,transcribed from the #ahbb ,j4 ,hatchard and ,son edition by ,david ,price4 ,many thanks to the ,british ,library for making their copy available4 ,,the ,,character ,,and ,,happiness ,,of ,,them ,,that ,,die ,,in ,,the ,,lord4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,sermon1 ,,preached ,,october #ac1 #ahbb1 ,,in ,,park ,,chapel1 ,,chelsea1 ,,on ,,occasion ,of the ,death of the late ,,rev4 ,,john ,,owen1 ,m4,a4 ,,minister ,,of ,,park ,,chapel1 ,,and ,,one ,,of ,,the ,,secretaries ,,of ,,the ,,british ,,and ,,foreign ,,bible ,,society4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,william ,,dealtry1 ,b4,d4 ,f4,r4,s4 ,,rector ,,of ,,clapham1 ,,surrey1 ,,and ,,of ,,watton1 ,,herts2 ,,and ,,late ,,fellow ,,of ,,trinity ,,college1 ,,cambridge4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,published ,,by ,,request4 99 99 99 99 99 ,london3 ,,printed ,,for ,j4 ,,hatchard ,,and ,,son1 #ahg1 ,,piccadilly4 #ahbb4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,printed ,,by ,j4 ,s4 ,,hughes1 #ff1 ,,paternoster1 ,,row4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,to ,,the ,,president1 ,,the ,,vice-,,presidents1 ,,and ,,the ,,other ,,members ,,of ,,the ,british and ,foreign ,bible ,society1 ,,this ,,sermon ,,is ,,respectfully ,,inscribed4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,sermon4 ,,revelations xiv4 #ac4 ,and ,i heard a voice from heaven1 saying unto me1 ,write1 ,blessed are the dead which die in the ,lord from henceforth3 ,yea1 saith the ,spirit1 that they may rest from their labours2 and their works do follow them4 ,,the solemnity with which the doctrine contained in this passage is introduced1 and the remarkable way in which it is confirmed1 declare loudly its value and importance4 ,amidst the visions of the ,apocalypse1 ,st4 ,john had just beheld an emblematical representation of the ,church of ,christ1 and of its ,almighty ,protector3 a ,lamb1 standing on ,mount ,zion1 with a hundred and forty and four thousand1 having his ,father's name written in their foreheads3 the faithful followers of their ,lord in a corrupt and degenerate age2 the first fruits to ,god and the ,lamb2 when his attention was directed to three angels1 charged severally with the high commissions of bearing the everlasting gospel to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people3 of proclaiming the utter overthrow of the mystic ,babylon2 and of denouncing the divine vengeance upon all her adherents4 ,the days thus prefigured were to be days of hardship and persecution3 the gospel1 it is intimated1 would not prevail without a conflict1 nor would ,babylon fall from her pre-eminence1 without a hard struggle to maintain her ascendancy4 ,here1 therefore1 as we read1 is the patience of the saints2 much need will there be to them that keep the commandments of ,god1 and the faith of ,jesus1 to possess their souls in patience1 and to cultivate that meek and enduring spirit1 which shone forth in their crucified ,redeemer4 ,in order1 then1 that under these trying dispensations1 there may be no want of encouragement to maintain constantly the faith of the gospel2 and1 if necessary1 to resist even unto blood1 striving against sin2 the inspired ,apostle immediately and abruptly proclaims1 ,i heard a voice from heaven1--a voice therefore of truth infallible1 and of authority not to be controverted1--,saying unto me4 ,write1--leave it as a lasting record for the instruction of all future generations3--,blessed are the dead which die in the ,lord from henceforth3 from henceforth1 probably implying1 that from the period of this conflict between light and darkness1 the doctrine here announced should be more generally known and understood3--,yea1 saith the ,spirit3 the declaration is sanctioned by ,,him1 who is the ,source of all inspiration2 yea1 they are blessed3 they are removed from this world of trial1 that they may rest from their labours1 and their works do follow them4 ,in attempting to explain this passage more at large1 ,i shall consider1 ,i4 ,the persons described1 and1 ,,ii4 ,their happiness4 ,it will remain for me1 then1 to offer some remarks1 more particularly belonging to the present afflicting occasion4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i4 ,we are to consider the persons described4 ,these are the dead which die in the ,lord4 ,the occurrence of similar expressions in other parts of the ,new ,testament1 #d may serve to prove1 that the person here designated under the title of ,lord1 is the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,and wherever this phraseology is found1 we have a decisive testimony1 in addition to that afforded by innumerable other passages1 to the transcendent dignity of our blessed ,redeemer4 ,to substitute for the term ,lord1 the name of any created being1 of ,st4 ,john for example1 or ,st4 ,paul1 would be to render the clause altogether destitute of rational meaning4 ,it is intelligible only on the supposition1 that ,he who once suffered on the cross1 and who1 in the ,isle of ,patmos1 manifested himself in glory to his beloved disciple1 is1 ,god over all1 blessed for evermore4 ,who then are the persons that die in the ,lord8 ,the connexion of this passage with the description of those turbulent times1 to which the vision more immediately refers1 would perhaps justify the application of it1 in the first instance1 to those who lose their lives in the cause of the gospel3 but the passage is doubtless to be interpreted in a larger sense2 and must apply to multitudes in all ages1 whether dying in the usual course of ,divine ,providence1 or driven from the earth by the hand of persecution4 ,that such is the view taken of the matter by our ,church1 we are continually reminded1 when the intelligence is most seasonable and most impressive4 ,while we are standing around the grave to discharge the last tribute of regard to those whom we loved in life1 and whom we now seem to have lost for ever1 then it is that she proclaims to us by the mouth of her minister1 ,blessed are the dead1 which die in the ,lord4 ,we need1 however1 look little farther than the expression itself1 to be convinced that it must have a restricted and peculiar application2 and that it can by no means include the whole body of those who are baptized into the christian faith1 or who continue to make a profession of ,christianity4 ,he that believeth on the ,son hath everlasting life3 #e when a blessing1 therefore1 is pronounced upon them that die in the ,lord1 it must belong to those who die in the faith3--that die in the cordial belief of the great doctrines of revelation1 and under the influence of their practical and renovating power4 ,do you ask1 ,what is the nature of this faith8 ,our ,church will return the answer4 ,the right and true christian faith is not only to believe that holy ,scripture and all the 7aforesaid7 ,articles of our faith are true3 but also to have a sure trust and confidence in ,god's merciful promises1 to be raised from everlasting damnation by ,christ4 #f;a ,this faith1 therefore1 is not a vague or unfounded dependence upon the mercy of ,god3 it is a ,,true trust and confidence1 and a ,,stedfast hope of all good things to be received at ,god's hand4 #f;b ,this is the true1 lively1 and unfeigned christian faith3 and is not in the mouth