THE LIFE AND DEATH OF THOMAS TREGOSSE Late Minister of the Gospel, At Milar and Mabe in Cornwall: With his Character; and some Letters of his, not long before his Death. LONDON, Printed in the Year MDCLXXI. THE LIFE and DEATH OF THOMAS TREGOS, etc. SECT. I. Mr. Tregosse's Life, unto the time of his Conversion. THe Lives of Virtuous and Heroic Spirits have been in all ages esteemed of great use and efficacy, for the promoting of the like dispositions in those, who are of more awakened and raised Souls. For Man, of all Creatures being most under the power of Imitation, he is usually more moved by Examples than Precepts: Examples are Lessons to the Eye, and Table● wherein the Theory is demonstrated in the Practice. Things Intelligible, which are more obscure in the Idea and notion, are rendered as it were sensible, and so more familiar and practicable by examples; which give a kind of Body, Life, and Motion, to general Doctrines and Instructions. As the beams of the Sun gain force by Reflection, so do Doctrines and Precepts, reflected from the examples of holy men. Notions and Precepts give us only a general Idea of what we ought to do; But the Lives of holy men tell us what by grace we may do; and withal, they offer unto us efficacious Motives for the provoking of us by an holy emulation to our duty. Thence the poor Pagan adviseth us, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Stob. Sec. 3. de prud. To set before us the fairest Copy of Virtue, and then to imitate the same. These, with some other private considerations, have induced me to commend to the world the ensuing story of Thomas Tregosse, late Minister of the Gospel; who was born at St. Ives, near the Landsend in Cornwall. The Family of Tregosse whereof he was a branch, was not without noble blood lodged in its veins Some conceive it to be more ancient than the Norman conquest, a relic of the old Britain's, seated in those parts; though the title seem to be of French notation. Our English History acquaints us, that William the Conqueror created John Tregosse a Baron; who, though he died without issue, yet Henry Tregosse sat as a Baron in the Parliament held An. 35. of Edw. the I. And Robert de Tregosse was one of those Lords that sided with Simon Monfort Earl of Leicester, against K. Henry the third. As for the ruins of this Family, the principal cause thereof deserves a particular remark One Mr. Roscadden going in Pilgrimage, his Wife had in his absence a child, or more: whereupon, at his return, John Tregosse advised him to settle his Estate on some Friend, for the use of his Wife and Children, lest, after his death, the Heir at Common Law, should turn his Wife and Children out of doors. Mr. Roscadden embracing his advice, desired him to accept of this trust; which accordingly he did; but instead of a Deed in trust, he made it absolute to himself, and his Heirs. As soon as Mr. Roscadden wad dead, the said John Tregosse entered on the Lands, and turned his Wife and children out of doors; who for some time lay in a Hogsty, and every morning went forth on the dunghill, there on their knees imprecating the vengeance of God on Tregosse and his Heirs. After this time the Judgements of God signally appeared against this Family; Walter his Son, falling from his horse in a fair way, broke his neck; others of his issue came to an untimely death; and a curse hath remained on the estate ever since. This, Mr. Thomas Tregosse, (whose Life we now relate,) was so greatly sensible of, as that it cost him many Prayers for the removing of this curse, as he himself assured me. Notwithstanding the Judgements of God on this Family; yet the Parents of Mr. Thomas Tregosse were godly, and reputed among the number of the old Puritans. This was much seen in the pious education they gave this their Son, whose tender years they took care to have seasoned with the Principles of Religion and good Literature. At first his capacity seemed dull, till about the age of seven years, or after, his diligence gave some notices of a quick apprehension, and tenacious memory. Indeed, he had from his youth a natural inclination to the work of the Ministry, and would oft, (when but a child,) mount up a stool or bench, and there, in his manner, preach to his companions. When he had attained a competent measure of Grammar Learning, he was sent to Oxford, and placed in Exeter College, under the Tuition of Mr. Francis Howel, than Fellow of the said College; who perceived in him an awakened Spirit full of Vivacity and Intention, insomuch that he made good the character which Aristotle gives of a young man, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to act vigorously, in what ever exercises he was engaged in. He did not, (as too many) abuse the expectations of his Friends, by squandring away those precious opportunities, and encouragements vouchsafed him, for the elevating his natural capacity, by the acquirement of Liberal Arts, and Philosophic Sciences, wherein he made a good progress. Neither was he without a good interest in the esteem of pious persons, as it appears by the admittance which Reverend Dr. Conant gave him, as a Member into his Church. Also whiles he continued in Oxon, he began to feel some wounds of Conscience. One day hearing Dr. Conant on Hos. 6.4. O Ephraim, what shall I do to thee? etc. Some passages of that Sermon made so deep impression on him, as that his conscience was filled with no small terror; when he went to his bed, he was not without fears he should never see day; when in his study, that he should never come out alive. So long as these awakening terrors of Conscience, and sick nights for sin continued, he could not endure to hear a vain word, or to behold what had but the appearance of sin. But these lights and heats of Conscience did by degrees die away; Neither did they at that time determine in a thorough Conversion, as it will hereafter appear, Sect. 2. Having spent some time in the University, he returned to S. Ives, the place of his Nativity; where, having made some trial of his Ministerial gifts, the Inhabitants invited him to be their Minister. This he at first modestly refused; but being at last overcome by their importunity, he agreed to spend some time among them; Whereupon he was Aug. 17. 1657, in that Church, set apart for the work of the Ministry. He continued there two years a close Student all the week, and constant Preacher twice every Lord's day. Before his departure from this place, he took to him for Wife Margaret Sparnan, who proved a gracious, meek, humble, affectionate, and meet help to him. Whilst he continued in this Town, there were two accidents, which deserve a particular remark; The first was this; The Summer after his sitting down among them, much of the fishing season was expired, and no Pilchards appeared; the sense whereof greatly afflicted their Spirits; that Town depending much upon the Pilchard trade. Mr. Tregosse advised them to join in a day of Prayer and Humiliation: which being performed, the next day appeared a great shoal of Fish, whereof a considerable quantity of them were taken. The other accident which deserves a particular remark was this; the next Summer, the Fishermen, taking a great number of Pilchards on a Saturday, all that night was spent in saving of them; and the Seamen were very intent in drying their Nets the Lords day. This Mr. Tregrosse rebuked them for; withal, giving them to understand, that they provoked the Lord deservedly to withdraw his blessings from them, which happened accordingly: For from that time, to the end of the Fishing season, they had not another opportunity of employing their Nets. He removed hence, Octob. 1659. to the Vicarage of Milar and Mabe; where he continued his constant course of study, and preaching; till he was silenced by the Act of Uniformity, Aug. 24. 1662. Being prohibited the public place of preaching, he ceased not to preach in his own Family twice every Lord's day. Which being known in the neighbourhood, divers, who had tasted of his Ministry in public, could not but desire to partake thereof in private. This being divulged, notice was given thereof to the Lord Lieutenant; who, upon his refusal to take the Oath appointed for the Militia, committed him to the custody of the Marshal, where he continued obout three months' space; not ceasing to preach to his fellow prisoners, besides others who came to hear him: but at last he was released by order from the Deputy Lieutenants. SECT. II. Mr. Tregosse's Conversion; and several Accidents that attended the same. SEptember 1663. Mr. Tregosse removed his habitation to the Baron of Kigilliack, in the Parish of Badock, near Penryn; where he kept up his Lords days meetings, many flocking to him. About the beginning of October 1664. he and his Wife lying awake in their bed, they felt a great Earthquake, which made the room to tremble and quake under them, as they aphrehended: and that which gave them the greater cause of admiration, was, that no one else felt the same. But this was but a Prognostic and symbolic Image of that dreadful Tremblement or Earthquake, which not long after Mr. Tregosse felt in his Conscience. For, on the first of January following, it being the Lordsday, the Lord led him to preach on that Text, Luke 12.47. And that Servant which knew his Lords will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. On which