True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon…
True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon preached on the day of the funeral of the Rev. Mr. David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians, from the Honourable Society in Scotland for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and Pastor of a church of Christian Indians in New-Jersey; who died at Northampton, in New-England, Octob. 9th. 1747, in the 30th year of his age, and was interred on the 12th following. : Containing some account of his character, and manner of life, and remarkable speeches and behaviour at death. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; [Five lines from Psalms]True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon preached on the day of the funeral of the Rev. Mr. David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians, from the Honourable Society in Scotland for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and Pastor of a church of Christian Indians in New-Jersey; who died at Northampton, in New-England, Octob. 9th. 1747, in the 30th year of his age, and was interred on the 12th following. : Containing some account of his character, and manner of life, and remarkable speeches and behavior at death. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; [Five lines from Psalms]
Jonathan Edwards 1703–1758printed by Rogers and Fowle for D. Henchman, 1747
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.
His Experiences were very diverse from many Things, that have lately obtained the Reputation, with Multitudes, of the very Height of Christian Experience. About the Time that that false Religion, which arises chiefly from Impressions on the Imagination, began first to make a very great Appearance in the Land, he was for a little while deceived with it, so as to think highly of it. And though he knew he never had such Experiences as others told of, he thought it was because others Attainments were beyond his; and so coveted them, and sought after them, but could never obtain them. He told me, that he never had what is called an Impulse, or a strong Impression on his Imagination, in Things of Religion, in his Life. But owned, that during the short Time tha• he thought well ⟨p. 30⟩of these Things, he was tinged with that Spirit of false Zeal that is wont to attend them. But said that, even in this Time, he was not in his Element, but as a Fish out of Water. And when, after a little while, he came clearly to see the Vanity and Perniciousness of such Things, it cost him Abundance of Sorrow and Distress of Mind, and to m• Knowledge he afterwards freely and openly confessed the Errors i• Conduct that he had run into, and laid himself low before them that he had offended. And since his Conviction of his Error in those Respects, he has ever had a peculiar Abhorrence of that Kind of bitter Zeal, and those delusive Experiences that have been the principal Source of it. He detested Enthusiasm in all its Forms and Operations; and abhorred whatever in Opinion or Experience seemed to verge towards Antinomianism; as, the Experiences of those whose first Faith consists in believing that CHRIST died for them in particular; and their first Love, in loving GOD, because they supposed they were the Objects of his Love▪ and their Assurance of their good Estate from some immediate Testimony, or Suggestion, either with, or without Texts of Scripture, that their Sins are forgiven, that GOD loves them, &c. And the Joys of such as rejoiced more in their own supposed Distinction from others, in Honour and Privileges and high Experiences, than in GOD's Excellency and CHRIST'S Beauty; and the spiritual Pride of such Lay-Men, that are for setting up themselves as public Teachers, and cry down human Learning, and a learned Ministry.
His Experiences were very diverse from many Things, that have lately obtained the Reputation, with Multitudes, of the very Height of Christian Experience. About the Time that that false Religion, which arises chiefly from Impressions on the Imagination, began first to make a very great Appearance in the Land, he was for a little while deceived with it, so as to think highly of it. And though he knew he never had such Experiences as others told of, he thought it was because others Attainments were beyond his; and so coveted them, and sought after them, but could never obtain them. He told me, that he never had what is called an Impulse, or a strong Impression on his Imagination, in Things of Religion, in his Life. But owned, that during the short Time tha• he thought well ⟨p. 30⟩of these Things, he was tinged with that Spirit of false Zeal that is wont to attend them. But said that, even in this Time, he was not in his Element, but as a Fish out of Water. And when, after a little while, he came clearly to see the Vanity and Perniciousness of such Things, it cost him Abundance of Sorrow and Distress of Mind, and to m• Knowledge he afterwards freely and openly confess'd the Errors i• Conduct that he had run into, and laid himself low before them that he had offended. And since his Conviction of his Error in those Respects, he has ever had a peculiar Abhorrence of that Kind of bitter Zeal, and those delusive Experiences that have been the principal Source of it. He detested Enthusiasm in all its Forms and Operations; and abhor'd whatever in Opinion or Experience seem'd to verge towards Antinomianism; as, the Experiences of those whose first Faith consists in believing that CHRIST died for them in particular; and their first Love, in loving GOD, because they supposed they were the Objects of his Love▪ and their Assurance of their good Estate from some immediate Testimony, or Suggestion, either with, or without Texts of Scripture, that their Sins are forgiven, that GOD loves them, &c. And the Joys of such as rejoiced more in their own supposed Distinction from others, in Honour and Privileges and high Experiences, than in GOD's Excellency and CHRIST'S Beauty; and the spiritual Pride of such Lay-Men, that are for setting up themselves as publick Teachers, and cry down human Learning, and a learned Ministry.
