The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University

961. II Cor. 1:14 961.II Cor.1'14 (7_50) trans Jonathan Edwards

My Farewell Sermon to the People

of Northampton prep Preached

July 1. 1750.

_________________________________________

2. Cor. 1. 14. As also you have acknowledged

us in Part that we are your rejoycing even

as ye also are ours in the day of the L. J.

__________

The Apostle in the preceding Part of the

Chap . is declares what great Trouble He

met with in the Course of his ministry

v 8, & 9.---------------------------

------- In the Text and two foregoing

verses He declares what were his Comforts

& supports under these the Troubles He

with . There are three Things in parti

cular. the

1. is expressd in the 12. v which is that

He had approved Hims. to his own Conscience

For our rejoycing is this -----------

______

Theh other two Things are expressed in the

Text & preceding verse. where we may

observed the 2d Thing wherein

that He speaks of as matter of his Consolation[L. 1v.]

viz that as He approved Himself to his

own Conscience so He had also to the

Consciences of his Hearers the Corin-

thians that he had now wrote to

For says He we write none other

Things unto you -----------------

________

The 3d Thing is the Prospect the

apostle had of being acknowledged

both by his Hearers & by his Judge

at the day of Judg when they should meet

together at the day of Judgmt ----

_______________________

_____________

I

In these Latter words these three

Things are implied .

1 That the Apostle & his Hearers

should meet together before the Tribu-

nal of X at the d last day. --

-- now parted ------ some of the

Corinthians were were for rejecting the

[blank][L. 2r.]

Apostle. -------[L. 2v.]

2. That then his hearers would approve

Him & his doctrine & Conduct

2. 3. That He should have the Approbation

of his Judge . -------------

____________________________________________________

doc. Ministers & the People that

have been under their Care must meet

one another before Xs Tribunal at the

day of Judgmt.

________________

Ministers & the People that have been

under their Care must be parted in this

Θ How well soever They have been united

if They are not parted before they must

be parted by death and They may

be separated while Life c is continued

we live in a world of Change where no

thing is nothing is certain or stable &

where a little Time the Revolu a few

Revolution

Revolutions of[L. 3r.]

the sun brings to pass

th great Changes strange

Things surprizing alterations

in Particular Persons in Fami

lies in Towns & Churches and

in Countreys & nations & the Θ

of mankind it often happens that

those who seem most united in a little

Time are most disunited & at the great-

est distance. Thus ministers & People

that have been between whom there has

been the greatest mutual Regard & strictest

union may not only differ in their Judgmts

and be alienated in affection but one may

rend from the other and all Relation be-

tween them be dissolved & be the minister

may be removed to a distant Place his

People may no more & may never have

any more to do one with another in this

Θ But if it be so yet there is

one meeting more that they must

have

have & that [L. 3v.]

is in the last day

the great day of account

__________________________

1 In what manner ministers

& the People that have been under

their Care shall meet one another at

the day of Judgmt.

________________

2. For what Purpose They must meet

together.

__________________

3. For what Reasons G. has so ordered it that

ministers & p their People shall then meet

together in such a manner & for such Purposes

_____________________________________________

I. In what manner.

Concerning this I would observe two Things

in general. 1. That They shall not meerly

then meet as all mankind must then meet

but there will be something peculiar in

the manner of their meeting.

2 That their meeting together at

that time [L. 4r.]

shall be very diff.

from what used to be

in the House of G. in this

Θ

_______________________________

1. They shall not meerly meet

meet together meerly -----

The I would observe a dif. in

all the world then must meet

together . ------ --- --------

--- But there will be a difference

as to the meeting .

I would particularly Obs. a diff. in two

Things

________________

1. They shall as to clear a clear actual

view & distinct notice of each other

Knowl. & notice of each other

Altho The Θ whole Θ will be then

Present gathered of all mankind of all Genera

tions gathered in one vast Assembly . with all

angels & devils[L. 4v.]

yet tis not necessary

to suppose that

They will have a

distinct & partic. Knowl.

of each Individual ------

of so many millions of millions

_______ _______

Tho tis probable

their Knowl. will be vastly

enlarged --- yet --- not in

finite. ------ men will not then

be deified. ------

___________

There will probably a very enlarged view

that particular Persons will have of the

Assem various Parts & members of that

vast assembly & so of the Proceedings

of that great day. -----

______________

But it must needs be according to the

nature of finite minds that some Per-

sons & some things & in th at that

day shall fall more under the notice of

partic. Persons than others -- & that

according as they shall have a nearer

concern with[L. 5r.]

some than others

in the Transactions

of the day. -- Those

that have had special Concerns

together in this Θ in their state

of Probation & whose mutual

affairs will be then to be tried there

& Judged there will be special Reason

that they should especially be set in one

anothers view.

____________

Thus rulers & subjects -- earthly Judges

as those whom they have judged ----

neighbours that have had great contests

------ Heads of Families & their Chil. &

servants -- shall meet -- & be set

together.

& especially ministers & their People.

Tis evident by the Text That these

shall be in each others view. -- shall

distinctly know each other & have

particular notice[L. 5v.]

of each other at

that time

__________

2.

_________________________________________

2. They shall meet together as having con

special concern one with another in the

great Transactions of that day.

altho -- shall meet the whole Θ --

---- yet will not have any immediate

concerns --- with great multitudes

the far greater Part . -- having n had

no Intercourse in this Θ in a state of

the state of Probation & so mu no mu

tual concerns to be judged of

But as to ministers & People They

have the People that have been under

their Care they had had much immediate

Concerns one with another in matters of

highest Importance[L. 6r.]

& greatest moment

For Therefore they

must have meet as as

seeing one another & having imme-

diate Concern wi one with ano

ther in that great day of Accounts

Thus their meeting as to the manner of

[-] it will be diverse from their meeting

of mankind in general at that day.

_____________________________________________

2. They wi Their meeting at that day

will be very diverse from their meetings

one with another in this world.

Ministers & their People while their Re-

lation continues are wont often to meet

together in this Θ . They meet together

are wont to meet together in the House

of G. from sabbath to sabbath . & other times

& They may s [L. 6v.]