and outward profession only1 but it liveth and stirreth inwardly in the heart4 #f;c ,here then is the great point of distinction between those who only talk about religion1 and those who are the subjects of its effective influence3 between those to whom the kingdom of ,god comes in word1 and those who receive it in power4 ,wherever this sacred principle is found1 it is accompanied by the forgiveness of sins3 by faith we are justified3 the guilt of our past transgressions is taken away1 and we are accounted righteous in the sight of ,god4 ,thus then we are admitted into a new state1 and a new relation to the ,father of mercies4 ,by believing in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 we are brought from that state of alienation and hostility in which we had previously lived1 and through the merits of our ,redeemer1 are reconciled to ,god1 and become members of his spiritual household4 ,a person of this character belongs to the class mentioned in the text3 he has come to the ,friend of sinners3 he is united to him as the branches are united to the vine1 and dying in this state1 he dies in the ,lord4 ,now1 as a subject of the practical and renewing influence of faith1 such a man will be reformed in his dispositions and conduct3 if any man be in ,christ1 there is a new creation1 he is a new creature3 they1 that are in ,christ ,jesus1 walk1 not after the flesh1 but after the spirit4 ,and this is a most important consideration4 ,the dispositions and conduct of such a man cannot be derived from the corrupt nature with which he was born into the world2 but are1 in some degree1 conformable to the spirit of ,christ1 and manifest the influence of that spirit upon the heart4 ,they are to be viewed1 not as independent of a lively faith1 but as intimately connected with it1 and necessarily growing out of it4 ,it doth not lie dead in the heart1 but is lively and fruitful in bringing forth good works3 #h;a and1 although distinct from the other graces and virtues of the christian character1 may be considered as the root of them all4 ,faith1 working by love1 is the grand principle of the renewed nature of man3 and thus1 living by faith in the ,son of ,god1 and thus keeping his commandments1 being justified from his sins by the word of ,christ1 and sanctified from his corruptions by the ,holy ,spirit1 he is1 if faithful to his calling1 advancing in knowledge1 and love1 and holiness1 even to the end of his days4 ,while1 therefore1 we do not deny that even at the eleventh hour1 a sinner may1 for the first time1 repent and be forgiven2 and that1 by faith given him of ,god1 he may embrace the promise of ,god's mercy1 #h;b and die in the ,lord2 for he possesses that principle which1 if his days were prolonged1 would cause him to walk1 not after the flesh1 but after the spirit3 yet the most satisfactory evidence that the person dies in the fear of ,god1 and in the faith of ,christ1 is to be gathered from the testimony of his life3 and if we want a stable confidence with respect to his future state1 the question is not so much how he died1 as how he had lived4 ,if these views be correct1 it is very possible for a man to die an undisturbed and easy death1 and yet not to die in the ,lord4 ,imagine1 for instance1 the case of a confirmed infidel3 why should he be disturbed at the approaching termination of life8 ,the event was not unexpected3 and1 according to his notions1 there is nothing to apprehend beyond it4 ,to betray symptoms of alarm1 is virtually to abandon his principles2 and1 although he may tremble in his heart1 the very pride of infidelity will counsel him to bear up with apparent resolution4 ,tranquillity in death may arise from a variety of causes3 from constitutional apathy1 from weariness of the world1 from gross ignorance of true religion1 from a hard and unfeeling conscience3 and1 therefore1 taken simply by itself1 without any good evidence that it rests upon a right foundation1 it can never be admitted as a proof1 that the man who possesses it1 is duly prepared for his change4 ,neither can we repose with much confidence in this matter upon theological knowledge and an orthodox creed4 ,their value we mean not to disparage2 but they cannot stand in the place of true religion4 ,so decisive on this subject is the great ,apostle of the ,gentiles1 as to assure us1 that although a man understood all mysteries and all knowledge1 and could speak with the tongue of an angel1 these distinctions alone would profit him nothing4 ,it is indeed to be feared1 that all knowledge on religious questions1 which is purely speculative1 instead of humbling and improving the mind of him that possesses it1 tends rather to puff it up2 and with whatever confidence we may rest in a dying hour upon the correctness of our views1 it is possible for us to be as far from the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness1 as the most ignorant of our species4 ,neither can we lay much stress in this argument upon vehement and rapturous transports4 ,in many cases1 they may be traced to the notions and habits of the particular class of professing christians to which the individuals concerned had previously attached themselves3 and in some other cases1 they are connected with high-wrought feelings or constitutional warmth of character1 both totally independent of the influence of religion4 ,god forbid that we should be supposed to throw discredit upon that holy and heavenly joy1 which has often cheered the heart of the christian in the last moments of existence1 as if he were already on the verge of heaven4 ,we are careful only to guard against the delusion1 which is satisfied with frames and feelings3 these are not necessarily derived from the communion of the ,holy ,ghost3 and if it were possible1 under such an excitement1 to give in the alleged cause of the gospel our bodies to be burned1 we might still perish for ever4 ,in various instances1 from the diseased state of some parts of the bodily frame1 so fearfully and wonderfully made1 it becomes physically impossible for the most devoted christian to bear his testimony to the truth on the approach of death3 the tongue1 which had perhaps announced to others the glad tidings of the grace of ,god1 may be silent3 the eye may be dim3 the intellect1 apparently failing with the flesh and the heart1 may have sunk into hopeless lethargy3 and yet1 with the evidence before us of his christian life1 we are persuaded that such a man dies in the ,lord4 ,we should not hesitate to come to the same conclusion in many cases1 where1 while the senses are still comparatively perfect1 and the mind is still capable of expressing its feelings1 there is little manifestation of inward joy4 ,it is doubtless refreshing to stand by the bed of a dying man1 who can declare1 8,i am at peace with all men1 and ,god is at peace with me3 and from this blessed assurance1 ,i feel that inward joy1 which the world can neither give nor take from me30 #ab;a but who shall presume to dictate to the ,spirit of ,god in what manner the faith of his servants shall be tried1 or how they shall be made ready for their change8 ,it is recorded of one of the most eminent divines of the last century1 that1 as the time of his departure drew nigh1 whenever any questions were directly put to him concerning his prospects