A collection of the lives of ten eminent divines famous in their generations for learning, prudence, piety, and painfulness in the work of the ministry : whereunto is added the life of Gustavus Ericson, King of Sueden, who first reformed religion in that kingdome, and of some other eminent Christians / by Sa. Clarke ... Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. 1662 Approx. 974 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 282 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A33301 Wing C4506 ESTC R13987 12539997 ocm 12539997 62956 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A33301) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62956) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 309:12) A collection of the lives of ten eminent divines famous in their generations for learning, prudence, piety, and painfulness in the work of the ministry : whereunto is added the life of Gustavus Ericson, King of Sueden, who first reformed religion in that kingdome, and of some other eminent Christians / by Sa. Clarke ... Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. [15], 535 [i.e. 537], [3] p. : port. Printed for William Miller ..., London : 1662. "The second part: containing the lives of Gustavus Ericson ... as also of divers other Christians ..." (p. [331]-535) has special t.p. Advertisement: p. [3] at end. Reproduction of original in Harvard University Libraries. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Gustaf -- I Vasa, -- King of Sweden, 1496-1560. Christian biography. 2004-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-06 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-07 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-07 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion All that thou sees't and readest is Divine : Learning thus vs'd is water turn'd to wine : Well may wee then despaire to draw his minde , View heere the case ; i' th Booke the Jewell finde . 〈◊〉 sculpsit P. V. A. M. fecit A COLLECTION OF THE LIVES OF Ten Eminent Divines , Famous in their Generations for Learning , Prudence , Piety , and painfulness in the work of the Ministry . Whereunto is added , the Life of GVSTAVUS ERICSON , King of Sueden , who first Reformed RELIGION in that Kingdome , and of some other Eminent Christians . By Sa. Clarke , Preacher of the Gospel in St Bennet Fink , London . Be ye followers of me , even as I also am of Christ , 1 Cor. 11. 1. Brethren , be ye followers together of me , and mark them which walk so , as ye have us for an ensample , Phil. 3. 17. Ministri vita censura , & Cynosura . LONDON , Printed for William Miller , at the Guilded Acorn near the Little North-door in St. Pauls Church-yard , 1662. To the Candid Reader . CHRISTIAN READER , I Here present thee with another Volume of the Lives of Ten Eminent Ministers of Jesus Christ , and of some other Christians . The acceptance of my former Labours in this kinde , hath encouraged me to make some further progress herein . We see how diligent the Papists have been to write and publish the Lives of their Rome-canonized Saints , though most of them were but Ignes fatui that led men into Boggs of Errour , or blinde leaders of the blinde , as the Pharisees were in our Saviours time , till both fell into the ditch : How much more diligent and carefull should we be , to perpetuate the Memories of those who were fixed Stars , not in the Antichristian , but in the true Church of Christ : And truly , if any Church in the Christian world , since the Reformation , much more ( through Gods great mercy ) hath the Church of England abounded with such : And now what doth the Lord require of us , but that we should be followers of those , who through faith and patience inherit the Promises . Good examples are for imitation , bad for evitation . Good examples put a kinde of life into men : Even tired Jades seeing other Horses to gallop , will easily be put into a gallop also ; and experience shews , that its a good means for our quickning , duely to observe the examples of such as have been forward in godlinesse , according to that of the Apostle , Phil. 3. 17. Mark them which walk so as you have us for an example . It s the Spirits end in guiding some men in the right way , and that eminently , that by their walking therein , they might excite others to follow them : And it s also a special end of Regestring the Histories of the Saints departed , For whatsoever was written aforetime , was written for our learning ; and this is the best learning which we can reap from such Records , to imitate their Excellencies , and ( if it be possible ) to outstrip them therein . God in his wisdome hath not Regestred them , that they should be known onely as matter of Story for our delight , but for our direction and imitation ; and to shew that the things which he requires of us are possible , seeing they have been done by others before us ; as also to shew the way and means more plainly how to do them , and to declare how gratefull and acceptable they are when done . For the Scriptures are not penned altogether in a commanding stile , but have sweet alluring Examples mingled with the Precepts . There are four wayes ( saith an eminent Divine ) of teaching , Rule , Reason , Similitudes , and Examples : The two former enjoyn , but work not upon the affections ; and as for Smilitudes , they are for illustration , onely Examples conform us in a sweet alluring manner ; and that we may receive good from good Examples , these Rules are to be observed : 1. We must eye and pry into them , which is the very end why God hath left us a continuall succession of good Examples . 2. We must eye them , not to observe their weaknesses , to discover their shame , for this is a poysonous disposition ; neither may we observe them thereby to take liberty to the flesh , from what is amiss in them ; but we must eye them , as we look into Glasses , to dress , and adorn our selves thereby . 3. We must eye them for imitation : We must look upon the best , and the best in the best . We must not compare our selves with those who are inferiour to us in Gifts and Graces : For he that thinks himself good by comparison is not good at all . St. Paul saith , Brethren , be ye followers of me , even as I am of Christ : He propounded to himself , the most excellent pattern of all , even of Christ himself , and he blamed the Corinthians , because they measured themselves by themselves , 2 Cor. 10. 12. 4. We must labour for soft and sanctified hearts ; for a stony heart will receive no impression . 5. We must look to every one that hath any good thing worthy imitation : For in every Christian there is something imitable ; and therefore St. Paul longed to see the Romans , that he might be comforted by their faith , Rom. 1. 12. 6. Lastly , In things concerning which there is no certain rule to direct us , we ought to imitate the Examples of the most holy and sober Christians , as in the fashion of our apparrel , the length of our hair , &c. And as good examples are very profitable , so there is much danger in those that are evil , which by reason of the corruption of our natures , are great incentives , and allurements to sin . Nemo errat uni sibi , sed dementiam spargit in proximos , accipitque invicem , saith Seneca . No man erres to himself also , but disperseth , and communicates his folly to his Neighbours alone , and interchangeably receiveth the like from them . And as evil Examples are hurtfull in all , so they are most pernicious in superiours : For seldome do these tall Cedars fall , but they beat down all the low shrubs about them . Thus Magistrates by their evil example corrupt their subjects , Parents their children , Masters their servants , and especially Princes their people , seeing all the Country , either for fear or flattery , is apt to conform to their Examples . Ea conditio est Principis , ut quicquid faciat , praecipere videatur , saith Quintilian . Princes actions stand for precepts , and their examples have the power of a Law to draw their subjects to imitation . As the Heliotrope moves after the Sun , so do subjects follow the manners of their Princes . Regis ad exemplum totus componitur Orbis . Alexander the Great used to carry his head on the one side , whereupon his Nobles and Courtiers in imitation of him did the like . The common people ( saith one ) are like a flock of Cranes , as the first flyes all the rest follow after ; or as a Beast , where all the body follows the Head. Rulers sins do much hurt , as by imputation — Delirant Reges , plectuntur Achivi , so by imitation ; For man is an Apish creature , apter to be led by his eyes , than by his ears . Magis intuentur quid fecerit Jupiter , quam quid docuit Plato , satth St. Augustine . Height of place ever addes two wings to sin , Example and Scandal , whereby it soars higher , and flyes much farther . Oh therefore how cautious should Rulers be lest they be partakers of other mens sins , 1 Tim. 5. 22. They have enough of their own to answer for . Potentes potentèr torquebuntur . Let them take heed lest the iniquity of their heels ( of those that follow them at heels ) doth compass them about , Psal. 49. 5. And as the evil examples of Great ones are very pernicious , so are their good examples very profitable : Such as were the Kings of Judah , such were the subjects ; like Prince , and like Priest , like people . Before Vespatians time the Romans were grown to great excess , and profuseness in their apparrel , houshold stuffe , and attendants , having by their Conquest of the East , learned the Eastern vices ; and though many good Laws were made against it , yet could they not be restrained : But so soon as he came to the Empire , being a sober , moderate , and temperate Prince himself , all that former vanity grew out of fashion . I am not ignorant how some of late have endeavoured to bespatter , and to bring an Odium upon the Names of some of our former Worthies ( whose Lives I have formerly published ) as though they were Fanaticks , Anabaptists ( because they would not have their children baptized by Popish Priests ) enemies to the State , Traytors , &c. But the memory of them shall be blessed , when the names of these their traducers shall not . This is no new thing : Indeed it s an old trick of the Devil and his instruments , to belye Gods Children , and to represent them in the ugliest hue they can devise , thereby to make them the more odious : Thus Doeg dealt by David : The Priests and Prophets by Jeremy : The Persian Courtiers by Daniel , and his Companions : Amaziah by Amos : Hamon by the whole Nation of the Jews : Tertullus by Paul : And the Heathen Idolaters by the Primitive Christians , whereof you may see many Examples in my Mirrour , p. 44 , 45. But though the credit of the Saints may be Flyblown for a season , and somewhat obscured , yet as the Moon wades out from under a cloud , so shall their innocency break forth as the light , &c. Psal. 37. 6. Buried it may be in the open Sepulchre of evill throats , but surely it shall rise again . A Resurrection there shall be of Names as well as of Bodies , at the farthest at the last day . But I fear to exceed the length of an Epistle , and therefore I shall conclude with the words of the holy Apostle St. Paul , The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , and the love of God , and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all . So begging your prayers , I rest From my Study in Thredneedle-street , Octob. 10. 1661. Yours to serve your Faith and further your Joy , SA . CLARKE . Vpon this Book of Lives . VVHo e're shall please to cast a glancing-eye On these unpolish't , and rude lines which I Expose to publick view , may chance t' admire A womans hand should dare so to aspire . But why should man and wife divided be , Who long have liv'd in love , and unity ? For mine own part I do not know the reason , Except a womans verse be out of season . Indeed I almost blush thus to be seen Amongst so many Worthies as have been Famous for Learning give them but their right , Yet let me dare 'mongst them to throw my mite . Of these Examples sure I am there 's need , To back our faith , and strengthen us indeed Against such traps and nets as now are spread To catch Gods people in the wayes they tread . Yet if these Worthies rather chose to dye Than known Truths to betray , or once deny , Then let us tread their path , which path is blest , That when we dye we may with them have r●st . And now to him that wrote this Book Due praise , and thanks I give : And pray that it may never dye , But when he dyes may live . To the Reverend , &c. Upon his Book of Lives . VVIll not the rest of mankinde blush for shame , When they shall read , what under every name Is there related ? may not Ushers graces Raise conscious blood into our modern-faces ? ( He honour'd more his Dignity and See , Then they did him ; God send more such as he ) May not Crook , Whitaker , and painfull Hill Shame Drone-vinedressers who want skill or will ? May not , or rather , will not every story U●b●aid the present age , and stain our glory ? When those that are not over-vicious shall Run hazard to be styl'd Fanatical : And these much more , whom you present to view May probably be call'd Fanaticks too . For Moses and the Prophets are despised , Apostles , and Evangelists not prized : What wonder then , if those whom here you raise Even from the dead to guide in holy wayes Shall be reproached , scorned , and neglected , And that example which they gave , rejected ? Yet , Sir , your pi●us labours sober men Will prize , and praise God for your happy Pen , Whereby that pr●cious treasure once contain'd In earthen v●ssels , now broke by deaths hand Is for our use preserved i● good part , And we therewith enriched by your Art. Let them who would your labours rightly prize Endeavour to untwine these mysteries . Candles put out , yet shining bright and fair , Cities demolished , yet standing are ; Salt turned into dust , yet seasons much , Uncanonized Saints , yet truely such . J. C. The Names of those Divines , and Others , whose Lives are contained in this Volume . MR. John Carter , who dyed Anno Christi 1634. Mr. Samuel Crook , who dyed Anno Christi 1649. Mr. John Cotton , who dyed Anno Christi 1652. Dr. Thomas Hill , who dyed Anno Christi 1653. Dr. William Gouge , who dyed Anno Christi 1653. Mr. Thomas Gataker , who dyed Anno Christi 1654. Mr. Jeremy Whitaker , who dyed Anno Christi 1654. Dr. James Usher , Primate of all Ireland , who dyed Anno Christi 1655. Mr. Richard Capel , who dyed Anno Christi 1656. Dr. Robert Harris , who dyed Anno Christi 1658. In the second Part. Gustavus Ericson , King of Sueden , who dyed Anno Christi 1562. Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe , who dyed Anno Christi 1638. Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine , who dyed Anno Christi 1640. Mrs. Margaret Duck , who dyed Anno Christi 1646. Mrs. Margaret Corbet , who dyed Anno Christi 1656. Mrs. Elizabeth Wilkinson , who dyed Anno Christi 1654. Being sometimes occasionally absent from the City , these faults have escaped the Corrector , which I pray thee mend with thy Pen before reading of the Book . PAge 29. line 4. read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 33. l. 8. r. strenuous for pervous , p. 77. l. 1. put in , when so ne , &c. p 87. l. 1. r. conscionably for conscionable , p. 91. l. 4. put out , an , p. 129. l. 15. put out , was , p. 140. l. 1. put in , of , l. 20. r. her for his , p , 144. l. 22. put in , occasion , p. 149. l. 20. r. familiarly , for familiarity , p. 150. l. 29 r Bishops for Bishop , p. 156. l. 23. r. strange for strong , p. 157. l. 11. r. dayes , for life , p. 233. l. 31. r. knowing for know , p. 312. l. 4. r. wrote for wrough● , p. 318. l. 25. r. jure human● , & juris human● , p. 342. l. 17. r. bury for b●y , l. the last , r other , for to her , p. 315. l. 8. r the restless , for restless the , p. 369. l. 17. r. Sabboth for Sabbath , l. 27. r. Lubeckers for Lubecks , p 435. l. 21. r. the so●l , for the sould , p. 439. l. 7. r. M●t. 6. 3. for M●t. 3. 6. p. 443. l. 11. r. which for when , p. 451. l. 15. put in by that , l. 24 p●t in , he , p. 452 l. 13. p●t out , used , and put in , to , p. 457. l. 3. put in , of , p. 468. l. 29. r. you , for yours , l. 529. l. 11 ▪ r. breeding for being . Mr. JOHN CARTER . The LIFE and DEATH OF Mr. JOHN CARTER , Who died Anno Christi , 1634. MAster John Carter was born at Wickham in Kent , near Canterburie , about the year of our Lord , 1554. He was descended but of mean Parents , yet were they Religious , and of good report , who not being able to maintain him at the University , wholly upon their own charge ; there was one Mr. Rose , a rich man in Canterbury , who taking notice of his Piety in those his tender years , of his ingenuity , studiousness , and proficiency in all School-learning , even beyond the pitch of a Grammer Scholar ; and finding him hopefull , and likely to prove a precious instrument in the Church of Christ , he took him into his care , sent him to Cambridge , and contributed such sums of money to him from time to time as were needfull . He was admitted into Clare-Hall , and was Pupil to Dr. Bing , a famous Civilian , and Master of that House . Presently after his first admission into that House , he was taken notice of as one of singular Learning , and ripeness for his years . Amongst the rest that were of his year he had a Theam given him to make upon this Subject , Frugalitas virtutum maxima : and when the young Students brought in their Theams , the Lecturer took , and read them , and when he came to Carters Theam he stood , and paused awhile , and at last , said before them all : Here is the best Theam that ever I read ; and gave him some money for his encouragement , and highly commended his Industry ; and always after cast a favourable eye upon him , and sought opportunities to do him good . When Mr. Carter had taken his degrees of Batchelor , and Mr. of Arts , his Tutor , Dr. Bing ( out of his singular love to him for his Piety and Learning ) gave him a Chamber in his own Lodgings , where he continued a year , or two , which conduced much to the compleating of him for the work of the Ministry ; and all the while that he continued a gremial in the lap , and bosom of his Mother , the University , he held constant Meetings with divers of his famous Contemporaries , and that every week , as with Dr. Chaderton , Dr. Andrews ( afterwards Bishop of Ely ) Mr. Culverwell , Mr. Kewstubs , and divers others , whom God raised up and fitted to send forth into his Harvest , to gather his Corn , then ripe for the Sickle , into his Barn. At their meetings they had constant Exercises ; first , They began with prayer , & then applied themselvs to the Study of the Scriptures ; one was for the Original Languages , anothers task was for the Grammatical Interpretation ; anothers for the Logical Analysis ; anothers for the true sense , and meaning of the Text ; another gathered the Doctrines , and thus they carried on their several imployments , till at last they went out , like Apollos , eloquent men , and mighty in the Scriptures : and the Lord was with them ; so that they brought in a very great Harvest into Gods Barn. Mr. Carter would not run before he was sent , though he was so excellently qualified for the work ; he durst not venter upon the exercise of the holy work of the Ministry , till he had , not only an inward , but an outward call also , viz. an assignation , approbation , and solemn admission by the laying on of the hands of the Presbyterie . When he was ordained , the Bishop ( who in those days was primus Presbyter , or Praeses ) seeking to oppose him , asked him this Question , Have you read the Bible through ? Yes ( said he ) I have read the Old Testament twice through in the Hebrew , and the New Testament often through in the Greek ; and if you please to examine me in any particular place , I shall endeavour to give you an account of it . Nay ( said the Bishop ) if it be so , I shall need to say no more to you ; only some words of Commendation and encouragement he gave him , and so with other assistants , he Ordained him . Anno Christi , 1583. the Vicaridge of Bramford in Suffolk , near Ipswich , fell void , and Mr. Rose of Canterbury , beforementioned , procured the Presentation thereof for Mr. Carter of the Dean and Chapter of Canterburie , in whose Gift it was . The Salary at first was only twenty Marks per annum , but afterwards the Church raised it to twenty pound per annum , and that was the most that ever he had there , yet he accepted of it , and being setled in it , he set himself to do the work of Christ faithfully with all his might , as a workman that needed not to be ashamed . Every Lords day he preached twice very powerfully , and Chatechised the younger sort . He also preached a Lecture every Thursday , to which multitudes from Ipswich , and other adjacent places , did resort : And God gave such success to his Ministry , that by his labours many sons and daughters were from time to time begotten unto God. Many precious Christians that remain unto this day , acknowledge that their Conversion was by Mr. Carters Ministry . Before his Sermons he made but a short Prayer , and that always in the same words : After Sermon he used to be large , and full , and expressed himself with great variety of phrases , and with much fervency , and always he concluded with the Lords Prayer . He was very diligent in visiting the sick , especially the poorer sort ; and he never went to the house of any poor creature , but he left a Purse-Alms , as well as a Spiritual-Alms of good , and heavenly advice , and prayer . No poor body ever came to his door that went away empty ; his wife also looking to that as carefully as himself . Every Saturday throughout the whole year he gave the Milk of his Cows to the poor of the Town ; and indeed he gave more to the Poor every year , then the Revenue of his slender Vicaridge came to in the whole : yet God so blessed him , that whilst he was in Bramford , he quickly paid Mr. Rose of Canterbury all the money that he had disbursed toward his Education in the Uuniversity ; and before he left Bramford he purchased about twenty pound per annum ; Gods blessing only makes rich . He had but two sons , and he brought them both up in Learning , and maintained them in the University in good fashion . He was sound , and orthodox in his judgement : An able , and resolute Champion against all manner of Popery and Arminianism ; as also against Anabaptism , and Brownism , which did then begin to peep up , and infest the Church , to tear and rent the seamless coat of Christ. He was always a Non-conformist , one of the good old Puritans of England . He never swallowed any of the Prelatical Ceremonies against his Conscience : So that he was often troubled by the Bishops , but God raised him up friends that always brought him off , and maintained his Liberty . He was prudent , and of a peaceable spirit , and never censured any that could , and did conform , if he judged them consciencious , and saw any thing of God in them . At his first coming to Bramford , he saw of the travel of his soul. He had a plentifull harvest , many souls being daily added to the Church , by his powerfull Ministery , and holy life . But after he had abode many years amongst them , the people began to be glutted with heavenly Manna , and loathed it , so that there grew a great decay in their first love : and about the year 1615. or something before , there arose up a generation of malignant spirits , who were haters of a plain , powerfull , and searching Ministry , and of the life and power of Godliness : These were the Gentry , and chief of the Parish . These rose up against Mr. Carter , pressed him to Conformity , complained of him to the Bishop , and threatned that they would either bring him to conformity or eject him . At this very juncture of time , through Gods gracious Providence , the Rectory of little Belsted fell to be void . A very small Village , some three miles from Ipswich , and a solitary place ; the means indeed was better then Bramford , yet short of a competency , and of the deserts of so eminent a Pillar in the Church of Christ : it being but about fifty pound , and at the most not worth above sixty pound per annum . The Patron ( Mr. Bloss ) became a Suitor to Master Carter to accept of it , which he refused again , and again , being resolved rather to endure persecution at Bramford , to grapple with all difficulties , and to die there , rather then to remove . But Gods providence over-ruled him . At Bramford he saw that he must be outed , and Mr. Bloss would take no denial : yea , and he found favour in the eyes of the Bishop ; so that he was instituted without subscription , or submitting to the Ceremonies : and then at last , God ( as it were ) taking him by the hand , and pulling him whether he would or no , he removed from Bramford , after he had done faithfull Service in the work of the Ministery for about thirty four years in that place , and was setled at Belsted Parsonage , where be continued eighteen years before God caused him to rest from his Labors ; and in all that time he discharged his holy Function just as he had done in Bramford in his younger years ; though his Congregation here was but small : yet it pleased God that many Fish came within the compass of his Net from Ipswich , and other neighbouring Towns , where they were destitute of faithfull Shepherds , so that his later Crop in Gods Harvest-field , was very considerable . Little Belsted was a Tusculanum to him , where in his old age he had much secret , and sweet communion with God in the house , and , as an Isaac , with him in the Fields , which was a beginning of that glorious Communion which he now enjoyes with God in the mountains of Spices . He being dead , yet speaks ; and his works praise him in the Gates . For from the Press we have his Learned , and pithy Commentary on the Sermon of Christ in the Mount : and two short , but substantial , solid , and profitable Catechisms : one , Milk for children : the other , Winter evenings Communication . His pains in the study of the Revelations were indefatigable . He wrote much in a little room ; but these Labours of his yet never saw the light . Many Ministers that privately did converse with him , lighted their candles at his . For his carriage and deportment in his Family , it was sober , grave , and very Religious . He there offered up the Morning and Evening Sacrifice of Prayer , and praise continually : so that his House was a little Church . Thrice a day he had the Scriptures read , and after that the Psalm , or Chapter were ended , he used to ask all his children and servants what they remembred , and whatsoever Sentences they rehearsed , he would speak something out of them that might tend to their edification . For his own , and his Wives habit , it was very plain , and homely , of the old Fashion , yet very cleanly and decent ; insomuch , that all that came to his house would say , they had seen Adam and Eve , or some of the old Patriarchs . In all his house also , there was nothing but honest plainess . He was such an one as Jacob , a plain , sincere , I had almost said a perfect man ; I am sure a true Nathaneel , in whom was no guile . He never used any Plate in his House , but Vessels of Wood and Earth ; Pewter and Brass were the highest Mettals for his Utensils . All the time of his house-keeping he used constantly at his Table a little wooden Salt , which with age was grown to be of a duskish black , which was much taken notice of by all Comers . He never made Feasts , yet always had wholsom , full , and liberal Diet in his house , and all fared alike : He , and his wife did never think that his children , and servants , and poor folk did eat enough . The righteous man ( saith Solomon ) is mercifull to his Beast : So he was carefull even for the bruit Creatures , that they should be fed to the full . All his cattel were like to the first Kine that Pharaoh saw feeding in the Meddow , they were fat-fleshed , and well favoured ; insomuch , as some godly people used to say merrily : If they would be a Cow , or a Horse , or a Hog , or a Dog , they would choose Mr. Carter for their Master . He had a sharp wit , and was sweet , milde , affable , and pleasant in his conversation ; yet were there not any of his most facetious passages , that did not savour of holiness . His communication and discourse was always heavenly , and his eyes were frequently lifted up towards heaven : He did not eat , or drink without praising God with his mouth , and eyes . His whole Conversation was in Heaven . Besides his Family Duties , and Prayers , he prayed constantly in his Closet at his first going to his study , and before he came forth to Dinner and Supper . He prayed very loud , and mostly very long : for the extension of his voice he had a double reason ; one that by his earnest speech he might quicken , and raise up his own heart , and devotion : the other , that he might give a good example for secret prayer to his children , and servants ; and he never closed any Prayer , without adding the Lords Prayer ; and his ground for that practise was this ; He judged his own best Prayers imperfect , and that of Christ most perfect , and comprehensive of all our necessities . That you may be the better satisfied concerning his sense , and judgement in this matter , take this transcript out of his Printed Commentary upon Mat. 6. 9. Where after he hath set forth the excellency , and perfection of Christs Prayer , he addeth , Christ now directs us to the right performance of the Duty of Prayer . After this manner pray ye : Or as St. Luke sets it down , When you pray , say . Not binding us strictly to use these words always , and none other , but to use the matter , manner , and like affections : But as for them who cannot so well enlarge their suits in other words , or for those also who can , and do it , and yet remain still unsatisfied , as not having done it sufficiently ( and who can do it sufficiently ? ) the Lord Christ hath left this most excellent help to use the very words of this Divine Prayer , as the most worthy servants of God have ever used to do : And learn we here by the way , that an absolute necessity lyeth upon us ( which ought to be our greatest glory and comfort ) to pray in these words , or in this manner . For it is the undispensable Commandment of our Lord Christ : After this manner pray . He had a special dexterity in comforting afflicted Consciences ; resolving doubts , and answering questions ; when some came to him ( not long before he changed this earthly for an heavenly Mansion ) and told him of the rigour of the Prelates , how it grew higher every day , how they persecuted conscientious Ministers , and Christians : Of their Innovations , and of the Book for Liberty of Sports on the Sabbath days , tending to the fearfull profanation thereof : He used these expressions : I have had a longing desire to see , or hear of the fall of Antichrist : But I check my self , I shall go to Heaven , and there news of it will come thick , thick , thick . When others came to him , and pressed him with importunity to tell them his Judgement concerning the future state of the Church , saying to him , that he had travelled much in the study of the Revelations , and they were perswaded that God had revealed something more then ordinary to him . What do you think ( said they ) shall we have Popery once again , or no ? He answered , You shall not need to fear fire , and fagot any more : but such dreadfull divisions will be amongst God people and Professors , as will equalize the greatest persecutions . A man meeting him near his house , called to him , saying , Oh Mr. Carter ! What shall I do ? My wife is entring into her Travel , and I think she will die with very fear : Mr. Carter answered , Make haste , run to your wife , and tell her that I am going to my Closet as fast as I can to pray for her ; therefore bid her not faint , but to be of good courage and comfort . The man accordingly ran to his wife , and told her what had passed between Mr. Carter , and him . Presently her fears vanished , God gave her strength , and she was delivered immediately , and safely : and strait after , her Husband went to Mr. Carter ( even before he came out of his Closet ) and told him what God had done for him . Another time , a poor man met him by the way , and cryed to him piteously , saying , Mr. Carter ! What shall become of me ? I work hard , and fare hard , and yet I cannot thrive , I continue bare , and know not how in the world to live . He answered him : Yet still you want one thing , and I will tell you what you shall do , Work hard , and fare hard , and pray hard , and I will warrant you shall thrive . There dwelled in that Parish a Tanner , that was a very godly man , and one that had much familiar society with Mr. Carter . This man as he was very busie in Tawing of a Hide with all his might , not so much as turning his head aside any way : Mr. Carter coming by accidentally , came softly behinde him , and merrily gave him a little clap on the back : the man started , and looking behinde him suddenly , blushed , and said , Sir , I am ashamed that you should find me thus : To whom Mr. Carter replied , Let Christ when he comes finde me so doing : What ( said the man ) doing thus ? Yes ( said Mr. Carter to him ) faithfully performing the Duties of my Calling . Being at Dinner at Ipswich at one of the Magistrates Houses ; divers other Ministers being at the Table also : One amongst the rest ( who was old enough , and had learned enough to have taught him more humility ) was very full of talk , bragged much of his parts , and skill , &c. and made a Challenge , saying , Here are many Learned men , if any of you will propound any question in Divinity , or Philosophy , I will dispute with him , resolve his doubt , and satisfie him fully . All at the Table ( except himself ) were silent for a while : then said Mr. Carter , ( when he saw that none else would speak ) to him , calling him by his name : I will go no further then my Treacher to puzzle you : Here is a Sole : Now tell me the reason why this Fish that hath lived always in the salt water , should come out fresh ? To this , this forward Gentleman could say nothing , and so was laughed at , and shamed out of his vanity . At another time a certain man came to him , and made his moan , saying , I have lost the greatest friend that I had in the world : I had ( in a manner ) all my livelyhood from him : To whom Mr. Carter answered : When the Fountain is dryed up in one place , God will open it in another . To one of his Sons he said , Son John , God hath always brought water for me out of the hard stinty rock . Those covetous hard hearted men , who have been enemies to my person and Ministery , have many times come in , and given me countenance and maintenance . His eldest son , whom he had bred up to the Ministery , and who proved a blessed Instrument in the Church of Christ , being dead , Mr. Carter took care of his eldest son , sent him to Cambridge , and walking with him towards the Stable , took his last leave of him , in these words in Latine , Cave , mi fili , fastum , ignaviam , Antichristum , My son , beware of Pride , Sloth , and Antichrist . His usual saying was , a Traveller must have a Swines belly , an Asses back , and a Marchants purse : Meaning that he must be content with any fare , bear all injuries , and provide for vast expences . We are Pilgrims and Travellers here , and we must prepare for wants , wrongs , and spoiling of our goods . It might well be said of him , Semper erat ubi non erat : His heart was where his head was , and now his soul is , to wit , in Heaven . His whole life was nothing else but a Communion day . Old Jacob seemed to live in him : and sure the Spirit of God breathed as much in him , in his words , and writings ( holiness dropped from his Pen in every ordinary Letter that he wrote ) in his actions , and Soliloquies , as in any mans in these latter times . He was always instilling precious precepts , exhortations , instructions , or consolations into those with whom he had occasion to converse . A godly woman told his Son , that she had been servant to a Religious Gentleman , to whose house Mr. Carter did often resort , and that she was won to Christ at first , by hearing the Heavenly speeches , and sweet principles that dropped from him as she was warming his Bed , and as she waited upon him in his Chamber . He was always most just , and exact in his dealings . He put a Clause in his Will , for the faithfull , and carefull payment of his Debts : yet when his Son John , and his daughter Eunice , whom he made his Executors , enquired what his Debts were , he could finde nothing that he owed , except to the Smith for shooing of an Horse or two . His Son , when he came to look over his Library , found two or three Books ( not one of them worth a Groat ) upon which he had written , This Book was borrowed of such an one : Let it be restored : or if the owner cannot be found , allow something to the poor for it , and that liberally . Once , being in a journey many miles from home , in changing a piece of Gold at a Shop , he took an half Crown piece instead of a shilling , neither he nor the Shop-keeper knowing it : but as soon as he came home , he found the mistake ; whereupon he could not rest satisfied , but the next day took a long journey back again on purpose to that Town , to carry back the half Crown again . He was of a sweet , mild , and gentle nature , and of a gracious spirit . A loving , and faithfull Husband to his wife , and a tender , and indulgent Father to his children ; and if he failed in any thing , it was in his carriage to his Servants ; for truly he carried not himself to them as a Master to his servants , but as a familiar friend to his friends . He would make them to sit down with him at his Table , and would drink to them at his meals . He , and his Wife were married together almost threescore years , and in all that time there was never heard any distastefull word to pass betwixt them . Neither indeed could it be otherwise : For he lived , and walked with her as a man of knowledge : he was to her a Prudent , Faithfull , and tender guide ; and she was humble , and meek , reverenced , and highly esteemed him . Every word he spake was an Oracle to her , and her will ever closed with his Judgement . He lived to the age of fourscore : When his youngest son John was born , who was the youngest of nine , he called him the Son of his Age , and yet he lived to see him fourty years old before he died himself , being fourty years old when he was born . He was much , and frequent in secret Fastings , and when he kept such a day , he told none of his house of it , save his wife only , and she would not eat any thing that day on which he fasted , but oft-times she was with him in his retiring chamber to joyn with him in prayer ; yet could it not be concealed from the rest of the Family , because at night he supped not , but only had a Toste , and a draught of ordinary Beer to sustain nature . On the Sabbath Days he never had any Roste meat at Dinner , because he would have none thereby kept from the Publick Ordinances ; the Pot was hung on with a piece of Beef , and a pudding in it , and that was their constant Lords Days Dinner , for well-nigh sixty years together . His Church at Belsted stood in a very solitary place , whereof he always kept a key , and would often resort thither all alone . A Gentleman once espying him as he went towards the Church on a private day , hid himself , till Mr. Carter was past , and gone into the Church , and then he came close up to the Church wall , desiring to peep in at some window to see what he did , and to listen if he said any thing ; and this Gentleman afterwards told his Son John , that he first prayed , then read a Chapter , and after that prayed largely , and very heavenly , as if he had been in his Family , or in the publick Congregation . He vigorously held on the constant course of his Ministry to the last . It may be said of him , as of Caleb and Joshua ; he was as sit for service in Gods Harvest-field at fourscore , as he was at fourty . Indeed some abatement of bodily strength there was , as old Age did steal upon him . After his afternoon Sermon on the Sabbath days he would be something faint , and commonly when he came home he would call for some comfortable draught , and when he had lifted up his eyes to heaven , and taken it , he would say to them about him , These are crutches to shore up a ruinous house : but in his Intellectuals , and spiritual strength there was no decay . Old Mr. Benton of Wramplingham in Norfolk , a holy man of God , being upon occasion in Suffolk in those parts , could not but give a visit to his old friend , Mr. Carter of Belsted ; and being with him , he heard him discourse with such holy gravity , and a mixture of all kinde of Learning , sollidity , and wit , that he stood amazed at it , and said , Mr. Carter , I see you are like unto the Palm and Cedar Tree , you bring forth more fruit in your Age. I thank you ( said Mr. Carter ) you tell me what I should be . And now the time of his departure was at hand : Some fortnight , or three weeks before his Translation , there appeared some decays in his body , and memory , which now began to fail him . He would sometimes ( but rarely ) call to go to Sea , and to his better Countrey . Yet he sate up from morning till night , and commonly walked up and down the room , and never failed to perform Prayer , and other Family exercises , so that none could discern any considerable defect either in his spiritual , or natural strength : Only in this , that when he had done , he would presently call to begin again ; and say to his daughter Eunice , who was now the stay of his house , and the staff of his old age ( God having taken away his dear wife about two years before ) Daughter , shall we not go to prayer ? and when she answered him , Sir you have been at Prayer already , and you are weary , he would reply , I fear we have not done what we should do . It was one of his constant and ordinary Petitions in every Prayer , that God would vouchsafe him a mercifull , and easie passage out of this life , and the Lord did most graciously answer him therein . February the 21. Anno Christi , 1634. being the day before the Sabbath , in the evening he called very earnestly for Paper , Ink , and two Pens : For ( saith he ) by Gods grace tomorrow I will preach twice : But ( God knows ) he was not in a fit condition for study ; yet with that resolution he went to Bed , and God gave him some rest that night . In the morning upon the Sabbath day he did rise from his Bed , as he used to do , and came out of his Bed-chamber into the Hall , and after Prayer , he called for his ordinary breakfast , which he used before he went to Church ( for still he held his resolution for Preaching ) which was an Egg ; he took it into his hand , but alas ! it would not down : whereupon he said to his daughter . Eunice , I am not able to go to Church , yet I pray thee , lead me to my Bed , I will lie down a little and rest me . So he rose up out of his chair , and walked up and down , she supporting him , and when he came to the Parlour door , before he put his foot over the threshold : Oh Eunice ! saith he , What shall I do ? Put your trust ( saith she ) in that God of whom you have had so much experience , who never yet did leave you , nor forsake you . Yea ( saith he ) the Lord be thanked . So he gathered up his strength , went to the Bed-side , sat down upon it , and immediatly composed himself to lie down . He lifted up one of his Legs upon the Bed without any great difficulty , laid down his Body , and rested his Head upon the Pillow . His Daughter still stood by , expecting when she should lift his other leg upon the Bed , thinking that he had been faln asleep : and she was not mistaken , for so he was . It proved his last sleep , and before she could discern any change in him , his soul had taken its flight into heaven , even into the Arms , and embraces of his Blessed Saviour , whom he had faithfully served all his life long ; being about fourscore years old . He intended a Sabbaths labour for Christ , and Christ gave him rest from his labour , even the rest of an eternal Sabbath . When his daughter began to speak to him , and to lift him , she found that his breath was departed , yet was there not any change in his countenance at all : his eyes and his mouth continuing in the same posture they used to be in his sweetest sleeps . Thus the Lord gave unto his faithfull Servant the desire of his soul , and a return of his Prayers , such an easie passage , as that his death could not be discerned from a sweet natural sleep . Not many days before his death he called his daughter and said to her , Daughter , Remember my love to my Son John : I shall see him no more in this life : and remember me to the rest of my children , and Family , and deliver this message to them all from me : Stand fast in the faith , and love one another . This was the last message that ever he sent to them . He ended his life with a Doxology , breathing out his last , with these words , The Lord be thanked . When he had thus yielded up his Spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father , his daughter Eunice dispatched away a Messenger to his Son John at Norwich : for so had her Father given order before he died , that his body should not be put into a Cofsin till his Son John came : and God carried him through the journey in hard weather , so that through Gods good providence , he arrived at Belsted early on the Tuesday , and going into the house of mourning , he found the Body of his deceased Father still lying upon the bed : they uncovered his face , and sweetly he lay , and with a smiling countenance , and no difference appearing to the eye between his countenance alive and dead , only that he was wont to rejoyce , and to bless his Son at their meeting , and now he was silent . His son fell upon his face and kissed him , and lift up his voice and wept , and so took his last leave of him till they should meet in a better world . February the 4th . in the afternoon , Anno Christi , 1634. was he Interred , at which time there was a great confluence people from all the parts thereabout , Ministers , and others , all taking up the words of Joash King of Israel : Oh my Father ! my Father ! the chariots of Israel , and the Horsemen thereof ! Good Mr. Samuel Ward , that famous Divine , and the glory of Ipswich , came to the Funeral , brought with him a mourning Gown , and offered very respectfully to have preached his Funeral Sermon , now that such a Congregation was gathered together , and upon such an occasion . But his Son , and daughter durst not give way unto it : for so their Father had often charged them in his life time , and that upon his blessing , that there should be no Sermon at his burial : For ( said he ) it may give occasion to speak some good of me that I deserve not , and so false things may be uttered in the Pulpit . Mr. Ward rested satisfied with this , and accordingly did forbear : But the next Friday at Ipswich , he turned his whole Lecture into a Funeral Sermon for Mr. Carter , in which he honoured him , and lamented the Churches loss , to the great satisfaction of the whole Auditory . Gloria fugentes sequitur . Glory is like your shadow ! follow it , and it will flie away from you ; but she from it , and it will follow you . And so it proved with Mr. Carter : He was most eminent for Humility : Humble he was in his habit , and humble in all his deportment : For though his Gifts called him before great men , yet his most ordinary converse was with those of an inferiour rank ; in whom he saw most of the power of godliness . So that he might truly say , with David , Psal. 119. 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee , and of them that keep thy precepts . He wrote very much ; but he left nothing behinde him save what is Printed , and his Exposition upon the Revelations ; and a Petition to King James for the taking away of burdensom Ceremonies out of the Church . Nothing else but a few broken Papers , which he regarded not . Probably he burnt the rest , when he saw his appointed time draw neer , meerly out of a low opinion of himself , and his own gifts . He avoided all things that might tend to outward Pomp , and ostentation : He would have no Funeral Sermon : He left order in his Will not to be buried in the Church , but in the Church-yard ; where he , and his wife , that glorious pair , he interred together without so much , or rather so little as a poor Grave-stone over them . He had learned of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart : He was humble in his Life , and humble in his Death , and now the Lord hath highly exalted him . He kept a constant Diary , or day book , in which every day he set down Gods extraordinary dispensations , his own actions , and whatsoever memorable things he heard , or read that day . He cast up his Accounts with God every day : and his sins were blotted out before he came to his last reckoning ; his day of refreshing came , and he rests from his labours Plus vivitur exemplis quam preceptis , saith Seneca ; Examples of the dead , are Sermons for the liv●ng : He was a true child of Abraham , and the blessing of Abraham fell upon him . I will bless them ( saith the Lord to him ) that bless thee , and I will curse them that curse thee . Some years after his death , his Son John being at Bramford , there was an ancient Gentleman , that had lived there long , and was Mr. Carters old Friend , who spake thus unto him , Mr. Carter , I have nowli● to see the downfall of all your Fathers opposites , and enemies ; there is not one of them , but their Families are scattered , and come to ruine . Let all the enemies of Gods faithfull Messengers hear and fear , and do no more so wickedly . It may be truly said of him , and his faithful Yoke-fellow , as it is written of Zacharias and Elizabeth , they were both righteous before God , walking in all the Commandments , and Ordinances of the Lord blameless ; and truly the world will , and can testifie , that neither of them did ever do that thing that was evil , or unjust , or scandalous , or uncomely , even their enemies themselvs being Judges , they were as to men , without blemish : their life was a sweet savour , and they went out of this life as a fragrant persume . This Life was drawn up by Mr. John Carter , Junior , now also with the Lord , one who degenerated not from the steps of his Learned , and holy Father , and by him was sent to me some years since , together with this ensuing Epistle : which I have the rather inserted , to provoke , and stir up others , who can in this way , revive the memories of the Dead Saints , to do it , which will be a more lasting Monument to them , and far more beneficial , and advantagious to the Church of God , than any sumptuous , and costly Funerals , or Grave-stones whatsoever . To his Reverend Brother , and fellow Labourer in the Lords Vineyard , Mr. Samuel Clark , Pastor of Bennet Fink , London . Worthy Sir , THat which Naomi spake to Ruth concerning Boaz ▪ He hath not left off his kindnesse to the living , and to the Dead : It is fully verified of your self : You cease not to shew kindness to the Living , and to the Dead . To the Living ; by your Preaching , and Ministery you make Saints daily . To the Dead Saints you shew kindness , by perpetuating their Names to their honours , and the good of many : And herein you are a greater gainer : you shine your self by making others shine . Amongst the rest of those that honour you I am one , though I never saw your face , otherwise then in the Frontispiece of your Learned Books . In the first part of your Marrow of Ecclesiastical History , we had information , that you did resolve to add a second Part ; and to put in the Lives of such godly Divines , and others , as were eminent in these latter times , if you were furnished with faithfull Informations . Hereupon , divers did set upon me with very great importunity , to write the Life of my dear Father , and to send it up to you . Truly worthy Sir ! I was desirous of the thing , but durst not undertake the work : I was sensible of mine own weakness , and also that his sayings , and doings had 〈…〉 slipped the memories of this Generation , that I should have brought to light such an imperfect thing , as rather would have been a blemish to so eminent a Saint , than any Honour . Hereupon I laid aside all thoughts of medling , or attempting such a thing . I know that he is glorious in heaven , and on earth too , so far as his name is spread . Now , good Sir , let me be bold to give a short account of my self . Some few days since I went about to make a new Diary for my self , I was desirous in the first place , to set down some passages of my Father , for mine own satisfaction , and use . I began so , and before I was aware , it amounted to so much , as I thought better that that should be published , than nothing at all : and at last my Spirit grew restless : I could not satisfie my self , till I had digested it into some order , and made it publick . And now , Sir , here it is ; I present it to your judicious view ; accept it in good part from a meer stranger . My humble request to you , Worthy Sir , is this , that , though I slipped the last opportunity , yet if you shall set forth any more Lives ; or if you shall have a new Impression of any of the former , that you would extract so much of my precious Fathers Life , as you shall judge fit , and place it where you please in your Ecclesiastical History . Your Monuments will be lasting in after Ages , when my poor Pamphlet will be worn out with time . Pardon my boldness : The Lord lengthen out your days , for the good of his Church , and the honour of his Saints . Your most observant friend and brother , that truly Honoureth you , JOHN CARTER . The Life and Death of Mr. Samuel Crook , who died An. Christi 1649. SAmuel Crook was born at Great Waldingfield in Suffolk , Jan. 17. Anno Christi 1574. He was a Prophet , and the Son of a Prophet , even of that great , and famous Light , Dr. Crook , a Learned , and Laborious Divine , who was sometimes a Preacher to the Honourable Society of Greys-Inn ; A Gentleman well descended , and of an ancient Family . This our Samuel was in his younger years trained up in Merchant Taylors School in London , and having perfected his Studies there , he was sent to the University of Cambridge , and admitted into Pembroke-Hall , where he was first Scholar , and afterwards chosen Fellow of that House , being chosen by the unanimous consent , and suffrage of all , but the Master , upon whose refusal , he was soon after Elected , and admitted one of the first foundation of Fellows in Emanuel College , where , until this day his name is precious , being preserved in their Library amongst their choicest Ornaments of that House in the Catalogue of their first Fellows , thus written ; Mr. Samuel Crook , Batchelour in Divinity . From his very youth he was highly esteemed in that University , both for his candid , and ingenuous behaviour in a comely person , as also for his pregnant parts , ready wit , great industry , and answerable proficiency in all kinds of Polite Learning , which renders a man more expedite , and exquisite for any worthy , and noble imployment , and is more especially preparatory , and introductory to the Study of Sacred Divinity : which being observed , and taken notice of , he was first made choice of to be the Rhetorick Reader , and afterwards was advanced to be Philosophy Reader in the Publick Schools , both which places he performed with general applause . Amongst his other youthly imployments , he translated Virg●ls Eclogues : the first , and second Books of his Aeneids : Juvenals first Satyre , and most of the memorable speeches both in Virgil , and other Poets ; All which were clear demonstrations of his ingenious capacity , and ingenuous sufficiency . And , to shew that his heart ; even in his youth was drawn Heaven-ward ( from whence his wit was sanctified ) he translated divers of Davids Psalms , and composed several Sacred Hymnes of his own : Some of which he sung with tears of joy , and desire in his last sickness , having a sweet voice , and good skill in Musick . In his younger years also , he was a constant , and diligent hearer , and great admirer of that man of God , Mr. William Perkins , and a Reverend Observer of all the most eminent men of that Time , who were famous in their Generation , carefully , and safely laying up in the faithfull Treasury of his Memory what he heard from them ; which was an evident presage of his future abilities , and that he was likely to become a skilfull Master Builder in the House of God , and an excellent Instrument of winning many souls unto Christ. He was acute in the Greek , and well skilled in the Hebrew and Arabick Tongues , which he sparingly made use of , only upon necessary occasions , not for ostentation , to amuse such hearers as seem to be most pleased with what they least understand ; but for the more full , and clear opening of the Text , and giving the genuine interpretation thereof from its Divine O●lginals , whose full sense , and native Elegancies ( proper to every Language ) cannot always be expressed to the life without recourse to the Fountains . For as St Austin saith , Habet omnis Lingua sua quaeque propria genera locutionum , quae cum in aliam linguam transferuntur , videntur absurda : Every Lnnguage hath its proper kind of speeches , which being translated into another Tongue , seem to be absurd . He very well understood , and spake the Italian , French , and Spanish Tongues , and had read very many grave , and witty Authors in each of them , whereof , by the excellency of his wit , he made admirable use even in Divinity ( which now a days many illiterate persons , most audaciously , and presumptuously defile with unhallowed hearts , and unwashed hands ) he being able by an holy Alchimy ( as was said of Virgil , Aurum de stircore : he could draw gold out of a Dunghil ) to make every thing serve to his powerfull perswasions , wherein he excelled . He likewise studied History , Politicks , and Physick , of all which he made excellent use in his amplifications , illustrations , and insinuations of more Divine Subjects . Every thing furnished him with more moving expressions of his sweet notions in Prayer , and Preaching , which made him a burning as well as a shining Light with greater brightness and lust●e . While he was yet a Fellow in Emanuel College , in a due compliance with the pious Statutes of that House , he entred into the Office of the Ministry , Sept. the 24th Anno Christi 1601 , which he took not upon him as a shelter to save a Fellowship , but to gain souls unto God : For which purpose he immediatly betook himself to that Evangelicall work of Preaching , for the most part at a place called Coxton , not far from Cambridg , and in some other places thereabouts ; where ( besides the prosecution of his other studies , and performance of sundry exercises in the College ) he had preached twenty eight Sermons within the space of eleven moneths : which was a rare thing in those times , when the Fellows of Houses were rather hinderers than furtherers of so good a work , if undertaken by younger men . After he was transplanted from that Nursery , and setled in a Pastorall charg● many miles distant from that University , to shew his thankfull acknowledgment of the honorary supports of his breeding received from those famous Seminaries , he gave to the Library of Pembroke-Hall , Great Basils Works , Greek and Latine in two Volumes in Folio , with these Verses written in them , which discovered a specimen of his happy strain , and Genius of purer Poëtry , as well as his gratefull minde : Quae mihi formasti teneros impuberis annos Grandaeva , at gravida ingeniis foelicibus Aula Pembrochiae , Fas sit minimo , veneranda tuorum Ingentis tenuem officii deponere partem . And to Emanuel College Library he gave all the Councils in Greek and Latine of Binius Edition in Folio , in five Volumes , with these verses : Sacra 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & studiis Domus hospita sacris Emanuel , mihi quae juvenilibus arbitra caeptis Culturam , comites , victum , & gratissima Musis Otia porrex●i ! sic te nascentia porrò Faecundam claris mirentur saecula na●is , Donato ut liceat tantillum reddere tantis . And to the University Library he gave all Gregory Nazianzens , and Gregory Nissens Works , Greek and Latine , in four Volumes in Folio , with these Verses : Accipe parva tui 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mater Alumni Sic te perpetuâ florentem pube , Nepotum Sera Manus , Sophiae lumen , morumque Magistram , Artis Praesidium , Britonum decus , Orbis amorem : Delicias Regum , & fidei venerentur Alylum . Having thus traced his wayes , and procedure in the University , we must now follow him into the Country : For in September Anno Christi 1602 , he was by the cleer , and good providence of God ( without the concurrence of the plottings , and contrivances of cunning , or insinuating friends ) fairly , and freely called to the Pastorall charg of a great Flock at Wrington , a Market-Town in the County of Sommerset , being presented thereunto by that Honourable , and famous Knight St Arthur Capel of Little Hadam in Hertford shire , Great Grandfather to the Lord Capel now living . There did he ( in obedience to his Call ) forthwith settle himself , and immediatly he set upon the work for which he was sent , viz. to instruct , and turn unto righteousness that great people , who had never before enjoyed the blessing of a Preaching Minister , or Ministry amongst them ( which therefore required the greater skill , and industry of the spirituall Husbandman to manure , and manage , such an incultured plot ) so that he was to them ( if not to the whole Country adjacent ) the first that by preaching the Gospell , brought Religion into credit , and discovered to them the Heavenly Canaan , which before was to most of them a Terra incognita , as an unknown land , and thereby left them much richer both in spirituals , and temporals than he found them . Insomuch that , he might at length , in a proportion , say of that place as Augustus , the Emperour , did of Rome , Lateritiam reperi , marmoream reliqui : I found it built of bricks , but I left it built of marble . Mr. Crook having thus pitched , and fixed his Pastorall staff , as he never sought higher , or other earthly preferments ( though his capacity , and credit was well known to be such as made him capable of , and opened a ready way for it ) so he never accepted of any additions , or accessions of maintenance , or honour , though they were Honourably profered by such Persons as were able to have advanced him . As for the course of his Ministry , and deportment : his progress was answerable to his beginings : yea , his works were most , and best at the last : For as he Preached , so he practised : his whole life being but one continued Commentary upon his Doctrine , and an exemplary Sermon consisting of living words , or of words translated into works , as will further appear in its due place . Few men ever came into a place with greater expectation , which yet he not only satisfied , but exceeded it . Few men could draw after them those affections , and admiration which he did ; which also were so far from cooling , and diminishing , as that they encreased , and that deservedly , to his last , rather than decreased amongst all that had learned Christ in humility , and truth . And as for those few silly seduced ones , who were carried away towards his latter end , with a spirit of giddiness , through the secret , and subtile insinuations , and whisperings of false Teachers , in corners ( who with as much ignorance as confidence delude the simple , by great swelling words of vanity , and uncouth phrases , abhorrent from Christian Religion , sobriety , and truth , and which wise men lament , while fools , who are ignorant of the depths , and methods of Satan , applaud , and admire ) endeavoured in their virtigenous fits , to eclipse his credit , and splendour : yet his pious , and affectionate Essayes to reclaim them with the spirit of meekness , as also his fervent Prayers , and yearning Bowels for their reducing , turned all their revilings to his greater lustre , and glory , amongst all such as were able to discern of things that differ , and willing to approve the things that are excellent . Not long after Mr. Crook's first setling in this his Pastorall charge , he happily married a Wife of his own Tribe , and after his own heart , who was the eldest daughter of that Reverend Mr. Walsh , an holy , and painfu●l Minister in Suffolk , a great , and rare Light in his time , and famous for his Ministeriall labours , his fervent zeal , and abundant charity . She was a very prudent , and gratious woman , a most loyall , loving , and tender wife , zealous and active for his encouragement , credit , and comfort in all things , especially in his Ministry ; to which she constantly bore such hearty respect , and reverence , as did much quicken , and enlarge him in the work of the Lord. She was also continually studious , and carefull to free , and ease him of all emergent occasions , avocations , and businesses of ordinary concernment , that so he might with the more freedom follow ( what his soul most delighted in ) his diviner imployments , and enjoy himself , and friends in his necessary relaxations . In a word , her behaviour was such as becometh holiness , a teacher of good things to the younger women , and in her Family a worthy pattern , and a great promoter of godliness in all that conversed with her , and to her Husband a meet help indeed , and so she continued all the dayes of their conjugall relation . Children he left none , besides those spiritually begotten unto Christ by his labours in the Gospell . His great delight , and indefatigable pains in preaching so many years so frequently , was almost beyond all example : for he constantly preached ( if in health ) thrice a week , besides his extraordinary labours on many emergent occasions which he cheerfully embraced , as rejoycing in all opportunities of doing good , and that abroad as well as at home . In all his Sermons ( which were many thousands ) his expressions were choice , grave , solid , weighty , savoury , and seasonable : His applications home , and pertinent , strongly enforced , and set on from Divine authority by a sweet , and moving elocution , a masculine eloquence , fervent zeal , and strength of love to the souls of the hearers . He knew very well how to set forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , abstruse points plainly , and how to manage 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , plain truths elegantly ; not in the words of mans wisdome , but which the Holy Ghost teacheth : Alwayes speaking in Christ , as of God in the sight of God. He was not like one that makes a Feast once a moneth , or once a quarter , letting his Family beg or starve in the intervals ; Nor like such as visit the Pulpit twice every Sabbath day , yet bring no new matter with them scarce once a moneth ; but still are setting on the same dishes with a little new garnish , even unto nauseousness : But our Mr. Crook , as he layed in richly , so he layed out liberally , and prudently , like a ready Scribe instructed to the Kingdom of God ; or a good Housholder , who brings forth of his treasury , things both new , and old . And albeit he could by his quick invention , profound Judgment , and faithfull memory ( things rarely meeting in the same man ) dexterously dispatch that with little labour which costs other men much pains ; yet he seriously professed with rejoycing , that he never durst serve God with that which cost him nothing : well knowing that industry adds weight , and respect both to the matter , and speaker , whereby his words became as goods , and nails fastened by that great Master of the Assemblies , which are given from one Shepherd . His Motto was , Impendam , & expendar : I will spend , and be spent , which he cheerfully verified . For he counted not his life dear in comparison of preaching the Gospell , and of finishing his course with joy , and the Ministry he had received from the Lord Jesus , to testifie the Gospell of the Grace of God. When he was told by his Physician ( who was very carefull to preserve his life ) that he might live longer if he would preach seldomer : Alas ! ( said he ) If I may not labour I cannot live : what good will life doe me , if I be hindred from the end of living ? Et propter vitam vivendi perdere causam ? When through age , and weakness he was disenabled from travelling abroad any more to perfume other Congregations with the sweet odours of his pretious ointment : and when by reason of his years , and infirmities , he might very well ( as an emeritus miles ) have sued out ( even in the Court of Heaven it self ) a Writ of ease , and have passed the rest of his dayes in rejoycing over his Triumphs , and Trophies : yet would he never give over studying , and Preaching , till all strength of Body gave him over . Yea he often preached , even when his legs almost refused to carry him any more to Church , and that with much spirit , and unexpected vivacity , even as a mighty man refreshed with the Wine of Gods Spirit . And being ( some years before his departure ) sensible of the daily approaches of Death ( which he long expected ) to his exhausted , and decayed body , almost ready to be deserted of its Divine Soul ; he did severall times preach his own Funerall Sermon ( as supposing he should never preach more ) and that not without the tears , proceeding from the grief of his loving , and beloved hearers . And when after such preaching , and rejoycing in it , he invited ( as his constant manner was ) such Ministers , and Friends as came to hear his Lecture , to his Table ; he would force himself to sit with them ( although for the most part he was forced to be silent , by reason of the expence of his spirits ) and much rejoyced that he had once more imployed his Masters Talent , and enjoyed the precious society of Saints in whom was all his delight . He used often to say to his friends that rejoyced with him , and blessed God for him , that he was nothing but a voice , as being troubled at the decayes of nature growing upon him more , and more , whereby his feeble body was disenabled from serving his still active soul , and his Tongue being no longer able to speak out , at least not so often as he would have had it . In his Ministry he never strove for vain glory , nor of men sought he praise , disdaining to stoop to the lure of popular applaus : and therefore he ever shuned those more gay , and lighter flourishes of a luxuriant wit ( which like beautifull weeds , make a fair shew at a distance , but stink neerer hand ) wherewith the emptiest Cells affect to be most fraught ; Like those , who for want of wares in their shops , set up painted boxes to fill up empty shelves . He fed not his flock with airy dews of effeminate Rhetorick ( which a masculine Orator would shake off from his pen , and lips ( as St Paul did the Viper from his hand ) nor yet with the jerks , and quibbles of a light spirit , which he ever abhorred as the excrementitious superfluities of frothy brains , and unhallowed hearts : but he ever led them out into the green Pastures of solid , and savoury truths , as their necessities , and capacities did require . He had ( and alwayes administred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , rationall , unadulterated milk for Babes in Christ , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and strong meat for grown men . He was a wise Master builder , who intending to raise a strong , and beautifull Fabrick , laid a solid Foundation , able , and sufficient to bear , and strengthen all his superstructures . He therefore began his Ministry with a pervous , and perspicuous handling of such Texts as might discover to his People , the Divine Authority , sufficiency , purity , and energy of the holy Scriptures , the ten Commandements , Articles of the Faith , the Lords Prayer , the Doctrine of the Sacraments , God in Trinity , his Decrees , Creation , Providence , of Sin , Christ , the New Covenant , the Fall of Man , the Mediator , the Gospell , Faith , Vocation , Regeneration , Justification , Adoption , Sanctification , Glorification ; the Church , the last Judgment , the Christian Warfare , and such like : All which in process of time , he opened , and applied , sometimes more largely , sometimes more briefly ; but alwayes profitably , and sweetly , as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed , but rightly dividing the word of truth in a practicall way . Out of all which in his more mature , and riper years , greatest strength of parts , and depth of judgment , he ( after many serious reviews ) compiled that excellently compacted Systeme of Divinity in a Catecheticall way , which he deservedly intituled , The Guid to true Blessedness . And out of it he again extracted that lesser Catechisme which he often used , with very profitable , and delightfull explanations , both in his Congregation , and Family . A most profitable , course of teaching , and learning the true knowledg of Christ. He went also through many intire Scriptures ( which doth greatly try , and improve a Divine ) and the more obscure any place was , the greater was his diligence , with happy success to bring light unto it . Difficulties which are Lions in the way of the sluggard , proved but spurs to his Industry . He went over many of the Psalms , as the 1 t , 2d , 4th , 6th , 10th , 14th , 19th , 22d , 45th , 50th , 122d , 127. The twelve first Chapters of Isay , Lamentation the 3d , Habbacuk the 3d , the Prophesie of Malachy . Mathew the 5 t , 6th , and 7th Chapters . All the Examples both of good , and bad men in the Scriptures , for imitation of the former , and detestation of the latter . All the Miracles , and Parables of Christ ; All St Johns Gospel ( an admirable Commentary : ) The twelfth of the Epistle to the Romans : the second Chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians : the 2d , and 3d to the Collossians : the 2d to the Thessalonians Chap. 2. The eleventh of the Epistle to the Hebrews : the 2d , and 3d Chapters of the Revelations , with many more , besides very many Texts suitable to the times on every occasion , being exceeding happy in the choise , and prosecution of them . Whensoever his Preaching day happened upon January the 17 , ( which was his birth day ) he still noted his years compleat , with this Paenitentiall Epiphonema , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , God be mercifull unto me a sinner . A memorable evidence of his pious sence of his own unworthiness in the sight of God , how much soever he was cried up , and esteemed by men . No excellency of naturall abilities , no eminency of spirituall endowments , no acceptation of his labours ever puffed him up ; but that he still walked in all lowliness and humility towards all men , even in his greatest exaltations in the hearts of men . Much might be said of his long continued course of Catechising , ( that most profitable , and speedy way of implanting knowledg ) by which he set up so great , and cleer a light in his Congregation , as will not only discover the wisdom , and excellency of the workman , and guid their feet in the wayes of truth , and holiness who have been enlightned thereby : but much facilitate the further polishing of those living stones by succeeding builders . His Heavenly and Divine spirit of Prayer seemed to excell all other his excellencies , as will be attested by all that heard him in publick , or private , and that ever knew what a Prayer of Faith , elevated to the highest pitch by the Holy Ghost , meaneth , whether they ever found any to excell him , or many to come near him . O! those penitent , unbowelling confessions , earnest deprecations , petitions , panting-longings , and sighings after God , and his Grace ; those mighty powerfull Arguments whereby he set all home , feeling Thanksgivings , and divine raptures carrying up his soul to Heaven in the sacred flames of his own Sacrifices ; sweetly perfumed with the Incense of him who presenteth all the Prayers of his Saints on the Altar of Grace . He first brought conceived Prayer into use in those parts , wherein he was so happy , so free from impertinent expressions , and unnecessary repetitions , so rich in piercing supplications , patheticall thanksgivings , and gracious wrestlings with the Almighty ; yea , so dexterous to apply himself to prefer all suits , and to fit every occasion ( like an exquisite Archer , able to shoot to an hairs breadth , ) and so prompt , and full in expressing the very hearts of those that indeed joyned with him , in whatsoever they desired for themselves or others , as if , by a kind of transmigration , their souls had passed into his , and spake the very bottom of their hearts by his Tongue , which their own could not utter . And this was such an opening , and warming of his hearers hearts before his Sermons , and such a sweet closing up of all after his Preaching , as added much to the power , and profit of all his labours , and was to him a transcendent advantage in his whole Ministry . And truly his example took so well with all the godly Ministers that heard him , that they accounted it their great happiness , and honour to follow , and imitate him ( with whom yet very few could keep pace ) in that most important part of a Ministers work , and office , whereby they might be the more able to pour out their souls , and the souls of their people into the bosom of the Almighty . In the Orb of his publick Ministry , this fixed Star shined brightly ( without the least eclipse , or retrograde motion ) somewhat above forty seven years . A long time for such a Lamp to burn , as he did : but his long continuance ministred a fair opportunity of bringing many stragling sheep into Christs fold , the great ●hepheard of our souls . Once indeed the last Bishop of that Diocess gave a stop to his Tuesdayes Lecture , but God in mercy to many , set it on going again , and cast him that interrupted it out of his place , while this painfull , and faithfull labourer went on with his work . So much for his publick Ministry : come we now to his private carriage . His whole Life was exemplary . Take him as a Christian , raised by his Ministeriall function to the height of a Beacon upon an hill , and so his light was great , and his smell very fragrant . He not only kept himself pure and unspotted of the world , but his light so shined , that both good men glorified God by seeing his good works , and wicked , and foolish men had their mouthes stopped by his good conversation in Christ , and were even enforced to give in testimony to it , maugre their malice against his holiness , and worth . In his Family , towards the Wife of his bosom , he walked as a man of knowledg , wisdom , and great tendeness of love : Towards the rest of his houshold , as David professed he would do in the 101 Psalm , and as a Bishop of Pauls description , 1 Tim. 3. and Titus 1. Yea towards all , as a worthy pattern of love , zeal , humility , meekness , temperance , patience , gravity , and of every good work . What his constancy , and diligence was in his studie , the fruits of the great , and long travell of his mind , his Works ( which praise him in all the gates of Sion ) do speak to all the world , beyond that can here be spoken of him . For when all is said that can be spoken of him , so much cannot be said as his own industry speaks . In his more vacant hours he was far from being idle , or unprofitable . Such as had the happiness ( which was never denied to any that desired it ) to partake of his private discourses , never returned empty from his full magazine , if they brought but vessels capable of the overflowings of his rich mind , and heart . Very many excellent Lights in the Church have lighted their Torches at his Coelestial fire . Many young Schollars have been marvellously improved by his prudent , and pious directions , and encouragements in their studies , which now are become excellent instruments in the Church of Christ. If after his preaching he found no mention made of his Sermon , by which he might collect , that probably some benefit had been reaped by it , he would be much dejected , as if the fault had been in his preaching ( even then when he seemed to excell himself , ) rather than in his hearers ; and used to say , that if he had preached better , they would have profited more . If any Christians came to him for resolution in cases of Conscience , or for counsell in straits , or for comfort in spirituall desertions , or for healing of a wounded spirit ; as God had given him an excellent spirit of discerning to judg of their condition , and of the most seasonable applicatives ; and an exquisite dexterity to speak a word in season to the weary , and fainting soul ; so he was never shie , coy , or difficult to be spoken with , nor lofty , or supercilious to any to whom he gave access ; but shewed forth all tenderness , pity , and compassion to them : he heard them fully , and patiently and wisely administred to their severall distresses , and ' ever sent them away ( as it s said that Titus Vespasianus did his suitors ) not only not grieved , but very well satisfied , and abundantly comforted . He was very bountifull to his kindred that needed it , and then most when their necessities swelled highest . He was very charitable , and open handed to the poor members of Jesus Christ : And albeit his charity shined most to those of his own flock , yet was it not shut up from strangers , but he was very liberall to them also as he found occasion . Yea , when he went abroad to bestow the Gospell freely upon other Congregations adjacent , such poor as he found to be hearers ( unless they were known to him to take up hearing as a cloke to cover their idleness , and neglect of their callings ) never went home empty handed , but he alwayes warmed , and cheered them with his bounty , as well as instructed them with his Doctrine . How much he was given to Hospitality , Gentlemen , Ministers , Neighbours , Strangers , and the Poor , must needs give in such an ample testimony as will hardly be credited by such as knew him not , and are strangers to a bountifull heart . He spared from himself to administer unto others ; minding more the wooing of many to receive benefit by his Ministry ( some of whom might perhaps at first follow him for the loaves ) than to lay up largely for such as he should leave behind him : and choosing rather to be at a continuall charg to encourage men by his bounty ) than to suffer them to be unprovided for , when they came to partake of his Ministry . When he conversed with Ministers , his Humility usually put him into the place of a learner : but in learning he taught , and by teaching he learned more . He was so good , and skilfull a Chymick , that he seldom parted with such company , till he had gotten something by them : yet were they sure to be the greatest gainers , and he alwayes accounted it the best bargain , when others were gainers by him . His constant , and continuall preaching , seldom allowed him the much desired opportunity of hearing others : but when he could enjoy that benefit , he greedily laid hold of it : and then would this painfull Bee gather Hony from every Flower , making a good use of the meanest gifts , and improving his own rich Talent by dipping it into theirs . Nor was he ever heard to slight or disparage the labours of any the least of his Brethrn , that sincerely endeavoured to bring in souls unto Christ : but alwayes he encouraged them , and as he found cause , informed , and directed them , and that in a prudent , and taking way , to their great advantage . In his mirth ( to which he sometimes unbended himself to recreate his overwearied mind , that with renewed strength he might return to his more serious , and severer studies ) he strictly observed the bounds of honesty , civility , modesty , and the gravity of his place ; well considering , that the least dead fly in the Apothecaries choisest Oyntment , causeth it to send forth an unpleasing savour . The Table was usually the place of his greatest liberty in this kind , yet even there he would still interlace mirth with some sprinklings of a more serious wit , which might instruct as well as exhilerate , and make cheerful ; and contained all within the limits of sobriety , without biting sarcasmes , or unbeseeming scurrility . And usually he closed all with reading some portion of Scripture , and giving some short , and profitable instructions thereupon , which might administer Grace to the hearers , and leave a sweet savour , and relish upon their spirits , and whole converse . To give you a true , and full Character of his whole deportment in few words . He was a good , and a faithfull Steward in his Masters house , alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord , a Pillar in the house of his God , never weary of his Lords work , but best pleased when he had done most service . His conversation was immaculate , and unblameable : His behaviour uniform , and universally pious . He was grave without austerity , pleasant without levity : Courteous without dissembling : Free in discourse where he might profit , yet reserved where he saw cause : He was seldom the first speaker although he was best able to speak . He loved usefull discourse , but abhorred froth , and babling . He was witty without vanity , facetious without girding , or grieving of others . He knew his place , yet was not insolent : Resolute he was , but not wilfull : He maintained his authority , but was not haughty . A great Master he was of his own Passions , and Affections , and thereby abundantly furnished with the more abilities , and embellishments that most attract , and maintain the dearest love , the deepest reverence , and highest respect . He was a great admirer of Learning , and Piety in others , though they were far below himself in both : His affections were above , though he were below : He conversed more with Heaven than with earth while he remained on it , and is now a Crown of Glory in the hand of the Lord , and a Royall Diadem in the hand of his God , as being an ornament unto Heaven it self . He lived in the world seventy five years ( within one moneth , ) in which long race he saw many sad changes , and sore storms beating hard upon the Church , tossed with tempests , and not yet at Anchor . But never was David more distressed for his dearest Jonathan , than this man of Bowels was for the calamities of the dear Spouse of Christ. He was most incessantly inquisitive after the Churches estate in all Countries ; A sad lamenter of all her afflictions ; A daily Orator , and mighty Advocate for her at the Throne of Grace , and never enjoyed himself , but when he descried her under sail towards some Creek , or Haven , wherein she might find comfort , and rest : being much in Prayer and Fasting for her full reformation , and perfect deliverance . Some good hopes whereof he conceived in the prosperous atchievements of the Great Gustavus Adolphus , late King of Sweden ( semper Augustus : ) But when he by the sad , and unsearchable providence of the only wise God , suddenly , and untimely fell , in the full carier of his victories , and of the Churches hopes , and that the Christian world was by his fall , hurled from the height of so great expectation , he continually mourned over the unhappy setting of that glorious Northern Starre , as a sad presage of all the inundations of miseries since befallen , and that still are rising higher , and higher upon the Church of Christ , the quick , and deep sence whereof lay close upon his heart to his dying day . Neither was he without his sufferings , and dangers in our uncivil Civil Wars . He was affronted by rude Ruffians , and bloody minded Souldiers , who tyranized over him in his own house ; not permitting him quietly to enjoy himself , and his God in his private study , to which he often retired , not only from their insolencies , but from their Blasphemies : Even thither would they pursue him with drawn swords , vowing his instant Death for not complying with them in their bloody engagements . Yet it pleased that gracious God whom he had so faithfully served , to preserve him for further service , and to make that an hiding place for his preservation which they intended for his slaughter house , and after all , to bring him to his end in peace . When he had faithfully served his Generation , by the will of God , in the Gospel of his Son for above forty seven years , he was gathered to his Fathers in a good old Age , full of Days , and Honour , by a blessed , and happy Death ( the certain result of an holy life ) Decemb. 25. Anno Christi 1649. the day formerly used for celebrating the Nativity of his great Lord and Master , the Lord Jesus Christ. The last Testimony of the Peoples great love to him must not be forgotten by any that desire to preserve his precious memory in their hearts with honour . This amply appeared by their great lamentation , and mourning for him in his sickness , and at his Death , and sad Exequies . His Funeral was extraordinarily celebrated , not only by the voluntary confluence of the greatest number of people that ever crouded into the spacious Fabrick of that Church ; and by many hundreds more there assembled about the door , which were unable to get in : But by multitudes of Gentlemen , and Ministers , all striving to out-mourn each other , standing about his Hearse with tears , recounting his excellent Labors , his fruitfull Life , their great profiting by him ( as sometimes the widows about Peter , weeping , and shewing the coats , and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them ) every one aggravating their griefs , and losses in his gain , and striving who should honour him most in bearing his Body to the bed of Rest. The Testimony given him at his Interment by him who performed that last office of love with many tears , and which he knowingly spake from his long , and intimate acquaintance , and conversing with him almost forty years together , take with you for a close in that Ministers own words out of the Pulpit . Although ( said he ) Funeral Orations are commonly , either the vain flourishes of mercinary tongues , or the weak supports of an emendicated fame ; and since good mens works shall praise them in the gates , it is but to light a candle to the Sun : and since bad mens works cannot be covered with so thin a daub ; It is but to paint arotten Post. Yet some Testimony is due to such as having obtained a more eminent place in Christs mystical Body , the Church , have also been instruments of more than ordinary good to his Members . Samuel died a Judge , a Prophet ; a Great man , a Good man in Israel , and all the Israelites were gathered together ( to honour his Obsequies ) and lamented him , and buried him , 1 Sam. 25. 1. To say nothing then of so rich a Cargazoon , so full a Magazine , so rare a subject of all commendable qualities , and admirable endowments , were a frustrating of your eager expectations . To say little , were a wrong to him that deserved so much ; to say much , were both a derogation from his merits , that may challenge , and an imputation upon your Judgements and affections that will acknowledg more due , than I can now deliver . Nevertheless , since the memorial of the Just is a sweet perfume , give me leave to strew a few of his own flowers upon his Herse , and I will discharge your Patience . His holy Life , and consciencious courses , his constant Labors thrice a week in the Ministery of the Gospel ( unless in times of sickness , or necessitated restraint ) for the space of forty seven years ( wherein he could give an account of above seven thousand elaborate Sermons preached by him ) are so well known , not only in this , or the neighbour Parishes , but through the whole County , and the Country round about , that I need not mention them . Few men ever ran so long a Race without cessation , or cespitation , so constantly , so unweariedly , so unblamably . All which time he was a burning , and a shining light , joyfully spending , and being spent for the good of Gods people . Many , many of whom he hath guided to Heaven before him , who received the beginnings of spiritual life from his Ministry ; and many more shall walk in that light after him . And from his splendent Lamp , divers faithfull Ministers ( some Triumphant before him , some Militant after him ) have lighted their Candles : His Tuesdays Lecture being more profitable to teach usefull Divinity than an Academy , whereby he did not only , Dolare lapides , sed artifices . Two things ( rarely met in one man ) were both eminent in him : A quick invention , and a sound judgement , and these accompanied with a clear expression , and a gracefull elocution . To which Integrity , and Humility being joyned , made him a transcendent Minister , and a compleat Christian. In his sickness ( full of biting pains , which he bore with great Patience ) it was his greatest grief that God had taken him off from his labour , which was his life and joy . His heavenly mind ( like the heavenly bodies ) counted his work no weariness . If he were weary in work , he was yet never weary of work . His spirit was still willing when the flesh was weak : And he often used to say in his health , Si per hanc viam mors , sum immortalis : and in his weakness , Odi artus , fragilemque hunc corporis usum desertorem animi . And when he saw no more ability for labors , he accounted it superfluous to live ; and chearfully , not only yielded , but patiently desired to die , in a satiety , and fulness of life ; not as meat loathed ( as many times natural men do ) but as a dish , though well liked , that he had fed his full of . He had his intellectuals strong in a weak body ; witness his last Swan-like song in this place , the sweet Doctrine of our Adoption in Jesus Christ , on Rom. 8. 16. ( so far he had gone in that Chapter ) most clearly , and acuratly delivered , and aptly distinguished from Justification , and sanctification : yet that day , October 16. going to Church , and sensible of his own weakness , he said to a dear Friend ( who told him that he came to see , and hear him ) perhaps it may be my last ; as to all our loss , it was indeed . And as if his motion in Gods work , had been natural , he was more quick , more vigorous toward his Center , and , like the Sun , shewed his greatest light , when he was nearest his setting . His last Ministerial duty privately done in great weakness of Body ( unable to go to the Church ) was the Baptizing of two children , wherein he streamed such beames of Divinity ; sounded such bowels of Humanity , shewed such sweetness of affection to his charge , that I seriously wished his whole Congregation had heard him , in this departing farewell . And being told how well it was approved , he replyed with tears , in great humility , Lord , what am I ? What am I ? To diverse of his loving Neighbours , visiting him , he often protested , that Doctrine that he had taught them , was the truth of God , as he should answer at the Tribunal of Christ , whereunto he was hasting , exhorting them to stand fast therein , as he most affectionately prayed for them , professing of them with joy , I have kind friends , kind neighbours , Lord reward them all , and grant they may find mercy with him in that day . His desire was to give to his Neighbours ( if enough could have been had his Printed Catechism , which ( to my knowledge ) hath had the approbation , and commendation of the profoundest , and accutest Judgements in both Universities ; and well it might , being a compleat Body of Orthodox Divinity , and to have this assertion of the Apostle Peter written before it , — Exhorting , and testifying that this is the true Grace of God wherein ye stand — and to subscribe his name to it . After he had in himself received the sentence of death approaching ( which he chearfully did , when he saw no more likelihood of Labour ) he desired his Friends not to pray for his life ; but pray God ( said he ) for Faith , for Patience , for Repentance , for joy in the Holy Ghost ; and the Lord heard him in that he desired , for he was a rare pattern in all these , as ( amongst many others ) these gracious words of his may witness , Lord ( said he ) cast me down as low as Hell in Repentance , and lift me up by faith to the highest Heavens in confidence of thy salvation . I wish our proud , presumptuous , impenitentiaries had heard him crying for Repentance , and seen him weeping for Grace . It might , perhaps , have melted their stony hearts . As he was full of days , so was he full of grace , full of peace , full of assurance : The Tuesday before he departed , This day seven night ( said he ) is the day on which we have used to remember Christs Nativity , and on which day I have preached Christ , I shall scarce live to see it ; but , For me was that Child born , unto me was that Son given , who is , Wonderfull , Councellor , the Mighty God , the everlasting Father , the Prince of peace . And no less full was he of true Honour for his worth , and work sake in the hearts of all that feared God ; his memory shall be blessed , and his name a sweet perfume to posterity , when the names of his reproachfull scorners ( the last brood of Beelzebub ) shall rot , and stink , and be an abhorring to all slesh . He is now come to the end of his labour , and the beginning of his rest . His work was with his God , and his reward shall be from his God : Now he sees the blessed , and blessing face of God , which is the glory of all sights , and the sight of all glory . Thus set this bright Occidental Star : A Star of the first Magnitude . One of the first , and I dare say ( without envy of any , that knew him , and that knows himself ) one of the most glorious Lights that ever shone in this Orb , or ever is like to arise in this Horizon . O! how is such a publick loss to be lamented ! Of such a Champion of Christ ! Such an Atlas of the Truth ! that set his shoulders to support the shaken pillars thereof in these days of abounding , and abetted errours . Well may this Parish mourn , well may this Country , well may his Friends , his Family : well may we of the Ministry bewail it , saying , O my Father , my Father , the Chariots of Israel , and the Horsemen thereof ! Ah my Brother , my Brother ! I am distressed for thee , very pleasant hast thou been unto me : Lovely and gracious in Life , lovely and glorious in Death . — Heu tua nobis Morte simul tecum solatia rapta ! I end in one word of Exhortation , You that have heard the joyfull sound of this ( now broken ) silver Trumpet so long , remember that by the space of forty , and seven years , he ceased not to warn every one with tears : Remember what he hath spoken while he lived : Remember what he yet speaks being Dead ? Hold fast the form of sound words which ye have heard of him . Hold fast the faithfull word which he hath taught you . Hold fast the profession of your Faith without wavering . Take heed of wolves : Beware of Dogs : Take heed of men : Men of perverse minds , speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them . Although the Prophets die , yet Gods word spoken by them shall live for ever , and will do good to them that walk uprightly , and shall take hold on them that obey it not . So let us leave our Brother in the Bed of Honour , till the joyfull morning of the Resurrection of the just , when he , amongst them that have turned many unto righteousness , shall shine as the Stars , for ever , and ever . The Righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance , Psal. 112. 6. The issues of his brain and heart made publick , were only these ; First , that exquisite , and accurate , Guide to true blessedness ( so often reprinted , and so highly esteemed by all that read it through , with understanding , and care . Then ( at several times ) he gave way to four occasional , and select Sermons , viz. The Waking sleep . The Ministerial Husbandry . The Discovery of the Heart ; and Death subdued . That wherein he had taken most pains ( which since is published in Print by Dr. Burgess , and Mr. W. Gregory ) is an excellent Treatise , wherein his main design , in very apposite , and acutely distinguishing Characters , was to lay open , not those more apparent , and obvious contrarieties of vertues in Holy , and vices in wicked men , evident unto ordinary capacities upon the first aspect ; but the more hidden , and less discerned difference between the plausibly● seeming vertues of evil men , and the real Graces of the truly Godly : as likewise between the raigning sins of Hypocrites , and the daily infirmities of the Saints , which many times , even by quick-sighted Spectators , are both mistaken . In prosecution whereof , he first brings forth the Hypocrite in his best dress , and attire , and then sets by him a Regenerate man living up to his Rule : adding the differences between them , thereby to unmask the Hypocrite , and to detect his Incroachments upon the name , and priviledges of the Saints . Secondly , he sets out a true Childe of God , labouring under infirmities , and an Hypocrite under the power of sin ( which cannot consist with saving Grace ) notwithstanding all his flourishes , that so he may clearly distinguish a Christian in black , from a Counterfeit in white , and between the bewailed weaknesses of the Saints , and the wilfull wandrings of the wicked . A work no less needfull to all , than gratefull to the Soul-sound , self-searching Christian , that labours for sincerity , and the assurance of it . But the iniquity of the Times , full of Hypocrisie , and Atheism , hating , and hindering such discoveries , and by all means discouraging those that would make them ( together with the Authors constant Imployment , even unto the impairing of his strength , and spirits in feeding his Flock ) disabled him from compleating that admirable Piece . Sundry other issues of his fertile , and excellent wit , and curious Invention he left behind him , as divers choice , and sacred Aphorisms , Anatomica , Nosognostica , Pathologica , Therapeutica , Physiologica , and Prophylactica : As also divers Divine Emblemes , and Similitudes ; all eminent demonstrations of his exquisite abilities , and profitable improvements of them . The Life and Death of Mr. John Cotton , who died An. Christi 1652. JOhn Cotton was born at Derby , Anno Christi 1584. His Parents were persons of considerable quality , and of good reputation . Their condition , as to the things of this life , competent : neither unable to defray the expences of his education in good literature , nor so abounding , as to be a temptation on the other hand unto the neglect thereof : and God , who had then predetermined this then tender plant , to be a Tree of Life , for the feeding of many thousands , and to be a chosen Vessel to bear his Name before the Nations , in way thereunto , he inspired his Parents with an effectuall sollicitude concerning the ordering of this their Son in his minority . This care in his Parents was quickly above expectation answered in the first-fruits of their Sons proficiency , who more , and more encreased great hopes concerning him throughout the whole time of his minority , wherein he was trained up in the Grammar School of Derby . When he was about the age of thirteen , he was admitted into Trinity College in Cambridg , where his industry was great , and his profiting in the Arts , and Languages above his equals , so far commended him to the Master , and Fellows , as that he had undoubtedly been chosen Fellow of that College , had not their extraordinary expence about building of their great Hall at that time put it by , or at least , deferred their election , untill some longer time . From Trinity he was removed to Emanuel , that happy Seminary both of Piety , and Learning : and in that Society the Lord gave him favour , so that in due time he was honoured with a Fellowship amongst them ; when he was elected to it , after a diligent , and strict examination according to the Statutes of the College ; wherein this is not unworthy the taking notice of ; that when the Poser came to examine him in the Hebrew Tongue , the place that he made triall of him by , was that portion of Scripture , Isaiah the 3d , wherein the Prophet declaims against the pride , and haughtiness of the Daughters of Sion ; which Text hath more hard words in it , than any other place of the Bible , within so short a compass : and therefore , though a present construction , and resolution thereof , might have put a good Hebrician to a stand , yet such was his ability , and dexterity , as made those hard words facil , and easie , and rendred him a prompt respondent . And this providence is further remarkable about him , That whereas his Father ( whose calling was towards the Law ) was but obscure , and had not many Clients that made use of his advice in Law-matters before ; it pleased God after his Sons going to Cambridg , to bless him with great practice , so that he was very able to keep him there , and to allow him full , and liberall maintenance ; Insomuch as this blessed man hath been oft heard to say , God kept me in the University . Being thus advanced , he was in the place of improvement , beset with Examples as so many objects of better emulation . If he slacken his pace , his compeers will leave him behinde : and though he quicken it , there are still those that are before him : But he was , not only a lover of Labour , but Communicative of his Learning , and therefore he proved a diligent Tutor , and had many young Students committed to his care . He was a Didactical-man , both able , and apt to teach : and truly ability to instruct youth argues a Wise man : and to be willing to teach , argues a good man : For goodness is communicative : And such was his Academical dexterity , that he could impart ( as Scaliger speaks ) the felicities of wit to his hearers , so accomodating and insinuating the matter in hand , as that his Pupils might both perceive their profiting , and taste the sweetness of that wherein they profited . Thus by his School-stratagems he won the hearts of his Pupils both to himself , and to a desire of Learning : they were each to other as the Prophets , and the sons of the Prophets : his Pupils were honourers , and lovers of him : and he was a Tutor , a Friend , and a Father unto them . The manner of his Conversion , according to his own relation was thus . During his residence in the University , God began to work upon him by the Ministery of Mr. William Perkins of blessed memory : But the motions , and stirrings of his heart which then were , he suppressed , thinking that if he should trouble himself with matters of Religion , according to the light he had then received , it would be an hinderance to him in his Studies , which then he had much addicte● himself unto . Therefore he was willing to silence those suggestions , and inward Callings which he had from Gods Spirit , and did wittingly defer the prosecution of that work until afterwards . At length , as he was walking in the fields , he heard the Bell tolling for Mr. Perkins , who lay a dying , whereupon he was secretly glad in his heart , that he should now be rid of him , who had ( as he said ) laid siege to , and beleagured his heart . This became matter of much affliction to him afterwards , God keeping it upon his Spirit , with the aggravation of it , and making it an effectual means of convincing , and humbling him in the sight , and sense of the natural enmity that is in mans nature against God. Afterward hearing Dr. Sibs ( then Mr. Sibs ) preaching a Sermon about Regeneration , wherein he shewed , First , what Regeneration was not , and so opening the state of a meer Civil man , Mr. Cotton saw his own condition fully discovered , which ( through Gods mercy ) did drive him to a stand , as plainly seeing himself , destitute of true Grace , all his false hopes , and grounds now failing him : and so he lay for a long time , in an uncomfortable despairing way : and of all other things this was his heaviest burden , that he had wittingly withstood the means , and offers of Grace and mercy which he found had been tendered to him ; thus he continued till it pleased God to let in a word of Faith into his heart , and to cause him to look unto Christ for his healing , which word also was dispensed unto him by the same Doctor Sibs , which begat in him a singular , and constant love to the said Doctor , of whom he was also answerably beloved . That which frist made him famous in Cambridge , was his Funeral Oration for Doctor Some , Master of Peter House , which was so accurately performed in respect of Invention , Elegancy , Purity of Stile , Ornaments of Rhetorick , Elocution , and Oratorious beauty of the whole , as that he was thenceforth looked at as another Xenophon , or Musa Attica , throughout the University . Some space of time intervening , he was called to preach at St. Maries , where he preached a University Sermon , with high Applause from the Academical Wits , insomuch as the fame of his Learning grew greater , and greater . And afterwards being again called to preach in the same place ( as one Oration of Pericles left his hearers with an Appetite after another ) so the memory of his former accurate Exercises , filled the Colleges , especially the young Students , with a fresh expectation of such Elegancies of Learning , as made them flock to the Sermon with an Athenian Itch after some new thing , as to the ornaments of Rhetorick , and abstruser notions of Philosophy . But his spirit now savouring of the Cross of Christ more than of humane Literature , and being taught of God to distinguish between the Word of Wisdom , and the Wisdom of Words , his speech , and preaching was not now with the enticing words of mans wisdom , but in the demonstration of the Spirit , and of power . The disappointed expectation of the Auditory soon appeared in their countenances , and the discouragement of their non-acceptance returned him unto his Chamber , not without some sad thoughts of heart : Where yet he had not been long , but lo , Dr. Preston ( then Mr. Preston ) knocks at his Chamber door , and coming in , acquainted him with his spiritual condition , and tells him how it had pleased God to work effectually upon his heart by that Sermon : After which Dr. Preston ever highly prized him , and both fully , and strongly closed with him : which real Seal of God unto his Ministery much comforted his soul , far above what the present less acceptance of the Auditory had dejected him , or their former acceptance had encouraged him . His Concio ad Clerum , or Latine Sermon , which he preached when he proceeded Bachelor of Divinity ( which was after he had been at Boston about half a year ) was very much admired , and commended . His Text was , Mat. 5. 