he shown, what a dangerous sin it is to sin against knowledge. The duties of the day being finished, his old sins were livelily presented to him; especially one among the rest. Hereupon he betook himself to his Duties, but drove on very heavily; yet the Lord, by an omnipotent pull, drew him on. In one one Duty among the rest, he was assaulted with that Scripture, Heb 12.17. For ye know, how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: For he found no place for repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. He frequently assayed to shake off the chains and cords of the Spirit, grieving that he was bound up from the world; his performance of duties was not without much deadness and unbelief. But the Lord bond him fast to his work, forcing him to follow on in a way of seeking. Sometimes he feared God would leave him to run into his former courses; yea, that he should not persevere to the end of one day. But the Lord magnifyed his power and grace above and beyond his fears. Sometimes in reading, the Lord would set home threatening, then comforting Scriptures to keep him equally balanced between hopes, that he might not sink, and fears that he might nor presume. He was detained for about 5 week's space under much bondage, and afflictive terrors, with little or no discoveries of Gods gracious disposition; till about the beginning of February, being under a resolution to reveal some sins which burdened his Conscience, he met with a passage in an English Divine, touching the greatness and freeness of Christ's love and purchase; which, the Lord setting home, he was a little quieted and refreshed by. The next day being the Lordsday, he had a sweet heart-melting consideration of his sins, together with a lively contemplation of Christ pierced; to whom he directed an eye of Faith. And now he, who thought it an hard matter to shed one tear, drops many; the Spirit of the Lord also bringing to his heart that promise, I will pardon their iniquity, and remember their sin no more: and that of Christ to Thomas, Jo. 20.27. Reach hither thy finger, and behold mine hands, and reach hither thine hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing; and this was promoted by reading the history of Christ's Passion. Yet was he not without some doubtings still; yea, at times, all these his encouragements signified no more than nothing. After this, he was carried on in Duties, with more enlargement, and affectionate workings, especially at times. And from this time he dated his conversion; For, albeit his conversion, for some considerable time before, was irreproachable, and his labours in the work of the Ministry indefatigable; yea, and his Zeal for Non conformity remarkable; yet he judged the whole of his foregoing life zeal, and labour in the Ministry, to be no other than a continued series of Formality and hypocrisy. And because some of his friends who knew his former conversation well, could not but conceive that he had sincere Grace, before this great turn; A friend of his discoursing with him on this point, he peremptorily affirmed, That he assuredly knew, that he had nothing of sincerity before this great work, and withal he bewailed the Church of England, in that generally men were made Ministers before they were made Christians; Yea, he was not without great fears, that many, who in humane estimation, now pass for able and good Ministers, will one day be found to be, according to Divine estimation, not so much as good or sincere Christians. These fears, we may presume, he grounded on his own experience of himself, (besides other common observations,) who had the vogue of being a faithful Minister, before he was a faithful Christian. And that which yet adds further weight is this, that though he was before this time a constant and faithful Preacher, yet he could not say the Lord had given him any Covenant, as the fruit of his Ministry, though he received many Seals thereof afterward. Some short while after these great, which he strongly concluded were the first sincere turn of his Soul to God, being brought very low in his Body and Spirits, he conjectured his death was near: Then was that Scripture cast in, Psal. 118. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. And being again under a return of strong persuasions and fear that he should die, looking into his Bible, there was presented to his eye that Text, Psal. 53.5. There were they in great fear where no fear was; which dispelled that persuasion: and not long after, by the use of means, with the blessing of God thereon, he gained strength in order to his future service. Some short time after this, on a Saturday, being very weak in body, and under despair of recovery, he went up to his chamber as well as his feeble legs would carry him, and fell down on his knees to Prayer: whilst he was on his knees, on a sudden, as it seemed, agreat measure of strength was given in to him, even to his astonishment. Whereupon he attempted to arise and walk; which he did two or three turns about his chamber very strongly. Then calling for his Wise, she soon perceived his pale cheeks clothed with their wont colour and complexion; and now he, that not many moments before, thought himself at the brink of the grave, was enabled to perform the duties of the evening, and next Lordsday, with much vigour and strength. Since these signal marks of Divine savour and assistance, afforded both to his Soul and body; he, with some other Christians observed a monthly Fast, to afflict themselves before the Lord, for their own, their Family, and National sins. After these his first turns to God, he found a more than ordinary assistance in his studies and work, the Lord casting in abundant matter, and affecting him therewith. SECT. III. The Account of Mr. Tregosse's Service and Sufferings, with the Providences of God that appeared for him. ON April 30. 1665. it being the Lords day, Mr. Tregosse, whilst in Prayer, was much distracted about his intended Preaching in public; whereunto he seemed to be drawn by a very strange, though manifest course of Providence, which he strongly resisted, till he was forced to yield. He had been that week wondering what the Lord would do with him; He could not study as formerly, but was induced to read a practical discourse of Self-denial: The Lord furnished his contemplations with many passages about suffering; And the Creatures duty to be, and live in the will of his Creator, and at his disposement. In the end of his reading, casting his eye on his Bible, the first thing he met with, was that, Matt. 9.36. When he saw the multitude, he had compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scatter-abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. At the view of which Text, he inwardly trembled; and the Lord seemed immediately to intimate, that he should put on like bowels. But hereupon he questioned within himself, where he should find such an opportunity of public Preaching? Mabe. (a Daughter-church to Milar, which hath Preaching only every other Lordsday) was presented to his thoughts. After many Disputes, being loath to yield to the will of God, he concluded to send thither, to know whether any Minister would be there the Lordsday following: answer was returned, that there would be none. But doubting still, whether he might look on this as a Call, he cast his eye on his Bible, and fixed on that expression. Luke 11.33. No man, when he hath lighted a Candle, putteth it in a secret place, or under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light. This answered all his objections, allayed all his carnal fears, and confirmed him in his resolution of Preaching in public the next Lordsday. When the Sabbath came, he went on, and found the People willing, and all things suiting with the opportunity: neither found he any disturbance, but was much assisted in all duties to the end. The rumour of this days work was spread abroad, and came to the ears of Mr. Thomas Robinson, a Justice of the Peace. The next Lordsday, May 7. being rainy in the morning, Mr. Tregosse preached in his own house, on Luke 21.19. In your patience possess ye your Souls: without any expectation of disturbance that day, by reason of the weather. But after the Sermon was ended, Mr. Robinson came to the door, and after entrance, took the names of those who were present; requiring Mr. Tregosse to give surety for the good behaviour, or to render himself to the Constable upon his order, the Monday seven-night ensuing; Mr. Tregosse refused to do the first, but promised the latter. After Mr. Robinson's departure, they met again in the afternoon without any disturbance. The next Lordsday he preached again at Mabe without interruption. But when the Exercises were finished, he was served with a Warrant to appear before Mr. Robinson at Hellestone, on the Tuesday following. At his appearance he vindicated his preaching with much boldness: But after all, was sent to Lanceston-Goal, there to remain for three Months; to which he submitted, not only patiently, but joyfully. In his way to the Goal, he embraced all occasions for the comforting those christian friends he met with. And whilst he continued in Prison, his Spirit was very free and enlarged under many gracious influences and refreshments. His time there was spent in reading the Word, Holy Meditations, Fasting, Prayer, Holy conference