of eternity1 his answer usually was1 8,i cannot say much40 8,i rely10 he observed1 8on the promises for strength in time of need4 ,there was a time when ,i should have been very unhappy to have had so little of sensible comfort2 but ,i have seen reason to believe1 that one of the most acceptable exercises of true christian faith consists in patiently waiting ,god's time1 and in relying confidently on the written word4 ,for many years1 ,i have been endeavouring to live from day to day1 as a pensioner on ,god's bounty3 ,i learn to trust him1 and he sends the manna without fail40 #ab;b ,and why should we not hope favourably of many others1 who are tried even by strong doubts and fears concerning their spiritual state8 ,is it not affirmed concerning our compassionate ,saviour1 that a bruised reed he will not break1 and the smoking flax he will not quench8 ,has he given the invitation of mercy to all that are weary and heavy laden1 and assured us1 him that cometh unto me1 ,i will in no wise cast out8 ,where there is a truly broken and contrite heart1 these promises will undoubtedly be fulfilled4 ,let us have the evidence of poverty of spirit1 of hungering and thirsting after righteousness1 of earnest and unremitted appeals to the ,saviour of sinners for that mercy which he offers to all that ask it2 and we will indulge the persuasion1 that this contrite spirit shall not be despised1 that this humble penitent dies in the ,lord4 ,from these observations concerning the description of persons mentioned in the text1 ,i proceed1 99 99 99 99 99 ,,ii4 ,to consider their happiness4 ,this is represented to consist in two particulars4 #a4 ,they rest from their labours4 #b4 ,their works do follow them4 #a4 ,they rest from their labours4 ,the word labours may include all the harassing occupations and afflictions of the world4 ,man1 by the condition of his birth1 is of few days and full of trouble3 every rank in society1 and every period of life1 have their several trials2 and we shall not be released from them till we find a shelter in the tomb4 ,to all the ordinary afflictions of mortality1 the servants of ,christ are as fully exposed as the rest of mankind3 and we know that they have likewise troubles peculiar to themselves4 ,for1 look into the ,new ,testament2 examine the representation there given of the nature of the christian calling2 consider the exhortations1 precepts1 promises1 so abundantly scattered through the sacred pages1 to stimulate and encourage us to fight the good fight of faith3 observe yet further in what manner the ,apostles prosecuted the work of their salvation2 with what zeal1 vigilance1 self-denial1 perseverance1 they encountered the hostility of the world1 the evil propensities of their own nature1 and the spiritual adversaries of their peace3 with what energy they pursued their race1 with what armour they were girt for the christian conflict2 and then judge how arduous are the labours which belong to that heavenly calling6 ,we grant1 that in many respects1 those were days of singular hardship2 but the spiritual enemies1 and the spiritual trials of the child of ,god1 are in all ages essentially the same2 and with regard to the world1 according to the scriptural use of that term1 while the great springs of human action remain unchanged1 and so long as there is a visible distinction between the children of this world and the children of light1 the christian will always find himself in a hostile land2 and will prove1 in his own person1 that through much tribulation he must enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,for1 observe any individual of exemplary piety2 how stands the world affected to him8 ,does it favour his principles8 ,does it follow his example8 ,does it rejoice in his light8 ,only let him be as heartily in earnest on matters of religion1 as sober reason must itself admit that he ought to be3 only let him abound in the work of the ,lord with a spiritual as well as with a temporal object in view3 only let him seriously and conscientiously endeavour to walk worthy of his vocation1 and sooner than he shall be exempt from troubles1 his foes shall start up1 as it were1 from his own household2 he will find enemies among those with whom he might hope to take sweet counsel1 and walk to the house of ,god as friends4 ,but it is the happiness of them which die in the ,lord1 that they rest from their labours4 ,there is an important sense1 in which rest may be attained1 even during this present life2 it is the promise of ,christ to all that take upon them his yoke and learn of him2 and that promise is fulfilled in our reconciliation with ,god1 in peace of conscience1 and in that meekness1 patience1 and contentedness of mind1 which are among the fruits and evidences of ,christ's religion4 ,but the rest1 of which the ,spirit in this place assures us1 commences at the hour of death4 ,and how beautiful is the image6 ,to the man wearied with labour1 what prospect is so pleasing as that of repose8 ,what sound so sweet as the promise of rest8 ,observe1 then1 the disciple of ,jesus ,christ2 tossed amidst the waves of this troublesome world3 harassed1 not merely by the common afflictions of mortality1 but by troubles exclusively his own3 conscious1 moreover1 that while he remains on this stage of being1 his vigilance never must be relaxed1 and his warfare never can cease3 how welcome to him must be the end of his probation6 ,a deliverance from sin1 and care1 and temptation1 and pain6 ,an escape into that peaceful abode1 where the wicked cease from troubling1 and the weary are at rest6 ,let it not be inferred from these statements1 that life and its labours are regarded by the ,christian as a grievance hard to be borne2 and that there is in his mind an impatient eagerness to be released from them4 ,although1 in this earthly tabernacle1 he may groan being burthened1 and earnestly long to be dissolved1 yet are these feelings and desires kept within the bounds of christian resignation4 ,convinced that all his trials are permitted by infinite wisdom and infinite goodness1 he learns to be content with his state1 to run with patience the race set before him1 and cheerfully to commit himself to the divine disposal4 ,still1 however1 he cannot but be painfully sensible of the perils and troubles of his earthly pilgrimage2 and we may imagine with what holy pleasure he will look back1 when landed in a better world1 upon that dark and tempestuous ocean which he so lately traversed6 ,with what inexpressible joy he will turn from the scene of his afflictions1 to the rest which remaineth for the people of ,god6 ,where is the reasonable man among us who would not devoutly pray1 according to the language of our ,church1 that when he shall depart this life1 he may rest in ,jesus8 ,happy to each of us will be the day which shall release us from our earthly troubles1 and call us to a state unmixed with pain1 and undisturbed by apprehensions of evil6 99 99 99 99 99 #b4 ,the second ground of happiness to them that die in the ,lord is this1 that their works do follow them4 ,faith1 working by love1 as we have already remarked1 is the characteristic distinction of the children of ,god2 and it is here expressly assumed1 that they adorn their profession by the performance of good works4 ,the phrase1 their