The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons

The Life and Death of Mr. Richard Mather, who Dyed Anno Christi, 1669.

RIchard Mather was born in a Village called Lowton, situate in the Parish of Winwick, in the County of Lancaster, Anno Christi, 1596. His Parents Thomas and Margaret Mather, were of ancient Families in Lowton aforesaid; But by reason of some unhappy Mortgages, they were reduced into a low condition in regard of their outward Estate. Nevertheless; God so disposed and inclined their Hearts, that they were willing and careful to train up this their Son in good Literature: Concerning which he (after the Lord was pleased to bestow not only Learning, but Grace upon him) hath sometimes expressed himself thus: By what principles, and motives my Parents were chiefly induced to keep me at School, I have not to say, nor do I certainly know: But this I must needs say, that this was the singular good Providence of God towards me (who hath the Hearts of all men in his Hand) thus to incline the Hearts of my Parents. For in this thing the Lord of Heaven shown me such favor as had not been shown to many of my Predecessors, and Contemporaries in that place.

And now his Parents being strongly bent to have this their Son a Scholar, they sent him to the School at Winwick, which was about four Miles distant from their House. In the Winter Season they boarded him at Winwick; but such was his eager desire after knowledge and learning, that in the Summer time he went every Day thither on foot. But whilst he was thus at School he met with no small discouragment from his School master, who though he had an excellent faculty, and ability to teach, and train up youth in Grammar Learning, and many were trained up by him, whom he sent to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, to make farther progress in higher studies; yet did he much discourage his Scholars by his too great severity, and partiality in his Discipline. Mr. Junius was almost discouraged in his studies, when being a School-Boy, his Master would beat him eight times in a Day, whether guilty or not guilty of any fault: The like magisterial rigor caused young Mather earnestly to desire of his Father, that he would take him from School, and dispose of him to some other Calling.

Yet himself afterwards, when he had waded through these difficulties, would say, That God intended better for him than he would have chosen for himself; and therefore (said he) my Father (though in other things he was indulgent enough, yet) in this he would never condescend to my request, but by puting me in hope, that by his speaking to the Master, things would be amended, he would still over-rule me to proceed in my studies. And good it was for me to be over-ruled by him, and his discretion, rather than to be left to my own affections and desires. But oh that all School-Masters would learn Wisdom, moderation, and equity towards their Scholars, and seek rather to win the Hearts, of Children by righteous, loving, and courteous carriage, and usage, than to discourage and alienate their minds by partiality, and undue severity, which had been my utter undoing, had not the good Providence of God, and the Wisdom, and authority of my Father prevented it. But thus was that of the Poet made good.

After he had spent sundry years in the School some Popish Merchants coming out of Wales to Warrington, which is but two Miles from Winwick, made diligent enquiry whether there were not some pregnant Wits in that School whom they might procure for Apprentices? Presently our Richard Mather was mentioned to them as a pregnant Youth; whereupon application was presently made to his Father to know whether he would thus dispose of him? who was found inclinable to accept of the Motion, because now his Estate was so decayed, that he almost desparied of bringing up this his Son as he had intended: But here the Finger of Divine Providence was very observable; for when the Father was thus ready to part with his Son, and the Child to go, the Lord raised up the heart of his Master to be importunate with his Father still to keep him at School, professing that it was great pity that a Wit so prone to Learning should be taken from it, (as indeed it was) or that he should be undone by Popish Education: And the persuasions of the Master so far prevailed, as that his Scholar was still continued under his care and tuition, until the fifteenth year of his Age.

It was a singular Providence, and a great Mercy to young Mather, for that whilst he was yet in his Minority, he enjoyed the public Ministry of one Mr. Palin, who was then Preacher at Leagh, of whom he would say, that the Remembrance of that Man was comfortable and honorable in his thoughts, even in his Old Age, though his knowledge of him was in his Childhood; for he observed then such a plain, powerful and piercing efficacy in Mr. Palin 's Ministry, as was not to be found in the common sort of Preachers in those days, by means whereof some illumination, though not a through Conversion was wrought in him.

Having thus continued long at School, he had a Call, and opportunity of leaving his Fathers Family, the occasion whereof was this: At a place called Toxteth-Park, near unto Liverpool, there were many Prudent and Religious People, who being desirous of their own good, and of their Posterity after them, designed to erect a School among them for the better Education of their Children; and upon consideration, God put it into their minds to send to the School-Master at Winwick, to inquire whether he had any of his Scholars whom he would recommend unto them as fit for such a Service: And he having received such a message, presently communicated the matter to this his Scholar, and to his Father: The Son was rather desirous to have gone to the University, but the Father closed with the motion, and in conclusion, it was embraced by all: And now our young Mather left the School and his Fathers House, and removed to Toxteth, Anno Christi, 1611. there to teach School. Nor was it a disparagement to his worth that he was once a School-Master, for many eminent Divines even of our own Nation have been so; as Mr. Hieron, Mr. Jeremy Whitaker, Mr. Richard Vines, &c. But rather it was his high commendation, and the like seldom known, that one should be found fit to teach and govern a School at fifteen years of Age: And yet the Lord helped him in those his young years to carry it with such Wisdom, Love, and Gravity among his Scholars, as was to admiration; so as that he was by them both loved and feared, beyond what is usual, even where there are more aged Masters.

This his employment was more ways than one advantageous to him; for by this means he became a more accurate Grammarian than Divines usually are: And being industrious in his Studies whilst he continued in this kind of employment, he became a good Proficient in other Arts, as in Logic Rhetoric and in Theology: Moreover it afterwards appeared to be of God, that he was called to such a work in such a place; for there the more effectual Conversion of his Soul unto the Lord was wrought in his tender years, even before his going to the University of Oxford, whereby he was preserved from those Vices and Corruptions which undid many of his Contemporaries, thro the Temptations which they met with in that place.

The means of his Conversion was partly by observing a strange difference between himself and sundry in that godly Family of Mr. Edward Aspinwal (whom I knew when I lived in Cheshire, as also Mr. Mather himself) This Mr. Aspinwal was a Learned and Religious Gentleman; and Mr. Mather took notice of the way and walking of that holy Man, which was such as himself had not yet been accustomed unto, which caused sad fears to rise in his Soul, lest haply he might not be in the right way which leads unto eternal Life: Also Mr. Harrison (whom I knew also) then a famous minister at Hyton, preaching upon John 3. 3. concerning the necessity of Regeneration, and Mr. Mather at the same time reading a Book published by William Perkins, showing how far a Reprobate may go, and yet be damned: God blessed these three things, not only to Conviction, but to his Conversion also; which was Anno Christi, 1 • 14.

The pangs of the new Birth were very terrible to him, insomuch as many times when others were at their Meals in the Family where he sojourned, he oft absented himself, to retire under Hedges, and in other secret places, there to lament his misery before God: But after sometime, the Lord revived his broken heart, by sending the Holy Spirit to accompany the Ministry of the Word, and to enable him to apply the precious promises of the Gospel to his Soul.

Being thus become a new Creature, he was more eminently a blessing in that Family, and in that Calling which the Lord had disposed him in, and such notice was taken of him abroad, that even from places remote Children were sent unto him for Instruction and Education; and by God's blessings upon his labors and endeavors, many were fitted for and sent to the Universities from his School. Having passed over some years in this employment, he resolved ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) to spend some time in one of the Universities himself; as apprehending that there, by conversing with Learned Men, by performing of Scholastical Exercises, and other advantages not elsewhere to be had, he might gain more profit than possibly he could by his private Studies in the Country.

Accordingly, in prosecution of his resolves, he went to Oxford, and was admitted into Brazen-Nose College; and being settled there, he was variously affected: For it much rejoiced him to find many there who had been his Quondam Scholars. It was also a joy to him, that he had now such leisure to follow his Studies; and by Disputations, Lectures, Conferences with learned Men, helps of Books, &c. He found marvelous advantages to obtain a rich Treasure of Knowledge: But his heart before this, being touched with the Fear of God, the superstition and profaneness which he was forced there to behold, was no small grief unto him.

Soon after his coming to Oxford, by a good providence, he came into acquaintance with learned Doctor Woral, who was very helpful to him by directing him in the course of his private Studies; and among other things, he advised him to read over the Works of the Learned Peter Ramus; which Counsel he followed, and saw no cause to repent of his so doing.

But having not spent so much time in Oxford as he could have wished that he might have done, the People in Toxteth, whose Children had been trained up by him, sent to him, desiring that he would return unto them, to instruct, not so much their Children as themselves, and that not in mere Human Literature, but in the things of God: And this Call, after mature deliberation, he accepted of.

Being returned to Toxteth, he Preached his first Sermon, November 30. Anno Christi 1618. There was a very great concourse of People (the Word of God being precious at that time in those Parts) to hear him, and his Labors were highly accepted of by those who were judicious. Such was the vastness of his Memory, as that the things which he had prepared and intended to deliver at that time, contained no less than six long Sermons.

The People having now had some taste and trial of his Gifts, were the more importunate in their desires to have him continue and fix amongst them; and because that could not be without Ordination, they urged him to accept thereof; and he, having not at that time studied that part of Ceremonious Conformity, yielded unto the motion, and accordingly, he (together with many others on the same day) was ordained by Dr. Morton, the then Bishop of Chester, after the mode of those times.

The Ordination being ended, the Bishop singled out Mr. Mather from among the rest, saying, I have something to say to you, between you and me alone. Mr. Mather was hereupon afraid, that some informations had been given in against him to the Bishop for his non-Conformity, and because of his Puritanism, thereby to prejudice him: But it fell out to be far otherwise; for when the Bishop had him alone, he spake thus unto him: I have an earnest request unto you, and you must not deny me; it is, that you would pray for me: For I know (said he) the Prayers of Men that fear God will avail much; and such an one I believe you to be.

Being thus settled in his Ministry at Toxteth (where I was acquainted with him) he resolved to change his single condition, and accordingly he became a Suitor to Mrs. Katherine Hoult, the Daughter of Edward Hoult Esq; of Bury in Lancashire, she had (and that deservedly) the repute of a very godly and prudent Maid: But the motion for several years met with obstructions, by reason of her Father's being not affected towards Non-conformable Puritans (as in those days they were, by way of disgrace, styled) yet at last he gave his consent that Mr. Mather should marry his Daughter, and the Match was consummated, September 29th. Anno Christi 1624. And God made her to become a rich Blessing to him, continuing them together for above the space of thirty years.

By her, God gave him six Sons; four whereof, namely Samuel, Timothy, Nathaniel and Joseph, were born in Old England; and two, namely Eliazar and Increase in New. After his Marriage, he removed his Habitation three Miles from Toxteth to Much Woolton, having there purchased a House of his own; yet was he wont constantly, both Summer and Winter to preach the Word at Toxteth every Lord's Day. During his abode there, he was abundant in his Labors in the Gospel of Christ; for every Lord's-Day he preached twice at Toxteth; and once in a Fortnight, on the Tuesdays, he kept a Lecture at a Market Town called Prescot.

Also faithful and powerful Preaching being then somewhat rare in those Parts, he did frequently preach upon Holy-days (as they were called) being often thereunto desired by godly Christians of other Parishes in that Country; and this he did, not as thinking that there was any Holiness in those days, or in other days besides the Lord's-Days, but because there would then be an opportunity of great Assemblies, and he judged it good to cast the Net where there were store of Fish. And probably for this cause it was that the Apostles of Christ preached mostly in populous Towns and Cities; as also upon the Jewish Sabbaths in their Synagogues, even after their Abrogation as to any Religious tie upon Conscience for their observation. Yea, and besides all this, he preached many Funeral Sermons.

'It is true, Mr. Cartwright, Hildersham, and some other famous Non Conformists have scrupled the preaching of Funeral Sermons: Also in some Reformed Churches, that practice is wholly omitted; yea, and Decrees of Councils have sometimes been made against it: But this hath been chiefly upon this account, because of the Custom of praising the Dead, and that many times beyond the truth, and their desert; which custom (as many Learned Men have observed) was Ethnical, having its rise from the Funeral Orations made at the Death of their great Persons. So Publicola made an excellent Oration in praise of Brutus, which the People were so taken with, that it became a custom that famous Men dying should be so praised: And when (as Plutarch in the Life of Cirmillus tells us) the Roman Ladies had readily and freely parted with their Gold-Chains and Jewels in a time of need for the public Good; the Senate made a Decree, that it should be lawful to make Funeral Orations for them also. Hinc mortuus laudandi mos fluxit, quem nos hodie servanius, saith Polydor Virgil.

Nor indeed was this Rite practiced in the Church afore the Apostasy began. See Magd. Cent. 4. Cha. 6. Wherefore this faithful Servant of the Lord's avoided that practice, his Speech at Funerals being directed not to the praise of the Dead, but to the instruction of the Living; as concerning Death, the Resurrection, the Judgment to come, and such like profitable, seasonable and suitable truths. Thus did he preach the Word, being instant in season, out of season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long suffering and Doctrine. In his public Ministry in Old England he went over 2 Sam. Ch. 24. Psalm 4th. and Psalm 16. Proverbs Ch. 1. and Isa. Ch. 1. and Chap. 6. Luke 22, and 23 Chapters. Rom. Chap. 8. the Second Epistle to Timothy, the Second Epistle of St. John, and the Epistle of Jude.

After he had thus spent painfully and faithfully fifteen years in the Work of the Ministry; He that holds the Stars in his right Hand, had more work for him to do elsewhere, and therefore Satan's rage must be suffered to break forth to the stopping of his Mouth. The Lecture which he kept at Prescot caused him to be much taken notice of, and so he became more, to the Adversaries of the Truth, an Object of Envy: Magnam Famam, & magnam quietem codem tempore nemo potest acquirere, saith Quint. Where complaints being made against him for his Non-conformity to the Ceremonies, he was suspended in August 1633. under which he continued till November following; But then, by means of the intercession of some Gentleman in Lancashire, and by the influence of one Simon Biby (who was nearly related to the Bishop) he was again restored to the exercises of his public Ministry.

But this restored Liberty continued not long: For Anno Christi. 1634. Bishop Neal (who was sometime by King James pleasantly admonished of his Preaching Popery, because by his carriage he taught the People to pray for a blessing upon his dead Predecessor) being now become Arch-Bishop of York, sent his Visitors into the Diocese of Chester; who being come into the Country, kept their Court at Wigan, where (among others) Mr. Mather was convented before them, and by them was suspended merely for his Non-Conformity? And it was marvelous to consider how God was with him, causing a Spirit of Courage, and of Glory to rest upon him, and filling him with wisdom, when he stood before his Judges, who were not willing that he should speak for himself, or to declare the Reasons which convinced his Conscience of the unlawfulness of that Conformity which they required: Concerning which himself wrote thus: In the passages of that day, I have this to observe, and to bless the Name of God for, that the terror of their threatening words, of their Pursevants, &c. Did not so terrify my mind, but that I could stand before them without being daunted in the least measure, but answered for myself such words of truth and Soberness as the Lord put into my Mouth, not being afraid of their faces at all, which supporting and comforting presence of the Lord, I account not a much less mercy, then if I had been altogether delivered out of their hands.

