The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons

To the Christian and Candid READER.

I Here present thee with a Third Volume of Modern Lives, concerning which some may object, and say, That many of them have been Printed already, and in a more large and copious manner than we find them here? To which I answer, 'It is true, and yet I judge it necessary thus to Print them again. For I have observed, that being generally Printed in little Volumes, few of them come to a second Impression, but after a little time, are thrown aside and forgotten; whereas, when many excellent Lives are collected into one or more Volumes, they do continue, and will so do, till Printing shall be no more: Witness Plutarch’s and Melchior Adams, &c. Lives.

And if any except against my contracting of some of them, I answer, That if you please to compare them together, you will find nothing left out that is of special concernment. I have always affected multum in paucis, to include much matter in few words, and yet withal, to avoid obscurity.

I have been encouraged to make this Collection, and now to Publish it, finding that my former Labors in this kind, have been accepted with the Saints, and in the Church of Christ; which is apparent, for that they have been Printed four times in a few years space, and yet never less than a Thousand at a time. I am now in the Eighty third year of my Life, and therefore am never like to do more in this kind: but hope that God will raise up some more able person to carry on this so useful a work; and if my Judgment be of any value, these Lives are generally the best that ever I published:

WHen this Volume was almost finished at the Press, it seemed good to the supreme Governor of the World (in whose hands is our Life and Breath, and all things) to discharge this painful, faithful Servant of Christ, from any further work in his Vineyard, and to give him Rest from his Labors. Hereupon the Book-seller desired, that his Life might be added to the rest. The motion seemed very reasonable, and suitable, That he who had been a means of perpetuating the memory of so many of God's Worthies, should have his own Life recorded among the rest. The only difficulty was, concerning drawing of it up in such straits of time, as we were limited to by the circumstances of the Press: but this was soon removed by a Narrative I found in his Study, ready drawn up by himself: which, though it was done without any design to have it exposed to public view; but, partly for the private information and edification of his Children, and partly as a thankful acknowledgment of God's goodness to him, and to show his good Providence over him, throughout the whole course of his Life, (as himself expresses it before these Memoirs) yet, not meeting with any prohibition to the contrary, I have adventured to communicate it to the public, thereby to supply that defect, which otherwise the Reader must have labor'd under. And I hope none will look upon it as a piece of Vanity in him, to commit such things to Writing concerning himself, since it's a bare relation of matters of Fact; which cannot be so fully done by any other, as by a man's self. (And therefore I wish that others, whom God has made eminently instrumental for the Service of his Church, would write after his Copy, and follow his Example herein:) His own account now follows.

A Brief Narrative of my LIFE, and of the most remarkable Acts of God's Providence in guiding and governing of the same.

I Samuel Clarke was Born in Woolston, in the County of Warwick, upon the 10th of October 1599. my Mother, who was a good Woman, died when I was young: my Father was a Godly, Able, Faithful, and Painful Minister, and exercised his Ministry for above forty years in that Parish, with much profit and comfort: under whose wing I was trained up Religiously till I was about thirteen years old; and then I was set to School to Mr. Ja. Cranford, an eminent School-master in Coventry; which City at that time, flourished exceedingly with Religious Ministers and People, though for my own part, falling into the Company of dissolute Lads, I began to degenerate from the Principles of my first Education, though not without much reluctancy, and frequent checks of Conscience for the same.

Having spent about four years in that School, I was by my Father carried to Cambridge; which University was more eminent for Religion at that time, and placed by him under Mr. Tho. Hooker in Emannel College, which was the Puritan College; and Mr. Hooker one of the choicest Tutors in the University: yet, neither there did I answer my Fathers care, nor the means which I did enjoy: for though my carriage was Civil, and in the sight of the world blameless, yet did I not walk with God in my general, nor particular Calling as I ought to have done; neither do I know that the work of Grace was at that time wrought in my heart: When I was Bachelor of Arts, my Father (having small means) took me from the University again: and immediately after my return home, I fell sick of the Small Pox, and was so full of them, not only outwardly, but in my Throat also, that my Father despaired of my Recovery: yet it pleased my heavenly Father to restore me, beyond his expectation: shortly after I was sent for to a Gentleman's in the Woodland part of the Country, to teach his Children, and to be assistant to Mr. Slader, Minister of Knowle, a godly and eminent Man: yet the Family wherein I lived was very profane; which not agreeing with my former Education, though it dis-relished at the first, yet by degrees I digested it better; but after I had continued in that Family somewhat more than a year, I was unexpectedly sent for (in the midst of Winter) into Cheshire, to be an assistant to Mr. Byrom, Parson of Thornton, with whom I continued almost two years; and by reason of some Suits in Law wherein he was entangled, I was put upon Preaching twice a Sabbath a great part of that time.

In that Family I was cast upon some great temptations: but it pleased the Lord in mercy to hedge up my way with Thorns, and by striking me with extraordinary fear and terror (as he did Belshazer by the handwriting) he made me to reflect upon myself, humbled me for my sins, and by degrees gave me some comfort in believing, and applying the Promises of free Grace in Christ Jesus: yet still I was dog'd by Satan, who often interrupted me in my secret Duties: and one of his Instruments was also raised up to prosecute me in the Chancellors Court at Chester, for the omission of some Ceremonies: so that receiving divers discouragements, I resolved to leave that place; and being importuned by some Friends at London to come thither, I went to Chester at Michaelmas Fair, with a purpose of sending my Trunk to London, and shortly after to have followed myself: But some godly Christians, Inhabitants of Wirrall, a Pemnsula beyond West-Chester, which had been my frequent Hearers at Thornton, meeting me at the Fair, importuned my coming to Shotwick amongst them; and would receive no repulse till I had granted their desires. That Country is about fourteen Miles long, and five broad: there were divers godly, and understanding Christians scattered up and down in it: scarce a constant Preacher besides myself: so that, as my means of maintenance came by a voluntary contribution out of all those Christians Purses, so all of them within six, or seven miles compass, repaired to my Ministry, both Young and Old, Men and Women, Wet and Dry, Summer and Winter, to their very great pains and labor: spending the time between the Sermons in Repetition, singing of Psalms, and godly conference: and as they took extraordinary pains for the Word, so they highly prized it, and much profited by it. I also set up monthly Sacraments, and we enjoyed much sweet liberty, and Communion in the same. And besides these public Ordinances, we had once in three Weeks ordinarily a day of Conference, unto which repaired all the Professors, both Men and Women, out of all the Country; and this Meeting was held by turns at all the richer men's Houses: in the Morning when they firstmet, the Master of the Family began with Prayer, then was the question to be conferred of read, and the younger Christians first gave in their answers, together with their proofs of Scripture for them; and then the more experienced Christians gathered up the other answers which were omitted by the former; and thus they continued till Dinner time, when having good provision made for them by the Master of the Family, they dined together with much cheerfulness; after Dinner, having sung a Psalm, they returned to their Conference upon the other questions (which were three in all) till towards the Evening; at which time, as the Master of the Family began, so he concluded with Prayer, and I gave them three new questions against their next Meeting; which being appointed for time and place, everyone repaired to his own home: the benefits which came by these days of Conference, were many and great:

First, Hereby knowledge was wonderfully increased, so that I was never acquainted with more understanding Christians in all my Life, though the best of them went but in Russet Coats, and followed Husbandry. Secondly, Holy affections by this mutual whetting of them each in other, were exceedingly kindled, and kept alive in them. Thirdly, Love, by frequent Society, was nourished and increased; so that all the Professors, though living ten or twelve miles asunder, were as intimate and familiar, as if they had been all of one household. Fourhly, The necessities of the poorer sort being made known, there was plentiful provision made for them. Fifthly, The weak were strengthened, the mourning comforted, the erring reclaimed, the dejected raised up, and all of them mutually edified in their most holy Faith. Sixthly, Under the pretence of these Meetings, we enjoyed the opportunities, as occasion was offered, of private Fasts, and days of Thanksgiving, which otherwise would quickly have been taken notice of, and suppressed.

In this place I found the first Seal of my Ministry, by being an instrument of the Conversion of many Souls to God: Amongst these persons I had abundance of comfort by their hearty Prayers for me, entire affections to me, and care for to provide for me, that I might subsist comfortably amongst them. Whilst I was in this place, God disposed of me in Marriage to an holy, humble, prudent, and sweet natured Yoke-fellow, unto which (of all the outward mercies I ever enjoyed from God) none is to be compared; she came of Religious Parents, her Father was a godly and faithful Minister at Bedworth in Warwick-shire. But after I had continued about the space of five years in this place, where we enjoyed so much comfort and happiness, the Devil envying the same, raised up some of his instruments to complain of, and to prosecute me in the Chancellors Court, who was maliciously bent against God and Goodness, and who so much maligned me for the omission of Ceremonies; and was so violently bent against me, that he would not suffer me to Preach a farewell Sermon to my People: But behold the sweet Providence of God! just at the same time when I was thus molested, there came a Letter to me from the Mayor, Aldermen, old Mr. Fenn, and some other godly People in Coventry, importuning me to come to Preach a Lecture in that great City; divers of them having heard me not long before at a public Fast, which I kept at Woolston. After I had sought to God and Friends for advice, I resolved to embrace that Call, the Door being shut against me where I was, and another, as I apprehended, opened there: But when I was to leave that People, it caused much grief to them and me, and with abundance of Tears on both sides, we were (as it were) torn asunder.

At my coming to Coventry, I was entertained with much love and respect; there for a while, I exercised my Ministry: But neither there would the Devil fuffer me to be quiet long; for at that time there was Dr. Buggs, who had engrossed both the Livings (there being but two Parishes in that great City) he (as it seemed) seeing his Hearers go from him, soon professed himself my Enemy; and having power of both the Pulpits, denied me entrance into either: whereupon the Mayor and Aldermen, having another Church at an end of the Town in their disposal, they appointed my Lecture there: But Dr. Buggs having his spies to watch me, both in my Prayers and Sermons; conceived that he had gotten some advantages against me, for some expressions used by me in the same.

Hereupon he became an eager prosecutor of me before the Bishop of the Diocese (who was Dr. Morton) who inhibited me from Preaching in his Diocese: but having a Licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury [Abbot,] I refused to obey his Inhibition: some of the Aldermen also of the City sticking to me, pretending to spend much money before I should be put down: shortly after the Bishop going to London, caused me to be cited up to the Court of Arches, whither I went, but he put in nothing against me: and when I went to him at his Lodgings, he first by persuasions, and after by menaces, labored to have me relinquish the place; professing, that he would kneel before the King, but he would have my Licence called in: yet I resolved to keep it as long as I could, and returned to Coventry again; where a new Mayor being chosen, who was a great Friend to Dr. Buggs, the zeal of the Aldermen in standing for me, and by me, was much cooled; whereupon my Lecture fell to the Ground, and I assisted my Father every Sabbath, who lived within four Miles of the City: the Door being thus shut against me at Coventry, I was by a good Providence of God unexpectedly sent for by Robert Lord Brook, (who was then a young Man, and unmarried) to bestow a Sermon upon him at his House in Wedgnock Park, not far from Warwick; whither (though with much reluctancy, he being a stranger to me) I went, and preached before him, and found such approbation, that he desired me to be his household Chaplain; but such a Life not suiting with my estate (being married) nor with my Affections, with humble thanks I refused it, yet found him a fast, and a faithful Friend to me all his Life after.

Much about the same time also I was sought for by the Magistrates of Warwick; to Preach a Lecture there on the Sabbaths in the Afternoon, and on Tuesday Mornings; but Mr. Hall the then Vicar of that place, opposed it: whereupon the Bailiff and Burgesses made their Address to Robert Earl of Warwick, who was their Recorder, who sent for me up to London, heard me Preach, gave me his Qualification to be his Chaplain; and wrote so to Mr. Hall, that being over-awed by his Letter, he admitted of me for his assistant: In that place I exercised my Ministry about the space of five years, and the Lord was pleased so to bless my Labors, that I got much room in the hearts of all the godly in the Town, and was the instrument of the conversion of some Souls: as also of much good in the Lord Brooks Family, who being then married, lived for the most part in Warwick Castle: but these things proved the object of Mr. Halls envy, who sought to pick quarrels with me, caused me often to be Presented for the omission of Ceremonies, yet the Bishop [Dr. Thornbury] being an old Man, and peaceable, dealt so fairly, that still I got off: at length Mr. Hall, being impatient of my continuance, came to pull me out of the Pulpit, and by his clamours and noise, so interrupted me, that I was forced to give over: and Dr. Laud being then made Archbishop of Canterbury, he in his old Age made a Journey to London, complained of me to the Archbishop: and threatened to prosecute me in the high Commission Court: yet it pleased the Lord so to order things, that I heard no more of it: Just about this time the Parson of Alcester dled; and the Lord Brook having formerly of his own accord, proffered that Rectory to me, did now as freely confer it upon me; whither I went, Preached to the People, and was freely and unanimously chosen by them for their Pastor; whereupon I took Institution and Induction into the place; and there exercised my Ministry in peace, and with good success for a time.

And whereas the Town was placed in the midst of many great Papists, which made it their Randezvous: and for want of a powerful Ministry, the Inhabitants of the Town were much given to Swearing, Drunkenness, and profanation of the Sabbath, opening their Shops, and selling Wares (especially Meat) publicly, it pleased God to bless my Ministry, and private Labors for the Reforming of those things: but neither did the Devil suffer me to be long in quiet there: for the Book of sporting upon the Sabbath, came forth about that time, and I was often enjoined the Reading of it, and much threatened for the refusal; and was the more envied and maligned, because all the Ministers thereabout (whereof some were godly) submitted to the reading of it: yet it pleased God (who had a great work to do in that place) to preserve my Liberty, notwithstanding my refusal; and the Lord added divers to the Church by my Ministry at that time.

