A NARRATIVE OF THE Holy Life, and Happy Death OF That Reverend, Faithful and Zealous man of God, and Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Mr. JOHN ANGIER, Many years Pastor of the Church of Christ at Denton, near Manchester in Lancashire.  
Wherein are related many Passages that concern his Birth, Education, his entrance into the Ministry, discharge of his Truth therein, and his Death.  Phil. 3.17. Brethren, be followers together of me and mark them which walk so, as ye have me for an example. 
LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns, at the lower end of Cheapside, near Mercer's Chapel. 168   

The PREFACE.  
GOdly Ministers are styled the Chariots and horsemen of Israel; these are the watchmen of the city, that give warning of danger, intercede with the Lord; and doubtless the Church of God must needs receive great detriment by the removal of such worthies. It is a saying of the Jewish Rabbins, Quando luminaria patiuntur Eclipsin, malum est signum mundo, when the heavenly luminaries are eclipsed, it's a dreadful presage of approaching evil to this lower world. The Church in these parts hath been successively blessed with famous Ministers, and gracious Christians, whose praise is in the Churches of Christ; many whereof now sleep in the Lord; yet through God's wise care of the Church's succession, not a few are yet left, as hopeful slips spring up in their room; on whom and the people surviving, I would here take occasion to drop a word of counsel.  
1. You that are like to succeed this old stock of Preachers, worn or wearing out, look to your planting into Christ; let your own Souls be duly built upon the right foundation; presume not to be Ministers before you be Christians; get experience of Divine Truths in your own Souls, and transcribe them in your daily practice: Believe, repent, obey, yourselves, or you will teach these things sorrily and unconcernedly; whatever your gifts be, see you have sincere grace, and dedicate your all to God; you serve an holy God, Christ, you preach an holy Gospel, you have before you holy examples, be you also holy in every change, in all conditions. Aaron's ornaments signified nothing, if Holiness to the Lord was not writ upon his forehead in a plate of Gold: if you had profound Wit and Learning, tenacious Memories, brave Elocution, that you could speak with tongues of Men and Angels, all is of no worth without Grace within, and universal sanctity; one allowed sin will worm-eat the goodliest trees, and blast the pleasantest fruits; some Ministers are eminent for one rare gift, others for other accomplishments; all have some, few have all; some modest young men look upon themselves as much behind others, are apt to be discouraged; my advice to such is, to make up that defect in diligence, holiness and in faithfulness; what Nature or Art denies, get a supply by Grace; Grace within, vigorously exercised, the assisting grace of God fetched in by faith and prayer; Be faithful to what you have, if you cannot attain to much: that's a brave saying of Luther's, and shall be my Motto, I desire to be found a faithful Minister of Christ and his church, if I cannot be prudent or skilful: Let not weakness of parts discourage you; some ordinary men of low gifts, may honour God more than some famous learned Doctors: Be industrious in your Studies: daily improve your talents; you have more helps than your predecessors; give not occasion of the complaint of that Hebrew Rabbi, that the Father had Ploughed, Sown, Reaped, Fanned the Wheat, set Bread on the Table, but the children have not a mouth to eat it; the greatest Parts may rust away by idleness; but meanest grow bright and useful by diligent improvement; the diligent hand with God's blessing makes rich; but be sure you keep humble: despise not, but reverence your forefathers; if you exceed them in advancement of Learning in some points, it's well if you fall not below the min real worth, as to the power of Godliness: read their lives in Mr. Clarks Collections, (especially this last Volume printed since his Death) and be ashamed of yourselves, and provoked to a holy Emulation in true piety and Zeal; get into a corner, and tremble to see yourselves thus outstripped, and implore more Grace from Heaven.  
I have but a word to say concerning this Discourse, the Life of this holy Man of God; I confess many discouragements lay in the way of this undertaking, not fit now to be named; the main was, That we were not capable of doing any thing worthy of him, and it's better do nothing at all, than not to purpose to answer the fame of him, or expectations concerning him; but my Answer is, that of the Poet Lucan, 
Quod si digna tua minus est mea●  
pagina laude, at voluisse sat est.  And, difficilium facilis est venia: If I am not able to make a Fine portraiture of all the Features, it may be this rough draught may exceed some of our attainments and excite usto imitation, and may some way tend to the glory of our grea● Master; and then I have my end. If any say its poorly done, and might have been done better. I confess it, and let them contribute something to mend it; but this is the best we can find, according to ou● Information; and if we cannot bring 〈◊〉 Lamb, our two Turtle Doves may b● accepted both by God and man. Let th● Infinite, Omnipotent, Faithful God, pu● in labourers into the Harvest, supply Va● caneys, second his Servants labour's with his blessing, and continue hi● Church, Ministry, and presence wit● these Nations to the end of the World Amen.   

A Narrative of the Life and Death of Mr. John Angier, Minister of the Gospel at Denton.  
MR. John Angier was Born at Dedham in Essex, of Pious Parents, and was baptised there, October 8th 1605. He was careful 〈◊〉 Instructed by his Parents betimes, in ●e Principles of Religion, Educated in school-learning in the same Place, being ●t and capable, and from his Childhood ●uch inclined to his book, and very desi●us to be trained up for the Ministry, ●hich he made his early and earnest choice, 〈◊〉 appears by this remarkable story which have heard confidently reported by creable persons. It is this: As this John, who was the firstborn Son, named after 〈◊〉 Father) with his three Brethren, Be●eel, Samuel, and Edmund, were coming ●m School to their Father's house, there fell a shower of Rain; they all run under Tree in an Hedge for a shelter; they standing there seeing it Rain apace, begun 〈◊〉 make their several wishes; one wished would Rain Learning; another Wool, and their Money, and another Plumbs; th● pleasing themselves with their juvenile fa● eyes; which options manifested their di● ferent Inclinations, and became proph● tick presages of their future disposals: Fo● behold, a Neighbour over hearing them, a● quainted their Father, who ealling them 〈◊〉 him, examined them one by one, saying Joh● what did you wish it might Rain such a tim● in such a place? He was at present something abashed, and loath to Answer, but bein● further urged, said, Sir, I wished it wou● Rain Learning: Why, said his Father, wh● Profession wouldst thou be of? he Answered, I would be a Preacher. Come Be● said the Father, what didst thou wish 〈◊〉 would Rain? he answered Wool, Wh● said he, what Calling wouldst thou choose he answered, I would be of your calling a Clothier: Samuel, said the Father, wh● hadst thou a mind it should Rain? He a● sweared Money, for I have a mind to be 〈◊〉 Merchant: And lastly, calling Edmund, demanding the same, he answered that he desored it might Rain Plumbs, for he would choose to be a Grocer: The Father bei● an intelligent considerate man, thus obse● ving every one's genius; and being furnished with a competent estate, suited to them Callings according to their wishes; Bezaleel was a rich Clothier in Dedham, a gracious man; he died October 30. 1678. Samuel the Third Son, being brought up a Merchant, lived in good repute in Holland beyond Sea, and there died, in March 1666/7. Edmund the youngest being bound Apprentice to a Grocer, went into New-England, and is the only survivor, hath many years kept a Grocer's Shop in Cambridg there, and I suppose is living at the writing hereof.  
But to retun to the Eldest Son John, the subject of this discourse. Being trained up a Scholar, proved a notable instrument of Glory to God, and good to souls in his generation. And thus they all answered the ends of their education, and had good success; a good Item to Parents in disposing their children to Callings, rather to consult their children's capacities and inclinations, than their own humours and conveniencies; things do always best when voluntarily chosen; when the stream of natural affections runs to the channel of an adapted Vocation, it bears down all oppositions, and attains the desired Port of a suitable success in the most arduous enterprises; hence Dr. Harris saith, he never attemtped any thing within the verge of his Calling, ●hough it seemed difficult in the entrance, but with God's blessing on his industrious prosecution, he sound it feasible and facile; but, nil invitâ Mineruâ, that which is attempted against heart, or without an adequate capacity, goes on heavily, and seldom renders the professor of his Calling fit to manage it to purpose, or arrive at any eminency in it, because it goeth against the grain; wisely therefore did the Athenians, who brought their youth into a place where the Utensils for all Callings were laid up, that making their choice thereof, each might have the Calling he had thereby chosen.  
And as his proficiency at School was according to his time, so divine grace did be times begin to reach and touch the heart of this our young Timothy, 
2 Tim. 3.15.  who from a child had known the holy Scriptures; for at Twelve years of age the Lord dealt with his conscience, by some rays of illumination, and darts of conviction, which more effectually were fastened in him by Mr. Roger's Ministry after his father's death; but from his first conviction he had much trouble upon his spirit, which he kept much to himself, and often retired into a corner, being ashamed that any one should know of his heart-grief: his Mother being a choice and gracious Christian, often spoke to him of Soul concerns, wept and prayed much for him. At a competent age his Father sent him to the University of Cambridg; he was admitted in Immanuel College, where notwithstanding his pious education, and hopeful impressions, before mentioned, he sell off to vain company, and lose practices, (see the slipperiness of youth!) to the great grief of his parents, and his own present guilt, and after bitterness in the review. There he continued, and commenced Bachelor in Arts before his father's death; who being sick, sent for this his son to come home from Cambridg, but he came so late; that in, the afternoon, as he approached towards Dedham, he met the people going from his father's Funeral, which had a very deep impression upon him. God took hold of this occasion more effectually to awaken his conscience, and Alarm him to his duty.  
Mr. Angier was kept a season at his mother's house, followed his studies, attended on Mr. Roger's Ministry; this Mr. John Rogers of Dedham was a mirror and miracle of zeal and success in his Ministerial labours; it was wont to be said, Come let's go to Dedham to get a little fire: he was Lecturer there, and preached once on Lordsday, and a Lecture on the Tuesday, to which multitudes of people flocked from the parts adjacent; and his plain preaching was blessed with a large Harvest; however some expressions and gestures he used, would now seem indecent; yet the gravity of the man, and general reverence people had for him, rendered them not only not offensive, but sometimes very effectual; his taking hold with both hands at one time of the supporters of the Canopy over the Pulpit, and roaring hideously, to represent the torments of the damned, had an awakening force attending it. Mr. Thomas Goodwin, after Dr. Goodwin, when he was a Fellow in Cambridg, and an eminent Preacher, much followed and honoured, occasionally hearing Mr. Rogers, fell under such convictions, that he after professed, that he looked on himself neither as a Christian, nor a Preacher; one passage Mr. Angier hath oft mentioned, That Mr. Rogers being called to Preach a Marriage Sermon, I think insisted on the Wedding garment; God did so set in with the word, that the Marriage-Solemnity was turned into bitter mourning, so that all the Ministers that were at the Marriage were employed in comforting, or advising, consciences awakened by that Sermon. Oh Blessed espousals betwixt Christ and Souls, such sorrow was better than carnal Laughter, and laid a solid foundation of Spiritual joy. A Gentlewoman that Traveled ten Miles to hear plain and powerful Mr. Rogers, being in great troubles of conscience, desired some conference with him; and after she had related her condition, telling long and sad stories of her had heart, sad state, God's wrath due to her, danger of dropping into Hell, etc. the good old man, hearing all this, at last started up, and fetched some frisks on the floor, and cried out, God be thanked, God be thanked; the Gentlewoman thought the old man mad, and was strangely surprised to see him rejoice in her sorrow; But he knew what he said, and rejoiced in that sorrow, that was the seed-plot of so blessed an harvest; for that Gentlewoman proved an eminent Saint, and a lovely Consort in exile and tribulation to a very holy and eminent Minister of Christ, as her own sister hath told me.  
Mr. Angiers manner was, when he attended Mr. Roger's Lecture, after Sermon, when others stayed, discoursed, dispatched business, he for his part went home to his chamber, meditated, prayed, worked the Sermon upon his heart for about an hour, and thereby imprinted it so lastingly upon his memory, that he never forgot many passages; and by that time the family got home, he was ready to take his dinner with them.  