Being thus silenced from public Preaching the word, means was again used by Mr. Mathers Friends to obtain his Liberty. The Visitor asked how long he had been a Minister? Answer was made, that he had been in the Ministry fifteen years. And said the Visitor, How often hath he worn the Surplice? Answer was returned, that he had never worn it. What (said the Visitor, with an Oath) Preach fifteen years, and never were a Surplice? It had been better for him that he had gotten seven Bastards.

The Case being thus, he betook himself to a private Life: And no hope appearing that he should enjoy his Liberty in the Land of his Nativity; Foreseeing also the approaching Calamities of England, he meditated a Removal from thence into New-England. The principle Arguments whereby he was convinced that he had a Divine Call to engage in so great and hazardous a design, he drew up, and put them into form, which I shall not need to set down.

Being now fully satisfied concerning the clearness of his Call to New-England, and his People at Toxteth, who did so dearly love his Person, and highly prize his Ministry, yet now thought that God called him to leave them; after many Prayers, and extraordinary seeking unto God he resolved, and engaged upon the Transportation of himself and family thither.

His parting with his People and Friends in Lancashire, was like Saint Paul's taking his leave of Ephesus, with much sorrow, many tears being shed by those that expected to see his face no more in this World. He began this Journy in April, Anno Christi. 1635. And Travelled to Bristow, purposing to take Shipping there: In this Journy he was forced (as sometime Brenz was) to change his outward Habit, that he might travel incognito, because Pursevants were designed to apprehend him; But by this means he came safe, and unmolested unto Bristow.

From Bristow they set sail for New-England, May the 23 d. Anno Christi. 1635 And the Lord after manifold Trials of their Faith and Patience, brought them in safety to their desired Haven. 'It is seldom known, that a man designed in God's Eternal Counsel to any special services, doth not at one time or other experience eminent Deliverances of God's Providence: And so it was with this Servant of the Lord not once, nor twice. Sundry eminent Salvations from deadly dangers did the Lord vouchsafe unto him in his Childhood, which he would speak of in his old age: But the most remarkable, and memorable of all others, was that which happened to him on the mighty waters, where he that sits upon the floods, and stilleth the raging of the Sea, when the waves thereof Rore, and whom the winds obey, shown himself wonderful in Goodness. For when the Vessel that carried him was upon the Coast of New-England, there arose a dreadful storm (called by the Mariners a Hurricane) by means whereof they were in no small danger: And had not the Lord strangely turned the wind in an instant, they had all perished upon the Rocks which were just before them, and within sight of them that were in the Ship. The Relation of this signal Providence, we will here set down in Mr. Mathers own words, left written by himself in his Jornal from Lancashire to New-England; wherein he thus writes.

August the 15th. Anno Christi. 1635. The Lord had not yet done with us, nor had he let us see all his power, and goodness, which he would have us to take notice of: And therefore about break of day, he sent a most terrible storm of Rains and Easterly wind, whereby we were in as much danger, as (I think) ever people were. When we came to Land we found many mighty Trees rent in pieces in the midst of their bodies, and others turned up by the Roots by the fierceness of the Tempest. That Morning we lost three Anchors and Cables, one of them having never been in the water before. Two were broken by the strength and violence of the storm, and the third was cut off by the Mariners in extremity of distress, to save the Ship, and their own, and our lives. And when our Cables and Anchors were all lost and gone, we had no outward and visible means of deliverance, but by hoising Sail, if so be we might get to Sea from among the Islands, and Rocks where we had Anchored.

But the Lord let us see that our Sails could not save us neither, no more than the Cables and Anchors: For by the force of the Wind and storm the Sails were rent asunder, and split in pieces as if they had been but rotten rags, so that of divers of them there was scarce left so much as an hands-breadth that was not torn in pieces or blown away into the Sea; so that at that time all hope that we should be saved, in regard of all outward appearance, was utterly taken away, and the rather because we seemed to drive with full force of wind, directly upon a mighty Rock standing out in sight above water, so that we did but continually wait when we should hear and feel the doleful crashing of the Ship upon the Rock.

In this extremity, and appearance of death, as distress and distraction would suffer us, we cried unto the Lord, and he was pleased to have compassion upon us. For, by his overruling Providence, and his own immediate good hand, he guided the Ship by, and past the Rock, asswaged the violence of the Sea and of the wind. It was a day much to be remembered, because on that day God granted us as wonderful and as signal a deliverance, as I think ever any People had felt: The Seamen confessed that they never knew the like. The Lord so imprint the memory of it in our hearts, that we may be the better for it, and be careful to please him, and to walk uprightly before him so long as we live: And I hope we shall not forget the Passages of that Morning, until our dying day. In all this grievous storm my fear was the less when I considered the clearness of my Calling from God this way. And in some measure (the Lord's Holy Name be blessed for it) he gave us hearts contented and willing that he should do with us, and ours what he pleased, and what might be most for the Glory of his Great Name, and in this we rested ourselves: but when News was brought into the Gun-room to us, that the danger was past: Oh how our Hearts did then relent, and melt within us! We burst out into Tears of Joy amongst ourselves in Love unto our Gracious God, and admiration of his kindness, in granting unto his poor Servants such an Extraordinary, even and Miraculous a deliverance. His Holy Name be blessed forever.

Thus far is Mr. Mathers Relation of this signal Providence, as left written with his own hand. And this is the more to be taken notice of, because the lives of many choice Instruments of God's Glory were then saved. For not only Mr. Mather himself, but two of his Sons, who afterwards were faithful Ministers of the Gospel, were in that Vessel: And so likewise was that worthy Minister of Christ (Mr. Jonathon Mitchel) the late faithful, and famous Pastor of the Church in Cambridge in New-England, he being then a Child of eleven years old. Also this deliverance was the more remarkable, in that several Vessels were cast away in that storm. As

A Ship called the Angel Gabriel, which set out from Bristow with the Vessel wherein Mr. Mather was, being then at Anchor at Pemequid, was broken in pieces; And the very same strange and sudden turn of the wind, which saved the Ship in which Mr. Mather was, ruined the other which came from Old-England at the same time with him. Also there was then a Ship going between Pascataqua, and the Bay, which was cast away in this storm, and all the People therein lost, except two who were spared to report the News. And among others in that Vessel which then perished, there was a precious Minister of the Gospel, namely on Mr. Avery, who with his Wife, and five Children, all perished. This Minister every moment expecting that the next wave would be a wave of death, lifted up his eyes to Heaven and said, Lord I cannot Challenge a Promise of the preservation of my life, but according to thy Covenant I challenge Heaven. Which had no sooner spoken, but a wave came immediately, and swept him away, and so wafted him to Heaven indeed. And by the way, let it be farther noted, that this was the only Vessel which at that time had miscarried with Passengers from Old-England to New: So signally did the Lord in his Providence own the Plantation of New-England.

But to digress no farther; this storm being allayed, the Lord brought them safe to an Anchor before Boston, August 17th. Anno Christi, 1635. And Mr. Mather abode with his Family in Boston for some Months; And both he, and his gracious Consort joined to the Church there.

Being thus by a mighty hand, and out-stretched arm brought safe into New-England, Motion from sundry Towns were soon presented to him, desiring that he would employ the Talents which the Lord had enriched him with, for the work of the Ministry amongst them. At the same time he was desired at Plymouth, Dorchester, and Roxbury. But being in a great strait in his own mind which of these invitations to accept of, considering that in difficult Cases Counsel is an Ordinance of God, whereby he is want to discover his Will, he therefore referred himself to the advice of some Judicious friends, among whom Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Thomas Hooker, were the Chief, who accordingly met to consult of this weighty affair. And the result of their advice was, that he should accept of the Motion from Dorchester. Which accordingly being accepted of by him, he did by the help of Christ, set upon the gathering of a Church there. The Church which was first planted in that place being removed with the Reverend Mr. Warham to Conecticot.

There was an essay towards gathering a Church April 1st. Anno Christi, 1636. But by reason of the Messengers of some Neighbouring Church, who were not satisfied concerning some that were intended for Members thereof, the work was deferred till August the 23 d. when a Church was constituted in Dorchester, and Mr. Mather was chosen Teacher of that Church.

Being thus again settled in the Lord's work, he therein continued to his dying day; the Lord making him an eminent blessing, not only unto Dorchester, but to all the Churches, and Plantations round about him, for the space of almost four and thirty years. Its a true observation which many from Luther have taken up, to wit, that three things make an able Divine; which are

First, Meditatio, Study. Such an one must give himself to Reading and Meditation. Secondly, Oratio, Prayer. A Man of God must be a Man of Prayer; ever anon upon his knees before God, and Bene orasse est been studuisse: He that Prays well, studies well: Mr. Bradford, and Mr. Cartwright studied kneeling.

Thirdly, Tentatio, Temptation. As when our Lord Christ was to enter upon his Public Ministry, he was grievously tempted by Satan: So it is wont to be with his Servants, and so it was with this good Man. The Lord having great services for him to do, he must undergo great Temptations, that he might be the better fitted for that work whereunto he was called.

Wherefore before, and for some years after his accepting the Office of a Pastor in Dorchester, he was in much Spiritual distress, by reason of uncertainty co • cerning his own Spiritual Estate. He did (as in Wisdom he was bound to do) keep these troubles secret from Men, only he revealed the distress of his Soul to that Great Divine Mr. Norton, then Teacher to the Church in Ipswich, unto whom (under Christ) God gave the Tongue of the Learned to speak a word in season, whereby his Soul was comforted. The Lord giving him to see that he was walking towards Heaven in the same way that David, Asaph, Heman, and many other Worthies had gone before him.

During the time of his Pilgrimage in New-England he underwent not so many Changes, as before he had done. For he never removed his Habitation out of Dorchester, albeit that he had once some serious thoughts that way. When Prelacy was voted down by our English Parliament, some of his old People at Toxteth, sent to him, desiring him to return to them. But Dorchester was in no wise willing to forego their interest in him; And therefore he left them not. Nevertheless in New-England (as in a Wilderness might be expected) he had experience of many Trials of his Faith and patience. That which of all outward afflictions did most grieve him, was the death of his dear Wife, who had been for so many years the greatest outward Comfort and Blessing which he did enjoy. Which affliction was the more grievous unto him, in that, She being a Woman of singular Prudence for the Managment of his affairs, had taken off from her Husband all secular Cares, so that he had leisure and opportunity wholly to devote himself to his Studies, and Sacred employments.

After he had continued in the State of Widdowhood for the space of an year and a half, he again changed his condition, and was married to that pious Widow, the Relict of that deservedly famous Man of God, Mr. John Cotton; and her did God make a blessing and comfort to him all the remainder of his days.

Old-Age being now come upon him, he was sensible of the infirmities thereof, being in these his latter years somewhat thick of hearing: Also (as it was with great Zanchi) the sight of one of his eyes failed seven years before his death; yet God gave him much health of Body, and vigor of Spirit in a wonderful measure, so as that in fifty years together he was not by sickness detained so much as one Lord's-day from his public labors; which continued health (as to natural causes) proceeded partly from the sound and strong constitution of his Body, and partly from his accustoming himself to a plain, wholesome, and temperate Diet: And Bona Diaeta est potior quovis Hippocrate: A good Diet is the best Doctor. He never made use of any Physician, nor was he in his whole life ever sick of any acute disease; only the two last years of his life, he was sorely afflicted with that disease which some justly call Flagellum Studiosorum, the Scourge of Students; namely, the Stone, which at last brought him to an end of all his labors and sorrows.

Concerning the time and manner of his sickness and death; thus it was, there being some difference sprung up in Boston, Counsel from Neighbor Churches was by some desired, to direct them in the Lord what should be done; and accordingly the Churches sent their Messengers; and Dorchester Church, amongst others, sent Mr. Mather their aged Teacher, who (with the rest) assembled in Boston, April the 13th Anno Christi, 1669. And Mr. Mather by reason of his Age, Gravity, Grace and Wisdom, wherewith the Lord had endowed and adorned him, was chosen Moderator in that Reverend Assembly.

For divers days after his being thus in Consultation, he enjoyed his Health as formerly, or rather better than for some time of late: But as Luther, when with others he was assembled in a Synod, was surprised with a violent fit of the Stone, whereupon he was forced to return home, his Friends having little hope of his life; So it was with this holy Man: For April the 16th. Anno Christi, 1669. He was in the Night, being then in his Sons house in Boston, taken exceeding ill with a total stoppage of his Urine: the next Morning therefore he returned home to Dorchester: And truly great was the favor of God towards him, that he should be found about such a blessed business as he was then engaged in; for the Lord found him sincerely and earnestly endeavoring to be a Peace-maker. His being thus taken when at a Synod, brings to mind that of the German Phoenix [Philip Melancthon.]

Now, as usually Providence ordereth, that they who have been speaking all their Lives long, shall not say much when they come to die: Blessed Mr. Thomas Hooker in his last sickness, when Friends would have been answered to some enquiries which might have made for their Edification after he was gone; he referred them wholly to the things which he had taught them in his health, because (as he said) he had then enough to do to graple with his bodily weakness, &c. Neither did this good man speak much in his last sickness, either to Friends that visited him, or to his own Children; only his own Son, who is now Teacher of a Church in Boston, coming to visit his Father, and perceiving the Symptoms of Death to be upon him, said unto him, Sir, if there be any special thing which you would recomend unto me to do, in case the Lord shall spare me upon Earth after you are in Heaven, I would entreat you express it: At which, his Father making a little pause, and lifting up his Eyes and Hands towards Heaven, replied, A special thing which I would commend to you, is, Care concerning the rising Generation in this Country, that they be brought under the Government of Christ in his Church; and that when they are grown up and qualified, they have Baptism for their Children. I must confess I have been defective as to practice; yet I have publicly declared my Judgment, and manifested my desires to practice that which I think ought to be attended, but the dissenting of some in our Church discouraged me: I have thought that persons might have right to Baptism, and yet not to the Lord's Supper; and I see no cause to alter my judgment as to that particular: And I still think that persons qualified according to the fifth Proposition of the late Synod Book, have right to Baptism for their Children.

His bodily pains continued upon him until April the 22 d. when in the morning his Son aforementioned, coming to visit him, asked his Father if he knew him? To whom he replied, that he did, but was not able to speak anymore to him: Whereupon his Son saying, now you will speedily be in the joy of your Lord: His Father lifted up his hands, but could not speak: Not long after, his Son again spoke to him, saying, you will quickly see Jesus Christ, and that will make a mends for all your pains and sorrows: At which words, his Father again lift up his hands; but after that he took no notice of any person or thing, but continuing speechless until about ten a clock that night, he quietly brethed forth his last. Thus did that Light that had been shining in the Church above fifty years, expire, April the 22 d. Anno Christi, 1669. And of his Age Seventy three.

