Sermons Preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia/Sermon 12
SERMON XII
happy end of the servants of god.
"For David after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep."[1]
It requires but little reflection clearly to perceive, that the benevolent Author of our existence has sent us into the world to be active: active in the discharge of all those duties that conduce to our own individual happiness, and the happiness of those around and about us. The chain of mutual dependence that connects the one family of man together; the progressive improvement in moral and intellectual worth of which he is susceptible; the clear indications he gives of being an heir of immortality, destined to survive the globe he inhabits; all show, that he has been made an inhabitant of this world for quite different purposes than to sit down on the lap of ease, and be a mute spectator of what he beholds around him. "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day:"[2] was the motto of our divine exemplar, while his dwelling was among the sons of men. True it is, that no mortal man, nor flaming seraph, was adequate to the great work which he, in amazing condescension, undertook to perform, and which he so triumphantly finished. But it is vain for any to bear His name, who is not actuated by the same principle of devotedness to God, that shone so conspicuously in His eventful life.
The life of the Christian is a state of service. He is in the condition of a servant, ordered with others into their Master's vineyard, to perform a certain amount of labor. They all have a day in which they may attend to the work allotted them. And, however, some may loiter away their time and neglect their work in defiance of the orders given, the Christian, as a good and faithful servant, is found diligently employed at the post assigned to him. Being duly impressed with the importance of what he has to do, and with the value of time allotted him, he "works out his own salvation with fear and trembling, while God worketh in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure." He labors to have that "Kingdom" established in his heart that consisteth in "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." The opposition he meets with in this work, affords him ground for greater diligence. The world, in all its fascinating and bewildering charms, is often presented, in order to divert his attention; the remains of inward depravity often prove a source of much trouble and difficulty in the way of his progressive improvement; Satan, that invisible but powerful enemy, uses his various devices to harass, intimidate and dishearten. But maugre all this hostile and formidable array, he is enabled in the strength of Jesus to persevere in his course. He adds to his "faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance: and, to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly-kindness; and to brotherly-kindness, charity."[3] The Christian, in order to be successful in securing his own personal salvation, finds that it requires continual watchfulness, prayer, self-denial and diligent attendance on all the appointed means of grace. But his efforts do not terminate on himself. "He serves his generation." He "looks not on his own things," exclusively, "but also on the things of others." True religion expands the heart; it leads those who pay homage at her holy altar to devote a portion of their time and talents towards ameliorating the condition of their fellow-men. While it consists with paying special regard to our own personal happiness, or the happiness of those with whom we are connected by the ties of blood, conjugal relation or Christian fellowship, it cannot be confined within these narrow limits. Unrestricted by these ties, it extends its kind wishes and benevolent regards to the limits of the habitable globe. Its sincere and devout prayer is:—"Thy Kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Nor does it rest in kind feelings towards mankind. It lends a helping hand to all those institutions whose object is to advance peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety throughout the earth. Under its expanding influence our hearts and hands will be open to supply the needy, and to every species of distress we shall be disposed to give relief. Even towards our enemies, we shall not be satisfied with verbal expressions of kindness, but will be ready at the first opportunity to give our kindness a tangible form.
The rule by which the Christian is governed in his actions deserves our notice.
"He serves his generation by the will of God." It is possible for a person to render very important services to the age in which he lives, without having any reference whatever to the will or commands of his Maker. He may give liberally to the poor and needy, he may exert his talents in diffusing correct notions on the subject of human rights; he may take a conspicuous part in all the great moral enterprises, which, like "the leaves of the tree of life, are for the healing of the nations," and at the same time be actuated by no higher motive than self-aggrandizement. "Verily," as our Saviour said of the Pharisees, "they have their reward." They may obtain the object of their pursuit—"the praise of men;" but the plaudit of Heaven they cannot hope to receive. For all works flowing from such motives, however extolled among men, are in the sight of God of no value. On the other hand, the true Christian is governed in his actions by a due regard to God. His will or word is the regulating principle in all his works and ways. In whatever station Divine Providence sees fit to place him, whether in a public or private—in whatever condition, whether rich or poor, high or low, he makes the will of God as contained in his word the rule by which he acts. This is ever a "lantern unto his feet and a light unto his path." What a wide contrast presents itself between the Pharisaical and the truly godly man. While vain-glory is the only incentive by which the former is moved, the latter is actuated by motives of piety to his Maker. Characters so essentially differing from each other, cannot fail to secure for themselves in the end widely different results. Fame and popular applause may be very soothing to the worldly mind in the day of health and manly vigor. But when the solemn hour of departing life arrives it vanishes, leaving the trembling spirit agitated under the most fearful and awful apprehensions of a judgment to come. But the faithful servants of the Most High, 'after' having "served their generation" 'by' or according to, "the will of God," are said to "fall asleep." This is a figurative expression which is often used in Scripture to signify the peaceful and happy termination of the Christian's mortal life. Their death is represented under the idea of sleep.