Also about that time, I having Preached largely upon the Doctrine of the Sabbath for half a year together, it pleased God to show a remarkable Judgment upon two of my Neighbors; who encouraged by that Book, and in contempt of my Ministry, dared to profane that holy day; the one was a Lusty young Woman, Daughter to Jo. Waldren, who said that she would go to such a Green in the next Parish, and there Dance as long as she could stand; which also on the Sabbath in the Afternoon she did; but as she was Dancing, it pleased the Lord to strike her with a sudden, and grievous Disease, whereof she died within three days: the other was a young man, one Charles Bellers, of whom read the story also in my Book of Examples, p. 153. These remarkable Judgments seconding of the Word, struck a great awe in the hearts of many, to the restraining of them from the like disorders. A while after came on the Archbishops Visitation by Sir Nathanael Brent, unto whom Mr. Hall, and some others, made many and great complaints of me; yet by a Letter from Mr. Ri. Knightly of Fausly to Sir N. Brent in my behalf, it pleased God to deliver me from that Snare also. Thus through God's mercy, I continued the exercise of my Ministry in that place for about the space of nine years; in which time very many young persons, both Men and Women, were converted, held their Meetings on the Sabbaths in the Evening to repeat Sermons, and perform such Duties; others were edified and built up in their Faith: and the Town, which before was called Drunken Alcester, was now Exemplary, and eminent for Religion all over the Country: and upon all occasions when public works of mercy were called for, their zeal and forwardness provoked many others. And thus we continued till the Etcetera Oath came forth; which as a dark and black cloud, threatened new dangers: but that being so gross and palpable, many of the Ministers of that Diocese met, and drew up a Petition to the King against it, and myself, and Mr. Arthur Salwey, were chosen, and requested to carry it: hereupon we went to York, the King being there with his Army, which lay in a Leaguer about the City, the Scots Army being at New-Castle. About this time the King had summoned all the Nobility to come to him to York; and upon their request, had promised to call a Parliament, to debate and determine the difference between him and the Scots: The next day after we came to York, we were present at the Manor▪house, whilst the King was at Supper; and immediately after Supper, I kneeling down, presented the Petition to the King, in the name of the Ministers of the Diocese of Worcester: the King received it without speaking a word, and went into his withdrawing Room; there was present Dr. Curle Bishop of Winchester, who frowned extremely upon me for the Petition: yet I encouraged Mr. Salwey, and we followed the King to expect an answer. At the Door of the Chamber, the Porter told us that we could not be admitted; but I told him, that we had presented a Petition to the King, and must attend an answer; whereupon he let us pass. When we came into the Room, the King had laid our Petition on the Table, without Reading it, and was standing by the Fire, discoursing about his Army: we pressed just before him, and so stood confidently in his sight, till he observing that we would have no nay, went to the Table, took up our Petition, and read it distinctly over: after which he called Mr. W. Munay of the Bed-chamber, and gave him the Petition, bidding him to give it to the Master of Requests to return us our answer: then did we retire to our Lodgings; and afterwards repairing to the Master of Requests, he told us; that the Kings answer was, That we should not be molested about the refusal of the Oath, till the Parliament began; at which time our Petition should be considered: After this we retired home, though through some dangers by reason of some straggling Soldiers. The Parliament beginning shortly after, the Ministers of our Diocese met again, drew up a Petition to the Parliament for the freeing of us from the snare of the Oath, and some other burdens that lay upon us; and myself and Mr. Salwey, were again requested to present, and prosecute the Petition; which we undertook and effected. At London we met with many Ministers from most parts of the Kingdom; and upon some Meetings and Debates, it was resolved, that a Committee should be chosen to draw up a Remonstrance of our grievances, and to Petition the Parliament for Reformation; which was accordingly done, and a Reformation was begun, though God for our sins, afterwards blasted our hopes, and brought us into the greatest confusion, that ever the Church labored under since the first Reformation of Religion under Queen Elizabeth. Not long after, the differences between King and Parliament grew so high, that both parties betook themselves to Arms. Whereupon, after a while, upon a special occasion, I went to London, and having been a while there (yet with a purpose of returning) I was one day talking with my Sister Sutton, whom I met about the Mercers-Chapel in Cheapside: and whilst we were talking together, came by Mr. Thomas Clendan, whom I had formerly known, but had now forgotten; my Sister telling me who it was, I desired her to call him back, that I might renew my acquaintance; which she did: and as we were talking together, God by his providence so ordered it, that there came by two of Bennet Fink Parish, honest men; which Mr. Clendan stopping, said to them: You want a Minister, and if you can prevail with this Gentleman, you will be well fitted, &c. Hereupon I was requested to give them a Sermon the Sabbath following; which I assented to, not knowing what God intended by it: There had about ten others Preached before me, for the place: amongst whom Dr. Hoile, old Mr. Carter of the Assembly, and Mr. F. Bellars, &c. and the chiefest in the Parish were for Mr. Carter; and whereas some of the Parish urged to proceed to a choice; the other party put it by till the last Wednesday in May, which was the monthly Fast; against which time they had procured Mr. Carter to Preach in the Afternoon; and so they were immediately to proceed to the choice, whilst his gifts in Prayer and Preaching, had left an impression upon the Peoples Spirits, that they might the easilier bring him in. Accordingly when they were met in the Vestry, the debate was, who should be put into nomination; and all agreed that Mr. Carter, Mr. Bellars, and myself, should be set down in a paper, to which they were to make their marks: Mr. Bellars had but one or two hands; and for Mr. Carter, there was Mr. Green a Parliament man, and some six more of the greatest of the Parish, before any appeared for me: but then a godly man beginning, so many of the rest followed, that the choice went clearly on my side. All this while I knew nothing hereof, or what they were about: being not acquainted with any one in the Parish, nor employing any Friend to speak to them in my behalf: But that day I Preached at Fish-street for Mr. J. Smart; and in the Evening, Supping there, there came a Committee from Bennet Fink Parish, to acquaint me with my free Election, and to entreat me to accept of the place: taking notice of the concurring Providences of God, I durst not refuse the Call; yet reserved myself free to return to Alcester when the Storm was over, and that I might do it with safety.

The Wars being ended, I went into Warwick-shire, and Preached on the Lord's-day at Alcester, and many of the People with Tears importuned my return: During the Wars, many of the Inhabitants of the younger sort, had retired to Warwick for safety; where, falling into the Company of Anabaptists, and other Sectaries, they were leavened with their Errors; and being now returned home, they had set up private Meetings, with the neglect of the public; and many young Men, whom I looked upon before, as Children begotten by my Ministry to God, were turned Preachers: whereupon, before I would promise to return, I propounded some Articles to them, concerning their owning me for their Pastor, attending upon my Ministry, &c. which they promised; whereupon I promised to return to them the Spring following (this being at the latter end of Summer) But these Sectaries under-hand wrought against me, and grew higher in the ways of separation; so that finding the love of the People towards me here, the opportunities that I had of being instrumental to the public good, and the unlikeliness of living comfortably at Alcester, having provided a godly able Minister for them, I resigned to him, and resolved to fix at Bennet Fink.

About the year 1646. I published my first Book of Examples; which then contained but 12, or 14 sheets.

Anno 1649. I published my first Part of the Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, which contained but 63 sheets.

Anno 1650. I published my second Part of the Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, which contained 44 sheets.

Anno 1651. I published my General Martyrology, which contained about 140 sheets.

Anno 1652. I published my English Martyrology, which contained above 100 sheets.

Anno 1654. I published again my first Part of the Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, much enlarged, to above 120 sheets in a Pica Letter.

Anno 1655. I published my Mirror the second time, enlarged to 42 sheets of large Paper.

Anno 1657. I published my Mirror the third time, enlarged to 240 sheets.

Anno 1659. I published my first Part of Cases of Consciences, containing 144 Sheets.

Anno 1660. I published my General Martyrology, enlarged to above 180 sheets.

Besides these greater, I was one of the four Ministers that made the Jus Divinum regiminis Eclesiastici; which was Printed three times, and enlarged.

Also Printed a Sermon, which I Preached at our first Warwick-shire Feast.

Another Sermon which I Preached at the Funeral of Mr. Tho. Beuley.

Another Book against Toleration, which I called Golden Apples.

The Life of Tamerlane.

A Sheet in defense of Tythes.

All these contained above a Thousand Sheets; all which I wrote with my own hand, and was through God's mercy enabled thereunto, notwithstanding all my Ministerial employments, private and public, Blessed be his Name for it.

I have besides at this time, November 1660. above 300 sheets ready for the Press.

The Kings Majesty having published a Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical affairs, the London Ministers drew up a gratulatory Address to His Majesty for the same, adding a prayer for the removal of Re-ordination, and Surplices in Colleges, and chose me to present it; which I did at Whitehall, November 16. 1660. and when I began to speak upon my knee, His Majesty bad me twice to rise up; which I did, and spake thus:

Your Majesty's Loyal Subjects, many of the Ministers in and about the City of London, have commanded us humbly to present this their gratulatory Acknowledgment to your Royal Majesty, for your gracious Condescensions, in your Majesty's late Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical Affairs. The King took my Paper, and returned this answer:

Gentlemen, I will endeavor to give you all satisfaction, and to make you as happy as myself: and something more to the like purpose.

March 25. 1661. I was, with others, made a Commissioner for Reforming the Common-Prayer Book.

Anno 1665. I published the Lives of those that were called Magni, and the Life of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ: As also the Description of Germany, and History of Hungary.

April 24. 1666. I removed from London to Hammersmith.

Anno 1671. I published my first Part of Examples, 80 sheets enlarged: and a second Volume containing 204 sheets: Also some Lives of our English Warriours.

Anno 1672. I published a Description of the 17 Provinces of the Netherlands.

Anno 1662. I published my third Volume of Lives, Printed by W. Miller.

Anno 1669. I published the Duty of everyone that intends to be saved: Printed by Sim. Miller.

Anno 1670. I Printed my English Dictionary, though under another's Name.

Besides, I have at this time 1673. about 800 Sheets ready for the Press, and about 4 or 500 Sheets of Annotations upon the whole Old Testament, all written with mine own Hand.

I was also seven or eight years a Governor in Zion College, whereof two years I was President.

I mention these things, not seeking my own Praise and Glory, (for I am less than the least of all God's Mercies) but to give Glory to God, who enabled and strengthened me to do so much work; wherein (I hope) I was serviceable to him and his Church, without the neglect of my work in the Ministry.

Anno 1673. I Printed God's Judgments upon Persecutors in 9 sheets.

Anno 1675. I Printed a great Volume of Lives in Folio, in 270 sheets.

Anno 1667, I Reprinted my Book of Martyrology, and Lives, containing 264 sheets.

Anno 1680. I Printed my President for Princes.

Anno Christi 1681. I Printed my Book of Apothegms.

Thus through God's mercy, I continued the exercise of my Ministry for the space of forty years, even till the black Act for Conformity took place; which turned me, and almost two Thousand godly and painful Ministers and Schoolmasters out of their places. After which (though I durst not separate from the Church of England, nor was satisfied about gathering a private Church out of a true Church, as I judge the Church of England to be, yet) I intermitted not my private Studies; but spent most of my time in Reading, Writing, and enlarging the Books which I formerly Printed, or Composing new: And if it please God that the remainder of my Cases of Conscience, and my Flores Theology, or Common-place-Book, shall ever be Printed, I doubt not but they will prove as grateful and useful (if not more) than any I have Printed already.

Decemb. 20. 1682. When he first came down in the Morning, he complaining, that he had lain in a Feavor all Night: yet found no great alteration in himself that day: but within two or three days he grew very weak, and was confined to his Bed: and then the decays of Nature (like so many Creditors, who had been put off a great while, so that when once their Debtor is seized upon, they lay all their Actions against him, that they may be sure to keep him fast: so these) fell violently upon him, so that his strength was quite gone, and he was unable to help himself, and he began to falter in his Speech, yet the use of his understanding remained to the last. And as upon all occasions, at other times he'd be speaking of his Change, so now more especially his Communication was savoury, and such as became a dying Person, and one that had a sense of Eternity upon his Spirit; yea, and a comfortable assurance of his own title to a blessed Eternity. And so upon Dec. 25. 1682 having blessed those that were about him, he resigned up his Soul into the hands of his Father, and fell asleep in the Lord: being aged eighty three years, two months, and fifteen days.

[illustration]
D{us} HUGO BROUGHTON THEOLOGUS LITERARUM ET LINGUAR: SACRARUM CALLENTISS

E. H Van. Houe. Sculp:

[portrait of Hugh Broughton]

The Life of Mr. Hugh Broughton who Died Anno Christi 1612.

HUgh Broughton was born in Shropshire, in a Town called Oldbury, an Antient Seat, upon the very Edge of Wales, towards Mountgomery. The Family from whence he Descended was Antient, and of a very great Rank, Worth, and Estate, and at the same time bred this great Scholar, and a Brother of his, who afterwards was a Judge.

This Family gave for its Coat of Arms Two Owls, which is the rather mentioned, because this Hugh would sometimes say merrily, That it was a good Prognostick, that he should be a good Grecian, because his Coat did bear the Bird of Athens. And by this may 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 be unridled that, for which, it may be, everyone is not, or hath not at hand an Oediput ready, which is this; In some Editions of the Genealogies, set before some Bibles, you may find Two Owls pictured, holding either of them a Burning Torch; intimating, That it was Mr. Broughton that gave Light to that Work.

In what School he was Educated and brought up, is uncertain, though certain it is, that he was a good Proficient therein, and from thence was sent to Cambridge, where also he was so diligent, and industrious, and his Progress in Learning so signal, that in time he was chosen Fellow in Christ-College.

Here he laid the first Foundation of his Hebrew Studies, under a French-man, who Read, and Taught the Language in the University to divers Scholars. This himself mentioneth, but nameth not the man, in his Prefatory Speech to his Lectures, which he Read in St. Paul 's Church, of which we shall hear afterwards. I (saith he) being requested to Read, thought no place fitter than this, because I was informed that a Learned Man of France, about 23 years ago, did Read here in the Hebrew Tongue. At my first coming to Cambridge, I laid under him my first Foundations of that Study: And after him, it hath pleased God that I should come hither to revive his Studies. He was a very Learned Man, and in Cambridge was accounted Second to none in the Realm. A rare Man he was in that Study; and in Hebrew he would draw such a Study, that Men might Learn more of him in a Month, than others could teach in Ten Years: He, being requested by his Country-men, to return, and Preach the Gospel amongst them; and having gotten Leave of Her Majesty, he went; but being come thither, he was so Persecuted by Wicked Men, that he was driven to fly into the Hills and Woods, and thereby got an Ague, whereof he Died.

Mr. Broughton 's Parts and Learning here began to be taken notice of; and among others, the Earl of Huntingdon especially cast a favorable Eye upon him, with a Noble Influence and Encouragement of all his Studies and Proceedings.

From the University he came to London, where he Preached in Public, and thereby increased the number of his Friends, and those some of the highest Rank and Degree; and he followed his Studies so close, that when Diversions did not withdraw and interrupt him, he spent twelve, fourteen, nay, very commonly sixteen hours in the four and twenty every Day at his Book. The way of his Preaching was this: He would take a Text out of the Old Testament, and another Parallel in the New, and discourse largely upon them together, and knit up all in a short Application. And thus he went over very many, if not all the Sections in Moses, and conferred them, and the Prophets with the New Testament. And one Passage in one of these Sermons, which he had in his Application, may not be omitted: It was in Eighty Eight, when the Spanish Navy was upon the Sea: All the time of the danger, when men's Hearts were full of fears and doubts what the Event might be, he encouraged the People exceedingly, and once particularly thus: Now (saith he) the Papists knees Knock one against another, as the Knees of King Belshazzar did, and News will come that the Lord hath scattered that Invincible Navy. Fear ye not, nor be dismayed at these smoking Firebrands.

But that which made him most known to the World indeed, was the Publishing of his Book called, A Consent of Scripture, which he put forth the same year 1588. himself being then Thirty nine Years Old. Mr. John Speed (a Man well known) was Overseer of the Press for its Printing; a Taylor he was by Trade: But by acquaintance with Mr. Broughton, he was grown very Studious in the Scriptures, and by his Directions was grown very skillful in them.

In the time while the Consent was in Printing, he, by Mr. Broughton 's Directions, gathered all the Genealogies of the Bible into one view, and at the last they were Published under his name, in the form we had then before our Bibles. But it was Mr. Broughton that directed, and digested them, and there are yet fair Manuscripts of them to be shown, some whereof have the Names in Hebrew and Greek, and some in the Latin Letter, and some of them Mr. Broughton 's own hand: And one that attended him, Dorman, or Dalman, or such a like Name, had made such a Collection by the Direction of his Master, before Mr. Speed had collected his One View. And yet when the Genealogies came to be Published, because the Bishops would not endure to have Mr. Broughton 's Name to be prefixed, Mr. Speed went away with all the credit and profit; so that he would confess, and it was no more than he had good reason to do; That Mr. Broughton was a means, under God, of great Blessings unto him and his Children for worldly Comforts. And therefore that act of his may be wondered at, which himself confessed to some of Mr. Broughton 's Friends; namely, That he had as many Manuscripts of Mr. Broughton 's as he could hold in his Arms, and he held his Arms encompassed: But, saith he, I have burnt them all; what reason moved him so to do, he best knew: But certainly standers by, will hardly be satisfied that it was done like a Friend.

No sooner was the Concent published, but it met with opposition by two eminent Men in the two Universities, Dr. Reynolds in Oxford, and Mr. Lively in Cambridge, who being Professors in those Universities, both of them read publicly against it. The Author of it did usually call it; His Little Book of great pains. And so it was indeed; for it cost him many years study, and when he Published it, his Pains was not at an end, but to begin anew. For the Lectures of those two Learned Men against it, put him to writing again in justification of what he had published, and what they excepted against.