As some of the Lord's precious Ones have had a real apprehension, and fore-sight of their approaching dissolution imprinted upon their Spirits; So its noted of St. Ambrose, and of Gorgonia of Old; and of Gesner, Morney, Melancthon, &c. among Modern Divines and Christians: Thus it was with this holy Man sometime before his Departure. The last Text which he preached upon, was that, The second Epistle to Timothy 4. 6, 7, 8. I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good Fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the Faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. And the Portion of Scripture, which before he had insisted upon, was Job 14. 14. All the days of mine appointed time will I wait till my Change come. And the Lord found this his blessed Servant so doing.

Also the last Conference-Meeting which he was at in Dorchester, he had prepared to speak something upon those words, 2 Cor. 5. 1. For we know that if the Earthly House of this Tabernacle were Dissolved, we have a Building of God, an House, not made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens, But his bodily pains prevented him from speaking what was in his Heart to have delivered; The Lord intending that he should no more speak of, but see that place which he had so much, and so oft thought on, and long prayed for, and which he longed to enjoy.

He was, especially in his last Sickness, a Pattern of patience. For altho extremity of pain, without any acute disease, was that which brought him to his Grave, yet did he never so much as once cry out from first to last; And it was very rare to hear him so much as groan (but never to grumble) under his dolorous griefs. In his Sickness whereof he Dyed, he was much delighted in reading Dr Goodwin's Discourse about patience; in which Book he • ad till the very Day of his Death.

Once in his Sickness, his Son saying to him; That in as much as several small Stones were come from him in his Urine, now possibly he might have some ease: His Father answered, with an affecting kind of earnestness: As for that matter, the will of the Lord be done; Such was his Grace and patience. And at the same time his Son saying to him; God hath shown his great faithfulness unto you, having upheld you now for above the space of fifty years in his service; and hath imploed you therein without ceasing, which can be said of very few Men upon the face of the whole Earth: His Father replied, You say true; I must acknowledge the Mercy of God hath been great towards me all my days; But I must also acknowledge that I have had many failings, and the thoughts of them abaseth me, and worketh patience in me. When any one asked him, how he did? his usual Answer was, Far from well, yet far better than mine iniquities deserve. Thus did he (like Old Augustine, who died reading the Penitential Psalms) keep up a Spirit of Repentance to the last.

As he was a Man faithful, and fearing God above many, so the Lord shown great faithfulness unto him, both in making him serviceable unto the very last; yea, and continuing the vigor of his Spirits, and power of his Ministry until his end. Few Men though young, are known to preach with such vigor as he did but ten days before his death. The Lord also was faithful and gracious to him in respect of his Children.

It was a special token of Divine Favor to some of the Ancients, that their Sons after them succeeded in the Ministry: So it was with the Fathers of Gregory Nazianzen, Gregory Nysen, Basil, Hilary, &c. And the Lord cheered the heart of this his Servant in his Old Age, by giving him to see most of his Sons employed in the Ministry many years before the decease of their dear and precious Father: He left four Sons in the Work; One of them, to wit, Mr. Eliazer Mather, late Pastor of the Church of Northampton in New-England, went to his Rest about three Months after his Fathers Death, with him to sound forth the Praises of God among the Spirits of just Men made perfect. The other three surviving were Mr. Samuel Mather, Teacher of a Church in Dublin: Mr. Nathaniel Mather, Minister of Barnstable in the County of Devon, and afterwards in Rotterdam in Holland; and Increase Mather of Boston in New-England.

Mr. Richard Mather 's way of preaching was plain, aiming to shoot his Arrows not over his Peoples Heads, but into their Hearts and Consciences; whence he studiously avoided obscure Phrases, Exotick words, and unnecessary citation of Latin Sentences, which some men too much adict themselves unto. Holy Mr. Dod was wont to say, that so much Latin was so much flesh in a Sermon: So did this humble Man look upon the affectation of such things in a Popular Auditory to savor of Carnal Wisdom. And the Lord gave him an excellent faculty to mak • Abstruce things plain, that in handling the deepest Mysteries he would accommodate himself to Vulgar Capacities, so that even the meanest might learn something. He knew how to express, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . He would often use that saying, Artis est celare artem: 'It is a great piece of Art to conceal Art. And he much approved that of Saint Austin. If (said he) I Preach Learnedly, then only the Learned, and not the unlearned can understand and profit by me: But if I Preach plainly, then Learned, and unlearned both can understand, and so I may profit all.

He was mighty in the Scriptures; whence Holy Mr. Hooker would say of him, My Brother Mather is a Mighty Man. Also his usual way of delivery, was very powerful, awakening, and zealous; especially in his younger years, there being indeed few Men of so strong a Body as he, which, together with the Natural fervor of his Spirit, being sanctified, made his Ministry the more powerful: And the Lord blessed his Labors to the Conversion of many, both in Old, and New-England.

Tho his way of Preaching was plain and zealous, yet was it substantial, and very Judicious, even in his younger days, Mr. Gillibrand (A famous Minister of Warrington in Lancashire: And the more famous, for that, though he did much stammer in his ordinary Discourse, yet would he pray and Preach very fluently) having once heard him Preach, asked what his Name was? And answer being made that his Name was Mather: Nay (said Mr. Gillibrand) call him Matter; For believe it, this Man hath substance in him. Yea, such was the sollidity of his Judgment, that some who were his opposites, did yet therefore respect, and honor him. Dr. Par (who was then Bishop in the Isle of Man) having heard that Mr. Mather was silenced, lamented it, saying; If Mather be silenced I am sorry for it; for he is a solid Man, and the Church of Christ hath a great loss of him.

He was very diligent as to the duties both of his General, and particular Calling, which indeed are the two Pillars upon which Religion doth stand. As to his General Calling: He was much in Prayer, especially in his study, where he ofttimes spent whole days with God, in suing for a blessing upon himself, and his Children, and upon the People to whom he was related, and upon the whole Country where he lived. The requests which upon such occasions he put up to God in Jesus Christ, and also how his heart was moved to believe that God heard him, he left (many of them) in writing among his private papers; probably that so himself might have recourse to those experiences in the times of Darkness, and Temptations: As also that his Sons after him might see by their Fathers example, what it is to walk before God. It must needs therefore be a great loss to the world, when such Righteous Men are taken away. Well might Philo, Jerome, George Prince of Anhalt, &c. Weep bitterly when they heard of the death of any such men; because it portends evil to the places where they have lived, and served God. As he was much in Prayer, so he was frequent in hearing the word. For his manner was to frequent several Lectures in Neighbouring Congregations, until his disease made him unable to Ride: Yea, and usually even to his old age (as it is Recorded of Mr. Hildersham) he took Notes from those whom he heard, professing that he found profit therein.

As to his particular Calling, he was ever from his Youth a hard Student. Yea, his mind was so intent upon his Work and Studies, that in the very Morning before he died, he importuned those Friends that watched with him to help him into his Study. And they urging that he was not able to go so far, he desired them to help him that he might try, which they did: But e're he was come to the Door of his Lodging-Room; I see (saith he) I am not able; Yet I have not been in my Study several days, and is it not a lamentable thing that I should lose so much time?

After his entrance upon his Ministry, he was not only in Old England (as hath been said) but also in New-England abundant in Labors. For (except when he had an Assistant, which was seldom) he Preached twice every Lord's-Day, and a Lecture once in a fortnight, besides many occasional Sermons, both in public, and in private. Also he was much exercised in answering many Practical Cases of Conscience and in Polemical, especially Disciplinary Discourses. In his public Ministry in Dorchester, he went over the book of Genesis to Chapter 38. As also Psalm the 16th. The whole Prophesy of Zechariah, Saint Matthews Gospel to Chapter the 15th. 1 Epistle to the Thessalonians, Chapter the 5th. And the whole second Epistle of Saint Peter.

And yet notwithstanding those rare gifts and graces wherewith the Lord had adorned him, he was exceeding low and little in his own eyes. Some have thought that his greatest error was, that he did not magnify his office as he might, and sometimes should have done. If a Man musterr, tis good erring on that hand. Humble enough and good enough was the frequent saying of a great Divine. And Dr. Harris used to say, that every Man hath just so much, and no more of true worth in him, as he hath of Humility. Saint Austin being asked which was the most Excellent Grace? Answered Humility: And which was the next? Answered, Humility: And which was the third? Replyed again, Humility. For this indeed is comprehensively All, being of great price in the sight of God: And if so, Mr. Mather was a Man of much real worth.

It hath been the manner of some, in writing Lives to insert the Wills of those whose Lives and deaths they have published. The last Will and Testament of him whose Life and Death is here related, breathing forth a most Humble, Holy, and Gracious Spirit, we shall here subjoin the Preface and Conclusion of it. It was written with his own hand, October 16th. 1661. Thus

I Richard Mather, Considering the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty of the time thereof: And withal, knowing it to be the Will of God, that a Man should set his House in order before he departed this Life, do make this my Last Will, and Testament in manner following. First of all I acknowledge the rich and wonderful Grace and Mercy of Almighty God, whose Hands have made and fashioned me, and who took me out of my Mothers Womb, and hath made me a Man, who might have made me a Beast, or other Creature. He hath also by his good Providence preserved the Being and Comfort of my Life all the days of my Pilgrimage until now, even for the space of sixty five years: During all which time he hath not suffered me to want either Food or Raiment, or the service of any Creature, which hath been requisite for my Comfortable subsisting in this world, which I acknowledge to be the bounteous gift of him who is Lord of all Creatures, and the high Possesser of Heaven and Earth.

Next of all, and more especially, I am bound to give thanks, and praise to him whilst that I have any Being, that I being a Child of Wrath by Nature as well as others, and being born in a place of much Profaneness, and Popery, he hath of his abundant Grace vouchsafed to draw me out of that woeful estate of Sin and Ignorance wherein I lay, and to make himself and his Christ known unto me by the Gospel, of which Grace I was most unworthy; and in his great patience and Mercy to bear with my manifold and great Offences, both before and since the time of his gracious Calling of me, though for my unworthy walking in many particulars, I might justly have been forever rejected of him. Yea, and such hath been his rich Grace, that he hath vouchsafed to put me an unworthy Creature into the Ministry of the Gospel of his Son, that I should not only know and profess the same, (which yet is an unspeakable mercy) but be also a Preacher of it unto others. In which employment if anything hath been done, which hath been pleasing to him, or any way beneficial to any Child of his, it hath not been I that have done the same, but the Grace of God which was with me.

For I must needs acknowledge, to the praise of his patience and Grace, that in my poor Ministration, for the space of these forty and two years and upwards, I have been much defective in Wisdom and watchfulness over the Peoples Souls, in purity, in faithfulness, in uprightness, in meekness, humility, and zeal: And because of these, and many other my defects, and offenses against the Lord, I stand in much need this day of Mercy, and forgiveness through his Christ, and have no cause to look for any acceptance, either in this, or in another world, for any Righteousness of mine own, either as touching my Ministry or otherwise, but disclaiming all thoughts in that kind, mine only trust and hope is to be accepted of him, and (when this Life shall be ended) to be saved in his Heavenly Kingdom, merely by his free Grace, and the Obedience, and precious passion and intercession of his dear Son.

And as concerning Death, as I do believe that it is appointed for all Men once to die: So, because I see a great deal of unprofitableness in mine own Life; and because the Lord hath let me see such vanity, and cmptiness even in the best of those Comforts which this Life can afford, that I think I may truly say, that I have seen an end of all perfection: Therefore if it were the Will of God, I should be glad to be removed hence, where the best that is to be had doth yield such little satisfaction to my Soul, and to be brought into his presence in Glory, that there I might find (for there I know it is to be had) that satisfying, and Al-sufficient contentment in him, which under the Sun, is not to be enjoyed. In the mean time I desire to stay the Lord's leisure. But thou O Lord, how long!

Now concerning mine outward Estate, since the Earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, the Habitable World, and all that is therein; to him therefore belongs the praise of all that I possess in this kind: And for the Portion thereof which he hath given me, it is my mind and Will (if so be, it please his Highness) that after my Decease, the same may be disposed of as followeth, &c.

Having thus graciously expressed himself, he proceeded to the disposal of his Temporal Estate, which being of private Concernment, we shall not here trouble the world therewith. But, after the disposal of that, he concluded with a most solemn charge to his Children, with the Rehearsal whereof we shall finish this discourse. It is this

Concerning my Son Timothy, with all the rest of my Beloved Sons, as I hope, God hath already made them partakers, at least sundry of them, of his saving Grace in Christ, for which they, and I have cause endlessly to be thankful; so I think it not amiss, for the furtherance of their Spiritual good, to lay upon them this serious and solemn charge of a Dying Father, that none of them presume after my Decease, to walk in any way of sin and wickedness in one kind, or another, or in a careless neglect of God, and the things of God, and of their own Salvation by Christ. For if they shall so do (which God forbid) then, and in such a Case, I do hereby testify unto them, that their Father which begat them, and their Mother which did bear them, with all the Prayers which they have made, and Tears which they have shed for them; their Example, their admonitions, and Exhortations which they have administered unto them, together with this my last Will, and solemn Charge; All these will rise up against them as so many Testimonies for their Condemnation at the last Day. But I have better hopes of them: And do hereby declare unto them, that if they shall seriously repent of their sins, believe in the Lord Jesus, and by his Grace, walk in all the ways of God, and as becometh the Gospel of Christ, as this will be to the Honor, and Glory of him that made them, so it will redound to their own unspeakable Comfort, and benefit in this, and in another World: And their Father that now speaketh unto them, with their Dear Mother, now with God, shall exceedingly rejoice in the day of Christ, when we shall receive our Children unto those everlasting Habitations: And shall see, not ourselves alone, but those also who have proceeded, and come forth out of our own Bowels to have their part and Portion in that Eternal Glory. In desire and hope that it may be so, I Commend them all to the Lord of Heavens blessing: And let the Blessing of God in Jesus Christ be poured out, and remain upon them all for evermore, Amen.

The Life and Death of Mr. Joseph Allein, who Died Anno Christi, 1669.

JOseph Allein was born in the Devizes, in Wiltshire, Anno Christi 1633. In his Childhood he shown forth a singular sweetness of disposition, and a remarkable diligence in everything he was employed about. When he was about eleven years old he was noted to be very constant in private Prayer, and so serious and intent in it, that he would not be diverted, or taken off by the coming of any accidentally into the places of his retirement. This and other fruits of a serious and gracious Spirit were the concurrent observation of those in the Family. From this time the whole course of his youth was an even-spun Thred of agedly conversation, which was rendered more amiable by his sweet an pleasant deportment towards all with whom he conversed.

