"It better becomes me to say, God be merci"ful to me a sinner, than that he will be mer"ciful to me," was his reply. At another time, when speaking in the same strain, he was reminded of those words, "Who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins, in his own blood.' This truth contained the balm of the richest consolation, and, with a rapturous energy, he exclaimed, on hearing it, "Oh sweet! sweet "Jesus!" When a minister spoke of the reward laid up for him, he immediately replied, "Sir, if ever I arrive at the world of perfection, " I shall shout Grace! Grace!" As long as he was capable of speaking, he continued to offer up the prayer of the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner! And, when unable to speak any more, his looks, and attitude, discovered the devotion of his soul. A few minutes before he expired, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, as if in the act of surrendering his spirit, into the hands of that God, from whom he had received it, after which, without a sigh, or a groan he breathed his last, on the morning of friday, the 2nd. instant, being just spared, to see the dawn of the new century, before he entered upon eternal day. Thus lived, and thus died, your faithful, laborious, venerable pastor, in the 91st. year of his age. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Whilst I mingle the tears of christian sympathy with yours, permit me to say, how great must your advantages have been, who have attended on the instructions of such a man, during so long a period! O remember, that, to whom much is given, from them much will be required. Your pastor is gone to join the fellowship of many, who at different periods have been prepared by his ministry, for the temple above. May you follow at the appointed hour! and thus complete his joy and add lustre to his crown! My dear friends, the highly privileged, and much honored relatives of the deceased! May God pour into your bosoms, the balm of rich, divine consolations! may he support you, under your heavy loss, and answer the ten thousand petitions, offered up on your account, by parents so eminent for piety, as those from whom you have descended! Though you must feel the separation, which has taken place, yet there are so many, and such unusual alleviations of your sorrow, that, I hope, you G will soon perceive it to be your duty, not only to acquiesce in your heavenly father's will, but to be thankful to him, for that unspeakable goodness, which has been extended to you under this trying dispensation. You have lost another strong tie to this world; and have received a new attraction to a better; may you yield to its influence, manifesting an increasing diligence, that you may be found of the Savior in peace, without spot, and blameless, at his appearing: so shall ye ever be with the Lord! My dear, Rev. Brother, and all my brethren in the ministry of the gospel: What an example, has our venerable father left us of diligence, zeal, love, faith, and holiness. Oh that we may feel its animating influence! Like him, may we henceforth watch for souls with unabating earnestness. Let us return to our respective flocks, determined to seek their prosperity, with an increasing affection and diligence. Two of our neighbors, old companions, and fellow laborers, called into eternity, since the commencement of the present year, loudly remind us that we have the treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels: ere they break, let us be anxious to enrich our impoverished fellow men to the uttermost, let us preach the word, be instant in season, and out of season; and when the chief shepherd shall appear, may we receive the crown of glory which fadeth not away! Amen. The Rev. John Palmer, (who was formerly pastor of the independent church in Woodbridge, Suffolk, where he had lived in great respect twenty-eight years;) died on the ninth day of January. He was buried at Ipswich on the 16th. of the same month, in the ground belonging to the Meeting-house in Tacket-street. The Rev. C. Atkinson delivered a funeral oration at the grave, and a sermon was preached on the occasion at Sudbury, on the following sabbath, by the author of this discourse, from 1 Thess. iv. 18. Mr. Palmer purchased a house in the last mentioned town about five years ago, of which he had just taken possession, when he was attacked by a paralytic stroke, under which he languished, till the time of his dissolution. The memory of the just is blessed! WHAT tho' the arm of conqu'ring death Tho' earthly shepherds dwell in dust, Th' eternal shepherd still survives His eye still guides us, and his voice "Lo, I am with you," saith the Lord, Through ev'ry scene of life, and death, FINIS. Printed by J. Burkitt, Market-place, Sudbury. |