It was some honor to Mr. Broughton to have two Opponents of so great Name, worth, and Learning: But the greater their repute (& that most deservedly) the greater was his disadvantage that had to deal with them: And to this was added, that what he held, was Public, and in every Mans hand: But what they read to the contrary, was only among their own Auditors, and nothing was published by them, whereby others might judge of the Controversy betwixt them, of a long time. Dr Reynolds indeed sent some Notes of his Readings, privately to Mr. Broughton; but printed nothing of them all his time, what was published of them, was done after Mr. Broughtons Death, by Dr. John Burgess of Sutton-Cofield, in Warwickshire. Mr. Lively was answered privately by Mr. Thornton a Country Gentleman, and a Friend, and Follower of Mr. Broughton, as he could come to the knowledge of his exceptions. And so Mr. Broughton undertook them both himself, as he could come to understand what it was that they opposed, and spent much pains in confirming his own Tenets, and confuting theirs.

This opposition of his Concent, as also the entreaties of divers of his Friends, prevailed with him to Read in private to them, his Explication of it, and he had Auditors to the number of eighty, ninety, or an hundred: sometimes more, sometimes less, and they kept their meetings weekly. At first indeed he Read in the East end of St. Paul's Church, where afterwards the Lord Mayor and his Brethren used to meet; and this he did with the allowance of the Queen and her Council, and some of the best Learned of the Bishops were his Friends. And the Council had the Names of those which were his Scholars, of what Calling they were, how Qualified, and where they dwelt. But others of the Bishops would not endure this, calling them Dangerous Conventicles, and complaining of them, caused them some trouble: so that at last they could read in Paul's no longer.

Afterwards he Read in a large Chamber in Cheapside, but tarried not long there, but removed to Mark-lane, and into some other places. And this was his course when he taught in private. His Auditors had everyone of them The Concent before him, and he went on still in the exposition of it all along with the Bible, and bad his Auditors diligently to read the Scriptures, and keep themselves to the Chronology of it: and shown what and how much they should Read against their next meeting, to be prepared for his discourse then. And withal handled the Geneallogies, as the matters of those Scriptures called for Explication for that time of the Chronology; that they might understand what Scriptures were contained within such a space of time. And still he shown the Doctrine of Faith, and love of Christ Jesus in every Age; how believed and practiced by the Faithful, and who despised them. And in his Application he would sum up all in a quarter of an hour, or more, as the matter required.

Of these his Lectures there are still extant the Notes of four and thirty, and the Notes of nine of his Sermons, in which he Collated, the Sections of Moses and the Prophets, with the New Testament; all which were taken from his Mouth as he delivered them. An Extract out of which (of what is not in his other Writings) had been Printed and Published with his other Works, had not he that had the perusing of them in hand for that purpose, been prevented by a very long, and dangerous Sickness, with which he was seized at the very first setting of the Press on work.

Thus he abode in London divers years from his first coming thither, and procured many Friends in the City, and made his residence for a long time, more especially among the Families of the Cottons, who tendered and respected him very much, during his abode in England, and forgot him not when he was beyond the Seas, but sent him frequent and large tokens of their Love, even sometimes a hundred pounds at a time. There were four Brothers of them; John, Roger, William, and Allen, which Allen was afterward L. Mayor of London; and he it was whom he meaned in those words in his Epistle to the Vice-Chancellor, and Governors of Oxford, saying; A Master of Art of your breeding being at London, and upon the Thames, Anno 1590. in a Boat with Mr. A. Cot: and others, &c.

Mr. Roger Cotton, a Draper in Cannon-Street, was a true Scholar of this Master, and so constantly plied the sacred Scriptures, according to the Admonitions and directions that he had received from Mr. Broughton, that he Read over the Bible twelve times in one year, and what proficiency he made therein, he gave a Specimen of it in that little Book which he Published, called, Directions to the Waters of Life.

In Mr. William Cottons House he made his most constant residence, who also was a Draper, and where his Lodging and Library were. In this Family he undertook the Education of Mr. Cottons eldest Son [Rowland, who was afterward Knighted] in the Hebrew Tongue; which he prosecuted with such good success, that there were few places in the Bible, which he was not able readily to Read, and to render into English when he was but seven or eight years old, and could very well and readily speak the Hebrew Language.

The way which he used to bring him on so forwardly was this. First, Himself spake in Hebrew to him constantly, and taught him by heart the passages and speeches, which were most usual in his ordinary converse: As to call for his Food, Cloths, and other necessaries: Also Phrases of salutations, and entertainments: Expressions of his Duty, and Affections to his Parents and Relations. Yea, the very passages which were most usual with Children at their Play. These he taught him to utter readily in that Language, and had a young Man, skillful in that Tongue, who was ever with him to interpret for him. This Noble Knight would oft relate that his Mother would sometimes be ready to weep, when he came to do his Duty to her, or to ask anything of her, and might not speak it in English to her, that so she might have conferred with him, and talked to him again.

To this, Mr. Broughton drew up a Vocabulary in Hebrew and English for him, out of which he was daily learning words. And he framed it, not in an Alphabetical way, as Dictionaries and Lexicons usually are; But he first pitched upon a place or thing more general, and then named all the particulars in it, or belonging to it: As Heaven Angels, Sun, Moon, Stars, Clouds, &c. So a House, Door, Window, a Parlor, a Celler, &c. A Field, Grass, a Flower, a Tree, Hedge, a Furrow, &c. This Book is yet to be had, and might easily be obtained to be Printed, if it should be judged meet to be done.

And to complete all, he had him constantly with him in his Study, where he instilled into him, first the Grammar, and then Read the Bible to him. And this learned Knight would often speak of one Book that he had in his Study, with which his Childish affection was then much taken, and that only for the Covers-sake. It was an old Manuscript, the whole Cover whereof was of Brass, as ours commonly are of Pastboard and Leather. And when he was come to Judgment, he concluded, that it was very likely to be some Manuscript of great rarity, and would often bemoan, that after Mr. Broughtons death, he could never hear of it.

He would also often speak of another Book, which indeed, in the intention of his Master, he should have had. It was a very fair New Testament, either Greek, or Syriac, he remembered not which, noted throughout very largely with Mr. Broughtons own Hand, as to the unfolding of the Language, and Sense, and Collation with the Old Testament. This Book in his later time he would often show him, and say: This I will leave to you for a Legacy, when I die; and see that you make much of it. But upon his Death it so vanished, that he could never see, nor hear of it more, although he used all the diligent enquiry after it, that possibly he could, and offered a Hundred pounds for it, if that would have purchased it.

Mr. Broughton having thus spent several years in London, An. Christi 1589. he went over into Germany, having before he went presented his Concent of Scripture to Queen Elizabeth's Majesty, to whom he had dedicated it. So he saith in an Epistle to Her Majesty: My pains in opening and declaring the Concent, which the Scripture hath, I humbly present to Your Majesty this, Novemb. 17. 1598.

His Companion in his Travels was one Mr. Alexander Top, a young Country Gentleman, who put himself under his Tutorage, and travelled with him that he might be constantly under his Instructions. And afterwards Mr. Broughton married a Niece of his, one Mrs. Lingen, a Gentlewoman that brought a good estate to him. And Mr. Top would oft tell him, that he knew not how otherwise to requite him for all the Love, Pains, and Observance that he had shown to him in his Journey, and he doubted not, but he would find her such a Wife, as that he would account it a good requital. To this Gentleman it was that he directed his Treatise of Mordecai his Age under this Inscription, To his good Friend Mr. A. T.

This Gentleman would oft speak of Mr. Broughtons exceeding great courage and boldness, and freedom in inveighing against Popery and Jesuitism among the Papists, and Jesuits, and against Judaism among the Jews. As once more especially at the B. of Mainz his Table, where also divers Jesuits were present, with whom he discoursed so freely, and sharply against the Papacy, as Antichristìan, and against the blindness and wickedness of the Romanists, that the Protestants who were present with him, were afraid that he would have endangered both himself and them. At another time, being in one of the Jews Synagogues, at the time of their Service, where their Public Minister Read, and Prayed in a strange and uncouth Tone, one of the Jews, as he came out, said unto him; Did not our Minister Sing like an Angel? No (saith he) he Barked like a Dog: And so called for a Dispute with him, where they had long and much tugging.

Also Anno Christi 1589. he had a Dispute with Rabbi Elias in Frankford Synagogue, as himself relateth in his Tract, A Require of Consent, &c. Some of the best Learned Jews, (saith he) have greatly desired to be taught our Gospel. One Rabbi Elias of Germany did it whole one and twenty years, with whom in Frankford Synagogue (in the year 1589.) I Disputed, and drew all the Law to Christ; so that he denied nothing, but still desired to hear that matter enlarged. We Disputed under this Oath; That God would strike him presently that should speak against his own Conscience; whereupon he never denied anything that I spake, only requested leave to propound his Doubts, and departed with a Desire to be taught by Printing. This our Conference was reported by Jews as far as to Constantinople, and by farther Instigation, Rabbi Abraham Reuben, sent from thence his Epistle into England.

Anno Christi 1590. He was still in Germany; so himself saith in an Epistle to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford. A Dr. (saith he) of yours told Dr. Reynolds, when I was in Germany, in the year 1590. thus; Inibis parvum gratiam à Christianis, qui conatus es hanc Prophetiam Danielis labefactare. Praeterea, qui istic mos est invehi in absentem? Ille cui contradicis, jam est in media Germania.

He also mentioneth his being at Worms this year in his Treatise of Melchizedek. And this same year he wrote his little Tract of Mordecai his Age to Mr. Top, who was then with him in Germany, the young Gentleman desiring satisfaction in that point. Probably they had heard what Dr. Reynolds had said upon it.

Anno Christi 1591. He was again in England. Probably he came over, that he might make something of the Controversy betwixt that Dr. and him. They met at London, and referred the Umpirage of their Contest to the A. B. of Canterbury, and to Dr. Elmer, B. B. of London. See his Epistle to them, Dated in London Novemb. 4. 1591. But it seems that Reference came to nothing.

Anno Christi 1592. He was again in Germany, and (as it's likely) he continued there after the Death of Queen Elizabeth. He had some potent Adversary in her Court, who was a means to hinder him from the Preferment which the Queen intended him, and to obstruct her favor to him, and that bred danger and unsettledness to him in England, and this caused him to spend so much of his time in a strange Country. It may easily be gathered out of his Epistle to Queen Elizabeth, (pag. 727. of his Works) that his great Antagonist was the then A. B. of Canterbury, who also had laid wait to apprehend him, and offered a Sum of Money to him who would discover where he was.

This year he published the Sinai-sight, which he Dedicated to the Earl of Essex, causing it wholly to be Engraven in Brass, which cost him about an hundred marks. The Plates are yet to be had in England.

In his Travels beyond Sea he was familiarly acquainted with Scaliger, Rephelengius, Junius, Beza, and others the most Eminent for Learning in those Times. His Transactions with Pistorius, Nic. Serrarius, and other Jesuits, from whom he found more respect, than he did from some Protestants, especially from the Scholars of Geneva. His favor with the A. B. of Mainz, to whom he Dedicated his Translation of the Prophets into Greek. His having the offer of a Cardinals Cap in Rome; and his many Disputes with several Rabbins. His Discourse before the Duke of Bovillion about the Descent into Hell, in the Commencement at Mainz, and divers other things, of which it were but superfluous to discourse here at large, and would but anticipate him that hath, or will Read his Works; and our chief intent here, is not to speak of those things which are obvious in his Works, but of those which are known only unto few, the whole stock of his Disciples, being now wholly worn out.

Mr. Broughton in his Explication of the Apocalypse, speaketh of some Passages betwixt himself, and some Jesuits at the Towns end of Mainz; and, among other things, saith thus; Upon this we turned to Read the Proselytes Letter; for whose Testimony, I might have had a Cardinalship Principal of Rome, one Mr. Murton of Yorkshire, desired me to go to Mainz with him, to hear what they said of it; where one of them took occasion (as they were speaking about Cardinals) to ask, what mine would have been worth? The other answered, About Eighteen thousand French Crowns. This Mr. Murton, however then written, was no other than he who afterwards was B. B. Moreton, first of Chester, then of Coventry and Litchfied, and lastly of Durham. He would tell how he was with Mr. Broughton in Germany, and was continually proposing something or other to him, wherein he desired to be resolved: And when he understood not some of his Answers, but required farther Explication, Mr. Broughton would be angry, and call him Dullard, and Unlearned, and such like Names; whereupon Dr. Moreton took up this Custom, that, when he came to propose any Doubt to him, he would pleasantly say; I pray you, whatsoever Dolts and Dullards I am to be called, call me so before we begin, that your Discourse, and mine Attention be not interrupted thereby. And Mr. Broughton took it as pleasantly from him.

Mr. Broughton speaks oft of his Disputations with Rabbi Farrar, and to that which he writeth of it, thus much more may be added: That the same Rabbin wrote a Tract in Latin, to have confuted Mr. Brougbton 's Opinion about the Fourth Monarchy, which yet Mr. Broughton never answered, either conceiving that he had already said enough upon that Subject in his former Writings, or else because he wanted either health, or leisure.

Anno Christi 1596. came the Epistle of Rabbi Abraham Reuben from Constantinople, directed to him in London; but he was then in Germany. It was written in so harsh and st • ange an Hebrew Character, that, though it went through the Hands of divers Scholars in London, yet none could so much as Read the Endorsement, till at last it came to Mr. Top, who, as afterwards he confessed, could not at first know one Letter of it: But at last, with very much pains he found out the Character, and made a shift to Read it, and so sent it over to him in Germany.

At this time of his abode there, Mr. Isaac Genius became his Scholar, who afterwards turned his Concent of Scripture into Latin, which he published Anno Christi 1602. Mr. Broughton himself overseeing the Work all along: And thus much may be observed from those words of his in the Epistle to the Reader, where he writes thus; Translatione hac meâ, meâ inquam, majore ex parte; nam ei plurima Author stilo suo addit.

Mr. John Boreel had turned his Exposition upon Daniel into Latin some three years before.

Upon the Death of Queen Elizabeth, or shortly after, he returned into England, and was in London at the time when the Plague raged sore there; and Mr. Broughton going to visit Mr. Speed in that sad time, he was astonished to see him there in a time of so much danger. But Mr. Broughton was very cheerful, and spake much to his Edification and Comfort concerning God's afflicting hand upon the City.

Anno Christi 1603. he Preached at Oatlands before Prince Henry, upon the Lord's Prayer. Anno Christi 1607. the Translation of the Bible was begun: From which work, how he came to be secluded, whose Abilities that way were known so well, may rather be wondered at than resolved. He had spoken much concerning that Translation, for which he heareth ill of some, as if he shown Indignation, because he was excluded; whereas Charity and Candour would construe, that what he had written, was in Zeal, and Vindication of the Truth. And doubtless if his Advertisements concerning some particular Texts had been taken, they had not been useless.

He again made another Journey beyond the Seas, and made his abode there for a while, and was for some time a Preacher to the English in Middlebourg: And thither two of his Followers in London [Mr. Air and Mr. Perry] went purposely to give him a visit; whom at first meeting he did a little chide, for taking so long, dangerous, chargeable, and needless a Journey. What? said they pleasantly; Is this the Entertainment you give us for our pains and visit? Then did he as pleasantly and lovingly embrace them, and entertained them heartily and affectionately during all the time of their abode with him.

Whilst he was now beyond the Seas, he wrote that very sharp and smart Discourse against A. B. Bancroft, and sent the whole Impression over to Mr. William Cotton (Younger Brother to Sir Rowland Cotton) then living in London; withal, entreating him, that if he durst adventure, he should deliver one of the said Books into the A. Bishop's own Hands. The Gentleman, though he foresaw the undertaking to be dangerous, because he could deny nothing to Mr. Broughton, undertook it, and made his Apology to the A. B. and told him that Mr. Broughton had engaged him to do it, and therefore he begged his Lordships Pardon and Excuse, which also he obtained, and was fairly dismissed.

