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
of it and fit us his Ministers that supervive to preach and live as he did To fight a good fight to finish our course and to keep the faith that so we may at last obtaine a crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge will give at the last day to all that love his appearing So prayeth Your servant in the work of the Ministery EDM. CALAMY To the Right Honourable ELIZABETH Countesse Dowager of Exeter MADAM HOw irresistible is the power of love and importunity The holy Scriptures do plentifully manifest that divine love doth set Gods All whether within or without himself on work for his childrens good and that his childrens importunity hath in al Ages prevailed with his Omnipotency to appeare for their comfort And multitudes of daily experience do evidence the prevalency of these two Arguments among the sons of men My self makes one instance for the verifying hereof by preaching at Reverend worthy Mr. Whitakers Funeral and by printing my Sermon with the Narrative of his memâ—rable life both which come abroad with enlargements because streights of time and the discomposednesse of my spirit through grief would not suffer me thus fully to dilate upon in the Pulpit Madam I am confident that your Ladyship can of your own knowledge not only attest the truth of most passages in my Narrative but adde also much more from your own observation which will render his memory precious unto posterity And will your Honour give me leave to give some further account unto the world wherefore I have presumed to dedicate unto your Ladyship these expressions of my great respect to my precious much endeared brother Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker Gratitude is at the bottom of this Dedication Madam As I shall alwayes really acknowledg your Honours favour towards my worthlesse self so I judg it meet to make known upon this occasion that more then many thanks are most due unto your Ladyship from all Mr. Whitakers Relations for your many and great testimonies of your constant respects unto him all his life long since your first acquaintance with him I have often heard him mention before the Lord with praises and prayers your Honours abundant kindnesses both unto himselfe and his family which I beleeve are on record in heaven to be fully recompensed in due time because they were the products of your sincere love unto him as the faithful Minister of Jesus Christ Madam there are not many who be so deeply sensible as your selâ—e of the great losse sustained by the death of this holy man of God What mine own losse is I had rather expresse it before the Lord then publish it unto the world He was Madam a faithful servant to your immortal soul the wel are whereof God in mercy hath given you to mind much more then all matters sublunary whatsoever In reference hereunto he was your wise counsellour in all your doubts and difficulties your compassionate comforter in all straights and sorrows your vigilant Physician to prevent spiritual sicknesse and infection your zealous Incourager in all wayes of holy service and a daily Remembrancer of you and yours before the Throne of Grace Though these things speak your losse which may warrantably afflict your heart yet I beseech you good Madam consider with comfort that notwithstanding this bucket be broken as Dr. Preston was wont to expresse it nevertheless the fountain of light life grace strength comfort and satisfaction is still at hand ever full and alwayes flowing He who is now removed out of the Land of the living to be serviceable by preaching praying conference no more was only one of those golden pipes through which the God of your mercies conveyed relief sweetly and seasonably unto your soul the wel-head is not removed and many other choice conveyances of grace and consolation from Christ be still continued to you Let this therefore be the language of your faith The Lord liveth and blessed be the 〈◊〉 oâ— my salvations who will never forsake nor faile the soule which in humility and faithfulness doth depend upon his Majesty And Madam Mr. Whitaker his rich receipts of much sanctifying grace strong confidence invincible patience undaunted courage un-interrupted peace with pure elevating joyes from the Lord may encourage the hopes of the poorest Christians to expect great things from heaven according to their necessities and desires because God is no respecter of persons but free and liberal in the communications of his peculiar goodnesse These are the words of his grace Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it Psal 81. 10. If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink He that beleeveth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Joh. 7. 37 38. The Almighty hath given you some tastes of that incomparable fruit which comes from the Land of promise that you may be encouraged to hold on in the way thither with cheerfulnesse and perseverance Madam It is no small addition unto your honour here and it will undoubtedly make to your happiness hereafter that you do own God in unwearied attendance upon his sacred Ordinances laying forth your self for his name faithfully with that prudence self-denial and plainness of heart wherewith he hath adorned you through his rich mercy in Jesus Christ Madam I humbly beg pardon for this my boldness and crave leave to subscribe my self Madam Your Honours humble Servant SIMEON ASHE JOHN 11. 11. Our friend Lazarus sleepeth THese are the words of Christ concerning Lazarus and they speak 1. His relation 2. His dissolution First the relation was friendship wherein we are to observe 1. How far this friendship was extended viz. both unto Christ and to his Disciples our friend It is not my friend or your friend but our friend both yours and mine 2. That this friendship was acknowledged by Christ himselfe not only while Lazarus was yet alive but even now when he was dead Our friend Lazarus sleepeth In the second part of the Text viz. Lazarus's dissolution we may note 1. The truth asserted viz. that Lazarus though a friend both to Christ and to his Disciples yet he was dead 2. The Metaphor whereby it is expressed which is taken from natural sleep He sleepeth 3. The notice which our Saviour took of Lazarus his decease This he reporteth unto his Disciples he saith unto them Our friend Lazarus sleepeth Thus from this plaine division of the Text I proceed unto the observations which do from hence offer themselves naturally unto our consideration And the doctrines will be six in number viz. three from each part into which the Text hath been divided Doctr. 1 The first is this viz. That there is a mutual friendship betwixt Christ and true Christians Our Lord himself here calleth Lazarus friend And that this friendship was mutual it is evident from this history First the love of Lazarus towards the Lord Jesus was witnessed by the many entertainments and hearty welcomes which he received
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
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