A64984:131
The death of ministers improved. Or, an exhortation to the inhabitants of Horsley on…
The death of ministers improved. Or, an exhortation to the inhabitants of Horsley on Gloucester-shire, and others, on the much lamented death of that reverend and faithful minister of the Gospel, Mr. Henry Stubs By Tho. Vincent, John Turner, Rob. Perrott, M. Pemberton. To which is added a sermon upon that occasion, by Richard Baxter.The death of ministers improved. Or, an exhortation to the inhabitants of Horsley on Glocester-shire, and others, on the much lamented death of that reverend and faithful minister of the Gospel, Mr. Henry Stubbs By Tho. Vincent, John Turner, Rob. Perrott, M. Pemberton. To which is added a sermon upon that occasion, by Richard Baxter.
London : s.n., Printed in the year 1678
Sermon › Application 2: USE 2.Sermon › Application 2: VSE 2.
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.
But then woe to us as well as you. O remember who hath said, Obey them that have the rule over you, for they watch for your Souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. 13.17. He is not worthy to be called a man, that will deny any joy or good to his neighbour, which doth no hurt to himself or others? But consider whether he be not herein worse than a Devil, that will deny another the comfort of seeing him happy, and freely doing him the greatest good?
But then wo to us as well as you. O remember who hath said, Obey them that have the rule over you, for they watch for your Souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. 13.17. He is not worthy to be called a man, that will deny any joy or good to his neighbour, which doth no hurt to himself or others? But consider whether he be not herein worse than a Devil, that will deny another the comfort of seeing him happy, and freely doing him the greatest good?
Do you not see now, how much you are concerned, that you further our joyful finishing of our course? I beseech you let Conscience ⟨p. 47⟩judg you, before God judg you: speak as before God; Have you been turned by them from darkness to light, and from unbelief to a lively faith, and from a fleshly, to a spiritual life; and from worldly love and hopes, to the love of God, and the hope of endless joys in Heaven? Are you at a point with the flattering world, and fleshly lusts? and have you heartily taken God and Heaven for your portion, and Christ for your Saviour, and the holy Spirit for your Sanctifier and comforter; and the word of God for your Law and Charter, and the servants of God for your pleasantest company, and the service and praises of God for your best and pleasantest work, and sin for your worst and greatest enemy? If this be so, bless God that made the word so effectual to you. But if it be not, you have wronged your Teachers in robbing them of the joy which was their due. This is it that we studied, prayed and Preached for: This is it that we live and labour for. This was to have been the chief part of our reward from you. It is not your Tithes and Money without this, that will satisfy any but an hireling.