But some Officers were immediately sent to his Lodging, to seize upon the Impression, which they did accordingly: But Mr. Cotton foreseeing what would come to pass, had conveyed a Trunk-full of them out of the way, whereby he escaped.

Mr. Broughton having thus spent much of his time in Travels, at last he fell into a Cough of the Lungs, which increasing upon him, caused his Return into England, as being desirous to die in his own Country; and accordingly in the Month of November, Anno 1611. he came to Graves-end; which being speedily made known to his Friends in London, divers of them went down to him thither, and brought him to the City. He told them, that he was come to die in his own Native Country; and his desire also was, if the Lord had permitted, to die in his own Native County [Shropshire] and so had he oft told Sir Rowland Cotton afore this, that he intended to end his Days with him, if the Lord should permit, and so he told him now again at their meeting in London, that if his strength would give him leave, he would come down to him into Shropshire, and the noble Knight did accordingly accommodate Lodgings for him against his coming, suitable to his weak and sickly condition. But it pleased the Lord to prevent his Journey.

He lodged in London, and kept all Winter with an old Friend, Mr. Hill in Cannon-Street, and in the Spring he was removed for fresh air to Totnam-High-Cross, to the House of one Mr. Benet, a Linnen-Draper in Cheapside.

Although he had so tedious an infirmity, yet he spake, as he could, at times to his Friends about many things, giving them many pious, and godly exhortations. He used these short Speeches to them very much: Study the Bible. Labor to save one another. Be peaceable. Meddle with your own matters. Some great Judgment will come upon this Kingdom. Never fear Popery: It shall never overflow again: But the course, which the Bishops take, will fill the Land with Atheism. Meddle not with the quarreling. Teach not the unwilling: many other such speeches he used. He went over all the Books of the Old Testament in a brief discourse of the sum of everyone of them: But he was now so weak, being near his end, that his strength served him not to do the like by those of the New.

When he drew near to Death, he told them that stood by him, that Satan had assaulted him: But (said he) the Son of God hath rebuked him, and hath spoken comfortable words to my Soul. A little before his Death two Friends came from London to visit him, and he could then speak to them, though very faintly. And after some stay with him, they took their leaves of him, not thinking that his end had been so near. But e're they came half way to London, a Messenger overtook them, and told them that Mr. Broughton was speechless, hereupon they hasted back again, and found it so; for they could get no words from him, yet when they asked him; Shall one of us pray by you? He, by lifting up his Hands, gave an evident sign of his consent, and fervent desire after it. And so they stayed with him till he Dyed: which was August the 4th, An. Ch. 1612. He being then in his Climacterical year, viz. 63.

His Corps was brought to London, accompanied with a great multitude of People, of whom many had put themselves into mourning for his sake. He was interred in St. Antholines Church, August the 7th, Mr. Speght, Minister of the Church in Milk Street, Preached his Funeral Sermon upon those words, John 11. 8. Lord, Behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. It was said that the Bishops would not suffer his Sermon to be Printed.

Of Personage he was graceful and comely: of a countenance that spake much studiousness, and gravity, and the Picture of him prefixed before his Works, doth much resemble him, as such say who best knew him. He was indefatigably studious, which swayed his temper a little to austerity: and yet among his Friends, he was of a very sweet, affable, and loving carriage; sharp, and severe, and exceeding bold against Error, and Impiety, and would sharply reprove it, whatever it cost him. He was once travelling here in England, and being in his Inn, a Royster, in the room next to him, was swearing horribly, and at no measure: In went he boldly to him, and who art thou (saith he) thou Wretch, who darest thus to Blaspheme, and profane the glorious Name of the Great God? And some other like words, which he set on with so great an awe, and boldness, that the Roarer became calm, and took his sharp reproofs (especially when he came to understand who he was) in very good part.

He was free and communicative to any that desired to learn of him: But would withal be very angry with Scholars, if they did not readily understand him in his discourse, as thinking it a shame to them to be ignorant of such things. Among his Friends he would be very pleasant, especially at his Meals, at which time, if any at the Table proposed any serious Question to him, to be resolved on, he would commonly divert it with some other Questions, and that ordinarily, a pleasant one, to find the Table employment in the discussion of it, till he had Dined, or Supit, and then he would say: Now come and ask what Question you please: for now I am ready for you: and so would return to his serious discourse again.

His style of writing was curt, and something harsh, and obscure, because he affected to speak much in few words: and besides that his natural Genius inclined him to such a style, it's probable, that his much conversing with the Judaic Learning, did something mould, and habituate him that way. His rehearsing the same things often over, was occasioned by the writing of his Treatises in several places, and having his discourses with several Persons, where the same things did almost inevitably occur and fall in: It were to be wished, that he had been more sparing in his own Praises, and less bitter in his invectives against his Antagonists: But if it be impartially considered how he was trampled underfoot by some of the Bishops, and vilified by others upon their example, how he was by them kept from deserved Preferment, tossed up and down, troubled, disgraced, and endangered, you may very well allow some Grains of transportment, and liberty to so great a Scholar as he was, somewhat to forget himself. Those that read his Writings, which desire to profit by them, will pass over such things without offense, and cover such weaknesses with the Mantle of Charity, the rather because himself took notice of them, and upon his Death-Bed confessed, and acknowledged them to be his infirmities, whereof he repented. And withal he protested then, as he had often before, that they were rather strained from him by his Adversaries provocations, then flowing from his own disposition.

In his Writings the serious and impartial Reader will find these two things. First, as much Light given to the Scriptures, especially into the most difficult passages of it, as is to be found in any one Author whatsoever: Nay, it may be, in all Authors together. Secondly, a winning, and enticing enforcement to the reading of the Scriptures, with a greater seriousness, and more then ordinary searching into them. Among those that have studied his Books, many might be named, that have grown to be Proficients, so far as that they have attained to a most singular, and almost incredible skill, and readiness in his way, in the understanding of the Bible, though otherwise unlearned Men. Yea, some such their were, that being excited, and stirred up by his Books, applied themselves to the study of the Hebrew Tongue, and attained to a great measure of skill and knowledge therein. Nay, a Woman might be named that did it.

Mr. Broughtons Writings do carry in them a kind of holy and happy Fascination, that the serious Reader of them, is won by a sweet violence, to look into the sacred Scriptures with the greatest diligence and seriousness that is possible, and cannot choose but do it. Let any one but set himself to read his Books in good earnest, and if he find not, that he sees much more in the Scriptures, then ever formerly he did, and that he is stirred up to search much more narrowly into them then ever he was before, he misseth of that, which was never missed of before, by any that took that course, if multitude of Experiences may have any Credit.

The Life and Death of Mr. Robert Boyd, who died, An. Chr. 1627.

RObert Boid of Trochreg, was descended of Robert Boid, Earl of Arran, and sometimes Protector of Scotland, from whom in the fifth remove descended James Boid, Baron of Trochreg and Barniel, the Father of our Robert. He was born Anno Dom. 1578. and by his Father carefully educated in learning, and having profited in the study of the liberal Arts, he commenced Master of Arts in the University of Edinburgh; where also he was a diligent hearer of Robert Rollock, a famous Preacher in those days.

Anno Christi 1604. or thereabouts, he travel'd into France, and came to Poitiers, where he staid but a while, because he had not the convenience there of frequenting religious exercises, to which he was much addicted: and going from thence, he went to Thoarse, where Dr. Rivet had been Minister for about 10 years; who most willingly entertained this learned young Man, especially when he understood that he was willing to undertake the instructing of certain noble Youths in a School lately founded in that place by him at the charge of the noble Duke Trumelian. This placc he discharged for a year and half with great profit, and happy success; living all that while in great familiarity with Rivet, approving himself exquisite in learning unblameable in his Conversation, eminent in Piety, and of singular modesty. He was so diligent and industrious in his studies, that he spent whole nights and days, so far as bis School would give him leave, in reading and writing, and borrowing divers Books of Dr. Rivet, especially Greek Authors both in Prose and Verse, he made so good use of the same, gathering out of them whatsoever was worthy observation, that he thoroughly digested them, and became Master of them, whereby both Latin and Greek grew as familiar to him as his Mother Tongue; He was also no noviee in Hebrew, and in that short space he grew so exact in the French Tongue, that after a few years he might be reckoned among the most eloquent, whether you respect the elegancies of that Language, or the pronunciation of it (a faculty, which few of his Countrymen use to attain unto) as many could witness, who a while after heard him Preach eloquently in the same.

From Thoarse he went to Bourdeaux, where Gilbert Primrose, his Countryman, was Pastor of the Reformed Church; a man deservedly famous; by whose means he lived there a year with a certain Nobleman, who desired to make use of his labors.

About this time the University of Mountauban wanting a Professor of Philosophy, sent for him thither; where, according to the custom of the Academy, he taught and exercised his Scholars four hours every day, running over the whole body of Philosophy, whereby many of the Students took their degree with good approbation. While he was thus busily employed in the Schools, all the rest of his spare time he spent in other Studies. He slept little, spending a great part of the night in the study of Divinity, which he propounded as his chiefest mark: for he always purposed, if God should give him an opportunity to be a Pastor of a Church, and a Professor of an University. But when certain Students, his hearers, returned from Montauban into Xantoin, and Angouleme, and there, to his great commendation, divulged how eloquently he spake the French Tongue, affirming further, that he carried himself gravely and modestly, was of a most exemplary conversation, and that he had declared that he would embrace a call to the Ministry in the French Church, the Church of Verthole in Angouleme, having first advised with the Provincial Synod, cast their Eyes upon him, and sending delegates to Mountauban, they agreed with him that he should enter into the sacred Ministry, and undertake to be their Pastor: which he assented to, upon condition, that if he should have a call to any University, where he might exercise the Office both of a Pastor and Professor, that Church should be willing to part with him. And thus after due examination and ttial he was ordained by the Synod, and settled in that Church.

From thence he wrote often to Dr. Rivet, giving him an account of his Studies, who desired a visit from him; being but a day or two journeys off. Dr. Rivet also informed the illustrious Lord Du Plessis of his parts, and excellent endowments, at what time a Professors place was void, William Crag, a learned Scothman. who had long been a Professor of Philosophy there, being now made a Professor of Divinity. When gone, Boíd came to him to Thoarse, Dr. Rivet sent him with his letters of recommendation to Samur to the Lord Du Plessis, who having conferred with him in private, and heard him Preach in public, communicating counsels with the Synod, he brought it about that Delegates were sent to his Church at Verthole, requesting that for the good of the University, and by the approbation of the Provincial Synod, they'd give way to his dismission; for which end also they wrote Letters to the Synod. This request was very grievous to his Church, which highly prized him; yet looking at the benefit of the University, though very unwillingly, they at last dismissed him, with ample testimonies, both from the Synod and themselves.

When he was come to Samur, he was admitted amongst the ordinary Pastors of the Church, and besides, performed public Lectures, and extraordinary Disputations in the University for some months, till a Synod of the Churches of Anjou, Coenoman and Tours, met together; whom the National Synod had appointed to provide fit Professors of Divinity in that University, and that they should carefully examine them, afore they admitted them. This was performed in Sept. An. 1608. at which time the Pastors of that Province met together, to whom also were adjoined some Pastors of the neighbouring Provinces, among whom Dr. Rivet was one. There divers Theological points about the Church, and Church-matters, were propounded to be disputed on, and Robert Boid, who was to undergo his Trial, was appointed to answer before the assembly of Pastors and Elders: which place he so discharged, that by the unanimous consent of all, he was judged worthy of that Chair; which for the space of 6 years after, viz. till the year 1614. he supplied with the great applause of all, and to the great profit of the Students, with unwearied labor, and incredible industry and diligence. So that by his excessive watchings, he contracted a weakness of stomach: yet would he not (though entreated) favor himself, nor be prevailed with to forbear his ordinary Lectures, though he had time most freely allowed him for the recovery of his health.

He always observed this Rule, To fetch his Divinity from the fountains of the sacred Scriptures: for which end he made choice of the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, to expound it in his public Lectures, because he saw that the Apostle had in this Epistle with admirable succinctness comprised all the chief Heads of the Christian Religion, relating both to Faith and Manners, and omitted nothing that was necessary.

In all his Disputations, which were many, he was solid and acute, and withal so clear, that he left no scruples remaining in the minds of his hearers.

Anno Christi. 1611. When that famous Assembly was held at Samur, in which appeared almost all the Protestant Nobility, and two Pastors delegated out of every Province, Mr. Boìd Preaching in his course among others, had this testimony from all, that so copious and eloquent language was admirable in a Foreigner, who had so lately learned their Tongue.

And having a great care to improve his learning, and a desire to settle himself in France, he began to bethink himself of a fit Yoke-fellow, and finding an honest Virgin of the Family of Malivern, he sought to her Parents for their consent, who having received a satisfactory testimony out of Scotland, of the Nobility of his birth, and competency of his Estate, they easily yielded, and so he took her to Wife, with the great good liking both of the Church and University, who hoped, that by this means he would be fixed among them, so as never to entertain thoughts of returning to Scotland again, to settle there.

But e're long things fell out otherwife; for King James taking care of the Universities within his Dominions, and hearing of Mr. Boid, what great credit he had at Samur, and being told by some noble Scotchmen, who were of kin to him, that he was most fit to be placed over the College of Glasgow, as one that was like to adorn the Divinity Chair there, they fo far prevailed that King James commanded him to return to his own Country; writing also to the Lord Du Plessis, that with his and the Universities good leave he might come away. Thus his former purposes being overpowered, neither himself, nor they in France, to whom he was obliged, being able to resist, with much difficulty getting the consent of his Wife and her Parents, he bid Farewell to the University of Samur, who, sensible of their great loss, dismissed him with much grief.

This removal from Samur to Glasgow was An. Dom. 1615. where for the first four years space all things went according to his own desire. His exemplary Holiness, singular Learning, admirable Eloquence; his Gravity, Humility, unaffected Modesty, extraordinary Diligence both in his Ecclesiastical and Scholastical Employment, above the rate of ordinary Pastors or Professors, drew all to a Reverence, Love, and Esteem for, and many even to an admiration of, him. Under his conduct, with the assistance of his Colleagues, Mr. William Blair, Mr. David Dickson, Mr. James Robertson, Mr. James Sharp, and Mr. Robert Blair, the affairs of the University flourished exceedingly. From the very beginning of the Reformation, the credit and concerns thereof, were in a very good posture, by the care, and endeavors of Mr. Andrew Melvin, and Mr. Thomas Smeton the Presidents there, who were famous for their dextrous management of all things relating both to Discipline, Manners and learning: but after the coming of Mr. Boid, everything grew to a far greater heighth.

His pains were unparalleled, and indefatigable; for he sat daily at his studies, from morning till midnight, and sometime longer, saving only a few hours for the necessary resection of nature, and dispatch of the Exercises of his Place. For his Diet, he was very strict and severe: yet in his private conversation, when at any time he unbended himself thereto (for he was neither a man for all company, nor for any company at all seasons) he was most obligingly courteous, and among those with whom he was familiar, he was sometimes very pleasant and cheerful, In all his public Lectures, Piety, Learning and Eloquence strove which should get the Mastery. In the exercise of Discipline, whether in private Classes, or public Assemblies, such was the severity of his Reproofs, the earnestness of his persuasions, the authority of his Injunctions, the charity and prudence of his Counsels, and in all such a prevailing persuasiveness, that his looks and words were more powerful to reform what was amiss, than the sharpest corrections of others. And one Engine he had of greater force than all the rest to work upon the most obstinate minds, and that was his solemn Prayers after the exercise of public Discipline, and weekly censures, which he uttered in Latin, with excellent and constant variety of composure, whereby he drew even rivers of tears from, and stirred up troops of ardent desires in some of his hearers.