He greatly nauseated a Disposition in Persons to much Noise and Show in Religion, and affecting to be abundant in publishing and proclaim• their own Experiences. Though he did not condemn, but approved of Christians speaking of their Experiences, on some Occasions, and to some Persons, with Modesty, Discretion and Reserve. He abominated the Spirit and Practice of the Generality of the Separatists in this Land. I heard him say, once and again, that he had been much with this Kind of People, and was acquainted with many of them, in various Parts; and that by this Acquaintance, he knew that what was chiefly and most generally in Repute amongst them, as the Power of Godliness, was entirely a different Thing from that vital Piety recommended in the Scripture, and had nothing in it of that Nature. He never was more full in condemning these Things than in his last Illness, and after he ceased to have any Expectation of Life: And particularly when he had the greatest and nearest Views of approaching Eternity; and several Times, ⟨p. 31⟩when he thought himself actually dying, and expected in a few Minutes to be in the eternal World, as he himself told me.*
He greatly nauseated a Disposition in Persons to much Noise and Show in Religion, and affecting to be abundant in publishing and proclaim• their own Experiences. Though he did not condemn, but approved of Christians speaking of their Experiences, on some Occasions, and to some Persons, with Modesty, Discretion and Reserve. He abominated the Spirit and Practice of the Generality of the Separatists in this Land. I heard him say, once and again, that he had been much with this Kind of People, and was acquainted with many of them, in various Parts; and that by this Acquaintance, he knew that what was chiefly and most generally in Repute amongst them, as the Power of Godliness, was intirely a different Thing from that vital Piety recommended in the Scripture, and had nothing in it of that Nature. He never was more full in condemning these Things than in his last Illness, and after he ceased to have any Expectation of Life: And particularly when he had the greatest and nearest Views of approaching Eternity; and several Times, ⟨p. 31⟩when he thought himself actually dying, and expected in a few Minutes to be in the eternal World, as he himself told me.*
*Since this Sermon was preach'd, I find this that follows, in his Diary for the last Summer. […] 18. I was this Day taken exceeding ill, and bro't to the Gates of Death.— In this extreme weak State I continued for several Weeks; and was frequently reduced so low as to be utterly speechless, and not able so much as to whisper a Word. And even after I had so far reviv'd, as to walk about House, and to step out of Doors, I was exercised, every Day, with a faint Turn, which continued usually four or five Hours. At which Times, though I was not utterly speechless, so but that I could say yes or no: yet, I could not converse at all, nor speak one Sentence without making Stops for Breath. And divers Times, in this Season, my Friends gathered round my Bed, to see me breathe my lest; which they look'd for every Moment, as I myself also did. How I was the first Day or two of my Illness, with Regard to the Exercise of Reason, I scarcely know: But I believe I was something shatter'd, with the Violence of the Fever, at Times. But the third Day of my Illness, and constantly afterwards, for four or five Weeks together, I enjoyed as much Serenity of Mind, and Clearness of Thought, as perhaps I ever did in my Life. And I think my Mind never penetrated with so much Ease and Freedom into divine Things, as at this Time; and I never felt so capable of demonstrating the Truth of many important Doctrines of the Gospel as now. And as I saw clearly the Truth of those great Doctrines, which are justly styled the DOCTRINES of GRACE; so I saw with no less Clearness, that the Essence of true Religion consisted in the Soul's Conformity to GOD, and acting above all selfish Views, for his Glory, longing to be for him, to live to him, and please and honour him in all Things; and that, from a clear View of his infinite Excellency and Worthiness, in himself, to be loved, adored, worshipped and served, by all intelligent Creatures. Thus I saw that when a Soul loves GOD with a supreme Love, he therein acts like the blessed GOD himself, who most justly loves himself in that Manner; so when GOD's Interest and his are become one, and he longs that GOD should be glorified, and rejoices to think that he is unchangeably possess'd of the highest Glory and Blessedness, herein also he acts in Conformity to GOD. In like manner, when the Soul is fully resigned to, and rests satisfied and contented with the divine Will, here he is also conformed to GOD. I saw further that as this divine Temper, whereby the Soul exalts GOD, and treads it self in the Dust, is wrought in the Soul by GOD's discovering his own glorious Perfections, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, to it, by the special Influences of his HOLY SPIRIT; so he could not but have regard to it, as his own Work: And as it is his Image in the Soul, he could not but take Delight in it. Then I saw again that if GOD should slight and reject his own moral Image, he must needs deny himself; which he cannot do. And thus I saw the Stability and Infallibility of this Religion; and that those who were truly possessed of it, had the most complete and satisfying Evidence of their being interested in all the Benefits of CHRIST'S Redemption, having their Hearts conformed to him; and that these, and these only were qualified for the Employments and Entertainments of GOD's Kingdom of Glory; as none but these would have any Relish of the Business of Heaven, which is to ascribe Glory to GOD, and not to themselves; and that GOD (though I would speak it with great Reverence of his Name and Perfections) could not, without denying himself, finally cast such away. The next Thing I had then to do, was to enquire whether this was my Religion. And here GOD was pleased to help me to the most easy Remembrance, and critical Review of what had passed in Course, of a religious Nature, through several of the latter Years of my Life. And altho' I could discover much Corruption attending my best Duties, many selfish Views and carnal Ends, much spiritual Pride, and Self-Exaltation, and innumerable other Evils which compassed me about; I say, altho' I now discerned the Sins of my holy Things, as well as other Actions; yet