1. On account of the sweet calm and composure in which they depart this life. The approach of death excites no terror in the bosom of the Christian, because he has the Lord Jehovah for his everlasting strength. It matters not under what circumstances he comes, whether at midnight or in the morning; whether in a slow measured pace, or as quick as the lightning's flash, he walks "through the valley and shadow of death," calm and collected, fearing "no evil," for the "rod and staff" of his divine Master afford him unspeakable "comfort." "The sting of death" being extracted, he is enabled in grateful adoration to exclaim: "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."[4] Death to the pious may with great propriety be represented under the idea of sleep.
2. Because they then rest from all the toils and cares inseparable from this probationary state. As when evening comes on the labourer takes his rest, and forgets the toils of the day when he lies down to sleep, so at death, the faithful servant of God finishes his course of service, retires from the field of labor, and then goes to his rest in the Paradise of God. There, he joyfully waits in anticipation of that "crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give at that day, unto all them that love his appearing."[5] The disembodied spirit in the heavenly world, unquestionably, enjoys all the happiness that it is capable of in its separate state. But, its full and perfect fruition cannot be realized until "Christ shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Then, and not till then, shall the whole company of the redeemed exult in "the saying brought to pass" that, "Death is swallowed up in victory."[6] This leads us to consider.
3. Another reason why the pious may be said to 'fall asleep' in death.—Their bodies shall then be raised to a glorious immortality. Revelation teaches that at the final catastrophe of the world, mankind universally shall be aroused from their long slumbers, and be made to start into life. But so broad will be the line of distinction drawn, that the renewed cheerfulness and vigor that follow rest, cannot apply to all. "Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."[7] "The hour is coming" said our Lord, "in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth;"—but mark the distinction; "they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."[8] The bodies of the saints shall be formed and fashioned like the glorified body of Christ: made capable of enjoying in union with the soul, and bearing up under, that, "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Oh! how full of comfort is this consideration to the believer. While he, with a sorrowing heart, deposits in the grave a departed friend who died in the Lord, he may look forward with a lively hope to the resurrection morning, when the vast empire of death shall be utterly abolished; when the bodies of the saints shall arise all-glorious and immortal. Then, these earthly tabernacles will no longer be clogs to the soul in her devotional exercises; but happy instruments and assistants in all the exalted services of the Church triumphant above.
But, on the other hand, the wicked, being "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction" will be raised with bodies built upon indestructible materials, only to be made capable of enduring in union with the soul, that "horrible tempest" of wrath, which is to be their portion forever and ever. Oh, who does not wish to escape this tremendous doom of the finally impenitent, and to share in the ineffable glories that are in reserve for the godly. Baalam exclaimed: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"[9] But how vain was such a wish unaccompanied with the necessary qualifications. However strong the desire of the ungodly may be to die the death of the righteous and to have a glorious end like theirs, it can never be realized. The only way to this, is to live the self-denying and pious life of the righteous. We must here like them be raised from a death of sin unto a life ot righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. And being thus quickened to life, we must walk "as those that are alive from the dead: seeking for glory, honor and immortality, by a patient continuance in well-doing: being careful to Maintain good works, that are good and profitable unto men." A firm foundation of peace and comfort at the closing scene of life is laid, only, after we have thus served our generation by the will of God. Such was the character and end of our late friend and brother, the Rev. Peter Williams; called away suddenly to us, but not to him, from the field of toil and labor, to rest in Abraham's bosom. Our departed friend was brought under the influence of saving grace in the most favorable season of life. He gave heed to the admonition: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."[10] Blessed as he had been with the advantage of pious parents, he very probably traced his early religious impressions to their godly admonitions and counsels. The time however came that must come to all, when the sacred tie that bound the hearts of parents and child together, had to be severed by death. He was left behind to mourn the loss of them for awhile; but with what raptures must they have hailed each other as they met again on the borders of the heavenly world, to part no more forever. At the age of seventeen or eighteen years, he became a communicant member of the Episcopal church of which Dr. Lisle was pastor. Soon after, he assisted an aged gentleman, whose name was Thomas McKoom, in giving catechetical instruction to the children assembled in a private room rented for that purpose. In the same place a number of adults regularly met on Sunday evenings for religious purposes. The exercises were generally conducted by Mr. McKoom. After the death of this gentleman, Mr. Williams was regularly appointed lay-reader. He acted in that capacity until the year 1820, at which time he was ordained deacon by Bishop Hobart in the church in which he dispensed the word of life to the close of his earthly pilgrimage. He was ordained priest by the same Bishop in the year 1826. He manifested a deep concern for the improvement not only of the people of his charge, but for his brethren generally. Hence he was found contributing his influence and pecuniary means towards supporting the various organized instrumentalities that had a tendency to elevate and improve the condition and character of his oppressed people. I doubt very much, whether there exists in the city of New York one single society having an immediate bearing on the general interests of our people, but what met with his countenance and support. He was not conspicuous in these matters. For no man, perhaps, was less given to display, or aimed less at popular applause than he. If he could hide himself from personal gaze, he seemed to be best pleased. His whole deportment seemed to say:—
"Let me be little and unknown,
Lov'd and priz'd by God alone."