Samur had abundant experience for six whole years together of his solidity in moderating, and determining in their Disputations, and Glasgow had no less trial of his subtlety and profoundness in his extemporary Disputations in the solemn and frequent examination of Students: for, as for the Problematical sporting with Divinity, by young Men, so much used in most Universities, he thought it below the Majesty of that sacred Art: and therefore, though he were a most acute and skillful Master in the art of Disputing, and inferior to none, if not superior to most therein, yet he seemed to have a peculiar conversation from it, and saw so many things which he thought fit to be reformed in your ordinary Divinity Disputations, that he resolved wholly to forbear that exercise at Glasgow.

As for Conference and Discourse, though he condemned the practice of some in trifling away their golden hours in frivolous chat, and impertinent prattle, yet if any one came to him either for satisfaction in any doubt, or for Counsel, or Comfort, or upon any such serious account, none did entertain them with greater humanity and humility, or more fully and freely open himfelf unto them.

But above all, his peculiar Excellency did seem to lie in Practical Divinity, and resolving Cases of Conscience; as appears not only by the whole contexture of his rare Comment on the Epistle to the Ephesians, but especially by that part of it on the 6th Chapter.

His manner of performing his Lectures was this; Twice a week he read for an hour and a half together; but he did not read out of his Papers all that he delivered, as the custom of most is, but uttered all in a continued Discourse, without any hesitation, and with as much ease and freedom of speech as the most Eloquent Divine is wont to deliver his popular Sermons in his Mother Tongue. One thing especially was admirable and astonishing in him, that all his Quotations out of the Greek Fathers, which were frequent, and sometimes very long, he repeated by heart, and never made use of any Notes in the Chair, except for an extraordinary long passage out of Chrysostom once or twice.

We come now to the last part of his Life. For the four first years, after his coming to Glasgow, all things ran smoothly, as was said; but afterwards the Clouds began to rise, and the Malice of the Devil did not suffer him to enjoy a much longer time of Peace. In the year 1618. as the Synod of Dort met together, which proved very happy and successful to the Reformed Churches; so there was held an Assembly at Perth, which proved as fatal and mischievous to the British Churches. King James, otherwise a most wise Prince, was fatally mistaken in this, in that he suffered himself; to be influenc'd so far by the Counsels of A. Bishop Bancroft, and other Court-Bishops, as to resolve either by art, or force, to conform the Scottish Church to the English in point of Government and Ceremonies: And as a little before he had obtruded some Bishops out of England upon the Scotch Churches sore against their minds; so by means of that mock-counterfeit Synod at Perth, he appointed that five of the Chief English Ceremonies should be brought into use in Scotland. Hence came that train of quarrels, troubles and confusions, which overturned from the very Foundations, that flourishing Church. And though many, some out of one respect, some out of another, did submit their necks to this yoke; yet divers of the most Eminent Ministers, both for Piety and Learning, stood up in defense of the Liberty and Purity of the Scottish Church, against the Innovation and Violent Attempts of the Bishops and Court-Party: And though Mr. Boid did not publicly intermeddle with these Controversies, yet he did not obsurely favor the Dissenters: But however, he extended his Charity to the Bishops, as hoping well of them, not being as yet thoroughly acquainted with their Designs and Practices.

But as soon as the Bishops perceived that he did favor their Opposers, they looked upon him with an evil Eye, and by their Emissaries did wrest all his deeds and words to the worst sense. Robert Bruce, the Head of the Anti-Episcopal Party in Scotland, came frequently to a House of his, which was near Glasgow; thither Mr. Boid went once or twice to make him a Visit, they being of Antient Acquaintance. This the Prelatical pick-thanks laid hold on, not only to spread abroad Rumors among the common people, but to write to the King also, That Trochreg was gone over into the Tents of the Puritans, as they called them. Hereupon, that he might decline the King's displeasure, which he was afraid of, and the Bishops hatred, he entertained thoughts of leaving his public Employment, and retiring himself to his own Estate which he had in Carick; from which yet he was earnestly dissuaded by all his Friends; but all in vain; for he was fully resolved to lay aside both all his Academical and Ecclesiastical Employments, which accordingly he did sore against the mind of all those that were well-wishers to him, notwithstanding all they could say to the contrary: Which course yet he soon after repented of; for he considered that no man ought voluntarily to put himself out of that Station and Employment wherein God by his Providence has placed him, except he be by violence forced thereto; and therefore he earnestly desired that God would open a Door for his return again to some Employment either in the Church or University, that so his Talent that God had entrusted him with, might again be brought forth to public use for the honor of his Lord and Master.

While he lived in this Privacy and Retirement, he kept correspondence with Dr. Rivet (as he had done all along from their first Acquaintance) and communicated all his Affairs to him; and among other things, he acquainted him how that some who had been his familiars, and pretended friends formerly, now discovered much Enmity against him: Whereupon he wrote to them modestly and meekly, declaring his Judgment, and beseeching them by the bowels of Christ, to deal tenderly with their Brethren; and to use their best Endeavors for procuring them liberty from that intolerable yoke which was imposed upon their consciences: This they took so heinously, and treated him so roughly afterwards, that he said he thought he might have found more favor from the General of the Jesuits, with his four Assessors, than he did from them: He added, that according to the present posture of assairs, he saw little likelihood of obtaining any further public employment; though there was fire kindled in his Breast ready to break forth, when as he saw and heard those things which daily occur'd to his Eyes and Ears.

While he was thus solicitous what to do, there came Messengers to him from Edinburgh, desiring him to come to them, and undertake the charge of the Presidentship of the University, and of a Pastor of a Church, both which were then void. This wisht-for opportunity which thus unexpectedly offered itself, he readily embracit, and came immediately to Edinburgh, preparing himself to a diligent discharge of his undertaking. But the Devil fearing the ruin of his Kingdom by the singular accomplishments of this eminent Servant of God, laid a block in his way at his very entrance; for some of the Ministers of Edinburgh, who were leavened with pride and error, fearing the presence of so holy and learned a man, wrote letters to Spotswood A. B. of St. Andrew's, and to the English Court, whereby they obtained from King James Letters to the Magistrates of Edinburgh, wherein he straitly charged them that they should by no means suffer Mr. Boid the use of either the Chair or the Pulpit in their City.

This holy Man had resolved to discourse upon the Gospel of St. John in his Sermons to the People, but being thus stopped at the very beginning, he composed these Verses with a sorrowful heart, which he wrote at the end of the first Sermon he had prepared on that Gospel.

Thus he was sent a second time to his uneasy privacy, where he lived a kind of banished or imprisoned life; though by the diligent endeavors of his Friends he was almost recalled again to Glasgow. At length the charge of the Church at Paslet was committed to him: but here new storms arose: for the Widow of the Earl of Abercorn, Baron of Paslet, who was neat a kin to Mr. Boid, being lately turned Papist, stirred up her Children and Servants to give this Servant of God all the disturbance they could, and so to tire him out, and force him to leave the place; the Baron of Streban, a rash young man, complying too much with his Mothers advice, took the opportunity of Mr. Boid 's absence, his Kinsman, and brake open the doors of his House, and in a tumultuous and reproachful manner, threw out all his Household stuff into the Streets: whereupon it was observed that that Family never did thrive afterwards, but were in a decaying condition, till they were reduced almost to nothing. Mr. Boid being almost overwhelmed with these troubles, withdrew from all public employment, and continued at his own House in Carict, until at length by his continual watching, grief, and excessive studies he contracted a swelling in his Throat: whereupon he went to Edinburgh to consult some Physicians about it: but the distemper prevailing upon him, it put an end to his life.

He died Jan. 5. 1627. in the 49th year of his age, in the midst of the sighs and tears of his dear and near friends, who were witnesses of those divine joys and consolations wherewith his Soul was filled, even amidst the assaults of Satan, and those other trials that befell him.

These following Verses I thought fit to transcribe, as containing in them a brief account of the several places in which he had his residence from his Birth to his Death.

The Life and Death of Dr. Twisse, who died Anno Christi 1644.

DR. Twisse was an English Man, born of honest Parents, who yet lived but in a mean condition. His Grandfather was a German, who upon some occasion came over into England, and by a gracious Providence of God he left this his Grandson, never to be forgotten among the Reverend Fathers of our English Church.

When he was a Boy, he was brought up in the famous Shool of Winchester, where were Bred also those eminently learned Men Bilson, Lake, Hanmer, Wotton, Hoskins (who was our Twisses Uncle) and he was familiarly acquainted with the other.

When he was eighteen years old, he was sent to Wicham College in Oxford; where he applied himself, first to the Study of Logic, than of Philosophy, and afterwards of Divinity, in which Studies he continued in that University for about the space of twenty years.

He was taken notice of in that University for his acute wit, his solid judgment, his integrity, and pleasing behavior, his pious, and humble mind, and at the last, he took his Degree of Doctor, with a general applause. For he had before given a great manifestation both of his Learning, and Industry, in his Lectures, and Disputations; as also in transcribing, and judiciously correcting the Writings of that profound Doctor, Thomas de Bradwardine, which were to be Published by Sir Henry Savil.

Neither was he less famous for his Sermons which he Preached in the University, though some were not so well pleased with them, saying, that his Gifts were fitter for the Schools than the Pulpit. But how powerful he was in his Ministry, may appear by this instance? There was in Oxford in his time one Joseph Barnet, a Jew both by Nation and Superstition, who read Hebrew to divers young Students, and had cunningly pretended, and held forth, that he embraced, and believed Jesus Christ to be the true Messias: He professed that he was seriously and heartily grieved for his former Blasphemies against him. He mournfully bewailed that the Eyes of his Brethren, and Countrymen were so blinded, and their hearts so hardened. He seemed to desire nothing more earnestly, than that he might be judged worthy to be admitted into the Christian Church by the Sacrament of Baptism.

By these tricks of Legerdemain he deceived many of the Learned Doctors, especially Dr. Lake, the worthy Provost of New College, and afterwards B. B. of Bath and Wells. And a Sabbath was appointed publicly, wherein Baptism should be administered to this new Disciple in the University Church of St. Mary's, Dr. Twisse was commanded to Preach before the administration of this Sacred Ordinance, to add the more luster to it. But the very day before he was to be Baptized, this dissembling Jew ran away.

Dr. Lake being informed hereof, sent some on Horseback, others on foot to pursue him, who overtaking him, brought him back, though against his Will, to Oxford, where, on his own accord, he professed that he was returned to his old Judaism, which he had forsworn: he jeered at Christ, and despised Baptism: For he had now filled his Purse.

Hereupon our Twisse laid aside the Sermon which he had prepared, and instead thereof Preached an excellent Sermon upon occasion of Barnets revolt, wherein he shown God's just Judgment upon that perverse Nation and People, whom he had given up to a reprobate sense even to this very day. And this he performed with great applause, and to the admiration of the whole University: For that he had composed this in fewer hours, then the common Wits in the University could make a Sermon in so many weeks, yea months, and yet they consisted more in words then in profitable and useful matter.

Hence it was that those Catechistical Lectures, which he read every Thursday in Term time in the College Chapel, and those public Sermons which he Preached every Lord's Day throughout the year, in the Parish Church of Olives, were so much frequented by the Scholars, as well as by the Townsmen. And though he lay hid, as it were, in quiet in his Academical Cel, yet was his Name so celebrated in King James his Court, that that Prudent Prince made choice of him to be Chaplain to his only Daughter the Lady Elizabeth to wait upon her into the Palatinat to Heidelberg.

Dr. Twisse being now to leave his Native Country of Great Britain, before he went, he disposed of his Patrimony (which was about 30 l. per annum) and commended it to his Brother, requiring him, that out of the Rents of it, he should raise Portions for his Sisters. And thus having disposed of his small Estate, he went cheerfully with the Princess into the Palatinat: And to deceive the tediousness of the journey, he faithfully expounded some part of Holy Scriptures daily, whereby he prevailed with his excellent Lady, to moderate her grief, for leaving her dear Britain, being taught by him, That here we have no abiding City, but we seek for a better in the world to come. By these and such like admonitions, he armed this rare Princess her mind to encounter with the strongest gusts of adversity with an undaunted mind. And ttuly she was put upon great trials, when, after she was Crowned Queen of Bohemia, she was forced not long after to fly out of that Country, being great with Child, and excluded out of the Palatinat, also (her Husbands Paternal Inheritance) and driven to live in exile all the remainder of her days, which sad dispensation of God towards her, she bore with a masculine, and undaunted Spirit, being forewarned, and forearmed by Dr. Twisse, whilst he waited upon her, against such changes, and occurrences:

For he had taught her, That God's Divine Providence doth order all the Estates, and conditions of all Men, whether prosperous or adverse, according to his own good pleasure, and for the Eternal good of those that belong to him, according to that Promise. Rom. 8. 28. We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the Called according to his purpose.

And probably upon this account it was that Prince Rupert, one of the Sons of this Illustrious Queen, in the time of our unhappy Civil War, coming unto Newberry, where Dr. Twisse was Minister, entertained him courteously, and used him familiarly, making large Promises to him, that he would be of the Antiparliamentarian side, and write in their defense, and live among them, but our Doctor neither could, nor was willing to live among Courtiers, especially when they were in Arms.

Before Dr. Twisse had continued two months in that honorable employment in the Court of that Prince Elector Palatine, he was commanded back into England, not without the grief of that excellent Lady, and her Princely Husband, for the loss of such a Jewel, which the said Prince at the departure of Dr. Twisse, expressed, and professed in a Latin Oration which he made to him.

Dr. Twisse being returned into England, did not betake himself to a Court Life; but wholly applied himself for the good of the Church, and in a Country Village fell more hard to his Scholastic Studies, and in a mean House, laid the foundation of those are works, which all the Reformed embraced, and admired.

After some years he was sent for by the Magistrates of the Town of Newberry to be their Pastor, that where he had first seen the Light, he might be a burning and shining Light to go before, and to guide and direct them in the way to Heaven: And there passed his time to the great content, and satisfaction of himself, and to the great profit and edification of the People.

He was so far from seeking after Riches, and Ecclesiastical Dignities and Preferments, that he modestly refused them when they were offered to him. Yea, he often pleased, and congratulated himself in his low, and mean condition, as being therein exposed to fewer Temptations: And he did often solemnly profess, that he was much indebted unto God, for that he had graciously placed him in a low, but far safer condition from such dangers as an Episcopal Dignity might have exposed him to.

A great part of the Fellows of New College in the University of Oxford (in whose power it was to choose a Provost for the Government of the College of Winchester) did earnestly request our Dr. Twisse that he would be pleased to accept of that Place whereunto they had chosen him, and which was equal to the chiefest Ecclesiastical Preferment, at least for matter of profit: But he as earnestly contended against it, requesting them to confer and bestow it upon some other worthy Person: showing hereby, that he rather desired to attend his Studies in private, then to wax old and idle in a more honorable Place. And which is more to be wondered at, his Wife, though she was the Daughter of one of the Prebends of Winchester, never repined, or was troubled at his refusing so fat, and plentiful a Place, and Estate. For this excellent Woman did seriously consider, that her Twisse should be nothing enriched thereby, but his Revenues would be spent upon others, and that her Husband would be occasioned to loose much time, which he esteemed most precious, and be impeded in his Studies, which he took so much pleasure in.

Not many years after a Prebendary at Winchester was laid at his Feet, which he, with an humble superciliousness kicked from him. And this he did the rather, because he foresaw that it would breed a quarrel between Dr. Moor, and Dr. Neal; the one of them a B. B. and the other a Prebend of Winchester, and Father in Law to our Twisse. And Dr. Moor had Preached freely against B. Neal in a certain Church, and had been forced to give in evidence to the Parliament against him for his innovations, though against his will.