& besides their

mee publick meetings

from for the solemn worship

& service of G. they have also

occasions to meet in for Chh.

meetings for managing their eclesi

astical affairs but their meeting

at the d. of J. will be exceeding di

verse from any of these meetings one

with another in the Present state

I would observe how in a few parti

culars

_____________

1. now They meet together in a changeable

& preparatory [-] ch mutable state . but

then in an unchangeable state.

now sinners in the Congregation meet their

minister in in a state wherein they are

capable of a saving Change -- [----] a great

& happy Change.[L. 7r.]

But

Now saints -- capable of

a great change in this Respect

that they are are capable of an

being to a far greater degree deli-

vered from Corruption. as it

were a new Conv.

ministers are also in a changeable

state

now meet in order to an happy changes

this is the thing sought in their meetings

for the publick service of G. But

But at the d. of J. -- meet in an

unchange it will be far otherwise. --

--- not meet in as using means for

any happy Change --- meet in an

unch unchangeable state . sinners

shall be then meet their ministers

without any hopes of[L. 7v.]

ever getting any Good by

their means .

saints shall be perfectly deliv.

--- -- not liable to fall into

sin. He that

is unjust Let him be unjust still

_______________________________________________

2. Then they shall meet together in a

state of clear certain & infallible

Light. now ministers meet their

People from time to Time in order to

Instruct them to bring em out of darkness

into the Light to correct their mistakes

to & to be a voice behind them

when they see them turning aside to

the Right H . or Left saying this is the

way walk in it . & now ministers

& People but then the all will

Know the truth certainly & there

will be no mistake[L. 8r.]

to Recti or matters [-]

of Relig. to Rectify.

now ministers meet

their people in order to enlighten

& awaken the Consciences of sin-

siners -- Then . ---------

_______________

now ministers meet their People

In this ministers meet their People

in order to search the Consc Hearts

of men enlighten men concerning their

the state of their souls to apply the

Rules of Gods words word to them

in order to the searching their Hearts.

but The ministers dont Know the

state of their People neither do

the People know the state of their minis-

ter nor one anothers state

But when they meet -- shall

see --- know perfectly the state of one

another . eve then shall the secrets

of their Hearts be[L. 8v.]

made manifest

_____

& then it will be perfectly

seen what Principles every

one has acted from in their publick

affairs . And all things shall

be set in a clear & infallible Light

at that meeting .

now They sometimes convene in Chh meetings

in order to dispute & Controvert matters.

but they shall all be infallibly decided

_____________________________________________

3. [-] In this Θ --- m often meet toge

ther to hear of & worship an invisible

G. then They shall meet in his most

immediate & visible Presence

now mini in this Θ ministers [-]

ministers that have often met their

People to preach to em [-] the King Et

immortal & invisible[L. 9r.]

& to convince them that

there is a G. --- that he

& to declare to em what manner

of being he is -- & to convince

that he governs & will judge the

Θ - & that there is a future

state of Rew. & P. not that

But th time shall meet their

People in the sensible

& to preach to em a Christ in Heaven

at the Right hand of G. - an un-

seen saviour in an unseen Θ

_____________

shall then meet their P. in the

most immediate sensible Pres. of this

great G. & saviour appearing in the

most open plain & visible manner

with al great Glory & all his Holy

angels before them & the whole Θ

They shall not meet then[L. 9v.]

to hear about an absent

X an unseen saviour

& future Judge . but

to appear before that Judge t

as being together set in the Presence

of that great God & m Person That

they so often heard of in their meetings

on Earth.

_______________________________

4. The meeting of ministers & the

People that have been under their Care

will not be attended by any one with

a Heed Careless Heedless heart as

meeti their solemn meetings of t often

are by many Persons in this

now when ministers & People meet

very often----- many come in a very

regardless in manner[L. 10r.]

---- --

----

But .

_____________________________________________

II. To what Purposes They will

meet ministers & the People that

------- will meeting at the d. of J.

______

1. --- To give an account before the

great Judge of their Behaviour one

to another & in the Relation they stood

in to each other in this world.

ministers are sent forth by X to their

People they are his servants & ambassa-

dours & when they have finished their

service they may must return to their

master to give him an account of what

They have done & of[L. 10v.]

the Entertainmt they have

had in performing their mi-

nistry.

Thus we find in Luke .14.

15 ------ 21 . That when the

servant -------- He returned to

his master & ---------

------ & when so agains when the

master being angry sent his servant to

others He returns again and gives

his master an account of his Conduct

& sucess.

so we read in Heb. 13. 17. of ministers

or rulers in the House of G. the watch for

souls as those that must give account

______

and we see by the forementioned Luke

14. ministers must give account to

their master not only of their own Behavi

our in the d discharge of their office but

also of their Peoples[L. 11r.]

Reception & Entertainmt

of em & the Treatmt they

have met with among them

_________

Faithful ministers

& therefore as they will be called

to give an account of both they shall

give account at the great d. of ac-

counts in the Presence of their People

they and their People both being Present

before their Judge.

Faithful ministers will then give account

with Joy concerning those that have received

Them well & made a good Improvemt of

their ministry & they will be given em

at that day as their Crown of Rejoycing.

And at the same Time they will give

an account of the ill treatmt of such as

have not received them & J & their messages

from X as they any They will meet em

then not as they used to in this Θ to

wa Counsel & warn them but as a to

bear witness against[L. 11v.]

them and as their Judges

to Condemn them

_________

and on the other Hand the People

will at that day rise up in Judgmt

against wicked m & unfaithful minis

ters that have sought their temporal

Interests more than the good of the souls

of their Flock.

_____________________________________________

2. At that Time ministers & the People

-------- that X may judge between them

as to any Controversies that have subsisted

between them in this world.

so it very often comes to pass in this Evil

world & in the Chh of X it self

world that there are great differences & Contro

versies arise between ministers & the People

that are under their Care. Tho they

are under the greatest[L. 12r.]

obligations to live in

Peace of Persons in almost

any Relation whatsoever.

