N00216:65
A sermon preached upon Ezek. 22. 30, 31. Occasioned by the death of the…
A sermon preached upon Ezek. 22. 30, 31. Occasioned by the death of the much honoured John Leveret Esq; governor of the colony of the Massachusetts. N-E. 63. / By S.W. Teacher of the South Church in Boston.A sermon preached upon Ezek. 22. 30, 31. Occasioned by the death of the much honoured John Leveret Esq; governour of the colony of the Massachusets. N-E. 63. / By S.W. Teacher of the South Church in Boston.
Boston: printed by John Foster, 1679
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.
1. It may call us into the dust and mourning at remembrance or consideration of the displeasure of God which is out against us upon this account, in the loss of so many, and at such a juncture of time, that might have been truly styled men that stood in the Gap, The present solemn stroke of divine displeasure in the death or that honourable Personage, whom I lament, not only for private respects (which claim it) but as he was a man publicly both great and good, pointed me to this present discourse, and the thoughts of it bring to mind reiterated strokes of the same nature so lately inflicted; & Indeed the voice of providence is loud, the Lord. God hath spoken, who can but prophesy: and I would endeavour (God helping) to put you into true mourning, let me therefore entreat you to put on these considerations.
1. It may call us into the dust and mourning at remembrance or consideration of the displeasure of God which is out against us upon this account, in the loss of so many, and at such a juncture of time, that might have been truly styled men that stood in the Gap, The present solemn stroke of divine displeasure in the death or that honourable Personage, whom I lament, not only for private respects (which claim it) but as he was a man publickly both great and good, pointed me to this present discourse, and the thoughts of it bring to mind reiterated strokes of the same nature so lately inflicted; & Indeed the voice of providence is loud, the Lord. God hath spoken, who can but prophesie: and I would endeavour (God helping) to put you into true mourning, let me therefore entreat you to put on these considerations.
1. Who they were whom we have lost: I know it is one part of the infelicity of divided times, that few men dye universally lamented, how useful soever they have been in their Generations? because of prejudices which are the natural fruits of such seasons: but if prejudice may be commanded to hold its tongue, ⟨p. 11⟩and Truth may be admitted to speak, and due allowance of Charity granted to men labouring in their clay Tabernacle with a body of death, which the best of men have always needed to cloak their imperfections, (and a David without it, would have past an harsh censure) they were men of singular worth & eminency: what shall I say more? they were men ready to set their hands to repair out Edge, and hazard themselves to stand in the Gap: men willing to sacrifice their lives for the public weal and safety of this people; men precious in the sight of God, and deserving to be registered in the Rolls, and founded by Trumpet of Peace, & for whom was prepared an Immortal, & never fading Crown of glory.