The B. B. (by whose counsel it doth not appear) not long after, commanded Dr. Moor to Preach a Visitation Sermon before the Clergy at Winchester. After the Sermon, the B. B. complained that he had often been unworthily abused by Dr. Moor, and he was resolved to carry away a most Christian Victory over him. For now, having better knowledge of him, he would put him into the Catalogue of his chiefest Friends; and that there should be nothing which Moor should not be ashamed to ask, which he would not glory in granting. Dr. Moor returned great thanks to the B. B. And only begged of him, that himself being now worn out with Age, and labors, he would be pleased to bestow his Prebendship upon one of his Sons in Law, either Dr. Twisse, or Dr. Metkerk, Dr. of Divinity, and sometimes Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Oxford.

The B. B. readily granted this request, and designed Dr. Twisse for to be the Prebend: But he, returning his humble and hearty thanks both to the B. B. and to his Father in-Law, entreated them to give him leave to abide in Newberry to attend that Flock over which God had set him: judging himself unfit for a Cathedral employment, and saying, that it was hard for him, among such eminent Men, as were the Prebends of Winchester, either to sing Musically enough, or to Preach Rhetorically enough to their liking.

Not long after, the Right Honorable, Robert Earl of Warwick, designed him to a better Rectory, but a smaller Parish than Newberry was; Dr. Twisse (considering that old Age was now creeping on, and his Strength was not like to hold out long) thankfully accepted of it, provided that he would take care that his People of Newberry might be furnished with a godly and faithful Pastor at his leaving of them. Himself also went to the A. B. of Canterbury, with whom he had been familiarly acquainted while they had been Students in Oxford, and requested his favor therein: The Archbishop entertained him courteously and promised to grant all that he requested, adding that he would represent him to the King for a pious and learned man, and no Puritan: Dr. Twisse being of a quick and sagacious Wit, perceived that Snares were laid to entrap him; and therefore without applying himself anymore to the Bishop he returned to his former place at Newberry, and entertained no more thoughts of leaving it, and there he spent his time in Reading, Meditating, Preaching, and Writing, to his great Content and Satisfaction.

Surely many of the venerable Cathedral Doctors never preached so many Sermons as our Dr. published Books, and some never read so many Books as he composed: For besides what he Printed, he left about Thirty completed behind him. The reason was, because he recreated his mind, not with playing at Cards as too many do, but with writing Books.

His Recreations were friendly to debate with, and confute the Enemies of God's Grace, of the Sabbath, and of the Churches Peace. And his abilities always increased with his work; and by how much difficult the questions were, by so much more they were pleasing to him: But of all his Adversaries none put him to greater trouble then Dr. Jackson, whose sense and meaning he could hardlier find out than confute his Errors: neither could he so easily overthrow his Arguments as he could those of Arminius, Corvinus, yea, and of the Jesuits themselves, all things in him being hidden in such dark Expressions, and deep obscurity.

After he had overcome and beaten down this veterane Enemy, who was a man of a greater and no less Industry, (yet who spent most of his time and labor in making clear things doubtful and obscure.) After Jackson there arose one Hord, a young Scholar (as he pretended,) but in truth this Hord was one Mason, a man of about Sixty years old, who in his young days had been well acquainted in the University both with our Twisse and Jackson, him also our Dr. Twisse encountered, whom he did not only weary, but wholly overthrew him.

After Mason there arose one Thomas Godwin, a very learned man, both in the antiquities of the Hebrews, Greeks, and Latins, but indeed fitter to instruct Grammarians, than to deal with Logicians, and who had more power as Master of the School in Abingdon, than as Dr. of Divinity: And our Dr. Twisse quickly whipt this old Schoolmaster, and that Ferula which he had used with Pride enough, he wrested it out of his hand, and exposed him to be derided by Boys.

After Thomas one John Godwin, the Minister in St. Stephens Coleman-street, London, came upon the Stage, whom Dr. Twisse encountered with, and condemned his Book of Justification, and easily discovered that that vainglorious Divine did but sell to his Disciples pompous trifles, and guilded Coals to be adored by them.

Lastly, our Dr. did not abstain from dealing with Mr. Cotton, though his dear Friend, and an eminent Minister, about the Grace of God, (about which Mr. Cotton did somewhat err) with him he dealt gently: And because he knew that the very name of Cotton was more prevalent with the Godly, though otherwise weak, than other men's Arguments, he dealt very candidly and gently with him, as he also did with Piscator du Moulin, and Mr. Mead, all which he reverenced as his Fathers, at leastwise he loved them as his Brethren, and dealt with them accordingly, whilst he examined their Opinions, which he judged less sound. But in defending the cause of God and of his Grace, he feared not to encounter with any man living.

Neither did he less strenuously contend for the Morallity of the Sabbath, and among others he handled Dr. Heylin according to his desert, whom never any other man meddled with with impunity.

About this there came forth a Proclamation, wherein the People were allowed to use some sports which they called Innocent, and all Ministers were commanded to read the same in their Churches, upon the pain of Suspension both from Office and Benefice. Dr. Twisse refused to read it, yea, he modestly declared against it; diverse other Ministers did the like, for which that severe Penalty was inflicted upon them: But Dr. Twisse scaped better: for King James being informed of his refusal, secretly commanded the Bishops that they should not presume to meddle with him.

The truth is, the King knew very well, that though Dr. Twisse had but a small Estate, and lived meanly at home, yet his Fame was great abroad in all the Reformed Churches, and that the Bishops could decree nothing hardly against him, but it would redound greatly to their own disgrace. And truly it was no small disparagement to them that they suffered so eminently learned a man as Dr. Twisse to live without Preferment, who was so famous abroad, and yet at home a poor Curate in an obscure Village. And Reverend Dr. Prideaux, upon an occasion, said, The Bishops did little consult their own Credit, for that they had not preferred Dr. Twisse (though against his Will) to some splendid Ecclesiastical Dignity, by which (though they dispaired to draw him to their Party, yet) they might at least have taken off, or mollified the popular Envy, and not have heard themselves to be exposed to scorn by the Curate of Newberry.

Anno Christi 1643. In the beginning of the year the Parliament designing to Reform Ecclesiastical Affairs, called an Assembly of learned Divines to advise and assist them therein, and when they were met together with an unanimous consent, they chose Dr. Twisse to be the Prolocutor: But he, according to his usual Modesty, often refused it, yet was it in vain; for he was placed in the Chair: But after some Months being broken with labor and Age, he fell dead in the very Pulpit.

For indeed he had long born with much grief the Discord and Divisions between the King and Parliament, which he foresaw would prove Fatal to both Parties: And he often wished heartly that that Fire might be quenched, though with his Blood.

Neither was it a less Affliction to him to see the Contentions; whilst some would have nothing Reformed, others would have all things changed, and turned uplide down. And this added not a little to his grief, to see whither the evil Counsels of some that were not evil men tended; who under a pretence of purging the Church, would expose her to spoil and Rapine: For he feared that if the Church were robbed of her Patrimony, that Religion also would be destroyed: And though himself had learned to live cheerfully on a small Estate, yet he feared lest many of his Brethren in the Ministry, if they should be brought to the like straits, whilst they were solicitous about their worldly Affairs, would neglect their care of the Church of Christ.

And hence first it was that his thoughts were greatly disturbed, and his disturbed thoughts impaired his Health, and his Health being impaired, and his Private Studies and public Employments not lessened, whilst he spake unto God in the name of the People, and to the People in the name of God, and raised up the hearts of his Hearers into Heaven, he fell down even in the very Pulpit: For his mind, whilst he was too much busied in spiritual Affairs, his weak Body was not able to bear up under it; for though his Constitution was naturally good, and he was of a cheerful Disposition, yet Age had now made it heavy and somewhat burdensome.

Being carried out of the Church to his Lodging, and laid upon his Bed, there resorted unto him men of all sorts, who regarded either Religion or Learning, to whom for about a year together he gave notable Evidences of his Faith, and was a rare Example of Patience, at the end whereof God translated him from his narrow Lodging to a spacious and blessed Palace in the Kingdom of Heaven: He seriously used these words, (which were almost his last,) Now at length I shall have leisure to follow my Studies to all Eternity.

The whole House of Commons in a certain sad and sorrowful Pomp, followed him to his Funeral. Dr. Harris preached his Funeral Sermon most eloquently upon that Text, Jos. 1. 2. Moses my Servant is dead. He was buried in Westminster-Abby, not far from King Henry the 7th's Chapel, where the Kings and Peers use to be buried. He needed neither Trophies, Marbles, nor Epitaphs. He provided Monuments for himself by every Volume which he wrote, which will be more durable than either Brass or Marble.

The day after the Parliament voted a Thousand Pound to be given to his Children out of the public Treasury, but they never received any part of it, being cheated both of that; and of what else their Father left them, by some crafty Knaves: Yet it pleased God by his good Providence, so to provide for them, that they lived comfortably, and so as became the Children of so great and eminent a Man.

Yet this excellent man was but a man, as himself oft confessed, and therefore thought nothing that was human strange unto him. He had his infirmities, whereof the most visible was this: That he was of a facile Nature, and too prone to be deceived by giving too much credit to those, whom, by Information from others, or in his own Opinion, he judged to be godly. Whence it came to pass that he was often imposed upon, especially by certain crafty Heads, who solemnly professed that their chiefest care was the preservation of the purity of Doctrine, and reformation of Discipline, whereas indeed and truth they sought the utter Subversion of both. Whilest he hearkened to these Dissemblers, who yet pretended that they studied nothing more than a purer Reformation, and gave too easy credit to them, and became a Patron to them, he failed too much, and afterwards he was more troubled at it, because it was too late to help it.

Good God! How seriously, though too late, did he bewail the sad lot of the Church, which he foresaw to be in danger of Ruin in the very Reformation? How greatly did he grieve that the Reins were let loose to Heresies, whereas he presumed they would have been straitened? How grievously did he sigh for that cursed Liberty granted unto Blasphemers, whereas he thought that all their audaciousness would have been repressed? How heartily did he grieve to see the woeful confusions both in Church and State, whenas he hoped that all in both should have been reduced into better order? How holily was he displeased that too much Liberty was indulged to the Pontifician Fooleries, when he had believed that they should have been deservedly hissed out of the Church? How grievously did he bear the neglect, and suspicions, raised against Godly and Orthodox Teachers, when he looked that they should have been more honored and esteemed?

He solemnly professed his Fears, that if he had been advanced to the Episcopal Chair, he should have been ensnared with the excesses of unworthy Bishops. And he gave hearty thanks to God, who had kept him, through his mere Grace, from such Honors, and Prelatical Temptations as he might have been exposed to. And in nothing it more appeared with what excellent Graces God had adorned Dr. Twisse, than by his frequent Confession of the pravity of his Nature, which now he was astonished at. And out of his great humility, he was still admiring the Gifts and Graces of God in others, and highly prizing and commending them, though they were far inferior to his own. He reverenced and esteemed all good men, and only thought meanly of himself.

He constantly kept a Monthly Fast in his own Family, whereby he endeavored to quicken his Prayers, by which with great importunity he sought unto God in the behalf of the afflicted Church of Christ, that God would be gracious unto it, and restore it to Peace in his own due time. Every day he applied himself with great Zeal and Fervency of Spirit to the Throne of God's Grace by Prayer, and always before Dinner and Supper he read a Portion of the sacred Scriptures, expounding the more obscure and difficult passages therein, for the Edification of his Family. And out of these Scriptures he prudently gathered Arguments, whereby he might the more abase himself and his, and with the greater importunity wrestle with God, for the obtaining of such mercies as he craved of him.

He was once sent for by the States of Frizland to be a Professor among them, which, in an Epistle that he wrote to them, he acknowledged with great Thankfulness; but preferred the Country Obscurity before the splendor of the University, which he also did when he was proffered the chief Professors place in Oxford. He never got anything by the Books which he Printed, besides the applause of the Orthodox, and the Envy of the Innovators. His Pen was a Hammer to beat down the New Pelagians, as Truth was his Buckler. He died about the Year 1644.

The Life and Death of Mr. Thomas Wilson, who died Anno Christi 1651.

THomas Wilson was born at Catterlen, in the County of Cumberland, Anno Christi, 1601. His Parents were Sober, Honest Persons: His Father had a competent Estate, and was of the best sort of Yeomen in those Parts. When our Thomas was fit for it, he was sent to School to Blentow in the aforesaid County, where, under the care of Mr. Wilkinson, his Schoolmaster, he profited even beyond expectation, and far excelled all his Contemporaries. And he was observed in his Youth to have a sharp wit, a firm memory, and to be indefatigable at his Book, which occasioned his Friends to hope that in time, he would prove (as afterwards he did) an Instrument of doing much good.

His great Proficiency at School, encouraged his Father (when he was fit for it) to send him to the University of Cambridge, where he was admitted into Christ's College, when he was about seventeen years old; in which place he spent not his time, as too many others did in evil or idle courses, but devoted himself wholly to his Studies, insomuch as he was taken notice of, both by the Master and Fellows of the College, for his great diligence and studiousness: It might have been written over his Study Door, Nulla Dies sine Linea: No Day passed over his Head without some progress in his Learning: But though he did spend most of his time in Academical Learning (his acuteness, in which did appear above twenty years after he had left the University) yet did he not this while neglect the Study of Divinity but in order to his serving the Lord, and his Church in the work of the Ministry (if God should see it fit) he read both Positive, and Polemical Authors: But of all Books none was so esteemed, or read so much by him as the Holy Bible. So that it may be said of him as the Holy Apostle Paul saith of Timothy, From a Child he knew the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us Wise to Salvation. Himself told an intimate Friend, that before he was Bachelor of Arts, he had read the whole Bible, with the Annotations of Junius and Tremellius three times over.

Some time after he had taken his Degree of Bachelor of Arts, he was removed from the University upon this occasion. Mr. John Bristow, a Reverend Minister, and Pastor of Chauswod in the County of Surrey, wrote to Mr. Mead of Christ's College (that eminent Person for Learning, who was his Tutor) to send him an able and Religious Scholar, to teach School in his House, Mr. Mead soon pitched his thoughts upon his Pupil, Mr. Wilson, not knowing how hetter to fit and gratify Mr. Bristow, and glad he was that he could answer his request so well.

At Mr. Bristow 's he continued about four years, instructing the Youths committed to his charge with great diligence, and faithfulness: He made conscience of improving his time, and trust reposed in him, and gave his Scholars more cause to bless God for their education under him, then Secrates had for being brought up under such a Master as was Plato. He hath professed that he knew no calling, except that of the Ministry, wherein a Man might be more serviceable to God and his Church, than that of teaching Youth, It is noted by some that one chief cause of Julians Apostasy and profaneness was, that he was bred under two Heathenish Tutors, Libanius and Iamblicus: But it was the happiness of the Inhabitants of Chawswood that they had their Sons brought up by one who had both a dexterity, and fidelity, to instruct them both in Human and Divine Learning.

Mr. Bristow observing Mr. Wilson 's fitness, and Ability for a greater and higher employment than that of instructing Children, and taking notice that his Heart was set upon the work of the Ministry, (to prepare himself for which, he made use of all his vacant hours from the School,) he judged it not convenient to deprive the Church any longer of so able and worthy a Labourer, and therefore though it was a considerable loss to himself and the Parish, to loose so good a man, yet he preferred the public good of the Church before his private, and advised Mr. Wilson wholly to betake himself to Preaching.

The first Candlestick wherein this Light was set, was Capel in Surry, where he continued for some time, directing his People by his holy Example, and judicious, diligent Preaching the way to Eternal Life. And though the Parish gave him little or nothing for his pains, yet was he never the less faithful and laborious for the welfare of their Souls: For he sought not theirs but them; not their Temporal Goods, but the Spiritual and everlasting Welfare of their immortal Souls. Here he had the Love and Esteem of all godly People, both Ministers and private Christians, round about; and indeed by his holy, heavenly, and humble Conversation he was such a Loadstone as wherever he came, he drew the Hearts of all sober Christians after him: What Nazianzen said of Athanasius may be truly said of him, that he was Magnes & Adamas; A Loadstone in his sweet, gentle Nature, and yet an Adament in his stout and resolute courage against all Errors and Profaness.