GOD was pleased, as I was reviewing, quickly to put this Question out of doubt, by showing me that I had, from Time to Time, acted above the utmost Influence of mere Self-Love; that I had longed to please and glorify him, as my highest Happiness, &c. And this Review was through Grace attended with a present Feeling of the same divine Temper of Mind. I felt now pleas'd to think of the Glory of GOD; and long'd for Heaven, as a State wherein I might glorify GOD perfectly, rather than a Place of Happiness for myself. And this Feeling of the Lo of GOD in my Heart, which I trust the SPIRIT of GOD excited in me afresh, was sufficient to give me full Satisfaction, and make me long, as I had many Times before done, to be with CHRIST. I did not now want any of the — sudden Suggestions, that many are so pleased with, That CHRIST and his Benefits are mine, That GOD loves me, in Order to give me Satisfaction about my State. No, my Soul now abhor'd those Delusions of Satan; which are thought to be the immediate Witness of the Spirit, while there is nothing but an empty Suggestion of a certain Fact, without any gracious Discovery of the divine Glory, or of the Spirit's Work in their own Hearts. I saw the awful Delusion of this Kind of Confidences; as well as of the whole of that Religion, which they usually spring from, or at least, are the Attendants of; the false Religion of the late Day, though a Day of wondrous Grace; the Imaginations and Impressions made only on the animal Affections; together with the sudden Suggestions, made to the Mind by Satan transform'd into an Angel of Light, of certain Facts, not revealed in Scripture: These, I say, and many like Things, I fear have made up the greater Part of the religious Appearances in many Places. These Things I saw with great Clearness, when I was thought to be dying, and GOD gave me great Concern for his Church and Interest in the World at this Time: Not so much because the late remarkable Influence upon the Minds of People was abated, and almost wholly gone, as because of the false Religion, the Heats of Imagination, and wild and selfish Commotions of the animal Affections, which attended the Work of Grace, had prevailed so far. This was that which my Mind dwelt upon, almost Day and Night: And this, to me, was the darkest Appearance, respecting Religion, in the Land. For 'twas this chiefly that had prejudiced the World against inward Religion. And this I saw was the great Misery of all, that so few saw any Manner of Difference between those Exercises that were spiritual and holy, and those which have Self-Love only, for their Beginning, Centre and End.
As his inward Experiences appear to have been of the right Kind, and were very remarkable as to their Degree, so was his ⟨p. 33⟩outward Behaviour and Practice agreeable. He in his whole Course acted as one who had indeed sold all for CHRIST, and had entirely devoted himself to GOD, and made his Glory his highest End, and was fully determined to spend his whole Time and Strength in his Service. He was lively in Religion, in the right Way: Lively, not only, nor chiefly, with his Tongue, in professing and talking; but lively in the Work and Business of Religion. He was not one of those which are for contriving Ways to shun the Cross, and get to Heaven with Ease and Sloth; but was such an Instance of one living a Life of Labour and Self-Denial, and spending his Strength and Substance, in pursuing that great End, the Glory of his REDEEMER, that perhaps is scarcely to be paralleled in this Age, in these Parts of the World. Much of this may be perceived by any one that reads his printed Journal; but much more has been learned by long intimate Acquaintance with him, and by looking into his Diary since his Death, that he purposely concealed in what he published.
As his inward Experiences appear to have been of the right Kind, and were very remarkable as to their Degree, so was his ⟨p. 33⟩outward Behaviour and Practice agreeable. He in his whole Course acted as one who had indeed sold all for CHRIST, and had entirely devoted himself to GOD, and made his Glory his highest End, and was fully determined to spend his whole Time and Strength in his Service. He was lively in Religion, in the right Way: Lively, not only, nor chiefly, with his Tongue, in professing and talking; but lively in the Work and Business of Religion. He was not one of those which are for contriving Ways to shun the Cross, and get to Heaven with Ease and Sloth; but was such an Instance of one living a Life of Labour and Self-Denial, and spending his Strength and Substance, in pursuing that great End, the Glory of his REDEEMER, that perhaps is scarcely to be parallel'd in this Age, in these Parts of the World. Much of this may be perceived by any one that reads his printed Journal; but much more has been learn'd by long intimate Acquaintance with him, and by looking into his Diary since his Death, that he purposely concealed in what he published.
And as his Desires and Labours for the Advancement of CHRIST'S Kingdom were great, so was his Success. GOD was pleased to make him▪ the Instrument of bringing to pass the most remarkable Things among the poor Salvages, in enlightening, awakening, reforming and changing their Disposition and ⟨p. 34⟩Manners, and wonderfully transforming them, that perhaps any Instance can be produced of, in these latter Ages of the World. An Account of which has been given the Public, in his Journals, drawn up by Order of the Honourable Society in Scotland, that employed him: Which I would recommend to the Perusal of all such as take Pleasure in the wonderful Works of GOD's Grace, and would read that which will peculiarly tend both •o entertain, and profit a Christian Mind.
And as his Desires and Labours for the Advancement of CHRIST'S Kingdom were great, so was his Success. GOD was pleased to make him▪ the Instrument of bringing to pass the most remarkable Things among the poor Salvages, in enlightning, awakening, reforming and changing their Disposition and ⟨p. 34⟩Manners, and wonderfully transforming them, that perhaps any Instance can be produced of, in these latter Ages of the World. An Account of which has been given the Publick, in his Journals, drawn up by Order of the Honourable Society in Scotland, that employed him: Which I would recommend to the Perusal of all such as take Pleasure in the wonderful Works of GOD's Grace, and would read that which will peculiarly tend both •o entertain, and profit a Christian Mind.