13. Vos estis sal terrae : quod si sal infatuatus fuerit , quo salietur ? Ye are the salt of the earth ; but if the salt hath lost its savour , wherewith shall it be salted ? In handling of which Text , both the weight of the matter , the elegancy of Phrase , Rhetorical strains , grave , sweet , and spiritual pronunciation , rendred him yet more famous . The like did his answering of the Divinity Act in the Schools , having a very acute Opponent [ Mr. William Chappel ] to dispute with him . So that in Cambridge the name of Mr. Cotton was much set by . Unto this earthen vessel , thus filled with Heavenly Treasure , the Inhabitants of Boston in Lincolnshire , made their address , saying , Come and help us . And in that Candlestick the Father of Lights placed this burning , and shining Light : To whom he removed from Cambridge about the twenty eight year of his Age. At his first coming , he met with some obstructions from the Diocesan , then Bishop Barlo , who told him that he was a young man , and therefore unfit to be set over such a divided people : Mr. Cotton being ingenious , and undervaluing himself , thought so too , and purposed to return to the College again : But some of his Boston Friends , understanding that one Simon Biby was to be spoken with , who was neer to the Bishop , they presently charmed him , and so the business proceeded without any further trouble , and Mr. Cotton was admitted into the place after their manner in those days . Two things are here not unworthy our observation , which Mr. Cotton would sometimes speak of to his Friends : First , That in the beginning of his Ministery he was exercised with some inward troubles which much dejected him . And indeed , good spirits are much bettered by their conflicts with the worst of spirits : Spiritual Preachers are often trained up in the School of temptation . So true is that Theological maxime , Meditation , Prayer , and Temptation make a Divine . This Dispensation of the All-wise God , he afterwards found , not only to be beneficiall unto him , in preparing his heart for his work : but also that it became an effectual means of his more peaceable , and comfortable settlement in that place , where the people were divided amongst themselves , by reason of a potent man in the Town , who adhered to another Cambridge man whom he would faign have brought in . But when he saw Mr. Cotton wholly taken up with his own exercises of spirit , he was free from all suspition of his being Pragmatical , or addicted to siding with this or that party ; and so both he and his party began to close more fully with him . Secondly , Whereas there was an Arminian party in that Town , some of whom were witty , and troubled others with Disputes about those points ; by Gods blessing upon his Labours in holding forth positively such truths , as undermined the foundations of Arminianism , those Disputes ceased , and the Tenets of Arminianism were no more pleaded for . Thus God disposeth of the hearts of hearers , as that generally they are all open and loving to their Preachers at their first entrance . For three or four years he lived , and preached amongst them without opposition . They accounted themselves happy ( as well they might ) in the enjoyment of him ; both the Town and Country thereabouts being much bettered , and reformed by his Labours . But after he was not able to bear the Ceremonies imposed , his Non-Conformity occasioned his trouble in the Bishops Court at Lincoln , from whence he was advised to appeal to an higher Court : and imploying Mr. Leveret ( who afterwards was one of the Ruling Elders of the Church of Boston in New England ) to deal in that business , and he ( like Jacob ) being a plain man , yet piously subtile to get such a spiritual blessing , so far insinuated himself into one of the Proctors of that high-Court , that Mr. Cotton was treated by them , as if he were a Conformable man , and so was restored unto Boston . After this time he was blessed with a successfull Ministry unto the end of twenty years . In which space he on the Lords Dayes in the afternoons , went over the whole Body of Divinity in a Catechistical way thrice , and gave the heads of his Discourse to those that were yong Scholars , & others in the Town , to answer his questions in publick in that great congregation : and after their Answers , he opened those heads of Divinity ; and finally applied all to the edification of his people , and of such strangers as came to hear him . In the morning of the Lords Dayes he preached over the first six Chapters of the Gospel of St. John : the whole Book of Ecclesiastes ; the Prophesie of Zachariah , and many other Scriptures ; and when the Lords Supper was administred ( which was usual every mon●th ) he preached upon , 1 Corinth . 11. & 2 Chron. 30. the whole Chapter , besides some other Scriptures concerning that subject . On his Lecture days , he preached through the whole first , and second Epistles of John , the whole Book of Solomons Song ; the Parables of our Saviour set forth in Matthews Gospel to the end of Chapter the 16th . comparing them with Mark and Luke : He took much pains in private , and read to sundry young Scholars that were in his House , and to some that came out of Germany , and had his house full of Auditors : Afterwards , seeing some inconvenience in the Peoples flocking to his House , besides his ordinary Lecture on the Thursdays , he preached thrice more in publick on the week days : viz. on Wednesdays , and Thursdays , early in the morning , and on Saturdays at three a clock in the afternoon . Only these three last Lectures were performed by him but some few years before he had another famous Colleague . He was frequent in Duties of Humiliation , and Thanksgiving : Sometimes he continued five or six hours in Prayer , and opening the Word : So indefatigable was he in the Lords Work : so willing to spend , and be spent therein . Besides , he answered many Letters that were sent him far and near , wherein were handled many difficult Cases of Conscience , and many doubts cleared to great satisfaction . He was a man exceedingly beloved , and admired of the best , and reverenced of the worst of his Hearers . He was in great favour with Dr. Williams , the then Bishop of Lincoln , who much esteemed him for his Learning , and when he was Lord Keeper of the Great Seal , he went to King James , and speaking of Mr. Cottons great Learning and worth ; the King was willing , notwithstanding his Non-conformity , to give way that he should have his Liberty in his Ministry without interruption : which was the more remarkable considering how that Kings Spirit was carried out against such wayes . Also , the Earl of Dorchester , being at Old Boston , and hearing Mr. Cotton preaching about Civil Government , he was so affected with the wisdom of his words , and spirit , that he did ever after highly account of him , and put himself forth what he could in the time of Mr. Cottons troubles to deliver him out of them , that so his Boston might still enjoy him as formerly ; but his desires were too strongly opposed to be accomplished . About this time he married his second Wife , Mistriss Sarah Story , then a Widow . He was blessed above many in his Marriages , both his Wives being pious Mat●ons , grave , sober , and faithfull . By the first he had no children : the last , God made a fruitfull Vine unto him : His first-born was brought forth far off upon the Sea , in his passage to New England : So that he being childless when he left Europe , arrived a joyfull Father in America : In memorial whereof he called his name Sea-born , to keep alive ( said he ) in me , and to teach my Son , if he live , a remembrance of Sea-mercies , from the hand of a gracious God : He is yet living , and entred into the Work of the Ministry . A Son of many Prayers , and of great expectation . The corruption of the times being now such , that he could not continue in the exercise of his Ministery without sin ; and the envy of his maligners having now procured Letters Missive to convent him before the High Commission Court , which Letters a debauched Inhabitant of that Town undertook to serve upon him ( who shortly after died of the Plague . ) Mr. Cotton having intelligence thereof , and well-knowing that nothing but scorns , and imprisonment were to be expected from them , according to the advice of many able heads , and upright hearts ( amongst whom that holy man of God , Mr. Dod , of blessed memory , had a singular influence ) he kept himself close for a time , in , and about London , as Luther sometime did at Wittenberg ; and Paraeus since at Anvilla : Yet was not that season of his recess unprofitable : For addresses during that time were made unto him privately by divers persons of worth , and piety , who received satisfaction from him in their Cases of Conscience of greatest concernment . And when he went into New England , it was not a flight from duty , but from evident danger , and unto duty : Not from the profession of the truth , but unto a more opportune place for the profession of it . When Mr. Cotton arrived at New England , his manner of entrance unto them was with much blessing . For at his first coming he found them not free from troubles about setling the matters both of Church and Commonwealth . At which time , being requested , he preached before the general Court : His Text was , Haggai 2. 4. Yet now be strong , O Zerubbabel , saith the Lord , Be strong , O Joshua the son of Josedek , the High Priest , and be strong all ye people of the Land , saith the Lord , and work : For I am with you , saith the Lord of Hosts : And the Lord working mightily by this Sermon , all obstructions were presently removed , and the spirits of all sorts , as one man , were excited unanimously , and vigorously in the work of the Lord from that very day . In order whereunto , the Court considering , that all the Members of that Republick , were also Church Members , and therefore to be governed according to the Law of God , they desired Mr. Cotton to draw an abstract of the Judicial Laws delivered from God to Moses , so far forth as they were of Moral , i. e. of perpetual , and universal equity ; which accordingly he did , advising them to persist in their purpose of establishing a Theocraty , i. e. Gods Government , over Gods people . From this time it was a usual thing for the Magistrates to consult with the Ministers in hard and difficult cases , especially about matters of Religion : yet so , as notwithstanding occasional conjunction , Religious care was had of avoiding confusion of Councils . After which time how usefull Master Cotton was to Old England , to New England , to Magistrates , to Ministers , to People , in Publick , in Private , by Preaching , by Counsel , and resolving difficult questions , all know that knew him , and consequently saw the Grace of God so evidently manifested in him . In the course of his Ministry in New Boston , by way of Exposition he went over the Old Testament to Isaiah the 30. The whole New Testament once through , and the second time to the middle of Hebrews the 7th . Upon the Lords Days , and Lecture Days , he preached through the Acts of the Apostles : the Prophesies of Haggai , Zechariah , Ezra , the Revelations , Ecclesiastes , Canticles : the second , and third Epistles of John , the Epistle to Titus , both the Epistles to Timothy ; the Epistle to the Romans , with other Scriptures . The presence of the Lord being with him , and Crowning his Labours with the Conversion of many Souls , and the edification of thousands . Besides these aforementioned Labors , he hath many pieces in Print , which being well known , need not be here enumerated . His youth was unstained , whence he was so much the more capable of being an excellent Instrument in the Church in his elder days . He that will do good in the Church , must have a good report of them which are without , lest he fall into the reproach , and snare of the Devil , 1 Tim. 3. 7. St. Augustine tels us , that A good life is requisite in respect of our selves , but a good name is requisite in respect of others . We may be good men if we have a good Conscience , but we are not like to do much good , if we have not a good name . He was a general Scholar , studious to know all things , the want whereof might in one of his Profession be denomitated ignorance , and piously ignorant of those things , the nescience whereof made him more Learned . Deservedly therefore is his praise great in all the Churches , that he not only gave himself to the acquiring of Learning , but exceeded many that had done vertuously therein . He excelled in the greater part of the Encuclopaidia . Those which best knew his goings out , and his coming in , cannot but give a large testimony to his Piety . He was a Saint ( above many of the Saints ) manifestly declared in the Consciences of the Godly amongst whom he walked , to be the Epistle of Christ , known , and read of all men . In his house he walked with a perfect heart . He was an example to the Flock ; clothed with love , and humility amongst his Brethren : One of a thousand in respect of his worth : But ( as it is reported of Dr. Whitaker ) as one of the multitude in respect of his facile , and companion-like behaviour . Both ability , and modesty in such a degree , are not ordinarily to be found in the same man. Others with much affection beheld the beauty of his face , whilest himself was as one who knew not that his face shined . He was a Father , Friend , and Brother to his fellow-Elders , and a shining Light before all men . He well knew that a Bishop ought not to be defective in the well government of his Family : He must be one that rules well his own house : In conscience whereof , he himself rising betimes in the morning , as soon as he was ready , he called his Family together ( which was also his practice in the evening ) to the solemn worship of God , reading , and expounding , and occasionally also applying the Scriptures unto them , alwayes beginning , and ending with Prayer . In case of sin committed by child or servant , he would call them aside privately ( the matter so requiring ) laying the Scriptures before them , and causing them to read that part which bore witness against such an offence : Seldome or never correcting in anger , that the dispensation of godly Discipline might not be impured , or become less effectuall , through the intermixing of humane passion . He began the Sabbath , on the Saturday evening : and therefore then performed Family duties after Supper , being larger then ordinary in Exposition , after which he Catechized his children , and Servants , and then returned into his Study . The morning following , Family worship being ended , he retired into his Study untill the Bell called him away . Upon his return from the Congregation , he returned again into his Study ( the place of his Labour , and Prayer ) unto his private devotion ; where ( having a small repast carried him up for his dinner ) he continued till the toling of the Bell. The publick service being ended , he withdrew for a space into his aforementioned Oratory , for his sacred addresses unto God , as in the forenoon : Then came down , repeated the Sermon in his Family , prayed , and after Supper sang a Psalm , and , towards bed time , betaking himself again to his Study , he closed the day with Prayer . Thus he spent the Sabbath continually . In his Study , he neither sate down unto , nor arose from his Meditations without Prayer : Whilest his eyes were upon his Book , his expectation was from God. He had learned to Study , because he had learned to Pray . An able Student is a Gospel Student , because unable to Study without Jesus Christ. The barrenness of his Meditation at some times , yea though his endeavour was most intense upon a good matter , convinced him whence it was , that his heart musing upon the same Subject at another time , his tongue became as the Pen of a ready writer . As he was not ( comparatively ) wanting in parts , Learning , or Industry ; so was he most carefull not to trust in them , but to fix his dependance wholly upon God. Herein he was not unlike to blessed Bradford who studied kneeling . Another Synesius , who was wont to divide his life between Prayer , and his Book . Like unto Paul , Not sufficient of himself to think any thing as of himself , and professing all his sufficiency to be of God. But we will give our selves ( say the Apostles ) continually unto Prayer , and to the Ministry of the Word . Men of labour , they were , and men of Prayer . As any weighty cause presented it self either in the Church , Commonwealth , or his Family , he used to set dayes apart to seek the face of God in secret : Such were the bowels of this spirituall Father , the Horsmen , and Chariots of this Israel . He might say with Paul , He was in fastings often . His conversation upon earth was a trading in Heaven . A demonstration of the praises of him who hath called him . A temperature of that holiness , sweetness , and love , which continually gained upon the hearts of many spectators . The habituall gracious scope of his heart in his whole Ministry , is not illegible in that usuall subscription of his at the end of all his Sermons , Tibi Domine . Unto thy honour , O Lord. A tast of the divine Soliloquies between God and his soul , you may please to take notice of from these two transcribed Poems left behind him in his Study , written with his own hand . A thankfull acknowledgement of Gods providence . In Mothers womb thy fingers did me make , And from the womb thou did'st me safely take : From breast thou hast me nurst my life throughout , That I may say I never wanted ought . In all my meales my Table thou hast spread , In all my lodgings thou hast made my bed : Thou hast me clad with changes of array , And chang'd my house for better far away . In youthfull wandrings thou didst stay my slide , In all my journeys thou hast been my guide : Thou hast me sav'd from many an unknown danger , And shew'd me favour even where I was a stranger . In both my Callings thou hast heard my voice , In both my matches thou hast made my choise : Thou gav'st me sons , and daughters them to peer . And giv'st me hope thou l't learn them thee to fear . Oft have I seen thee look with mercies face , And through thy Christ have felt thy saving grace : This is the Heav'n on earth , if any be : For this , and all , my soul doth worship thee . Another made by him ( as it seems ) upon his remove from Boston into that wilderness of N. Engl. I now may expect some changes of miseries , Since God hath made me sure , That himself by them all will purge mine iniquities As fire makes silver pure . Then what though I find the deep deceitfulness Of a distrustfull heart ? Yet I know with the Lord is abundant faithfulness , He will not lose his part . When I think of the sweet , and gracious company That at Boston once I had , And of the long peace of a fruitfull Ministry For twenty years enjoy'd . The joy that I found in all that happiness Doth still so much refresh me , That the grief to be cast out into a wilderness Doth not so much distress me . For when God saw his people , his own at our Town , That together they could not hit it , But that they had learned the language of Askelon , And one with another could chip it . He then saw it time to send in a busie Elf , A Joyner to take them asunder : That so they might learn each one to deny himself And so to piece together . When the breach of their Bridges , and all their Banks And of him that School teaches ; When the breach of the Plague , and of their Trade also arow , Could not learn them to see their breaches . Then God saw it time to break out on their Ministers , By loss of health , and peace ; Yea withall , to break in upon their Magistrates , That so their pride might cease . A Disputation is well called the Sieve of truth : So in his Polemical labors he was a seeker thereof in love : His scope was , the Glory of God , Unity of the Church , and the edification of men , not the ostentation of wit. It was his holy ambition , not to seem to be learned , but indeed to be bettered . A sincere seeker of light , not of victory . Witness his Brotherly acceptance of Dr. Twiss his Examination of Mr. Cottons Treatise of Predestination , from whom he acknowledged that he received light thereby , and was ready to attest the great abilities of the Doctor , that Star ( if any in this age ) of the first magnitude . It is true , Mr. Cottons mind was then exercised about the point of Reprobation . Touching the point of Election , it is sufficiently known that he was not only Orthodox , but also cleer . As there were of old that pretended the Predestinarian Heresie to have had it's rise from St. Austin , and Grevinchovius of late blushed not to say of famous Dr. Ames , who was , Arminianorum malleus , Amesius Pelagianizat . Dr. Ames playes the Pelagian : So , the wonder is less , if this sound , and judicious Divine hath not escaped the imputation of Arminianism from some , notwithstanding the redundant Testimony of his Doctrine , and generally of all that knew him , to the contrary ; yea , that occasionally he hath been heard to say , by Testimony yet alive , and above exception , that he looked at Arminianism as another Gospel , and directly contrary to the Covenant of Grace . What Melancthon sometimes said to Eccius , may be here truly applied to him : Mr. Cotton in his Disputations sought not his own Glory , but Gods Truth So able an Opponent was rare , so candid an Opponent was more rare . He that fell into his hands , was likely to fall soft enough ordinarily ( except through his own default ) not likely to lose any thing save his error . A mans wisdom makes his face to shine : He had an happy , a quick comprehensive , and benign understanding , as having received the manifestation of the Spirit , for the service and profit of others . To discover the mind of God , and therewith the sentence of Judgment , in matters too hard for inferiour Judges , was no small part , both of the worth , and usefulness of him that was to minister before the Lord. So it seemed good to the Father of Lights to make this happy Instrument , not only to excel his Brethren , but in many respects , upon this account to excel himself : A Grace so far acknowledged in him , as that all sorts , both the Magistrates , and private Persons , whether learned , or unlearned , exercised with their respective Cases of conscience , waited under God , in a special manner upon his lips for knowledge , and sought the Law at his mouth . So equal a contention between learning and meekness , is seldom visible in any one person . ●he consciences of those that knew him being appealed to , he will be acknowledged amongst the meekest on Earth in his dayes . So conspicuous was this Grace in him , that multitudes beheld it , not without making extraordinary mention thereof . It is true , he had an advantage above many in his natural constitution , and it's influence from his education , heightened intellectuals , and moralities , was not inconsiderable ; but that which gave the being of meekness , which sanctified , and perfected all , was the Grace of Christ. He was of an accute apprehension , and therefore sensible of , but yet so little in his own sight , that he was not easily provoked by an injury . Sensibleness of dishonor done to God by sin , or of what the offender had done unto himself by sinning , left such impressions upon him , as that his taking notice of any injury done unto himself , was not usually taken notice of . He had well learned that lesson of Gregory : It is better many times to fly from an injury by silence , than to overcome it by replying . It was Grynaeus his manner , to revenge wrongs by Christian taciturnity . If inferiors expostulated unnecessarily with him , he would patiently hear them , and give them a brotherly account , pacifying their minds with a gentle , grave , and respectiv● answer . Take one instance in this kind instead of many ; unto one of his hearers , then sick of singularities , and therefore the less able to bear sound Doctrine , following him home after his publick labours in the Congregation , and instead of better incouragement , telling him that his Ministry was become either dark , or flat : He gently answered ? Both , Brother , without further opening his mouth in his own defence ; choosing rather to own the imputation , than to expostulate with the Imputer . Disputations are great trials of the spirits of intelligent men . Hooper and Ridley were patient Martyrs , but somewhat impatient Disputers . The Synod held at Cambridge in New England , as matters were then circumstanced ; was unto this good man an hour of temptation , above what had ordinarily befaln him in his Pilgrimage : yet such was his eminent behaviour throughout , as argued in the consciences of the Spectators singular patience , and left him a Mirrour for the temperament , mildness , and government of his Spirit . Pious meekness fits for Church Society . Yet though he was so gentle , meek , and flexible , that men might perswade him above what could be expected usually from a man of his worth , in the things of God he was steadfast , and unmovable . The Sanctuary cannot want the fire that is from Heaven , neither may it be touched with the fire that is from Hell. Gentleness of disposition , when actuated by Christ , makes us so much the more acceptable , and profitable unto man : But if the Spirit withdraweth his assistance , we fall short of reaching Gods ends , and the seasonable suppressing of exorbitancies . If this good man had alwayes had that voice sounding in his heart , which one wished that mild Lantgrave of Hessen might have heard from the Smiths forge : Duresce , duresce ; Utinam & Lantgravius durescat : Happily there are that think some disorders , disturbances , and irregularities might , by Gods blessing , have been prevented . But ordinarily , and in matters of greatest weight the Lord was with him . Though his forbearance was both observable , and very imitable in things that concerned himself ; yet he could not forbear them whom he knew to be evil . An experience whereof he manifested some Heterodox spirits , by their specious discourses about Free-Grace and subtle concealings of their Principles , so far deceived him into a better opinion of them than there was cause , as that notwithstanding they fathered their Errors upon him in general , and abused his Doctrine to the countenancing of their denial of Inherent Grace in particular , yet was he slow to beleeve these things of them , and slower to bear witness against them . But so soon as the truth herein appeared to him , hear his own words taken out of his Letter to Mr. Davenport ; The truth is ( saith he ) the body of the Island is bent to backslding into Errour , and Delusions : the Lord pitty , and pardon them , and me also , who have been so slow to see their windings and subtil contrivances , and insinuations in all their transactions , whilst they propagated their opinions under my expressions diverted to their constructions . Yea such was his ingenuity and piety as that his soul was not satisfied without often breaking forth into affectionate bewailing of his infirmity herein in the publick Assemblies , sometimes in his Prayer , sometimes in his Sermon , and that with tears . He was a man of an ingenuous and pious candour , rejoycing ( as opportunity was offered ) to take notice of , and to bear witness to the gifts of God in his Brethren , thereby drawing the hearts of them to him , and of others to them , and that to the encouragement of them , and the edification of many . He did not think himself a loser by putting honour upon his Fellow-labourers , but was willing that they should communicate with him in the love and esteem of the people . He was not only a son of Peace , enjoying continually the feast of a good conscience , with serenity and tranquillity of affections at home , but also a peace-maker , quallified by the graces aforementioned to be a choice Instrument in the hand of the Prince of Peace amongst the Churches , where if any difference arose , Mr. Cotton was ready ( being called thereunto ) to afford his help for the composin ; of them ; and had a singular faculty and ability therein , by reason of that excellent wisdome , and moderation of spirit which God in Christ had given him , whose blessing also did ordinarily crown his endeavours with good success . He was one , the reality of whose profession gave many cause to bless God for the kindness of the Lord shewed unto all sorts by him . His portion in the things of this life , exempted him from being an object of envy in that behalf ; yet behold , Quantum ex quantillo , so much communicated out of so little ; we may not here be altogether silent concerning the Grace of God bestowed upon him , whereby according to his power , yea above his power , he was benificent unto others , but especially to those of the Houshold of Faith. The Gospel opened his heart , his lips , and the doors of his house . He well remembred that Scripture , There is that scattereth , and yet encreaseth , and there is that withholdeth more than is meet , but it tendeth to poverty . As also , The liberal soul shall be made fat . Amongst others , his Fellow-labourers in the Ministry were entertained with peculiar contentment . By one instance see his spirit in the rest , A certain Minister who had gotten into the fellowship of that eminent man Mr. Arthur Hildersham , and many other godly Preachers , being acquainted with their secrets , betrayed them into the Prelates hands . This man coming afterwards to Boston , and meeting with Mr. Cotton , this Ga●us had not the heart to speak to him , nor to invite him to his house , which ( he said ) he never neglected to his knowledge , to any stranger before , much less to any of his own order . Some years since there was brought unto Boston a report of the necessity of the poor Saints at Sigataea , a little Church whereof the Reverend Mr. White was their faithful Pastor , which suffered much extremity by reason of the persecution of their then prevailing adversaries , forcing them from Bermudas into the Desart Continent . The sound of whose distress was no sooner heard of , but you might have heard the sounding of his bowels , with many others , applying themselves to a speedy Collection , and sending it to them on purpose for their seasonable relief , the sum was about seven hundred pounds , two hundred whereof he gathered in the Church of Boston , no man in the Contribution exceeding , and but one equalling his bounty . And it was remarkable that this Contribution arrived there the very day after those poor people were brought to a personal division of that little Meal then remaining in the Barrel , and not seeing ( according to man ) but that after the eating thereof they must dye a lingring death for want of food ; and upon the same day their Pastor had preached unto them ( it being the Lords day upon that Text , Psal. 23. The Lord is my Shepherd , I shall not want . At such a time the good hand of the Lord brought this succour to them from afar . Whilst he was in Old England , his eminent piety , the success of his labours , and his interest in the hearts both of superiours , inferiours , equals , drew upon him much envy , and his Non-conformity added thereunto , so that he was delivered in a great measure to the will of his Adversaries , who gave him not over till they had bereaved him of much of his livelihood , his liberty , Country , and therewithall of the sweet society of lovers , friends , and many wayes endeared acquaintance , more precious to him than life it self . Yet the measure of the afflictions of Christ , appointed to be suffered by him , was not so fulfilled ; but lo , in the time of his exile , some Brethren , provoked by the censure of Authority , though justly , & not without tears inflicted upon them , singled out Mr. Cotton as the object of their displeasure , who ( though above other men ) declining irregular and unnecessary interesting himself in the actions of the Magistrate , and ( while opportunity lasted ) endeavouring their healing , yet they requited him evil for good , and they ( at least some of them ) who were formerly companions with him in the tribulations of that Patmos , yea respecters of him , had taken sweet counsel together , and they had walked in the house of God as friends . Hence was he with Tongue and pen blasphemed by them , for whom he formerly intreated , and for whom , he both then , and afterwards wept , and put on sackcloth . As touching any Tenet wherein he may seem singular , remember that he was a man , and therefore to be heard and read with judgement , and happily sometimes with favour . St. Hierom makes a difference between reading the writings of the Apostles , and other men . They ( saith he ) alwayes speak the truth , these as men sometimes erre . But no man did more placidly bear a Dissentient than he . It contributes much towards the fuller discovery of truth , when men of larger capacities , and greater industry than others may be permitted to communicate their Notions ; onely they should use this liberty by way of disquisition , not of Position , rather as searchers after Scripture-light , than as Dictators of private opinions . But now this Western Sun hastens to his setting : Being called to preach at a neighbour Church , he took wet in his passage over the Ferry , and , not many hours after , he felt the effect of it , being seized upon with an extream ilness in his Sermon time . This sad providence when others bewailed , he comforted himself in that he was found so doing . Decet Imperatorem stantem mori . It is the honour of a Commander to dye standing . St. Austins usual with was , that when Christ came , he might finde him , Aut praecantem , aut praedicantem ; either praying , or preaching . Calvin would not that when the Lord came , he should finde him idle . After a short time he complained of the inflamation of his lungs , and thereupon found himself Asthmatical , and afterward Scorbutical ( which both meeting in a complicated disease , put an end to his dayes ) insomuch that he was forced to give over those comforting drinks which his stomack could not want . If he still used them , the inflamation grew unsufferable , and threatned a more sharp , and speedy death . If he left them , his stomack forthwith ceased to perform its office , leaving him without hope of life . By these Messengers he received the sentence of death , yet in the use of means he attended the pleasure of him in whose hands our times are ; his labours continued whilst his strength failed : November the 18. he took in course for his Text the four last verses of the second Epistle to Timothy , Salute Prisca and Aquila , &c. Giving the reason why he spake of so many verses together , because otherwise he said , he should not live to make an end of that Epistle . He chiefly insisted upon those words , Grace be with you all ; so ending that Epistle , and his Lectures together . For upon the Lords day following he preached his last Sermon upon Joh. 1. 14. And the Word was made Flesh , and dwelt among us ▪ ( and we ●eheld his Glory as of the onely begotten Son of the Father ) full of Grace and Peace . Now he gave himself wholly to prepare for his dissolution , making his Will , and setting his house in order : When he could no more be seen abroad , all sorts , Magistrates , Ministers , Neighbours , and Friends afar off , and those near at hand , especially his own people resorted to him daily , as to a publick Father . When the neighbour Ministers visited him ( in which duty they were frequent ) he thanked them affectionately for their love , exhorting them also as an Elder , and a witness of the sufferings of Christ , to feed the Flock , encouraging them , that when the chief Shepherd shall appear , they should receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away . Finding himself to grow weak , according to that of James , he sent for the Elders of the Church of Boston to pray over him , which last solemn duty being performed , not without much affection , and many tears : Then ( as Polycarp a little before his death said , That he had served Christ fourscore and six years , neither had he ever offended him in any thing ) so he told them ( through Grace , he had now served God forty years , it being so long since his conversion ) throughout which time he had ever found him faithful to him ; and thereupon he took occasion to exhort them to the like effect , that Paul sometime did the Elders of Ephesus , a little before they were to see his face no more , Take heed therefore to your selves , and to all the Flock over w●ich the Lord hath made you overseers , to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood . Particularly he lamented that the love of many , yea , and some of their own Congregation was grown cold towards the publick Ordinances , calling upon them so much the more for their watchfulness in that respect ; which done , he thanked them for their loving and brotherly assistance to him in their holy fellowship , and commended them to the blessing of God. His pious Consort , and those Olive Plants that sate lately about his Table , now gathered together about the Bed of a dying Husband , and departing Father . This was his last solemn transaction with man in this world : Silver and Gold ( though he wanted not ) he had not much to give them , but the blessing of a righteous Pa●ent he left with them . That Reverend and Godly man , Mr. Wilson ( who excelleth in Love , as Mr. Cot●on did in Light ) the faithful Pastor of that Church , taking his last leave of him , and most ardently praying unto God that he would lift up the light of his countenance upon him , and shed his love into his soul , he presently answered , He hath done it already , Brother . His work now finished with all men , perceiving his departure to be at hand , and having nothing else to do , but onely that great work of dying in the Lord , he wholly composed , and set himself for his dissolution , desiring that he might be permitted to improve that little remnant of his life without impediment to his private Devotions , and divine Soliloquies between God and his soul ; and for that end he caused the Curtains to be drawn , and a Gentleman , and Brother of that Congregation that was much with him , and ministred to him in his sickness , he caused to promise him that the Chamber should be kept private . But a while after , hearing the whispering of some brethren in the Room , he called to that Gentleman , saying , Why do you break your word with me ? Not long after ( being mindful no doubt of that great helpfulness which he received from that aforementioned Brother throughout his visitation ) he left him with this farewel , The God that made you , and bought you with a great price , redeem your body and soul unto himself . These words were his last words , after which he was not heard to speak , but lying some hours speechless , he quietly breathed out his spirit into the hands of him that gave it , December 23. Anno Christi , 1652. being entred into the Sixty eighth year of his Age. The Life and Death of Dr. Hill , who dyed Anno Christi , 1653. MR. Thomas Hill was born at Kingston in Worcestershire , of Godly Parents ; and David accounted it his great honour and blessing to be the Son of Gods Handmaid , Psal. 86. 16. His Parents dedicated him unto God from his Child-hood , designing him to the work of the Ministry , and in order thereunto they trained him up in School-learning in the Country ; and being there well fitted , they sent him to Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge , where the Rose was not cankered in the bud , his youth not corrupted , nor debauched , as too many are : But this morning ( like that 2 Sam. 23. 4. ) was without clouds , not sullied with any noted miscarriage ; but on the contrary , as it is said of Sampson when young , that the Spirit of the Lord began then to move him , Judg. 13. 25. So in his then sober , and studious behaviour , the Sun looked out betimes in that Summer morning , and through Gods Grace ( otherwise than it oft falls out in nature ) he gave promising hopes of an after clearer day . This being taken notice of by the Governours of the Colledge , they thereupon , after examination had , chose him Scholar of the House , he ( as his Saviour ) still growing in wisdome and stature , and in favour with God and man. And then after some good time spent in his private studies in the Colledge , for his further perfecting , and the more happy seasoning of his spirit , he went and sojourned with that man of God ( now also with the Lord ) Mr. Cotton at Boston in Lincolnshire , where , by Gods rich blessing upon his most godly directions , and example , and the society he had with him , and other eminent Christians in that place , he was much improved and furthered , as otherwise , so especially in Heavens-way , which happily went along with him to his journies end . Upon his return from thence to the Colledge , it was not long before he was chosen Fellow with general approbation , though upon a most strict , and double examination , more ( I think ) than ever was in that Colledge before , or hath been since , though it still is , and ever hath been , according to the Statutes , very strict , and serious , and which hath been blessed to be a special means of holding up true worth , and learning in that happy Society . And now , through Gods good hand of providence , leading and strengthning him , he proved a diligent , painful , and successful Tutor of very many Pupils , and divers of them persons of quality , who since have proved great blessings both to the Church and Commonwealth : And thus as he was before a pattern to young Schollars , so after he was a Tutor , no diligence was wanting whereby he might be instrumental to Gods Glory , and the good of those who were committed to his charge . But this our wise Master-builder , satisfied not himself as a Tutor in polishing of builders , but as a faithful and painful Minister , he laboriously endeavoured to square other lively stones for Gods Temple , 1 Pet. 2. 5. and so as he read to Schollars in the Colledge , he also diligently and conscionbl● preached to a neighbour Congregation [ St. Andrews ] in the Town , so that many poor souls long after had cause to bless God for him . Nor was he an Hireling to flye when the Wolf came , but when the Plague in this time of his Ministry raged in the Town , he still continued with them in his Ministerial employment , the better Shepherd he , who not onely fed the sound , but also healed and bound up the torn , and weak of the flock . This Alabaster Box of precious oyntment thus powred out , filled the whole house with its odour , and the sweet fragrancy of it did spread abroad , so that now he came to be more taken notice of by many both great , and good men , and so by some of eminent worth , and honour , he was called to the Pastoral charge of Tichmersh in Northamptonshire , where he laboured faithfully in Gods Harvest for the space of about eight or nine years , and partly by preaching and conversing up and down with others ; but especially with his own Parochial charge , he proved a great blessing , not onely to that Town , but also to the whole Country , in every place where he came , spreading a good savour , and leaving it behinde him . During the time of his being at Tichmersh , he sometimes repaired to Warwick Castle , to that Noble Robert Lord Brook , who highly esteemed him , and in whose Family he grew acquainted with Mrs. Mary Wilford , at that time Governess to the Lady Frances Rich ( a young Lady of rare parts ) Daughter to the Right Honourable Robert Earle of Warwick , and mutual affections growing betwixt them , he was married to her , who since his death , was re-married to the Reverend , learned , and pious Dr. Tuckney , Master of St. Johns Colledge , and Regius Professor in Cambridge , my much honoured friend , so that she hath been made happy in the enjoyment of two such Husbands , as few women in our times have attained to . Whilst he was labouring ( as aforesaid ) in the work of the Lord , for more publick service he was chosen by the Parliament for one of that County to attend , and assist in the Assembly of Divines , called together by their Authority at Westminster ; where being of very good use , he was often ordered by the Parliament to preach before them at their publick Fasts , and upon other their more solemn occasions . He was also chosen by them to be one of their Morning week-dayes Preachers in the Abbey at Westminster , besides his constant Sabbath-dayes labours in another great Congregation [ St. Martins in the Fields ] where he was a blessing to many thousands . From thence he was ordered to be Master of Emanuel Colledge in the University of Cambridge , which being not a sphere large enough for his activity , he was after a while removed to the Mastership of Trinity Colledge , where what great good he did , many that lived under him can give an ample Testimony ; and that happy change proclaimed , from that confusion ( by reason of those distracted times ) in which he found it , to that orderly composure , and frame , in which , through Gods blessing , he left it . How sollicitous he was for their best welfare , his frequent preaching in their Chappel to them all , and his writing to their Seniors , speaks out fully ; and many can bear witness how humble , and loving he was to them in his carriage , how studious to keep up College-Exercises , how zealous to advance Piety and Learning ; and for that purpose , to countenance , and prefer such as he observed to be eminent in either . As he was a University-man , he was zealously carefull . 1. Of its Honour ( which the Parliament can witness ) in an unkindly contest about it ; and also his care in collecting the decayed Antiquities of that University , whose pains in that Argument , it is pity but that they were communicated to the world . 2. Of its Priviledges , as alwayes , so especially in those two years together in which he was Vice-Chancellor , for which he suffered in some mens reputes unjustly . 3. Of its Profit and Emolument , being a special means of procuring to it from the Parliament , the Lambeth Library , which of right ( as it was judged ) fell to that University ; as also from a worthy Knight [ Sir John Wollaston , Alderman of the City of London ] a yearly stipend for a Mathematick Lecturer , and also large summes of money for the fitting of the Publick Library , that it might be of general use ; for the accomplishment whereof , the University is more wayes than one his Debtor . 4. Lastly , Of the general good , and well-ordering of it . Surely it was his careful thought in private with himself , as appeared by his making it the subject of his discourse with others ; scarce was there a time wherein he met with his intimate , and judicious friends , but he would be asking or proposing something that way . By this it appeared that his care was to keep up those Universities , which some in those times would have ruined ; upon which occasion G●●tius pronounceth many Christians to be worse than the Philistines ; for they , 1 Sam. 10. 5. would let the company of Prophets alone , even where they kept a Garrison . As he was a Divine , he was sound in the Faith , orthodox in his judgement , firmly adhering to the good old Doctrine of the Church of England , even that which in that University was taught , and maintained by famous Whitaker , Perkins , Daunant , Ward , and many others in their times ; and in the other University amongst other great Names there , he was a great admirer of the Right Reverend and Judicious Dr. Robert Abbot , Bishop of Salisbury , and well were it if there he had many more such Admirers . The Doctrines of Gods Sovereignty in his Decrees : Of his In-conditionate Free-electing-love : Of his Free-grace against Free-will , and the power of Nature in Spirituals : Of justification by the imputed Righteousness of Christ , against the perfection of inherent Righteousness now attainable by us in this life . Of perseverance in Grace , against the Apostacy of the Saints , and the like , were not with this pious , and learned man ( as they are now called by some ) Sects and Notions , matters onely of learning and curiosity , and of the Presbyterian Faction : But of the life-blood of Faith , which at his death ( as he expressed to a Friend of his ) he had singular comfort from , and in his life firmly beleeved , constantly preached , and by his Pen endeavoured to maintain and defend , and that against the great daring Champion , of the contrary errors , whom the abusive wits in the University , with 〈◊〉 impudent boldness could say , none there durst adventure upon , whose immodest scurrility , his learned ananswer to that daring adversary , which he had made so fair a progress in ) had shortly consuted , had not he by his more sudden death been therein prevented . As a Minister of the Gospel : In his preaching he was plain , powerful , spiritual , frequent , and laborious : For besides what in that kinde he did , as to the University in St. Maries , and in the Colledge Chappel , which was very happy in his often pains there ; In the Town he set up one Lecture every Sabbath morning in the Parish Church of St. Michael , performed only by himself , and cheerfully frequented by a great confluence both of Schollars and Townsmen ; and another in the Church of All-Hallows every Lords day in the afternoon , in which he did bear at least the fourth part of the burden , and both of them Gratis , as there were many more such Lectures there performed , much about the same rate , weekly by other pious learned men , and more indeed than are in any Town or City , upon those tearms in all England , or are like to be there again ; which is mentioned that God may have the glory in the first place , and then for the honour of that Reformation , which so many do traduce , and spit at ; as also of those more noble spirited Preachers , who so freely offered unto God that which did cost them so much , for which of men they received nothing . But that place of Cambridge did not bound the course of this our laborious Preachers Ministry , but ( as it is said of our Saviour , Matth. 9. 35. ) That he went about all Cities , and Villages teaching and preaching ; and of St. Paul Rom. 15. 17. That from Jerusalem , and round about , and that to Illyricum ( which was in right line three hundred and thirty German miles , as Pareus upon the place computes it ) he did fully preach the Gospel ; imitating herein , as Jerom observes , his Lord and Master , that Sun of Righteousness , whose going forth is from the ends of the Heaven , and his circuit unto the ends of it , Psa. 19. 6. In these their blessed steps our Brother trod , and followed them in his painful Ministry , diligently preaching when he had occasion to be abroad in remoter parts ; but especially in many Towns and Villages nearer hand , round about the University , being a means to set up Lectures in many of them , and very often assisting in them ; and as our Savior is observed by some Divines to have preached more frequently the nearer he was to his departure ; so this his faithful servant , as it were presaging that his day would be but short , towards his evening he made the more haste and speed in his journy towards his end , and yet more abounded in this work of the Lord , and now findes That his labour is not in vain in the Lord , 1 Cor. 15. 58. Thus of him as a Minister . And lastly , as he was a Christian , he was active for God , as his Saviour , Act. 10. 38. Going up and down , and doing good ; and though otherwise modest , yet when the case required it , bold in a good cause . He was spiritual in communion , and a quickner of those with whom he conversed . Fruitful in discourse , by which the frame of his spirit might easily be discovered : Frequent in asking questions , which was both his humility , and Christian good husbandry , thereby to improve himselfe , his time and company . Affable he was to others , of much humility , and low thoughts of himself , and of great integrity and singleness of heart towards God , his Truth , Ordinances , wayes , and servants ; of a very publick spirit , and much affected with the various conditions of the State , but especially of the Church and people of God. He was a most loving Husband to his wife , and a dutiful son to his Parents , and in his life time very helpful to his other Relations . Many poor , both of the University and Town do now feel the want of his bounty which they tasted of in his life time ; and both they , and others had done more at his death ( as appeared by his intentions of it in the draught of his Will ) had not the suddenness of his change prevented it . In a long continued Quartan , God had knocked at his door , which in the interim of his recovery awakened him to get all within ready against the coming of his Lord , which , though to his friends was unexpected , yet found not him unprepared . In his short sickness , he expressed to an intimate Friend his great comfort , and joy in Gods discriminating electing-love ; and to a Reverend Doctor , about half an hour before his departure , who enquired of him about the setling of his outward estate , and inward peace , he readily , and without the least hesitancy , answered , that thro●gh the mercy of God in Christ his peace was made , and that he quietly rested in it ; whereby it seems ( as was said by one ) he had his Faith at his fingers ends , and having before given all diligence to make his calling and election sure , though he was somewhat suddenly called out of this life , yet had he an abundant entrance set open to him , into the everlasting Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , departing quietly in the Lord , Decem. 18. 1653. As to himself he had lived a fruitful and gracious life , and therefore ( as Clemens Romanus speaks of some of the first , and best Bishops ) he closed up all with a happy and blessed death ; and as to others , he lived approved , and dyed desired , and very much lamented . He was a great Friend to the publication of the lives of godly and eminent Ministers , and Christians , and assisting to me in procuring information concerning the Lives of some of those Worthies whom I have formerly printed . Dr. WILLIAM GOUGE . The Life and Death of Dr. Gouge , who dyed Anno Christi , 1653. WIlliam Gouge was born in Stratford-Bow , in the County of Middlesex , Novem. 1. Anno 1575. His Father Mr. Thomas Gouge was a godly Gentleman . His Mother was the vertuous and pious Daughter of Mr. Nicholas Culverel , a Merchant in London , and she was sister to those two famous Preachers , Mr. Samuel , and Mr. Ezekiel Culverel ; she had also two sisters who were married to those two famous and learned Divines , Dr. Chaderton , the Master of Emanuel College in Cambridge , and Dr. Whitaker the Regius Professor of Divinity in the same University ; so that by the Mothers side he came of a stock of eminent Preachers . Our William Gouge in his younger years was first trained up in Pauls School London , and was afterwards sent to a Free-school at Felsted in Essex , where he was trained up three years under the publick Ministry of his Uncle Mr. Ezekiel Culverel , by whose labours he was much wrought upon , and if not first begotten , yet much built up in his holy Faith , as himself often expressed . From thence he was sent to Eaton , where he was educated other six years , during all which time he was more than ordinarily studious and industrious ; for when other boyes upon play-dayes took liverty for their sports and pastimes , he would be at his book , wherein he took more delight than others could finde in their Recreations , whereby he profited beyond many his equals . At this time whilst he was a Schollar at Eaton , he was possessed with an holy fear of God , was conscionable in secret prayer , and in sanctifying the Sabbaths , and was much grieved at the ordinary prophanation thereof by sports and pastimes which were then , and there too much allowed , as he did oft-times in his life , with much thankfulness unto God express . From the School at Eaton he was chosen to Kings College in Cambridge , whither he went Anno Christi 1595. and at the first entrance of his studies he applied himself to P. Ramus his Logick , and grew so expert therein , that in the publick Schools he maintained and defended him , insomuch as when on a time divers Sophisters set themselves to vilifie Ramus , for which end the Respondent had given this question , Nunquam erit magnus , cui Ramus est magnus , which some of the Sophisters hearing , and knowing the said William Gouge to be an accute disputant , and a stiff defender of Ramus , they went to the Divinity Schools , where he was then hearing an Act , and told him how in the other Schools they were abusing Ramus , he thereupon went into the Sophisters Schooles , and upon the Moderators calling for another Opponent , he stepped up , and brought such an argument as stumbled the Respondent , whereupon the Moderator took upon him to answer it , but could not satisfie the doubt : This occasioned a Sophister that stood by to say with a loud voice , Do you come to vilifie Ramus , and cannot answer the Argument of a Ramist ? Whereupon the Moderator rose up , and gave him a box on the ear , then the School was all on an uproar ; but the said William Gouge was safely conveyed out from amongst them . When he was Senior Sophister , he was chosen Moderator of the Sophisters Acts in the publick Schools , which was a place of great credit , and he began every Act with a solemn speech in Latine which was not usual in those dayes , and it added much grace to the Act. The said William Gouge took his degrees in order , performing for every one of them , all those Exercises in the publick Schools , which by the Statutes of the University were required . And during his first three years , he kept the Colledge so close , that he lay not one night out of the walls thereof ; and at the three years end he was admitted Fellow , and then went to visit his Friends . He was a very hard Student ; for as he was a lover of Learning , so was he very laborious in his studies , sitting up late at night , and rising early in the morning . He continued in the Colledge for the space of nine years , and in all that time ( except he went forth a Town to his friends ) he was never absent from morning Prayers in the Chappel , which used to be about half an hour after five a clock in the morning ; yea , he used to rise so long before he went to the Chappel , as that he gained time for his secret devotions , and for reading his morning task of the Scriptures : For he tyed himself to read every day fifteen Chapters in English out of the Bible , five in the morning , five after dinner before he fell upon his other studies , and five before he went to bed ; he hath been often heard to say , that when he could not sleep in the night time he used in his thoughts to run through divers Chapters of the Scripture in order , as if he had heard them read to him ; and by this means he deceived the tediousness of his waking , and deprived himself also sometimes of the sweetness of his sleeping hours , though by that , which administred to him better rest , and greater sweetness ; for he preferred the meditation upon the word before his necessary food with Job , and before sleep with David . The like practice he used in the day time when he was alone , whether within doors , or abroad ; for which ed , as an help , he wrote in a little book which he alwayes carried about him , the distinct heads of every particular passage in every Chapter of the Bible , that so , when in any place he meditated on the word of God , and was at a loss , he presently found help by that little book . By this means he made himself so expert in the Text , that if he heard any phrase of Scripture , he could presently tell where it was to be found . Besides , he had his set times of study for the more difficult places of Scripture , that he might finde out the true meaning of them , by which he attained to a great measure of exactness in the understanding of the Scripture . During his abode in the University he did not onely ply his own studies , but used also to send for others whom he observed to be ingenuous and willing , and instructed them in the Arts , whereby he was a great help to many , and brought them also to be better proficient . While he was a Scholler in Kings College , there came a Jew to Cambridge , who was entertained in sundry Colleges to teach them the Hebrew Tongue , and amongst the rest , in Kings Colledge , and Mr. Gouge took the opportunity of learning of him , as many other of the Students also did ; but most of them grew soon weary , and left him , onely the said Mr. Gouge kept close to him so long as he tarried . But when he was gone , those which before had lost their opportunity , now seeing their own folly , they came to Mr. Gouge , and entreated him to instruct them in the grounds of the said Language , which he accordingly did , and thereby himself became an excellent Hebrician . And as he was expert in the learned Languages , so was he likewise in the Arts , and all other necessary Literature , that he might have nothing of these to learn when he should come to make use of them . Being chosen a Lecturer both of Logick and Philosophy in the College , he made conscience of observing all the times appointed by the Statute for reading , and never omitted any of them , and his readings were so exactly composed , that thereby he profited his Auditors exceedingly , and procured much credit , and applause from them ; but withall , some envy from his successors , who by his example were now provoked to a more painful , & frequent reading of their Lectures which in former times were performed seldomer , and in a more perfunctory manner . He was so cautious , and strict in the whole course of his life , that thereby he got the name of an Arch-Puritan , which was the terme then given in scorn to those who were conscientious in their wayes . In the first year of his Fellowship he began his Common-place book for Divinity , in which he made references of all which he read . He had also white paper bound betwixt every leaf of his Bible , wherein he wrote such short and pithy interpretations , and observations on the Text as could not well be referred to any head in his Common-place book . He took such pleasure in , and was so addicted to a University life , that he was resolved to have spent many more years than he did , if not his whole life therein . But his Father , after he had been two or three years Master of Arts , much against his minde , took him from the University upon the occasion of a marriage which he prepared for him ; and God by his providence turned this to the great good of his Church : For by this means , though it were somewhat late before he entred upon the Ministry , yet it is very probable that he entred upon , and exercised that sacred calling much sooner than he would have done , if he had been left to his own choice . His wife was the daughter of Mr. Henry Caulton a Citizen , and Mercer of London , but an Orphan when he married her . Having thus changed his condition , and entred into a married estate , that he might not be distracted , nor impeded in his studies by worldly business , he committed the whole care of his Family affairs to the management of his wife , and still applied himself wholly to his studies , and to the weighty businesses of his heavenly calling . He lived with this his wife for the space of two and twenty years in much love , and peace , and had by her thirteen children , seven sons , and six daughters , whereof eight lived to mens , and womens estate , and were all of them carefully educated , and sufficiently provided for . It was his earnest desire , and daily prayer to God for his sons that they might all be preachers of the Gospel , so highly did he prize the function , that is so vilified and contemned by too many others , for he himself found such comfort , and content in that calling , that he thought no greater could be found in any other ; and he often professed for his own part , that the greatest pleasure he took in the world was in the imployments about the work of the Ministry , insomuch as he was wont to say to divers Honourable persons of his acquaintance , and particularly to the Lord Coventry , Keeper of the Great Seal of England , that he envied not his great place , and imployment . In the order and government of his Family , he was very exemplary . His house was another Bethel , for he did not onely constantly upon conscientious principles use morning and evening Prayer and reading the sacred Scriptures in his Family ; but also he catechized his children , and servants , wherein God gave him a singular gift for their edification ; for in teaching them he used not any set form , but so , as that he brought them whom he instructed , to express the principles taught them in their own words ; so that his children ( as Gregory Nazianzen saith of his Father ) found him as well a spiritual as a natural Father . Yea never any servant came to his house , but gained a great deal of knowledge therein : So likewise did diverse others , who at the request of their Parents were instructed by him . He was in a special manner a strict and conscionable sanctifier of the Lords day , and that not onely in the exercise of publick duties incumbent upon his Office , but also in the private sanctification of it in the duties of piety in , and with his Family , and secret in his Closet ; and for this end , as he did forbear providing of Suppers the Eve before the Sabbath , that servants might not be occasioned thereby to sit up late ; so neither would he suffer any servant to stay at home for dressing any meat upon the Lords day for the entertainment of friends , whether they were great or mean , few or many . On the Sabbaths , after his publick labours were ended , divers Neighbours ( wanting helps in their own Families ) came to his house , where he repeated his Sermons after so familiar a manner , that many have professed that they were much more benefited by them in that his repetition , than they were in the first hearing of them ; for he did not use word by word to read out of Notes what he had preached , but would by Questions and Answers draw from those of his own houshold such points as were delivered ; and this Exercise being ended , his constant course was to visit such of his Parish as were sick , or by pain and weakness were dis-inabled to go to the publick Ordinances , with each of whom , he would discourse of some spiritual and heavenly subject suitable to their condition , and after that , he prayed with them , wherein he had a more than ordinary gift , being able in apt words and expressions to commend their several cases unto God , and to put up Petitions suitable to their several needs . His usual course was to pray eight times in the publick Congregation on the Lords dayes ; for as he prayed before , and after each Sermon ; so also before , and after his reading and expounding the Scriptures , which he performed both in the forenoon and afternoon . And in his Family his constant course was to pray thrice every Lords day , and that in a solemn manner , viz. in the morning , and evening , and after his repetition of the Sermons . He was ordained Minister in the two and thirtieth year of his age , and about a year after , which was in June 1608. he was called to the exercise of his Ministry in the Parish of Black-Friars London , where he continued to his dying day , which was about five and forty years , and six months , never accepting of any other Ministerial imployment , though he had the proffers of many great places : His manner of coming to Black-Friars , was thus , That Parish being destitute of a preaching Minister , Mr. Hildersam , a famous , pious & powerful Preacher , being in company with some of the better sort of the Inhabitants of Black-Friars , who complained of their want , he told them that there was one living in Stratford-Bow , who was out of imployment , whom he judged very fit for them . Hereupon divers of them went thither on the Lords day , where he frequently preached gratis , to help the Minister that then was there , and upon hearing of him they liked him so well , that making report thereof to their neighbours , he was by an un animous consent ( nemine contradicente ) chosen to be their Minister , which election being made known to him , he accepted of it , and ever after shewed a great respect to the Inhabitants of that place . Before Mr. Gouge came to them , they had not so much as a Church of their own to meet and hear the word of God in , nor any place wherein to bury their dead , but by such means as he used , the Church and Church-porch , together with the Ministers house , and Church-yard ( all which they enjoyed before but upon curtesie ) were bought in ; so as now , they all , as their proper Inheritance , do belong to the Parish of Black-Friars . And five years after his coming thither , the old Church being found too little to entertain those multitudes that flocked thither from all parts of the City , to hear him , he was an instrument of purchasing in certain rooms adjoyning , whereby the Church was enlarged almost as big again as it was before . The sum of purchasing , new building , and beautifying of which Church amounted to above one thousand five hundred pounds , all which was procured , partly by Collections at his Lectures , and partly by the volunta●y contributions of his Parishoners , without any publick Collections in other places . After this , there being divers rooms under the said Church belonging to several Land-lords , he used such means as to purchase them also for the benefit of the Parish , which he did the rather to prevent all dangers that by wicked minded persons might have befaln Gods people in that Church , by any contrivance in the rooms under the same . Thus they who had nothing of their own at his first coming , have now , through his procurement , the whole Church , the Church-porch , a Church-yard , a Vault to bury their dead in , a very fair Vestry with other adjacent rooms , besides the house wherein he himself dwelt so long as he lived ; all which they hold as a perpetual Inheritance . They have also a Lease of certain Tenements of a considerable value for three hundred years ; all which were procured by his Prudence , Interest , and Industry . Such was his love , and respect to this Parish , as though he was oft proffered places of far greater value , yet he refused them all , oft saying , That the height of his ambition was to go from Black-Friers to Heaven . At his first coming to Black-Friers , being in the thirty third year of his age , he preached constantly , besides twice every Lords day , a weekly Lecture , viz. on the Wednesdayes in the forenoon , which for the space of about thirty five years was very much frequented , and that not only by his Parishioners , but by divers City Ministers , and by sundry pious and judicious Gentlemen of the Innes of Court , besides many other well-disposed Citizens , who in multitudes flocked to hear his heavenly Doctrine ; yea such was the fame of Dr. Gouge his Ministry , that when any Country Ministers , and godly Christians came to London about their affairs , they thought not their business fully ended , unless they had been at Black-Friers Lecture . And it pleased God to give such a blessing to his Ministry , that many of his Auditors , though living in other Parishes , upon Trial before sundry Elderships , have confessed , that the first seeds of Grace sown in their hearts , were by the blessing upon Dr. Gouges Ministry : And indeed herein God wonderfully honoured his labours , by making him an aged Father in Christ to beget many Sons and Daughters unto God , and to nourish up others in the wayes of righteousnesse , thousands having been converted , and built up by his Ministry . He used also every month to preach a preparation Sermon before the Communion , on the Eve before each monthly Sacrament . He was eminently laborious and faithful in the work of his Ministry even to his dying day , preaching so long as he was able to creep up into the Pulpit , As a tree planted in the House of the Lord , he was fruitful even in his old age , Psal. 92. 13 , 14. He often used to say in his latter dayes , that he could preach with more ease than he could get up into the Pulpit , the reason whereof doubtlesse was this , because as the encrease of his Asthma dis-inabled him to go , so the encrease of his Intellectuals enabled him to preach with more ease than in his younger dayes . His preacing was alwaes very distinct : First , he opened his Text , giving the true and proper sense of it , then gave he the Logical Analysis of it , and then gathered such proper observations as naturally flowed from it , and properly and pertinently improved , and applied the same ; by which method his Ministry proved very profitable to his hearers . Many have acknowledged that in regard of the Logical resolution of his Text he went beyond all that ever they heard , as also in clearing difficult , and doubtful places of Scripture as they came in his way . And as his method was clear , so were his expressions plain , alwayes delivering the solid points of Divinity in a familiar stile to the capacity of the meanest . As for his life and conversation , it was holy and exemplary , himself practising what he preached unto others , and living over his own Sermons ; his Doctrine , and his practice concurred , and went hand in hand together . Before these times of Examination of persons , before their admission to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , he used to go to the houses of the better sort in his Parish , where he appointed a time for them , and their whole Families to meet together , that he might examine how fit they were to be admitted to that Ordinance : yea he appointed sundry small Families to meet together on a certain day , that he might make trial of their fitness also ; and then his manner was , not to admit any of the younger sort to the Sacrament , till in his judgement he found them fitted for it . Though he addicted himself much to his studies , and carried himself peaceably , yet wanted he not those that did envy , and malign him , and that took all occasions to do him what mischief they could : As in the case of Serjeant Finch his book about the Calling of the Jews , which Dr. Gouge only published , and the author himself owned it , yet for his publication of it he was committed to prison , and kept there for the space of nine weeks together . King James being informed that the Serjeant had in that Book declared , and endeavoured to prove that the Jews should have a visible Kingdome which should be above all other Kingdoms , which Doctrin he abhorred , he thereupon grew extream impatient : Bishop Neal also with others , provoked him against the publisher of the Book , which so incensed him , that he would admit of no Apology . Yet after a while , Dr. Gouge was moved distinctly to declare his judgement , and opinion about that point of the calling , and conversion of the Jews , which he did in these ensuing Propositions . All that I can gather out of the holy Scriptures about this point is , 1. That the Calling of the Jews , importeth more than a spiritual Calling to beleeve in Jesus Christ , and to imbrace the Gospel . 2. This their spiritual Calling may be called an outward glorious Calling , in regard of the visibility and generallity of it ; to put a difference betwixt the promised Calling of the Nation , and the continual Calling of some few persons . For in all ages since the rejection of the Jews , some few , here and there have been called . Thus the Calling of the Gentiles in the Apostles time , when Christians had no pompous Civil Government , was an outward glorious Calling , by reason of the visible famous Church which they had . 3. It is probable that at , or after their Calling , they shall not be scattered as now they are , but shall be gathered together into Churches , and be freed from the bondage and slavery wherein they have been many years together . 4. To give them a Soveraignty over all the whole Church seemeth to me to be derogatory to that absolute Sovereignty which Christ the head of his Church hath , in whom the promises of the perpetuity of Davids Scepter , of the extent of his Dominion , of the subjection of all Nations are accomplished . 5. To set down the distinct time , place , and other like circumstances of their Calling , needeth more than an ordinary spirit , and implies too much curiosity . 6. The point of the Calling of the Jews being no fundamental point of Christian Religion , to be over stiff in holding one thing or other therein , to the disturbance of the peace of the Church , comes near to Schisme . Upon which being examined by Archbishop Abbot , and his answer approved , he was released from his imprisonment . Ordinarily in the Summer Vacation he was with his Family in the Country ; but not so much for his own ease , as for the further service of Gods Church : for besides his preaching every Lords day in the place where he resided , he improved his time for the publication of those his Treatises which are now in Print , viz. The whole Armour of God , Domestical duties , An Explanation of the Lords Prayer , Gods three Arrows , of the Pla●ue , Famine , & Sword , upon occasion of those Judgments then raging . The Saints Sacrifice of Thanksgiving , upon his recovery from a dangerous sickness . To which is now added his Commentary upon the whole Epistle to the Hebrews , which was the subject of his Wednesdayes Lectures for many years . While he was setled at Black-Friers , he Commenced Batchelour of Divinity Anno Christi , 1611. which was the eighth year after he had taken the Degree of Master of Arts. Anno Christi 1628 , he proceeded Dr. of Divinity , at which time eight London Ministers proceeded Doctors , upon which occasion , Dr. Collins , the then Regius Professor , put up Mr. Gouges Degree , and procured it to pass in the Regent-house before he had any notice thereof , and without his consent , whereby he did in a manner force him to take his Degree ; yet so as when he heard what was done , he readily went to Cambridge , and performed all his Acts , according to the Statutes of the University , as he had done at the taking of all his former Degrees . Such respect was generally shewed to him , as that in sundry publick Imployments he was chosen a Trustee or Feoffee . As in the year 1626 , he was chosen one of the Trustees for Mr. Whetenhalls three Lectures . Also in the year 1616. he was chosen one of the Trustees for buying in of Impropriations , and for many other pious , and charitable uses wherein indeed he alwayes approved himself a carefull , and faithfull Trustee , and in some cases , by his great pains and cost , he procured to be setled for ever such pious Donations , as would otherwise have been wrested away , and alienated from their intended use . The business about the buying in of Impropriations was this : There was a select society of thirteen persons joyned themselves together as Trustees , to stir up , and encourage such as were piously affected to contribute towards the buying in of Impropriations , and giving them freely towards the maintenance of godly and able Ministers . And these were so faithful to their trust , as albeit they met very frequently , and spent much time , and pains in consultation about that business , yet did they never spend one penny out of the publick stock , for the refreshing of themselves ▪ yea though they had sundry Agents , and Messengers whom they imployed about that business , and that both far and near , yet did they never diminish that stock wherewithall they were intrusted to the value of a penny ; but themselves , at least most of them , contributed out of their own purses for the discharge of all by-expences . And when they had the opportunity of buying in any great Impropriation , and wanted money in stock to go through with it , they did amongst themselves give , or lend so much as might effect it ; and amongst others , our Dr. Gouge at one time lent 300 l. gratis for that use , besides the monthly contribution which he gave . By this means , in a few years space , thirteen Impropriations were bought in , which cost betwixt five and six thousand pounds , into which their care was to put godly , able , and orthodox Ministers ; and their design was to plant a learned and powerful Ministry , especally in Cities , and Market Towns in several parts of the Kingdome where there was the greatest need , for the better propagation of the Gospel in those parts . Indeed this was it that raised up so much envy against them , and made Dr. Laud , the then Bishop of London to consult with Mr. Noy , the Kings Atturney General about dissolving this Society , and hereupon Mr. Noy brought them all into the Court of Exchequer , picking this quarrel against them , for that they had made themselves a body Incorporate , without any Grant from the King. When the Case had been debated by Learned Councel on both sides , the result was , that the Court adjudged their proceedings to be illegal , that their Trust should be taken from them , and that what Impropriations they had thus purchased should be made over to the King , and that the King should appoint such as he thought meet , to dispose of those Impropriations which they had bought in . The aforesaid Atturney that strictly examined all their Receipts , and Disbursments , found that they had laid out of their own money , at the time when they were questioned , a thousand pounds more than they had received , and thereupon obtained an Order of the Court , that those debts should be first discharged out of the Revenues of the Impropriations , before they should be disposed to particular uses . Thus was their Trust quite wrested out of their hands , and that excellent work fell to the ground . Anno Christi 1653 , Dr. Gouge was by the Authority of Parliament called to be a member of the Assembly , of Divines , wherein his attendance was assiduous , not being observed during the whole time of that Session to be one day absent , unless it were in case of more than ordinary weakness , ever preferring that publick imployment before any private business whatsoever , and therein he was not one to make up the number onely , but a chief and useful member . For he was chosen , and sate as one of the Assessors and very often filled the Chair in the Moderators , absence , and such was his constant care , and conscientiousness in the expence of time , and improving it to the best advantage , that in case of intermission in the Assembly affairs , he used to apply himself to his private studies : For which end it was his constant practice to carry his Bible , and some other Books in his pocket , which upon every advantage ▪ he drew forth , and read in them , as was observed by many . Episcopacy also being voted down by both Houses of Parliament , and so no ordinary way being left for the Ordination of Ministers , the Parliament thought fit to set up an extraordinary way by Three and twenty Ministers , who for the space of a year were to Ordain such as tendred themselves according to the Rules prescribed by them , with the humble advice of the Assembly , of which number Dr. Gouge was one , and acted with his Brethen therein ; at which time I observed his strictness in keeping of Fasts : For on an Ordination day , which was alwayes accompanied with Fasting and Prayer ; in the afternoon one proffered him a peece of a candied Orange Pill , which ( though he was then very ancient ) he refused to accept of till the work of the day was finished . He was likewise chosen by a Committee of Parliament , amongst others , to write large Annotations upon the Bible , being well known to be a judicious Interpreter of Scripture , and how well he performed that Task , is , and may be evident to all that read his part , which was from the beginning of the first Book of the King to Job . In which the Intelligent Reader may observe such skill in the Original , such acquaintance with the sacred Story , such judgement in giving the genuine sence of the Text , and such accuteness in raising pertinent Observations , that without the help of any other Commentators , a man may accommodate himself with the sense , Doctrines , and uses of most of those Scriptures that came under his hand , in those brief Annotations . Before this , when the Book allowing Sports and Recreations on the Lords Dayes was by publick Authority injoyned to be read in all Churches throughout the Kingdome , he , as sundry others , godly and faithful Ministers refused to read the same , resolving rather to suffer the uttermost , than to manifest the least approbation of so wicked , and licentious a practice , it being so contrary to the express letter of the Scripture . By reason of his ability and dexterity in resolving Cases of Conscience , he was much sought unto for his judgement in doubtful cases , and scruples of Conscience , and that not only by ordinary Christians , but by divers Ministers also both in the City and Country , sometimes by word of mouth , and other sometimes by writing : And indeed he was accounted the Father of the London Divines , and the Oracle of his time . He was likewise a sweet comforter of troubled Consciences , wherein he was exceeding skilful , and dextrous , as many hundreds in the City have found from time to time , being sought unto far and near by such as groaned under afflictions and tentations , many of whom , through Gods blessing upon his labours , were restored to joy and comforts out of unspeakable terrors and torments of Conscience . He was of a most sweet , and meek disposition ; yea such was his meekness of spirit , that it seemeth not to be paralleld . For though he lived with his wife above twenty years , yet neither childe , nor servant , could ever say that they saw so much as an angry countenance , or heard so much as an angry word proceed from him towards her all her life long . Some have observed , that towards his latter end in his visage he did much resemble the Picture that is usually made for Moses . Certainly he was the exact Effiges of Moses his spirit , and in this resembled him to the life , that he was one of the meekest men that this Generation hath known . He was , as a great peace-keeper , so a great peace-maker , having an excellent dexterity in composing of differences , he was far from doing wrong to others , and as far from revenging wrong done to him by others . Notwithstanding which , he suffered much , both by the speeches , and also by the actions of evil , and envious persons ; yet his manner was , rather to pray for them , than in any harsh manner to retaliate like for like . He alwayes judged that revilers , and injurious persons wronged themselves more than him . Sundry scandalous and false aspersions were cast upon him , yea by such persons as were guilty of those very crimes which they laid to his charge . For some who lived by the unwarrantable trade of Usury , to justifie their own unlawful practices , have not stuck to charge the same upon him , though he was alwayes free from it , never putting out any money to use , either by himself , or any other for him , neither directly , nor indirectly , as he hath been often heard to affirm , both in his life time , and not long before his death . Being chosen President of Sion College , according to the custome , when he left his Office , he preached a learned and polite Latine Sermon ad clerum , which he delivered by the strength of his memory , without the help of his notes , which shewed that though his body was decrepit , and feeble , yet his intellectuals were vivid , quick and vigorous . He was very charitable , especially to the godly poor , according to that direction of the Apostle , Gal. 6. 10. where he exhorts us to do good to all , but especially to the houshold of Faith. He maintained some poor Schollars in the University wholly at his own charge , and contributed liberally towards the maintenance of others . Indeed he set apart a Sacrea stock as he called it , a portion for the poor , proportionable to his receits , which he faithfully distributed . Yea he was of such a charitable , and bountiful a disposition , that though his Father left him a competent estate , yet such were his annual disbursements for his kindred , and others that stood in need of relief , that from the time of his Fathers death till his children came to be of years , and so to call for their portions , he laid up nothing of all his comings in ; whereby it may appear , that they , who out of envy cry up his estate to be greater than it was , do consequently cry up his bounty and charity : For that whatsoever his estate was , it was wholly laid out for the relief of such as stood in need ( necessary expences for his Family only excepted ) which as it doth appear by his Papers so in his life time he professed it to some of his Children ; and truly as in other things he excelled many others , so in this he excelled himself . He was very conscientious in the expence of his time from his youth to the very time of his death . His custome was to rise very early both in the Winter and Summer . In the Winter time he constantly rose so long before day , as that he alwaies performed all the exercises of his private devotions before day-light : And in the Summer time he rose about four a clock in the morning ; by which means he had done half his work before others began their studies . If he happened to hear any at their work before he began his studies , he would say ( as Demosthenes spake concerning the Smith ) that he was much troubled that any should be at the works of their Calling , before he was at his . He was a man of much temperance and sobriety , both in his eating , drinking , and apparrel : And for Recreations , howsoever many pious persons do spend time therein , and that lawfully in warrantable Recreations , yet he spent none of his so , whence it was that he was never expert in any kinde of sports : He hath been often heard to say , that he never took any journey meerly of pleasure in all his life-time . Study , and p●ins were alwayes , both in youth and age his chefest pleasure and delight ; yea it was his meat and drink to be doing the will of his heavenly Father , wherein he took as much pleasure and delight , as natural men do in their eating and drinking , or in their disports and pastimes . Such was his deportment in his conversation , that there was scarce a Lord , or Lady , or Citizen of quality , in , or about the City that were piously affected , but they sought his acquaintance , and were ambitious to enjoy his company , wherein they took much content , and found much benefit to their souls thereby . And whereas many persons of quality out of their great respect to him , came to visit him , he would so endeavour to order their conference as might tend most to their edification ; and if their visits were meerly complemental , he soon grew weary , and accounted it a burden to him . He was alwayes of a very friendly , and courteous disposition , in so much as the meanest , not only of his own Parish , but of the City , found easie access to him , and he was as easie to be intreated , yea ready to do what good he could to all . And amongst other Graces his humility was very eminent , and exemplary : Though others knew 〈◊〉 when his face did not shine , yet he knew not when it did . He that readily could observe the least glimpses or appearances of any worth in others , would not acknowledge them in himself : He was ( as it was said of Nazianzen ) high in imployments , and abilities , but low in his disposition , and resentment of his own worth . He was not observed to be puffed up either with the multitudes that flocked unto his Ministry ( which were many and great ) nor with any applauses of men ; but would still say , That he knew more by himself to abase him , than any could know to extol him ; yea so eminent was his Humility , that he charged his Executor , to whom he committed the care of his Funeral , that there should no Green-staffe be laid upon his Herse , though this usual respect is given to those who in their life-time were Governours of the Hospital of Bridewell , one of which number this worthy Doctor was , yea and a Benefactor too to that House : As also that he should not affixe any Escocheons to his Herse , though he was a Gentleman of an ancient Descent , as if he had thought that the poverty of Christ was his Patrimony , and Coat of Arms , and his interest in him , his greatest , and best atchievement ; or as if both living and dead he would be ( as the Apostle speaks ) cloathed with Humility . He was much in Communion with God , and contented not himself only with his constant , daily , and ordinary holy duties , but was also frequent in extraordinary exercises . In the Bishops times , when it was not permitted to keep Fasts in the publick Congregations , he was one of those Ministers who frequently holp private Christians in their more retired Humiliations . In times of fears and dangers , he with divers others , had sometimes monthly , yea sometimes weekly Fasts , whereof many were kept in his own house , and others of them in his Vestry ; which he was observed to perform with extraordinary reverence & awfulness of spirit . His Confessions were accompanied with much sense of , and sorrow for sin , brokenness of heart , self-abhorrency , judging of the creature , and justifying of God : His petitions were pertinent , judicious , spiritual , seasonable , accompanied with faith and fervency ; like a true son of Jacob , he wrestled with supplications , and tears , as resolving not to depart out of Gods presence without a blessing . But there was none like him in Thanksgiving , when a man would have thought that he had spent the last drop of his spirits and strength in Confession and Prayer ; O! how would he recollect is spirits when he came to the work of Thanksgiving , wherein he would be so large , particular , warm , and vigorous , that in the end of the day when mens affections grew flat , he would so revive and quicken them , as if the work had been then but newly begun , and as if that had been the onely work of the day ; and herein indeed he may be a pattern to all his surviving Brethren in the Ministry . He was very inquisitive after the state , and condition of the Church of Christ , both at home , and abroad , that he might accordingly order his prayers in their behalf , of whom he was never unmindful in his addresses unto God. And when he heard that it went ill with the Church of God in any place , like another Nehemiah , he sate him down , and wept , and mourned , and fasted , and prayed unto the God of Heaven in their behalf . His study was as great to advance Christ , as to debase himself . He used frequently to say , When I look upon my self , I see nothing but emptiness , and weakness ; but when I look upon Christ , I see nothing but fulness and sufficiency . When the hand of his body was weak and shaking , that of his soul , his faith was strong and steddy . When he could not hold the Cup at the Sacrament , nor scarce carry it to his own mouth by reason of his Palsie hand , yet then with a firme an● fixed affiance did he lay hold upon Christ , and with a strong and eager appetite applied his blood to his soul , and his manner was sweetly to breathe forth joyful Thanksgivings for his refreshment by the blood of Christ , when he was returned to his house after the Lords Supper ; yea when he could hardly creep with his body to the place where it was celebrated , and was forced many times to make use of the help of others to support him in his passage thither , even then did his faith run swiftly , and was upon the wing to carry him to Christ. When worldly suports failed him , when health , and strength forsook him , he made Jesus Christ the staff of his old age , often professing , as his great misery and impotency without him , so his holy and humble recumbency upon him . Great was his patience under the visiting hand of God , especially in his old age , when God exercised him with painful maladies . Though by reason of the sharpness , and bitterness of his pains occasioned by the stone , and acuteness of his urine , and that Lethalis arundo ( as he oft called it ) that deadly arrow in his side , which he knew could never be plucked out but by death , I mean his Asthma , which he got by an excessive cold in attending upon publick imployments : Notwithstanding ( I say ) by reason of these he was often heard to groan , yet never did he once grumble against the dispensations of God. Never did he complain of God for his sufferings , though oft of himself for sinning : He never cryed out A great sufferer , but oft , A great sinner ! and yet he would overtake that expression again , with the discoursing of , and comforting himself in A great Saviour , and in the depth of his torments he would say , Well , yet in all these there is nothing of Hell , or of Gods wrath . His sufferings were never so deep , but he could see the bottome of them , and would say , Soul be silent , soul be patient ; It is thy God , and Father that thus ordereth thy estate ; Thou art his clay , he may tread and trample on thee , as pleaseth him : Thou hast deserved much more : It is enough that thou art kept out of Hell : Though thy pain be grievous , yet it is tollerable : Thy God affords some intermissions , he will turn it to thy good , and at length put an end to all ; none of these can be expected in Hell. He used often to make mention of the extent of obedience , which he said , was not onely to endeavour to do what God requireth , but also patiently to bear what Gods will is to lay upon his creature , as Christ himself , though he were the Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered . In his greatest pangs , he oft used this speech of holy Job , Shall we receive good from the hands of God , and not evil ? He often commended his soul unto Christ , and used to say , I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day . When any of his Friends went about to comfort him in those gifts which God had bestowed on him , and works which he had wrought by him , he would answer , I dare not think of any such thing for comfort ; Jesus Christ , and what he hath done , and endured , is the only ground of my sure comfort . Many that came to visit him in his weakness , professed that they went away better than they came , by reason of those savoury and gracious speeches , and expressions that proceeded from him . Though , towards his latter end , his fits of the stone were frequent and sharp , having sometimes four or five of them in an hour , yet such was his desire to finish that his so much desired Commentary upon the Epistle to the Hebrews , that so soon as the bitter pain of his fit was over , he still returned to his work , making some further progress therein . And thus he continued labouring in that imployment through many pains till Tuesday the 6. of December , Anno Christi , 1653. About which time , as his natural strength was exceedingly decayed , so now also his Intellectuals began to fail , and for the following three dayes , a drousiness seized upon him , insomuch that he could not hold up his head to look into a Book , but slumbered away his time in a Chair ; and upon Friday being the third day after he had given over his studies , enquiring what day it was , he cried out , Alas ! I have lost three dayes . The day following being Saturday he had no desire to arise out of his bed , neither indeed could he , in regard of his weakness , which was such , and he was so sensible of it , that he said , Now I have not long to live in this world , the time of my departure is at hand , I am going to my desired Haven ; the apprehension whereof was no little joy unto him , for he had often said to such of his friends as came to visit him in his sickness , I am willing to dye , having , I bless God , nothing to do but to dye . Indeed sometimes he seemed to be in the same strait with St. Paul between Life and Death , having a desire to depart that he might be with Christ , which was best of all : but yet very desirous he was to finish his Commentary upon the Epistle to the Hebrews , which he knew would be very useful to the Church of God , and in that respect he was willing to live ; and God so far answered his desire in that particular , that he lived to finish it within half a Chapter . But when he perceived that his time in this world could not be long , O! how sweet , and joyful was the apprehension of Death unto him , which he often termed , his best friend next to Jesus Christ. So that he came willingly ; he was not plucked and dragged to Death : Death was his familiar acquaintance ; it was his priviledge as well as his task . When his good sister said to him in his sickness , Brother , I am afraid to leave you alone ; Why Sister ( said he ) I shall I am sure , be with Iesus Christ when I dye . The meditation of Death was not more frequent than sweet unto him . His soul was upon the wing , and was bent Heaven-ward , even whilst it was in the cage of his decrepit body . Upon Saturday , though he kept his bed through weakness , yet was he more wakeful , and his spirit more lively , and cheerful , than for several dayes before , which questionless was from his joyful apprehension of his approaching departure . His speeches that day were more than ordinary Heavenly : He spake much in the admiration of Gods Free grace , and riches of his Mercy in Jesus Christ. As while he lived he led a heavenly life , so about the time of his death , by those comforts , and joyes that he found in his soul , he seemed to be in Heaven , even while he was upon the earth ; and so he continued full of sweet , and divine comfort , and heavenly expressions to the last of his understanding and speech , which continued to Munday morning , when both of them failed him ; from which time he lay breathing , yet shorter , and shorter till eight of the clock at night , about which time , in the presence of all his Children , and divers of his Friends , he quietly slept in the Lord , making an happy change from earth to Heaven , which was Decem. 12. Anno Christi 1653 , being 79 years old , after he had served God faithfully and painfully in his Generation . A Catalogue of the Books published by him . Of Domestical Duties on Eph. 5. and 6. The whole Armour of God , on Eph. 6. Of the sin against the Holy Ghost , on Matth. 12. 31 , 32. Mar. 3. 28 , 29. Upon the Lords Prayer , called , A Guide to go to God. Gods three Arrows , Plague , Famine , and Sword , on Num. 16. 44 , &c. 2 Sam. 21. 1. Exod. 17. 8. The extent of Gods Providence ; Nov. 5. on Matth. 10. 29 , 30 , 31. The Dignity of Chivalry , on 2 Chron 8 ▪ 9. The Saints Sacrifice , or a Comment on Psal. 116. Two Treatises , 1. The Sabbaths Sanctification . 2. A Treatise of Apostacy , on Luke 15. 31. The Saints Support : A Sermon before the Commons in Parliament , on Nehem. 5. 19. Mercies Memorial , Nov. 17. on Exod. 13. 3. The Progress of Divine Providence : A Sermon before the House of Lords , on Ezek. 36. 11. A Funeral Sermon , on Ezek. 24. 16. The Right way : A Sermon before the Lords , on Ezra 8. 21. Two Catechismes . A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews . My Reverend Friend Mr. Tho. Gouge , eldest Son to this famous Doctor , desired me to insert this Life , amongst these other Worthies contained in this Volume . The Life and Death of Mr. Thomas Gataker , who dyed Anno Christi , 1654. MR. Thomas Gataker , or Gatacre ( for so he wrote himself till of later years to prevent miscalling , occasioned frequently by the view of the Letters , he changed it into Gataker ) was a branch of a very ancient Family , so firmly by Gods Providence planted in Shropshire , that the Stock hath continued in the same House , carrying the Name of its owner , and known by the Title of Gatacre-Hall ; by an un-interrupted succession from the time of King Edward the Confessor . His Father , Mr. Thomas Gatacre ( being a younger Son of William Gatacre ) was designed by his Parents to the study of the Law , in order whereunto he was admitted a Student in the Temple : And during his abode there , he , occasionally went to visit some of his Kindred , who were then high in place , and power , whereby he was often present at the examination of some Christian Confessors of the Gospel , in those bloody times wherein Satan armed all his Forces to suppress that dawning light which threatned ruine to his Kingdome of darkness . The harshness and cruelty of those proceedings , together with the constancy of those weak , yet sincere Christians , who with evidence of truth , and resolution of minde maintained faith and a good conscience , were very prevalent with him to facilitate his entertainment of that purer Doctrine of the Gospel which began to shine into his soul. This being apprehended by his Parents , fearing his change in Religion , they sent him over to Lovaine in Flanders , and to win him to a compliance with them in Religion , they setled upon him an estate in a Lease of an hundred pounds per annum in old Rents ; but like St. Paul , Phil. 3. 8. He counted all outward advantages as nothing in comparison of the knowledge of Iesus Christ. His Father therefore perceiving how fixt and unmoveable he was in his choice of Religion , in which yet he had nothing to except against , but only the novelty of it , he recalled him into England , and in great displeasure revoked his former Grant of 100 ● . per annum , which yet could not be effected without his Sons consent : But this young Disciple had already learned the hard lesson of self-denial , and of forsaking all to follow Christ , and therefore to preserve his conscience pure and intire , he gave up that which was intended as a baite to Apostacy . But the Lord , who h●●h promised to his faithful followers reparation and satisfaction for all their losses for his sake , raised him up Friends , by whose assistance , and encouragement , he pursued his studies at Oxford , and in process of time , when , not onely the clouds of ignorance and superstition were dispelled , but also those bloody storms in the Marian dayes were blown over , he took upon him the publick Ministry of the Gospel , and was houshold Chaplain to that great Favourite , Robert Earle of Lecester , and afterwards Pastor of St. Edmunds in Lumberd street , London : In which Parsonage house by his wife ( who was of an honest Family of the Pigots in Hertfortshire ) amongst other children , he had this Thomas , who was born September the 4. Anno Christi 1574. In his Childe-hood he was so addicted to those means which his Parents applied him unto , for the implanting in him the seeds of good Literature , that he rather needed a bridle , than a spur : For his love of learning ( equal to that admirable capacity , wherewith the Father of Lights had furnished him ) was so active in the acquiring of it , that his Father was fain often gently to chide him from his book . Neither were his nimble wit , sharp judgement , and vast memory perverted to be the instruments of that debauchery wherewith the corruption of our Nature doth too often stain and desloure our first dayes : For he had a lovely gravity in his young coversation ; so that what Gregory Nazianzen said of the great Basil , might be averred of him , That he held forth Learning beyond his age , and a fixedness of manners beyond his Learning . Having happily finished his Tyrocinnia of first exercises in the Grammar-Schooles ( wherein he overcame by his strange industry the difficulties which th●se times ( dest●tute of many helps which our present dayes do enjoy ) conflicted withall , and outstripped many of his fellows which ran in the same course ; before he had compleated sixteen years viz. Anno Christi 1590 , he was by his Father placed in St. Johns College in Cambridge . Not long after his settlement there , his Father ( being called by God to receive the reward of his labours ) left him , not wholly destitute , and yet not sufficiently provided for any long continuance of his studies in that place . But God who hath engaged his truth and mercy to the upright , and even to his seed also , Ps. 112. 