A sermon preached at the funeral of reverend Mr. Will. Whitaker, late minister of…

Seeing those that are taught, and those that teach them, are both mortal, but the Word of God is immortal, and will certainly overtake us in this world, and follow us into the next, it should therefore be a prevailing argument to every one of us, to make the best use of the present help of Ministers for our through turning unto God.

Seeing those that are taught, and those that teach them, are both mortal, but the Word of God is immortal, and will certainly overtake us in this world, and follow us into the next, it should therefore be a prevailing argument to every one of us, to make the best use of the present help of Ministers for our thorow turning unto God.

People dye, and Ministers dye, but the Word lives. Men first or last shall feel that Word to be true, which they are most unwilling to believe to be so; and those things to overtake them, which they most industriously put farthest from them.

Christians we deliver our message, and we are called home to give an account to him that sent us, men turn their backs upon the Word, and run away from it, and are never to seek for an excuse, why they do no more regard it, but all this will not serve their turn; dye they must, and be judged they must, according to what they have heard, and how they have lived, and therefore it will be your wisdom to turn to God, and make use of Ministers while you have them. Alas, my Brethren, you may use us at your pleasure (I do not mean you may lawfully do it, but you may really do it) and if your rejecting of our message could but shake off your obligation, or fright your Judge from meddling with you, you might vapour ⟨p. 5⟩over us, and count it a piece of Gallantry to out-face poor Ministers, and to out-brave their message; but how long will you be able to carry it? How soon may a burning Fever cool your courage? and the King of Terrors change your thoughts? now is your hour, (alas, 'tis but an hour, a little while) and the power of your darkness, that will not endure the light. But, Sirs, be it known to you, your sleepy consciences shall be awakened, and your self-flattering dreams shall have an end, then that Word which you counted as wind, shall kindle upon you as fire, and there will be no standing before it.