The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons

Of Dr. Stauntons great care to promote Religion and Learning in C. C. C. whilst he was President, by Mr. J. M. Sometime Fellow of the same.

I (Saith he) who had the happiness to be near him for many years, and observed the excellent workings of the Grace of God in him, cannot but speak of the things which I have seen and heard.

In his younger years he was chosen Scholar of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, and not long after Probationer Fellow of the same, before he was Batchellor of Arts; a thing seldom known in that House. There Men finding him to be not only ingenious, but ingenuous also, shown him great respect, bestowing one token thereof after another. And there God not for any desert in him, but out of his own mercy and grace did set his eye upon him: There did the kindness and love of God (which a great while before had run, like water, under ground) break forth and appear; saving him by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

For here God first opened his eyes, and caused him to see his wretched condition, which did greatly and deeply humble him, and made him to put up strong cries, with tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared, (Heb. 5. 7.) For at length he had his Conscience sprinkled with the blood of Christ, by whom he received the Atonement. And the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, made him free from the Law of sin and death.

And now he became a member of the most Ancient, Honorable, and durable Society in the world: Being, first chosen, and then admitted Fellow of Zion College, where an innumerable Company of Saints and Angels where his Collegues. And having received his Grace, he found himself strongly inclined to make others partakers of the same. Wherefore, having taken his Degree of Master of Arts, after some few years he left the College, and gave up himself to the work of the Ministry.

He spent most of his time and labors at Kingston upon Thames, where the pleasure of the Lord did prosper in his hands. From thence (as we heard before) he was called to be a Governor of that College whereof before he had been a Member: And as soon as he came to the place he manifested an earnest desire after the welfare of the Society in every respect, exciting, and by his Example, leading such as were to assist him, to endeavor the same.

His Government favored more of lenity and mildness than of sharpness and severity; yet he kept the College in very good order and discipline. And though the House, before his time, had been much troubled with division, he, by his Moderation and Christian prudence, kept them all of a piece, and in the enjoyment of great Peace and Concord. He was indeed naturally of an exceeding good temper and disposition; gentle, affable, and courteous to all, which being embellished with Grace, made him exceeding amiable, and very useful in his whole Conversation.

His great care was to promote Religion and Learning in the College, which he prosecuted with both hands earnestly. Divine knowledge and human learning are the right and left Eye of the world: And as the Sun and Moon are to the Universe, the Eclipsing of either of them leaves the World in darkness. One thing there was which made him more desirous to see Religion and Learning to meet together in conjunction, in all such as were to be chosen Scholars of the House, or if that could not be obtained, to have them joined together afterwards. It was the Founders Will, expressed in one of his Statutes, that all the Fellows, and Scholars that were of the Foundation, should, about a year or two after they were Masters of Arts, be ordained to the Holy Ministry; one only excepted, who ad Arbitrium, might be deputed to the study and Practice of Physic Parts and Learning without grace, make a Man capable of doing very good Service in the Common-wealth; but both in Conjunction are more requisite in one who is to make manifest the savor of the knowledge of Christ in every place, 2 Cor. 2. 14. Knowledge puffeth up, but Charity Edifies, 1 Cor. 8. 1. A Man of Learning without Grace, is like a Ship without Ballast, the least blast of applause is ready to drive him upon the Quick-sands of pride, or to carry him upon the Rocks of opposition to others, yea, sometimes to the truth itself, and that to his own great danger and the prejudice of others.

Upon such accounts as these, this Godly wise Man was careful to prevent (if it might be) an error in the first concoction, knowing how hard it might be to prevent it in the second. Therefore when any Scholars place became void, if there appeared many Candidates for it, he appointed them, sometime before the Election, to attend him at his Lodgings, where he examined them privately, and set down in a Paper the Age, Standing, and Proficiency in Learning, of everyone of them. He noted also what Testimonials he had received from Persons of Integrity, concerning the good Conversation of any of them, and of their hopefulness as to Godliness, together with his own apprehensions of them, upon his Examination as to that matter also.

And if such a number of the Electors as was requisite, could not (after public Examination) agree upon one of them, he upon whom the Election was in that Case devolved, if there appeared to him and Equallity, or near an equallity in other respects, he would always let piety have the Honor to turn the Scales.

His next care was to have these Twins, Piety and Parts fostered and cherished, and by all ways and means, improved, and heighthened to the utmost of his Power: And to this purpose he came always to all College Exercises: Held everyone to the Duties of their several Places, and observed every ones growth, and progress in Learning, by which means he was the better able to Judge whom to prefer when any of them came to be Competitors for a Fellowship.

His care was no less to see Religion prosper and thrive: For which end he made choice of the fittest Persons that he could find to perform the Duty of Prayer, Morning and Evening; even such as would with Reverence, seriousness, and warm affections, engage the hearts of the Hearers in the Duty: And at this holy exercise himself was present as constantly, if not more constantly than the younger Scholars, as to join in the Duty, to bring down a blessing upon them from above, and upon their Studies, so also to see that it was performed Reverently, and to see that the whole Society came together duly.

Every Lord's-day in the Evening when the whole House met together to offer up their Sacrifice of Praise and Prayer, he examined the younger sort; calling them to an account of what they heard that day; which was a likely means to engage them to the greater attention in hearing, and to make the truths, by their pondering upon them, to sink the deeper into their hearts.

He took great pains to instruct them of the lower Rank in the Grounds of Religion, calling them one day in the week into the Chapel, where he opened the great and weighty truths of Christianity to them: Endeavouring still, not only to inform their Judgments, but to make the truths reach their hearts.

Whereas the Founder required, that the Fellows and Scholars should, at such a standing (as was said before) be Ordained to the Ministry; he, with the consent of such of the Fellows, as were impowered by the Statutes to make Orders for the good of the Society, decreed, that all of such a standing or above, should Preach every Lord's-day in the Morning, by course, in the College Chapel, before the Public Sermon in the University. By this means they which were designed for the work of the Ministry, might hereby both prove, and improve, and also approve themselves to others to be Men Apt to teach; which is one of the quallifications required in the Apostolical Canons in them that are to be called to the Pastoral Office.

Lastly besides the Conferences which he had often in his own Lodgings about Soul concernments, and Communion in the Lord's-Supper in the College Chapel, where he himself did administer, and many of the House with others from abroad were partakers of that Sacred Ordinance: He would be often discoursing with such of the Society as came to him about any business, and that in such a manner as tended to the promoting of Holiness. For he seldom would let them part from him without some Instruction, Admonition, or hearty Counsel.

Those especial, who by reason of their place and standing, were most frequently about him, received great benefit by their Conversing with him. For his Heart taught his Mouth and added Learning to his Lips. When a Portion of Scripture was read at Dinner (as usually it was) he did not only cause deep silence, and reverent Attention through all the Hall, that all, while they were feeding their Bodies, might feed their Souls also. But when the Chapter was ended, if there were any difficult places in it, he either propounded them to the Fellows that sat at Table with him, or else opened and unfolded them himself. If it contained Practical matter, it was a profitable, and pleasant thing to see and hear, how he, who applied his Heart to the knowledge of God, and kept his words and Laws within him, had them withal fitted in his Lips.

He lived to see some fruit of his Labors to his great joy and contentment. For divers of them who were, from the beginning, trained up under him, became Learned, well-disposed and Pious Men; among whom was Mr. Joseph Allein, late Minister of the Gospel at Taunton in Sommerset▪shire. For as he was a great Comfort to this Holy Man whilst he was in the College, so it did revive him to hear (for he was often enquiring after such as had been under him, as a Father after his Children) that he proved so eminently Pious, and useful a Man in the Church of God.

We have seen how vigilant and indusirious a Governor this good Man was in the College: He was also one who in Compassion to Men's Souls, took every opportunity, when he was at home to Preach in, or near to the City of Oxford. One of the Impropriations belonging to the College, having (before his time) but a small stipend belonging to it; not sufficient to afford a subsistence to an able Man to labor, and watch over the People for the good of their Souls, he first went himself, and afterwards he desired some of the Senior Fellows to go thither by course, and Preach unto the People: Which desire of his they readily and willingly embraced for some time, till the Lease of the Impropriation came to be renewed: At which time, upon his proposal, the Fellows consented either much to abate, or wholly to remit the Fine, in leiu thereof requiring a competent Sum to be paid yearly, to encourage an able Man to labor constantly among them.