His continuance at Capel was not long, but upon some Reasons, by the means of the aforesaid Mr. Bristow, he was removed to Farlington (near unto Portsmouth in Hampshire) an ignorant, heathenish People, whom he endeavored (so long as he staid among them) to Instruct and Reform. Though there was little of Religion amongst his Parishioners, nor scarce any savor of Good, yet whilst he abode there, the Church was much frequented (Christians flocking in to hear him for diverse Miles round about) and when he was called thence, his loss was much bewailed by them.

He staid not long in Hampshire; and sure he had very good grounds for his frequent Removals, and afterwards it appeared that God intended so able and useful an Instrument for more public and General Service, not thinking good to confine such great Gifts and Graces to such small Parishes.

His next Removal was to Tedington near to Kingston upon Thames, in which place he continued some Years, and (through the Blessing of God) his Ministry had great success, and much acceptance among such as feared God, during his abode at Tedington, he (being then about Twenty six Years old) had a desire to visit his Native Country, where his friends and Relations lived: And it pleased God so to assist him in his Labors among them, that in this journey he became profitable to the conversion of many Souls unto God. While he was in Cumbarland he was requested to preach in Penroth, a great (if not the greatest) Market Town in the County, where, time out of mind, there had been a considerable Market of all sorts of Food kept every Lord's-Day, till Nine a Clock in the Morning. But after he had preached two or three Sermons, he prevailed so far with the Ministers and chief of the Town, that it was proclaimed the Tuesday following, (which was on their Weekly Market-day,) That no Person, for the time to come, should bring any Victuals or Ware whatsoever, to be sold on the Lord's-day, but that Saturday should be the time for the sale of those Commodities. And for many years after the People did forbear to sell or buy anything in the Town upon the Sabbath-day.

His next Removal was from Tedington to Otham, within two or three Miles of Maidstone in Kent; the occasion whereof was this: There were many serious, understanding Christians in Maidston, who were much troubled and dejected for the dullness and deadness of the Ministry under which they lived. The Children craved Bread, and their Spiritual Fathers (by Profession and Office) fed them with Stones, so that their Souls were ready to famish for want of Food: Hereupon Mr. Robert Swinnoch, an active godly person, and one of the Aldermen or Jurats of the Town, procured the Presentation of Otham upon the Death of the Incumbent: After which he consulted with his Friends and Christian Neighbors, how he might procure an able Minister for that place, herein aiming, not only at the Good and Benefit of that Parish, but of the Christians also of Maidston, who, with a little trouble and Travel, might reap the fruit of his Labors at Otham.

In pursuance of this Design, some of them repaired to London, where (by God's Providence) they heard of Mr. Wilson, to whom they presently took their Journey, and heard him Preach at Darking in Surry to their great satisfaction, After Sermon they acquainted him with the cause of their coming, and the sad condtion of the godly People in those parts where they lived, and requested him to accept of the Presentation of Otham. He who was never hasty and rash, especially in such matters of Weight and Concernment, asked the judgment of his Neighbor Ministers in the Country, and some in the City of London, who, after deliberation, did agree and concur in this, That in regard of the necessities of those that feared God, in and about Maidston, and the great opportunities that he might now enjoy there, of doing good to many Souls, he ought to embrace this Call. And accordingly upon the Declaration of their Opinion, he was presented to Otham, where the Lord was pleased wonderfully to bless and prosper his Ministry, for the Conversion and Building up of many of his Hearers.

Mr. Wilson was a man that divided the Truth of God aright: A work-man that needed not to be ashamed: A Boanerges: A Son of Thunder in preaching the Law, to awaken secure, senseless Sinners, so that his Hearers might say of him, as one of the Ancients said of St. Paul 's Epistles, Non tam Verba quam Tonitrua audiebant: That they heard not so much Words as Thunderclaps, when they heard him open the dreadful Curses of the Law, and the terrible Wrath of God against Sin and Sinners. Many an one hath come to him as the Gaoler did to the Apostles, trembling, and crying out, Sir, what shall I do to be saved? To such he was a Barnabas; A Son of sweet Consolation, and could so display that exceeding Riches of Divine Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, as to attract and draw their Hearts to a ready and cheerful compliance with, and a hearty acceptation of it. He, as a faithful Steward, gave to everyone his own Portion: Terror to whom Terror belonged, and Comfort to whom Comfort, whereby (the Holy Ghost setting in with the Word) a numerous Issue of New-born Children were begotten, and brought forth to Christ. Here he preached, according to the Apostles Command, in season and out of season; Not only twice every Lord's-day, but also every Holy-day, and at diverse Funerals, yea, though the Person interred were so poor that nothing could be expected for his pains.

Whilst he was Minister at Otham, many from Maidston, and Seven or Eight Miles round about, did ordinarily repair to his Ministry, and joined in Communion with him at the Lord's Supper. But the number of those that flocked to him was so great, that his Church could not contain them, which was a great Eye-sore to the profane World, and caused several Ministers about him to envy and much to malign him.

Before his coming, there was an evil custom at Otham, for the Fulling Mills thereabouts to work every Lord's-day; but he convinced the Owners so thoroughly of the Unlawfness thereof, that they presently gave over, and suffered their Mills to stand still on those days for many years after he left them.

But the only wise God who governeth the World, saw sit for some time, and for Reasons best known to himself, to lay aside this very useful Person: For he had not been many years at Otham when the Book for Sports on the Lord's-days came forth, and was presented unto him that he should publicly read it on the next Lord's-day in his Church, which he refusing to do (whereof he gave divers Reasons) was suspended ab Officio & Beneficio. Upon his Suspension his Cure was committed to such Ministers as he could not with comfort own, nor join with, whereupon he removed his Habitation to Maidston, and he was a great help in private to the Christians there, whilst his Suspension continued, and from them he received some supplies towards the maintenance of himself and his Family.

Whilest he continued at Maidston he was still solicitous for the good of his People at Otham, and therefore to encourage them to unite among themselves, and to a Gospel Conversation; as also to convince his Adversaries, who had causelessly traduced him to be a Favourer and an Abettor of Schisms and Divisions, he wrote a Letter to his Parishioners, wherein he exhorted them to fear the Lord and honor the King, and to walk in Love each toward other, &c. And not to nourish in themselves a dislike of Government, or Contempt of those whom God had set over them, &c. This Letter was publicly read on a Lordsday to his Congregation, by one Dr. Tuck, which he did that so all his Congregation might know his judgment, and the advice which he thought necessary to give them; yet was it done without the Appointment of Mr. Wilson.

The News of this Letter, and the public Reading of it was quickly carried to London, where it gave such distaste to some, that both Mr. Wilson and the Dr. were cited to appear in the High-Commission Court, and to answer for what they had done. Both of them appeared several times to their great trouble and cost, and notwithstanding all they did, and could alleadg in their own Defense, yet were they enforced to continue their Attendance upon the Court for the space of three Years: In this case Dr. Tucks trouble was far the greater, because (his Body being unable to bear riding) he was necessitated to make these long Journeys of Thirty Miles at a time on Foot.

During Mr. Wilson 's Suspension, a Neighbor Minister being greedy of his Living, commenced a Suit against him, to eject him wholly out of Otham; but his Patron [Mr. Swinoch] made good his Title, and so the malicious design of his Adversary was prevented.

His Suspension continued to the Year 1639. about which time the Scots entered into England, a Parliament was called, and then Archbishop Laud took off his Suspension. But his Troubles and Sufferings were not yet at an end: For Anno Christi 1640. September. 30th, he, and other Ministers, were cited to appear at a Visitation of the Archbishops at Feversham in Kent, to answer for their not reading the Prayer which was made against the Scots, as also to take a new devised Oath, commonly called, The &c. Oath. But when he, and his Brethren presented themselves at the place and time appointed, they understood that the Oath should be wholly waved, and the only Question should be, Why they did not read the aforementioned Prayer? Upon this they consulted together, whether it were best for them to appear before the Archbishops Vicar General or no: It was alleged by some, that the Parliament (which they apprehended would be some Relief to them) was to meet November the third following, and therefore they judged it prudential to hold off for the present; and in case they should afterwards be cited to appear at Canterbury, that they should only appear by a Procter, and so protract time so much as might, to see what the Parliament would do in this case.

But upon a serious weighing the Arguments on both sides, it was concluded that they should appear, and leave the success to God, however he should please to dispose of them. Hereupon Mr. Edward Bright of Gondhurst, and Mr. Wilson immediately repaired to the Inn, where Sir Nathaniel Brent [the Vicar General] with the Archdeacon, and some inferior Officers sat. They no sooner appeared, but Mr. Bright was pointed out by one present to the Archdeacon, who thereupon asked him his Name, and whether he had read the Prayer against the Scots or no. Mr. Bright answered No. Whereupon the Archdeacon presently suspended him ab Officio & Beneficio, without admonishing, or giving him any time to consider of it, which rash Act was deemed, even by the Favorites of that Court, to be neither Prudential nor Canonical. Though Mr. Wilson stood by, and saw such harsh dealing against his Brother, and perceived the Service much hotter than he expected, yet did he not fly from his Colours, no, nor so much as make a Retreat; but being called, answered to his Name, and being asked whether he had read the Prayer, he gave a negative Answer, adding this Reason, because in the Rubric before the Common-Prayer, it is enjoined, that no Prayer should be publicly read, except those that were in the Book of Common-Prayer, as this Prayer against the Scots was not.

This unexpected Answer so puzzled the Archdeacon, (who was not the readiest or acutest to make a Reply) as caused him to have Recourse to Sr. Nathaniel Brent for Advice, who, upon Information of Mr. Wilson 's Reasons, very ingenuously left the Archdeacon to himself, to do as he should see cause, refusing to meddle therein. Upon this the Archdeacon (the edge of his Fury being somewhat abated) proceeded more deliberately with Mr. Wilson than he had done with Mr. Bright, and gave him fourteen days time to consider of it, and then to give in his answer at Canterbury.

But notwithstanding this intermission, the Archbishop had not yet done with Mr. Wilson: For in March following he was again prosecuted by him. Upon a Holiday in that Month Mr. Wilson Preacht in public, and after Sermon he, with some other Friends, met at the Parsonage House, whereof one Mr. Butcher (a man eminent for Piety) had a part, to repeat the Sermon and to pray. After these Duties were ended, in a room, which was peculiar to Mr. Butcher, one knocked at the Door, to which Mrs. Wilson was about to go, but suddenly started back, fearing that it might be a Messenger sent to apprehend her Husband: But the Messenger immediately came into the Room where Mr. Wilson and his Friends were, and putting off his Hat, inquired which was Mr. Wilson, pretending that he had some private business with him. And though Mr. Wilson was there in his Gown, having newly Preached and Prayed, and thereby was easily to be distinguished from all the rest, yet God so ordered it by his good Providence, that the Messenger observed him not.

Presently after the Messenger came in, Mr. Wilson stepped behind some of his Friends, and Mr. Butcher wisely stepped forward, and told the Messenger that the Room wherein they were was his, and bad him look for Mr. Wilson in his own Rooms. Upon this the Messenger withdrew into the Hall, and in the interim Mr. Wilson went up the Stairs into his Study, where he concealed himself until Night, and then escaped to the House of one Mr. Hall, in the Park of Maidston. The Pursivant looking about in vain, went again into the Parlor, and missing one whom he had seen there before, charged upon all there present that they had conveyed away Mr. Wilson, and told them that they must find him out. He produced also his Warrant, under the Hands of many of the Privy Council, of whom the Archbishop, and the B. B. of London were two, requiring him to attach the Body of Thomas Wilson, Rector of Otham, and bring him before them.

The Pursivant having shown them his Warrant, required and commanded Mr. Butcher and one Mr. Morgsan to assist him in searching the House for Mr. Wilson; but notwithstanding all his diligent search, he missed his Prey: For Mr. Wilson could not be found. The Messenger was very angry that he should see, and yet thus loose him. But when, in some threatenings to the Persons present, he had vented his Choller, he grew somewhat cooler, and after some private Discourse with Mrs. Wilson, he took his leave, saying, that he had been a Messenger to the Council-Table Thirty six Years, and was never served so before. For he confessed that he heard him Preach that day in public, and yet when he saw him so soon after, and that in his Gown, yet he did not know him. But God (who in the like sort hid Athanasius) had a Hand in it, Whose Kingdom rules over all, Psal. (103. 19.) He hath sundry strange ways for the Preservation of his People.

The Circumcellians laid an Ambush in the way where they knew St. Augustine was to go, but by a good Providence of God, his Guide, missing his way, led him about another way, whereby he escaped their Hands. In Qu. Mary's days, Stephen Gardener, B. B. of Winchester, sent after Mr. John Fox, who afterwards writ the Acts and Monuments, as far as Ipswich to apprehend him: The Barque in which he was was newly gone out of the Haven when the Messenger came to take him; the next day, by reason of Storms, he was driven back into the same place again; but before his Return, the Messenger (despairing to meet with him) was departed. And since those days Mr. Parker (a very learned and godly man) was prosecuted by Archbishop Bancroft, for his Book against the Cross, &c. On a time the Archbishop having Intelligence that Mr. Parker was in a certain Citizens House in London, thinking that now he was sure of him, sent one presently to watch at the Door of the House, to see that none should stir out, till others came with a Warrant to search it for Mr. Parker. The Person sent, sat him down at the Door, boasting that none should come forth but he would know what and who they were.

Mr. Parker and his Friends within, were much troubled what to do, and how Mr. Parker might be secured: At last it was resolved that he should attire himself like a Citizen, and so venture out: by this means he might possibly escape, and if he staid within, he would certainly be taken: Accordingly he came forth thus clothed, and God's Providence so ordered it, that the Waiter espying a Maid which he loved and courted passing by on the other side of the Street, stepped over to her just as Mr. Parker came forth, so that though he stayed but a very little while with her, , and immediately returned again, yet the Bird was flown: Mr. Parker was gone: And when the rest came with Power to search the House, the Person whom they sought for was not to be found.

Thus Mr. Wilson hid himself in the Country from the Storm till the Parliament was begun; and then he repaired to London, and continued there, sometimes changing his Apparel, that he might not be commonly known, till his Liberty and Freedom was procured by the means of Sir Edward Deering, one of the Knights of the Shire for Kent, who, in one of his Speeches which he made in the House, gave this Character of Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson, (said he) for so is your Petitioner named, is a Man as Orthodox in his Doctrine, as conformable in his Life, as laborious in Preaching as any we have, or that I do know. He is now separated from his People to both their griefs; for 'tis not with him as with others, who are glad to set a Pursivant on work, that they may have an excuse to be out of the Pulpit. It is his Delight to preach.

By this means he obtained his Liberty, and returned to his Charge and wonted pains at Otham. But sometime after he was by the Parliament chosen a Member of that Reverend, Pious, and Learned Assembly of Divines which sat at Westminster; upon which he sedulously attended for the most part of the Week, and notwithstanding his pains there, supplied his Cure each Lord's-day, though it was Thirty five, or Thirty six Miles from London. He was much esteemed in the Assembly for his solid, and judicious Discourses upon sundry occasions, and for his meek and humble deportment among them.

His last Remove was to Maidston, the Shire Town of Kent. And indeed who was so sit for so populous a place (where there is but one English Congregation) as one of such vast Parts, exemplary Piety, and of so strong a Constitution of Body as he was? And as soon as the way was open for his admission into Maidston, (through the Ejection of the former Incumbent by the Committee of Plundered Ministers) his old Hearers there, whose Hearts were knit close unto him, longed for his Settlement among them: But the Parliament having made an Order, that plundered Ministers should first be provided for, where any Livings were vacant, they of Maidston could not for the present obtain their desires: For one Mr. Smith (an able and holy man) was by the Committee of Plundered Ministers sent down to that place, yet Mr. Smith had not been long at Maidston, before news was brought that the most able and eminent Ministers should be removed to Cities and great Towns, that they might be capable of doing the more good, and in particular, that Mr. Wilson should be transplanted from Otham to some more considerable place. Upon this Report the People of Maidston were much startled, fearing that they should lose their beloved Pastor.

