A sermon preached July 2, at the funeral of Mr. John Wells late pastor…

6. The meditation of the shortness of time, would much mitigate our grief for the loss of dear Relations. It is observable, when the Apostle had said, The time is short, he presently adds, Let them that ⟨p. 17⟩weep be as if they wept not. No doubt the loss of Relations is grievous to the fleshy part. It is like pulling a limb from the body. When God strikes us in our right eye, we weep. 'Tis lawful to give vent to our grief: Joseph wept over his dead Father. But though Religion doth not banish grief, it bounds it. We must weep quasi non, as if we wept not. Rachels sin was, that she refused to be comforted, Mat. 2. 18. Origen it is thought died of grief; and if any thing can stop the issue of sorrow, at least assuage it, it is this, The time is short. We shall shortly have our losses made up, and enjoy our godly Relations again in Heaven.

6. The meditation of the shortness of time, would much mitigate our grief for the loss of dear Relations. It is observable, when the Apostle had said, The time is short, he presently adds, Let them that ⟨p. 17⟩weep be as if they wept not. No doubt the loss of Relations is grievous to the fleshy part. It is like pulling a limb from the body. When God strikes us in our right eye, we weep. 'Tis lawful to give vent to our grief: Joseph wept over his dead Father. But though Religion doth not banish grief, it bounds it. We must weep quasi non, as if we wept not. Rachels sin was, that she refused to be comforted, Mat. 2. 18. Origen it is thought died of grief; and if any thing can stop the issue of sorrow, at least asswage it, it is this, The time is short. We shall shortly have our losses made up, and enjoy our godly Relations again in Heaven.

7. The Meditation of the shortness of time, would make us highly value Grace. Time is short, but Grace is for ever.