When the Affairs of the College called him forth into Places remote from the University, he was always ready to take any opportunity of doing good to the Souls of Men. One who hath rode many Hundred Miles in Company with him, hath always observed his deportment in all places, and towards all persons, to be such as became an Heavenly minded Christian, and a true and faithful Minister of Jesus Christ.

When he was riding on the way, he entertained his Company with Heavenly discourse: And as variety of objects did present themselves to him, he always drew excellent matter out of them; glorifying God for the Wisdom, Power and Goodness which appeared in the works of Creation, and Providence.

When he passed by such as were about their occasions in the Feilds, he would many times make an Alt, and enter into a short discourse with them. He used first to ask them some ordinary Questions, such as Travelers use to do, and then to take occasion from their answers, to propound other Questions of weight and concernment to their Souls: leaving always some serious word with them at parting, for them to Ruminate upon when he was gone. And probably there are many, who never saw his face, nor he theirs, but thus in his passage, that have blest God for him.

When he came to his Lodging, either in a public or Private House, as he had a better advantage there, so he constantly made use of it, for God's glory, and the Edification of whatsoever Company God's Providence cast him. He had an excellent Gift and rare faculty to improve discourse so as to make it, not only pleasant to those with whom he did converse, but very profitable to their Souls, still aiming at the last, as that mark which he had constantly in his eye.

When he came among persons of Quality (being himself well born, well Educated, of a Generous Spirit, and a cheerful temper) his Company, and converse was usually very grateful to them, which gave him an advantage to tell them (as he would plainly, yet prudently) of what he saw amiss in them: To mind them of the Vanity of the World: Of better things above; and to put them (as he often would) upon good designs to show their Thankfulness to God for his Mercy and Goodness to them.

Nor was there a person so mean, but he would readily and humbly condescend to him, as knowing what precious Souls dwell in the poorest Houses of clay. He always spake to such in their own Dialect, and in such a Phrase as they well understood; trying their knowledge and feeling the Pulse of their Souls. If he found them ignorant, or insensible of their Spiritual Estate, he would endeavor to awaken them by laying plain Texts of Scripture before them, for their Conviction.

If he met with humbled, and burdened Souls, or such as were Babes in Christ, he would gather and embrace them as Lambs in his Arms, and gently lead them to the Wells of Salvation. If at any time there happened to be a mixed Company at the Table with him; some serious Christians, some Professors at large, his manner was to be very free and pleasant in Discourse with them, which caused them all to give great attention to him: Then might you have seen how ever and anon the Honey dropped from his Lips while the Company were hanging on them. How skillful he was in dividing the Word of Truth aright, giving to everyone his Portion, and how wise in winning of Souls.

If he observed any to take the boldness from his innocent Mirth and pleasant humor, to incline to vain and frothy discourse, he would very dexterously turn to some more profitable matter, and (as occasion was given) afford a serious reproof, tempered with much kindness and Love to their Souls, which was usually well taken at his hand.

If his occasions required his stay a day or two at any place, he seldom departed before he had Preached to the people: And he found by much and long Experience that a plain way of Preaching was the most effectual to the ends for which that Ordinance was appointed, and therefore he constantly used it, even in the College and University, though he could easily have appeared in another strain, had he preferred an Airy Reputation with some, before the work of his Master, and the real advantage of his hearers.

[illustration]
OLIM PASTORI • E •• KETTON in. SU • E: Aet. so. VERA EFFIGIS SAMUELIS FAIRCLOUGH A. M.
Qui obiit 14 Decemb 〈…〉 1677 Aetatis 84.

F. H. Van. Houe. Sculp:

[portrait of Samuel Fairclough]

The Life and Death of Mr. Samuel Fairclough, who died Anno Christi, 1677.

THis Reverend and Learned Divine, Mr. Samuel Fairclough, was born April 29. 1594. at Haverill, an ancient Market Town in that part of Suffolk which borders both upon Essex and Cambridge-shire; His Father Mr. Lawrence Fairclough, was a branch of that very ancient Family in Lancashire; from whence he was sent to the University of Cambridge, and thence removed to be Incumbent at Haverill, where he lived an able and worthy Preacher of the Gospel for many years. His Mother was Mrs. Many Cole, the Daughter of Mr. John Cole, chief Lord of that Town: so that he was well descended both by Father and Mother, and to be born so, is reckoned an honor even by divine testimony 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 filii illustrium, the children of illustrious Parents, having a preference given them in sacred Writ, Eccl. 10. 17.

This Family hath been very famous for Arts and Arms; one of this man's Progenitors, as Mr. Peacham tells us in his Book of Heraldry, was Standard-bearer to the Earl of Darby at Bosworth-field, who under God was a great means whereby Henry the 7th obtained the Victory over Richard the third, an Usurper, whereby those civil Wars ended, with which this Nation was before almost ruined. Another of his Family for his great Learning and Skill in the Oriental Languages, as Dr. Fuller tells us in his Ecclesiastical History, was appointed by Commission from King James, to be one of the new Translators of the Bible; a work of great use and benefit to the Church of God. Dr. Daniel Fairclough, alias Featley, was a branch of this Family also, whose works do, and will always praise him in the Gates; But none hath heightened the reputation of this name more than this Gentleman, of whose Life we shall now give some account.

He was the youngest Son and the youngest Child (save one) of his Father, all his Brethren, who were four, were men of such great Spirits, as that so soon as they attained the Age of 20 or 21 years, they all travelled beyond Sea, and some of them took Commissions to serve in the Wars of the Low-Countries, where they did very eminent Service, and all of them but one (who returned and died a Bachelor of Eighty years old in England) died in the Wars, and slept in the Bed of Honor. He had four Sisters, all very gracious Women, and all married to pious Husbands.

His good Father having preached a Sermon of Thanksgiving for the coming in of King James, in the year 1603. caught so great a cold by it, that he died the next day, leaving this Son then but nine years old.

From a child he was of a most ingenuous and ingenious temper; what the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , good nature, or what the Latins call Ingenium, quasi ingenitum, inbred connate worth, was early discerned to be in him, and gave strong hopes of his being a brave person in due time: No man did ever arrive to any excellency, unless nature had first laid a good foundation for Art and Industry afterwards to build upon. There must be some naturales igniculi, some sparks of a generous Life hid and laid up by nature, which are to be blown up by Art; or as Plato expresses them, quaedam semina virtutum, some seeds of virtue, which education must cultivate and well water, or else no great things can be expected from any man.

There were many pledges of a great and good mind, discerned in this Child when very young; which his Father perceived; but more especially he observed in him a natural bookishness, and a desire to study, and a love to search after knowledge. The Philosopher advises Parents to follow those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; those propensions of their Children's tempers; and accordingly his Father upon his death-bed laid a particular command on his Mother to breed this Son a Scholar, and advised, that he should be put to School, and educated under one Mr. Robotham, the most famous Schoolmaster of that age. His Master soon found him to be a Lad of very great parts, and moreover, (which is not ordinarily found in Children of quick Wits) he was very sedulous and industrious; By these advantages it came to pass, that before he was fourteen years of Age he was sent to the University, with this Testimony from his Master, That he was the best Scholar that ever went from that School, whereof he had been Master near 30 years.

This could not but be a great comfort to his Mother; but there was something of another kind, which rejoiced her much more; and it was this, that God was pleased to begin a work of grace in his heart very early and betimes, by awakening his Conscience by the terrors of the Law, and by bestowing a sincere repentance upon him thereby, and by working an effectual faith in him; and all this done by the ministry of the word preached by Mr. Samuel Ward, then Lecturer of Haverill: Mr. Ward had answered for him in his Baptism, and had always an hearty love to him; who Preaching one Lord's day upon Zacchaeus his conversion▪ and discoursing upon Zacchaeus his four-fold restitution in case of rapine and extortion; he used that frequent expression in that case, to wit, Non dimittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum, that is, no man can expect pardon from God of the wrong done to another's estate, except he makes full restitution to the wronged person, if it may possibly be done: This was as a dart directed by the hand of God to the heart of our young School-boy; who together with one John Trigg (afterwards a famous Physician in London) had the very week before, robbed the Orchard of one Goodman Jude of that Town, and had filled their Pockets as well as their Bellies, with the spoils of a Mellow-Pear-Tree.