1 , 2. ( especially when the Son doth not degenerate , nor thwart the Providence of God , by a forfeiture of his title to the Promises ) provided friends and means for him , who was by an hidden counsel then designed to be an instrument of doing much service to the Church of Christ. Thus the fruit was not nipped in a promising bud , by the Frost of want . Now not from meer favour , but from merit ( upon the proof of his Learning ) he was 〈◊〉 chosen Scholler of that worthy Society , wherein he continued his studies with unwearied diligence , and happy success , till he , with abilities answerable to his Degree , commenced Master of Arts. For an instance of his industry , take this , viz. That he was a constant Auditor of that eminent Light of Learning , Mr. John Boys , who read a Greek Lecture in his bed to certain young Students that preferred their nightly studies before their rest and ease . The notes of those Lectures he kept as a treasure , and being visited by Mr. Boys many years after , he brought them forth to him , to the no small joy of the good old man , who professed that he was made some years younger by that grateful entertainment . About this time was contracted that streight friendship betwixt our Mr. Gataker , and that faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Mr. Richard Stock , which continued to the death of this Reverend Minister , as appears by Mr. Gatakers testimony given unto him at his Funeral . An evidence of that good esteem which Mr. Gataker had now acquired for his Learning and Piety was this , That a College being then to be erected by the Munificence of the Countess of Sussex , the Trustees of that Foundress ( being persons eminent for Prudence and Zeal ) did choose him for one of that Society , and they transplanted him into that new Nursery of Arts and Religion , being confident that he would ( as indeed he did by Christs assistance ) prove very fruitful both for the ornament and benefit of that Seminary . Indeed they laid hold of him before the house was fit for Inhabitants , fearing lest so fair and promising a Flower should be taken up by some other hand . But while the College was in building . ( that he might not lose any opportunity of doing good ) he retired himself to the house of Mr. William Aylofes in Essex , who had prevailed with him to instruct both himself in the Hebrew Language , and his eldest Son in that Literature which was proper to his age . In this Family , partly by his own inclination , and partly by the encouragement of the Governours thereof , he performed Family Duties for the instruction and edification of the whole houshold , expounding to them a portion of Scripture every morning , that the Sun of Righteousness might as constantly arise in their hearts , as the day brake in upon them . In this Exercise , whereby he laboured to profit both himself and others , he went over the Epistles of the Apostles , the Prophesie of Isaiah , and a good part of the Book of Job , rendring the Text out of the Original Languages , and then delivering cleer Explications , and also deducing usefull Observations . Dr. Stern , the Suffragan of Colchester , on a time visiting the Mistress of the Family ( to whom he was nearly related ) happened to be present at one of these Exercises , at which time Mr. Gataker explicated the first Chapter of St. Pauls Epistle to the Ephesians , which is known to be most pregnant of Divine My steries : But this portion of holy Writ he treated upon with such happy elucidations , that the judicious Doctor was much satisfied with his pains therein , and admiring the endowments of Mr. Gataker , exhorted him instantly to be Ordained to the work of the Ministry , whereby those his gifts might be authoritatively exercised for the publick good , and improved for the building up of the Church , and withall , offered him his assistance in that business : But Mr. Gataker , well weighing the burden of that Calling , and judging modestly of his own abilities , which he conceived disproportionable for that Office ( to the full discharge whereof the Apostle hath set , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Who is sufficient ? ) thanked the Doctor for his kinde offer , but deferred the matter to further consideration : But afterwards by the advice of the Reverend Mr. Henry Alvey , formerly his Tutor , and whom in this business he now took for his counsellour , upon his remonstrance of divers reasons , and the importunity of Dr. Stern afresh re-iterated , he assented to be Ordained by the said Suffragan . The Fabrick of Sidney-Sussex College being now finished , he betook himself to the station , and imployment whereunto he was before designed , and to the work depending thereon , wherein his pains in seasoning young Students with principles of Piety and Learning , were both great , and very successful : For some of them that watered their Gardens at his Spring , or kindled their Lamps at his Light , grew up to great eminency , as Mr. John Hoyl , and Mr. Thomas Pell , who were afterwards worthy Fellows of that Society . About that time there were certain persons in the University , zealous of promoting the glory of God , and of gaining souls to Christ , that lay in a sad condition through the defect of Pastors able to teach , and lead the people in the wayes of truth , life , and peace , especially Mr. Abdias Ashton of St. Johns College , and Mr. William Bedel of Emanuel , who set on foot a design of preaching in places adjacent to Cambridge , even to a considerable distance . These men invited Mr. Gataker to be a partner in this good imployment , who being drawn , and encouraged by them , preached every Lords day at Everton ( a Village in the meeting-confines of Cambridge , Bedford , and Huntingtonshire ) where a decrepid man ( who was reported to be sixscore and ten years old ) sustained the name of Vicar , Vix magni nominis umbra . Here a Family of the Burgoines , resident in that place deserveth this honourable remembrance , that Mr. Roger Burgoine during that time , used Mr. Gataker with great humanity , and respect , which by him was construed to be an effect of his Piety . After he had thus religiously imployed himself for the space of half a year , manifesting his publick spirit therein , he had some causes that moved him to retire from the University at the motion of Mr. Ashton before mentioned , who had been his Tutor , whereupon he removed to Sir William Cooks Family , then resident in London . This place and imployment occasioned a more publick discovery of his Ministerial Gifts , with the singular approbation of many persons of note , not onely for their outward estate , but also for their affection unto , and judgement in Religion . Hereupon the Lecturers place of Lincolns Inne falling void , some principal persons of that Honourable Society ( who had been his Auditors occasionally elsewhere ) made addresses unto him , inviting him unto that place , offering their assistance , and alledging the facility of his Introduction by the Lord Chief Justice Pophams interessing himself in the business , whom they knew to have loved his Father Mr. Thomas Gataker ( being once his intimate friend , and contemporary in the study of the Law ) and to favour this his son very highly for his own worth and work in the Ministry : But he , according to his usual modesty , declined the undertaking of it , and resisted the importunities even of his Friend Mr. Stock ; till Dr. Mountague , Master of Sidney-College , repairing to London , and being made acquainted with the design in hand ( though ●e had it in his thoughts to invite Mr. Gataker back to the College , that he might read an Hebrew Lecture which had a Salary annexed to it by the Lord Harrington , ●e● ) laying that aside , he pressed Mr. Gataker with Arguments , and Authority , encouraging him against his own dissidence , and so wrought him at last to an assent , that without any suit made by him the Lord Popham should recommend him to that Society . Thus was he chosen Preacher at Lincolns-Inne , where he spent ten years to the great advancement of Piety amongst them , and with an happy Reformation of some abuses of the Lords day , as he himself testifies in his Apologetical Discourse against Lilly , p. 16 , 17. But notwithstanding that engagement , Mr. Gataker did not totally abandon the Family of Sir William Cook , to whose Lady he was near by blood , and dear to them both upon the account of his pious and profitable labours amongst them . Therefore in the Vacation-times , being dis-ingaged from his attendance at the Innes of Court , he resided in that Family , exercising his Ministry either in their Chappel , or in the Parish Church as occasion offered it self ; and this he did with an Apostolical minde , not for filthy lucre , but freely , making the Gospel a burden onely to the Dispenser of it ; yet such was the care and piety of that Religious pair , that they also would not serve God with that that cost them nothing : For aftewards , in consideration of those his pains freely taken amongst them , they settled upon Mr. Gataker an Annuity of 20 l. per annum , which also he received for some few years , but afterwards he saw reason to remit it to the Heire of that Family , forbearing to make use of his right he had to it , and forbidding his Executor to demand any Arrears of that Annuity . This is mentioned the rather to shew the generous temper of this holy man of God , who aimed at the spiritual good of others , more than at his own temporal advantages , and how infinitely he was removed from the fordid acquisition of gain , or the prostitution of his sacred Function unto secular designs , which may stop the mouth of malice , and the impudent clamours of some , whose consciences being either gauled or cauterized , spared not to traduce him for covetousness : But his own pen wrote the best Apology , as indeed ( according to that of Nazianzen ) they that will give him a just Character , have need of his Eloquence . Whilst he attended on that Flock at Lincolns Inne , Sir William Sidley , a learned Mecaenas , and pious Patron of the Church , proffered him a fair Benefice ; and when Mr. Gataker declined the burden of a Pastoral charge , and pleaded an unwillingness to be removed from those worthy Gentlemen ( of whose favour he had such good experience ) he endeavoured to perswade him that by taking an assistant , all those inconveniences would be salved , and so he needed not to desert that Society , which in Term● time only required his labours and attendance : But Mr Gataker , who poised the burden in the ballance of the Sanctuary , alwayes judged one cure of souls to be sufficient for one man , and therefore ventured the unkinde resentment of the Noble Gentleman upon his refusal , rather than the multiplying of preferments to himself . After ten years labours profitably imployed at Lincolns Inne , not onely to the great benefit of the then living servants of God , but also for the behoof of posterity , especially by that his learned Tractate of Lots , there , and then conceived , and formed ( wherein what satisfaction is given to conscience in many cases , let the judicious acknowledge . ) Mr. Gataker thence removed to undertake the Rectory of Rotherhithe in Surry , of the grounds , motives , and manner whereof he himself hath largely given an account to the world in his Apologetick against Lilly , p. 44 , 48. of which this is the sum ; The Rectory of Redrith in Surry ( as it is commonly called ) being void , and one of an infamous life , labouring hard to succeed in it ( in order to which , before the former Incumbents death , he had set on foot a transaction with the mother of certain Orphans in whose hands the Patronage was supposed to rest ) some of the Religious Inhabitants , valuing the means of Grace above all their other outward enjoyments , cast their eyes , and thoughts upon Mr. Gataker , to gain whom , to their own intreaties , they added the mediation of his good Friend Mr. Richard Stock , who , when he had by many reasons remonstrated unto him that God did give him a clear call to that place , whose honour , and Ordinances might suffer prejudice by the intrusion of an unworthy man if he should refuse the call , he at last suffered himself to be perswaded , and prevailed with to undertake that charge ; which being represented to Sir Henry Hobart , the Kings Atturney General by Mr. Randolph Crew ( afterwards Lord Chief Justice ) Sir Henry that before favoured other pretensions to gratifie some Tenants of his in that Parish , yet now did readily imbrace the motion concerning the setling of Mr. Gataker there , according to his own contentment ; and withall wrote a Letter to the Bishop for the removal of all obstructions that lay in the way , or that might hinder his acceptance of the presentation of Mr. Gataker , which , being signed with all the hands of the three brethren , who had right to that Advocation , was tendred on his behalf . The report of this his removal was no welcome news to many of that Honourable Society , who would fain have retained him , and some of them offered an enlargement of his maintenance for an argument to keep him , and others of them represented the consistence of both imployments by the help of an assistant : But he that made not his Ministry a meer trade of living here , as Gregory Nazianzene complained that some did in his time , and too many do in our times , would not multiply his burdens , when he deemed himself unfit for the least , and would not suffer himself to be wrought to any other resolution . Therefore Anno Christi 1611 , commending his former charge to the Grace of God , he betook himself to the sole attendance of that Flock of which now the Holy Ghost had made him the Overseer ; and his industry in the discharge of his duty there was both constant and great , notwithstanding that he was almost perpetually troubled with the head-ache , wherewith God had exercised him from his very youth , and for which he had only this poor comfort from his Physician , Dr. Goulston , his singular good friend ( with whom he communicated his studies upon Galen , and to whom he contributed his assistance for the Edition of some parts of Galen ) who often told him , that the incurable disease of age would be the onely remedy of his distemper , because together with the abatement of natural heat , his indisposition would grow less vigorous and violent . To the work of his Ministry in publick upon the Sabbaths , he added a Catechetical weekly Lecture on Fridays in the evening , which was designed by him , to lay the foundation of saving knowledge in the hearts of the children , of whom a certain number every Lecture day did give an account of their knowledge by set Answers to Questions delivered out to them aforehand for their instruction ( this course of holding a form of sound words , agreeable to the Doctrine of the Gospel consigned in holy Writ , of what importance it is , we may gather from that ignorance , and those errours which have invaded the Church in these our times ; which mischiefs can hardly be imputed to any thing so much as to the neglect of that usefull duty of Catechizing . ) But that exercise was performed by him with such an accurate , and methodical explication of the whole Body of Divinity , that Christians of riper years , and of long standing in Christs School , did resort to be partakers of those discourses , wherein their well-exercised senses did find not only milk fit for babes , but also solid meat suitable to grown men in Christ. This course he continued till he had compleated a pefect Summary of Divinity , and gave it over when he saw that the least part of his Auditory consisted of those for whose sakes he principally intended this work ; his Parishoners being grown at least to a neglect of his free labours in that kinde . Mr. Gatakers constant retirement in his study caused him to make choise of an help meet for him that might oversee his Family , which was a necessary act of prudence ; and therefore not long before he left Lincolns Inne , he married the widow of Mr. William Cupp , to whose two daughters he was so providently kinde in their education , that he disposed of them in marriage to two Divines of note in the Church , and continued such a fatherly love to them , and theirs , that the world mistook them for his own children . That wife dyed in child-bed of a son that did bear the Fathers name , who , after that he had seen the most remote parts of the world , wherewith we keep commerce , returned home to his Father , and dyed in peace . The same motive still being in force , he after a decent interval of widow-hood , chose for himself the daughter of a Reverend Minister , Mr. Charles Pinner , who was brought up in the worthy , and religious Family of Mr. Ellis Crisp , brother to Mrs. Pinner ; and it pleased God to give him a Son by her , whom in process of time he dedicated unto God in the work of the Ministry , but immediately to take away the mother , so that the mothers Funerals , and the childes Baptisme were celebrated together . Thus our wise and gracious Father tempers the cup for his children , lest they should surfet upon earthly enjoyments , as they might easily do if they were unmixed with occasions of sorrow . Then did Mr. Gataker remain for many years in a disconsolate condition , till at last he adventured and married a Gentlewoman of a very considerable Family , being sister to Sir George , and Sir John Farwell , and a good esteem for knowledge and piety . By her he had three children , whereof a son , and a daughter were carried to the ground before their mother , but the third yet lives to walk by the light of her Fathers life and Doctrine . This his third wife being of a contemplative minde , fell into a consumption , which so wasted her body , that her soul took its flight from thence into Heaven . Last of all he took to wife a Citizens widow , whose comfortable conversation he enjoyed for the space of four and twenty years , but without any issue by her . His love to her was one motive that induced him to remove out of his Parsonage house into another habitation of his own revenue . For , supposing that she might survive him , he would make a convenient provision for her , that she might not be subject to the curtesie of another for her removal ; and that affection extended it self in his great liberality to many of 〈◊〉 kindred that were in need of help and support from him , and that both in her life time , and since her decease . He survived her two years within a few dayes , and because he numbred his dayes with wisdome , and thereupon presumed that the time was approaching wherein his soul should be married to the Lamb , he would not endure to listen to the motion of some , who would have advised him to a new entanglement in the world . Having thus related his several Marriages in a continued Narrative , let us now step back to take notice of some passages in time that went before the last of them . Anno Christi 1620 , having a justifiable curiosity to see our neighbour Churches in the United Provinces , and something of the Spanish Provinces in the Netherlands , he took advantage of the Truce between the King of Spain , and the Hollanders for a free passage between both Countries . Thereupon with his entire friend , Captain Joshua Downing , and an old acquaintance , Mr. Roger Hughs ( his Mnason , whose house he frequented at London ) he took his voyage , taking also along with him a Nephew of his , who was a young Student , to be a partner with him in his Travels . His mother being then alive , had some fears , lest he being a known and noted adversary to the Popish cause ( which he had mortally wounded with many and sharp weapons ) should suffer inconvenience from that generation of Vipers , whose violent , and virulent malice often prompts them to base course of secret revenge ; but God was his guide , his Sun , and his Shield , and so prospered his journey , that within a months space ( for they took Boat July the 13 , and returned safe August the 14 , ) he had viewed the most considerable places in the Low-Countries . In this his travel he gave better satisfaction to the English Church in Middleburgh , where he gave way to the importunity of friends , who were desirous to hear him as well as glad to see him , than he did to the English Papists in Flanders , with whom he had divers debates , wherein he drove some to a confusion whom he could not draw to a conversion . Anno Christi 1642. A violent fit of the Colick assaulted him , and brought him to the very brink of the Grave ; but it pleased God to bring him back again that he might do him further service . For the year ensuing , before he had well recovered his strength , he was called by the Parliament to sit as one of the Assembly which was summoned to be consulted with about Religion ; where his endeavours for promoting truth , and suppressing errour were sincere and serious : And his study of peace with modesty was in this remarkable , that when his Reasons delivered concerning Christs obedience in order to our Justification ( wherein he differed from his Brethren , could not obtain assent from the major part , which determined the Question contrary to his sense , his great love of unity imposed upon him silence , and wrought likewise upon him resolutions , not to publish his discourses upon that subject from Rom. 3. 28. that so he might not publickly discover dissent from the Votes of that Reverend Assembly . I wish there had been the like prudence and modesty in some others , who profess themselves to differ but in circumstantials . During his attendance upon the work of that Convention , the Earle of Manchester ( being acquainted with his great worth , and fitness in regard of his Learning of all kindes for Academical transactions ) offered him the Mastership of Trinity College in Cambridge , which is the greatest preferment in that University . For that Noble Lord being intrusted by the Parlament with the Reformation of that Academy , was not passionately transported with a blinde partiality of mens persons upon any sinister respects , but desired to prefer them whom he judged most worthy , and most hopeful to do Christ service in that place , and therefore being perswaded that Mr. Gataker might ( both in regard of his gravity , and vast Scholastical abilities ) be a choise ornament to that University , and fair copy for others to write by , he was very desirous to place him there . But this good man , though often importuned by many friends to accept of the motion , according to his accustomed modesty , with many thanks to the Noble Earle , refused to undertake that place , though of much honour , service , and outward advantage ; pleading , together with his unworthiness , the weakness of his body by reason of age , and thereupon his inability to take journies : and because he looked upon himself , as having one foot in the Grave , he humbly desired , that a younger man might be thought upon , more likely to be longer serviceable than himself , in a place of so great eminency and trust . And indeed the sense of his own weakness was not a vain presage of his decayes ; for not long after he was again surprised by the Colick , which before had shaken him , and made his crazie body less able to endure new conflicts , and these were so sharp , that his recovery appeared desperate , not only to his other friends , but even to his Physitians also . Yet it pleased God though he chastened him sore , not to give him over unto death . For his studies , which seemed to be his meat and drink in his health , were his physick also when he was sick : For whilst he was confined to his chamber , he prepared for the Press his Dissertation de Tetragrammato , and a Grammatical discourse de Bivocalibus ; and though this for the subject be not comparable to the other , yet it may be averred , that what he did by the by , and for the refreshment of his languishing body , and minde , was of more worth than the main work of many Students . After a long time that he had been a Prisoner in his own house , he , by Gods assistance recovered so much strength as that he was able to go to Gods house : and now he believed himself bound to imploy his Ministerial Gifts in Gods service , and therefore he again adventured into the Pulpit , where he spent himself so far that he strained a veyn in his lungs , for which ( being then about Seventy three years old ) he was let blood , by which , and other good means God was pleased to carry him through that danger . When he had recruited his veyns , and sinews with fresh abilities , he , being unwilling to fall under that Woe , 1 Cor. 9. 16. for not preaching the Gospel , acted more according to the willingness of his spirit , than was proportionable to the weakness of the flesh ; whereupon he fell into a relapse of spitting blood ( for which he again permitted a veyn to be opened ) which laid on him a necessity of forbe●ring the Pulpit ; yet would he never forgoe the administration of the Sacraments , nor his usual short discourse at Funerals suitable to the present ( whensoever he was sollicited thereunto ) though even those shorter exercises of his lungs were painful to him , & wasted that oil , which , like a burning light he spent for the enlightning of others . The main of his time was now spent in his study , and that was not designed as a meer entertainment of himself in a quiet privacy , but to the publick benefit of the Church for the present , and for posterity , as appears amongst other works , by those exquisite Annotations upon the Prophesies of Isaiah , Jeremiah , and the Lamentations ; and we should have gained more by his later industry , if the malicious slanders of the enemies of the truth had not diverted his time , and studies to some necessary Apologies . Neither did he , when he was by the hand of God disabled to preach , betray his Flock into the hands of Wolves , that would make a prey of precious souls , nor desert it . For being troubled , lest the foundation that he had laid ( after the example of the wise Master-builder St. Paul ) should either not be built upon , or destroyed , he retained the title of Rector , with a charge beyond the Revenue ( as it was sometimes proved ) till provision might be made of a faithfull , and Orthodox Minister , to whom he might comfortably devolve both the burden and the benefit . To his care of feeding his Flock in publick , very agreeable was his diligence in instructing his Family in private ; for on Friday nights weekly after supper he used to expound that short Catechisme which he had published for the use of his Parishioners ; in which course he so laid forth the Nature and Attributes of God , the state of man , both intire and corrupt , the means of his Fall , and Recovery ; the nature of Faith and Repentance , with the Doctrine of the Sacraments ; that his Parlour was one of the best Schooles for a young Student to learn Divinity in ; and indeed his house was a private Seminary for divers young Gentlemen of this Nation , and far more Forreigners , who did resort to , and sojourn with him , to receive from him direction , and advancement in their studies ; and many who afterwards were eminent in the Churches , both here , and abroad , were brought up under his eye , at least , as Paul was at the feet of Gamaliel . Persons of note that had been his assistants were ▪ Mr. Young , Mr. Goodal , Mr. Symonds , ( of whom yet in these later times of Division , Mr. Gataker hath been heard to say , It was pity that our Church had lost him , intimating his turning aside to wayes of separation ) Mr. Grayle , and others who are yet living labourers in Gods Vineyard . Of Forreigners that sojourned with him , and were as ambitious of being entertained by him as if they had been admitted into a University ; these were some , Mr. Thylein , who was afterwards a Reverend Pastor of the Dutch Church in London ( whose son was brought by his mother but a fortnight before Mr. Gatakers decease , intreating the same good office in the behalf of him , which the Father had with much comfort enjoyed ) Mr. Peters , Mr. And. Demetrius , Mr. Hornbeck , Mr. Rich , Mr. Swerd , Mr. Wittefrangel , Mr. Severinu● Benzon , Mr. Georg de Mey , Dr. Treschovius , &c. The strength of Mr. Gatakers memory was extraordinary , as may appear by this , that though he used no Common-place book , yet had he in readiness whatsoever he had read , as is manifested by his manifold Quotations in all his works . His Gifts for edification may be conjectured by his works which are extant , in which he hath shewed himself like the ingenuous and industrious Bee for his rare extraction of all manner of knowledge from almost all Authors , and the solid digestion of it first , and then storing it up for the publick good . His Polite Literature was admired by the great Lights of Learning abroad , as the excellent Salmasius , and others with whom he held correspondence . And the exercise of it with condescention to children hath been enjoyed with wonder and pleasure at his Visitation at Tunbridge School with the Right Worshipful Company of Skinners , the worthy Patrons thereof ; and that which made all his knowledge both usefull and gratefull , was , that he was neither vain in ostentation , nor morose , or illiberal in reservation of it . But beyond all , he sacrificed his Talents to God , while he made Hagar serve Sarah , and contributed the Egyptian spoyls , all his forreign learning towards the building of the Tabernacle : For with a strange felicity , he made his Humane Literature ( both his Moral and Critical studies ) to become subservient to Religion , and instrumental to the explication of heavenly Truths . His Graces of sanctification were very eminent in every condition , to all purposes , and towards all his Relations . In the private course of his life , his Piety , Humility and Charity were very remarkable . His Piety appeared not only by his diligence in preaching , but also by his own frequenting Gods Ordinances dispensed by others ; in order whereunto he did once a week at least , repair to some Lecture in London , so long as he had liberty to look beyond the bounds of his own Parish : He manifested his Piety also by his strict , careful , and conscientious observation of the Lords dayes , which he wholly consecrated ( except the seasons of repast ) unto holy duties , and imployments ; and besides he was free in his Contributions upon divers occasions to the maintaing of the Lords house of Prayer : And because there is a connexion between sacred persons and things , his love to godly and faithfull Ministers may be looked upon as an act of Piety , as well as of Charity . Another evident instance of his Zeal for Gods Glory , was his constant consideration of the state of Gods Churches abroad , with a diligent enquiry how it fared with them , and a tender sense of their affliction , which begat his meditation on Amos 6. 6. entituled , Sorrow for Sion : As also his earnest desire of a Reformation of things amiss amongst our selves , was doubtless acceptable unto God , though this sinful Nation is yet unworthy to have it accomplshed . One special effect and property of his Piety was , that holiness of life expressed in a constant tenor of good duties , with the abridgement of his liberty in things indifferent , especially of Recreations ( for he understood no Recreations besides study , and made the pleasanter part of his study , the sawce to the more severe ) that he might give no scandal to the good , nor encouragement to the bad ; alledging often those two golden Rules of St Paul , All things are lawfull , but all things are not convenient , or expedient ; and all things are lawfull , but all things edifie not , 1 Cor. 9. 6. & 10. 23. His Humility appeared , 1. In that low esteem he had of his own gifts , which yet all others that knew him admired : He was a true Moses , that took not any notice of that shining lustre of his own countenance . Like a fair ear of Corn loaden with grain , he bended his head downwards : For he had nothing of the Pharisaical temper , either to advance himself , or to vilifie his Brethren of meaner gifts . 2. In his freedome from ambition of outward advantages . For he declined not only large means in the Country , but also both Ecclesiastical Dignities , and Courtly preferments . For he studiously waved the counsel of some who had given notice of him to that hopeful Prince Henry ( whom God only shewed to this Land , and then snatched him away to himself ) and had it in their design to make way for his being admitted Chaplain to his Highness ; and for the same reason he constantly declined publick appearances , insomuch as he could not , without much reluctancy , be drawn by those who had most interest in him unto more solemn Assemblies . 3. In his meek conversation with , and condescention to the meanest Christians : For he refused not familia●●●y to converse with the poorest Christian that repaired to him for counsel or satisfaction in their doubts . His Charity was large , though for the most part secret , both in giving , and forgiving to poor persons : For he would not permit it to blaze , only allowed it to shine when his example was requisite to lighten and lead others to glorifie God , and gratifie men . In redemption of Captives , relief of poor Protestants , especially of the Ministry ; to the repairs of publick and common losses , and general calamities , and to the setting forward of any good work he was strangely liberal , the fruit whereof the Lord returned into his own bosome , according to that promise , The liberal soul shall be made fat . Yet did he not so exhaust himself in his life , but that in his last Will and Testament he did also bequeathe unto the poor of the Parish of Redrith 50 l. To ten of his Brethren in the Ministry , whose wants and necessities , especially if occasioned by the iniquity of the times , he gave 50 l. i. e. to each of them 5 l. and to eight Ministers Widows 5 l. apiece , in all 40 l. to them . Thus his good works both went before him , and followed him also unto Heaven , whereby also he hath left behinde him the perfume of a good name , for the imitation of them that survive . Justice is presupposed unto Charity : For God hates robbery for sacrifice , Isa 61. 8. And Mr. Gataker was exactly just in giving every man his due , though very frequently he remitted of his own right , so that he was , according to the Hebrew phrase , a just man , that is a kinde , equitable person , of a milde disposition , no severe exacter of his own , and a free dispenser of Gods gifts , so that his Righteousness endures for ever , both to his honour upon earth , and to his happiness in Heaven . In , and about his death , to which the course of his declining dayes leads us , his Patience and Faith were very eminent ; the later attended with a deep sense of his own sins , which he acknowledged unto God , and to him only was that Confession needful : For as to men , his conversation was , as ● Bishop● ought to be , Irreproveable , 1 Tim. 3. 2. The first step to his decease ( for morbus est via ad mortem , sickness is the rode way to death ) was a fainting fit that surprized him on Friday night , July the 7 , or rather on Saturday morning , July the 8 , yet of this he made no great account ( for he disturbed not the rest of a servant by calling for assistance ) because he had at sundry times such faintings , wherein he gave Nature leave to work out her victory over those vapours , or viscous humors that oppressed her . Yet thus far he made use of it , that he compared his infirmity to that of Seneca , which according to his relation , the Physitians of that age called , meditationem mortis , and wished that it might prove to him a preparation to his dissolution . The indisposition , not ceasing with the fit , discovered it self within a short time to be a Tertian Ague , which how gentle soever , yet falling upon a person of his age , and crazie temper ( who had long supported a weak frame with a very regular course of diet ) made his condition doubtful to his Physitian , who was one of learning and worth , that imployed his best care and skill about that Patient , whom he looked upon as a considerable person to the whole Church . July the 17 , Having published his Will , and taken such order as he thought fit for the settlement of his outward estate , he composed himself to God ; his Tertian growing too strong both for Nature and Art , resolved it self into an almost continued Feavor , the extream heat whereof was very painful unto him ; yet during those conflicts he shewed a sweet calmness of minde , a heart weaned from the world , to which he had no affection , though his memory exactly served him for ordering his charity even to the last ; and in one word , he represented a soul wholly submitting to Gods good pleasure . He professed more than once , that no outward thing troubled him so much , as the condition of that Reverend Minister Mr. Sainthill , who had but lately undertaken that charge at Redrith upon the uncertain Title of Mr. Gatakers life , which now failing so soon , besides the expectation of his Friends , that Minister he foresaw was like to be unsettled , and thereby to suffer some inconvenience . Though Friends , and Physitians gave him incouraging words at their visits , yet he , being sensible of his inward decayes , could not be flattered into 〈◊〉 hopes of long continuance here , earnestly contending that he was not to expect Miracles . His expectation of Gods dismissing of him , hence was so fixed , th●t being consulted whether he would appoint any 〈◊〉 person to perform the last office for him ? He not startled at the Question , appointed that Mr. Ash should be intreated to do that work , because he had done the same at his last wives Funerals ; and one opportunity casually offered it self to set forward that design . For July the 18 , Mr. Ash , out of his kinde respect to Mr. Gataker , sent him two Funeral Sermons preached by him , one at Mr. Whitakers , the other at the interment of Dr. Spurstows only childe . This gave occasion to Mr. Gataker , in the return for that favour , to request the last that he could be capable of . Upon the receit of a Letter to that purpose , Mr. Ash on the Saturday following , visited his dear and dying Friend , who then told him , that he found him conflicting with his last Adversary ; and that though he knew the sting was pulled out , yet nature would struggle . These , and other of his expressions , Mr. Ash presently wrote down , and related them at the end of his Sermon . That day in the afternoon being July the 22 , he called for some Papers of Mr. Baxters which were sent to him by the Author , with a desire of his judgement concerning them . He wished some short Notes ( for the perusal of them had been his last work ) to be read over to him , in which he altered something : And having dictated a Letter to that his Learned and Reveren Friend , he appointed that that with the Animadversions inclosed , should be sent to him . So vigorous was his minde in a body drooping , and dropping into the dust . He had now given over the use of Physick as to any prolongation of his life : For he said that he would struggle no more , because he found that what was prescribed for the refreshing of nature , did rather oppress it , and therefore he was resolved to wait the Lords leisure . An ancient servant that waited on him , desiring leave to rectifie the bed-cloaths , and saying withall , Sir , your head doth not lye right ; he answered , It will lye right in my Coffin . July the 25 , at one a clock in the morning , Death began to seize on his left foot , from which the spirits retiring , he felt the deadness of that part , and a very sharp pain in the part of the leg adjoyning to it . Hereupon he called for his Son , and told him , He feared that he should have a difficult death . He then commanded two Surgeons to be sent for to look upon his leg , whom he required to tell him , whether or no his Foot were any whit discoloured . It seems he had conceived some fear of a Gangrene , but being satisfied by them that there could not be any ground for such an apprehension , he rested with patience . In the evening of that day being visited by Mr. Santhil , and lying in great anguish by reason of the violence of his heat , he prayed for pity and patience ; support here , and a comfortable issue . July . 26. Early in the morning , being full of pain , gasping , and panting , he cryed out , How long Lord , How long ? Come speedily . But though Death had made an encroachment upon his outward perishing part , yet his inward man felt no decay . For with a full use of reason , he that morning ordered the continuance of a weekly relief to certain poor persons , as also of●some small monethly Pensions to some widows for a season : He also caused his Physitian to be consulted with about taking something that might procure rest , and was erected to a more cheerful disposition : He also enquired after News , and dicoursed freely , yet confessed himself to be in pain . About three a clock that afternoon , feeling some great change after the putting forth of Nature , he called his Sister , Son , and Daughter to receive his last charge , and when they were come , he thus spake unto them ; My heart fails , and my strength fails , but God is my Fortress , and the strong Rock of my salvation : Into thy hands therefore I commend my soul , for thou hast redeemed me , O God of truth : Then turning his discourse to his Son , he said , Son , you have a great charge , look to it : Instruct your wife and family in the fear of God , and discharge your Ministry conscientiously . To his Sister ( a Gentlewoman two years elder than himself ) he said , Sister , I thought you might have gone before me , but God calls for me first , I hope we shall meet in Heaven , I pray God to bless you . His Daughter he admonished , to minde the worldless , and God more , for that all things without Piety , and the true fear of God are nothing worth . He advised also that his Son Draper ( being a man of means ) should entertain some godly Minister into his house to teach his children , and instruct his family . He exhorted them all to love and concord , which ( he said ) he hoped the rather , because he had cleerly settled his estate , so as to prevent differences . He inlarged himself in each of these a little , wishing them all to lay to heart the words of a dying man. After this he desired that all should withdraw , and leave him to his rest , which he hoped was at hand : But all his conflicts were not yet accomplished . July the 27 , His voice began to be less intelligible , the putrid preternatural heat having furred up his mouth , as is usual in Feavors ; yet both his understanding , and senses were very quick and active : About six of the clock in the evening he called for his Son to recommend his soul unto God by prayer , and endeavoured to express what he desired , but could not do it so clearly as to be well understood ; yet by his gestures he gave assurance that he understood perfectly , and concurred fervently with the devotions used on his behalf . Within an hour after , Nature being quite spent , he gave up the ghost , and was translated into that Rest which he so often and earnestly had desired to finde in another World , because he could obtain none in this . Thus after forty three years inspection of this pious and diligent Pastor of Redrith , he left his Flock , returning to the great , and chief Shepherd of our souls , from his gracious hands to receive an incorruptible Crown of glory , having almost compleated fourscore years . For his Person , the express whereof ( though he was often importuned by dear Friends ) he would never allow to be taken either by pencel , or sculpture . He was of a middle stature , of a thin body , and of a lively countenance , of a fresh complexion , that looked young when he came to preach at ●incolns Inne , and yet was grey betimes , which made him to be thought elder than he was , because he had long appeared ancient in the eyes of the world ; of a choicely temperate diet ; of a free and cheerful conversation , addicted much to study , yet not secluding himself from fit company . He was of a quick apprehension , sharp reason , solid judgement , vast memory , which ( through Gods mercy ) continued fresh to the last of his dayes . He was Helluo librorum , one that did not vainly encrease his Liberary for ostentation , but chose books for use , which also he made of them so happily , that he had conquered a strong portion of learning , which he made to serve him upon all occasions . He was not so great a treasurer , as a free dispenser of those riches of the minde , which he did communicate readily , expeditely and cleerly . He was an ornament to the University , and of that Society designed for the study of the Law ; a Light of the Church , the salt of the place where he abode ; a loving Husband ; a discreet Parent ; a faithful Friend ; a kinde Neighbour ; a courteous entertainer of strangers ; a candid encourager of Students ; a stout Champion for the Truth , yet a lover of peace , preserving the unity of Charity even where there was difference of judgement ; an Adversary to novel fancies , as well as to antiquated superstitons in Religion ; of a Christian Magnanimity in despising the world , and therefore resolute , through bad report , as well as good , to maintain a clear conscience . In brief , he was a faithful Shepherd , and a fit mirrour for Pastors , as well as an exact patern for people ; who having almost compleated eighty years , departed full of 〈◊〉 ; but being dead , yet speaks in his living Monuments of sound Learning . His Printed Works are these : Of the Nature , and use of Lots , in 4o. A Just Defence of the same against Mr. Jo. Balmford , in 4o. Tho. Gatakeri Londinatis Antithesis , partim Guilielmi Amesii , partim Gisberti voetii de sorte Thesibus reposita , in 4o. A Discourse of Transubstantiation , with a Defence thereof , in 4o. Davids Instructer . The Christian mans care . The Spiritual Watch. The gain of Godliness , with Self-sufficiency . The Just mans joy , with signs of Sincerity . Jacobs Thankfulness . Davids Remembrancer . Noahs Obedience . A Memorial of Englands Deliverance in 88. Sorrow for Sion . Gods Parley with Princes , with an appeal from them to him . Eleazers Prayer , being a Marriage Sermon . A good Wife Gods gift . A Wife indeed . Marriage Duties . Deaths Advantage . The benefit of a good Name , and a good end . Abrahams Decease . Jeroboams Sons Decease . Christian Constancy crowned by Christ. All these are Printed in one Volume in Folio . The Decease of Lazarus , in 4o. St. Stevens last Will and Testament , in 4o. A Defence of Mr. Bradshaw against Jo. Cann , in 4o. Gods eye on his Israel , in 4o. A mistake removed , and Free-Grace , &c. in answer to J. Saltmarsh in 4o. Shadows without Substance , a Rejoinder adversus ●undem in 4o. Mysterious Clouds and Mists , &c. an Answer to J. Simpson , in 4o. Mr. Ant. Wottons Defence , in 8o. A true Relation of Passages between Mr. Wotton , and Mr. Walker , in 4o. An Answer to Mr. Geor. Walkers Vindication , in 4o. A Vindication of the Annotations on Jer. 10. 2. in 4o. A Discourse Apologetical , in 4o. Marcus Antoninus Imp. cum Commentario , in 4o. De Novi Instrumenti Stylo . Dissertatio adversus Psochenii Diatribam , in 4o. Cinn us , sive Adversaria Miscellania , Lib. 6. in 4o. De Baptismatis Infantilis vi , & efficatiâ , Disceptatio inter D. S. Wardum , & Tho. Gatakerum , in 8o. T. G. Stricturae in D. Davenantii Epistolam , in 8o. De Tetragammato , in 8o. Ejusdem vindicatio adversus Capellum , in 8o. De Bivocalibus , Dissertatio Philologica , in 8o. Animadversiones in J. Piscatoris , & L. Lucii scripta adversaria de causa meritoria Justificationis , cum responsione ad L. Lucii Vindicias , in 12o. Fran. Gomari Disputationes Elencticae , de Justificationis materiâ , & formâ , Elenchus , in 8o. Stricturae in Barth . Wigelini Sangallensis de Obedientia Christi disputationem Theologicam , in 8o. The Annotations upon Isaiah , Jeremy , and the Lamentations , which was his work in the great Notes upon the Bible . Adversaria Miscellanea in qibus Sacrae Scripturae & & aliorum Scriptorum lux redditur . Edente Carolo , Thome Gatakeri filio . Fol. The Life and Death of Mr. Jeremy Whitaker , who dyed Anno Christi , 1654. JEremy Whitaker was born at Wakefield in Yorkshire , Anno Christi 1599 , In which place also he was trained up in the Grammar School ; and it seems that the Lord betimes did draw forth his love towards himself , for even whilst he was a School boy , his affections did flow out towards those who were most religiously disposed , in whose company he used frequently to go eight or ten miles to hear a wakening-soul-warming Sermon ; he used also to joyn with them in Prayers , and other holy exercises and duties ; and being able to take Sermon Notes , both understandingly , and largely , he was very helpful to those private Christians in repeating what they had publickly heard , being from his child-hood full of affections in whatsoever business he undertook . Thus this Plant of Gods own setting , did both blossome , and put forth fruit quickly , which Providence did afterwards make a very fruitful Tree . Whilst he was at the Grammar School , though his Father endeavoured often , and earnestly to divert his thoughts from the Office of the Ministry , yet was he unmoveable in his desires to be a Minister , and he never afterwards repented of this his choice , but would all his life long upon all occasions , magnifie that his Office , insomuch as he hath often been heard to utter this speech , I had much rather be a preacher of the Gospel , than an Emperour ; and when a motion was once made to him to be the Head of a College in the University , he readily returned this answer , My heart doth more desire to be a constant Preacher , than to be the Master of any College in the world . When he was sixteen years old , being well grounded at the Grammar School , he was sent to the University of Cambridge , and admitted a Sizar in Sydney-Sussex College , where he soon discovered , and was taken notice of , and much valued for his pregnant parts and Scholarship . At twenty years of age he Commenced Bachelor of Arts , and a while after he was sent to Okeham ( the chiefest Town in Rutlandshire ) there to teach the Free-School . At that time there was one Mr. William Peachy , the Minister at Okeham , a godly man , and a painful Preacher of the Gospel , and eminent for his skill in the sacred Languages , who dearly loved , and highly valued our Mr. Whitaker from his first acquaintance with him ; which he manifested by proffering to him his Daughter in Marriage , as Mr. Whitaker hath since told some of his Friends ; he was the rather inclined to accept of the motion , because she was the Daughter of a pious , painful , and learned Minister of the Gospel ; and occasionally hath told his Friends , that he was the better pleased with his choice , because of that relation . About four years after his coming to Okeham he married Chephtzibah , the Daughter of the said Mr. Peachy , by whom God gave him four Sons , and three Daughters . All his Sons he designed for the Ministry , but it pleased God in his life time , to take one of them away whilst he was a Student in Cambridge ; the other three survived , and he lived to see two of them Ordained , and set apart for the work of the Ministry ; the third he appointed to be educated for the same work . Having staid about seven years at Okeham , he was removed to a Pastoral charge at Stretton in the same County , where he continued about the space of thirteen years . Whilst he continued School-master at Okeham , he undertook and preached a weekly Lecture there , besides many Sermons which he preached occasionally in neghbouring Congregations : And during his abode at Stretton , besides his Pastoral imployment , wherein he preached twice every Lords day , he also constantly preached his weekly Lecture at Okeham , and was a principal prop to hold up some other Lectures in the Neighbourhood . His manner also was to set apart every Holy-day ( if there were but one in the week ) as a day of seeking God in reference to the necessities of the times , and no man was more free , and frequent in assisting in dayes of Humiliation in private , both in Rutlandshire , and in the adjacent Counties whensoever he was called , and invited thereunto . Such was his love to Christ , that his publick imployments ( though many and great ) did not take him off from attending his Family duties , nor from more private exercises of communion with God ; his ordinary course in his Family was , together with Prayers , to expound some part of the holy Scriptures , and that twice every day , besides other parts of Scripture which he daily read in secret ; so that usually he read all the Epistles in the Greek Testament twice every fortnight ; yea , when by reason of extremity of pain , and weakness , he could not read himself , he herein imployed others for his help . Hence it came to pass that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures , like unto Apollos , Act. 18. 24. as was observed by all that conversed with him , or that heard him preach or pray , and this course he earnestly commended to the practice of his dearly beloved eldest Son , as an excellent means to make him both a ready , and a profitable Preacher . Whilst he lived in Rutlandshire , came forth the Book allowing Sports on the Sabbath , which he refused to read , though it was with commands and threatning pressed upon him . And afterwards when he was called to give in his answer about a contribution amongst Ministers to maintain the War against the Scots , he openly told the Bishop , or his Chancellor , that his conscience would not permit him to do it . This his answer exposed him to the hazard of losing both his Living and Ministry , as the times then were ; whereupon one of his neighbours , through misguided love , ( compassionating him and his Family ) payed the money required , and subscribed Mr. Whitakers name without his knowledge . This was long concealed from him ; but when he came to the knowledge of it , he expressed his dislike with many complaints , and much grief of heart . As he had early , so he had constant vigorous workings of heart towards the calling and work of the Ministry , and that upon this ground , because he alwayes wayes conceived , that therein a Christian might enjoy most fellowship with Christ , and have opportunities of doing him the best service ; and he often considered Christs speech to Peter , If thou lovest me , feed my Sheep , feed my Lambs , Joh. 21. 15 , 17. He was never so well pleased with any imployment as when he was about the works of his Ministry : In the Pulpit he was ( as it were ) in his own element , like a Fish in the water , or a Bird in the air . Though many times he went thither halting , and full of pain , yet did he not manifest any sense of distemper whilst he was in the Pulpit . When an Assembly of Divines was to be chosen to consult , and advise the Parliament about Ecclesiastical affairs , he was , for his eminent piety and learning , nominated for one , and how usefull and advantagious he was to those affairs , is well known to all that were Members of that Assembly ; and when Providence had thus brought him to London , he was ( as Paul , 2 Cor. 11. 23. ) In labours more abundant , than many , yea than most others . Not long after his coming to London , he was called , and chosen to the Pastoral charge of Mary Magdalen Bermondsey in Southwark , about which he consulted with many godly and judicious Ministers , and with their consent and approbation accepted of it , after which , for the most part , his task was to preach constantly four Sermons every week , two in his own Charge , one at Westminster , and one at Christ Church London ; and after he had laid down his Christ Church Lecture , at the importunity of the Inhabitants , he took up one at Stepney , besides his preaching two Lectures quarterly at Michaels Cornhill : Adde to these his preaching monethly at the morning Exercises , or else he assisted on the Fast dayes in the conclusion of those Exercises ; besides his many occasional Sermons , as for preparation to the Sacrament in his own Church , and at Funerals , both at home and abroad ; yea , it is truly reported of him , that he would never deny any request for preaching and praying , if Godgave him bodily ability , or other unavoidable occasions did not necessarily hinder him . Many week dayes he preached twice , even then when he attended the work of the Assembly of Divines , to wit , the morning Exercise , either at Westminster , or elsewhere , and upon some other occasion in the afternoon of the same day . This may minde us of the commendation which St. Paul gave of Epaphroditus , Phil. 2. 30. For the work of the Lord he was nigh unto death , not regarding his life . So it s well known to multitudes , that this might fitly be applied to painfull Mr. Whitaker ; yea many conceived that his painfull diseases , which hastened his removal from us , were occasioned , and encreased by his many constant , and indefatigable labours in this kinde . And though he preached so often , yet were not his Sermons j●june , wordy , empty Sermons ; but alwayes full of Scripture strength , savoury , and affectionate , as his Auditors can well testfie . Neither is this to be wondred at , if we consider that he was a universal Scholar , both in the Arts , and original Languages : By much study he had digested the whole body of Divinity ; he was well acquainted both with the Fathers and School-men : An acute and solid Disputant , excellently versed in Cases of Conscience , and second unto none in his acquaintance with the sacred Scriptures . Since our times of wofull desertion and Apostasie , both from Gospel Truths and practices , he would undauntedly both in private Conferences , and in his publick Ministry express his dislike , yea his detestation thereof , to the faces of them how great soever , who too much favoured Heresies , Errours , and Ranting courses , though he knew that thereby he did run the hazard of procuring many frowns to himself . He refused to sign and subscribe the late Engagement , though thereby he was in danger of losing his Lecture at Westminster ; and if his Sermons preached there upon Eph. 2. 2 ▪ 3. concerning mens walking according to the course of this world , &c. Fulfilling the lusts of the flesh , &c. could be collected , and published , it would thereby appear , that Mr. Whitaker out of his zeal for Gods glory , and love to his Lord Christ , was of an undaunted courage , and full of Christian magnanimity . One further testimony whereof we have in this following Story : Since these stormy times began , wherein the liberty and livelyhood of Ministers hath been so much maligned and struck at , as he was riding with one of his intimate friends by Tiburn ( which he had not seen , or not observed before ) he asked what that was ? and being answered that it was Tiburn , where so many Malefactors had lost their lives ; he stopped his Horse , and uttered these words with much aflection , Oh what a shame is it that so many thousands should dye for the satisfaction of their lusts , and so few be found willing to lay down their lives for Christ ? why should not we in a good cause , and upon a good call be ready to be hanged for Jesus Christ ? It would be an everlasting honour , and it is a thousand times better to dye for Christ , to be hanged , or to be burnt for Christ , than to dye in our beds . He did often , and zealously defend the Office of a Gospel Ministry both in publick , and in private , and that especially amongst those persons , and in those places , where ( as he conceived ) there was most need . In one of his morning Lectures at Westminster , this passage came from him with much affection , Though ( said he ) I have read , and heard of some good men , who unadvisedly in their passion , have persecuted the persons of some godly Ministers ( as Asa was angry with the Prophet , and cast him into prison ) yet I never knew , I never read , nor heard of any godly person who durst oppose the Office and Calling of the Ministry . And whereas at the end of his Sermon , a Souldier ( expressing himself to be dissatisfied with what he had spoken ) came to him in private , and asked him , whether he meant this of the Ministry of England , as now constituted ? He returned him this answer , Although I will not justifie the calling of every individual Minister in the Church of England ( as you dare not justifie the Saintship of every member in your Independent Congregations ) yet I will be ready when , and where you please , to maintain the Office , and Calling of Englands Ministry at this day And that he continued unmoved , and unchanged in his judgement , and esteem of the Ministerial Calling to the last , may be manifested by this passage in his last Will and Testament , which is here set down in his own words , and written with his own hand , For my Son Jeremiah , my desire is that he be bred a Scholar , and that the Lord would spiritually incline his heart , freely to give up himself to the Lord to serve him in the work of the Ministry , which Calling and Imployment ( though now despised ) I do esteem above all others in the world , and do commend it to all mine , that if the Lord bless them with Sons , they would commend this Calling to their Posterity . And truly this deserves seriously to be considered , whether there be not herein much to credit and encourage the Ministry of the Gospel , that a learned man , and so eminent for piety , who also had throughly studied the Controversie of the times , and had heard and read what could be said against the Ministry , should yet upon his Death-bed give such a Testimony unto it , when he daily expected to make up his account before God , and also give such great encouragement to his Posterity , to addict themselves to this calling now , even now , when such disgrace is cast upon it , and when the Ministers setled maintenance is threatned to be taken from them : And may not those men , who knew Mr. Whitakers worth , be hereby awed and moved to take heed how they oppose or slight that Calling of men , whom he , living and dying , judged to be so highly honoured by God himself ? To this also adde , that it was an Ordained Ministry , which he thus valued , which appears by these two lively Testimonies ; 1. In that he joyned with that Classis whereof he was a member in Ordaining of Ministers , 2. In that he had an hand in the Book not long since published by the Province of London in the defence of such a Ministry , not onely by his assent to it , but also by his assistance in drawing it up . As Mr. Whitaker loved God dearly , so God loved him , which he manifested by those grace wherewithall he enriched him ; and truly love tokens are real Messengers of his love that sendeth them ; and what surer signs can we have of Gods love , then when he bestows upon us the Graces of his Holy Spirit ? Now of these the Lord had given him a more than ordinary measure , and besides , what hath been said before , there were five Graces more which were very Orient , and shining in his Crown . 1. His tenderness of heart : Who ever knew a man of a more melting frame of heart before God , whether in Confessions , Petitions , or Thanksgivings ? Is there any one living that can say , that I have at sometimes joyned with him in Prayer , and he shed no tears ? How did his own sinfulness ( though it was no more than the ordinary imperfections of the fairest Saint upon earth ) the evils of the times , and the testimonies of Gods displeasure breaking out upon us , break his heart into pieces ? We may truly believe that for the space many years , he did never come off from the serious consideration of these things with dry eyes ; and how many thousands be there of Gods children , that would account it a sign of much love from Christ , if they could finde such thawings in their frozen breasts ? 2. His meekness of spirit , with which precious Jewel he was richly adorned : Who ever saw him transported by passion , on a fire through foolish anger , or disgused by discontent ? Though his zeal would waxe hot , and burn in him for God and his Glory ; yet he was a man of a cool spirit , and meek , like Moses , in all his own concernments ; and this he hath often manifested in a remarkable manner , when disputing with men of dissenting Principles and opinions , yet his spirit was so even that their unhandsome provocations could not discompose him , and drive him into passion . 3. For his Patience , he may well be called a second Job . Many who saw him under those racking pains in his last sickness , so frequently reiterated , and so long continued , were confident that God did put him , and keep him in his Furnace to be a pattern of patience unto Posterity . It is confessed that he did roar many times till his throat was dry ; but who ever heard him speak any one word of murmuring or discontent , because of Gods afflicting Providence ? He himself indeed would sometimes through tenderness of conscience charge himself of impatiency , because he made a noise in his extremity : but that expressed onely Natures sensibleness , not sinful frowardnes ; and when ( accusing himself causelesly ) he was minded of Christs roarings , yet free from all sin , he would be silent . I confess indeed , that in his desires to be dissolved he would take up Jobs complaint , Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery , and life unto the bitter in soul ? which long for death , but it cometh not , and dig for it more than for hid treasures , &c. For my sighing cometh before I eat , and my roarings are powred out like waters , Job 3. 20 , 24. But he alwayes concluded with submission to the good pleasure of God. When he had been asked how he did ? this was frequently his answer , The Bush alwayes burning , but not consumed ; and though my pains be above the strength of nature , yet they are not above the supports of Grace . 4. The Lord was pleased to vouchsafe him such a measure of the Spirit of Grace and Supplications , that his soul was never out of tune for that service . Most of his words when he was under torment , were holy complaints and prayers to God. It will not be impertinent or unprofitable , if I here set down some of them . O my God help ! Father of mercies pity ! Do not contend for ever ! Consider my frame that I am but dust ! My God that hath made Heaven and earth , help me ! Oh , give me patience , and inflict what thou wi●t ! If my patience was more , my pain would be less . Dear Saviour , where are thy bowels ? why dost thou make me an astonishment to my self and others ? Why dost thou cover thy self with a thick cloud , that our prayers cannot pass ? Blessed is the man that endureth temptation . Lord this is a sad temptation , stand by me , and say , It is enough ! Am I not thy servant ? Consider Lord that I am thy servant . O these bitter waters of Marah ! Lord drop sweet comfort into these bitter water of Marah . O the blood of sprinkling , Lord , the blood of sprinkling Lord ! That blood which extinguisheth the fire of thine anger ; O that it might allay my burning pains ! I am in a fiery Furnace : Lord be with me as thou wast with the t●ree Children , and bring me out refined from sin ! when I have sailed through the Ocean of these pains , and look back , I see that none of them can be wanting . I flye unto thee , O God , hide me under the shadow of thy wings till these terrible storms be overpast . 5. God added Humility as a Crown to all his other Graces , which yet shone bright in the eyes of all that were acquainted with him : Indeed he was cloathed with Humility : And hence it was that he would converse so familiarly with the poorest Christians , and with them who were of the lowest parts for knowledge , even with babes in Christ. This his ordinary expression of himself before God , did clearly demonstrate his great humility , Poor worm ! Sinful wretch ! O pardon my transgressions for they are very great . Hereupon he would weep much , when he was told how much he was prayed for , wondring at Gods goodness , that so sinful a wretch , and worthless a creature should have so much interest in the hearts , and prayers of the people of God. And his language in his Will speaks how little he was in his own eyes ; the words are these , I desire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp ; but that so poor a worthless wretch may be privately laid in the ground . And as his Graces were many , so were his Comforts many , and great , which God vouchsafed as singular manifestations of his love to this his dear Servant , and Childe . O what Kisses of Christs Mouth , and what imbraces from the Arms of his Love were bestowed upon this Saint of the most High ? He enjoyed all along his afflicted condition , an uninterrupted assurance of Gods Fatherly love in Christ. In his addresses unto God , he constantly claimed propriety in God , calling him , my God , and my Father . His inward peace , and joy were the support of his heart under all his grievous , and grinding pains . he was confident of mercies mixtures with all his greatest distempers , not at all doubting of the sanctification of them to him through Grace . Thus he spake many times in his applications unto God , Consider , and save me , for I am thine . How long , how long Lord , shall I not be remembred ? yea , I am remembred , blessed be thy Name . This is a fiery Chariot , but it will carry me to Heaven : Blessed be God that hath supported me hitherto ; and he that hath delivered , will yet deliver . Thou Lord never forgettest them that put their trust in thee . Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over , he would with smiles speak of Gods mercies . Though trembling took hold upon him when his violent pains began , yet would he with confidence say , Now in the strength of the mighty God , I will undergo these pains : O my God put under thine everlasting Arms , and strengthen me . Many times he told a bosome friend of his , that notwithstanding all his rentings and roarings ( from which he expected no deliverance but by death ) he would not for a thousand worlds change estates with the greatest man on earth , whom he looked upon as in a way of sin , and enthraled thereto . And this much bespeaks Gods Fatherly indulgence towards him , that Satan could never shake his confidence , nor assault his hopes all the time of his irksome , irksome distemper . And this was further very remarkable , that he counted all these inward cheerings , the fruits of Prayers that were made for him , though God saw cause to deny that ease , and recovery to his body which was so much begged ; and withall , he valued those spiritual cordials , and refreshings far beyond deliverance from the Gout , and the Stone , yea and Death it self . These things are the rather mentioned , to prevent that discouragement , or offence which some may be too apt to take at the violence , and continuance of his wasting and tormenting pains , notwithstanding his own godliness , and the uncessant prayers , both ordinary and extraordinary , which were made unto God in his behalf , for he found the sweet fruits of them in his own bosome , even when he felt the continuance , and increase of his bodily grief . Another thing very remarkable in holy Mr. Whitaker , was his love to his fellow Christians , he was a man made up ( as it were ) of love . His delight was in the Saints upon earth whom he esteemed most excellent , and their society was a constant cordial to his spirit . His frequent visits of them that were in trouble , and his stirring up of others to the like practice , were testimonies of this his cordial love ; which indeed was not verbal , but real . He was also abundant in works of charity , few men of his estate did equalize him therein . He would often say , It is a brave thing when a man together with a full estate , hath a charitable heart . Sometimes upon special occasions he hath given away all the money that he had in the house . It was not unusual with him to give twenty shillings to a poor Saint , and he had many experiencences of Gods gracious returns in such cases . By his last Will he gave twenty pounds to the godly poor of his own Parish . There were two Cases wherein his loves were most enlarged to the people of God , whereof you may take these two Instances ; The one when the sufferings were publick . He often told an intimate friend of his , that Englands late breach with Scotland , and the blood that was shed , together with other sad consequences thereof , had taken such impression upon his heart , that the sorrow would never be removed till his death ; and the sufferings both in Holland and in England in our late Sea-sights were an heavy burden upon his spirit . The other Case was in respect to the inward perplexity of such as were afflicted in minde ; having moved a special friend of his the week before his death , to bestow a visit upon one in that condition , the very morning before his death ( when speech was grievous to him in respect of his great weakness ) he asked him whether he had remembred the party that was troubled in spirit ? which was a remarkable evidence of his strong love to such . And besides what hath already been mentioned , I might here set down his many wrestlings with God to prevent the flood or troubles which he apprehended the Protestant Churches were now in danger to be overflowed withall ; as also his compassionate respect to Congregations in the Country , which were like sheep wandring upon the barren mountains without a Shepherd . And as his love s●owed forth to the Saints , so was theirs no less towards him : Not to speak of the many frequent , and friendly visits of godly men and women in the Neighbourhood round about him ; there was scarce ever heard of any man that was so much prayed for both in publick and in private ▪ both upon ordinary and extraordinary occasions , as he was . There was no particular case so frequently , so affectionately spread before God in most of the Congregations about London as his . Three dayes were set apart by Ministers , and many other praying friends to seek God in his behalf , one in private , and two in publick , which also were observed much better than such dayes usually have been of late ; yea , in remote Countries , besides the ordinary Prayers made for him , there were some Fasts kept also with special reference to his afflictions . The multitude of people that came to his Funeral , with the many weeping eyes , did clearly shew how much he was beloved . Here might also be remembred the readiness of the London Ministers to supply his place at home , and his Lectures elsewhere , as also the willingness of his Fellow-lecturers at Westminster to preach for him there , when he himself by reason of weakness could not possibly do his own work , but its needless , for still every where upon the naming of Mr. Whitaker , love is some way discovered by such as had any knowledge of him . Whilst he was able , he never neglected his Minsterial service ; he hath often gone upon Crutches unto the Congregation of his own people , to fulfil his Ministry ; yea , once at least he adventured to preach at Michaels Cornhil , when he was scarce able to get into the Pulpit , and his Friends with much difficulty holp him out of the Church homewards ; and at other times when his legs would not serve him , he used to ride to Church . And when he was by extremity of pains taken off from his Ministry , he would sometimes profess to some special friends , that the pain felt was not so grievous to his spirit , as his inability , by reason thereof , to mannage his wonted work : Indeed it was his meat and drink , to be doing the will of his Heavenly Father . Many times these were his words , If I could but preach , I should be much better ; and he would rejoyce with cheerfulness and thankfulness , when in the times of his weakness he found not himself more distempered by his preaching , and would mention such experiences , as arguments to move ; and induce his friends to yeeld to his preaching when they disswaded him from it as prejudicial to his health . Anno Christi 1654 , about the beginning of November , the violent pain of the Stone , did in such a manner and measure arrest him , that from that time he continued Gods prisoner , confined to his bed or chamber , till he was set free by a long expected , and much desired death . Most Physi●ians in the City were consulted with , and were from time to time very ready to serve him with their advice , who did unanimously conclude , that his sharp pains proceeded originally from an Ulcer in the Kidnies , but immediately from an ulcer in the neck of the B●●dder , caused by a continual flux of ulcerous m●tter dropping down upon that part ; and by reason of the acuteness and quickness of the sense there , his pains were almost continually in that place , though the fountain of them was from the Kidnies . About two moneths before his Death , his pains grew more extream , yet Divine indulgence vouchsafed at some times some mitigation of them , and intermission both in the night and day : But notwithstanding the long continuance and extremity of them neither his Faith nor Patience did abate , yea they much encreased , and grew higher ; and as he grew nearer his end , so his longings for death were much increased , yet accompanied with holy submission to the good pleasure of his gracious Father . These were some of his expressions , O my God break open the Prison door , and set my poor captive soul free : But enable me willingly to wait thy time ! I desire to be dissolved : never aid any man more desire life , than I do Death ! When will that time come , that I shall neither sin more , nor sorrow more ? When shall mortality put on immortality ? When shall this earthly Tabernacle be dissolved , that I may be cloathed upon with that House which is from Heaven ? Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord , for they rest from their labours , and follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth . So great was his love to his God and Saviour , that he maintained and expressed high estimations , and honourable thoughts of his Majesty , when he was under the most tormenting providences : He feared nothing more , than lest he should do or speak any thing that should red●und to the dishonour of his Name . These were some breathings of his large love , when through pain he was as in the fire , or upon the rack : Good Lord keep me from dishonouring of thy Name by impatieency ! Oh , who would not even in burnings have honourable thoughts of God! who that knows thee , would not fear thee , O Lord , love thee , and honour thee ? Lord , thou givest me no occasion to have any hard thoughts of thee ! Blessed be God , there is nothing of Hell in all this ! Blessed be his Name for Jesus Christ , and the Revelation of the everlasting Gospel ! Who knows the power of thy wrath ? If it be so heavy upon thy servant hore , how heavy shall it be to all those who shall endure it without mixture ? Blessed be God for the peace of mine inward man , when my outward man is full of trouble ! This is a bitter Cup , but it is of my Father mixture , and shall I not drink it ? yea Lord , through thy strength I will : This is my burthen , and I will bear it . Upon any abatements of his excruciating pains , he was constantly much in blessing God , using these , and such like expressions : O! what a mercy is it that there is any mitigation , any intermission ! Lord make me thankfull . And turning himself towards those that stood by , he would bespe●k them thus ; O help me to be thankfull ! O lift up a Prayer for me that I may be thankful ! O what a mercy is this ! How much worse might this affliction have been ! I might have been distracted , or laid roaring under disque●ness of spirit : By these , and many such like expressions and workings of his spirit , who perceiveth not the sparklings of his love to God ? And to a dear friend he often said , Brother , through mercy I have not one repini●g thought against God. The Sabbath sevennight before God released him , though his pains were very sharp , yet he bestowed most part of the time of publick Ordinances , in prayer , together with those that were about him , and his Petitions were most in the behalf of Ministers , that God would cloath his Ordinances with his own power , and enable his Ministers to speak to the souls of his people . Then did he also with many tears bewail his detainment from the Sanctuary , and Sabbath-opportunities of doing , and receiving good , which had been his delight : Professing also , that his being taken off from service , was a greater affl●ction to him than all his bodily pains . And because this apprehension ( to wit , of his present unserviceablness ) did much afflict him ; this therefore was often suggested to him ( which the Lord pleased to make a relief to his spirit ) viz. that now by the practice of Faith , Patience , Contentment , and spiritualness ( which he had formerly preached to , and pressed upon others ) he was very profitable unto them who visited him , and might also prove very advantagious unto others who might be acquainted therewith , through Gods grace by Christ. So great was his tender respect to his friends , that when his pains were coming with violence , he would intreat them to withdraw from him , that they might not be grieved with his roari●gs ; and he used often to bless God , that his compassionate friends were not necessitated to abide within the reach of his doleful lamentation . As his death drew more nigh , so his fits of pain were more frequent , either every half hour , or many times every quarter , yea two or three in a quarter of an hour , which did exceedingly abate his strength . The night before God took him out of this vale of tears , Mr. Ash hearing that he was not likely to live another day , went early in the morning to take his leave of him , whom his soul loved , at which time he found his bodily strength much decayed ; and perceiving that he could not speak without much difficulty , Mr. Ash spake the more unto him in reference to the approach of his happy hoped for change , and his discourse ( through Gods mercy ) was very refreshing his spirit . He told him also that many of his friends intended to set apart that day in seeking the Lord for him , and asked him , in what things e●pecially he desired to be remembred before the Throne of Grace ? His answer was , Do not complain , but bless God for me , and intreat him to open the prison door . Then Mr. Ash laying his hand upon his cold hand , covered with a clammy sweat , took his last farewell of him with an aking heart ; and upon his departure from him , the last words which Mr. Whitaker spake to him were these ; Brother , I thank you , I pray God bless you , and I bless God for you . That day was spent in addresses to God for him at Peters Cornhill , where Mr. Newcomen quickned and guided our prayers in his Sermon upon Joh. 11. ● . Lord , Behold he whom thou lovest is sick ; and Mr. Jenkin endeavoured to moderate , and regulate our sorrows from Luke 23. 28. Weep not for me . Thus his friends having by prayers and praises ( on his behalf ) given him to God , and having prepared their hearts for the loss of him , the Lord was pleased that evening to take him to himself , June 1654 , being above Fifty five years old . After his death Mr. Holiard opened his body in the presence of Dr. Cox , Dr. Micklethwaite , and Dr. Bevoir ; ( some other more ancient Doctors would have been there , if , either their being out of Town , or present urgent occasions had not hindred ) being opened , they found both his Kidnies full of ulcers , and and one of them was swelled to an extraordinary bigness through the abundance of purulent matter in it . Upon the neck of his Bladder , they found a stone , ( which was about an inch and an half long , and one inch broad , weighing about two ounces when it was first taken out and withall they found an ulcer which was gangrenized , and this was judged to be the cause of his death . All other parts of his body were found firm and sound . He was so humble , that he feared lest Gods people praying for him , should speak too well of him before the Lord. He was a self-denying man , never daring to look after great matters in this world ; whereby he condemned many whose self-seeking in earthly advantages , renders them very offensive and unsavoury in the Church of Christ. Mr. Calamy speaking of him saith ; If I should enter upon his Commendations , I might truly say what Nazanien doth of his Sister Gorgonia , that I have more cause to fear lest I should speak below , than above the truth : For he was a burning and a shining light in this our Israel : A Messenger , and an Interpreter one amongst a thousand : A Bazal●el in Gods Tabernacle : A true Nathaniel that by his integrity , humility , constancy , charity , publickness , and peaceableness of spirit , and by his diligence and f●ithfulness in preaching the Gospel , made his life both amiable and desirable . I will say of him , as it was said of Athanasius , that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , an Adamant , and a Loadstone . To all that conversed with him , he was as a Loadstone to draw their hearts to love him : But in the cause of God , and in reference to the truths of Christ , he was as an unconquerable Adamant . He was a Jeremy , both in mourning for , and in witnessing against the sins of the times . He was a second Whitaker , though not so eminent in Learning as to be ( what is said o● 〈◊〉 ) Mundi miraculum , Academiae Oraculum , the miracle of the world , and the Oracle of the University ; yet he was ( which is also said of him ) sound in the Faith ; one that had no private opinion , that did not in veteri viâ novam semitam quaerere , seek out new paths of his own , but kept the old way , and the old path . That had a great wit without any mixture of madness . He preached no less by the heavenliness of his Doctrine than by the holiness of h●s life ; yea he preached as effectually by his death , as by his life or Doctrine , for so great was the patience which God measured out to him , that though in his extremity of torments he groaned , yet he never grumbled . Though he often mourned , yet he never murmured ; nay , though he often roared by reason of the greatness of his pain , yet he alwayes justified and m●gn●fied God therein ; and this he did so constantly , and in such a measure , that as it is said of Job , so it wi●l be said by the Saints that succeed us , for their mutual consolation , and encouragement , Ye have heard of the Patience of Whitaker : He had indeed an ul●●rated flesh , but a sound and whole spirit , and that inabled him to bear his infirmity : he had a stone in the Bladder , but a very soft and tender heart : he had a gangreene in his body , but a sound soul , unstained by sin . I heard him often say with thankfulness , that under all his bodily sufferings , he had a blessed calmness , and quietness in his spirit , that God sp●ke peace unto him ; that though he roared for pain , yet the Devil was chained up from roaring upon him . On the Death of my dear Friend , Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER . IF Death be but a servant sent to call The souls of Saints to their Originall : Dear Saint , thine was a Noble soul , to whom Three Messengers were sent to call thee home ; A Stone , an Ulcer , and a Cangreene too , Three Deaths to hasten that which one should do . ' ●was not because thy soul was deeper set Than ours , within its house of clay , nor yet Because thou wert unwilling to depart Thither , where long before had been thine heart : They were not sent to hale by violence A soul that lingred when 't was called hence . God shew'd how welcome one Death was to thee , Who did so meekly entertain all three . Thus many Deaths Gods Israel did inclose , The Sea before , behinde a Sea of Foes ; On either side the jaws of Mountains high , No way from Death , but unto Death to flye . Not to destroy them , but to let them see The power of love , which then would set them free . Thus Jobs four Messengers which did relate The doleful story of his ruin'd state : And his three Friends which acted Satans part ( He on his flesh , and these upon his heart ) Who by disputing him unto a curse Would make his spirits torments the far worse , Were by Gods wise disposal sent to show The strength he on his Champion would bestow . Thus Painters put dark grounds where they intend To overlay with finest gold , and lend By deeper shadows lustre to that face , On which they mean their choisest skill to place . Thus workmen season much with Sun and wind Those greatest beams which must the building binde , Whilst smaller pieces haply are put in When they come bleeding from the wood , and green . Oft where is greatest grace , God's pleas'd to send Great conflicts those great Graces to commend . As the six-fingred Giants sword did bring The more renown to little Davids sling . The vanquisht Lion , and the conquered Bear Prepar'd that holy Head a Cr●wn to wear . The Angel wrestled first , and then did bless And made the greater servant to the less . Pain was too great for thee , Gods grace for pain , And made the greater serve the less again . Thy pains serv'd thee for glory , and did fit The Head on which a Crown of life must sit . This is Gods method to fetch joy from grief , To turn our sorrows unto our relief , To save by killing , and to bring to shore By the ships planks which was quite broke before . And thus a barren womb first took the seed Which did six hundred thousand people breed . That seed too must from knife and Altar rise , And be before a fire a Sacrifice . Great Preacher of thy Heavenly Fathers will Thy tongue did many ears with Manna fill . Thy life out-preach't thy tongue , O blessed strife ! Thy sickness the best Sermon of thy life . Before each Doctrine must be prov'd a new , Thine end was one great proof that all was true . Before thou preach't by weeks , but now by hours , Each minute taught thy mourning Auditors , Each patient groan , and each believing eye Was a new Sermon in Brachygraphy . When Nature roars without repining words , Grace in the mouth when in the Bowels swords , In midst of torments to triumph o're Hell , To feel Gods Arrows , yet his Praises tell . Through thickest clouds to see the brightest light In blackest darkness to have cleerest sight , And with our Lord to cry , My God , My God , Upon a Cross under the sharpest Rod. This is indeed to preach ; this is to show Faiths triumph over Natures greatest wo. Then welcome fiery Serpents , scorching sting , Which did thee thus to th' Brazen Serpent bring . Then welcome Whale , which though it first devour , Renders at last the Prophet to the shore . Well might'st thou bear the stone which Death did throw , Who had'st the white Stone the new Name to show : Well might'st thou be with such an ulcer calm Whose soul was heal'd before with Heavens Balm . When spirits wounds are cur'd though Nature groan , An heart of flesh can heal a back of stone : Let conscience have her feast , and let flesh roar , This pain shall make the others joy the more , As many times those Flowers most fragrant smell Which nearest to some noysome weeds do dwell . Thus have you seen the Forge most clearly glow , On which the Smith doth drops of water throw . Keen Frosts make fire the hotter , and deep night Causeth Celestial Lamps to shine more bright . And by a dear Antiperistasis , The Childs distress sweetens the Fathers kiss . A wounded body yeelds to a sound soul , The joyes of this do th' others pains controle . As in the day that the Sun beams appear All other lesser Stars do disappear . When Heaven shines , and Divine love doth reign , The soul is not at leasure to complain . Internal joyes his heart so well composes , That they have judg'd their flames a bed of Roses . Mr. Gataker , Mr. Whitaker . But what shall England do from whence are lopt , Two if her richest Acres to Heaven dropt . By loss of these two Acres she 's more poor , Then if sh 'had lost an hundred Lordships more . 'T were a good purchase to gain these agen , By giving to the Sea all Lincoln Fen. Two little Mines of Gold do far surpass Huge Mannors where th' whole vesture is but grass . Learn we by them what all men will once say , One Pearch of Heaven , 's worth the whole Globe of clay . ED. REYNOLDS D. D. The Life and Death of James Vsher , Dr. of Divinity , Arch-Bishop of Armagh , Primate , and Metropolitan of all Ireland , who dyed Anno Christi 1655. ALexander the Great commanded that no man should draw his Picture but Apelles , the most exquisite Painter in the world ; and that his Statue should not be made in brass by any one but Lysippus , the most excellent Work-man in that kinde : So truly , the Life and Death of this great and good man is fit to be written only by the ablest Pen that can be found . Dr. JAMES USHER . James Usher was born in Dublin , the Metropolis of Ireland , in the Parish of St. Nicholas , January the 4 , Anno Christi 1580. His Father , Mr. Arnald Usher , was a student in the Law , one of the Clerks of the Chanchery in that Nation , and a person of excellent parts and endowments . His Mother was Mrs. Margaret Stainhurst , who in her later time was seduced by some of the Popish Priests to the Roman Religion , they taking their opportunity , whilst this her Son was upon some occasion in England ; and they , by their subtilty , had engaged her in such vows , that when her Son came back he could not possibly reclaim her , which they have often boasted of in Print ; yet her Sons hope was , at least upon her Death bed , to have prevailed for the reducing of her to the Truth : But it pleased God , that she dyed suddenly at Drogheda , when he was absent at Dublin , whereby , to his no small grief those his hopes were frustrated and disappointed . His Grandfather by his Mothers side was James Stainhurst ( whose Christian name he bore ) who was chosen three times Speaker of the House of Commons in the Irish Parliaments , in the last whereof he made the first motion for the founding and erecting of a College , and University in the City of Dublin . He was also Recorder of that City , one of the Masters of the Chancery , and a man of great wisdome , and integrity . His Uncle was Richard Stainhurst , a man famous in France , and other Nations for his great learning , which he manifested in several Books published by him , one of them , when he was eighteen years old , between whom , and this Reverend person there passed many learned Letters . His Uncle by his Fathers side was Henry Usher , who was trained up at Cambridge , and proved a prudent and learned man : He was afterwards Arch-Deacon of Dublin , at which time he was first sent over into England to Queen Elizabeth , and the Council , with a Petition for preserving the Cathedral of St. Patricks Dublin from being dissolved , wherein he prevailed , the fruits whereof this his Nephew reaped afterwards , being made Chancellor of it , and receiving his subsistence from it for many years . The second time he was sent over by the Council of Ireland to Queen Elizabeth to procure her Patent for the founding of a College , and University in Dublin , wherein he prevailed also : So that the College ( of which this worthy person was the first fruits ) had its being from his Grandfathers motion , and his Uncles industry . He had a brother named Ambrose Usher , who , though he dyed young , yet was a man of excellent parts , very skilful in the Oriental Languages , who had translated the Old Testament from the beginning , to the Book of Job , out of the Hebrew into English , which is still preserved under his own hand ; but upon the coming forth of the New Translation in King James his time , he desisted from making any further progress therein . Our James was taught first to read by two of his Aunts , who were blinde from their Cradles , and so never saw letters , yet were they admirably versed in the sacred Scriptures , being able suddenly to have given a good account of any part of the Bible . At eight years old he was sent to the Grammar School , where he had the happiness to meet with two excellent Schoolmasters , Sir James Fullerton , afterwards Leger Ambassador in France , and Sir James Hamilton ( afterwards Lord Viscount Clandeboise ) who was Usher of the School . These two learned men were sent over by King James out of Scotland upon an other design , though they were disguised in this imployment : And indeed they came very opportunely by the good hand of Gods Providence , for this youths founding in learning , at such a time when there was a great defect of learned Schoolmasters , which he often acknowledged as a special mercy of God to him therein . At ten years old was the first time that he could remember to have found in himself any evidences of his saving conversion unto God , which was instrumentally wrought by a Sermon which he heard preached upon Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God , &c. About the same time also meeting with some notes taken from famous Mr. Perkins his Works being not then printed ) concerning the sanctification of the Lords day , proved , through Gods blessing , so effectual with him , that ever after he was the more strict in the observing of it . About the same time also he read over St. Augustines Meditations , which so affected him , that he wept often in the reading of them . This young , yet hopeful plant , thus inuring , and accustoming himself to secret duties in his tender years , the Devil , that grand enemy of our salvation , thinking to nip him in the bud , assaulted him with divers terrours and affrightments , both sleeping and waking , hoping thereby to discourage , and take him off from the same : But he ( with St. Paul ) betook himself to prayer with earnestness to be delivered from these Satanical delusions , and assaults , and at last was heard in that which he feared , by being freed from them , and strengthened against them with more than ordinary courage , and comfort ; which made such an impression in him , as that he could not forget it to his old age . The Devil now finding that he could not be affrighted out of his course of godliness , made use of another engine , which was to allure him with the bait of pleasure , some of his friends teaching him to play at Cards , wherewith he was so much delighted , that it began to prevail over his love to his book ; yea it came in competition with his love to God , and care to serve him ; which being seasonably by Gods Spirit discovered to him , he presently gave it over , and never played afterwards . At twelve years old he was so affected with the study of Chronology and Antiquity , that , reading over Sleidans Book of the four Empires , and some other Authors , he drew forth an exact Series of the times wherein each eminent person lived ; and during the time of his abode at School , which was five years , he was throughly instructed in Grammar , Rhetorick , and Poetry , wherein he so excelled , and with which he was so delighted , that he was fain to take himself off , lest it should have hindred him from more serious studies . At thirteen years of age he was admitted into the College of Dublin , being the first Student that was initiated into it ; and as it seems , it was so ordered upon design by the Governours thereof , upon their observation of his pregnancy , and rare parts , that it might be a future honour to the College to have his name recorded in the Frontispiece of their Admission Book , and so accordingly he was the first Graduate , the first Fellow , the first Proctor , &c. At the same time Sir James Hamilton , hitherto Usher of the School , was chosen Fellow of the College , and thereby became his Tutor , who oft-times admired his accuteness and proficiency , whereby in a short time he equalized his Instructers . Here he first began to study the Greek and Hebrew Languages , in both which he afterwards excelled , and made himself in a little time Master of the Arts , most of which he modelled in a method of his own , especially that of Musick . At this time the education , and helps which that College afforded were very eminent : For though at first there were but four Fellows , yet the Tongues and Arts were very exactly taught to all the Students who were divided into several Classes . Each Tutor read Aristotles Text in Greek to his Pupils ; yea each Fellow read three Lectures a day , at each of which there was a Disputation maintained either upon the present , or the precedent Lecture , and sometimes they were ordered to dispute More Socratico . On Saturdayes in the afternoon each Tutor read a Divinity Lecture in Latine to his Pupils , dictating it ( as they did all other their Lectures ) so deliberately , that they might easily write after them , to their great benefit and advantage . At fourteen years old he was judged fit , and admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ; and his usual custome was , the afternoon before , to retire himself in private , and to spend it in a strict self-examination , and deep humiliation for all his sins ; wherein he had such enlargements of heart , that a stream of tears flowed from his eyes , which afterwards he oft recalled to minde , both as a provocation , and censure of himself : When he was of elder years , there was a certain pl●ce by a water side whither he oft resorted , sorrowfully to survey his sins , and with floods of tears to confess , and bewail them ; wherein he found so much sweetness and communion with God , that he thirsted for such comfortable opportunities , and it was his usual custome to spend Saturdayes in the afternoon in these duties . Amongst other sins he much bewayled his too much love to humane learning , which made him as glad when Munday came that he might renue his studies , as he was when Sabbath day came , wherein he was to apply himself to the service of God ; and it cost him many tears that he could not be more heavenly-minded at that age . At fiftten years old he had made such a progress in the study of Chronology , that he drew up in Latine an exact Chronicle of the Bible as far as to the Books of the Kings , which did not much differ from that of his late Annals , excepting his enlargements by some exquisite observations , and the Syncronismes of Heathen story . About this time also he was much afflicted with a strong temptation , which moved him to question Gods , love to him , because he was so free from afflictions , which was occasioned by some inconsiderate passages which he met with in some Authors , and long was he under some trouble before he could get rid of it . Before he was Bachelor of Arts he read Stapletons Fortress of the Faith , and therein finding how confidently he asserted Antiquity for the Popish Tenets , withall , branding our Church and Religion with novelty in what we dissented from them , he was much troubled at it , not knowing but that his quotations might be right ; and he was convinced that the Ancientest must needs be best , as the nearer the Fountain the sweeter , and clearer are the streams ; yet withall , he suspected that Stapleton might mis-report the Fathers , or wrest them to his own sense ; and therefore he took up a setled resolution , that in due time , if God prolonged his life and health , he would trust onely his own eyes by reading over all the Fathers for his satisfaction herein ; which work he afterward began at Twenty years old , and finished that vast labour at Thirty eight , strictly tying himself to a certain portion every day what occasions soever intervened . Whilst he was Batchelor of Arts , he read divers of the Works of the Fathers , and most Authors which had written the Body of Divinity both Positively and Polemically in consuting the Popish errors , and had read many of their Authors also , by which means he was so well acquainted with the state of those controversies , that he was able to dispute with any of the Popish Priests , as he often did with the principal of them . Anno Christi 1598 , The Earle of Essex newly coming over Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , and being chosen Chancellor of the University of Dublin , there was a solemn Act appointed for his entertainment , and Mr. Usher being then Batchelor of Arts , answered the Philosophy Act with great applause and approbation . About this time his Fathers intention was to send him over into England to the Innes of Court , for the study of the Common Law , which was a great trouble to him , yet in obedience to his Fathers will he assented , and resolved upon it ; but it pleased God that his Father shortly after dyed , viz. August the 12. Anno Christi 1698 , so that then he being at liberty to make choice of his studies , devoted , and applied himself wholly to Divinity , and thereupon was chosen Fellow of the College , being before uncapable of taking the Oath which was required of all Fellows at their Admission , viz. that the present intent of their studies should be for the Profession of Divinity , unless God should afterwards otherwise dispose their mindes . And here again was an other occasion of disturbance to his mind ministred to him . For his Father left him a good estate in land ; but finding that he must have involved himself in many Suits of Law before he could attain to the quiet enjoyment of it , to the interrupting of his other studies , he gave up the benefit of it to his brothers and sisters , suffering his Uncle to take Letters of Administration for that end , resolving to cast himself upon the good Providence of God , to whose service in the work of the Ministry he had wholly devoted himself , not doubting but he would provide for him ; yet that he might not be judged weak or inconsiderate in that Act , he drew up a note under his hand of the state of all things that concerned it , and directions what to doe about it . When he was nineteen years old he disputed with Henry Fitz-Simonds , a Jesuit , in the Castle of Dublin , as himself acknowledgeth in his Preface to his Book called Britanno-mochia Ministrorum ; the occasion of which Dispute was this , The Jesuit by way of challenge , as it was interpreted , gave forth these words , That he being a Prisoner was like a Bear tyed to a stake , but wanted some to bait him : Whereupon this eminent man ( for so he was though very young ) was thought fit , and able to encounter him , though at their first meeting he despised his youth , as Goliah did David . Mr. Usher proffered to dispute with him about all Bellarmines Controversies , for which a meeting was appointed once every week , and it fell out that the first subject proposed was De Antichristo , about which they had two or three solemne Disputations , and Mr. Usher was ready to have proceeded further ; but the Jesuit was weary of it , yet gives him a tolerable commendation , and much admired his abillities in such young years : concerning which he saith , There came once to me a youth of about eighteen years of age , one of a too soon ripe wit , scarce you would thank that he could have gone through his course of Philosophy , or that he was got out of his childe-hood , yet was he ready to dispute upon the most abstruce points of Divinity . And afterwards the same Jesuit living to understand more of him , saith , that he was A catholicorum doctissimus , the most learned of such as were not Catholicks ; being ( as it seems ) unwilling , or ashamed to call him Heretick . Anno Christi 1600 , when he was about twenty years old he commenced Master of Arts , and answered the Philosophy Act , and was chosen Catechist of the College , in which office he went through a great part of the Body of Divinity in the Chappel by way of Common place ; and Ministers being scarce at that time , there were three young men of the College chosen out , and appointed to preach in Christ Church before the State : One was Mr. Richardson , afterwards Bishop of Ardah , who was appointed to preach an Expository Lecture upon the Prophesie of Isaiah every Friday . Another was Mr. Welch , afterwards Dr. of Divinity , who was designed to handle the Body of Divinity on Sabbaths in the forenoon ; the third was our learned Usher , who was to handle the controversies for the satisfaction of the Papists on the Lords dayes in the afternoons , which he did fully and cleerly , alwayes concluding with some emphatical Exhortation , that it tended much to the edification and confirmation of the Protestants in their Principles , as many of them in their elder yeares have acknowledged . Having thus preached for a while as a Probationer , he refused to continue it any longer , having not as yet received Ordination : He also scrupled to be as yet Ordained by reason of his defect of years , the Canons requiring twenty four , and he being yet but twenty one : But by some grave and learned men he was told , that the Lord had need of his labours ; and so upon their perswasions and importunity , his age being dispensed with according to some former presidents , he was ordained at the usual time , the Sabbath before Christmas day , Anno 1601 , by his Uncle Henry Usher , Archbishop of Armagh , with the assistance of some other Ministers . The first Text that he preached publickly upon before the State , after his Ordination , was Rev. 3. 1. Thou hast a name that thou livest , and art dead , which fell out to be the same day upon which was fought the Battel of Kinsale , which being a day specially set apart , by prayer to seek unto God for his blessing and assistance in that engagement , and being his first fruits after his entrance into the Office of the Ministry , God might in a more than ordinary manner make his labours efficatious and prevailing ; the rest of that Epistle to the Church of Sardis he finished afterwards . It was well known that if the Spaniards had gotten the better that day , the Irish Papists had designed to murther the English Protestants both in Dublin and other places , but especially the Ministers . Hence ( said he ) arose a tentation in me to have deferred my Ordination till the event of the Battel had been known , that so I might the better have escaped their fury ; but I repelled that suggestion , and resolved the rather upon it , that dying a Minister , and in that quarrel , I might at least be the next door to a Martyr . The Spaniards being ( as was said before ) overthrown at Kinsale , and the hopes of the Irish , as to that design , being frustrated , they began generally to subject themselves to the Statute , which was now put in execution , in their coming to Church ; and that it might tend the more to their profit , the Lord Lieutenant , and his Council , desired the Ministers at Dublin , so to divide themselves , that ( in imitation of what he had already begun at Christ Church ) there might be a Sermon on the Lords dayes in the afternoon at every Church upon those Controversies . St. Katherines ( a convenient Church ) was assigned for Mr. Usher , who removed accordingly , and duely observed it ; and his custome was , that what he had delivered in one Sermon , he drew it up into Questions and Answers , and the next Lords day , several persons of note voluntary offered themselves to repeat those Answers before the whole Congregation , which made them more clear and perspicuous to the Popish party . It pleased God by his , and the labours of others of his Brethren in the Ministry , not only in Dublin , but in other parts of the Kingdome , that the Papists came so diligently to Church , that if they had any occasion to absent themselves , they used to send in their excuses to the Church-wardens , and there were great hopes in a short time to have reduced the whole Nation to Protestanisme : But on a sudden , the execution of the Statute was suspended , and the power of the High Commission Court ( then erected , and used onely against the Papists ) was taken away ; whereupon the Papists presently withdrew themselves from the publick Assembles , the Ministry was discouraged , all good mens hearts were grieved , and Popery from that time forward encreased , till like a great Deluge , it had overflowed the whole Nation . Upon this , the spirit of this holy man ( like Pauls at Athens ) was exceedingly stirred in him , insomuch as preaching before the State at Christ Church upon a special solemnity , he did with as much prudence , courage , and boldness as became his young years , give them his opinion of that abominable Toleration of Idolatry ; making a full and clear application of that passage in Ezekiels Vision , Chap. 4. 