BURR. 465 "-my family, more in-myself, wife, children, and servants, " conversing with them in a more serious manner. For this " God aimed at by sending this affliction into my family. " I will remember death. In myself I am nothing, in " Christ all things.". The future deportment of this worthy servant of Christ was happily conformable to his holy resolutions. His public ministry and his whole behaviour in life savoured much of- a spirit of holiness, and afforded unspeakable comfort - to the flock of Christ. He was greatly admired among his brethren. Having preached to a crowded con- gregation at Charlestown, the celebrated Mr. Thomas Hooker was led to say, " Surely, this man will not be long out of heaven. He preaches as if he were there already." Mr. Burr, immediately after his last sermon, preachedon redeeming the time, was seized by an afflictionof about ten days continuance. During this period, he discovered the most becoming patience and submission to the will of God. His wife, perceiving his willingness to die, inquired whether he wished to leave her and their children ; to which he readily answered, " Do not mistake me," said he " I am not desirous of that. But, I bless God, that now my will is the Lord's will. If he will have me yet to live with my dear wife and children, I am willing. It is better for you that I abide with you ; but it is better for me to be dissolved, and to be with Christ." His affectionate wife intimating how hard a thing it was to be separated, he exhorted her to acquiesce in the will of God : and added, " Our parting is but for a time. I am sure we shall one day meet again." Observing her very kind attention in waitingon him, he said, " Do not spend so much time with ate; but go thy way, and spend some time- in prayer. Thou knowest not what thou mayest obtain of God. I fear lest thou look too much upon this affliction." The night preceding his death, he said, " I will wait until my change come. Why art thou loath to die ?" A few hours previous to his departure, he had a sore conflict with the enemy ; and his friends reminding him that this was one of Satan's last assaults, that he was a subtle enemy, and would, if it were possible, deceive the very elect, he immediately said, " If it were possible; but, blessed be God, it is not possible." Before he departed, he most affectionately addressed his wife, saying, " Cast thy care upon God ; for he eareth for Mather's Hist. of New Eng. b. iii. p. 78-80. VOL. IL 9. 51 1111.1.1.111111Pleil7 71 II TV,
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