with, and preaching to those who were his fellow Prisoners, and Visitors. Few came to visit him, but did, or might gain by conversation with him. The time of his Imprisonment being expired, July 29. he came out of Prison; and after his return home, took the first convenient opportunity to keep a day of Thanksgiving, for the many experiences of God's goodness towards him, and his, during his confinement. He had not been at home above four days, before Mr. Robinson gave out, that he would speedily send him back again to the place from whence he came: in order whereto, on Friday or Saturday after, he providing 〈◊〉 ride to Market, there (as it is reported) to procure another Justice to join with him in a Warrant for a second Conviction of Mr. Tregosse for a Conventieler, and to prosecute some others; whilst he was at a Tenement of his, his own Bull (which was never known to hurt any before,) followed him in a Field, with much fury, and gave him deadly wounds, whereof he shortly died. Aug. 20. being the Lordsday, Mr. Tregosse w●●t again and preached at Mabe Church, without any disturbance; as also that day fortnight, spending the interval with much activity in his Master's service, elsewhere. He had many dissuasives from christian friends against public preaching; but all arguments urged, could not satisfy his Conscience. He was again sent to Lanceston-goal for public Preaching; whither, Sept. 18. he went with comfortable persuasions, that God would be with, and care for him and his Family; which was fully made good. This second Imprisonment conduced much, through the Lord's benediction, to the good of many Souls: For the report of his bonds being spread far, divers came to visit him, to whom he imparted Spiritual gifts; and there were some Onesimus', whom he begat through the Gospel, in his bonds. During this imprisonment, he took several opportunities of visiting the Prisoners, labouring to convince them of their sinful state, etc. Also whilst under this confinement, he enjoyed many Divine Suavities, and spiritual refreshments in Duties; with many gracions returns of Prayer; and some prophetic intimations of future Providences; As, Octob. 2. he praying for opportunities of service, etc. After the Duty was ended, he firmly believed he should be released of this restraint, and be no more imprisoned in that place; which proved true, notwithstanding several attempts to the contrary. October 7. being much enlarged in praying for patience, and submission to the will of God; he grew very confident, that shortly God would farther try him. So Octob. 23. God seemed sundry ways to intimate to him, that some great affliction was near, but that he should be delivered from it; all of which proved true, as it will be shown. Again, Octob. 27. being earnest in Prayer for the Nation, he was strongly induced to believe, that some great judgement was not far off. About which time, there was oft cast into his thought that Scripture, Isa 21.16. Thus saith the Lord unto me, within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fall. He oft mentioned to some of his intimate friends, the strong Impression this Scripture made on his thoughts; much wondering what it should mean; but a little before the year expired, the Conflagration of London happened, which fully interpreted his former Impression. Decem. 14. he was delivered out of Prison; and upon his return home, he kept a day of Thanksgiving, and shortly after he did set apart every Tuesday as a Fa●●ing or Thanksgiving day; which he kept either in private, or with his Family, or with others more publicly. Jan. 8th. being the Lord's day, he went to Mabe, where he preached both parts of the day without interruption: which was attended with this remarkable Providence, that whilst he was there, the Constable, with an Officer from Pendennis Castle, came to his house, but miss of him. Jan. 12. he began a journey towards the East of Cornwall, and from thence into Devon: The Lord's day, and the Wednesday after his house was searched. In this journey he went forth on the South of Cornwall, and returned on the North; exercising in all places where he came, and receiving great encouragements, as to the fruits of his labours. At his return Febr. 4th. going to preach at Mabe, the Constable served him with a Warrant, to carry him under the Custody of the Marshal, as a dangerous and seditious person: which indeed he was so far from being guilty of, that he never so much as meddled in his preaching, or private Conferences, with the present Discipline or Liturgy of the Church; much less with matters of State: Nay, he persuaded others to be obedient to the higher powers: and in his daily exercises he did put up many fervent petitions for the King. Being under the custody of the Marshal at Bodmin, this imprisonment brought him to the acquaintance of several persons, who reaped much benefit by his Ministry. The Marshal was civil to him; yet he met with more difficulties then in his former confinement; but the Lord honoured him with the conversion of several souls. He continued in this prison till about the midst of September 1667. Being at a certain time earnest in Prayer for enlargement, a Scripture was presented to his thoughts which made so deep impression on him, as that he was filled with a great confidence, that if he were delivered, it would be by order from the King's Majesty. Not long after, whilst he was under various afflictions, touching his Family, the Marshal received a special order from the King's Majesty for his enlargement. Feb. 1668. coming to Penryn to preach his Monday-Lecture, he fell sick of a Fever, which held him all that week. On the Lord's day morning, the sense of his own weakness did somewhat affect him; because the people, who attended on his Ministry, had none to supply his place: Whereupon, he had that Scripture impressed on his thoughts, Esa 40.31. They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, etc. This wrought so much upon him, that he resolved to arise: All about him were very pressing to divert his resolution, knowing how exceeding weak he was; but they could not prevail: He having got on his , cast himself on the Lords work. As he went on, strength was gradually given in, so that he preached thrice that day, choosing that Text before cited. Isai. 40.31. for his subject; and, to the great admiration of himself and his auditory, was well at night; neither did he feel any relics of his distemper afterward. In the beginning of the year 1669, the number of the Auditors was so much augmented, as that the rooms they usually met in, would not contain them; which occasioned the removal of the Meeting into a large Barn; until being summoned by the Proprietor of that Barn to quit his hired House, he took up his habitation in the Town of Penryn. Before his remove, a Mittimus came from the Seffions, grounded upon as information of the Bishop, to send him to the Goal at Lanceston, for public preaching: The Constables coming to serve the Warrant, one of them, more furious than his fellow, whilst he reasoned with Mr. Tregosse, with the Mittimus in his hand, sunk down in the place, for the present, as it were dead; but being, by the diligent endeavours of those who were present, brought to himself again, he departed without executing the Warrant. That which makes this the more remarkable, is, that this Constable was a strong man, and never fainted in all his life before. And though they c●me again some days after, to execute their Warrant, yet had they not power to carry him to Prison; For which, as it was said, the other Constable was fined the next Sessions. At Lammas Assize, 1669. Mr Tregosse having some affairs which called him to ●anceston, he was invited to visit some part of the Northwest of Devon; whence, for preaching at a private house in the Parison of great Torrington, he was sent to Exeter Goal, with several others of that Town, and Bideford; who being all Bailed, had for that time no other trouble, then to traverse a Bill for Riot preferred against them. In his return from Exon, he spent some few days at Crediton, where he contracted an intimate friendship with a person, who was providentially cast there at the same time; to whom he unbosomed many of the choicest accidents of his life, and secrets of his heart: And albeit they never saw each other afterward, yet this friendship was preserved inviolable, and improved by Paper-conversation, till death made a dis-union, or rather a present suspension. This trouble which befell Mr. Tregosse in Devon, was the occasion of much good to many souls in those parts: for it opened a door to many hundreds in Devon, who resorted to him in his Travels: and so became partakers of his Ministerial gifts; which were very effectual through the concurrence of Divine Grace. This made him lay out himself day and night to the utmost, allowing his body no more than extreme necessity required, that so he might follow all advantages for the advance of his Master's service. The Bill preferred against him at Exeter, necessitated him to attend the two following Assizes; where he was at last freed by Proclamation; but mean while, his return into those parts was of no small advantage for the propagation of the Gospel. Some of those persons who discovered their malice against Mr. Tregosse, for preaching at Torrington, were shortly taken away by unnatural deaths, not without signal marks of God's displeasure against them, as it appears by his following Letter, Sept. 16. 