The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons

And yet a more memorable instance of the answer of prayer, is that which follows concerning his youngest Son; for whom, upon a Saturday, about four of the Clock in the Afternoon (which was one of his stated times of Prayer for his Friends and Relations) his heart was much enlarged in prayer (being then walking in the Fields, and pouring out of his Soul for all his Relations) but especially for that little one, who was his youngest, and then about two years old. This Child (at that hour) a Servant had taken up with her into the highest Garret of the house, and set him by the window of the Room, while she swept it, and so carelessly neglected to have her Eye upon the little one, as that the Child (looking out of the window upon a company of young Ducks, which were swimming in a Vessel of water right under the Casement) thrust its body so far out, as it fell down, and pitched first upon the Eaves of the next Floor, with that force, that it brake above a dozen Tiles off from the place, and with them fell down to the ground; but not into the Vessel of water, which stood perpendicular to the Window, but exactly between that Vessel and a large door which lay very near it, and upon which the meat for those Ducks was laid. Had it fallen a quarter of a yard on either hand, its Brains had been dashed out, either by the Door or Vessel; but God, by the ministration of his Angels, so ordered it, that although the height of the place caused a dizziness, and a swoon for a few moments; yet the Child was no sooner taken up, but immediately it came to life again, and there was not the least bruise or hurt inward or outward, no not the least razing of the very Skin by any of the Tiles that fell with it; but within one quarter of an hour, it went up and down the House, as it had formerly done. Plutarch reports of one Clusia, Daughter of the Duke of Tuscany, who throwing herself out of an high Window to maintain her Honor, and to avoid a Rape; the length of her Garments gathered so much wind into them, as did greatly bear her up, and saved her life. Plut. cap. 28. Paral. But the length of this Childs Garments could not be any second cause of its preservation; for its Coats were tucked up shorter than his body; he being a Footman but of a few Weeks standing.

Our good Father looked higher than to any natural causes, of his Childs preservation; for when he was returned from his walk (which was near half an hour after the fall) at which hour he had prayed so earnestly to God for this Child) being told the Story of the Fall, and having observed the heighth of the Window, the broken Tiles, the posture of the Vessel and Door, and the place where the Child was taken up safe; he presently called all his Family, and many of his Neighbors together, to join with him in giving God most solemn praise for his miraculous goodness, and for that wonderful return of prayer (made at that instant) for that little one.

The next day (being the Lord's day) he Preached two Thanksgiving Sermons in public, upon that Text, Psal. 91. 11, 12. He will give his Angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways: They shall bear thee up in their hands, that thou dash not thy foot against a stone. And in the close of the Evening Sermon of that day, he made and published this solemn Vow unto God, in these very words following. Brethren, after due consideration of the reasonableness, usefulness and possibility, as well as lawfulness, of making Vows in some cases, and of devoting part of a man's Estate unto God (in a way of thankfulness) for mercy received; and after an humble acknowledgment of my own weakness and unworthiness; I having invocated the Grace of God both for strength to enable me to perform this, and all other my Vows, and for Divine favor in accepting me and it, through the Merits of Christ Jesus; I do solemnly Vow and Covenant with God, and expressly promise unto you, That I will give all the Tithe Wool of the whole Parish, which shall yearly become due unto me, during all the time of my future abode in this Town, unto the Poor of this Parish, to be yearly distributed amongst them, either in kind, or the full value thereof in money, before the first day of January every year, for, and towards their clothing and maintenance. This Vow also, he did Register, and subscribe with his hand; and did always most piously and conscientiously, observe it yearly so long as he was Minister in that Town.

Yea, he was so fully satisfied and pleased with what he had done herein; that some years after he devoted (in the same manner) all the Tithe Lambs of that Parish also, towards the relief of the Poor, and that, upon this occasion, viz. God having yet given him a seventh Child, which was his last; it pleased God (that when it was about half a year old) it was strangely troubled and afflicted with pain and sickness; which neither Physicians nor Surgeons could give any account of. Many eminent persons (of both sorts) had inspected the Child, but could not in the least guess at (much less find out) the nature of its Malady or Distemper. Many Weeks passed wherein the Child languished, and did daily fill the Ears of its Parents with its frequent loud Shrieks, and with its constant and perpetual dolour. The Parents hereupon did set apart a day of Prayer, solemnly to seek God in their Family for this poor afflicted Infant; in which Service God was pleased to give him great assistances of his Spirit, and enlargement of heart; and the very next Morning following, while the Mother had the sick Child in her Lap, and rubbed its naked head with her hand, she felt a Pin to prick her hand; at which very much wondering, she looked narrowly into the Ear of the Child, and there espied the small end of a large Pin that was gotten very deep into it. It was very difficult to discern the end thereof, and more difficult to draw it forth, (the head of the Pin being downward, and almost eaten up with Rust) but it being pulled out, the Child was presently at ease, and recovered its health and liveliness, and that in a very short time. Many other strange instances of the answer of his prayers might be given, which he always received from the Father of mercies, with great gratitude and thankfulness; but he contented not himself with verbal praises, without studying, how to express his sense of Divine Favor, by an exemplary devoting himself, and his all, unto God; as a real Thank-offering, to his Divine Majesty.

The work of God thereby greatly prospered in his hand, the whole Town was yet more and more reformed, so that his Parish was a pattern to all his Neighbor Towns; and it was expected, and often said, that every Inhabitant of Ketton should be distinguished from others, not only by the more savoriness of their Discourse, but also by the universal strictness and Piety of their Lives and Conversations.

There was one great advantage which that Town and Corner had above most other places, and that was this, That the Magistracy and Ministry joined both together, and concurred in all things for the promoting of true Piety and Godliness, The countenance and encouragement which a man of great Estate and Power doth give to a Minister, is of great import and influence unto his Ministry. Great was the love, and intimate was the affection which passed between the Patron of the Living, and this Minister; so that they did mutually engage to visit each other twice (at least) every Week, and did seldom meet without praying together before they did part. They heartily also joined hand in hand to promote both the form and the power of Godliness in that Town and County.

Two things especially (in order hereunto) were endeavored by them. First, To increase the knowledge of God, and of his Son; by Catechising both young and old, both governors and governed, one and other; and to the end that all (both rich and poor) might submit thereunto; this gracious and holy Knight, Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston, persuaded several Masters of Families in the Town to consent, that when any such question should be asked in public by the Minister, as that neither their Children nor Servants could answer; the Masters and Fathers of such Children or Servants respectively, should answer for them; and the Knight himself did engage the like for his Family; which course being taken, it was incredible to consider how greatly knowledge was advanced thereby in that Town.

Another thing which the Patron and Minister designed, was to hinder the intruding, or approaching of the visibly profane unto the Table of the Lord. To this end it was unanimously agreed, that everyone who should desire to Communicate, should first publicly own his Baptismal Covenant for once, before his admission to the Lord's Supper; and that afterwards they should submit unto admonition, in case of the visible and apparent breach of that Covenant. Accordingly this renowned Gentleman did first lead the way, and before all the Communicants, he did declare his Faith in God through our Lord Jesus; and did undertake (through the assistance of the holy Spirit) to perform whatever his Sureties had promised in baptism upon his account. He was then followed (in the same manner) by all the rest who were about then to receive. As for others, they were wholly silenced, being convinced in their very Consciences, of the reasonableness of what had been required, and what was now done, by all the serious and sober persons of that Town.

The administration of Confirmation practiced in this excellent way and manner, could not but make a very effectual Reformation in that Town. Former profaneness was forced now to hide its head; Drunkenness, Swearing, Cursing, Bastardy, and the like, as they were not practiced, so they were scarce known; divers persons having lived many years in that Parish, and in the whole time they never heard an Oath sworn, or ever saw one person drunk, as they have professed.

His Ministry was highly valued, not only by his own Parishioners, but also by such as lived at a distance, of whom many did covet to come and dwell nearer, and to be of his Flock; and the rather, because it was generally reported, and upon good grounds believed, that there went a secret blessing along with the Gospel; and that as to Temporals as well as Spirituals. It was most visible, that many of the Farmers did mightily thrive, and grow rich, and the Landlords Revenue thereby did also increase, and was augmented. Many years thus passed, and was spent by this faithful and painful Servant of Christ Jesus, wherein God was pleased abundantly to enable him with bodily strength to go through his Labors, and wherein God also did secure him from all molestation and trouble from abroad, which some others met with.

But now about the year 1635. he was seized first with the Meagrim or Dizziness in his head, which afterwards turned to a violent pain. His Physicians told him, that his Distemper proceeded from over much Study, and from a Sedentary life; for the Cure whereof, they advised him to forbear Preaching; which he did a while; but found no relief thereby. Then they advised him to change Air, and commended unto him the Air about New-market. He went therefore and lived with the Lady Thornton, who had a Seat within a little more than a Mile of that Town; and God was pleased very much to bless that Air unto his Recovery; so that having gotten a little strength, he was resolved to return to his work, and to lay it out about his Masters Service; which he did do for near two years space.