At, and after Sermon he mourned much, and took not any sleep all the night following; and early on the Monday morning he went to his companion Trigg, and told him, that he was then going to Goodman Jude 's to carry him 12 pence by way of restitution for three penny worth of Pears, of which he had wronged him: Trigg (fearing that if the thing were confessed to Goodman Jude, Jude would acquaint Mr. Robotham their Master therewith; and that corporal correction would follow) did earnestly strive to divert this poor Child from his purpose of restitution; but Fairclough replied, that God would not pardon the sin except restitution was made; to which Trigg answered thus, Thou talkest like a fool Sam, God will forgive us ten times; sooner than old Jude will forgive us once: But our Samuel was of another mind, and therefore he goes on to Jude 's house, and there told him his errand, and offered him a shilling, which Goodman Jude refusing (although he declared the forgiveness of the wrong, yet) the youths wound smarted the more thereby, so that he could get no rest until he went to his spiritual Father Mr. Ward, and had opened to him the whole state of his Soul, both upon the account of this particular sin and many others, and most especially, the sin of sins, the original sin and depravation of his nature. Mr. Ward received him with great affection and tenderness, and proved the good Samaritan to him, pouring Wine and Oil into his wounds, answering all his questions, satisfying his fears, and preached Jesus to him so fully and effectually, that he became a true and sincere Convert, and dedicated and devoted himself to his Savior and Redeemer all the days of his life after.

Being designed for Cambridge, he was recommended by a friend of his, one Mr. Allington, unto Mr. Berry a Fellow of Queens-College, to whom he went; and having delivered Mr. Allington's Letter, he (with a most humble confidence) begged leave to speak a few words to him; and then informed him that he was the Son of a worthy Divine who died five years before, that he had continued at School ever since, and that his elder Brethren had carried away almost all his Fathers Estate with them into the Low-Countries, so that he had but little to spend, and not anything to recommend him to a Tutor, but the knowledge he had obtained in the Greek and Latin tongues, and, (which he was willing to promise) further diligence in his Studies, and a cheerful observance of the commands of any Gentleman, who would make trial thereof. He added, that it might seem a great piece of impudence, that a poor boy should thus address himself to so Reverend a person; but it was the report which Mr. Allington had given of his kindness, that made him hope now to find Charity there, where many other persons had experienced so much goodness at all times.

Mr. Berry, (who was in truth a very kind and good many was mightily pleased to see a young youth deliver himself so humbly, and yet so freely; he therefore first posed him himself in all School Authors, both Latin and Greek, and finding him a perfect Master (almost) of both those Languages, he told him, that if Dr. Tyndale, (the then Master of the College) would approve of him, he should then be admitted into the College; and he sent him to the Dr. accordingly; who had no sooner made trial of him, but did also greatly approve of him. But there was yet a mighty difficulty in the way of his admission: for there was not one Study empty in the whole College, and for want thereof, many Scholars had been rejected that year: But Mr. Berry would not upon this account reject him, but he set up a Bed in his own Chamber for him, and gave him liberty to study there, until another study should become void. Thus was he admitted into Queens College in Cambridge in an extraordinary manner. I cannot say he was admitted Fellow-Commoner, but he was admitted Chamber-fellow and fellow-Student with his own Tutor.

He had not been above two years in the College before Spencer Lord Compton, eldest Son of William Earl of Northampton, was designed for the University, and for that College also. The Earl would needs have his Son to have two Tutours, whereof one or other might always he with him; Dr. Towers, afterwards Bishop of Peterborough, was chosen by the Earl for his head Tutor, and the Earl wrote to Dr. Tyndale to provide a Sub-tutor, who might converse with the young Lord, and take care of him, as often as Dr. Towers was absent. The Master was then at his Deanery of Eli with some Fellows of the College, where he received the Earl 's Letter, which he had no sooner done, but he concluded with himself that this Fairclough would be a most fit person for this place; the next day therefore he sent for him to Eli, and told him that he must write immediately a Latin Letter to the Earl, and therein offer his Service to the young Lord, his Son. The task was very difficult for so young a person to undertake, but the employment was honorable and profitable; the constant Sallery was to be 30 l. per annum, and thereby also a door of preferment was certainly opened for the future, if his genius should lead him either to travel beyond Sea with the young Lord, or if his inclination should prompt him to attend on the old Earl at home, who was a great Favorite at Court. All which, Dr. Tyndale did intimate to him, and then left him to compose such a Letter, whilst himself and the Fellows that were with him, and some of the Chapter, went to dinner in another room; where they had not fully dined, before the Letter was sent in finished as a third course. Mr. Preston, afterwards the renowned Dr. Preston, was one of the Fellows then at dinner. The Dean and the whole Company were amazed when they read the Letter, both for the manliness of the sense, the richness of the fancy, the sweetness of the expression, the elegancy of the Latin, and the bravery of the whole Texture, but Mr. Preston discerned especially the seriousness, sobriety, and a seeming Piety that breathed in every line; and from that time he received this young man (although somewhat his Junior) into intimate Society and Familiarity with himself.

The Epistle was sent by the Dr. to the Earl, who having read it, and observed much of accuracy therein, did rejoice that his Son should converse with, and in many things be guided by such a Scholar, who although but young in age, yet did manifestly appear learned, grave and prudent beyond his years. The next day therefore after the receipt of the Letter, there were many rich Goods and much Furniture sent to this Lad to take care of, and orders were given him further to furnish the Chambers with every thing that should be wanting. There were several Trunks sent also full of rich Cloaths, and much money; the Keys of all which were delivered to him, with notice that the Earl's Son would be at the College about three weeks after. This was done (and mention thereof is here made) because the Earl afterwards acknowledged, that he did hereby make trial of the Scholars temper, both as to his faithfulness, and also to his discretion.

Democritus observing Protagoras his making up of a Faggot or bundle of sticks, when he was very young, more neatly and with greater skill than ordinary, pronounced of him, that (if he were set to School) he would certainly prove an accurate Scholar and a subtle Philosopher; and Democritus his judgment (though taken but from such an observation) did not fail: Accordingly the Earl coming and finding all things that were sent, taken good care of, and all the money secured, and all things necessary provided, he declared, not only his present satisfaction, but his great confidence, that his Son would be under excellent government, both as to his civil, and also as to all his moral concerns; the Earl therefore putting two Broad-pieces into this Sub-tutours hands, told him that he had made trial of his prudence and faithfulness in his Stewardship about smaller matters, and now he believed that he might safely trust him in greater concerns, and therefore he would commit the richest Jewel, and the greatest Treasure he had in the world, to the oversight of Dr. Towers and himself: but (in truth) the greatest care of the whole affair lay upon the shoulder of the Sub-tutor, in as much as Dr. Towers was much out of Town; and the Sub-tutor being constantly with him, had the fairest opportunities to forewarn him of evil, and to reprove him for any miscarriage, which he always did do, with that great prudence, deep humility, and apparent affection, that the young Lord loved him as his Brother, and valued his words as an Oracle.

About this time did King James first come to Cambridge at the public Commencement; and being much pleased therewith, he promised to give the University a second visit within a short time; The Heads therefore resolved to welcome the Kings second coming with a Comedy, namely, with that famous one called Ignoramus, and thereupon the greatest Wits and persons of greatest quality were selected to be Actors therein, among which, the Lord Compton was pitched upon for one, because of his great birth; and his Sub-tutor was designed for another, for his parts and ingenuity; but it so happened, that that part which was to be acted by the Sub-tutor (who was but little and of low stature) was that of Surda, an old Woman, and it required him to be clothed in Woman's Apparel, which, though it were not to be worn to deceive in the worst sense, yet it had an appearance of evil in it (as the young man thought) which by the Apostles rule was to be avoided; he therefore went to the Vice-Chancellor, desiring to be excused from acting that, or any other part; the Vice-Chancellor told him, that he was unwise in his desires, for, by his acting he would become known to the Court, and by acting well he would gain the Kings favor immediately, and get preferment in a short time. To which the young Scholar replied, that he judged it unlawful for a man to wear Womens Apparel, even in a Comedy. The Vice-Chancellor at first laughed at him, and argued the point a while with him, but met with some such arguments at last as turned his smile into a frown, so that the contest between the Vice-Chancellor and him had proceeded higher, had not the Lord Compton offered, that he would act his own part, (which was that of Vince a page) and his Sub-tutours part also; which request could not be denied to a person of such honor; whose kindness therein was very great to his friend.