He lived a season at Mr. Roger's house, who sometimes put him upon praying in the family, which he performed with so much experience, humility, and tenderness, that Mr. Rogers would often commend him, and say to his friends, this Mr. Angier will make a choice man in his generation. Another season he was with one Mr. Witham, whom I oft heard him commend as a great Scholar, and a witty man, of pregnant part, though not so successful in his Ministry, as a neighbour Minister of far meaner abilities; one being asked the reason, answered, there was too many for God to work by; I know some say it was Mr. hooker's expression of the famous Mr. Richardson on the same account; but I think I have heard it of the aforesaid Mr. Witham: alluding to gideon's first Army, 
Judg. 7.2.  of which God said, The People that are with thee, are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands; but to whomsoever it was applied, the lesson is useful, to convince us of the Lords Sovereignty in owning or disowning persons Ministry; and his Wisdom, lest too much should be ascribed to man, and God should lose his Glory.  
After this, his dear Mother being tender of her sons spiritual good, consulted with her Christian friends, how to dispose of him; she was one of a thousand for grace, holiness, charity; one passage I shall make bold to insert, which he often mentioned, That she would have been displeased, if she had not been called upon for any work of Charity, saying, she would not have her hand out of a good work. Oh, the prayers and tears she poured out for all her Children, especially for this her son, not only because he was her firstborn, but chief because he was devoted to God's special work in the Ministry, and because of his former backslidings, and her jealousy of him for the future; upon consultation with friends, and begging of advice from God, she being afraid to send him again to Cambridg, resolved to send him to Mr. John Cotton, at Boston in Lincolnshire, where he was Tabled; he studied, and sometime Preached; there he contracted an intimate friendship with those three great Divines, Dr. Tuckney, Dr. Hill, and Dr. Winter; Mr. Anthony Tuckney was Fellow of Immaunel, and so continued a good while, till he was called to be Vicar of Boston; he was a serious, settled good man before he went to Boston, afterwards Master of Immanuel, and after that of St. John's in Cambridg. And for Mr. Thomas Hill, Dr. Preston, when Mr. Hill was Bachelor in Arts, intending to make him Fellow, sent him to Mr. Cotton for some time, and when he returned thence, chose him Fellow, designing his settled seriousness in Religion, before his Election; for which he thought Mr. Cottons family might be a likely means, and so it proved: afterwards Dr. Hill was Master of Trinity-college in Cambridg, and Dr Winter Master of Trinity-college near Dublin in Ireland; all famous Lights in the Church of God; Mr. Angier surviving them all.  
And by the way it will not be thought impertinent to digress a little, in giving a few hints concerning Mr. Cotton, that Reverend and Worthy Man, though his life was at large written by a New-England Minister, and Mr. Samuel Clark after made some Collections out of it: yet some things Mr. Angier hath occasionally mentioned of him to some of his Brethren. Though Mr. Cotton was an excellent Text man, yet he would never deliver his judgement concerning the sense of a Scripture, till he had first consulted both the Original and Context; an excellent pattern: Mr. Angier hath sometimes related to his intimate friends, that Mr. Cotton never went into his Study when called out on any occasion, but he began his Studies again with Prayer.  
A Reverend Minister saith, he Traveled with Mr. Angier when it hath Reigned smartly; and he told him he had Traveled so with Mr. Cotton; and he hath asked him what use he would make of such a Providence? he said he took every one of those drops as his Father's Rod; and he used to consider his call, and to mind his work the more: this brings to my thoughts, a passage he oft told me of Mr. Roger's comparing a good conscience to a good Wise; if a man ride in a storm and be ill wet, he will comfort himself, and say, When I come home I have a good Wife, will make much of me, and bid me welcome home; so a good conscience will make much of one after a difficult journey, and foul Way and Wether, in a persecuting boisterous World: and I was Travelling in Cheshire with Mr. Angier, where the way was exceeding Deep and Foul; he told me what Mr. Cotton used to say in that respect concerning the state of good Souls; You in this level Country, saith he, i. e. in Lincolnshire, in summertime, when the ways are Fair and Dry, are apt to think and say, Surely this way will never be Foul and Dirty again; and in the Winter you think, when the ways are Deep and Unpassable, it's impossible that these ways should be dry again, or dusty; just so when God shines on the believers Soul with the Light of his countenance, he is apt to say, My mountain stands so strong I shall never be moved; but God hides his face, than he is troubled: when God is withdrawn, oh, saith the Christian, it will never be otherwise; but he lives to see things changed, the Sun breaks out from under a Cloud, and the black Clouds dispersed, and so his state comfortably cleared. Again Mr. Cotton observed, that God made all turns in the world for comfort or correction to his own people, modelled all things to their condition and necessities.  
Thus much for the digression concerning Mr. Cotton, which is not impertinent To return to Mr. Angier, whom w● left at Boston with Mr. Cotton, whe● his conversation was as became the Go● spell, only then and afterwards he had many thoughts of heart concerning the work of conversion upon his Soul, from what time he must date it, whether before his falls at the University, or after: This case of conscience he opened to an eminent Divine (Mr. White) with the circumstances o● both, reasons and aggravations of his sins yet that pious man gave him encouragement (yet spoke it with some confidence) that he was persuaded the first work of God upon his heart at Twelve years of age, was a saving-work, notwithstanding his after miscarriages, and that God might have gracious ends in permitting such backslidings, for his further humiliation, and preparation for further service.  
At this time there lived in Mr. Cottons Family, a gracious young woman, called Ellen Winstanly, born near Wigan in Lancashire, Niece to Mrs. Cotton; and it pleased God to knit this Mr. Angiers heart to her, and hers to him, that within a year after he came thither, they were Married in the Parish Church at Boston, April 16th. 1628. and they continued there till his son John was born, who was baptised in the same Church, June 13th. 1629. Mr. Anthony Tuckney being Vicar there then; about this time several Ministers and Christians went into New England, to enjoy the liberty of the Gospel, Mr. Angier had some thoughts of going also, however he first took a journey into Laneashire to visit his Wife's Relations, and take leave of them; they prevailed with him to preach at Bolton; R. M. one of Ringley Chappel, hearing him, obtained a promise to come to Ringley on a weekday, and Preach with Mr. Mather then at Toxtoth-Park Chappel; and preparing to go into New England, Mr. Mather begun, Mr. Angier was to succeed; but it being a hot Summer-day, and an exceeding throng, Mr. Angier was overcome with heat, and swooned, not being able to proceed, but was cut off about the middle of his Sermon from speaking. Mr. Mather went up, continued the exercise; that evening many of the chapelry followed Mr. Angier to Ellis Walworth's house, in Ringly-fold, and moved him to be Minister at Ringley; he deferred his answer until Monday seven-night after, at which time he was to preach at the Lecture at Bolton; many of the chapelry than heard him, and after the Lecture at one Widow Rothwels, presented to him a paper, wherein were the Names of the heads of the chapelry, that had votes in public concerns; he asked, whether the Names of all were in that paper; they told him th● names of all that had votes; but if he pleased all the rest would readily be had; After Mr. Angiers return to Boston, a Lette● was sent to him with the names of all th● Families, Masters, and others, and a Lette● was returned from Mr. Angier to the Chap● pelrie, That if they would fetch him and his Family, he might be theirs; whereupon in the beginning of September 1630. two good men were sent with Horses, and furni●ture, John Jackson, and Francis Critchly who stayed several days at Boston; Mr. Cot●ton judged the call to be clear, Mr. Angie● was well satisfied; the two faithful messenger brought Mr. Angier, his Wife, his Son his Maid, to Ringley, to the great joy 〈◊〉 those that feared God in the place. The Text he preached on was Philem. 22. But withal prepare me also a Lodging, for I trust that through your prayer I shall be given-unto you. Some time they were put to sojourn in another Family, till a fitting house was made ready; his settlement was in Ringly-fold in an ordinary house, with which he was well content; when people came to Repetition in his little house, and wanted room, and seats, he said, Better want room than good company; people were kind, and every way helpful, and the word of God did mightily succeed, and prosper exceedingly, much people was added to the Lord; ●ow Ringley had her day, a conversion●ay to not a few, an enlivening-day to many of God's children, that flocked thither like Doves to the windows, so that all the Christians that were capable and willing to attend private days and duties of prayer, ●ould not meet in one place, two places were oft appointed for that work, as some yet ●iving testify; this was a time of God's signal appearance, the Lord casting many Souls into the Mould of the Gospel, and a good impression remains to this very day, though many of that old stamp are fallen asleep: some can tell observable stories of Gods remarkable working on hearts, which at present I wave.  
As for his investiture in his Ministerial office, he had Episcopal ordination, Mr. Cotton having interest in Lewis Bayly, a Bishop in Wales (that put forth the Practice of Piety) he writ to him, with Mr. Angier, and he did ordain him without subscrption; your Mr. Angier kept a Nonconformist to the Ceremonies, and therefore had some adversaries, for Dr. Bridgman Bp. of Chester lived at Great-Leaver at that time, to whom were brought various and grievous complaints against Mr. Angier for not consoming; the Bp. sent for him, expostulated with him, being a kind of affront to preach so near him (it being but about two Miles distant) admonished him, exhorted him to conform; h● sent for him many times, yet usually gav● him very good words, and professed his grea● respect to him. God ordered it so by h● providence, that the Bps. Wife being a gracious Woman, was at that time much afflicted in conscience, and Mr. Angier by God blessing was an instrument of much good to her, by his counsels and prayers, which became a furtherance of his liberty; for the Bishop would usually say, Mr. Angier, you must see my Wife before you go, and she interceded for him; yet notwithstanding the Bishop could not be quiet, but some or other solicited vehemently against Mr. Angier, in so much as he was supsended twice in one year● but restored by the mediation of his friends; at last the Bishop said, Mr. Angier, I have a good will to indulge you, but cannot, for my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, (i. e. Archbishop Laud) hath rebuked me for permitting two Non-Conformists, the one within a Mile on one hand (that was good Mr. Horrocks at Dean-Church) another on the other, yourself; and I am likely to come into disfavour on this behalf; as for Mr. Horrocks, saith he, my hands are bound, I cannot meddle with him; ('tis thought he meant by reason of some promises to his Wife) but as for you, Mr. Angier, you are a young man ●d doubtless may get another place, and if ●ou were any where at a little further di●ance, I could better look off you, for I do ●udy to do you a kindness, but cannot as ●ng as you are thus near me, etc. some ●judg●d that one reason was, the Bishop's sons were ●t this time on the rising ground; and this his connivance might cross his design in their referment: he did suspend Mr. Angier, who continued a season under that suspen●on; however he had been ordained, June ●8. 1629. and a Provincial Licence was obtained for him, at a provincial Visitation at Manchester, Octobor 23. 1630. He continued, though not without some interrup●on, about a year and an half at Ringley Chappel; for he was suspended in that ●me.  
One particular I shall make bold to insert ●f the grace of God accompanying Mr. Angiers Ministry while he was at Ringley, 〈◊〉 is this, One Richard Hardman of Ratcliff●ridg, having received good by Mr. Angier's Ministry, a Sister of his living near to ●doughton Chapel in Dean Parish, came with ●er Husband to his house at Ratcliff-Bridg, ●n the Saturday Evening, the Night before ●hat which is called Midlent Sunday, to be ●erry at the Wakes, for that day Ratcliff-Wakes (which is a mad revelling or feast●g) began, and continued most of the Week ●ollowing: But God had turned the by as of Richard Hardmans heart another way and he plainly told his Sister and her Husband, they should have been more welcome at another time, but since they were the come, they must not expect his accompanying them, but rather desired them to go a● long with him to Ringley, and after Family duty he went into a private place to pray where he found so much of God's presence and help in a special manner for his Sister that he was satisfied that God would do he good: they both went with him to Ringl● to hear Mr. Angier, where God did la● hold on her heart; by a sound conviction an● deep humiliation, formerly she was wont t● scoff at Religion, now she set upon th● serious practice thereof, so far as coul● be judged, and her Husband was much restrained, and both of them as the● went home on the Monday, heard M● Angier at the Lecture at Bolton, she being soeverpressed in Spirit, could not for bear but went to Mr. Angier at Widow Norris' house, and had some talk with him; she stuck steadfast in Religion to he● dying day: But I shall forbear relating any more particulars.  