Then it pleased God to exercise him with a greater trial; for upon a Lord's-day morning, in his passage from his won House towards the Parish Church, he went over a Gate in his way (which he supposed had been locked, as it was wont to be) but while he was almost over it, the Gate opened, and caused him to have a very great fall upon his Belly against the Ground, so that his Navel started out very much, and a very great Swelling followed upon it. His affectionate Wife beseeched him (thereupon) to return home, and betake himself to his Bed; but he considering that his Congregation was at that time met, and waited to hear the Word from his mouth; and finding that he was able still to walk, (although not without pain) he went forward to Church, and there Preached the former part of that day, but was forced to procure a supply for the Afternoon. The next day his pain increased more and more; and although he loved not to keep his Bed, yet he was confined thereto for some days, and unto his Chamber for some Weeks, until he had procured a Truss, which enabled him to Travel on Foot; but wholly hindered him from riding on Horse-back for several years. Which affliction, though it was very uncomfortable, in as much as it bar'd him from that Recreation he only delighted in; yet his not being able to Ride, was a sufficient Plea for his not appearing at the Bishops Court; and thereby it was providentially a means of his continuing in his Ministerial work, longer than probably he might otherwise have done.

For (about this time) the Book of Sports was enjoined to be read, and many Innovations were creeping into the Church, which he neither did nor could submit to; and for this he was often cited to appear before the Archdeacon and Commissary at Bury: But return and answer was always given, that by reason of his Distemper he was unable to Ride so far. Hereupon Articles were drawn up against him; and the Commissary had order to Adjourn the Court from Bury, to the Parsonage house of Ketton; and now all persons feared that he would have been suspended, both ab Officio & Beneficio; but the providence of God prevented it; for the Commissary and Surrogate (who were deputed to examine him) were both hindered at that time by sickness, and none came but the Secretary, and one Minister with him, who did little more than take cognizance of his bodily lameness, and then departed; leaving him in liberty to go on in his work as formerly he had done; in which he was very diligent and constant; for although he was not well able to get up into the Pulpit for some years, yet he never failed, but always Preached twice every Lord's-day, sitting in his Desk, and from thence delivering the lively Oracles of God.

But over much study (after some time) had almost brought his first Distemper upon him; for his Spirits began to decay, and Dizziness began to seize his Head, (besides the continuing of the starting of his Navel) about which having consulted with many Doctors, they all advised that he would go down in a Horse-litter to the Bath, which they counted would be a most proper and effectual remedy for him upon all accounts. But such a long Journey required more time than the Statute doth allow to any Incumbent to be absent from his place; this therefore put him upon Petitioning to the Archbishop for a Dispensation; which partly by money, and partly by Interest of Friends, was obtained. And it may be remembered, that one argument which the presenter of the said Petition used to the Archbishop, was this, to wit, That his Lordship had no man dwelling in his whole Province who was so like himself, as to bodily shape and face; but none more unlike his Lordship in temper and opinion: To which the Archbishop answered, is it so? Then let him go to the Bath, or whether he please, for all me; and so granted his Petition.

If any person (upon this occasion) shall desire to have some account of his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , his bodily shape and form, let them know, he was a pretty fat and corpulent man, full-faced, of a grave majestic aspect, and had a very quick and piercing Eye; but withal but low of stature: The greatest Wits have lodged in little Bodies, and the bravest Spirits have been those that have been least clogged with Flesh. Varro saith of Marcus Tullius and Marcius Maximus, that they were men but two Cubits high: I am sure that the Holy Ghost itself did give the great Apostle a title of real honor, borrowed from the lowness of his Stature. In short, he did wear ingenium acutum in decente vagina, a sharp wit in a comely body, although the Structure was not high or lofty, yet it was everywhere richly furnished; and the low Fabric was excellently Tenanted.

This Dispensation aforesaid, being obtained, he resolved to undertake his Journey to Bath, so soon as ever God should give his Wife safe Deliverance, she being then with Child: but this time never came; for his Wife (not going her full time) fell in Labor, and brought forth an Abortive Child, which also cost her her own Life.

Great had been his Affection to her at all times, he striving to imitate at least (if not equal) if possible, his Lord and Master Christ Jesus, in his love to his Church. But now the good man's affection did (in the opinion of some) a little degenerate, and turn into unruly passion; and truly if in anything this holy person did deserve any reproof, it was in this, to wit, That his grief for the loss of this Relation, did a little too much deject him. He seemed indeed to err in his love; and some that watched for his halting, were glad that they could spy a color or pretence to accuse him for this his over sorrow, as they called it. But he had many things to say in his own defense; besides that, it is the common discovery of a sweet and good nature, and of an affectionate disposition, to be much affected, when the delight of a man's eyes, and the daily companion of his sorrows and joys, of his travel and rest, is taken from him. And are there not many Instances in Scripture of great affliction of heart for the loss of Relations? How did Jacob lament for his Son Joseph? How did David mourn for his Absalom? How did the Saints in the 9. Acts, bewail the death of Dorcas? And how did St. Austin weep for the holy Monica? This Wife was a non-such, a mirror of Grace and Virtue, a person of great parts, great prudence, and great piety. She was very beautiful and lovely in person, and of a most obliging Conversation, clothed with humility, and adorned with all the graces of the Divine Spirit. A careful Instructer of her Children, and a pattern of Piety to them, walking closely with God all the day, in their view. In her Husbands absence she constantly prayed twice every day in her •• mily; and she prayed always thrice a day in her Closet, twice by herself, and once with her Children. It must needs make a deeper wound than ordinary, for an Husband to lose such a Wife. He must needs weep for his own loss, and more for his Children's. What the Poet said of Peleus, That he could bear any affliction while Thetis his Wife was with him, because she always bore the weightiest burden, and the biggest end of the Log; this might be applied to them both. But now he is lest alone with a great number of small Children, and with a great Family of Servants; the education of the one, and the government of the other, was impossible for him to discharge, (as he knew that it ought to be done) by reason, that his Ministerial work did necessarily take up the most of his time, if not all of it. Yet he grappled with these difficulties for three years, and was then persuaded by Friends, to endeavor to repair the breach which God had made in his Family, by marrying a second time.

And providence bringing an excellent Gentlewoman to live in that Town, she was recommended to him by all his Friends, but especially by his first Wives Relations, as one that would take off much of the burden of educating his Daughters, who were the youngest part of his Children; and who did most stand in need of suitable Instruction and Education. This Gentlewoman was a person of great Piety, and of a sweet disposition; she was the Relict of Mr. William Folke of Cambridgeshire, and had but only one Child, a Daughter, an Heiress of a fair Estate; who was much of the same Age with his youngest Child and Daughter. After much prayer and seeking of God, the thing was accomplished, to the great joy and comfort of them both; she being a very affectionate Yoke fellow to him, and a most indulgent Mother-in-Law to his Children; so that there never happened the least strife between them, but only this, Whether he should show more kindness to her only Child, or she show more love to all his seven Children? and this contest also was most pleasingly composed afterwards, by the inter-marriage of his third Son with that Daughter.

About this time the first long Parliament convened, who after a while, thought fit to call an Assembly of the most eminent Divines of the Nation; and those of different persuasions, to sit at Westminster, and to consult about making some alteration in the Discipline and Government of the Church. His Patron being one of the Knights of the Shire for Suffolk, did then nominate him to be one of this Assembly. But although he had very much recovered his health by God's blessing (without going to the Bath) yet the starting of his Navel was not so fully cured, but that he did come very seldom on Horse-back; and therefore he went not to London till that Assembly was met, and had sat some time; and a prospect of some differences, was given, like to arise amongst them; and the Dissenting Brethren had prepared their Apology; before he could go, to answer the Summons, which was given him to attend on that Service. When he came to Westminster, and observed the state of things; he Petitioned to be discharged; and obtained of his Patron, to nominate another Suffolk Minister to succeed in his place; which being granted, he returned to his own Country charge. He was a great lover of Peace, and a great promoter of it; and was wont greatly to bemoan; that those who did so unanimously and heartily agree in the fundamental Articles of our Creed, and in the Doctrine of the Church, should (with great heat and animosity) contend about Modes and Ceremonies of Worship, and Forms of Discipline and Government.

