the taking down of a tent or tabernacle, to rear it again in a better place : but, as it would put a ter- mination to his earthly career, he was anxious to improve his few remaining hours in fixing these things upon their minds, in order " that they might have them in remembrance after his decease." And though I have no reason to expect such an end, yet it cannot now be long before I must be called to " put off this my tabernacle," and to cease from the work in which I have been engaged these fifty years. I do indeed bless God, that I have one to succeed me in part who shall carry on the work to far greater advantage than I have ever been able to do : but yet, who shall occupy the more ostensible post of your stated minister, God alone knows ; and whether he shall maintain amongst you the same doctrine of justification by faith, and hold up before you the same high standard of practical piety, none but God can tell : but this I know, that no doctrine but that of a crucified Saviour, can ever avail for your salva- tion ; and that no measure of holiness, less than that of an entire devotedness of heart and life to God, can ever justify a hope of an interest in Christ. And, whether all this be inculcated on you or not, who can tell whether you shall retain the experience of it in your souls ? I look at the Seven Churches of Asia, and see how they were fallen, even whilst the Apostle John yet remained to instruct and warn them. And in what state are they now ? Or see, if you will, places in our own land, where once a faithful ministry was established, and to what a state are they now reduced ! A Sibbsc, and a Preston d, once ministered in this place ; but how little of their mind and spirit was transmitted to later generations, the records of this parish even in my own time, most fully testify. Whilst then God is pleased to continue me amongst you, " I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present
c The Master of Catharine Hall, in 1626. d The Master of Emmanuel, in 1622.