1670. Not long before his death, he was strangely, he knew not how, taken up in conversing with the state of departed Saints, martyred for the Testimony of Jesus; as he himself acquaints you, in his following Letter to his friend, Octob. 7th 1670. Which indeed was a prophetic intimation of the nearness of his Dissolution, and entrance on that life which he was immediately more fully to partake of. Which brings to my remembrance an old observation which I had from a great * Padre Paul. Histor. Trent. Master of Wisdom, That it is natural for men near their grave from some intrinsic cause, unknown to themselves, to be distasted with humane affairs, etc. What this wise man observed of men in general, I think is most true of many holy Christians, who a little before their dissolution are frequently called off, and separated from humane affairs, to a fiducial converse with coming Glories, and the Life of just men made perfect; which was the frame of Mr. Tregosse's Spirit, not long before his death; though he himself was not apprehensive that his change was so near. SECT. iv Mr Tregosse's last Trials, and dying Speech to his Friends. AFter Mr. Tregoss came to reside at Penryn, he hired a House for a Meeting on the Lord's day in the Parish of Mabe, where he exercised without interruption, from Midsummer 1669, to the 10th of May 1670. After which day, there were two debauched persons turned Informers, hoping thereby to get fuel for their lusts: who having obtained a Warrant, required the Officers to attend them every Lordsday, and made oath against Mr. Tregosse, and others, for a breach of the Statute then in force against Conventicles. This sacred away most of his Hearers, especially those who had any considerable Estates. Though there were divers Fines laid on him, which amounted to 220 l. yet the Lord so ordered things, as nothing he had was seized upon. This Meeting being thus broken, he resolved to drive the nail that would go, and to preach the oftener unto a Statute number: herein his labours were so many and great, as if his body were of Steel, he could not hold out long; He preached five times every Lordsday, and in the evening made repetition of some part; He also continued the Tuesday and Thursday duties, besides other Exercises. He was often advised by his friends to favour himself, and moderate his pains; but the great zeal he had for the keeping on, and advancing the work of God, did stop his ears against all dissusives of this kind. Having at last worn out himself, and exhausted his Spirits, he fell into a griping of the Bowels, occasioned by a Flatus hypochondriacus, (as his Physician affirmed) which brought him so weak, as his friends suspected him to be past recovery, and he himself expressed a longing desire to be dissolved. But the Lord was pleased to reprieve him a little longer, and put him once more upon his feet, though he took not the air. As soon as he perceived a small recruit of strength, he began to fall upon his work again; this continued but a very short time, till a Fever seized on him, and in a few days did set and end to all his Labours and troubles. His his deportment during both his sicknesses, was like his life, very sweet and heavenly. Upon the 18th. of January, observing the hour of his dissolution at hand he took his farewell of his friends in a long speech, whereof you have a part, as followeth. I though I should have had some more turns with my Lord in his Gallery; but he hoth turned his back, and is gone, and calls me to come after him: Indeed, though I had some distemper of Body, yet I did not think death was so nigh, till putting my hand on my brow, I felt the tokens thereof. Think, think not therefore 'tis a foolish fantasy that moves me to speak; for I know it to be right reason. And seeing the Lord hath left with me a few mouthfuls of breath, Let me, who am your faithful Pastor, at the taking my farewell of you, drop a few words among you, before he calls away this breath of mine, and say, breathe no more through that body, but lay it in the dust. O my friends! my friends! you know that I have often warned you of an evil day, and now I must once more tell you, that there is a dead day, a dark day coming. O! what will this poor people do? O my Friends, did we think, that after so many Fasting and Humiliation days, after so many Thanksgiving days, after so many Sacrament days, we should see such a day as this? O, but it may be you will ask me this question. Do you really believe that you shall die? Indeed, friends, there is nothing but Omnipotence can bear me up. And if you ask me, what I think of myself? Truly, friends, I can say that I have walked among you by the pure copy of the Holy Scriptures, and Life of Christ; and through the Grace of God in Christ Jesus, I shall be presented spotless to the Father. Indeed, when I was young, I had my youthful vanities; but in the year 1664 upon a New-year's day, the Lord was pleased to meet with me, and then, even then, did he set all my sins in order before me: And theose very sins which were small to me before, were by the Spirit of the Lord in that Rod, made as bitter as death itself. My sleight childhood-sins, my slender youthful sins, were to me very heinous and abominable. Wherefore, my friends, I charge you to make a conscience of those sins, yea, of the least of them which I have warned you of. Some may think me passionate, and some may think me severe and uncharitable; but now I repent that I had not dealt more plainly with you. However, in the truth of the Lord; according to mine ability, I have walked among you; and I hope you will not think it tedious if I drop a few words upon my grave before I die. Then the Physician steeping to him, with an intent to desire him to leave off speaking, lest he should spend his spirits too much, M. Tregosse said, Give me leave to speak, for I am upon the borders of eternity; and I think you all look upon me as a dying man, therefore may suffer me to speak as much as I can. Then he proceeded; I am going to my great God, to my dear Father, to my best Friend; to him in whom I have believed: His face I hope to see, in his bosom I hope to lie down this day. Oh! what unspeakable glory is it to see the glory of mine everlasting God? O, my Friends! I must tell you the truth; though sometimes there have been upon my fantasy strange black clouds, which made me to speak somewhat inconsistent, and were suddenly blown off again; yet little doth any one know the reviving incomes I had then, even then from my God. And the last Lord's day at night, the Lord gave me sweet turns with himself. Oh! it was a pleasant night with me, I was up with God, and God was down with me. Oh! it was to me as the going up to Paradise. Oh! how sweet was it to me? And now my friends, I must tell you, that through many tribulations you must enter into the Kingdom of God. Some of you have told me your thoughts concerning me, that I have walked in all good Conscience towards God and M●●. Oh friends, whatsoever things ye have seen in me that were honest, whatsoever things were just, whatsoever things were pure, whatsoever things were lovely, whatsoever things were of good report, pursue those things. Rely not upon the world, for the world will leave you could and helpless. And now friends, I must go to see the Lord, and this Body of mine must be laid in the dust and never arise more, till the Resurrection-day. And must many of you go from this place, and come naked before the face of God? (though I hope better of some of you.) Oh friends, if there be any hope, if there be any love, if there be any consolation in you, think on these things; You know I have. When I came to this town, some may think my design in coming was to fill an empty bag, and to get a livelihood amongst this people; but God is my witness I had not this in my eye; I sought not yours, but you. And now friends, flesh and blood will say; It is hard to part with dear friends, to part with a dear Wife, to part with dear Children. But as the Lord hath given them to me, so I now leave them with the Lord. And I call you to witness, that I leave this dear Wife of mine with the Lord, and my dear Children with the Lord, to be protected by him, to be maintained by him, to be kept blameless to the day of his appearance. Though Men may prove unkind to them; as I suppose they will, yet I know the Lord will not. I must into Eternity; the Prophets cannot live for ever; neither can they Prophesy for ever: I have been but a young branch, and you see the Lord is cutting me down this morning. O blessed Lord God? shall there not be a meeting in Paradise? shall not thy servant see thee, and love thee, and be embraced by thee? O Lord give a good evidence to thy servant, that he may know that he belongeth to thee. Lord thou hast given him the working of an holy faith; and of an heart-purifying spirit: And are not these tokens of thy free grace, and of thine eternal love in Christ Jes●s? And now Lord God, thy servant must away and be about other work, thy servant must away to holy Angels; and to the spirits of just men made perfect: He must away to serve his Lord in the upper Chambers: He must away, Lord, and never look on these earthy things more. And now, O friends, one thing