In the year 1645. a very great number of persons in the County of Suffolk were apprehended, as being guilty of the damnable and Diabolical sin of Witchcraft; and divers of them had confessed themselves guilty thereof; but a report was carried to the Parliament then sitting, as if some busy men had made use of some ill Arts, to extort such confession from them; thereupon a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer was granted for the Trial of these Witches; in which Commission Mr. Fairclough 's name was inserted, with the name of another Reverend Divine; these were joined in Commission with the Judge of Assize, and the Justices of Peace of the County; that there might be a most special care taken, both of the execution of the Law, and that also all tenderness might be used, in a matter wherein the Lives and immortal Souls of many were concerned. The Statute itself (in that case) is so worded, that none can be convicted thereupon, but such as are proved to have made either an express compact with the Devil, or an implicit one, by employing Imps, that is, the Devils instruments, to the hurt of their Neighbors, in Life or Estate. Hence it comes to pass, that it is very difficult to Convict any person upon this Statute, but such as shall confess themselves guilty; and now great care was taken, that such confession should be purely voluntary and unconstrained; and the truth thereof might also be evidenced by many collateral circumstances, and other concurring and convincing evidence. This Learned man therefore, before his first sitting upon the Bench, did Preach two Sermons to the Court in Bury Church; wherein he first shown, that there was such a sin as that of Witchcraft, that is, of men's dealing and contracting with familiar Spirits; and did then confute all those arguments, which either former or later, Sadducees and Atheists have produced to the contrary; wherein he gave great satisfaction to the whole Auditory. He afterwards shown the heinousness of the sin of those, who would violently prosecute, or unduly endeavonr to convict any person, except plain convincing evidence could be brought. These Sermons were of great use; and although it is possible that some that were guilty might escape for want of such evidence, yet sure it is, that none were condemned, who could be saved without an express breach of the Law; for both in the Pulpit, and on the Bench, he did very much influence the whole Court by his judgment, viz. by his learned, pious and prudent management of the whole affair.

In all employments, and in every trust committed to him, he shown and approved himself a man of great Learning, prudence and integrity. Through his whole life, no blemish (upon any account whatsoever) did fall upon his Reputation; except that which is common to all men, to wit, such as is the result of envy, and hammer'd in the forge of malice itself.

He was no Lawyer, and therefore might be ignorant of the legality of the proceedings of either party, during the late Civil Wars; and therefore he always chose to be passive therein rather than active; but no man lamented more the sins of those times than he did, being greatly wounded when he heard of so much blood as was shed by Protestants, their fighting one against another. That expression of St. Cyp. de Sim. Prelat. was often then in his mouth, Proh dolor! quid facit, in cord Christianorum, Luporum feritas & Canum rabies? The Wars were no sooner began, but he foretold the ruin both of Church and State thereby; for he discerned the designs of the Jesuits were, to foment the differences on both sides, till both Church and State should be destroyed; which sadly came to pass in the year 1648. when the Emissaries of the Church of Rome (who had Listed themselves in both Armies) did so influence and leaven their Counsels, that the one Army rebel'd against the very persons from whom they received their Commissions, and offered great violence to them; first by excluding the most eminent Members of the House of Commons, with the whole House of Lord's; and then killed the King himself at his own door; throwing the scandal of all, upon the Protestants; though a Learned Dignitary of the Church hath abundantly proved it to be the act of the Papists chiefly.

Oh how greatly did the Soul of this worthy person bleed within himself for these things, and upon all occasions he constantly bore the public testimony against those proceedings; which he mourned for deeply.

When the Engagement for excluding the Kings Posterity was imposed upon him, upon the penalty of forfeiting his Living, he declared, That he would not only part with his Living, but with his Life also, rather than subscribe to that which his Soul abhorred. He was sometimes threatened (on the one hand) with Loss; at other times tempted by great offers of Gain: but nothing could prevail with him, to bring him to a compliance in anything which he judged sinful. There was a Baronet, who being a great Friend of his, (and a great man in those days, being related to the Protector himself) had long waited to express his kindness to him, (whose Preaching he valued above all men's) and it so happened, that the Mastership of Trinity College, which was one of the greatest Preferments (for a Clergyman) in England, fell void by the death of Dr. Hill; the Baronet (without his privity in the least) obtained a grant thereof for him, and offered it to him, but he would not accept it; which when his Friend pressed him to, he first repeated to him the Dystich of the Learned Funcius.

Thus Englished:

And withal he told the Knight this Story of Funcius, That he being a private Minister, was once invited to Preach at Court; which he performing well, he was entreated to stay there; and a while after he was preferred to be a Minister of State to his Prince: but thereby he soon made himself many enemies and enviers, and incurred the malice of many Courtiers; who after a little time, procured Articles to be exhibited against him, and so got him to be condemned to Death; which he suffered: but left the former Verses. for a warning to all future ambitious persons.

Our prudent and humble Divine had it deeply engraven on his heart, for he highly approved that common saying, viz. Bene vixit qui been latuit, A retired Life is an happy Life. 'It is true, his Parts and his Employment would not permit him to be hid; but he always endeavored it, and he counred a Life of Meditation and Study the sweetest Life in the World. It was from this settled Judgment, that he did avoid (as much as he was able) all places of public trust It is too well known, how that, for some time, the Wall and Fence of public Discipline being broken down, the Ministerial Office in those days, was strangely invaded; many ignorant, and some vile persons thrusting themselves into it; some men thought, that neither Mission nor Commission, Approbation nor Ordination, were necessary thereto; whereby many mischiefs did follow; till after a while, some persons were appointed to examine the Abilities, the Learning, the Gifts, and the Graces of all that should at any time be presented to that public work and station: This work he thought greatly useful and necessary, but being himself (with many others) summoned to undertake it, he thought that the distance of his Country charge from London, might justly excuse him, and might warrant him to devolve that work chiefly upon other hands; insomuch that he was very seldom amongst them; and when he did at any time come, it hath been universally acknowledged and declared by men of all parties, (who were referred to him for examination and approbation) that he nenever 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 respected any man's person or persuasion in reference to State affairs, or the kinds of Church Government. All that he would search after, was to inform himself of their fitness for their Ministerial work; as to their Learning and Abilities in dividing the Word aright, and as to the unblameableness of their Lives and Conversations. This caused him to be greatly loved; and highly honored by all men; some of whom are yet alive, and are dignified in the Church; who (afterwards) offered to have procured preferment for him, could he have departed from the way and path which he had chosen to take.

But he was semperidem, always fixed as a Rock, to those Principles which (after long deliberation, much reading, and full disquisition) he had established in his Soul; and upon this account he loved heartily those that even differed from him, when he once perceived that they were men of Conscience; and were not tempted by any outward interest whatsoever. He suspected men who were of the temper of him who was a Papist in King Harry 's days, a Protestant in King Edward 's, a Papist again in Queen Mary 's, and a Protestant again in Queen Elizabeth's. Josephus tells us of some Jews, that kept two different Pedigrees by them, and were Jews or Samaritans, as Alexander either favored them, or frowned upon them. And even in the Primitive times we are told, that there were some, who were Pagans when Dioclesian was Emperor, and turned Christians in Constantine 's time; but the same men were Arians when Constantius Reigned, and became Pagans again with Julian the Apostate.

He always pitied men in temptation, but valued those that were most steadfast, bewailing others, that thought it ground enough to change because the times changed; such as could say (without shame) Eamus ad communem errorem, Let us do the evil that most do; of whom it hath been said, Purpuram coluerunt non Deum:

He was of another temper; and being always steadfast, it might be said of him, even what St. Cyprian saith of some Christians in his time, That their Faith was strong, even inter ipsas seculi ruinas. Cvp. Ep. ad Demet. and like St. Basil, who being allured by the Prefect to change his Opinion, made answer, That he would not part with one syllable of Truth, no not to save his Life.

After near fifty years spent in Preaching the Word of God with faithfulness and diligence, it pleased God now to honor him, by enabling him to suffer for adhering to the word of his patience, and for the testimony of a good Conscience. He had been eminently active, and had done much for God's Honor and Glory; and now he was called to be passive, and to forsake all and follow his Master. Consciencious doing of the Divine Will, is a good preparation for Consciencious suffering of Divine pleasure. He that hath been sincere in obeying other of God's commands, will obey this among the rest, of taking up Christ's Cross; which is a Command as well as others. He was wonderful tender in judging any of his Brethren, who so far as he knew, might follow their light, in declaring their assent and consent to every proposition contained in several human Books; but he himself had no such large Faith; much less had he the implicit Faith of making such Declarations upon trust, relying upon the judgment of others, delivered in Books, which he could not peruse As for the Opinion of Bishop Bramhall, who allowed men to subscribe, and declare their assent unto that which they suspect not to be true, provided they do subscribe to it only as unto an Instrumentum pacis, for peace sake; our Divine would never use such harsh Language in this case, as the Author of Naked Truth, (third part) calling such distinctions, Trap-doors into Hell; but this he hath said of that Bishops opinion; that by two or three such Equivocations, an easy Bridge might be made to carry men over from Protestantism to Popery. The case (to him) was very plain and easy to determine for himself. He had sat down and reckoned his cost on both sides; and then determined with excellent Bradwardine, That he would not do that, which he thought a sin, Quantiscunque bonis lucrandis, vel quantiscunque malis evitandis. And he was sure that he did not suffer as an evil doer, but only as a person that was afraid to do evil.