No less extraordinary than the Things already mentioned of him in Life, was his constant Calmness, Peace, Assurance and Joy in GOD, during the long Time he looked Death in the Face, without the least Hope of Recovery; continuing without Interruption to the last; while his Distemper very sensibly preyed upon his Vitals, from Day to Day, and often brought him to that State, that he looked upon himself, and was thought by others, to be dying. The Thoughts of approaching Death never seemed in the least to damp him, but rather to encourage him, and exhilarate his Mind. And the nearer Death approached, the more desirous he seemed to be of it. He said, not long before his Death, that the Consideration of the Day of Death, and the Day of Judgment, had a long Time been peculiarly sweet to him. And at another Time, that he could not but think of the Meetness there was in throwing such a rotten Carcass as his into the Grave: It seemed to him to be the Right Way of disposing of it. He often used the Epithet Glorious, when speaking of the Day of his Death, calling it that glorious Day. On a Sabbath-Day-Morning, Sept. 27. feeling an unusual violent Appetite to Food, and looking on it as a Sign of approaching Death, he said he should look on it as a Favour, if this might be his dying Day, and that he longed for the Time. He had before expressed himself desirous of seeing his Brother again, whose Return had been expected from the Jerseys; but then (speaking of him) he said, I am willing to go, and never see him again: I care not what I part with, to be forever with the LORD. Being asked, that Morning, how he did; he answered, I am almost in Eternity: GOD knows, I long to be there. My Work is done: I have done with all my Friends: All the World is nothing to me. On the Evening of the next Day, when he thought himself dying, and was apprehended to be so by others, and he could utter himself only by broken Whispers, he often repeated the Word Eternity; and said, I shall soon be with the holy Angels. — ⟨p. 35⟩He will come; he will not tarry. —He told me one Night, as he went to Bed, that he expected to die that Night: And added, I am not at all afraid, I am willing to go this Night, if it be the Will of GOD. Death is what I long for. He sometimes expressed himself as having nothing to do but to die; and being willing to go that Minute, if it was the Will of GOD.
No less extraordinary than the Things already mentioned of him in Life, was his constant Calmness, Peace, Assurance and Joy in GOD, during the long Time he look'd Death in the Face, without the least Hope of Recovery; continuing without Interruption to the last; while his Distemper very sensibly prey'd upon his Vitals, from Day to Day, and often brought him to that State, that he look'd upon himself, and was thought by others, to be dying. The Thoughts of approaching Death never seemed in the least to damp him, but rather to encourage him, and exhilerate his Mind. And the nearer Death approach'd, the more desirous he seem'd to be of it. He said, not long before his Death, that the Consideration of the Day of Death, and the Day of Judgment, had a long Time been pecul•arly sweet to him. And at another Time, that he could not but think of the Meetness there was in throwing such a rotten Carcass as his into the Grave: It seemed to him to be the Right Way of disposing of it. He often used the Epithet Glori•us, when speaking of the Day of his Death, calling it that glorious Day. On a Sabbath-Day-Morning, Sept. 27. feeling an unusual violent Appetite to Food, and looking on it as a Sign of approaching Death, he said he should look on it as a Favour, if this might be his dying Day, and that he longed for the Time. He had before expressed himself desirous of seeing his Brother again, whose Return had been expected from the Jerseys; but then (speaking of him) he said, I am willing to go, and never see him again: I care not what I part with, to be forever with the LORD. Being asked, that Morning, how he did; he answered, I am almost in Eternity: GOD knows, I long to be there. My Work is done: I have done with all my Friends: All the World is nothing to me. On the Evening of the next Day, when he thought himself dying, and was apprehended to be so by others, and he could utter himself only by broken Whispers, he often repeated the Word Eternity; and said, I shall soon be with the holy Angels. — ⟨p. 35⟩He will come; he will not tarry. —He told me one Night, as he went to Bed, that he expected to die that Night: And added, I am not at all afraid, I am willing to go this Night, if it be the Will of GOD. Death is what I long for. He sometimes expressed himself as having nothing to do but to die; and being willing to go that Minute, if it was the Will of GOD.
He seemed to have remarkable Exercises of Resignation to the Will of GOD. He once told me, that he had longed for the Out-pouring of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and the glorious Times of the Church; and hoped they were coming; and should have been willing to have lived to promote Religion at that Time, if that had been the Will of GOD. But (says he) I am willing it should be as it is: I would not have the Choice to make for my self for Ten Thousand Worlds.*
He seem'd to have remarkable Exercises of Resignation to the Will of GOD. He once told me, that he had longed for the Out-pouring of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and the glorious Times of the Church; and hoped they were coming; and should have been willing to have lived to promote Religion at that Time, if that had been the Will of GOD. But (says he) I am willing it should be as it is: I would not have the Choice to make for my self for Ten Thousand Worlds.*
*He writes thus in his Diary, Aug. 23. 1747. In the Week past, I had divers Turns of inward Refreshing. Though my Body was inexpressibly weak, followed continually with Agues and Fevers, sometimes my Soul center'd in GOD as my only Portion; and I felt I should be forever unhappy, if he did not reign. I saw the Sweetness and Happiness of being his Subject, at his Disposal. This made all my Difficulties quickly vanish.