About this time, his Brother, (Mr: Edward Allein) a worthy Minister of the Gospel, died. whereupon our Joseph earnestly desired that he might be trained up to succeed him in the Work of the Ministry; which request was readily hearkened unto by his Father, who accordingly set him to School; and such was his diligence and industry there, that the time allotted to recreation was by him spent at his Book; insomuch as in the space of about four years, he attained to such a measure of Knowledge and Learning in the Latin and Greek Tongues, that he was judged by his Master to be fit for the University: After which, he abode for some time with his Father; and a worthy Minister of the Place read Logic to him.

When he was about sixteen years old he went to the University, and was placed in Lincoln College in Oxford, where he had not been long, before a Wiltshire Place becoming void in Corpus Christi College, he was chosen Scholar of that house, his own merits and worth, not any sinister, or indirect means bringing him in.

Being thus settled there, he gave early and excellent proofs of his indefatigableness and industry in his Studies, accounting it his great happiness that he had gained this opportunity of improving his Learning: And truly he spared no labor day nor night; he thought all time too little, no pains too great which he employed for that end; by his good will he would do nothing else but pray and study: If Friends came to visit him in studying times, (though at other times he was very civil and sociable in his converse with them) though they were sure to find him within, yet not sure that he would let them in. He could seldom be found in Bed after four a Clock in the Morning, no, though sometimes he went not to Bed till about One; and when he had opportunities of procuring sleeping days for others, yet would he not indulge one to himself.

So covetous was he of time, that as he could scarce spare any for sleep, so neither for food: It was common with him to give away his Commons, at least once a day, that he might gain the more time to his Study. When he had left the University and was married, an intimate Friend of his (who had thoughts of changing his condition) wrote to him for an account of the inconveniences of Marriage; to whom he merrily returned this Answer, Thou wouldest know the inconveniences of a Wife, and I will tell thee some of them; Whereas now thou risest constantly about four a Clock in the Morning, a Wife will keep thee till about six; whereas thou usest to study about fourteen hours in a Day, she will bring thee to eight or nine; and whereas thou art wont to forbear one Meal a Day at least for thy Studies, she will bring thee to thy Meat; and if these be not mischiefs enow to affright thee from Marriage, I know not what will.

By this his diligence and sedulity in his studies, he came on (through God's blessing) exceedingly in Learning, so that his profiting appeared unto all men. He would often say, that he chiefly affected Rational Learning, valuing Skill in the Languages only for the sake of Things, and those things most, which were of all most likely to improve his Judgment; and the truth of his words was sufficiently evident; for all that were acquainted with him knew him to be, as a good Linguist, so an acute Disputant, and an excellent Philosopher: When he performed any Academical Exercises, either in the Hall or in the Schools, he always came off with Applause, or at least with the Approbation of all but the Envious, who yet had nothing to say against him.

His pregnant Parts and early Accomplishments where so taken notice of, that no sooner was he a Batcheller of Arts, but he was even compel'd to become a Tutor, and presently was entrusted with as great a number of Pupils as any in the House: Some of his Scholars were Graduates in Divinity, and singular Ornaments to that Society, and profitable Instruments in the Church of Christ. During his abode there, a Chaplain's Place falling void, he chose that before a Fellowship, which, he knew, in a little time would fall unto him of Course; and this choice he never repented of; yea, he oft reflected upon it with a great deal of content and comfort; For he had always a very ardent affection for Prayer, insomuch as he and his Friend could hardly meet, but before they parted, at his request they must also pray together: What a pleasure than was it to him, twice a day to engage a whole Society in so dear and beloved an Exercise: And well was it for the College that he so esteemed it: Scarce was it possible that any could have performed that Office better than he did; He did not trouble them with a great deal of noise, vain Tautologies, crude Effusions, unintelligible sense, or mysterious nonsense instead of Prayer: His Spirit was serious, his Gesture reverent, his Words few, but premeditated and well weighed, pithy, solid, and fully expressive of his truly humble and earnest desires: He hated the sauciness, which some call holy bouldness, and drew near to God, not as if he had been going to play with his Mate, but as became a Creature over-awed with the Majesty of his great Creator: He prayed with the Spirit, and with the Understanding also: He confessed Sin with real grief, inward hatred and detestation of it: He craved mercies like one that felt the want and worth of what he begged, with faith, fervency and humble importunity; his affections working, but working rationally as well as strongly.

And this (as doubtlesly it prevailed above) so on the Hearers it had the more powerful insluence, because they found it to be no mere Religious fit but exactly agreeable to the habitual frame and disposition of the Speaker. There are too many, who whilst praying and preaching appear very demure, and mighty devout; but take them out of the Pulpit, and they are as light, vain and frothy as any others; But it was far otherwise with Mr. Allein; he was always composed, serious and grave, above his Age; he set God always before him, and where ever he was, he still labored to walk as in his presence: It was his care to make Religion his business, and his great endeavors to walk by Rule: His main design in all his ways, was to approve himself to his Heavenly Father which saw all in secret; and his Exercise was, to keep a Conscience void of offense, both towards God and towards Man.

As for the pleasures and delights of Sin, he utterly abhorred them: yea, was so much above them, that he could not endure them. How sweet was it to him (as Saint Austin said) istis suavitatibus carere, To want those sweets? And as for lawful delights and pleasures, though sometimes he entertained himself with them, yet was his Heart little taken with them. His conversation being in Heaven his sweetest Comforts, and most Divine refreshments were holy and heavenly: His Soul took many a delightful prospect of Eternity, and hugged herself in a comfortable persuasion, that ere long she should enjoy those glorious Mansions; and this made him little to mind earthly Glory, or the poor empty delights of Sense.

He was of a very sweet disposition, and of as highly civil a Conversation, as a Man subject to the common frailties of human Nature could be: He had scarce a Gesture which did not seem to speak, and by a powerful and charming Rhetoric, affect all whom he conversed with: Besides other moral perfections that he was endowed with, it might be truly said (as the Historian said of the Emperor for his Clemency) that he was Totus ex Commitate, made up, as it were, of nothing else but courtesy and affability.

He was a true and faithful Friend to those who had interest in him, and withal, as pleasant as a serious Christian could well wish: He was not rash in choosing, but having chosen he loved entirely. There was no more but one only thing which he thought too much for any, for whom he thought not his Love too good; He could not sin (knowingly and willingly) for any Friend he had on Earth: He was a Friend Usque ad aris; So far as lawfully, and Conscientiously he might do anything, he stuck at nothing, wherein he might serve or gratify those whom he loved.

Yet whilst to his Friends he shown himself Friendly, good Nature as well as Christianity, obliged him to be kind to all, and (according to his ability) to the poor, bountiful. He was too frugal to misplace his Charity, yet not so Covetous as to withhold it when he met with fit objects. He did not think the little he had so much his own, as that his necessitous Brethren might not claim a part in it, and therefore he gave to them as if he had been paying a debt, and not bestowing an Alms. But above all, his Love and Affection to the Souls of others was most admirable, to whom he desired and endeavored to do all the good possible, insomuch as some there were, and are, who do verily think that they should never have found the way to Eternal Life, if he had lived to himself, and not for the good of others. His Charity to the poor Prisoners in Oxford Gaol was very eminent, amongst whom (as Holy Mr. Perkins did at Cambridge) of his own accord, he began to Preach, and held on constantly (whilst he remained in the Town) once a fortnight, for above the space of twelve Months; encouraging them to give attendance upon his Ministry, by a considerable allowance of Bread, (that week he Preached) at his own cost and charges. He used also at other times, frequently to visit others, who in the world were but mean and low: His main design (together with the Relieving of their Temporal wants) being to assist their Souls in the way to Heaven. Indeed in all his converses, where ever he came, he was like fire, warming, refreshing, and quickening all that were about him; kindling in them the like zeal for God and goodness, which he had in himself: None there were that came to visit, or to be acquainted with him, but (if the fault were not in themselves,) they might get much good by him; yea, so much as to be forever the better for him. It was hardly possible to be in his Company, and not to hear such things from him, as (if well weighed) might have been enough to make one out of conceit with sin, and in love with virtue so long as one lived. He thought that day wholly lost wherein none had got some good by him. He lived as if he had been quickened with that saying of Tertullian, Quid prodest esse, quod esse non prodest? To what purpose is it to Live, and not to live to some good purpose? His ardent Love to Souls hastened his remove into the Country, where he might have opportunities of doing much good.

Mr. Richard Allen, a near Relation of his, gives this Character of him.

As a Man (saith he) he was of quick natural parts, and of great acquired abilities. Of a grave, composed, and serious temper and behavior: Not Morose, but full of Candour, Free, Affable, Chearful, and Courteous.

As a Christian, he was in Holiness, Heavenly-mindedness, and Exemplariness of Life, much clevated above the ordinary sort of Christians. He had much delightful Communion with God, his Soul was much exercised in Divine Contemplation: And to provoke others to the like exercise, he would often speak what ineffable sweetness and satisfaction his Soul had found in his stated Meditations upon the Divine Attributes distinctly, one by one. In Prayer he was not ordinarily so much in Confessing of sin, and complaining of Corruption and Infirmities (though he expressed a due sense of these) as in admiring and praising God in his infinite Glorious perfections, and in the mention of his wonderful works, particularly of those wonders of his Love revealed in Jesus Christ.

His whole Life also was beautified and adorned with the admirable Luster of his particular, Personal Graces. As

First, He was made up of Love. His sweet, amiable, and courteous carriage was such as made him the delight of his acquaintance, and it made way for the entertainment, both of his serious Counsels, and severe reproofs. His compassion to those in distress: His bounty to those in want, His forbearance in case of offenses: His affectionate Language, and deportment: His readiness to all obliging Offices of Love to all sorts with whom he conversed, did evidently show how he loved them. Especially his Love was more fully let forth to the Congregation where he exercised his Ministry. His ardent Longings after their Souls: His rejoicings in the Prosperity of their Souls: His bleedings, and heart-breakings for their falls and infirmities: His uncessant Labors among them, both publicly, and from House to House: His frequent and affectionate Letters to them when he was absent: His earnest desire to Live, to die, and to be buried among them, do all show what a great room they had in his heart.

Secondly, He was a Man of Courage: He feared no danger in the way of his Duty, knowing that he that walks uprightly, walks surely. In doubtful Cases he was inquisitive; but when once resolved, he was fearless. He feared not the faces of Men, but where just occasion was, he would boldly admonish, and faithfully reprove what he saw amiss, which ungrateful duty he managed with so much prudence, and with such expressions of Love and Compassion to their Souls, as made way into their hearts, and made his work the more successful.

Thirdly, He was a Son of Peace: A zealous peace-maker among Brethren in case of dissention: And of sober and peaceful principles: Of a healing Spirit as to factions upon the account of Religion. He had a Reverend esteem of Magistrates, abhorring all provoking and insolent Expressions, or Mutinous actions against them.

Fourthly, He was a great lover of Truth and Righteousness in his own practice, and a great presser of them upon others, especially upon Professors of Religion; whom he exhorted to be just in their dealings, and true in their words: Wary in promising, and punctual in performing. Oft did he bewall and sharply reprove promise breaking, and deceitful dealing.

Fifthly, His patience was very Exemplary. Not only in his sufferings from Men; But in the time of his long and great weakness and Languishing distempers, which lay upon him for some years, yet all that while he had a constant calmness and serenity of Spirit, and was so far from murmuring, or discontent, that he was still blessing God for dealing so gently, and tenderly with him.

Sixthly, He was eminent in Liberality: He not only did, but devised Liberal things. He studied, and considered how he might both give himself, and how he might procure others to give relief to those that were in want. He daily gave much Alms, both in the place where he lived, and where ever he came. When Collections were made for Pious, or Charitable uses, he stirred up others, both by his Exhortations and Example; and sometimes made addition in secret to what he had given publicly. He was very bountiful to many of his Relations who were fallen into decay: Yet his means was not above eighty pounds a year: Only his Wife, for divers years kept a Boarding School, which did considerably enlarge his Estate. He took great pains in Riding abroad to Gentlemen, and other rich Men to procure a standing maintenance for Non-Conforming Ministers that were in want.

Seventhly, He was of an active Spirit: He went about doing good; and as he was incessant in his Labors in the Congregation where he lived, so where ever he came he would be scattering some good seed, not only among those of riper years, but among the Children where he came, asking them Questions; giving them Counsel, which sometimes he left in writing among them. Especially in his own Family, among his Wives Boarders, he so deported himself that in many of them he begat the awe and Love as of Children to their Fathers.

Whilst he lay sick at the Bath he sent for many poor persons, both Aged, and Children, and gave them Catechisms, engaging them to learn, and to give him an account of their proficiency therein, and they came cheerfully and willingly to him, being encouraged thereunto by his Familiar and winning carriage, his giving them Money, and by feeding and feasting them.

Eighthly, He was very Humble. Tho God had highly exalted him in the hearts and Judgments of others, yet was he low in his own eyes, and despised the praise of Men. His whole deportment favored of Humility, and he was of a great Condescention to the weekest and meanest,

As a Minister, besides his Labors in that great Congregation where the Lord had placed him, the care of many other Churches lay daily upon him. He went abroad frequently into other Parishes about the Country, amongst poor ignorant People that lived in dark Corners, having none to take care of their Souls, preached to them himself, and stirred up many of his Brethren to do the like, whose forward minds readily joined with him in setting up Lectures in several places. He had an Eye to the poor Welch, and had an influence upon sending some Ministers among them, Intending also to have spent some time among them himself, and was hardly withheld from it by all the persuasions of his friends, who told him his inability to Travel by reason of the great weakness that he lay under.

The reading of this did so inflame the zeal of my Reverend Brother Mr. Thomas Gouge (as himself told me) that he was restless in his Spirit, till (having settled his affairs about London) he had liberty, and opportunity to prosecute this design: Since which time he hath made many Journies both into South and North Wales, where he hath done much good, and by the help of divers of his Reverend Brethren in the Ministry, and many others, hath placed out many Hundreds of poor Children to School to learn English, hath given them Catechisms, and other good Books: Besides Bibles and New-Testaments in Welch, and hath procured the Printing of Welch Bibles (whereof there were very few to be had,) of the Practice of Piety, &c. To be distributed among them, as is well known to many who have put to their helping hands to promote so excellent, and worthy a work:

See what Testimony Mr. George Newton, the Reverend Pastor of Tawnton, gives of Mr. Jos. Allein, whose assistant he was. Mr. Joseph Allein (saith he) came to my assistance, Anno Christi, 1655. being then about one and twenty years old, and we continued together, till the Black day came. He was a young Man of singular-accomplishments, both natural and acquired. His intellectuals solid, his memory strong, his affections lively, his learning much beyond the ordinary size: And above all, his holiness was eminent; his conversation exemplary; and in brief, he had a good head and a better heart.