Neither were they little things which he scrupled, or suffered for not doing of them. No, he wrote upon the last Leaf of his Diary these words, Non propter paleam relinquam aream Domini, neque propter pisces malos rumpimus retia Domini. He could submit to the English Episcopacy as an human Institution; and to Bishops, as unto the Kings Officers. He longed for Bishop Ushers reduction; and agreed with Bishop Andrew's; Quaeris, num peccent Ecclesiae reformatae in jus divinum, non dixi. Caecus enim est qui non videat Ecclesias stantes sine hac politia, ferreus est qui salutem iis neget. Andrew's Ep. 2, 3. His Judgment about Liturgies, hath been already declared to be the same with Bishop Taylor 's. In short, he judged it to be to him a sin, to say, he liked that which his heart was far from any approbation of.

All his people were greatly desirous of his continuing with them, if his Conscience would have permitted. The Poor thought they should greatly suffer by his leaving them; fearing a want of that Charity and Bounty which he was wont to extend towards them. Others thought of their great loss of an able and willing Peacemaker, in case of differences and quarrels, (all which he always took up) for he made and kept agreement, as much as possible, between his Neighbors. Others doubted, that in his absence they should want a person that would appear for the Fatherless and Widow, against their injurious Enemies, and cruel Oppressors; which he never failed to do. All these forenamed might desire his continuance out of love to themselves; but others came to him out of a principle of true human Friendship (as they thought it to be) to him and to his; advising him to be kind to himself, and not to lose such a Living of 200 l. per annum, or to part with such a fine Parsonage house, or with such a fine Glebe, or with such a great Auditory, or with such a loving People, or kind Neighbourhood: And others did desire his continuance yet upon more weighty reasons; they questioned whether any would succeed, like-minded with him, who naturally had taken care of their Souls; by opening the mysteries of the Gospel, and by revealing the way of Life to them, and that with great evidence and demonstration, with great power and plainness; they doubted also, whether they should ever have such another pattern of holiness, or such an example of mortification, or such an instance of heavenly mindedness set before their eyes again in this world: To all these, he replied diversely. To the poor afflicted and oppressed, he answered, That he blessed God that he should leave a good Magistrate behind him in the Town; who had formerly done (and could still do) more for them than he could, in that kind; and he knew that he was ready so to do. To the second sort he answered, That their love was great, but not right, being of no other kind than that of Peters, when he dissuaded Christ from going to Jerusalem; and therefore he desired them to desist from tempting him. To the last sort he used the words of the Apostle, Sirs, Why do you break my heart, for my own part I am not willing to be bound, but to die, rather than sin against the light of my Conscience; and for you I shall not cease to pray, That God would send you another Pastor; one after his own heart; and I hope God will hear me herein, and will direct your Landlord in the choice of such a one. He desired them therefore to join with the Patron and himself, in setting some time apart to seek God upon that account; which they did: and he did also in private, give himself earnestly to beg of God that he might have such a successor, as that he himself might not be wanted; imitating herein the good and just Aristides, who being banished unjustly from Athens, prayed this Petition only, That his counsel and direction might not be wanted by that City at any time thereafter.

Indeed, upon the removal of so eminent a person, it could be no easy thing for the Patron, to provide a man who might bear any proportion to him who had left them; an universal search (in both the Universities, and in the City and Country) was made, for a man that might rise up in his place, and might tread in his steps. At length the Reverend and Learned Dr. Tillotson, was recommended to the Patron as a person of great worth and abilities, a man of a moderate and candid Spirit, and of a large and generous temper; to him therefore was the Presentation given, whereby much of the loss was repaired; it being also no small ease to their former Ministers heart, that a man of that worth did succeed him.

When the Act, requiring all Dissenting Ministers, to leave not only their Parsonages, but their Parishes and People also, cameforth, this grieved him far more than the loss of his Living; for this hindered him, not only from Preaching to, but conversing with many of his Spiritual Children, whose education and increase of Grace, was dearer to him than any temporal concern. But where active obedience cannot be given, passive obedience must be shewn; he therefore resolved upon a remove; and the first place he went to, was to board with his eldest Daughter, who had married an Essex Gentleman, who lived in a very fair large House, called Sculpons in Finchingfield. He had also two Sons, and two Sons-in-law, who were all Ministers, and had left their Livings also; the Father (and these his four Sons) had lived at great distance from each other, in five several Counties of England; but now they all agreed to live together in one House, which made a very numerous Family, and erected a kind of little College of Divines; it was as a constellation of Stars, everyone whereof had afforded a very fair light when it was separate and alone; but being now all in conjunction, they drew the Eyes of much People (in that Corner) upon them. Neither could so many Candles be so put under a Bed, or under a Bushel, but that they still yielded a most benign influence to all those parts. Their habitation was about two Miles from the Parish Church, unto which (though some of the Family sometimes went) yet it was impossible for the whole Family to repair thither, especially for the aged among them, who were more than one or two. For

This aged person was forced to marry (a third time) an aged Gentlewoman to be his Nurse in his old Age, (his second Wife living a very few years with him) moreover, the House-keeper had an own Mother above threescore and ten years old, who lived with him. Upon the account therefore of these persons, and also of divers Children in the Family (whose tender years kept them also from the public) the Father and his Sons, did engage to Preach constantly on the Lord's-day in their turns, and once or twice on the week days in the Family, whither some Neighbors also did repair. Great was the comfort and joy, which the Father and his Children, took in each others Company. It was a most happy Family, and a very delightful Society.

But to the great grief of all, it continued not thus above four or five years: for although the Seat was (otherwise) very pleasant, yet the Air was bad, and proved very unwholesome, which caused a dispersion of the whole Family. His own Sons then removed to London, and his two Sons-in-Law into high Suffolk; and himself went and boarded with his youngest Son, who was then a public Preacher at Kennet in Cambridge-shire.

Here the Father did constantly go every Lord's-day to Church (it being near) and heard his Son, and usually Preached himself every Lord's-day Evening in the Family. He was then near fourscore years old, yet his parts continued quick and strong; and although aged, yet he still retained much of the Smartness and vigor of his youth. The blade was metal to the back, and although it was much worn, yet it kept its keenness to the last. Those that stood without doors, and saw not his Face, might suppose the Preacher to be about fifty years old, or a man arrived at the achme of his excellency, and standing in the Zenith of his Noon-day glory, and that both as to the matter of his Discourses, and the manner of his Delivery. Although at this Age, he would often say, That he now might be discharged of his labor, both by the Laws of God and Men (the Jewish Law allowing the Levite at Fifty, and the Roman Law allowing the Soldier at Sixty, to b • exempted) yet he loved his work; and therefore he would not leave the Altar, or quit the Field, so long as he could lift up his hand, or wield the sword of the Spirit; agreeing herein with the holy Bishop Severus, Si senex populo pro futurus sum, laborem non recuso.

He lived at Kennet (with this Son) some years, where his last Wife died; she was the Daughter of Mr. Sorrel of Essex, and the Relict of a Reverend Minister formerly in that County; but she having never had any Children of her own, she was unacquainted with true Parental affection, the want whereof in her, was grievous both to him and his; yet she was a good woman otherwise, and loved his Person and Ministry.

Sometime after whose death he removed to Heveningham in high Suffolk, to the House of his second Daughter; who was there married to Mr. Jones, the Rector of that Town; there he also kept on his course of hearing in public, and Preaching in private, for about two years.

At which time his youngest Daughter, who was married to Mr. Shute, the Incumbent of Stow-market, was covetous also to have her Childs part of his presence and company; wherein he did gratify her: and this was the last place of his abode in this world. He was above Fourscore years old when he came to Stow-market, until which time his parts and memory continued sound to that degree, as that all men admired him; but after that, a great change suddenly appeared; yet not so great, but that still he retained his understanding to a very good use and purpose, none coming to visit him, but they went away bettered by him: When he was much decayed, and almost fallen, the ruins of the Building were such as did evidence the Fabric had once been large and stately: When his natural heat and fervor was almost extinct, the remains thereof manifested that the Fire had been great, where such a heap of glowing Embers gave so much heat and warmth.

He was now going off the Stage of the world; and before the Curtain be drawn, that is, before an account be given of his last Exit, it will not be amiss to intimate to the world some peculiar excellencies that were discernible in him, worthy both of remark and imitation. In some few particular acts of Grace, 'tis possible that he might have some equals in them; but in many instances of Piety, I think this Age hath not known any to exceed him therein.

None surely can be found, who walked in a more constant course of private duties, such as Reading, Meditation, Self-examination and Prayer, which four duties he seldom or never divided the one from the other; and by a daily continued performance of them all, he had much of his Conversation in Heaven, and lived in close Communion with God. The Sun is not more true to its time of rising and setting, than he was to his stated course of secret Prayer, both Morning and Evening. So soon as he was awake (which was early every Morning, till he was very old) he did immediately rise, and prostrate himself at God's Foot-stool; after which he constantly read some portion of Scripture, upon which he did first peruse the best Commentators, and constantly (for some time) did meditate thereon, observing the counsel of Pythagoras to his Scholars, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , if you will not purify your food, and ruminate upon it, donit eat. But he having thus digested truth himself, after some time he came down to perform Family worship; which he always began with a short Prayer, and then expounded that Portion of Scripture to them, wherewith he had first warmed his own heart; and then prayed again with them more largely than before; and so betook himself to his Study again.