Thus did this youth choose to lose the smiles of the Court, and to bear the frowns of the Vice-Chancellor, rather than to hazard the loss of the light of God's countenance, or to endure the least lash of his own Conscience. He well understood the meaning of that saying, Populus me sibilat, At mihi plaudo; for indeed he was always a Theatre to himself, and although he could not Histrionem agere, act the Comedian, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 play the hypocrite, either with God or men, or himself, yet he acted always as one that was resolved to die and go off the Stage of the world with a well done good and faithful Servant spoken to him by the King of Kings, and the great Spectator and observer of all men.

However here was occasion given to many Scholars in the University, both to envy him that he was preferred to the honor of acting, and to admire his self-denial in not embracing the opportunity: but in some of the University it excited a great desire of his acquaintance and of converse with him. Mr. Preston had already brought him into the Company, not only of Mr. Davenant, afterwards Master of that College, and Mr. Hildersham and Mr. Perkins; but now divers others that were eminent for Piety and Learning came often to visit him. Bishop Tower's hereupon foretold his being a Non-conformist; but it was not his early converse with some, who afterwards did not fully conform (as he hath often declared) that begat Scruples in his mind, but (as he said) it was the reading of the very books writ in defense of the Ceremonies, together with the observation (as he thought) of a different temper and spirit in men on both sides; which made him study the Controversy, and to question the lawfulness of doing some things that were afterwards required.

He could and did submit to the use of the Liturgy, though he made it not matter of his choice. He was of the same opinion which Bishop Taylor afterwards declared himself to be of, in a late Book, One prays conceiving, another reading, (saith he) the one frames words to his mind, which is far more easy; the other frames his mind to his words, which is not so easy, yet both the one and the other prayeth and obtaineth, if they pray with good understanding and godly affections: Dr. Tailors Practice of the faithful, p. 7. Some persons (as he thought) were over zealous for forms, neglecting the power, whilst some others thought that the power of Religion ought to govern all uninstituted forms, as the Soul governs the members of its own body, using or not using them when or how it sees occasion; without constant receiving traverses or shackles from others (as young Colts may do for a time) but no man will enter into a battle so mounted.

One particular occasion of more narrow searching into these things, was given by one of the Fellows of Pembroke-Hall, who in those days came frequently to the Lord Comptons Lodgings, and played with him at Tables; and it so happened that a Game was begun when the Master of the College came in and spoiled their sport; but they both parted not without an agreement to meet the next morning; which (unexpected to both) proved to be a Festival. In the morning the Fellow of Pembroke-Hall came and acquainted the Lord Compton, that he, being Incumbent at a Parish (near Cambridge) could not play with his Lordship that day, except he would desire his Subtutour to ride over to his Parish and read the Service for the day. Fairclough was then but Junior-Sophister, and replied, that he was unordained, to which the Incumbent answered, that he would immediately ordain him by putting on his own Cap and Canonical Coat upon him, with which last, if he did ride, no doubt it would inspire him for the work (whether this was spoken Proleptically I shall not determine, but it is true, that he that was then but an Incumbent of a poor Vicarage, became afterward Bishop of a large Diocese) Fairclough in compliance with his Lord's request, Rides over, and finds none but the Clark of the Parish and one old Woman assembled in the Church; whereupon (the public Prayers supposing always a greater number to be present) he chose to pray only ex tempore; which having done, he gave charge and money too, to his two Auditors to take no notice of what had past. The woman was most true to her trust, and kept silence, but the very next Lord's day the Clark told the Incumbent that he had sent a substitute on the Wednesday before, who prayed without book. Hereupon the Incumbent went the next day again to the Lord Compton, and complained of his Sub-tutor for breaking the Orders of the Church. Thereupon Fairclough was called to make his defense, which was such, as the Incumbent seemed to be non-pluss'd; and the Lord Compton moderating, told the Incumbent that he ought not to be offended with the Sub-tutours breaking of Church Orders, for he had first broken them by sending a person ordained only in Jest. To conclude, this man accounted that the life of all prayer consisted in the devotion that was exercised therein, prayer being nothing else than 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the assent of the mind toward God. He did therefore prefer ancienter Liturgies before those that are later, because the more ancient the more short, and most proper for exciting Devotion, such were the ancient sur sum Corda, and their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . He did also greatly admire how it came to pass that in Primitive times, when affections were most warm, the Church should then think imposing of Liturgies to be very inconvenient, and that our less devout ages should now so rigorously enjoin them, but he would answer himself thus; that then Membership of Churches was voluntary, whereas now since that men are compelled to come to the Table, it can be no wonder that they should be forced to eat whatever the Master of the Feast shall carve them.

Soon after this, the usual time came, (according to the custom of the University) of this Students taking his first Degree of Bachelor of Art: He performed all his Acts and Disputations in the public Schools in reference hereunto, with great applause; and he sat in the Schools to be posed by all or any Master of Arts that would examine him; and his Grace was passed in the house (as the Custom) is; but when the day came that he should actually Commence, and receive his Ensigns of honor, he withdrew from the University and went into the Country, and returned no more until Ashwednesday (the day of Commencement) was past; so that he continued a Harry Sophister, (so called) it being five years before he would have his Cap put on, and being asked the reason hereof, his answer was, that he came to Cambridge to study and gain Learning and Knowledge, and not to Commence or take Degrees. By his thus degrading himself, he obtained a mighty liberty, to read what kind of Authors he pleased for a whole year; he being above the method of his Juniors, and being not necessitated to go along with the Graduates, who often engage in such Studies as they are not fit for. We must therefore look upon this person as an Heteroclite, being a pure Moneptote, and invariably engaged in a way by himself, but it was such a way, as did accomplish him in all the Arts and Sciences of Logic, Rheterick; of Ethics, Physicks and Metaphysics, far beyond the rate of others. The next year he took his Degree.

After which the Earl of Northampton designing to send his Son beyond Sea, wrote to this Junior Bachelor, offering him the privilege of Travelling with his Son into France and Italy, unto which our young Graduate was very much inclined, but his answer to the Earl was, That so far as he had power over himself he did most thankfully accept of the Offer, but he was not his own, he had a Mother yet alive whose content he sought, and preferred it above his own, with whom he would first advise, and then return a speedy answer.

His Mother being consulted with, made an answer something like that of Jacob to his, Sons; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and will ye take Benjamin also? Raphael, saith she, is not, Lawrence is not, (these were the names of her two elder Sons who died in the Wars beyond Sea) and will ye take Samuel also? All these things are against me, and will bring my gray hairs with sorrow to the Grave. She was proceeding farther, but he prevented her, falling upon his knees and saying, dear Mother, although my inclinations are strong, and my desires great to travel with my Lord in such Company, and in such an Equipage as I may now do, yet since I know your pleasure, I can assure you, that I feel already far greater satisfaction in denying my own will for yours, than I am sure I can any way find in the Journey, should it answer all my desires and expectations. He therefore the next day went to the Earl's house in Northampton-shire, and begged his Lordships pardon that he could not serve him herein, and acquainted him with the reason which hindered his going; the work whereof (he declared) he valued as great as the wages. Such an opportunity of Travel would have tempted most Children to disobedience; but there was one temptation greater than all the other that presented itself; for while the Earl and the young Scholar were discoursing, there was one Mr. Herbert in the room, who hearing my Lord call him by the name of Mr. Fairclough, stepped to him and asked him, whether he was related to Mr. Hugh Fairclough, Citizen of London; he answered he was, and that his own Grandfather and the Citizen's Father, were Brothers. Hereupon Mr. Herbert catches him in his Arms, and tells him, that if he should now Travel he would have an opportunity of going into Italy, and thereby of coming to such preferment, as that (for his part) he should value it above some thousands of pounds; withal telling him, that Alexander Fairclough the Son of the Citizen, was at that time Secretary to Cardinal Barberino at the Court of Rome, (from whence Mr. Herbert lately came) and that Alexander Fairclough was in such great repute there, as he could raise any man, especially so near a Relation.