& altho Contests & differences

between Persons so Related are the

most unhappy & terrible in their Con-

sequences on every account of any sort

of Contentions whatsoever yet how

frequent have such Contests Contentions been

sometimes a People contest with their minis-

ter about their doc. & sometimes about their

Administration & Conduct & sometime

such Contests are continued a long time

& sometimes they are decided in this

according to the prevailing Interest of one Party

or the other so Rather than by the word

of G. & the Reason of things & sometimes

such Controversies never have any pro

proper determination in this Θ

But at the d. of J. there will be a

full & perfect & fin Infallible & final

everlasting decision of[L. 12v.]

them. the Infallible

Judge the Infinite fountain

of Light & truth & Justice will

Judge between the Contending Parties

& & & will declare what is the

Truth & who is in the Right & what is

agreable to his mind & will & in order

hereto the Parties must stand together

before Him at the last day.

That will be the great day of finishing

& determining all Controversies. Rectifying

all mistakes & abolishing all unrighteous

Judgmts Errours & Confusion that had

before subsisted in the world of mankind.

3. & lastly. ministers[L. 13r.]

& -------- must meet toge-

ther then to receive a sen

an Et. sentence & Retribution

from the Judge according to their

Behaviour one toward in the Presence

of each other each other according to

as th to their Behaviour one twards

as in the Relation they stood in.

The Judge will not only declare Jus

whe tice but he will do justice between

ministers & their People & He will do

He will declare what is Right between

them approving him that his has been

just & faithfull & condemning him that

has been unf unjust & unfaithful &

'em

He will do justice between in the sen-

tence that He passes & in the Rewards

he Bestows & Punishmts he inflicts

___________

There shall then in a part be a glorious

Reward to faithful ministers to those

who have been sucess[L. 13v.] ful dan. 12. 3.

---- & also to those who have

been unsucessful . Isai 49. 4.

______

& those who have well Entertained

shall then be glo. Rewarded

They & the He that Receiveth you

receiveth me

He that receiveth a Prophet in the name

of a Prophet

such th People & their faithful ministers

shall be each others Crown of Rejoycing.

as in the Text . & 1 Thes. 2. 19. 20. For what

is our Hope or Joy or Crown of R. are not even ye

in the Pres. of ----- for ye are our Glory & Joy

____________________________

But they that in evil Intreat faith Xs

faithful ministers in the especially in

that wherein they are faithful . shall

be terribly Punished

It shall be wor [L. 14r.]

He that offendeth one

of these little ones.

especially the Apostles are

Matth. 10. 14, 15. And whosoever shall not

meant receive you nor hear your words

when ye depart out of that House or City shake

off the dust of your feet verily I say unto you

it more tolerable for the

sinners of sodom.

deut 33. 10. 11 strike through the Loins

of them . --------------

_____________

on the other Hand those ministers that

are fond found to have been unfaithful

shall have a most terrible Punishmt.

_____________

Thus justice shall be administred at the

great day to ministers & their People

& to that shall they meet together that

ma they may not only receive justice to

thems. but see[L. 14v.]

Justice done to the other

Party for that is the d

End of that great day to declare

Gods Righ. or reveal Gods Justice.

Rom. 2. 5.

ministers shall have justice done

Them & they shall see Justice done on

their People & the People shall

receive justice Thems. from the Judge

& shall see Justice done on their minis-

ter & so all will be things will

be settled forever between them and

every one sentenced & Rewarded according

to his words either rejoycing in wearing

a Crown of Eternal Glory or suffering the

Punishmt of everlasting Burnings

III. To give some Reasons why we may sup-[L. 15r.]

supose God has so ordered that ministers & their

People that have been under their Care

shall meet together at the day of Judgmt

in such a manner & for such Purposes

_____________

1. The mutual Concerns of ministers and

People are of the greatest Importance

_____

The scripture declares that G. will bring every

work into J. with every secret thing

whether it be good or whether it be evil

But But tis especially fit that these Con

Tis fit that all the Concerns and all

the Behaviour of mankind both publick &

private should be brought at last be-

fore Gods Tribunal & finally determined

by an infallible Judge. But tis

especially requisite that it should

be thus as to affairs of very

great Importance .

now the mutual Concerns

of ministers & People are

of the vastest Importance of much greater [L. 15v.]

Imp The Concerns of a Christian Ch minister

& Chh are in many Respects of vastly greater

Importance than the Temporal Concerns of

the greatest Earthly monarchs & their King-

doms . It is of vast Importance how minis-

ters discharge their Office and & Conduct

thems. towards their People in the work

of the affairs that appertain to the work

of their ministry & it is also of a matter

of vast Importance how a People receive

and Entertain a faithful minister of X &

what Improvement they make of his

Ministrations and These things have

a more immediate & Direct Respect to

the Great & Last End for which mankind

was made and the Eternal welfare

of mankind than any of the Temporal

Concerns of mankind whether more publick

or private. &

And therefore tis especially fit these

affairs should be b [L. 16r.]

be brought into Judgmt

& openly determined &

settled in Truth &

Righteousness & that

to that End ministers

& People should meet

together before the omni-

scient & Infallible Judge

______________________________

2. The mutual Concerns

of ministers & Peo their

People have a most

near & direct Relation to

things day of appertaining

to the day of Judgmt

They are most nearly related[L. 16v.]

to that great Person &

divine Person that then

will appear as Judge .

ministers are his messengers

They are sent forth by Him

& in their office and ad-

ministrations among their

People They represent

his Person stand in his

stead & are sent to

de pro declare his

messages and to do his

work. to speak & act

in his Name and

therefore tis more especially

fit they should return to

Him to give an account

[L. 17r.]

of Embassy & suc-

cess to him.

all The King is

Judge of all his

subjects They are

all accountable to

Him But tis more

especially requisite

that the Kings

Embassadours that

are sent forth on some

speciall nati ne-

gotiation should

return to Him to

give an account

of themselves & their

discharge of their

Trust & the Recep-

tion they have met

with.

And then further

ministers are not

only the special

messsengers of the Judge[col. 2]

but the Errand they

are sent upon & the

affairs they have

committed to them

as his ministers

are the affairs of

his own Kingdom

do immediately con-

cern his Kin Ho-

nour & the Interests

of his Kingdom.

The work They are

sent upon is to pro-

mote the designs of

his Kingdom among

men & therefore

their Business with

their People is mo

most nearly Related

to the day of Judgmt

for the Great End of

the Day of Judgmt

is to settle the[L. 17v.]

affairs of Xs Kingdom

compleatly to establish

his Kingdom to

adjust all things that

appertain to it that

every thing that is

opposite to the Inte-

rests of his Kingd.

may be removed.