Through the whole day he kept a most strict watch over his Heart and Tongue, and had obtained Grace so, as that when he was engaged in civil converse, and in worldly affairs, he was even in them spiritual and heavenly, his Discourse being savoury and profitable. It was the Language of Canaan, and such as might administer always Grace to the Hearers. He also learned that excellent sort of Chemistry, to extract spiritual notions from earthly occurrences. He saw God in all things, and enjoyed him in all his appearances. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , he managed all things, and in all things was managed by the holy Spirit, as it was said of Justin Martyr: In every Evening he constantly called himself to an account, examining and reviewing (as much as possibly he could) all his thoughts, words and actions. He lamented much, that Christians should fall short of the practice of some Heathens. Seneca tells us, that he used every night (when his Servant had taken away the Light out of his Chamber) to turn his Eyes inward, and ask himself, what good he had done? and what evil he had that day avoided? Pythagoras required his Scholars, that they should night by night examine themselves by these questions, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Virgil saith also of a good man thus:

It was his business to live to God's honor. He was full of designs for Christ, he endeavored fully to copy out the life of his Lord and Master. All that saw him, saw (as it were) Religion embodyed, showing itself the greatest reality, and making itself to appear (what in truth it is) the most sweet and pleasant life of the world. They that beheld him, saw it was possible for a man (while here on Earth) to have his heart much in Heaven; and while he is in the body, both to live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit.

He was eminently solicitous to discharge all Relative, as well as personal Duties. In his Family he walked as a man of understanding, and with a perfect heart, and was one of the Apostles Bishops, blameless, ruling his own House, and having his Children in subjection. He was as another faithful Abraham, who taught his household (and his Children after him) to keep the way of the Lord. He designed to govern his Family by the Law of God, who is the great Pater-familias, of whom all the Families in Earth are called. He commanded nothing, but what he knew himself to be commanded to command. He did not conceal, but declare what his own duty (as well as the duty of his Inferiors) was. He spake his mind clearly and intelligibly, and forgave all faults committed ignorantly, and by mistake; being angry for nothing but willful disobedience.

Great was the pains which he took to instruct his Family in the narrow way of Life, by causing them to read the Scriptures frequently every day, and to abound in the knowledge of them; treasuring them up in their memories; which he would often inquire into: and by Catechising of them, first by a shorter Catechism of his own composing, and then in larger ones. All his Children (when grown up, and many of the Servants who lived with him) could not only answer every question in a very large Catechism, but could prove every answer by express Scripture Texts; for they answered not like Parrots, but as understanding the sum and substance of Christian Religion. He moved in his Family as an Angel, or an Intelligence in his Orb, ruling of it with perfect harmony and decorum. He beheld his Yoke-fellow with a pleasing, and pleased Eye of love; he looked on his Children with an Eye of watchfulness, as well as affection, and upon his Servants with an Eye of Authority and Government; so that all things were dispatched in his House, with Peace and Order.

He would tell his Servants, that he hired them, first to be God's Servants, and then his; and required them to look through and beyond him, unto God; whereby they might do two works, and serve two Masters (the one subordinate to the other) at once, and that they might be sure, that they should receive thereby double wages, from God and from him; adding withal, that God may (by an holy person) be as truly served in dressing of an Horse, or milking of a Cow (in time and place fit, and in Obedience to God) as in their going to Church, or as in private Prayer. He was careful in hiring of Servants, (which few are) if it were possible, he would gain the Children of godly Parents; and would never permit any to serve him, who refused to serve God in any of his Institutions. He reproved Idleness, as well in Soul concerns as in household-affairs, and carefully rewarded the improvers of time. When he happened upon any Servant of mean capacity, and a weak memory, he would give his Children charge to take so much the more pains with them, and be always very patient and gentle towards them. And God was pleased to bless him with many godly Servants, and such as were most faithful to him.

He had one Servant that managed all his concerns without doors, a Servant very skillful, and very careful; to whom his Master once saying thus: John, Since I have left my Estate to your care, I must own, that God hath greatly blessed me; and I perceive, the less that I do meddle with the World, the more I do thrive; the more I give away, the more I have at the years end. The Servant then replied thus; No doubt, Sir, but it is so; for I have taken notice, that the more you pray and study how to plant and water the Grace of God in your Peoples hearts, the greater blessing hath God given to my Plowing and Sowing in the Field; and the whole Town doth take notice, how much the Crop in your Ground is better than theirs, although naught but a little Hedge doth part them. Indeed this Servant was another Eleazar in Abraham's Family, or another Joseph in Potiphar's house. Xeniades having bought Diogenes, and having seen his excellent and good behavior, beyond the rate of all men (as he thought it to be) gave Diogenes his freedom, saying, That he believed he was some good Angel, and that he had clothed himself with an human body, that he might do good on Earth: Some also would have thought this Servant to be such a good Genius; of whom his Master said at his death, That God did take him away, least he should have grown over Rich and Wealthy in the World; as he had certainly done, if he had lived long.

As to the Children which God gave him, he did truly Travel in birth with them, till he saw Christ formed in them. God made him not only a natural, but a spiritual Father also to seven Children. He did believe, that most Children are capable of discerning good from evil, much sooner than most Parents are aware of; he therefore began very carly to instruct his own Children, and (all of them) like Timothy, had the knowledge of the Scripture in them, from the very Breasts. He instructed them not only by precept, but by his own heavenly example; and he might have said to each of them as Aeneas to Ascanius,

His whole Life was worthy of Imitation; it might be said thereof, as Chrysostom saith of the Life of Ignatius, it was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; a Teacher and Tutor of Piety.

He prevented as much as possible, that no evil example should be given to his Children, and commanded his Servants, that they should not dare to do or speak anything before his Children, which they would not do or speak before himself, well knowing, that great reverence is due to Children. He spake to them with much gravity, and some reservedness; but yet always kindly and affectionately, keeping Frowns only for their faults. And indeed his Children feared to see a Frown in his Face, as much as some other Children do fear a blow from their Fathers hand. He seldom corporally corrected any of them, and some of them never: As a Father he maintained his Authority, and as a good Father he did exercise great clemency. Vindictam ex necessitate, veniam ex dilectu exercebat. It at any time he was forced to be angry, he shown that it was altogether necessary, by the sudden return of his kindness, immediately upon their repentance.

He bore the Soul of every Child upon his heart; and daily prayed, that not one who proceeded from his Loins, might ever stand at God's left hand; and few men had ever greater comfort in their Children than he had. He died in the belief, that he should meet all his Children with comfort at the great day. He sent all his four Sons to the University, where three of them were preferred to be Fellows of Colleges. They all four were called into the Ministry, and were able and faithful in their places; none having better repute than they, in the places where they lived, until they were removed, either by death or otherwise; and God blessed them in Temporals also, he and his, parting with above a thousand pound per annum, when they laid down their public Ministry.

He lived in an Age wherein great contempt was thrown upon the Office of the Ministry; this caused this Champion to appear both Doctrinally and Practically against such contemners of the institution of Christ. By his Doctrine he declared often, and proved, that neither gifts nor graces, single and separate one from the other, did fully qualify persons for this work, nor doth the conjunction of them constitute a stated Officer in the Church, without due approbation by Church-Officers (upon examination) and Ordination (after Approbation) if possibly it can be obtained. Practically be appeared against such Contemners; first, by the begging earnestly of God, that he would give Grace unto all his Sons; and then would incline the hearts of them all to devote themselves to this work. Secondly, By his administering all the helps and furtherances of Education that might qualify them thereto. And to show yet more his esteem of this Office, he married two of his Daughters unto Ministers; and farther, he did not only send his own Sons to the University, but he sent divers others thither also, and maintained some of them much at his own charge; and he also prevailed with his own Sons (after they were Fellows of Colleges) to assist him therein; which they constantly did do.

There are divers Ministers yet alive that will acknowledge, that unto some of them he was the sole founder, and many others confess him their greatest Benefactor, as to the University maintenance.

He once hired a young man (of about twenty years old) to wait on him, and to Ride abroad with him, who was a good School-Scholar; but his Parents wanted an Estate to send him to Cambridge: this his Master was ignorant of at his first coming, but a while after, accidentally observing him to be reading in the Greek Testament, he posed him therein, and in other Books, and finding him fit, sent him immediately to his eldest Son in the University, and provided for his sustenance.