Much of his time he spent in private converses with God and his own Soul: He much delighted to perform secret Devotions in the sight of Heaven, and in the open air, when his opportunities served. Many days he kept alone, and then (by his good will) he would betake himself to a solitary House, probably, that he might freely use his voice as his affections led him to, (which he could not have done where there were Inhabitants) and that he might converse with God without avocation and distraction.

His society with others was always mingled with holy and heavenly discourses. He took all opportunities to instruct, exhort, and reprove, which he never failed to do (when he judged it necessary) whatever the event might prove. And truly his reproofs were accompanied with such humility tenderness, Self-Condemnation, and compassion, that they seldom, if ever did miscarry.

In the Houses where he sojourned his Lips fed many, God freely poured grace into his lips, and he freely poured it out to others. None could live quietly in any open sin under his inspection. When he came to abide in any House, he brought Salvation with him, and when he departed, he left Salvation behind him. When he was transplanting himself from one Family to another, (as his occasions sometimes required) he would call all the People, one by one into his Chamber, from whence (it was observed) that scarce any one returned with dry eyes.

In the duties of the first Table he was very exemplary, and near to rigor. His Righteousness exceeded even tha • of the Pharisees: Yet also was he as exact in the duties of the second Table: A Man of morals; Never spotted with any unjust, or uncharitable act. The failing of many Professors in this kind, drew from him many Prayers, Tears, Complaints, and Lamentation.

He had an eminent free and bountiful heart, to his power, yea, and beyond his power, as is before expressed. He did good to all; especially to the Household of Faith: He was full of holy projects, for the advancement of both Spiritual and Temporal good of others, which he so vigorously and prudently prosecuted, that they seldom miscarried.

He was a Man of extraordinary condescension to the Infirmities of weaker Brethren, and used to deal with them in so humble, loving and sweet a way, as considering himself, lest he also might be tempted. In their Confessed failings he was not Supercilious and censorious, but labored to restore them with the Spirit of meekness. He believed and hoped all things that were to be believed and hoped: And when he deeply condemned the action, he would not Judge of the Estates of the Person. And though he was sufficiently mild in his Judgment of others, yet was he severe enough in his Judgment of himself.

In matters doubtful and disputable, he was not peremptory: He laid not more weight and stress upon Notions, and Opinions in Religion than belonged to them: He was not like many who are over-confident in their determinations, that they will hardly hold Communion, nay, scarce so much as a pleasing Conversation, with any Man (how gracious soever) who cannot think, and speak, and act as they do in everything. He would freely and familiarly converse with those, who were sound in the Faith (as to the Fundamentals of Religion,) and Holy in their lives, of all persuasions.

His Ministerial employments were more facile to him than to many others, being of a quick conceit, of a ready, strong and faithful memory; of a free, and nervous expression; and (above all) having a holy heart that was always boiling up with good Matter. He was apt to Preach and Pray, and ready on all occasions to lay out himself in such work; though his warning sometimes was very short, he confidently cast himself upon the Lord's assistance, who had never failed him, and so went freely about his work without distractions.

He began upon a very considerable stock of Learning, having gifts both Ministerial and personal, much beyond the proportion of his years, and grew exceedingly in his abilities and graces in a little time, so that his profiting appeared unto all Men; and he waxed very rich in Heavenly Treasure, by God's blessing on a diligent hand, so that he was behind in no good gift. God blessed him with all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things, and he returned all to Heaven again. He served God with all his might, and with all his strength. He was abundant in the work of the Lord: He did not go but run the ways of God's Commandments. He did run, and was not weary; He did walk and was not faint. He pressed hard towards the mark till he attained it. His race was swift and short, and his end glorious.

He was insatiably greedy of the Conversion of Souls, wherein he had no small success in the course of his Ministry: And to promote this end he poured out his very heart in Prayer and Preaching. He imparted, not the Gospel only, but his own Soul to his hearers. His Supplications and Exhortations were many times so affectionate, so full of holy zeal, and Life, that they quite overcame his Auditors. He so melted over them, that he thawed, mollified, and sometimes dissolved the hardest hearts. But while he melted others he wasted, and at last consumed himself.

He was not satisfied with these his public employments, but constantly went from House to House, and there particularly (where he had a free Reception) dealt both with Governors, Children and Servants, instructing them especially in the great fundamentals, both of the Law and Gospel, whom he found to be ignorant: Gently reproving where he found anything amiss: Exhorting them to diligence, both in their general and particular Callings. And where he found any defective in it, he earnestly entreated them to set up the Worship of God in their Families, and to make them little Churches by their constant reading of the Word of God, that so the Word of Christ might dwell Richly in them; as also by a careful Catechising both of Children, and Servants, and (according to the Governors abilities) that they should, by conference, Repetition of Sermons, and especially by Morning and Evening Prayer, avoid that dreadful indignation which hangs over the heads of those families which call not upon the Name of Lord. He inspected, so far as he could, into the state of every particular person, and accordingly Reproved, comforted, and encouraged as he found occasion: Yet all, with so much tenderness, humility and self denial that he gained much upon the affections of all that entertained him, and wrought them at least to an outward Conformity; insomuch as such as were not visited at the first, at length came forth and called upon him to come and help them also.

Thus did he wear out himself to give light and heat unto others. He allowed himself too little sleep to Recruit those Spirits which he had wasted with labor and wakening. He rose constantly at four a clock in the Morning at farthest, and that in the cold winter time, that having had Communion with God he might be the earlier at his other studies and employments.

He was a very grave, strict, serious Composed young Man, yet not rigid in his principles. His Moderation was known to all that knew him. He held that Separation in a Church was many times necessary, from the known corruptions of it: But allowed not separation from a Church, where active compliance with some sinful evil, was not made the condition of Communion.

When he Catechised the greater sort in public, he began with Prayer for a blessing upon that duty. Then having propounded some Questions out of the Assemblies Catechism, his care was, not only to make them perfect in rehearsing the Answers there set down, but also to bring them to a clear understanding of the sense and meaning of the said Answers, and of all the Terms and Phrases in which they were expressed: And to draw some practical inferences from the same. He farther instructed them, by proposing several other Collateral Questions. besides those in the Catechism, which himself had before drawn up, and sent them in writing.

In the Evening of each Lord's day, he used to repeat his Sermon in the Church to which very many people resorted, and when he had done, some Youths were called forth who gave him an account of all the Heads of his Sermon by their Memories.

When he went from House to House, he used to give them notice the day before: Desiring that he might have admitance, and that they would have their whole Family together against he came: Which being done, he used to instruct the younger sort in the principles of Religion, by asking Questions out of the Catechism, the answers whereunto he used to open, and explain. He used also to inquire of them about their Spiritual Estate, laboring to make them sensible of the evil and danger of sin. Of the Corruption and depravation of our Natures, the misery of an Unconverted state; provoking them to look after the true Remedy proposed in the Gospel, to turn from all their sins unto God, to close with Christ upon his own terms, to follow after holiness, to watch over their hearts and lives, to mortify their Lusts, to redeem their time, and to prepare for Eternity. These things he explained to their understandings, and pressed upon their Consciences with the most cogent Arguments and Considerations he possibly could; Showing what great privileges they did enjoy, the many Gospel Sermons they did or might hear, the many Talents they were entrusted withal; and the great account they were to give unto God of the same, &c. Besides, he left with them several Counsels and Directions to be carefully remembered and practiced for the good of their Souls.

Such as were serious and Religious he used to help forward in Holiness, by answering their doubts, resolving their cases, and encouraging them against their difficulties and discouragements: And before he left them he used to deal with the Governors, and with such as were grown up to years of discretion singly and a part, that so, (as much as possibly he could) he might know the condition of each particular person, and the better apply himself to each of them. If he found them to neglect Family duties, he used to press them to set them up, by reading the word of God and Prayer, giving them directions therein, and exhorting them to the practice of secret Duties. He also persuaded Mistresses of Families to give their Children and Servants time for such secret duties, and to encourage them therein: And sometimes himself would pray with them before his departure. If the Family where he came was ignorant, he would insist the longer in instructing, and Catechising: If loose, in reproving and convincing; if Godly in encouraging and directing.

He used to spend five afternoons every weak in these exercises, from one or two a clock till seven: In which space he used to visit thr •• or four Families, sometimes more as they were Greater or less. Thus he went through the whole Town, and then presently began again: And he did often bless God for the great success that he found in these Exercises; saying, that God made him hereby as instrumental to the good of Souls as by his public Ministry.

He was a faithful Reprover of the miscarriages of Professors, whether high or low, Ministers or private Christians; Yea, though they were never so dear unto him, or never so obliging in their carriage towards him, whatsoever the issue and event might prove. Tho he was but a young Man, yet was his deportment very serious and grave. He was Humble, Courteous, and Affable, Condescending to discourse with the Poorest and meanest for their Spiritual good, as soon as with the highest and richest. He was full of Holy projects by what ways and means he might most effectually promote the Honor of Christ, and the Salvation of Souls, and what he judged to be conducing to these ends, he prosecuted with the Wisdom and vigor, that he seldom failed to accomplish it.

He considering how much the Conscientious and frequent performance of the duty of Self-examination might tend to the weakening of sin, and to the furtherance of Holiness both in Heart and Life, he earnestly pressed this practice in his public Ministry; directing his hearers for the performance of it: He dealt also with them in private about it, and drew a promise from most of them, that they would every night, before they went to sleep, spend some time in secret, to call themselves to an account how they had spent that day, by proposing several Questions to their own hearts, which he had drawn up in writing, and Communicated unto them under several Heads; and many confessed that this practice had been very advantageous unto them in their Christian walk.

Before the Act of Uniformity came forth, he was very earnest with God day and night, to make his way plain unto him, that he might not be deprived of his present advantages of saving Souls, with any scruple upon his Conscience: But when he saw those Clauses of Assent and Consent, and renouncing the Covenant, he was fully satisfied against it; whereas before he was so doubtful that his intimate friends thought that he would have conformed, saying that he would not leave his Ministry for small and dubious matters: Yet though he must quit his Station, he judged that the Ejection of the Ministers out of their places did not disoblige them from Preaching to their people, nor the people from attending upon their Ministry: And though upon that Black and Dismal Sabbath, he took his leave of his beloved People; yet he firmly resolved to go on with his work of Preaching in private, and Visiting from House to House, till he should be sent to Prison, or into Banishment. And accordingly he prosecuted this resolution, appointing the Thursday following to be a day of Humiliation, where he Preached in his own House to as many as durst adventure to hear him; but there was not such an appearance as he expected: Whereupon he applied himself to those who were most timorous, laboring to give satisfaction to their scruples, and it pleased God, in a short time to give him such good success, that his own people waxed bold, and Multitudes resorting to his Meetings, whether they were by day or night, which so encouraged him that he went on vigorously in Preaching, Visiting, and Catechising from house to house.

He went also frequently into the Villages, and places about the Town, whence most of their Ministers were fled, or at least, desisted for some considerable time; and where ever he came, the Lord was pleased to give him great success: Many were Converted, and the generality encouraged to cleave close unto the Lord.

This much heigthened the rage of some Neighbor Justices, who much threatened and oft sought for him: But it pleased God that he was preserved out of their hands longer than he expected. His usual saying was, that if it pleased the Lord to grant him but three Months Liberty before he went to Prison, he should account it a great favor, and should more willingly submit to it when he had done some work. Then did he sell off his Goods the better to prepare for a Gaol or Banishment, only he was desirous that his Wife should accompany him, which also was her great desire, it being more grievous to her to think of being absent from him, than to suffer with him.

The Lord was pleased so far to indulge him, that he went on in this course from Bartholomew day, til May the 26th. following, though he was often threatened, yet was he never interrupted, though many, both of Town and Country came flocking to his Meetings at what time soever they were held. He seldom missed of Preaching twice a Sabbath, and often in the week. Sometimes he Preached fourteen times in eight days: Often ten, and ordinarily six or seven, either at home or abroad, during all this time, besides his frequent discoursings with such as resorted to him: And for the better enabling him hereunto, he laid aside all his other Studies, expecting that his time and liberty would be but short. And truly the Lord did more than ordinarily assist him, as himself took notice, as well as all that heard him and conversed with him.

Upon a Saturday in the Evening, about six a clock, he was seized upon by an Officer of Taunton, who professed that he had rather have been otherwise employed, but that he was urged to a speedy Execution of the Warrant, by one who was sent on purpose to see it Executed, because they feared that none in the Town would do it.

The Warrant was signed by three Justices, who required his present appearance at one of their Houses, about two Miles off from Taunton. He desired liberty to stay and Sup with his Family, expecting but hard entertainment whether he was going; yet this small courtesy was denied him, till one of the Chief in the Town was bound for his speedy Appearance: At Supper he fed heartily, and was very cheerful, yet full of holy and gracious discourses, suitable to the time and Company that were with him. After supper, having prayed with his Family and Friends present, himself with the Officer, and two or three friends that accompanied him, went to the appointed place, where they charged him with breaking the Act of Uniformity by his frequent Preaching since it took place: This he denied, saying, that he had neither Preached in Church, Chapel, nor in any other place of public Worship, since that time, and that what he did was in his own Family, and with such friends as came to hear him.

Then they charged him for being at a Riotous Assembly: He answered, that at their Meetings were used no Threats, no dangerous Words, no Staves, or Weapons, neither were any put into fear, their only employment being Prayer and Preaching. Here they much abused him with Scoffs and Scorns, the very Justices themselves with their Ladies, and such others as came to hear his Examination. One of them called him Rogue, and said that he deserved to be hanged, and that if he were not hanged, he would be hanged for him; and many other scurrilous expressions they used, which would but defile the paper if they were set down. They urged him much to be his Self-Accuser, but could not draw him to it, notwithstanding which, they made a Mittimus to send him to the Gaol upon Monday Morning after they had detained him with them till twelve a Clock in the night.

When he came home, which was about two a clock in the Morning, he lay down on his Bed about two or three hours, and then arising, he retired himself with God till about eight a clock: At which time several Friends were come to visit him, to whom he would have Preached, but that he was not suffered by the Officer, who had a strict charge to the contrary: Yet he spent the day in discoursing with the several Companies of his Friends, who out of the Town and Country came to Visit him; and as he could be permitted, he prayed oft with them. All this while he was very cheerful in Spirit, admiring God's Mercies to him, and encouraging all that came to see him to be bold and resolute in the cause of God and his Gospel, and for their Souls, and not to be discouraged for what befell him for their sakes. As for himself, he said, that he was nothing at all moved for it, nor did in the least, repent of anything that he had done, but accounted himself happy, and under that promise which Christ makes to his Mat. 5. 10. &c. That he should be doubly and trebly happy, now that he was to suffer for his sake. He was also earnest with his Brethren in the Ministry that came to see him, that they should not at all desist from their Labors when he was gone, and that there might not be one Sermon the less in Taunton for his absence. He exhorted also the people, that they should attend upon the Ministry with greater ardency, diligence, and courage than before, assuring them how sweet and comfortable it was to him to consider how much he had done for God in those last Months: Adding that he was going to Prison full of Joy, being confident that all these things would turn to the furtherance of the Gospel, and the glory of God.