But love to God and stedfastness in Religion, were such a bias upon this Scholars heart, that he professed to Mr. Herbert, that he was no more moved with this allurement, than an old man would be tempted to exchange a fair Estate for a Childs Rattle. T 〈…〉 bait he acknowledged would be very great to a person that would have been contented to have his portion in this life; but for his part (he declared) he had chosen God for his portion, and should cleave to him as long as he lived.

Suddenly after that this invitation was given him to Travel, his old friend Mr. Allington did procure the Presentation of the Living of Halson in the County of Suffolk from Mr. Muskett the Patron, which Presentation he sent to him; but Mr. Fairclough was not, yet, of age to receive Priests Orders, or to be instituted and inducted into a Living; which being understood by Mr. Grouse a Fellow of the College, he did offer himself to go to Norwich and take the Institution (in his own name) and to allow the whole profit of the Living to this his young Curate, and to restore the Living to him so soon as he should be capable to receive it.

At Halson in the very center of Suffolk was that Ministry first entered upon, which afterward proved so eminently useful to the Church of God. There was soon a greater Congregation gathered together to hear him, than the Church of Halson could hold; all people admiring both his Gifts and Graces at a great rate. But when the two years were expired, and Mr. Grouse had resigned, and Mr. Muskett had offered him the Presentation a second time, Mr. Fairclough was now grown so old, and so wise, as to think himself now not sufficient for these things. For though his Learning and Parts were beyond his Age, and his Labors were abundantly acceptable to the whole Corner, and almost to the whole Country; yet he did think himself not fully prepared and furnished for so great a work as that of taking the care of Souls upon him; he therefore resolved to retire from a stated public Ministry again, and to betake himself to his private Studies for a year or two longer, desiring to enter into the Family of some eminent noted Minister, where he might, go thorough again and complete, a whole Cursus Theologicus, a whole course of Divinity-Studies, and by converse with some experienced Minister, he might gain a more full knowledge of the nature of his work, and attain unto greater measures and degrees of Grace in his own heart.

Having therefore first consulted with his spiritual Father Mr. Ward, (who was yet living) he was by him recommended to the house of Mr. Richard Blackerby of Ashen in Essex, a man justly reputed one of the holiest men on earth, and accounted the greatest Scholar in that County, especially for his accurate skill in the Hebrew tongue, the knowledge whereof was far more rare in that age than it hath been of late, and in which Language our young Divine thought himself something deficient, and now he resolved to perfect himself therein; which he soon did; but not yet contenting himself therewith, he sought greatly to accomplish himself in all other pieces of human literature; in which his delight and industry was such, that having a memory proportionable to his design; it might have been truly said of him what Phocius said of Justin Martyr, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , he became very Learned and highly knowing. He had undoubtedly consumed his whole Life and buried himself in History and Antiquity, and in the knowledge of all human Arts and Sciences, if God had not touched his Conscience by that Text of Scripture, viz. The world by wisdom knew not God, which he one morning reading and meditating upon, became thereby convinced that he might possibly spend too much time in gratifying his own natural inclinations; his Conscience also told him that he was not born for himself, but for public use and service.

Hereupon he turned the stream of his Studies mostly into the Channel of Divinity. The grace of God now so far prevailed upon him, that he was taught to judge of things aright. It is true, he valued human Learning above all human things, and did both covet and attain to a greater measure than most men usually do; but he was so happy as to know, that as the concerns of Eternity are greater than those of time, so the knowledge of things Spiritually and Eternal highly transcends the knowledge of things temporal and merely human. He was blessed in Learning that Lesson be-times, that many great Scholars learn too late, to wit, that the highest wisdom is to be wise to salvation, and the profoundest Learning is to learn the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. It is reported of that great Hugo Grotius (rightly reputed the most Learned person of his age) that he ended his life with this saying, Ah! vitam perdidi operose, nihil agendo, I have lost my life by being busy about trifles; by which trifles he understood his less profitable Learning, such as diversity of Languages, Philology and mere critical notions. And he openly professed when dying, that he would gladly exchange all his Learning for the plain honesty of a poor man, one John Euri •• (whom he named) who was (though unlearned) yet a very devout and holy man. And the like also is said of the Learned Salmatius, that he left this world, professing openly, That he had lost his most precious time in studying unnecessary things, and declared that how long or how short soever he should live, he would spend all his remaining days in reading and studying the Sciptures, especially of David's Psalms and Paul's Epistles; for, said he, all the Learning in the world without Piety and the true fear of God, is nothing worth.

Our young Divine was happy in that he foresaw, that although human Learning is a good hand-maid to Divinity, yet it ought not to be taken into any man's bosom but only as Hagar was into Abraham's, reserving the choicest of our affections for Divinity as he did his, for Sarah.

He afterwards always allotted four days in the Week for the Study of Divinity, and but two for the studying human Learning, and although he had left his stated Preaching (at any one particular place) yet he preached constantly every Lord's-day in one place or another; and providence so ordered it, that he was sent for, far and near, and especially by Ministers and Congregations of Market-Towns, and those in divers Counties. In Essex he was invited often to Preach at Colchester, Braintree, Walden and Thacksted. In Suffolk he preached often at Hadleigh, Sudbury and Clare, in all which places his name and memory is precious to this day, and will be so as long as any of his Auditors shall be found alive, for in all places God gave him many Seals of his Ministry.

In the year 1619. the Mayor of Lynn in Norfolk, and nine of the Aldermen of that Town; having heard much of his worth, sent him a Letter by one Mr. Matthew Clark, subscribed with all their names, intneating him that he would come and be their Lecturer. He so far complied with their desires as to go to Lynn and preached amongst them, who then offered him 50 l. per annum, and a fair dwelling house at the charge of the Corporation, if he would come unto them. The people also Petitioned him to come thither, and promised to make his Sallery up an 100 l. per annum, if he would accept; but he desired some time to consider, before he would give his answer. And the reason of his desire was this, to wit, a little before his going to Lynn, the Town of Clare had invited him to be a Lecturer with them, and although the Revenue of Clare was not above a quarter so much as what was promised to him at Lynn, yet Clare was near Mr. Blackerby's House, whose Society he highly prized. Returning therefore to Mr. Blackerby, and advising with him, and with divers other friends, they all persuaded him to go to Lynn, which was a great Town, and thereby his opportunities of doing God Service would be far more and greater than at Clare. Hereupon he went to Lynn, and continued there some time.

But it happened to him there, as it did to the Apostle, to wit, to be greatly envied by some other Ministers of that Town, whose people flocked to hear this new Lecturer; and moreover he was openly opposed by the generality of the Inn-keepers, Ale-house-keepers and Vintners, whose Trade became lesser; Drunkenness and Debauchery being restrained by the power of the Word, which the power of the Sword solely and alone had not effected. But above all, Dr. Harsnett began to be angry, he being informed that he had baptized Children without the sign of the Cross, upon which he was cited to the Bishops Court, where, although one Mr. Hare (an intimate Friend of the Bishops) told the Chancellor that he had himself lived many years formerly in Lynn, and had observed that the sign of the Cross had been very rarely used by any of their Ministers, and that he never knew any of them to be troubled by the Court for their omission thereof; and therefore he hoped that Mr. Fairclough should find the same favor as others had done; to whom the Chancellor replied, that, what he said might be true, to wit, that former Ministers had been winked at, but Mr. Fairclough was grown to be a popular man, and therefore he must be nipped in the bud. Mr. Fairclough thereby perceiving that his enemies would soon make Lynn too hot for him, went to the Mayor and Aldermen of the Town, and beseeched them to provide themselves of another Lecturer; at which they were greatly troubled; but Mr. Fairclough acquainting them with what had passed at the Bishops Court, and recommending to them a very Learned and godly man to succeed in his place, one Mr. Ikon Fellow of Cajus College in Cambridge, he obtained leave to return to his smaller Lecture at Clare.

And now being resolved to sit down in this place, he considered about altering his condition, and of entering into a married state.

