A summons to the grave, or, The necessity of a timely preparation for death…

And now beloved, as concerning this Sermon, had it not been Preached in part to fulfil the desire of the deceased, I should not have presumed to have taken so weighty a work upon me, especially in the Presence of so many able and worthy Ministers, as I am not so, (the Lord knows, I look upon my self no ways meet, or fitly qualified and capacitated for such a weighty work I am called to) And truly, brethren, 'tis not any excellency and worth that is in this broken Sermon that is the cause of its Publication, 'tis the desire and importunity of several amongst you, and some others, that hath brought it forth; I do think, nevertheless, for the sake of him at whose Desire and at whose Funeral it was Preached, you will entertain it though never so poor and mean a work.

And now beloved, as concerning this Sermon, had it not been Preached in part to fulfil the desire of the deceased, I should not have presumed to have taken so weighty a work upon me, especially in the Presence of so many able and worthy Ministers, as I am not so, (the Lord knows, I look upon my self no ways meet, or fitly qualified and capacitated for such a weighty work I am called to) And truly, brethren, 'tis not any excellency and worth that is in this broken Sermon that is the cause of its Publication, 'tis the desire and importunity of several amongst you, and some others, that hath brought it forth; I do think, nevertheless, for the sake of him at whose Desire and at who'e Funeral it was Preached, you will entertain it though never so poor and mean a work.

I told you what sorrow had seized my spirit, I ⟨image 3⟩Preached with a heavy heart, and with a mournful spirit, I know you fate under the hearing of it; alas, I cannot blame you for your mourning, he was a most sweet and choice Preacher, most excellent skill had he to dive into Gospel-Mysteries; he saw, if I may say without offence, as far into a Text of Scripture, as most men now surviving, and as careful in dividing of the Word that every one might have a portion in season; O how sweetly has this Trumpet sounded in your ears, what spiritual joy hath it raised in your hearts! O how powerful in Prayer hath he been! Hath not his prayers and Tears over sinking sinners, tended to melt their Adamant hearts! O the thronging there hath been about him, no marvel he had precious bread always to break unto the children; he knew how to feed with milk, and how and when to feed with strong meat; It was his delight, I am satisfied, to do his Masters work, and in doing of it, I may say, he loved not his life unto the death.