& that Every thing

that contributes to

the Compleatness &

Glory of it may be

established & perfected

that this great King

may Receive his

due honour & Glory

Again the mutual[col. 2]

concerns of ministers

& their People

have a direct Rela-

tion to the Concerns

of the day of Judgmt

as the Business of a

minister with his

People is to promote

the Et. salvation

of the souls & their

escape from Et.

damnation

and the day of

Judgmt is the

day appointed for the

openly & ev to

decide & settle

mens Et. state

to a fix some in a

state of Et. salvation

& others in a state[L. 18r.]

of Everlasting dam-

nation.

______

again the mutual

Concerns -----

are most have a

a most direct Re-

lation to the d. of

Judgmt as the

very design of them

is the Peoples prepa-

ration for that day.

ministers are sent

to warn them of

the approach of that

day to warn them

to forewarn of them

of the dredful

sentence then to

be pronounced on the

wicked & the blessed[col. 2]

sentence then to be

pronounced on the

Righ. & to Counsel

to use means with

them that They may

escape that wrath

t which is then

to come & to ob

obtain the Reward

then to bestowed

on the Godly.

___________

as and as the mu-

tual Concerns of mi-

nisters & P. have

so near & direct a Re-

lation to that day

so it is fit th

especially fit that

those concerns should

be brought into that

day & there settled

& Issued . & that[L. 18v.]

in order to that

ministers & their

People should appear

together before their

Judge at that day.

[rest of col. blank]

[blank][col. 2]

Application.[L. 19r.]

To lead the People here present that here

tofore have been under my Pastoral Care

to some Reflections & give them some

advice suitable Cause Advice suitable to

our present Circumstances being separa sepa-

rated as to the Relation we have heretofore

stood in one to another but expecting to

meet each other before Xs the Great

the Great Tribunal at the d. of J.

___________

The deep & serious Consideration of that our

future meeti most solemn meeting

is certainly a most suitable on the pre-

sent occ at such a Time as this having

so lately been separated made between

us a separation as which in all probability

will be as to the Relation we have

heretofore stood in an everlasting sepa-

ration.

How often have we met together here

in the House of G. in this Relation[L. 19v.]

How often have I spoke to you Instructed

Counseld you & warned you & directed

Lec & fed you with the mea

& fed you & administred ordinances

among you as the m the People com

whose souls I had the Char were commi-

ted to my Care & whose precious I

had the Charge of . But in all pro

bability this never will be again. tho it

is not impossible but that there I may

sometimes occasionally preach to this

Congregation. you probably never will

_________________

again your souls are now no longer my

special Charge G. in his providence

G. now no longer requires me to take

the Care of it as such nor am I

& as we have all Reason to think you

will never hear a word more from my

mouth as your Pastor[L. 20r.]

___________

Now therefore it Certainly becomes

both you & me to consid. of our future

meeting yo before your Judge & mine

on the Great day of accounts.

It becomes me now to consider what

account I have to give of my discharge

of my office among you & it becomes

you to consider what account you

will then have to give of your Reception

& Entertainmt of me & the Improve

mt you have made of my ministry.

G. the Judge has had his Eye upo

_________________

The Prophet Jeremiah in the 25. Chap

of his Prophecy . 3d v. puts the People in

mind how long he had laboured amongst them

laboured amongst them in the

work of the ministry. Jer. 25. 3.

From the 13 of Josiah the son

of Among King of Judah even unto this day[L. 20v.]

that is the three & twentieth year

the word of the L. came unto me &

I have spoken unto you rising early & speaking

I am not about to compare my self with

the Prophet Jeremiah But in this Re

spect I can say as he did that I have

spoken unto even to the three & twentieth

year rising early & speaking. ap was

three & twenty years the 15 day of

last Feb. since I have laboured among

you in the Relation of your Pastor

& the shepherd of your souls and tho

my strength has been weakness ha

having alwaies Laboured under great Infir-

mity of Body besides my Insufficiency

for so great a Charge in other

Respects . yet I have exerted

not my

my feeble strength & [L. 21r.]

not spared my feeble strength but have

exerted it & often spent it for the good

of your souls I have gi I can s appeal

to you as the apostle does Gal. 4. to his

hearers Gal. 4. 13 . ye know that how

through Infirmity of the Flesh I preach'd

the Gospel unto you.

You are my witnesses & God also that

what strength I have had I have

not Laid in the man prosecuting Θly

schemes & managing Temporal Affairs

but I have given m my self to the work

of the ministry Labouring in it night

& day rising early & applying my self to

this great Business to which X called

me.

And wh consider whe seriously

But now my work h is finished that I had

to do as your Pastor. G. in his Provi-[L. 21v.]

dence has discharged me from it & you

have discharged me . you have been

the Glock which X made long com-

mitted to my Care to lead & feed

& watch over but you now are no

longer under my Pastoral Care.

__________________

The now therefore it becomes you

to Consi Consider what account you

have the of that

Time when we must me

meet before the Chief shepherd :

when I must give account of my stewardship

& then & you must give account to

Him what Improvemt you have

made of this three & Twenty

years of my ministry for then

You I must both you & I must

appear together & we both must

give an account in order to a

righteous & Eternal sentence to be passed[L. 22r.]

upon us.

______________

I have found the work of the ministry he

a great work indeed an exceeding difficult

labour difficult work. a work of Great

Care & Labour many have been the heavy

Burdens that I have be Called to bear in it

to which my strength has been very

unequal to but G. called to bear those

Burdens & I

bless his name

that he has so

supported me as

to keep me from

sinking under & that

his Power has herein been

manifested in my weak-

ness so that altho some

tim I have often been

perplexed yet I have

not been in despair

Troubled on every side

yet not distressed perplexed but not in[L. 22v.]

Despair cast down but not destroyed

These Cares & these Labours have been un-

dergone for your sakes & therefore you

must give account of the Improvemt

you have made of it when we shall meet

meet at that great day

__________________________

Tis proper for us now to

one Consideration of our meeting

together at that great day before

Him who will Judge between

us wi with Respect to all the Contro

versies that have been between me &

you & with the strictest Impartiality

to examine our Conduct Treatment of eac

each other in those Controversies & the

sp. with which w with which we managed

those Controversies for in that day there

is nothing besides relating to those things but

what in that day shall be revealed nor

hid that shall not be known. Then all

our Conduct shall be examined in the searching[L. 23r.]

