Transcribed from the 1824 R. Weston edition ,
CONSOLATION
IN
LIFE AND DEATH,
DERIVED FROMTHE
Life of Christ;
BEING THESUBSTANCE OF
A SERMON
On the Death of Mrs.Turner,
PREACHED ATTHE
SURREY TABERNACLE,
ON
Sunday Evening, the 15th of August,1824,
BY J.CHURCH.
“And blessed is she that believeth, forthere shall be a
performance of those things which are told her from theLord.”
LONDON:
R. WESTON, PRINTER, CROSBY ROW, SOUTHWARK.
1824.
p.3SERMON, &c.
John, Chap. xiv. Ver. 19.
“And because I shallLive, ye shall Live also.”
Among the many awful chargesbrought against backsliding Israel by the prophet Isaiah, thiswas reckoned not the smallest. “The righteousperisheth, (sleepeth) and no man layeth it to heart; and mercifulmen are taken away, none considering that the righteous are takenaway from the evil to come.” The day of life—ofthe world—and the professing church—is farspent—the sun is going down over the prophets—thebirds are hastening home—the labourer returning—thesubstance of religion declining, and the shadows of it arestretching out. With these solemn reflections, well may weentreat the company and presence of the dear Redeemer, as thedisciples did. Abide with us, for it is towards evening,and the day is far spent; p. 4the removal of the Lord’s peoplefrom us, although it is their salvation, and affords peculiar joyto the surviving spiritual friends and relatives that have beeneye and ear witnesses of their peaceful end; yet demandsattention, reflection, self-examination, and solemnity ofmind. When God strikes he demands an hearing—when heknocks by his messengers, affliction and death, it is—thatwe may open the door, receive the message, detain the messenger,and enquire for what purpose he is sent. For theLord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdomshall see thy name; hear ye the rod, and who hath appointedit. I consider, therefore it is our duty to pay attentionto this present affliction, for the loss of a spiritual friend, apious and steady member of the church, an affectionate wife, akind mother and a good neighbour. Although it is hereternal gain, it is a grief and affliction to us; but I trustthat this, as well as every other appointed trial, was sanctifiedfor us in the eternal covenant of grace, and as an evidence ofit, produce in our minds its suitable effects. Death is atall times solemn and aff