Mr. Allein was not satisfied to go away till he had left some Exhortations with his people, and therefore requested them to come to him about one or two a clock in the night, and notwithstanding the unseasonableness of the time, many Hundreds of old and young repaired to him with whom he spent about three hours in Prayer and Preaching. And so with many yearnings of Bowels they took their leaves each of other, wherein a more affectionate parting could scarce be seen.

On Monday Morning about nine a clock, he with two or three friends that desired to accompany him, went for Ilchester. As he went, the Streets of Taunton were beset on both sides with people, and many followed him on foot, some Miles out of the Town with great Lamentations, which he could scarce bear: Yet the Lord so strengthened him that he went through them all with great courage and Joy, endeavoring both by his words and countenance to encourage and cheer them up.

He carried his Mittimus himself having no Officer with him, and when he came thither the Jailor was not at home, which opportunity he took to Preach before he went into Prison, which his Adversaries accounted a great addition to his former Crimes. The Jailor being come home, he gave him his Mittimus, and was by him put into the Bridewel-Chamber, where he found Mr. John Norman, late of Bridgewater, Committed a few days before him for the same cause: A Man he was of singular abilities, fervent in zeal and holy boldness for the cause of Christ: Constant to his principles in the most wavering times, and one, who for his Godly and Exemplary Conversation, was much esteemed among the people of God; and few that knew him, either of the sober Gentry or Commonalty, but for his choice parts, and spotless life had great respects for him.

There were also five more Ministers, and fifty Quakers, which had all their Lodgings in the same room, parted only with a Mat, which they had hung up for a little more retirement. Soon after Mr. Coven, Mr. Powel, and eight more were brought into the same place, being taken at Meetings. This added to the straitness of their room, and it was so nigh to the top of the Prison, that as they lay in their Beds they could touch the Tiles with their hands, which made it very irksome, the Sun lying upon the House all the day: Being so many of them together, besides the resort of many friends to them, they much wanted fresh air, till they had taken down the glass and some of the Tiles, for their better refreshment. In this Room they were forced to lie, and to eat their food, having no other place to retire into but a little Garden, adjoining to the place were all the Common Prisoners were. In their Chamber they were molested with the noise of those wretches, the rattling their Chains, the Blaspheming of their Tongues, their Roaring and Singing night and day being a great trouble to them. And if they went into the Courts of the Prison, there they met with the sent and sight of their Cloaths hanging full of vermin, and of the Prisoners in their Rags and Chains.

That also which most troubled them was that they had no place to retire into, neither alone nor together wherein they might have Communion with God. The Quakers also much molested them, disturbing them with their Cavils in the times of Prayer, Preaching, and Singing, and would come and Work in their Callings just by them at such times, to their great grief. Want of air was most offensive to Mr. Allela, who had accustomed himself both in Oxford and the Country, to spend most of his secret hours in by-places in the fields or woods.

So soon as Mr. Allein came into Prison, he Prayed and Preached, which he called, the Consecration of it. And after a day or two he desired to have his Wife with him or near him in the Town, to attend him, and to keep Company with such Friends as came to visit him: Whereupon he prevailed with the Keeper to have one Corner to himself wherein to set his Bed, which was more private than the rest. About this he made a Partition with some Curtains, whereby he might be the more private, and it was a great comfort to him: And after a few weeks he procured leave of his Keeper, to walk out a Mile or more, Morning and Evening constantly, except the Weather, or his Keepers Churlishness did hinder him.

Their Diet was good and sufficient; sometimes abundant, by their Friends kindness to them. Here they Preached once a Day constantly: Sometimes twice, and many resorted to their Sermons, of which some came eight or ten Miles round about out of the Country, and multitudes came to visit them. Their Friends were exceeding kind to them, endeavoring by their frequent visits, by provisions of Food, and supplies of monies to take away the tediousness of their Imprisonment. Mr. Alleins Labors were the greatest, who spent almost all the day in conversing with his friends, and a great part of the night in his studies, and secret duties.

Thus they continued for about four Months, and were tossed from Sessions to the Assizes. July 14th. Mr. Allein was brought to the Sessions held at Taunton, and Indicted for Preaching on the 17th. of May precedeing; but the Evidence was so slender that the Grand Jury would not find the Bill, and thereupon, by the constant practice of the Court, he should have been freed by Proclamation: Yet was he returned unto Prison till the Assizes: And to his Friends, who had hoped for his Deliverance, he said, Let us bless God that his Will is done, and not the Wills of such worms as we are.

August 24th. He was Indicted at the Assizes, and though the Evidence was but the same with the former, yet now the Grand-Jury found the Bill, and he was brought to the Bar, and his Indictment was Read, which was, that May 17th. 1663. He, together with twenty others to the Jurors unknown, did Riotously, Routously, and Seditiously assemble themselves together, contrary to the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King, and to the great terror of his Subjects, and to the evil Example of others, &c. To this he Answered, That as to Praying and Preaching he was Guilty, and did own them for his Duty: But as for Riotous, Routous, and Seditious Assemblies, he abhorred them from his heart, and of these he was not Guilty. Yet was he found Guilty by the Petty Jury, and by the Judge Sentenced to pay a hundred Marks, and to continue in Prison till it was paid. To this he only replied: That he was glad that he had appeared before his Country: And that, whatsoever he was charged with, he was Guilty of nothing but doing his Duty; and that all which did appear by the Evidence was only that he had Sung a Psalm, and instructed his Family, where some others were, and both in his own House: And that, if nothing which had been urged would satisfy he should with all cheerfulness and Thankfulness accept, whatsoever Sentence his Lordship should pronounce upon him for so good, and Righteous a cause. From hence he was carried back to Prison, where he continued a whole year wanting three days.

Winter coming on, which they feared would make this place as cold as it had been hot in Summer (the Chamber having no Chimney in it) they endeavored, and with some difficulty obtained to be removed to the Ward, where they had more comfortable accommodations in all respects. Here they had very great Assemblies, both on week days and Sabbaths, and many days of Humiliation, and Thanksgiving; and though they were much threatened both by the Judges and Justices to be sent beyond-Sea, or carried to some remote Island, where they should be kept close Prisoners; yet the Lord prevented it, and so ordered it, that their Imprisonment turned to his greater glory, and to the furtherance of the Gospel, by their great labors, to which God added a great Blessing: And Mr. Alleins sufferings did not in the least abate his Zeal, and Activity for God, but he embraced all opportunities of doing good. The Minister who was appointed, at sometimes to Preach to the Felons, falling sick, Mr. Allein freely supplied his room as long as he could be permitted, earnestly exhorting them that by Repentance, and Faith they would secure the Eternal welfare of their Souls. He was very forward to promote the Education of young persons, both in Ilchester, and in the Country adjacent; for which end he gave Catechisms to many Poor Families, that they might be instructed in the principles of Religion, exhorting the Elder to teach and encourage the Younger. He was a serious and faithful Monitor to his Fellow-sufferers, if he saw in them anything which became not the Gospel for which they suffered.

He was now, as formerly, a careful Redeemer of his time, rising about four a clock in the Morning, and spending a considerable time in Meditation and Prayer, and then following his studies close in some Corner of the Prison where he could be private: And sometimes he spent almost whole nights in these exercises, only lying down in his Cloths for an hour or two, and then up again. Those which visited him he did not entertain with frivolous and frothy discourses, but with such as were profitable, and for their Edification, applying himself unto them according to their several capacities, exhorting them to such gracious practices, which by Reason of their age or temper, Calling or Condition, he judged them to be most defective in, and dehorting them from such evils, as he thought them most prone unto. He rejoiced that he was accounted worthy to suffer in the cause of Christ, and encouraged the timorous; by his own and others experience of God's goodness beyond what they could have expected.

He carefully observed that Rule, Mat. 5. 44. Love your Enemies, bless them that curse you; Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despightefully use you, and persecute you. He never exclaimed against those who were the chiefest instruments of his Sufferings, but pitied and prayed with Saint Stephen; Lord lay not this sin to their charge. The greatest harm he wished them, was that they might be Converted, Sanctified, and their Souls saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

During the time of his Imprisonment it could not be discerned that his health was impaired notwithstanding his incessant Labors. Yet, probably (as the Physicians afterwards judged) the foundation of that weakness which presently after surprised him, and occasioned his death, was then laid.

At his enlargement from Prison he was more earnest in his work than before: Yet willing to preserve his liberty among his people, who had no Minister that had the oversight of them, though some came and Preached to them in his absence: And such Multitudes resorted to him, that he judged it necessary to divide them into four parts, resolving to Preach to them four times each Sabbath; But finding that to be beyond his strength, which was much decayed, he was fain to forbear it, and Preached only twice on the Sabbaths, yet oft on the week days besides, at home or abroad. He pressed all that feared God, especially such as were of a timorous Spirit, to be courageous and active for God, and to be much in mutual conversings together, now that their Ministers were withdrawn, and to be much in praises and thanksgivings unto God, delighting themselves in him, and denying themselves for him, and resigning themselves, and all they did enjoy, to him, that the world might see, that they could live comfortably on a God alone, on his Attributes and promises, though they should have nothing else left.

He much pressed the Unconverted to be more careful for the Salvation of their Souls, especially considering, that those were now removed, which longed for, and watched over their Souls, and they were fallen into the hands of such as wanted either skill or Will to promote their welfare: Showing them, with most tender affections, what miserable Creatures they were whilst Unconverted, and how his heart did yearn for them: How he did pray and weep for them when they were asleep: How willingly he had suffered a years Imprisonment for them, nay, how readily he would shed his blood to procure their Salvation.

But it pleased the All-wise God to take him off from this eager pursuit of his work and designs for him, by Visiting him (in the latter end of August) with much weakness, within three Months after he came out of Prison. For being requested by a people, whose Pastor was absent, to Preach, and Administer the Sacrament unto them, the place being sixteen Miles off, he was so disabled by the Journy, that he could not perform both; yet, because many of them came far, he forced himself to Preach to them, though to his great prejudice, and after three or four days, with much difficulty he returned home, and had the advise of the best Physicians thereabout, who, all of them judged that it proceeded from his abundant Labors, and Preaching too soon after his Meals, as he did, when he Preached four times a day. This had so abated the natural heat of his stomach that no food would digest, nor oft stay within him.

He felt no pain, but had a constant discomposure in his Stomach, and a failing of his Appetite, that for many weeks he could not bear the sent of Flesh-Meat, nor retain any Liquors or Broths, so that he consumed so fast, that his Life seemed to draw near to an end: But God was pleased so to bless the means that after two Months, he recovered of this distemper; yet, so lost the use of his arms that from October till April, he could neither put on or off his Cloaths, nor write anything. His Physicians and Friends earnestly besought him to intermit his Labors, but could not prevail. For he continued to Preach once, and sometimes twice every Sabbath, and to visit from House to House all that Winter.

In the Spring God was pleased to restore unto him the use of his Arms, for which he was exceeding thankful, and they had great hopes of his Recovery: And the Summer following, by making use of some Mineral Waters, near the Devizes, his strength was much increased, and he found much good by them. But trusting too much to that strength, his weakness returned often upon him the next Winter, and more in the Spring following. Yet his fits continued not long at a time, so that he Preached, not according to, but even beyond his strength, at home and abroad: Sometimes going into remote places, where they had had no Meetings since the removal of their Ministers, which was about the space of two years: And he engaged some of his Brethren also to take their turns, which they did with great success.

Now was he again much threatened, and Warrants were often out for him, which he rejoiced at, that when (by reason of his distempers) he could do little for God, God would so honor him, that he should suffer for him in a Prison; and would often say with much cheerfulness, that they could not do him a greater kindness: But God not seeing him fit for the inconveniences of a Prison, was pleased to spare him.

The Five Mile Act now taking place, he removed to a place called Willington, five Miles from Taunton, to a Dyers house in a very obscure place, where he preached on the Lord's Days as he was able: But the vigilent eyes of his Enemies soon found him out there, and resolved to remove him, and a Warrant was put in the Constables hands to apprehend him: And the Dyer was threatened to be sent to the Goal for entertaining him: Hereupon he returned to Mr. John Mallack 's house, a Merchant, who had oft solicited him to take his house for his Home, and he now accepted of his courteous offer: But many of his Friends in Taunton were so earnest, that to satisfy them, he went to their houses and stayed with some a Fortnight, with others three Weeks or a Month, yet still taking Mr. Mallack 's for his Home: And he went from no house without serious Counsels, Comforts or Reproofs, as their Condition required.

He went from no house that was willing to part from him; nor could he satisfy the requests of one half that invited him to their houses: So that he would often bless God, and say with holy Mr. Dod, That he had a hundred houses for one that he had parted with: And that though he had no Goods, yet he wanted nothing, his Father careing for him in everything; so that he lived a far more pleasant Life, than his Enemies that had turned him out of all.

He was exceedingly taken with God's Goodness in Mr. Mallacks bountiful entertainment of him, whose House, Gardens and Walks were very delightful to him, being so pleasant and curious, and all Accomodations within suitable thereunto; which made him often to say, that he did [as Dives] fare deliciously every day; but hoped to improve it better than he did: And that God had inclined his heart to care for many Poor, and for several of his Brethren in the Ministry, and that now God did reward him, not suffering him to be at any expense upon himself or Wise.

He was a great Observer of each Days Providences, and would every Night before he went to sleep, reckon them up to his Wife, to raise his own and her heart to praise the Lord, and to trust to him, of whose care and goodness he had such manifold experiences.

The time for his going to the Waters being come, he desired to keep a Day of Thanksgiving for all God's Mercies to him and his Friends; and accordingly July the 10th. 1665. divers of his Brethren in the Ministry, and of his Friends in Taunton met at Mr. Mallack 's House, about a Mile from the Town; where, after they had been a while together, came two Justices, with others attending them with Swords, and brake open the Doors by force (though if they had pleased, they might have unhatched them) and with much dirision and threatening Language, took their Names, and committed them to some Constables, charging them to bring them the next Day to the Castle-Tavern in Taunton, before the Justices of Peace there. The next Day the Prisoners were broughr forth, and answered to their Names as they were called; and after two Days tedious attendance, were all convicted for keeping a Conventicle, and sentenced to pay three Pounds a piece, or to be committed to Prison for threescore Days: But few of them either paid their Fines or suffered their Friends to pay it for them. Whereupon Mr. Allein, and seven Ministers more, and forty private Persons were committed to Ilchester Goal. When Mr. Allein came to the Prison, his Deportment, and Conversation was every way as exemplary as it had been in his former confinement. And notwithstanding his great bodily weakness, yet he constantly took his turn with the other Ministers in preaching, which they performed, mostly, twice a Day, besides other Religious Exercises, wherein also he did bear his part.