works1 must be understood of that entire course of conduct1 which has its foundation in christian principles2 of well-doing1 whether it respects the duty which we owe to ,god1 to our neighbour1 or to ourselves2 of obedience to the commandments2 of the exercise of all christian dispositions1 and especially of that love and of those works of mercy1 which our ,saviour has so strikingly inculcated1 both by his precept and example4 ,these works1 it is said1 do follow them4 ,all that the world calls great1 or pursues with avidity1 we are doomed1 at the hour of death1 to leave behind us4 ,our wealth will not follow us2 our dignities and honours will not follow us4 ,in this sense we brought nothing into the world1 and it is certain that we can carry nothing out2 but if we die in the ,lord1 the works which we have done for his name's sake1 will go as witnesses on our behalf1 to testify the grace of ,god which was in us1 and the manner in which we dedicated our talents to his honour and praise4 ,the meaning of the expression is1 that although we are justified 8freely1 by ,god's mercy1 without our deserts1 through true and lively faith10 #ai yet shall we receive1 at the last day1 a gracious recompense according to our works4 ,to this purport1 many passages might be cited from the sacred writings2 and these1 not merely of a general nature1 but referring to particular instances of piety1 both in doing and suffering according to the will of ,god4 ,do men1 for example1 revile and persecute us1 and say all manner of evil of us falsely for ,christ's sake8 ,rejoice1 saith our ,lord1 and be exceeding glad1 for great is your reward in heaven4 ,do we sow plenteously8 ,we shall reap also plenteously4 ,are we diligent in the work and labour of love8 ,god is not unrighteous to forget it4 ,do we turn many to righteousness8 ,we shall shine as the stars for ever and ever4 ,we may state it as the fair inference from these1 and a variety of other considerations1 that the more faithfully we improve the talents committed to our trust1 by employing them to the end for which they were given1 the more patiently we endure tribulation1 and the more zealously and perseveringly we devote ourselves1 in the spirit of christian love1 to the glory of ,god1 and the good of our fellow-creatures1 the greater1 in some mysterious sense1 shall be our reward at the resurrection of the just4 99 99 99 99 99 ,among the individuals who have been raised up in these latter days1 for the benefit and consolation of mankind1 few can be mentioned who have either been engaged in works more important1 or who have brought to the task abilities more remarkable1 integrity more perfect1 and devotedness more entire and unremitted1 than your lamented ,minister4 ,in speaking of him to his own congregation1 to those who1 besides being acquainted with his public labours1 enjoyed the advantage of his personal ministry1 and beheld him amidst the charities of private life1 ,i may be supposed to address myself to a partial audience2 but the very circumstance of the following observations being delivered in the place where he was best known1 and where his character could be most fairly appreciated1 will be some pledge1 at least1 for their general truth and correctness4 ,my first recollections of your late ,pastor carry me back to the early period of my residence in the ,university of ,cambridge4 ,at that time1 ,i had no personal acquaintance with him2 but it was impossible even then to listen to his sermons without being impressed with the persuasion that he was a man of no common abilities1 and of no ordinary character4 #ba ,the history of many following years in which he discharged the various and important duties of a parochial ,minister1 warrants the assertion1 that had he continued in such a situation with competent leisure1 he could not have failed to stand in the first rank among his brethren4 ,so long as the opportunity was afforded him1 his parochial labours were indefatigable2 and there are many individuals still living who can bear witness to his success4 ,but he was called to appear chiefly in a different character3 and1 by a course of circumstances1 which it is here unnecessary to detail1 his name has1 for the last eighteen years1 been associated with some of the most extensive operations of christian benevolence4 ,in ceasing to be the minister of a parish1 he became more entirely the servant of the public4 ,when his ardent and charitable mind first interested itself in the cause of the ,british and ,foreign ,bible ,society1 he little anticipated1 ,i believe1 either the formidable nature of the service which he undertook1 or the continually growing demand which it would urge upon his time and attention4 ,happily1 however1 if it required extraordinary endowments1 it found in him a person suited to the task1 and willing to spend and be spent in the promotion of its christian object4 ,i know of no qualification demanded by that ,institution of its ,secretary1 which he did not remarkably possess2 nor of any emergency that befel it1 in which he did not rise to the level of the occasion3 and when to this it is added1 that the progress of the ,society afforded ample scope for his various powers1 and that1 perhaps1 in no other situation could they have been so fully called forth1 or employed so beneficially to mankind2 it seems reasonable to conclude1 that ,providence smiled upon his undertaking1 and sanctioned the prosecution of it4 ,the conviction1 indeed1 that there exists a directing providence1 over-ruling for its own high purposes the pursuits and occupations of men1 when they1 perhaps1 little suspect it1 might lead us to observe1 with some interest1 the way in which he had previously become qualified for this particular appointment4 ,it is of great importance to the welfare of the ,society1 that its ,secretary should be well acquainted with modern languages4 ,your deceased ,minister had not only a singular facility in acquiring this knowledge1 but it so happened1 that in his early travels1 he had cultivated that talent1 and had made himself familiar with the manners1 and habits1 and modes of thinking1 which prevail in different parts of the ,continent4 ,little did he anticipate1 when engaged in these pursuits1 to what account they would be turned6 ,and little would any one have imagined1 while looking at the youthful traveller1 that he was thus training1 however unconsciously1 to be the effective agent of a ,society1 which should1 ere long1 arise to embrace1 within the sphere of its benevolence1 every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people3 and that in the very countries which he now visited to gratify a laudable curiosity1 he should hereafter appear as its accredited representative4 ,those who may hereafter furnish us with a complete description of his character and talents1 will have much to tell1 which1 in this brief sketch1 ,i can scarcely notice4 ,they will speak of the fertility of his imagination2 of the quickness of his perception2 of his lively and innocent wit2 of the soundness of his judgment2 of his almost intuitive knowledge of character2 of his extemporaneous and commanding eloquence2 of the facility with which he could turn his mind to any subject proposed to him2 of his unwearied diligence and unconquerable resolution3 