At another time, he Preached a worthy Ministers Funeral Sermon, who had fitted his eldest Son for Cambridge, but he died Poor; whereby the Son despaired of proceeding on in his Learning; which he being made then acquainted with, at the close of the Funeral Sermon, he desired all those of his Auditors that loved and valued the deceased pious Minister; that they would testify their affection in contributing towards the yearly maintenance of his Son; and after Sermon was ended, he called divers Gentlemen and Yeomandry together; and first he himself subscribed four pound per annum; the Gentlemen then subscribed Forty shillings per annum, and some Yeomandry Twenty; so that the young Scholar was provided for at the University, as comfortably as could be desired; and he proved very useful in the Church of God afterwards.

He was an excellent Orator upon all accounts; but he would use, and show it most effectually; when he was desired to move his Auditory to be charitable; many occasions whereof, were offered to him: and he did willingly embrace them.

When the Plague was once in the University of Cambridge, the Vice-Chancellor thereof sent to him (and some other Neighbor Ministers) to make a Collection in his Congregation for the Town of Cambridge; which he did do, so effectually, that he sent him above Fifty pound within a few days after. And the Vice-Chancellor wrote him a long Latin Letter of thanks; calling his gift Pingue beneficium, a fat Sacrifice; and withal told him, that his gift was more, than he had received from any six Towns in all the County besides.

At another time, when the Plague was at Hadleigh in Suffolk, he gathered near as much for that Town also. At which time, he did not only persuade the good people, but even compelled (as it were) many covetous Usurers to be bountiful; as the Prophet Nehemiah did, Nehem. 5. 13. The case of the Prophet, was that of Famine, and this case, was that of the Plague; yet he thought, that both the words and the action also of Nehemiah, might well be applied hereunto; and used them (in this case) with the like effect; many hard-hearted persons professing, that when he shook his Garment (as the Prophet did) at that very action their hearts melted within them; and they so trembled, that had their Pockets been then full, they had given it all to him at that Collection.

At another time, a Neighbor Ministers House being burned down, wherein his Goods (and the greatest part of the fairest Library in the County) being consumed, he in a short time, procured him above an hundred pounds towards the repairing of his loss; and procured also his own third Son (then Fellow of Gonvile and Cajus College) to take the distressed Ministers eldest Son, to be his Pupil, and to allow him good part of his maintenance.

He was Charitable beyond compare, both to the Souls and Bodies of men; both mediately (by interceding with others for them) and immediately, by contributing and distributing of his own plentifully to them; and that, not only occasionally, but statedly. He commanded all the Poor of his Parish to come, Weekly, to his door for relief; and required always that his eldest Daughter (first, before she married, then his next Daughters successively) should be his stated Almoners, and should distribute Alms with their own hands; accustoming themselves to works of mercy and charity: wherein he commanded them to be very bountiful. Vast was the sum of money which he gave away with his own hand. He clothed the naked, and fed the hungry. He put not only many young men to Cambridge (as hath been said) but many poor Children to School. He gave away, as many Bibles, Catechisms and good Books, as were asked of him; and they were many. When the sight of old People was decayed, he would furnish them with Bibles of a larger Print; and he gave an incredible number of Spectacles away (for their help) always speaking of the Invention of them by Metius, with expressions of love and praise unto God, for his great goodness to the Souls of men thereby.

He loved all the Ordinances and Institutions of Jesus Christ. Preaching was his delight, Prayer his joy, Administration of Sacraments, the pleasure of his Soul. He counted the Sabbath honorable. He was most solemn in the observation of public days of Humiliation; and kept many days of private Fasting and Prayer by himself alone in his Study. But above all, he delighted in reading the Scriptures; which was always sweeter to him than the Honey, or the Honey-comb.

He would never engage in the performance of any Ordinances rashly, or without due preparation. For his own part, he would never read a Chapter, or rarely suffer a Chapter to be read in his presence, without invocating God, for the co-operation of the Divine Spirit therewith. His preparation for solemn days of Fasting, for the Sanctification of the Lord's-day, and for the Administration of the Lord's-Supper, is not to be paralleled, as the whole Corner and Country where he lived, will unanimously testify. He never kept any solemn public Fast, but he Preached some preparation Sermons before the day came. He never administered the Lord's-Supper, but that he first Preached three or four Sermons at least, in opening, either the Institution, the nature, the use or the end thereof; or in showing the Duties of Communicants before, in, and after the receiving thereof. He hath left many Quires of Paper, written with his own hand upon those Subjects.

His constant solemn preparation for the Lord's-day is beyond all. It hath been already said, that he did constantly Preach every Saturday in the Evening, a Sermon in order to the right sanctification of that holy day; there must now only be added in short; that he commanded all his Servants to lay aside all household work and business early upon Saturday Evening; declaring, that he desired and hoped, That when the World was taken out of his Servants hands, they would endeavor by Prayer, Reading and Meditation, to get it out of their hearts also; that so their Bodies and Souls both might be free, and ready for a most cheerful performance of God's service the day following; which work, should always be done without the least distraction of mind. This preparation was not without great reason; for it is, as he would say, no easy matter to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts too, before we compass God's Altar; it is not easy to lift our Feet out of the Mire and Clay, unto which, they have too much cleaved, and into which, they have too much sunk all the Week before. The Royal Preacher therefore biddeth us, to look carefully to our Feet (that is, our affections) before we enter into the House of God. Holiness becomes his House forever; therefore it behooveth us, that our Souls be comely, dressed and adorned when we wait on the great God; and that our hearts be fixed and prepared, and our heart-strings screwed up, and rightly tuned, before we offer to sing and give praise to a God of infinite Glory; and all this, requireth time and pains before hand, with much diligence.

Himself being thus prepared, how did this heavenly person welcome the arrival of the Lord's-day! which he sanctified in a manner equal to his preparation. The Jews call the Sabbath the Queen of days; and he loved it accordingly. He rose earlier on that day than on any other; and caused his Family so to do also: admonishing both Children and Servants to spend sometime with God in private in the Morning, if at least they desired to meet God in the public Ordinances of that day. The Morning and the Evening Sacrifice was by him doubled upon the Lord's-day; for he always prayed four times with his Family every Sabbath (besides six times in public) to wit, immediately before he went to Church, and immediately after his return from thence, in the Forenoon; and before Repetition, and after Supper, in the Evening. His Forenoon Sermon was usually repeated by one of his Children after Dinner. In the Evening he repeated it himself. After Repetition, he examined his whole Family, not only what they remembered of the Sermons, but what good they had gained by the worship of that day. After Supper, he caused some part of Fox 's Martyrology (or some other profitable Book) to be read; and having prayed, he concluded the day always with singing of a Psalm.

Common Readers, and such as delight not in beholding the Image of God drawn upon the hearts and lives of his Servants, would be tired; if one quarter of this persons excellencies should be related; therefore after an instance or two more given of his Piety, we will leave the rest to be admired only by those that personally knew him; but 'tis pity, that that almost perfect Victory, which he had obtained over the world by Faith, should ever be forgotten.

Whatever is in the World, is either the Lust of the Eye, the Lust of the Flesh, or the Pride of Life; he therefore, who is mortified to Riches, Pleasures and Honors, hath very much vanquished the World; as he had done.

He contemned Riches as the dirt of the Streets. It is true, that God by his own immediate hand gave him plentifully; but it is as true, that he gave away again most plentifully to others. He was so dead to the world, as that he would not scarce deal or meddle with it. After the death of his first Wife, and of that Servant with whom he had entrusted his Estate, he put off all his Stock, and let all his Grounds, and never increased his real Estate, or personal Estate, above Five pound per annum, for near Forty years together; and he never put out a Farthing of money to Usury. He never sued any man in his Life: He had great advantages of growing rich many ways; but if he had died Forty years before he did die, he had been just so Rich as he was at his death. He would often say, that we read not of any good man in all the History of Scripture, or of the Primitive times, that was Covetous, and it was a shame, that any that do now pretend to Christian Religion, should degenerate. After the loss of his Living, though he Preached often, yet he never would receive one penny wages for that work; and some of his Children have imitated him therein.

As to sensual pleasure, he did scarce know what any of that kind did mean. He was as temperate in his Diet as possible. He never used any sort of Recreation at any time. It might be said of him as was said of Georgias Leontinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that he did never do anything to please the Flesh. In his youth he did love Music and Riding; in Music he had good skill; but on the sad News of the death of Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden, (that great Warriour in defense of the Protestant Religion) he hung his Harp on the Willow, and never touched any Musical Instrument after. He used to keep as good Horses as any man in the Country; and was therefore by a dying Gentleman, bequeathed an Horse of very great price, in these words, That he might Ride on him about to Preach the Gospel; which he did do so long as he was able; but he never took a Journey of mere pleasure; except those when he visited his Children, who lived remote.

He was far from ambition, as hath been already evidenced in his refusal of great preferments; and many more Instances thereof might have been added: He bound himself in a Bond, never to commence Doctor in Divinity; which did show, that he was herein like St. Ambrose, Qui nihil fecit propter ardorem inanis gloriae, sed propter Charitatem felicitatis; he acted from love to God, and not for praise of men. He was great in other men's Eyes, but little in his own.