He several Times spake of the different Kinds of Willingness to die: And spoke of it as an ignoble mean Kind of Willingness to die, to be willing, only to get rid of Pain, or to go to Heaven only to get Honour and Advancement there. H•s own Longings for Death seemed to be quite of a different Kind, and for nobler Ends. When he was first taken with something like a Diarrhea, which is looked upon as one of the last and most fatal Symptoms in a Consumption, he said, O now the glorious Time is coming! I have longed to serve GOD perfectly; and GOD will gratify these Desires. And at one Time and another, in the latter Part of his Illness, he uttered these Expressions. My Heaven is, to please GOD, and glorify him, and give all to him, and to be wholly devoted to his Glory: That is the Heaven I long for: That is my Religion; and that is my Happiness; and always was, ever since I supposed I had any true Religion: And all those that are of that Religion, shall meet me in Heaven. —I don't go to Heaven to be advanced, but to give Honour to GOD. 'Tis no Matter where I shall be stationed in ⟨p. 36⟩Heaven, whether I have a high or low Seat there, but to love and please and glorify GOD.— If I had a Thousand Souls, if they were worth any Thing, I would give 'em all to GOD: But I have nothing to give, when all is done. — It is impossible for any rational Creature to be happy without acting all for GOD: GOD himself could not make me happy any other Way.—I long to be in Heaven, praising and glorifying GOD with the holy Angels; all my Desire is to glorify GOD.—My Heart goe• out to the Burying-Place, it seems to me a desirable Place: But O to glorify GOD! That is it! That is above all!— 'Tis a great Comfort to me to think that I have done a little for GOD in the World: 'Tis but a very small Matter; yet I have done a little; and I lament it that I have not done more for him.—There is nothing in the World worth living for, but doing Good, and finishing God's Work, doing the Work that CHRIST did. I see nothing else in the World that can yield any Satisfaction, besides living to GOD, pleasing him, and doing his whole Will.— My greatest Joy and Comfort has been to do something for promoting the Interest of Religion, and the Souls of particular Persons.*
He several Times spake of the different Kinds of Willingness to die: And spoke of it as an ignoble mean Kind of Willingness to die, to be willing, only to get rid of Pain, or to go to Heaven only to get Honour and Advancement there. H•s own Longings for Death seemed to be quite of a different Kind, and for nobler Ends. When he was first taken with something like a Diarrhea, which is looked upon as one of the last and most fatal Symptoms in a Consumption, he said, O now the glorious Time is coming! I have longed to serve GOD perfectly; and GOD will gratify these Desires. And at one Time and another, in the latter Part of his Illness, he uttered these Expressions. My Heaven is, to please GOD, and glorify him, and give all to him, and to be wholly devoted to his Glory: That is the Heaven I long for: That is my Religion; and that is my Happiness; and always was, ever since I supposed I had any true Religion: And all those that are of that Religion, shall meet me in Heaven. —I don't go to Heaven to be advanced, but to give Honour to GOD. 'Tis no Matter where I shall be station'd in ⟨p. 36⟩Heaven, whether I have a high or low Seat there, but to love and please and glorify GOD.— If I had a Thousand Souls, if they were worth any Thing, I would give 'em all to GOD: But I have nothing to give, when all is done. — It is impossible for any rational Creature to be happy without acting all for GOD: GOD himself could not make me happy any other Way.—I long to be in Heaven, praising and glorifying GOD with the holy Angels; all my Desire is to glorify GOD.—My Heart goe• out to the Burying-Place, it seems to me a desirable Place: But O to glorify GOD! That is it! That is above all!— 'Tis a great Comfort to me to think that I have done a little for GOD in the World: 'Tis but a very small Matter; yet I have done a little; and I lament it that I have not done more for him.—There is nothing in the World worth living for, but doing Good, and finishing God's Work, doing the Work that CHRIST did. I see nothing else in the World that can yield any Satisfaction, besides living to GOD, pleasing him, and doing his whole Will.— My greatest Joy and Comfort has been to do something for promoting the Interest of Religion, and the Souls of particular Persons.*
*In his Diary he writes thus; Sept. 7. 1747, When I was in great Distress of Body, my Soul desired that GOD should be glorified. I saw there was no Heaven but this. I could not but speak to the By-standers then, of the only Happiness, viz▪ Ple••ing GOD. O that I could forever live to GOD! The Day, I trust, is at Hand, — The perfect Day! O the Day of Deliverance from all Sin! Sept. 19. Near Night, while I attempted to walk a little, my Thoughts turned thus; How infinitely sweet it is to love GOD, and be all for him! Upon which it was suggested to me, You are not an Angel, not lively and active. To which my whole Soul immediately reply'd, I as sincerely desire to love and glorify GOD, as any Angel in Heaven. Upon which it was suggested again, But you are filthy, not fit for Heaven. Hereupon instantly appeared the blessed Robes of CHRIST'S Righteousness, which I could not but exult and triumph in. I view'd the infinite Excellency of GOD; and my Soul even broke with Longings, that GOD should be glorified. I thought of Dignity in Heaven: But instantly the Tho't returned, I don't go to Heaven to get Honour, but to give all possible Glory and Praise. O how I longed that GOD should be glorified on Earth also! O I was made, for Eternity, if GOD might be glorified! Bodily Pains I cared not for; though I was then in Extremity, I never felt easier; I felt willing to glorify GOD in that State of bodily Distress, as long as he pleas'd I should continue so. The Grave appeared really sweet, and I longed to lodge my weary Bones in it: But O that GOD might be glorified▪ This was the Burden of all my Cry. O I knew I should be active as an Angel in Heaven, and that I should be stripp'd of my filthy Garments! So that there was no Objection. But O to love and praise GOD more, to please him forever! This my Soul panted after, and even now pa•ts for, while I write. O that GOD may be glorified in the whole Earth! LORD, let thy Kingdom come. I longed for a Spirit of Preaching to descend and rest on Ministers, that they might address the Consciences of Men wi•h Closeness and Power. I saw, GOD had the Residue of the Spirit; and my Soul longed it should be poured out from on high. I could not but plead with GOD for my dear Congregation, that he would preserve it, and not suffer his great Name to lose its Glory in that Work; My Soul still longing, that GOD might be glorified.