6. where the Prophet , by lying on his side , was to bear the iniquity of Judah for forty dayes . I have appointed thee ( saith the Lord ) each day for a year . This ( said he ) by the consent of Interpreters , signifies the time of forty years to the destruction of Jerusalem , and of that Nation for their Idolatry ; and so ( said he ) will I reckon from this year the sin of Ireland , and at the end of the time those whom you now imbrace shal be your ruine , and you shall bear this iniquity , wherein he proved a Prophet : For this was delivered by him , Anno Christi 1601 , and Anno 1641 , was the Irish Rebellion , and Massacre ; and what a continued expectation he had of a great judgement upon that his Native Country , I , saith Dr. Bernard , can witness from the year 1624 , at which time I had the happiness first to be known to him ; and the nearer the time approached , the more confident he was of the event , though as yet nothing that tended towards it was visible to other men . The Body of Divinity which is printed in his name is highly commended by Mr. Downam , who set it forth , and so it is by a stranger , Ludovicus Crocius , who much desired that some English man would turn it into Latine for the benefit of forreign Churches , but it was not intended by him for the Press . It was begun by him in publick , but finished some years after in private in his Family , constantly instructing them twice a week , unto which persons of quality and learning resorted , and divers of them took Notes , whereby several Copies were dispersed abroad , some imperfect and mistaken , and many passages are in it which were not his , neither is the whole so polished as his other Pieces which were published by himself ; and indeed he was displeased that it came forth without his knowledge , yet understanding how much good it had done , he connived at it . Shortly after the aforementioned defeat given to the Spaniards at Kinsale , the Officers of our English Army gave 1800 pounds to buy Books for the College Library at Dublin ( then Souldiers were advancers of Learning ) the ordering of which was committed to Dr. Challoner , and this Lord Primate , who made a journey into England on purpose to buy Books with it . He then met with Sir Thomas Bodly , who was buying Books for his Library at Oxford , and they were very helpful each to other in procuring the rarest Pieces . In his journey he visited Mr. Christopher Goodman , who had been Professor of Divinity in Oxford in King Edward the sixths dayes , then lying on his death-bed at Chester , and he would often repeat some grave and wise speeches that he heard from him . After this he constantly came over into England once in three years , spending one moneth at Oxford , another at Cambridge , in searching the Books , especially the Manuscripts , in each University ( amongst which , those of Corpus Christi College in Cambridge , he most esteemed ) the third moneth he spent at London , intending chiefly Sir Robert Cottons Library , and conversing with learned men , amongst whom , even in those his younger years he was in great esteem . In his after-years he was acquainted with the rarities in other Nations : There was scarce a choice Book in any eminent persons Library in France , Italy , Germany , or Rome it self , but he had his way to procure it , or what he desired , transcribed out of it , so that he was better acquainted with the Popes Vatican than some that daily visited it . The Puteani fratres , two learned men in Paris holp him much with many Transcripts out of Thuanus , and others , between whom and him , many Letters passed . Now , though the reading of the Fathers all over was a vast work , yet the pains he took out of the common road of learning in searching of Records , and all the Manuscripts he could get throughout Christendome , together with the knotty study of Chronology and Antiquity , was equal with , if it did not exceed the other . Many Volumes he also read onely to attain to the knowledge of the use of words in several ages , as Galen , Hipocrates , &c. and most of the Records in the Tower of London : Besides there was scarce the meanest book in his own Library , but he remembred it , even to admiration , and had in his head readily whatsoever he had read . The first Church-preferment which he had , was given him by Archbishop Loftus a little before his death , which was the Chancellorship of St. Patricks Dublin , unto which he took no other Benefice . In that place Mr. Camden found him when he was writing his Britannia , Anno Christi 1607 , and in his observations concerning Dublin , saith of him , Most of these I acknowledge to owe to the diligence , and labours of James Usher , Chancellor of the Church of St. Patricks , who in various learning , and judgement far exceeds his years . In this preferment , though the Law required not his preaching , but onely in his course before the State , yet would he not omit it in the place from whence he received his profits , and though he endowed it with a Vicaridge , yet went he thither in person , viz. to Finglas a mile from Dublin , and preached there every Lords day , unless he were detained upon some extraordinary occasions ; and the remembrance that he had been a constant Preacher , was a greater comfort to him in his old age , than all his other labours and writings . His experiments in Prayer were many , and very observable , God ofen answering his desires in kinde , and that immediately , when he was in some distresses ; and Gods Providence in taking care , and providing for him in his younger years , as he often spake of it , so it wrought in him a firm resolution to depend upon God in his latter dayes , what ever extremity he might be brought into . Anno Christi 1607 , when he was twenty seven years old he commenced batchelor of Divinity , and immediately after be was chosen Professor of Divinity in the University of Dublin : At first he read twice a week , and afterwards once a week without intermission throughout the year , going through a great part of Bellarmines Controversies . In this employment he continued thirteen or fourteen years , and was a great ornament to his place . Three Volumes of those his Lectures written with his own hand he hath left behinde him , and it would be a great honour to that University where they were read , and benefit to many others if they were published . When he performed his Acts for his degree , Latine Sermon , Lectures , Position , and answered the Divinity Act , he wrote nothing but only the heads of the several Subjects , putting all upon the strength of his memory , and present expressions , as also he did his English Sermons . His readiness in the Latine Tongue was inferiour to none in these latter times , which ( after seventeen years disuse , from the time that he left his Professors place ) appeared when he moderated the Divinity Act , and created Doctors to all mens admiration . The Provostship of the College of Dublin falling void , he was unanimously elected thereto by all the Fellows , he being then about thirty years of age , but foreseeing that upon the settlement of Lands belonging to it , and the establishing of other matters , he should be much impeded and distracted in his studies , he refused it , and so another was sent out of England to fill it . The revenues of it were very considerable , whereby we may see how mean and little the things of the world seemed in his eyes even in those his younger years . About this time the Irish Prelates , especially Dr. Hampton , his predecessor in the Sea of Armagh , had obtained King James his grant for reducing Ireland to the same Ecclesiastical Government of the Church of England ; the principal occasion whereof was this , The English Prelates a little before had used a great deal of severity against the Non-conformists , their High Commission , and other Courts , and Canons , had driven many worthy and learned men into other Countries , and some of them went into Ireland ; the Irish Bishops being weary of this resort , are desirous to advance their power to the same height with the English Hierarchy , combined together , and obtained King James his Commission to Sir Arthur Chichester , Earle of Belfast , a famous Souldier and prudent Governour , who was at this time Lord Deputy , and bore the Sword ▪ there eleven years together with very much honour , and esteem in that Nation . For the effecting of this , a great Assembly of the whole Nation was convened . In the Commission the King required them to consult with Mr. Usher , whose learning , judgement , and esteem would much conduce to the promoting of that work : But if he approved it not , the King required that they should proceed no further , for that he would not be the author of any Innovation amongst them . This reserve troubled the Prelates exceedingly , and therefore they resolved to carry it closely ; the Kings Letters to them , they transmitted from one to another , but acquainted not Mr. Usher with them , intending to surprize him when the Assembly was met ; they should come prepared and fortified , he would be taken on the sudden . Howbeit God that intended him for so great a good at that time in crossing their design , that many faithful labourers in his Vineyard might not by this their power be displaced , by a special Providence gave him some light ( though but very little ) into the matter ; and the manner was thus , Mr. Usher going to visit one of them , found him perusing the Kings Letter ; but upon his coming , he laid it down in his window , closed at both ends , onely there was an open place in the middle , and as they were discoursing together , Mr. Usher glancing his eye upon it , espied his own name , and some other vvords about himself , of which he could not pick out the meaning ; but yet he judged them to be of importance , as Discipline , Ireland , England , &c. Mr. Usher thought it not prudence for him to take notice of those hints , neither could he handsomely fish out the business from the Bishop , wherefore he went another way to work ; and indeed the surest way , by seeking counsel from God , communicating the matter to Dean Hill a very godly man , whom he requested , that with some others , they would seek unto God for his assistance , for he believed that something was in brewing that he might not know of . Herein imitating the practise of wise Daniel , Chap. 2. 17 , 18. This done he studied the Rights of the Irish Church , some fruits whereof we have in that Learned Piece of his called , The Religion professed by the ancient Irish and Britains . Yet he heard nothing till the Assembly was summoned , and himself the next day was to be present at it ; then went he to the Lord Deputy to know the occasion of their meeting . The Lord Deputy would not believe at first that he could be a stranger to it ; but afterwards , when Mr. Usher had assured him that he had no information from the Bishops about it , he was much displeased , and told him that without him all the the rest were but Cyphers , for that the King had referred the whole business to his judgement , whether the power of the Hierarchy should be established there as it was in England . The next day the Kings Commission and Letters were read in the Assembly , and Speeches were made concerning the excellency of the Kings intention to reduce that Kingdome to one uniformity with England in Ecclesiastical Government ; they also told him what honour the King had put upon him , whose esteem , learning and judgement the King so much depended upon for the promoting so great and good a work . Mr. Usher replied , that he believed that in a business of so great concernment wherein he was so far interested , the Kings intentions were that he should have convenient time to consider of it before he delivered his opinion , which he also humbly desired . The Bishops answered , that his judgement was sufficiently known by his practise , and that they expected no more from him but his consent , and concurrence with them . He replied , that the matter concerned more than himself , For ( said he ) if I had all mens consciences in my keeping , I could in these disputable cases give Laws unto them , as well as unto my self ; but it s one thing what I can do , and another thing what all other men must do . Then they asked of him if he had any thing to say why they should not satisfie the Kings desire ? He , after a short pause , wherein he lifted up his heart unto God for direction , told them that if they would grant him no longer time , he would as well as he was able give them his judgement , if that Honourable Assembly would grant him three Requests , 1. A free hearing without interruption . 2. Liberty for him to answer any man that should be unsatisfied . 3. That there might be a final determination of the business at that meeting . These being all granted , Mr. Usher undertook to prove , that such a Jurisdiction could not be introduced into that Kingdome , neither by the Laws of God , nor by the Civil , or Ecclesiastical Constitutions of that Kingdome , nor yet without the violation of the Kings Prerogative in that Nation : All which he performed to admiration . But before he descended to particulars , he shewed the difference between Conformity as it was set up in England , and as it would be , if it were set up in Ireland . The Kings ( saith he ) and Queen of England imposed those Ceremonies , that thereby they might decline the charge of Schismaticks , wherewith the Church of Rome laboured to brand them , seeing it did appear hereby that they left them only in such Doctrinal points , wherein they left the truth . Again , hereby they would testifie how far they would willingly stoop to win and gain them , by yeelding to meet them as far as they might in their own way : But ( saith he ) the experience of many years hath shewed , that this condescention hath rather hardened them in their errours , than brought them to a liking of our Religion : This being their usual saying , If our Flesh be not good , why doe you drinke of our Broth ? As for Ireland , wherein the English Canons were never yet received , and the generality of the Inabitans were Popish Recusants , and even in Popish Kings times , there was no receptions of the Popes Ecclesiastical Constitutions , because he encroached upon their temporals , if such Laws now should be set up under so Religious a Protestant King , this would be to set the Pope on Horse-back , amongst them , which needed not . The Lord Deputy , when he had finished his Speech , and answered what was objected against it , told him that he was much affected with every part of his learned speech , but that he was more especially concerned in that which touched upon the Kings Prerogative part ; wherein he had discovered such hidden flowers of the Crown , as he thought the King himself knew not ; and therefore ( he said ) as he would endeavour to preserve his Majesties right therein , whilst he was his Deputy , so he would present them to the King , and take care , that it should be very hard for any that came after him to rob him of them . By this we may easily see , that he was then so far from a Prelatical spirit , that on the contrary he was an Advocate for , and Patione of godly and conscientious Non-Conformists . Anno Christi 1612 , he proceeded Dr. of Divinity being created by Archbishop Hampton , his Predecessor ; one of his Lectures for his Degree was upon the seventy weeks to the slaying of the Messias , mentioned Dan. 9. 24. the other out of Rev. 20. 4. concerning the meaning of the Prophesie , that the Saints should reign with Crist a thousand years , which in these times would be very seasonable ; but it s lost . Dr. Hoyle ( who died Professor of Divinity in Oxford , after he had many years been the like in Dublin ) said , that when he went out Dr. of Divinity , he thought Tully himself could not have excelled him in Eloquence ( had he been alive ) not only in his composed speeches , but in those which occasionally fell from him upon the by . Anno Christi 1613 , He published his Book , De Ecclesiaram Christianarum successione , & statu , magnified so much by Causabon and Scultetus , in their Greek , and Latine verses before it . It was solemnly presented by Archbishop Abbot to King James , as the eminent first fruits of that College at Dublin . Indeed its imperfect , for about three hundred years from Gregory the 11 , to Leo the 10 , viz. from the year 1371 , to 1513 , and from thence to this last Century , which he intended ( after the finishing of a Book , which he was now about ) to have compleated : But the Lord prevented him . Anno Christi 1615 , there was a Parliament in Dublin , and consequently a Convocation of the Clergy , at which time those learned Articles of Ireland were composed and published , and Dr. Usher being a member of that Synod , was appointed to draw them up ; they were highly approved of the m●st Orthod●x Divines . They determine according to St. Austin against the Doctrine of the Pelagians : Prove the Man of sin , spoken of 1 Thess. 2. to be the Bishop of Rome ; and for the Morality of the Sabbath ; of both which this most learned Doctor was very confident , and oft wished that some of our learned men of late had spared their pains when they went about to prove the contrary . In defence of the last of these , he wrote a most excellent and learned Letter to Dr. Twiss , who had desired his judgement about it . He wanted not enemies who sought to scandalize him to King James under the Title of a Puritan , which was very odious to him in those dayes , seeking hereby to prevent his further promotion ; but God so ordered it , that it proved an occasion of his advancement ; for King James being jealous of him upon that score , by reason of the eminency of his learning , fell into serious discourse with him , and therein received such abundance of satisfaction , both of the soundness of his judgement and piety , that notwithstanding the opposition made by some great ones , without his seeking , he made him Bishop of Meath in Ireland , which just then fell void whilst he was in England , and the King often boasted that he was a Bishop of his own making . Whilst he was thus Bishop Elect , he was chosen to preach before the House of Commons , Feb. 18. 1620 , in Margarets Westminster : The Sermon by order of the House was printed , and it is a most learned one . Upon his return into Ireland , he was consecrated Bishop of Meath at Droheda by Archbishop Hampton , with the assistance of two Suffragan Bishops , according to the custome ; at which time there was given him an Anagram of his Name , as he was then to write himself , which was this , James Meath , I am the same ; and he made it good ever afterwards . His preferment did not cause him to grow slack in his constancy of preaching , as it did too many , who having caught the Fish , laid aside the Net : But , as Possidonius saith of St. Austin , he was still the same ; which he bound himself the rather unto by the Motto of his Episcopal Seal , Ve mihi si non Evangelizavero , Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel , which he continued in the Seal of his Primacy also . He had many Papists in his Diocess , whom he endeavoured to reclaim by private conferences , and at length they were willing to hear him preach , so it were not in a Church , which he condescended to , and preached in the Sessions-house , and his Sermon wrought so much upon some of them , that their Priests forbad them hearing him in any place ever after . Anno 1622 , there were some Papists censured in the Star-chamber for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy , at which time he was called thither to inform them of it before the sentence passed , which occasioned that learned , Speech of his upon that subject , since printed with his English works . While he was Bishop of Meath , he answered a challenge sent him by the Jesuite Malone ; and his going over into England to Print it , occasioned another learned Tractate of the Universality of the Church of Christ , and the Unity of the Catholick Faith , in a Sermon preached before King James on Eph. 4. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the Faith , &c. And Gods providence so ordered it , that whilst he was thus busied in England , Archbishop Hampton dying , he was made his successour , Primate of Ireland , Anno Christi 1624 , and he was the hundreth Bishop of that See. Being thus promoted to the highest preferment his Profession was capable of in his native Country , he was so far from being puffed up with Pride , that he was more humble , and frequent in preaching , and it so fell out , that for some weeks together overtoyling himself in the work of the Ministry to the overwasting of his spirits , whic he did at the request of some Essex Ministers , who importuned him to preach on the week dayes , because they could not come to hear him on the Sabbaths , he fell into a Quartane Ague , which held him three quarters of a year . After his recovery , the Lord Mordant ( afterwards Earle of Peterborough ) being a Papist , and desirous to draw his Lady to the same Religion , he was willing that there should be a meeting of two eminent persons of each party to dispute what might be in controversie between them . The Lady made choice of our Lord Primate , and prevailed with him , though newly recovered from the aforesaid long sickness , and scarce able to take such a journey . The Jesuite chosen by the Earle went under the name of Beaumond , but his true name was Rookwood ( brother to Ambrose Rookwood , one of the Gunpowder Traitors . ) The place of meeting was at Drayton in Northamptonshire , where there was a great Library , so that no Books of the ancient Fathers were wanting upon occasion for their view . The points to be disputed on , were concerning Transubstantiation , Invocation of Saints , worshipping of Images , and the visibility of the Church . Three dayes they were in this Disputation , three hours in the forenoon , and two hours in the afternoon each day ; and the conclusion was this , After the third day of meeting , the Lord Primate having been hitherto opponent , now the Tables were to be turned , and the Jesuit according to his desire , was to oppose , and the Lord Primate to answer : But when the time came , and the Jesuit was expected , instead of coming , he sent his excuse to the Lord Mordant , which was , that all the Arguments which he had framed in his head , and premeditated , so that he thought he had them as perfect as his Pater Noster , were now slipt from him , and he could not possibly recover them again ; and that he believed it was a just judgement of God upon him , for undertaking of himself to dispute with a man of that eminency and learning without a licence from his Superiour . The Lord Mordant seeing his tergiversation , upon some further discourse with the Lord Primate , was converted , and became a Protestant , and so continued to his death . One Challoner , a Secular Priest , afterwards writing a book against this Beaumond by way of scorn , bids him beware of coming any more to Drayton , lest he meet with another Usher , to foil him again , to the dishonour of his profession , and himself . The Lord having made his labours so succesful , the Countess of Peterborough had him alwayes in great respect , and upon his losses in Ireland , and other distresses here , she took him home to her owne house , with whom be lived about nine or ten years , and then died there . Anno Christi 16●6 , in August , he went back into Ireland , where he was entertained with all the expressions of love and joy that could be . The discourses which daily fell from him at his Table in clearing difficulties in the Scripture , and other subjects ( especially when learned men came to visit him ) tended exceedingly to the edification of the hearers , so that it might well be said of him , as the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon , Happy are these thy servants that stand continually about thee , and hear thy wisdome . And such was his humility withall , as that he would , in practical subjects , apply himself to the capacity of the poorest , and weakest Christian that came to him for information , and satisfaction of their doubts . Nay some times , he was more propense to communicate himself to such , than to others that were more learned ; which strangers have wondred at , as the Disciples marvelled at our Saviours talking with the poor woman of Samaria , Joh. 4. 27. and answering her questions , rather than taking notice of them . Indeed he was a Mirror of Humility : For though he was higher than any other from the shoulders upward , yet might many of his inferiours learn humility of him , as may appear in these few amongst many other examples . 1 In his publick preaching , no man more denied himself to preach Christ , insomuch as some that affected that frothy way of preaching by strong lines ( as they call them ) were much ashamed after they had heard him preach in Oxford , wherein he reproved , and decried the Corinthian vanity in this kinde . Also in one passage of his at the Court before the King , he taught the Bishops , and Doctors that then heard him , thus ; Great Sch●llars ( said he ) possibly may think that it stands not with their credit , and reputation to stoop so low , &c. But let the learnedest of us all try it when we will , and we shall finde , that to lay this ground work right , that is , to apply our selves to the capacities of a common Auditory , and to make an ignorant man to understand these Mysteries in some good measure , will put us to the trial of our skill , and will trouble us a great deal mor● , than if we were to discuss a Controversie , or handle a subtle point of learning in the Schools . He was indeed another Paul , who determined to know nothing but Christ , and him crucified . Neither was his speech or preaching with the enticing words of mans wisdome , but in the demonstration of the Spirit , and of power , 1 Cor. 2. 2 , 4. 2. In his private conversation he framed himself to the capacity of the meanest that conversed with him . He had an excellent gift of expressing himself both in Latine and English , and as he could sore with the Eagle in Polemick discourses when he met with Giants , so he would stoop to the lowest Pigmies in practical subjects , and would apply himself to the poorest and weakest Christians . He was no Dictator , nor would impose upon other mens judgements or consciences , but was as ready to receive from others , as to impart to them , and would much incline to vulgar Christians , rather than unto others that were more learned . 3. In his demeanour and behaviour he had high thoughts of others , and as low of himself , and that in every condition of his life , both in prosperity and adversity . Godly persons of what rank soever , had great power with him , he would put them in his bosome , visit th●m in their sickness , supply their wants , beg their prayers , and countenance their cause and persons . In his passage for Ireland , he sometimes lay at N●sson for wind , where sundry times he preached to a plain Country Auditory : And whereas there were in that part of the Country ( where I lived about five years when I first began my Ministry ) divers plain Christians , which were never called but by their Christian names ; yet indeed were such as had not a bare form , but the life and power of godliness in them , so that I was never acquainted with more knowing Christians for men and women of their rank ; these he grew into familiar acquaintance with , would entertain them in his chamber , discourse with them , answer their questions , and satisfie their doubts : And when he was made Archbishop , some of them told him , that now they must know their distance , and durst not be so familiar with him as formerly : To whom he answered , that he was the same man still , and they should be as welcome to him as formerly , and accordingly used the same familiarity with them as he had wont to do : And when he lay at Chester , he would as soon preach at the request of Mr. Ashbrook , and Mrs. Kirkman ( a godly woman of the meaner rank , whom I well knew ) as at the intreaties of the Mayor and Aldermen of that City , whereby he demonstrated , that his delight was in the Saints , and that he was a companion of all them that feared God ; and this indeed was one reason that he rose so high ; he honoured God , and therefore God honoured him , 1 Sam. 2. 30. Whilst I lived in Warwickshire , not much before the long Parliament begun , my self with two other neighbour Ministers made a journey to Oxford ( where he then was ) on purpose to desire his judgement in some cases wherein we could not so well satisfie our selves ; we found him at his lodgings in Christ Church , where , before he would admit any speech with us , he caused us to put on our hats , to sit down by him , and then to speak our mindes ; when I told him that we were come to request his judgement in some difficulties , he presently stopped me , saying , Mr. Clarke , I shall freely tell you my judgement in any thing but about the Et caetera Oath , concerning which I did speak occasionally , declaring my minde about it , and I have newly received a Letter from two Doctors ( whose names I forbear to insert out of respect to them ) who take me up as if I was a School-boy , ( and withall he pulled the Letter out of his pocket ) adding , that in that regard he would say no more about that matter , &c. I replied , that we were sufficiently satisfied about that Oath , but the Questions we had to propound were of another nature , wherein he gave us very full and clear satisfaction . His custome was to pray four times a day , in , and with his Family ; in the morning at six a clock , in the evening at eight , and before dinner and supper in his Chappel , at each of which he was alwayes present . On Friday in the afternoons there was constantly an hour spent in his Chappel in Catechizing upon the Principles of Religion for the instructing of his Family ; and on Sabbaths in the evening , the Sermon which he had preached in the forenoon was repeated in his Chappel by one of his Chaplains . In the Winter evenings his constant manner was to spend two hours in comparing of old Manuscripts of the Bible , in Greek and Latine , in which work , five or six assisted him , and the variae lectiones of each were taken by himself with his own hand . Anno Christi 1626 , in Michaelmas Terme there were some Proposals made , and offered to be assented to by the Irish Papists , upon condition of a more full Tolleration of their Religion , for the raising and maintaining of five hundred Horse , and five thousand Foot ; wherein the Protestants also must have born some share : To consider hereof , a great Assembly of Papists and Protestants of the whole Nation was appointed in the Lord Deputy Faulklands time . The place of their meeting was in the Hall of the Castle in Dublin . At which time the Bishops , by our Lord Primates invitation , met at his house , where he , and they drew up , and unanimously subscribed a Protestation against the Toleration of Popery ; A Copy whereof , because it deserves perpetual remembrance , is here inserted . The Judgement of the Archbishops , and Bishops of Ireland , concerning the Toleration of Popery , which is applicable also against the Toleration of other Heresies . The Religion of the Papists is Superstitious and Idolatrous , their Faith and Doctrine erroneous , and Heretical , their Church in respect of both Apostatical . To give them therefore a Toleration , or to consent that they may freely exercise their Religion , and profess their Faith and Doctrine is a grievous sin , and that in two respects ; For , 1. It is to make our selves accessary , not onely to their Superstitions , Idolatries , Heresies ; and in a word , to all the abominations of Popery , but also ( which is a consequent of the former ) to the perdition of the seduced people , which perish in the Deluge of the Catholick Apostacy . 2. To grant them a Toleration , in respect of any money to be given , or contribution to be made by them , is to set Religion to sale ▪ and with it , the souls of the People , whom Christ our Saviour hath redeemed with his most precious blood . And as it is a great sin , so also a matter of most dangerous consequence , the consideration whereof we commend to the Wise and Juditious ; Beseeching the Zealous God of Truth , to make them who are in Authority , zealous or Gods glory , and of the advancement of true Religion ; zealous , resolute , and couragious against all Popery , Superstition , and Idolatry , Amen . Ja. Armachanus , Mal. Cashlen , Anth. Medensis , Tho. Hernes & Laghlin , Ro. Dunensis , &c. Georg. Derens. Rich. Cork , Cloyne , Rosses , Andr. Alachadens . Tho. Kilmore , & Ardagh , Theo. Dromore , Mic. Waterford & Lysm . Fran. Lymerick . This Judgement of the Bishops , Dr. George Downham , Bishop of Derry , at the next meeting of the Assembly , which was April the 23 , 1627 , published at Christ Church before the Lord Deputy and Council in the middest of his Sermon , with this preamble , viz. Are not many amongst us for gain , and outward respects , willing , and ready to consent to a Toleration of false Religions , thereby making themselves guilty of a great offence , in putting to sale not onely their own souls , but also the souls of others : But what is to be thought of Toleration of Religion , I will not deliver my own private opinion , but the judgement of the Archbishops , and Bishops of this Kingdome , which I think good to publish unto you , that whasoever shall happen , the world may know that we were far from consenting to those favours which the Papists expect . After he had published it , the people gave their votes with a generall acclamation , crying , Amen . The judgements of the Bishops prevailed so much with the Protestants , that now the Proposals drove on very heavily ; and after much debate of things , the L. Deputy finding the discontents of both parties encreasing , desired our Lord Primate , as the fittest person , both in regard of his esteem in the Assembly , and being a member of the Council , and therefore concerned in promoting of the Kings business , to sum up the state of things , and to move them to an absolute grant of some competency that might comply with the Kings necessities , without any such conditions , with which upon their answer , he would cease moving any further ; which ( upon very little warning ) he did with much prudence , according to his double capacity of a Privy Counsellour , and a Bishop : A copy of which Speech desired of him by the Lord Deputy , was immediately transmitted into England : But it not being prevalent with the Assembly , to induce them to supply the Kings wants , it was dissolved . Not long after the Lord Deputy Falkland being called back into England , when he was to take Boat at the water side , he reserved our Lord Primate as the last person to take his leave of , and fell upon his knees on the sands , and begged his blessing , which reverend respect shewed to him , gained a greater reputation to himself , both in Ireland and England ; and indeed from his younger years , the several Lord Deputies had alwayes a great esteem of him . It was no small labour to him to answer those many Letters which came to him from forreign parts , and our own Nations upon several occasions ; some for resolution of difficulties in Divinity , others about Cases of Conscience , and practical subjects . Twelve of the most eminent Divines in London ( who at his being here , were wont to apply themselves to him as to a Father , as Dr. Sibbs , Dr. Preston , &c. between whom , and him there were most entire affections ) wrote to him for his directions about a Body of practical Divinity , which he returned them accordingly . He much endeavoured the augmentation of the maintenance of the Ministery in Ireland , and for that end he had obtained a Patent for Impropriations to be passed in his name for their use as they should fall , but it was too much neglected by themselves , whereby his desires were frustrated . He preached every Lords day in the forenoon , never failing unless he was disabled by sickness , in which he spent himself very much : In the afternoons his directions to Dr. Bernard , his assistant , were , that before publick Prayers he should Catechize the youth , and that after the first , and second Lesson , he should spend half an hour in a brief and plain opening the Principles of Religion in the publick Catichisme ; and therein he directed him to go , first through the Creed at once , giving but the sum of each Article , the next time to go through it at thrice , and afterwards to take each time one Article , as they might be more able to bear it ; and to observe the like proportionably in the Ten Commandements , the Lords Prayer , and the Doctrine of the Sacraments : The good fruit of which was apparent in the common people upon their coming to the Communion , at which time , by orde● , the receivers were to send in their names , and some account was constantly taken of their fitness for it . His order throughout his Diocess to the Ministers , was , that they should go through the Body of Divinity once a year , which he had accordingly drawn out into fifty heads . When any publick Fast was enjoyned he kept it very strictly , preaching alwayes first himself , and therein continuing at least two hours , in a more than ordinary manner enlarging himself in prayer ; the like was done by those that assisted him in the duty . His expences for Books was very great , especially whilst he enjoyed the revenues of his Archbishoprick , a certain part whereof he laid aside yearly for that end , but especially for the purchasing of Manuscripts and other Rarities , as well from remote parts of the world , as near at hand . He was the first that procured the Samaritan Bible ( which is onely the Pentateuch ) to the view of these Western parts of the world . It was sent him from Syria by the way of A●eppo , Anno Christi 1625. He had four of them sent him by a F●ctor whom he imployed to search for things of that nature ; and these were thought to be all that could there be had . One of these he gave to the Library of Oxford : A second to Leyden ( for which Ludevicus de Dieu returns him publick thanks in a Book that he dedicated to him : ) A third he gave to Sir Robert Cottons Library : And the fourth , after he had compared it with the other , he kept himself . The Old Testament in Syriack , an other Rarity also , was sent him from those parts not long after . It might happily seem incredible unto some , to relate how many years agone , he confidently foretold the changes which since are come to pass both in Ireland and England , both in Church and State , and of the poverty which himself should fall into , which he oft spake of in his greatest plenty . Some took much notice of that Text which he preached of in St. Maries in Cambridge , Anno Christi 1625 , upon the late Kings Coronation day , and the first annual solemnity of it , out of 1 Sam. 12. 25. If you still do wickedly , you shall be consumed , both you , and your King. Others of the last Text that he preached on at the Court immediately before his return into Ireland , 1 Cor. 14. 33. God is not the Author of confusion , but of peace , as in all the Churches of the Saints : In his application , he spake of the confusions , and divisions which he was confident were then at the doors . In his Book called Ecclesiarum Britannicarum Antiquitates , p. 556 , ●he hath this remarkable passage , after he had largely related the manner of the utter destruction of the British Church and State by the Saxons about the year 550 , as he found it in Gildas , he gives two reasons why he was so prolixe in setting it down , 1. That the Divine Justice might the rather from thence appear to us , the sins of persons of all sorts and degrees being then come to the heigth , which occasioned , not onely shaking of the foundations of the British Church and State ; but the very destruction , and almost utterly overturning of them . 2. That even we now might be in the greater fear that our turn also is coming , and may be minded of that of the Apostle , Rom. 11. 22. Behold the goodness and severity of God : On them which fell , severity , but towards thee goodness , if thou continue in his goodness : Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off . He often acknowledged that sometimes in his Sermons he hath resolved to forbear speaking of some things , but it proved like Jeremiahs fire shut up in his bones , that when he came to it , he could not forbear unless he would have stood mute , and proceeded no further . He was very bold and free in the exercise of his Ministry , sparing sin in none , yea even before Kings he was not ashamed to do it . He often ( to his utmost ) stood in the gap to oppose Errours and false Doctrines ; he withstood to the face any Toleration of Popery and Superstition , by whomsoever attempted : He was so fervent in his preaching , that that of the Psalmist might be applied to him , The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up . Anno Christi 1624 , he spake before many witnesses , and often repeated it afterwards , that he was perswaded that the greatest stroak to the Reformed Churches was yet to come ; and that the time of the utter ruine of the Roman Antichrist should be when he thought himself most secure , according to that Text , Revel . 18. 7. When she shall say , I sit as a Queen , and shall see no sorrow , &c. His farewell Sermon , in , or very near the place where he had lived in England , was then much observed upon Jam. 1. 25. Sin when it is finished brings forth death ; wherein he spake of the fulnes of the sins of this Nation , which certainly would bring great destruction : Adding , that the Harvest of the earth was ripe , and the Angel was putting in his sickle , Rev. 14. 18. applying also that of the Epha in the Vision , Zach. 5. when it was filled with wickedness ; and that of the Amorites , who when their iniquities were come to the full , were destroyed . He often also hinted the same in his private discourses , and many that heard them , laid these his sayings up in their hearts , and by what hath already fallen out , do measure their expectations for the future . At the last time of his being in London , he much lamented , with great thoughts of heart , the wofull dis-unions , and the deadly hatred which he saw kindled in the hearts of Christians one against another , by reason of their several opinions in matters of Religion ; and observing how some opposed the Ministry , both to Office and maintenance : Others contemned the Sacraments : Others raised , and spread abroad Damnable Dectrines , Heresies , and Blasphemies : Upon which considerations he was confident , that the enemies which had sown these up and down the Nation , were Priests , Friers , and Jesuits , and such like Popish Agents , sent out of their Seminaries from beyond the Seas in sundry disguises , who increasing in number here in London , and elsewhere , do expect a great harvest of their labours ; and he was perswaded , that if they were not timely prevented by a severe suppressing of them , the issue would be either an inundation of Popery , or a Massacre , or both ; adding withall , how willing he was , if the Lord so pleased , to be taken away from that evil to come , which he confidently expected , unless there were some speedy Reformation of these things . An. Christi 1634 , A little before the Parliament began in Ireland , there was a Letter sent over from the late King to the Lord Deputy , and Council , for determining the question of the precedency between the Primate and Archbishop of Dublin ; the question was nothing as to their persons , but in relation to their Sees . This good man out of his great-humility , was hardly drawn to speak to that Argument ; but being commanded , he shewed in it a great deal of learning , and rare observations in matters of Antiquity , so that the business was de●ermined on his side , who afterwards by another Letter ( procured without his seeking ) had the precedency given him of the Lord Chancellor . These things took little with him , but were rather burdens to him who was not in the least elated , or puffed up thereby . ' At that Parliament , he preached the first day of it before the Lord Deputy , and the Lords and Commons , in St. Patricks Dublin . His Text was , Gen. 49. 10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah , nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shiloh come , and to him shall the gathering of the people be . At the beginning also of the Parliament Anno Christi 1639 , he preached before the same Auditory on Deut. 33. 4 , 5. And Moses commanded us a Law , even the Inheritance of the Congregation of Jacob , and he was a King in Jesurun , when the heads of the people , and the Tribes of Israel were gathered together . Both which Texts as they were pertiment , so were they handled with rare Judgement and eminent Learning . The Lord was pleased to make his Labours very successfull , some few instances whereof , I shall here set down ; some of which I had from my Reverend Friend Mr. Stanly Gower , the last from my own knowledge . A Lords eldest son , who from his cradle had been trained up in Popery , but was of excellent parts , and learning was at last prevailed with by his Father to sojourn for a while with this learned Prelate in Drogheda ; The prudent Prelate studied nothing more than how he might take him by craft ( as the Apostle did the Corinthians , 2 Cor. 12. 16. ) and therefore did not presently fall into discourse with him about his Religion , but recreated himself for a time in discoursing with him about some Philosophical questions , and Schol-points , in which studies he perceived the Gentleman was well versed , and took much delight in them : This he continued till at last he gained so far upon his affections , that of his own accord he moved some discourse about matters of Religion ; and then finding him studious , he did not presently go about to instruct him in the Truth , but sought to puzzle him with doubts about his own Religion : By this means the Gentlemans conscience began to be awakened ; nor were his scruples removed , though he had recourse to a Monastery hard by where they were debated ; so that at last he came with tears to the Learned Primate for satisfaction , and he promised to deal faithfully with him ; but ( saith he ) those whom you trust do not so , for they will not suffer you to see with your own eyes , nor to understand the Scripture but according to their Churches Commentaries . Then did he advise him to go amongst them , and to ask them , whether he that understood the Originals might examine their Interpretations , and to bring him word what they said . Accordingly he did so , and brought him word , that they were divided in their judgements . Then did the learned Prelate wish him no longer to trust to their implicit Faith , and he would demonstrate to him how much they perverted the sense of the Scriptures , and abused the writings of the Antient Fathers , whilst they sought to make the world believe that the Fathers and Councils were wholly for them , and against us : And if ( saith he ) you distrust your own lear●ing and reading , and will make choice of anyother , who you think can say more , I will make this good which I have said before the best of them all . This was an introduction to much confidence which the Gentleman had in him ; and it pleased God after much temptation which he had to the contrary ( as he confessed ) to direct him to betake himself to prayer ; after which time , he acknowledged that he understood more of the way of truth , both when he conferred with the Primate , and when he meditated apart , than ever he could attain to before ; and the issue was , that he came into the Church unlooked for of the Primate , and after Sermon , made a confession of his Faith , offering to seal the truth of it ( if they pleased to admit him ) by receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , which was then to be administred . The Papists , especially the Priests were so enraged hereat , for losing such an one of whom they conceived so great hopes , that they made much disturbance , insomuch as the Gentleman , for safety , was sent over into England to Oxford , that he might decline their fury ; and the forces of the City were raised to prevent the present danger : and the Lord Deputy hearing of it , sent a Troop of Horse , and ( as it was said ) thereupon dissolved one of their Monasteries . Another was this , The Lady Falkland , about the time of the late Queens coming out of France to be married to King Charles , turned Recusant , and on a time was gotten into the company of Father Fisher , Father Sweet , and Father Swetnam in Drury Lane , and by some means or other , Dr. Featly , and Mr. Gataker were procured to meet them there ; the Lord Savil , brother to this Lady , as he also was going that way , accidentally met with Dr. Usher , and intreated him to go along with him to this meeting ; the Bishop consented , and by the way requested the Lord Savil at their first entrance privately to give notice to his Sister , the Lady Falkland , that she should take no notice of him , and saith he , I will do the like to the Ministers , and as for the Jesuits I beleeve , they know me not at all . At their first entrance , they found them engaged about Image-worship ; the Jesuits denied that they gave them Divine worship ; the Ministers were proving that they were no fit mediums to worship God by . After they had tugged at it , and were wearied , and ready to give over that Question , Bishop Usher said , But Gentlemen , pray you tell me , do not you give them Divine worship ? they answered no : How then ( said he ) will you be tryed ? they answered , By the Council of Trent . Indeed ( said the Bishop ) that Council doth require the giving of worship to them , but who shall expound what that honour , and worship is , and assure us that it is not Divine ? Will you be determined by Thomas Aquinas ? they said , Yes . Then was the Book sent for , and he turned presently to that place where he concludes , that the same reverence is to be given to the Image of Christ , as to Christ himself , and by consequence , seeing Christ is adored with the worship of Latria , his Image also is to be adored with the same worship . Now ( said the Bishop ) have you any higher worship than the Latria that you give to God ? Upon this one of the Jesuits whispered to the Lady Falkland to know his name that thus disputed ? she answered , that he was a Country Minister . No ( quoth the Jesuit ) there is more in him than in both the other . Try him ( said she ) further . That Question being laid aside , that of Free-will was taken up ; the Bishop sate silent as before whilst the state of the Question was canvassed between the Ministers and Jesuits , and much ado there was about it , so that they had like to have broken off , without coming to any issue ; the Bishop seeing that , said ; Gentlemen , if you will give me leave I will bring you to the point in difference presently by this similitude . If you make Free-will to be the Horse , I will make Grace to be his Rider . Now true it is , my Horse can go of himself , but he knows not whither I intend to go : Besides he is dull , and tyred , and I spur him on ; my spur doth not properly go , but it makes my Horse to go . You may easily apply it : But the Jesuits had enough , and listed not to encounter him any farther , pretending a necessity to be gone , and so left the place ; So mightily it pleased God by him to convince them . Another was this : A Protestant Knight in Ireland , had prevailed so far with his Lady , who was then a Papist , as to admit of a Parley about their Religion , and she made choice of one for her , that was called amongst them , the Rock of Learning . The Knight made choice of this our Primate to encounter him , and upon the day appointed many persons of note were there assembled ; the learned , and prudent Primate before the Disputation began , spake thus to the Lady , Madam ( said he ) let us know the end of our meeting . Is it that this Gentleman , and I should try our strength before you ? If so , then it is like that we can speak Languages , and quote Authors which you do not understand , how then will you know who gets the better ? Therefore this is not our end : If this Gentleman desires to shew his learning and reading that way , if he please to come to the College of Dublin , where there are men that will understand us both , and can judge between us , I shall willingly deal with him at those weapons : but now our business is something else : It is supposed that we two , whom your Husband and you have chosen , can speak more for the defence of our Religion than you that chose us , and your desire is to know , by hearing our discourse in your own Language , how to rectifie your judgements . Now therefore I will give you a rule , which if you please to remember , you shall be able to discern which of us two have the truth on our side , and it is this : The Points we will discourse of shall be such , without some knowledge whereof no man may in an ordinary way attain to the end of his Faith , the salvation of his soul. In these you may easily lose your selves , not onely by Heresie , which is a flat denying of them , but by Ignorance also , by a bare not know of them . The word of truth contained in the Scriptures , is the rule both of Faith and Life , common to small and great , concerning these things : Now whilst we keep to the true sense of the Scriptures in these points , you may understand us both ; but when we shall fly to subtle distinctions to evade plain Texts , or flye from the Scriptures to take sanctuary in Authors which you know not , assure your selves that we are at a loss , and seek victory rather than truth . Keep this Rule , Madam , in you minde , for this Gentleman dares not deny it to be a true one , and then you will be the better for our meeting . And now Sir ( said he to the Jesuit , her Champion ) I am ready to engage with you in any such points . The Dispute was begun , and after a short encounter , the Jesuit was driven to those shifts ; whereupon the Primate said , Madam , do you understand my Argument that I propounded to this Gentleman ? She answered , Yes , and do you ( said he ) understand this Gentlemans answer ? She answered , No indeed , It is too high for me : But ( said the Primate ) I do , and can answer him in his own way , but then you would not understand me neither : Therefore Sir ( said he to the Jesuit ) I pray you help the Lady to understand your answer as she doth my Argument , then I will further reply . But it pleased God within a while , so to disable the Jesuit from proceeding , that he left the place with shame ; and the Lady by this , and some further endeavours , became not only a good Protestant , but a very gracious woman . The last instance I shall give of the successfulness of his labors , is this , About twelve or thirteen years ago we had an Ordination of Ministers in our seventh Classis ; at which time ( according to our custome ) we called in the young men that were to be Ordained one after an other , and examining of them about the work of Gods Grace in their hearts , three of them acknowledged that they were converted by Gods blessing upon the labours of this our Lord Primate , whilst he preached at Oxford , where they then were Students about the beginning of the long Parliament . Anno Christi 1640 , He came out of Ireland into England , being invited thereto by some eminent persons , wherein the special providence of God did manifest it self for his preservation , it being the year before the Rebellion brake out in Ireland ; as if ( according to the Angels speech to Lot ) nothing could be done there till he was come hither , and escaped to this his Zoar. His Library ( which was very great ) in the first year of the Rebellion , viz. 1641 , was in Drogheda , which place was besieged four moneths by the Irish Rebels , and they made no question of taking it , and some of their Priests and Friers talked much what a prize they should gain by that Library ; but the barbarous multitude spake of burning it : But it pleased God to hear the Fastings , and Prayers of his people within , and in a wonderful manner to deliver them , and so all his Books and Manuscripts were sent him that Summer to Chester , and from thence were brought safe to London . The sufferings he now lay under were many and great . All his personal estate was lost , and that which belonged to his Primacy in Ireland was destroyed , only for the present he was preacher in Covent Garden . Anno Christi 1641 , The great business of the Earle of Strafford came in agitation , upon which a scandal was raised of him , by a rash , if not a malicious Pen in his Vocal Forrest , as if he had made use of a pretended distinction of a personal and Political conscience to satisfie the late King that he might consent to the beheading of the said Earle , telling him , that though the first resisted , yet he might do it by the second ; but to clear him of this , a person of quality affirmed under his hand , that some years agone a rumour being spread of the death of this Reverend Prelate ( whose loss was much lamented at Oxford ) when this concerning the Earle was then by one objected against him , the late King answered that person in very great passion , and with an oath Protested his innocency therein . Besides , he left under his owne hand a relation of that whole business , a true Copy whereof followeth . That Sunday morning wherein the King consulted with the four Bishops , viz. of London , Durham , Lincoln , and Carlisle ) the Archbishop of Armagh was not present , being then preaching , as he then accustomed to do , every Sabbath in the Church of Covent Garden , where a message coming to him from his Majesty , he descended from the Pulpit , and told the Messenger , that he was then , as he saw , imployed in Gods business , which as soon as he had done , he would attend upon the King to understand his pleasure : But the King spending the whole afternoon in the serious debate of the Lord Straffords Case with the Lords of his Council , and the Judges of the Land , he could not before evening be admitted to the Kings presence . There the Question was again agitatated , Whether the King in justice might pass the Bill of Attainder against the Earle of Strafford . For , that he might shew mercy to him was no Question at all , no man doubting , but that the King without any scruple of conscience might have granted him a pardon , if other reasons of State ( in which the Bishops were made neither Judges nor Advisers ) did not hinder him . The whole result therefore of the Bishops determination , was to this effect ; That herein , the matter of Fact , and the matter of Law were to be distinguished ; that of the matter of Fact , he himself might make a Judgement , having been present at all the proceedings against the said Lord ; where , if upon hearing all the allegations , on either side , he did not conceive him guilty of the Crimes wherewith he was charged , he could not in justice condemn him . But for the matter in Law , what was Treason , and what was not , he was to rest in the opinion of the Judges , whose office it was to declare the Law , and who were sworn , therein to carry themselves indifferently betwixt him and his subjects , &c. Upon his losses in Ireland , and the straits he was brought into here , two Offers were made unto him from Forreign Nations ; the one from Cardinal Ri●hlieu , onely in relation to his eminent learning , with a promise of large maintenance , and liberty to live where he pleased in France amongst the Protestants . The other from the States of Holland , who proffered him the place of being Honorarius Professor at Leiden , which had an ample stipend belonging to it ; but he refused both . And now by reason of the disturbance of the times he was perpetually removing , having with St. Paul , no certain dwelling place , and some of those evidences mentioned by that great Doctor of the Gentiles to prove himself to be the Minister of Christ , were applicable to him , 2 Cor. 6. 3 , &c. In much patience , in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses , in tumults , or tossings to and fro ; in labours , in watchings , and fastings . By honour and dishonour : by evil report , and good report : as deceivers , and yet true : as unknown , and yet well known : as dying , and behold we live : as chastened and not killed : as sorrowful , and yet alwayes rejoycing : as poor , yet making many rich : as having nothing , and yet possessing all things , &c. Anno Christi 1642 , He obtained leave of both Houses of Parliament to go to Oxford for his study in that Library . Anno Christi 1644 , the late King coming thither , he preached before him on the fifth of November . His Text was Nehem. 4. 11. And our Adversaries said , they shall not know , neither see , till we come in the middest amongst them , and stay them , and cause their work to cease . In his Sermon he advised his hearers to put no repose in the Papists , who ( saith he ) upon the first opportunity will serve us here , as they have done the poor Protestants in Ireland , which much offended some that were there present . In March following he went from thence into Wales to Cardiff in Glamorganshire , where for a time , he abode with his Daughter : But Septem . 16. Anno Christi 1645 , he removed from thence to St. Donnets ( the Lady Stradlings ) and by the way meeting with some Souldiers , they used him barbarously , plucked him off his horse , and brake open two of his Trunks full of Books , taking them all away : amongst these he lost two Manuscripts of the History of the Waldenses , most of his Books he recovered again ; but these Manuscripts , though the meanliest clad , he could never hear of , which gave suspicion that some Priest or Jesuit had lighted upon them . The loss of them grieved him much , they being of use to him for the finishing of that Book , De Ecclesiarum Christianarum successione , & statu . Not long after he fell into a painful sickness , wherein he bled four dayes together , so that he swoonded , and all hope of life was past , and a rumour was spread abroad that he was dead , which occasioned grief to many ; and it was so far believed at Court , that a Letter came over for a successor in his Primacy in Ireland : But it pleased God that he recovered , and June 11 , Anno Christi 1646 , he came to London , where the Countess of Peterborough gladly received him . After a while he was chosen to be preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns Inne , where he continued divers years with great honour , and respect from them , till at the last , losing his sight , so that he could not read his Text , and his strength decaying , he was advised by his friends to forbear , and to reserve himself , and the remainder of his strength for the writing of Books , which were yet expected from him . No spectacles could help his sight , onely when the Sun shone he could see at a window , which he hourly followed from room to room in the house of his abode : In Winter the casement was often set open for him to write at . This Summer he conceived would be the last , wherein he should make use of his eyes ; the Winter following he intended to have an Amanuensis to write for him , and a competent salary was intended for him whom he should choose to that work : But the Lord was pleased to prevent it by taking him to the sight of himself . After he had left Lincolns Inne , he was prevailed with to preach in several places , as in Graies Inne , Nov. 5. Anno 1654 , which he then thought might have been his last Sermon , and it was taken as an honour by that Honourable Society , whereof he had been admitted a member at a Reading above thirty years before : He preached also at the Temple at Mr. Seldens Funeral , and at two other places in the City , both which the Lord was pleased to make very effectual in the conversion of divers that were his hearers : And indeed seldome did the Sword drawn by him return empty . The last Sermon which he preached was about Michelmas , Anno 1655 , at Hammersmith . He complained that he was much troubled , finding himself unable to continue his Ministry ; his thoughts were on it in the day , and his dreams in the night , and though he had been a preacher about fifty and five years , and so , like the Levites might well be excused from this service of the Sanctuary , and have imployed himself ( as his manner was ) in directing of others , yet he resolved , if God continued his life the Summer following , to return to it again in some small Church or Chappel . He sought not great things for himself : In the time of his distress by reason of his losses in Ireland , the Parliament for some years was bountiful to him ; but the two last years of their sitting , it fell out to be suspended . But after they were dissolved , the care of him was renewed by the Lord Protector , by whose Order a constant competent allowance was given him , which was continued till his death , besides very considerable summes extraordinary . All that knew him , found him very communicative , not onely of his studies for the advantage of their mindes , but of part of his stipend , for the relief of their bodies ; and indeed in works of charity he more needed a bridle , than a spur . He was not so severe in his judgement about Episcopacy , as to disown other Reformed Churches , but declared that he loved and honoured them , as true members of the Church universal , and was ready for the Ministers of Holland , France , & ● . to testifie his Communion with them . He was a man of a most exemplary moderation , meekness , humility , and ingenuity . Anno 1641 , he drew up an Expedient to accommodate some of our differences in Ecclesiastical Affairs , which some moderate men of both parties were ready to subscribe . But in matters of Doctrine for the substantials , it was often his charge , that Ministers should not preach any thing , as to please men , but God , who hath put them in trust , 1 Thess. 2. 4. For such as seek to please men , are not the servants of Christ , Gal. 1. 10. And in defence of those truths , no man was more resolute and constant than he , not giving place by way of subjection , no not for an hour , Gal. 2. 5. but in circumstantials , he thought it to be our duty with St. Paul , to please all men , and not our in all such things , 1 Cor. 10. 31. to edification and concord . He was in these things alwayes the same , holding fast the form of sound words in Doctrine and practice to the last . The night before he left London , Oh! the humble expressions he used of his own unworthiness , demeaning himself as if he had been the least of Saints , which he uttered with many tears : He wished those about him to prepare for afflictions and trials , which he was perswaded , were not far from them . Having abode at London one and fifty dayes , for so it was punctually noted by himself in a Book , it being his custome , with David so to number his dayes , both for the place where , and the manner how he spent them , he returned to Rygate , Feb. 13. 1655 , to the Countess of Peterboroughs . March the 20 following , was the first day of his sickness , upon which day ( as every day ) he had been well busied . Most part of it , as long as he had light , he had spent at his study , proceeding in his Chronologia sacra , clearing all the doubts in his Annals of the Bible , in which he had gone as far as to the Book of Judges , where the last words he wrote were these , Hic praeterea notandum , but returned not to make any further progress . From his study he went to visit a sick Gentlewoman in that Family , and prescribed to her most excellent preparatives for death , with other most holy advice in practical matters , in which he spent three quarters of an hour , but in such an heavenly manner , as if , like Moses upon Mount Nebo , his eyes had been strengthened to take a prospect of the heavenly Canaan . That night about eight a clock , he first complained of his hip , judging it to be a spice of the Sciatica , which he had been troubled with about five and thirty years before , contracted by sitting up late in the College Library at Dublin ; but by the application of an ointment , he was presently eased of that pain , so that he took some rest that night . In the morning he complained of a great pain in his side , whereupon a Physitian was sent for , who used such means as he judged fit for him ; but the pain continuing , and his spirits decaying , he wholly addicted himself to prayer , only upon the abating of the torment , he advised those about him , in health to prepare for sickness , and death , that then they might have nothing else to do but to dye ; and after a short settlement of the things of this world , he took great content in his approaching death . A Minister there present assisted him with his prayers , but afterwards he desired to be left to his own private . The last words he was heard to utter which was about one a clock in the afternoon , and a little before his death ) were these ; praying for the forgiveness of his sins , he added , But Lord in special forgive my sins of Omission : Herein he had his wish , which he often used , that he might dye as holy Mr. Perkins did , which expired with crying for mercy and forgiveness . But did he pray for pardon of his sins of Omission ? and yet he was a person that was never known to omit an hour , but was alwayes imployed in his Masters business , either in preaching , reading , writing , or hearing others ( as of late ) to read to him ; either resolving doubts , or exhorting , instructing , and counselling such as came to visit him ; yet did he dye with this humble expression , Lord forgive my sins of Omission . A speech that may give us all matter of solemn meditation , and imitation . March the 21. Anno Christi 1655 , this glorious Sun set , and from earth was translated to Heaven , having been Primate of Ireland just one and thirty years , and a Preacher five and fifty years , and having lived about seventy five years . What he had to leave was only his Library , and divers imperfect Copies of his intended Works , which death prevented his finishing of . The Lord Protector ( as he was then called ) gave him an honourable burial at the publick charge , in the Chappel of Henry the seventh at Westminster , and extended to his , what was before intended for himself in the grant of some of the Lands belonging to the Primacy of Armagh for the terme of one and twenty years . He was highly admired , and much honoured by all the famous Lights of his time through the Christian world . Spanhemius Divinity-Professor at Geneva , Anno Christi 1639 , in his Epistle Dedicatory to him , before his third Part Dubiorum Evangelicorum , spends above two leaves in extolling him : Some of his expressions are ; Your very great parts , Most excellent Usher , are known , not onely within your own Country , but in ours , and wheresoever else there is honour given to Piety , or price set upon learning , &c. He speaks much of his Charity to strangers , his Humility , Piety , Works , his Library , of which he made such use for the publick good , that it was not so much his own as the Library of all learned men : In a word ( saith he ) the name of Usher with us is a name of Piety and Vertue , it is of great Renowne at our Geneva , &c. Gerard Vossius frequently admires him as a man of vast learning , worthy of an everlasting Monument . The high merits ( saith he ) of this most excellent , and throughout most learned man , both of the Church , and of the whole Commonwealth of Learning , deserve an everlasting grateful memory : A man so excelling in the knowledge both of Humane and Divine things , that I cannot speak any thing so high of him , but his worth doth surpass it . Bochartus and Simplicius , call him frequently , Magnum Usherium , Usher the Great . Morus in his Oration at Geneva dedicated to him , stiles him , The most Excellent servant of God , The most Reverend man of God ; the Athanasius of our Age. Thy breast ( saith he ) is a breathing Library : Thou art to Britain as Austin was to Hippo : Farewel Britains great Honour . Ludovicus de Dieu in his Animadversions on the Acts , dedicated to him , entitles him , To the Excellent Prelate , worthy of an Eternal memory , &c. Paulus Testardus Blesensis stiles him , Seculi , & Ec●clesiae decus eximium , the greatest honour of the Church and Age. Arnoldus Bootius , saith of him , That he did excel with a most singular Judgement in the Oriental Languages , and in all other abstruse , and deep learning : Venerable to all Europe , whose Authority prevails much with all men , &c. Mr. Selden saith of him , The most Reverend Prelate James Usher , a man of great Piety , singular Judgement , learned to a Miracle , and born to promote the more severe studies , &c. Dr. Prideaux calls him , The most rich Magazine of solid Learning , and of all Antiquity . Dr. Davenant speaks thus of him , A man of singular Piety , abounding with all manner of Learning . Sir Roger Twisden acknowledging the assistance he had from him in his History , saith thus , This we owe to the most worthy Archbishop of Armagh , in whom , with incredible learning , and rare knowledge of Antiquity , his most courteous conversation , and wonderful sweetness , in instructing the unskilful , mixed with a certain serious Episcopal gravity , were seen to strive one with the other , &c. There was an eminent Character given of him by a the whole University of Oxford in the year 1644 , by solemn Order in the Convocation , which was given in charge to sixteen eminent persons , of whom seven were Doctors chosen with the Vice-Chancellor & Proctors , to see his Effigies cut , and an Elogium worthy of him , to be prefixed to his Annotations on Ignatius his Epistles ( there then in the Press ) and at the charges of the University , and in the publick name of it . Indeed it was omitted to that book , but was aftewards affixed to his Book De Symbolis ; the Elogium is this , James Usher Archbishop of Armagh , Primate of all Ireland , the most skilful of Primitive Antiquity , the unanswerable Defender of the Orthodox Religion , the Maul of Errours , in preaching frequent , eloquent , very powerful , a rare example of an unblameable life . Yea for his learning , his very Adversaries being Judges , those of the Church of Rome have acknowledged . A certain Jesuit in a Book called Hyberniae Vindiciae , writing against Dempster , a Scotchman , who had undervalued the Irish for learning , after he had reckoned up many Learned men of his own , and other Orders of that Nation , at length he addes this of our Primate , And if I should put in men of a different Religion , I might truly say , Scotland never saw another Usher , whose sublime wit , and most curteous behaviour , I wish that unlucky education amongst Sectaries had not been his stepmother . Divers others of his Popish Adversaries might be mentioned , but I forbear , and shall adde onely the Testimony of Dr. William Chappel , sometime Fellow of Christs College in Cambridge , and afterwards Provost of Trinity College , Dublin , who was very judicious , and a great learned man : He gave three reasons why he thought our Primate to be the greatest Schollar in the Christian world . 1. Because of his rare natural parts , having a quick invention , a prompt wit , a strong memory , a clear understanding , a piercing judgement , and a ready utterance . Seldome ( said he ) do all these meet in an eminent degree in the same person ; but in him they so concurred , that it is hard to say in which of them he most excelled . 2. Because few men had made so rich an improvement of these parts ; nor indeed had such means , by reason of the choice Libraries which he had the use of , viz. his own , Dr. Challoners , the University Library at Dublin , which he had frequent access unto , besides the University Libraries , and Sir Robert Cottons in England He had also taken indefatigable pains in studying , and that for many years together , which few other mens bodies and brains could bear . 3. Because in these , and in the Universities beyond the Seas , he was so esteemed ; and whosoever conversed with him , found him a skilful Linguist , a subtile Disputant , a fluent Orator , a profound Divine , a great Antiquary , an exact Chronologer ; and in brief , a living , and walking Library : Insomuch that the greatest Professors admired the concatenation of so much learning in one person . A Catalogue of the Books published by him . De Ecclesiarum Christianarum successione & statu , in 4o. Epistolarum Hybernicarum Syloge , in 4o. Historia Goteschalci , in 4o. De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Britanicarum , in 4o. Ignatii Epistolae cum annotationibus , in 4o. De Anno Solari , Macedonum , in 8o. Annales Veteris Testamenti in Fol. Annales Novi Testamenti , &c. in Fol. Epistola ad Cappellum de variantibus textus Hebraici lectionibus , in 4o. De Graeca Septuaginta Interpretum versione Syntagma , in 4o. A Sermon before the House of Commons , Feb. 18. 1618. A Declaration of the Visibility of the Church , in a Sermon before King James , June 20. 1624. A Speech in the Castle in Dublin the 22 of Nov. 1622. An Answer to Malon the Jesuit , in 4o. 1631. The Religion professed by the antient Irish and British , in 4o. 1631. Immannel , or The Incarnation of the Son of God , in 4o. 1639. A Geographical Description of the lesser Asia , in 4o. 1644. Confessions and Proofs of Dr. Reynolds , and other Protestant Divines about Episcopacy , in 4o. 1644. A Discourse of the Original of Bishops , and Archbishops , in 4o. 1644. His small Catechisme reviewed , in 12o. 1654. His Body of Divinity , in part his , but published without his consent , in Fol. A Method for Meditation , or a Direction for hearing the Word . Annals of the Old and New Testament , with the Synchronismes of Heathen Story to the destruction of Jerusalem , in Fol. The Life and Death of Mr. Richard Capel , who dyed Anno Christi 1656. Mr. Richard Capel was born in the City of Gloucester , Anno Christi 1586 ; of good Parentage , descended from an ancient Family of the Gentry of his own name , in Herefordshire , and of alliance to the Lord Capel , ( but he had learned with brave Philpot , to tread that under his feet . ) His Father was a stout man , and an Alderman of that City ; a fast friend , first to Mr. Thomas Prior , and afterwards to Mr. John Workman , ( having had a principall hand in drawing of him thither ) both of them men of great sufficiency for the preaching of the Gospell , and instruments that the Lord made much use of , for the advancement of the true saving knowledge of himself , and for the setting up of the reall , and substantiall power of godliness in that City , during the time that they exercised their M●nistry there . His elder Brother yet lives , and is an Alderman in that place . After he had been trained up at School , and well fitted for it , he was sent to the University of Oxford , where his diligence , and proficiency was such , that he was chosen Fellow of Magdalen-Colledge , and had the breeding up of some there , who afterwards proved excellent , and eminent Scholars : as Dr. Frewen , ( who was alwayes a thankfull man to him for his education ) and famous Mr. Pemble , who ended his dayes at his house , &c. His attendance at Court upon the chiefest favourite ( in the dayes of that learned King James ) gave him opportunity of advancement , i● his thoughts had been bent that way : but he sought not great things for himself ; yet continued at Court till the death of Sr. Thomas Overbury , that learned Knight , and his very good friend , and then he had adieu to that course of life . As for his inward storms they were very many , and exceeding bitter , ( which also were accompanied with many bodily infirmities , which attended him in his younger years ) but it was well for him that he bore the yoke in his youth : and there was none that knew so much of his temptations and desertions , as th●t eminent , and learned Divine , Dr. Harris , by reason of that intimate acquaintance he had with him in those dayes ( being his kinsman ) which also was occ●sioned the more , by the often recourse he had then into those parts , for the fetching of some spiriruall refreshing from that man of God , Mr. John Dod , who was both able , and willing to speak a word in season to a broken and co●rite heart . For the eminency of h●s parts , there were very few that could match him . The most , even of our most high-flown Eagles , have commonly some peculiar gift wherein they most excell , and by it ●o very good service to Christ , and his Church : but this man had grasped all good learning , and made every thing his own so evenly to see to , that he was very expert in the same , and would ( with Cato the elder ) be up in the height , in all th●t ever he was to act in . Melancthon used to say that Pomeranus was the Gramarian : that himself was the Logician : that Justus Jonas was the Orator : but that Luther . was all in all : here was one that was not inferior to Luther . If he pleased to turn to the School , or to Case-Divinity : to Augustine , or Chrysostome : to Galen , or Hippocrates : to Aristotle , or Tully : to History , or Philosophy : to Arts , or Tongues : who could tell but himself , which of them he was best versed in ? He was a very living Library , a full storehouse of all kind of good literature , no less than a little University , the mirrour of those parts , and above the envy of most . The least draught of his Pencil , would have told any Protogenes , he had been the Apelles . He excelled in all that ever he would set his hand to , unless it were in his utterance in the publick Congregation , and therein indeed he had a great defectiveness . God 〈◊〉 him great understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do . He stood upon the Watch-tower , and saw what was hid from most mens eyes ; and being quick of sent , in the fear of the Lord , he gave timely notice to some that stood in place : which had it been heeded , we had never been so fearfully pestered with those Hydraes heads that are now starting up afresh daily to the great disturbance of our people . Simler said of Melancthon at his going from the University of Tubing , that none of the learned men there , how many soever they were , had so much learning , as to know the great learning that was in that man. Too too many amongst us were even sick of the same disease , that knew not the depth that was in this mans brest . There were many men in this one man , even all Scholarship epitomized in this profound Clerk : and yet for all this , he had that great blessing , which he himself observed as a singular favour vouchsafed to Dr. John Reynolds , that great Oracle of Oxford , that he never set on foot any manner of new opinion . The like is observed of learned Dr. Whitaker , st●led the Oracle of Cambridge , and the miracle of the world . A mercy that most men of superlative parts use not to be too rich in . There is scarce any strong brain , without some strong fancy . If the great wits of our times had kept themselves close to the steps of these rare Divines , we had never seen the sorrows that we now sigh , and groan under , and would be glad to be rid of if we knew how . For the excellency of his preaching he excelled most men . He was an In●erpreter one of a thousand . His understanding was strangely opened , for the understanding and opening the Scriptures . He would bolt out that out of the holy Book of God , that would not come into any other mans consideration ; yet it should be genuine , and evidently appearing to be the dri●t , and meaning of the Holy Ghost . An intelligent man could never sit at his feet , or be in his company , but he should meet with that there that would never fall from any other mans mouth , nor ever drop from any other mans Pen. His words were as Goads , and as Nails fastened by the Master of the Assemblies . They were edged with so much reason , re-enforced from the lively Oracles , that they could not fall to the ground in vain . It 's no marvell therefore that the Cream of the whole Country where he lived ( as they could have opportunity ) would hang upon his Ministry . Yet he used to be very plain in all his expressions . He would not deliver what he had from God in an unknown tongue , nor yet in words , and phrases which were too sp●uce , and trim . He had learned his lesson we●l of that great Apostle , and Doctor of the Gentiles , who came not with enticing words : nor with any other , but such as the very Catechu●n●ni , the youngest beginners might understand . He kept close to the footsteps of our choicest Worthies : as famous Mr. Dod ( who used to say , that so much Latine was so much flesh in a Sermon ) Mr. Cleaver , Mr. Hildersam , and such other holy men of God , led by the self same Spirit . He would deliver the whole , and wholesome truths of God , in such an holy , and wholsome way , that it bred very good bloud in the hearts of his hearers . He would stoop so low as to speak to the poor Country people in their own proper dialect , so as they could not but even see , and feel , and find out God , and be occasioned to speak of him all the week after . If he met with a deep mystery , he would make it plain to the shallowest capacity . Whatever Subject he sell upon , he would handle it so Divine-like , that the hearts of his Auditors would be wrapt up into Heaven , whilest they heard him winding , and turning a point of Divinity , like a workman that needed not to be ashamed . Whereas , now adayes , whilest some of our great Divines , seem to be too much taken up with quaint , and Historicall flourishes , there is a sensible decay of the power of God amongst us . An Exotick , or strange tongue in the publick Congregation ( whatever men think of it ) is set out as a sign of Gods displeasure , 1 Cor. 14. 21 , 22. It feeds such humors as should rather be purged out . It had no good effect in the Church of Corinth . Mens wits will waxe wanton , when they be not over-awed by the plain power of Gods Word . When Preachers keep not close to the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ , 1 Tim. 6. 3. and to the Doctrine that is according to godliness : but love to be tampering with another Doctrine , though not with another in the main ; but even in the manner of delivery only , ( as when it savours too much of the pomp of humane eloquence ( saith Calvin ) when it differs from the stile of the Holy Ghost , ( saith Danaeus ) the people be in danger of turning aside to vain jangling , to perverse disputings , desiring to be teachers , and such like matters . The Gold upon the Pill may please the eye ; but it profits not the patient . The Paint upon the Glass may feed the fancy ; but the room is the darker for it . The Sword of Gods Spirit can never wound so deep , as when it 's plucked out of these gaudy Scabbards . Nakedness deforms too too many in these dayes ; but it is the best garnishing , and Ornament the truth can have . A sober dress best becomes a grave Matron . There be words as well as things which the Holy Ghost teacheth , 1 Cor. 2. 13. The Arrows fetched out of Gods own Quiver will pierce the deepest , and make the people fall the soonest under Christ. The weakness of God is stronger than men . Pauls weapons were mighty . The sincere milk of Gods Word will make Christs Babes to grow best . This curious age is too too much given to the affectation of words , and phrases , and cadencies : and holy Dr. Sibs was wont to say , that great affectation , and good affections seldome goe together . The swelling words of vanity may tickle the ear , tip the tongue , and please in matters of discourse : but when it comes to push of Pike , they afford but little comfort . Mr. Capel had another manner of wisdome than that of words . He was an able Minister of the New Testament , not of the letter , but of the Spirit , that hath given , doth give , and will give life , 2 Cor. 3. 6. Having this hope then , he used great plainness of speech : and by the manifestation of the truth , he commended himself to every mans conscience in the sight of God , and thereby hath so well seasoned the Country where he lived , that the fruit of it ( without doubt ) will remain , and be seen many years after . His Prayers were lively , and fervent . He was a man that had a very large measure of that Spirit of grace , which is a Spirit of Supplication . He was so well fitted with abilities to open his mind to God , as if ( with blessed Bradford ) he had been almost ever upon his knees . He could tell his own errand , or any other mans , at the Throne of grace , with as good freedome , and to as good purpose , as any man living . He would not be rash with his mouth when he came before God , nor set out what he had to say there , with painted eloquence , or Court-like complement : but his mouth used to be filled with such savoury Arguments , as very well became an humble Suppliant . He was far from those battologies , and miserable extravagancies , that too many prayers are stuffed with . He would pour out his soul to God at all manner of times , upon all manner of occasions , with all manner of Prayer , and Supplication , and with that admirable variety of all sorts of quickening and feeling meditations , that it would even ravish the hearts of those who had the happiness to be partakers with him therein . Yet for all this , he was clear in his opinion for the lawfulness of the use of set Forms of Prayer , according to the tenet of all our best , and most judicious Divines , and according to the practice of all Churches , even the best reformed , saith Mr. Rogers , now , and in all former ages . So saith Mr. Hildersam : yea , and Mr. Smith himself saith upon the Lords Prayer ( though as then he was warping , and afterwards wandred far in the wayes of Separation ) that it was the practice of the ancient Church , and of all the Reformed Churches in Christendome : of the Churches immediately after the Apostles ; nay ( saith he ) of the Church in the time of the Apostles , as may probably be gathered out of 1 Cor. 14. 26. This hath also been the practice of the best lights that ever were set up in the Churches of Christ. It is very well known that the flower of our own Divines went on in this way , when they might have done otherwise if they had pleased , in their Prayers before their Sermons . Nay , Mr. Dod himself would seldome end his devotions in his own Family but with the use of the Lords Prayer . Nay yet more , Mr. Cartwright ( Hist. Christ. p. 3. p. 535. ) thinks it very probable that Christ his own self made use of a set Form at meales . It is not good to cast stones of offence in the way of our weak Brethren , who being of meaner parts , want ability , memory , and audacity to conceive Prayer , especially before others , that they be not taken off from , nor disheartened in this so comfortable , and necessary a service of God : nor may we lay a trap , or snare for our own feet . Who knoweth what times may pass over him ? If God should plunge us into the Ditch , and leave us labouring in the noose , the loftiest of us all may be faign to take relief from , and to make use of these poor contemptible props , and crutches ( as some deem , and call them ) When the soul is so troubled that it cannot speak ; but Chatter only , like a Crane , and Swallow , Psal. 77. 4. When it is so full of grief that it can do no more than sigh , and groan , and make a confused noise , as Psal. 55. 2. it will then be glad to catch at any thing to give it self vent by . Dr. Harris tells us of a second Bradford , that in time of his distress , was fain to adopt Mr. Bradfords words , and to spread them before God as his own , because he had said more for him ( as he thought ) than he could say for himself . I knew ( saith mine Author ) a rare , and eminent Divine indeed , that would be as often upon his knees as any man that ever I conversed with , that would sometimes be in such damps , that had no more to set before God to give his heart ease by , than the words of David in the one and fiftieth Psalm . Well might then this knowing Divine of ours , that had been so tossed with tempests , be tender of that , that might be so usefull for poor trembling hearts in a stormy day . Get to God therefore as thou canst . Sad judgements be upon our people . Spirituall judgements are the forest judgements . What if thou hast but the same words ? as Christ , Mat. 26. 44. thou maist be heard as he was , Heb. 10. 11. The song of Moses was a new Song , because tendered to God with new affections , Rev. 14. 3. & 15. 3. What if thy petitions be broken , and confused ? as Exod. 14. 10 , 11 , 12. This poor man cried , saith David , Psal. 34. 6. when he was in a poor case indeed , like a Bedlam , 1 Sam. 21. 13. and yet he was heard . The little lisping children have sometimes a grant of their requests , when those that are of greater maturity seem to be set aside . Whilst Moses held up his hands ( though in a poor way ) Israel prevailed . Who can tell what God may do ? Abraham left asking , ere God left granting , even for a filthy Sodome . Remember Mr. Latimers , once againe , once againe : Tug , and wrestle . We may come to see , and our people may bee made to know , that their heart is turned backe againe to the God of their Fathers , 1 King. 18. 37. But to return to Master Capel . He was of a sound , and setled judgement . He pitched at first upon a good foundation , and being nourished up in the words of Faith , he continued in the things he had learned , and been well assured of , knowing from whom he had received them , as 1 Tim. 4. 6. He was well grounded in his opinion : one that stood like a brazen wall , as firm as a very Rock in the middest of all the dashings and clashings of tempestuous times . He saw with a clear eye through all the painted glosses of those that were given to change ; and therefore was not moved at all with any thing that was said or done in that kinde ; he was true to his Religion , and clave close all along to his first principles , holding fast the Faith that was once , and ( as he himself would often express it ) but once delivered to the Saints . He lived and dyed a true Orthodox Divine , according to the known Doctrine of the Church of England . He knew full well , for all the great talk of the Gospel , as though it were but newly dropt out of the clouds , that there is not any other Gospel , but the everlasting Gospel , Rev. 14. 8. that was preached before unto Abraham , Gal. 3. 8. and hath been entertained all along still by Gods faithful people , and shall be so continually to the end of the world . Yet some there be that are no mean pretenders to the Gospel , and notwithstanding the same , are in great danger of perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ , as Gal. 1. 7. This constant , and stable man was set up as a sure Sea-mark . Let us stand to his steps though we stand alone . God and a good conscience are alwayes good company . Elijah was but one , yet did he very good service . One Athansius in the East , one Hillary in the West , was of mighty great use in a staggering time . What if we meet with storms . It is but a poor Religion that is not worth suffering for . It will turn to a Testimony , Luke 21. 13. When the wilde humour is spent , men will return home again . A Statue of Mercury wil be looked upon then . Those poor silly souls that be tossed to and fro , and whirled about , and about again with every wind of Doctrine , Eph. 4. 14. will be glad of such a sight in the day of their visitation ; whereas they which know , or should know more of God , be not steddy in their steering , but vary in their course , poor bewildred hearts will be at their wits ends , not knowing which way to turn , nor to whom to go , nor whom to walk after . As there is but one God , so there is but one Faith , & one Baptisme , and one way to eternal life , and one Rule for us all to walk by , why be we not then all of one heart ? why walk we not all in one tract ? So many men as we see , so many mindes there be . Every moneth almost produceth a new Faith. It is easie to swim with the Tyde : To perswade the heart of the rectitude of that that is favoured by the times , and yet to pretend still that it is from more light . We may talk of the Spirit , but its certain that Schisme is a fruit of the Flesh. The old way is the good way , Jer. 18. 15. He shall stumble , and ensnare his feet that swerves from the antient paths . What is got by gadding ? Men itch for change still , and there is no rest but with our first Husband , Hos. 2. 7. It is good to be all of one minde in God. Where there is not unity in Judgement , there is scarce unity in affections . We are too fierce against such as close not with our Notions . It was Bell , Book , and Candle once : It is not much better now . Wilde fire flyes amain : We cannot all cut to a thread ; there will be some variation in the Compass : But whilst we aim at the white , the odds is to be passed by without bitterness . Why should there be such huge Rents and Divisions in the Church ? Where is our mutual forbearance ? We have not yet learned our Lesson well , to wait one for another till God shall reveal it , Phil. 3. 15. Whilst we be so sharp in our contests , Satan makes his Markets : Religion goes to wrack ; our differences are widened . Some are ready to give up all , seeing there is no better Harmony : Others could well wish themselves out of the world , that they might be delivered ( as Melancthon said ) from the implacable difference , even amongst some Divines . Oh! that we could hearken unto God , who would have the truth followed , but in love , Eph. 4. 15. If the Word will not prevaile , the Cross will come , and make a Hooper , and a Ridley imbrace one another . Let us fall upon that one , and onely solid way of God , it will ever be our glory . Get we to God , he can stablish our unresolved hearts , 2 Cor. 1. 21. See that the judgement be so rightly set , Isa. 33. 6. and the heart so firmly knit to God , and his Truth , and then we shall not waver . Tamper not with opinions , 2 Pet. 3. 17. nor with opiniative men , 1 Tim. 6. Rom. 16. 17 , 18. Nor yet with Books that scatter Tares . This grave , and prudent Divine gives a very good caution to this purpose in his Treatise of Temptations , from famous Mr. Dod , a man of vast experience . An honest heart may be sorely puzled with a forked Argument . The Martyr could dye for Christ , that could not dispute for him . Some pretend that they must try all things : But they speak besides the Book . Who will try Rats-bane , or a sharp Sword whether it will pierce into his bowels ? Some think that they can withdraw when they see danger ; but Satan is subtle : Venome will get ●n before we be aware , and error will stick , and eat like a Gangrene . What gets the Fly that playes with the Candle ? They that nibble at the bait , shall hardly escape the hook . Again , gingle not with tearms that be improper in matters of Religion ; they savour of singularity , breed rents and divisions between Preachers and people , and take off the minde from things more essential . Learned men have observed , that Hereticks gat great advantage by the unwary speeches of the Fathers . Some of Calvins expressions that were not so well pondered , have done no great good to some in our times . Nestorius fell into his Heresie by defending an improper speech of his ; and Eutyches thinking to mend it , fell into the other extream . Dr. Thomas Tailor speaks much to this point to very good purpose in his Progress to Holiness , p. 134 , 135 , 154. and concludes , that if we will keep the faith of our Fathers , we must keep the words of our Fathers . Our Mr. Capel was a man of a single heart : He was ( with Jacob , Gen. 25. 27. ) a plain man , i. e. A downright honest man , as the Original signifies . A very Nathaniel , an Isralite indeed , Joh. 1. 47. in whom , though there was some infirmity , yet there was no guile . He had much of the wisdome that is from above , and was as far from Hypocrisie as most men living . If all others were of his temper , Momus had no need to complain of the want of a window into any mans breast . He was what he was indeed , and in truth , without dissimulation : He was very high in his conformity to those Primitive Christians , Act. 2. 46. and left a brave President to all that would be what they should be in this particular . We of this doubting and deceitful Generation had need to look about us , and see what was here set before us in very legible Characters , that we may learn to be more above board in our dealings . We are faln into an age , like that of the Prophets , wherein every one hath too much of the Hypocrite . We may well cry , Help Lord , for the faithful fail : with a double Heart and double tongue do they speak . The most be for all Tides and Times , as mutable as the Weather-cock : For any manner of Mode , so as they can serve their own turns by it . Some can be any thing but what they should be . We have need to beware of men where every brother will supplant . The Hypocrite with his mouth destroyes his Neighbour , Prov. 11. 9. It is indeed good to be wise as Serpents , but withall we should be innocent as Doves . Though it be just with God that the deceiver shall be deceived , and some like it well , yet is it not just in those that do it . They that turn aside to crooked wayes , shall be led forth with the workers of iniquity , Psal. 125. 5. Plain dealing is a Jewel , yea though it be in sin , as this acute man tells us , in his ●entat . Part. 3. It s a dainty fine thing in our confessions , repentance , and in all wherein we act . He that useth it ( what ever men say or think ) shall neither live , nor dye a beggar . Downright honesty is the best policy . It is delightful to God , Prov. 12. 22. and it will be a comfort to us , 2 Cor. 1. 12. This is our rejoycing , and we never eat ●ur meat with more gladness , than when we do all with singleness of heart , Act. 2. 46. Mr. Capel was a very useful man in his life . He was ( with Melancthon ) born for the common good , and lived for the publick benefit of the whole Country . Whilst he was at his Pastoral charge , he gave himself fully , and wholly to Reading , to Exhortation , and Doctrine ; and his profiting appeared unto all men : so that he was generally , and that justly reputed a man approved of God , rightly dividing the word of truth : It is well known what pains he took , and to how good purpose , during the whole time of his abode there , which was about one and twenty years . He preached constantly twice every Lords day ; and besides preached a Lecture constantly every week , though he had but an infirm body , till by reason of sickness he was taken off : And then besides his Sabbath-dayes work , he preached onely upon the Festival dayes . His lips were touched with a coal from the Altar . It may truly be said of him , as it was of Musculus , that his words pierced like a two-edged sword . He could when he pleased be a Boanerges , a son of Thunder ; but his bent was most to be a Barnabas , a son of Consolation . He was a true Evangelical Preacher , and comforted many a drooping heart by his labours in publick , and gave abundance of satisfaction in private to many troubled spirits that used to resort to him out of all Countries , both far and near . He also shewed himself to be a Tree of Gods own planting , by bringing forth more fruit still in his age . When the times were such ( some flying so extreamly high , the Ceremonies being pressed with rigour , and grievous penalties inflicted ) that he ( being tender in matters of Conformity ) must needs quit his Pastoral charge , which was Novem. 27. 1634 , he betook himself then to his little Cell ( as Samuel did to his Ramah ) that had never been looked upon if he had not come thither ( no more than Islebium , and Bretta , if not for Luther and Melancthon ) and there he had more health and cheerfulness of spirit than formerly , which he improved well for the publick advantage : For , There he fell upon the Practice of Physick . He indeed had bent his studies that way before hand ( foreseeing what would follow ) yet would he do nothing in that kinde ( it not being his Calling ) so long as that great work of the Ministry lay upon him : But when he had quit the more special tye of the care of mens souls , he then took himself to be at more freedome , and having a License sent him by the Bishop of Gloucester to authorize him , he fell upon the cure of mens bodies ; and being of great sufficiency , his fame was quickly spread abroad . He was looked upon as a very Trismegistus , or a second Aesculapius ▪ He could do much at the diving into a disease , and in applying such medicines as were proper and fit . Not like some that will be tampering with that Profession , and give their doses at adventure . He was quick , yet in cases of difficulty and danger he would weigh things well . In desperate diseases he would adventure far , according to the rules of Reason , what he gave should be safe . He mixed all with his own hands , he would stoop to the meanest , and serve all at an easie rate . His Receits amounted not to the half , nay not to one quarter of a common Apothecaries Bill . He was blessed by God with great , and good success , and had resort , especially towards his latter end , out of his own , and other Countries , so that he had not leasure to sit at his own meals in quiet . Yea many times he was quite tired out till God called him to rest . His words were seasonable and savoury : His tongue was a Tree of life : His lips fed many . Whosoever came near him , should have something dropping ( if he did but heed it ) that was worth carrying away with him . It is true , he would be pleasant , and jest more freely than many did , or could well like . ( Some of his best friends wished that it had been otherwise ) but there will be something of humane infirmity cleaving to us all in this world . Yet the times are to be considered , and the nature of a many with whom he had to deal , that could no more away with a downright blow , than some can away with sound Doctrine . Yet there was never a prudent heart but it might have picked sweet out of that which some did most of all distasie . It is said , that Erasmus did more hurt to the Pope by his jesting , than Luther did by his ruffling : So this man gave a deadlier blow to the iniquity of the times in his jocular way , than most others can do in their most serious undertakings ; yet would he be as serious as any man living upon a just and fit occasion , and would be as tender to trouble the spirits of the meanest as heart could desire . Urbanus Regius having had one dayes discourse with Luther , said , that it was one of the sweetest dayes that ever he had in his life : Some can say as much of this rare man , when they had him ( as all might have had him ) in the right veyn . He was singular in that faithful advice and counsel which he used to give to all of all sorts upon every emergent occasion . It was said in old time , They shall ask counsel of Abel , 2 Sam. 20. 18. and so they ended their matters . The common conflux of almost all in those parts , was still to his house . Oyntment and perfume rejoyce the heart , Prov. 27. 9. so did the sweetness of this man by his hearty counsel . To some he was as another Nestor ; others found him ever a most faithful Achates , and such made him ( as Tully did his Atticus ) their constant Assylum , and his dexterous counsel ( like Ariadnes thred ) led them out of many a perplexed Labyrinth . He was ( as that famous Augur in Homer ) one that could see things past , and present , & guess shrewdly also at those that were to come . Oldmens counsels ( they say ) are young mens lances : Mr. Calvins were very profitable , so were Mr. Capels : Many a young beginner , and tired conflicter , did fetch all their best weapons out of this mans Armory . He preached the Gospel freely for the most part of his last twenty years . Freely he had received , and freely he would give . Not that he thought it unlawful for a Minister to take maintenance , or to take that maintenance by Tithes , which hath been publickly set aside in this Land ; for his Tithes he paid himself , and that freely and duly too ( all the whole time of his preaching thus freely ) and that to one who did not much in the work of the Ministry ; and he did it upon this ground , because he knew it to be his due . I will not dispute this point at this time with those that be hampered in their opinions , but heartily wish them , with all those that in these times are such enemies to Tithes , and are so extreamly defective in making conscience to pay them , to consider what hath faln from the Pens of holy men that have been far enough off from being this way interessed . Mr. Cartwright saith plainly , that they that take away the Tithes of the Ministers , and turn them to their own use , would doubtless crucifie Christ again if he were here upon earth . Beza speaks of some that leave Christ , as the Souldiers did , which crucified him either stark naked , or but sorrily clad ; and so to do ( saith he ) is not to love God , but the goods of God more than God. Dr. John Reynolds saith , Our Ancestors provided houses , Glebe-lands , Tithes , and other profits for the maintenance of Pastors ; and a little after he saith , The Churches Goods allotted to the maintenance of Pastors and Teachers , are not profane , but sacred ; and therefore the sin of them that purloyn them , is Sacriledge , not Theft , wherein God is spoyled , Prov. 20. 25. It is a snare to devour that which is holy , and after the vows to enquire . Ananias and Saphira were made a dreadful spectacle , for filching of a little of that that was set apart for God. The Eagle fired her whole Nest by one poor piece of flesh plucked from the Altar . The people of this Land are cursed with a Curse , and they will not see the cause of it , viz. Their robbing of God , Mal. 3. 8 , 9. in Tithes and Offerings . When shall we prove God , and see if he will not pour us out a blessing , as he hath promised , Mal. 3. 10. It would be a great joy to some that will get nothing by it , to hear Gods Israel once again tuning it out before the Lord , as Deut. 26. 13 , 14. I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house , I have not taken away ought thereof , for any unclean or common use , as Junius reads it . For then they might say with heart and hope , Lord look down from thy holy habitation , and bless thy people , and the Land that thou hast given us , as Deut. 26 , 15. The practice of this judicious man will sway with some , who was such a burning & shining light , the more to be admired that it blazed so long , and so clearly too , without any of this sublunary Oil. His mind was so fully satisfied with his small gain in the practice of Physick , together with what he had of his own temporal estate , that he would accept of nothing for his preaching of any man living , though tendred , and never so much pressed upon him . He took not himself bound ( as the case stood ) to labour in the work of the Ministry , there being another Incumbent in that place . What he did was meerly in love to God and mens souls . Indeed he met with many diversions , as the tempests of the times ; his own domestick troubles , age creeping on , store of sick and sad people , and recourse of all sorts , so that he had scare an hour free for study ; yet nothing would take him off from this imployment , till God took him off from all his labours . As he preached , so he lived down the iniquities of the times . He did not onely cry them down by his publick Ministry , but gave them a more deadly blow by his contrary walking . Noah condemned the world more by what he did , than by what he said , H●b . ●1 7. The way which Mr. Capel took , put some to a stand , caused others to relent , and repent , and encouraged others in the good and right way , whilst they had his patern that could not be contradicted . Now that he is gone , such have a harder task ; but God will carry on his own work . He was eminent for Self-denial : Indeed Self-denial is in every mans mouth , but hardly to be found in any mans practise . Self hath ever been , is , and will be the great Diana , notwithstanding all mens fair pretences . We read of him that could give smoothe and golden words , Ruth 4 , 4. 6. but when it came to the point , he would not mar his Inheritance . Self hath too great a stroke in the best of us all , both Preachers and Professors , both in Church and Commonwealth . It began to work betimes . St. Paul tells us in his dayes , that all sought their own things , Phil. 2. 21. and it is now grown to a greater head in our age , when we neither eat , nor drink , nor fast , nor pray , nor , do any thing to speak of , but too too apparently we seek our selves therein . How much then was this brave man to be admired , seeing all that knew him , can bear him witness , how far he excelled in this rare Grace ! he could deny himself in his own understanding , and go after God in a way that he knew not , as Abraham , Heb. 11. 8. he could deny himself in his own will , when he that is above would lead him in a way that he would not , as Joh. 2● . 