As for his remove from Ringley to De● tun, it was thus: he continued suspended at Ringley near half a year, and the● was no hopes of his restoration to 〈◊〉 former liberty there: and at this time De● ton. Chapel in Manchestor-parish was vacant, Mr. Broxholm being banished thence also by a suspension, the People seeking for a Godly Minister, several were proposed, Mr. Hyde of Norbury and Mr. Hyde of Denton had pitched on Mr. Henry Root, but Mr. Holland of Denton consented not, he told them of a little man at Ringley, one Mr. Angier; and saith he, I hear much good of him; if you will give him a call, you shall have my heart and hand. Accordingly they sent to him, he came and preached at Denton, they generally approved of him, chose him, he came thither in the year 1632. Preached his first Sermon on Easter-Sunday: when Mr. Holland, and Mr Hid of Norbury, and M. Hid of D●nton brought him thither, he said by God's grace he would take care of his work, but would look to them under God for Maintenance: there he continued to his dying day, notwithstanding all the public and personal vicissitudes, by which he met with varions interruptions, which was 45 years 4 months. His remove to a greater distance did not serve him, but even at Denton ●he found adversaries, and withal he found God his Friend there, who raised up for him many friends; hear himself relating how the Lord dealt with him, in his Epistle Dedicatory before his book, called An help to better hearts for better times, Pinted Anno Dom. 1647. Thus he saith, Tho in Nine or Ten years at Denton-Chappel, I preached not above two separated years (to my best remembrance) without interruption: and in that time was twice excommunicated, though Sabbath-assemblies were sometimes distractedly and sorrowfully broken up, and my departure from habitation and people often forced, no means left in sight of return, yet through the servant prayers of the Church, God renewed liberty.  
It was muttered that Mr. Angier had an hand in a certain Book, that reflected upon the Bishop, upon which he was much hazarded, being in danger of being brought into the High-Commission Court. I find that the Book was found in Stockport, importing some reflections upon the Archbishop Speech in Star-Chamber; and though Mr. Angier was suspected of it, yet he professet● his innocency in his Diary. But Purse vaunts came to apprehend him, and this trouble occasioned him to sell the Land at Ded●ham which his Father left him, worth 40 l. year, turning it into Money, as being less● visible, and so less subject to danger: Go● hide his person, as he did Jeremiah, an● Baruk: some Lords-days he hath preach● in his House, because he could not safely go unto the Chapel; sometime he traveled into Essex, abode there with his friends till the storm was blown over. R. R. a good stout man once riding with him near to Huntingdon, they were in danger of robbing, but he taking a Pistol into his hand, gave Mr. Angier the Case, and God moved the Thiefs to withdraw from them: He once met a Pursuivant on Delamere Forrest, Mr. Angier knew the Pursuivant at a great distance, and his Wife was much afraid, but the Pursuivant passed by and discovered him not: there was also one Starkey, ●n agent of the Spiritual-Court at Chester, ad●erfary to Mr. Angier, who frequently came, and punished him, whom God took. Mr. Holland Traveled to York for him once, if not oftener; where he had an old Friend in great office, who told him he would do any ●ny thing for him he desired: Mr. Angier ●old me as he was once going to York to get ●ff his suspension, or excommunication, providence cast him at Wakefield on the ●ords day, hearing Mr. Lister, Vicar there, ●ked his Preaching exceeding well, and perceiving that the Lords-Supper was to be administered that day in the Church, Mr. Angier stayed, joined with the Assembly. ●ad his liberty of gesture, found the Lord ●aciously present with him in the ordinances that day; having got a good repast, he went on in his journey, prospered in his business he often enquired after Mr. Lister, to whom he bore a great respect, and indeed he had Catholic Principles, and loved [Aliqui● Christ●] any thing of Christ, wherever h● saw it, and continued this good old Purita● spirit to his dying day. Mr. Lister, though his Senior succeeded him, being 80 years' 〈◊〉 age, had been Vicar of Wakefield 50. yea● was buried there, Jan. 17. 1678.  
When these storms were blown over, an● New confusions arose in the Kingdom, of C● vil dissensions and open Wars, he kept in h● work and station; and though he adhered to th● Parliaments part, yet his affectionate pray● for the King, temperate spirit, and continuing faithful to his principles, procure him good will from his greatest adversary he maintaining a good correspendence wi● all sober persons of different persuasions 〈◊〉 politics and ecclesiastics: instances where I could give, and testimonials concerning him, of his inoffensive behaviour, even fro● such as much differed from him; but forbear, his own works justify him before men.  
About this time his first Wife died, D● 14. Anno Dom. 1642. shortly after she h● born him a Daughter; she had been exce●ing tender in her constitution of body, 〈◊〉 of a troubled spirit; he had some exce● with her, though she was a gracious woman ' yet being of a melancholy constitution, Satan took great advantage in casting his fiery darts into such combustible matter, which occasioned much affliction both to herself and her husband, though he bore it with unparallelled wisdom and patience; she died in the beginning of the Wars, giving intimation to her husband who it was she desired might succeed her, which in convenient time he complied with, and about a year after did ●arry her, it was Mrs. Margaret Moseley of Ancots, a very prudent, gracious, Gentlewoman; they were married very publicly in Manchester Church, in the heat of the Wars; which was much taken notice of as a great act of faith in them both, Mr. Horrocks and Mr. Root preaching the marriage S●rmons, providence directing their thoughts to pitch both on one Text; which was Gen. ●2. 18. I will make him on help meet for him: both presaging what indeed she proved, an excellent suitable Wife to him, a tender mother to his three Children, and an useful mother in Isra●l; for though God denied her a fruitful Womb, yet she was very fruitful in good Works, of excellent parts, and well-ordered activity, of a public spirit, of rare accomplishments for piety, charity, sobriety; whom he enjoyed with abundant mutual content above 30 years: she died of a Tympany, and was buried in Denton Chappel, Octob. 31. 1675. after whose death he lived mournfully, till God translated him to her.  
Nor was this solemnity in his Marriage, any fruit of vain glory or ostentation, but upon consideration it was his settled judgement and advice, that Marriage should be publicly solmenized, yea his apprehension was that a regular approach should be mad● to Marriage, by mutual contract; this rule h● followed when his Daughter Elizabeth wa● to be Married to a Yorkshire Minister; they were contracted in the close of a solemn day of fasting and prayer, in his Study, by Mr. Nathaniel Rathband, who did excellently discourse on that subject, from Mat. 1. 18● When as his Mother Mary was espoused t● Joseph. And about a month after that, they were solemnly Married before a numerous Congregation in the Chapel. Mr. Harrion preaching on Eph. 5.31. (And the two shall be one flesh): and then feaste● above an Hundred persons of several Ranks Ages, and Sexes; he usually said, he love● to have a Marriage like a Marriage; he wa● far from voluptuousness or prodigality, an● therefore took care to prevent sinful excess or vanity, and with all shown a meet distance from moroseness or for did baseness grounding his apprehensions on our Saviour favouring and honouring with his presence, yea and miracle for liberal provisi on, that Marriage in Cana of Galilee, John 2. It's true Mr. Angier himself could not be present at that his daughter's Marriage, being indisposed by a Goutish humour in his foot, that he was not able to stir out of his Chamber, and that raised in him a holy meditation which he hath left upon reccord in his Diary. The Lord stayed my heart with John 2. Christ was at the Marriage, yet there was a defect in comfort, there wanted Wine, which our Lord made advantage of to his own Glory, and the help of the faith of his Disciples. He saith further, the week after, my Daughter was ill, so that God began with them betimes, to take off their hearts from earthly things.  
He stayed in that little Chapel at Denton ●n those free times wherein he had opportunity, and some calls to greater places for getting worldly perferment, but that was not ●uch considerable in his account. Some of his brethren can yet testify how much he was courted to greater and more public places; but his frequent refusal was an instance of ●is great self-denial; few men in his circumstances did stop the mouths of malignant ●ensurers in that case, so as he did; and old Mr. Langley of Middle-Wych in Cheshire, who being Minister there before the Wars (though 〈◊〉 years together silenced) yet when he was restored to his liberty, returned to them; 〈◊〉 great place, but of very pitiful maintenance, and continued there to his dying day. And it was observed, before one of the Bishops of Chester, since the Deprivation of Ministers by the Act of Uniformity, that it was a signal favour to Mr. Angier, that he should be permitted to live with that people still, as a reward for his tarrying with them when he might have removed to his greater advantage: and indeed all his actings spoke very much self-denial: how much worldly wealth might he have hoarded up if he had taken what was offered him, and retained what he had? take an instance or two. Mr. L. sent a man and horses for him before the Wars, into Craven, 30 or 40 miles, to baptise his child; Mr. Angier went, preached in Gisborn Church, (which some remember to this day, by some observable tokens that I have heard of) and God did marvellously work upon his Wife's heart● by that Sermon; when he returned, Mr. L. gave him five broad pieces of Gold into his hand, desiring him to accept them; but he● only took one, and gave him four back against another urging him with a broad piece, he absolutely denied it, begging an excuse with much modesty Another time preaching a Lecture at Braintree, a Gentleman came to him, a stranger, desiring him to accept of a 20 s. piece of Gold, which he thanked him for, but refused. But I forbear more instances.  
About this time, the good people of R●ngley, bestirred themselves to obtain Mr. Angier again to be their Minister, because he was first theirs, and forcibly driven from them; they thought they had the best right to him, therefore they writ a large and pathetical Letter to Mr. Angier, which I have by me, begging of him to return, addressing themselves to Denton people, with loving terms persuading them to release him, if it were but one year, to settle things amongst them: and again affectionally urging Ministers that were called on to give their advice to order him that way. The Letter is full of Christian bowels, and deserves recording, to manifest the endeared love of a people to their quondam Pastor, and their high respects to him. Take a few expressions.  
Reverend and much Honoured Sir,  
WE whose Names are here under written, being few in number, and long and not a little afflicted in condition, of that unworthy Congregation to whom God first lent you (in this County) having for a long time lain under the sad sense of the heaviest affliction that this life can bear, (viz.) not the bare fear but the plain feeling of the Almighty's displeasure, and hot indignation gone out against us, to the throwing down of that hopeful beginning of his house, which we thought he would have builded us into, whenas he was pleased to cause his Glory to shine in our public and private assemblies, and for a short time to set up his standard in our house of Worship; giving many of us, (and others about us) our first effectual call, and coming near to all his People, laying great restraint upon those without: but Oh, how soon began our black night, (nay age) to approach our loving Father (by our Enemy's hand) teared you away from us, turned his back, or hide his face from us, and hath in anger, by his all-disposing Providence thus spoken, and been speaking to this sad place this 20 years, and upward, Let very few or none more of this People be converted; let this People have little of my presence in their house of public meeting, let none of my Ambassadors be set over them for their profit; let them be decreased by death, by schisms, and by scandals; yea, let their public Assemblies be broken up, and let help and healing be looked for in vain; let them look for light, but behold obscurity, for brightness but walk in darkness. For these things, Reverend Sir, we do mourn, and our hearts are troubled, and to whom (under God) shall we lay open our sad afflictions, thereby to get ease, but to yourself, whom it pleased God once to make his blessed instrument for planting and watering so many Souls amongst us: we have had experience of your love to us, for which we desire to be thankful, and do bless God, and do therefore make bold to acquaint you with our broken condition, entreating your intercession for us; and, if it were the good will of the Lord, your return to us, with the consent of your people, without offence, though it could be but a short space, etc. And thus they go on, imploring it with great importunity, for the Church's sake, and the Lords sake, though but for one year.  
