A funeral sermon on the death of that pious gentlewoman Mrs. Judith Hamond Late…

But I withal think there may be somewhat of more special import tending to repress intemperate Sorrow, on such an occasion, in that of Ezekiel 24. 16. I think there may be somewhat, I say, collected, besides what was more peculiar, and appropriate by way of signal to the Prophet himself, that may reach the last mentioned Case. It was a thing enjoined upon him, that he should not mourn nor weep, nor should his tears run down, when, God should take away from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke. I reckon that as we have seen Christians should not mourn like other men, so the Lords Prophets are not to mourn altogether, like others of his People, but somewhat more of restraint they are to put upon themselves, that they may discover an higher excellency, or somewhat a greater measure of that spirit of faith ruling in them, that gives a great allay to present things, ⟨p. 21⟩whether good or evil, as it begets clearer and more vivid apprehensions of things yet-future and out of sight. And that as all believers, should endeavour in things of common concernment to all, to be exemplary to one another and to other men; so they who are so much nearer to God, in Office and Relation should be examples to Believers in Conversation, Spirit, Faith, 1 Tim. 4. 12.

But I withal think there may be somewhat of more special import tending to repress intemperate Sorrow, on such an occasion, in that of Ezekiel 24. 16. I think there may be somewhat, I say, collected, besides what was more peculiar, and appropriate by way of signal to the Prophet himself, that may reach the last mention'd Case. It was a thing injoined upon him, that he should not mourn nor weep, nor should his tears run down, when, God should take away from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke. I reckon that as we have seen Christians should not mourn like other men, so the Lords Prophets are not to mourn altogether, like others of his People, but somewhat more of restraint they are to put upon themselves, that they may discover an higher excellency, or somewhat a greater measure of that spirit of faith ruling in them, that gives a great allay to present things, ⟨p. 21⟩