The John Bargrave Collection

what I said of him was only this: "Having done with my text, probably it may be expected that I should say something concerning the party deceased. You all know his extraction, that he was a branch of a considerable and worthy family: you also know what he hath done as to the setting up the worship of God amongst us. 'He loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue;' was the fair commendation which the Jews gave of a certain centurion, Luke vii. 5. By the care and diligence of this worthy person, we have a chapel erected, and endowed with a competent maintenance for a preaching minister. I wish that the gentry, and those who have good estates, would follow the example, and give something to pious uses; that they would augment ministers' maintenance where it is poor and inconsiderable. It hath long since been observed, that scandalous livings make scandalous ministers; he that is put to crouch for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, is exposed to a sordid and sinful compliance with the ungodly humours and practices of the people. But as our deceased friend ordered the matter, there is (blessed be God !) no such temptation here. Here is a subject copious enough to treat on, but I shall say no more, because I would not be injurious to you in detaining you too long; but especially in regard that funeral orations are commonly interpreted to be a cunning kind of daubing, and the products of a large conscience and mercenary tongue." (1: 109-10)