A44693:18
A sermon on the much lamented death of that reverend and worthy Servant of…
A sermon on the much lamented death of that reverend and worthy Servant of Christ Mr. Richard Adams, M.A. sometime fellow of Brazen-Nose College in Oxford, afterwards, minister of St. Mildred Bread Street, London, more lately, pastor of a congregation in Southwark, who deceased Febr. 7th, 1697/8 preached, February the 20th, 1698 / by John Howe.A sermon on the much lamented death of that reverend and worthy Servant of Christ Mr. Richard Adams, M.A. sometime fellow of Brazen-Nose Colledge in Oxford, afterwards, minister of St. Mildred Breadstreet, London, more lately, pastor of a congregation in SOuthwark, who deceased Febr. 7th, 1697/8 preached, February the 20th, 1698 / by John Howe.
London: printed by S. Bridge for Tho. Parkhurst, 1698
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now in this Comparison, 'tis this one side of it, which the Words that I have read to you do call us to consider, and confine us to at this Time. As to that other Part, it lies within the Compass of the Context, but not of the Text; and so we shall not Treat of that at present: But consider, what is the genuine Temper and Disposition of a Christian, and more principally of a Minister of Christ, in reference to what he is to eye and look upon as his own best, and most valuable Good; and that is, to Depart, and to be with Christ. This indeed the Apostle speaks of himself, a great and eminent Minister of the Gospel of Christ. But though this Temper and Disposition of Spirit was agreeable, it was not appropriate to such a one. It is indeed very agreeable, it is very suitable to the Spirit of a faithful Minister of Christ, in reference to himself, and any Interest and Concern of his, to desire to depart, and to be with Christ: But it is not so agreeable to such a one, as to be appropriate to him, or to exclude the generality of serious and living Christians; because it is upon one account; principally ⟨p. 9⟩common to Ministers, and to other Christians, that this Judgment is to be made, and this Desire is to have Place in Reference to that Judgment. And therefore, that is what I will, for the little Time that remains, chiefly insist upon.
That it ought to be, and in very great measure is, the Temper and Character of gracious Persons, or sincere Christians, but principally of the faithful Ministers of Christ, with Reference to any Interest or Concern of theirs, to desire to leave this World, and to be with Christ.
And in speaking to this, I shall briefly, 1. Explain what requires to be explained in it; and then, 2. Show you upon what grounds this Temper and Disposition of Mind is agreeable, in the General to sincere Christians. 3. Upon what more peculiar grounds it is more especially suitable to the faithful Ministers of Christ. And so make use of the whole.