At his first coming into Mr. Blackerby's Family, he had observed not only a great Beauty, but a wonderful modesty in his eldest Daughter, and having lived for some years with her, he had discerned, that as she was of an excellent temper and sweet conversation, so she was also truly gracious and sincerely pious; he therefore having spent much time in prayer unto God for direction herein, resolved first to address himself to her Father, and then to herself; which he did do, and obtained both their consents; and they were a most happy couple, every way suitable to each other, and rejoicing in each others love.

In the mean time the word of God at Clare ran and was glorified by his excellent Ministry, upon which all sorts of persons (rich and poor) did attend; and amongst those of greatest quality was that renowned Knight, Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston, a man famous for his Piety and Integrity, who frequented Clare Lecture with great constancy and abundant satisfaction. He was a man of a great Estate, and Patron to divers Livings; some of great Revenue; and some of smaller. The smallest of them all becoming void by the death o • Mr. Mayes, the Patron immediately purposed within himself to gain Mr. Fairclough (if possible) to be the Incumbent of that Parish, called Barnardiston, after the name of its Lord and Patron. Many persons became Petitioners to the Patron for it, either upon their own account, or the account of their Friends, amongst which was one Mr. Weld, who afterwards went into New England; but Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston would think of no person but the Lecturer of Clare, and his grand reason was, because he was resolved to be himself his constant Auditor, once every Lord's-day, that Parish Church being but little above half a mile from his own house at Ketton, where Dr. Gibson was then Incumbent, a man of good Learning, and a fine Orator (presented by Sir Nathaniel 's Grandfather) but his Preaching wanted something of weight (when compared with Mr. Fairclough 's, if Sir Nathaniel did hold the Scales) who was pleased to say, that the teaching of the one was strong meat, for men, and the Doctrine of the other was only milk for babes. It seems the Patron was a grown Christian; and if that be true which Elihu saith, Job 34. 3. That the ear trieth words, as the Pallate tasteth meat, it was no wonder that (when the Patron had liberty to carve for himself) he should seed on the best dish that was fairly within his reach. Hereupon the Presentation was sent to Mr. Fairclough; and because the Revenue was but small, the Patron sent a Letter with it, wherein he promised that whenever any of his greater Livings should become void, he should enjoy the greater, than, if he would accept the smaller, now. But neither did the present offer, nor the promise for the future, so affect Mr. Fairclough, but that he sent back the Presentation; acquainting the Patron, that he understood that some other persons had moved in the behalf of one Mr. Weld, with whom he did heartily join in their Petition, himself having present employment at Clare, whereas Mr. Weld was wholly destitute. Sir Nathaniel was much pleased with the kindness of Mr. Fairclough to his Friend, but was troubled at this answer; he therefore sent his Servant the same day back a second time to acquaint him, That he did not only offer the Presentation, but earnestly request his acceptance thereof; because that God had blessed his Labors already much to his own, and to his Ladies heart; and therefore it was their joint desires that he would come to be their Neighbor Minister, whereby they might once at least every Lord's day hear him, without giving offense to Dr. Gibson, whom they would constantly hear in the Forenoon, if the Dr. did Preach.

Importunity from such a person (in such a case) could not be long denied, and Mr. Fairolough, who had spent some years in doing the work of an Evangelist, began at length greatly to doubt, whether he had done well, in not taking upon him some Pastoral charge, many places having been before offered to him. He therefore now (in some short time) removed and came to the Town of Barnardiston, where he constantly Preached twice every Lord's day, and always Preached every Festival day (when the people could always best attend) and also once, every month, he Preached a preparation Sermon for the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Here he also set up the great duty of Catechising of young and old; which duty he practiced (as opportunity allowed) to his Lives end. Neither did he content himself with public Preaching alone, but he went to all the Houses in Barnardiston (they not being many) once every month, and discoursed there with his People about the State of their Souls, and gave them assistance, and counsel and direction according to their present case and condition.

He did compare public Preaching to sowing of Seed, and private discourse he compared to the Plow-man's harrowing, healing or covering the Seed, without which, the Fowls of the Air, that is, a multitude of diverting thoughts, and the Prince of the Air also, the Devil, (by his temptations) would soon pick up the word, without fruit or benefit. At another time he compared public Preaching to that Rain, that falls upon many narrow mouthed bottles, the greatest part whereof falls besides the mouths of the Vessels, so that they were rarely filled; but private instruction and admonition, he would say, was like a man's taking a single Bottle into his hand, and pouring in water into it with a Funnel, whereby it was soon filled.

Whilst he was Minister here (which was not above five years) he was desired not only by the People, but by the Minister also of one of the Parish Churches of Sudbury, that he woudl supply the place of the Minister, who was then sick, one Lord's day; which was granted: and he Lodging at one Mr. Ruggle 's house in that Town, he did in the Sabbath Evening repeat both his Sermons in that Family, where were present divers other persons of the Town also. Hereupon one of the other Ministers of the Town (whose Congregation had been but small that Afternoon) being displeased thereat, did draw up certain Articles against this innocent person, as against a factious seditious man; and exhibited them in the Star-Chamber, grounding his accusation barely upon this repetition of his Sermons in the Family where he Lodged: Hereupon he was convened before the Lord's of the high Commission; where although he made a Legal, clear and full defense, yet that Court being Arbitrary, he could not obtain a dismission; till after two years attendance; the charge of his Journeys, and the Fees of Proctors, Advocates and Council did swallow up (those two years) the whole profit of his little living; and he had continued longer in trouble if Sir Nathaniel Brent (his chief Council and Advocate) had not at last humbly petitioned the Court in the name of his Client, that the business might be referred to the Petitioners Diocesan and Ordinary at Norwich; which being granted, a good number of Jacobusses procured a certain Lady in Norwich to gain such a Certificate from the Bishop, as obtained a full discharge.

But that forementioned attendance upon the Court, and the gaining this discharge from his Ordinary in this manner, viz. without any personal attendance upon the Bishop; did bring him very much into Debt; he had also four Children then born, and he looked for more. The Devil did now therefore hope to ensnare him by his temptations; and he was very busy with his suggestions, prompting him to fear, lest that his Common should be over-stocked, and that he might continue long in Debt, which was a thing very burthensome and afflictive to him, as it is always to an ingenuous Spirit: but God was pleased to increase his Faith in proportion to the occasions that were given him for the trial thereof; and he hath recorded it, as an act of special grace towards him, that at that very time when he was most concerned (about his new contracted Debt) there was a strange impression made upon his mind, by that Text of Scripture, the 2 Cor. 6. 10. wherein the Apostle saith of himself, that he was, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing all things. Upon which words, this person did thus paraphrase in his own thoughts; if Spirituals be better than temporals, what need I then be afflicted at worldly want? for since God hath given me a Treasure of spiritual comfort in himself, with which I have (through Grace) enriched many others; there is yet undoubtedly enough left for my self to live on all my days, and abundance moreover yet to spare. While he thus mused the fire burnt hotter and hotter within him, so that he was forced to give himself vent in several Sermons upon this very Text; and in the handling thereof he so studied the excellency of the Life of Faith in the want of Creature supplies, that the Devil was not only vanquished in his present assault, but was also subdued so; that he never dared to tempt him in this kind after to his dying day.