I tell you, I shall come again with my Lord, in most excellent Glory; and you then must come before him: But I fear, I fear, that some of you will be found then to be in a very low, and poor, and miserable condition. Well, I commend you to the love and grace of God, the Eternal Father, in Jesus Christ. And I pray you to get your hearts full of love to God; and of the grace of God; and full of the holy Ghost. And now think on these things, that I have delivered to you, in the name of the Lord. I must go, and deliver up my accounts to God: And on that I might deliver them up freely! that I may be able to say, I have run my race; I have finished my course; I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith; and what remains but that I receive the Crown, that the Lord Jesus, the righteous Judge, hath prepared for me. And now I commit myself to the Lord; and my Wife and Children to the Lord— I commit my spirit to thee, O Father of spirits; I commit my soul to thee O dearest Lord: Keep these that do believe on thee. These words he spoke with a more audible and plain voice, than he was wont to do, in his ordinary Preaching: And about an hour and half after he had ended his speech, he departed this life, Jan. 18. An. 1670. SECT. V Mr. Tregosse's Character. HAving given some story of Mr. Tregosse's Life and Death, it may be, not a little, Useful, to give some Character of his Person, Spirit, and Conversation. Mr. Tregosse was of a middle stature, his Hair black; his Face palish, not perfectly round, His Natural capacity. nor long. His Spirit was Masculine, Generous, and Great; agreeable to the condition of his Ancestors. There was a sparkling Vivacity apparent in most of his intense Actions. His natural humour was not moross but affable: yet was he not without a tincture of dark melancholy; which yet his grace improved to a great measure of seriousness. He had also some sparks of choler; which being spirited by warm affections for God, broke forth into a pure flame of Divine zeal. His natural Judgement seemed deep, and solid; his will firm and fixed; his memory tenacious and faithful; his Affections tender and active: And the whole capacity of his soul fit for great exploits. But the most Illustrious and bright part of his Character regardeth his gracious capacity, and dispositions. His universal Holiness. His personal holiness was remarkable, even unto great visibility: And, I think, few, in this age, have, for so short standing, made a larger proficience in the School, and service of Christ. After Jan. 1664. (from whence he dated his conversion) he banished from his heart, and life many vanities, he had been formerly addicted unto. Neither did he gain his godliness, at so cheap a rate as most professors do: No; his heart was first deeply wounded for sin, and thence delivered from it: He was, for some while, under many extremities, from a Spirit of Bondage, and these made way for a Spirit of Adoption. He was sound convinced of his spiritual death by sin, and that opened to him a door of life by Christ. And, the entire change of his heart much appeared in the change of his life, and last end. Neither had some particular graces only a place in him; but a combination and complexion of many amiable graces, seemingly opposite, seemed visible in him. How affable and courteous was he; and yet how severe against sin? What meekness and humility in his own cause? and yet what courage, and magnanimity in the cause of God, shone in him? How much holy fear, and self-jealousy; and yet how much Christian boldness, and confidence was he possessed with? What an inflexible, and strong bend of heart for God, against sin, seemed he to have? and yet how flexible and complying with others, for their good was he? He did not, as some, take Christ to ease himself of his work; or to secure his lusts; His Sincerity. but to kill them and to quicken him to duty. His peace of Conscience was maintaned, not by peace, but war with Sin; it was not only from, but also in God. He had, not only form of Christ in his life, and Picture of him in his fancy; but also the Image of, Union with, and love for Christ in his heart. He affected not so much to entangle his thoughts in disputes, about the controversies of Religion; as to get the power of it stamped on his soul. His faith did not lie level with worldly Interest, but oppositie thereto. He climbed not, as some, ●o the top of an high profession, without ●●●ing a deep foundation in self-denial. He borrowed not, as to many, the Mask of Religion to conceal a rotten heart; but was unsatisfied in his heart-inquiries after grace, till he arrived to such a full measure thereof, as is 〈◊〉 attainable by any hypocrite. H●● d●yly progress in mortification of sin, seemed very remarkable, His mortification. and conspicuous. He knew full well, that one reigning lust would darken and harden his heart; yea, bring all into captivity; and therefore durst not gratify any lust, in the least. He was content to give up his lusts to death for Christ, who gave up his soul to death for him: He thought it not much to part with a beloved sin, for a beloved Saviour. Yea, he seemed to take more pleasure in subduing his unlawful desires, than others do in the fulfilling of them And lest his flesh should impose on his more noble part, he innured himself to many bodily severities; and deprived himself of such natural refreshments, which others too much indulge themselves in. Yet did he not content himself with external mortification, but maintained a daily conflict with the whole body of sin, in corrupt nature, yea, he would oft blame himself much for spiritual sins, as Infidelity; pride, etc. Which others could least blame him for. His Crucifixion to the world was not less visible: His Crucifixion to the world. He seemed to have acquired a great indifference of Spirit for things indifferent; to give perishing things but perishing affections. As our blessed Lord gave his Heaven for him, so he thought it not much to give his earth for his Lord: He could not part with Christ for any worldly good; and therefore was willing to part with all for Christ. The believing views he had of future Glories, darkened the world glories to him; so that he seemed to admire nothing, but approaching glory, or what related thereto. Poverty in Christ's way was greater riches to him, than a flourishing state in the ways of sin. He knew how to abound in his wants, by contentedly wanting what the Lord thought not fit for him, and thereby crucifying his desires, he made the Cross of Christ easy to him. His desires were low, and therefore his spirit high above the frowns, and smiles of this lower world. He seemed better pleased in his mean condition, than worldlings are in the highest. His mind was too great, to put a great value on the nothings of this life: He brought his natural desires into a narrow compass, and thence gained a great enlargement of Spirit. By his long sufferings he gained a great dexterity and skill in bearing the Cross: By starving sin, His Art in bearing the Cross. and crucifying his heart to the world, he took out the stings of his sufferings. He knew, that the Divine will was more Eligible than his own; and therefore he endeavoured to conform unto it, as well by passive as active obedience. He knew he could not glorify God more, then by being content, that God's Glory should gain by his private losses. He durst not make sin a shelter against sufferings; or bear false witness against God, by repining under the Cross. He was not so well pleased with sin, as to prefer it before sufferings: Or so ill-pleased with sufferings as to fly from them when called thereto. He innured himself to the yoke of Christ, and so gained the Art of bearing his Cross. His Conscience continued under a lively sense of sin, and that made him dead, and in a measure senseless as to suffering. His Will was so far broken, as that it could cheerfully bend, and submit to the Cross; yea, welcome crosses, when in God's way. When God brought him into any affliction or suffering, he waited there till God brought him out. He knew himself to be nothing, and that made him bear any thing from God, with contentment: And by knowing his own vileness, he learned to justify God in every cross. His spirit was generous and noble, like that of the Eagle, which is not clamorous when it wants food. He studied passive obedience as well as active; to be well-pleased with what God did, as well as to do what was wellpleasing to God. He had a fit disposition for the Cross, which made that easy to him, which seemed into llerable to others. As he durst not make men Lords of his faith, so neither of his happiness, by doting on their smiles, or fearing their frowns; but as worldly men content themselves with the world, without God; so he endeavoured to content himself with God, without the World. He had his present wants supplied, by ordinary or extraordinary means, and therefore conceived lit his duty to trust God for the future: He knew he had more of the creature than he deserved, and therefore was not: anxious about having more. He was much taken up about the weighty things of Eternity and therefore little concerned about these lower things. He had many generous and noble dispositions, but no one appeared more illustrious, and visible in him, His zeal for God. after his conversion, than zeal for his