To this are 24 hands subscribed; but the People of Denton having possession, would by no means yield; and Ministers gave in their judgement, upon due consideration of circumstances, that for the public good of the Church, Mr. Angier should continue at Denton, in which he was willing to acquiesce.  
As to Mr. Angiers judgement in Ecclesiastical affairs, in free times, as he had not turned aside to conformity, on one hand, so now he stuck fast and firm to found and Catholic Principles, not turning aside to any ways of sinful separation, though some of his intimate friends forsook him, and some of his brethren censured him for too large Principles and practices in Church-administration: yet as he had a tender respect to congregational brethren; so they had (at least many of them) a great reverence for him; he was a principal member of that Reverend Class, (or Association of Ministers) at Manchester, and was of great account and use among them; such was their esteem of him, that they would scarce do any thing of importance without him, he oftentimes presided as Chairman, or Moderator, frequently attended the provincial Assembly at Preston, had ruling-elders in his own Congregation, but loved not dividing principles, or distinguishing Names, or Lordly domineering by any Arbitrary impositions: I have often heard him say, that in a little time, who ever lived, should see much of the Government of Christ should be carried on in particular Churches amongst themselves.  
He was of a Sweet, Moderate, Healing Spirit, both at home and abroad; yet very faithful and plain dealing, whereby some were at present offended, and possibly some of his principles or actings suited not some persons principles or humours; yet even those entertained what he spoke with high veneration; and if at any time they broke out into passions, or unruly animosities, his love and lenity, his mild carriage and compassionate Spirit, did so mollify and qualify their Spirits in time, that they were either overcome to a compliance, or won to endeared apprehensions of his candour and ingenuity: so that I have often thought of that passage of Melchior Adam one of the Germane Divines, 
Melch. Ad. in vit her Th. p. 65.  as applicable to Mr. Angier; it was Schwebellius, that had much to do with Anabaptists, and Swinckfeldians, [Quorum impetus mansuetudine fregit, patientia vicit & lenitate in ordinem coegit] thus this good Mr. Angier hath by mildness broke, by patience conquered, and lenity reduced to good order such as others rigour and severity hath exasperated to irreconcilable distances; but ordinarily an healing virtue followed his gentle hand.  
And for his judgement and practice in public and politic affairs, he was fixed in his apprehensions for Monarchy, and was not wheeled about with the change of times; he was one of those that bore his Testimony with the Rest of his Brethren, against that unparallelled murder of King Charles the first, and the Usurpations attending it; he refused to take up the engagement, though to his great prejudice, for he told a godly Minister that he lost 200 l. by his refusal of it. He durst not give God thanks for the Army's success against the Loyal Scots; he poured out many hearty prayers and tears for his present Majesty, asserted his right to the Crown in the face of apparent danger; joined with his Brethren in that solid plea for the Non-subscribers to the Engagement, which was (to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as it is now Established without King or House of Lords) for which they were threatened and endangered, till God broke that snare; some troubles both Mr. Angier and some Ministers and Gentlemen went through, for owning his Majesty's interest, they were carried Prisoners to Lever● pool, and from thence removed to Ormskir● because of the Plague; they had indeed the liberty of their friends visiting them, and free intercourse; they spent much time in prayer, and thus strengthened one another hands in God, and left a good favour be hind them, the remembrance whereof continues to this day.  
At this time was the conception, and afterwards the birth of that excellent Treatise of Mr. Edward Gee's, than Parson of Eccleston (and prisoner with them) about prayer; the occasion whereof was this: Amongst the rest of the debates managed by these holy men, this was one great case of Conscience, wherein they desired satisfaction, viz. Whether God may hid himself from his people's prayers, grounded upon his promise, and seem by his providences to answer the prayers which are contrary thereto? whether this can be paralleled with any examples? in what sense God may do this? what may be the reason thereof? what use may be made of Gods proceeding herein? This multifarious question being the proper subject of that day, and not satisfying themselves in their present discourses, they judged it fit to refer it to a suller discussion by some able pen, and pitched upon Mr. Gee, who undertook it, and writ an excellent treatise, which is extant, and of great use at this day.  
Other cases of Conscience did occur in that day, wherein Mr. Angiers advice was desired; one was, Whether Justices of Peace or other Officers might take commissions from, and act under those Usurped powers? Mr. Angier thought they might, bringing instances of Civil Officers acting in their stations the six years of Athaliah's usurpation: there is a full treatise in writing upon this subject: many such cases were propounded to him, and solidly resolved; and indeed he was esteemed by good men, the living Oracle of his time, as Mr. Hildersham before him, and by some ill-willed persons he was called the Idol of Lancashire, because of the great value most men set upon him: but more of this subject shall be subjoined ●n the close, of his facutly in resolving weighty cases of Conscience.  
He was not a man for Military Exercises, yet his counsels and prayers had influence on weighty affairs, and this was the sphere he moved in, not thrusting his Sickle into another's Harvest, but declaring his judgement as a Minister of the Gospel, when consulted with: he could not but inquire now it went with the Church of God at home and abroad, that he might accordingly order his prayers; and for this reason its said reverend Mr. Hooker of New Englan● was a great inquirer after News, and h● said he did it upon the same account; and thus did holy Nehemiah make inquiry, no● out of Athenian curiosity, but Christian conscientiousness, to sympathise with the Church of God: he had no hand in public● revolutions, hence it was that he enjoyed 〈◊〉 much peace, and that all parties had an hig● esteem of him; in the Lord Delamere appearance for his Majesty's Interest, Mr● Angier stayed at home, though his hear● and prayers were that way; yet he foresa● the event, and in that God graciously hear● his prayers for preventing the effusion o● blood, and bringing in the King in so 〈◊〉 markable a manner the year following, fo● which Mr. Angier kept solemn days 〈◊〉 thankfulness, though he also predicted a● approaching storm on many of the Minister of Christ, that could not run the same length that others complied with; and at an e●ercise at Eccles he gave remarkable hints o● what was coming on, from Exod 14. 1● in a full assembly of several sorts of hearen but so wisely, that the most malicious Mo● could not take advantage from his Sermon and indeed he might be allowed to spea● what others could not, his integrity an● loyalty, his uprightness and peaceblen● being deeply engraven in the Conscience of all that knew him, and his name bei● precious to all that heard of him; when the Act of Uniformity came out, he preached very plainly on Esther 4.1. It was very admirable to observe what pat and proper Scriptures he chose, pertinent to public or personal occasions, and how sweetly and suitably he accommodated his matter thereto.  
His most natural Genius led him to be a Son of Consolation: he had a peculiar gift in opening the sweet promises of the Gospel, and pouring oil into wounded consciences, incouriging drooping Spirits, answering sad objections to abundant satisfaction; yet he could (and sometimes did) act the part of a Boanerges, to thunder out the menaces of the Law against secure and sturdy Sinners; and the Lord blessed his Ministry both ways, for levelling high Mountains, and lifting up Valley-Souls. He was an excellent Text-man, a solid Expositor; his way was, comparing one Scripture with another, wherein he had a singular art, showing the main scope of the Holy Ghost therein, raising pertinent doctrines therefrom; though he had consulted with Expositors (of which he had store of choice ones) yet he made no ostentation of his acquaintance with them by numerous quotations, but extracted the marrow out of them, and pitched upon what seemed to him most proper.  
He did not concern himself with controversies in the Pulpit, but preached the most plain, practical, experimental truths, and often inculcated the Essentials of Religion, still teaching the people knowledge, insomuch as the Christians that were bred under his Ministry were solid, substantial, knowing and peaceble professors, few warping off to the errors of the times; and i● he had occasion to deal with the petulant Sceptics or D●gmatizers of this age, h● rather laid down positive truths, and solidly confirmed them, than follow the wil● vagaries of Erratic Spirits, by disproving them; judging with Zuinglius, [Veris intellectis, falsa etiam haud difficulter agnoscunter]; when truth is discovered, error is detected; and is either acknowledged, o● falls of itself. But indeed he loved no● disputes, nor did his studieiss or genius carry him out to controversies, except God's glory, and the necessary defence of truth required it, and then also he managed things so calmly, fairly, that he won adversaries, and won credit to his cause; Dissensions were his burden, unity his delight, and God gave him his desire, for the Divisions of Reub● he had sad thoughts of heart; and for disputes among Divines, was ready to breath● out with honest Summerh●ld, that sad word [quis me tandem liberabit ab ista rixosa Theologia] who at length will set me free fro● this brawling kind of Theology? For Mr. Angier still expressed a sad regret upon such unwelcome occasions of dispute and contention, his usual expression being, This is ●edious work, and goes on wearily.  
'Tis true he was a great peacemaker in sacred or civil broises: if any of his neighbours had quarrels with one another, the matter was brought before him, and his wisdom sound out some expedient to reconcile ●hem, and his grave exhortations usually prevailed for accommodation; if not, he laid ●t deeply to heart, and still made it the matter of his prayer; but God ordinarily blessed him with success, and gave him the blessing pronounced to peacemakers, to be called one of the Children of God; in some cases of difference, I have known him (said ●ne that had reason to know it, and is faithful ●n the relation) give Money out of his Purse, to compose some quarrels: and ●tho those days were most grievous to him, yet when his success answered his designs, the issue and the review were sweet to his spirit, and he did not repent his weary labours.  
Mr. Angier did not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing he engaged his whole man in that which he went about, not doing the work of the Lord negligently: he took great pains in studying his Sermons, and they were elaborate, full fraught with Spiritual marrow, very exact, no waste word or repetitions, but went on smoothly, pertinently, sententiously, though he studie● matter rather than words, and never use notes in all his life, but took pains to comm● his Sermon to memory, which he had before diligently penned; he stood not to loo● proofs, but repeated the words of the Scriptures he quoted exactly, yet memoriter, 〈◊〉 improving them to the present occasion holding up his hands all the time of his Sermon, speaking with an even, audible voice with much ardency and intention both 〈◊〉 Spirit and Speech; his Sermons were n● long nor full of heads, but well compact and me hodical (which is an help to memory) and under those few particulars he ha● pertinent and plain inlargements; he preached longer in his younger days, and in his old age about an hour, scarce any more 〈◊〉 less, and it exceedingly spent him, usually sweeting at his coming out of the Pulpit; warming a Scarlet Cloth, and laying it on his Breast, for he was very subject to catch cold after preaching; and I have hear● him speak of old Mr. Rogers, that in his younger days when he came out of the Pulpit, one must have stayed him, to have discoursed with him, than another, in the open air, when the pores are open; but he found sensible prejudice by it, and learned to take more care of himself, for people did not consider it.  
It was little less than a Miracle that a man of such a weak constitution as Mr. Angier was, could bear up so long under such daily and indefatigable labours, his constant preaching, twice every Lord's day, most part of his time, travelling and preaching many exercises abroad on Weekdays, his monthly attendance in the Classical Presbytery, requent travels to the Provincial Assembly, constant assisting in the Ordination of Ministers, observing many private fasts amongst his own People, and abroad; yea extraordinary fasts in public, especially the monthly fasts kept for Ireland, at that time, ●e ordinarily kept the fast himself, wherein he spent six or seven hours in wrestling with God in prayer, or preaching the word; ●e was wonderfully enlarged, and had a great measure of the Spirit poured upon him, as to the assistance of his Spirit, and his body was much supported, for he ●aid private fasts spent his natural strength more than his sabbath-days work, for he still ●ept the posture of kneeling; and did affectionately join with others that were exercised; or he put others on to prayer, and himself loosed up the day with a short but warm melting prayer, being short towards the ●tter end of his days.  