18. He could deny himself in his own affections also , when he came to be crossed in what he could have most desired , ever ruling them by reason , and Religion , as a wise man should do , subjecting himself to bear with quietness what could not be holp , without raising too much dust . It is strange to see how far he could deny himself in apparel , diet , attendance , and what not ! He was very exemplary for his contempt of the world . He had gotten the start of most men in that particular . He used to be beating upon this point mainly , both in his publick preaching , and in his private conference , and shewed the reality of what he pressed when he came to act himself . Indeed he could not say as Luther did , that he never had been tempted unto covetousness , but he kept himself from any noted taint in that kinde ; nay from the least suspicion of that foul crime , with famous Dr. Whitaker . When he had things under his hand , he still charged his servants to do what few men practice , that they should never set up Corn , nor bring home Cattel , but take as the Market would afford . All that knew him knew that he was far enough from encreasing his estate by any indirect means ; and never was there any man more willing to part with money upon a just and fit occasion . It is well known that he gave over a Living of good value , one of the best in those parts above twenty years before his death , and betook himself to a poor little corner , from which he would never be withdrawn , no more than Musculus from his Berne . And even there he might have picked mens purses if he had been that way given : But many , and many a time he put back money , and took but a small matter from those that were able , and would have been willing to have given him more ; they sought to force him to take it , but he would utterly refuse it . He was no less exemplary fo his great humility . This was the Grace that graced all the good that was in him . He would be often speaking of what he had heard concerning Dr. John Rainolds , that he was as learned a man as any was in the world , as godly as learned , and as humble as godly . Mr. Capel loved , and reverenced this Doctor , and trod in his steps . He could speak with Tongues more than most men , yet would he never make use of them in the publick Congregation . He used to honour all men ; to acknowledge the gifts , and parts of those that were far below him , and to rejoyce in them , as Hooper did in the blinde Boy . He would not meddle in things that were too high for him , nor intrench upon that that was beyond his sphere . He would not stand in the place of great men . He could refuse honours , as Musculus did , and contented himself with plain ; and mean things . It s observed by Cajetan , the Flower of the Cardinals , that he would never be in his silks and braveries , but kept his old fashions to his lives end . Melancthon would not disdain to do that , which his meanest servant would scarcely have put his hand to . So was it with Mr. Capel , and he would bear things that went awry without distempering himself about them . Moderation he pressed , and moderation he practised . Staupicius told Luther concerning his behaviour , that in the first three years , he did all things according to the utmost rigour , and that would not do : In the next three years he did all according to the Laws and Counsels of the Antients , and that would not hit : And in the last three years , he did all according to the will of God , and yet neither would that succeed ; and then he was fain to be content with what he could have . Thus you have a taste , and but a little taste ( in this that hath been said ) of the precious Liquor that was powred into this earthen vesssel . To which might be added the quickness of his apprehension , the strength of his Memory , his sense of the publick evils , his passing by of wrongs and offences ; his special regard to such as loved their Wives and Ministers , and the like : but where should I make an end ? These , and his other eminent parts , vertues , and graces deserve to be laid in oyl-colours by the most skilful Pencil . Towards his latter end he met with some pinching griefs , which he did bear with invincible patience , and fortitude : He willingly submitted , because it was Gods will to have him so exercised . All of us must expect to drink of the self-same cup : our last dayes usually are our worst dayes , as Moll●rus observes ; the clouds will then be returning after the rain . We must be taught to know , and speak it out , that we are but Pilgrims : we must be more truly and thoroughly taken off from the world ; more ripened , and mellowed , and seasoned for God , and be made more serious in all our undertakings . Melancthon used to say , That if he had no cares , he should have no Prayers . Our comfort is , our time is but short ; the most and best of our treasure is gone before : Our hope is laid up in Heaven . Get we more communion with God , more faith , more patience , and let us put on the whole Armour of God , and then we shall be able to stand , and to withstand in the evil day , and in the end shall be more than Conquerours through him that hath loved us . This clear-sighted , and understanding man foresaw storms approaching , and rejoyced that he should be in his grave before they sell , whither also he came as a shock of Corn gathered into the Barn in due season . The Sabbath day was the last day of his life , the strict observation whereof he often pressed ? He would say that we should go to sleep that night ( as it were ) with meat in our mouthes . That Sabbath day being September the 21. 1656 , he preached twice , taking his leave of the world by pressing faith in God. That evening he repeated both his Sermons in his Family , somewhat more largely than ordinary . He read his Chapter also , went to prayer , and so to bed , and dyed immediately , by that the words were well out of his mouth , being threescore and ten years old . Who can desire to dye better than Stephen did , calling upon God : He would often say , That if God saw it fit , one had better to dye of a quick , than of a lingring Death : And God answered his desires . His Works . A Treatise of Temptations . Capels Remains . The Life and Death of Dr. Robert Harris , who dyed Anno Christi 1658. Robert Harris was born in a dark time , and place at Broad-Campden in Glocestershire Anno Christi 1578. His Father had the repute of a very wise , and understanding man , and his Mother of a very devout , and charitable woman , under whose wings he spent his childhood : but he acknowledged it as a matter of grief to him all his life , that he preferred his play before reading the Scriptures to his parents at their call . So soon as he was fit for it , he was set to a Free-school at Chipping-Cambden , where he met with a double discouragement ; the first was from the often change of his Schoolmasters by reason of the small salary that came to them : The second proceeded from the fierce and cruel carriage of others , which ( as he used often to say ) was the bane of many young Schollars ; and though for his own part , he remembred not that he had smarted under a Rod in any School , yet the sight of the severity used to others , brought such a trembling and sadness upon his spirit , that he could not shake it off to his dying day . From thence he was removed to the School at Worcester , under the care of Mr. Bright , and on the Sabbaths he heard that Reverend and Learned Dr. Robet Abbots ; and being furnished with School-learning , he went from thence to Magdalen-Hall in Oxford , being allyed to the Principal , Mr. Lyster . There he shewed a more than ordinary desire of Learning , and having but little help either from the Principal , or his Tutor , he followed his private studies with the more earnestness ; yet all this while he enquired little into the wayes and truths of God. His Tutor not long after leaving the Hall , he earnestly solicited the Principal , that he might be committed to the care of one Mr. Goffe of Magdalen College , who was noted for a very good Logician and Disputant , but withal he was accounted a Puritan , which made the Principal ( who was Popishly affected ) to disswade his choice ; but he ( not out of love to Religion , but Learning ) persisted in his desires , and prevailed . Mr. Goffe having thus received him into his charge , required him , that with the rest of his fellow-Pupils , he should joyn in reading the Scriptures , Repetition of Sermons and Prayer ; which new course , he being unaccustomed to , was somewhat troubled at it , observing that none of the Seniors imbraced that way , and yet it was such as he knew not how to contradict . This caused him oft to betake himself to his private Prayers , wherein he begged of God , either to discover to him the falshood , if his Tutor had any design upon him to corrupt him , or if this course were pleasing to God , that then he would confirm him in it ; and it pleased God after a while so to resolve him , that he bought a Bible , and with indefatigable pains he applied himself to the reading of that , and other good Authours in Divinity . Shortly after Mr. Goffe refuseth to continue his Tutor , onely agrees that they would conjoyn their studies together , Mr. Goffe reading Philosophy to Mr. Harris , and Mr. Harris reading Greek to him , and from Greek they proceeded to Hebrew , in which study some other of the Fellows joyned with them , whereof one afterwards was President ; and besides these studies , his Tutor and he agreed to read Calvins Institutions by turns , which course they continued as long as their other occasions , and exercises would permit . Having for a while been Bachelor of Arts , he was willing to try his fitness for the Ministry , because otherwise his Father would have him to the study of the Law ; and having prepared a Sermon , he proffered his pains at Chipping-Cambden ; but such was the wofull ignorance of those times , that in the greater Town he knew not where to procure a Bible to carry with him into the Pulpit ; yet at last being directed to the Vicar there , he indeed had a Bible , but it could not be ●ound , having not been seen of some moneths before ; yet search being made he was furnished with a Bible , and after Prayer made , he took for his Text those words , Rom. 10. 1. Brethren , my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved ; and his Sermon was highly commended , and yet himself would say , that he was a loser by the bargain . 1 ▪ Because his heart swelled upon it . 2. Because his carnal Friends hereupon called on him to give over University studies , and to come amongst them , as having learning enough . His Father also ( having many other children to provide for ) was willing to ease his charge , and therefore applied himself to some persons of eminency both in Church and State , to get some preferment for him : But he , being willing to decline publick imployment for the present , humbly intreated his Father , that what he would hereafter bestow upon him for a Patrimony , he would be pleased for the present to allow it him for his maintenance in Oxford , that he might perfect his studies there , which his Father at last condescending to , he returned with joy to Oxford . But behold Gods providence ! He had not been long at Oxford before a fearful Plague brake out in that place , which so scattered the University that few were left remaining , in which case he was again put to his shifts ; loath he was to return home , and whither else to betake himself he knew not ; till at last , by a special Providence , he was invited to the house of one Mr. Doyly , five miles from Oxford , a Gentleman of a very antient Family in that County , and a great Friend to the Gospel , whose wife also was eminent for knowledge , and piety , to them therefore Mr. Harris goes for the present . Coming to Mr. Doylyes , he there met with one Mr. Prior , a prudent godly man , and of an excellent spirit , who being much weakned by two wracking diseases , of the Stone and Gout , and overburdened with preaching both on the Sabbaths and Fasts , enjoyned upon the occasion of the Plague , in meer pity , Mr. Harris holp him a turn or two , which he performed with so good approbation , that presently he was set upon , both by Mr. Doyly , Mr. Prior , and some others , that he could not withstand their importunity , but was necessitated to preach with them , at least during the continuance of those extraordinary Fasts . Mr. Harris pleaded that he was not an Ordained Minister , and therefore durst not meddle with any thing but preaching ; neither with that , but till he could be Ordained . This they assented to , and during his abode amongst them , he met with ample requit●ls from the good Gentleman , and his Wife , and great encouragement from the people . About this time there was a fearful Eclipse upon the Church ; many eminent Ministers were suspended both from their Office and Benefices , and amongst them , those three bright shining Stars , Mr. Dod , Mr. Cleaver , Mr. Lancaster . Upon this occasion Sir Anthony Cope , who had formerly placed , and now lost Mr. Dod at Hanwell , and Mr. Cleaver at Drayton , became a Suter to his brother Doyly ( for so he was by marriage ) for the enjoyment of Mr. Harris . Mr. Doyly entertained this unwelcome motion with great regret , as being wholly unwilling to part with one whom he so much prized , yet after a long debate , it was judged most beneficial for the publick , and therefore could not be resisted . Mr. Harris went to Hanwell with much grief and fear , where he found the temper of the Country to be this : Preach he might and welcome , but they would own no man for their Pastor but those who were ejected : At last it was concluded that Mr. Harris should preach to both Congregations whilst Authority would permit , and so long as there was any hope of recovering their former Pastors , this gave some satisfaction , yet was it not sufficient , becasue Mr. Harris was not fully of their former Pastors minde . Just at the same time it fell out that Mr. Whately came to Banbury , and met with no less a share in the peoples displeasure , who though they could not except against his Ministry ( he being endowed with excellent parts ) yet they quarrelled , because his judgement about Ceremonies was not the same with that of their former Teachers ; and the truth is , they both had a sad time of it for a great while , notwithstanding all the prudence and moderation which Sir Anthony Cope , and Mr. Dod shewed to the quieting of them . After a while , Archbishop Bancroft finding that the silenced Ministers would not yeeld , presented two Chaplains to Hanwell and Drayton , upon pretence of a lapse : But Sir Anthony Cope , sitting then in Parliament , took one or two of the House with him , and presented his two Clerks to the Archbishop , who after a long contest , was content to admit his presentation ; but Sir Anthony having spoken in that Parliament against insufficient Ministers , not without reflexion upon the Archbishops , and Bishops , Archbishop Bancroft could not but resent this , and therefore referred his Clerks to be strictly examined by his ablest Chaplain . The Chaplain , having as it seems , his lesson before-hand , brings in the Clerk designed for Hanwell ( which Mr. Harris had declined ) as altogether insufficient , though a grave and discreet Divine . Mr. Harris was returned , mediocriter doctus , moderately learned . The Archbishop being not satisfied with this last account , desires Bishop Barlow , who was present with him , to make some further proof of Mr. Harris , and the Bishop being an active and witty man , was glad of the opportunity , and deals with Mr. Harris , first in Divinity , but most in other Learning , and Greek , wherein the Bishops excellency lay , and both of them so long Greeked it , till they were both gravelled for want of words , whereupon they both laughed , and so gave over . The Bishop going in to the Archbishop , in his report ( as Mr. Harris expressed it ) set him up as much too high , as the Chaplain had set his Fellow too low . The Archbishop hearing the Bishops testimony , was content to admit Mr. Harris , but upon condition that he might have Hanwell , which was easily assented to by Sir Anthony , having before designed it for him , and Mr. Dod also was present to testifie his concurrent desire ; the only stick with Mr. Harris was , that he was fearful to succeed so famous a Divine ; which answer was not pleasing to the Archbishop , though at present he courted Mr. Dod. A new Pastor being thus placed at Hanwell , and withall , Drayton being furnished with a godly prudent man [ Mr. Scudder ] there were now three neighbours , who were linked together , not onely in judgement and affection , but also in affinity ; for Mr. Harris married Mr. Whatelyes sister , and Mr. Scudder his wives sister , and these three for a while met weekly together , and by turns translated and Analysed e●ch his Chapter , till multitudes of publick imployments caused them to desist . Not long after there befell Mr. Harris his wife , upon the birth of her first childe , a long and sore affliction , which was ( as Mr. Dod told him ) but to season , and fit him for his work ; and Mr. Harris himself would oft say , that he had been quite spoyled , had he not thus been taken down ; for young Ministers know not what ground they tread on , till God layes them flat . This , and some other clouds being blown over , the weather seemed now to clear up , and his people began to relish his Ministry , and much comfort he found in the neghbourhood of many godly Ministers , on one side he had Mr. Cleaver , a very solid Text-man , on the other Mr. Lancaster , a very humble , and self-denying man , who though by birth he was a good Gentleman , and had sometime been Fellow in Kings College in Cambridge , where he had read sundry publick Lectures , and made many Speeches , and ( as Dr. Collins , that Master of Language used to say ) delivered himself in as pure Latine as ever Tully spake , having no other Notes to help him , but what he wrote upon his own nails ; yet this good man , thus accomplished with all learning , contented himself with a Living that was not worth 40 l. per annum , and in his preaching made no noyse of any learning at all . When I was young I knew this Mr. Lancaster , he was a very little man of stature , but eminent , as for other things , so especially for his living by Faith. His charge being great , and his means so small , his wife would many times come to him when she was to send her maid to Banbury Market to buy provision , and tell him that she had no money ; his usual answer was , Yet send your maid , and God will provide ; and though she had no money , yet she never returned empty , for one or other that knew her to be Mr. Lancasters maid , either by the way , or in Banbury Town meeting her , would give her money , which still supplied their present wants . But above all his Neighbours , Mr. Harris still most respected Mr. Dod , and concerning him was fully of Mr. Cartwrights minde , that he was the fittest man in England for a Pastoral Office ; he was able to speak to any mans capacity ; he was never out of the Pulpit , for all his discourses were Sermons , which he intermixed with such variety of delightful expressions , and similitudes , as would take with any man. The truth is , he was a very eloquent man both in English , and Latine , and so facetious and pithy , that Mr. Harris used to say often , That if all his Apothegmes were gathered together , they would exceed all that Plutarch had written in Greek , and others since his time in Latine had published . For some years Mr. Harris had the happiness to live with , and near this man of God , and that in such a conjunction as greater could not be . During the time of their converse , they studied together , and daily read a Chapter in the Original together . And after Mr. Dod was restored to the liberty of his Ministry in another Diocess , he would not expound a Text , preach a Sermon , answer a case of Conscience ( whereof many were daily brought to him ) without the concurrence of Mr. Harris with him , so highly did that eminent Divine prize him , and would often blame him for his reservedness and unwillingness to put forth himself . Mr. Dod being ( as was said before ) removed into Northamptonshire to Fausley , God was pleased to supply his want by the resort of sundry young Students from Oxford to Hanwell , so that Mr. Harris his house was a little Academy ; and amongst others , he took much comfort in Mr. Pemble ( who would do nothing , especially in Divinity , without his advice ) as also Mr. Capel , who oft resorted to him in his grievous conflicts and temptations for advice and succour , and also in his well known Treatise of Temptations . Whilst he was at Hanwell he had frequent calls to London , sometimes to Pauls Cross , sometimes to preach before Parliaments , and other sometimes at Country-Feasts , which occasioned many invitations to places there : But of all the Auditories , that of Saviours in Southwark was most grateful to him , and there he could have spent the remainder of his dayes if his voyce would have reached so great an Assembly . From thence he was invited to some lesser Churches , but God had not yet finished his work by him at Hanwell , and therefore something or other still interposed . Probably he had closed with Aldermanbury , had not the then Bishop of London [ Land ] complemented him out of it , commending his Conscio ad Clerum at Oxford , and promising him better preferment than he thought he should merit . Some other offers were made to him , but still he met with some cross Providence , which made him come to a resolution to end where he began . At Hanwell he went over many Scriptures , but his people found least good from that which cost him most pains , viz. his Sermons upon the Colossians , which Epistle he preached throughout . Indeed at that time he thought he could not speak too highly to a people who had been so taught , but upon further trial he found that he could not go too low , so that ( as some of his hearers after told him ) his pains upon that Epistle was wholly lost as to them . His Sermons upon Historical Scriptures , best pleased most of his auditors ; but with himself , and the more spiritual sort , his labours upon the Book of the Canticles prevailed most , the Notes whereof he was often pressed to make publick , which he refused upon a double account . 1. Because a great part of them were lost , and dyed with Dr. Preston , to whom he had lent them , and whom he used to call , A needlese engrosser of other mens Notes . 2. He less satisfied himself in his elder years , in divers passages of that mysterious Book . Yet if the world were at leasure to hear old men speak , it might be very useful to collect those dispersed Papers , and it is hoped that some of his near Relations ( who best know his hand , and method in writing ) may take some pains therein for the publick good . At Hanwell Mr. Harris continued preaching for about forty years , a constant , pain●ul , and faithfull Preacher , both upon the ●abbaths , and other occasions which fell out often ; for when he came thither , he found that there had been an accustomed course of preaching upon such Festival dayes ( then so called ) which might not enter●ere with the Lecture or Market at Banbury , which he also kept up , especially on Easter , and Whitson Mundayes , unto which , multitudes of Christians resorted far and near , as the Doves to the windows , yet without any superstition . And on the morrow , they were entertained with the like Feast at Banbury by Mr. Wheatley . O , what a Faire of souls was then held at Hanwell and Banbury by these two Brothers ? How did Religion then flourish , and Professors thrive like the Calves in their stalls ? The truth is , these Preachers carved out sound and wholesome food , and their hearers came with good stomacks , expecting what they found , viz. Milk for Babes , and strong meat for strong men , and accordingly did grow thereby . In those dayes godly Preachers stuffed not their Sermons with aiery notions , and curious speculations , but sought out profitable matter , which they delivered in sound words , and in plain method of Doctrine , Reason , and Use , accommodating themselves to every mans capacity , and God gave them a plentifull Harvest in that Country . These his imployments at home ( together with his natural Bookishness ) made him less forward to engage in Lectures abroad , onely he was one in a combination at Dedington in Oxfordshire ; and for sometime he kept a Lecture alone at Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire every other week , unto which there was a great resort both of the chief Gentry , and choisest Preachers and Professors in those parts , and amongst them , that Noble and Learned Knight , Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlcot had alwayes a great respect for him . About this time a great Living in the Country was offered him , about which he was very indifferent , and indeed , was but very indifferently dealt with in it , which occasioned him to say , That he never bore any thing more impatiently than the abuse of Religion to base and private ends , and , that carnal policy , would render Profession despicable at least , whilst some men took such a liberty to themselves in equivocating and dawbing ; and the reason of such mens success was , not because they had more wit than others , but more boldness to say and do what others durst not . All this while he continued at Hanwell in much prosperity , and the Neighbours thereabouts frequented his Sermons , amongst whom he received the greatest seals of his Ministry : But though he found so much encouragement from abroad , yet we must not forget his people at home , who were so far brought into a conformity , that at sometimes there was not a Family in the Town where Gods Name was not in some measure called upon , nor a person that refused to be prepared by him for the Lords Supper . And as the Lord was thus pleased to bless , and succeed his labours , so he caused him to thrive in his outward estate likewise , which himself could not but take notice of ; for though his means was not great , and his children many , for whose sakes he kept a Schoolmaster , and the resort of Friends to his house not small , both on Sabbath dayes , and Lecture dayes , yet was he in a thriving condition , which occasioned him to say , That there was a secret blessing attending on house-keeping . For ( said he ) I am not able to give an account of my expences and of Gods supplies . But now began those cloudy times , and his sadder dayes , when Troops and Armies marched into those Quarters , about Edghil , where was fought a bloody Battel , Octob. 23. 1642 , upon the Lords day , in the Vale of the Red Horse , being distant about four miles from him ; yet it pleased God so to order it ( which he took for a great mercy ) that he heard not the least noise of it ( the wind sitting contrary ) till the publick work of the day was over ; nor could he believe the report of a Battel , til a Souldier besmeared with blood and powder came to witness it . From this very time his troubles encreased : Now was he threatned by this , then by the other Garrison , one while he was a Roundhead , and then a Malignant , frequently oppressed with Souldiers that were quartered upon him , yet still he kept his station , and some of his Guests would joyn with him in Family-duties , which he intermitted not , when others would scoffe at them , because not mingled with Book-prayers . Every Sabbath he held on the course of his Ministry , and most of those which quartered with him , being Commanders and Officers , they shewed themselves civil to him , and his ; onely at one time there was a company who were so outragious in swearing and blasphemy , that he could not forbear preaching upon that Text , James 5. 12. Above all things , my Brethren , swear not , &c. which so netled some of them , that they damned themselves to Hell if they did not shoot him in case he preached again upon that Text , which they judged to be purposely chosen against them ; the next Sabbath he proceeded purposely upon the same Text , wherein he backed what he had said before , and as he was preaching he saw a Souldier take his Carbine , and fumble about the Cock as if he was preparing to shoot ; but Mr. Harris , apprehending that he did it onely to disturb him , went through his work , and heard no more news of his Souldier . Thus he continued his labours in those sad times , and though he was chosen a member of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster , yet because , upon serious thoughts , he judged his presence less needful there than in the Country , he continued his station there , till he saw his Tenements in the Neighbourhood fired , wood , and nurseries of wood destroyed , himself threatned , and at last enforced by a Scottish Commander to shift for himself , yea some of his own Neighbours were now ready to betray him , whereupon he went to London , and by Gods good providence came thither in safety , though a sad man. When he came to London he went to the Assembly , where he found much more undone than done : Indeed he met there with many excellent and learned men ; but his thoughts were sollicitous for his people , his wife and children , whom he had left behinde : and indeed he found little rest in his spirit , till the same good hand of Providence had safely brought them unto him . Then went he with more comfort to the Assembly , where he did Antiqum obtinere , hear all , and say little . Upon his remove from his house , both his Books , and his Notes ( some few only excepted which he had conveyed away beforehand ) together with all his remaining goods , were seized upon , and his Living given to another ; but that might soon have been supplied , many offers being made to him , from several places , and Country Committees . The first motion that he hearkened to was the Temple ; but upon trial , he found that Church too large for his voyce , and thereupon refused , and at last he was sent to Buttolphs Bishopsgate , where , though the Congregation was too large for him , yet being necessitated to do something for the maintenance of his Family , he remained there during his attendance upon the Assembly . After his continuance there for some time , himself with four more Divines were commanded down to Oxford , which was then under suspension by the Parliament ; which imployment , he often professed , that he did earnestly decline , and that principally for two reasons ; 1. Because the Committee for Hampshire had given him a free call to Petersfield , and thither he would willingly have gone . 2. Having long discontinued from the University , he looked upon himself as very unfit for such a service ; but in conclusion he was plainly told , that such as would not be intreated , must be commanded , and so he was ordered to prepare for his journey . This much troubled him , and therefore he first goes to Petersfield , and acquaints them how the case stood with him , and because he could not come suddenly to them , he desires them , either to pitch upon some other Minister , or else to take the care upon themselves , to provide supplies for both the Churches ( for two they were ) and to pay the Preachers out of the Revenues of the place . The people liked neither of the offers , yet were content to wait a while in hopes that he might come to settle with them , requesting him in the mean while to provide them such supply as himself should approve of . This proved a troublsome work to him , though for a time he sent them help from Oxford , and thereabout ; for preachers were now hard to be gotten , there being more want of Ministers , than of places ; yet at last two were procured , the one of whom gave no good content . At last he was put upon it , either to relinquish Oxon , or Petersfield ; the former he could not decline , and therefore he left the latter , though with great regret , because he could not seal up such respect , and thanks as he conceived was due from him to that Country . Neither had he less trouble in providing for Buttolphs Bishopsgate ( it being no easie matter to please Citizens ) yet at the last they were supplied to their content . About this time many Libels were cast abroad in Oxford against other Preachers , and one amongst the rest reflected upon Mr. Harris , reckoning up his several Livings , and great Revenues , wherein they mentioned what was past , present , and to come , and happily if they had heard of the rest , which at several times were offered him , they would have put them also into that Catalogue : Mr. Harris being informed hereof , he wrote to some Friends ( which Letters are already extant ) wherein he vindicated himself in the main , yet withall he professed unto others , that it would , and should be to him matter of humbling , and caution to him whilst he lived , that he had given the least advantage to such as sought it ; for though he stood clear in his own , and others consciences , who best knew him , that he was far from allowing non-residency , and plurality of Livings , yet to such as were ignorant of all circumstances , there was some appearances of evil ; which also he took the more to heart , because from that time forward he found the affl●cting hand of God both upon him , and his . The Preachers that were sent to Oxford found but ill entertainment ; on the one hand they were aspersed , and libelled against by their own Mothers Sons , and on the other hand they were challenged to a publick Disputation by one Mr. Erbery , a Sectary , and his associates . Mr. Harris was unwilling that this challenge should be entertained , , having observed that disputes of that kinde , send away each party more strengthened in their opinions , than when they came thither ; yet his brethren being of another minde , they desired his concurrence , at least so far with them , as to begin the work with prayer . This he condescended unto , and the Disputation proceeded , and the issue was , that all were censured , some for speaking , others for their silence , in which latter rank he was willingly placed . Not long after came the Chancellor of Oxon [ the Earle of Pembroke ] to visit the University , who , according to the custome , bestowed Degrees upon some of the Schollars , and amongst others , Mr. Harris was admitted Doctor of Divinity , who yet , neither thought himself the better Schollar , nor the better Preacher for this new honour , and had it not been that he was loath to sleight the favour from his betters , he had refused it : having learned , That an empty hand from a Prince , and a naked title from his Chancellor , must be counted an honour . At this time many Headships of Colleges ( before made void ) were now to be supplied , and Dr. Harris professed , that seeing it was noised abroad , that these Reforming Preachers came thither to play their own game , viz. to thrust out others , and to invest themselves with their places , he therefore resolved to keep to his old course ; namely , to stand silent without opening his mouth for any Headship at all , and presently the best places were all disposed of ; neither was any thing spoken of for Dr. Harris , till a Noble man , of the other University , made mention of him , as not fit to be forgotten , whereupon Trinity College was assigned to him . This some of his Friends much wondered at , considering , that , though he was the meanest in his own eyes , yet was he the oldest man , and one that had suffered more by the times than any , if not than all the rest ; yet he himself said little to it , onely he enquired who was the Head that was ejected , and what was the nature of the place : for he was unwilling to entertain the proffer , if the former Head could finde favour to hold it , and thereupon he forbore as long as he could be permitted ; and as for the place , the smalness of the College , and the scituation of it gave him great content , who desired no more than what would keep him from distractions in his studies , and the only thing that he stuck at was , because there was a Parsonage annexed to the College . But when he understood that its distance from Oxford was not great , and the conditions easie , viz. That he was required to preach but eight Sermons per annum at it , he the more willingly inclined to it , though after acceptance , he could not satisfie himself under two Sermons a week ; and so at last there he sate down , and took much content in the Fellows of that College , betwixt whom , and him there was ever a very fair correspondence . At the Parsonage he found most of the people ( though they had been long taught ) very ignorant , and much addicted to their old Customes , and ( which he looked upon as a sad prognostick to the place ) no sooner did any there look Heaven-ward in any special manner , but the Lord presently took him away , some few , and those very few excepted . About this time a motion was made by the Committee at Oxford of removing him to New College , which was now void , but as the motion began without him , so it was stifled by him , the rather , when he heard that some exception was taken above against him as being uncapable of that place , because he was not a Winchester Schollar . The truth is ( as he professed to some of his Friends ) he rather desired a little , than a great College , being one who was very much addicted to privacy , and his Book , which made him often say , That if Trinity College were a competency without the Parsonage , he would not leave it for any place , except it were an Hospital : So much had he seen into the vanity , and troublesomenesse of the world . In his latter dayes journies began to be tedious to him , which occasioned some well affected Citizens in Oxford ( who were moved thereunto by a Sermon which . Dr. Cheynell preached unto them ) to make some overtures to him of reading a Catechisme Lecture , or of preaching upon the Principles of Religion ( which liked him best ) in one of their Churches ; in consideration whereof , they would maintain him an assistant at his Parsonage . The motion was good , the exercise needful ; the onely question was , how such a work would be accepted in such a place amongst the Wits , and Schollars of the University ; yet because he had bemoaned himself to God in private , bewayling that his comfort was little in the place where he preached , and made it his humble sute that God would not lay him aside , but finde some imployment for him , whilst he had ability to perform it , because ( I say ) he had prayed thus , and this motion presently ensued , he durst not reject it , but set upon the work , wherein the Lord assisted , giving him strength even beyond what could be expected from a man of his age , and caused his labours to finde great acceptance with his Auditors ; and thus he continued preaching once every Sabbath at his Parsonage , and once in the week this Lecture : besides which he preached when his turn came in the University , and that both in English , and in Latine also . Yet we are not come to the end of his labours ; for having now freed himself from worldly affairs , disposed of all his children , and having left himself nothing else to do , but to prepare himself , and his wife for their graves , who had lived about fifty years together , it pleased God to exercise him in this strange manner . His wife , who was born of Parents eminently pious , had been religiously educated , and her self a constant worshipper of God all her time , who seldome rose from her prayers with dry eyes , was delivered up by God to Satans buffetings , and to such hellish temptations , and horrors of minde , as struck a grief and terrour unto all the spectators , which occasioned him often to say , That God made appear to all beholders , that the best man is no more than the Lord makes him hourly . For as the receiving of Grace , so the keeping , using the comfort and enjoyment of it , is all from him , which is not onely true in supernatural Graces , but in the gifts of Nature also ; our wits , senses , phantasies , all are in Gods hand ; nor are the wisest men any thing longer than he pleases to continue them so . This good woman was a sad instance of all this , whose temptations were so violent , so horrid , and withall so subtil , that they put the ablest , and most experienced men to their wits end to answer them , and her poor self even beyond her self : whilst she was in this perplexed condition , sundry eminent Preachers and Professors visited her , and her husband ( who had been a happy instrument of satisfying many others ) could give her no satisfaction . One day as she was complaining that she could finde no comfort , O ( saith he ) What an Idol do some make of comfort , as if their comfort were their Christ ! In the middest of these trials , he yet took notice of these comforts and mercies , 1. That she was kept from blaspheming the Highest ( for so she stiled God ) and from hurting her self , and others . 2. That this affliction awakened him and his children ; for they esteemed her the most conscientious and innocent amongst them all . 3. It put him upon more work than his age could well bear , that so he might call out his thoughts upon business , and not eat up his own heart with grief and care . And lastly , it wrought in him an holy despair of all creature-comforts ; for now he could neither enjoy childe , nor friend , nor food , nor sleep , having her continually before him in his eye , ear , and heart ; and all friends fear●ng to come in sight , lest they should wound themselves , or trouble her ; onely continual p●ayers were offered up for her upon all occasions , which gave hopes that the Lord might yet make her end comfortable , and conquest glorious . However ( her Husband would often say ) That the difference was not great whether comfort came at death , or an hour after , since comfort would come assuredly . But leaving her under a general expectation of a blessed issue in the best time , we return once more to her Husband now ready to enter into his Haven of rest . After a long and laborious life , which could not but be painful to him that underwent it , we come at length to his last , long , and painful sickness , which is the usual Harbinger of Death . In the Summer he began to droop , and finding his decay , he sent for two Physitians [ Dr. Bathurst , and Dr. Willis ] who were well known to him and his , by former experiences , and eminently known in the University ; to whom he professed , that he used means meerly in obedience to God , but for his own part he could live , and durst dye . His ●hysitians ( as himself confessed ) had proceeded so far as Art and Learning could carry them , but herein they would lose of their worth , that they had to deal with complicated diseases , which were seldome removed , but most of all with old age , a disease which was never cured . His first encounter was with a vehement Pleu●itical pain in his left side , which was attended with a Feavor , as also with a great defluxion of Rheume , and oppression of his lungs with Flegme , and when after divers weeks all these his Assailants seemed well-nigh vanquished through the tender care of his skilful Physitians , yet then that enemy which had so long lodged in his bosome , brake forth into an Empyema , which he expectorated daily in so great a measure , for the space of two moneths or more , that hereby ( together with some fits of his old diseases , the Stone and Strangury ) he was not able to speak much to those that visited him . And herein indeed it fell out according to what he had often foretold in his best strength , viz. That little was to be expected from him on his death-bed , which occasioned him to write ( fearing that his tongue might not then be able to utter it ) his advice and counsel to his Family many years before his death . The truth is , he the rather forbore to speak , because he perceived that some had a design to make his speeches publick , which he was utterly averse to , neither would he consent that any thing of his Life or Death should be written : Nay , he could never be perswaded at any time to fit , that his Picture might be drawn ; so desirous he was that all of him might be buried with him . And albeit he spit up those Lungs which he had wasted in the Pulpit , yet could not that light of Grace be so smothered under a Bushel , but that oft-times the beams thereof would shine forth , and himself would breathe forth himself in pithy speeches , and savoury discourses . In the beginning of his sickness , being desired to admit of company , he answered , I am alone in company , it s all one to me to be left alone , or to have Friends with me ; my work is now to arm my self for Death which assaults me , and I apply my self ( as I am able ) for that great encounter . And accordingly he spent his whole time in meditation , prayer , and reading the holy Scriptures , especially the Book of Psalmes , the Prophesie of Isaiah , and St. Johns Gospel , taking exceeding delight in the 10 , 14 , 15 , 16 , and 17 , Chapters of that Evangelist . After which time his nights were long , and sleeps short ; and when he could neither sleep nor sit up in his bed to read , his manner was to command others to read to him , and then himself would collect the most useful things that were contained in the Chapter , explaining such things as were difficult , and sweetly feeding upon the rest . His constant practice was , to exhort such as either visited , or attended upon him , above all things to get Faith. It is ( saith he ) your victory , your peace , your life , your Crown , and your chief piece of spiritual Armour : Howbeit , get on all the other pieces , and then go forth in the Lords might , stand to the fight , and the issue shall be glorious ; onely forget not to call in the help of your General : Do all from him , and under him . On the Lords dayes he would not hinder any from the publick Ordinances for any thing that was to be done about him , till Sermons were ended , and then he would say , Come , what have you for me ? ( meaning something of Repetition ) unto which he would attend with such diligence , as that he would summe up the heads of every Sermon , and say , O what excellent truths are these ! lay them up charily , you will have need of them . When Friends came to visit him , he used to say , I cannot speak , but I can hear : And when he was asked where his comfort lay ? His answer was , In Christ , and in the free Grace of God : One telling him , Sir , you may take much comfort in your labours , you have done much good , &c. His answer was , All is nothing without a Saviour , without him my best works would condemn me . Oh , I am ashamed of them , being mixed with so much sin ! Oh , I am an unprofitable servant , I have not done any thing for God as I ought ; loss of time sits heavy upon my spirit . Work , work apace ; assure your selves , nothing will more trouble you when you come to dye , than that you have done no more for God who hath done so much for you . Sometimes he used thus to breathe out himself , I never in all my life saw the worth of a Christ , nor tasted the sweetness of Gods love in that measure as now I do . When he was asked what should be done for him ? His answer was , Do not onely pray for me , but praise God , for his unspeakable mercy unto me , and in particular that he hath kept Satan from me in this my weakness . Oh how good is God , entertain good thoughts of him . How ever it be with us , we cannot think too well of him , or too bad of our selves . And this sense of Gods goodness was very deeply imprinted upon his heart to his very last ; and therefore in all his Wills , this Legacy was alwayes renewed , Item , I bequeathe to all my children , and to their childrens children , to each of them a Bible , with this Inscription , None but Christ. Being upon a time visited by two Reverend Doctors , his choice Friends , who before they prayed with him , desired him to tell them what he chiefly requested ? He answered , I praise God he supports me , and keeps off Satan ; beg that I may hold out : I am now in a good way home , even quite spent : I am now at the shore , I leave you tossing on the Sea. Oh , it is a good time to dye in : Yet when his end approached nearer , being often asked how he did ? He answered , In no great pain ( I praise God ) onely weary of my unuseful life . If God hath no more service for me to do here , I could be gladly in Heaven , where I shall serve him better , freed from sin and distractions . I pass from one death to another , yet I fear none ; I praise God I can live , and I dare dye ▪ If God hath more work for me to do here , I am willing to do it , though my infirm body be very weary . Desiring one to pray with him , and for him , that God would hasten the work ; it was asked whether pain , &c. put him upon that desire ? He answered No , but I now do no good , and I hinder others which might be better imployed , if I were not : Why should any desire to live but to do God service ? Now I cease from that , I do not live . By this time the violence of his distempers disabled him , and the advice of his Physitians was , that he should forbear speech , yet he called upon those which attended him to read some part of the Scriptures to him constantly , especially he put one of his Sons that was with him , to pray frequently , and whilst his life and speech lasted , he used to conclude all the Prayers with a loud Amen . The nearer he approached to his end , the more he slumbered . Once when he awoke , he found himself very ill , whereupon calling for his Son , he took him by the hand , and said , Pray with me , it is the last time in likelihood that I shall ever joyn with you ; and complaining to him of his wearisomeness , his Son answered , There remains a rest : To whom he replied , My Sabbath is not far off , and yours is at hand , ere that , I shall be rid of all my trouble , and you will be eased of some . At length his ruinous house ( which onely inobedience to the will of God had held out beyond his own desires , and all mens expectations , from the heighth of Summer till the depth of Winter ) comes to be dissolved . About Saturday in the even , he began to set himself to dye , forbidding all cordials to be administred upon what extremity soever , and gave his dying blessing to his Son ( who onely of all his children was present with him ) and ( upon his request ) enjoyned him to signifie , when he had opportunity , to that Country , where he had lived longest , that he lived and dyed in that Faith which he had preached and printed , the comfort whereof he now found . Something else he began to speak , but his distempers interrupted his purpose , and from that time he never entertained any discourse with man , onely he commanded the eight Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans to be read to him . And herein God was exceeding good to him in the return of those Petitions which had been put up for him that afternoon , by those two eminent Divines , and his dearest Brethren before mentioned : For whereas his great distempers gave occasion to fear his death would be exceeding painful , yet did it prove so easie , that his Son , and other attendants could but guess at the particular time of his departure : His breathings were easie , and even , his eyes open , and full of water , till at the last ( having lifted them up towards Heaven ) they closed of themselves , and his soul , without the least motion of resistance of the body , entred into everlasting rest , whilst those whom he left behinde were entring upon the day of their rest . For then began he a perpetual Sabbath in Heaven , when they began theirs on earth , betwixt twelve and one on Saturday night , December 11. Anno Christi 1658. He dyed in a good old age , and full of dayes , having overlived fourscore years : His loss was much bewayled by the College , by the City , and whole University of Oxford . He was ( as all that knew him confessed ) a man of admirable prudence , profound judgement , eminent gifts and graces , and furnished with all qualifications that might render him a compleat man , a wise Governour , a profitable Preacher , and a good Christian. First , look upon him as a Christian , for that was his , and is every mans greatest Ornament . He was a man that had much acquaintance with God , much communion with him in private meditation and prayer , accounting those his best dayes wherein he enjoyed most converse with him . In the time of his sickness , one asking him how he did ? oh ( saith he ) this hath been a sweet day , I have had sweet communion with God in Jesus Christ. He was not like them who are all for promises and priviledges , though in the mean time they neglect duties : He made them his exercise , but not his Christ : He was much in those severe parts of Religion , as private Humiliation , Mortification , and Self-denial , whereby he gained the conquest over himself . The truth is , he was ( as far as is consistent with humane frailty ) Master of his corruptions , passions , reason , appetite , language , and all . The Lord was pleased to work upon him in the Primrose of his life , though he certainly knew not , either the Preacher or Sermon whereby he was converted . His course was in the dayes of his strictest examination to set down in writing his evidences for Heaven , sometimes in Propositions from Scripture ; other sometimes in Sylogismes , and these he often subscribed to in a Book that he kept for that very purpose . But these evidences were best read by others in the course of his life , by his exact walking with God in piety , charity , humility , patience , and dependance upon him . He was far unlike to those who sit in Moses Chair , and teach what themselves practise not . He had well digested that Fathers precept to Preachers , Either preach not at all , or live as you preach . His life was a Commentary upon his Doctrine , and his practice the Counterpane of his Sermons . What was said of that precious Bishop Jewel , was true of him , That he adorned a heavenly Doctrine , with a heavenly life . In a word , he did vertere verba in opera , he lived Religion , whilst many onely make it the subject of their discourse . He was much more than he seemed to be , not loving to make a noise in the world , but accounting it better to do , than to speak . In his works of charity to the poor , he was no less discreet , than private . When he met with fit objects , his hand was more ready to give , than his tongue to proclaim it . Indeed he was no friend to idle , lazy , canting persons who live on the sweat of other mens brows . These he looked upon as the Pests of the Commonwealth , nor could he think it charity to relieve such to the prejudice of the publick , and to their own destruction . But Gods poor , and the Houshold of Faith lay neer his heart . Whosoever shall survey his large Bills of weekly , and quarterly allowances ( besides ) considerable summes given to poor Ministers , and especialiy to their Widows , and Orphans , who never knew whence it came ) and shall adde thereunto his Legacies bequeathed in his Will to charitable uses , cannot ( what ever others thought of him ) but judge that his charity exceeded the ordinary proportion of his revenues . Naturally he was of a stout and masculine temper , yet through Grace , he attained to a great measure of humility : He was mean , and low in his own eyes , and had more undervaluing thoughts of himself , than all the world besides had of him . He was very sensible of that enemy , which he often complained of , viz. Discouragement , which he used to stile , The childe of Pride and Unbelief . It must needs be acknowledged a great measure of humility that could keep a man lowly under such abilities , attainments , and such general applauses as he met with in every place . His usual saying was , that he valued no man for his gifts , but for his humility under them : Neither should he expect much from any man , were his parts never so great , till he was broken with Afflictions and Temptations . It was his observation , that the humblest Preachers converted most souls , not the choisest Schollars , w●ilst unbroken . He would sometimes use this speech , which though a seeming contradiction , yet hath it much truth in it , It is better to be an humble Devil , than a proud Angel. He never affected popular applause , variety of Pulpits , Printing , &c. as one conscious to himself of , I know not what unworthiness ; neither ever came he thus abroad , but when by importunity he was haled to it . 2. Consider him as a man in his Morals , whether in the Government of himself in particular , or of his Family , or his greater trusts , and in all you shall finde him like himself , excellent , and almost without a parallel . In regard of himself , he was exactly temperate , confining himself to hours for diet , sleep , &c. He would often say , That he would rather pour liquor into his Boots , than into his mouth between meals . He was a strict observer of those Laws of Sobriety , which St. Paul had pressed upon Ministers , and which himself in his Drunkards Cup had taught others . He used to eat seasonably and sparingly , which ( without question ) was one great means of preserving such vigorous spirits to so great an age : His onely play time was Saturdayes in the afternoon , then he used to unbend , and disburden himself by some innocent Recreations , but onely ad Ruborem . He was a man of an excellent deportment , and sweet behaviour , whereby he won much upon all with whom he conversed . Grave he was without affectation , pleasant without levity : Indeed he never loved to hear himself talk , and therefore by some was judged too reserved ; but when he knew with whom he had to do , he was communicative enough . No man was more candid , or fuller of civility ; none more open or free to entertain or return discourses . He was very cautious before he struck a league of intimate friendship with any man ; but when he had once chosen , he was cordial , firm , and constant , his head , hand , tongue , pen , feet , purse , all , were now no longer his own but his friends . It is said of the French , that whatsoever cloaths they wear , whatsoever Garb they accost you in , becomes them so well , as if nothing else did ; and a great Critick in men as well as in Books , used to say of our doctor , that whatsoever he did or spake became him . It was a rare thing to see him angry . If at any time the folly of others had discomposed him , or their sin had provoked him , yet could he quickly command himself , and convert his passion into wholesome instruction . Though himself had great parts , both natural , and acquired , yet would he never sleight or undervalue , much less contemn , or discourage any whom he judged to be right in the main . He was very sparing in his censures of others , gentle to all , and severe onely to himself . He had a special gift of forgetting injuries , but would offer none . His memory was never more faithfull than in retaining civilities received , to which he would industriously make what proportionable returns lay in his power . He much feared lest he should give any occasion of suspicion that he either forgot , or neglected any , because he could not readily recall mens names , which occasioned him to say , That if he lived long he should forget his own name , with him in Valerius . At meals his manner was to be sociable , and facetious ; yet still he took occasion to enquire of the Publick , and how it feared with particular Towns and Families , whence he would alwayes extract something for matter of Prayer or Prayer or Praise in his Thanksgiving after meat . In his Family he had that qualification of a good Bishop mentioned by the Apostle , that ruled well his own house . He had an excellent method in the education of his Children , which was this : In general , his care was to maintain his authority over them , yet even that authority was equally tempered with lenity and gravity . He loved them without fondness , and ruled them without rigour . In particular , so soon as they could use their tongues , they were made acquainted with the Historical part of the Scriptures . As soon as they could use their legs , they were set to School , and when they could remember any thing of a Chapter read , or bring home any part of a Sermon , his care was to instruct them in the Fundamentals of Religion . Their childehood being past , he would call upon them for the practice of Religion , and was a diligent observer of their private performance of Religious exercises , wherein their Mother was no small help to him . When they grew up to more maturity , he diligently observed their capacities , inclinations , but especially their constitutions , when he could guess at that sin which was like to prove their dilectum delictum , their darling corruption , he accordingly suited their Callings , so as that sin might be least nourished , and most beaten down . The rule which he gave them was this , When you are youths chuse your Callings ; when men chuse your wives , only take me along with you : It may be , old men may see further than you . Thus whilst he condescended to them , and they submitted to him , both parties were gratified . Though he had a numerous issue , yet ( through Gods blessing upon his estate ) he disposed of them to no mean imployments . Many he sent to the Universities ; some to Merchandise , &c. To his Sons whom he bred in the University his Rule was , Study work , more than wages : To those whom he bred in the City , he would say , Do not waste a halfpenny , and you will not want a penny . And truly so well did they all improve , as his advice , so their own time and parts , that they became Masters of their particular Callings , which ministred unto him no small comfort . He acknowledged it a great mercy to his dying day , that none of his children were blemished , either in their bodies , or in their reputations . He was one of them in whose children that Popish slander concerning the ungraciousness of the children of the married Clergy , received a real confutation . Many of his Sons he buried in their prime , some at home , others in forreign parts , and some dyed shortly after himself , yet all of them gave comfortable hopes to conclude upon a rational charity ( both by the pious Letters of those which dyed abroad , and from that particular account which they gave of themselves who dyed at home ) that they all meet in Heaven ; they which survive need not this attestation . Amongst the dead , there was Mr. Tho. Harris of Magdalen College in Oxford , who was eminently learned beyond his age , an Ornament to that Noble Foundation , whereof he was a member ; once the joy of his friends , and still their sorrow ; and probably this arrow from Gods hand stuck deep in the Fathers heart to his dying day . For his servants , there are some yet living that served him in his younger dayes , who still bless God that ever they came under his roof , where they received the beginnings of Grace , and such a measure of knowledge as kept them from warping in the late giddy times . Whilst he remained with his antient Flock , his constant manner was to keep a Religious Fast before his administration of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper . And after he came to his small College , he so prudently managed all his affairs , that he was both feared , and loved . Indeed his government there was such as caused a wonder : For whereas that College before , was famous for factions , during his time there was never any complaint made to any Visitors ; and no marvel , for the Foundation there , honoured him as a Father , and he looked upon , and loved them as his Children , and accordingly he scaled up his love to them in his last Will and Testament . He called Gifts , Bribery , and hated the very shadow of it . Examples are known in the College of Gratuities refused long after faire , and free Elections . But look upon him as a Schollar , and there we have him in his proper Element . Though he left the University early , and preached constantly , yet being of a retired disposition , a constant student , and endowed with great parts , he became Master of all manner of Learning to qualifie a Divine . In the sacred Languages , especially in the Hebrew , he was very exact . His Conciones ad Clerum , declare him to have been a pure and Polite Latinist : His first , which was preached and printed long since , hath undergone the test , and gained the approbation of all knowing men in that Language ; the younger by full forty years , is of as good a complexion , and of as vigorous a constitution as its elder brother ; and it s hoped that in due time it may be made as publick . What his abilities in Disputation were , hath upon several occasions been made to appear in that College Exercises in the Chappel , where oft-times in the unexpected absence of the Opponents , himself would ex tempore take up the Cudgels , and make good their ground . In which Exercises he approved himself a subtle , clear , and ready Disputant , without any grains of allowance either for his age or discontinuance . Indeed his chiefest Learning lay where he made least shew of it in publick , viz. in Chronology , Church-History , Councils , Case-Divinity , and his insight into the Fathers . But his parts were best seen in the pulpit . His gifts in Prayer were much more than ordinary , wherein his affections were warm , and fervent , his Petitions pithy and substantial , his language pertinent , unaffected , and without Tautologies . Oh , how would he raise up a dull and sinking spirit ! How would he warm a cold and frozen heart ! How would he carry a man out of himself , and by degrees mount the soul heaven-ward ! His Sermons in Print are well known to the world , and his works praise him in the Gates . The particular excellencies of Nazianzen , Basil , Chrysostome , Austin , Ambrose , Bernard seemed all to con●enter in him . He taught Rhetorick to speak in our Mother-tongue , and ( without falshood , or flattery ) he may be stiled , The English Orator . His Doctrines carried light with them , and his Uses heat : His Reproofes were weighty , and his Exhortations powerful . But enough of this , lest we hear as he did who spake much in commendation of Hercules , Quis unquam vituperavit ? who ever dispraised him ? yea , what either Christian or Schollar , but approved , or commended him ? If you would know the worth of his Sermons , read them ( though read they come short of what they were when preached ) yea read them again and again , and endeavour to read them with the same spirit they were preached , and you cannot but acknowledge an excellency in them . Amongst other his excellencies in preaching , which were many , these were not the least , that he could so cook his meat that he could make it relish to every pallate : He could dress a plain discourse , so as that all sorts should be delighted with it . He could preach with a learned plaineness , and had learned to conceal his Art. He had clear Notions of high Mysteries , and proper language to make them stoop to the meanest capacity . His way in contriving and penning his Sermons was this : 1. He so contrived the parts of his Text , and points of Doctrine , as might afford him most scope in his Application , wherein his , and indeed , a Sermons excellency doth consist ; and therefore he used to say , That in a Sermon he contrived the Uses first : He did often handle the same Texts , and the same Points , and yet still would pen new Applications which might be most suitable to the quallity and condition of the Auditory . 2. In penning , when he once began , he would never take Pen from paper , nor turn to any Book till he had written all . All his younger dayes , for about twenty years together , he wro●ght all , and could without much difficulty preach the same verbatim . He was wont to say , That he had a fluid , and waterish memory . I can ( said he ) quickly remember any thing of my own , and as quickly f●rget it again . Yet questionless his memory was vast and tenacious ; for though sometimes he had but short Notes in his Bible , and that but seldome , yet did he never use them , except when he preached a Clerum of late years , in which he sometimes glanced upon his Papers . His custome was , presently after he had heard a Sermon , to write down the heads thereof , and he scarce either forgat , or misplaced any of them . Upon Fast-nights he would by the strength of his memory repeat two , sometimes three Sermons that he had heard that day , in the same order as they were delivered . Speaking with a Friend about Memories , he said , That his Memory never failed him : For ( said he ) I durst never trust it . He used to say , that a Preacher had three Books to study , 1. The Bible . 2. Himself . 3. The People . He looked much to the Ordinance , and Relation between Pastor , and People , and would say , That preaching to them was but one part of the Pastors Duty . He was to live and dye in them , as well as for , and with them . He complained much of some mens too large insisting upon the Doctrinal parts of their Points , whereby they left little or no room for Application ; and found that few , either in the Cities or Universities bended themselves to enlarge upon their Uses , which made their Sermons to differ little from Divinity-Lectures ; and though all Preachers could not enlarge themselves therein , yet he would often call upon them to accustome themselves to it as being most profitable . He would relate a passage of Mr. Dods concerning Mr. Cartwright ( who often in his dayes preached occasionally at Hanwell ) Me thoughts ( said Mr. Dod ) when I heard the Doctrinal part of his Sermon , I was in heaven : but when he came to apply it , I sometimes thought that if I had been in his place , I could presently have applied his Point more closely . Non omnia possumus omnes . Many young Preachers resorted to Dr. Harris for counsel , both for direction in their private studies , and in their Sermons ; and he used to perswade them for many reasons to pen largely , and to keep their Notes for all emergent occasions , often commending Mr. Dods words , who professed , That he would rather preach an old Sermon ten times , than speak any thing new without preparation . Hee would say , that he would have a Preacher to exceed himselfe upon just occasion , and not alwayes to keep the same pace , yet did not that alwayes hold in his own practice ; for generally his hearers commended those Sermons most which cost him least , and himself would say , That he never came off with less comfort , and worse content to himself , than when he was in appearance best provided : and he gave this reason for it , Not because he had used such diligence in preparing ( for that was his duty ) but because he was then aptest to depend upon himself , and to neglect his dependance upon God. Many sought to him for advice in choosing Divinity Books , to whom he would open himself freely . Some he perswaded to read Ames his Medulla , Tileni Syntagma , Bucanus , and such like . To some others , he would commeend Aquinas his Summes ( which Dr. John Reynolds used to call That absolute Body of Divinity ) Melcheor Canus , and of late , Mr. Bowles his Pastor Evangelicus . But above all , he would call upon every one to read the Text in the Originals , and to Analyse Chapters . This he perswaded Mr. Pemble to , and set him to practice it in the Book of the Preacher , or Ecclesiastes ( which he accounted a very hard Book , till he met with that brief , but pithy Exposition , of that incomparable Divine , Dr. Edw. Reynolds ) and after that upon Zachary . When any consulted with him about Writers , he would ask what they aimed at in a Writer , for several men had their several excellencies . For acuteness he used to commend Mr. Baines , and his second , Dr. Ames , Mr. John Ball , Mr. Capel , &c. If they aimed at the spiritual part of Divinity , he would leave them to Dr. Si●s : If the rational , to Dr. Preston : If the Historical , to Bishop Usher . For solid Preachers , he much prized Dr. Sandersons first Works ( to his later he was a meer stranger ) Mr. Randal , Mr. Hildersam , Dr. Reynolds , &c. And for all the requisites for a Preacher , both for method , matter , elocution , pronunciation , all , he would often say , that he seldome met with an abler man than his Brother Whateley of Banbury . When his judgment was asked about Commentators , he used to answer , that he was now more of Dr. Jo. Reynolds his minde than ever concerning Mr. Calvin ; for upon experience ( said he ) I finde that the most of the late Writers do but descant upon his plain Song ; and the Jesuits are very Plagiaries , who first rob him , and then rail upon him . Next to Calvin he used to commend sundry late Writers , as Pareus , Rivet , Mr. Cartwright especially , together with some Popish Writers , as Maldonate ( whose wit , and learning he preferred before his spirit ) before him , Learned Masius , modest Ribera , and ( for ought he found by him ) honest Estius . And being asked about the best Editions , his answer was , that what was said of Homer , was true of the Fathers , and the first Popish Writers , viz. That was ever the best which was least corrected . Of the Antient Fathers he would say , That unless it were for their Polemical and Historical parts , their Writings were more for Devotion and Affection , than for their judgement and understanding . About modern Authors this was his opinion generally ; that what English men did ex professo undertake , they did best perform it . No men excel them in expounding Scriptures , in answering Papists , Arminians , &c. None equal to them in the Pulpit , or in Practical , or Case-Divinity . And he held Cambridge very happy in her Whitakers , Downams , Davnant , Perkins , besides many others . And for Oxford , he would lay one Jo. Reynolds ( to pass in silence a younger Reynolds , and his son in Law , born a Schoolman ) in the ballance with hundreds , as a man never sufficiently admired for his Humility , as well as for his Learning . For the Schoolmen he liked many things in them , but not their aukward , and ignorant quoting of Scripture , nor their multiplying of useless questions , with needless obscurities . For Lutherans , he commended divers of them for their learning and industry , but disliked their tartness . For Arminius ( though he were none of the best ) yet he liked him better than his Disciples and Successors , who were more desperate and dangerous in the five controverted Points , than many of the Papists . As for Socinianisme , he accounted it to be but a kinde of blancht Mahometisme . And this he observed in general , that those Papists who were most conversant in the Scriptures , come nearest to us ; the like he said of the Lutherans , as Chemnitius , Gerard , Hemingius , &c. He was sparing to deliver his judgement about our condition at home , yet some things lay sadly upon his spirit ; as , 1. He complained that the power of Godliness , and exercise of Love , and Self-denial , were much abated in these later dayes ; and he much bewayled the vast difference , both in garb and practice , betwixt new , and old Professors . 2. That the Indulgence that was shewed to tender Consciences , was much abused to prophaneness , whilst men of no conscience most pleaded that liberty of choosing their own Churches , and Teachers ; and indeed , on the matter abandoned all . 3. That the liberty of Prophesying which some pretended to , was abused to meer licentiousness and confusion , whilst some would have none , and others all Prophets and Preachers . 4. That in the University few could be called constant Students , but the most made a short work of it , and posted into the Pulpit before they understood their grounds , so that few were able to encounter our growing Errours . 5. That in the Church men were in their extreams , some pressing nothing but Law , others preaching nothing but the Gospel , and Christ. 6. He complained of the want of Catechizing , and instructing youth in the Principles , the want of which , he saw by experience was a great occasion of the peoples giddiness . 7. But most of all he bewayled the readiness of many to side , and make divisions . He loved not either to use , or to hear used , dividing names , and titles ; upon which occasion he often related Mr. Greenhams answer to the Lord Treasurer Cecil , who being asked on which side the blame lay in that great rent between the Bishops , and their Antagonists , answered , That the fault was on both sides , and in neither side : For ( said he ) the godly wise on both sides bear with each other , and concenter in the main ; but then there be sel●ish ▪ peevish spirits , on both sides some , and these be they that make the quarrel . This he applied to our times by reason of the distinction of Presbyterians , and Independents , saying , Men of humble , and sincere hearts , though differing in opinion , can , and do walk together , pray togther , and love one another ; but men who wholly look a● their own interests , blow the coals , and make a stir , as if the opions were irreconcileable , and as every one was disaffected to Christs cause that goes not their pace and path . He professed freely , that for his own part he was not convinced of some things that were earnestly pressed about Church Government : He did not conconceive any one external form to be so essential to a Church , but that it might still deserve that name , though under a Presbyterian , or Independent , or Episcopal form , so long as it was kept within the bounds of those general Rules laid down in the Scriptures . It s true , some of these had been abused to Tyranny , and the rest might in time be abused also ; but the use and abuse of things are far different , and he would not commend either the one , or the other in their rigid exactions in some cases . For Presbytery , though he thought that Bishop Bilson could never ( with all his learning ) disprove the being of Lay-Elders in the Apostles times , yet he thought withall , that it was not so easie a thing to prove the perpetuity of such an Ordinance to the worlds end , especially so cloathed and attended with all those perquesites which some heretofore called for . He thought that there was some reason in the distinction of Jure Human● , and Juris Human● , what ever his application was who first used it : But for the thing it self , sith it is not altogether disproved , but allowed , yea once commanded , and not since retracted ( for ought he knew ) he saw no reason why any man should , eo nomine , be aspersed , because a Presbyterian , by any dissenting Brethren . For the to her of Independency , he confessed that it was a Politick way , and free from much trouble , and opposition : For who shall oppose the Minister , when all are of his minde before they are admitted ? yet could he never satisfie himself ( though upon occasion he often desired it ) in some particulars ; As , 1. What warrant men have to take out of anothers Flock his best sheep , and to entertain them without his consent , or testimony . He asks whether any man would willingly be so served ? whether this would not open a gap , that so soon as a member is offended with his own Pastor ( happily upon deserved reproof ) presently to flye to another Congregation . 2. To leave the cullen sheep in a hard condition : For how shall they be looked upon ? the answer must needs be , little better than Heathens : For the Minister may preach to such , and what more may he do to these , when the chief are gone ? 3. This way seemed to him to be very destructive to that relation between Pastor and People . 4. He conceived this way of gathering of Churches into private places , and companies , to be prejudicial to the publick worship of God : Experience declaring , that in many places of late , the publick Ordinances are grown into disuse , preaching onely excepted , which might be afforded to Ca●ibals if they would hear . 5. Lastly , For Congregations to consist of members at such a distance , as that one should live in the North , and another in the South , &c. many miles asunder , whereby inspection cannot be performed on the Pastors part , and on the Peoples part , they can enjoy little communion and edification one from another ; this he used to say , that he did not understand , nor could he finde any precept for it in the Word , nor any president or practice of it in Antiquity , if we speak of Churches constituted , and out of persecution , banishment , &c. These things he neither wrote , nor spake but with much fear , and grief . Amongst other things , he did very much bewayl the great sleighting of solemn Ordination of Ministers , the Office being so sacred , the work of the Ministry so important , and the Minister of so publick concernment . He wondred that when as in all other Offices there is such solemnities at the Officers instalments , that a Minister , and Ambassador of Jesus Christ should be silently admitted without Fasting , Prayer , and some publick solemnity . As to private passages it were endless to write all his Observations : onely take these few ; He observed that such as often changed their Principles , and Faith professed , usually fell from Scepticisme to Atheisme . That so much Humility as any man had , so much grace , and worth he had , and no more . That nothing was to be accounted good in , or to any man , but that which was his proper fruit , and done by vertue of his calling , from a principle of God , and for God. That the best man hath no security from any one sin , or fall , or temptation , any further , or longer than he was held up by Gods hand , and Christs Mediation . That God doth oftentimes leave us to own Satans suggestions for our own , because we do not own God in his holy motions , and breathings . That its just with God to deny us the comfort of our Graces , when we deny him the glory of them . In himself he observed , that what he forgat in the week , would unseasonably press in on the Sabbath ; so that he could , if he durst , contrive more worldly business on the Sabbath , than he could dispatch all the week . That he found no greater enemy than discouragement , which he called , The childe of pride and unbelief . He used to say , that some duties which were oft in mens mouthes , he found very difficult to him : As , 1. To deny himself in all his Selfs , was a work to be learning whilst he lived . 2. To live onely by faith , and a bare promise without a pawn is a great work . 3. To give all to free Grace , and to Christ alone is a mighty work . 4. To love where we meet with unlovingness , and contempt , is no easie matter . 5. To do ones proper work without some present pay , and countenance from God and man , is a hard task . 6. That it s far harder to adopt others comforts , than their sorrows , and to hold ones self exalted in anothers exaltation . 7. That to dye in cold blood , and to be active in it as an act of obedience , is the work of a Christian. In his sickness he would occasionally vent himself thus : It s a hard thing to think ill of our selves , and well of God at the same time . It s a hard thing for a Saint to forgive himself some faults , when God hath forgiven them . It s hard to think holy thoughts long , and to confine them to anothers prayers . We know but little of Christs love , till all be perfected , and spread before us in heaven . For his children , he referred them to an old Will , which he had made Anno Christi 1636 , when they were many , and small , which because it may be of use to many others , it s here inserted . The Advice and Counsel of Dr. Harris to his Family , annexed to a Will made by him , Anno Christi 1636. To my dear Wife and Children ; My dear Selfs , I know not what leasure I shall have to speak unto you at my Death , and I am not , you know , very free in speech , especially in sickness and sadness , and therefore now I will speak my heart to you , and I would have you to hear me speaking whilst you live , in this my writing which I divide amongst you all . First for you , my dear Wife , you shall finde the substance of that I would say to you printed to your hand in the Book of Martyrs , Vol. 2. p. 1744 , to wit , in John Careless his Letter to his Wife ; keep the Book , and often read the Letter , onely one thing I adde , if you marry again , remember your own observation , viz. That second Husbands are very uxorious , second Wives very prevalent , and therefore take heed that you do no ill office in estranging your Husband from his natural children or kindred ; you shall thereby draw upon him a great sin and judgement , if you kill in him natural affections : I have said , and do with all the strength and power that is in me , thank you for your faithfulness , and resign you to the Husband of Husbands , the Lord Christ. Now my poor Children , let me pour out my heart to you , and speak to your Souls first . For your Souls . Trifle not in the main point , the Soul is immortal , you have to deal with an infinite Majesty , you go upon life , and death , therefore here be serious ; do all to God in a serious manner . When you think of him , speak of him , pray to him , any way make your addresses to his great Majesty , be in good earnest , and have God , and have all . 1. More particularly , get your pardon in Christ : It is not impossible to get it assured to you , if you will learn , 1. To deny your selves . 2. To live by faith . 3. To understand the nature of the New Covenant . Settle your judgements in these Points , and the thing is feasible . 2. Having gotten it , be still adding to your evidence , and enjoy your present Assurance : Do all to God as to your Father . Next to this , think how you and I shall endure the sight , the thought one of another at the last day , if you appear in the old Adam ; much less shall you stand before Christ ; unless you shew the Image of Christ in you , and therefore never cease till you be made New creatures , and study well what that is . In the last place , strive for those Graces most , which concern your places and conditions , and make head against those sins which most threaten you : As first , Hereditary sins . I was naturally Melancholy , that is a humour that admits of any temptation , and is capable of any impression and distemper : Shun as death this humour , which will work you to all unthankfulness against God , unlovingness to man , and unnaturalness to your selves . 2. Of your times , and habitations . 3. Of your tempers and age . 4. Of your Callings . I have made my own peace , my sins shall not hurt you , if you make them not yours ; you need not fear the success if you will oppose to sin , Christ is made sanctification to you , he came to dissolve the works of Satan ; he hath overcome for you , and hath made as many promises for your sanctification , as your justification : Gather those promises as they be set down , especially in the Covenant with an oath , Luke 1. Press these to God , 2 Cor. 7. 1. In short , do not talk and make a noise to get a name of forward men , but do the thing ; be constant in secret duties , and act Religion in your C●llings ; for it is not a name , or notion ; It is a frame of nature , and habit of living by Divine Rule . What it is , you will then know when you have it in truth first , and in power next , and not before . Onely this for the present , It is that you must live , and dye by , that you must rise , and reign by ; therefore , my Ch●ldren , I give you that advice , which I gave your Brother , now with God ; Be more than you seem : Do more than you talk of in point of Religion : Satisfie your own consciences in what you do ; all men you shall never satisfie ; nay , some will not be satisfied , though they be convinced . For your Bodies . I was troubled with straightness of breath and breast , which was also Hereditary , and therefore you must fear it the more . The Remedies are , 1. Disclaim Hereditary sins . 2. Keep Heads clean , Feet warm , and Hearts cheerful . 3. Be more frequent than I , and your Brother in exercise . 4. Shun late drinking or studying . 5. Use lighter Suppers . For your Callings . 1. Choose well , 1. A profitable Calling for the publick . 2. A full imployment . 3. A Calling fit for your parts and means . It is better to be a rich Cobler , than a poor Merchant . 2. Use a Calling well , 1. Make it an help , not a snare to your souls . 2. Be 1. Diligent . 2. Skilful . Any honest Calling will honour you , if thus you honour it , and therefore you may be hopeful , because my self ( who had not your parts and helps ) never fou●d any thing too hard for me in my Calling , but discouragement , and unbelief . For your Company . Abandon all infectious , flattering , self-serving companions , when onc● you have found them false , trust them no more . Sort with such as are able to do , o● receive good . Solomon gives you the best counsel for this in many places . Read the Proverbs , and remember him in this ; 1. Forsake not an old Friend . 2. Be friendly , and faithful to your Friends . 3. Never trouble , or trust Friends unless there be a necessity . 4. Lastly , be long in closing with Friends , and loath to lose them upon experience of them . For your Marriages . In Marriage you lay the foundation of your present woe , or weal ; therefore here be not rash , go not alone , yet remember Paul , 1 Cor. 7. 2. First , study whether you have a calling to Marry , yea or no , and advise well of that . If none , forbear ; if so , advise with friends , before your affections be engaged . In your choice , 1. Aim at Grace . 2. Good nature and education ; the best woman is not ever the best wife . 3. Good parts of understanding , Huswifery , &c. As for Portion , be it more or less , be upon certainties , and trust not words ; and for Parentage , let not the distance be too great , lest you despise , or be despised : However be sure that the person likes not your fancy , but your judgement . For your Children . Make it your chiefest work to make them , 1. Godly . 2. Useful . Bestow most of their Portions in good Education ; and if Grace make no difference , do you make none in your affections , countenances , portions , partiality , this way ends in nothing else but envy , strangeness , &c. For your selves within your selves . My desire hath been to carry an even hand over you all , and have laboured to reduce you , as near as I could ( all circumstances considered ) to an equality , and therefore my last request , and charge is , that you will live together in an undivided bond of love ; you are many of you , and if you joyn together as one man , you need not want any thing : what counsel , what comfort , what money , what friends may you not help your selves unto , if you will contribute your aides ? wherefore ( my dear children ) I pray , beseech , command , adjure you by all the Relations , and dearness that hath ever been betwixt us , that you know one another , visite ( as you may ) each other , comfort , counsel , relieve , succour , help , admonish one another . Whilst your Mother lives , meet there ( if possible ) yearly . When she is dead , pitch upon some other place , if it may be , your eldest Brothers house , or if you cannot meet , yet send to , and hear from one another yearly . And when you have neither Father , nor Mother , be so many Fathers and Mothers each to other , so you shall understand the blessing mentioned , Psal. 133. For your Estates . Be not troubled that you are below your kindred ; get more wisdome , humility , goodness , and you are above them ; onely this do , 1. Study work more than wages . 2. Deal with your hearts to make them less . 3. Begin below . 4. Joyn together to help one another . 5. Rest upon the Promises , which are many , and precious this way . 6. Sow mercy . Take of your Mother ( to this end ) — a piece : give that in works of mercy , and if all other means fail you , that shall maintain you ; I know , I know I say , and I am confident in it , that if ye will be humbled for my barrenness , and will trust God in his own way , he will make comfortable provision for you . Object no more , but trust him . For the Publick . Bless God that you are born English men , and bear your selves dutifully , and conscionably towards Authority . See God in the Magistrate , and hold Order a precious things : And for the Church , neither set her above her Husband Christ , nor below her Children ; give her that honour , obedience , and respect that is her due ; and if you will be my Children , and heirs of my comfort in my dying age , be neither Authors , nor Fautors of any , either faction , or novelty . It s true , this is not a rising way , but it is a free , fair , comfortable way for a man to follow his own judgement , without warping to either hand . Perhaps you may hear variety of judgements touching my walk , when I sleep in silence , some taxing me for too much , some for too little Conformity ; but be not ye troubled : I did what in my circumstances seemed best to me , for the present ; howsoever the event hath not in some points answered expectation , yet I have learned to measure things by another rule than events , and satisfie my self in this , that I did all for the best , as I thought . Sure I am , my Saviour Christ is perfect , and never failed so much as in circumstance . To him I commit your Souls , Bodies , Estates , Names , Lifes , Deaths , All ; and my self waiting when he shall change my vile body , and make it glorious like unto his own , Amen . Even so come Lord Jesus , Amen . On the Memory of that Famous and Godly Minister , Dr. Robert Haris , my late worthy Friend . As once Elias in John Baptist came Back to the Jews , in that Triumphant flame Of Light and Zeal , wherein he did before Without Deaths help up into Glory soar ; And by this Transmigration of his Grace , Prepared paths before his Masters face : Even so in thee ( blest soul ) did breathe anew Great Chrysostom , yea great Apollos too ; To thee those mighty Orators did give Their Tongues to speak , to thee their life to live : Nay , thou thy self didst in thy self renew , Thy Fort'ys vigour in Fourscore ; we knew When all thy strength decayd , thy Gifts did thrive , The man is dead , the Preacher still alive ; Alive in his own Sermons in our love , His Name alive below , his Soul above . And may the younger Prophets still inherit A double portion of their Fathers spirit ; That by a sacred Metempsychosis , The gifts may now be theirs , which once were his ; That every Sermon which we hear , may be ( Rare Preacher ) a true Pourtracture of thee ; Yea , may it of each following age be true , The former are exceeded by the new ; Visions of young surpass old Prophets dreams , The Fathers Light 's outshin'd by Childrens beams , That in their measures we may more , and more , Th'unmeasur'd fulness of our Lord adore . E. REYNER . The Second Part : Containing the LIVES OF GVSTAVUS ERICSON , King of Sueden , who was the first Reformer of RELIGION in that KINGDOM . AS ALSO Of divers other Christians , who were eminent for Prudence and Piety . We desire , that every one of you do shew the same diligence , to the full assurance of hope unto the end . That ye be not slothful , but followers of them , who through Faith and Patience inherit the promises , Heb. 6. 11 , 12. LONDON , Printed for Will. Miller , at the Gilded Acron near the Little North-door in St. Pauls Church-yard , 1661. The Life of Gustavus Ericson King of Sueden , who dyed Anno Christi 1562. IN the dayes of Christian the Second , King of Denmark who also laid claim to the Crown of Sueden , after the decease of Swanto , the Lords of Sueden chose Steno Stur to be their Governor , against whom Gustavus , Archbishop of Upsal opposed himself , loving his place , more than his Country ; and being crossed in his expectation , he promotes the interest of Christian of Denmark , who to set forward his claim to the Crown of Sueden , spent one year in the pursuit thereof by force of Arms , but effected little . Nor did the Archbishop of Upsal get ought in Denmark , who saw that he played his own game , nor could he escape the seisure of his Temporalities in Sueden for his treachery against his native Country ; whereupon the year following he obtained the Popes sentence of Excommunication against the Governour of Sueden , and all his partakers , for invading the rights of his Church and Bishoprick ; and hereupon the King of Denmark takes courage to invade Sweden once more with an Army under his General , who in a Battel overthrew the Suedes , and wounded Steno their Governour , who thereupon retired to Stockholm ( the Regal City ) and unto him repaired all such as intended to adventure their all in the defence of their Country . The rest of the Suedes submitted to the Danish General , who encouraged thereby , marched to Stockholm ; but meeting with many difficulties in his march , and when he came to the City , finding no hope to draw them to a Treaty , and his Army being now much wasted , he sent to Denmark for Recruit ; and after a while the King in person comes to him , and so Stockholme is beleagured , which yet held out bravely , so that the Danish Army being wasted , and the remainder being wind-bound , and almost famished , a Treaty of peace is set on foot , and at last agreed unto by both parties . But the King intending nothing less than to stand to it , pretends that he could not come into Stockholme to finish the Treaty till pledges were first given for the safety of his person . This the Suedes assent to , and send him pledges of the Sons of the Nobles , who were sent aboard his Ship , and the Kings minde , changing with the wind , away he sails with them into Denmark , and there committed them to safe custody : And after four years returns into Sueden with a great Army , and gives a second overthrow to the Suedes in the Field , wherein the Governour Steno was slain : then the King marching to Stockholme , findes the City standing upon its Guard under the Government of Christina , the Wife of Steno ; where for a while we shall leave him in a long , and tedious siege , whilst we give you some account of our Gustavus . Amongst the pledges carried away , and imprisoned as aforesaid , by the King of Denmark was this Gustavus , the Son of Ericus , a Noble Suedish Lord now in Stockholme beleagured by the King. This Gustavus was of a Noble Familiy , whose Grandfather having married the sister of Steno Stur , the Governour , thereby he became incorporate into the antient Stem of the Kings of Sueden ; and in his younger years he was trained up in the Court , under his Uncle Steno , who was no less valiant in the Field , than wise for Government in peace . Under him did our Gustavus learn the principles of War , which afterwards he began to practice under Suanto , the next Governour . For after the death of Steno the first , the difference between the Danes and Suedes about the Government grew so high , that they fought two Battels , in both which the Suedes were the Victors , Gustavus carrying the Royal Standard of Sueden , though at that time he was but eighteen years old ; and being now about the age of twenty six , he was ( as was said before ) committed prisoner to the Castle of Callo in Jutland , under the custody of Sir Ericus Banner , a Knight of Denmark , who kept him warily that he might suffer no wrong , except from the King himself . This imprisonment he had now endured for the space of four years with patience : But having daily intelligence brought him of the Danes cruelty to the Suedes his Countrymen , he concluded that his own condition was like to Ulysses in Polyphemus his Den , being reserved but as a chief dish for the Tyrants pallate , when all the rest were devoured . Having therefore upon a day obtained liberty to ride on hunting , being eager in the chase ( though he minded another game ) he rode away , and having changed his apparel as well as his course , passing through many unknown wayes and dangers , after a chase of three hundred miles , he arrived at last at Lubeck , one of the Hanse Towns , and that held correspondence with Sueden against the Dane upon the same quarrel of being oppressed by them . No sooner was Gustavus arrived at Lubeck , but that his Keeper , Sir Ericus Banner , was come thither also in pursuit of him , who demanded of the Magistrates the delivery of his Prisoner . Gustavus pleaded for himself that he was no lawful Prisoner to the King of Denmark , but amongst others , was delivered by his Country as a pledge for the safety of the Kings person during the Treaty between the King , and his Countrymen , and that the King contrary to all right and faith , detaining him , and the other pledges , had carried them captive into Denmark ; that now he was under the Publick Faith of the State of Lubeck , to whom he was fled for refuge against oppression , desiring to have the benefit of Law , and to have the matter tried ; divers of the Senate of Lubeck were of opinion that Gustavus ought to be returned to the Dane as his prisoner , and that it concerned not them to be Judges of the lawfulness , or unlawfulness of his imprisonment : But the Consul overruled the matter , who affirmed , that though originally they had not power to determine the point , yet Gustavus being before them de facto a Freeman , and as such , had put himself into the protection of the City of Lubeck , and had appealed to them for Justice , it becomes them therefore to do herein according to Law ; and that by the Law of God , the Law Civil , and the Law of Nations , they ought to enquire into the true state of Gustavus his Captivity , and to determine the same upon grounds of Justice ; otherwise they might make themselves parties to the King of Denmarks oppressions ( if the case prove so ) before they understand what they do . The Authority of the Consul , and the strength of his reasons prevailed so far with the rest of the Senate , that they passed this definitive sentence , That Gustavus shall be protected by the State of Lubeck , till the cause be tried . This served Gustavus his turn for the present , but he knew not how short a time it would continue : He knew that interests of Nations are soon changed , especially of such petty States as Lubeck was : Besides , he had too much other work to do , to continue long in one place , and thereupon secretly , without giving notice to any , save to his good Friend the Consul , whose counsel he took along with him , he gat aboard a Merchants ship , and sailed into the Bay of Calmar , into which he entred secretly , and finding that they stood upon their Guard against the Danes , he discovered himself to the Lady Magnus , that held the Castle , acquainting her with the manner both of his Captivity and escape ; and taking advantage of the reports which then came of the sad examples of the Danish cruelty , and oppessions , he endeavoured to perswade , and encourage the Citizens to stand out in defence of the Liberties of themselves , their wives , and children , and not to trust to the fair words , and glozing promises of the Danes ; but rather to endure a little hardship for a time , assuring them that the face of affairs would be shortly changed . The Citizens willingly hearkned to him , but some mercenary Souldiers , raising a muteny , had thought to have slain him : But the plot being discovered , the muteny was suppressed , and Gustavus advised for his safety to withdraw himself into his own Country , and there to obscure himself , till a more convenient time should enable him to carry on his design . He knew this journey would be full of difficulty and danger ; For his Way lay through Smalland , where the Danish Emissaries were very active to draw the Suedes to moderation , and to submit to the Danish yoke : yet through it he adventures , but with much grief of heart to see the Country people so miserably deluded ; insomuch that he could not forbear , but told them , That they should consider the cases of many of their Country-men , who had as fair promises from the Danes , yet met with nothing but miserable bondage . Adding that there was much less danger in standing the push of the Danish Pike , than in committing themselves , and all that was dear unto them to so broken a Reed as their fair words , which had not only failed , but mortally wounded the Liberties of their Country-men , who had given credit to them . Say what he could , divers Suedes of the better rank in those parts , being pre-ingaged to the Danes , perswaded the people otherwise , saying , That the Danes aimed onely at the suppressing of such of the Suedish Nobility , as combined themselves against the Kings Government : But as for the people , the King was resolved to win them , and that they should never need to fear want so long as Salt and Herrings lasted : But if they would not be prevailed with , they were all but dead men , except speedily they forsook their Country , and fled . Gustavus finding the people hereby so affrighted , that they had rather be slaves with quiet , than hazard themselves in War , he found it not convenient for him to stay any longer there , whereupon he secretly departed to Terno , amongst his own Tenants ; and having there provided himself of necessaries he went thence to Refsnass , his Fathers house , where he concealed himself for the most part of that Summer , yet at length he adventured to discover himself to one that had been a faithful Friend to him , and once was Archbishop of Upsal ; but in those troublesome times had been laid aside , and now was retired to a Monastery at Gripsh●lm . This man being now grown old , was fearful , and willing to be quiet , though upon hard conditions , wherefore he disswaded Gustavus from stirring , alleadging the great advantage that the King had , having an Army in the Field , and the Towns generally under his command , affirming that the King desired nothing more than to ingratiate himself with the people , for whose assurance he had granted Letters of Grace , and a general pardon , and therein particularly mentioning Gustavus himself ; wherefore he advised him to give credit to the King , and to submit to his Government . And for my part ( said the old man ) I dare engage to procure from the King a special , full , and free pardon for you if you shall desire it . Gustavus heard him with silence , but liked not his undertaking ; For ( thought he ) this old man may hope hereby to screw himself into the Kings favour : Neither indeed did he like to adventure himself upon the Kings promises , wherefore he resolved to wave this old mans counsel , and to retire himself back to Rafsnass All this while the King continued in the siege of Stockholme , where we formerly left him , endeavouring , partly by force , partly by messages of Grace to get possession of that City : For which end he first confirmed the agreement which his General had made with the Lords in the Field , and then granted a General pardon , and Act of Oblivion for whatsoever former faults . Then sent his hearty commendations , and fair promises to the people in the Country by the Suedish Lords that were of his party , yet in many places it met with little or no respect at all . Nevertheless in continuance of time , by the often droppings of his good words , serious Pro●●ses , Protestations , Execrations , Letters Patents , and Declarations under the Kings hand and seal , an entrance is made into the hearts of the men at Stockholm , the Gates at length are opened , and the King admitted entrance , and acknowledged by all to be their lawful King , and then was Crowned , and solemn Feasts were held for all sorts of people , both Suedes , Danes and Germans . This was a fair morning , but who knows what a great-bellied day may bring forth ? The King all this while was contriving the ruine of the Suedish Nobility , and now he hath them in one place within walls , and a sufficient guard upon them : But it must be done under the fairest pretence that may be , for the thing it self , was ugly and ill-favoured . Hence it was first resolved , that a Treason should be supposed to be plotted by the Suedes to massacre the Danes , and therefore the Danes , as in their own defence , should assassinate the Suedes ; but this was thought dangerous , and might in the event turn to the destruction of the Danes in so populous a City , and who knows what men in despair may do ? Then another way was propounded , viz. That the King must look upon the Suedish Lords as under the Popes curse , and sentence of Excommunication , and to draw forth the Kings justice with more colourable zeal , the Archbishop of Upsal , who had procured that sentence , must openly accuse the Suedish Lords as excommunicated persons , for Treason against the King , robbery of the Church , and as spoylers of the dignity and estate of the Archbishop , and therefore he must demand Judgement against them ? And this was approved of . And the better to draw these Suedish Lords together , a Feast is appointed the third day after the Coronation , at which also the Germans and Danes were present , and then before them all , the Arcbishop of Upsal ( though unwillingly when he saw what would be the event ) steps forth before the King , and accuses the Suedish Lords of injury done by them to himself both in person and estate , and demanded ●atisfaction for his damages . The King liked not this charge as not being home enough , and therefore told him , that he forgat the Popes sentence , the crime of Treason , and his own place , who ought in zeal to the Church to have demanded punishment upon the persons offending . After which he commanded the Guards to seize upon the Suedish Lords , and ( as some Writers say ) shewed them so much mercy as to let them live till the next day ; and in the interim he set Guards upon all the avenues to the City that none might be suffered to depart out of it . And the next day being November 8. Anno Christi 1520 , not by legal trial ; but in a way of Butchery , he murthered near a hundred of the Nobles , and chief men of Sueden , and Citizens of Stockholm , and then letting loose the Souldiers upon the City and Country , all sorts of persons , Ecclesiastical , Civil , Great , Mean , Men , and Women , and Children suffered all manner of violences and deaths that Cruelty could devise ; their rage extending , not onely to the living , but to the dead , towards whom they used all the opprobrious indignities that could be , the lively Character whereof may be described better by some Dane that saw it , or some that were interessed in the Scicilian Vespers , or the Parisian Nuptials , or Irish Massacre than by my pen. After these horrid Murders , and outrages , Covetousness began to ascend the Stage , the King seizing upon all the estates , both of the dead and living , and to make all sure , the Liberties of Sueden being thus brought into the state of a dead man , they thought to buy them also so as they might never rise again : To which end , they set Guards in all places , published Edicts , and did not onely deprive the Suedes of their Armour , but of their Arms and Legs also , saying in scorn , That a Swede could plow his ground well enough with one arm , and a wodden leg . But the last , and worst of evils was abominable Hypocrisie . For this Christian Kings conscience ( forsooth ) is pretended for what he did : He was touched with much compassion , and would not have done it , but that his conscience tyed him thereto in zeal to the Church , and obedience to the Popes sentence of Excommunication ; and thus Religion is made the Patron of all these Villanies . Yet all this quieted not the Kings conscience , but he hastes out of uecden , possibly fearing lest the ground should open her mouth , and swallow him up , or lest the fame of his cruelty should arrive before him in Denmark , and make that Nation abhor , and vomit him out . But behold how vengeance follows him ! Now is he gone home , King of the three Kingdomes of the Baltick Sea , and to secure Sueden , he had left Guards in every place : But cruelty never conquered mens spirits ; A Tyrant may be feared of all , but is hated of all , and his own conscience so pursues him , that he can be quiet no where . And so it fell out with this King ; for within three years he lost all his three Kingdomes without