Master's service; and the good of Souls. Oh! what a rare and excellent Quality is a public Spirit for God? And how much was this holy man invested herewith? How little did his flamen zeal care to live, when the honour of his great Lord, seemed to bleed, and die? What a meek and patiented Spirit had he, as to injury done unto himself? and yet how impatient and zealous was he as to injury done unto his Lord? How modest and backward was he in his own cause? and yet how magnanimous and forward in the cause of God? How little was it in the power of the greatest men, to frown him out of duty, or flatter him into Sin? What a masculine courage had he, with a fixed resolution not to displease God, to please men? Yea, how much vigour and strength did his zeal gain by opposition? He seemed indeed naturally to have a Heroic spirit: But how much did Grace transform this natural quality into a Divine zeal? How much of divine flame, and how little of wildfire or carnal wrath was there in his zeal? Notwithstanding his ardent zeal for God, yet was he of a very peaceable and quiet spirit. His Catholic Charity. He did not, Salamander-like, delight to live in the fire of contention; but was of an uniting healing spirit: He was not only a Patient, but also an Agent in seeking after peace: He judged our Church divisions one of our greatest plagues; He had a Catholic universal charity, and love for all: and albeit he hated the vices of wicked men, yet he loved their persons. But he had a particular affection for all Saints, and that as Saints; making their graces, not their opinions, the measure of his love. His spirit and principles were so peaceable, as that he desired to avoid all needless disputes, that might breed strife: But when he was called to dispute, or confer with those of different judgements, he evidenced much modesty, and meekness; arguing not for glory, and victory, but to inquire into truth: Wherein he affirmed nothing, but what he endeavoured to prove out of the Scriptures: And when he could not fully comply with other men's persuasions, yet he would not impose his own on them, as the rule of their faith or communion. And although he could forbear, and bear with all for their good, yet could he not bear with sin in any; His dexterity in Admonitions and reproofs. but was a severe Admonitor, and Reprover thereof. Yea, his very presence was a powerful and persuasive Admonition to such as he reproved; for there was so much gravity and sweetness mixed in his countenance, that one word from him would oft effect more, than many from some others: Especially, by his holy conversation, exemplifying what he urged on others from the word of God, he much convinced such as were defective, and subdued their wills to the will of God. I myself once heard him, in the presence of several Ministers, sharply reproving the sin of Ministers, in mispending their time, whiles together, in frothy, or unprofitable conference: Which reproof he managed with so much majesty, and yet with so much humility, and submission; confirming all that he pressed from the word of God, that, I must confess, I could not but conclude, that there was much of God, in his so seasonable Admonition and Reproof. Neither did his severity extend to the sins of others only, His vigilance and heart examen. but also to his own: He was a curious observer of his own spirit, its ends, intentions, inclinations, motions, rise, and fall, as to Sin or Grace. He always kept a vigilant eye on his heart, and every night made particular reflections on the passages of the day past, with a strict examen, how it had been spent; what his conversation had been towards others; and how he had demeaned himself in his private duties towards God. He examined not only what he had done, but also from what principles he had done it; and thus by the knowledge of what he had done, he came the better to know, what he was to do; by studying well the book of his own heart, and life he became a good student, and proficient in the mystery of godliness, and of sin. He was a man of great observation, and of nothing more than of his own spirit its various vicissitudes, turn, and wind, etc. Thus he came to have an intimate and deep acquaintance with his own heart; and an experimental sense of the holy spirits working in him; Hence also he came to know, what sins he had to confess, and humble himself for; what mercies to bless God, or petition for, what burdens to groan under. At some times he found himself under great deadnesses and distractions; at other times under sweet inspiration of the holy Spirit, and enlargements; Sometimes he sighed under sinking despondences, black unbelief, and hase fears; at other times, he was on the wing of faith, and full of courage. He had his stated times for private and family duties: Faith and prayer were his chief refuse in his troubles. His private duties. And, indeed, he seemed to drive a great trade with Heaven, by prayer; wherein he was very powerful and prevalent; He had a very strngling, wrestling spirit in Prayer; bottomed on a deep sense of his own need, large desires, and lively workings of faith. What strength he gained by prayer, he lost not by neglects after prayer, but improved for God. His Spirit seemed unsatisfied in duties, till he had met with God, or something from God. Sometimes he was dull and indisposed in the beginning of a duty; but before he came off, he oft found great Assistances; when he found weaknesses, the Lord gave in unexpected supplies of strength; when he was cast down under any perplexing disturbing fears, or difficulties from within or without, he had recourse to his Bible, and thence received frequently such sweet and encouraging promises, set home by the spirit of God; as afforded abundance of refreshing relief to him. His Family Exercises and Discipline deserve a particular Remark. He gave no Toleration to any known sin, His Family Discipline. or omission of Duty: He was very diligent in preventing, or reproving the Profanation of the Lords day, even to idle words: Neither was he less careful for the pious Education, and Instruction of those under his domestic charge. Every morning and evening, for the most part, he read, and expounded a part of the Scriptures, sung a Psalm, and prayed with them. Every Friday night he examined their proficience in the Assemblies lesser Catechism, explaining some part thereof to them. Every Lord's day at night (besides other Duties) he repeated the substance of what was delivered that day in the Sermons Preached: And after such Exercises he examined his Servants, and such Children as were capable, what they remembered; not suffering any to live under his Charge, who would not give account of their Faith. When he did not read a Chapter, his course was to examine and instruct his Servants, concerning the Fundamentals of Religion, which was a great means for the improving their knowledge. Besides his private Retirements, and Family-duties, he had his set times every day, to spend with his Wife in private prayer. Neither was this his religious care for instructing Souls confined only to his Family, His holy Conserence. but extended unto others. He was invested with a singular Gist of Personal Conference, which Talon he employed for the good of Souls; being ready to take, yea, to seek all convenient opportun ties to treat with them, about their eternal state. He was much in pressing men to Holiness: He was wont to propose questions to those he conversed with, and desired the like of them; which the Lord made very successful He esteemed it no small burden to be cast on any society, where his time was spent in unprofitable discourse; and when he was cast on such, his ordinary practice was, to put a stop to such unedifying conference, by spiritual divertisement, or turning it to some holy discourse. When he intended to visit any Christian Family, his method was, first to call his Wife and Mother, that they might join with him in prayer, for a blessing on his intended undertakement; and being greatly sensible of the advantages that are acquired by personal Conference, he gave those of his hearers, whom he judged most judicious, divers directions for the right management thereof, on all occasions. He had a great Tenderness, and regard towards such as were sick: When he understood of their sickness, His Visitation of the Sick. he waited not till he was invited, neither did he rudely intrude where he might not be welcome; but first employed a Friend, to show his willingness; and then where he might be received, he failed not to visit them, and to adminster such spiritual advice, as he conceived most proper for the state of their Souls. And to those who wanted a competent supply of conveniences, he imparted not only of his spiritual, but also temporal Gifts, according to what God had blessed him with. He failed not to pray with them before his departure, nor to spare any labour, or trouble, in the difcharge of this Christian Office. As for other more extensive parts of his Ministerial Gifts, His Ministerial Gifts and Labours. and Labours, they were also very remarkable. His Preaching was solid and practical; he had a great Pathos, and vehemence in setting home Truths on Conscience: His Sermons were full of plainnss, and yet clothed with a sacred Majesty: His words were familiar, and yet very efficacious: He dwelled much on