Being once heartily thanked for an excellent Discourse which he made upon the 3 John 16. which Sermon proved successful to the saving Conversion of some there present; and this thing being related to him, he replied thus, Pray friend, give God the Glory; no praise was due to the Rams Horns, though Jericho 's Walls fell down at their blast; if God will vouchsafe that his Spirit shall breath through Ministers; it is God, and not the means, must have the praise. And another time, being greatly assisted by God in a Sermon, which he Preached in Cambridge, he wrote these words on the back-side of the Notes of that Sermon, Earthen Vessels, and Leaden Pipes, are either full or empty, according to the measures which they receive from their head Spring and Fountain, though free Grace filled my Soul this day, yet let me take heed of Preaching this Sermon (again) in my own strength.

As his heart was humble, so his behavior was meek and lowly. Though his Countenance was very grave and severe, yet his Conversation was full of sweetness and affability. It was a kind of Riddle in the Eyes of common beholders, to see so much worth and grandeur to be of such easy access. He would (and all truly noble minds will do the same) stoop to the meanest person who desired his Opinion in matters of weight and moment. He never despised (or spake haughtily to) any man; and from sober good men, he would never keep any distance. If any were godly, although never so mean or poor, he received them, not only with civil respect, but with hearty love; but (on the other hand) he was a most bold and undaunted person in reproving the wicked and profane; and had a Spirit which could abase the proudest Hector of them all, when he thought fit, and in its due time and place.

His Humility (joined with so much Grace and Wisdom) caused, that he was of a very peaceable Spirit, and had a large Charity for good men, of all persuasions. His own understanding being great, made his Love and Charity also very large. He discerned, how that honest men do often mean the same thing, when they are apt to quarrel about their expressions of it; and therefore in dividing times, he was always of an uniting Spirit. Whilst others sought to wound the Reputation of men who differed from them, he did what he could to heal and compose all animosities which might arise upon such accounts. He was abundantly sensible of that bitterness which some men were ready to treat each others with, upon small differences of Opinion, and what mischiefs did follow thereupon; the life of Religion, and the power of Godliness, being almost extinguished thereby; and while some men pressed Uniformity in little matters; Conformity to the weighty Precepts of Christ Jesus (such as those of Love, and Charity, and forbearance to each other) were neglected.

He did much wonder, that since the very Canons which were made in 1640. allowed men liberty to dissent, and to differ in practice, as to the point of bowing towards the Altar, and at the name of Jesus, how it should come to pass, that the Sign of the Cross should be so strictly required in the Act of Uniformity in 1662. But he did rarely publicly express this his admiration; for he would say frequently, that as breaking of Bones is extremely painful to all the members, except dead ones, so are Church-divisions grievous to everyone that is a true Christian: and as all motion is stopped, or rendered uneasy, by the dislocation of a Joint in a Leg or a Foot, so all progress in Religion, is hindered by the quarrels and fallings out of Brethren by the way. He studied always the things that made for peace, and sought to allay and quench those heats, which others (by their breath and bellows) endeavored more and more to inflame. He was an hearty lover of, and had a great kindness for, every man, in whom he saw anything of God's Spirit appearing; and he valued men more or less, only as he saw more or less of the Divine Image stamped upon them. He entreated all that he conversed with, that the truth of Grace in others, might be the most powerful Load-stone to draw out their hearts towards them. He would often say, that for one man to love another, only because he was of his own Opinion and Party, and to neglect another, who might be acted in greater things by the Divine Spirit, because he differed in smaller trifles; such a temper as this, did manifest, that such an one had little or nothing of the true love of God in him; for while that such a man did pretend to love his Brother, he did do herein, no other thing than hug himself, and embrace his own shadow, which he saw falling upon another's breast.

Abundantly candid and charitable, meek and moderate, was this person at all times; and yet notwithstanding, it must here be declared, That this meekness and moderation, and peaceableness of his Spirit, was such, as that it did not hinder, but did fully consist with, a mighty heat and activity for God, in all weighty and important matters. He wanted not Zeal, when the main Articles of the Christian Religion, the Articuli stantis & cadentis Ecclesiae, did call for, and require it. At the same time when he commended Constantine the Great, for his reproving the hot contest of the Nicene Fathers about Ceremonies; he also honored that Emperor for his warmth, in opposing the Arian heresy, as Sigonius relates, Lib. 3. Imp. Occid.

Indeed, this Learned Divine was (as to his Zeal) a most excellent pattern, worthy of all imitation. He was in this Grace (as well as in other things) a burning and a shining light both. Heat and Light were never divided in him. His fire sometimes burned very hot, but yet always very clear, and without any manner of smoke. In his love to the salvation of Souls, he burned like a Lamp, consuming himself, his Body and Estate, (even all the Oil that he possessed) and therein rejoiced, if hereby he might guide men to Heaven, and might show any one the way to God and Glory. And hence it was, that a great and learned Man (that often heard him) said, That no man was more judicious and weighty in the Doctrinal part of his Sermons, and none could be more affectionate and zealous (than he was) in the Application of his Doctrine. Indeed, it is a rarity to find a man of great reading, and deep judgment, to be endowed with much Zeal, or with strong affections; but this man's Sacrifices were all kindled with a Fire which came immediately from Heaven; which did at once both enlighten his Head, and inflame his Heart also.

He was a man of great prudence, as well as zeal. His Sails and Ballast were exactly proportionate each to other. He could not be dull and sluggish in the Service of so good a Master as God is; but he did never run before he was sent. He would always stand still to hear his full Errand, and would stay to understand perfectly and plainly all his Masters will; which being so made known to him, he then was most bold and courageous in delivering of his Message, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ,

His great prudence would not permit him to be rash, and his great zeal would not suffer him to be slow, negligent, or partial.

He had always a great love for God, and no man could be more concerned, either for Church or State, than he was. He had continually such a public Spirit, as that he scorned (at any time) to prefer any of his own private concerns, before the least public good; yea, he constantly valued and rated all persons and things, according as any man, or anything, had either a greater, or a lesser influence upon the public. Those that observed him, might easily discern, that the glory of God, and the welfare of his Church, were as the great Wheels, that did set on work and govern all his actions. He was a man most ready to deny himself at any time, if that in anything thereby, he might promote and advance the Interest of another man; provided, that other person did move in an higher, and more public place than himself. That saying ought never to be forgot, which he once used Preaching to a great Auditory, and then declaring to them, That he could never expect to see, or find Peace on earth amongst men, until the Spirits of men were so acted by the Spirit of God, as the Spheres are said (in the old Philosophy) to be acted above by Angels, where all the little smaller Epicicles and Circles of every particular Orb, do all give up themselves wholly to the conduct and motion of the larger and greater Spheres; and truly (said he) it is this, which (according to that Hypothesis) doth make the sweetest Music in Heaven; and were the same thing found and practiced amongst men, it would make the most pleasant, and perpetual harmony on Earth. But there are few men who are blessed with such large Souls, and such generous minds as his was; who did bear the interest of the public, and welfare of the universal Church, so deeply engraven upon his heart. St. Ambrose formerly was of this temper; who lived little to himself, and was all for others; whose Motto it was, Partior mihi totus foris; and our Saint might have used the same words, for he had wholly dedicated and devoted himself to the Service of the public; and so long as he had any strength left, he did most cheerfully improve every Talent which God had lent him, to the honor of him who had entrusted him therewith.

But at last, when (by reason of his extreme age) he could not openly and publicly do any other thing more for God or his Church, and when he could scarcely suffer anything more for the honor of either, he having parted already with all his stated maintenance, for the testimony of a good Conscience; he now gave himself wholly to pray unto God for his Church, in private; in which work, he usually spent four or five hours (sometimes six or seven hours) every day in the Week; indeed, he did not, (neither could he do at that age) little else but pray: and this he was constant in, both for the public, and also for all his Friends and Relations.

Every age of man hath its proper work and special employment, and also hath its pecular excellency and blessing appertaining, and specially belonging to that age, according to that expression of the Greek Poet, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

The life of Prayer was his employment, during all those years wherein he exceeded Fourscore, which was four years, within a few months.

He lived to be thus very oill, and it might be said of his Age, as it was of Abraham's, Gen. 25. 8. It was a good old Age. It was a good old Age on many accounts. It was good in respect of its length and duration. It is reckoned as a blessing, when God causes a man to fulfil his days, Exod. 23. 26. It is a mercy when a man comes to his Grave in a full Age, as a Shock of Corn, ripe in its due season, Job 5. 26. And it is very remarkable, that the most eminent Servants and Children of God (whereof mention is made in the Scripture, either in the old or New Testament) it is said of most of them, that they were long lived. Thus Adam and Methuselah before the Flood; thus Noah and Sem immediately after the Flood; thus Abraham and Job before the Law; thus Moses and Aaron immediately after the Law; thus Eli and Jehoiada, high Priests of the Lord; David and Hezekiah the best of Kings; John and James the Lord's Brother, the best-beloved Disciples; St. Luke and St. Paul, the most eminent Pen-men of the New Testament: of all these it is recorded, that they were eminently holy, and that they were blessed with length of days. The wise man tells us, That the hoary head is a Crown of Glory, as often as it is found in the ways of Righteousness, Prov. 16. 31. And it was thus in the Instance before us, as hath been abundantly demonstrated. His old Age was good, because he was good, and did good in it.