adventuring one drop of blood , or striking one blow for them . The manner shall be after glanced upon ; but my present work is to shew how Sueden , now under water , comes to lift up its head again . This sad news at Stockholme coming to the ears of Gustavus now at Rafsness , and in particular the murther of his own Father Ericas amongst the rest of the Nobles , he was not at all discouraged , but rather provoked with a desire of revenge , and to rescue his Country from such barbarous Tyranny ; yet what with grief and detestation of such execrable cruelty , and doubt that many would be affrighted thereby from appearing in their Countries cause , his spirit was much troubled , and rendred less able at the present to determine upon the manner of his proceeding ; and therefore in all haste away he goes to the Mountain-people with this news ; but they , scarce civillized , are little sensible of their Countries cause Gustavus therefore makes no stay there , but away he goes to a Castle in those parts commanded by one Aaron Peter , a Noble man , whom once he knew to be well affected to the Liberties of his Country , and to him he discovered himself what he was , and what were his intentions , desiring his counsel ; but he found the man , and others in those parts so amazed at the news of Stockholme , as that they forgat both themselves and the publick , and were rather willing to couch under any burden , than to make opposition against it ; yea so fearful they were of being suspected by the Danes , that they rather desired to be esteemed wholly at their service , and especially Aaron Peter , who ( though he pretended pity and compassion to Gustavus in this condition ) and promised not onely security to his person if he would abide with him , but his best assistance in compassing the ends propounded by him ; yet having drawn from him the utmost of his resolutions , after a few dayes , wherein he had carryed himself fairly to avoid suspicion , he gets himself abroad , and away he went to the Danish Lieutenant Bruno , and discovers to him the whole matter , as well concerning Gustavus his intentions , as what counsel himself had given him . But Aaron forgat one point of policy , which was , to let none know his intentions but his own heart ; for he told his wife , whither , and what he went about ; who being more true to her Country , and regardful of the Laws of common honesty and hospitality , than her Lord was , when he was gone , told Gustavus , whither her Lord was gone , and to what purpose , and therefore advised him forthwith to shift for himself , furnishing him with her own horse to go to Suertso , to one that had been Gustavus his Colleague in the University . The day following came Bruno the Dan● , with twenty Souldiers to apprehend Gustavus at Aaron Peters house ; but his Lady told him that Gustavus was secretly departed the day before ; and so the prey being lost , Bruno returns without sport . Thus God made a woman a great instrument in saving Sueden from miserable ruine . Gustavus being come to Suertso found kinde entertainment ; but consideration being had to the restless 〈◊〉 pursuit of the Danes , it was thought convenient that he should not stay long there ( for now the enemy hunted upon hot sent ) and therefore he departed privately beyond the Dallcarls unto Retwick . These Dallcarls are a people of Sueden strong and hardy , men of resolution , and being inured to work hard in the Mines , were fit for action , whence ( as some Writers note ) they have their name of Dallcarls or Carles , or robustious men of the Dales , having by reason of their priviledges this advantage , that they are numerous and rich . To these Gustavus applies himself , and relates to them the particulars of the Massacre at Stockholme , whereby the Suedes had lost much of their best blood ; he told them also what further danger the Nation was in , which he in good language set forth to the life ( for he could no less skifully manage his tongue than his arms . ) The Dallcarls pitying the state of their Country , and having respect to themselves , and their friends , they told Gustavus , that they would adventure all that was dear to them to be revenged on the Danes , and to vindicate their Nation from bondage ; onely they desired him that he would engage their Brethren of the Eastern Dales with them . This Gustavus willingly undertook , and forthwith departed to Mora , the chief City of those Dales , whither coming about the latter end of December , the next day he obtained audience of them , and told them , That he should not need to make any preface to gain their attention , being perswaded that the matter of his discourse would ease him of that trouble ; He therefore prayed them to take into consideration the perplexed condition of the Suedish Nation in those later years , that through their own distractions , and civil , or rather uncivil discontents they had betrayed the Liberties of Sueden into the hands of strangers , who instead of seeking the publick weal , had wrought altogether for the advancement of their own interest , the people of Sueden being in the mean time glutted with misery , and drunk with tears , having themselves , their wives , children , and estates , prostituted to Murthers , Torments , Rapine , and all manner of contempt . I appeal ( saith he ) to the old men , they know it , they cannot forget it , and the young men may know it , if they will ask their Elders . And shall there never be an end of these miseries ? Are the Suedes become a people alwayes to be trampled upon , devoured , and made food for forreigners ? Call ( I pray you ) to minde the Government of that Tyrant , Ericus of Pomerland , his Cruelties , Oppressions , and Extortions ; and remember that you , that you I say of the Dales , rose unanimously in defence of your Country against him , and therein hazarded all that was dear to you , even to your lives , and thereby compelled him with shame to return to his own Country . And now look about you and consider , Are you in any better condition under the enraged Danes ? a people that bear an immortal hatred to our Nation , and are themselves hateful to all Nations but themselves : Can you expect better dealing now from them , than you have found hitherto after an hundred years experience ? Hear the cryes of the Survivers at Stockholm , the fatherless and widows , the dying groans of so many brave men of this Nation , under the cruel torments , and unsatiable butcheries ; the abhorred Massacre of all sorts , degrees , and sexes , and ages , contrary to all Faith , Promises , Oaths , Execrations and Engagements under hand and seal . It may be they will now promise you Peace , Justice , and what not ? Did they not give all these assurances to our dead Friends at Stockholme ? and yet they brake all bonds and engagements , and will you believe their words ? No , no ; the Danes are still the same men , or rather inhumane Monsters that ever they were ; their hatred is now broken forth into a flame , which will never be quenched , so long as the riches , or any blood of the Suedish Nobility lasteth , nor will ever cease till it hath run over all the Country . Do you not every day hear the sad news of this approaching evil ? Is it not almost come to your own doors ? and will you sit still till it hath seized on your neck ? Is it not much better ( if we must dye ) to dye like Souldiers , than like slaves ? Are the Danes more than men , and we less than women ? I am here present this day : Command my estate , person , and life , and I will adventure all in this service , if you will joyn with me in any way , though I should serve but as a private Souldier . For I had rather dye a free Nobleman of Sueden , in the defence of my Country , than live to see it underperpetual vassallage . The Moreans being much affected with this speech , professed their readiness to appear in the defence of their dear Friends and Country-men , in whose liberties and lives their own were wrapped up . Yet they prayed him , for the present , to retire himself to some place of privacy for his own safety , till their neighbours of the Western Dales might be in a sit posture to joyn with them , assuring him that in the interim they would not slack their preparations . Gustavus took this answer courteously , and away he flyes to the Western Dallcarles bordering upon the Mountains , to gain them into a posture ; and there also meeting with fresh news of the bloody cruelty of the Danes , he goes once more amongst the Mountains , where having to deal with sharp weather , rough and unknown wayes , more trodden by wilde beasts than men ; yet indignation against the enemies , and zeal for his Country , adde new courage , and resolution against all difficulties , and dangers , and at last he makes trial of the peoples minde again : But they , scarcely sensible of any thing but what was under ground , and knowing no happiness above mining , nor any misery worse than it , turned a deaf ear to all that he spake , till at length Gustavus came to the house of Laurence Olai , an active , and brave Knight in those parts , who had sometime served Steno Stur , the Governour , with much valour and faithfulness . He , joyning with Gustavus , told the Mountainers that Gustavus had given them true intelligence concerning the Suedish miseries under the Danish cruelties at Stockholme , and other places : Further adding , that he had received late information , that the Danish King intended a Royal progress through all Sueden , to receive homage of the people , and had by Proclamation enjoyned Gibbets to be erected in all places , and that Letters were coming down into the Country to provide quarter for the Danish Souldiers that were to be as a guard to the King in his Progress . This news wrought effectually upon them , and as they were considering what to do , messengers came from the Country of the Dallcarles round about to seek after Gustavus ; but he was gone further out of reach , to Lima. Hereupon the Mountainers resolve to joyn with those of the Dales to request Gustavus his speedy return , whom they would make their Captain ; and accordingly he came back with the messengers , where he found the people assembled , who received him with loud acclamations of joy , and made him Governour and Captain of the Dallcarles , swearing Fealty , and obedience to him , assigning him a Life-guard of choice young men for his honour and safety . Thus one great work is over . Gustavus had all this while to do with a people whose principles were fixed in their manufactures ; and though they had many eyes , and could discern things nigh at hand well enough , yet could they not discern the times , nor from thence make conclusions what they ought to do . For God never made all men for all things . Miners are no good States-men , nor States-men good Miners ; and therefore it s the less marvel that Gustavus spent an whole year in this painful Pilgrimage , with continual labour and danger , and all to make this people sensible of their condition , and willing to defend their Liberties before it was too late ; and yet could he prevail nothing , till the Danish Feast at Stockholme ( not above two moneths past ) roused them out of their security . But now Gustavus was in a posture for the Field , as a Captain for the Liberties of Sueden , against a known enemy , or Tyrant rather , who thought that he had setled his Government in Sueden , both by Law and Arms. Nor indeed can this work be looked upon but as a special work of Divine Omnipotency , in compassion to an oppressed , and undone people , that so strong a principle of Magnanimity , Zeal , and Constancy , should lead one man thus in this service through all opposition and danger ; but these are but small things in comparison of what remained , and was further done by him . Gustavus being thus engaged , proceeds to gather his Army , and to him Laurentius Olai joyns , together with the friends and servants of those Noble men who were murthered at Stockholme , and others disinterested who were in danger of the Danish interdict , and with these he begins first to march on Candlewas day , Anno Christi 1520 , leading his men to the Copper mountains , where he surprised the Governour and other Officers belonging to the Mines , seizing upon all the Danish goods , the Kings Revenue , and the Tenths , and so returned into the Valley . By this means he gained in some measure a stock for the encouragement of his Souldiers , whereby his Army encreased daily , and he facing about , went to the other Mountains , where , by general consent , he was made their Lord and Governour : After which he divided his Army into two parts , leaving one in the Mountains under the command of Peter Sueno , a famous Captain , to whom many of the Inhabitants joyned themselves , and these he kept as a reserve , to assist him as occasion required . With the other part of his Army he marched into the Country of Helsing , which on one side bordered upon the Sea , having the valley of the Dallca●les on the other ; and this he did , as well to gain a passage by Sea , if occasion should require , as to secure his Army the more by such good neighbourhood : But whilst he thus advanced into Helsing , Letters were sent unto the Mountainers from the Archbishop of Upsal , the old enemy of the Suedish Liberties , signed by himself , his Father Ericus Trolli , and Bennet Canutus , who stiled themselves the Council of the Kingdome of Sueden ; the purport whereof was , to beseech them to be mindful of their duty to their Sovereign the King , and of the peace of the Kingdome of Sueden , with large promises of the Kings grace and favour to them , and of a safe conduct to Gustavus , if he would lay down Arms ; adding that by so doing , differences might be composed for their great advantage : But all the entertainment these Letters met with was , Indignation , and Scorn . The Helsingers gave Gustavus no harsh entertainment , yet was his presence not very acceptable , they besought him that they might be spared from present engagement in Arms , their Country being exhausted and much impoverished by the late troubles : Gustavus hereby found that their temper was not for his turne ; he must have men of resolution , and therefore he accepted of their submissive answer , and leaving them to second thoughts , he marched thence into Gestrict , where the people readily submitted to him , and so he returned to the Dales again , having by this march encreased his Army to the number of five thousand good old Souldiers , who having formerly hidden themselves in several places , now repaired to him . The Archbishop of Upsal finding what little respect his Letters had with the Mountainers , he resolved to do that by force , which his fair language could not effect ; and therefore he sent Henry de Milen , with a commanded party of Souldiers into the Dales , to reduce them betimes , and to crush the Bird in the Egge . Gustavus being informed of his coming , advanceth to meet him , de Milen hearing this , retires from him , professing to the Archbishop , that Gustavus was not to be dealt with by parties : But the truth is , a spirit of trepidation had possessed the Danes , or else being in the Field , as they were , they would never have suffered an enemy thus to gather under their noses , nor have dallied thus with Gustavus by parties , when they had a just Army in readiness . Gustavus was otherwise minded , he had begun , and now there was no retreating ; He will now let all men know that he was so far from fearing the Danes , that he undertakes a long march to finde them out , and fight them within their own walls , and accordingly he advanceth to Westerass , a City having a Castle , and being rich by a continual Market of Copper and Iron brought daily from the Mountains thither , and therefore there the Danes had placed a Garrison . Gustavus by this march also had much encreased his Army by the confluence of the Country to him , whereupon he divided his Army into three Battels , the Van was commanded by Laurentius Olai , the middle by Laurentius Ericus , whom he commanded to march through the valley of Balingsass , and to encamp near to St. Olais Chappel , but not to attempt any thing without further order . The Enemy not minding to stay their leisure ; and observing the manner of Laurentius his approach , gave h●m a full charge , especially with their Horse , which was so bravely entertained by Laurentius , that the Danes gave ground , and at last both Horse and Foot were driven to a disorderly retreat , whom Laurentius pursued . Gustavus hearing hereof , and fearing lest his mens forwardness might carry them beyond their Post , he hasted into the Van , though with some danger to his person , and with the loss of some that were nigh to him , and when he came , he found Laurentius engaged even unto the streets of the City in pursuit of the flying Enemy , so that it was dangerous to bring them to a stand , whereupon he gave them their liberty , and with them he follows the enemy through the streets . But the Danes , when they came into the Market place , ra●lied themselves , and made a stand behind their Ordinance , which were ready planted to give the Suedes a salutation upon their first approach : But Laurentius Fricus with the middle Battel , found out a nearer way , and was already gotten into the City , and now charged the Danes in their Rear , making them quit their place , and their Ordnance , and thereby saved much blood which might have been shed of the Suedish side . The Souldiers in the Castle seeing their Friends thus beaten , shot fiery bullets , whereby the City was fired in sundry places ; but the Suedish Souldiers quenched the fire , and saved the City . The Danes in the City being sled to their intrenchments , defended themselves till they had strengthened the Garrison in the Castle , and then by the help of their Boats , gat them to Stockholme . This Victory , as it discouraged the Enemy , so it much encouraged many secret Friends to their Country to forsake the Danes , and to take part with Gustavus , amongst whom was Arvidus , a West Goth , whom Gustavus knew so well , that he presently sent him with part of the Army to besiege the Castle of Steckburrow , and to watch the motion of the people in those parts . Other Castles also were besieged ; but Laurentius Ericus was sent with his Brigade to Upsal , and Laurentius Olai , with the Country people that now flocked to him from all parts , was appointed to second him . As they marched thitherward they intercepted the Scouts of the Governour of Upsal ; and the next day Letters were sent from the Governour , and Magistrates of Upsal to the Suedish Commander in chief , to desire liberty according to their wonted manner every year upon St. Ericus day , to hold their Procession with the shrine of St. Ericus , to the Church of old Upsal , being half a mile without their City ; to which , answer was returned , That it belonged to the Suedes , not to the Danes to hold that solemnity . The Governour though he missed the Procession , yet would not lose his Feast ; he therefore would let the Suedes know , that he could keep his Feast though the Suedish Army waited upon his Trenches ; and accordingly held his Feast in the Archbishops Garden . But the next morning before break of the day , the Suedish Army came to the walls , seized upon the Guards , and entred the City , whilst the Danes half asleep , and as yet scarce sober , being surprized with a Pannick fear , fled out of the City , fiering of it as they went : But the Suedes appointing a party to quench the fire , pursued the Danes till they had passed the River , in which passage the Governour was shot with an arrow , whereof he died at Stockholm . About eight dayes after comes Gustavus from Westerass to Upsal , a●d calling the Canons of the College together , he asked them whether they were Suedes or Danes , charges them with the blood , spoyl , and misery of Sueden , affirming that they , and their Archbishop had nourished all the Rebellions in Sueden against their lawful Governours , that they were betrayers of their Countries Liberties into the hands of Forreigners ; that ere long they must be responsible for those actions , and in the mean time he required Fealty from them , and security that in their stations they would maintain the peace and liberty of the Country . They humbly answer by Petition , desiring that he would consider their engagement to their Archbishop , now at Stockholme , and that they might have leave to send to him to see if they could prevail to take him along with them in this engagement , promising to write to him to invite , and perswade him hereunto . This Gustavus was content to grant , and wrote himself by the same messenger : But what other message the Canons sent privately , the event renders somewhat doubtful . For the Letters were received with contempt , and the messenger detained , the Archbishop saying , that he would carry an answer in his own person ; and accordingly he caused a Body of Horse and Foot immediately to be drawn forth , with which he marched with that speed and secresie , that they were within two miles of Upsal , before Gustavus heard any thing of their coming . Gustavus now too late , began to consider his own weakness , his Army being divided in so many severall imployments , and the enemies ( if he was not misinformed ) exceeding him in strength : whereupon he debated with himself what were fittest for him to do : the City was unassured to him , if not assured against him : If he retreat , it would be construed for a flight : If he stay , he must put all to the hazard : He considered also that though he might suffer in his Honour by a Retreat , yet that might be repaired again , but if he lost his men , that loss would be irreparable both as to his own honour , the liberty of Sueden , and the safety of his Party . Hereupon he speedily withdrew out of the City into a Wood not far off : and the Archbishop without opposition entring the City , is soon informed thereof , and as eagerly pursues him to the Wood , where the Suedes had made a stand , and gave not ground for all that the Danes could do against them . As Gustavus was bestirring himself from place to place , his Horse fell into a Quagmire , where , being espied by the Danes , he was knock't from his Horse , and had been at their mercy ; but that a party of about twenty of the Suedish Horse came seasonably to his rescue , and horsed him again ; after which , returning to charge the enemy afresh , they retired , but yet in good order , which Gustavus observing , he was willing to make a golden Bridge for a flying enemy , and so let them go quietly to Upsall . Gustavus had now leisure to consider what to do : and found by experience a double error in his proceedings : First that he had divided his Army into so many parts , that none of them was of it self sufficient to oppose the enemy in case they should gather to an head : the other , that in his March ( contrary to Caesars Rule ) he had not reduced the enemies Castles ; but le●t them , as Birds of prey , to fall upon any of his Parties , when they should be weak . He considered also , that if now he should leave the wood , he was environed with those Castles , and had the enemies Army entire , and near him . What shall he now do ? Men bring themselves into straits , and plunges , but God brings them out . Gustavus had a party now besieging the Castle of Westerass , who hearing of the fight between the Archbishop , and Gustavus , rose , and hasted to him . Gustavus being thus recruited , turns to the left hand , leaving Upsal on the right , and so bended his march towards Stockholme , supposing that they might meet with the Archbishop , before he could recover Stockholme ; and herein his expectation was not frustrated : For if Gustavus committed two errours , the Archbishop fell into one which was worse than both of them , and that was , that being returned to Upsal , he considered not that he had left Gustavus in a posture of defence , who also might possibly recruit his Army , and so meet with him in his return to Stockholme if he made not the better haste ; and so indeed it fell out , Gustavus met him , fought him , and after an hours dispute , Gustavus his Arguments were of that force , that the Archbishop hardly escaped into Stockholme with tenth part of his Army . Gustavus follows him , and entrenches his Army near to the City , but considering that the City was full of Danes , and that most of the Suedes after the late Massacre had forsaken their houses , and that it was like to hold out long , he was casting with himself how to encrease his Army ; but he was soon eased of that care : For the Helsingers , that hitherto had concealed themselves , now come unanimously , and offer their service to him , and the like did many old Souldiers of Germany , insomuch as he was less able to provide quarter for them than men . But what doth the King of Denmark all this while ? Is not he ready by this to march with a compleat Army to save a Kingdome that is ready to be lost ? No doubt but he had a good minde to it ; but his condition was such that he durst not stir from home . For as he went out of Sueden without one God-speed , so he came into Denmark without one Welcome-home . He was so dyed in blood that all were afraid of him : His Victory was abominated , his person odious , and his Government grown intolerable ; wherefore finding that he could raise no Army at home , and that if he should go out of Denmark he might lose all there , and get nothing but blows abroad ; he commands his Governour in the Isle of Gothland to relieve the Danes in Sueden as occasion should require ; in pursuance whereof , he repairs thither , and after one repulse suffered , he relieved the Castle of Steckburg , besieged by Arvidus , and then changing the Garrison , he committed the keeping of it to one Bernard de Milen . Gustavus considering that the siege of that place would prove dangerous to Arvidus , if the Country , and neighbourhood were not assured to him ; he sent to the Bishop of Hincopen , and having prevailed with him , by his advice , he summoned a meeting of all the States of East and West Gothland , Smalland , Vermeland , and of the Dales ; and when they were assembled , he prayed them to take into consideration the condition of their Country : that the misery thereof was occasioned onely through their divisions and variety of interests ; and the Government having been of late in the hands of Forreigners , the Publick weal hath thereby been much endamaged . He said , he should not need to enlarge upon the particular burdens which they felt and groaned under . The great business which he desires them to take into consideration was , to advise , and conclude upon the means of redress : As for himself he would deliver his opinion freely and cleerly , viz. That no means on earth could cure these evils , but a speedy and effectual unanimity , and joynt endeavour to restore the old principles of Government , by one supreme Governour , and a free Parliament of the States , as formerly had been used : But if they had any further advice therein , he earnestly desired to be informed by them , assuring them that whatsoever they should judge meet to be done in order to a settlement , he would endeavour the accomplishment of the same , though to the sacrificing of his life , and all that was dear to him . This Speech being ended , there was a joynt acclamation , and assurance given , that they all fully , and freely assented to his opinion , and were ready to assist him therein to the utmost , withall , giving him great thanks for his undertaking their rescue out of the Tyrants hands , earnestly requesting him to proceed till he had perfected the same , whereunto they would constantly contribute their prayers to God for his gracious assistance , and for the protection of his person ; and for his further assurance , they do not only acknowledge , and promise submission to him as their lawful Governour ; but they pray that it may not seem grievous to him to take upon him the place , and title of their lawful Lord and King. To this Gustavus answered , That he took up Arms against the common enemy of his Country , not aiming at Rule , but at the peoples liberty from the iron yoke of the Danish Tyranny , under which themselves , their wives and children lay bound day , and night ; That he called not himself to the work , but onely offered his assistance therein ; That he was invited to command by the Transilvanian Suedes of the Dales ; That his detestation of that abhorred Butchery at Stockholme ( wherein , not onely many Personages fit to do their Country service , but many of his own blood lost their lives and estates ) did enrage his spirit to it , so that he thought nothing dangerous for him to adventure , so that he might take vengeance for it , which made him yeeld to the invitation of the men of the Dales : and if you also ( said he ) will joyn your aid in this work , and can conside in my command , I will not refuse to be your Captain and Governour untill the enemy be fully vanquished , and our Country cleared from them . But as touching the making of a King , you may take that into consideration when the War shall be fully finished ; For then whomsoever the States of Sueden shall elect to be King or Governour , his will I be to serve in any condition . This Speech was received with joyful acclamations , and an unanimous vote that Gustavus should be accepted for their Lord and Governour ; and accordingly all that were present sware Fealty to him , and faithful obedience next under God. This was a little Parliament of part of the Nation , and chiefly intended to assure those places where the War was , and to unite them in a more vigorous prosecution thereof ; and the success was answerable : For hereupon many Towns and Castles of West-Gothland , and Small and , readily surrendred , and submitted to Gustavus , whose Deputies being sent to the Council , and convinced in their judgements of the justness of the cause , the people had obliged themselves to stand to what their Deputies should conclude . Hereupon Gustavus finding less need of imploying so many Souldiers in these neighbouring parts , he sends a party into Finland , to which many of the people joyned : Amongst whom was one Grabb , a valiant man , and skilful Sea-Captain , who having armed a few ships , with them assaulted such places upon the Coast as held for the Dane , sometimes in one part , sometimes in another ; surprising Towns , slaying many , doing all by night , and before the next morning he was gone , no body knew whither , nor which way . This caused the Enemies to divide their Forces , to guard so many places at once ; and in the mean time the Suedes sat down before Abbo , though they were there hard matched , and sometimes overmatched by the Danes ; for as yet that part of the Country had not felt the Danish cruelty , though if they had prospered , they should not long have escaped the same . The Castle of Steckburg , after above half an years siege , was taken by Arvidus , the Governour whereof being committed to Prison , after he had lain there two moneths , he submitted to Gustavus , and sware Fealty to him . The Governour of the Isle of Gothland being ignorant of these passages , came with a Fleet , well provided to relieve the Castle ; but when he came to the Promontory , he was suddenly assailed by the Suedish ships which lay behinde the same ; and after the loss of six hundred of his men , he was glad to betake him to his wings . Shortly after , Arvidus was sent with part of his Army to block up Calmar , the rest being sent to the Camp before Stockholme ; For the Danish Admiral , after the late defeat , having repaired his losses with a new supply of men and ships , came to the relief of them in Stockholme , and the Danes being strengthened by this recruit , sallied out of the City , and beat up one of the Suedish Quarters , so that for a moneths space , the City remained disingaged . Gustavus now finding by experience that Stockholme was a morsel too big for him to swallow , without further strength , he bent his principal industry for the recovery of other places Garrisoned by the Danes , and amongst other places the City of Nicopen was at length yeelded up to him by the Governour , Henry Canzow , with whom Letters were found from the Danish Tyrant , which required him to put to death all the Suedes that came into his power , especially those of the Nobility : But as he had too much humanity in him to execute so bloody a Decree , so he liked it not in others , and therefore he told Gustavus , that Letters of the same purport were sent to other places , and he believed they would be put in execution , which fell out accordingly in Finland ; for the Governour of Abbo , being blocked up ( though not formally besieged ) by the Suedes , caused divers of the chief men of Finland to be assassinated : But Ericus Flemming being forewarned of the danger , and now in the Governours hand , offered his service , with so many Suedes as adheared to the Danes , to adventure their lives the night following to beat the Suedes before the City out of their quarters , which being liked by the Governour , he asigned him such men as he desired , who accordingly entred the Suedish quarters , but liked their entertainment so well , that they returned no more into Abbo : and thus he escaped that danger which many others shortly after smarted under . Gustavus having gained Nicopen , the Castles of Tineslor , and Westerass , presently after were delivered up to him , the latter having endured a siege of nine moneths : But finding all his labour before Stockholme lost , unless he could encrease his strength at Sea , he sent to Lubeck for men of War , and Ammunition , who readily assented being oppressed by the Danes in their Trade . Nine ships were sent to Gustavus within a few moneths with Ammunition , and Souldiers , who had a great minde to see Gustavus before they would engage ; but being satisfied when they had seen him , they all swear to be faithful to him ; part of these Gustavus sent to the siege of Calmar , the other part he carried along with him to the siege of Stockholme ( as it was the policy of War amongst the Romans to divide their Auxiliaries ) and then he sent the Country-men to their several habitations . Within a few weeks after , eight more ships of War arrived from Lubeck at Stockholme , and being thus more secured at Sea , Gustavus re-inforced the siege in a more regular way than formerly . The Suedes before Abbo finding the work too hard for them , withdrew their Forces , and the Governour being now at liberty , by order from the Danish Admiral , prepared a ship of War , with Ammunition , and Souldiers , for the relief of Stockholme , which early in a morning coming to the Fore-land , sent out a Skiffe for discovery , which was intercepted by Ericus Flemming , now Admiral of the Suedes , who clearing the men out of the Skiffe , and manning it with Suedes in the same fashion , he sent it back , into which , when the Governour of Abbo was entred to enquire after news , they presently apprehended him , and carried him away , and being hardly chased by the Danish ships , they suddenly fell amongst the Suedes , and being charged by them , some were taken , and others escaped . But the Governour of Abbo being brought to Gustavus , he presently hanged him on a Tree , for his cruel assasinating the Nobility of Finland . Within a few weeks after the Danish Admiral came with five Ships for the relief of Stockholme , but being within view , and not liking the Coast , he returned without doing any thing , and Gustavus now finding the Sea safely guarded , he prosecuted his siege more vigoriously , making his approaches to the very Suburbs , and by Bridges closing his Quarters . Hereupon the City began to be in distress , and many escaping out , submitted to Gustavus : Amongst these , a Spy is sent out , who under colour of submission , was to make discovery , and as occasion served , either to return into the City , or to haste into Denmark to acquaint the King with the state of their affairs . This Spy was discovered , and being searched , Letters were found sown up in his cloaths , whereupon he was convicted , and executed : And this being known in the City , and judged to be by intelligence from some within , all the Suedes were ordered to depart , but such as would take up Arms for the Danes . On the other side , Gustavus having intelligence of preparations , intended for the relief of the Danes in Sueden , he sent a party into Norway to begin a War there , who meeting with little opposition , soon made themselves Masters of the Province of Wicken , the Castle of Carlsburg , the Danes being in no posture to oppose them , as the case stood . For Christian the second , then King of Denmark , by reason of his injustice and oppressions of his own people , whilst he invaded the lives , liberties , and estates of all sorts , and for his execrable murders , and perfidiousness in Sueden ; his contumelious outrages towards strangers , and his uncivil behaviour towards his own Queen , who was sister to the Emperour , Charles the fifth , having hereby provoked all men against him , but more especially the Duke of Holst , he proclaimed War against the King ; and the Nobility of Denmark , perceiving that they were distrusted by their King , who relying upon strangers , intended to bring them into Government in Denmark , and so to rule his Kingdome by force and rigour , they joyned with the Duke , and invited him into Jutland , where all joyned with him . And Christian now too late , though too soon to him , concluding that the Duke would be made King , leaves his Throne and Country , providing for his safety elsewhere ; and shipping himself , his Queen , Children , and all the Treasure he could scrape together , he sailed into Germany ; first going to the Duke of Brandenburgh , and then to the Elector of Saxony : and after some time he found means to raise an Army for the recovery of his Kingdome , but not keeping touch with his Souldiers , he lost his Army and Kingdome a second time ; whereupon despairing of good success , he fled into Flanders , where he lost his Queen , the greatest comfort he had left him in the world ; not onely in regard of her relation to the Emperour , but in regard of her excellent vertues , whereby she was so much beloved of the Danes , that they offered to submit to her as to their lawful Queen if she would stay in Denmark ; but she , like her self , chose to live in exile with her Husband , rather than to reign without him . The Danes in Sueden understood these things , and those of them that were besieged in the Castle of Calmar were ordered to hold out as long as they could , and then to fire the City , & ship themselves for the Isle of Gothland ; but the Citizens being informed hereof , in the night time opened their gates , and let in the Suedes , who soon made themselves Masters of the Castle , and after that , of the Isle of Oland , whereof when tidings came to Stockholme , they proffered to surrender , but upon such conditions as Gustavus would not accept of . Now did the Suedish affairs seem to promise a calm nigh at hand ; whereupon Gustavus thought it convenient to endeavour a settled form of Government , for which end he summoned a general meeting of all the States at Stregness , who being assembled , he told them , that now things were in a hopeful way of peace ; that it was necessary for the publick peace , and justice of the Nation , that the antient form of Government should be revived : That for the present they see the Nation without a supream Magistrate , and without a Senate : That the former hath murthered the later , and the people ejected the former : That he hoped in a short time to render an account of the Nation reunited , and in a peaceable condition , which is the end of War ; but some person must be elected to govern them when in a peaceable condition , and a Senate must be constituted according to the antient custome of Sueden , who may elect the supreme Governour : That they , the States of Sueden , are the only first movers in this work , and have power to constitute this Senate anew , and therefore he prayes them to proceed according to their discretions for the settlement of the Government , and such instruments as are necessary , and conducing thereto . The States seeing their way clear before them , without further demur proceed to the election of a Senate , consisting of some of those of the former Senate who had escaped the enemies fury , and continued faithfull : to whom they added others of the great men : and having constituted them , they granted to them the same power , and priviledges which the ancient Senate had , and in particular , to elect one such person as they should think meet to be their lawfull King or Governour . The Senate being thus chosen , and impowred , they unanimously elect Gustavus for their King , and send a Message thereof to him , humbly requesting that he will not refuse to take the Kingdome upon him , and to perfect the work of restoring liberty to the Nation , and vindicating the same from all Tyranny . Gustavus having heard this Message , answered , That the burthen of governing a Kingdome was too heavy for his shoulders . That it was one thing to govern in Warre , wherein he was trained , and another thing to be a King , wherein he was not skilled . That he was well wearied already with the dangers , cares , and labours of the Warre , and now having brought the Nation into a posture of subsistence in peace , he hath his ends , and therefore desires them to rest contented therewith , and that they would make choice of some other person of the Nobility of Sueden to be their King , assuring them that himself would gladly serve under him whom they should choose , and so thanking them for their good opinion of him , he dismissed the Messengers . The States , and Senate having heard this answer , were no wise satisfied with it , and therefore renew their requests ( the Popes Legate also joyning with them ) and tell Gustavus plainly that they will not receive any negative , nor can he evade the election if he regard the Senate , or convention of States , or the peoples good . Gustavus hereupon is at length overswayed , and yet abhorring all unworthy self-ends , he professed his acceptance only upon the same grounds which moved them to elect him : and that withall he was convinced that the work was of that nature that he was unable to go through with it , & therefore he would rest upon the Lord of Sabbath for his assistance , and protection , and next under him , upon the Lords of Sueden , whose wisdome , care , and industry he much prized ; especially desiring the earnest , and daily prayers of all the people , upon which account only he would submit to their desires . And so , according to the ancient custome , by mutuall obligations of Oaths , Gustavus is solemnly declared , and proclaimed King of Sueden : yet refused he to be crowned till five years after . The first thing that was done after this election was the requitall of the Lubeckers , for adventuring their men , Ships , and estates , with the Suedes , against the Danes ; in recompence whereof the Suedes granted , that they would never make peace with the Danes without the consent of the Lubeckers . That upon the surrender of Stockholme , such wares , goods , and debts therein , as the Lubeckers , and Dantzickers should own upon Oath , should be secured , and returned to them . That the Lubeckers shall be paid for their service . That the Sea should be free for them , and that they shall have a free trade in Sueden . That they only of all forreign Nations shall have a free Trade in the Ports of Stockholme , Calmar , Sarcopen , and Abbo . That the King shall do them right . That he shall never set prizes upon any of their Merchandise , nor compell them to sell , or leave their goods against their wills . That their goods and estates wracked , shall be restored to the owners , without loss . That their goods sold in Sueden by their Mariners , or servants without order , shall be restored to their owners , and the offenders punished . That the King of Sueden shall not harbour any of the enemies of Lubeck . That if any difference shall arise between the Suedes , and Lubeckers , the same shall be ordered by four Lords of Sueden sent to Lubeck , and so many Citizens of Lubeck joyning with them . These were confirmed under the hands , and Seals of the King , and Lords of Sueden , and Commissioners of Lubeck . This was more than a recompence to the City of Lubeck , had they been as careful to keep touch with the Suedes as the Suedes were with them . Shortly after Stockholme was surrendred to the King , who entred the same in the month of June , after welnigh three years siege , wherein the Danes had time enough to have relieved it , if they had been convinced of any right that they had to the Kingdome of Sueden . Upon his entry he was proclaimed King of Sueden and Gothland , with great applause and joy of all sorts . Hereupon divers Towns and Castles were surrendred to him ; and in the reare , the Dukedome of Bleking , and the Town and Castle of Elsburgh , the onely commodious Port that the Suedes have into the Western Sea. But still the Dukedome of Finland , and the adjacent Countries were out of the Kings possession ; and therefore beginning now to study good Husbandry for those people whom he must own , he dismissed his Forreign forces , and the residue of his Army he sent into Finland under the command of Ivar , and Ericus Fleming , who within the space of one year reduced all that Country into obedience , and the Northern people submitted upon the credit of their Neighbours , so that the whole Kingdome was now united under the Kings command , and he had nothing to do but to study peace and justice . And accordingly he first made peace with the Muscovite , having none other enemy whom he need to fear , nor indeed any that bordered upon him , but the Muscovite on the East , and the Dane on the West ; and as for the Danes , their condition was this : King Christian being fled , Frederick , Duke of Holst , being sent for , came into Denmark , and by the Nobility was elected and crowned King some years before Gustavus was crowned in Sueden , though Gustavus was in Arms divers years before him . ●oth these coming to the Throne upon the same title of the peoples liberty ; and knowing how necessary peace with one another would be , a mutual Treaty is propounded by the King of Denmark , and in order thereto , the King of Sueden propounded an interview , wherein he stood not upon punctilio's , but proffered to come to the King of Denmark in some convenient place upon security of a safe conduct , which the King of Denmark granted as soon as it was demanded . The place of meeting was Ancona , in the confines of Scania , where , in the presence of the Lords of both Nations , an interview is had ; and after mutual salutations and complements , the King of Denmark spake of the miseries , and calamities that had befaln both the Nations for divers years last past , declaring their present dangers also by reason of the continual contrivances of Christian their late King , which ( saith he ) will be much heightned if our discords should continue : For my own part therefore I am for peace with Sueden upon just and honourable tearms . Gustavus answered , that he held peace between the Nations convenient and commendable , and was willing to hearken thereto upon equal conditions . The King of Denmark began with proposing the continuance of the union of the three Northern Kingdomes according to the Articles of Calmar ; which ( said he ) were confirmed by the Oaths of the Deputies of all the three Nations ; yet he desired not the change of the present Government of Sueden , but onely that Gustavus should acknowledge him Superiour . Gustavus secretly disliking this proposal , answered modestly , that for his part he was unwillingly drawn to accept of the Suedish Crown . That he could wish that both Nations could flourish under one head . But ( said he ) the agreement of Calmar is dissolved by the misgovernment of the late King ; and if the Danes could not all this while gain their expectations by force of Arms , much less can they think it rational for the Suedes to yeeld up by Treaty the Liberties of their Country , which are dearer to them than their lives , as the late Wars have demonstrated . Neither can himself , who is sworn to maintain the Liberties of his Country , allow of such tearms , much less advise his people to consent thereto . Yet for my own part , though I will not be a subject , yet I desire to be a friend , true , and faithful to the King of Denmark , and am ready to gratifie him in all things agreeable to equity . The King of Denmark perceiving hereby the unreasonableness of his former demands , tells the King of Sueden in plain terms , that himself was desirous of a firm peace , and league with him , if Sueden would be content with its antient limits , and would yeeld up what in these late Wars they had gained from Denmark , especially the Dukedome of Bleking . The King of Sueden answered , that himself valued the peace of both Nations beyond that petty Dutchy , and therefore he would consult with his Lords about it , and accordingly it was assented to . But the proposal about the Isle of Gothland , proved more difficult : It was in the possession of the Danes , but claimed as belonging to the Crown of Sueden , yet at last they agreed to lay that debate aside till a more convenient time : and thus peace was concluded between these two Kings , as well for the Hans-Towns , as for themselves , against Christian the deposed King ; and all the Suedish Captives in Denmark were set at liberty , and such of the Suedes as formerly had any particular interest in Denmark , were restored to their right . About this time a spiritual disease was newly breeding in Germany , which soon grew to be almost Epidemical in those Eastern parts . Gospel-light was newly sprung out of Popish darkness , discovering the very bowels of the Romish Religion , to be a meer garbage of pride and covetousness : To prevent which , the Devil raiseth up another light , or a thing as like to light as himself is , when he is transformed into an Angel of light . He found the people as desirous to gain their Civil as their Religious Liberties . This he colourably helps on by a company of Professors , pretending to a more pure light , and perfect way of holiness by a second Baptism , suggesting that men of light must walk according to their light , and that they were bound by no other Law , and so needed , neither Magistracy , nor Ministry : Nay , those Ordinances savour of Antichristian Tyranny . Hereupon they rose , and ran up and down Germany , and like the waves of the Sea , swallow up , and bear down all before them , till dashing on a Rock , they break themselves in pieces . But before this storm , two drops fall upon Sueden by the coming over of two men with the Holland Merchants , during the interview of these two Kings . These were Melchior Rincus , and Knipper Dolling , who arriving at Stockholme , instill new principles into the people , whence followed , that entring the Churches , down go Images , and Organs , and all such things as they will call monuments of Idolatry . They made also publick invectives against publick Worship , and the Clergy , as Antichristian , suggesting that it were better to have none at all . Gustavus the King returning to Stockholme finds much need of his presence , and understanding of the tumultuous Reformation , and the sad principles taken up , he commits the two Evangelists to prison , and afterwards banished them ; but their poison was not so easily cured . The news of this Reformation at Stockholme , spreads far , and wide over the Kingdome , and liberty was so welcome to all , being newly crept from under a Tyranny , that even good Government is brought into question , and the King saw no way to pacifie the storm , but by casting overboard to the people somewhat to keep the Whale from overturning the Ship : and finding that he must adventure a breach with the Pope , who had lately sent a special Legate , the Cardinal de Potentia , with Authority to enquire of the bloody Massacre made by Christian at Stockholme , thereby to vindicate himself of so horrible a crime , and that the Legate upon examination had judicially pronounced sentence , that nothing was done therein by Christian but what was just and right ; he therefore told the people that he would visite all the Churches in his own person , and make a reformation by the advice of learned men ; and accordingly the King in person visited all the Churches throughout the Nation , and informed himself of the state of them ; but coming to Upsal , he was opposed by the Archbishop , and Canons ; whereupon a Disputation was appointed , wherein the King himself would be President : After which he summoned all the States of Sueden to meet , to whom he related what he found in his Visitation , requesting their help in directing some moderation in the work of Reformation , in Doctrine , and the worship of God , and in calming the violence of the Catholick Clergy , which were such desperate enemies to it ; as also in regulating their abuse of the Church-maintenance , which they spent in pride and luxury , which ought to be imployed for the saving of peoples souls . Their answer was , that if the matter be made to appear upon enquiry , they were of opinon that the Temporalties belonging to the Clergy , may , and ought to be seized , and the Church-maintenance also secured , for the right ends and uses to which they were appointed . The Ecclesiasticks declaim against this , affirming , that the Churches priviledges and revenues were granted and confirmed to the Church by Kings and Emperours ; and therefore ought not to be invaded under pain of damnation . To this it was replied , that the true Elders were worthy of double honour , both of reverence and maintenance ; but such as are slow bellies , neither serving God nor man , ought not to have the Churches maintenance ; and that if some Kings , against all equity , permitted the same , other succeeding Kings may , and ought to reform it ; that there is not one sentence in all the Scriptures that warranteth such power in Church-men , or that countenanceth such manner of living , especially in an unlawful way of opposing the Civil Magstrate , as hath been used in Sueden for these last two hundred years . In conclusion , the States determined , that the Churches Revenues are in the power of the King , according to the condition of times , to encrease , maintain , or to diminish , as may best conduce to the safety of true Religion in Doctrine , and to the establishment of the pure worship of God , and holiness of life . Hence followed a storm of Imputations , and Execrations , Forreign Nations are made to believe that the King is an Atheist , and that the common people in Sueden obey a Devil in the shape of a man ; but the King sleighted these Scar-crows , as all Princes that fixe their counsels upon good foundations , ought to do ; yet the common people in Sueden were enraged hereby , and amongst these the Dallcarles , who were the first in vindicating the peoples liberties , are now the first that appear to keep themselves and the people in bondage ; but they knew not who to pitch upon for their leader ; yet at length one was discovered called Nicholas Stur , reputed the son of Steno Stur late Governour of Sueden , and he ascends the Stage in West Gothland to act for the old Church Government ; the people also allured by his great name , joyned with him , and so the War is now become Bellum Episcopale , the Bishops War. The King hears , and sees all , yet the hatred and practices of these men move him not : He shewed magnanimity in the Field , but never more than in this case . He is but newly a King , and contrary to all principles of policy , he is presently put upon an hard task , even to change Ecclesiastical Government , and their formerly received Religion , wherein he was to sail against wind and tyde , and therfore though he was very couragious ; yet this daring adventure must rather be attributed to his Faith , than to his Valour ; and he met with success accordingly , for the Dallcarles not finding that bravery of spirit in their new Captain , as might become a son of that famous Steno , began to suspect that they might be in danger of a cheat , and therefore they secretly sent to the Widow of Steno Stur to enquire the truth : She tells the Messengers plainly , that they were deceived , for that her son Nicholas was long since dead . This message caused the Dallcarles presently to withdraw their assistance , fearing that the cause of Religion will not bear them out , unless patronized by one of the Royal blood of Sueden . The Dallcarles now gone , the spirit presently disappears , and is no where to be found , till he makes another apparition at Rostock , where at the request of the King of Sueden , he was put to death ; as also some others of his party in Sueden were served in the like manner , and so the storm blew away . Yet the common people are still like a Sea ; a Famine comes upon the Land , and the Church-men tell the people , that this is the fruit of their Innovations in matters of Religion , whereupon they are again angry , and refuse to pay the Kings Tribute ; the King tells them that few of them understood Gods words , and that fewer of them could make a right judgement of his Works ; that their stop of his Tributes should not stop his course : He soon gathers an Army , and marches to Westerass , and from thence gives notice of his coming to them of the Dales , requring them to meet him at Terna , ready either to fight for their cause , or to beg pardon for their enterprise . The Dalcarles like neither if they could help it ; Feign they would hold their old way of Religion , yet choose rather to submit , and to hazard their opinions rather than their lives , and the issue was , some of them were corporally punished , others reproved , and sent home , giving security for their good behaviour ; and in the like manner , others in other places were so served ; onely the Archbishop of Upsal , being one of the Popes sons , was admitted as a male-content to banish himself from his native Country . The King being returned to Westerass , considered with himself the danger of the Kingdome by reason of the bad lives of the Clergy , and their neglect of the peoples souls , and their restless endeavour to bring his Government into dislike with the people , and his person into contempt by imputations of Heresie and Blasphemy , to which some stop must be put speedily , or all would come to confusion : Hereupon he called a Convention of all the States of Sueden , to whom he propounded to take into consideration the State of the Nation , saying , that they all knew that he neither sought , nor willingly undertook the Government of the same ; that they all promised to assist him therein , without whose help it was impossible for him to Govern ; that he now , contrary to his expectation , found the people much dissatisfied through the instigation of the Clergy , whose Lordship , and power amongst them , you all ( said he ) know to be such , as that now it is put into the ballance with the Kings ; and their luxury , pride , and idleness all the world knows to be such , as is inconsistent with the duty of their places , the good of the people , and righteous Government ; that their Castles and temporal Revenues are exempted from the service and safeguard of the Kingdome , to maintain Dissentions , Mutenies , and Rebellions ; that for his part he must rather cease to be a King , than to see all things in confusion under his Government : and therefore I require ( saith he ) some order to be taken by the Convention of the States for regulating hereof , or else I am resolved to lay down my Government , and leave it to them that can manage it to better purpose ; and hereof I desire a speedy and positive answer from you the Bishops , and other States of this Kingdome . But the Bishops ears were deaf to these things : their Authority , and Revenues were dearer to them , than to part with them for words . They thought they had the King at an advantage , which they purposed to make use of : and the major part of the other States , overswayed by the Bishops , did not so readily , and resolutely appear for the King , as they ought to have done , fearing the Popes Thunderbolt more than the Kings displeasure . The King being offended hereat , said , He would never adventure one drop of Suedish bloud more , to maintain his Government by a Civil Warre , wherein the conquered must be miserable , and the Conqueror unjust , and wherein friends must destroy one another : and forthwith coming into the Convention of States , he resigned up his Kingdome , and Government , asking nothing but a recompence for his service , and that they would take his Inheritance at a moderate valew , and so he departed into the Castle . This may seem a strange example . Octavius only debated with the Senate about laying down his Government , but did it not : Gustavus did it , and debated it not . They that make Government their work , will be glad of rest : but they that make it their sport , the people will sooner be weary of them , than they of it . It seems Gustavus missed of those encouragements which were promised from the Convention of States when he undertook the Government ; and for him to continue therein without them in order to maintain the peoples liberty was vain : and therefore if he herein followed the examples of some of his Ancestors , he may the rather be excused , though hereby the Kingdome was left in a confused condition . The next day the States met again , and in cold blood , and upon second thoughts told the Bishops , that the Kingdome must not be ruined to satisfie their lusts , and that if they would not be equal judges between themselves , and the people , others must : yet ( said they ) you shall be once more heard what you can say for your selves : And hereupon a Conference was appointed , wherein Dr. Olaus appeared for the King , and Dr. Gallen for the Bishops ; and the point about Ecclesiastical power was largely debated , which Conference the longer it lasted , the more it touched the quick , so that many of the hearers saw cause to alter their opinions about Prelacy , insomuch as upon the third day the Voters for the people urged the Bishops positively to submit to the King : But if they meant otherwise to expose the Nation to extremity , and mischief should come thereby , they vowed to be revenged upon the Authours thereof ; and to this , the greater part of the Nobles agreed . At length the plurality of Votes prevailed , and a message was sent into the Castle to Gustavus by a person of quality , to beseech him to return into the Convention of States , but prevailed not , and a second message prevailed as little , till a third message presented by persons of near Relation to him prevailed to bring him to the Convention , where he was received by all the States with the greatest observancy that could be , all making it their humble request , that he would not reject the Government in such a juncture of affairs , withall , promising their utmost , and faithful assistance . The King considering with himself , that though it was an ill condition with him to be alwayes labouring , and yet never to do the work ; yet it was much worse to grow weary before he had attained to the shore , for that was the next door to drowning ; whereupon he took up a resolution to neglect mens opinions and censures , and to see to what issue he could bring the Counsels of the Conventions of Estates . At last it was concluded that the Bishops should render up their Castles and Temporalties to the Kings disposal , and submit to live upon such Pensions as should be allowed them by the States , saving evermore the titles , interests and right of the Nobility , and others , to any part of the said Temporalities , which by the distemper of the times , had been encroached upon : But the execution hereof proved more difficult ; many being unwilling to disrobe themselves before they went to bed . Such as were worst affected were soonest at the issue , as desperate persons , through conscience of their guilt , conclude that no mercy is to be had , and therefore they had as good pass the Pikes at first as at last . Only the Bishop of Hincopen was loth to part with his Castle of Monkbed , about which he held some debate , but in conclusion was ordered to deliver possession at a day prefixed , and in the mean time to put in security for the performance thereof , and not to disturb the publick peace . The King would not discharge his Army till all was done , and at the time appointed he marched with it to the Castle of Monkbed , where he was sumptuously feasted by the Bishop , who gave so great content to the King , that he discharged the Bishops Sureties , and at his request , allowed him to visit the Churches of Gothland , where , having gotten much Treasure , without taking leave of the King , he took shipping , and sailed to Dantzick , where , after some years , he dyed . And thus Sueden gave a leading example to the Eastern Nations of regulating , and restoring the Church-revenues to the right ends for which they were intended . Gustavus having now reigned five years since his first election , and having thus far prevailed to pare the nails , and clip the wings of the Lordly Clergy , he thought that now he might hearken to the advice of his States , and give them satisfaction by being Crowned , and thereupon he appointed a day to solemnize his Coronation at Upsal , which accordingly was performed , after he had served at the helm of Government seven years . Gustavus his spirit , which was alwayes daring , grew yet more brave : His aims are yet higher , viz. at a reformation in Doctrine , Worship , and holiness of life ; for which end he first placed in all the Cathedrals , men eminent for learning , holiness , and eloquence , to preach the word of God , enjoyning the Bishops out of the Church-revenues , to provide them such Pensions as might encourage them in the work . The King also kept set times every week to hear them in his own person before he sent them forth , & this he did , as well to satisfie his own conscience , as to encourage others to attend upon publick Ordinances . But now comes the trial , the States had agreed , and the Prelates had in shew submitted as to their Temporalties ; but when the Reformation in Doctrine , Worship , and conversation was promoted , the Devil roars , and will not so easily be cast out of the whole Nation of Suedon . The Minister that was sent to preach at Scaren , was so entertained by the Bishop , and his party , that he was forced to flye to Upland to save his life ; and the Rector of the College undertaking to expound St. Matthews Gospel , was in danger of being stoned by the Schollars , who were encouraged thereto by the Lords , and great men that joyned with the Bishop , in this undertaking . Some also both of the great men , and Commons of West-Gothland hearing hereof , bestirred themselves , not for the Bishops sake ( say they ) but because our Religion is invaded by this new Germaine Doctrine of Luther ; and upon this account they sent Letters to Small and to stir them up to take Arms , who were easily perswaded thereto , and seized upon such as would not joyn with them , and amongst others , upon the Countess of Hoy , the Kings own sister . They wrote also to those in the Dales , and other neighbouring Provinces to send their Deputies to a meeting appointed by them at Larva , so uncertain is the love of the people . Thus the Scene of War is changed , and though Tyranny was in the Van , and Prelacy in the main Battel , yet Popery brought up the Rear ; and all tended to bring the Nation into its old condition , rather than to suffer such a change . So unsensible are men of their present happiness . This storm the King might rationally foresee , by what he found in the case of Prelacy ; yet his courage leads him on even to astonishment , having nothing to back him but a good cause and a good conscience ; and truly , though Polititians might condemn him , yet the issue justified him . For the Inhabitants of West-Gothland considering that the generality of the people , had sworn Allegiance to the King , thereupon demurred upon the business ; as also the Kings merits , their enjoyment of their Laws and Liberties , and that , as to the point of Heresie objected against the King , they were no competent Judges ; and that , considering the Kings piety , they had no cause to beleeve it , but rather to judge it a scandal raised by his enemies . Hereupon the confederate Lords grew into differences amongst themselves , and the Bishop , and one other of them fled into Denmark , whither the Kings Letter pursued them , alleging that it was contrary to their agreement , that either King should harbour the others enemies , so that they were feign to flye from thence into Mecklemburgh ; and the other Lords ( forgetting what they had done ) stood upon their justification , alledging that they were forced to it by the heads that were absent in Forrein parts ; and that they never promoted , or encouraged the Rebellion either by advice , letters , or instructions , and therefore would stand to their trial at Law. The King and his Council wondered at their confidence , advising them rather to stand to the Kings mercy , and to crave his pardon : but they refused any mercy but what the Law would allow . At last the King produced their own Letters wherein they had written to the Provinces to take Arms , and so being self-condemned , two of them suffered death , one was ransomed , and the rest begging pardon , were received to mercy : which excellent temperature in the execution of Justice commended , and confirmed the King in his new-begun Kingdome , making the people both to fear , and love him . And thus was this stir ( for Warre I cannot call it ) about Popish Religion quieted , not with the Kings sweat , and labour , but by God alone , whose cause it was . The King taking into his consideration that the King of Denmarks carriage in this matter , suited not with the former agreement made betwixt them , and being unwilling that the same should be invalidated in the least point ( wise men who will preserve friendship , must stop the breach whilst it is small ) he prevailed for an other interview , that they might understand each others minde more fully , and hereby the former agreement was explained , enlarged , and confirmed , and so parting in love , they returned with joy . The King of Sueden after so many storms ; now hoped for peace , and a settled Government , and having been three years a Crowned King , he purposed to build up his Family by Marriage , which he solemnized with the Lady Katherine , Daughter to the Duke of Saxony , at Stockholme , and now he must abide the issues , and events of the affairs of the Kingdome , to be theirs for better , and worse , and what he was formerly bound to do , meerly for the Nations-sake , he must now do for the sake of his own Family and Relations . And thus having laid the foundation of his own house , he proceeds to the further building up of the house of God ; for though he had before seized upon the Temporalties of the Prelates , yet their places , so far as they concerned Church Government , he took not away , nor that maintenance which was appointed for the Ministry : The States also settled Pensions upon such as should be Overseers , or Bishops , to have care of the Churches , and to these places ( as was said before ) the King had sent choise men for gravity , learning , and holiness of life , and now he advanced two brethren , Dr. Laurentius and Dr. Olaus , the one to be Archbishop of Upsal , the other to be Bishop of Stockholme , through whose care and industry , together with other reformed Bishops , the Reformation of Religion much prospered in the Kingdome during their lives , which was for the space of about thirty years ; and through their study and diligence it was principally that the Bible was translated into the Suedish Language ; and being printed , was dispersed into every Town through the Nation . But the time of the Kings rest was not yet come : A strange apparition proceeds from the Belgick shore unto the Coast of Norway , Christian the deposed King of Denmark , now long since reputed , as buried in Brabant , had at last by the help of the Empeperour , and some adventurers in Holland , and the adjacent Countries , who hoped for large priviledges in Denmark or Norwey ( if they could be regained to the King ) gathered Souldiers and Ammunition , and with twenty five Ships sailed from Enchusen to the Coast of Norwey ; but by the way having lost ten of them , they arrived only with the rest , and before they were aware they were imprisoned by the Ice , all that Winter . Yet was Christian at liberty all that while to work his designs upon that Country of Norwey , the Danes being at that season wholly disinabled to oppose him . As many therefore of the great men of Norwey as pleased , had free correspondence with Christian : Only the Governour of Agger-house Castle dealt subtilly with him , refusing to surrender it to Christian , but upon such terms as might stand with his honour . For ( said he ) though I acknowledge Christian to be King of these three Northern Kingdomes ; yet for the honour of my Family , I desire leave to write to Frederick the now King of Denmark , for present relief ( which in common reason he cannot send during Winter ) otherwise I will tell him that I must surrender the Castle to King Christian ; and by this means your Majesty will be no loser , and my honour shall be saved . Christian was contented herewith , and the Governour dispatched his messenger into Denmark , and notwithstanding the Frost , he had such supply sent him as enabled him to stand upon his own defence . Upon this Christian prepared for a siege , during the continuance whereof , as the besieged were relieved by the Danes , so were the besiegers not onely by the Normans , but by many Runegadoes out of Sueden : such was their old love to Christian , and their hatred to Gustavus ; and these flocking to Christian from all parts , soliciting the Dallcarles ( who were now disobliged from their King ) to revolt with them to their former King , who ( as they said ) was through afflictions become quite another man , changed into a meek and compassionate nature , and a gracious deportment , and would doubtless imbrace them readily , and give them all the assurance they could desire ; they told them also that Forregn Princes would assist him , for that they liked not such presidents of Subjects deposing their King. And above all , they might hereby assure themselves that they should be received into the bosome of the Church , and into the favour of the Pope . These , and such like motives were suggested to the Dallcarles : But old Birds would not be catched with chaffe ; few of them gave any credit to these things , and many derided them , knowing that nature is no changeling , except it be overpowred by supernatural principles : that the manner of Christians coming , shewed little signs of repentance for any other thing , than for that he had parted with the Crown upon such easie tearms : that the differences between Gustavus their King , and them , were but lately begun , and might easily be composed ; but those between Christian and them , were beyond a cure . The revolted Suedes seeing this , soon disappear , and the Winter being now almost ended , and Christian finding his party discouraged , and the stream still after six years so strong against him , and being grown weary of living upon the Germain courtesie , he chose rather to cast himself upon a Treaty with his Uncle the King of Denmark , than to return into Brabant , and having conditions proffered him by the Danish Admiral of safe conduct whilst he treated with his Uncle , and in case of non-agreement , that he should have liberty to go whither he would , he sails with the Admira into Denmark , never so much as enquiring whether the Admiral had power to grant such conditions or not . Coming into Denmark , before he was aware , he was made a Prisoner , gaining onely this advantage , that now he was maintained honourably upon the publick charge of the Kingdome , as one that formerly had been their King , whereas if he had been elsewhere , he must have lived upon the curtesie of such as would have pitied him ; and yet this is observable , that the Danish Admiral had no thanks for this service , and many thought that it would have been better for Denmark , if the Prisoner had been in a Forreign Country : For though it be true , that deposing of Kings by their subjects is sadly resented by other Princes ; yet it is only whilst the sore is green , and the flesh tender , which may occasion some anger from abroad for the present ; but if upon some trial , they get nothing , Forreign Princes so love their own interest , and peaceable Government , that by continuance , the wound breeds stupefaction , and they will engage no more . Now as touching Sueden , who was not a little concerned in this business of Norwey , its worthy our observation , how the breach between the King and the Dallcarles was first made ; for though the occasion was small , yet the mischief might have been exceeding great . The matter was briefly thus : The Kings debts to the Lubeckers for their service in the time of his Was , were not yet fully satisfied , and now payment was required with some eagerness , but how they should be paid , and how the money levied , admitted great matter of debate ; some were for a Tax , but that was thought would go hardly down with the people , who were so exhausted by ten years Wars . Others were of opinion that the profit of the Mines might be assigned to the Lubeckers for certain years , but then they knew not how the Government should be maintained without them ? At last a project was propounded to give the King the biggest Bell save one out of every steeple within his Dominions , which ( as was alledged ) would do the work , and no particular man should have any loss , nor the publick be prejudiced . But this was a great mistake as things then stood : for the Merchants had engrossed much Copper , and if this proceeded , they were undone , they could get no Market . It was said , this was no good reason , being of too private a nature , to be ballanced with the publick good . Then the quarrel was about the condition of these Bells : It was said , they were anointed , and consecrated to an holy use , and ought not to be imployed for prophane uses ; but this also was judged invalid , the opinion being grounded upon superstitious principles : But be it granted that the anointing , and consecrating them was superstitious , yet if any property be at all in such devoted things , that property remaineth till it be legally destroyed , and until then , the seizing of such things , and converting them to other uses , will in the vulgar opinion fall under the notion of Sacriledge , which hath been alwayes abominable even amongst the Heathen , though ●t were done in the wilde Wars : Or if it comes not under that notion , then it must be in the nature of a gift to the people of the Parish , either for their pleasure , or for the more convenient assembling them to publick duties ; in both which cases the unlawful seizing upon them is looked upon as a common plunder , and invasion of the goods of the whole body of the people at once , which is a sad presage that no mans particular estate is his own any longer under such a Government . And it seems the people of Sueden had such an apprehension of this president ; for after it was resolved upon , and began to be put in execution , an insurrection was made , and the people stood up in defence of their Bells , so that some could not be removed , others that were taken down , and carrying away , were pursued and rescued , and the officers that were imployed , were well beaten for their pains . This being reported to the King , he called a Convention of the States , which would have been more seasonable before the business of the Bells had made such a jangling . This Convention of States met at Upsall : But the Dallcarles , who were most eager for their Bells , summon another Convention of the people at Arbogg , so that here was one Parliament against another . The people ( saith the Historian ) are commonly of that temper , that they will either serve humbly , or govern proudly . True liberty ( which is the golden mean ) they neither know how to want , nor how to use , especially such as the Suedes now were , trained up in Warre ; who therefore chose rather to lose their peace than their Bells . But the Parliament at Arbogg thrives not : few hearkened to their summons : yet did they set a good face upon the matter , and sending Messengers to the King , they protest their fidelity , yet desired his answer to two requests : One , that the King would not send more forces into the Country of the Dallcarles than they should deem convenient for them to quarter : The other , not to set any Governour over them , but such an one as was of their own Country , and neighbourhood . The Kings spirit was too great to like of conditions from his Subjects , yet his wisdome prevailed to take into consideration the condition of his affairs . He considered that Christian was now in Norwey : That Winter was newly begun : That the Norwegians were inclined to assist Christian : And that if the Dallcarles should be further provoked , the issue , might be doubtfull . He therefore dissembled his displeasure , and sent them a Governour according to their desire : But at the end of three years , he raised an Army , and seized upon the chief Authors of this rebellion , and put them to death : and further , to bring down the pride of the Dallcarles , he seized upon their liberties , and so levelled them with the rest of the people . This was the first malignant design against the Government of Gustavus , in favour of the cause of the deposed King , which , like a Granado firing in the air , spent it self before it fell : but it proved not the last . For soon after the King of Denmark died , leaving Christian a prisoner to the Lords of Denmark , who differing in their opinions as to the election of a King , spent two years in an Interregnum : during which time , some sought to promote the Son of the deceased King , which was but a child , and therefore more capable of counsell , and herein the Bishops joyned . Others acted for the Duke of Holst : and some were for restoring Christian , then a prisoner , to the Crown again . This was one summons to the King of Sueden to look about him , and kept him off from punishing the Dallcarles for the matter about the Bells . But there was another thing that was no less dangerous , though the effect was not like to be so sudden , and that was this About this time there was a change of Government in Lubeck from the Popish to the Lutheran way , which although in it self it suited well enough with the King of Suedens mind , yet in such alterations there is commonly one man more active than the rest , who in such alterations of Religion becomes an instrument of altering the Government . And such an one the Lubeckers had fitted for the purpose : His name was Woolweaver , a man whose education was answerable to his name : Him they made Consul of the City , and he being gotten up , was blown higher by affecting popularity , and undertaking to be a Protector to the poor , who were now much encreased in the City , the principal cause whereof , he alledged to be the King of Suedens abridging them in their priviledges , contrary to his agreement made with them , when they assisted him in his Wars ; as also that he had countenanced trade from , and with the Hollanders , and other Nations ; for a remedy , whereof Woolweaver counselled them to endeavour to draw the Danes to joyn with the Lubeckers against all trading with Sueden from without the Baltick Sea. But the Danes told them that they thought it not meet to conclude in things of that nature till they were better settled in their Government , and were ageeed about the party that should be their King : And finding it more necessary to keep good correspondence with Sueden ( because of the endeavours of a party amongst themselves to advance Christian to the Throne again ) they acquainted the King of Sueden with the designs of the Lubeckers . Woolweaver stormed at this , and without blushing , faces about , and propounds to the King of Sueden to joyn with him against the Hollanders : But Gustavus his counsel was rather to manage well the matter concerning Denmark , than to enter into new engagements . For ( saith he ) the Danish affairs are as a Sea of many currents , wherein if you steer not an even course , and keep not constant watch , you may be in danger of Shipwrack ; and therefore as imbarked in one , and the same Ship with Denmark , let us bend our whole counsel in the speedy settlement of the Government thereof , so as may best conduce to the concurrent interest of both Nations . Woolweaver finding himself thus disappointed in both these places , grew angry , and like one lifted up from below , lifted up his thoughts higher than his wits served him , and in his carere vaunteth , that as he had advanced Gustavus to the Throne , so he would pull him down again , and thereupon entertained correspondency with the Runnegadoes of Sueden : which Gustavus being quickly sensible of , he seized upon the persons , goods , and priviledges of the Lubeckers in Sweden . The Lubeckers also dealt in the like manner with the Suedes in Lubeck . Wool-weaver in the mean time aiming at no less than the Crown of Sueden , held private intelligence in Sueden , and stirred them up to civil broils that might busie the King at home , and first he prevailed with the Earle of Hoy , who had married the Kings sister , and being a person of great interest , he prevailed with the people , especially with those of Smalland , to disaffect them towards the King ; which done , the Earl withdraws himself , his wife , and children to Lubeck , under pret●nce for his health sake : but being there arrived he was made Commander in chief of all the disaffected Suedes who repaired unto him . It s the usual fate of great men seldome to be contented with their present state ; they think that either their own merits are not rewarded enough , or their inferiours too much , and so through discontent , striving to be higher , they fall lower . The Earle of Hoy thought it not enough to be the Kings brother by marriage , and Lord Lieutenant under Gustavus in Sueden , but he must become General of a party of discontents under Woolweaver against his King , his brother , his kindred , and Country ; and what he gained thereby , will afterwards appear . In the mean time many retire to him out of Sueden , principally by reason of the disturbances in Smalland , which himself had kindled before his departure thence , and which afterwards were fomented by a company of lawless persons who had combined themselves against the Kings Justices there , and carried themselves with so high an hand , that it came to blood , even to the slaughter of the Kings Lieutenant in that Country ; and when the King had suppressed them by force of Arms , yet they maintained a kinde of theevish War till they could retire themselves to the Earle of Hoy , whose party being thus increased , waited all advantages , which occasioned the King of Sueden to stand rather upon his watch , than upon his defence ; for they did him no harm , God having provided other means to clip their wings without the labour of the King of Sueden . For Woolweaver according to his design , being strengthened by these aides , soon imployed it about his principal work , which was to settle his Neighbours , the Danes , in a fitting posture for his purpose . For the present condition of Denmark was this : The Nobles were divided ( as was said before ) about the election of a King , divers were for John , the son of the former King , though a childe , and that principally upon the account of Religion , which his Father had changed into the Lutheran way , and they hoped the sonne would the rather uphold it . This the Bishops smelt out , and sought the advancement of the Popish Religion , and therefore would have the Government managed by Administratorship ; and in their own names they published Injunctions , wherein they required all the Lutheran Preachers to depart out of the Country by a day prefixed . This being like to fall heavy upon the Cities of Hafnia , and Malmogia , who yet were loath to make a breach , they prevailed to have the Government by Administratorship advanced , and withall invited Christian Duke of Holst to be Administrator for John , the former Kings son , but he disclaimed it . Then they had recourse to , and prevailed with the Duke of Aldenburgh ( who professed the Doctrine of Luther ) to accept thereof , who thereupon came to Hafnia with a party ; and when he was there , perceiving many whisperings about the restoring of their deposed King , the Duke to gain the greater party , declared his willingness for the resettlement of him , whereby he won much upon the common people . For Christian drove on the same trade in Denmark as he had formerly done in Sueden , flattering the people into a party against the Lords , which ( as an Historian saith ) is the ready way to Tyranny . Woolweaver , though he was more passionate , than wise , takes this opportunity , and sides with the Duke of Aldenburgh , and prevails with him to engage against the Duke of Holst , who had divers of the Lords of Denmark that joyned with him to make him King ; but in this the Duke of Aldenburghs expectation was frustrated ; for he lost the day , and was beaten out of the Field by the Duke of Holst . And now was the Duke of Holst brought upon the stage to act his part for the Crown of Denmark , thereby to procure his own rest and safety ; and observing that the King of Sueden was left out of the play , he invites him to bear a part in the Game for Woolweavers sake . The King of Sueden well knowing his own interest , made little difficulty of the matter ; and though Woolweaver endeavoured to stop that muse by a fair message , yet the King would not so be perswaded , but told the messengers of their Masters entertainment of the Suedish Runnegadoes , and so dismissed them ; and being informed that the people in Denmark sided with the Duke of Aldenburgh , for their deposed King , he thought it not fit to dally any longer , but forthwith falls with an Army into the Danish Territories , and possessed himselves of divers places for the use of the Duke of Holst . The Danish Lords also seeing which way the current ran , and themselves deserted by the people , joyned with the Duke of Holst , and engaged him for the Crown in good earnest . In the mean time the Duke of Aldenburgh , seeing what interest he had with the common people , thought all safe , and therefore took his ease , and enjoyed his pleasure . But the Duke of Holst did not so ; he sent the Danish Lords into Jutland with an Army , who soon settled that Country , and from thence marched into Fionia , where in one Battel all the Duke of Aldenburghs hopes were dashed , and the Earle of Hoy was sacrificed to the King of Suedens pleasure ; the Archbishop of Upsal also , and divers other disaffected Suedes were slain in the Battel . The news hereof coming to Lubeck , made Woolweaver once more tack about , and hearing that Suanto , the son of Steno Stur , sometimes Governour of Sueden , was in the Duke of Saxonies Court , he suborned a messenger to him as from his Mother , to meet her at Malla , where ( it was said ) she waited with convenience for him : Hereupon he repaired to Malla , where instead of meeting with his Mother , he was met with by a Troop of Horse from Lubeck , who offered him in the name of the City , great honours if he will be advised by them , and so by surprisal , they conveyed him to Lubeck , where he was saluted by Woolweaver the Consul , with great expressions of joy , who minded him of the unsetled state of the Northern Kingdomes , and of the private disaffection of the Suedes to their King. Adding that now there was a fair opportunity offered to him to recover the Government of Sueden , which place was so famously managed by his Ancestors . That Lubeck had an Army in readiness , wanting onely his consent to be their Leader . That it was expected that he should now shew himself worthy of such Progenitors : But Suanto had sworn Allegiance to Gustavus , and meant to observe it , and therefore refused the proffers , and demanded liberty to depart , or else that Woolweaver would shew cause why he was detained Prisoner . Woolweaver seeing no good was to be done , told him that he was no prisoner , and that it was free for him to go when , and whither he pleased , only earnestly desiring that where ever he went , he would retain a favourable opinion of the City . The King of Sueden being informed of these passages , was thereby sharpened in the pursuit of the Duke of Holsts interest upon the main land of Schonen , and in a short time brought all the Country to submit to him , onely the City of Malmogia , and some other neighbouring Castles held out for the Duke of Aldenburgh , from whom they expected relief ; and accordingly the Duke , with the Duke of Oldenburgh , and the Duke of Mecklenburgh , joyning all their strength together , resolve to adventure all upon the issue of one Battel with the King of Sueden , wherein their Army was utterly and irrecoverably overthrown ; so that within a few dayes all the Country was wholly for the Duke of Holst , which but a week before was quite of another temper . Haffnia had now been besieged above half a year by the Duke of Holst , which City was only left as the gleaning of the War , and wherein the last strength of the Dukes of Aldenburgh , Oldenburgh , Mecklenburgh , and of the City of Lub●ck was now contracted . All this while Christian the deposed King had time enough to try the curtesie of the house of Burgundy ; but none of that house would stir in his behalf , and which was more unhappy for the besieged , the affairs of Lubeck were faced about to the Reer . For the Hans-Towns in their general meeting , perceiving that the affairs of Lubeck had for these five years last past been wholly swayed by Woolweaver , under a pretence of Religion , and that the City by that means was brought into such difficulties that they knew not how to come off , either with credit or safety ; they therupon concluded ( according to the counsel sent by the Emperor to the City ) that the former Government should be restored at Lubeck , not at all medling with the matter of Religion ; and because they would salve the credit of Woolweaver , they commended him to the Government of Bergeridoffe . Woolweaver was not therewith contented , and therefore at his departure out of the City , vowed revenge ; and the Senate at Lubeck , being now changed , considering the restless spirit of Woolweaver , were as little satisfied as he , and therefore sent messengers after him , who finding him upon his journey , in the Territories of a Prince , who owed him no good will , they procured him to be imprisoned , and afterwards charging him with Treason against the State of Lubeck , he was put to death , and quartered . And now Lubeck was setled upon its old basis , and flourished again , leaving this lesson to such as would be States-men , That miscarriages in Government , are not reformed by altering , but by establishing the Government . Haffnia now after a years siege , being tired out with the miseries of War , was surrendred upon tearms , not altogether so honourable for the Duke of Holst , as might have been expected : whereupon the King of Sueden told the Duke , that being privy to his own engagements in the Dukes behalf , he little expected that such an agreement should ever have been made by the Duke without his knowledge , and in one thing , not without his consent . For ( said he ) why should I be excluded out of this agreement , and you thereby to engage your self not to aid me in case I should not agree with the Lubeckers upon just tearms . The Duke pleaded that he was necessitated to it to gain the present surrender of the City ; as also that the importunity of the Lords , and his neighbour Princes drew him thereto : nevetheless he assured the King , that if he would send Ambassadours , he should finde that he should not receive any damage thereby . And accordingly the King did send Ambassadours ; but the Lubeckers could never prevail to have a resettlement of their priviledges in Sueden as they desired : so that in conclusion , there was onely a bare truce concluded betwixt them , and the King of Sueden for five years . Thus are the three Northern Kingdomes brought once more into a settlement , and turbulent Lubeck was calmed , and the Captive King in a manner twice captivated , and now if not quite hopeless , yet less hopeful than ever formerly . England indeed was allied , and had done what it thought meet , and possibly more than was meet . For Ambassadours were sent from hence to draw the Lords to a Treaty ; but they liked not to adventure their necks upon purposes and promises . The Emperour did less , either judging Christians person despicable by reason of his unworthy carriage to his Queen , and Lords ; or the Lords were more wise and wary than to adventure upon a second trial of their late Kings curtesie , unless they were compelled thereto by force : To do which , the Emperour had neither time , nor money to spare , though the opportunity lay as fair to do his brother a good turn as he could desire , if he had intended it . And lastly , though the common people did what they could , yet they effected nothing . It s many times seen , that Providence doth advance some particular persons of the meanest rank to be instrumental in the publick Government , but never puts the Government into the power of such , which would be the speedy way to confusion , as appeared in those very times by the Earthquakes in Government , raised by the Anabaptists in Germany , wherein though the issue was abortive , yet it came to that growth as made the greater Powers to tremble . And now the time of Suedens rest was come , where both King and people might have leisure to injoy their several lots . The King had hitherto acted the Souldiers part very well , and now he must try his skill in a peaceable Government , wherein I shall onely set down the brief Contents of many Laws , and Acts of State , which shew rather the disposition of the Government , than the several actions thereof . The King now at leisure , taking into consideration that the fewel which maintained the Civil War was now spent , and that the people who had been trained up to the toyl of War , were fitter for labour than leisure ; and considering also that a time must come when a Commonwealth , reduced by War , must be governed and maintained by peace ; he now applied himself to acquaint his people with matters of profit , drawing them to Mining , Husbandry , Fishing , and Merchandize , all which were much advanced by the Kings own ingenuous contrivances ; and by encouraging the laborious , banishing idleness , punishing vagabonds , and wanderers , he found a way to make the Sea to serve the Land , the Land to serve Men , Men to serve their Nation , the Nation to observe their King , and both Nation and King to serve God ; and thereby he laid a far better building of Sueden than Augustus did of Rome , of whom it was said , That he found it of earth , and left it of stone . The people likewise soon found the sweetness of this Government , and were not far behinde in requital of the Kings favour to them . They had now lived twenty years under his Government , and in a good measure found the benefit of peace , though bought with their sweat and blood in a long War ; but how sad would it be , if the last breath of the King should put an end to their happiness ? The Council therefore at their meeting , taking this into consideration that the Government of Sueden by Election was alwayes uncertain , and seldome effected without deceit , and discord , and oft-times at the price of the peoples blood ; that it is of short continuance , depending upon the life of one man , and prejudicial to the publick good . For that in such cases , Kings will deplume their subjects to feather their own nests , to keep their young ones warm , when themselves are gone ; and that it were far better for the people to be sucked by one Leech , which in time might be satisfied , than by the change of many , who will but increase the pain , and suck without satiety . That the advancement of one Family to the Throne would be a cure to all this , and a preparative to a wining aspect from it upon the people , and of a due respect from them to it , and so of a kind of conjugal affection between both against the Marriage day . That it is a means to suppress the turbulent aimes of ambitious men , who croud into the Throne , though of all others they be most unworthy . Besides , that it secureth the present Government in the peaceable possession of him that enjoyes it . And that upon these , and such like grounds , Augustus , and other Roman Emperours , who wanting issue , used in their life times to adopt , and declare their successours in the Government , and trained them up for that service ; nor did they finde it dangerous either for themselves , or their successours so to do . That the people at the siege of Stockholme offered to settle the Government upon the King , and his children , when at that time he neither had any , nor was married : But now that he is married , and hath children , and hath given such large experience of his love , industry , and faithfulness in adventuring all that he had , even to his own life to vindicate the honour of his Country : What acknowledgement can be sufficient for so great a merit , less than the settlement of the Crown of Sueden upon him , and his posterity for ever ? This was the result of their debates , and thus it was resolved unanimously at the Council held at Orebrogia , that it should be propounded by them to the Convention of States that it might be confirmed for future ages . All which by an Instrument under their hands they professed to be done by them freely , and of their own accord without any constraint . Indeed the Kings Enemies scoffed hereat , as if he had suffered a Crown to be forced upon his Family against his will. Others pretended Religion against it , as if God liked not that men should contrive perpetuities ; which is true , yet doth he like that men should be provident in establishing Justice , Truth , and Peace in a Nation ; for which end himself did settle the Crown upon the Family of David , and hath blessed the same Rule in the Government of most Kingdomes with prosperous success , though not alwayes precisely fixing upon the same person that men design thereto . But whatsoever was said , its clear that the Kings desire was not very eager upon it , for that he summoned not a Convention of States of four years after ; and then at Westerass the point was debated anew , the result whereof was this Act ; That after the death of Gustavus Ericson , his Son shall succeed in the Government , and his eldest Son , and the Heirs male of his body ; and for want of such , his second Brother , and his Heirs male of his body ; and for want of such , John , the second Son of Gustavus , and his Heirs male of his body shall succeed , and so the rest of the Sons of Gustavus , and their Heirs male of their bodies : and in case of want of Heirs males of the Sons of Gustavus , the eldest of the blood , and Family of Gustavus shall succeed , and his issue male ; and for want of such , then shall such person succeed as the Council of the Kingdome of Sueden shall elect , provided he be no Forreigner , and that he shall provide Portions for the issue female of Gustavus . The Council of States did herein as wise men , that steer their course by Rule , and yet still leave to God his supream controle , who also in this case overruled their rule as to the succession of the posterity in Ericus his line , which was afterwards laid aside by the people ( Ericus being found false to the Principles of Governme●t established by his Father , and the Convention of States ) and yet God owned Gustavus his Family so far as to build him a sure house ( who had built Gods house ) by raising from thence many brave men both for War and Peace , and made it the brightest Constellation of all the Northern Hemisphere , to have an influence , not onely within the Kingdome of Sueden , but into the general affairs of Europe . But as Gustavus his House grows in their hopes , so Christian , the deposed King loseth in his . The Emperour being intent upon his Wars with France , found it necessary to quiet his affairs in Germany , and therefore amongst other things at the Convention at Spires , the difference between him , and Christian the third , King of Denmark came under debate , and was settled ; and Christian the second , the Emperours brother in law , was after fourteen years of imprisonment , left still to be a Prisoner , who seeing himself now quite neglected by his chief friends , bethought himself how he might make his Captivity ( seeing it must be his condition ) as easie as he could ; and for that end he actually surrendred all his right , and the right of all his posterity in the Crown of Denmark , and the Dukedomes of Holst , and Sleswick , in as ample manner as could be devised , and thereby indeed he obtained , though not a release from , yet more liberty in his prison . The Title of Sueden was not at all mentioned , neither did the Suedes require any resignation , nor would acknowledge any Title . Yet the Emperour was willing enough to countenance any quarrel that was picked against the King of Sueden , as appeared in the business of the Elector Palatine , and the Duke of Lorain touching their Nieces Dowry ( which , as they pretended , the Kingdome of Sueden ought to take care of ) but the matter went no further than words . The claim was published in Print , and so was the King of Suedens answer also , who denied the matter of fact , and alledged that if any thing had been formerly due , it was made null by that inhumane Tyranny , whereby Christian forfeited all his rights in Sueden , for himself and posterity : declaring also that now the publick Revenues of the Crown of Sueden , were otherwise setled , and could not be altered . A while after , the King of Suedens second wife dyed , leaving three sons , and four daughters . Her eldest son [ John ] was afterwards King of Sueden , when his eldest brother Ericus was deposed by the people for his misgovernment . Her second son [ Magnus ] was Duke of East-Gothland . Her third son [ Charles ] was Duke of Sudermania , who afterwards was King upon the deposing of his Nephew Sigismund , first King of Poland , and after Crowned also King of Sueden , but after a while was ejected by the people , because he would not maintan the Liberties of Sueden , but sought to advance the Polish interest . After the death of this Charles , his son Gustavus Adolphus succeeded in the Kingdome ( whose Life I have also written ) and after him , his Daughter Christina , who resigning the Government , Charles Gustavus , son of Katherine , daughter to Charles , and half sister to Gustavus Adolphus , married to one of the house of Casimire , succeeded , who lately dying , left an Infant in the Throne , since when , Christina would willingly have reassumed the Government , but was rejected by the States , the rather because she was turned Papist , who reserve the Kingdome for the son of Charles . A brave posterity doubtless ; yet the King , though now stricken in years , could not live unmarried , but took a third wife , Katherine , daughter to Gustavus , Governour of West-Gothland . The Wisdome , Courage , and prosperous success of Gustavus , being now famous amongst other Nations , occasioned sundry applications to be made to him for assistance ; but he was ever wary of moving out of his own sphere . It s an excellent point of skill in a Commander to know when his strength hath attained its just bounds of Conquest , and there , stopping his desires of gaining more , to fix upon the good Government of what he hath already gotten . It was one of the last counsels given by Augustus to Tyberius , that he should not endeavour to enlarge the bounds of the Empire , lest he should meet with more difficulty in keeping , and less in losing what was gained . For the larger the borders are , the more opportunity is given for invasion from abroad , and for rebellion at home . The wisdome , and moderation therefore of Gustavus is to be commended ; for though he wanted not men of War , nor hope of success in further undertakings , yet having adventured for the delivery of his Country from Tyranny , and accomplished it , he desired no further happiness upon earth , than to maintain what he had gotten , yet was he once over-reached by the Livonians , who proffered to commit themselves to his protection , which he refused ; yet when they were much endangered by the Muscovites , he sent aid unto them , who engaging too far , and the Livonians hanging behinde , the whole burden was left upon the Suedes , who finding the Muscovite too heavy for them , and the Livonians heartless , or faithless , withdrew their assistance betimes , and made their own peace . It s a usual policy amongst Princes to be slow in advancing their eldest Sons ( who are to succeed them ) into places of Government , and not without cause ; for in such cases , especially in times , and places of darkness , their designed successours , if well gifted by nature , or education , may prove heads of parties , and factions , and thereby put the present Governours to much trouble ; the one being looked upon as the rising , the other but as the setting Sun. Yet it seems more prejudicial to the people to have a raw , and unexperienced Governour set over them , who knows not how to govern himself . And therefore if Ericus had been more experienced in Government , he might have proved , either more advised by the overruling direction of his Father , or else he would have discovered himself so far , as that he would never have been trusted , and so many troubles might have been prevented , which ensued afterwards . But it is vain to call back things which are already past , the time draws on a pace which must determine the work of this great King : He had now governed the Kingdome of Sueden long , and had seen many changes in other Nations as well as his own , and yet must outlive one more in Denmark before he leaves the world . For about this time died Christian the third , King of Denmark , by whose decease the Kingdome was put to the hazard of an other Election , which concerned Sueden not a little ; for Christian , the captive King was yet alive , and had another fair opportunity to try the curtesie of the Lords of Denmark : But they being unanimous for the choice of Frederick , the Son of the Duke of Holst , him they Crowned , and Christian was still set aside . Unhappy man , that having lived a prisoner seven and twenty years in his own Nation , could not in all that time , by his carriage gain a better opinion amongst the Nobility of Denmark , but that still he remained under the note of an impenitent , and obstinate Tyrant . It is the opinion of wise men that the breach between a King , and his people , is like the Divorce between a man , and his wife , never to be made up again ; and yet the difficulty lyes not in any determinate judgement , or rule upon the Case , as that of Divorce doth ( and therefore comes not within the compass of impossibility ) but in the distemper of the parties , by ambition on the one side , and jealousie on the other , both hard to be cured : yet the first leading the way to the second , if that be first allayed , the second may be cured . And this Christian might have observed in the example of Carolus Canutus , his corival in the Suedish Throne , who having been Crowned King , and fought successfully against the Danes and Norwegians , ruled somewhat too imperiously , for which he was ejected out of his Throne ; and yet afterwards , being re-admitted , he ruled in that manner , that he dyed satisfied with honour , and the love of his people . But Christian was of another temper , he would fain come again into the Government , but not under restraint , nor with submission , nor by leave , nor with the love of his Nation ; but still depending upon a forreign interest , and the power of the Emperour , he was looked upon as an enemy , and his return , as that of the unclean spirit , that would render the latter condition of the Nation sevenfold worse than the former . For he that is a King indeed , though wrongfully rejected , will still bear the minde of a King to desire the peoples good , and will endeavour to deserve their love : But he that depends upon the forreign interest of such as are professed enemies to a peoples Religion and Liberties , disowneth interest in his people , and therefore cannot rationally expect any re-acceptance ( if that Nations Religion be right ) either by the leave of God , or liking of the people . Now whether Christian took conceit at this Election , seeing no hope of ever gaining a better condition than for the present he was in , Writers mention not , but he dyed presently after , even within one moneth of the death of Christian the third , and in the Seventy eight year of his age . And Gustavus out-lived him , and all these changes well-nigh two years , seeing his people in a settled condition for Justice , Religion and Peace amongst themselves , and with all their Neighbours , thriving in Trade , industrious in Husbandry : Skilfull in improving the benefit of their Mines : Potent both at Sea , and Land : and himself blessed with repute , and honour , both from his own people , and strangers : Successfull in all his affairs ; and leaving a numerous posterity behind him . And having lived seventy years , and thereof raigned thirty eight years , he gave in charge to his children to endeavour the peace , and to maintain the liberties of their Country : but especially to preserve the purity of Religion without the mixture of humane inventions ; and to live as brethren in unity among themselves . All which also he left as a memorial , ●ealed up in his last Will , and so he resigned up his spirit to God , Anno Christi 1562. So lived Gustavus , or Augustus , for the name is the same , which perhaps , minding him of imitation , made him exceed his patern . His aims out reached the Roman Empire , and were higher than the world : His difficulties , and dangers greater : His enemies more desperate by conjuncture of the Devils : His labour and industry not unlike : His success beyond all , even to wonderment . If he came short of Austustus in his time of Government ( wherein the difference was not much ) yet he exceeded him in the manner : It being with such an excellent temper of Monarchy with popularity : He preserved the peoples liberty , with the honour of a King , and common security , without pride of Tyranny . The people living as well under the King without servitude , as in a popular estate without sedition , and yet he attempered all , with just liberty of conscience , and the true worship and service of God , which he owned as the chief Diamond in his Crown , and conveyed all to his successours by a better , and more enduring settlement than Augustus did , or could attain unto : His worst enemies never publickly taxed him with any crime but covetousness : And Thuanus ( a Writer of credit in those times ) gives no countenance thereto : Nor did the Patrimony left by him to his children , hold forth any such thing ; and therefore if any such thing were , it was for the service of the state of Sueden , wherein , if he spared not others , it s confessed by all , that he spared not his own estate . His infirmities were common to other men , and must be acknowledged vitia naturae , non animi , as infirmities of nature , not of purpose of minde . If his fame rather mounted upwards , than spread abroad , we may thank the subtilty of those times , who liked not that the splendor of his Religion should dazel their own , and we may pity the distempers of those dawnings that knew not how to value that Morning Star till it was set . It was Augustus his lot , after a long and honourable Reign , to dye , and yet Tum quidem pauci luxerant , postea temporis omnes : Few mourned at his death , but a while after , all . For Tyberius succeeded him , who was as wicked , as Augustus was good : And whatever the people thought of Gustavus whilst he lived , a while after when Ericus came to Reign , they knew what it was to want their Gustavus : Of whom it may truly be said , that he dyed a King , a a Patriot , a Knight , a Christian , true , and unconquered , and yet lives a monument of the truth of that Golden Sentence , uttered by the God of Truth , Him that honours me , will I honour . Deo Tri-uni Gloria . The Life , and Death of Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe , who dyed Anno Christi 1638. Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe was born of good Parents , who were morally Civil , and moderately Religious , according to the temper of the times wherein they lived : Her Uncle was Mr. Edward Brerewood , a learned Professor in Gresham College London . In her younger years she was rather Civil than Religious , and sometimes rather merry than Civil ; yet lightsome without lightness , or immodesty : Though too much delighted with dancing , Stage-playes , and other publick vanities , according to the fashion of young folkes , especially in those times when these things were so well thought of , that they were admitted to be acted in the Churches . But it pleased God , according to his election of Grace , in due time to call her by the Ministry of Mr Nicholas Byfield , who was a powerfull , and a profitable Preacher of Gods Word at that time in the City of Chester ; which also was seconded by the afflicting hand of God , who took away her first Child ( which she much took to heart ) but God made it an occasion to make her his own Child by Adoption , and Grace . For from that time the meanes of Grace had a more kindly operation upon her , which made her ever after more to mind her Father in Heaven , than any Child she had upon earth . Yet at first she rather feared God than loved him , whence were engendred many perplexing scruples in her soul , which for the present were very grievous unto her : For her Spirit was sore wounded , and A wounded spirit , who can bear , Prov. 18. 14. The truth is , the pangs of her New Birth were so painfull , and bitter , and sometimes so terrible , that it was a difficult thing to fasten any comfort upon her . But after the Lord had chastened her soul with his severe Discipline , and thereby had prepared her for a Cure , he shewed himself her most favourable and effectual Physician , according to that Job 5. 18. He make●h sore , and bindeth up , he wound , and his hands make whole . For he quieted her troubled spirit , and setled it in the assurance of his love . Being thus , through Gods goodness , converted , and comforted , it pleased him to bestow many excellent endowments upon her , both Intellectuall , and Morall . For by her frequent , and attentive hearing of Sermons , and reading good Books , the Bible especially ( unto which she was addicted with an incredible desire , and delight ) and by moving Questions to such as she thought best able to answer them , she became an excellent proficient in the most sound , and usefull points of Religion : yet took she not upon her to teach any but her own children , and servants , though an Apollos might not have disdained to learn of such a Priscilla , Act. 18. 22. She medled but little in worldly matters , and when she did , she little minded them : yet ( shadowing her self from acquaintance with the world ) she shined gloriously in her knowledge of God , and Heavenly matters . As she had occasion to converse with others she shewed her self a very prudent Abigail : The Word of God ( as St Paul prescribeth ) dwelt richly in her in all wisdome , which appeared in her speech , in her silence , in her carriage , and in her actions . In her speech : for ( as the same Apostle requireth ) being enriched both in knowledge , and utterance , 1 Cor. 1. 5. She opened her mouth with wisdome , as that rare woman , Prov. 31. 26. having ( as St Jerome dictated to Celantia ) thought before-hand what she should speak , and while she was yet silent , forecasting that she might say nothing , which afterwards she would wish to be unsaid again ; and so she was fitted , and well prepared either to counsell , or to comfort , to reprove , or to plead for , as there was occasion . Yet was she not ( as some women would have been , with her abilities , and some without them have been ) obstreperously talkative , nor affected by her words to make any oftentation of her wit , or other good parts : but very sparing of her speech , so that she was as much observed for her silence , as for her discreet discourse when there was just occasion , and opportunity . For she had learned , That In multitude of words there wants not sin , Prov. 10. 19. That Whosoever keeps his mouth , and his tongue keeps his soul , Prov. 22. 23. That Death and life are in the power of the tongue , Pov. 18. 21. That Tatling women are condemned by the Apostle , 1 Tim. 5. 13. That Of every idle word account must be given at the day of judgement , Mat. 12. 36. And that they who profess Religion , and refrain not their tongues , their Religion is vain , Jam. 1. 26. This moved her , with David , to resolve that her mouth should not offend , Psalme 17. 3. Certainly such silence as she used ( in those that know how to speak ) is an argument of wisdome : For a wise man ( saith Solom●n ) and it is as true of a woman ) holdeth his peace , Prov. 11. 12. And he that rfr●●ns his lips is wise , Prov. 10. 19. And so far was she from speaking ill , especially of the absent , or of her betters , that St Jeroms precept to Celantia , was set forth in her practice , which was , rather to look to her own life , than to carp at anothers . And she well knew that where corrupt communication is restrained , there that which is good to the use of edifying is required : Yet was she so wise , and wary , even in the use of good words , as to observe when , and where , and before whom to use them , and the season when to give over as well as when to begin her discourse . She gave farther proof of her prudence in her carriage , and behaviour : And Bishop Hall in his Contemplations makes this a very good proof of wisdome . There are some ( saith he ) whose speeches are witty , while their carriage is weak , whose deeds are incongruities , whilest their words are Apothegmes . It is not worth the name of wisdome that may be heard only , and not seen . Good discourse is but the froth of wisdome : the pure , and solid substance of it is well-framed actions . And according to this we may commend her conversation for prudence in practice , above that which , she shewed either in the use , or restraint of her tongue : For as St. Jerom saith , She taught others more by her example than by her speech , much more , then by her silence . She was a woman of a well composed spirit , discreetly advised , framing her affairs by good direction of grace , and reason , without any direction of humour or passion , which bare no sway over her at all , and very seldome had any shew , or appearance in her , but when her discretion told her it was fit to make use of them for due advertisement to others ; and then she would order it with such moderation , as that neither her words , nor her looks , nor her gestures , carried any colour of contradiction to her prudence , and piety : So that her wisdome was a protection to the reputation of her piety against all scornfull reproaches : Yea it was a promotion of the Christian profession to more estimation in her person , and for her sake . And though she was singularly gifted , yet was she far from their disposition who think they do nothing well unless they be singular : and though she had less to do with worldly matters , than most would have had in her condition , yet therein also she gave that proof of prudence which Solomon observeth , Prov. 14. 1. A wise woman ( saith he ) builds her house : For she was very provident in managing her Family affairs both whilest she was married , and when she was a widow also . Now from her Intellectuall parts , let us pass to her Morall , and we shall find , that though she had a very good head , richly stored with ingenious , and religious notions , yet she had a far better heart , more abundantly furnished with excellent graces , whereof we will single out some . 1. For her faith , which is the hand that turneth the key to unlock the storehouse of divine beneficence : This appeared by a Paper written with her own hand , wherein she did set down the Articles of her faith in full , plain , and perspicuous terms with pertinent proofs of Scripture to every point , and then she maketh particular application thereof to her self , as thus : I do believe the Scriptures to be the very Word of God , 2 Tim. 3. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21. and I have found them so to me by the witness of Gods Spirit , which I have felt testifying of them , and by the unutterable comfort which I have received by them , wonderfully refreshing my heart when it was in the deepest distress , whereby God hath made them so good unto me that I account them better than thousands of gold , and silver , Psal. 119. 72. I do believe that God made man at first after his own Image , Gen. 1. 26. which Image did chiefly consist in knowledge , and holiness , Eccles. 7. 29. Eph. 4. 24. and out of admiration of this Image , I do long for that time when I shall be satisfied with it , Psal. 17. 15. I do believe that all mankind hath sinned , 1 King. 8. 46. and that the nature of man is stained with sin from the birth , Psal. 51. 5. I know , and must acknowlegde that the cause of all the afflictions which do befall me in this life is in my self , and I know no cause to murmure at my crosses when I look upon my sin . I do believe that Jesus Christ is God , and my God , Psal. 68. 20. and in that he is a God , and my God , it doth exceedingly comfort me : For he is full of grace to supply my wants ; a Counsellor to direct me in my doubts ; Almighty to defend me ; and an everlasting Father to love , pitty , and bear with mine infirmities , and to spare me ; a Prince of peace to perform reconciliation with his Father for me , and to fill me with the peace which passeth all understanding , and that he will establish , and order me henceforth , and for ever . I do believe that the Passion of Christ was by the eternall decree , and appointment of God , Act. 2. 23. and that his sorrows were sustained for our sins , and for our sakes , so as he bore all our iniquities , 1 Pet. 2. 24. and that in his own person , he fullfilled , and finished all sufferings needfull for our salvation , 1 Pet. 3. 18 and that his Passion ( so grievous as cannot be imagined ) is a sufficient price for the sins of the world , Joh 2. 29. therefore why should not I be willing to suffer any thing for his sake , that hath suffered so great things for me : and say ( with St. Paul ) God forbid that I should rejoyce in any thing but in the Cross of Christ. I will for ever trust in him ; and relie upon him as the life of my life , and as to me both in life , and death advantage : and having such a proof of the infinite love of God to me in not sparing his own Son , but giving him up to death for me , shall I ever doubt of my freedome from condemnation , such a price being paid for the discharge of my debts by such a surety ? I do believe that Christ overcame sin , death , the grave , and Hell , and rose again from the dead , ascended into Heaven , and sitteth on the right hand of God in Majesty , Rom. 1. 4. and that he hath purchased his Church by his bloud , and that he is a Lawgiver to his Church , Jam. 4. 12. which is gathered by his voice , Joh. 17. 9. seperated from sinfull society with the world : For she is an holy Church , Eph. 5. 25. yet dispersed over the world ; for she is Catholick , Eph. 1. 10. and though Catholick , and dispersed , yet but one , Eph. 4. 4. knit unto Christ by an indissolveable union , Col. 1. 18. And I am sure that I am a member of this Church For I am called out of sinfull communion with the : world by the voice of the Ministers of Christ , who are in his stead , and seperated from it by the power of the Word , and I do relie upon Christs merits for righteousness , and salvation . I do not delight in the society of the wicked , but in theirs who fear him , whom I love with sincere affections , as the most worthy people of the world , and whatsoever I want of an holy life , yet I do not live after my old evil conversation ; but I constantly endeavour to be more , and more holy . What thanks shall I give unto God , who hath called me out of darkness into his marvellous light , and saved me from the common condemnation of the world ? O the depth of the love of Christ unto me ! I do believe that there shall be a generall Judgement , Psal. 9. 8. that Christ shall be the Judge , a visible Judge in his humane nature , Act. 17. 13. that it shall be at the last day ; but the precise day , and hour is not known to any man , or Angel , Mat. 24. 36. that then every man shall be judged , Jude 15. and every secret thing shall be brought to light , Rom. 2. 16. and that the judgement will be most just , and so confessed by all , Rom. 2. 5 , 6. why then should I fear the last Judgement , seeing he shall be my Judge who is my Brother , Advocate , and Redeemer ? He that was willingly judged for me , will give no hard sentence against me ; yea he hath already absolved me from my sins , and given me the earnest of his Spirit , and the seal of the Sacraments , and I have judged my self that I may not be condemned with the world , 1 Cor. 11. 32. I do beleeve that the glory of Heaven is unspeakable , and incomprehensible by us here on earth , 1 Cor. 2. 9. that is it eternal , Matth. 25. 45. and that it is the gift of God proceeding onely from his free Grace , not our merit , Luke 12. 32. his free gift bestowed onely upon the Elect , Rev. 21. 27. O that I could by the effectualness of contemplation behold the greatness of this felicity which is provided for me ! yet as I can conceive it , I cannot choose but long to be absent from hence , that I may be present with the Lord , 2 Cor. 5. 8. whos 's admirable beauty I shall clearly see , and know as I am known , and that with a perfection both of holiness and happiness ; such holiness as will not onely free me from all sin , but from all possibility of sinning ; such happiness as that , ceasing from all labour and sorrow , I shall enjoy an eternal Sabbath , and shall be free to all the treasures of Heaven , and ( with the fruition of Gods glorious presence ) shall enjoy the sweet society of all the glorified Saints and Angels . And all this , as it is unuterable , so it is unalterable : For as I cannot be disappointed of it because it is certain , so I cannot be deprived of it because it is eternal . How then should the hope of the future life , but swallow up the afflictions of the life present ? and why should I fear Death , when being dead I shall be so blessed ? Yet was not her Faith elevated so high , but that she could readily apply it to promises of an inferiour degree : For as she trusted in God at all times , as David teacheth , Psal. 62. 8. so did she in all things , whether temporal or eternal . In straits and difficulties for the affairs of this life , she had that ready at hand : Commit thy way unto the Lord , trust also in him , and he shall bring it to pass , Psal. 37. 5. If at any time she was sinisterly censured by any one , her faith applied that promise to her heart , He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light , and thy judgement as the noon day , Psal. 35. 6. And whatsoever it were that came upon her as a cross , her faith was either as a wreathe betwixt her shoulders and it , that it did not pinch her , or a remover of it from her self to him , who was best able to bear it , by vertue of that Warrant , Psal. 55. 22. Cast thy burthen upon the Lord , and he shall sustain thee , and that done , her faith which teacheth to keep an eaven pace with the promises , not making haste , Isa. 28. 16. by anticipating the time of accomplishment , taught her soul to wait upon God , as Davids did , Psal. 62. 1. to effect his own work , at his own time , in his own way and manner , wherein she would not prescribe any thing at all . By this daily exercise of her Faith , she gained a great deal of freedome , and lightsomness of spirit , which admirably appeared in her deportment upon great disappointments of that which was her own due , and unexpected payments unto others : when she hath seen no way of supply for the present occasions , she hath believed that Gods providence would effect what her forecast could not , when she was not wanting in the use of means , and that he could furnish her with that which should be sufficient , albeit for the present she saw not how , nor by what means it would come to pass ; and therefore when she had done what belonged to her duty , in the affiance of her Faith , she rested quiet , and remained cheerful , and slept neither the less , nor the worse for it ; and that which confirmed her confidence the more was , that she still found by experience that God was most worthy to be trusted . That her Faith was as good as it was great , appeared by the effect of it in her Devotion and Piety , which was suitable to her knowledge of God , and her faith in him ; by both which , as she had a clear apprehension of him , so none had more dear , and devout affections to him , or more assured signs of such , than she , as appeared in these particulars : She was frequently , and fervently conversant with God ( besides the publick ) in her private supplications , and therein was he most favourably familiar with her ; for he sent forth his Spirit into her heart , whereby she cried , Abba Father , Gal , 4. 6. The Spirit of Grace and Supplication , Zach. 12. 10. which enabled her in an extraordinary manner and measure to pour out her soul into his bosome ; and though she duely esteemed of the solemn prayers of the sacred Assemblies ( whereof a learned and pious Divine said , that never any one prayed well privately , who contemned , or neglected the publick prayers of the Church ) and never sleighted , or censured set forms of Prayer , yet could she , and that excellently well , conceive Prayer , and vary her Petitions as the present occasion did require . Yea in this Devotion she was so abundant in apt and pertinent expressions , that indeed it was admirable , that one so silent in her common conversation with the world , should be so fluent , and eloquent in her entercourse with God. Nor was she more copious in speech , than fervent in spirit : For such was her holy violence in Prayer , as that she seemed not to knock at Heaven Gate for another to open it , but to make a battery upon it her self , and to break in by the powerful importunity of her supplications . Her service also of God in this kinde , was no dry Devotion , but steeped , and drenched in showres of tears ; and though her prudence used as much privacy as might be herein , yet such a singular gift could not be hid from her servants , and some secret female friends , who sometimes , when they were sick , or possessed with fears , or pains of child-birth , they would move her with importunity to pray with them , and when she yeelded to them , and God to her , by answering her request , they were apt ( as there was cause ) to impute the good effect to her fervent supplications . A female friend of hers ( who was her bed-fellow in London for many weeks together ) and thereby was a partaker of her daily Devotions , professed that she was so plentifully furnished for utterance of her requests to God , that she never wanted variety of meet words to be presented unto him , but when a surcharge of sighs and tears put her Prayers to a pause . When the heart is full of love , the mouth is filled with praise of a person most deservedly , and most dearly beloved , whereof we have an example in this vertuous Gentlewoman , who when time , company , and occasion did invite her to communicate to others the good matter which her heart had indited of God , she used her Tongue as the pen of a ready writer , Psal. 45. 1. And when she had that great King for the subject of her speech , she spake of him with such hearty and savoury relishes of sacred delight and reverence , and with such an affectionate force , as if her soul were ready to leap out at her lips into the ears of others , to kindle the same holy fire in their hearts who heard her , which burned in her own bosome , longing ( as David did ) that others might taste , and see the goodn●ss of the Lord , Psal. 34. 8. that they might be Rivals with her in her Religious love ; and glad she was when any sinner was converted , or any already called , better enabled to promote the glory of God , and that was the end which she principally aimed at in her godly discourse of him In giving vent to her heart in this duty , she could spend her spirits with great delight , both to her self , and to those choice friends who had opportunity to hear her , when just occasion was ministred unto her ; and yet when she had spoken best , she found matter of complaint in her own expressions , as being too faint , and too flat , and so far below that which was meet for the Majesty of the great God , insomuch as all the acceptation which she desired of him , was but to pardon her presumption ( as the errour of her love ) for taking upon her to speak of his Excellency , and the weakness of her spirit and speech , which made her fall infinitely short of doing him right in the publication of his praise . Another evidence of her dear affection unto God , was the great love , which for his sake , she bore to whom , or whatsoever had any near relation to him , according to that 1 Joh. 4. 21. He that loves God must love his brother also : and he must love him rather in a direct , than in a collateral line , as Gods childe , rather than as his brother , more for Gods sake than for his own : The dearest degree of love belongs to those persons and things which are nearest to him , and to such she bore a sincere , and singular good will : As to his Saints with David , Psal. 16. 3. and to his true Religion , and worship , both at home , and abroad , the happy progress and prosperity whereof was with her ( as Jerusalem with David ) preferred above her chiefest joy , Psal. 137. 6. and it was a great affliction to her heart , to hear any ill tidings of any good man , or any good cause . She highly prized Gods word , and in the blessed Sacrament of the Lords Supper , she felt such a sweet refreshing as might make amends for the severity of her frequent fasting , so that for her part , and portion of it , in respect of the common sort of Communicants , she might say , I have meat that ye know not of , Joh. 4. 32. Dainties , which infinitely exceed whatsoever delighteth , or pleaseth a sensual pallate : For the house of God , she shewed her self just of Davids minde , when she said , I have loved the habitation of thy house , the place where thine honour dwelleth , Psal. 26. 8. and How amiable are thy Tabernacles , O Lord of Hosts , my soul longeth , yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord , Psal. 84. 1 , 2. If by any imperious impediment she were kept from the Church ( as by sickness in her body , &c. ) her soul was love-sick by her longings to be there ; and whereas many women take a little occasion to absent themselves from it , she would many times force her feeble body to carry her soul to the Sanctuary , though the day before she were confined not only to her chamber , but to her bed ; whereby though she hazarded her health , yet it pleased God so graciously to accept of her zeal to his House , that she was never the worse for those pious adventures . She kept a great distance from doting on the world , which St. James condemns as enmity to God , Jam. 4. 4. Though while she lived she could not choose but be in the world , yet did she so love her dear Lord Jesus Christ , that for his sake she was exceedingly estranged from the world ; which appeared , 1. By her estrangement from sensual delights , which she shewed by her frequent fasting from meats and drinks : By her abstinence from such sports and pastimes as before her conversion she had been too immoderately addicted unto , and by her fi●m resolution to forbear Marriage after her widowhood , and to rest in that condition wherein she might best attend upon the service of God. Indeed her love , and delight in communion with God , made her mindeless of meat , and careless of provision for the flesh . Well she knew , that though fasting makes the body weak ( as David saith , My knees are weak through fasting , and my flesh faileth of fatness , Psal. 109. 20. ) yet it strengthneth the spirit , and maketh it vigorous in conflict , and victorious in the event ; yea fasting and prayer make a potent combination , which is able to drive the strongest Devil out of his usurped possession , as Matth. 17. 21. These two she used , not onely as weapons against the Devil , but as wings to elevate her soul God-ward and heaven-ward ; yet herein was she observant of our Saviours rule , Mat. 17. 18. that she fasted without an appearance of fasting , onely the next day it might be discerned by her faintness , she having spent her spirits in spiritual exercises the day before . For those sports and pastimes wherein formerly she had taken too much contentment , she not onely abstained from them , but much complained of her vanity in them : Her eyes ( which before were used to behold them with delight , now ) shed tears of shame and sorrow , that formerly she had set her minde so much upon them , and now she imployed them in the more frequent and affectionate reading of the holy Scriptures , wherein she took more delight than she had done before in the most pompous Spectacles , set out to take the eyes with gazing , and the minde with wonder . And as for Marriage , her heart was so devoted to her Lord Christ , that though she had divers fair invitations to it , by such as both for profit , and credit , and other considerable respects , were worthy rather to be desired , than denied , yet she resolved not to change her condition in that kinde , and that not onely in love , and loyalty to her former Husband , but that she might be more free to serve God according to that of St. Paul , 1 Cor. 7. 34. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord , that she may be holy both in body and spirit ; but she that is married careth for the things of the world how she may please her Husband . 2. She had so chosen God for her portion , and set up her rest in the riches of his love , that she had but little minde of the worlds riches . She knew , that riches may be had , and well used of the Religious ; and that poverty alone commends no man unto God , as St. Jerom speaks , yet did she not dote upon them ; but though she was competently careful and frugal , as Christ prescribeth , Joh. 6. 12. Gather up the broken meat that nothing be lost ; and though she was provident as the Apostle requires , 1 Tim. 5. 8. If any provide not for his own , and especially for those of his own hosue , he hath denyed the faith , and is worse than an Infidel ; yet withall beleeving that of the Prophet David , Psal. 37. 16. A little that the righteous hath is better than the riches of many wicked ; and as conforming her self to that of St. John , Love not the world , nor the things of the world , 1 Joh. 2. 15. She often besought of Almighty God rather to make , and keep her poor , than to suffer her heart in any sort to sink down from her Maker , to dote upon Mammon . She was one that could very well finde in her heart to honour God with her substance , as Prov. 3. 9. She was as cheerful in her layings out for him , as any Miser could be in his layings up for himself ; and when she heard of the irreligious Parsimony of some towards the maintenanance of the publick Ministry in that City of Chester , she hath professed that she had rather be at all the charge of all the common contributions her self ( if her estate would bear it ) than that God should be grumbled at , or his service poorly prized , or the wages of his work unwillingly paid . Another undoubted testimony of her true love to God , was in that she so much desired to dye out of a fervent affection to him , insomuch that she feared a long life would keep her too long from the enjoyment of him ; being therein like unto David in those ardent aspirations of his , As the Hart panteth after the water Brooks , so panteth my soul after thee , O God , my soul thirsteth for God , for the living God , when shall I come , and appear before him , Psal 42. 1 , 2. That which worldlings are most afraid of , that she so much wished for , that her friends were fain to plead with her to be pleased with life , though she , not being contented with their Arguments , contended against them by contrary reason , shewing first why she did desire to dye . Secondly , why she was not afraid of Death , and hoping that it would not tarry long , she had in readiness some special matters to be remembred at her Death , which she left in writing under her own hand , and are as followeth : First , Why I desire to dye : I desire to dye , because I want while I live here , the glorious presence of God , which I love and long for , and that sweet fellowship of the Angels , and Saints who would be glad of me as I am of them , and would entertaine me with unwearied delight . I desire to dye , because while I live , I shall want the perfection of my nature , and be as an estranged , and banished person from my Fathers house . I desire to dye , because I would not live to offend so good a God , nor to grieve his holy Spirit : For his loving kindness is better than life it self : And he is abundant in mercy to me , and it doth lye as an heavy load upon my heart many times , to think of dipleasing him . I desire to dye , because this world is generally infected with the plague of sin , and some have this Plague-sore running upon them , and I my self ●m tainted with the same disease , so as whilst I live here , I can be in no place , nor in any company , but I am still in danger of being infected , or to infect others , and if this world doth hate me because I endeavour to follow goodness , how will it rejoyce if my foot do but slip ? Therefore how woful would my life be unto me , if I should give occasion to the world to triumph , or blaspheme in respect of me ? I cannot choose but desire to dye , when I consider that sin , like a leprosie hath so corrupted me , that there is no soundness in me , my minde , my memory , my will , and affections , yea my very conscience is still impure ; in every faculty of my soul there is a miserable mixture of vile infection which makes me aweary of my life ; and all this is the worse , because it is incurable , and inseparable companion of my life , so that I can go no whither to avoid it ; there is no business that I can dispatch that concerns my happiness without a muteny in mine heart ; though Gods works be all fair works , yet there are in my nature many defects , insufficiencies , mistakings and transgressions ; so that I may say with David , Innumerable evils have compassed me about , mine iniquities have taken hold on me , so that I am not able to look up , Psal. 40. 12. I therefore desire Heaven for holiness rather than for happiness , that I might sin no more . I desire that condition wherein I may most glorifie God. I desire to dye , because of the Devils malignant , and uncessant assaults : I can stand no where before the Lord on earth , but one Devil or other , is at my right hand , and must of necessity enter into conflict with them , and their temptations , and be buffeted , and gored by them , which is a thousand fold worse than Death : More easie it is to wrestle with Flesh and Blood , than with those Principalities and Powers , and spiritual wickednesses , and great Rulers of the world : For they are subtle and cruel , and and like roaring Lions they go about seeking whom they may devour , 1 Pet. 5. 8. I desire to dye , because by Death I shall rest from the hard labours of this life . I desire to dye , because nothing in this world can give me solid , and durable contentment : I am less in liking of life , and have more desire of death when I consider the misery that may come both on my body and estate , and fearful alterations may come , and wars may come , and all the desolations , and terrours which accompany them , and I may be left in the hands of the sons of violence : Besides I daily suffer the loss of my friends who were the companions of my life , and means of much contentment unto me ; and those whom I lose by my life , I shall finde by my death , and enjoy in another world unto all eternity : And for my children it doth not trouble me , for that God which hath given life and breath , and all they have , while I am living , can , without me , provide for them when I am dead ; my God will be their God , if they be his , if they be not , what comfort would it be for me to live ? my life would be exceeding bitter unto me if I should see them dishonour God , whom I so much love . When she enjoyed the greatest portion of temporal or spiritual comfort , yet would she never say , Master , it is good to be here , as Matth. 17. 4. but making that but a step for an higher ascent , she rather inferred , It is good going hence : For if on earth there be so much good , how pleasant and desirable is Heaven ; the joyes on earth to those that are there , are but as the earth is to Heaven , little , and low , dark , and heavy . Why I do not fear Death . I fear not Death , because it is but the separation of the body from th sould , and that it is but a shadow of the body of death , Rom. 7. 24. whereas the separation of the soul from God by sin , Isa. 59. 2. and of soul and body for sin , is death indeed . I fear not Death , because Death is such an enemy as hath been often vanquished , and because I am armed for it , and the weapons of my Warfare are mighty through God , and I am assured of victory . I do not fear Death for the pain of it ; for I am perswaded I have endured as great pains in life , as I shall finde in Death , and Death will cure me of all sorts of pains ; and because Christ dyed a terrible and cursed Death , that any kinde of Death might be blessed to me ; and that God , who hath greatly loved me in life , will not neglect me in death ; but his Spirit will succour and strengthen me all the time of the combate . I do not fear Death for any loss : For I shall but lose my body by it , and that is but a prison to my soul , an old rotten house , or ragged garment , nay I shall not lose that neither , for I shall have it restored again at my Saviours second coming made much better than now it is : For this vile body shall be like the Body of Christ , and by death I shall obtain a far better life . And as an incentive of Divine love , she prepared a breviate of Gods principal benefits to her self for meditation on her Death-bed , and for thanksgiving to God , which was this : How shall I praise God , 1. For my Conversion . 2. For his Word , both in respect of my affections to it , and the wonderful comforts I have had by it . 3. For hearing of my prayers . 4. For godly sorrow . 5. For fellowship with the godly . 6. For joy in the Holy Ghost . 7. For the desire of death . 8. For contempt of the world . 9. For private helps and comforts . 10. For giving me some strength against my sin . 11. For preserving me from gross evils both before , and after my calling , &c. She shewed her holy love to God , by conforming her practice to his Precepts , according to that Joh. 14. 15. If you love me , keep my Commandements . She thought nothing too much that she should stick at ( if God commanded , or forbad it ) nothing so small , but his Word was able to give it weight enough to bow down her neck to the obedience of it . If it was a greater matter that he required of her , she considered , that he was a God infinitly , both great and good , and that unto her , who had and would do for her ten thousand times more and greater things than she could do for him : If it were a little thing , she conceived that the contempt or neglect of it would aggravate her guilt , as Naamans servants said to their Master , If the Prophet had bidden thee do some great matter , wouldst thou not have done it ? How much rather when he saith unto thee , wash , and be clean ? 2 King. 5. 18. the less the duty is , the more is the disobedience if we do it not ; for thereby we extenuate the Authority of the Almighty , and such as sleight it in a little thing , will not regard it in a greater : She was therefore very precise in every point which God required the per●formance of . By this means she still increased in holiness and sanctification , and kept a greater distance from great offences ; according to that of St. Jerom , Non cito ad majora progreditur , qui parva formidet , who so is afraid of a small sin , will not easily grow bold on those that are greater . Her love to God was strong as death , Cant. 8. 4. yea , and much stronger , so that Death could not affright her ; for she desired da●ly to look death in the face , nor could it hurt her more than she was content to endure : For though it was not likely that she should go through the narrow wicket of Death , and not be pinched in her passage , yet was she well contented with it , seeing it was the ready way to come to God , whom she so much longed to behold . Her Charity was very chary of the credit of the absent , towards whom she would not suffer either her tongue , or her ears be guilty of any wrong or robbery of their reputations . She never imposed false crimes , or feigned faults upon others : She never discovered their secret sins , or aggravated those that were known : She never denied , dissembled , nor diminished the vertue or good parts of any . Though her hatred of sin was such as became a sincere Christian , yet knew she how to distinguish betwixt sin , and the sinner , and setting a severe dislike on the one , she reserved ( as charity required ) love , or compassion for the other . Her Charity was regular according to the Rules of Scripture , which she set down in a paper ▪ with quotations of Texts for her direction in four particulars , 1. I must give readily , Job 31. 16. Prov. 3. 28. 1 Tim. 6. 18. 2. I must give secretly , Matth ▪ 6. 3. 3. I must give liberally , 2 Cor. 8. 12. & 9. 6. 4. I must give cheerfully , 2 Cor. 8. 12. It was answerable also according to her own ability , and others necessities : She had rather give a little to many ( since the number of the needy is very great ) then a great deal to a few ; and she so ordered her charity , that she might still be able to exercise her hand that way , and not as some , who give so much that after a while they can give no more . And upon extraordinary occasions , if she were not magnificent , the let was not in her minde , but in her means . Her Charity was vigorus , and so cordial that what she gave was alwayes without grudging , knowing that God loves a cheerful giver , 2 Cor. 9. 7. yea she was so cheerful herein , that she bestowed nothing upon her self with more readiness , than she did upon others , whether it were towards the maintenance of the Ministry , or in giving Almes to the poor ; and yet herein did she follow the rule of our Saviour , Matth. ● . 6. Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth ; for she was many times as close in giving her own , as a Thief would be in taking away from others ; so that none did more good deeds with less shew , or sound of words than she . For the object of her charity , she took her direction from the Apostles precept , Gal. 6. 10. Do good unto all , but especially to the houshold of faith . She indeed shut up her charity from none that had need of it , but she enlarged it chiefly to such as were of the faithfull . Her love and charity was very intire , and great to her friends , yet not so confined to them , but that she reserved a competent measure for them that dealt unfriendly with her , or that were enemies to her . If there was any unkinde difference between her , and any one , though she enjoyed the freedome of her judgement to think as there was cause , yet would she not suffer her affections to be estranged from them , but was ready to do them good , if power , and opportunity did furnish her for it . She requited love for hatred , pity for spight , ●riendly offices for offensive usages , She bare ill will to none . She hated nothing , but that which is worse than nothing [ Sin ] and that she hated in all , and most of all in her own soul. As her Charity was evidenced by doing , so also by suffering : If any tribulation were upon others , or imminent over them , she was like minded with her Lord and Master , according to that of the Prophet , Isa. 63. 9. In all their afflictions he was afflisted . She did passionately sympatize in the sufferings of her fellow-members : If it was ill with the Church , or any particular Saints ; it was no better with her . Charity made her suffer as much by inward affection , as they did of their enemies by outward affliction . Her Patience also was very remarkable : For though her apprehensions were quick enough to conceive any thing tending to the disturbance of peace and patience ; yet she enjoyed such a calmness of spirit as could hardly be turned to a storm . If any were injurious towards her , her tongue could more readily pray , and her eyes weep for them , than with looks , or words of indignation , or disdain set upon them . If she were angry at others , which was very seldome , it was sin , their sin that was the cause of it . If news came to her of any losses in her estate , as sometimes there did of great ones , yet was she never put out of temper with those ill tidings , having these considerations ready at hand to quiet her heart : It is that God that gave all , that now taketh away some , why should I take it ill ? He would not have me to be in love with , nor to relye upon uncertain riches , which were never true to any that trusted them , but upon himself , and I willingly renounce them to rest upon him . He can , if he see it good , recompence the loss , in the like , or some better kinde . If he take more , there will yet be many poorer than my self ; and if he take away all my goods , he can give me content without them , for he is All-sufficient , and so though I have nothing , I may be as possessing all things , 2 Cor. 6. 10. The world and I must part , and whether we be unstiched by parcels , or torn asunder by taking all at once , all is one to me ; that which he chooseth is best for us both , for his owne glory , and my good , if I grudge not against him , but willingly ( as I pray ) give way to his will. By bodily sufferings her patience was exceedingly tried both for the truth and strength of it : For of some of her children she had long , painful , and very perilous labour ; but that which exceeded all , was , a long , and sore sickness , to which were applied very rough and irksome remedies , so that she suffered not onely the anguish of her disease , but many things also of the Physitians , as that woman in the Gospel , Mark 5. 28. and had it onely been pain and torment , it had been more tolerable ; but it was accompanied with a strange infirmity and deformity . Her jaw being faln , she could not bring it up towards her upper jaw : Her mouth was drawn awry towards her ears , so that with much difficulty both to her self and others , her food was conveyed through so crooked a passage to her throat ; which might have caused the greater discontent to her minde , because it was the shipwrack of much beauty and comeliness , which until then was seated in her countenance , and whereof she kept remarkable impressions to her dying day ; yet shewed she admirable patience under this great affliction , to which her heart was brought meekly to submit ; and concerning which , she said , that if it pleased the Lord still to continue her a spectacle of deformed misery , she would not repine at his doing , or her own suffering , but would willingly , abide it until he freed her body from the disease by health , or her soul from her body by death . Her Modesty also manifested it self by her shame-faced estrangement from sin and vanity , concerning which vertue in her it may be said , that it was rather sometimes too much , than any time too little , and it shewed it self divers wayes . 1. In her look , which was habitually composed to a modest and gracious gravity , so that against any thing that was unseemly to be said , or done , she carried a severe rebuke in her very countenance ; or if any were so immodest as to speak , or do any thing before her , not becoming Christianity , her modesty made some supply to their want of it , she would blush for them . 2. In her Speech , whereas some would have vaunted themselves , or made some vain-glorious shew of such sufficiency as was in her , she rather shadowed her own light with a dark Lanthorn , and therefore in that wherein she was a teacher , she carried her self as in the person of a learner , rather asking questions , than making resolutions , or giving rules , and directions unto others . 3. By her Silence : For as St. Ambrose saith , Though● silence be a rest to other vertues , yet is it a chief act , an● exercise of Modesty ; yea her pace , her habit , and he whole behaviour was a lesson of modesty , which , together with her other vertues , wrought a kinde of awfulness in her person , so that those that had not grace to do well in private , were more afraid and ashamed of an appearance of evil in her presence , than in the sight of many a Magistrate . As for Humility , she made great account of it , she studied it seriously , and got it so by heart , that there was no need of Art to make profession or ostentation of it . Solomon makes contention the proper effect of pride , Prov. 13. 10. So peaceableness is a sure sign of Humility ; and this she shewed in that she could endure contradiction , reproaches , and other trials of Humility without a quarrel , or breach of peace with any , being still ready to deny her self , and to yeeld to others so far as with a safe conscience she could . Once a new Gown being brought her to put on , and presented as a gift from he Husband , wherein his kindness had put him to more cost than she wished , to make her more fine than she desired to be , she humbly besought with tears that it might not come upon her back ; she said indeed little with her tongue , but her eyes spoke much , because she was loath to conrradict him whom she was bound to obey ; and at last she submitted to his will , though against her own , not onely because that habit was no better than others of her rank did wear , but because it was a testimony of her Husbands love , and of her own loyal subjection to his will ; wherein she followed the advice of Bishop Hall in his Contemplations . It is not ( saith he ) for a good wife to judge of her Husbands will but to execute it ; neither wit , nor stomack may carry her into a curious inquisition into the reasons of an enjoyned charge , much less to a resistance , but in an hoodwinckt simplicity she must follow whithersoever she is led , as one that holds her chief praise to consist in subjection , following her Husband , as the Israelites did the cloudy Pillar , which when it stood , they stood , when it went they followed . And indeed it was no marvel that she was so obsequious to her Husband , for amongst her papers were found special directions which she had , drawn out of the Scripture , for her conjugal affection , and behaviour towards her Husband , which were these which follow , under this Title ; Duties which concern me in particular . I must submit my self to my Husband , as to the Lord , Eph. 5. 22. I must account him my Head , Eph. 5. 23. I must be in subjection to him in all things , as the Church unto Christ , Eph. 5. 24. I must get his consent even for those times that I set apart for Religious duties , 1 Cor. 7. ● , 10. I must walk pleasingly towards him , 1 Cor. 7. 34. When by his death she was loosed from the Law of her Husband , she would have returned to a meaner habit , but because it was suitable to the place which she held in the City ( as having been wife to him who had been twice Mayor of Chester , and divers times a Burg●ss of Parliament ) and for that God made such good things neither onely , nor principally for the use , and wearing of the wicked , but for his children ; and that it might not be imputed either to singularity nor nigardize , she made no remarkable change in her attire ; and indeed , to keep down pride , she would not eat the bread of idleness , Prov. 31. 27. but willingly wrought with her hands , as that vertuous woman did , vers . 13. and readily descended to such homely offices as were meet for the meanest of her servants . Notwithstanding such excellent gifts , and graces wherewith God had inriched her soul , her mind was not lifted up to vaunting or vanity , nor to the undervaluing or envying Gods gifts in others , but in lowliness of minde , she esteemed others better than her self , Phil. 2. 3. disavowing her own praise , though those that gave it , thought it much less than her due , and advancing others far before her self , though in gifts they were far below her ; and no marvel , for she was not as those who are far more curious to know the faults of others than to correct their own , but an exact enquirer into her own life , a severe censurer of her own imperfections and failings ; and as for others , she observed them most for that which was best in them , to make her self more holy by imitating them therein , and more humble for that wherein she fell short of them . She often presented , and arraigned her self before Gods Tribunal to bring her self down in submission as guilty before him , begging pardon on her knees at his hands ; and she came the lower by comparing her own faultiness , infirmity , and misery with his infinite Purity , Power , and Majesty , in comparison of whom , All Nations are but as the drop of the Bucket , or the small dust in the Ballance , Isa. 40. 15. which made her to think of him with admiration , and love , and of her self with detestation and loathing ; and when she took notice of any good thing in her self , she boasted not of it , even because she had received it , and that of Gods free gift , making it a Memento of thankfulness to him that gave it her , knowing that he might have passed by her , and given it to another , and that he might be provoked to take it away from her , if she should take any of that glory to her self which was due unto him alone . She alwayes held this for a Maxime , that if it be good to be esteemed vertuous ( and most desire to be so esteemed ) than to be so indeed , is much better ; for the substance of a good thing is alwayes better than the semblance of it ; therefore she was so sincere in her whole course , that she hated the least appearance of Hypocrisie : She was one of those whom David blesseth for their integrity , Bl●ssed are they who keep his Testimonies , and seek him with their whole heart , Psal. 119. 2. Her love was without dissimulation , Rom. 12. 9. She loved not in word , or in tongue onely , but in deed , and in truth , 1 Joh. 3. 18. and this appeared in that she made her deeds of charity and good will alwayes better than her words , whereof she was so chary , that some blamed her for want of affability , which being objected to her , she said , I like not the lavish language of some , who have their mouthes full of complemental curtesie to every one , though their hearts be shut and contracted , when their mouthes are so enlarged ; and if they have love enough within to maintain such liberality of words without , I like my own heart the worse , that it is not so ready to attend upon my tongue , as on the sudden to minister cordial affections meet for such frank and friendly expressions . She used rather to let her friends see her love by her works , than to hear it by her words . Her Constancy also was very remarkable , by which her spirit was stedfast with God , and her heart stedfast in his Covenant , as the Israelites should have been , but were not , Psal. 78. 8 , 37. Her faith was grounded and settled , Col. 1. 23. so that she was not carried away with divers and strange Doctrines , Heb. 13. 9. much less with every wind of Doctrine , Eph. 4. 14. But what she was for faith and godliness from her first conversion , the same she was in all places , at all times , and in all companies : But for the measure or degree of Grace , she was not , as a stake in an hedge , which grows not , but as a plant in the Garden that springeth up , no dwarf in Gods house , but one that by spiritual nourishment , and daily exercise of her graces , grew up apace towards the stature of Christ , and as it s said of the path of the just , Prov. 4. 18. She shined more , and more unto the perfect day : So that she was best at last , and most heavenly minded when she had the least time to tarry on the earth . She was a loyal , and obedient Wife ; a careful , and kinde , though not a found Mother ; a gentle and beneficent Mistress ; a good and a charitable neighbour , and a true and constant friend . Towards her latter end she fell into some bodily distempers , wherein she had fits or trances , like the embrions of death , which ( by a gradual failing of her spirits ) left her at last unable to speak or move , yet without any great alteration in her countenance , which , by some , was conceived to be a spice of the Mother , it was short , and not sharp , for she felt no pain ; yet when she returned to her self , she found that she was commonly more feeble than before . Upon the Munaay sevenight before she dyed , was the first assault given , which set Deaths pale colour upon her face and fingers from the middle joynts towards the ends ; her nails turned to a blewish black , which being rubbed a while , returned again to their former complexion , and she remained that night indifferent well ; the next day her disease appeared in the form and quality of a kindely ague , and so continued mostly t●ll within three or four daies before her end , & then it turned from an intermitting Ague to a continual Feaver , that afflicted her with extream burning , and other pains which commonly accompany such a disease , especially when it rageth most as it doth towards the latter end . During her sickness , having the free use of all her faculties , her soul , no doubt , was exercised in holy meditations ; for wh●h she had kept in store many particulars of importance to be remembred at her departure out of this world . Her desires were strong for a speedy dissolution , so that she implored God with the request of David , Psal. 38. 22. Make haste to help me , O Lord my salvation : and Psal. 40. 13. Be pleased O Lord to deliver me , O Lord make haste to help me : And this she desired that she might have a joyful meeting with him , and fruition of him , after whom her soul longed , even then when her life was most lightsome , and her condition most comfortable : And now the time drew near that her desire was to be granted in that kinde which she most desired , by the power of death , to pass to the Authour of life , which she did in such a calm manner that when she was thought to be but asleep , she was found to be dead , on Friday , August the 17. Anno Christi 1638. The Life , and Death of Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine , who dyed Anno Christi 1640. IGnatius Jurdaine was born at Lime-Regis in the County of Dorset , Anno Christi 1561. And when he was yet young , he was sent by his Friends to the City of Exeter , to be brought up in the profession of a Merchant , and from thence , being about fifteen years old , he was sent into the Isle of Garnsey ; and God by his good providence having brought him to that place , did also there effectually call , and convert him by his Grace : So that from that time he resolved to be like that wise Merchant in the Gospel , Mat. 13. 46. to part with all for that Pearl of great price , whereas others did make it their great work , and highest design to get the pelf of the world , and to load themselves with thick clay , Hab. 2. 6. And in testimony of his thankfulness to God , he left by Will a considerable Legacy to the poor of Lime where he was born , and to the poor of Garnsey , where he was new born . God seasoning his heart with Grace in his younger years , the general course of his life , did for the future relish of it , according to that of Solomon , Prov. 22. 6. Train up a childe in the way he should go , and when he is old he will not depart from it . For as he was trained up in Religion from his youth , so he continued not only in the form and profession , but in the life and power of it , until his old age , and death . In the whole tenour of his life , his piety was most eminent ; and indeed , there have been few observed to hold such const●nt , and close communion with God , as Mr. Jurdaine did . It was his constant practice for many years together , even to his old age , to arise between two and three of the clock in the morning , and that even in the coldest seasons of the year and to spend the time in secret meditation , and prayer , until six a clock , which was the appointed time for his Morning-sacrifice in the Family ; at which time he was called from his secret devotions to the exercise of Religious Family-duties . And if at any time he had over-slept himself ( as he accounted it ) and did not rise until four a clock , he would much bemoan himself , for the loss of so much precious time , wherein he might have enjoyed sweet , and comfortable communion with God : Surely , had he not experimentally found much sweetness in this his spiritual converse with God , as David did , Psal. 104. 34. he could not have continued so constantly therein . And having thus awaked with God in the morning , and renewed his acquaintance with him day by day , it s no marvel that he did walk with him all the day long after . In all his affairs and dealings , his care was to walk very exactly , and sincerely , according to St. Pauls direction , Eph. 5. 16. But though in all things he studied to approve himself to God , and to walk as in the sight of God , 2 Cor. 2. 17. yet could he not escape the malicious censures of men , who charged him to do all in Hypocrisie . He well knew that he had the imputations of dissembling , and hypocrisie cast upon him , by men void of charity and sincerity ; but the testimony of his own conscience did more comfort him , than the uncharitable censures of men dejected him ; and he used upon that occasion to take up the words of Job , Till I dye I will not remove mine integrity from me , Job . 27. 5. Many have oft heard him to profess , that he would not willingly commit a sin to get a world , though the evil which he would not do that did he , as Rom. 7. 25. ( as it is incident to the best of men ) yet did he bewail it with grief of heart . The sincerity indeed both of his intentions and actions hath been questioned by some , who were not ashamed to say , that under colour of doing Justice ( when he was a publick Magistrate ) and providing for poor , he robbed the poor , and helpt to keep his own house ▪ which was due to the poor : But for that falshood that was thus charged upon him , there were none that could ever better clear him from it than himself , not onely his conscience witnessing for him before God , but his books ( wherein he kept an exact Record of all the money which he received by way of mulct from Swearers , Drunkards , &c. according to the Law ) and the Officers that distributed the money testifying his integrity before men ; so that might truly say with Jacob , Gen. 30. 33. My righteousness shall answer for me , and so it did herein both before God and men . Nay , he was so far from depriving the poor of their right , that he added much of his own , distributing sixpences and shillings even when he had no money in bank . He had not onely the testimony of his own conscience , and of good men , for his upright and just dealing , but even of such who had little goodness in them . A prophane Gentleman jee●ing at his heavenly discourses ; another of good quality , though of little piety , replyed , Well , Gentlemen , you may laugh at him , but on my conscience , he meaneth well , and whosoever of us goeth to Heaven , shall meet Mr. Jurdaine there . He was a man that made conscience of all the duties and exercises of Religion both in private , and in publick : His frequent discourses of Heaven , and the way thereunto , and assurance of his interest therein , did declare that his heart and conversation were much in Heaven . He used 〈◊〉 take occasion to confer of spiritual , and heavenly things with all sorts of men that he conversed with . One should seldome hear him speak but of heaven and heavenly things . His heart was so full of heaven that he could not but utter , and breath it forth in his discourses with men , and especially with those whose hearts and faces were towards Heaven : When he was at Table receiving his dayly food , he did usually minister occasion of holy discourses , and diverted vain , and unprofitable talk , to such edifying speeches , as might minister grace to the hearers , according to that exhortation , Eph. 4. 29. He took occasion from earthly things to speak of heavenly ; as from the sweetness of the creatures , to speak of the infinite sweetness which is in God ; from feasting on earth , to the sitting down with Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob in the Kingdome of heaven , Matth. 8. 11. and feasting with God and his blessed Saints there . And when the Table-cloath was taken away , he would often say , In heaven there is no taking away , here we are soon satisfied , and cloyed , but there will be such a feast , that we shall be continually delighting our souls with it , without any cloying . And his manner was to close his meals with singing some short Psalm . He delighted much in reading good , and holy books , and especially that Book of books , the sacred Scriptures , wherein he most delighted , and thereby shewed that he had the property of a godly man , set down , Psal. 1. 2. & 119. 97. The word of God was his meditation all the day long , yea both day and night . He did not onely read the Bible above twenty times over , but he read it with special observation ( as appeareth by the Asterisks , and marks in the Bible which he used ) making particular application to himself . The like course he took in reading over that usefull Book of Mr. Rogers his seven Treatises , and other practical books , wherein he was very conversant , and his collections out of several Authours do abundantly testifie . And he took so much delight in reading that voluminous and excellent Book of the Acts and Monuments of the Church , that upon occasion he told a Friend that he had read it seven times over . His zeal for God and his glory , and against Idolatry , prophaneness , and other evils , whereby God was highly dishonoured , was most eminent , and remarkable . He was a man of an Anti-Laodician temper ; he had well learned the Apostles direction , Rom. 12. 11. To be fervent in spirit , serving the Lord , and not the time . He was far unlike Ignatius Loiola , the Founder of the Order of Jesuits , who was a man of fire that was set on fire by ●ell to promote the cause of the Prince of darkness ; but he had an holy fire kindled in his heart from heaven , whereby he did burn with zeal for the advancement of Gods glory , and an holy indignation against sin , and errour . He would ( if it had been possible ) have burnt up all the dross , and fi●th that corrupted the Truths of God , and that was contrary to the wayes of holiness ; and therein he was very like to Ignatius the Martyr . Neither did his zeal carry him beyond knowledge , like that of the Jews , Rom. 10. 2. when in his zeal he used often to cry out , Fie upon discretion ; For he condemned only that counterfeit pretence of discretion , which was taken up , and pleaded against true and regular zeal : And truly if carnal discretion be set up , and cried up , like the worldlings Idol , it is the part of true Christian zeal to cry it down . He was a very strict and conscientious observer and sanctifier of the Christian Sabbath , or Lords Day . He did then rise very early as on other dayes ( if not earlier ) and called upon those in his Family to rise early on that day , saying , This is Gods day , and as we do expect that our servants should rise early to go about our work on our dayes , so God expects our early rising on his Day , to go about his work and service . And he used carefully to attend upon Gods holy Ordinances . The feet of them that dispenced the Gospel , were beautiful in his eyes , as Rom. 10. 15. more beautiful than their faces to many others . He was one of those Saints , that sate down at Gods feet to receive his word , Deut. 33. 3. as Disciples used at the feet of their Teacher , implied , Act. 22. 3. and he was very desirous , and willing to learn of any that came with the Lords message unto him . He was a M●ason , an old Disciples , Act. 21. 16. yea a Disciple when he was old : It never came into his heart to cast off Ordinances , no not when he had attained to an high measure towards perfection . He was a constant writer of Sermons , even when he was old , and that , not for his own benefit alone , but for the good of his Family , to whom he did constantly repeat the Sermons . And if he found himself overtaken with drowsiness in hearing the word ( an infirmity incident to age ) his manner was to stand up , and to rouse up himself that he might hear the more attentively . He knew that Religion consisted not in hearing , repetition , and profession , but in practice ; and therefore his care was to digest his hearing , and knowledge into an holy conversation . His love was so great to the Ministry of the word , and the Lords holy Ordinances , that he did intirely love , and affect all faithfull and painfull Ministers , though their gifts were but mean ; but he could not away with a lazie Minist●r , though he was never so learned . Where fidelity , and learning meet together in one Minister , Oh! how highly would he reverence him . And being desirous not to go to Heaven alone , but to draw others with him , his usuall course was , when he went with his Family to Gods house , to make an exhortation to his children and servants , that they should consider into whose presence they were going , and whom they were to hear , even that great God , to whom they were to give an account of every word , which they should hear ; and therefore he required them carefully to store it up for their practice , and not to say , My Father , or my Master would not afford me time ; for if they did , he would protest against them in the day of Judgement . And as he was going to the Congregation on the week-dayes , he would often finde some of the Country people that were come early to the Market , and then would ask them where they did live , and when they answered five or six , or more miles off , he would thence take occasion to shew them how vain a thing it was to pursue the world , and to neglect the care of their precious and immortal souls ; and would ask them , how they could rise so early to get the world , and not rise as early to get interest in Jesus Christ , and to attain the favour of God , and assurance of eternal happiness . And then looking back upon his Family , he would say to them , You see here how these people can rise betimes to get a little part of the world , and you will hardly rise early to get the assurance of the favour of God , which is far better than the whole world . As he returned from Sermons , he would be speaking to them that went with him of what they had heard , exhorting them to be mindfull of it , and to put it in practice ; and when one of the company was troubled , hearing him to press such things upon them , told him , that he had heard many good Sermons at St. Peters [ the Cathedral ] but never heard one at the great Conduit before ; he presently replied , Sirs , are ye troubled to be put in minde of the word of God ? I pray God the time come not , when you are in hell , that you wish you had not onely practised the Sermons which you heard at St. Peters , but had received good counsel from the Word , at the great Conduit also . Thus by his diligent attending upon , and carefull applying the means of Grace , and Gods blessing upon them , he attained a very great measure of assurance , even to a kinde Plerophory , such as the Apostle speaks of , 1 Thess. 1. 5. Much assurance , and Col. 2. 2. Full assurance of understanding , by which he was carried as with full ●ails , to holy duties . And truly , if we connsider the measure , continuance , and constancy of it , there are few Christians that have attained the like . Assurance was much in his tongue , and in his heart ; it was that which he earnestly laboured for , and obtained by fervent prayer , and diligent use of the means . God gave him the Testimony and Seal of the Spirit , and so assured him of his eternal love in Christ , as also of his Adoption , and eternal happiness in Heaven . God gave it him as part of his reward for his sincere , and faithfull service . At sometimes he had more than ordinary comforts , and incomes of the Spirit for the strengthning of his Assurance : As for instance , At a time he being at a Sermon , and attending heedfully to those discerning and differencing marks of uprightness , which were then laid down , and one mark being more powerfully pressed , and coming fully home to his condition , he being in a deep and serious meditation , and reflecting upon himself , and finding , it to be truly in him , it seemed to him as if one struck him upon the shoulder , encouraging , and saying , Be of good cheer , thou art the man : upon which he had presently such inward joyes , and ravishings of spirit as were unexpressible . And as by diligence he obtained , so he carefully kept his assurance by frequent trial of himself , and his spiritual estate towards God , he used to try himself by all the marks of sincerity which he found in the Scriptures , heard by the Ministry of the word , or read in the books of godly Divines , and thereby he did clear up his evidences for heaven ; and he did not onely try his estate by some marks , but he kept a narrow watch over his heart and wayes , and thereby his assurance was preserved ; and he kept it for a long time together , even for thirty years , and more : and being asked whether he never met with any temptations of doubting of his estate towards God , he gave this answer , That he had been , and often was sorely assaulted by Satans temptations , which were set against his Faith and Assurance , and that he had been foiled in respect of the application of some particular promises ; but he was not thereby driven from his hold-fast of Christ , or from the assurance of his interest in the Covenant of Grace ; yet still he acknowledged that his assurance , and all his ability in spiritual things , was through Christ that strengthened him , as Paul , Phil. 4. 13. As he had this assurance himself , so he was alwayes forward to stir up others to labour for it ; there were scarce any that he met with , if he supposed that their faces were heaven-ward , but he would be questioning with them about their assurance ; blaming them if they did not diligently seek after it , and encouraging them to labour for it . And when some did ask him how they should get it , he gave them this answer , that they should importunately seek it of God , and not give him any rest till he granted it unto them ; I would ( said he ) lock , or bolt my Chamber door , and beg it of God , and never give him rest till I had obtained it ; and then he advised them that they should daily try themselves by some marks , and he often mentioned three that he used to try himself by , 1. A sincere desire to fear the name of God , as Nehem. 1. 11. 2. A sincere endeavour to do the will of God in all things required , as Psal. 119. 6. 3. A full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord , as Act. 11. 23. and these he did not onely speak of , but pressed them with much earnestness , as longing that others should partake of that high priviledge , and heavenly gift with himself . If he met with any Schollar , and such an one especially as applied himself to the study of Divinity , his usual question to such was , What evidence have you for heaven ? You Schollars have the best opportunities of all men for the getting of assurance ; you are still looking into Gods book , and into other good books , and should acquaint your selves with your spiritual estate towards God , and so have a greater measure of assurance than others . The like course he took when he met with any others , as occasion was offered , or if he found none , he would take it of himself : Once when he was a Parliament man , being at London , and coming accidentally into the shop of an intimate acquaintance , a man of great estate and imployment , and an Alderman of the City , he expressed his wondring at so great trading for the things of the world , and thereupon demanded how he could in the midst of such wordly business attend the weighty affairs of heaven ? His Friend answered , that he hoped he looked after the good of his soul. Mr. Jurdaine replied , How can you attend upon the worship of God every morning ? His Friend answered , that though he could not attend upon it every morning , yet he failed not of it in the evening ; Well Sir , said Mr. Jurdaine , I will tell you in plain tearms what I would have you ●o do , I would take all these goods , and throw them out into the street , and let them rather be cast away , and perish , than that they should be a means to ruine my soul unto all eternity . From this Assurance it was that he was so fearless of Death : He knew that Death was an enemy , as the Apostle saith , 1 Cor. 15. 26. But that through Christ , it was become a Friend to open the Gate of Heaven . Whereas Death in it self is as Bildad saith , Job 18. 14. the King of Terrours , or as the Heathen said , Of all Terribles the most terrible ; yet he , being assured of his interest in Christ , found it not so to him ; for he looked upon it as having lost its sting through Christ. Indeed , he made it so familiar to him by his continuall meditation of it , that he was so far from fearing it , that he did delight to speak of it , yea earnestly desired it , and with joy expected it , whereby he discovered his great proficiency in the School of Christ. It was his usuall saying , that if Death were offered him on the one hand , and the Kings Crown on the other , he would take the Crown , and throw it into the Kennel , and choose Death far before it : He knew that he should be a great gainer by Death , and thereby obtain the Crown of life and glory , Jam. 1. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 4. and that he feared not , but rather hoped for Death . And this was further manifested , in that when the Plague was very hot in the City of ●xeter , and he being in the highest place of Authority there at that time , when the poor flocked about his house for relief , though he would not causelesly expose himself to danger , yet being in the discharge of his Duty , he feared not the infection ; but often professed , that if by Gods disposing , the Plague should seize on him , he would kiss , and welcome it as the messenger of Death . Nor was the meditation of Death then in his minde onely in times of danger , but at all times ; there was not a day wherein he did not speak of it , and not onely when there was occasion offered to talk of it , but he would take occasion to discourse of that subject : As when he was invited to a Feast , he would tell the messenger that he would come if he did live so long : And when he went out of his house upon publick or private businesses , he would ( as it were ) take a solemn leave of his wife , telling her , that he knew not whether he should return to his house again . Yet did he not so much desire Death as to undervalue the blessing of life , or to neglect the means for the preservation of it ; for he acknowledged it to be a great blessing , and he was willing to live as long as the longest lived man , if it were Gods good pleasure , and if he might do him service . And when he was sick , or in any danger , he would carefully make use of the means , that he might thereby serve Gods good providence for his recovery or deliverance , saying , that though he must trust in God , yet he must not tempt him by seeming to trust in him . His minde was not so much upon Earth , and Death , as upon Heaven , to which he was assured Death would be a passage for him : Sure his heart was much upon Heaven , or Heaven was much in his heart , as appeared by his frequent discourse of it both day and night ; and our Saviour Christ tells us , Mat. 12. 34. That out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks . All that knew him , and looked upon him without a prejudiced eye , would say , that he was a most heavenly minded man ; a man that lived in Heaven as much as most that lived upon earth . When in the night he looked upon those glistering lights of Heaven , Ezek. 32. 8. the Firmament adorned with those Stars of light , Psal. 148. 3. he used to raise up his thoughts and speech much higher , even to the glory of the highest Heaven , saying , If these visible Heavens be so glorious , how doth the Heaven above them exceed in glory , where God alone shall be the light , and yet the Righteous shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father , Mat. 13. 43. There was scarce any occasion administred , or any special act of Gods providence that did occur , but it would draw out some speech of Heaven from him ; as when any cross , or loss befell him in his affairs , he would say no more , but , Heaven will pay for all . And when in a journey he fell from his horse , and lay for a while in a swoon , as soon as he recovered , his first words were , Well , I see that I am now deceived , I thought that my horse would have cast me into Heaven . These are some few heads of the breathings of his piety , to which much more might be added ; and truly they which knew him will marvell , not that so much is said of him , but rather that there is so little . He was as eminent for Justice as for Piety , when he was advanced to the chiefest place of Government in that City , to be Mayor of that honourable Corporation : He was an eminent Magistrate , and that not only in the year of his Majora●ty ; but ever after as long as he lived . He looked upon it , not as a place of honour onely , but as an office of trust , wherein he might honour God , and execute justice amongst men , and reform those evils which abounded in those times in that place : He did not glory so much in having the Sword carried before him ( though it was a singular badge of honour to that City , that the Kings swo●d should be taken from his side , and delivered to the Mayor to be carried before him , as a signall testimony of his favour , and their loyalty , and courage in the insurrection of Perkin Warbeck ) as he was desirous to draw forth the sword of Justice against evil doers , and not to carry it in vain , Rom. 13. 4. He was observed to be an impartial Administrator of Justice , and one that without respect of persons did punish evill doers , of whatquality , or condition soever they were that did transgress the Law , whether they were Citizens or strangers that came thither , if complaint were made to him , they should not escape condign punishment , as the Laws of the Land , or custome of the place did award . As for instance . There was a Gentleman of quality that was complained of to him for swearing five Oaths , and for some other misdemeanours : Mr. Jurdaine thereupon sent a Constable with a Warrant to fetch him before him : but the Gentleman gave the Constable threatening language , so that he durst not execute his Office : Whereupon Mr. Jurdaine sent one Constable more for him , who brought the Gentleman before him : And he being in his Court when he came , after divers good admonitions given him , he told him , that though he was never so great a Gentleman , he could no more go to Heaven whilest he took such courses , than he could eat that stone ( pointing to a great stone in his Court ) and then required him to pay five shillings for his Oaths , which he did : Then he told him that he must put in sureties for the good behaviour : This the Gentleman refused to do , alleadging that he was a stranger : Whereupon Mr. Jurdain● commanded the Constables to carry him away to prison till he would find sureties , which accordingly they did ; and as he was going into the prison door , he desired that he might return back again , and he would give Bail : When he came to Mr. Jurdain● to do it , he again gave him many good instructions , and the Gentleman ( though he was a man of a very high spirit ) gave him many hearty thanks for his good counsell , and promised amendment for the time to come . The Master of Bridewell could witness how many disorderly persons were sent thither by Mr. Jurdains Warrants , more than by any other Justices in his time . The Stocks , and Whipping-post could testifie what swearers , drunkards , unclean persons , and such like notorious offendors were punished , principally by his indifferent execution of justice . And if any of the offenders that were liable to the censure , and penalty of the Law , desired to be spared , he would tell them ; Here be my children whom I dearly love , and yet if any of them should commit such offences , they should suffer as you must do : and therefore I cannot remit of the penalty of the Law. What excuses , or fair pretences soever they made , he caused the Law to be executed upon them ; yea and that the more severely , because of the greatness of the crime , and the greater dishonour that redounded to the Name of the most high God thereby . When some scandalous offenders , for the gross sin of uncleanness were accused , and questioned before the Court , and some present ( for by-respects ) pleaded for them , desiring to have them spared , he wished the Watchmen that were at the Gates to keep out the Plague ( it being a time wherein some neighbour-Towns were infected ) should be called home : For ( saith he ) the Plague is in the Guild-Hall of the City : Adding further , that if they did not execute the Law upon them , he would complain of them to the Council Table : And thereupon , after much contest , there was Order taken for their severe , and just punishment . He was ever very vigilant , especially in the year of his Mayoralty , when the government of the City lay upon him , both to prevent , and remove disorders : Insomuch as he would go himself with the Constables to search for idle , and disorderly persons on Sabbath dayes at night , and at the end of the Assizes , and Sessions , and in Fair weeks , &c. Yea , he did not only execute justice , but he shewed himself zealous therein , manifesting the greatest indignation against those evils whereby God was most highly dishonoured , as swearing , and Sabbath-breaking . Indeed swearing was most odious unto him , and had there been a greater penalty than was at that time appointed by the Law of the Land , he would most readily have inflicted it . But by his punishing as many as were brought before him , it struck such an awe into the generality , as that some that lived at that time in the City , and near the place of the greatest concourse of people , the Corn-market , observed that they did not hear an Oath sworn for many years together . He did not only maintain his zeal against swearing , and swearers of the ordinary sort , and rank of men , but even of the highest that came within the verge of his authority . As for example ; A Gentleman of great quality , and much favoured at Court , was heard to swear five or six times in the City . Mr. Jurdaine having notice of it , sent some Constables to demand the penalty for swearing . The Gentleman was of an high spirit , and at this time accompanied with the chiefest of the County of Devonshire , and there were divers hot spirits about him . The Constables pressed towards the room where he was , saying , that Mr. Jurdaine had sent them to demand the aforementioned penalty : and it was like to have broken forth into a great , and dangerous contest ; but a prudent Gentleman , of a more moderate temper , and one that feared an Oath , stepped forth to them , and told the Constables that this Gentleman was of an high , and impatient spirit , and had great company about him : I fear therefore ( said he ) that the event may be of sad consequence if you pursue your intentions at this time ; yet the Constables seemed unwilling to depart till they had what they came for ; the Gentleman seeing this , said , I will now pay the six shillings to you for him , and I promise you faithfully that I will take a convenient time to admonish the Knight when it shall do him more good than the rigorous exaction of the penalty of the Law can at this time , and so they departed . It is credibly related that Mr. Jurdaine being summoned to appear in the Star-chamber , for an act of Justice , wherein it was supposed that he went somewhat beyond the strict letter of the Law , being there in the presence of some of his Judges , who were Noble men , and hearing them to swear divers Oaths , he told them , that they must pay for every oath that they had sworn , or otherwise he would make it farther known . When he was Mayor of Exeter , he did much reform the open prophanation of the Sabbaths . For whereas the Hullers had wont to set their Mills agoing on the Sabbaths , he put a stop upon them for that whole day , knowing that that whole day was to be dedicated to God , and his worship , and service ; and whereas it was usuall to sell fruit and herbs , and other things on the Lords holy day ; as also Bowling , Cudgel-playing , and other prophane pastimes were then much used , by his zeal and vigilancy , and by the care of other Officers under him , they were wholly left off , though not without much reluctancy , opposition , and some danger at the first ; for there were commotions and tumults , and great resistance made against him ; but by his constant zeal for God , and his day , and Gods blessing upon the same , they were at last suppressed and quelled . And not onely when he was Mayor , but ever after , being a Justice of Peace , in which Office he continued for twenty and four years , he was much taken up in the execution of Justice , yea sometimes for the whole day from morning till night : So that he did not onely execute Judgement in the morning , as Jer. 21. 12. after he had been with God in the Mount of heavenly meditation , but all the day long , as Moses sate to judge the people , and the people stood before Moses from the morning untill the evening , Exod. 18. 13. And when he was out of power as a Justice , he discovered his zeal as a Christian , against prophane swearing , and for the strict observation of the Sabhath , wherein there is a remarkable instance of both at once ; and it was this , Mr. Jurdaine returning from the Parliament in the company of a person of Honour , he was invited by him to stay at his house that night , being Saturday , and the Sabbath following , he ( having observed that Noble personage to swear , as they travelled together ) told him , that he would not go into his house , for that he was a Swearer , and he feared that the house would fall upon his head : Answer was returned , that he need not fear that , for the house was newly built , a fair , and strong house : To this he replied , yea but the flying Rowl of Curses shall enter into the house of Swearers , and shall consume the timber , and stones of it . But to obtain his company , the Lord pressed the inconveniencies of his lodging in an Inne on the Sabbath day : Mr. Jurdaine replied , But I will never go into your house , unless you will engage your self , that no Oath shall be sworn , ●nor cursing uttered by your● , your Lady , nor none of your servants or Family : This was faithfully promised ; Yea but then ( said Mr. Jurdaine ) how shall the Sabbath be kept ? the answer was , That he should have an honest Sermon in the forenoon . And what in the afternoon , said he ? Except we shall have a good Sermon in the afternoon also , I will not go in . That likewise was granted , and ( as it is said ) all was faithfully performed . He was not for judgement only , but for mercy also : and he shewed mercy to the souls of them that were brought before him , as transgressors of the Law , and to be punished according to their demerits : For he would labour to convince them of the hainousness of their offences , that so he might bring them to a sight of their sins , and to repentance for the same . He did much encourage the Officers under him to a diligent , and faithfull discharge of their duty : and indeed they stood in much need of it , meeting with many discouragements from some others : and when he found them somewhat backward through timerousness , or other by-respects , to execute his Warrants upon persons of high place , he would exhort them to be active , and forward in doing their duty , telling them , In good earnest ( for that was his usuall word ) that if he had as good a Warrant from God , as they had from him to apprehend offenders , if he were required to apprehend the Devil himself , he would not be backward to put it in execution . His zeal was not only in distributive justice as a Magistrate : but he was conscienciously carefull as a Christian , in commutative justice , in his commerce , and dealings with men , wherein he made the Word the rule of his practice : and if he found at any time that he had swerved from that rule , he would retract it , that so neither his own conscience , nor other men might reproach him for walking disorderly , and besides the rule : and that appeared , not only by his avoiding all usurious Contracts , but also in making restitution of all that had been gotten thereby . He had sometimes taken usury for Money lent to a person about Lime , which he had received for divers years : for at that time he held it lawfull , by reason of the practice which he had observed in some forreign States , and the concurrent judgements of some Divines of note , who spake in favour thereof : but upon his perusall of the Writings of other godly Divines of our Nation , and by conference with some worthy Ministers of his acquaintance , he was so convinced of the unlawfullness of usury , that he did not only forbear the practice of it for the future , but restored the interest formerly taken : and took no more for the loan of Money , than the party borrowing would voluntarily give him . He did much bewail the common course of too many , who sin against God , both in getting , and spending their worldly estates . For ( said he ) as they get it unjustly , and by indirect means , so for the most part , they spend it leudly , and lavishly in satisfying their sinfull lusts . Neither was he more famous for justice , than he was for charity , and that both in his life , and at his death : In his life-time he was a free-hearted man , and open-handed . He was a great patron of the poor : Another Job in that respect : He could truly say with him , as Job 30. 25. Was not my soul grieved for the poor ? No doubt it was ; and the bowels of his compassion did yearn towards them : He was an Advocate , and did earnestly plead for them , and especially for Gods poor , honest poor persons , whose hearts , and faces were set Godward , and Heavenward , and his hands were very open to relieve them : He did that for them , which many of far greater estates had not hearts to do . He would often say , that he wondered what rich men meant , that they gave so little to the poor , and raked so much together for their children . Do you not see ( quoth he ) what becomes of it ? and would reckon up divers examples of such as heaped up much for their children , and they , within a short time had scattered , and consumed all : and on the other side , he often spake of such as had small beginnings , and afterwards became rich , or of a competent estate : giving a particular instance in himself : I came ( said he ) but with a groat , or six pence in my purse to this City : had I had a shilling in my purse , I had never been Mayor of Exeter . And therefore leave children but a little , and they ( by Gods blessing on their labour , and industry ) may become rich : But leave them a great deal , and they are in danger to be beggars . His care for the poor was most remarkeable in the time of the great Plague in that City , which was anno Christi 1625. For in the Maiors absence he was chosen his Lieutenant , or Deputy , and he , seeing the deplorable condition of the City , accepted of it , and then he wrote divers Letters to many Towns in Devonshire , and to some in Dorset , and Sommersetshire , by which meanes he procured severall summes of Moneys , for the suppliall of the wants of the many hundreds of poor , that at that time were in a very distressed estate : One that was an eye-witness related , that he had seen morning after morning coming to his door , sometimes thirty , sometimes forty , yea fifty , or sixty , or more , wringing their hands ; some crying that their husbands were dead : Others that their wives were dead : Others that their children were dead , and that they had not any thing wherewithall to bury them . Some again cried that their Families were sick , and they had not wherewithall to relieve them . Others that they had divers children , but they neither had bread , nor Money to buy it for them . Some cried for bread : Some for Physick : Others for Shroudes for their dead : and he not only heard them patiently ; but his bowels yearned towards them , and his hands were stretched out for their relief . For , standing within his own Shop , with his own hands , he ministred supplies unto them all , and so dismissed them for the present . And the next morning when there was a renewall of their sad complaints , his charitable care of them was renewed also : and thus he continued morning by morning , even for the space of near three moneths , till the return of the Mayor into the City . Besides his great care of supplying the wants of such poor as came unto him , he had a speciall respect to poor House-keepers , and Tradesmen , such as were ashamed , and unwilling to make their sad , and necessitous condition known ; and a peculiar care of the godly poor , concerning whom he used to advise with the Constables , and Churchwardens of every Parish , and according to their need , would proportion some relief , and help unto them , and send it by the hands of the said Constables , or Churchwardens . And his care for the poor was not only in that extraordinary season ( as their exigents did require ) but so long as he continued in the land of the living : And he was so constantly exercised in this great work of charity , that he did it , as it were , naturally : as the Apostle speaks of Timothy , Phil. 2. 20. But though he did well , yet heard he ill even for this , and by some it was cast in his teeth , that he made beggars : and when he was asked by a man of place , and estate , what he would give to keep the poor from begging ? ( supposing that he would not be so forward therein , as he was in relieving them ) he freely offered a great part of his estate , upon condition that the other would do the like : But when he saw his forwardness , the other pulled back his shoulder , and would not joyn with him therein . He was given much to hospitality : He would not eat his morsels alone by himself , as Job 31. 17. He well remembred the Apostles direction , Heb. 13. 2. Be not forgetfull to entertain strangers . He was most loving , and friendly to them , and especially to such as did suffer for conscience sake : As those godly Ministers who were silenced for Non-Conformity ( although his own judgement was well satisfied in that point . ) To him they did continually resort , and by him they were kindly entertained : Insomuch as by the profaner sort , he was cried out on as an Arch-Puritan : But by those that took Religion to heart , he was honoured with the title of Ga●us mine Hoste , and of the whole Church , as Rom. 16 23. If we consider his last Will , and Testament , we shall find in it very great and unparalleled acts of charity : As he gave one third part of his temporall estate to his wife , and another third part to his children , according to the custome of the City , so out of the other third part , he left very large Legacies , especially to the poor . We will here omit many Legacies given to Ministers , and others , and point only at some that were more remarkeable ; and take them in his own words in his Will ; First I give to all the poor of this City , and County that receive pay of Parishes , and also to those that dwell in Almes-houses , I give five shillings to each , to be paid at my Buriall . I give to one hundred more poor people ten shillings to each , to be given to such as my Overseers shall think to have most need , the honest poor to be chiefly looked unto . Also I give to the poor of Lime , where I was born , and to the poor of Garnsey , where I was new born , five pounds to each place . Also I forgive all the Moneys owing to me , if it be under the value of twenty shillings to each . ( These smaller summes which he had lent to the poor were very many : ) Also my Will is , and I give now more to fifty poor people of this City , and County , twenty shillings to each , by my Overseers , or the major part of them . Thus out of that estate which God had given him , he gave again by way of gratitude to God , viz. to the poor , who are Gods receivers . God gave him , and left him a competent estate ( after his many , and great losses ) and which is more , he gave him an heart to honour him with his substance , Prov. 3. 9. and to lay it forth as became a faithfull Steward , in the service , and for the honour of his Lord , who had intrusted him with it . It 's true , some did wonder , and others did sharply censure him for his extraordinary charity , and liberality , and especially for that he left no greater a part of his estate to his wife : But this may be said in his defence : That the strait , and close hearts of others , are no fit pattern to measure his large heart by . And besides , God had opened his hand in giving very liberally unto him blessings , both spirituall , and temporall , and especially spirituall , even the graces , and comforts of his Spirit : and he enjoying such sweet communion with God even above most other men , what marvel is it if he did more for God than other men use to do ? And as for his wife , as he left her the third part of his estate , so likewise he made her Executrix of his Will , and thereby much more had come to her than there did , had not some Debts ( which he accounted good ) failed and come short both of his , and her expectation : Besides , he did assure himself , that her Brother , who was then living , and a man of great estate , would be ready to supply any of her wants . Thus we have heard what Mr. Jurdaine did for God : In the next place let us see also what God did for him . Besides all those graces , which were eminently in him , and whereby he was enabled to act so zealously , and vigorously for God , which all were Gods free gift : and that comfortable assurance that he had , which was part of his reward : The Lord also advanced him from a mean , and low estate , to the highest place of honour , and dignity in that City . His beginnings were but small , as appears by his answer to some that threatened to follow him with Suits , and not to give over till they had not left him worth a groat : To whom he chearfully replied : That he should be then but two pence poorer than when he came first to Exeter : For ( said he ) I brought but six pence with me hither ; and yet , through Gods blessing on his labours , he gat a competent , and comfortable estate , whereby he maintained a large Family of children , and servants ; kept hospitality : was liberall to the poor , and open-handed to any pious use , even far beyond many who yet had larger estates . But when he had the greatest temporall estate , he set no great estimate upon these fading , perishing things : He set them not up in his heart ( as worldlings use to do ) but trod them under his feet : And usually also he set them very low in his ordinary discourse of them , and especially when he was speaking of Heaven , and heavenly things . And yet he did not forget to acknowledge Gods goodness in bestowing any of these outward things upon him . He found by experience that they were but uncertain riches , 1 Tim. 6. 17. And that they had wings , and would fly away , Prov. 23. 5. But he did not run crying after them , as they use to do who set their hearts upon them : whereas he saw , and acknowledged Gods hand as well in taking away , as in giving : as Job did , Job 1. 21. and therefore was quiet , and content , having experimentally learned , in some good measure , that excellent lesson with St Paul : I have learned in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content , Phil. 4. 11. By vicissitudes , and changes of estates , God did exercise his faith , patience , and contentation . Having passed through the severall inferior Offices , he at last ascended to the highest place of honour in the City , to be Mayor there , wherein ( as hath been shewed ) he demeaned himself as became a Christian Magistrate , and his ambition therein was highly to honour God , who had thus honoured him . And afterwards he was twice chosen to be a Burgess of Parliament , wherein his zeal for God , and against the corruptions of the times , was abundantly manifested . He was a great stickler to have the Bill passed for the punishment of Adultery with death : but those times would not bear it : Surely some of the Lawmakers knew some speciall reason for it . When he made a motion for the passing of that Bill ; one , or more of the Members in the House , cried out , Commit it Mr. Jurdain , commit it ; upon which a great laughter was occasioned ; whereupon he presently said unto them ( in a zealous manner like himself ) Do you laugh when a man speaks for Gods honour , and glory ? Upon which there was a more than ordinary silence in the House . The Bill was at that time laid aside , but in a following Parliament , it was called upon by the name of Mr. Jurdains Bill . He was also ( as it 's said ) the first man that promoted the Bills for the more strict sanctification of the Sabbaths , and against Swearing . Yea , God did not only advance him to places of honour , and dignity in the eye of the world : but gave him an high place also in the hearts of his people ; and therein God made good his promise , 1 Sam. 2. 30. Such as honour me , I will honour . His name was very precious in the esteem of those that knew his worth , both whilest he lived , and since his death . Indeed it is confessed that he was a by-word unto many , and that his name was taken up by way of reproach , but it was by such as were upbraided , and reproved by his holy , and gracious conversation : And he valued not their reproaches , knowing that his Lord and Master did suffer much more in this kind , and that this was but a Chip of that Cross , which , as he was commanded , he was willing to bear : Yea he was well content to drink of this bitter Cup after his Master , and with him , he despised the shame , Heb. 12. 2. which the men of the world cast upon him : Nay , he accounted it his honour to suffer shame for the Name of Christ , as the Apostles did , Act. 5. 4. But some there were that brought shame upon themselves , whilest they thought to cast contempt , and scorn upon him . Amongst other instances , this one was remarkeable : That being chosen Burgess for the Parliament , not without much opposition , and going up to London to clear the Election , at which time there was an accusation sent up against him by a man of no mean place , and power , That he was the Host of the Schismaticks : Whereupon some presumed that he would have been sent back with disgrace : and accordingly there was a Sermon prepared by one to jeer him at his return ; this being his Text , Psal. 114. 5. What ailed thee — thou Jordan that thou wast driven back ? Thus men of prophane spirits will dare to make the sacred Word of God to serve their own base lusts and ends . But Mr. Jurdaine , instead of being driven back , was confirmed in the place to which he was chosen , and so shame was cast into the face of this wicked scorner ▪ and his Sermon , or Invective rather , proved abortive . And as Mr. Jurdaine stood up boldly for God , so did God stand by , and for him , and assisted him , and carried him through many troubles , and dangers that did threaten , and even compass him about . One act of Gods providence , amongst many others , was most notable , in delivering him out of trouble . He having done an act of justice ( as was hinted before ) in punishing an unclean person , whose offence was aggravated by some hainous circumstances , being moved with an holy indignation against the offence , he went ( as it seems ) besides the letter of the Law in some circumstance : Whereupon some friends of the person punished ( being stirred up with fury for the disgrace that reflected upon them , without weighing the dishonour that was done to God , and the foul blot that was cast upon Religion ) resolved to prosecute him to the uttermost for it , wherein they put him to great charge , and trouble , by prosecuting him in the Star-Chamber : and when the cause was to come to a finall determination , it was much feared by many of his friends , and through the boastings of his adversaries , that some heavy censure would have passed upon him , to his crushing , if not to his utter undoing . But when his friends on earth failed , he flees to Heaven for succour , and defence , and cried unto God in Davids words , Psal. 22. 