awakening Truths; such as might pierce and sting the Consciences of secure sinners; and yet to such as needed Consolation, he was another Barnabas, full of sweetness. He had much of Divine assistance, as well in the composing, as in the hearing of Sermons: He oft said, that usually his Sermons were given him on his knees: His practice was, when he had pitched on a Text, to apply himself to Prayer; and whilst he was on that duty, he oft had the Heads of his Discourse give in unto him. As for his enlargements he was never barren; having a memory to treasure up all that he read, and an Elocution apt to deliver what he had treasured up, on all occasions. Those who knew him, much admired how he could preach so oft, and yet so well. He was likewise endued with a large gift of prayer. which he always expressed in Scriptural language, wherein he seemed to have much communion with God. In brief, he was one of Divine Lights and Heats for God. His zeal in promoting the ways of God, A Summaris of his Character. was flaming and ardent: He was affable in his Speech, serious and grave in his Carriage, invincible in his courage, Charitable to such as differed from in persuasions, so long as he saw their design was to promote Godliness; temperate in the use of the Creature, Frugal in the husbanding of his time, spending his spare hours in walking, meditating. Praying, or conversing with Christians about Soul-affairs. And indeed, he was of so holy a disposition, and heavenly temper, as that all good Men who knew him, reverenced him. To conclude, his greatest ambition seemed this, to act and suffer somewhat more than ordinary for God; that so he might, by a singular exemplary conversation, silence the reproaches of ungodly men, and give check to the Pride, Formality, Vanity and Carnality of too many Professors in these wanton days, which he sadly bewailed, as sad prognostics of great Desolations: Only, he hoped there were some, and the Lord would raise up more young Converts, who should be furnished with Spirits, and conversations for the enlargement of Christ's Kingdom. But more of his Spirit, Fears, and hopes, will appear, in, and by his following Letters. Penryn Octob. 5. 1669. My Dear and Respected Brother. I May tell you sad stories of my heart; O! how unbelieving, fearful, and faint found I it, on those short views I took of it: But that God, on whom my scandalous heart hath raised so many false stories heretofore, and then gave my fears the lie; and yet continue I untouched, and undisturbed to this hour. I do cast myself on the disposing hand of God, to live or die in my liberty, according to his pleasure; When I go forth, not expecting to see my Family again, and my frequent escapes, fill me with pleasing admirations of love, that (through Grace) I return triumphing in his goodness. How long this liberty may be indulged, I know not; but I know he will be a good God when he seizeth our freedom in the Gospel: and it will be the Rod of a Father, and may tend to our increase & settlement. I have had one very strange raising from the Grave since I saw you; the circumstances whereof compelled me, and others to own a very visible finger of God: But a Narrative of this would be too tedious; I desire you would be importunate with God, that I might eye the approaching Glory, and the return of that great Shepherd, and might feed in hope, singly aiming at the Lords blessed Interest, being contented with my own greatest decreases, might that be increased and enlarged. God's waterings and blessigs must give life and fruit to all our poor and defective labourings. O! Beg that these may be eminently with me; poor England I think is near heavy strokes for her barrenness, sensuality, and enmity against the power of holiness: the Lord grant this may not come as a snare on you and me; but that we may be sober and watchful unto Prayer. The gracious Lord, who dwelled in the bush, be with you, to teach, strengthen and warn you, that in his hand you may be serviceable and glorious; In him I am, and ever shall be, Your unfeigned friend, yet unworthy servant, T. T. Penryn Jan. 12. 1669. My Dear Brother, I Should rejoice to hear how God is dealing with your inward man, and what measures of success you are crowned with in your labours of the Gospel, and interest of the Son of God in the world. We may justly guests ●h●t God will do with us in the Land, by his breathe with his truths. I desire with much earnestness to know (seeing you have so many advantages beyond us in these poor corners) how the Spirits of Professors stand qualifyed, so far as a conjecture may be made, by the visible tenure of their carriages. I generally find a very secure, earthly, laizy frame hath seized those among whom I occasionally fall abroad: I hope better things with you; and that a more engaging relish, and taste of God & Glory, is fallen on their hearts; and a more refined pure lip, seconded by more humble, selfdenying converses before the world. O! What a blessed Omen would this be, that God is on healing terms of Grace with England; I must confess in the place where I now labour God is travelling forth with a measure of the greatness of his might: Some most stubborn and obstinate wretches attend the means, and our meetings grow; the Spirit of Jesus hath made some to fall under him, and our hopes of greater things are increasing; if the Lord for our unfruitful walkings blast not all. My Dear Brother; I need not tell you how sweet it is to be tabernacling in Mount Tabor, by close believing. Meditation, to see your Lord and mine; and on those views to rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of Glory: and by the stme also to mourn over unkindness with bitterness, as for an only Son. Your received anointings lead me, and keep you there: Only I must tell you, Sermons much watered in the Closet, and steeped in fervent Prayer, will ordinarily prove most quickening to the dead, and consolating to the Saints; and a heart dropped upon by such views, will lay a more than usual tincture of Heaven upon the mouth which will have a choice influence in a Teachers treating with Souls. I must commit you to Israel's Keeper, in whom you may repute me, Your unfeigned well-wishing friend, and engaged Brother, T. T. Jan. 28. 1669. My dear Brother, I See you have taken up a more than ordinary care for me; the ground of which I suppose, is, somewhat of God you conjecture is upon me: In which, I beg the Lord you may not be mistaken. If I should confess the truth to my bosom Brother, my Heart is such a confused disordered piece, its Principles and ends lying so vieled and hidden from myself, that most frequently I am mine own stranger; I know not who, or what I am, whether God or self sways me. Only this stays me, that were the eye of my heart leveled as directly, and in as much singleness at the glory of God in Christ, as I would have it be in my greatest strangeness to him and myself, I think I should be sincere. This therefore being much my state, I may admire at the touch of God's Finger on your heart, to turn it to such a worm. I had no sooner the Letter, but I saw much of God by it; and in such providences, (through the Redeemer) I desire to hold some communion with him. I shall hint at a footstep of the blessed walks of God to me, so far as your Lines may require. Seven or eight years since, I found amongst the writings of a deceased friend, two Bonds belonging to a poor Ophan; on the finding of which, I sent word to the Orphan, of them, who came to the House where I dwelled, and gave order that one of her Debtors should be sued, for the calling in her Money. Accordingly that Bond was sent to a Lawyer, and the Debtor sued; But it being out of the way of my employment to attend such a business, I acquainted the Orphan I should not follow that affair, but leave it to a Kinsman of hers to manage it; and accordingly regarded it no further; he promising to show all fidelity for the bringing in from the Debtor, the Money to the Orphan. In process of time, not having heard of the business, either from the Orphan or her Kinsman, and therefore concluding all matters were regularly managed, and in equity between them. As I was alone in my imprisonment, I had a thought that stuck upon me. I must needs inquire what issue of the Orphan's affair, in her Kinsman's hand had attained; and on an inquiry, found out that the Orphan was abused, and damnified 14 l. by this Kinsman, who yet had so saved himself, that no Justice could be gained against him. On which I was under many disputes with myself, whether I were not obliged to take care the Orphan might be satisfied. I did propose the case, but was informed in the Negative. However, because I entrusted it in his hand, I could not so clearly discharge myself; and therefore lately borrowed the money, and paid it to the Orphan; resolving, notwithstanding my present condition, rather to be the sufferer myself, then that the fatherless Child, by the others injustice, should be injured; and was determined to eye the Lord for a way to discharge that money so borrowed. Within a very little time I had borrowed the 14. l. yours came; and within a little season from another; and now you writ me of more, which makes up the sum. I have been somewhat moved under the graciousness of God: the Lord make me fruitful in my seasonable improvement of this dispensation. I should be very glad, might I see you at Crediton in my passing up to the Assizes: Many things I have to say, which I must silence, till God open a door for a more satisfactory converse. You are minded by us here, and I desire to live on your thoughts, when nearest God. I am yours in unfeignedness, T. T. May 11. 