His observing fasts with his people was 〈◊〉 evidence that his delight was in that ●ind of work; for he hath oft said, that one great thing that tied and indear● him to that poor people, was, that when ever they had occasion, they appointed fast, and did join together in prayer, and also in praise; and he had a particular honour to his worthy friend, Col. Richard Holland, on that very account, that st● (he said) when he had been in troubles, 〈◊〉 did constantly call good people to pray 〈◊〉 God with him.  
He was so constant in his Ministerial wo● and diligent in his studies and preaching his own people, that though Mr. Harrison of Ashton (his intimate and entire friend and he, lived near together for twenty year yet never did they exchange places for o● day in that time to ease themselves; M● Herle told him he had a weak body, yet Venice Glass well looked to, would last considerable time: and notwithstanding 〈◊〉 excessive labours, God maintained in him considerable measure of health, possibly mo●● than he enjoyed in his younger years; a● next to Divine Providence, much may 〈◊〉 ascribed to his severe temperance, observance of diet, composedness of mind, a● care of himself, according to his experiment of what he had found helpful or hurtful 〈◊〉 him: and though he was of a far weak● constitution than Mr. Harrison, and Eld● by several years, yet survived him; 〈◊〉 whom he hath sometimes said, Mr. Harrison you think you can do any thing, but your body will fail you, and indeed it did, for though that learned, gracious, zealous man of God had a very strong, healthful, robust body; yet by his excessive Studies, and assiduous labours, and watch, and sitting so close without fire in cold Winter-nights', that his nerves were so contracted, and his body so weakened, that some years before he died he could not stir Hand nor Foot, yet was hearty, and would often say, if I were in the Pulpit I should be well. But to return to Mr. Angier, he was a man much in prayer, and mighty, it may be said of him as of David; Psal. 119.164. That he prayed or praised God seven times in a day: at least twice, (I think thrice) with his Wife, twice alone, and twice with his Family; in his Family-work he was very profitable, every one got a verse or more out of the Chapter read at prayers; he gathered some useful instructions, short, but substantial, and accommodated to the condition of the Family, Eight of the Clock in the Morning, and betwixt five and six at Night before Supper, were the ordinary seasons for Family worship, beginning with a Psalm, by which the Family had notice to come together: his constant course was to have a Chapter read after Dinner, and Supper, before they risen from the Table, and before thanks was returned; and he said, he took up that usage of having a Chapter read at Meals from Mr. Rogers of D●dham; worthy Mr. Samuel Hildersham had constantly two staves of a Psalm sung after Meals, so had the first Christian Emperor Constantine the Great, as Euseb●us tells us, and I have known some use it.  
And as Mr. Angier was much in prayer, so he was mighty in prayer, fervent as well as frequent, he wept and made supplication, Jacob like, yea he was an Israelite; a Prince with God, he was by some called Weeping Angier; for as he seldom risen off his knees without Tears, so some have observed, Tears at some seasons trickle down to his Band, in great abundance: Mr. Isaac Ambrose, in his Diary Printed with his Media, saith, that upon a solemn day of fasting and prayer in Manchester Church Mr. A. concluding, his prayer was so working, that I believe it melted all hearts; and for my own, saith he, it pleased the Lord so to soften and to break it, that so far as I remember, it was never in such a melting frame in any public ordinance before; and as it worked on men's hearts, so it was prevalent and reached God's heart, as the event did demonstrate; thus the inwrought Prayer, [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] of a righteous man availeth much: certainly Mr. Angier had many remarkable returns of prayer; whereof it may be something shall be added out of his own papers hereafter; so great was the esteem of him generally, that he was frequently sent for to pray with some Melancholy persons, and some possessed, as was supposed, and sometimes they brought such persons to him from far, and God was pleased in some cases to hear prayers; but some particulars much talked of, I dare not relate what I have heard, except I had clear and undoubted testimony of the truth thereof.  
And as he was instant and prevalent in prayer, 
Seriousness in thankfulness.  so he was excellent and ●und●● in praises, he exceeded others in supplications, and himself in thanksgiving; frequent Ejaculations and expressions o● God's grace and Mercy, were in his mind and mouth; they that conversed with him frequently heard (Deo gratias) thanks be to God, from him. But as he took more occasions than many others of keeping days of thanksgiving so God gave him still more occasions of thankfulness: and its usual for God to put new songs of praise into thankful persons Mouths, it was his frequent observation, that when a day of thankfulness was appointed, God sent in some fresh matter to increase joy in the Lord; and sometimes the intervening providence merited such a day as much as the former: so well doth God take an aspect towards that lovely duty, that he encourageth to it. And oh how enlarged was he in those Days and Duties! he seemed to be transported into Ecstasies of Admiration: yea he seemed to be elevated above the Earth, amongst the Celestial inhabitants; his heart and mouth were enlarged to an high strain, in rehearsing the lovingkindness of the Lord: he expatiated especially upon Spiritual mercies, to the astonishment of those that joined with him; often using David's holy Rhapsody, 2 Sam. 7.18, 19, 20 Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? it would have done one's heart good to hear him an hour together, reckoning up the mercies of God, in Infancy, Childhood, Youth, riper Age, in all Estates, Relations, Conditions, Afflictions; and then magnifying the free grace of God, in giving his Son for us, his Spirit to us, promises, privileges, Gospel-ordinances, etc. and then the great kindness of God to his particular congregation, in public liberty, for which he kept many days of thanksgiving, and for national mercies; yea there was not any of his Relations, or in his Congregation, under any Affliction, Temptation, but as he prayed for them, so he gave God thanks for their deliverance: he knit his Breast to every one's heart and case; he mourned with such as mourned, rejoiced with such as rejoiced, God had given him a sympathising heart, 
2 Cor. 11.29.  he might say, Who is Weak, and I am not weak?  
But especially he was deeply concerned for the Church of God both at home and abroad; he gave God no rest, but was the Lords daily remembrancer, standing betwixt the living and the dead, in the breach that sin had made, to hold off wrath. He had great interest at the Throne of Grace, and notably improved it, by a believing prayer, and filling his mouth with Arguments: he had skill and will for his work; often was he in the Mount, and conversed with God as a Man with his Friend: he had an excellent Art in humble expostulation with God; surely the Church-militant parted with a Friend when he was translated to Glory, it appeared in the congregation, that God had set him over, what weight he bore up, by the dreadful consequences attending his death; for thereby the people lost their privileges; for from the day of his Funeral to this day, never did Nonconformist preach in his Pulpit, so that it appears for whose sake the liberty was maintained; Denton hath found the smart, it's well if England feel not the fatal fruits of the removal of such Pillars; Methusalem died that year the deluge overspread the World: Hippo was sacked by the Vandals immediately after Augustine's death there: Heedleberg taken after Pareus' death: Luther died a little before the Wars in Germany. Lord prevent temporal evils threatened, that the prediction may not be accomplshed, that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come: 
Isa. 57.1.  this Worthy, fallen in Israel, speaks heavy things to England.  
Mr. 
Earnestness ●n prayer.  Angier was very solemn and grave in all his addresses to God, or in his delivering messages from God: it was his usual manner, before he spoke a word in prayer, to pause a considerable while, looking upwards, composed his thoughts, possessing his heart with awful apprehensions of the Divine Majesty and by mental ejaculations imploring God's quickening presence; and after a season he arrived gradually to a great degree of zeal and warmth in prayer, agonizing in the duty with sweat and tears, which rendered his speaking; at some seasons both painful and difficult; yet was he not only made up of zeal and affection, but had proper and pertinent matter, exact method, and apt expressions: Mr Harrison was wont to call him a ponderous man, for every word had its weight and emphasis; he had no waste words either in prayer or preaching, but as his affections were Boiling, so his Words were few and well weighed.  
He did not use to be long in prayer, except upon extraordinary occasions, and then not tedious, because variety of matter and patheticalness in the manner, rendered his prayers acceptable to the joiners; he propounded this Question, Whether the spirit of God did ordinarily dictate matter of prayer? he did conceive it might, from Rom. 8 26. the spirit helpeth, for we know not what we should pray for. Yet he was far from Enthusiasm; nor was he altogether against forms of prayer, nor joining in public with the Liturgy, though he judged that inconvenient modes of worship must be our affliction, but may not be our sin, when we are not in a capacity to remedy; nor did he think that mere presence doth signify consent or approbation of every thing we hear. As for the Lords prayer, his judgement was, that it was delivered chief by our Saviour as a pattern or platform of prayer, to which, (as to several heads) all our prayers must be referred.  
He seldom insisted long upon a Text (except when he took a Scripture before him) because (as he used to say) a Minister may have frequent occasion in the course of his 
Pertinence in Preaching.  Ministry, to return again to the same subject, therefore he needs not to say all that can be said upon it at once, but extract the marrow of the Text, and pick out what at present he judgeth proper to the principal occasion for which he chose it, and drive that Nail home: yea though a Minister should say all that he can find out upon such a Text or Subject, yet he will be forced to leave some glean that he may return again to gather up, and those as pertinent and useful, as he pressed, as at his first Vintage-reaping: so true is that of Tertullian, 
Adora scriptura plenitudinem.  I adore the fullness of the Scriptures. He had a notable observation from Heb. 11.32. For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon; hence he observed, That a Minister must have respect, not only to what he is to say, but to the time he is to speak or write it in; all things cannot be spoken at one time; Christ taught as people were able to hear; people, yea the best people have but a measure of attention, memory or affection; good old Mr. Horrocks was wont to say, I would rather leave my hearers longing than loathing.  
And as Mr. 
His Catichising  Angier constantly preached, so he carefully Catechised the youth of his Congregation, according to the Assemblies Shorter Catechism, and explained it, opening the principles of Religion in a plain and ●amiliar way; sometimes taking an account of their proficiency: and if he heard of the break out of sin in any of his hearers, he faithfully admonished them privately, and sometimes publicly, sometimes sending for the persons, and pleading with them, with much gravity, humility, and Bowels of compassion. Ordinarily when strangers came to settle under his Ministry, ●e sent for them, discoursed with them, counselled, instructed, exhorted them; thus he dealt with new Married Persons, and indeed God brought several from other places to fix themselves under his Ministry for the benefit of the Ordinances.  
His usual saying was, 
His self-denial in receiving.  If God will help me to take care of my duty, I will leave him to take care of my comfort: his main design was to bring Glory to God in the conversion of sinners, and edification of Saints: the attaining of these ends was his reward; when any sent him tokens of their respects; he looked at God in it, and was more glad of it, as a sign of their proficiency, than a means of his enriching himself. So Paul, Phil. 4.17. Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account: thus it is said of Bucholser. (Gratiam munerum, quam munera, & Theologi●● fructum quam fortuna maluit, he rather chose, and accepted better a kindness in the giving, than the greatness of the gift; being better pleased with the fruit of his Ministry, than merely their bounty.  
Mr. 
His diligence in reading Scriptures.  Angier was much conversa● in the holy Scrpitures, they were dayl● his delight, and he had an excellent art in choosing and adapting fit Texts t● Divine Providences, that the Word might be a comment on the work of God: seldo● did any remarkable Providence, or sudden accident fall out, but be either made it th● main subject of his discourse, or particularly applied something he had in hand thereto he had a singular skill in preaching Funeral Sermons, so that though he rarely made Historical reflections on the dead, yet intelligent hearers might gather pertinent instruction or admonitions from his doctrinal conclusions, and close applications naturally resulting therefrom; he behaved himself with much reverence in Gods public ordinances minding duly what was in hand; he constantly writ Sermons, when others preached for example to others, to prevent diversions and for his own edification; he was so ful● of candour and ingenuity that though me● gifts were weak, yet if they were honest he would commend them; never did an● hear him despise or disparage others, but 〈◊〉 he much desired to have young Ministers preach with him; so if they miss in it, he would plainly and privately tell them of their slips, or encourage such as did well; what he spoke was from his heart; what others spoke, he would make a candid construction thereof, if it would admit it; when the Minister that preached for him came out of the Pulpit, he usually met him with this Salutation, [thanks be to God, or blessed be the Lord] never returning thanks to the Minister, (so far as I knew) but to God for his help to the Minister.  