Light of that day befo & by the Eyes of

the Judge that are as a flame of fire and

Re th what is Right and every thing that

is and Right & Truth shall be made

plainly to appear with being stripped of

all every veil and every disguise

all falsehood & wrong shall be laid

out stripped of every disguise and

specious pretence all all Every false

Every specious pretence & ever all false

every Cavil & all false Reasoning will

vanish in a moment as Not being

able to bear the Light of that day.

& then our Hearts will be turned in-

side out & the secrets of them will

be made more plainly to appear than

outward actions do now . Then it

shall appear what are

the Ends & what are the

of we have aimed and

what have been the governing dispositions [L. 23v.]

& Principles that we have acted from

& what have th have been the dispositions

we have exercised in our Contests on

Ecclesiastical disputes & Contests

Then it will appear whether I acted

with a carefu uprightly & in real faithful-

ness to my great Lord and master in that

great Chh controversy that was here six

year ago concerning some of our Young People

whether I did not use restrain whether

& then it will appear whether there was any

Just Cause for that Resentmt that was

manifested on that

Occasion

& then wi our late

Controversy concerning

the Admission of

members in the into

the Chh. will examined

& Judged of in all its

parts & Circumstances

& the whole set forth in a plain & perfect[L. 24r.]

Light . Then it will

Then it will appear whether the doctrine

that I have pre preach'd & published con-

cerned cerning that matter be th Xs own

doctrine & whether He wont own it

as one of the precious Truths that hath

proceeded from his own mouth which He

will vindicate & honour before the Θ

whole Universe | * next p. but one

______________________________________________

& then it will appear whether in venting

this doctrine & acting agreable to it I have

& my general Conduct in the affair I have

been Influenced in from any Regard to

my own Temporal Interest or honour or de-

sire to appear wiser than others my Ow

my O others or from any sinister secu-

lar view in the Θ or whether what

I have done hant been from a

careful & struct & Tender Regard to my

duty & the will of my Lord & master

& because I dare not offend Him .

And then it will appear whether my[L. 24v.]

People have done their duty with Respect

to their Pastor with Respect to this matter

whether you they have Generally

whether I have been treated with a Right

sp. with that impartiality that the Just

Judge esteemd due . Then every

step of Conduct in the affair from first

to last be & the sp. exercised in all

shall be made plain & our c own

Consciences will speak plain & Loud

& each of us shall be convinced &

all the world shall Know & never

shall there by any more mistake or

misrepresentation or m misapprehension

of the affair to Eternity. & Justice

shall then be done & the Party wronged

shall then be perfectly righted.

______________

This Controversy is now brought to an Issue

between you & me as to this Θ it has issued[L. 25r.]

in our separation But it must have

ano another Trial when at that great

day which certainly will come when

you & I shall meet together before

the great Judgmt seat & therefore

I now leave it to that Time & shall

say mor no more about it at present

_______________________

* last part p. but one ] Then it will be

appear what is meant by the man that came

without the wedding Garmt for that is

the day wherein such will be bound &

hand & foot & cast into outer darkness

where shall be weeping & gnashing of Teeth

But I would here apply address my self[L. 25v.]

particularly to several sorts of Persons

1. To those who are professours of Godliness

amongst us Let I would now call you

to a serious consideration of that great

day wherein you must meet him who

has been your Pastor before the Judge whose

Eyes are as a flame of fire.

while I was your Pastor had the Care

of your souls I have endeavoured to the

utmost of my ability to search the world

word of G. with Regard to the distinguished

distinguishing Notes of true Piety those

that are by which Persons might best discern

their state & most surely J & clearly judge

of Thems. & those Rules & notes I

have fr from time to time Applied to

you in the preaching of the word to the ut-

most of my skill & in the most searching[L. 26r.]

manner that I have been able in order

to detecting the deceived Hypocrites

& establishing the Hopes & Comforts

of the sincere

And Yet it is to be feared that

after all that I have done I now leave

some of you in a deceived deluded

state for tis not to be supposed that

among so man several hundred Professours

none a are deceived

Henceforward I have no more the ch

care & charge of your souls to examine &

search Them . may you hereafter have a

minister that whose dis m whose discourses

may be more searching ha so that such of

you as have not been undeceived by

my Preaching yet may be by His

The Time is short of Pros Probation

But I exhort you whatever means you have[L. 26v.]

to make the best improvemt of them

and be often searching your

Heart & examining your

state with great strictness

for there is a Generation that are pure

__________________

& Remember the Rules that I have often

laid down to you during my ministry

Remember the Time is coming when we

must meet together before our Judge

when the Uses of Examination you have

heard from me must be hea Rehearsed

again before you & those Rules of trial

must be tried & the state of your souls

must & it will appear whether They

have been good or not & it will

also appear whether you hant impartially

tried your own st heard them & tried

tried your selves by them . & the Judge hims. [L. 27r.]

Hims. who is infallible will try both you

& me & after that none will be deceived

concerning the state of their souls.

_______________

I have often put you in mind that at that

you your you must bejudged according to

your works whatever your pretences to ex-

periences - discoveries - & Joys have been

at that day you will every one will be

Judged according to his works & then you

will find it so.

whatever means of & helps for Instruction

& self-examination you may herafter have

is uncertain but one thing is certain that

the Time is short your opportunity for

self Rectifying mistakes in so important

a Concern in will soon come to an End

_____________

we live in a world of Great Changes

There is now a great change come to Pass

you have passed from under my ministry

under which you have continued for so

many years & the but the time

will soon come when you will Pass out[L. 27v.]

of Time into Et. when you will from

under all means of Grace whatsoever

___________

& if The greater Part of you that are Professours

of Godliness have ac to use the Phrase ac-

knowledged me in Part: you have heretofore

owned me to be your sp. Father Enquire

what Consid that of that day when you

& I shall meet before our Judge when it

shall be judged whether [-] you have

treated me as you have ought to have done

a sp. Father As the Relation of a natu-

ral Parent brings great obligations in the

sight of G. towards those whom G. has made

instruments of their being so dear much

more in many Respects does the Relation of

a sp. Father bring great Obligations

towards those whom they suppose G. has

made the Instrument of their Conver-

sion & Et. salvation 1 Cor. 4. 15

For tho' you have[L. 28r.]

ten Thousand instructors

in X yet have ye not many

Fathers for in X J. I Jesus

I have begotten you through the

Gospel.