And this account we have from his own Diary, which he kept constantly, from his age of twenty years, and (daily almost) wrote down in it a full History of all God's dealing with him, and of the daily frame of his own heart, and of Satan's temptations (and of the assistances of God's Spirit in them) and his victory over them. A great part of his Diary is penned in the Greek tongue, but the greatest part of it is writ in elegant Latin, all which had deserved to have been intively Printed, had not some part thereof been lost in the many frequent removals of his Notes and Papers; yet what doth now next follow relating to his removal from Barnardiston to Ketton, is taken wholly from his own hand; and it was thus:

Dr. Gibson (who was Incumbent of the Rectory of Ketton) had some Friends at Court, who gave him some hopes, that in case he would come up to London, and Petition to the then Lord Keeper for a Prebendaries place, then void in Norwich, he might (by their mediation) probably obtain it. Up went the Dr. hereupon, but it pleased God to afflict him so soon as he came to the City, with a severe sickness, whereof he died. News hereof was presently sent down to the Patron, Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston; and it was soon spread abroad in the Country. The Patron would have sent the Presentation of the Living immediately to Mr. Fairclough, but his Lady advised him to defer it a while, that so an opportunity might be given of Petitioning, and a trial might be made, whether Mr. Fairclough would re-mind his Patron of the Promise which was made at his coming to Barnardiston, yea or no; the Patron therefore delayed till after he heard of the Doctors Interment, but no Petition came; and the Patron knew Mr. Fairclough too well really to expect any from him; he therefore after a while, sent his eldest Son (who was then but young) with a Servant, and with a Presentation of this Living unto Mr. Fairclough; who returned a very thankful Letter by the same hand, acknowledging his great obligations to the Patron for his respect and kindness to him, but withal told him, That he stood so engaged now to his present People, that without their consents he could not leave them. Hereupon his Patron did the same Week summon all the People of Barnardiston, (most of whom were his Tenants) to his House, and told them, that as in love to their Souls he had formerly presented this Minister to them, so in love now to the Souls of the People of Ketton, he was resolved to bring him to Ketton; but he still would take care that a godly and learned Minister should succeed, one that might watch over their Souls, naming Mr. Westley, the then Lecturer of Haverill. He farther added, that for divers years himself and his Family, had come from Ketton to Barnardiston once every Lord's day, having built Pewes on purpose there; and if they did now value Mr. Fairclough 's Ministry as he had always done, they might come once a day to Ketton. The nearness of the Parishes one from the other, the Authority of the Landlord, and his conscientious care in providing a good Successor for them, produced a silence in them, and a half consent, which was interpreted by the Patron to be sufficient, because at Mr. Fairclough's first going to Barnardiston, the People had notice that he was placed there but for a time.

One thing more must here be inserted, to wit, that the institution of him into the Rectory of Ketton, was procured by the Patron from the Bishop of the Diocese, as the Institution into Barnardiston had been before, namely, without the Incumbent's taking the Oath of Canonical Obedience, or his subscription to the three Articles. How this was effected, we shall not here inquire; but it was done both times without the Incumbents personal attendance upon the Bishop. And thus now was he settled in Ketton in the Country of Suffolk, to the great joy and comfort of all persons, both in Town and Country; the Parish Church of Ketton being very capacious and receptive, whereas the former Church of Barnardiston was very small and strait. Multitudes now therefore througed to be his Auditors, and were so to their unspeakable advantage and delight. He was about Five and thirty years of age when he came to Ketton, and he continued near five and thirty years there; all which time (saving a little Interval by reason of sickness) he constantly preached four times a Week (besides his daily Expositions in his Family) to wit, twice every Lord's day, once every Thursday (a public Lecture) and once every Saturday night (in his own house) in preparation for the Sabbath. The frequency of his Preaching hindered not the elaborateness of his Discourses. He never Preached anything which he had not first duly considered and penned down, and writ with great deliberation. It is true, he never used any Notes in the Pulpit, but he never Preached without them.

He had amost stupendous memory. St. Austin I remember, reckons the faculty of man's memory to be one of the Worlds wonders; memory being a power able to treasure up in itself a multitude of Pictures and Images of things which it hath seen, and being able to lay up conceived Forms and Images of things which it never saw, and to make such lasting impressions of them upon the brain; so as that long after it is able (upon occasion) to call every of them forth from their dark hidden Abyss, and to rank them in their due order and place them in the light. This, to that Father, was very amazing, and in some instances indeed it is very wonderful and miraculous; and such was the power of memory which was found in this person. He seldom used any Concordance; for there was not a passage of the whole Scripture almost, that could be mentioned to him, but he would tell you not only the Chapter and Verse, but the place of the page where it was Printed in the Bibles of Barkers Edition, (of which only, he made use of near fifty years together) reading over the Bible four times in a year at the least; so that it might be said of him, that he was a walking Bible, both as to the Letter and Spirit.

Indeed he was furnished with all rare intellectual parts, he had a quick invention, a lofty fancy, a solid judgment, which easily and readily weighed the nature of all things, and constantly cast the balance on the side of truth; he could dive into the bottom of the most abstruse matters, and fetch truth from thence; and having discovered it, he did always clothe his apprehensions of things, with the most clear and most full and proper expressions, which they were capable of.

His Thursday Lectures (the Licence whereof was purchased at a great rate) were all Conciones ad Clerum, and those Discourses deserved to be so called, both for the accuracy of them, and also because they were actually Preached to so great a number of the Clergy; all the Ministers (for many miles compass) coming constantly to hear them; and there were frequently not less than ten or twenty Scholars (both Fellows of Colleges and others) from Cambridge. Indeed he was a man much acquainted with God, and with his mind and will. It might be said of him, that he had the mind of Christ, and had also the tongue of the Learned, and was able to oppress himself with the greatest 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 imaginable.

He was a most profound Divine, and one of the best and clearest Expositors of holy Writ, which that age produced. It was an expression used concerning him by a great Scholar, sometimes Fellow of Magdalene College, who was seldom absent from any of these Lectures, that though he would not say of him what Cicero saith of Plato, That if Jupiter were to discourse, he would do it in Plato 's Language; yet he would venture to say, That if Angels were to Preach, they would do it in Mr. Fairclough 's Style. More especially he said, he loved him for his gift in opening the Scriptures, which he did so clearly, and so fully, that whatever Text he did undertake to Expound, he did so extract the whole meaning of the Holy Ghost from it, as that he left never a drop of Spirit behind, which would either naturally flow, or could tolerably be squeezed thence.

He had a most metaphysical head, and a very searching mind after truth, greatly delighting himself in studying the nature of incorporeal beings; but above all, in contemplating the Divine Attributes and Essence. He was very much read in all Authors that did treat of such Subjects as these; and in his private Studies, he did compose and write divers excellent and elaborate Discourses about the Soul of Man, the light of nature, the freedom of the Will, together with a learned discourse about the Decrees of God; which he was very much importuned to have Printed; but he could never be persuaded thereto, giving this reason of his denial, to wit, That formerly, the Civil Wars, and of late, the great Impositions upon men's Judgments and Consciences (about some things which were judged unlawful, and many things doubtful and disputable) had drawn too many (even of the Learned part of the world) into factions and parties, and had bred such animosities between them, that few Books could meet with impartial Readers.

In his Lord's-days exercises, which were ad populum, to a plain Countrrey People of his own and Neighbor Parishes; he very rarely Preached about any controverted point, and did never stuff his Sermons with nice speculations and intricate disputes. He loved not to meddle in his popular Sermons, with those points that lie out of common reach, and were apt to perplex honest minds. He industriously studied plainness, therein following both the pattern and example of his old acquaintance the Reverend Archbishop Usher, and the special Counsel and Advice of his old friend Dr. Preston, who discoursing with him at his first entry upon the Ministry, told him, That although the Ancients did place the Statutes of Venus and Mercury in the Temple of Apollo; thereby intimating, that no man could be a persuasive Orator, who did not join elegancy of fancy with strength of reason; yet it was Dr. Preston's judgment, That that man was the best Preacher, who delivered Gospel truths in the plainest Scriptural expressions; and such a Preacher was this Reverend Divine afterwards all his days.

His great design in his Ministry, was first to awaken the Consciences of obstinate sinners; and then to make known to them the way of salvation. He understood his business and errand very well, and accordingly he endeavored to approve himself faithful in the delivery thereof. He clearly saw that Souls were eternally lost, if they were not convinced of their sinful state by Nature, and were not renewed in the Spirit of their minds through Grace; whatever therefore he judged most properly conducing thereunto, he made use thereof, always choosing and insisting upon such subjects as were most concerning, and of greatest import; which he handled in the most convincing manner, and delivered himself with so much clearness, that although his Style and Language was far remote from common talk or vulgar meanness, yet he would be sure to strive to accommodate his expressions to the capacity of his Hearers, and would stoop to the weakest and lowest form of them. His great aim was to instruct the ignorant, which he found a very hard work to do. He sought not to show his own parts, or to make himself admired, for that he found was a thing hardly to be avoided. He always esteemed it better to serve God in all things, than to serve himself in anything. He knew that soft and enticing words of man's Wisdom would not save Souls; balking therefore all ceremonial Complements, he would make bold to pull and snatch (as it were) sinners, as brands out of the Fire, by any ways or means he could think of. He was one of those Puritan Preachers, whom Prince Henry loved to hear, because (said he) such Preaching goes next the heart. Dr. Lloid, Dying men's words, p. 139.