He was very excellent and exemplary in his administration of the Lords supper both as to Method, Matter, and manner, 
His Exemplariress in administering the Lords Supper.  that ordinance was celebrated every month, and he had many hundreds of communicants, especially in these late times, good People from all adjacent parts and Counties came flocking thither, and there were feasted and refreshed. I have known many strangers come ten, yea some twenty miles, yea some thirty miles to attend on the ordinances at Denton, so that there was often more communicants than could set on seats in the Chapel, and officers went amongst them to see if there was no intruders; for either they were known by face to them, or had testimonials from approved Ministers, or eminent Christians: his exactness, gravity, and inlargedness, was such, that the first time I partaked there, a worthy Gentleman bade me observe him diligently, saying he is the exactest man in Lancashire in this work; and I thought young Ministers might take notice of him as a pattern worthy imitations and oh, how many Souls have been quickened comforted, and nourished in that ordinance in that place! what gracious words proceeded out of his Mouth, and what gracious impressions have been made on commuican● hearts!  
He was very diligent and painful in h● private Studies, 
Diligence in Private Studies.  and was much pleased with his Closet-retirements: its true he was 〈◊〉 able to read much in his elder days; but 〈◊〉 had variety of employment, sometimes Reading, sometimes Praying, Meditating, Writing; he Writ many choice and excelled Letters; pithy, pertinent, profitable, upon several occasions, some whereof he copi● out, were they collected into one entire pi● they would be of excellent use: he often complained of his memory, saying he had memory for nothing but to remember 〈◊〉 own Sermons: but indeed his memory 〈◊〉 not to be slighted, however his solid judgement, clear understanding in divine mysteri● and gracious experienced heart, shined for in all he did, helped his invention, and continual excercise did corroborate his memory, and strong affections especially carried him through all; for a Sanctifyed heart hath never a bad memory.  
He was of a Savoury, holy, 
His exact convarsation.  heavenly frame of Spirit to eye God, in all, and to improve all occurrences for spiritual advantage: the like instance of an exact conversation hath seldom been found; I was once riding along with him, and a Minister of my acquaintance whom I met, asked me who he was, being passed by, I told him; he said, ●f there be an Angel on Horseback, that's 〈◊〉: and a servant, that lived with him many ●ears, and knew his manner of life, attests, that he walked as near the rule of the word, and pattern of our Saviour, as is possible for ●man to attain to on this side Glory, excelling in every Grace, exemplary in every good work, elevated above the ordinary ●nk of Christians, as it was said of Bu●●lzer, as to liveliness, 
Melch. Ad. vit Buchol. p. 556.  (Vivida in eo omnia ●erunt, vivida vox, vividi oculi, vivide ●anus, gestus omnes vividi;) voice, eyes, hands, gesture, all full of liveliness and vivary: thus this man of God, Mr. Angier, ●d act above his strength and years in God's work and worship, and was so full of warmth ●d spirit fullness, that it plainly appeared 〈◊〉 was acted and animated with a Spirit be●nd his own, for God was with him, and 〈◊〉 was much with God.  
He was affable to all, 
His affability, lenity.  amiable in converse with his intimate friends, open-hearted in discovering himself, without subtle reserves, or peevishness of Spirit; he was so far as any could discern, [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] without anger, or choler; how be it his natural constitution, being sanguine, might incline him to passion, yet the large measure of Grace wherewith God had endowed him, and continual Mortification, had so sugared and lenifyed his disposition, that to all that conversed with him, he seemed to be compounded of love and sweetness.  
But withal he was a person of great gravity, 
His gravity.  his mildness did not degenerate into fondness or levity, nor his gravity into moroseness, or austerity, but a kindly mixture of mildness, Majesty, and attractive sweetness, put such an awful reverence into hi● countenance, as did at once daunt impudent profaneness, and animate religious modesty no●e were so audacious as to be found in any unhandsome act before him whose very look gave check to debaucheries, and none tha● knew him were afraid to open their Soul cases to him, finding him so render and condescending to them upon all occasions: indeed he was fruitful in holy discourse to all; upon a question or case of conscience he had th● faculty to enlarge suitably and edifyingly, 〈◊〉 the satisfaction of the propounder, if company had been silent; himself usually propounded a profitable question, or a proof of some principle of religion, or the meaning of some Scripture, as matter of discourse for mutual edification; sometimes in travelling with a Minister (as one testifies) he would call on him (when the road was free) to repeat the Heads of the Sermon he Preached or heard last.  
He was exceeding liberal to the Poor, 
His liberality to the Poor.  both in giving, forgiving and free lending; it was strange to observe how much he gave out of so little; he had a liberal hand and an open heart, he devised liberal things, making frequent collections in public, improving his interest for the indigent, or in public affairs: his left hand knew not what his right hand did: one instance take, when the Collection was made for Northampton, 1675. he was then indisposed, and went not out of fourteen weeks, or thereabouts, and therefore desired his kinsman to preach on 2 Cor. 8.7. which he did, preparing the People in the morning, for the Collection in the afternoon; at which, because he could not be present, he ●ent his charity by his servant, which was not inconsiderable, but afterwards gave privately three times as much as he had done ●n public by his servant: yea in cases of Collections, he would oft put on both his Children and servants to give: yea he sent to poor Widows, Orphans, others, considerable sums, with a charge not to tell from whence it came: he had not above 20 l. a year from his hearers; and though he had an estate of his own, yet all things considered, it may seem next to a miracle that he should so abundantly lay out, and possess any thing, when his layings in were so small; but God made good that promise, There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself, Pro. 11.24, 25.  
He was also very free in lending, 
Forgiving injuries.  and as free in forgiving, and passing by unkindnesses: one instance particularly was this. When a Neighbour, (an indifferent Husband for worldly matters) had borrowed Money of him, and broken his word, no● paying it in many Months after promise of payment, instead of paying the old debt he comes to beg a new favour, to borrow more Money, which Mr. Angier lent him and being asked why he would lend money to a man so dishonest and unfaithful, replied, that he did it to make a Knave a● honest man.  
He was a man of much saith and courage in God's eause, 
His faith and courage.  and withal of much prudent and discretion; his courage was the reli● of his faith, not so much of natural magnanimity. When the Act of Uniformity took place, and Ministers generally concluded to give over, he kept his resolution to go on in his work, yet not censuring them that desisted, for he plainly saw all Ministers were not under the same circumstances; he did continue in his public station without considerable interruption, so that discriminating providence made little Denton a Goshen, and kept their fleece wet when others were dry in most places; it was a little sanctuary to many, and Gods ways were in it of providence and influence: its true, Warrants were now and then issued out, to apprehend Mr. Angier, but the worst men had no heart to meddle with him; sometimes they searched, but professed they would not see him for an hundred pound: some of the Bishops of Chester would inquire of his son, how doth the good old man Mr. Angier? most of the Justices had a great respect for him, some were nearly related to his Wife, her eldest Brother chief, Mr. Mosely of Ancols, whose Mother and another Sister did sojourn many years with Mr. Angier; he thought also that his confinement at home, travelling and preaching little or not at all abroad, was a furtherance of his liberty, they said he is an old man and cannot live long, let him alone while he lives.  
He was exceeding exact and punctual in all he did, 
His exactness every way.  if in worldly matters, Bargains, Writings, Bonds, Sealing, yea the smallest concernments wherein there was any danger of litigious suits, or controversies though it was betwixt nearest relations, he caused things to be firmly done, and safely kept, which in after times proved of great use; for he said; it doth no hurt to have things done surely; and it may do good; for no body knows into whose hands such things may fall, for men are mortal; he carefully laid up Acquittances, Receipts, or any writings of Agreements, which have put things into readiness since his death: he was also exact in his apparel, ever neat, though never splendid; handsome, not gaudy: if he saw any faceing or finery in others apparel, he would say, I keep my Satin in my Pocket; he used to wear a Master of Arts Gown, both Lords-days, and Weekdays, at home; he loved to see persons neat, and would say, one may be cleanly in Rags: he shamed some out of their slovenliness with friendly rebukes.  
He was given to hospitality, 
Given to Hospitality.  a Bishop indeed, a Gaius, that freely entertained God's Servants, Ministers and Christians, so that he seemed to be an host to the Church; it is incredible to relate what variety of strangers and friends came Weekly, almost daily to his house, and were handsomely treated, though not with varieties, yet with ●ufficieny; he had a standing Table of wholesome fresh meat, Noon and Night. Upon Lords-days his Table always was well furnished with guests, (besides abundance that had broth, etc.) so that Mrs. Hid of Norbury, (a religious Gentlewoman, and a dear friend of his) would have said to him, Mr. Angier, I am ready to think God works miracles at your Table, in multiplying your provisions; for said she, if I should set half as many people to more meat than you have, they would eat it all up, but there's store taken off your Table; And himself hath oft said, that there's a blessing ●tendeth house-keeping, as if the supplies thereof were unaccomptable. A worthy Minister heard him once say, that he knew ●y experience, that little or much, it was ●ll one, he had as much in his purse, when ●e had not half so much Means, as he had ●hen when he spoke it; as riches increase, so ●hey increase that eat.  
His government and order of his Family was admirable and imitable, 
The order of his Family.  I may truly ●y unparallelled. His Family was as a well disciplined Army, where all knew their pro●r stations, and did carefully attend their ●ost, yea a well instructed Academy, and 〈◊〉 organised Church; it was usually numerous and regular; for a considerable season he had several young Scholars Table with him, that were sent to him for education under his inspection, and God did bl● his example, instructions and prayers 〈◊〉 the good of some yet living: some th● were capable he put upon preaching one p● of the day; several assistants he had succesively, and gave them most of the encouragement they had. When he was grown in● years, and not sit to preach twice a da● his Brother's Son was with him Eleven yea● before his Death, and was a great comfort to him.  
Lord's day was thus spent; 
How the Lordsday was spent.  after prius devotions in their closets, in the Family, n● Eight a Clock a Chapter was read, a Psa● song, than he went to prayer; and abo●● Nine a Clock they went to the Chapp● which was but a few steps from his do● according to his wish and usual saying the Priests went about the Temple; and ● Noon, immediately after Dinner, one 〈◊〉 peats the Forenoons Sermon in his house, 〈◊〉 the same time another was repeating in 〈◊〉 Chapel to many people that stayed ther● singing Psalms both before and after; th● continued till Public ordinances begun; a● at their return home shortly after, Mr. Angier sung a Psalm and went to praye● then to Supper, and a little season af● Supper, a Psalm was sung, and one repeated the Afternoon Sermon, and another Psalm being sung, all was finished with a ●hort prayer, and so the Family was dismissed to their apartments. And so for the ●est of the Week, servants so ordered their affairs as to be present at family-prayer; on Monday Nights the Forenoon Sermon of the preceding Lordsday, and Saturday Nights the Afternons Sermon was reppeated ordinarily in the Family; on Friday Nights they said their Catechisms, some in the Assemblies shorter, others in the larger Catechism; some also repeating the proofs memoriter: he gave order that they should dispatch their worldly occasions the last day of the Week, that they might prepare for the Lordsday approaching, which they did, and were outwardly conformable, for he would suffer no disorders in his Family, yea most of his Family proved truly gracious; they were ordinarily loving and affectionate to one another, and lived many years in great peace, unity and order; the whole number was often sixteen, or at least Fourteen, seldom under Twelve, though he had but one Daughter with him for several years before he died: his carriage was sweet and obliging to all, yea to the meanest in the Family, and he behaved himself with such an awful yet lovely deportment, that many have been ready to speak of him and his Family concerns, with the like words as the Queen of Sheba, accounting them happ● that convensed with such an holy man of God and though they had heard of his way, 
1 Kin. 10.4, 8.  yet th● one half was not told them.  
Mr. 