and1 particularly1 of that cheerfulness of disposition1 and that frankness1 candour1 and urbanity1 which seemed to be interwoven with his nature4 ,but upon these and similar topics ,i have no leisure to dwell4 ,the great excellence in his character to which ,i would most particularly advert1 is the consecration which he made of all his talents to the best and noblest objects4 ,in early life he had shown no disinclination to lend himself to pursuits unconnected with religion3 and it is said1 that1 like many of his young contemporaries1 he took a strong interest in political questions4 ,but from the period of which ,i now speak1 and for some years previous to it1 he had ceased1 in any sense of the word1 to be a party man4 ,to the king he was a loyal subject1 and the radical and blasphemous spirit of the day he beheld with feelings of serious concern3 but on questions purely political1 ,i know not that ,i ever heard him deliver an opinion3 he was occupied by higher things3 he determined to have nothing else in view than the glory of ,god1 and the benefit of mankind4 ,for this object he lived2 and it is not too much to say1 that for this object he died4 ,nor can we be surprised1 that his strength eventually proved unequal to the abundance of his labours4 ,when ,i consider how deeply his mind was often affected by a sense of the responsibility connected with his official situation2 when ,i reflect upon the many important discussions1 both private and official1 in which the concerns of the ,society necessarily engaged him3 when ,i look at his numerous journies1 on its behalf1 into all parts of the kingdom2 at the multitude of crowded meetings in which he poured forth the treasures of his powerful mind2 and at the extensive correspondence which he maintained with the agents and friends of the ,institution in every quarter of the world2 not to mention the valuable publications1 which1 during that interval1 he found leisure to compose1 and his weekly ministrations in this sacred place2 it is to me matter of surprise1 not that he finally sunk under his exertions1 but that1 for a period of eighteen years1 he could bear up under those incessant and overwhelming occupations4 ,in stating that he consecrated his talents to the glory of ,god1 and the benefit of his fellow-creatures1 ,i tacitly assume that he was influenced by christian motives4 ,it is1 indeed1 difficult to conceive by what other motives he could possibly be influenced4 ,by becoming a gratuitous ,secretary to the ,british and ,foreign ,bible ,society1 all worldly views he seems deliberately to have renounced4 ,had he thought it right to employ his great abilities with a view to secular interests1 there can be little doubt that he would have been eminently successful3 but he had a higher and a nobler aim2 and the motives by which he was guided were1 as ,i am well persuaded1--and ,i know that ,i speak the sentiments of those who were most intimately conversant with him1--among the best and purest that can enter into a human bosom4 ,the principle which carried him on in his laborious career1 through evil report and good report1 till his frame was worn out and exhausted1 was the divine principle of love to ,god and love to man4 ,this principle1 and this alone1 could have sustained him under his manifold difficulties1 and have kept him stedfast and immoveable in the work4 ,and did he ever express any concern that he embarked in this cause8 ,was it a source of regret to him1 that he had left out of sight his worldly interests1 and on account of his devotedness to the ,society had exposed himself to discomforts and disquietudes1 which assailed him even to the last8 ,every person who was acquainted with him will bear witness to the contrary2 and a short record of his own1 subjoined to some notes concerning the progress of the ,institution1 and written apparently within the last few months1 will1 by most persons1 be deemed conclusive as to the same fact4 ,the sentence runs thus3-- 8,how sweet to have toiled in this work6 ,and1 if wasted with labours more abundant1 he is compelled to withdraw --4 ,i have done40 ,the last words occurring at a short distance from the other3 as if1 after a pause for reflection1 he had felt himself convinced that his strength was already worn out1 and that in this great cause he should labour no more4 ,the situation which he so long held in the ,society required a man of a large and liberal mind2 and such he was in the best sense of the word4 ,his was not that spurious liberality which looks upon all creeds with equal indifference1 and regards all as equally unimportant2 his own views were clear and decided3 he was in heart1 as well as by profession1 cordially attached to the doctrines and discipline of that ,church1 of which he had the honour to be a ,minister4 ,but upon matters of inferior moment he loved not to dwell3 his delight was1 without compromising any of his principles1 to contemplate the points upon which ,christians can agree1 rather than to provoke debate on those in which they may differ3 and instead of indulging a spirit of harshness1 even towards those whose sentiments he totally disapproved1 his conduct was uniformly that of candour1 and kindness1 and benignity4 ,i have hinted at certain painful circumstances1 which1 in addition to the weight of his ordinary labours1 very frequently came upon him from some hostile quarters4 ,this is not the place in which ,i could persuade myself to enlarge upon such a subject2 and were not the fact too notorious to be entirely overlooked1 ,i should have passed it over in silence4 ,it is consoling1 however1 to observe1 that the hostility which your valued ,minister was called to sustain1 arose entirely from his attachment to the important work in which he was so assiduously engaged1 and from the diligence and success with which he pursued it3 and if he had a personal enemy1 that enemy had most assuredly a friend in him3 in his mind no feeling of harshness could ever remain4 8,i have witnessed with no little pleasure10 observes a common friend1 8his conduct and demeanour when he was provoked into1--,i should rather say1 for it is that ,i mean1 when he bore1 with unperturbed and inexhaustible good humour1 what would have provoked almost any other man2 and when he suffered to remain in the quiver arrows which he could have sent forth with unerring aim and vigour40 ,i have1 myself1 seen him on many such occasions1 and a harsh or unbecoming word never1 in my presence1 fell from his lips4 ,the only feeling1 ,i am persuaded1 that he ever entertained towards his most determined opponents1 might be expressed in the words of our ,liturgy2--8,that it may please thee to forgive our enemies1 persecutors1 and slanderers1 and to turn their hearts3 ,we beseech thee to hear us1 good ,lord40 ,the pain arising from this unremitted hostility was doubtless much alleviated by the kindness of his numerous friends4 ,there was1 indeed1 something in his character and deportment peculiarly suited to gain the affections of all that approached him2 and seldom has any man1 within the circle of his acquaintance1--a circle1 which included some of the most distinguished individuals both in ,church and ,state1--been more highly esteemed1 or more generally beloved4 ,the regard entertained for him on