He always proved whatever he delivered, with the greatest rational evidence and Scriptural argument; and his Doctrine being thus strenuously enforced, came from him with great authority, and did strike a very great awe into the hearts of his Hearers. None could be his Auditor, but that he must needs perceive that he was sent of God, and that it was no other than a message from Heaven that was delivered to them by him, which did greatly awaken the drowsy hearts of some, and restrained the Spirits of others, who were hasting unto ruin; and influenced all men (almost) one way or other: Such as were godly were greatly edified and built up in their holy Faith. To humble and tender, and broken hearts, he was a very Barnabas, a Son of consolation. He had a rare faculty in prescribing to the ease and cure of wounded Spirits. He knew how skillfully to search the wound, and to pour either Wine or Oil in accordingly; and to apply the most Sovereign balm in its most proper time and place. He had experience of the things he spake, and those Lessons that come from experience usually make great impressions upon others. He doth write most effectually who doth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , dip his Pen in his own Soul. Hence many that came to him drooping and full of fears, went away from him comforted, established, and filled with all joy through believing. It is said of Pericles, that he ruled all Greece by the power of his Oratory; the like might be said of this great man, that he did even govern the minds of his Auditors as he pleased. He was able at all times to find out and set in order, both such acceptable words, and such cogent reasons and motives as did command a regard, and force a compliance; so that he was as another St. Austin, and did dominari in concionibus; acting the part of a Prince or Sovereign, speaking as one having authority (under his Master) and not as the Scribes.

In a word he dispensed the truth of God as one acted by a mighty Faith, having both a real inward sense of what he delivered, and so great a desire of his people's Salvation, as that he seemed to be resolved to take no denial from them. He was wont to say, That when the heart of a Minister is truly inflamed with love to his people's happiness, it is then impossible but that their expressions and exhortations should be very lively and warm, whereas the coldness and flatness of some men's discourses, is such as their words seem (as it were) to Freez between their lips, and do evidence how dead (or luke-warm at best) their inward affections are to the things of God. Not that h • thought (as some have done) that the life of Preaching doth consist in noise, clamour or vocifecation, no, he knew that such bodily exercise profiteth little, except it be to keep men awake. The strength of his Discourses consisted in the clearness and strength of his arguments, drawn form those affecting topicks; kindness to our selves, desire of our own good, true valuation of our better part, the import of our eternal state, the love, mercy, grace and goodness of God, revealed in the Gospel by his Son, the pleasantness as well as the profitableness of the ways of Wisdom, together with the comfort as well as necessity of an holy life here in order to a blessed state hereafter. These are things which do properly influence the mind of man, and are apt to persuade; and with these were his Sermons greatly filled and impregnated.

And by the operation of the Divine Spirit they became very effectual, multitudes being wrought upon, and turned from the error of their ways. Few Ministers had such cause of rejoicing as he had, upon this account; so that (since the Apostles days) there was scarce any person more visibly instrumental in saving Souls than he. It might be said of him, that in his fishing for Souls, he went not forth with a single Angling Rod, to take here and there one (which is all the success of Ministers of late days) but he made use of a Net, (as the Apostles did) whereby he caught multitudes at once, great numbers being added, not only to the visible, but also to the invisible Church of God by his Labors. He left in his Diary the names of some hundreds recorded there, who had all expressly owned him to be their Spiritual Father, and the proper means of their first conversion, and of their future Salvation as they hoped; and in that Catalogue mention is made of some persons who declared to him, that the first work of God's Spirit which they discerned in themselves, was at such times as they were joining with him in his Prayer before Sermon; wherein he being the mouth of the Congregation, he confessed such sins as he supposed some (at least) of his Congregation might be guilty of; and it seems the Spirit ordered his confession to be such, as reached the case of divers that were present. With his confession was joined (as his usual manner was) such aggravations of the heinousness of those sins, as thereby a prick was given to the hearts of the guilty, so as some could not but follow him home, using the same words of the Converts in the Acts, Sir, What shall I do to be saved?

God indeed had given him a mighty gift in prayer, and God did bless the use of both Prayer and Preaching to the great benefit of his People. The Town, when he came first to it, was very ignorant and profane; being generally Aliens and Strangers from the Common-wealth of Israel, and living without God in the world; there was not one Family in twenty who did then call upon the name of the Lord, or had the Worship of God set up in it; but in a short time after his coming, he had so preached to them, and so prayed with them and for them, as there was not one Family in twenty but professed godliness, and the Governors thereof did daily offer up their morning and their evening sacrifice constantly.

Upon himself God had poured out an abundant measure of the Spirit of Grace and Supplication. Whatever either gifts or graces were requisite to make that Ordinance of prayer acceptable to, or prevalent with God, were communicated to him in an extraordinary manner. He always poured forth his very Heart and Soul before God with a great Faith; and from thence flowed a great freedom of expression, but always joined with the greatest reverence and deepest humility and prostration of Soul. It was very affecting to discern Gifts and Graces thus in conjunction. He well knew how to suit his expressions properly to every particular occasion, whether he petitioned for any special mercy to be obtained, or did deprecate the removal or amotion of any evil felt or feared; all which he performed, though with great fervor and zeal, yet with such entire resignation and submission to the divine will, as that, in all things it was manifested, that love to God and his Glory, were the great wheels and inward principles, that gave life and breath to all his desires. He had a tender heart, and in a day of Humiliation he discovered such brokenness and contrition of Spirit as did soon melt the hearts of others; and on such days his Church was commonly a Bochim; so that all that joined with him wished, and many found with Jeremiah, That their heads were rivers, and their eyes fountains of tears, they seemed so universally to lament after the Lord. Every Lord's day (especially in his last prayer of his Afternoon Sermon) he was very large in the thanksgiving part of that Ordinance; which he performed as if he had been one of the heavenly Choir. At this new Service he seemed to recover new life and strength, and oh! how great were the raptures! how lofty were the strains! how wonderful were the enlargements of Soul which he experienced in the performance of that Angelical work of praise! He never forgot Zion, but begged as often, and more earnestly, that God's Name might be hallowed, and that the Kingdom of his Son might come, than ever he did for his own daily bread.

He prayed much for others, and desired the like from them; which that he might obtain, he appointed stated times, when he and his Friends engaged to each other to meet together at the Throne of Grace; which engagement (on his part) was strictly performed. A Visitant once coming to him, and the question being asked, whether he had kept the promise of mutual prayer, the person blushed; and confessed, that some omission had happened on his part; to which this holy man replied, Well, but I have been true to my word; and could either this Table, or this Chair (near which I have prayed) speak, they might witness for me, that for seven years together; I have made mention of your name before God in prayer, (between four and five of the Clock every Saturday in the Afternoon) unless hindered by extraordinary occasions.

As he was a man much with God in prayer, so he was one whose prayers God did often (and sometimes very signally) answer. We must not transcribe the many miraculous instances of that return of prayer which he hath recorded; but we should be greatly wanting and deficient in our present work, if we did not make mention of some instances upon that account.

His wife, about a year after his marriage (being great with Child) became very sickly, and continued very infirm, till within a fortnight of her time. He had all along wrestled with God very much upon her behalf, and had spent much time in prayer with her; but now he was resolved to spend a day in Fasting and Prayer, alone by himself, upon her account; and his Wife did see apart the same day for prayer by herself in another room: In the duty he did again and again mightily implore the grace and mercy of God for her, and earnestly begged of God to appear in her behalf, that she might obtain mercy, and sinned help at the time of her need. In the Evening and close of the day, while he was the seventh time upon his knees, he heard a mighty shriek abroad, (but not far from the house) which he guessed to be the voice of his wife, and so it was; for his Wife having spent also most part of the day in prayer, did in the Evening, walk abroad, meditating upon the promises of God, made to persons in her case and condition; and contemplating of the infinite power of God, whereby he was able to make good his promise in the greatest difficulties and distresses. Her mind was deeply engaged herein; whilst going by the side of a Pond in an adjoining Field, her feet slipped so, as she fell over head and ears into the