A funeral sermon for that very reverend, and most laborious servant of Christ, in…

Let us sever and lay aside herein, what may at first sight, seem specious, but is really not considerable in this matter, as that men, in the same miserable circumstances with those whom they are to persuade, that they may save them, will be so much the more earnest, and importunate, use so much the more pressing arguments, as having been upon the brink of hell, and the borders of destruction, for we suppose such as are most likely to promote the salvation of others, to have been made sensible of their own undone lost state, and to be in a way of recovery themselves. But hereupon it may also be supposed, they will ⟨p. 12⟩therefore so much the more pathetically plead with sinners. Their knowledge of the terrors of the Lord will urge them to persuade men, 2 Cor. 5. 11. and make them eloquent at it. But what? more than Angels? When the Apostle, 1 Cor. 13. supposes one speaking with the tongue of Men and Angels, doth he not intend a gradation, and signify the latter far to excel? And are we to suppose that the benignity of their own natures, their kindness to man, and their perfect conformity, and obediential compliance and subjection to the will of their sovereign Lord, would not have obliged them to do their uttermost, if he had sent them upon such errands? we cannot doubt it. But,

Let us sever and lay aside herein, what may at first sight, seem specious, but is really not considerable in this matter, as that men, in the same miserable circumstances with those whom they are to perswade, that they may save them, will be so much the more earnest, and importunate, use so much the more pressing arguments, as having been upon the brink of hell, and the borders of destruction, for we suppose such as are most likely to promote the salvation of others, to have been made sensible of their own undone lost state, and to be in a way of recovery themselves. But hereupon it may also be supposed, they will ⟨p. 12⟩therefore so much the more pathetically plead with sinners. Their knowledge of the terrors of the Lord will urge them to perswade men, 2 Cor. 5. 11