifthly So great was his love unto his God and Saviour that he maintained and expressed high estimations and honourable thoughts of his Majesty when under tormenting providences nothing being more feared then this lest he should do or speak any dishonours unto his Name These were some breathings of his large love when through paine he was as in the fire and upon the Rack Good Lord keep me from dishonouring thy Name by impatiency O who would not even in burnings have honourable thoughts of God! Who that knoweth thee would not fear thee O Lord love thee and honour thee Lord thou givest me no cause to have any haâ—d thought of thee Blessed be God there is nothing of hell in all this Blessed be his Name for Jesuâ— Christ and the revelation of the everlasting Gospel Who knoweth the power of thy wrath If it be so heavy upon thy servant here how heavy shall it be to all those who shall endure it without mixture Blessed be God for the peace of mine inward man when my outward man is so full of trouble This is a bitter cup but it is of my Fathers mixture and shall I not drink it yea Lord through thy strength I will this is my burthen and I will beare it Upon any abatement of his paines he was constantly much in blessing God using these and such like expressions O! what a mercy is it that there is any mitigation any intermission Lord make me thankful And turning himselfe towards those who stood by he would speak thus O help me to be thankful O lift up a prayer for me that I may be thankful O what a mercy is this How much worse might this affliction have been I might have been distracted or laid roaring under disquietnesse of spirit By these workings of his spirit which my self and others do well remember and I could heartily wish that all the rest had been recorded who perceiveth not the sparklings of his love to God I will annex one more which hath much affected my heart viz. these words he hath often spoken to me Brother through mercy I have not one repining thought against God Now upon all these considerations I appeale unto the consciences of all ingenuous ones whether there be not ground to beleeve that Christ if here with us would give him the honour of this compellation My loving friend Whitaker The second head of my Narrative followeth That Christ loved Mr. Whitaker For as I discovered in my Sermon this love is alwayes mutual The discovery hereof will be clear upon a double account
by the practice of Faith Patience Contentment and Spiritualnesse which he had formerly preached he was very profitable unto them who did visit him and might also prove very advantageous unto others who might be acquainted therewith through Gods grace by Christ So great was his tender respect unto his friends that when his pains were coming with violence he would intreat them to with-draw from him that they might not be grieved with his roarings He would often bless God that his compassionate friends were not necessitated to abide within the reach of his doleful lamentations I hearing the night before God translated him that he was not likely to live another day I went early in the morning to take my leave of him whom my soul loved and found his bodily strength almost spent And because he could not speak without difficulty I spake the more unto him in relation to the approach of his happy hoped for change my discourse through Gods mercy was refreshing unto his spirit Minding him that many of his friends intended to set apart that day in seeking the Lord for him I asked him in what things especially he desired to be remembred before the Throne of Grace His answer was Do not complaine but blesse God for me and intreat him to open the prison-door Hereupon laying my hand upon his cold hand covered with a clammy sweat I took my last farewel with an aking heart and upon my departure from him these were his last words unto me Brother I thank you I pray God blesse you and I blesse God for you That day was spent in addresses to God for him at Peters Cornhil where Mr. Newcomen quickened and guided our prayers in his Sermon from John 11. wherein he insisted especially upon these words Lord behold he whom thou lovest is sick ver 4. And Mr. Jenkyn endeavoured to moderate and regulate our sorrows from Luke 23. 28. Weep not for me Thus his friends having by prayers with praises on his behalf given him up to God and having prepared their hearts for their loss of him the Lord was pleased that evening to take him unto himself And now our friend Whitaker sleepeth 1. He is dead that speaketh sorrow 2. His death is a sleep this yieldeth relief First His death is ground of lamentation because Christ and his Church have now one friend less on earth to be serviceable unto both I would awaken your hearts unto sensiblenesse under this great losse and therefore wish that his great parts many interests frequent opportunities of service together with the unmovable faithfulness of his heart to improve all for good may be duly remembred viz. 1. As for his Abilities he was an universal Scholar both in the Arts and Original Languages by much study he had digested the whole Body of Divinity he was well acquainted both with the Schoolmen and the Fathers a good Disputant judicious in Cases of Conscience and second unto none in acquaintance with the holy Scripture 2. He had much interest in the hearts of persons of chiefest places and power in the Nation for the plainnesse of his spirit together with the power of godlinesse which did shine in his conversation gained him much Authority in the consciences of all sorts with whom he conversed whether in the City or Countrey 3. And his opportunities of service were many not only in Southwark but also in London Westminster Stepney where he had much imployment We read when Dorcas was dead that the widows stood weeping and shewing the coats which she had made Acts 9. 39. and that upon Pauls departure the people wept because they should see his face no more Acts 20. 38. And is there not reason that we should be in like manner affected remembring how truth hath been defended error confuted holiness cherished wickednesse checked the cause of the poor pleaded and the violence of some passionate spirits allayed by Mr. Whitaker But now this able publick-spirited man must be serviceable on earth no more now we shall not be edified by his Ministery any more nor warmed by his prayers any more nor cheared by his company and conference any more But let us moderate our sorrow by this following consideration That our friend Whitaker is not dead but sleepeth For this assureth us both of his present ease and future Resurrection Now being asleep he is well he resteth as in a bed and we shall not see his pale face his weeping eyes his trembling hands any more we shall no more hear his deep groans and doleful lamentations He is fallen asleep in the Lord and he and we shall have a better meeting at the general Resurrection then ever heretofore and then shall we ever be with the Lord. Therefore let us comfort one another with these words 1 Thes 4. 15 18. I have but one thing more to hint viz. That Christ now knoweth that this our precious friend sleepeth From whence I infer 1. Comfort 2. Counsel This may be chearing unto all his mourning Relations Domestical Pastoral Classical For Christ understandeth that his wife hath lost a dear husband his children an indulgent father his people a faithful Pastor the Classis a chief Pillar and all good Christians a real friend And seeing Christ considering that Mr. Whitaker is dead doth also observe how we all are affected with this providence therfore I beseech you and beseech you again to study in good earnest the gracious improvement of this sad dispensation Let us hear the voice of this rod repentingly remember the forfeitures made of this blessing and make conscionable imitation of the good example he hath left us Though Mr. Whitaker is dead yet his holy life speaketh My Narrative hath told much of that which it speaketh and my prayers are that it may speak through the concurrence of Gods grace that unto all our hearts which may be for spiritual and eternal benefit by Christ FINIS POEMS And ELEGIES On the Death of Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER On the Death of my dear Friend Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker IF death be but a servant sent to call The souls of Saints to their original Dear St thine was a noble soul to whom Three Messengers were sent to call thee home A stone an ulcer and a gangrene too Three deaths to hastē that which one should do 'T was not because thy soul was deeper set Then ours within its house of clay nor yet Because thou wert unwilling to depart Thither where long before had been thine hear◠They were not sent to hale by violence A soul that lingered when 't was called hence God shewd how welcome one death was to thee Who did so meekly entertain all three Thus many deaths Gods Israel did inclose The sea before behind a sea of foes On either side the jaws of mountains high No way from death but unto death to flie Not to destroy them but to let them see The power of love which then would se◠them free Thus Jobs four Messengers which did relate