those parts of the ,continent1 which he visited a few years ago1 and from which he transmitted to this country so much interesting and important religious intelligence1 is well known to many of my hearers3 and there is reason to believe1 that the friends of the ,bible ,society abroad will feel his removal1 in common with ourselves1 not merely as a public loss1 but as the loss of a friend and a brother4 #cj ,but the great source of his consolation1 and the crown of his rejoicing1 was the wonderful progress of his beloved ,institution4 ,was every successive year charged with new troubles and additional anxieties8 ,but the great work was also steadily advancing4 ,were there many adversaries8 ,but a great door and effectual was opened2 kindred ,societies1 both in the ,eastern and ,western world1 were not only rising in rapid succession1 but were effectually communicating their own spirit to many subordinate ,associations1 within the sphere of their respective influence3 and testimonies were continually pouring in1 from all quarters1 of the moral and religious effects consequent upon this increased diffusion of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,these things abundantly compensated him for all his anxieties2 and he dwelt with especial delight upon the prospect now apparently opening before the face of all people1 of life and immortality brought to light by the gospel4 ,does any person then demand where are the works that shall follow him8 ,the appropriate answer would be1 ,where are they not8 ,they are to be found in every region of the globe3 wherever the word of ,god has run1 and been glorified through the agency of this ,institution1 or of the ,societies to which it has given birth3 and into whatever lands the gospel of ,christ shall1 by these means1 be extended1 there will be recognized the effect of that mighty influence1 to which1 under the divine blessing1 he so largely contributed4 ,let it not be supposed1 that in connecting his name and exertions so intimately with the progress of that great work1 which is now carrying on throughout the earth1 ,i detract from the honour which is due to other labourers in the same ample field2 they also will have their reward3 and there are none who would join more heartily in every sentiment which ,i have here ventured to express1 than those who have toiled with him in the same service1 and borne1 in common with himself1 the burden and heat of the day4 ,were ,i merely to transcribe their own recorded declarations1 transmitted to me within the last few days1 they would confirm the strongest statements which have hitherto been made of his important services4 ,we are often reminded1 that1 amidst the bustle and tumult of public occupations1 there is great danger lest personal religion should be forgotten1 and lest1 even while endeavouring to promote the salvation of others1 we should be tempted to neglect our own4 ,in admitting the propriety of this remark1 ,i cannot allow that it is applicable in the instance before us4 ,i might refer to the unaffected humility of the deceased as often manifested in his ready deference to others3 8,i have seen him yield10 says a near observer1 8with the simplicity of a child1 to persons inferior to himself in understanding and knowledge40 ,i might advert to his unshaken trust and confidence in ,god4 ,when difficulties were more than usually formidable1 he was frequently heard to repeat1 8,if ,god be for us1 who can be against us80 ,this was not1 as repeated by him1 merely a well-sounding quotation2 he acted upon the principle2 he staked upon it his ease1 his prospects1 his reputation1 and his life4--,i might appeal to the impression of his friends concerning the habitual seriousness of his character1 and the pleasure which he took in conversing with them upon sacred things4 ,christian conversation was at all times delightful to him2 and by him was always conducted in a becoming spirit4 ,whatever1 indeed1 might be his vivacity upon other subjects1 and however unrestrained within the limits of innocent mirth the course of conversation1 if any observations were introduced of a religious tendency1 he instantly checked his imagination1 and restrained the sallies of his wit4 ,this circumstance is more particularly worthy of remark1 because he possessed1 naturally1 a cheerfulness and liveliness of disposition1 which1 in his early days1 might seem almost to border on volatility3 and1 till disease had weakened his frame1 he continued through life to have such a flow of animal spirits1 that it must have required no ordinary check to keep them within regular bounds4 ,but on serious subjects he was always serious4 ,i speak1 here1 of the whole period within which ,i was honoured by his acquaintance4 ,of late years1 this feature in his character appears to have been particularly remarked4 8,ever since his severe and tedious illness in #ahah10 says a correspondent1 8,i observed in the whole of his conversation and deportment increased gravity and seriousness4 ,he seemed to have death and eternity most deeply impressed upon his mind2 and1 on many public occasions1 he repeated with great emphasis those striking words2 ,work while it is day2 the night cometh1 when no man can work60 ,it must be acknowledged1 that even the most judicious friends may form an incorrect estimate of the religious character and christian virtues of those who stand high in their affectionate regard4 ,to see the interior of a person's mind1 we should follow him into retirement2 and by doing so1 as far as it is possible in this case1 we shall1 ,i think1 discover much evidence of a mind devoted to ,god4 ,among the papers of our late valued friend1 ,i find one which he kept for some years suspended in his study1 containing a few verses of ,scripture1 calculated to give him courage and confidence when in great hazard of being tempted to unfaithfulness in his ministerial duty4 #ce;a ,in another paper are several passages1 from which1 as it is stated in his own hand-writing1 he was 8accustomed to derive the greatest relief1 support1 and direction40 #ce;b ,what an instructive lesson would it have afforded to behold him1 in his many afflictions1 thus casting himself upon the goodness of ,god1 and reposing in the comfort of his exceeding great and precious promises6 ,on one occasion1 when much depressed by very painful intelligence1 he writes2 8,i sought comfort from meditation on the word of ,god2 particularly1 ,i was much relieved by reflecting on the passage2 ,in the multitude of sorrows that ,i had in my heart1 thy comforts refresh my soul4 ,oh1 for faith in the divine promises1 and the faculty of applying them wisely and effectually to my own condition60 ,at another time1 being greatly afflicted1 and finding that a friend was yet more troubled than himself2 8,the comparison of situations10 he observes1 8threw me upon my knees1 and made me bless ,god for the kind proportion in which he had measured out my chastisements40 ,of a somewhat similar description are the following extracts3-- 8,april #bc4 ,humbled myself before ,god many times this day1 having been astonished to find such powerful corruptions within me4 ,i betrayed a great hastiness of spirit yesterday evening2 this is a sign that the grace of ,god has not been improved as it ought to have been4 ,i will1 by ,god's assistance1 watch against this propensity4 ,and1 oh1 that ,i may never again offend him1 or wound my conscience by falling into that snare of the devil6 ,let every one of you be slow to wrath4 8,sunday1 ,april #bd4 ,have humbled myself before ,god1 this morning2 and do resolve to watch and pray that ,i enter not into temptation4 ,may the ,lord pardon all my sins1 and secure me1 by his grace1 from falling into them again6 ,amen40 ,it ought to be recollected1 that the writer was a man of remarkably fine temper4 ,my next extracts respect his ministerial duties3-- 8,august #i4 ,endeavoured to put ,dr4 ,a4's advice into execution1 to bear the people to whom ,i was about to preach1 fervently to the throne of grace4 8,april #bb4 ,this day ,i performed a very interesting service in baptizing two adults1 7young ladies7 99 99 99 99 99 ,i pray ,god1 that the beneficial memory of it may continue with me1 and with them1 till the day of our death40 ,at a somewhat later period1 he again expresses the affectionate interest which he took in their welfare1 and the hope which he entertained of their progress in true religion4 ,most1 if not all of these passages1 were written many years ago4--,what1 it may be asked1 was the state of his mind as he approached the termination of life8 ,just before he was taken ill1 his family read to him1 by his own desire1 the ,book of ,job1 with ,scott's ,observations2 and being placed at that time under certain outward circumstances of discomfort1 he was in the habit of applying what was read to his own case4 ,the progress of disease presently incapacitated him1 either for reading much himself1 or of giving his attention to others4 ,but ,i learn1 from different friends1 who had sometimes the opportunity of speaking to him1 that his mind was always most awake to subjects of religion2 and that1 whenever he could be roused to mental exertion1 these were the subjects which recalled1 for a time1 his decaying energies4 ,the ,sunday-week after his seizure1 when one of his daughters was sitting with him1 he laid his hand upon a book on the table1 and asked what it was4 ,being informed that it was the ,life of ,hooker1 he immediately began to repeat1 in the words of that excellent man2 8,i have lived to see this world is made up of perturbations2 and ,i have long been preparing to leave it2 and gathering comfort for the dreadful hour of making my account with ,god1--and though ,i have1 by his grace1 loved him in my youth1 and feared him in mine age2 and laboured to have a conscience void of offence to ,him and to all men2 yet1 if thou1 ,o ,lord1 be extreme to mark what ,i have done amiss1 who can abide it8 ,and therefore1 where ,i have failed1 ,lord1 shew mercy to me2 for ,i plead not my righteousness1 but the forgiveness of my unrighteousness1 for his merits who died to purchase a pardon for penitent sinners6 ,and1 since ,i owe thee a death1 ,lord1 let it not be terrible1 and then take thine own time2 ,i submit to it3 let not mine1 ,o ,lord1 but thy will1 be done60 ,this passage1 it seems1 he was much in the habit of repeating1 doubtless from its expressing the views and feelings which he habitually entertained4 ,in one of his last letters to the same daughter1 he writes in these terms2 8,my frame has been so shattered1 that ,i must not expect it to be speedily1 perhaps1 never thoroughly repaired4 ,there is nothing ,i wish to live for1 but the service of my ,divine ,master2 and if ,i may but be favoured with the testimony of having pleased him1 and possessing an interest in his love1 ,i shall be willing to live or to die1 as to him may appear best4 ,oh1 my dear daughter1 this should be our first1 our last1 our invariable object2 we cannot dispense with its consolations in sickness1 or its support in death40 ,the only remaining paper to which ,i shall refer1 was written when he was deprived by sickness of the privilege of public worship4 #dj 8,what a mercy it is10 he observes1 8that1 as well from the nature of ,god1 as from his condescension1 and the tenor of his promises1 we can have access to him in privacy and solitude1 when precluded1 by sickness or other impediments1 from worshipping him in public1 and with the congregation of his saints4 ,of this mercy1 ,i1 who during many months have been confined to my bed1 my chamber1 or my house1 desire to be deeply sensible1 and to make it the subject of my most devout and grateful thanksgiving3--,pray to thy ,father which is in secret3--ask1--seek1--knock1--draw nigh unto ,god2 and every other direction of a similar tendency are of unlimited application2 and the promises annexed to them may be depended on1 as engaged to be made good as often as the direction is spiritually complied with1 and faithfully performed4 8,private worship1 which consists in acts and offerings of prayer and praise1 is the peculiar and spiritual duty of the invalid2 and the privileges annexed to it are peculiarly his property4 ,in this worship he ought to abound2 he cannot perform it too frequently1 and in proportion as he abounds and perseveres in the performance of it1 may he expect the promised blessing4 ,he may confess his sins1 and supplicate the mercy of ,god in ,christ1 as frequently as he feels the guilt of the former1 and his need of the latter2--he cannot confess or supplicate too often1 he cannot ask too much1 or with too great importunity2 if he apply for spiritual things1 and apply in faith1 ,god's ear is ever open to his cry2 he will hear those that call upon him2 he giveth liberally2 and on those who ask abundantly1 he will bestow abundantly1 that their joy may be full4 8,nor is the invalid tied down to any particular form of words or mode of service4 ,having only ,god and himself to consider1 he has no other concern than to make known his wants1 and give expression to his feelings in such terms as are best adapted to lay open his heart to that ,god1 who1 he knows1 seeth in secret1 and who requireth to be worshipped in spirit and in truth4 ,he may1 therefore1 consider himself at full liberty to contemplate the mercy of a reconciled ,god1 in all the variety of its boundless dimensions2 the privileges of acceptance1 justification1 and adoption1 the unsearchable riches of ,christ1 and the immeasurable consolation of the ,spirit1 as a property of which he is invited freely to partake3 he may come boldly to the throne of grace1 he may obtain mercy and grace to help him in every time of need1 and look up continually with unfeigned hope and increasing confidence to that ,god who1 over and above the future inheritance of the saints in light1 will here supply all our need1 according to his riches in glory1 by ,christ ,jesus40 #db ,in contemplating a man of this character1 of piety so scriptural1 and of talents1 which1 for variety and power1 are rarely to be found2 we might perhaps have expected1 that he would long be spared to assist in carrying on that work of mercy1 which1 through the divine goodness1 had already prospered so wonderfully in his hands2 but1--,god's thoughts are not our thoughts1 nor ,his ways our ways3--he has been taken away in the midst of his usefulness4 ,we might have expected1 that in his last hours he would have been permitted to testify of that ,saviour whom he served1 and of the power of that gospel which he had