To prevent which, they applied themselves to Mr. Smith, desiring him to accept of some other Living, that Maidston might be free for Mr. Wilson. Mr. Smith seriously considering the vehement desires of the good People after Mr. Wilson, yielded to refer the business to six judicious Ministers of the Assembly, whereof three should be chosen by him, and three by them of Maidston. The Ministers met accordingly, and having heard what could be said of both sides, and weighed the matter thoroughly, gave their Advice that it would be best for Mr. Smith to leave Maidston to Mr. Wilson, which he did accordingly, having a considerable place [viz. Harrison] about seven Miles from Maidston provided for him, to which, so soon as he could with convenience, he removed. And thus at last, by God's good Providence, Mr. Wilson, and the People of Maidston (who at first brought him into Kent, and who were long before joined together in Heart,) were now joined together in Relation, and Habitation, among whom he continued with much Love and Faithfulness, till God called him out of this World.

Although Mr. Wilson now left Otham, yet did he not leave to take care for the Souls of his People there; but still retained his Title to that place, lest (if he had resigned it) the Patron should put in an insufficient or unworthy Minister, and himself provided for them a pious, learned, and painful man, to whom he gave the whole profits of the Living. For he held not the Title to the place upon any covetous or worldly Respect, but merely upon Respect to the good of the Peoples Souls.

When he had been sometime at Maidston, his first care was to promote the Reformation of the Church, and to see to the due Administration of the Sacraments, according to the Rule of God's Word: For which end, in his Ministry, he discovered to them the necessity of Church-Ordinances, and of Discipline, with the qualifications of the Subjects thereof, &c. And then (God accompanying his holy Endeavors, notwithstanding the obstructions he met with, not only from the profane, but also from some that professed the Fear of God,) he in time brought it to a good Issue, and put it in practice, to the great Comfort of them who were truly godly. Upon the Dissolution of the Assembly, he being freed from his Attendance there, applied himself wholly to the work of the Ministry, with as great pains and diligence as a man could possibly do.

On Saturday Night he usually continued very late at his Studies, yea, often till Midnight, that he might the better prepare himself for his Work on the Lord's-day. On Sabbath Morning he usually arose by two or three a Clock, and was much displeased with himself if he passed that hour. About seven a Clock he came down to his Family, whom he called together, and read some portion of Scripture to them, which also he expounded, and required those that were present to give him an account of what they remembered of his Exposition: Sung some part of a Psalm: Prayed with them, and concluded all between Eight and Nine a Clock, that they might be all ready to attend the public Ordinances.

About Nine a Clock he went to Church, and commonly began with singing two staves of a Psalm; after which he Prayed briefly for God's Assistance in, and for God's Blessing upon his own holy Ordinances; Then he read some part of the Old Testament, and expounded (sometimes three, or four, or more Verses, as more or less matters was contained in them) for the space of an hour; For he had an Hour-Glass in his Desk to guide him therein: He had an excellent faculty and dextery in expounding the Scriptures. His custom was, first to Analize the Book, then the Chapters as he came to them; then he gave the several Readings, and Expositions of the Verses which he handled. He had Junius, Tremellius, Piscator, Calvin, Beza, and several other Comentators ad unguem, insomuch that in the Assembly of Divines, if at any time they doubted what was the Opinion of any of the aforenamed Authors, Mr. Wilson was called forth to satisfy them. After he had declared the several Readings, and the Judgments of Expositors, as there was occasion, he drew Observations from the Coherence, Dependance, and matter of the verses which he briefly illustrated and applied.

Having ended his Exposition, he spent about an hour in the Pulpit: And when he came home to his Family, he constantly went to Prayer with them before Dinner, wherein he begged that the Truths delivered out of the Word might be written by the Spirit of God upon all their Hearts, so as to bring forth fruit in their Lives. Then, usually eating little or no Dinner, he went into his Study till his Family had dined: And then coming down he spent some time with them in singing, and other Religious Exercises. In the Afternoon at Church he did as in the Morning, only his Exposition then was upon some part of the New Testament.

After the public Duties were ended, many of his Neighbors came to his House, where he called his Family together, required of them, and of others present, an account of his Sermons preached that day; and most of those that were present would tell him somewhat; one what the Text was, another the Division of it, another the Doctrine, another the Reasons, and others the Explications and Uses, methodically as he had delivered them, all whom he would help and encourage. Hereby their Understandings and Memories were much improved. For they, knowing before hand his custom, were the more attentive in hearing, and the more careful to remember what they heard, whereas when the Master of the Family repeats all himself, Children and Servants (who naturally have an averseness to, and hatred of all that is good) are usually heedless in hearing, and mindless both in public and private of what they hear. After Repetition he sung a Psalm, and concluded with Prayer, and so went to Mr. Swinock 's to Supper, who had been his quondam Patron. And by that time they had supped, there would be a hundred, or more, gathered together to Mr. Swinocks House, to join with him in the conclusion of the day: And among these were persons of all Ranks, the Mayor, Jurates, and their Wives, who by their Examples encouraged others to the service of the great God.

After Supper he came forth amongst them, began with a short Prayer: Then he read the Verses he had expounded in public in the Fore and After noon, and asked them what Observations were raised from such and such a Verse, till he had gone over all the Verses. Then he inquired what the Texts on which he had preached were, what the Doctrines, Explications, Reasons, and Uses, all in order as he preached them: He seldom named any one Head himself, but still heartened them to speak, and only assisted them when they were at a loss. Then they sung a Psalm, and he concluded with Prayer about Ten a Clock at Night.

Once a Month he administered the Lord's Supper to a considerable number of solid, serious, Christians, which he performed with that Life and Warmth in Prayer, and opening the Scripture, that some of his Communicants have thought themselves in the Suburbs of Heaven when they have joined with him in that Ordinance; in which he usually spent about an hour and an half. Thus he sanctified the Lord's-day, spending Nine or Ten hours in public and private Worship, besides what time he spent in secret Duties, in which he was no Niggard: So that the Lord's-day, which was a day of Rest to others, was a day of the greatest Pains and Labor to him; yet was it easy because delightful to him: And at the end of the day, when those that took not half his Pains, have complained of their weariness, he would be exceeding lively and cheerful: Such was his great Love to his Savior, and to the Souls of those that were committed to his Charge. The Sabbath was to him a Day of Light and Gladness, and a good Day.

Yet he thought it not enough thus to instruct his People on the Lord's-Days, but the Town being very populous, and the Parish large, whereby he was uncapable of going from House to House, in the Week-days he laid out himself in the service of his Lord for the Benefit of his People. For every Thursday (which was their Market day) he preached a Lecture, unto which many Ministers resorted, and sat with delight under his Ministry. On Fridays he met in private with as many of his People as would or could come together, unto whom he sometimes expounded the Word, sometimes Preached, and always sung and prayed with them.

Also upon Mondays or Thursdays (for he altered his day as he saw occasion) he appointed a Conference in the public Meeting-place, where the Question, which before was made known to them, (as what was the Nature of Repentance, of Faith, &c. and what the Signs, what the Means, and what the Motives, &c.) His People were prepared to give in their Answers, and he so demeaned himself therein, that by his wise and courteous Deportment, and pleasing Language, he won their Hearts, and by this means he drew them to the study of the Scriptures, and other good Books, that so they might be able to speak to the purpose.

As they spake, when he saw occasion, he would help and assist them, still taking care to keep them in the way of Truth, and to see that none did go beyond their bounds by encroaching upon the work of the Ministry. When they had done speaking, he would gather together their scattered Notions, bring them into an orderly Method, apply to them suitable Texts of Scripture, add of his own what he thought necessary, and so rendered the Meeting exceeding profitable and comfortable to his Flock. Christian Communion managed with Prudence, is that which keeps our Religion in Breath, and without which it will be ready to die.

When he saw fit to lay down this way of Conference, instead thereof he took up Catechising in the Week-days in public; and this he continued till he had gone through all the Town, except some few out-houses, whom also he intended to have Catechised, but was prevented. He did work the work of the Lord, who sent him into the World for that end: He spent himself, as the Silkworm to clothe, and as the Lamp to give Light, to others: He buried not his Talent in a Napkin of Idleness, like too many Ministers, who will rather suffer their Children (to whom they ought to be Nurses) to cry and starve, than be at the pains to draw forth their Breasts unto them.

Mr. Wilson was of a Noble and Communicative Disposition, very free upon all occasions to impart knowledge unto others; not like a Whirl-pool that sucks all to itself, but as a Fountain that disperses its streams for the Refreshment of many. Seldom were any in his Company, but they might (if it were not their own fault) receive good by him. He was neither vain in Ostentation, nor niggardly in Reservation: Some may think that he did ill in taking so much pains constantly, both on the Lord's-days, and on the Weekdays, and upon all occasions, to the shortening of his Life; But he never thought that he could labor too much for his Lord and Master, and that God makes no difference between nequam and nequaquam: An idle and an evil Servant. And for this cause it was, that when he was advised by his Friends to be mindful of his Body, and not to work it so hard, he was deaf to all such Counsel, and was ready to say with Mr. Calvin, (when he was persuaded by his Friends to take care of his Health) Would you have my Lord when he comes to find me idle? And with Dr. John Reynolds of Oxford, when the Drs. persuaded him non perdere substantiam propter accidens, replied,

Coming to a Friends House, when he had travelled near Forty Miles that day, yet notwithstanding his great weariness, he would needs spend some time in Expounding a Portion of Scripture to the Family, besides Singing and Prayer (which he never omitted) before he would go to Bed.

St. Augustine 's Wish was, That when Christ came to call him hence by Death, he might find him aut Precantem, aut Predicantem, either Preaching or Praying: And truly such seemed to be the desire of Mr. Wilson, by his Indefatigable Labors in his Masters business. He was never given to any Recreations (though never so innocent,) but he was exceeding sparing in his Expence of time. A little after Dinner he would sometimes sit and discourse a while; but usually, if he was at home, his Study was the constant place of his Abode. He was Helluo Librorum, an Indefatigable Student, stealing time from his Sleep (and that when his Body needed and called for it) to his Book. It is recorded of Mr. Bradford, Martyr, that he slept not above Four Hours in a Night, and that his Book went not out of his Hand till Sleep came: And that Mr. Latimer rose, Summer and Winter, at Two a Clock in the Morning. And of another Martyr its said, he was spare of Meat, sparer of Sleep, but sparest of Time. So Mr. Wilson made much Conscience of his Expence of Time, especially upon the Lord's-days.

When he was invited to a Feast, his Zeal for God's Glory, and the good of Souls was such, that commonly after Dinner he would call for a Bible, sing a Psalm, expound some Verses of Scripture, and pray with his Friends. Mr. Will. Fenner of Essex (that eminent Servant of Jesus Christ) meeting Mr. Wilson once at Mr. Butcher 's House, was so extremely taken with his active, cheerful Spirit for God and Godliness, that he said to Mr. Butcher, I am even ashamed of myself to see how Mr. Wilson gallopeth towards Heaven, and I do but creep on a Snails pace.

Though he was a good Linguist, and well read, both in ancient and modern Authors, yet (ordinarily) he Preached, though always with Evidence of Reason, yet still in a plain, and clear Style, by Doctrine, Reason and Use, that so he might be understood by the meanest Capacity. His constant Preaching shown that he was an able workman: His Doctrines were clearly raised from his Text: His Heads pertinent to his Subject, and he had a rare faculty in applying suitable Scriptures (which is the principal way of convincing men's Judgments, for it is the Authority of God that must do the Work) to all his Heads. On the Lord's-days in the Afternoon, for some considerable time, he Preached over the Heads of Divinity, and therein he discovered so much Learning and Judgment in his plain Preaching, that if these Sermons had been preached in either of the Universities, they would have been highly approved.

He was so much esteemed for his great abilities, that there was scarce any public Occasion for Sermons in the Country, but he was chosen to preach them. Somtimes he preached bfore the Judges of the Assizes, and twice before the Parliament. He was not of the number of them, who are zealous abroad to get themselves a name, but cold and careless at home, not much minding what becomes of their Families: But as David, He walked in the midst of his House with a perfect Heart, and brought up his Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. He was as good within as without Doors. Every Morning and Evening be read some part of the Scriptures, expounded it to them, sung part of a Psalm, and prayed. He used often to ask his Children Questions about the Principles of Religion: Examined them on the Lord's-days about his Sermons, and caused them to learn sundry portions of the Scripture without Book.

It is Recorded of B. B Hooper, that he so governed his House that in every Corner of it there was some smell of Virtue, of good Example, honest Conversation, and reading the Scriptures. If it was not so in Mr. Wilsons House, surely the fault was not the want of a good Governor. He Prayed often with his Wife apart from the Family, and himself spent much time in secret Prayer, knowing that of Lactantius to be a great Truth, Non est vera Religio quae cum Templo relinquitur: That's no true Religion, when we leave it behind us at Church.

He was very exact and watchful always to set a good Example before his Children and Servants, knowing that such are led and formed more by the Eye than by the Ear; and what their Superiors do, than of what they say: and indeed his whole Conversation was a practical Exposition upon the Gospel; and what he taught on the Lord's-day in his Doctrine, he preached over all the Week in his Life. He was exemplary in his Converses with all men, and spake much by his carriage, even when he was silent, and spake not a word. His good works were unanswerable Syllogisms, invincible Demonstrations to convince his Neighbors, whereby he drew their Hearts, and engaged their Affections after the Beauty of Holiness. He practiced what he preached, and did what he taught. See 1 Tim. 4. 12. Be thou an Example in words, in Conversation, in Charity, in Purity. Tit. 2. 7. In all things show thyself a Pattern of good works

Maidston before Mr. Wilson 's coming was a very profane Town: They used to have Morrice-Dancing, Cudgel-playing, Stool-ball, Crickets, and mnay other sports openly, and publicly on the Lord's-day; yea, they would jeer, and deride such as professed Godliness, and went abroad to hear Sermons on the Lord's-days when they had none at home. Commonly after the Evening Service, many used to go to the Ale house, others to walk in the Fields: And it was their constant custom to ply the Conduits on the Lord's-day, for drawing of Water. Indeed the former vain, and sinful customs of Sports was reformed before he came; But by his preaching he prevailed with them to forbear vain walking abroad, fitting idly at their doors, as also to fetch their Water on Saturday Nights, which they were to use on the Lord's-day: Insomuch that though the Town was large and full of People, yet you should hardly see one person in the Streets after the Sermons on the Lordsday: So that when the Mayor hath searched the Inns, and Ale-houses, he hath scarce found one Townsman there.

One of the Judges at an Assize taking notice of it, said publicly, That in all his Circuit he never came to a Town where the Lord's-day was observed so strictly. Yea, by his Ministry he so wrought upon the People, that the very Pot▪herbs were gathered and made ready on the Saturday, and the provision for their Dinners was fitted for the Fire against that day. He was much of the mind of those Primitive Christians, who when any of them were asked, Servasti Dominicum? Hast thou kept the Lord's-day? Answered, Christianus sum, omittere non possum: I am a Christian, I cannot neglect it. The Sanctification of that day is exceeding useful to keep up the power of Godliness in our Hearts and Lives. And as God on that day bestows great Blessings upon them that humbly and reverently worship him, on that Queen of Days, that Market-day of our Souls, (a. 58. 13, 14.) so he hath inflicted dreadful Judgments on the Prophaners of it, and when men have neglected to punish them, God hath taken the Sword into his own Hand, and done it himself. See sundry Examples of it in my first Vol. of Examples.

One Example there was in Maidston before the Reformation wrought by Mr. Wilson.