____________________________________________

2. I would apply my self to those whom

now I am I leave

2. Now I am taking my Leave of this People

I would apply my self to such among them

as I leave in a Xtless state graceless

Condition . I would call upon such

seriously to consider of that solemn when

They must mee me before the great

Judge.

my Parting with you is in some Respects

in a peculiar manner a Melancholy Parting.

in as much as I[L. 28v.]

leave you in most melan-

cholly Circumstances because

I leave you in the Gall of Bitter-

ness and bond of Iniq. in a state

having the wrath of G. abiding on

you & under Condemnation to Et. But-

ing. It would have been happy

_________________

seeing I must Leave you & resign the Charge

of your souls it would have been happy

if I had left you in X safe & happy

in Him . --- But it is otherwise

I leave you in a most miserable state & Con-

dition

whi your Consciences bear me witness

that while your souls were under my Care

I have not ceased to warn you & set

before you your danger . I have used my

utmost skill in doing of it & I have

studied to set your danger before you in

the Clearest manner possible. I have tried

all ways that I could think of[L. 29r.]

tending to awaken your Consciences . &

make you sensible of the necessity of

improving your Time & being speedy

& thor in flying from the wrath to come

& to be thorough in the grea you seeking your

salvation . I have sought out acceptable

if possible to perswade I have dili

gently studied for the most powerful motives

to perswade you to take ca care of your

own welfare . I have used my utmost

Endeavours to win you I have sought out

acceptable words that if possible I might

prevail upon you to forsake sin & turn to G.

& accept of X as your saviour . I

have spent my strength very much in these

things but yet I have not been sucess-

ful. But have this day Reason to compalin

in the words of the Prophet Jer. Jer. 6. 29.

The Bellows are burnt the Lead is consu-

med of the Fire The Founder[L. 29v.]

melteth in vain for the wicked

are not plucked away .

____________________

Tis to be fear'd that all my Labours

that I have used with you many of you

you as to many of you have served to no

other Purpose but to harden you & that

the word that I have preach'd instead of

being a savour of Life to Life has been

a savour of death unto death .

____________________________

I have now no more the Care & Charge

your poor perishing souls I must give ac-

count another day how I have discharged

my self while I your souls were my Charge

but now you belong to a flock that is

taken from under my Care & therefore I

shall not have any account to give of

you for the future as of a betrustment

committed . but Remember that you

must give account for your selves another

day d day

day[L. 30r.]

I know not what will be

come nor what means you

what Tem nor what tempta-

tions you may be under herafter

G. only knows . may G. gra-

ciously give you a Pastor that

may have more skill than I have had to

set forth the danger of sinners in an awakening

& to reach your Consciences & rouse you

from your security & that may be more

sucessful in it

___________________

However I would exhort you to remember

the Co warnings you have had while under

my ministry & dont wh dont forget

'em when I am gone dont Let the

The Time when you & I shall meet

at the great day then they will be

resf refreshed in your memory . & that

in a very affecting manner[L. 30v.]

O dont let the first that

They are so be when you stand

before your Et. Judge

we are now parting

you & I are now parting one from

another as to this Θ Let us labour

that we maynt maynt be Partedng after

that meetin our meeting at the great day

___________

If I have been a faithfull minister Pastor

which will that day appear whether I have

been or no . then I shall be acquitted

& shall ascend with X . O Let it not

O do your part that it may not be so that

I should in such Case you should be

forced eternally to part from me all

that have been faithful in X Jesus

__________

this is a sorrowful parting that now is

between you & me but that will be

a

to you at least[L. 31r.]

a more sorrowful Parting than this This you

may perhaps bear without being much affected

with it but that you wi parting will be

most deeply & sensibly affect you.

________________________________________________

3. I would address my self to those that I

leave under some awakenings .

Blessed be G. there are some such. the

& that altho I have Reason to fear I leave

multitudes in this Congregation in a

Xtless state yet I dont leave em all

in total stupidity & carelessness about

their souls . some of you have acquainted

me with your Circumstances which has a

tendency to cause a peculiar Conce me now

I am leaving you to b take my Leave

of you with peculiar Concern for you

what will be the Issue of your C present[L. 31v.]

Concern I know not but it will be known

at that day when you & I shall be meet

before the Judgmt seat of X . Therefore

now be much in consideration of that day

_____________

now now I wo am resigning the Care of

your souls I would once more press

upon you the Counsels that I have hereto

fore given tak to take heed of being

slighty in so great a Concern & take be

thorough & in good Earnest in the affair

& Take heed of Backsliding . hold on &

hold out to the End . cry mighty

__________

cry mightily to G. that those great Changes

that pass over this Chh & Congregation dont

prove your overthrow The de There is

great Temptation in them And the devil

will now undoubtedly seek to make his ad-

vantage of it if possible to be [L. 32r.]

Cause your present Convictions &

Endeavours to be abortive . you

had need to double your diligence

& watch & pray & strive with all your

might .

I am now Henceforward no longer

stand in Relation to you as the Guide of

you your spiritual Guide but my de-

sire th is that you may have a better

Guide even the great shepherd of the

sheep & that He would feed you &

lead you to living fountai Instruct you for

there is none teacheth like Him th

& that He would open your Eyes & turn

you from darkness unto Light & from the

Power of satan unto G. that so in

that Great day when I shall meet you

again before your Judge & mine we may

meet to in Joyful & Glorious[L. 32v.]

Circumstances & never part more

_____________________________________________

4. I would apply my self to the young People

of the Congregation . Ever since I was

settled in the ministry in this Place I have

had a peculiar Concern for the souls of the

young People & a desire that Relig. might

flourish amongst them. & have especially

exerted my self in order to it because

I know the special opportunity They had

beyond others & that ordinarily those that

G. intended mercy for were brought to fear

Him & Love Him in their youth

________

And it alwaies appeared to me a peculiarly

amiable Thing [-] to see young People

walking in the ways of vertue & Xtian Piety[L. 33r.]

having their Hearts sweet purified &

sweetened with a principle of divine Love

_______________

It has appeared to me an an amiable

Thing & what would be much the Happi

ness Ornament & happiness of the Town

if the young People could be perswaded

to in their when they meet together to

Converse as Christians & as the Children

of G. avoiding all Levity and extrava-

gance keeping thems. strictly to Rules of

vertue & conversing together of things of G.