Tho he had many of his Flock imprisoned with him, whereby he had the fairer opportunity of instructing and watching over them; yet was he not forgetful of the rest that were at liberty, but wrote many Letters to them, full of serious and profitable matter, from which they might reap no small benefit, whilst they wanted his bodily presence: He was also very solicitous for those that were with him, that they might be the better for their Bonds, walking worthy the many and great Mercies they had enjoyed during their Imprisonment; that so, when they returned to their Houses, they might speak and live forth the Praises of God, carrying themselves in every respect as became the Gospel for which they had suffered; which he made to appear by that wholesome Counsel which he gave them the Morning wherein they were delivered, which consisted of two Heads.

The first was of Exhortation.

First, to rejoice with trembling in their Prison Comforts, and to see that they kept them in a thankful Remembrance all their Lives.

2. To feed and feast their Faith upon Prison Experiences.

3. To let Divine Mercy be as Oil to the flame of their Love. O love the Lord all ye his Saints.

4. To keep their Manna in a Golden Pot, and not to forget him, who hath said so often Remember me.

5. To let the Bonds of their Afflictions strengthen the Bonds of their Affections, to love one another the better.

6. To let present indulgence fit them for future hardships.

7. To cast up their accounts at their return home, and to see whether they have gone as much forward in their Souls, as they have gone backward in their outward Estates.

8. To see that the Snuffers of the Prison make their Light to burn the brighter; and that their course and discourse be the more savoury, serious and spiritual for this present Trial.

9. To see that they walk accurately as those that have the Eyes of God, Angels, and Men upon them, to see what Gainers they have been by this Affliction.

The second was of Dehortation.

First, Revile not your Persecutors, but bless and pray for them, as Instruments of conveying great Mercies unto you.

2. Let not the humble acknowledgment of God's Mercy, degenerate into proud, vain-glorious boasting, or carnal.

3. Be not prodigal of your Liberty upon a conceit that the Prison will be easy, nor yet fearful of adventuring in a way of Duty.

4. Do not load others with censures, whose Judgment and Practice differs from yours, but humbly bless God that hath so happily directed you.

Having spoke thus to his fellow Prisoners, he spake thus also to Friends and Brethren with them.

First, Let our experience be your encouragement. O love the Lord, ye our Friends; Love the Lord; Fear him forever; Believe in him; Trust him forever for our sakes. We have tasted of the kindness of God. You know how good God hath been to us both in Spirituals and Temporals. Encourage your hearts in the Lord your God: Serve him the more freely and gladly for our sakes. You see we have tried, we have tasted how good the Lord is. Do you trust him the more, because we have tried him so much, and found he is a Friend so faithful, so gracious, that we are utterly unable to speak his Praise. Go on and fear not in the way of your Duty: Verily there is a Reward for the Righteous. God hath given us a great Reward already; but this is but the least; we look for a Kingdom.

2. My desire to our Friends is, that they will all help us with their Praises: Our Tongues are too little to speak forth the Goodness and the Grace of God: Do you help us in our Praises: Love the Lord the better; praise him the more, and what is wanting in us, let it be made good by you. O that the Praises of God may found abroad in the Country by our means, and for our sakes.

His Imprisonment prevented his going to the Waters, which was the cause of the increase of his Distempers all the Winter following, and more in the Spring; yet not so much as to take him wholly off his work, but that he preached, kept many Days, and administered the Sacrament to his People.

Going to the Waters in July, 1667. they had a contrary effect upon him to what they had at first; for after three days taking them, he fell into a Fever, which seized on his Spirits, and his strength decayed so exceedingly, that he seemed to be near Death; but the Lord was pleased to spare him, and so far to restore him, that at six weeks end he returned to his People; yet then finding a great decay in his strength and weakness in all his Limbs, he was willing to go to Dorchester to advise with Dr. Lose, an able Physician, from whom he had received many Medicines, but had never any converse with him, nor had seen him.

The Doctor soon perceived his weakness, and therefore advised him to stay there for a Fortnight or three Weeks, that he might direct him the better, and alter his Remedies as he should see occasion, which he readily assented to. He had not been there above five days, but the use of all his Limbs was suddenly taken from him; first his Arms, then his Legs, that he could neither stand, nor move a Finger, nor turn him in his Bed. He was given over by Physicians and Friends, that saw him for some weeks lying in cold sweets night and day; and often, for some hours half his body was cold, so that in their apprehensions he was dying, and received nothing but strong Cordials and Broths.

Thus he lay from September 28th. to November 16th. before any amendment appeared, all which time he was very cheerful, praising and admiring God for his mercies: But his Spirits were so low that he spake seldom, and then softly. He was free from pain, and when his Friends admired his patience, he would say, that God had not yet tried him anything, but in laying him aside from his work, and keeping him out of Heaven. Being asked how it was with his Soul in all his bodily weakness? His answer was, that he had not those Ravishing Joys which he expected, and which some did partake of: But he had a sweet serenity of heart and Conscience, and a confidence in God grounded upon the promises of the Gospel, and did believe that it would be well with him to all Eternity.

The Ministers and Christians of that place were very compassionate unto him, Visiting, and Praying with and for him often. And Dr. Lose visited him twice a day for about a Quarter of a year together (except when he was out a Town) and yet would never take any Fees of him. The Gentry also in and about the Town, sent in whatsoever they imagined might be pleasing to him: So that he neither wanted food nor Physic, and he much delighted himself in the consideration of the Lord's kindness to him, in the Love which he received from them, and would often say: I was a stranger, and Mercy took me in: In Prison, and it came to me: Sick and weak, and it visited me: There were also fourteen young Women that took their turns to watch with him.

In this condition he kept his Bed till December 18th. And then, beyond hope, in the depth of Winter he began to revive and to get out of Bed: Yet could he neither go nor stand, nor move a finger, having sense in his limbs without motion. But it pleased God that by degrees his strength increased, so that he could with help, walk a turn in his Chamber, and when (after a time) he could do it without help, he was wonderfully taken with the Lord's mercy to him: And by February, with a little help, he could walk in the streets, being asked how he could be so well contented to lie so long under so great weakness? He answered, What? Is God my Father, Jesus Christ my Savior, and the Spirit my sweet Friend, my Comforter, and Sanctifier, and Heaven mine Inheritance, and shall I not be content without Limbs and Health? Through Grace I am fully satisfied with my Fathers good Pleasure.

To another that asked him the same Question, he answered: I have chosen God, and he is become mine, and I know with whom I have trusted myself, which is enough. He is an unreasonable wretch that cannot be content with a God though he hath nothing else: My interest in God is all my Joy.

Some of his Friends of Taunton coming to Dorchester to see him, he was much revived, and causing his Curtains to be withdrawn, he desired them to stand round about the Bed, and caused his Wife to hold forth his hand to them, that they might shake him by it, and as he was able, he spake thus to them. O how it rejoices my heart to see your faces, and to hear your voices, though I cannot as heretofore speak to you. Methinks I am now like to Old Jacob, with all his Sons about him. You now see my weak estate, and thus have I been for many weeks, since I parted from Taunton; but God hath been with me, and I hope with you. Your Prayers for me have been answered many ways. The Lord return them into your own bosoms. My friends, Life is mine, Death is mine, in that Covenant I was Preaching of to you is all my Salvation, and all my desire: Altho my Body doth not prosper, I hope my Soul doth. I have lived a sweet Life by the Promises, and I hope (through Grace) I can die by a Promise. The Promises of God are everlasting, and will stand by us. Nothing but God in them will stand us instead in a day of Affliction.

My dear friends, I feel the power of those Doctrines which I Preached unto you, upon my heart. Now the Doctrines of Faith, of Repentance, of Self-denial, of the Covenant of Grace, of Contentment, &c. O that you would live them over now that I cannot Preach to you. Its a shame for a believer to be cast down under afflictions, who hath so many glorious Privileges, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, and Eternal Glory. We shall as the Angels of God within a little while; nay, to say the truth, Believers are, as it were, little Angels already, that live in the power of Faith. O my Friends! Live like Believers: Trample this dirty World under your feet. Be not taken with its Comfort, nor disquieted with its Crosses: You will be gone out of it shortly.

When they came to take their leaves of him, he Prayed with them as his weak state would suffer him: And in the words of Moses, and the Apostle, he blessed them in the same words as he used after the Sacrament. The Lord bless you, and keep you: The Lord cause his face to shine upon you, and give you peace. And the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his Will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory forever and ever, Amen. Adding, Farewell, Farewell my dear Friends: Remember me to all Taunton. I beseech you and them, if I never see your faces more, go home, and live over what I have Preached unto you; and the Lord provide for you when I am gone. O Let not all my Labors and Sufferings: Let not my wasted strength; my useless limbs rise up in Judgment against you at the great day of the Lord.

At another time some coming to visit him, he spake thus to them. O my Friends; Let your Conversation be as becometh the Gospel of Christ, whether I am present or absent. Live what I have spoken to you in the Name of the Lord: Now that I cannot Preach unto you, let my wasted strength, and useless limbs be a S • rmon to you. Behold me! I cannot move a finger: All this is come upon me for your sakes and the Gospels. It is for Christ and you that I have thus spent out myself, I am afraid lest some of you after all that I have spoken to you, should be lost in the world. There are many Professors who can pray well, and talk well, whom yet we shall find at the left hand of Christ, another day. You have your Trades, your Estates, your Relations: Be not taken with these, but with God, O live on him? For the Lord's sake go home and take heed of the World, of Worldly cares, of Worldly Comforts, Worldly Friends, &c. And then he added.

The Lord having given Authority to his Ministers to bless his People, I accordingly bless you: And so he did in the words formerly recited. And he conversed with all that came to visit him as he was able, looking always cheerfully upon them, and never in the least complaining of his Afflictions, except to his Taunton Friends to excite them to their duty.

In February he was very desirous to return to his People, which his Doctor assented to; fearing that Dorchester Air in March would be too sharp for him: And Judged that it might conduce to his cure to have his mind satisfied. At his return he was much pleased with the sight of that place and of his people, who came flocking about him, and he so increased in strength that within a week after he was able to feed himself. But to pr •• ent any prejudice that might come by the frequent visits of Friends, he removed to Mr. Mallacks House where he found most kind entertainment.

There he increased in strength till the beginning of April, and then he declined again, and was soon after taken with Convulsion fits, whereof he had divers the first day and night: But by God's blessing upon means, he was freed from them for about three weeks, and then, being alone in his Chamber, he was taken with a Fit, wherein he fell to the ground and hurt his Face; and his Nose bled much, which blood was clotted and corrupt, which made his Physicians to conclude that that fall saved his Life: For probably had not that blood come from his head, he had died in that Fit. Going to Bed he slept so well that night, that he awaked in the Morning much refreshed, and full of the praises of God for his mercies to him.

After this he lived always in the expectation of death, saying often, It is but a puff and I am gone, and therefore every night after Prayer he used to bid all the Family Farewell, saying he might be dead before Morning. Whilst he was undressing he would be discoursing of Spiritual things, and when he lay down to his rest, he used to say to his Wife, we shall shortly be in another Bed. Farewell my dear heart, the Lord bless thee: His first Speeches in the Morning usually were, now we have one day more, here is one more for God, now let us live well this day, Work hard for our • ouls, lay up much Treasure in Heaven this day, for we have but a few to live.

Hence forward the strength of his Limbs were so repaired, that they feared not his relapsing again. But about May 6th. he began to find weakness in his stomach, which quickly so grew upon him that he lost the use of his Limbs again, and May 12th. having lain some days and nights in cold sweats (as formerly) he was again taken with Convulsions, and having continued in a trance about four hours, his friends weeping about him, he at last spake thus unto them, weep not for me: My work is done: And immediately fell into a violent Convulsion fit, that held him two hours, and presently after fell into another, wherein he ratled and was cold, insomuch as they thought every breath would be his last. His Physicians said, that his pulse was gone, and that he would be dead in a few Minutes: But God shown his power in reviving him beyond all expectation; yet was he not able to speak to them till the next day, nor did he perfectly recover till four days after. Thus he continued every weak until July, mostly confined to his Bed, yet cheerful, and free to discourse with any that Visited him, as long as he was able.

A Proposal was made by his Wife to the Doctors, whether the Bath was not fit for him? Some were for it, others against it. But he himself was very eager for it. And a Horse-Litter being provided for him, though he had not for many days been out of his Bed, yet did the Lord so strengthen him that in two days he went almost forty Miles to the Bath. The Doctors there wondered to see such an object, and marvelled that he came such a Journy alive, and were very doubtful to put him in: But, against their Judgments he resolved to adventure himself.

At his first appearing in the Bath he was such a Skelleton that the Ladies were affrighted to see him, as if Death had come among them, and they could not endure to look upon him. When he went first in he could stay but a very little while, yet found much refreshing by it, and had no Symptoms of his Fits as was much feared. By God's blessing upon this means, and drinking Goats Milk, in three weeks space, he could walk about his Chamber and feed himself: His appetite came again, and his strength increased: And thus he continued till his death drew near.

During this time he grew exceedingly in Grace to the Joy and Edification of those about him. He had much Communion with God, and often such Ravishments of Spirit from the Consolation of the Holy Ghost, that he was not able to express them, nor his week Body to bear them. He was more cheerful than formerly, and exceeding affectionate to his Wife, and to all his Friends, especially to such as were most Heavenly: And the Lord was pleased so to order it by his Providence that many such came to make use of the Bath, as Mr. Fairclough, Mr. How of Torríngton, Mr. Joseph Bernard, and divers of his Taunton Friends, and of Bristow Ministers, which was a great Comfort to him in that strange and wicked place.

Here he had many Visiters both friends and strangers, who came to see and discourse with him, having heard what a Monument of mercy he was; and to all of them he would so enlarge himself, upon all the passages of God's dealing with him, as gave much content to all that heard him: And it did much affect many, who were Strangers to God and Religion as well as unto him. He found much favor even amongst the worst, both Gentry and others: Such as would make a Scoff at Religion in others, would hearken unto him; yea, though he faithfully reproved them for their Oaths, excessive drinking, wanton carriages which he observed in the Bath, and there was none of them but did most thankfully accept it from him, and shown him more respect after than they had done before. In which he observed much of God's goodness to him, and would often say, O how good is it to be faithful unto God: One of the vilest of these Persons said of him, that he never spake with such a Man in his Life.