His Friends.  Angier had many worthy Friends of good rank, and great piety, who bor● a very great respect to him; and as David chose such as feared God for his Companions so did this holy man take his delight in the Saints, as most excellent upon earth: holy Mr. Henry Ashhurst sometimes visited him at his house, and was visited by him. Mr. Crew of Vtkinton in Cheshire was his dear and intimate Friend, and had an entire love for him, as the Writer hereof can testify, for being at his house at Vtkinton, and Mr. Crew showing him and his Wife some handsome pictures, hanging in a Chamber, (in which he much delighted) amongst the rest, shown them the Picture of Dr. Wilkins, who (saith he) is to be our Bishop of Chester; but (said he) Mr. Angier is my Bishop: and I have heard that Mr. Crew oft solicited Mr. Angier to sit while his Picture was drawn, and he would be at the charge of it, but he put it off, saying a Minister's Picture must be in the hearts and lives of his people: so far was he from pride, or vainglory, that he never had his Picture drawn, though doubtless it would have been a lovely piece, if to the Life, for he was an exceeding comely personage, though low in stature, yet of a clear comeplexion, red and white, of a cheerful countenance, and very graceful; of a venerable aspect, and pleasant: but he judged the blessed fruits of a Ministers labours are more eligible than the most lively effigies of their vanishing carcases engraven in durable Brass or Marble.  
His heart was much set upon the good of souls, 
Seeking good of Souls.  and therein God blessed him with abundant success; and this was a considerable part of his reward. He sometimes related ●old Mr. Dods interpretation of the labourers in the Vineyard, Mat. 20. which he said were Ministers; some indent with our Lord for their penny, i.e. preferment, good parsonages, abundant maintenance, honours, and to live bravely in the world, God gives them these things, they are at present well pleased therewith, and this is all that God designs for them, they have their bargain, it was all they asked, and our bountiful benefactor is not behindhand with them, they have no reason to grumble at his kindness to the other, who made no such bargain with him, but thought themselves obliged to him for their work, and said, Lord if thou wilt account me faithful, and put me into the Ministry, and own me with the success of my labours, I will refer to thee the business of maintenance; I hope thou wilt not suffor me to want necessaries, and if thou dost though I be persecuted, imprisoned, impoverished, and be put to beg my bread, yet 〈◊〉 thou wilt glorify thyself thereby, and edify thy Church by my outward ruins, 〈◊〉 have enough; such selfdenying Minister shall have present supplies, and a better Penny, good things in this life, and eternal happiness in the other; so the last shall be first in dignity, glory, and abundant reward and he gives them more than thy asked; and the first shall be last, those mercenary spirits must be put off with the poor pittance of the world that undertook the Ministry as a trade to get a livelihood: this Exposition Mr. Angier mentioned as very savoury and significant, not determining whether it was the proper meaning of the Scripture.  
He much desired the propagation of Religion, 
His desire to propagate Religion.  and for that end the education of young men for the Ministry; he had but one Son and four Grandsons, who were all trained up for God's immediate service, some of them by his cost, and others upon his counsel; and he followed them all with his incessant prayers; and thus indeed did his solicitous cares issue themselves; and if he had had no cares, he had not prayed, as Melancthon used to say; 
Si nil curarem nil orarem.  and if he had not given vent to his cares and fears by a believing prayer, they had swallowed him up; he was one of the seed of Jacob in pleading ●he Covenant, and in nothing more a true jacobite than in wrestling with God for Covenant-mercy for the posterity of the faithful; oh the tears, sighs, groans of that man 〈◊〉 God, urging God with his promise under his own hand; telling the Lord, he would not ●et him alone, for himself had encouraged his heart, by making and sealing that good Covenant, wherein stands our chief comfort; and God will make it good to some, and why not to the children of the Covenant? how oft hath he told the Lord, even in our hearing, that he was resolved he would not let go that hold that God had given him, but would stick to him, by faith and prayer, as ●ong as he had a day to live, and die in hopes that God would make his promise good to his seed, when he was dead and gone.  
His opinion for a young man that intended the Ministry, 
His opinion for young Scholars.  was to be placed for some time with fomeable Minister, and to preach under such alones eye and ear, and that it was hazardous for beginners to live in great men's houses; he was of excellent use in giving advice to young Scholars in public and private; in the times when the Sectaries were at the height, at an ordination at Manchester he gave the Exhortation, four were ordained, and he said it rejoiced his Soul, to see in these discouraging times so man desirous of the calling, but saith he, it m● be it is but as a Husbandman with his har●● toward Night when he sees a storm co●ing, he calls out all that can carry a she● to come forth, makes all his force, for 〈◊〉 may be it is but a short time, as coming i● at the Eleventh hour, but one hour to wor● in; He advised them to take heed of t●● things, as in the case of the prophet to J●roboam, sometimes the hand of Authority may be lifted up against you, yet that ma● bed tied up, be not affrighted with it; b● then the seducer may slay you, consent not 〈◊〉 him.  
He was wise and happy in his counsel and usually (being a man of much observator he had exceeding pat instances, 
his grave counsels.  to set on h● counsels with; as this, It is good for persons to submit to the Lords hand, and to l● him choose the Rod for us. A Woman 〈◊〉 Manchester burying a Daughter, of t●● years never looked up, but repined at 〈◊〉 came often to the Grave, to mourn over it yet it was a Child miserably infirm, h●● the Evil running on it in many places; afterwards God took away the use of her Li●●● and lying in torturing pain, acknowledge that it was nothing to bury a Child, a● was now made sensible of her impatien● under her form● affliction, and that no● God had dealt smartlier with her: And upon this, Mr. Angier mentioned an Aunt of his, who had great bodily weakness and pain, and she desired that God would take that affliction away, and lay on her what affliction he pleased but that; the Lord did take that away, and laid affliction of spirit upon her, which was far sharper, and she never recovered it while she lived. So to count the affliction best for us, be it never so sharp: he sometimes told how Mr. Daniel Rogers his first Wife was a very cross Woman, and he bore it a long time; at last he made his complaint to his Father Mr. Richard Rogers, and he gave him this answer, Any thing, Daniel, to bring thee to heaven.  
He was very faithful in admonishing as he saw cause: 
His faithful admonition.  when an eminent Minister said he ●ook such a thing ill, or unkindly from such 〈◊〉 one, Mr. Angier gravely and smilingly answered, Would I so little favour ●y self as to take unkindness from ●ny one? which saith that good man, 〈◊〉 thought of since, to my great advantage, for this taking unkindness is ac●ompined with a fretting within one's self; ●nd so it is a leaving the offender, and ●lling upon one's self.  
Mr. 
His thoughts of the Dutch War.  Angier was much afflicted with that sad War betwixt the Dutch and us, yet he comforted himself, that God did not give us over to be corrected by Papists, but that Protestants are in the hands of Protest aunts, though upon a sad account, and he hoped that the drops of the storm might begin with the reformed Churches, but the fury of it should be poured upon the Papists.  
It pleased the Lord to lay upon Mr. 
His afflictions in old age.  Angier many grievous and cutting affliction in his old age; the latter part of his days according to his own observation, on Joh. 21. concerning Peter, our Lord told him, that when he was old, he should be carried whither he would not. That God oft exerciseth his choicest servants, that have been men of eminent activeness and usefulness in his service, with great afflictions in their old age, 
1 Chron. 16.12. Invit. Ger. Maj. 470.  as bodily pain, so Asa in the latter part of his life was diseased in his feet Melchior Adam's tells us of Mr. George Major, that he saw the Funerals of six sons, whereof one, i e. Leonard, died by the biting of a mad Dog, several Daughters, Nephew died; in all this and much more, saying, (Si bona accepimus, anon male sustineamus?) shall we receive good, and not bear evil? at last he died of sore diseases, having kept his bed near three years: thus Mr. Angier instanced in Mr. Roger's o● Dedham, who had great pain of the stone, so had worthy Mr. Storer of Stockport, and Mr. Johnson, Parson also of the same place, old Mr. Bourn, Mr. Herle, and at that time when he spoke of it, good Mr. Harrison of Ashton, his neighbour; it may seem a Riddle and an unaccountable mystery of Providence, why God should think fit to lay the heaviest load on the weakest Horse; old age is a burden to itself, Mr. Angier gave this account of it, that thereby God thinks it fit to wean his Children from the World, fit them for Heaven, and render it more desirable; besides God will make his Children perfect Christians, exercised every way, in suffering, that they might be ●ntire, lacking nothing, according to Jam. 1.4.  
His old-age afflictions were: 1. 
His Daughters dying.  The death of his beloved, lovely Daughter, Elizabeth, who though she was Married and lived with her Husband in Yorkshire, yet being in a deep Consumption, he sent his own easy going-Horse to fetch her home, in hopes that change of Air might tend to her recovery; but there she grew worse and anguishing, died May 26. 1661. and was ●d by her own Mother in Denton Chappel●ard, whose death though it went near to his heart, yet (being abundantly satisfied that ●he was got safe to Heaven) he bore it with great composedness and aequanimity; for indeed she was the mirror of her age for parts and piety: yet it could not but be an affliction to his spirit, since foe hopeful a blossom of his Family was so quickly nipped off in the flower of her age.  
2. 
The Church's afflictions laid to heart.  But this presaged more crosses, it was a great affliction to him that things wen● so ill with the Church of God, as to public liberty, with which he sympathized though he enjoyed his; but himself also must ta● a few drops of that cup that many of 〈◊〉 Brethren hath a large draught of: in th● Oxford Act that commenced Mar. 24. 166● by which Ministers were banished 5 mil● from the place where they had formerly preached, it was judged expedient that 〈◊〉 also should at present withdraw from 〈◊〉 House; upon that Act he begun to Trave● and his son-in-law with him, amongst 〈◊〉 friends in Cheshire, and visited several persons of quality, lodging with them so● Weeks, being kindly treated and lovingly entertained, being also of very gre●● use, and leaving his good counsels a● blessing where ever he came, notwithstanding in that time he seemed to be out of 〈◊〉 element, and longed to return home: 〈◊〉 was compelled to return, for wearing 〈◊〉 Boots daily, a goutish humour seize on his foot, he then said, Come son, 〈◊〉 trust God, and go home; so he returned to his own house, and continued there without further trouble.  
3. He was very much afflicted with, 
Bodily distempers.  and at his stomach, which sorely oppressed him, and he could not find ease of it by any means he could use; he was advised to take Tobacco, but could never deal with it.  
4. His very dear Wives death about two years before his own, 
His second wius death,  was a grievous and bitter affliction to him, whom he had enjoyed 32 years to his abundant content every way; and indeed she was a dear and desirable companion, very helpful in spirituals and temporals, drawing evenly in the same yoke; of a truly Christian temper; one thing further I shall add of her, noted to my hand, as a peculiar privilidg, and rare amongst Christians, That God gave her early assurance of his love, and she said also not long before her death, he had never withdrawn it from her all her time: this was very observable: and far different from Gods deal with his former Wife, of whom Mr. Angier faith in some remarks left in writing upon her life, that though God moved her heart to seek him from 8 years of age, yet he never gave her settled assurance of his love while she lived: Behold the arbitrary deal of God with his own dear Children: but God is infinitely wise in these cases.  
