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of Christianity. Not so our excellent friend. All who knew him saw the warmth and sincerity of his delight in God, the simplicity of his faith in the Saviour, and the zeal of his benevolence to his fellow Christians. There was, indeed, in his last illness, some natural relation between the general decay of his bodily and mental powers, and the vigour of his religious feelings and graces, as I have already noticed; but his heart was, throughout his long course, and especially as he approached its termination, right with his God, and he continued stedfast with him in his covenant. He lived and he died in the faith and fear of Christ the Saviour.

May God give us grace thus to keep ourselves in his love s. May we dread the first beginnings of religious declension, as we should the symptoms of a fever! May we live and die contrite, penitent, fervent Christians! May our last days be our best days! May we continue to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching: O may that God who is able to keep us from falling, present us at length faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy'.

For what a PECULIAR HONOUR rests on an aged Christian, whose holy and consistent life has adorned his profession! Allow me to add

5 Jude 21.

6 Heb. x. 25, 26.

7 Jude, 24.

this reflection to the others which I have made. There rested on Mr. Cardale throughout his life, and especially as he drew near the close of it, such a blessing from God and such an esteem from man, as marked out the venerable saint to the observation of all around him. The prejudices of an ill-judging world had in a great measure been overcome by his admirable integrity and benevolence; and he had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself. He came to London early in life, and without any considerable means of support. But the providence of God gradually led him to an highly honourable and useful situation in society and the church. Here he had the opportunity of contributing to introduce a faithful and eminent Minister into the chapel which was nearest his abode, and of supporting him there by his affectionate friendship nearly thirty years. He obtained the highest respectability in his profession, and was entrusted with the confidential business of many of the first characters for rank and piety in the kingdom. He established by his conduct a reputation for integrity which he never for a moment lost. He was blest with an affluence of circumstances, which he employed for the glory of God and the good of men. He was esteemed by his family as an affectionate and

8 3 John, 12.

tender father, by his friends as a faithful and pious counsellor, by his parish as a respectable and liberal neighbour, by the world as an upright and loyal subject, and by the church as a devout and fervent Christian. Thus he adorned the doctrine of his Saviour. And in this holy course he persevered without turning aside even to the end. His last illness was painful indeed, and lingering; but was illustrated first by a peculiar triumph in his Saviour, and then by a calm and holy tranquillity of faith. He died at length in the midst of his family and friends, by a peaceful and undisturbed departure, and commending with his last words his soul to his Divine Saviour. And he is now followed by the esteem and love of all who knew his excellencies, and could value his eminent piety and zeal. Surely then godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life which now is and of that which is to come. Surely even the worldly man must acknowledge the excellency of such a life, and the happiness of such a death. Surely the Christian in particular must be led to adore the power and efficacy of divine grace in forming and maintaining such a character, and must be solicitous to follow so holy an example. Yes, blessed Saint, we will endeavour to trace thy footsteps! Once thou didst

9 1 Tim. iv. 8.

bear, as we now do, the image of the earthy in its corruption and dishonour and weakness; but now thou art gone to thy Father and thy God and thy lifeless clay, sown in its parent earth, shall spring forth at length in thy Saviour's heavenly image of incorruption and power and glory and immortality. Yes, we think we yet see thee lying on thy bed of death, and the Redeemer stooping, as it were, from his glory to watch thy departing spirit. He bids thee trust his power and his love. He sustains thee as thou passest through the gloomy valley. Hark! He says to thee, in the moment of dissolution, in the language of the ancient church, Proficiscere, anima Christiana; Go, Christian soul; depart from a land of captivity and temptation, to the glorious mansions which I have prepared for thee from the foundation of the world; Corruptible frame! go, put on incorruption! Dishonourable body, be adorned with glory! Weak and animal nature, assume thy new and spiritual transformation! Thy race is run! Thy conflict is ended! Death has lost its sting: The grave its victory. My sufferings have secured thy pardon. My resurrection, thy glory. Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord'.

Matt. xxv. 23.

SERMO N,

OCCASIONED BY THE

Death

OF THE REVEREND

WILLIAM GOODE, M. A.

LATE RECTOR OF ST. ANDREW BY THE WARDROBE
AND ST. ANN, BLACKFRIARS,

Sunday Afternoon Lecturer of St. John, Wapping,

AND

LADY CAMDEN'S TUESDAY EVENING LECTURER AT ST. LAWRENCE JEWRY, CHEAPSIDE.

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