His reproofs were managed with so much respect to their persons, and places, that they said, they could not but take them well, though they were sharp and plain: And his manner was before he intended to reprove them, often in the Bath to discourse with them of such things as might be pleasing to them, which did so engage their affections that they delighted to converse with him, who was furnished with matter of discourse for any Company, designing to make use of it for Spiritual ends, by which means he caught many:

Here though he had many Diversions, by his constant bathing every day, and frequent Visits, besides his weakness, yet he kept his constant Seasons, four times a day, for his holy Retirements. First in the Morning from five a Clock till seven, at which time he was carried to the Bath, and again before Dinner, but then he spent less time, and about half an hour before two, just before he went abroad, He appointed his Chair-man, that carried him to the Bath, to fetch him about three a Clock, and to carry him to the Schools and Alms-houses, and to the Godly Poor, especially the Widows, to whom he gave Money: And would pray and confer with them about their spiritual State as their necessities required, engaging the Teachers and Governors to teach them the Assemblies Catechism, whereof he bought and gave them many dozens for the use of their Scholars, and many other small Books which he judged useful for them; and about a Week or Fortnight after he would again visit them to see what progress they had made.

He also engaged several Persons to send their Children once a Week to him to be Catechised by him; and he had about Sixty or Seventy Children that came to him every Lord's-day, who profited much by his Instructions, till some took such offense at it, that he was forced to desist, and the Schoolmaster was threatened to be brought into the Bishops Court at Wells for it, which frighted him and some others. He also sent for all the Godly Poor he could hear of in the City, whom he entertained at his Chamber, and gave them Money according to his Ability, as a Thank offering unto God for his Mercy to him, and procured two of the aforenamed Ministers to assist him in keeping a Day of Thanksgiving for the same. Tho his Sickness had been long and his Expences great; yet, he thought he could never do enough for him from whom he had received all. He always gave Money or Apples to all the Children that came to be Catechised by him, besides what he gave to their Teachers and the Poor; and having made Provision for his Wife, he resolved to lay up the rest in Heaven; often saying, that having no Children of his own, God's Children should have his Estate.

His next work was to send Letters to all his Relations and intimate Friends, whom he exhorted to observe his Counsel, for it was like to be his last to them. He had a great desire to go to Mr. Joseph Bernard's, which was about five Miles from the Bath, to promote the Exercise of Catechising in Sommerset and Wiltshire. Mr. Bernard having had a great Deliverance as well as himself, he proposed to him, that by way of Thank offering unto God, they should mutually engage to join in the printing of six thousand of the Assemblies Catechisms, and to raise some Money among other Friends to send to every Minister in those Counties that would engage in the Work, and also to give to the Children for their encouragement in learning of it: which Work was effected by Mr. Bernard, after Mr. Alleins Decease.

Mr. Allein finding himself again to decline, judged that it proceeded from want of Bathing, and therefore returned to the Bath again, where (by the advise of the Doctor) he made use of the Hot-bath, the Cross-bath being now too cold for him, and for four days seemed to be refreshed by it; but upon the 3 d. of November there appeared a great change in his Countenance, and he found a great alteration in himself; and some Friends coming to visit him, he desired them to pray for him, for his time was very short.

After they had dined he was in more than an ordinary manner transported with Affections to his Wife, whom he thanked for all her care and pains about him, puting up most affectionate Petitions to God for her; and the like also he did after Supper.

After this, he called for a Practice of Piety, and turning from his Wife, he read to himself the Meditation about Death in the end of the Book; which his Wife taking notice of, asked him if he judged his End to be near? He answered that he knew not, but within a few days she should see. Then he desired her to read two Chapters to him, as she usually did every Night, and so he hasted to Bed (being not able to pray with them) undressing himself, more than he had done of many Months before. In Bed he complained of a stoppage in his Head, and had something given him to prevent his Fits, yet within a quarter of an hour he had a strong Convulsion, and God was pleased to deny success, notwithstanding all means used to remove it; these Fits continued for two Days and Nights without an hours intermission.

His Fits were very terrible to behold; but Prayer being made, that if the Lord saw fit, he would so far mitigate his hand upon him, that he might yet utter his mind unto them before his departure; the Lord was pleased to return a gracious Answer; For whereas before he had not spoken from Tuesday Night before, upon Friday Morning about three a Clock, he called for his Wife, speaking very understandingly (by times) all that Day; and that Night after he spake with an audible Voice for sixteen hours, such like words as you had formerly an account of: This continued, with some little intermission, till Saturday in the Evening, at which time he departed.

About three a Clock that Afternoon, he had (as those about him conceived) some conflicts with Satan; for he uttered these words, Away thou foul Fiend; thou Enemy of all Mankind; thou subtle Sophister: Art thou come now to molest me? Now that I am just going? Now I am so weak, and when Death is upon me? Trouble me not, for I am none of thine. I am the Lord's; Christ is mine, and I am his: His by Covenant: I have sworn myself to be the Lord's, and his I will be: Therefore be gone. Which words he repeated oft over, Be gone, Be gone. In his converse with his Wife he spent most of that time in heavenly and profitable discourses; speaking much of the place to which he was going, and his desire to be gone. I was thinking (said he, as he was dressing) of my Marriage Day; it will be shortly: O what a joyful Day will that be!

Having some Broth brought him, he said blessed be the Lord for these refreshments in the way home: But, O how sweet will Heaven be! And at another time he said, I hope to be shortly where I shall neither need Meat, nor Drink, nor Cloaths.

When he looked upon his weak and consumed hands, he said, these shall be changed; This vile Body shall be made like unto Christ's Glorious Body.

And again, O what a Glorious Day will the Day of the Resurection be! Methinks I see it by Faith. How will the Saints then lift up their Heads and rejoice? And how sadly will the wicked World look then?

O come, let us make haste! Our Lord will come shortly, let us prepare for him.

If we long to be in Heaven, let us hasten with our Work; for when that is done, away we shall be fetched.

O this vain, foolish, dirty World! I wonder how reasonable Creatures can so dote upon it! What is in it worth the looking after? I care not to be in it longer than my Master hath doing or suffering work for me; were that done, then farewell to the Earth.

He was oft in commending the Love of Christ, and from that, exciting himself and others to Obedience to Christ; often speaking of his Sufferings and of his Glory: As also of his Love-Letters; for so he styled the History of his Life, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and of his second coming; the thoughts of which, he was oft much ravished withal.

He would be often reckoning up the choice Tokens which Christ had sent him; As First, Pardon of Sin. Secondly, A Patent for Heaven. Thirdly, The Gift of the Spirit. Fourthly, The Robe of Christ's Righteousness. Fifthly, The Spoils of Enemies. Sixthly, The Charter of all Liberties and Privileges. Lastly, The Guard of his Angels; and this last he did frequently solace himself in, in the times of Imprisonment, and else where; and would say to his Wife, though we have not such Attendants and Servants as the Great Ones of the World have, yet we have God's blessed Angels still to wait upon us, to minister to us, and to watch over us while we are sleeping; to go along with us in our Journies, and still to preserve us from the Rage of Men and Devils.

He was very much affected with the three last Chapters of St. Johns Gospel, especially with Christ's parting Words and Prayer for his Disciples. In brief, his Heart, his Lips, his Life was filled with Grace, which did radiently shine forth both in Health and Sickness, in Prosperity and Adversity, in Prison and at Liberty, in his own House and in God's House; so that few that conversed with him, but they would acknowledge that they were Gainers by him.

At Mr. Allein's first coming to Taunton, he so journed with Mr. Newton, and after his Ordination, administered all Ordinances jointly with him, though he were but an Assistant, who highly esteemed and dearly loved him. At this time he was in League with her whom afterwards he married, and Mr. Newton observing his restless Spirit, which put him upon many tedious Journies every Fortnight of twenty five Miles, to give her a Visit; thereupon he persuaded them to consummate their Marriage, which they did accordingly, October 4. 1655. After which they lived with Mr. Newton almost two years, and were very kindly entertained by him.

At the end of this time, conceiving that they might be more useful by turning House-keepers, they took an House, and Mrs. Allein having been bred to her Needle, set up a Boarding-School, and had many Tablers and Scholars: Their Family was seldom less than twenty, sometimes thirty; and her School usually contained fifty or sixty, many coming out of the Town and Neighbourhood besides their Tablers. And the Lord was pleased exceedingly to bless their Labors and Endeavors, so that within a few years space many of them were converted, who before were Strangers to God. All the Scholars called Mr. Allein Father; and indeed he had far more care of them than most of their Natural Parents had, and was very tenderly affectionated to them, especially to their Souls.

His Practice in his Family was twice a Day to read the Scriptures, to sing a Psalm, and to Pray; except when he Catechised, which was constantly once, if not twice a Week. Of every Chapter that was read, he expected an account, and also of every Sermon. He dealt with both his Servants and Scholars frequently, together and apart about the spiritual Estate of their Souls, pressing them to perform all Duties, both of the first and second Table: He also gave them sundry Books suitable to their Capacities and Conditions, of which they gave a weekly account how they had profited by the same.

His Lord's-Days work was very great; for though he preached but once in Taunton, yet he constantly was employed the other part of the Day, either in assisting some of his Brethren that stood in need of his help, or else went to such Places where a Minister was wanting. In his public Repetitions and in his Catechising, his own Family, both Scholars and Servants answered him when their turn came as well as others,

He was an holy and tenderly affectionated Husband towards his Yoke-fellow, to whom he expressed his Love by his great care for her both in Sickness and in Health; in his provision for her after his Decease; in his delight in her Company, saying often that it was irksome to him to make a Meal without her: He used to impart unto her all his Affairs that were fit for her to be acquainted with, and to consult with her about them: He spared not to reprove her faithfully for whatsoever he judged amiss; and if himself had at any time given her offense, he would desire her to pass it by, professing that he was restless in his Spirit till he had done it.

He was frequent in keeping Days of Humiliation, especially before the Sacrament. He was a strict Observer of the Sabbaths, the Duties whereof he did perform with such joy and alacrity of Spirit, both in public and private, as tended much to the Edification of those that joined with him; the like practice he pressed much upon Christians, that they should spend the Sabbaths more in Praises and Thanksgivings, as being days of holy rejoicing in Christ our Redeemer.

During the time of his Health, he rose constantly about four a Clock in the Morning, and sooner on the Sabbaths if he did awake. He would be much troubled if he heard any Smiths, Shoemakers, &c. at work in their Trades before he was in his Duties with God, saying, O how this noise shames me! Doth not my Master deserve more than theirs? From four a Clock till eight he spent in Prayer, Meditation and singing of Psalms, which he much delighted in, and did daily practice when alone as well as in Company; then having refreshed himself about the space of half an hour, he • ent to Family Duties, and after that, to his Study till about eleven or twelve a Clock.

Having refreshed himself a while after Dinner, he retired into his Study to secret Prayer, and then went abroad amongst those Families which he was to visit, to whom he always gave notice the day before: He went forth about two a Clock, and seldom returned before seven: He would often say, Give me that Christian that accounts his Time more precious than Gold. He Catechised once a Week in public, and repeated the Sermon which he preached on the Lord's-Day, on Tuesdays in the Evening.

In his visiting from house to house he found much difficulty, it having not been practiced formerly; yet after in public he had preached up the Ministers Duty to their People, and theirs to receive them when they came to promote the good of their Souls, he presently set upon the work, wherein his manner was thus;

He took a Catalogue of the Names of all the Families in each street, and a day or two before he intended to visit them, he used to send them word that so they might be at home, and that he might know whether they were willing to receive him or no? Such as sent slight excuses, or did obstinately refuse to admit him, he would notwithstanding go to them; And if they shut their doors against him (as some would) he would speak some few affectionate words unto them, or denounce God's Threatenings against the obstinate that despised Christ's Ministers, and so depart: And shortly after he would write to them with words so full of Love, and expressions of his great desires of doing good to their Souls, as did often mollify and overcome their hearts, so that many of them did afterwards entertain him readily. And in the practice of this Duty he baulked not; but visited the poor as well as the rich, though some of their houses were very noisome and offensive to him: And though his Labors were so abundant, yet for nine years together, he was not under the least distemper for the space of one Quarter of an hour.

His Wise, suspecting that his extraordinary labors would bring him into diseases, labored to persuade him somewhat to abate of them, he answered, what have I strength for, but to spend it for God? Thou art like unto Peter, still crying, O spare thyself, but I must not hearken unto thee no more than my Master did unto him.

He was very temperate in his diet, and though he had a sharp Appetite, yet he would moderate it, knowing that it would much conduce to his health. His converse at Meals was very profitable and pleasant: Whether he was at home or abroad he would take opportunities of speaking something to the Edification of others.

He was much in commending and admiring the Mercies of God in every Meal: Was still so pleased in the provision that was made for him, that he would often say, he fared deliciously every day, and lived far better than the Great Ones of the world, whose Tables were far better furnished. For he enjoyed God in all, and saw his Love and bounty in what he received from him every Meal. Whence (speaking to his Wife) he would say, O wife, I live a Voluptuous Life: But (blessed be God) it is upon Spiritual dainties: Such as the world neither knows nor tastes of.

He was much in minding the poor that were in want of all things, often wondering that God should make such a difference between him and them, both for this world, and for that to come: And his Charity was ever beyond his Estate. There were but few (if any) Poor Families, especially of the Godly in Taunton, but he knew their necessities, and did either by himself or by his Friends relieve them; So that his house was seldom free from such as came to make their complaints to him. He used to buy Pease and Flitches of Bacon, and distribute them twice a year in the cold and hard seasons. He kept several Children at School upon his own cost: Bought many Books and Catechisms, and had many thousand of Prayers Printed which he gave away among the poor. And when his Brethren of the Ministry were cast out of their places, he himself gave 4 l. per annum towards making a public stock for them, by which example he excited many others to do the like, yea, upon other occasions (which frequently fell out) he was so open-handed that he gave offense to his friends: So that many in the Town grudged to give what they had agreed with him for, because he gave so much. Besides all this, the necessities of his Father, and of many other, his Relations, where still craving his help, and he Ministred unto them without grudging. And when he had received a more than ordinary mercy, he would set apart some portion of his Estate, which he dedicated to the Lord as a Thank-offering, to be employed in pious and Charitable uses.

When his Wife would have moderated him in these expenses, his answer was, that he was laying up for God, and God would repay him. And that by liberal things he should stand, when others that censured him for it should fall. That if he sowed sparingly he should reap sparingly: If bountifully he should reap bountifully. And notwithstanding all that he did in his Life time in this kind, yet when he came to die he had something left to dispose of to his Relations, and to his Brethren of the Ministry, besides the comfortable provision that he had made for his Wife.

In brief, his whole Life was a continued Sermon, holding forth the Doctrines which he Preached, of Humility, Self-denial, Patience, Meekness, Contentation, Faith, Love to God, his Church, and People, the blessed fruit of all which he now reaps in Heaven, where he is singing praises unto God and the Lamb, which was his great delight whilst he lived in this world.

The Life and Death of Dr. Edmund Staunton, who Died Anno Christi, 1671.

EDmund Staunton, was born of the Ancient and Worthy Family of the Stauntons in