After he came to be in so low a State, that he ceased to have the least Expectation of Recovery, his Mind was peculiarly carried forth with earnest Concern for the Prosperity of the Church of GOD on Earth: Which seemed very manifestly to arise from a pure disinterested Love to CHRIST, and Desire of his Glory. The Prosperity of Zion, was a Theme that he dwelt much upon, and spake much of; and more and more, the nearer Death approached. He told me when near his End, that he never, in all his Life, had his Mind so led forth in Desires and earnest Prayers for the flourishing of CHRIST'S Kingdom on Earth, as since he was brought so exceeding low at Boston. He seemed much to wonder, that there appeared no more of a Disposition in Ministers and People, to pray for the flourishing of Religion through the World. And particularly, he several Times expressed his Wonder, that there appeared no more Forwardness to comply with the Proposal lately made from Scotland, for united extraordinary Prayer among GOD's People, for the Coming of CHRIST'S Kingdom, and sent it as his dying Advice to his own Congregation, that they should practise agreeable to that Proposal.
After he came to be in so low a State, that he ceased to have the least Expectation of Recovery, his Mind was peculiarly carried forth with earnest Concern for the Prosperity of the Church of GOD on Earth: Which seem'd very manifestly to arise from a pure disinterested Love to CHRIST, and Desire of his Glory. The Prosperity of Zion, was a Theme that he dwelt much upon, and spake much of; and more and more, the nearer Death approach'd. He told me when near his End, that he never, in all his Life, had his Mind so led forth in Desires and earnest Prayers for the flourishing of CHRIST'S Kingdom on Earth, as since he was brought so exceeding low at Boston. He seem'd much to wonder, that there appeared no more of a Disposition in Ministers and People, to pray for the flourishing of Religion through the World. And particularly, he several Times express'd his Wonder, that there appear'd no more Forwardness to comply with the Proposal lately made from Scotland, for united extraordinary Prayer among GOD's People, for the Coming of CHRIST'S Kingdom, and sent it as his dying Advice to his own Congregation, that they should practise agreeable to that Proposal.
But a little before his Death, he said to me, as I came into the Room, My Thoughts have been employed on the old dear Theme, the Prosperity of GOD's Church on Earth. As I waked out of Sleep (said he) I was led to cry for the pouring out of GOD's Spirit, and the Advancement of CHRIST'S Kingdom, which the dear Redeemer did and suffered so much for: 'Tis that especially makes me long for it.
But a few Days before his Death, he desired us to sing a Psalm that was concerning the Prosperity of Zion; which, he signified that his Mind was engaged in the Thoughts of, and Desires after, above all Things; and at his Desire we sang a Part of the 102 Psalm. And when we had done, though he was then so low that he could scarcely speak, he so exerted himself, that he made a Prayer, very audibly, wherein, besides praying for those present, and for his own Congregation, he earnestly prayed for the reviving and flourishing of Religion in the World.
His own Congregation especially lay much on his Heart. He often spake of them: And commonly when he did so, it was with extraordinary Tenderness; so that his Speech was interrupted and drowned with Weeping.
Thus I have endeavoured to represent something of the Character and Behaviour of that excellent Servant of CHRIST, whose Funeral is now to be attended. Though I have done it very imperfectly, yet I have endeavoured to do it faithfully, and as in the Presence and Fear of GOD, without Flattery; which surely is to be abhorred in Ministers of the Gospel, when speaking as Messengers of the LORD of Hosts.
Such Reason have we to be satisfied that the Person that has been spoken of, now he is absent from the Body, is present with the LORD. And not only so, but also, with him, now wears a Crown of Glory, of distinguished Brightness.
Such Reason have we to be satisfied that the Person that has been spoken of, now he is absent from the Body, is present with the LORD. And not only so, but also, with him, now wears a Crown of Glory, of distinguish'd Brightness.
And how much is there in the Consideration of such an Example, and so blessed an End, to excite us, who are yet alive, with the greatest Diligence and Earnestness, to improve the Time of Life, that we also may go to be with CHRIST, when we forsake the Body? The Time is coming, and will soon come, we know not how soon, when we must eternally take Leave of all Things here below, to enter on a fixed unalterable State in the eternal World. O, how well is it worth the while to labour and suffer and deny our selves, to lay up in Store a good Foundation of Support and Supply, against that Time! How much is such a Peace, as we have heard of, worth at such a Time! And how dismal would it be, to be in such Circumstances, under the outward Distresses of a consuming, dissolving Frame, and looking Death in the Face from Day to Day, with Hearts uncleansed, and Sin unpardoned, under a dreadful Load of Guilt and divine Wrath, having much Sorrow and Wrath in our Sickness, and nothing to comfort and support our Minds, nothing before us but a speedy Appearance, before ⟨p. 39⟩the Judgment-Seat of an almighty, infinitely holy, and angry GOD, and an endless Eternity in suffering his Wrath without Pity or Mercy! The Person we have been speaking of, had a great Sense of this. He said, not long before his Death, Tis sweet to me to think of Eternity: The Endlessness of it makes it sweet. But, Oh what shall I say to the Eternity of the Wicked!—I can't mention it, nor think of it!— The Thought is too dreadful! —At another Time, speaking of an Heart devoted to GOD and his Glory, he said, O of what Importance is it to have such a Frame of Mind, such an Heart as this, when we come to die! 'Tis this now that gives me Peace.