1670. My Dear Brother, YOurs of the 16th. of April, I received not till the 7th. instant. Your long silence I confess much amazed me: but now in your lines, and the reason by them given me of the suspense in those paper-enter courses, I rejoice. Since my last lines to you, according to my engagement by recognizance; I had an opportunity to spend some time with your friends at Crediton, Chimly, and Southmoulton▪ and am sorry where there is an appearance of so encouraging an harvest, so little stomach, and spirit is found in adjacent Labourers. It hath been long my thought, that God hath yet a great controversy with the Nonconforming (though the best) part of the English Ministry; among whom how few are there who naturally care for the state of the poor perishing Country; and what their hands find to do, do it with their might? This with that levity of Spirit, unholiness of Lip, Reigning Selfishness, Earthly mindedness, Formality, Lukewarmness in Worship, Security, etc. visible upon the professing body, doth as apparently and dangerously threaten England, as the more branded Debaucheries. I could hearty wish (had the wise Lord seen it fit) your station had been fixed in your native Soil, that you might be to the quickening of Brethren, and professing Saints; and also ready at hand to secure those poor corners, which seem to cry as the Macedonian in the vision, Come over and help us. But you know your proper gift, and I presume will carefully study and answer your calls. I did contract friendship in that journey, with Mr. Stucley, whom I find of another Spirit, in whose society my Soul was refreshed: And Mr. Flavel of Dartmouth, I find a well tempered Man; whom else I met with to rejoice in, of my Brethren I scarce know any. The times are now very black, and clouds are gathering in every quarter; what the issue of our storms may be, a little time will much indicate, I wish I could say, Nubecula cito transibit; To give you my fears, I think this nothing to what must ensue: I have been long waiting for this; and do confidently believe this not the dearest testimony that must be given to Gospel-truths, and Duties. A national overwhelming cluster of severe judgements, I am sore afraid, is at the door, sharper then what formerly, for some scores of years we have felt: though I hope there will be a larger measure of God to sanctify them, for the reforming of his own, and converting the Rebels, than ever we yet experienced. This I confess, is some stay to me, under what I am enforced to believe. I have often begged, if the Lord sees I am like to prove a dishonour to his Interest, he would first shut me up in the dust. Dear Brother, Pray for me, that I may do my work according to my convictions, humbly and with success; and that after my teachings of others, and small sufferings, I may not be a stranger to the Light, Love, and Life, by which the Saints are quickened, and so at last a Castaway. The Lord make you useful, and keep up your courage, and grant you a deliverance from rude and unreasonable men, which, with desires of the like cequests from you on my behalf, will be now all, From your most affectionate and engaged Brother in the Faith. T. T. Penryn, September 16. 1670. My Dear Brother, AT this Assize at Exon I was called to my Trial, but no persecutor appearing to give evidence against me; my jury acquitted me, and a Verdict of not guilty was returned. George Smith, the Deputy major of Torrington, when the Conventicle was surprised (and the grand Enemy in this affair) was at Lent Assize attending: but the Trial being put off; by this Assize God disabled him for such a journey, he having received in a drunken voyage, a fall from his Horse; by which his shoulder-bone is dislocated, and he rendered unable to dress or undress himself; and so like to abide to the day of his death. His Wife also (that violent Woman) died of a Timpany, a fearful spectacle to all beholders; she departed hence the night of that Lords day in which I exercised at Torrington, in my journeying now to my home. I suppose you heard of the bad end of another Persecutor there, one Denys, Smith, Brother in Law, who so much rejoiced when our meeting was broken up, affirming, the surprisal of the Conventicle did him more good, and more rejoiced him then all his losses did sadden him: his Wife also bitterly belched forth these words concerning me, hang the Rogue; hang him at the Signpost, or next Tree, and never send him to Exon: This poor wretch did hang himself in his own Study, and thereby his Estate is forfeited to the Town. Many much take notice, how signally God's hand hath been against them since that Meeting. There are a very precious handful at Chinely, Southmoulton, and adjacent parts, who gladly receive the word: their ready submission to the truth in my former journey, engaged my heart to visit them again, and hope our seeing each other hath not been in vain: Your memory is dear to sundry of them, and your scatter there. I wish they might again see you. A fruitful heavenly lip to improve truths imparted, by corresponding pressing conferences, is much wanting among us: I pray beg it for me, and your other Brethren, now labouring My complaint will not Crucify my unbelief, pride and deadness; pray labour for me with God, with whom I leave you, and am, Your much obliged Brother in the Lord. T. T. Penryn, October 7. 1670. My Dear Brother, I am a Sympathizer with you in dear Mr. R's loss of so choice a mate; but suppose his so exemplary living on God, will do much to quiet him in the loss of the best enjoyment not everlasting; and the ground of hope she is safely housed from the storms we feel and fear, will I believe, and do more sweetly reconcile him to this ungrateful and flesh-disgusting stroke. As for what God speaks to you in this providence, I think its plain, viz. That you more effectually daily die to what is not God and Spirit; and that you enure your Soul to more deep and fixed thoughts of your own dissolution. I hear many very precious ones have been lately, at London (through a malignant distemper in the Bowels) called ●ome; the Lord more fully warn them who survive, and us; also of those black and tempting days which probably are near us. My thoughts have been much of late settled, I know not how, on a conversing with the state of departed Saints, Martyred for the testimony of Jesus. I have observed in special two passages in Mr. Foxes Acts, etc. The one of Mr. Roger's the Protomartyr in mary Reign; who in his Prison had this passage to the Printer of Mr. Fox's book, then in bonds with him, Thou (said he) shalt live to see the alteration of this Religion, and the Gospel freely preached again: and therefore have me commended to my Brethren, as well in Exile as others; and bid them be circumspect in displacing the Papists, and putting good Ministers into Churches, or else their end will be worse than ours. The Printer accordingly lived, but what remains for us who have shamefully slighted his counsel, time will evidence. The other is from Mr. Holland, who thus bespeaks Bonner after his sentence; This I dare be bold in God to speak (which by his Spirit I 〈◊〉 moved to say) that God will shorten our hand of cruelty; that for a time you shall not molest his Church; and this shall you in short time well perceive (my Brethren) to be most true; for after this day in this place, there shall not be any, by him put to the trial of Fire and Faggot. After which there was not one burned in Smithfield. I principally consider that expression, That for a time they should not molest his Church. The Lord prepare me for a suffering day, and if fair weather succeeds, we shall be more watchful in its improvement. As for our condition 'tis full of threats and trouble; Warrants are granted for the levying of 220 l. on me; yet God hath kept them off; but I am expecting daily to be stripped of all. Our meeting place is taken from us, through their threaten on our Landlord: we now meet at my house, and once each Lordsday above the number; but very few are free to attend, unless with four. I am also threatened to be persecuted on the corporation Law; so that I am constantly expecting an imprisonment: but I shall endeavour to turn into the strong hold, as a Prisoner of hope. I should very gladly understand more particularly, how it is with you in this troublesome and sickly time; however, the Lord clear up your interest, and grant you an open door; if called hence into his presence with exceeding joy. I shall commit you to God, beseeching him to guide and use you, and to preserve you blameless to his Kingdom. I am yours most unfeignedly. T. T. FINIS. ERRATA. P. 4. l. 1. r. others. p. 6. l. 27. deal of them. p. 7. l. 25. r. about. p. 10. l. 24. for conversion r. conversation. p. 11. l. 24 for convenant r. convert. p. 12. l. 25. for and r. and. p. 26. l. 21. for hoth r. hath. p. 30. l. 3. deal you know I have. p. 36. l. 20. r. related. p. 42. l. 15. after in add understanding. p. 43. l. 6. for refuse r. refuge. p. 47. l. 28. after him r. in. p. 52. l. 15. for some r. same.