& X & heaven. This is what I have

longed for & it has been exceeding grevious

to me when I have heard of vice &

vanity & disorder prevailing amongst the

young People. And so far as I

know my Heart it was from Hence

that I exerted my self as I did

to suppress vice among the young People 6. [L. 33v.]

year ago . I think I have not acted

______________

I have sought the good & not the Hurt

of our young People I have desired their

Happiness . being sensible knowing how

true Religion not only tended to the Happiness of

young People in another but even at

present & that it tended above all

things to sweeten and make happy the

days of youth .

But whether I have loved & sought your Good

more or less I have resigned the Care your

them souls unto him who once committed

them unto & nothing now remains but

only now I am taking my leave of you

earnestly to exhort you not to despise

and forget the Counsels I have here-

tofore from time to time given you

from love to your selves if you have none to me

you . remembering the day when

you & I must meet again at

before the great [L. 34r.]

Judgmt seat . when

It will appear whether I

have truly sought your Good or

no & whether you have well

improved my n Endeavours or not

_________

I have from time to time warned

you against some Frolicking and some

other Liberties that are commonly taken

by young People in the Land . and whatever

some may say in Justification of such Prac-

tices I now as it were leave you my Parting

Testimony against such Things not doubting

but tha God will confirm it in that

when when you & I shall meet before

him.

[L. 34v.]

____

5. I would apply my self to

the Chil. of the Congregation the

Lambs of this Flock that heretofore

has been under my Care .

I have just now said that I have had

a peculiar Concern for the souls of the youth

of the Congregation no & in so saying I did

not ex intend to exclude you . you are

in youth & in the most early youth.

_______________

& therefore I was sensible that if those

that were young had a precious opportunity

for their souls you that are very young

have had the most precious opportunity.

______________

& accordingly I have not neglected you

I have endeavoured to do that Pastor of

a faithful shepherd which consists in

feeding the Lambs as well as the sheep.

______________[L. 35r.]

and now dear Chil. I must take my leave

of you I X heretofore has committed the

Care of your souls to me & you know

how I have Instructed you & warned you

from time you know how I have

often called you together for that End

& some of som you sometimes have

seemed to affected with what I have said

but I am afraid it has had No saving Effect

as to many of you but that I you are

still in a natural Condition & in da

great danger of Going to Hell.

________________

& now I must leave you in the Hands

of G. & can do no fo more for you than

only pray for you & desire Not to forget

but often think of the Counsels & warnings

I have [-] given according to the best of

my skill that your souls might be

saved.

dear Chil. you li I leave you in an[L. 35v.]

Evil Θ that is full of snares & tempta.

G. only Knows what will become of you

__________

This the SS. has told us that there are

but few that are saved & we hav

have abundant Confirmation of it b

from what we see . thus we see

Chil. are die as well as others multi-

tudes die before they grow up & of

those that grow up comparatively few

ever give Good Evidence of a saving Con-

version to G. I pray G. to pity

& take Care of you & provide you for

you a faithfull minister that may

take better Care for your souls Good than ever

I have done & Hims. undertake

for you to be an Heavenly Father &

A mighty Redeemer to your im souls.

[L. 36r.]

____________________________________________

I would conclude with a few words of [xo+2]

Advice advising to some Things of grea

which I think of Great

____________________________________________

I conclude with a few words of Advice to

all in general Relating to some things

which are of great Importance in order to

the future wellfare & Prosperity of this

Chh. & Congregation

1 One thing in ord of which greatly

concerns the future wellfare of this

is of great Importance in order to your being

an happy People is is the maintaining of

Family order.

Let Parents be careful diligently & pain-

fully to Ed E we had great disputes

how the Chh ought to be regulated

But Let be s your Families all

well Regulated . every Xtian Family ought[L. 36v.]

to be as a little Chh. Family order &

Family Education & Family order are one

of the Principal means of Grace . if these

fail all other means are likely to prove inef-

fectual if these are maintained all means

will be like to Prospet Prosper.

Let me therefore advise Parents to great

Painfulness in Instructing Counselling & warning their

Chil. -- beginning early --- maintaining

a steady Hand. --

& Remember there must not only be Con

Instructions but there must be Governmt

----- Resolution must be maintain'd

-- [-] ------ order must be strictly

Kept up . -- otherwise all

no Govern Re good Regulation will

be maintained to Effect

Take Heed that it bent with

any of you as it was with [-] Eli of old.[L. 37r.]

_________

& Let Chil. obey their Parents & yield to

their Instructions & submit to their order

as they would not have a Curse entailed

upon them a Blessing & not a Curse en-

tailed upon them . for nothing

___________

for we have Reason to think from many

Things in the word of G. that nothing

has a greater tendency to bring a Curse upon Per-

sons in this Θ than an undutiful unsub-

missive & disorderly behaviour in Chil. to-

wards their Parents.

______________________________________________

2 . As you would seek the [-] future Prosperi-

ty of this society tis of most Importance that

you should avoid a Contentions sp a Contention

The Contentions that have been among

you since I have b first became your Pastor

have been one of the b greatest Burdens I have[L. 37v.]

met with in the Course of my ministry

among you not only the Contentions you

have had with me but those that you

have had one with another about your

Lands & other affairs. because I Knew

that contention & Heat of sp. and Evil-

speaking & things of the like nature were

peculiarly Contrary to the sp. of Xtianity

& did in a peculiar manner tend to drive

away Gods sp. from a People & Render all

means of Grace ineffectual & as well

as to render destroy the comfort of

& People in this Θ . my

Let me therefore as you would seek your

own future Good earnestly exhort you for the

future to watch against Contention &

Contentious sp. & th Let the Great

Contention that has Lately been about[L. 38r.]

The Terms of Xtian Communion be the

last of your Contentions if you would

see Good days seek Peace and Ensure

it 1 Pet . 3. 10. 11. Live in Peace

& that is the way to have the G. of Love &

Peace with dwelling with you

I woud now I am preaching my farewell

sermon say to you as the Apostle . 2. Cor.