And how much is there in the Consideration of such an Example, and so blessed an End, to excite us, who are yet alive, with the greatest Diligence and Earnestness, to improve the Time of Life, that we also may go to be with CHRIST, when we forsake the Body? The Time is coming, and will soon come, we know not how soon, when we must eternally take Leave of all Things here below, to enter on a fixed unalterable State in the eternal World. O, how well is it worth the while to labour and suffer and deny our selves, to lay up in Store a good Foundation of Support and Supply, against that Time! How much is such a Peace, as we have heard of, worth at such a Time! And how dismal would it be, to be in such Circumstances, under the outward Distresses of a consuming, dissolving Frame, and looking Death in the Face from Day to Day, with Hearts uncleansed, and Sin unpardon'd, under a d•eadful Load of Guilt and divine Wrath, having much Sorrow and Wrath in our Sickness, and nothing to comfort and support our Minds, nothing before us but a speedy Appearance, before ⟨p. 39⟩the Judgment-Seat of an almighty, infinitely holy, and angry GOD, and an endless Eternity in suffering his Wrath without Pity or Mercy! The Person we have been speaking of, had a great Sense of this. He said, not long before his Death, Tis sweet to me to think of Eternity: The Endlesness of it makes it sweet. But, Oh what shall I say to the Eternity of the Wicked!—I can't mention it, nor think of it!— The Thought is too dreadful! —At another Time, speaking of an Heart devoted to GOD and his Glory, he said, O of what Importance is it to have such a Frame of Mind, such an Heart as this, when we come to die! 'Tis this now that gives me Peace.
How much is there, in particular, in the Things that have been observed of this eminent Minister of CHRIST, to excite us, who are called to the same great Work of the Gospel-Ministry, to earnest Care and Endeavours, that we may be in like Manner faithful in our Work; that we may be filled with the same Spirit, animated with the like pure and fervent Flame of Love to GOD, and the like earnest Concern to advance the Kingdom and Glory of our LORD and Master, and the Prosperity of Zion? How amiable did these Principles render this Servant of CHRIST in his Life, and how blessed in his End? The Time will soon come, when we also must leave our earthly Tabernacles, and go to our LORD that sent us to labour in his Harvest, to render an Account of our selves to him. O how does it concern us so to run as not uncertainly; so to fight, not as those that beat the Air? And should not what we have heard excite us to Care to depend on GOD for his Help and Assistance in our great Work, and to be much in seeking the Influences of his Spirit, and Success in our Labours, by Fasting and Prayer; which the Person that has been spoken of was abundant in? This Practice he earnestly recommended on his Death-Bed, from his own Experience of the great Benefits of it, to some Candidates for the Ministry that stood by his Bed-Side: And was often speaking of the great Need Ministers have of much of the Spirit of CHRIST in their Work, and how little Good they are like to do without it; and how when Ministers were under the special Influences of the Spirit of GOD, it assisted them to come at the Consciences of Men, and (as he expressed it) as it were to handle them with Hands: Whereas, without the Spirit of GOD, (said he) whatever Reason and Oratory we make Use of, we do but make Use of Stumps, instead of Hands.
How much is there, in particular, in the Things that have been observed of this eminent Minister of CHRIST, to excite us, who are called to the same great Work of the Gospel-Ministry, to earnest Care and Endeavours, that we may be in like Manner faithful in our Work; that we may be fill'd with the same Spirit, animated with the like pure and fervent Flame of Love to GOD, and the like earnest Concern to advance the Kingdom and Glory of our LORD and Master, and the Prosperity of Zion? How amiable did these Principles render this Servant of CHRIST in his Life, and how blessed in his End? The Time will soon come, when we also must leave our earthly Tabernacles, and go to our LORD that sent us to labour in his Harvest, to render an Account of our selves to him. O how does it concern us so to run as not uncertainly; so to fight, not as those that beat the Air? And should not what we have heard excite us to Care to depend on GOD for his Help and Assistance in our great Work, and to be much in seeking the Influences of his Spirit, and Success in our Labours, by Fasting and Prayer; which the Person that has been spoken of was abundant in? This Practice he earnestly recommended on his Death-Bed, from his own Experience of the great Benefits of it, to some Candidates for the Ministry that stood by his Bed-Side: And was often speaking of the great Need Ministers have of much of the Spirit of CHRIST in their Work, and how little Good they are like to do without it; and how when Ministers were under the special Influences of the Spirit of GOD, it assisted them to come at the Consciences of Men, and (as he expressed it) as it were to handle them with Hands: Whereas, without the Spirit of GOD, (said he) whatever Reason and Oratory we make Use of, we do but make Use of Stumps, instead of Hands.
Minister at Northampton; theologian of the Great Awakening.