11 , 19. Be not far from me , O Lord , for trouble is near : for there is none to help : O my strength , hast thou to help me . And he set apart the evening , and a great part of the night , by fasting , and Prayer , to engage God of his side , who hath the hearts of all men , even of the greatest in his hands , to turn them as he pleaseth , Prov. 21. 1. And behold , the next morning he received a reall , and gracious answer from Heaven , being not only acquitted , but commended by the Lord Keeper , God stirring up the hearts of divers in that high , and arbitrary Court , to speak for him . Thus the Lord was a very present help to him in the time of trouble , Psalme 46. 1. After he was thus ( through Gods mercy ) freed , and returned to his house , he piled up the Books , and Papers of all the proceedings in that troublesome , and vexatious business , under his Cupboard in his Parlour , which was the place to which he did often resort , and where he had that daily sweet , and heavenly communion with God aforementioned ; and being asked the reason why he left so many Books , and Papers to lie in that manner ? His answer was ; These I keep in my sight as memorials , and monuments of Gods mercy in freeing me from my troubles . Many other particulars might be instanced in : but by that little which hath been said , you may guess at the great worth of this holy man. Only give me leave to adde the observations , and testimony of Mr. Thomas Manton , who knew him well , who speaks thus of him : Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine may in some sense be stiled the wonder , and Phoenix of his age , and place of abode : concerning whose piety , and frequent communion with God , his constant heavenliness , his charity in giving , lending , and entertaining : his doing justice with impartiality , and diligence , we have already heard : and therefore give me leave only to suggest a few other passages , and observations . 1. That for his temper , he was a man of a raised zeal , and heroicall spirit , one of those rare examples which the Lord giveth the world now and then , and therefore his actions are not to be measured by an ordinary standard . 2. Seldome or never did any come into his company , but he would discourse with them about holy things , asking the younger sort , how they did hope to be saved ? The more grown , if they professed Religion , whether they had any assurance ? which if they denied , he would tell them , that he was even ashamed of them . In good earnest ( would he say ) I would study the Promises , and go into my Closet , and lock the door , and there plead them to God , and say , that I would not go forth till he gave me some sense of his love . 3. His entertainment at his Table was free , and sufficient , but frugall , and sober : If his Wife at any time excused the slenderness of it , he would say , Brown bread , and Kennel water is good fare with the Gospel . I have oft heard him say so : There is somewhat a like saying of Mr. Greenhams , and possibly Mr. Jurdaine might borrow it thence , it suiting so well with the temper of his spirit . 4. A formall man had once preached a Sermon at the Cathedrall , about Heaven : the discourse was for the most part frothy , and beneath the dignity , and worth of such an Argument . Mr. Jurdaine was present as well as my self : After Sermon I went to his house ( being to receive a Letter from him to Oxford ) and after many good instructions , he asked me , if I had been at the Sermon that morning ? I told him , yea . And did you ( said he ) hear those wonderfull things which God hath provided for them that love him ? And so he readily picked out all those passages which were any way subservient to use , and profit . It was wonderfull to me to see how an holy heart could draw comfort out of any thing . The Sermon as Mr. Jurdaine repeated to me , was another kind of Sermon , and seemed to be savoury , and spirituall . I remember with what warmth , and vigour he spake of it , even till this day , and hope that I shall never forget it . 5. This is not to be forgotten , his sending a Letter to the late King , and expostulating with him about setting forth the Book concerning sports , and recreations on the Lords dayes , which was inclosed in another to the Bishop of Exeter , to desire him to convey it : and notice being given to the Bishop that Copies of it were divulged ( possibly by the Transcriber ) he thought he could not conceal it with safety , and therefore carried it to the King , who when he had read it , in a great anger said , He would hang him . But the Bishop ( a pious man ) fell upon his knees , and besought his Majesties pardon , alleadging , That God had not a better servant , nor his Majesty a better Subject in the whole Land. When the Bishop returned from his moneths attendance , Mr. Jurdaine went to visit him , and after civilities past , the Bishop said , Ah , Mr. Jurdaine , would you put me upon so hot a service ? You know there are many eyes upon me ( meaning the Archbishops party , who suspected him as a favourer of Puritans ) Yea , my Lord ( said Mr. Jurdaine ) there are eyes upon you , the eyes of God , and his holy Angels , to see how you discharge your duty , and office as the Kings Chaplain , and Bishop of the Church . 6. Now and then , when he had leasure , he would usually go to his neighbours shops , and admonish them to take heed that the cares of the world did not deaden their spirits to heavenly things , telling them , if they had many thousands it would not still the cry of conscience , purchase the least favour from God , nor so much as ease the pain of the teeth , or keep off one fit of an Ague ; yea , if money were thrown to the Dogs , they would not so much as smell at it . 7. He would often perswade his Fellow-Magistrates to a liberal provision for the poor ; and when they would ask him , where they should have money ? He would answer , God will provide , rather than the poor shall want , let us sell our Gowns . 8. When he did distribute money to the poor with his own hands in a time of great infection , and some asked him if he were not afraid of the Plague ? What ( said he ) afraid of Gods Visitation ? Let us fear rather the Plague-sore of our owne hearts . 9. In his troubles in the Star-chamber , when one told him , he was sorry that the Lord Keeper was against him : He answered , I have a greater Lord Keeper than him : The Lord is my Keeper , I shall not be afraid . 10. It is not amiss to set down what others thought of him : I remember a godly man observed him , that in every business ( though he advenfar ) the Lord carried him through with reputation , and so compared him with another of great parts , who , though godly , was alwayes toiled in every undertaking . Drunkards , and frequenters of Ale-houses , were afraid of him : He was their usual Bugbear ; their memento in the middle of their excess was ; Its time to be gone , Mr. Jurdaine will come by and by . The ordinary sort of men were convinced of his integrity , insomuch as carnal and vicious men at a time of election of Burgesses for Parliament would say one to another , If you choose any , choose Jurdaine , he will be right for the Commenwealth , and will do the City service . He was twice chosen Burgess for the Parliament , and once Mayor of the City , and once Deputy Mayor in a time of great Infection by the Pestilence . The Reverend Minister that preached his Funeral Sermon , amongst others , had this expression : Look upon his Will , and you will think him the richest man in the City . Though many exceeded him in estate , but few or none in making provision for the poor . Delinquents seldome went from him without conviction . A Noble mans servant that had scorned him , being brought before him , and convicted for having sworn rashly three times , Mr. Jurdaine demanded his Fine , and shewed him the hainousness of the sin , with which the man was calmed , and though he came from his companions braving , yet he returned with the acknowledgement that he was a good Justicer ; and when they asked him , what Jurdaine did to him , he answered , He gave me good Law , and fair words . I have heard above thirty years ago , that some godly persons in Exeter were convented before the Bishops Court for keeping some private dayes of Humiliation ; whereupon Mr. Jurdaine went to the Bishop ( who was a godly man ) to intercede for them . The Bishop told him that such Conventicles were forbidden by the Law , the State being jealous lest the seeds of Sedition or Heresie might be sown in them : To whom Mr. Jurdaine replied , My Lord , Do you think that the Lord Jesus Christ , when he comes to Judgement , will say concerning these , and such like poor Christians , Take them Devil , take them , because though they sought me by fasting and prayer , yet they did not observe every circumstance with so much prudence as they might have done . Whereupon the Bishop dismissed them . I am now come to the last act of his Life , his sickness , and the period of that , his Death . In his sickness , which was very painfull , he being sorely afflicted with the Stone , and Cholick , yet did he manifest more than ordinary patience , not opening his mouth in any word that might savour of repining , or discontent at his present condition ; but meekly and patiently submitting to Gods afflicting hand , and waiting for his long-expected , and much desired dissolution . He did then much act faith in Jesus Christ , and his gracious Promises , and his assurance remained unshaken , though Satan was then busie with him by his temptations : But being strong in the Lord , and in the power of his might , he did resist him . Some of his nearest Friends that observed his confident Assurance in the course of his life , and of his happy estate in heaven after death , did suppose that Satan would have set upon him with so much violence , as to have shaken his Assurance , as no doubt he had will enough to do ; but God who had him in chains , would not permit him to do it : But he went out of the world as a Conquerour out of the Field , being , through Christ , victorious over all his spiritual enemies . One particular in his sickness may not be omitted , which was , his taking all occasions of exhorting and encouraging others to constancy in the faith , zeal for God , and making sure of Heaven ; and when his spirits began to fail him , he would say , I cannot speak much more to you now ; R●member what you have heard from me in my health . He was willing also to incite others that were absent to the discharge of their Duties . The Mayor of the City that then was , sending to see how he did , he called the messenger unto him , and said , Remember me to Mr. Mayor , and tell him from me , that he have a special care of these three things : To do Justice : To provide carefully for the poor ; and to make sure of Heaven . His gracious speeches in the time of his sickness , were many , and more than can be here expressed . Having fought the good fight of Faith , and finished his course , he sweetly , and quietly resigned up his soul into the hands of his blessed Saviour and Redeemer . He departed this Life , July the 15. Anno Christi 1640. being the Sabbath day . The Sabbath was his delight on earth , and on that day God gave him to enjoy an eternal Sabbath with him in Heaven . As he had sweet communion with God in the use of Ordinances for many years on that day , so he went to enjoy an immediate communion with God on that holy day ; and after all his labours he entred into rest , even that glorious Rest in Heaven , Heb. 4. 11. His departure hence was in the Seventy ninth year of his age , and , according to his account for the New-birth , in the Sixty fifth year . For so long he reckoned since the time of his effectual Calling . At the celebration of his Funerals , there hath not been known any man to be more lamented than was he , the loss being so great , not to the City alone , but to all those Western parts , the influence of his example , as a zealous Magistrate and Christian , reaching far and near . After he had served his own Generation by the will of God , he fell on sleep , Act. 13. 36. The Life , and Death of Mrs. Margaret Ducke , who dyed Anno Christi 1646. THe Father of Mrs. Margaret Ducke was Mr. Henry Southworth , a Gentleman of a good Family : Her Mother was a vertuous and Religious Matron . He was a Merchant and Customer of London , by which means having acquired a plentiful estate , he contented himself with it , and withdrew from thence to a more quiet , and retired ( that is a more happy ) life at Wells , where he lived plentifully , and having onely two Daughters , his Co-heirs , he gave them liberal , and pious education in all those wayes which commend , and accomplish well-bred Gentlewomen . This Gentlewoman , who was the younger of his Daughters , was deservedly dear to both her Parents , and lived with them till their deaths , which fell out to be shortly one after another : For as they were lovely and pleasant in their lives ( if I may so use the words of Davids lamentation over Saul and Jonathan , 2 Sam. 1. ) so in their Deaths they were not divided . She was then about the one and twentieth year of her age , at which time she was desired in marriage by many younger in years , and higher in means and lands than the Gentleman was , unto whom ( with her great contentment even to her dying day ) she yeelded her self , and her affections , resolving ( as the vertuous Marcella in St. Jerom answered her young Woer , Cerealis , who was of a Noble , and Consular race ; Si nubere vellem , utique maritum quaererem , non haereditatem ) that when she married , she would marry an Husband , not an estate , though yet God had blessed her Husband with a competency of these outward things . Their Marriage was celebrated by that incomparable , and ( even in this age ) famous Prelate , Bishop Lake , in the City of Wells ( who never married any persons besides themselves ) where , for some years they lived together , and the Town to this day gives an ample testimony to their piety and charity . For her part , they say , as Gregory Nyssen said of Placilla , that if she prevented him not in any work of charity , yet she was sure to concur with him therein ; and when she departed from thence , they soon complained , and lamented the want of her charity . The blinde complained that they wanted an eye , the lame a staffe , the mourners one to comfort them , the languishing one to visit them , as St. Jerom said of Nepotian . For indeed , she was eyes to the blinde , feet to the lame ; she was a mother to the poor and distressed , and to those who had nothing to help them ; The blessing of those ( as Job saith of himself ) that were ready to perish came upon her , and she caused the widows heart to sing for joy . From Wells they removed to Blackfriers in London , where she lived long under the powerful Ministry of the thrice worthy and learned Dr. Gouge , a man , famous for his pains in the Church of Christ. What her Life , Faith , Charity , Patience was , during her abode there , was well known to all in general , and particularly observed by that Reverend Doctor , and abundantly testified at her Funerals by him , so that nothing needs to be added to his full , and faithful testimony . One thing was well observed by him , and is very remarkable , that notwithstanding the many opportunities she had to see Playes , to which the neighbourhood , and vicinity of the Play-house there , and the frequent throngs of Gentlewomen which prest thither , might have been forcible and prevailing invitations , yet she could never whilst she lived there , nor indeed all the time of her being in London , be induced to see any of them ; and being sometimes advised by her dearest Friend , to go thither , as other Gentlewomen did , to avoid too much retiredness , she answered , it is hard to say whether with more discretion , or Religion , that she liked it not , and that , next to Gods house , she could best spend her time in her own . In Gods House ( if I may with reverence use Tertullians expression ) she saw enough of the Scene , Scenicae Doctrinae delectant ? Sat nobis sententiarum , sat versuum , sat etiam Canticorum , &c. Sentences , Verses , and Songs enough to delight her soul. Would she see a Tragedy ? There she could see before her eyes Jesus Christ , evidently set forth , crucified amongst them , Gal. 3. 1. What a sight is Christs coming to Judgement ? Kings throwing down their Crowns and Scepters , and themselves before him ? In her own house she could ( as Solomon describes the excellent Huswife , Prov. 31. 27 , 28. ) imploy her self in looking well to the wayes of her Houshold , and not eating the bread of idleness , that so her children might rise up , and call her blessed ; her Husband also , and he might praise her . She was so far from the gadding disposition of other talking , walking women , that she was for the most part as a Snail , Domi porta , within her own shell and family . And as St. Jerom pourtaits his never enough admired , and applauded Marcella , Raro procedebat in publicum , & maximè Nobilium Matronarum domos vitabat , ne cogeretur videre quod contempserat : She went seldome abroad , and especially chose to decline the houses of Noble and Honourable Ladies , lest she should be tempted to see those vanities which she resolved to contemn , and so be unwillingly wrought and brought to desire what she so willingly despised . This retiredness ( as usually it doth ) drew on her a decrease of health , which occasioned , for the enjoyment of a better air , and recovery of health , her removal to Cheswick , where she lived to her dying day , exceedingly beloved , and dyed extreamly lamented , and desired of all . While she enjoyed her health , which yet was much interrupted , her constant , and unfailing practice was , besides daily prayers in the Family , to betake her self in the morning , and at other convenient times to her constant private devotions in her Closet , and then allotting some time ( for being a wise and prudent woman , she made a little time reach far ) in the education , and oversight of her children , and disposing and dispensing the affairs of the Family , the residue of the day she spent in reading books of Piety and Devotion , and most willingly those of Dr. Gouge , by which means she made her heart , Bibliothecam Christi , a Library of Christ , and furnished her self with such a stock of Christian knowledge , and devotion , as carried her on with much comfort and cheerfulness through all her afflictions , till she arrived at her long , and much longed for home . Both in her health , and sickness , she was of so meek and milde a comportment , and behaviour towards all , that she conquered by it , as Ignatius advised Polycarp to do , those that had ( if at least any had ) any venemous sting , or spleen against her . For her meekness she seemed indeed like that Dove in the Prophet Hosea , chap. 7. 11. that had no heart , none certainly to do any harm or injury to any . And as Solomon saith , Prov. 15. 1. A loft answer turns away wrath ; so without doubt her soft and milde disposition in these rough and blustering times , kept off many an impetuous storm and shower from her . This mildness was eminently conspicuous in her sickness . One night her Husband perswaded her to use an Electuary that was sent her , she refused it twice , but in milde tearms ; yet the next morning she told him , that she had been too blame ( it might be ) in her words the night before . Often she desired all the world to forgive her if she had offended any , as she heartily forgave them all that had offended her . Her Husband told her , that he thought she had no enemies ; Yea ( said she ) some have wronged me , but I forgive them from my heart , and desire God to forgive them . In all the time of her sickness she was never heard to use any impatient word to any , or of any Quis unquam ab hac muliere quod displiceret audivit ? That I may use St. Jeroms Question concerning another on her behalf , Who ever heard any thing from this good woman that might displease him ? or believed any thing against her , and condemned not himself of too much credulity or malignity in believing it ? Cheerful she was , yet she tempered it with such a becoming severity ; severe she was , yet she allayed it with such a decent cheerfulness , that it may be truly said of her , what was said by St. Jerom of a vertuous woman , Nothing was more severe than her cheerfulness , nor cheerfull than her severity . Such a concurrence and constellation of vertues and sweetness , such a Mirror of Charity , such a Treasury and Magazine of Chastity and Sobriety was in her . In short , she had such an eminency in single vertues , as if she had had no more , and yet such a worthiness in all , as if she had been singular in none . Since the troubles of these bleeding times she suffered many afflictions with a Masculine patience , though much imbittered to her by a long , and tedious sickness , and the necessary , and indispensable absence of her dearest Consort , which yet she professed , that it never bred in her the least ill thought of him , saying often , that she did but desire to see him again , and to speak with him , and then she was ready , if God so pleased , the next day to sing old Simeons , Nunc dimittis , Luke 2. 29. Lord now lettest thy servant depart in peace . And God heard her prayer , and his also ( for in this they were joynt and mutual Orators ) and to her great comfort , she saw him , and spake with , and for three weeks space they mutually enjoyed each other abroad in the house . But then the first-born of Death began to devour her strength ( as Bildad speaks , Job . 1. 13 , 14. ) and threatned to bring her to the King of Terrours ; for so indeed Death is to them that have not made their peace with God : But to her , however in regard of the dissolution , and parting of those dear friends , body and soul ( which had been now for two and forty years sweet , and loving inmates ) a valley of Achor , Hos. 2. 15. ( that is , bitterness , as the word imports ) yet was it to her a door of hope to open her a passage into that better world , which she so much longed after , often professing , that there was nothing that could tempt her to wish for life , but the breeding up of her little ones ; which yet now she was the less solicitous about , because she could leave them in the hands of their tender , and careful Father , not doubting ( as old dying Jacob said when he was blessing the two Sons of Joseph , Gen. 48. 15. 16. ) That that God which had fed her all her life long untill that day , and the Angel which had redeemed her from all evil , would bless them . And now finding her self arrested by the messenger of Death , and her body ( like the house of Saul ) growing weaker , and weaker , but her soul ( like the house of David ) waxed stronger and stronger , took higher flights , and made nearer approaches to God that gave it . When her Husband came to her ( as he did frequently ) he continually admonished , and minded her of the gracious Promises of mercy in Christ , and of faith in him , and desired her to be strengthened , and comforted in them : Her answer was , she was comforted in them , she found the comfort of Gods Spirit in her , and verily believed she should see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living , Psal. 45. 13. Ever and anon saying , I am comforted : Gods Spirit is in me which makes me endure my sickness , and more pains than you can think of , so comfortably as I do . When she knew of none by , her usual prayer was , Lord look down upon me in thy mercy , Lord forgive me my sins , Lord assist me with thy holy Spirit ; Lord thou hast assured me of the forgiveness of my sins ; Lord assist me still with thy holy Spirit . And many times passing the whole night without sleep , she spent that time in these , and the like heavenly prayers , and ejaculations , in which her Husband , and those which attend her continually , still found her when they came to her . Never man had a more faithfull , dear , and loving Wife , or more carefull of what concerned him , than himself , and more tender of any thing said , or done against him , than if it had been said , or done against her self . And when he seemed to lament the loss he should have if God took her from him : She meekly answered , We came not into the world together , and therefore may not look to go out together . When he replied , that it would be much better for their children if he went first , as by the course of nature was most likely , she said , that he could do much better for the children than she could , and thanked God for that she could now leave them with him . For the space of three weeks she kept her bed , and about a fortnight before her death , being surprized with a fainting fit in which she was like to depart , and thereby perceiving that earth would suddenly return to the earth whence it came , that her soul might be the better winged , and prepared for a return to God that gave it , she de●ired that all the Family might be called up , and joyn in prayers with , and for her . At which time , observing the grief and passion of her Husband , and those that were present , expressed plentifully by tears from their eyes , she besought him , and them not to grieve , and lament for her happiness . About that time a Reverend person coming to visit her Husband , he solicited him to enlarge that great act of favour unto him , by a greater act of charity to his wife , by visiting her also whom God now visited with sickness , as also to pray with , and administer some comfort unto her , which he most willingly condescended unto ; and having taken a strict account of her faith in Christ , and hopes of a better life , he left her with his Fatherly benediction , top full of comfort ; and when she was afterwards told that he came out of respect and kindness to visit her Husband , she said , No , but God had sent him for her comfort , often acknowledging the consolations which she had found by him . When any came to visit her in the time of her sickness , at the parting , she desired them to pray for her , and often sent Messengers , and caused Letters to be directed to her friends in London to pray for her , for that she was now preparing for another world . When she was sometimes desired for her childrens sake to chear up her self , her answer was , that to leave them did not trouble her , because she was assured that God would provide for them , adding that she would willingly leave Husband , Children , and all , to go to Christ , which was just the minde of that blessed Martyr Ignatius , Befall me ( said he ) what will , or can , so I may enjoy Jesus Christ , my Love , my Life that was crucified for me ; or rather St. Pauls case , expressed in that most elegant Barbarisme , Phil. 1. 23. Desiring to be with Christ , which is multo magis melius , much more better . And now finding the day of her life wasted to the evening , and ready to dye into night , on the Lords day before her death , she desired the prayers of the Congregation in the Parish where she lived , being well assured ( as she said ) that many good people would pray heartily for her . After which , some coming to visit her , and exhorting her to patience , and to remember the afflictions of Job , she answered , that she had had her part in his afflictions , God having given her Luctuosam foecunditatem , as St. Jerom said of Laeta , a sad , and sorrowfull fruitfulness , taking away seven of her children in their minority , so that she ( as Hanna spake in her song , 1 Sam. 2. 5. ) that had born seven , waxed feeble , yet she comforted her self with this hope , that they were in Heaven before her , and hoped that they would be Lamps to lead her to heaven ; for she assured her self , that they followed the Lamb whithersoever he goeth ; and for those two which were yet alive , she thanked God , for that she saw no ill qualities in them . Besides ( she said ) that God had taken away her goods from her , but had given her patience , which to her was of more value ; and she esteemed it above them all , knowing that God was able to restore all when he pleased . She often acknowledged Gods goodness to her in sending her a milde sickness , and not taking her away with some sudden stroke ( as he did the wife of Ezekiel , Chap. 24. 16. ) or by some tormenting disease , as he is pleased to visit some of his dear ones , acknowledging the wonderful mercy of God to her therein . A week before her death , she called her eldest Daughter to her , being to go from her to School at Putney , and putting her hand on her shoulder , she said to her , I give you that blessing which my Mother gave me at her death , The God of Abraham , the God of Isaac , and the God of Jacob bless you ( and then added the blessing which Aaron by Gods own appointment was to give the children of Israel ) The Lord bless thee , and keep thee , the Lord make his face shine upon thee , and be gracious unto thee ; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee , and give thee peace . And bid her serve God , and pray duly to him both morning and evening , and fear his Name , and then ( said she ) I doubt not but God will bless you , as he hath blessed me . In the evening of the same day , she commanded her younger Daughter to be brought her , and to be put upon the bed in a kneeling posture , and then putting her hand on her shoulder , she gave her also the same blessing as she had given to her sister . Four dayes before her death she grew a little better , which put her Friends in some hope of her recovery ; but the day following her sickness seized on her again , and so continued upon her that she slept no more till she slept the sleep of death , and together with her sickness , her Piety , Devotions , and comforts encreased in her . In the last night of her life , presently after midnight , feeling death now approaching , she sent for her Husband , and Family out of their beds , and told him when he came to her , that she was now leaving the world and him , and expressed in many words her great devotion , faith and assurance of that everlasting life which she now was shortly to enjoy , and desired that they might now all pray together , which they did , she still expressing much devotion and comfort ; and after an hour spent in those passages , she desired that the Bell might be tolled for her , and some Gentlewomen of her neighbours , coming to her , before them she expressed her comforts , and assurances of everlasting life as before , and with increase , and therein , and in prayers they continued till near the rising of the Sun. After this she seemed for a wh'le willing to slumber , and closed her eyes , and so lay for a little while , but then turned her head to the other side of the Pillow , and after a few restless turnings , she said ( what the Prophet Micha had said before her , Mich. 2. 10. ) There is no rest in this world , and then opening her eyes , after some expressions of the comfort which she felt , distinctly knowing all that were present , and speaking to them all , she seemed to slumber again , and after a little time , spake these words , Come , let us go , let us go ; repeating those words several times , which she spake not in a slumber , but being awake , and as perfect in her understanding , and memory , as at any time in her life . And it is a comforttable opinion that Divines teach from Luke 16. 22. that the Angels do attend on Gods children , especially at the time of their dissolution , to conduct their souls from earth , to heaven ; which opinion she sometimes in her sickness related to her Husband , and added , that she had heard it from the Pulpit , and had read it in some Books , and she believed it to be true , and comforted her self with it . After a little time she called for some drink , and having taken it , it began to alter her , as it seems she felt in her self , for she presently laid her self back on her Pillow , and lifting up her eyes towards Heaven , she said , Lord have mercy upon me ; Lord Jesus receive my soul ; and so continued moving her lips , and her tongue , but her words were not heard , and then held up one hand , and then joyned both her hands together , holding them up with her eyes still heaven-ward , till her strength failing her , she laid down her hands by her , and stretched her self in the bed without any help , and sweetly fell asleep about seven a clock in the morning , August the 15. Anno Christi 1646. And August the 24. she was decently , and solemnly laid in her bed of rest ; the house ( as Job saith ) appointed for all the living , Job 30. 23. where the weary are at rest ; where the wicked cease from troubling , and hear not the voyce of the oppressor , Job 3. 17 , 18. The Life , and Death of Mrs. Margaret Corbet , who dyed Anno Christi 1656. IF we enquire into the Relations of this Gentlewoman , either by Affinity or Consanguinity , or both sides , the Families are ancient , of renown , and good reputation . Concerning the Family from whence she was descended , her Father was Sir Nathaniel Brent , late Warden of Merton College , a learned Knight , whose great pains , and dangerous adventures to procure the History of the Councel of Trent ( which he translated into English ) are to be remembred with an honourable mention , and for his faithful discovery of Jesuitical juglings , his name will be had in honour , when the names of the Popish party will rot . Her Mother , the Lady Martha Brent , was a Lady of a Gracious spirit , abounding in love , meekness , humility , love to Gods Ordinances , and Gods Children . Her delight ( with David ) was in the society of Saints . She imitated her worthy Father in the sweetness of disposition , who was Dr. Robert Abbot , that learned and godly Bishop of Sarum , who was Malleus Baptismi , & Armianismi , the Hammer of Popery and Arminianisme : His excellent Works or Monuments of his Honourable memory . To be born of a godly Family , and to be well descended , is a mercy not to be neglected . Mr. Philpot , a zealous Martyr , being a Kings Son , and an Archdeacon , told his adversaries that he was a Gentleman . Anabap●istical parity , and Levelling designs are worthily to be abhorred , and looked upon as a ready way to confusion , rapine , and violence . So then we see that she was a Gentlewoman every way well descended . Her Ancestors were persons of Honour , and from them she had the benefit of an ingenuous and liberal Education . This is much , but it s more , when I say that she came of a godly stock , and of praying Relations ; and indeed , this is that which ennobles Nobility it self . God in mercy began with this Gentlewoman betimes , even about the fourteenth year of her age . Then God gave her a willing minde , and purpose of heart to serve him in the dayes of her youth : Insomuch as she was swift to hear the word of God , she waited diligently at the posts of Wisdomes Gate . She wrote the Sermons which she heard ( a practice used by King Edward the sixth , that rare English Josiah ) and she left many volumes of Sermons of her own hand-writing , taken with great dexterity , and these are as so many choise Monuments of her Industry . She was much conversant in reading of the holy Scriptures ( which can make us wise unto salvation ) and she joyned with her reading , prayer , and meditation . Her delight was in the word of God : It was ( as with Jeremy ) the joy and rejoycing of her soul ; and with the reading of Scriptures she searched Expositors , and Practical Divines , and attained thereby to such a measure of Divine knowledge , as enabled her to state some Questions of controversie for her better use , and help of her memory , and to discourse very soundly upon the most material points of Religion , and even above her age and sexe , to maintain the truth , as occasion was offered , with strength of Argument against gain-sayers . She was eminent for the grace of Humility ; and when I have said that she was of an humble spirit , what can be said more ? This the Apostle would have us to be cloathed withall , 1 Pet. 5. 7. Humility is the ornament of all Graces : It s that Salt that seasons the best parts and graces . So humble was the spirit of this excellent Gentlewoman , that the poorest might have free access unto her , and receive curteous language from her mouth , and liberal almes from her heart and hand , both being opened wide for their relief . The observation of this humble deportment from her child-hood , gained the heart of her dear Husband unto her , long before she was ripe for her Marriage : Her humble spirit evidently appeared by her condescending to them of low estate : the servants in her Family , the poorest , and meanest in the Parish where she lived , will bear witness to the truth of this particular . She was of a meek and quiet spirit , which ( as the Apostle saith , 1. Pet. 3. 3. ) is in the sight of God of great price . All her Relations will attest her meek deportment , and how much she hated brawls and contentions : Her very enemies ( if they would speak their consicences ) can testifie her readiness to pass by injuries . So far she was from rendring reviling for revilings , that she endeavoured to rec●mpence ●vil with good , and prayed for such as despitefully used her , professing that it was the desire of her ●●ul to do her very enemies all the Christian offices of love which lay in her power . Special notice ought also to be taken of her Wisdome and Gravity in the ordering of her conversation Her discourses were savoury , administring Grace to the hearers , and tending to edification . Her behaviour was modest , and grave ; though she was of a cheerfull spirit , yet it was without levity : She was no tatler , busie-body , no medler in the affairs of others : She was no gadder up and down from house to house , hearing , and telling of news ( as too many do to the wounding of the reputations of others . ) The vain and frivolous discourse of some who came to visit her , was an heavy burden , and affliction to her spirit . The dicourses of such as tended to the defaming and blasting others reputation , were a great grief and trouble unto her ; and when she heard such discourses , she would endeavour to turn the stream another way , and move such discourse as might be profitable for the sou●s good . Her Love was very eminent towards all those that feared God : she was with David , a Companion to such , a lover of their acquaintance , who were the Saints , the excellent ones , Psal. 16. 3. Insomuch as when she apprehended any thing of God , though in persons inclining to separation , and of a contrary judgement from her , she was so compassionate , as to labour with much sweetness and candour , to convince them of their errours , and to w●n them to the truth ; imitating herein the holy practice of learned Musculus , who gained some Anabaptists , and Sectaries by kindness , and benefits , and 〈◊〉 them as much by love as by arguments . Her holy Courage deserves special notice ; for though she was humble , meek , and loving , yet she was stout and couragious in declaring her judgement upon just occasions , before those whom she knew to be contrary minded , hating compliance against conscience , and doubting alwayes the soundness and sincerity of those who du●st not own their opinions . She was much of her worthy Fathers temper in that particular , who hath been often heard to say , that a Coward can hardly be an honest man ; and much of Esters resolution , desiring rather to suffer her self than sluggishly , and silently to see the truths of God to suffer . She was a praying Christian : She was much in prayers and tears ; much in a sacred acquaintance , and holy communion with God : Her gift in prayer was very great : She was much in her Closet alone , and there much upon her knees : An excellent patern for womens imitation , which by no means should suffer that great duty to be omitted . It was a Character of Paul , when converted , Act. 9. 11. Behold he prayes . Praying Christians are the best Christians , they are prevailing Christians ; and as Reverend and holy Mr. Dod was used to say , Never d●spair of that person who can but pray . She was ●ixed and 〈◊〉 in Religion , having frequently read the Scriptures , 〈◊〉 many ●ound , orthodox , and practical Divines , she became settled , rooted and grounded in the truth . She was one that held fast her profession without wav●ing . She was not 〈◊〉 about with every wind of Doctrine Eph. 4. 14. neither was she of their humours , who for politick ends comply with all companies in their opinions . She kept close to the publick Ministry where she lived , there she heard the word faithfully dispensed . She neither was of their opinion , nor practice , who out of I know not what kinde of singularity , separate from the Ministry of a godly Pastor and Husband . Her delight was very great in Gods Ordinances , and she was glad when they said , Let us go to the house of the Lord in company . She had such an high esteem of , and longing desire unto the house of God , that when her strength failed her , she would be carried thither ; by reason of lameness , the feet of her body were weak , but the feet of her soul , her affections , were strong , nimble , and vigorous . Look upon her in her Relations , as a Wife , a Mother , and Mistress , and you shall see she was mindefull of her duty to God in them all : Her great care and endeavour was to set up God in her Family ; in order whereunto she bestowed great pains in Catechising of her children , and other near Relations committed unto her charge . Her great design was to bring them all up in the fear and admonition of the Lord , and to inculcate again and again , that main and needfull lesson of Remembring their Creator in the dayes of their youth . Much pains she took in Catechising , and instructing her servants , especially before they were to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper . She used to examine them of the Sermons they heard , and she customarily read over those Sermon Notes to them which she had taken ●t Church , that so they might be the better prepared to give an account thereof to her Husband . God was pleased to give her several Olive branches round about her Table , well bred , well Catechised , and well governed , and of very great hopes . As Eunice and Lois instructed young Timothy , so she instructed those hopefull little ones in the holy Scriptures , and acquainted them with the knowledge of God in their tender years . Thus according to Solomons counsel , they were trained up in the way wherein they should walk , Prov. 21. 6. and that even from their childhood ; insomuch as one of them ( though very young ) hearing a neighbour using the name of the Lord upon a sleight occasion , reproved him for it , alleadging the Commandement of God against it , Thou shalt not take the Name of God in vain . And another of them reasoning with his fellows about God and the Devil , professed that he had rather be in hell with God , than in heaven with the Devil . And a third , who by reason of her age could not speak distinctly , said in some discourse with her Father , that God Almighty would not bless them who tell Fibbs ( meaning Lies ) and that she had rather dye than tell a Fibb ; so far had their Mothers instructions prevailed with them . She was eminent for a charitable and bountifull spirit ; she was another Dorcas , full of good works , and Alms-d●eds . That high Elogium that Solomon gives a vertuous woman , may properly be applied unto her , Many Daughters have done vertuously , but she excelled them all , Prov. 31. 29. Many there are that come far short of her , but very few that went beyond her in the acts of Charity . God gave her a liberal and plentifull estate , and that was a great mercy ; but it was a far greater mercy that he gave her a liberal heart to do good , and to distribute : To cast her bread on the waters , and to honour God with her substance . That protestation which Job makes for his own vindication , may fitly be applied unto her , Job 31. 16 , 19. He would not with-hold the poor from their desire , nor cause the eyes of the widow to fail . He would not see any to perish for want of cloathing , nor any poor without covering . The whole Country round about where she dwelt , will bear her witness , that she visited and relieved the sick , and cloathed the naked , fed the hungry , and healed the wounded . Her purse , her hand , her heart , were all open for their relief . She bought many precious Drugs , and cordial waters : She made several precious salves , and gave them all away to such as were in need of them . She spared not her best pains , being never aweary of well doing ; insomuch that in the extremity of her greatest sickness ( such bowels of compassion yearned in her ) she compounded several Medicines with her own hands , and applied them . Thus will her works praise her in the Gate , and being dead , she yet speaketh , Prov. 31. 31. Heb. 11. 4. For her precious name liveth . The Lord will have the name of the Righteous to be in everlasting remembrance , Psal. 112. 6. and the memory of the just is blessed , Prov. 10. 7. And precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints , Psal. 116. 15. Now this rare Gentlewoman reaps the fruit of her serving of God , and the whole harvest , whereof she received onely the first fruits in this present world . The usual saying is , All is well that ends well : Come we therefore to speak of her end . Her life was holy , and therefore her death must needs be happy . It pleased the Lord to exercise her with a long and lingring sickness ; and amidst the weakness of the outward man , God gave her great strength in her inward man ; though her limbs and outward strength failed her , yet God was her strength and portion , and he never failed her . A few dayes before her distemper waxed high ( her Husband being from home ) she sent for all her Family both young and old , to come in unto her chamber , with whom she prayed near two hours , with such pathetical , heavenly , Scripture-language , as drew admiration and tears from those that were present . She blessed her children , counselled her servants , heartily and affectionately commended her Husband unto God ; she wept and prayed , and prayed and wept , and could not easily part with the company , nor yet leave off praying , and weeping . Upon the encrease of her distemper , her spirit was much disturbed , and some impertinent speeches did fall from her , yet in the middest of all her impertinences , Grace , and the Spirit of God , did eminently declare their Power and Sovereignty in her , by many savoury and choice speeches , and sweet breathings of her soul ; some of which are these that follow , I was in the Devils claws , but Jesus Christ , the sweet Bridegroom of my soul , the sweet Bridegroom of my soul ( these words she often reiterated ) the sweet Bridegroom of my soul hath delivered me . At another time , I am safe , for Jesus Christ is at my heart , and I would not part with him for ten thousand worlds . Again , Come Lord Jesus the Captain of my salvation , ride on gloriously conquering , and to conquer for me Satan , Sin , Hell , Death , and all mine enemies . Afterwards again , I was in Hell , but now I am in Heaven ; I am in Heaven indeed , indeed I am in Heaven ; I am in Heaven eternally ; I am in Heaven the habitation of Gods glory unto all eternity . Much of this nature she did speak , even when her understanding was so disturbed , that she scarce did know her near Relations , and those who did attend upon her in her Chamber . And now all these things are worthy to be transmitted unto posterity , and to be had in perpetual remembrance . She was an eminently godly Gentlewoman , being but little above Eight and twenty years of age when she dyed , which was in the beginning of March , Anno Christi 1656. But though she was young in years , yet was she old in Grace : She had lived long in a little time : She was a mirror of her age , and a renown of her sexe , a pattern worthy of imitation . She was the beloved faithfull wife of as an intirely loving and faithfull Husband . She was a tender affectionate Mother to her own , and no less carefull of those pledges committed to his charge . She was a most dear Sister , an affectionate Mistress , carefull both of the bodies and souls of her servants , that they should neither want corporal , nor spiritual food . Her profession was with Joshua , Chap. 24. 15. Choose you this day whom you will serve ; But as for me , I and my house , we will serve the Lord. She was not onely a friend to her friends , but a friend to her enemies , even unto such as despitefully used her All the Country round about could not but look upon her , whilst living as a publick gain , and when dead ▪ as a publick loss : She was very usefull whilst she lived , and will be much missed now she is dead . Two things were very eminent in her : Setledness in Religion , and holiness of conversation . By her death the poor have lost a liberal Almoner ; the sick 〈…〉 a good Physitian ; the wounded have lost a 〈◊〉 Chirurgion ; the Husband hath lost a faithful Wife ; the children a tender Mother , the servants a gracious Mistress : and not any that knew her of all her neighbours and friends , but they will finde a great loss , and miss of her . All that knew her loved her , but onely such whose love is not worth the having . She lived much desired , and dyed much lamented : For her to live was Christ , and to die was gain , Phil. 1. 21. She was honoured in her life , and she was honoured at her death , by a confluence of many persons of quality , of the Gentry , Ministry , and Neighbourhood round about , who by their concourse at her Funeral , shewed plainly in what an high estimation she was amongst them , and that her good Name was like a precious Oyntment powred forth . The hope of Glory was that sovereign Cordial which abundantly revived , and satisfied her spirits whilst she lived , and now her hope is turned into fruition , and her faith into vision . All her sorrows and sighings are turned away , and her imployment is without the least tediousness , without interruption , and intermission to sing Hosannahs , and Allelujahs to him that sitteth upon the Throne , and to the Lamb for ever more . This Life was drawn up by my Reverend and worthy Friend Dr. Henry Wilkinson , principal of Magdalen Hall , Oxon. The Life , and Death of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilkinson , who dyed Anno Christi 1654. Mrs. Elizabeth Wilkinson was born of godly Parents , of an ancient , and well reputed Family of the Gentry in Devonshire . Her Father was Mr. Anthony Gifford , her Mother , Mrs. Elizabeth Cottle , and by them she was religiously educated during her minority : After which she lived with an Aunt ( an old Disciple ) above twenty yeares together , where she had many prizes put into her hands to get wisdome , even many spirituall advantages for her eternall good . But considering that no helps of education , nor any means could prove effectuall without divine influences ; it pleased the Lord out of the riches of his mercy , in a signall manner to vouchsafe a blessing to all those helps , for the good of her soul , and to crown all endeavours in order thereunto with good success . She was observed from her childhood to be very docile , very willing to learn , industrious in reading of , and swift to hear the Word of God preached . She was very carefull to remember what she heard , and took much pains in writing Sermons , and collecting speciall Notes out of practicall Divines . She had the ornament of a meek , and quiet spirit ; with that she was eminently adorned : She looked not ( as too many do ) upon gaudy , and vain dresses as any ornament : She neither liked them , nor conformed to them , but went in a grave , decent , and sober attire : She was humble , gentle , tender-hearted , and full of bowels of compassion , remembring such as were in bonds , as if she had been bound with them , Heb. 13. 3. She was of so affable , sweet , and courteous a disposition , that she gained abundance of love , and respect from all those that conversed with her : and by this means she was the greater gainer by all good conferences . It was her usuall custome to move good discourse , and ofttimes she turned the stream of other impertinent talk into something which was solid , and tended unto edification , and that ministred grace to the hearers . She kept a Diary of Gods dealings with her soul , and of other various dispensations that she met withall . She was much busied in prayer , meditation , and self-examination . She would often desire her Husband , and others of her acquaintance to deal plainly , and impartially with her . For ( said she ) I would not be deceived with a formall profession , nor with a temporary faith . Perhaps through affection you may judge far better of me than I deserve ; wherefore I desire you to sift , and search me throughly : for I like such plain dealing best of all , and those are my best friends which deal most plainly with me . In process of time after a carefull watching over her heart , and frequent addresses made unto the Throne of grace , she found returns answerable to her prayers , and desires : God gave her a large measure both of parts , and graces : She was able not only to assert the truths of God , but to convince gainsayers . She abounded in love , faith meekness , humility , and the rest of the graces of the Spirit , insomuch as she became a Christian of the higher Form , a tall Cedar of Libanus , a grown , solid , and excellent Christian . It pleased God for the triall of her graces , to exercise her very much in the School of affliction . Insomuch as ten years before her death , she was ( one time reckoned with another ) at least half the time sick . But God ordered this sickness of her body to be a medicine for her soul. For the spirit of prayer was much set on work hereby ; and her faith , love , and patience did appear , and shine the more eminently . Out of the Furnace she came forth as gold purified seven times : so that the rod , and staff , correction , and instruction went together , and by these fatherly chastisements her soul did thrive more abundantly . When she was able , she neglected not the frequenting of the publick Assemblies : they were her delight : and she was a professed adversary to the withdrawing from the publick Congregations of the Saints . Both them , and the godly , and Reverend Ministers of the Gospel she had in high esteem , and reverenced them all her dayes . And when she was not able to go to the publick Congregations , she used to spend her time in reading , prayer , and meditating at home , and imployed her friends to read to her , and pray with her . Such as were stable , and sincere Christians were her delight : Those she accounted more excellent than their neighbours . She would often say , that She valued no friends like to those who were friends to her soul. Concerning her deportment , and carriage to her Relations ( for such as are reall Saints shew it in their severall capacities ) never was a Wife more full of sincere love , and respect to an Husband , whom she loved entirely , and was as entirely beloved by him . Her affection to her children was very tender : She was carefull to Catechize , instruct , and to train them up in the fear of God ; and upon her Deathbed , amongst many other excellent counsels , and instructions , she added this charge as from a dying Mother , that they should remember that they had a Mother , who would not allow them in any sin . She was carefull also to instruct her servants , and to teach them the fear of the Lord. Indeed she was ready , and willing ( as opportunity was offered ) to do good unto all : and as need required , gave unto them , both corporall , and spirituall food . She had a large heart , and improved it to do a great deal of good in a little time : Insomuch as the poor , the sick , the afflicted , and the unexperienced to whom she was very mercifull , and usefull whilest she lived , had a very great miss of her when she was dead . In brief , she was one of those Worthies of whom the world was not worthy : And yet to give a further Character of her , I will here set down a Narrative , copied exactly out of her own hand-writing , of Gods gracious dealing with her soul , as it follows word for word . It pleased the Lord out of the riches of his grace , to remove me from an ignorant place where I was born , and to bring me very young , into a Religious Family : And when I was about twelve years of age , upon the reading in the Practice of Piety , concerning the happy estate of the godly , and the miserable condition of the wicked in their death , and so for ever unto all eternity ; it pleased the Lord so much to affect my heart with it , as from that time my heart was wrought over to a desire to walk in the wayes of God. But at that time , I fear , I did not go upon a right principle ; for I then did not eye the glory of God in it , but only my own safety , that it might be well with me for ever . But quickly after that I had but begun to set my face towards Sion , I was set upon with many temptations , and perplexities in my thoughts , which were very troublesome to me at all times , but especially when I was alone : the consideration whereof brought such an horrour upon my conscience , insomuch as I did not know what to do . That little I had , whether from education , or from the light of Nature , caused a striving in me continually against those thoughts of Atheisme , which were most terrible unto me . I was sensible that it was a fearfull sin to have any such thoughts to lodge within my brest : but I desired from my soul to be freed from them , and had continuall reasonings within me against them , and yet still for a long time I was troubled , but could not acquaint any with my condition . I did not think that it was so with any other as it was with me . In this strait , when I knew not which way to turn me , even there did the Lord extend his compassion towards me in my greatest extremity , in directing me to read Calvins Institutions , and especially that part that treats of the Creation . Whereupon the Lord was pleased to give in such satisfaction to my soul , concerning those things about which I was troubled , as that from that time forwards I was not violently assaulted in that kind . But no sooner was I freed from that trouble , but new ones sprang up : For the very remembrance of that horrid sin of Atheisme , left such a terrour upon my spirit , as made me fear that I had committed that sin against the Holy Ghost : and so my condition seemed to be , not only for the present , but , in my apprehension , then for ever most miserable . All other sins , though never so great , I knew upon true repentance were pardonable : but this sin , that I lay under the fear of , I knew out of the Word of God should never be pardoned : which caused many sad fears upon my spirit known to God alone . For the removall of these fears , the Lord in mercy directed me to the reading of Mr. Scudders Works ; where are laid down the marks of that sin . Upon perusall whereof the Lord was pleased to satisfie my misgiving heart , by a clear manifestation to my soul , that I had not committed that sin ; and so assured me that though my sins were great , yet were they pardonable , which put me more chearfully upon the use of such means as the Lord had directed me unto . And having satisfaction given in concerning this particular , there was a great burden taken off from my spirit . Although I found no grace in my heart , nor discovery of the love of God unto my soul , yet , in that there was but a possibility , there was a ground of comfort administred to my heart ; which I formerly feared that I should be shut out from . But still my fears remained , that I was not one of those in particular for whom Christ died : The more I looked into mine own heart , the more I saw , of sin , and Satan , discouraging me from having any hope , that the Lord should accept of such a vile sinfull wretch as I was , who had entertained such sinfull thoughts . I likewise thought how small the number was of those that should be saved , in comparison of others , and my repentance , I feared , came short of that which was required in the Gospel . As for faith , I could not find the least measure of it in my soul ; with many other sad discouraging thoughts . But when I was most perplexed with fears , and doubts , even then did the Lord graciously dart in some beams of his reconciled countenance , as I was reading something in Mr. Scudders Christian daily Walk , &c. which the Lord set home upon my soul , and brought into my soul so much joy , and comfort at the present , as neither my tongue , nor Pen can express : But this joy remained not long , for I quickly lost the sense of it : yet the remembrance of it was sweet unto me at all times . But after this , all my former fears returned afresh again upon my heart , only I had a door of hope opened , that when God saw it best for me , he would return , and renew his reconciled countenance unto my soul in the clear light , and apprehension thereof : and this was when I was about sixteen years of age . After which time the Lord did exercise me with various dispensations : For , for two years space , I was by providence cast upon a place , where I heard very little powerfull preaching , small helps for the good of my soul , but what the Lord was pleased to give in by the use of private means . But his power , and abundant mercy was much seen in that time , that , though I had not much comfort , yet the Lord was pleased to keep up my spirit in a way of depending upon him , and my fears were less at that time , than formerly when I had more helps : So gracious was t●● Lord unto me , in keeping me alive in a time of famine . After this , through Gods goodness , I was sometimes under the preaching of a powerfull Minister , [ Mr. Bateman of Ockingam ] who was Crowned with the conversion , strengthening , and building up of many souls : unto whose preaching the Lord gave me such a blessing , as I seldome , if ever , went away from hearing him without comfort . Though I came to hear him with many doubts upon my spirit , yet the Lord so ruled , and directed him , as if his Sermons had been only concerning my particular , and he fully acquainted with the whole condition of my soul. Sometimes the Lord directed me to some supporting Promises , upon which I relied : But those Promises which were made to Believers , though I highly prized them , yet I durst not apply them to my self , fearing that I had no interest in them . But that Promise Prov. 28. 13. He that confesseth , and forsaketh his sins , shall find mercy . And that 1 Joh. 1. 9. If we confess our sins , he is faithfull , and just to forgive us our sins , and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness . And the Promise is 1 Joh. 2. 1 , 2. If any man sin , we have an Advocate with the Father , Jesus Christ the Righteous , and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours onely , but for the sins of the whole world ; and the Invitation , Isa. 55. 1. Ho , every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters , and he that hath no money , come ye , buy , and eat , yea come , buy wine and milk without money , and without price , together with the rest of the Chapter ; all those places the Lord often made a stay unto my soul : And afterwards the Lord so blessed one means or other unto me , insomuch as I was kept from sinking , and falling into such horrour as many of the people of God sometimes fell into . But yet my fears and doubts were so many , as that my comfort never lasted long : If the Lord did but hide his face , I was troubled . No longer could I beleeve ( then I found new strength given in ) that the Lord would ever have mercy upon my soul. The sense of Original sin , and Actual transgressions in their filthiness , and guiltiness , caused my fears yet to remain upon my spirit , my faith then seemed very small , if I had any , which I much questioned : I durst not then say , Lord encrease my faith , but I could cry earnestly , Lord work faith in me . I found much dulness and deadness , manifold distractions in duties , so that God might justly have withdrawn himself from me for ever ; yet notwithstanding all my uneven walking with God , he was graciously pleased to manifest his mercy unto my soul. When I was stricken with such weaknesses , as I apprehended might quickly have ended my life , I fell into a great fear : At the first finding my heart to sink , the Lord was pleased to g●ive me so much respite , as to pour out my soul before him , desiring strength and support from him to keep up my spirit , and to make me willing to submit to his dispensations , and the Lord graciously answered my prayers , in that he removed all my former doubtings , and fears all the time of that sickness , which was long , and so dangerous , that neither I , nor others expected my life . The Lord then cleared up my evidences for Heaven , and gave me in so much comfort against the apprehension of death , as I never had in all my life before . Other like trials of the Lords love I found still , when I was in the greatest extremity , and stood most in need of help from him , insomuch as at such times , I have hoped that I should never again have questioned the love of God to my soul : But I have found it otherwise by sad experience : For when these impressions were worn of , I have been ready to call all in question again concerning my poor soul. It made me oft to think of that which was laid to Solomons charge , that he forgat the Lord that had appeared to him twice . I found it the hardest thing to believe , that ever I went about . But this wavering condition could not satisfie my soul ; for the Lord giving me sometimes a glimpse of his love , made me long after fuller enjoyments of it , so that I was carried out with a restless impatience , to beg that the Lord would take away the heart of unbelief from me , which did both dishonour him , and hinder me from that peace which the Lord was willing that his people should enjoy . My heart then being brought unto that frame , I was more willing than ever I was before , to impart my condition unto some spiritual Friends , whom I desired to deal impartially with me , acquainting them with the whole condition of my soul , how far the Lord had carried me on , and at what I stuck , and still as new objections did arise , I laboured to get satisfaction : Being convinced that I had too much prejudiced my self in that I had not sooner made my condition known to some who were able to give me advice . This way of communicating my condition , I found the Lord blessed unto my soul , insomuch that my hopes were more confirmed , my fears more removed , my faith more strengthned , and by the hearing of such Sermons and reading such Books as came closest unto the conscience , and were most for trial of ones spiritual condition , I found the greatest benefit by , and received the most comfort from them . Formerly I had many fears that I was not one of them who had an interest in the Election of Grace : But the Lord afterwards put into my heart to enquire whether I had those Graces of his Spirit wrought in me which none but his own elect people could have . Upon the strictest searching into mine own heart , the Lord was pleased after many years of fear , at last to evidence unto my soul that there was a change wrought in my heart , will , and affections , notwithstanding the remainders of sin and corruption , which still encompassed me about ; being confident that he that had begun this good work , would not leave it unfinished unto the day of Jesus Christ ; and the Lord was pleased to set home divers Promises for the strengthning of my faith ; to wit , those which set down the Everlasting Covenant , 2 Sam. 23. 5. The Everlasting love of God , Jer. 31. 3. Joh. 11. 13. The certainty of the Foundation , 2 Tim. 2. 19. The certainty of the Promises , 2 Cor. 1. 20. They are all in Christ Yea and Amen ; and that the children of God have eternal life promised unto them , and that none shall be ever able to pluck them out of Christs hands , Joh. 10. 28. Then for divers years the Lord was pleased to stay me , to lead , and guide me till he had set my feet upon that Rock which is higher than I , from whence I trust , that I shall never be removed . And now my hearts desire is , to ascribe that measure of hope and comfort which the Lord hath given me at any time , onely unto the praise of the glory of his Grace , who hath made me accepted in his Beloved , which is so great a mercy as I can never be thankfull enough for , nor walk answerable thereunto . I know , when I look into my heart , there is matter of fear that the Lord will withdraw the influences of his comforts from me : But that which I rest upon is , the free mercy of God in Christ , expecting performance of his Promises made , Rom. 6. 16. Sin shall not have dominion over you , because you are not under the Law , but under Grace : And Ezek. 36. 25. that he will sprinkle clean water upon me , and that he will give me a new heart , and put a new spirit within me , that he will take away my stony heart , and give me an heart of flesh ; being perswaded that the Lord will keep me by his own Power through faith unto salvation . And now that I may have all the Graces of the Spirit strengthened , and encreased in me , which I finde that I stand in continual need of : It is the desire of my soul to be a partaker of the Lords Supper , which , through the blood of Christ onely , I have right unto . This is the particular account of Gods gracious dealing with this godly Gentlewoman : considering there was no administration of the Sacrament in that Parochial Congregation where she lived , and used formerly to receive it , nor any Pastor at all to officiate there , she being desirous to enjoy that great Ordinance , and that after a pure way of administration , sent this aforementioned Narrative to the Reverend Dr. Harris , living then in the University , who admitted her to the participation of the Lords Supper in that publick Assembly where he administred it . Now let us see also a Letter written by Dr. Harris concerning this godly Gentlewoman , whom he highly honoured , upon the occasion of his communicating the aforesaid Letter of hers to a friend : Do not ( saith he ) think it lost time to read over this Narrative : It was penned by this gracious woman upon a serious occasion , what time she was to give an account of her self at her admission to the Lords Supper . The discourse is plain , but pregnant of instruction . I alter nothing in the thing , I onely take notice of the persons therein mentioned : As 1. God , 2. Satan , 3. The parties self : All which offer matter worthy thy thoughts . First in Satan , thou seest his most ordinary way and method in tempting . His first attempt is to blow out all light left in the soul , and to quell all thoughts of a Deity if possibly he can , that so no room at all may be left for God : If that cannot be , but the conscience will be sometimes talking ; then his next work is to question and argue the case , whether indeed there be such a person as God , such a thing as the soul , such a book as the Bible , such a place as an Heaven or Hell ; and if he cannot gain such a conclusion from the soul , then in the third place the Question is , What manner a one this supposed God is ? And first , whilst thou art in thy natural state he represents God made all of mercy , and when thou art under mercy , all of vengeance and fury ; there was no place for fear , and here none for hope : There sin was an inconsiderable thing , and beneath Gods cognisance ; here sin is unpardonable , and beyond Gods mercy : In both estates he labours the destruction of Faith ; now in the threats , then in the Promises . In the first estate you must never yeeld to self-despair ; no , spit in his face that shall once question thy belief in God , without the least doubting . What ? not believe my Maker with all my soul ? What ? once doubt or suspect him ? I defie him , and the foul fiend that shall say so . On the other side , when once converted , what hast thou to do with the Covenant of Grace and Peace ? That is bread for Children , not for Dogs , Hypocrites , for such as have sinned against the Holy Ghost , as thou hast done ; and at this bay he holds the soul for some space ; and eftsoon recruits his forces , and renews his Interrogatories , thus , Thou within the Promise ? Thou a believer ? Canst thou say , darest thou say that thou hast faith ? It may be thou darest not deny it , but what is that to the point ? Thou darest not affirm it , though partial enough to thy self : Be advised by me , who loves plain dealing , and let not thy false heart , and these fawning Preachers befool thee unto destruction . Thus the Devil up , and down , first and last , thus he proceeded with man at the first , and though sometimes he shifts hands , and findes out new wayes , yet here lyes his road for the most part , and this is the first party here named . Now in the second place , what doth God ? It must be granted that he permitteth these Hellish Scullions to scour his Plate , and to fit the vessels of honour for their Masters use , and they ( as glad of the office ) bestir themselves , they dawb their vessels , and render them as foul and ugly as they can ; but when they have done their work , God takes his Plate out of their hand to their no small grief ; and in the mean while God goes along with the temptations , and in them all supports his poor servants now more immediately by his own hand , prompting their Petitions , darting into their souls some glimpses of comfort , minding them of some Promise , to be sure , yeelding them some secret hope , something or other which draws them along still more or less . 2. Now more immediately by men , and other means ; sometimes he directs them to some special Book or Treatise which fits their case , and holds soul and life together at present ; sometimes he sends an Interpreter one of a thousand , that shall rip up their misery , and shew them their misery , and shew them their remedy , and at last fetches off his Captives , even then when Satan began to crow , and cry victory , that extremity being Gods opportunity , and this is usually , though not ever , Gods way . Now look upon the third concerned , the party tempted , what doth he ? He sticks ( often ) in the birth , fool as he is , his first work is to keep the Devils counsel , confess and be shamed for ever ; the Devil is true to him , and he will be as true , and never peach : he travels with a wofull burden of sin , guilt , horrour ; but if thou lovest thy self ( saith the Devil ) keep thy own counsel , trust not God , nor man. But if the Preacher doth force him to a confession , and he can hold no longer , then he makes forth but fair and softly . First , he makes many offers , goes , and comes , and something he would say , but is loath , he begins afar off , and then stops , begins again , and then stops again , takes another day , and then comes again with a purpose of uttering all ; and when he comes to his friend , either all is quiet for the present , and the pang over , or else if he hangs still on the rack , then he drops out somewhat , but reserves the worst , and so is little the better , because he comes not to the bottome quickly ; or if he speaks out all , yet there is another rub in the way ; how can I tell whether this parties testimony be true or no , his judgement and affection being right ? He shews me promises , but knows he or I whether those promises do belong to me ? He speaks of a Christ , but what is that to me , if he be none of mine ? He talks of believing , seeing is believing : It is a senseless thing to trust to anothers goodness when I have nothing of mine own ; to believe mercy wh●n I feel wrath , shall I not believe mine own eyes ? And thus after a world of Sermons , Sacraments , Conferences , the poor soul hovers , and findes no rest or satisfaction till God be pleased to work him to these things , 1. To a resolution of imparting himself to some godly friend , and of speaking his whole heart to some one or other . 2. Of resting in Gods bare word , without the assurance of sense . 3. Of accepting of Jesus Christ without any Ifs , and And 's , notwithstanding his own unworthiness . 4. Of waiting upon God , and hearkning when he will speak peace ; and when he is brought thus far that he will be beholden to a Commuinon of Saints , and will take Gods word without any farther surety , and owe all to Christ , though he can contribute nothing , and in despight of all suggestions and discouragements will stick to the peace of Christ , and look for all his peace in that way , saying , Though he kill me yet will I trust in him , I will wait , and hearken to him ; when ( I say ) he is thus far proceeded , Satan may now go shake his ears , and receive his answer , Its God that justifies , who shall condemn ? Oh! Hell , where is thy power ? Oh! Death , Oh! Devil , what is thy Commission ? It s not my meaning to prescribe to God any one way of working ; but this is the way he often takes with his children , and this we may finde exemplified in this foregoing Narrative touching the conversion and procedure of this Saint , so far as she hath commented upon her own life . Now for her death , I will tell thee wh●t my observations were thereabout . 1. I finde that God began with her quickly , and called her hence before she was aged , and that is mostly his method where an early harvest is intended , a timely seeds-time is promised ; they live quickly , and live apace who ripen betimes ; so was it with her who was seldome out of action after her entrance , but gained as much time in so little a time as any I knew . 2. I observe that death came not all at once upon her , she was yearly dying some years before she dyed her last , and thus death was made familiar to her : I have seldome known any of her age that was less amazed at the speech and thoughts of death ; so good a thing it is to know experimentally what it is to dye beforehand . 3. Observe how Gods power triumphs in weakest vessels : It is a thing I have often thought on , that godly women for the most part dye more confidently and comfortably than do good men , the Lord trampling upon Satan in them , and in her very eminently . 4. Her patience was remarkable in the midst of sore pains which frequented her in the beeding and bearing of children , yet then her speech was , I fear not pains , I fear my self , lest through impatiency I should let fall any unfitting word : It is a blessed frame when pain seems light , and sin heavy . 5. I plainly saw in her the power of Grace beyond nature ; 1. When life and death were both laid before her , her speech was this , I am at my Fathers disposal , howbeit of my self I rather incline to death , than life . 2. Whereas her affections were very strong both to her loving Husband and children , insomuch as it was conceived , that the last farewell would go very near her when she should part with so precious and dear Friends , she was so much taken up with the thoughts of Christ , that she seemed not to stick at any such relations . Nay thirdly , she seemed wholly to forget her natural self , for being intreated to favour her body and speech in regard of the lowness of her spirits , after some pause she brake forth into these words : Shall I for this poor carkass be wanting to my souls comfo●t , and my Saviours praises ? Let me have your prayers still , and God his praises ; yea , pray not onely for , but with me . Which being done , she overflowed with comfort , and in that condition I left her , and that stream of comfort led her , not long after , to the Fountain where are Rivers of joy for evermore . Thus lived she a most profitable life : Thus dyed she a most fruitfull death . God so turned this his servant , that living , dying , and after death she should be fruitfull . Thus will God honour those that honour him . To him be all honour to Eternity . Amen . Now it may be usefull to make mention of her last sickness , especially eight weeks before her death . All her discourses were savoury , tending to edification . Many good Christians came to visit her , who all ( if it were not their own fault ) might reap some spiritual benefit from those many excellent speeches which proceeded out of her mouth . And the counsels she gave to her Relations , and other friends , were tempered with gravity , and affection . She accustomed not her self to affectation of high-flown phrases , but held fast the form of sound words . She was an old Disciple , and her grave and sober language accordingly discovered her so to be . From the very first of her last sickness , her apprehension was that she should dye shortly , and her longing desire was to be dissolved , and to be with Christ. She often repeated those words of Job , There the weary go to rest ; and those words in the close of the Revelations , Come Lord Jesus , come quickly ; upon the approach of her death ( whereof she was very sensible ) she asked her Husband , what Promises of assurance were a firm ground for her to bottome upon ? He named Joh. 10. 28. And I give unto them eternal life , and they shall never perish , neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand . Likewise he added Rom. 8. 33. 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect ? It is God that justifieth , who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that dyed , yea rather , that is risen again , who is ever at the right hand of God , who also maketh intercession for us . He added vers . 38 , 39. For I am perswaded that neither Death , nor Life , nor Angels nor Principalities , nor Powers , nor things present , nor ●●ings to come ; nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. These ( said she ) are sweet promises . That morning she dyed , she desired her Husband to read the 17 Chapter of John ( which Chapter that eminent holy Scotchman , Mr. Rollock , caused to be read to him when he was dying ) after that was read , she was ravished with great joy , and expressed her self accordingly . Her Husband , and two other Friends prayed with her . After the last Prayer was ended , she said , My flesh , and my heart faileth : Her Husband answered her , That God was the strength of her heart , and her portion for ever : He would never fail her . She returned an answer ( which were the last words which ever she spoke to him ) He will never fail me . About an hour after she resigned up her spirit unto God who gave it ; and her last words were , I have finished my course . She slept in Jesus December the 8 , Anno Christi 1654. To her to live was Christ , and to dye was gain . She lived much desired , and dyed much lamented . Her name is like precious Oyntment powred forth . She lived holily , and dyed comfortably , and now partakes of those joyes which eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither can enter into the heart of man to conceive , even those things which God hath prepared for them that love him . Divers Epitaphs were made at the Death of this rare Gentlewoman : I shall onely insert two which were made by two Reverend and Learned Doctors . On the Death of that worthy Gentlewoman , Mrs. ELIZABETH WILKINSON . E-re while ( Dear Consort ) I was leas'd to thee , Wise now to Christ for perpetuity : L-iving with thee was sweet , with him far best , I-n earth joy 's mixt with pain , in him all rest . I-wrought , I suffer'd much in a few years , L-ife now rewards my work , wipes off my tears ; S-ighs are all turn'd to songs , all tears to wine , K-ings favour crowns my heart , what should grieve thine ? A-re we not both of the same houshold still ? I-at the Banquet , and thou at the Mill , B-oth fellow-servants : I my Pension now : N-ext thine , work on , the Feast succeeds the Plow . E-ach of us yet in hopes , my Dust to win S-alvation from the Grave , thy soul from sin . T-hings worth the waiting for ; Christ comes to save , O-mourn no more , but write this on my Grave . H-ere lies Mother , and Babe , both without sins , N-ext birth will make her , and her Infant twins . Her Childe was buried with her . Thus interwoven were our Names , till death Left Wilkinson without Elizabeth . Wee 'l joyn again . 'T was Man and Wi●e before , 'T will then be fellow-Saints for evermore . ED. REYNOLDS . On the truly Vertuous and Religious Mrs. Elizabeth Wilkinson . To her Husband . Say , shall I speak or hold my peace ? That seems more due ; but this more ease , Where , what to speak , is hard to say ; For should I utter all I may , 'T were endless : And to praise a Friend By halves , is but to discommend . And would I speak , To whom ? and what ? To those that knew ? or knew her not ? Who knew her need it not : for they Know more than I am like to say : Who knew her not , may think that she Deserv'd but what they hear from me : And so instead of setting forth Her praise , I should but wrong her worth . He that adores with silent view , Doth not detract from what is due : But all that while his silence sayes , He knows not how enough to praise . So , might I choose , I would adore Her speaking worth , and say no more . But since I must ( for so you say ) Not hold my peace , I must obey : Yet 't is , I say , too hard a task , To answer fully what you ask : To know , what first I should commend , And harder , where to make an end . Should I begin , where first appear Her worths , I must begin with Her. ( Higher than so , I need not go , Tho , whence she came , be worthy too . ) From first , her own deserving merit Claims more than others do inherit : Nor is it easie to express , What age of hers was spent amiss . Her temper meek ; Her carriage such : Her language good , and not too much : Her habit comely , more than brave , Her conversation humbly grave . What vertues deck't a single life , Were doubled , when she was a wife . How good a wife , I need not tell To him who knew her worth so well ; Nor , what was her Maternal care , To whom her children were so dear . Nor was her good confin'd to home , But challenged a larger room ; To heal the sick , the hungry feed , And succour those that stood in need ; Good both to soul and body too , Of those with whom she had to do ; To rich , to poor , to great , and small , But in her Closet best of all ( Which was her Christian daily walk ) In doing that which others talk : Forward to good without constraint , And as she liv'd , she dy'd a Saint . But this to speak at large would crave A Volume , not an Epitaph . And were it done , I might offend By shaming many left behinde , ( Tho more there may be found , I fear , That will commend , than follow her . ) Some minde good words , more than good lives , Some are good women , not good wives ; Some , neither this , nor that ; and some Abroad are better than at home ; Some hope to dye like Saints , although , 'T is too too plain , they live not so . 'T is rare in all respects to see A Wife , a Woman like to thee ; At home , abroad , in life , in death , Like unto our ELIZABETH . I. WALLIS D. D. A Table of the chief things contained in the first Part. A ADvice to children page 323 , &c. Affability 118 Afflictions of Gods Ministers 45. 62 , 65 , 80 , 280 , 290 B Books which are best 314 C Candour 77 Charity 1 , 4. 41 , 93 , 116 , 149 , 174 , 239 , 303 Comforting afflicted consciences 10 , 41 , 114 Communion with God 7 Conjugal love 14 , 40 , 139 Constancy 258 Contentment 30 Conversation in Heaven 9 Conversion 57 Courage 287 , 302 D Diligence 99 , 132 , 202 Divisions lamented 227 E Envy 107 , 211 F Faith 120 , 150 , 172 , 281 Family duties 7 , 28 , 101 , 145 , 162 Family government 307 Fasting and p●ayer ▪ 15 , 63 , 70 , 119 , 162 Fruitfulness in conversation 13 , 264 G Gratitude 28 H Heart t●nder 169 Hospitality 8 , 34 , 42 , 78 Humility 8 , 20 , 37 , 42 , 68 , 118 , 148 , 172 , 216 240 , 269 , 297 , 304 Hypocrisie complained of 261 I Ignorance 276 Independency 〈…〉 approved 319 Industry 2 , 30 , 34 , 56 , 62 , 63 , 86 , 88 , 105 , 109 , 129 , 137 , 165 , 195 , 219 Justice 14 , 150 L Life holy , & heavenly 9 , 30 , 40 , 107 , 148 , 268 Love to the Saints 174 M Meekness 74 , 114 , 169 Memory good Ministry highly esteemed 101 , 160 , 163 , 167 Ministry successfull 67 , 105 , 212 , 228 , 234 Moderation 73 , 271 Modesty 75 , 251 P Painfulness in the Work of the Ministry 4 , 32 , 91 , 106 , 132 , 162 , 204 , 212 , 223 , 262 , 263 , 284. Patience 121 , 150 , 169 , 272 , 306 Peace-makers 78 , 115 , 239 Persecutors plagued by God , 22 , 65 Piety 68 , 96 , 147 , 160 , 194 Popery not to be tolerated 220 Prayer frequent and servent 9 , 15 , 38 , 69 , 103 , 171 , 219 , 254 , 310 Prayer succesfull 11 , 192 , 204 , 230 Set forms of Prayer lawfull 255 Preaching plain , best 252 Predictions 10 , 201 , 225 , 226 Providences remarkable 2 , 6 , 4● , 56 , 64 , 66 , 79 , 129 , 191 , 207 , 215 , 234 , 235 , 27● Prudence 30 , 36 , 57 , 74 229 S Sabbath sanctified 69 , 102 , 298 Satans malice , and subtilty 191 , 192 Self-denial 35 , 105 , 135 , 142 , 205 , 268 Sermons which are best 313 Single-heartedness 261 Slanders 290 Speeches gracious 11 , 122 , 178 , 299 , 304 , 317 , &c. 320 Studiousness 40 , 67 , 97 , 116 Sympathy 45 , 120 , 174 T Temperance 117 , 305 Temptations 61 , 249 , 294 Temptations resisted 199 Thansgiving page 119 Tithes asserted 266 W Wives vertuous 14 , 32 Word meditated on 98 World contemned 196 , 269 Z Zeal 5 , 113 , 148 , 163 , 166 , 201 , 226 , 239 A Table of the principal things contained in the second Part. A Afflictions of Gods children p. 497 , 514 Anabaptists raise troubles 374 Assurance 457 B Bible translated into Suedish 387 Bishops temporalties given to the King 382 Bounty 431 C Charity 438 , 470 , 507 Comforts of Gods children 424 , 494 , 518 , 522 Constancy 446 , 505 Conversation heavenly 452 Conversion 415 , 502 , 512 , 515 Covetousness 342 Courage of Gods children 384 , 466 , 468 , 477 , 505 Cruelty 341 , 342 D Death desired ; and why 432 , 460 Death not feared , and why 435 Devotion 499 E Enemies loved 439 F Faith of Gods children 420 , 424 , 496 , 519 , 523 Family government 506 Fasting and prayer 429 Fidelity 400 G Gods mercy to his children 516 , 517 , 519 , 526 Growth in Grace 447 , 513 H Heavenly-mindedness 416 , 461 Hospitality 473 Humility 425 , 444 , 503 Hypocrisie 342 I Joy unspeakable 457 , 518 Justice 462 , 463 , 465 L Life holy 449 , 491 Love to Gods children 428 , 437 , 50● Love to Gods house 490 M Meekness 492 , 503 Mercy to souls 465 Ministes loved 45● Modesty 44● P Patience 440 , 485 , 49● Piety 369 , 384 , 387 , 502 , 51● Policy 338 , 393 , 41● Popish lies , and slanders 37● Prayer frequent , and fervent 425 , 426 , 50● Prayer prevalent 479 , 52● Pride 39● Providences remarkable 344 , 357 , 51● Prudence 386 , 403 , 417 , 418 , 454 , 480 , 50● R Religion reformed in Sueden 377 , 383 387 , 39● Restitution 47● S Sabbath sanctified 454 , 46● Satans subtilty and methods 516 , 517 , 52● Self examination 52● Slanders against Gods children 450 , 47● Speeches holy 427 , 50● Sympathy 43● T Thankfulness to God 436 , 52● Treachery 344 , 39● W Wives good 367 , 443 , 49● Z Zeal 453 , 46 FINIS . Courteous Reader , be pleased to take notice that thefe Books following are Printed for , and sold by William Miller , at the Guilded Acorn in St. Pauls Church-yard , near the Little North-door . MR. Anthony Burgess of Original Sin , Folio . Rouses Works , Folio . Gadbury's Doctrine of Nativities , Folio . Hickes Revelation Revealed , Folio . Wilson on the Romans , Folio . Taylor of Temptations , &c. in Folio . Boltons Discourse of true Happiness , Quarto . Clarks Lives of Ten Eminent Divines , and other famous Christians , Quarto . Clarks Ministers Dues , Quarto . Obstinate Lady , Quarto . Record Urinal of Physick , Octavo . Langleyes Death of Charles the first Lamented , and Restauration of Charles the second Congratulated , Octavo . Ravius Oriental Grammar , Twelves . Latin Bibles , Twelves . Latin Testaments , Twelves . Boltons Helps to Humiliations , Twelves . Mr. Peacocks Meditations , Twelves . Country-mans Catechisme , Twelves . Clamor Sanguinis , Twelves . Lord Capels Meditations , Twelves . Quarles Barnabas , Twelves . King Charles's Work , Twenty fours . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A33301-e340 Heb. 6. 12. Rom. 15. 4. Doctor Sibb● . 1 Cor. 11. 1. 2 Sam. 24. Jaer . 20. 10. Dan. 3. 12. & 6. 13. Amos 7. 10. Esther 3. 8. Act. 24. 5. 2 Cor. 13. 14. Notes for div A33301-e2680 His birth . His education . He goes●● Cambridge . His Proficiency . His Industry . Gods providence . Note . His Ordination . He fixes 〈◊〉 Bramford . His great pains . His Successe . His Prayers . Hi● Charity . His children . His zeal . His non-conformity . His enemies . Gods providence . His remove to Belsted . His Communion with God. His works . His Family Duties . His humility . His hospitality . His conversation . His secret Duties . His Prayers Of the Lords Prayer . His skil in comforting afflicted Conseences . A● Prediction . His Prayers successfull . His gracious speeches . His acuteness . His fruitfulness . His Justice . His Age. His Fastings . His retirements . His vigour . His sickness . His Death . His Funeral . His Humility . His Works . His Diary . Note . Notes for div A33301-e6620 His birth . His education . His Proficiency . His Preferment . His youthly ●abours . A good Linguist . What use he made of them . A good Artist . His Ordination . His preaching . His Gratitude . His remove to Wring●on . His Industry and ●rudence . His Contentment . His holy life . His esteem His Marriage . His Wives characte● . His great pains . His manner of preaching . His Motto . His Industry . His hospitality . His Self ▪ d●niall . His prudence in his Ministry . His Catechism His Humility . His powerfull Pra●ers . ●is long labors . His holy life . His Family carriage . His studiousness ▪ His usefulness to others . His skill to comfort others His Charity . His hospitality His humility . His mirth . His Table-Talk . His Character His long life . His sympathy . His afflictions . Gods providence . His death . His Funeral . The Testimony at his Funeral . His Works . Notes for div A33301-e10460 His Birth . His education He goes to Cambridge . His remove to Emanuel . Gods providence . His Industry . His prudence . His Conver●ion . His Ora●ory . He converted Dr. Preston . His great Learning . His call to Boston . His Temptations . His troubles . His Labours . ●is Industry . His holy Duties . Gods providence . His Marriage . His troubles . Gods judgement on a persecutor . He ●lies into New Engl. His arrivall in New Engl. A speciall providence . Magistrates and Ministers united . His Labours . The success of the Ministry . His learning and studiousness . His piety . His Humility . His Family carriage . His Sabbath imployment . His dependance on God. His Fastings . His Moderation . His Wisdome . 〈◊〉 Meeknes● . His Modest His Candor . His Peace-making His Hospitality . A special Providence . His suffering● from men . His Sickness . His Death . Notes for div A33301-e14690 His Parentage . His Education His Proficiency . He is chosen Fellow of 〈◊〉 A careful Tu ●r . His labours in ●he Ministry . His remove to Tichmersh . His Marriage . He is chosen ●o the Assembly . Chosen to be Matter of Emanuel . His remove to ●●iuity . His Industry . His care of the University . De jure belli & pacis lib. 3. cap 1● . Sec. 10. His sound judgement . His painfulness in the Ministry . His activity for God. His Character His Charity . His last sickness . His Death . Notes for div A33301-e15900 His Birth and Parentage . His Education His early Piety His remove to Cambridge . He defended Ramus . His Advancement . He is Fellow . His studiousne●s . He read 15 Chapters every day . His meditation of the word . He instructed others . He learned Hebrew . A general Schollar . His Diligence His Marriage . His Children . His esteem of the Ministry . His Family government . His sanctifying of the Sabbath . His visiting the sick . His frequent Prayers His Ordination . His choice to Black-Friars . His self-denial ▪ His Industry . His success in the Ministry . His painfulness . His manner of Preaching . His holy life . He is envied . His judgement about the Calling of the Jews . His Labours . He commenced Doctor . His publick imployments . Buying in of Impropriations . He is chosen to the Assembly of Divines ▪ To the Ordination of Ministers . To write Annotations on the Bible . He refused to read the Book for Sports . His skill in Cases of Conscience . His Meekness . A Peace-maker . He is slandered . His good Memory . His Charity . His studiousness . His Temperance . His Deportment . His Affabi●ity His Humility His Fastings . His Thanksgivings . His Sympathy His Faith. His Patience . His excellent Speeches . His Sickness . His Death . Notes for div A33301-e19770 His Parentage His Birth . His Education His remove to Cambridge . Gods Providen His industry and preferment His remove to Sidney College . His abode in Essex . His imployment there . His Ordination . His return to Cambridge . His Diligence His Ministe●●ial imployment . His remove to London . His call to Linconlus-Inne . His Self-deni● His rem●ve to Rotherhithe . His Industry . His Catechizing . His first Marriage . His second Marriage . His third Marriage . His fourth Marriage . He views the Low-Countries . He is chos●n to the Assembly . His Self denial . His Distempers . His care of his Flock . His Family imployments . Persons bred under him . English. Forreigners . His great Memory . His great Learning . His Piety . His Zeal . His holy life . His Humility His Charity . His Justice . His Patience , and Faith. His Sickness . His preparation for death . ●is words to Mr Ash. His return to Mr. Baxter . He waits for Death . Death seizeth on his leg . The vigour of his natural parts . His last charge to his Relations . His Death . His Character His Works . Notes for div A33301-e25590 His Birth . His early seeking God. His esteem of the Ministry . His remove to Cambridge . His remove to Okeham . His Marriage and Children . His remove to Stretton . His great pains . His frequent Fastings . His Family-duties . His Zeal and Courage . His delight i● the Ministry ▪ He is chosen to the Assembly . He is chosen to Mary Magdalens Bermondsey His great Industry . He was a Universal Schollar . His Zeal and Courage . His high esteem of the Ministry . Gods love to him . His tender-heartedness . His Meekness . His Patience . His spirit of Prayer . His Humility . His Comforts ●aith and Joy. His love to the Saints . His Charity . His Sympathy He was much beloved . His delight in Preaching . Hi● Sickness . His holy Speeches . His tormenting pains . His Death . Notes for div A33301-e29290 His Birth and Parentage . The College at Dublin founded . His Education A special Providence . His timely Conversion . Satans malice . Prayer powerfull . Satans subtilty Gods mercy . His admission into the College . His great proficiency . His admission to the Sacrament . His preparation thereto . His skill in Chronology . His study of the Fathers . He is designed to the study of the Law. His study of Divinity . His contempt of the world . His Disput● with a Jesus He is Master of Arts , and Catechist . His O●dination . His first Sermon after it . Tentation resisted , A great Reformation . Popery encreaseth . His Zeal . A Prediction . His Body of Divinity . Souldiers favourers of Learning . His great diligence . His Correspondents . His first preferment . His constant preaching . His prevalency in prayer . He is Bachelor in Divinity , and Professor . His strong memory . His Self-denial Episcopal subtilty . A special Providence . A holy practice . His Speech in the Assembly . The success of his Speech . He is Dr. of Divinity . The Articles . of Ireland . His enemies . He is made Bishop by the King. He preaches to the Parliament . His constant preaching . His success in his Ministry . His answer a Jesuit . He is made Primate of Ireland . His disputation with a Jesuit . The Lord Mordant converted . His fruitfull conference . His Humility . Examples of it ▪ Psal. 16. 3. & 119. 63. His frequen● Prayers . His Indust● A Tolerati● of Popery d●sired . The Bishops judgements against it . Lord Falklands esteem of him . His incessant pains . His care of 〈◊〉 Ministry . His constan● preaching at catechizing . His expences in Books and Manuscripts . A Predi●●● Jer. 2● . 9. His zeal against Popery . Predictions . He lame our Divi● His Humility . His Labours successful . His Pru● Prayer powerful . His Disp●●●tions wit●●hree Jesu● They are foyled . Another Disputation . A special Providence . The success of his Ministry . A special●●vidence . His Suff● A scandal clea●ed . Offers 〈◊〉 to him 〈◊〉 abroad ▪ He goes to Oxford . And into Wales . He is abused by Souldiers . His Sickn● He is chos● Lincolns 〈◊〉 His last Sermon . His Cha●● He owns ●●ther Refo● Churches ▪ A Peace ●●ker . His Zeal . His Humility . His last Sickness . His Dea● His Funeral . His learning admired . His Character His learning ●cknowledged ●y Papists . Notes for div A33301-e40820 His Birth , and ●arentage . His Education . His Preferment at Oxford His attendance at Cou●t . His Tem●●●tions . His excel● 〈◊〉 . H●s knowledge of the times . A universal Schollar . His-Modesty . Hi● excellent Preaching . H●s communi●iveness . His plain preaching . Note . His ●ervent Prayers . Set forms of Prayer lawful His sound judgement . His constancy The danger of inconstancy in Religion . How to be constant therein . His single-heartedness . Hypocrisie complained of His Usefulness His frequent preaching . He leaves the Min●stry at Pit●●combe . He practiseth Physick . His fruitful discourses . An excellent Counselor . He preached freely . Tithes asserted His holy life . His Self-denial . His contempt of the world . His Humility . His Moderation . His Patience . His Death . Notes for div A33301-e44600 His Birth . His going to ●xford . His Convers Woful ignorance . His first Sermon . His return 〈◊〉 Oxford . A special P●●●vidence . Ministers suspended . His remove to Hanwell . Mr. Whately a● Banbury . He is setled at Hanwell . His Marriage . His Affliction Mr. Lancaster a learned and humble man. Life of Faith Mr. Dods Character . How Mr. Dod prized him . His invitatio● to London . His Labou● at Hanwell . His frequent preaching and success . His Lectur at Stratford upon ●von Rel●gion flourisheth . Gods blessing upon his outward estate . The Battel at Edgebill . His Troubl● His Courage . He is chosen one of the Assembly . His remove to London . He is setled at Buttolphs Bishopsgate . He is sent to Oxford . He is chosen to Petersfield . He leaves Petersfield . He is traduced . His several afflictions . A Disputation at Oxford . He commenced Doctor . He is made Head of Trinity College . He refused New College He is chosen to preach a Lectu●e in Oxford . His wives sore temptations . Mercies mix● with trials . His last Sickness . His Humility ▪ H●s secret imployments . How he spent his time . His counsel to his friends . His strict observation of the Sabbath . His divine speeches . His death . His timely Conversion . His Charity . His Humility . His pithy ●p eches . His Temperance . Mr. R. M. His Patience . Family Government . His advice● his children Gods blessing upon his children . His servants Gods servants . His good Government in the College . His great Learning . A good Disputant . His fervent Prayers . An excellent Preacher . His method in preaching ▪ His strong Memory . His pithy speeches . What Sermons are best . His advice to young Preac●ers . His advice about Books . His judgement of Mr. Calvin . And of other Writers . His judgement of our times . About Indpendencye ▪ About Ordination of Ministers . His excellent Speeches . Notes for div A33301-e52680 An Introduction . His parentage His Educatio● His imprisonment . His escape . He comes to Lubeck . He is remanded by h●s Keeper . Pleads for himself . Defended by the Consul . Protected b● Lubeck . His escape Calmar . His Danger . His remove● to his own Country . The King admitted into Sockholme . Plots to destroy the Suedish Lords . The Suedish Lords surpr●sed , and murdered and murdered Danish Cruelty . Covetousness . Hypocrisie . What Gustav●s then did . Treachery . A special providence . He goes to the Dallca●●es , His speech to them . Their answer . He meets with new difficulties . Sir Laurence Olai assists him . He Arms. Gods providence to the Suedes . He raiseth an Army . Seizeth on the Kings Treasure . He divides his Army . He advanceth into Helsi●g From thence into Gestrict . The Danes are infatuated . He marches to Westerass . The Danes are bea●en . Westerass taken . Upsal taken . Gustavus quits Vpsal . His danger and delivery . Gods providence . The Danes again are beaten . His Army much encreased The King of Denmark hated at home . A Convention of the Estates in Sueden . They proffer him the Kingdome . Which he refuseth . Many joyn with him . Abbo besieged Steckburgh surrendred . Stockholme relieved by the Nicopen yeelded to the Suedes . Tineslor and Westerass surrendred . The Lubeckers assist him . The Danes beaten at Sea. Stockholme straitly besieged . He begins a War in Norway . The King of Denmark flyes into Germany . Then into Flanders . A good Wife . Calmar surrendred . A Parliament called . A Senate established . They choose Gustavus King which he refuses . They press him again . He submits . His Piety . The Lubeckers required . The Articles of agreement . Stockholme surrendred . Finland reduced . Peace settled . Peace with the Muscovite . The Duke of Holst chosen King of Denmark . The two new Kings meet . The King of Denmarks speech . The King of Suedens answer Peace concluded . Gospel light in Germany . Envied by the Devil . Anabaptists trouble all . Two of them come into Sueden , and cause much trouble . Gustavus banisheth them . Their infection spreadeth . The Pope justifies the massacre at Stockholme . The King visits the Kingdome . A Convention of the Estates . They leave the Church-revenues to the disposall of the King. Popish lies , and slanders . The Dallcarles rebell . Religion reformed . And are quieted . Traytors executed . A Famine causeth new stirs . Which are soon quieted . Convention of Estates caled . The Kings Speech to them . The Bishops refuse to submit . He resigns his Kingdome to the States . Note . The Nobles oppose the Bishops . They request him to reassume the Government . The Temporalties of the Bishops given to the King. The Bishop of Hincope● flies . The Clergies pride abated . Gustavus is crowned . Reformatiou carried on . The Kings piety . Satan rages . So do the Bishops . And others that affected Popery . The Kings courage . The Mutineers disagree . Some flye . Others put themselves upon triall . Are cast , and condemned . The Kings prudence . Another interview of the two Kings . The Kings marriage . His Piety . He preferrs godly Bishops . Reformation carried on . The Bible translated . King Christian invades Norwey . policy . Some Suedes revolt to him . Others were more wise . King Christians foolish credulity . He is made a prisoner . Note . The King of Sueden meets with new troubles . 〈…〉 Tumults about Bells . Subjects treat with their King. The Kings policy . He punishes the Rebels . The King of Denmark dies . An Interregnum there . Reformation of Religion in Lubeck . Woolweaver , a turbulent person . The Danes refuse to joyn with Woolweaver . So doth Gustavus . Woolweavers pride . The King and Woolweaver fall out . The Earl of Hoyes treachery . Pride goes before a fall . Divisions in Denmark . Gustavus joyns with the Lords of Denmark . The Duke of Aldenburgh beaten . Woolweavers treachery against Gustavus . Suanto's fidelity . Aldenburgh beaten . Woolweaver is hanged and quartered . Haffnia surrendred . The King makes a truce with Lubeck . Note . The King of Suedens Prudence . The Crown of Sueden is made successive , and why . The Crown is entailed upon Gustavus his Family . Gods blessing upon his Family . Christian resigns his Crown . Gustavus his Poste●ity . Gustavus grows famous . Note . Policy of Princes . The King of Denmark dies . Another chosen . Christian the Tyrant dies . Gustavus dieth His Character Notes for div A33301-e67650 Her parentage Her conversion . The manner of it . Her excellent parts . Heavenliness . Her prudence . In her speech . In her silence . Her holy communication . Her wise demean●ur . Her faith . The confession of her faith . Her Faith. Her Comfort . Her frequent Prayers . Her fervent Prayers . Her prevalent Prayers . Her holy Speech . Her Humility Her love to Gods children and to the Church of Christ. Her love to the Word and Sacrament , and House of God. Her weanedness from the world . Her frequent Fasting . Her abstinence from Sports , and from Marriage . Her weanedness from the world . Her bounty to the Ministry . Her desire to dye . Why she desired Death . Why she feared not death . Her thankfulfulness . Her universal obedience . Her love to God. Her Charity . Her love to her neighbours Her Sympathy Her Patience . Her Modesty . Her Humility . A good Wife . Her preferring others before her self . Her Sincerity . Her Constancy . Her growth in G●ace . Her sickness . Her Death . Notes for div A33301-e71200 His Birth and Education . His Conversion . His holy life . His early rising to converse with God. He is slandered , and vindicated . His heavenly Conversation . His much reading . His Zeal . His Prudence . His strict observation of the Sabbath . His love to Ministers . His desire to have others saved . His Assurance His joy unspeakable . How he maintained his Assurance . He stirred up others to labour for it . His desire of death . Yet carefull of life . His heavenli-mindedness . His Justice . His Impartiality . Examples of it . A great reformation wrought by him . His Courage . He reforms the prophanation of the Sabbath . His zeal , and courage . His mercy to souls . His justice . He restores Use-money . His Charity . His hospitality . How God honoured him . He is chosen Mayor , and Burgess of Parliament . His courage . He is reproached by the wicked . The power o● prayer . His Prudence . His Sickness . His Patience , His death . His Funeral . Notes for div A33301-e74870 Her Parentage Her Marriage . Her removed to Blackfriers . Her love to Gods House . Her retiredness . Her weakness . Her holy life . Her Meekness . Her Sickness . Her patience . Her Comforts . A loving Wife . Her Faith. She begs Prayers . Her Afflictions . She blesseth her Children . Her Devotion Her Death . Notes for div A33301-e76440 Her Parentage Her timely Conversion . Her Piety . Her Humility . Her Meekness . Her P●udence and Gravity . Her love to the Saints . Her Courage . Her frequent prayers . 〈…〉 Her Family government . Her Charity . Her Sickness . Her holy speeches . Her Character Her Death . Notes for div A33301-e77770 Her parentage , and education . Her timely conversion . Her piety . Her growth in grace . Her afflictions sanctified . Her Relative duties . The time , a● manner of 〈◊〉 conversion . Satans malice . Gods mercy . Satans subtilty . Gods mercy . Her comfort , and joy . Gods mercy in want of mean● . Gods providence . Her faith in Promises . Her fears and doubts . Her prayers answered . A hard thiug to beleeve . She imparts her condition to Christian friends , And findes comfort . Her self-examination . Her faith . Her thankfulness . Satans method , and subtilty . Gods mercy to his own . Mans folly . She dyed daily . He Patience Her holy speeches . Her sickness . Her joy unspeakable . Her Death .