13. 11. Finally brethren li farewel be

perfect be of one mind live in Peace &

the G. of Love & Peace shall be with

you

And here I would particularly advise

those that have adhered to me in the

late Controversy . to watch over their spirits

& avoid all Bitterness of sp. towards others

however you may be think however wrong

wrong you may think others have done maintain

a Christian meekness & sedateness of sp.

& l in this Respect Labour to ex-[L. 38v.]

cell others that have been on the Con-

trary Part. & this will be the best

victory for he that Rules his own sp.

is better than He that takes a City.

_______________

Therefore Let Nothing be done or str said

through strife or vain Glory Indulge no

Revengefull sp but watch & pray against

it & endeavour to come to that that

you may sincerely & by all means in

your Power seek the Prosperity of this

Town & endeavour to come to that that

you may sincerely sensibly & fervently

Love all men of whatever party or Opi-

nion.

3. Another thing that vastly concerns the[L. 39r.]

future Prosperity of this the Town is that

you should watch against the Encroachmts

of Errour; and particularly arminianism

& doctrines of like Tendency.

I am probably more knowing to the state

of the Countrey with Regard to these Things

we you were many of you much alarmed

with the apprehension of the danger of

the prevailing of those Corrupt Principles

15 or 16 years ago. but the danger then

was nothing to what it is now . Those

Principles at this day prevail & overflow

like a flood The Progress they have

made in the Countrey within this seven

years Pas one seven years Past is probabl

probably greater than had been in 40 years

before & they are still prevailing & &

creeping secretly creeping in into almost

all parts of the Land threatning the utter

utter subversion of the Interests of vital Relig.[L. 39v.]

in the Countrey . and I have of late per-

ceived some things among your selves that

you are far from being out of danger but

on the Contrary I think remarkeably ex-

posed . The Elder People may

perhaps think thems. out of danger

yet you can but they that think thems.

most out of danger are sometimes are most

in danger but Let the Case of the

Elder People be as it will the young People

& Children are greatly ex rising Generation

are greatly exposed . These Principles

are exceeding taking with corrupt nature

and are what young People are comm at

least such as have not their Hearts esta-

blished with Grace are easily lead away

with . and if those Principles

should greatly prevail am in this Town

as they h very lately have done in

[L. 40r.]

another Town I could name formerly

greatly noted for Religion it will

threaten the everlasting Ruin of your

Prosperity in the present & future Gene-

rations. Therefore you have need

of the greatest Ca & most diligent Care

& watchfulness with Respect to this

matter .

_______________________________________________

4 . Another thing that I woud advise to

that you herafter be a prosperous happy

People is that you would give your selves

much to Prayer . God is the Fountain

of Pr all Blessing & Prosperity & G.

will be sought to for his Blessing

I would advise you therefore not only to

be Constant in secret & Family Prayer

but dont forsake Pra assembling your selves

in Praying societies

I would advise all such as are grieved for[L. 40v.]

the Afflictions of Joseph & sensibly affec-

ted with the Calamities of this Town

of whatever opinion they be with Rela-

tion to our Late Controversy often to meet

together for Prayer to cry to G. for his

mercy to thems. & his mercy to this

Town & mercy to Zion in general

_____________________________________________

5. The last article of advice I woud give

which doubtless is of the utmost importance

to your Prosperity is that you would take

Ca great Care with Regard to the settlemt

of another minister to see to it whom

or what manner of Person He is that you

settle . & particularly in these two

Respects

1 that He be a man of thoroughly

sound Principles . in This you stand in

the greatest need of especially at such a day[L. 41r.]

of corruption as this . and in or ordin

to obtain such an onee you had need to

exercise extraordinary care & Prudence I

Know the danger . I know the manner

of may many young Gentlemen of corrupt

Principles I know their ways of con-

cealing them & the disguishes fair spe-

cious disguises they are wont to put

by which they deceive others till they have

got settled & well established & see a

convenient opportunity to begin to vent

& p broach & propagate their Corrupt

Tenets .

2. Labour to obtain a man who has

an established Character for a person fam

of serious Religion & fervent Piety

Tis alwai of vast importance that those

who are settled in this work should be

men of true Piety in at all times &

in all Places. but especially at[L. 41v.]

some times & in some Places

and this Profane time is a which

a Time whereby Religion is in dangered

by so many Corruptions in doctrine & prac-

tice is peculiarly a day wherein such

nothing else is in the least to be depended on to keep a young man

a minister is requisite . And this

Place is a Place wherein that pecu

does also peculiarly need such a minister.

for Reasons obvious to all . If you should

happen to settle a minister that Knows

nothing truly of Christ & the way of

salvation by Him nothing experimen-

tally of the nature of vital Relig.

alass how will you be exposed as

sheep with out a shepherd.

Here is need of one in this Place that

shall be fit eminently fit to stand in

the Gap & make up the Hedge & who

shall be as the Chariots of Israel &[L. 42r.]

the Horsemen thereof . you need a

one that shall stand as a Champion in the

Cause of Truth & the Power of Godliness

___________________________________

having thus briefly mentioned these important

articles of advice nothing now Remains

but that now I take

t my Leave of you

& bid you all

young & old

farewell

alwaies wishing your best Prosperity

__________

G. heretofore has committed your immortal

souls [-] to my Care & Charge but they

are now taken out of my Hands & I resign

the Charge & would commit your

souls into his Hands who first committed

them to me . expecting the day when

I must meet with you again before

the Im Him who is the Judge of

quick & dead[L. 42v.]

I desire that I may never forget that

People that were once my Charge &

have been so long a time my Ch special

Charge tho they have rejected me from being

their Pastor may you get a Pastor

more faithful more perfectly acquainted

with the mind & will of G. more earnestly

seeking your souls good more thoroughly

warning sinners & searching Professsours &

in a better manner edifying saints . may

you have a burning & shining & may you

not only for a season but as long as he lives

Rej & that for a long Life rejoyce in

his Light . & Let me be remembred

in the Prayers of all Gods People that are

of a Calm & Charitable spirit . & Let

us all Remember & never forget the sol

our solemn future meeting on that

great & dreadful day of the Lord the

day of Infallible decision & f everlasting

of the everlasting sentence. Amen.

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