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Since this Sermon was preach'd, I find this that follows, in his Diary for the last Summer. 〈…〉 18. I was this Day taken exceeding ill, and bro't to the Gates of Death.— In this extreme weak State I continued for several Weeks; and was frequently reduced so low as to be ut•erly speechle•s, and not able so much as to whisper a Word. And even after I had so far reviv'd, as to walk about House, and to step out of Doors, I was exercised, every Day, with a faint Turn, which continued usually four or five Hours. At which Times, though I was not utterly speechless, so but that I could say yes or no: yet, I could not converse at all, nor speak one Sentence without making Stops for Breath. And divers Times, in this Season, my Friends gathered round my Bed, to see me breathe my lest; which they look'd for every Moment, as I myself also did. How I was the first Day or two of my Illness, with Regard to the Exercise of Reason, I scarcely know: But I believe I was something shatter'd, with the Violence of the Fever, at Times. But the third Day of my Illness, and constantly afterwards, for four or five Weeks together, I enjoyed as much Serenity of Mind, and Clearne•s of Thought, as perhaps I ever did in my Life. And I think my Mind never pen••rated with so much Ease and Freedom into divine Things, as at this Time; and I never felt so capable of demonstrating the Truth of many important Doctrines of the Gospel as now. And as I saw clearly the Truth of those great Doctrines, which are justly stiled the DOCTRINES of GRACE; so I saw with no less Clearness, that the Essence of true Religion consisted in the Soul's Conformity to GOD, and acting above all se•fish Views, for his Glory, longing to be for him, to live to him, and please and honour him in all Things; and that, from a clear View of his infinite Excellency and Worthiness, in himself, to be loved, adored, worshiped and served, by all intelligent Creatures. Thus I saw that when a Soul loves GOD with a supreme Love, he therein acts like the blessed GOD himself, who most justly loves himself in that Manner; so when GOD's Interest and his are become one, and he longs that GOD should be glorified, and rejoyces to think that he is unchangeably possess'd of the highest Glory and Blessedness, herein also he acts in Conformity to GOD. In like manner, when the Soul is fully resigned to, and rests satisfied and contented with the divine Will, here he is also conformed to GOD. I saw further that as this divine Temper, whereby the Soul exalts GOD, and treads it self in the Dust, is wrought in the Soul by GOD's discovering his own glorious Perfections, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, to it, by the special Influences of his HOLY S•IRIT; so he could not but have regard to it, as his own Work: And as it is his Image in the Soul, he could not but take Delight in it. Then I saw again that if GOD should slight and reject his own moral Image, he must needs deny himself; which he cannot do. And thus I saw the Stability and Infallibility of this Religion; and that those who were truly possessed of it, had the most compleat and satisfying Evidence of their being interested in all the Benefits of CHRIST'S Redemption, having their Hearts conformed to him; and that these, and these only were qualified for the Employments and Entertainments of GOD's Kingdom of Glory; as none but these would have any Relish of the Business of Heaven, which is to ascribe Glory to GOD, and not to themselves; and that GOD (though I would speak it with great Reverence of his Name and Perfections) could not, without denying himself, finally cast such away. The next Thing I had then to do, was to enquire whether this was my Religion. And here GOD was pleased to help me to the most easy Remembrance, and critical Review of what had passed in Course, of a religious Nature, through several of the latter Years of my Life. And altho' I could discover much Corruption attending my best Duties, many selfish Views and carnal Ends, much spiritual Pride, and Self-Exaltation, and innumerable other Evils which compassed me about; I say, altho' I now discerned the Sins of my holy Things, as well as other Actions; yet GOD was pleased, as I was reviewing, quickly to put this Question out of doubt, by shewing me that I had, from Time to Time, acted above the utmost Influence of meer Self-Love; that I had longed to please and glorify him, as my highest Happiness, &c. And this Review was through Grace attended with a present Feeling of the same divine Temper of Mind. I felt now pleas'd to think of the Glory of GOD; and long'd for Heaven, as a State wherein I might glorify GOD perfectly, rather than a Place of Happiness for myself. And this Feeling of the Lo•• of GOD in my Heart, which I trust the SPIRIT of GOD excited in me afresh, was sufficient to give me full Satisfaction, and make me long, as I had many Times before done, to be with CHRIST. I did not now want any of the — sudden Suggestions, that many are so pleased with, That CHRIST and his Benefits are mine, That GOD loves me, in Order to give me Satisfaction about my State. No, my Soul now abhor'd those Delusions of Satan; which are thought to be the immediate Witness of the Spirit, while there is nothing but an empty Suggestion of a certain Fact, without any gracious Discovery of the divine Glory, or of the Spirit's Work in their own Hearts. I saw the awful Delusion of this Kind of Confidences; as well as of the whole of that Religion, which they usually spring from, or at least, are the Attendants of; the false Religion of the late Day, though a Day of wondrous Grace; the Imaginations and Impressions made only on the animal Affections; together with the sudden Suggestions, made to the Mind by Satan transform'd into an Angel of Light, of certain Facts, not revealed in Scripture: These, I say, and many like Things, I fear have made up the greater Part of the religious Appearances in many Places. These Things I saw with great Clearness, when I was thought to be dying, and GOD gave me great Concern for his Church and Interest in the World at this Time: Not so much because the late remarkable Influence upon the Minds of People was abated, and almost wholly gone, as because of the false Religion, the Heats of Imagination, and wild and selfish Commotions of the animal Affections, which attended the Work of Grace, had prevailed so far. This was that which my Mind dwelt upon, almost Day and Night: And this, to me, was the darkest Appearance, respecting Religion, in the Land. For 'twas this chiefly that had prejudiced the World against inward Religion. And this I saw was the great Misery of all, that so few saw any Manner of Difference between those Exercises that were spiritual and holy, and those which have Self-Love only, for their Beginning, Center and End.
