A SERMON

DELIVERED IN ANDOVER, MAY 3, 1812, AT THE FUNERAL OF SAMUEL ABBOT, ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

Heb. 6: 12. THAT YE BE NOT SLOTHFUL, BUT FOLLOWERS OF THEM, WHO THROUGH FAITH AND PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES.

In this passage, the Apostle directed the thoughts of the Hebrews to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and other saints, who through faith in the promises and patient expectation of their accomplishment, and through meekness and fortitude under the sufferings of life, had gone beyond the reach of trouble and danger, and were in possession of the heavenly inheritance. He directed their thoughts to those ancient believers, not to excite their admiration, nor to gratify their curiosity, but to rouse them to diligent imitation.

It is our duty, brethren, as it was the duty of the Hebrews, to imitate the example of believers.

I would by no means intimate that the character of believers, even those most distinguished for holiness, is without fault. The best Christians on earth must not be set up as infallible guides; they must not occupy the place of Jesus Christ.

The general consideration by which I would enforce the duty of following the saints, is the excellence of their example. They all have the spirit of Christ, and walk in his steps. They are

clothed with humility. The love of God is the governing affection of their hearts, and shows itself by obedience. The law of God is the rule of their actions. Their religion does not consist in bare profession or ostentatious zeal, but in a good life-life of sincere benevolence and piety. Such, in a measure, is the life of all Christians. A Christian without the spirit of Christ - a good man without a good life, is a palpable absurdity. If Christians had nothing but profession; if with all the respect which they occasionally show for religion, they were as covetous, selfish, false, and useless, as men of the world are; their example would mislead and destroy. But with all their lamented imperfections, they are the excellent of the earth. By the Spirit of God they have been renewed to holiness; and are comely through the comeliness which divine grace has put upon them. Now it is plainly our duty to imitate them in everything that is excellent and praiseworthy. We should imitate the faith, by which they confide in the infallible truth of the word of God; by which, especially, they receive Christ as he is offered in the gospel. We should imitate their humility, by which they are brought to take their place at the feet of Jesus, and to prefer others to themselves. We should imitate their supreme love to God and their active benevolence to men, by which they comply with the spirit of the moral law. We should imitate their patience in affliction, their forgiveness of injuries, their zeal to do good, their spiritual mindedness, and their habitual devotion. Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are excellent, whatsoever things are lovely in them, we ought diligently to copy.

It is hardly necessary to remark, that good example more clearly shows the beauty of holiness, and is much better calculated to make a salutary impression on our minds than mere precept. This is true of the good example of every intelligent being, of whatever rank. But the example of believers has peculiar advantages, being the example of those who are possessed of the same nature, and subject to the same trials with ourselves. Are we weak and depraved, and exposed to temptations and difficulties from without and within? So were all the saints whose names

are recorded in the Scriptures. Nay, in most instances, the difficulties they had to encounter were far greater, than those which exist at the present day. Their example then clearly shows that religion is attainable; that duty may be practised; that all the excellent virtues, which their life manifested, may be manifested in ours.

But the good influence of Christians is much increased if they live in our own times, in our own country, in our own circle; and above all, if we have a personal acquaintance with them. In these circumstances, we obtain clearer views of their character. We do indeed see more of their failings. But we also see more of their virtues; and we see them in their own proper light. The moral features of those who are distant from us, are liable to be misrepresented and misconceived. When you paint the character of a Christian of a distant age or place, you may set it off with all the glowing colors which the imagination can give it; and you may make it a finished character. But it is the character of no Christian on earth. Nor is it the character of any saint or angel in heaven; for no painter can give an exact portrait of one whom he never saw. Whom then does it resemble? No one. It is a false picture. And the impression it will make upon us, will be as slight, as the image is false. But when we fix our eyes upon a follower of Christ who is near us, and with whom we are personally acquainted; we are brought back to realities. We see a character which the grace of God has formed. We discern its features exactly. We want no picture; for we have the original before us. The beauties we behold are true and substantial; and unless some great fault in us prevents, the sight of them will contribute to our lasting improvement.

The example of believers is attended with greater advantages still, if, besides acquaintance with them in the common intercourse of life, we have known their more private views, trials, and enjoyments. In these ways, we come to a more exact discernment of their character. We learn the secret springs of their actions. They show us something of that spiritual life, which is hid with Christ in God. We see the faithfulness of their conscience, the

tenderness of their heart, and their struggles with temptation. We hear their groans under the burden of remaining sin, and their sighs after deliverance.

And how peculiarly impressive does their example become, if we have access to them on the bed of languishing. Have you been conversant with a good man, when finishing his course, when near his everlasting home? Have you seen him at the threshold of heaven? Have you seen in him that faith, which overcometh the world? Have you witnessed his humble hope, his panting after God, his meekness and patience, his hatred of sin, his love of the saints, his forgiveness of enemies, his steady and earnest desire for the prosperity of the church, and his compassion for the world? Have you witnessed his submission to the will of God, and that tranquillity which bodily weakness and distress and the prospect of a speedy dissolution could not disturb? Have you seen celestial joy kindle in his soul at the thought of arriving at his journey's end, and being forever with the Lord? You must then have an undoubting conviction of the reality and excellence of his religion, and deeply feel the influence of his example. The deathbed of the saint is not a place of delusion. There, the dreams and visions of the world vanish, and things appear what they are. Infidels may dispute, and the profane world point the finger of scorn; but if you have witnessed the last end of a good man, you have evidence of the solid foundation of his hope which must be forever conclusive, and a motive, which nothing but hardness of heart can resist, to copy his example.

But, in many instances, the example of a good man exerts a salutary influence in the highest degree, in consequence of his decease. His example now becomes more impressive than ever, being associated with all the tender recollections excited by his departure. We now remember, with new emotions, the loveliness of his temper, his edifying conversation, his useful deeds, and every excellence of his character. Many things, little regarded and soon forgotten during his life, are now recalled. We fix our thoughts upon his whole character and life, and view it in a more consistent and affecting light than ever before. At the same time

the influence of his example is increased and rendered more beneficial, by our thinking what and where he now is, and what will be his condition through everlasting ages.

This brings us to the particular consideration suggested in the text: "Be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises." They were not afraid to engage in the Christian warfare, nor prevented from persevering. They fought a good fight, and overcame all their enemies. Many were the difficulties and dangers they met in their way; but they finished their course. The path which they travelled, led them to a peaceful death and a happy immortality. In the promises of God they firmly trusted; and now, far removed from sin and suffering, they inherit the promised good. Christ has said, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne." The fulfilment of this promise they now experience. They have obtained the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. Shall we not imitate a life, which has terminated so happily? Shall we not pursue a course, which has always led to glory? If the departed saints had found their labors in vain, and had, after all, fallen short of the heavenly rest; we might be discouraged. But what more animating motive can stimulate us to follow their steps, than the unfailing success of their labors, the blessed issue of their trials, and the glorious victory which has crowned their warfare?

In our feelings toward Christian friends, especially those who have entered into rest, are we not frequently chargeable with a great fault? We may have respected their character, been delighted with their conversation, applauded their benevolence, and been affected with momentary grief at their death. But is this all that we owe them? And is this all that we owe to the grace of God on their account? When we contemplate their amiable and pious character, ardent love should be kindled in our hearts. We ought to admire the power and glory of divine grace in creating them anew in Christ Jesus unto good works,, and preparing them for the heavenly inheritance. Their goodness should make a deep and permanent impression upon us. And what is more, we should diligently follow their steps. Every other proof of