laboured to spread throughout the world4 ,but1 such was the mysterious appointment of ,providence1 his vigorous mind seemed to sink under the weight of the disorder which was fatal to the body4 ,would it not have been better1 we are ready to ask1 that he should be called away by a sudden death8 ,no2 for to ,god it seemed otherwise3 and1 although he was for several weeks previous to his dissolution able to say little1 and although it was difficult1 towards the close of life1 to excite in him any sensible apprehension2 yet since1 if ever he was roused to any portion of his former energy1 it was when the chord of religion was touched2 since there was something within which answered to that sound1 when all besides was silent1 the testimony thus given was neither unsatisfactory nor unimportant4 ,how strong in his mind must have been the influence of that heavenly principle1 which1 amidst the wreck of his mental1 as well as bodily powers1 could still survive1 and still give proof of its existence6 ,and shall we be sorry1 as men1 without hope1 for them that sleep in ,jesus8 ,i heard a voice from heaven1 saying unto me1 ,write1 ,blessed are the dead which die in the ,lord from henceforth2--,yea1 saith the ,spirit1 that they may rest from their labours1 and their works do follow them4 ,it becomes us to be thankful1 in the behalf of our brother1 that he now rests from all his anxieties2 that the cares1 and conflicts1 and vexations of life1 can disturb him no more4 ,some of these trials were deeply painful2 but if we could ask what now are his thoughts of them1 and what are his present sentiments of the course which he pursued1 would he tell us1 think you1 that he repents of his devotedness to the cause of piety and truth8 ,that1 if his days could be recalled1 he would be less active1 less zealous1 less persevering8 ,does he wish that he had listened more to the voice of man1 and less to that of conscience8 ,that instead of consecrating his talents to the highest purposes1 he had employed them to secure worldly distinctions and worldly emoluments8 ,did he1 while yet struggling with the evils of mortality1 record1 in the very midst of his trials1 how sweet it was to have toiled in this work8 ,and does he repent of his exertions1 and his sacrifices1 now that he rests from his labours1 and his works do follow him8 ,if it were no subject of regret to him in this world1 is it such in the world to which he is gone8 ,oh1 if we could at present perceive1 as we shall know hereafter1 the vanity and emptiness of all earthly things1 when contrasted with those which are spiritual and eternal2 how earnestly should we seek first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness6 ,and how trifling would all other objects appear1 when compared with that great object of promoting the glory of ,god6 ,to him1 whom we now bear in our affectionate recollection1 we are well persuaded that to die was gain4 ,ours is the loss3 and how deeply it is felt1 this present assembly can witness4 ,but shall we mourn then for the great cause to which his labours were devoted8 ,and especially for that ,institution1 which is now deprived of his services8 ,did the success of it depend upon human talent or human energy1 the loss might indeed be irreparable3 but whatever becomes of the agents of the ,society1 if it have the sanction of ,god1 it cannot fail to prosper4 ,whatever be the fate of the ,society itself1 the work which it has so successfully laboured to promote1 will eventually triumph4 ,the ways of ,god will1 ere long1 be known throughout the earth1 his saving health among all nations4 ,for1 from the rising of the sun1 even to the going down of the same1 my name shall be great among the ,gentiles3 and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name1 and a pure offering2 for my name shall be great among the heathen1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts4 ,already1 as we may venture to hope1 has an impulse been given1 which shall not be destroyed till it has reached the farthest nations of the globe4 ,amidst all the conflicts and disappointments of the world1 ,divine ,providence is still steadily accomplishing its plans of mercy and benevolence1 and in due season they shall all be fulfilled4 ,in expressing our gratitude for having been permitted to see the progressive advancement of the kingdom of ,christ in our own days1 and to share in the privilege of making known more extensively the glad tidings of salvation1 let us recognise our duty and zealously discharge it4 ,let the death of those that have toiled in this service1 stimulate the industry of them that survive3 let every event of this kind be felt as a call to increased energy and activity in all good works3 that when this world of strife and perturbations shall close upon us1 we too may die in the ,lord3 and1 finally1 with all his faithful people1 may have our perfect consummation and bliss1 both in body and soul1 in his eternal and everlasting glory4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,end4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,footnotes4 #d ,see1 particularly1 #a ,corinthians xv4 #ah4 #a ,thessalonians iv4 #ad1 #af4 #e ,john vi4 #dg4 #f;a ,homily on ,salvation4 #f;b ,homily on ,faith4 #f;c ,ibid4 #h;a ,homily on ,faith4 #h;b ,homily on ,salvation4 #ab;a ,life of ,hooker4 #ab;b ,life of the ,rev4 ,joseph ,milner4 #ai ,homily on ,salvation4 #ba ,it was about this time that the report of his remarkable qualifications as a minister attracted the attention of the late excellent ,bishop ,porteus1 under whose patronage he accepted the curacy of ,fulham1 and to whose unalterable kindness1 during all the remaining days of that venerable ,prelate1 he ever professed himself to be deeply indebted4 #cj ,a premature report of ,mr4 ,owen's death having been spread upon the ,continent1 letters have already arrived1 expressing the deepest concern and sympathy at the distressing intelligence4 #ce;a ,for instance3 8,there is no wisdom1 nor understanding1 nor counsel1 against the ,lord40 ,proverbs xxi4 #cj4 8,the just man walketh in his integrity3 his children are blessed after him40 8,no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper3 and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn40 ,isaiah liv4 #ag4 8,i1 even ,i am he that comforteth you3 ,who art thou1 that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die1 and of the son of man1 that shall be made as grass80 c4 #ce;b ,such as3 8,nevertheless1 though ,i am sometime afraid1 yet put ,i my trust in ,,thee40 ,psalms lvi4 #c4 ,prayer ,book version4 8,or1 what time ,i am afraid1 ,i will trust in ,,thee40 8,commit thy way unto the ,lord2 trust also in ,him3 and he shall bring it to pass40 ,psalm xxxvii4 #e4 8,my soul1 wait thou only upon ,god1 for my expectation is from ,him40 ,psalm lxii4 #e4 8,trust in him at all times3 ye people1 pour out your heart before ,him40 ,psalm ii4 #h4 8,let him take hold of my strength1 that he may make peace with me3 and he shall make peace with me40 ,isaiah xxvii4 #e4 #dj ,probably in #ahah4 #db ,i cite the above passages1 under the conviction that they express the genuine feelings of the writer4 ,in some cases1 ,i should be disposed to consider extracts from journals1 c4 when taken alone1 as of rather questionable authority4