His Age was good also, because it was an hail and healthy old Age (saving those times wherein he was dis-spirited, and troubled with a swimming in his Head, by reason of over much Study; which lasted not above two months the first time, and three months the last time) it might be said of him, that he never had one sick day for above Threescore years together, (the starting of his Navel was no sickness or discrasie, although a great inconvenience in hindering from Riding; but it did never hinder him above ten days, either from his Study or Labors) so that almost all his days were Halcyon-days. His old Age was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , sana senectus, or as Peter Martyr saith of Abraham's age, it was facilis senectus, an easy old Age, because free from those troubles that are usually incident thereunto. This 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , or healthfulness in old Age, is reckoned as a double mercy, both by Moses, Deut. 34. 7. and also by Caleb, Josh. 14. 10, 11.

There were many things found in him which (under God) did very much conduce to his health, and subserved to lengthen out his days. As first, That he made great Conscience of taking care to preserve his health. He knew that (without health) very little of his Pastoral work could be discharged. He made Conscience therefore of keeping that instrument clean, which God had honored, (and he hoped would more honor) by using of it. He valued health, not so much upon his own account, as upon God's. His body being the Temple of the Holy Ghost, he did what he could to keep it in good repair.

Again, he was a person that was very temperate, and did always use a very spare Diet. He did not dig his Grave with his Teeth, as Gluttons do, or drown himself in strong Liquors, as too many others do. It is a true, and a witty saying of a late ingenious person, (well skilled in Physic, but no Practicer) that when men's bodies are over-charged with Meats and Drinks, they recoil upon their owners, and instead of discharging their proper Offices, they burst out into Surfeits and Diseases.

Again, he was a man of no violent passions, the over-agitation of which (saith the last mentioned Author) doth cause a too great fermentation of Heat, and often produceth Fevers; but calmness and sedateness of temper, keeps the blood cool and sweet. It is usually said, that mores sequuntur humores, that men's manners do answer the temper of their bodies; and it is as true, that humores sequuntur mores, men's health depends much upon men's manners.

But again, (he thought so himself at least, that) he was much the more healthful, because he avoided all unnecessary tampering with Physic. He counted Physic an Ordinance of God, and he much honored those that were able in that Profession; but he made as little use of any of them, as he could possibly do. He loved Kitchen Physic, but cared for none else. He would allow of Catharticks in some cases, but would always say, that the oftener the Kettle is scoured, the more clean it may look, but the thinner it grows. He did use Phlebotomy once or twice in his whole life, and not oftener; for he compared Blood-letting to the Snuffing of a Candle, which for a time, makes it burn a little brighter, but withal, causes it to wast much the faster.

From the healthfulness of his natural constitution, it came to pass, that it might be truly said of him, That he died of no Disease but that of old Age. There was no Thief in his Candle to hasten its Consumption, nor any acute distemper to be as an extinguisher to it; but his Lamp burned clear, so long as there was left one drop of natural Oil to feed it with. Some Weeks before his death, an accident had caused a little sore upon one of his Legs, which dried up of its self a very few days before his departure. The stopping of this Sore (the Surgeon said) was a certain Prognostick (but no cause) of his death, although it be often so in younger persons.

He kept his Bed but one whole day before his departure, a departure which he had long longed and waited for; and the very day before his last day on Earth, some company being with him, he expressed how much comfort he did then take, to consider how that his Savior had tasted death for him; and that Christ (by his Resurrection) had given him an assurance, that he was the first-fruits of those that sleep in him; telling some that stood by him, that it was very much the Duty of Believers to rejoice, that death had lost its Sting, and was now disarmed; and that the power of the Grave was quite vanquished and overcome.

A while after, he broke out into the Apostolical 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Oh the heighth, length, breadth, and depth of the unsearchable Riches of the Grace of God in Christ Jesus! Oh the height of that love, whereby God hath declared pardon to poor Penitents! Oh the freeness of his Grace, who doth offer Christ to all that will receive him humbly and believingly! that is, who will take him with an empty hand, joining nothing of their own works with the Merits of Christ in point of Justification: Some while after, some persons coming to see him, he told them, that he knew not how to requite them (for that love which they had shewn unto him) better, than by exhorting them to redeem the time, especially the time of youth and of health; for except there be first (in health,) an inward principle of Grace wrought in the heart, the time of sickness and old age would be very unfit for so great a work, as that of gaining evidences for Heaven: for, said he, times of sickness and old age, are times of considering, not of gaining such evidences. He advised them therefore (now in time) to prepare for Eternity; and told them, that that work was only to be done, by entering into Covenant with God, and making their Peace through Christ; which being once sincerely done, then neither a sick-bed, nor a death-bed, could do any of them the least hurt.

The night after, he grew very weak, and his vital Spirits decayed more and more, till the Morning of the next day, viz. December the 14th, 1677. when he expired his last breath, and immediately entered into that Everlasting Rest, which he had so often prayed, and so much prepared for. St. Austin tells us, that he dare say, That no man can die ill that hath lived well, De Dis. cap. 6. If this be so, then no wonder that such persons as have lived well, to desire to be dissolved, as this man had earnestly done, but yet always with submission: for although he had mortein in desideriis, although he desired to die, yet he had vitam in patientia, he was not impatient to go hence. His desire was with an entire and absolute resignation to Divine pleasure.

Neither indeed, had he any cause to be weary of the world, upon any other reason save this, viz. to be fully rid of the body of death; for upon all other accounts, he had lead as happy a life as most men ever did on Earth. He enjoyed the best rate and proportion of true delight, of sufficient plenty, of real honor; higher or lower degrees than what he enjoyed of these things, would have been either dangerous or troublesome. He was blessed with an excellent temper and crasis of Body, with great natural and acquired parts, with almost an universal freedom from any great affliction through a long tract of time, during his whole Life.

He was blessed with pious, prudent and affectionate Relations, both Wives and Children. He was greatly useful and serviceable to God in his Generation. He was engaged always in an employment, where the very work is sufficient wages: but above all, he was blest with an holy heart, and beautified with an heavenly Conversation. He lived long, and lived well, and slept into Glory.

Thus hath been given to the Reader, a small Picture of a man of great grace, holiness and virtue. It should have been more contracted, had it been fitting so to do; but it was considered, that what the Orator said when he was discoursing of that famous City Carthage, That it were better not to speak anything of it, than to speak but little of it, was true in reference to our present subject; for it might be said of him, that he was indeed, Vir nec dicendus nec tacendus; for it was a hard matter to speak but little of his worth, and impossible to publish all.

If any Reader, observing the great honor and veneration, which is herein paid to the Name and Memory of this very learned and holy Man, (who was a Dissenter, and did suffer the loss of his Living upon that account) shall thereupon conjecture, that the Publisher hereof, is not only 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , of like Spirit, but was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 also, of like Interest, with him of whom he writes, (having also lost a Living for the same reason) let such Readers know that they are herein mistaken; for the Writer of this Life was never ejected for Non-conformity: Neither hath he gained or saved, or lost one penny for adhering to any one party of men; for he doth hate Schism on both hands; and if he hath at any time Preached since the Act of Uniformity, either in public Churches, or in private Meetings, he hath never received any reward, or suffered any punishment for so doing. He doth studiously shun and avoid all things or occasions, which might Bribe, Blind, or prejudice his Judgment, or might tempt him to partiality. He highly honors all men of worth; and for this reason he did not dare to conceal those excellencies (of the deceased) which are here recorded; with whom he doth chiefly Harmonize in his universal and Catholic Charity.

It hath been told, how greatly this Learned Man did love all good men, of all persuasions; which made him also to be beloved, and admired both by Conformists and Non-conformists, who came jointly to visit him; and pay equally their due respects to him so long as he lived; and both sorts did greatly lament their loss in his departure: all the Neighbouring Ministers, and People of differing Judgments, solemnized this Funeral with great con-joined sorrow.

A Reverend Conformist, now Dr. in Divinity, Preached his Funeral Sermon; wherein he gave as great, and as high a Character of his transcendent worth, as is here given. It is true, that he then being ignorant of the full History of his Life, and not having seen his Diary, his expressions could be only more general, of those things which are here declared more fully and particularly. And let the Reader yet farther know, that it being desired by the Publisher, that another Reverend, Renowned, and very Learned Conformist, (an acquaintance of the deceased) would also testify and make known those things which he had observed in him worthy of remark and imitation, he was pleased to send the Publisher the following Letter in answer to his request.