A retiring modesty and unaffected diffidence formed a very prominent feature in his character. His hopes for an improvement in the character of our people were in the young and rising generation, in whom he manifested a lively interest. Did he see a promising youth, who lacked nothing but the necessary advantages to enable him to reflect credit on himself and people in a moral and intellectual point of view; he was the man that would spare no pains to get such an one in a situation favorable to the development of his powers. He took delight in seeking out such cases. There is now a high school in the city of New York that owes its establishment chiefly to his untiring efforts.
He was a universal friend. His countenance, which was expressive of kind and benevolent feelings, added to that ease and gentleness which were ever seen in his manners, told every one that approached him, that he was in the presence of a friend. He loved every one, hence he was universally beloved in return. To use the language of one with whom he had long been most intimate:—"he was a friend to every body—he was always in trouble about other people's troubles. He was a kind of depository for every one to lodge his cares and anxieties. People of different denominations, whenever they got in difficulty, would invariably go to him; and he, in the kindness of his heart, would as often use his endeavors to have their affairs satisfactorily settled."
As it regards his fidelity and zeal in the discharge of his ministerial duties, I need only quote the words of his Diocesan, delivered on the day of his interment. "It was my privilege," says the venerable Prelate, " to be often the depository of the cares and anxieties, the longing desires and earnest endeavors, the watchful solicitudes, the cheering hopes, the affectionate fears, and practical dependance on God's grace, with which he gave himself, instant in season and out of season to his pastoral charge. I have often said, and would now say, in conscious sincerity and integrity of heart, that in all the wide range of my observation, I never knew a pastor whose whole soul seemed more engaged in the great work to which he had been set apart. I have seen this in the happy results of his ministry, and felt it in the many occasions on which he has taken counsel with me in matters pertaining to his high and holy trust."
During the last two or three years of our departed friend's life, it was evident to his friends that his health was declining. I have been informed that a little while previous to his death, he bad one or two attacks of the apoplexy; and that he was impressed with the idea that he would be called away in one of these attacks. The solemn messenger, it is true, did not come in this form, but his purpose was not executed with less despatch. He was aroused from his bed at the hour of 11 o'clock, Saturday night, 17th ult., by an alarm of fire. He looked out at his window, and immediately complained of a difficulty in breathing; and at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, he leaned his head on his Saviour's bosom, and breathed his life out sweetly there. Peace to his mortal remains, until reanimated by the voice of the Archangel and the trump of God.
The task of friendship done to the memory of our deceased brother, I shall conclude in a few words to his dear relatives. And here, my duty is easy. I have only to point you, my dear friends, to the consoling ingredients with which your cup is mixed. You are taught by the holy apostle, St. Paul, not to be sorry as men without hope for those who sleep in Jesus. For the comfort of the bereaved and disconsolate, a voice from heaven proclaimed:—"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit: for they rest from their labors." I know it would have added to your consoling thoughts, if your hands had administered to the last necessities of decaying nature; if you had been permitted to stand around him and witness that calm serenity of his countenance that bespoke his inward peace. But the great Supreme, who doeth all things right, ordered it otherwise: and it is for us to quiet every feeling by the pious consideration—"It is the Lord." Ever cherish his memory by following his example of piety and devotedness to God. Take Christ as your portion, and though separated you must be for a while, you shall unite again in that glorious region where parting shall be no more forever. May we all be awakened by this visitation of Providence, to a deep sense of the vanity and uncertainty of human life; and be graciously led to seek supremely those things which are above; "that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord."—Amen.