But the great affliction, the very accent and quintessence of his affliction, was the sin and miscarriage of some of his Children; this, this did cut him to the very heart, and lay as a continual pressing load on his Spirit; his Son, his only Son, devoted to God not only in Christian profession, but Ministerial function, miscarrying under such education, with such aggravations, this went so near him, that such words dropped from Mr. Angiers lips, of bitter complaint to one related to him, as shown his heavy resentment of some burdens of that nature; Tho he had paid for his Son 400 l. In a few years, to the prejudicing of his own estate, yet he saw it did no good, and yet that was all nothing in comparison of the dishonour to God by his extravagancies: his friend said, Sir, God hath given you much grace, and He is resolved to exercise it; Ah, said he, but it is hard, very hard to bear; a strange word from such a man: but he could bear any thing better than sin. But especially in so near a relation; as the Angel of the Ephesian Church, to whom it is said, Rev. 2.23. Thou canst not bear them which are evil, yet hast born, and hast patience, and for my name sake hast laboured, and hast not faeinted: oh sin, sin, in dear relations against his dearest Heavenly father, cut him to the quick; and Souls of a sensible spirit know what this means; but God bore up this good man's heart, (as he did david's) with hopes and confidence in the blessed Covenant, that sure and well ordered Covenant: this he stuck to, this he pleaded and depended upon; living and dying; still he spoke well of God, and exercised himself in praising his name both in duties and discourses, owning the hand of God in all crosses, to whom he had devoted his all: these various experiences helped him to compassionate and encouraging counselling of others; for (as was said) he could speak a word in season to quiet and qualify others spirit; under pressing burdens; he still said, hold up faith and patience, wait on God, and fear not, for he will issue all to the best, to his own Glory and your best good.  
His usual practice was upon the evening before a fast-day, 
His care to reform his Family.  to put his Children and Servants upon it, to set themselves seriously about the work of preparation; to search out and confess their sins; he used such means as might by Gods help prove effectual for reformation both of himself and his Family: and upon all such occasions of fasting or thanksgiving, it was his way to inquire concerning fatherless and Widows, and such as were in necessity, that something might be sent to them, for whom nothing was provided, as he often said.  
Not long before he fell sick, 
His review of his life.  he said to one that lay with him, that he slept very little in the nights; adding, when I lie waking in my Bed, I sometimes run through the course of my whole life; and if a Penman were ready by me, I could relate many observable passages of God's Providence about me: his friend said, Sir, you may do well to write them down as they come into your thoughts: he made no answer to that.  
When money lent by him came in seasonably, 
Money lent repaid he acknowledged.  though it was his own, yet he admired, and thankfully owned God's Providence in it, as if it had been a gift; and said, it is all one, whether it was a debt or a gift, so God send it in a needful time; the paying of a debt is as great a mercy from God, as sending a gift.  
I must now hasten to the last scene, of this holy man life; 
His sat sickness.  he longed to be with Christ, and our Lord had been long ripening him for Glory; he loved his Master's work, and his Master indulged him in his work: when others were taken off, he was wonderfully maintained in his lot: he did not of late years preach that day he administered the Lords Supper; the last Supper-day, was August 12, 1677. and the next Lordsday after, he preached one part of the day, August 19 but when he came into his house, he laid his hand upon his breast, and said, Ah, this will not do, I must give over preaching, (which yet cut him to the heart to think of) he was very weary that Night, as usually he was; the next day but one after, he begun to have some Aguish fits, and had six or seven of those fits; from that time he began to decline apace: when this his last sickness begun, he ordered his kinsman in the house to write letters to Mr. Case, (his brother in law) Mr. Tuckney, his brother Bezaleel, and others, to acquaint them with his condition, hoping for and desiring their prayers: he expected his own Sons coming daily out of Lincolnshire, but he came not while he was living: he ordered his Son-in law to be sent for, a messenger was dispatched to him, but though he hasted away towards him, yet he came not till this holy Man of God had breathed his last; a few hours before, on the same day, his approaching dissolution came on apace, yet had he the free exercise of his understanding to the last; and as he had been a man of prayer all his days, so he died praying; that morning he died he prayed sensibly; the last words which were intelligible, were his request for the King, and Council; but the particular words they that were about him could not understand.  
The last day of the week, 
His death.  Sept. 3. 1677, was the last day of that worthy man's life, he died about eleven a Clock that day; and entered into his rest near the Sabbath, a day of rest; from thenceforth to rest from all his weary labours, and to keep an Eternal sabbath with his dearest Lord; and and it was his own observation, that God oft takes home his Ministers and people upon or near his holy day, to perfect their graces, and give them rest on that day of Rest.  
Thus fell that bright star, thus set that shining Sun in the firmament of the Church, or rather hid from our eyes, to shine more gloriously in the upper Region; the wise, [i.e. wise Virgins, members of Christ's mystical body] or [as the word is] Dan. 12.3. Teachers of others, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Thus this Pillar is taken down that bore up an incredible weight, not discerned so well then, as felt daily by sad experience since his removal from under ●he fabric: thus is this plant of renown transplanted into a better soil: this ancient ●ree of Gods own plainting, that had sheltered many with its shadowing shroud, and ●ed many with its grateful fruit, is at last fallen by the stroke of death, yet bears both ripe and plentiful fruit in the heavenly paradise above: he that uttered words of life to others, is dead: he that by the grace of God quickened others, is himself struck dead: dead, said I, no he is but asleep, the sting of death was gone, the fear of death was vanished: he lived an holy life: he died an happy death: he lived desired, and died lamented, he lived to a good old age: himself would sometimes say, that he had lived two years beyond the age of a man, for he died in the 72 year of his age, in the same month wherein he was born: he died in his own house, the house belonging to the Chapel, to which he had been a great benefactor: he died amongst his own People, over whom he had been pastor 45 years, with whom he had been travelling, weeping, fasting, praying; among whom he hath left remarkable seals of his Ministry: some indeed are gone to heaven before him, and some in other places had benefit by his Ministry, though but occasionally; one instance I had from a very eminent divine in or near the City of London, that he being a young Scholar newly come from Oxford, and being occasionally at Mr. Case● house, when Mr. Angier was there, Mr. Angier went to prayer, but God so reached and warmed the young Ministers heart by that prayer, that he hath cause to remember it while he hath a day to live, and hopes he shall never forget it; yea it had influence upon others related, who from that time proved as useful and successful instruments of God's glory, and the good of Souls, as any I have heard of in those latter times.  
The whole Nation and Church of God seem much clouded by the obscuring of this bright star, but especially that congregation of Denton is sadly eclipsed, their valley of vision is at least turned into a valley of Division; oh that it may not also prove a valley of treading down, and desolation: Ah, what lamentation was there at his funeral! amongst the rest an ancient Christian came from the grave into the house where the Ministers were sat after the funeral, with a trembling body, weeping eyes, and with a doleful voice of sad complaints, saying, Ah sirs, what must we do! what must we do! our loving pastor is gone, our loving pastor is gone: And now that good man is gone after, and many others, so John 4.36. he that sowed, and they that reaped, are rejoicing together: but the sad countenances and weeping eyes of that day, with that affecting passage of that good old man's bemoaning, cannot be easily forgotten by the Writer hereof.  
That Lord's day when Mr. Angiers Corpse lay in his house, two Ministers preached in his Chapel, two funeral Sermons, the one seeming to be a funeral Sermon to the people, the other for their Minister.  
That which concerned the people carried an ominous presage of the death of their Gospel privileges, and Sunsetting of their glorious day, sadly predicted from Gen. 6.3. My spirit shall not always strive with man: and oh what a dreadful verification of that text hath providence made there; that being the last Sabbath that excluded Minister enjoyed the liberty of ordinances in that place. The other Minister discoursed sweetly and suitably on John 17.4. I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work thou gavest me to do.  
That Sermon was a lively comment on that good man's holy life, and a fair Copy let before this surviving people; the perfect precepts in the Scriptures, and lively pattern set before them for their imitation, makes it apparent that Gospel rules an● practicable, may be transcribed by some and will be a sad testimony against others and though Mr. Angiers mouth be now stop with dust, and his voice shall no more be heard in his pulpit, yet oh that Almighty God that lives for ever would awake carnal sinners by this astonishing blow and breach and propagate religion in that place, and by that blessed spirit transfuse the Doctrine, principles, and practice of that good man into all his hearers, for they shall one day know there hath been a prophet among them.  
The next day, being Sept. 5. 1677. the Funeral solemnities were mournfully observed, on which occasion multitudes of persons, Gentlemen, Ministers, relations, and Christian friends, besides his hearers and sad neighbours, attended these dismal and sorrowful obsequies with sad hearts and dejected countenances, lamenting not only the loss of such a worthy Pastor and Friend, but their own Spirits did suggest great grounds of presaging fears concerning the attending consequences of that heavy blow: his Corpse were decently interred in Denton-Chappel in the Alley before the pulpit, by his last dear Wife, laid in the same place.  
Mr. Angier had requested Mr. Robert Eton, (a learned pious Minister, who had married his kinswoman) to preach the Funeral Sermon, and had given him that Text to insist upon, in Act. 20.32. And now brethren I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified: it was an excellent, seasonable and pathetical discourse, and well worthy to be annexed to this present relation, if the worthy Author ●ad judged it fit: however the solemnities of that day will not easily be forgotten.  
Thus the best must die, Zech. 1 5. ●our Fathers where are they? and the Prophets, do they live for ever? the holiest men cannot plead for an exemption, or expect enoch's privilege of a Translation: only to the godly death's sting is plucked ●ut, this swelling Jordan is driven back, the passage is rendered easy and safe to the heavenly Pilgrim: God brought this faithful watchman, through his long and boisterous sea, to a safe harbour in a ●asonable time, and if we embark in the ●ame ship of the Church and have our Lord Jesus with us as our faithful and skilful pi●t, though in storms and tempests he be (as it were) asleep, yet believing prayer will awake him, and he will rebuke 〈◊〉 Winds and Sea, and there shall be calm, and the Ship shall presently be at land, and the passengers shall b●●afe.  
I have now dispatched the History 〈◊〉 Mr. Angiers life, as far as matters o● cur to our present observation, a● have drawn it thus far on till this Thre● of his life be cut off, and lets hi● drop into the Grave, and so cuts o● the line of our Historical account 〈◊〉 him.  

THere are yet two things behind which show something of the breathe o● his gracious soul living and dying.  
1. The first is some observables gathers out of his own Diary, under his own hand.  
2. His dying Speeches, prayers, counsel's and admonitions to those about him in 〈◊〉 last sickness.  
Both these declare much of God's Grace, ●nd manifest the Holy exactness of his serious and savoury Spirit.  
The first is a considerable paper, respecting his frame of spirit in his younger days, and reviewed and reusied in his elder years, 〈◊〉 runs thus.  

I do now seriously resolve, between God and my own Soul, to read his word diligently, morning and evening, before private prayer thereto adjoined, and do purpose to be constant in respect of time thereto to be allotted; to wit, in the morning before Chapel, if it may be with convenience; or otherwise without delay when return from the Chapel; at Night between 5 and 6 of the Clock, if extraordinary occasions hinder me not, because my spirits being fresher than after supper, I shall 〈◊〉 the fit to do God acceptable service. 〈◊〉 do likewise resolve to be diligent in my ●udy, every day for the space of 6 hours ●t least, no day to be overflipped without ●he full accomplishment of them. I likewise promise faithfully to God, and my own Soul, ●o refrain as from the common sins of the ●me, to wit, Drunkenness, Licentiousness, 〈◊〉 the like, so to strive against those sins 〈◊〉 am by nature most addicted to, and for ●e prevention of the like faults to shun 〈◊〉 the occasions thereunto leading, enticing, or provoking; as bad company, lascivious talk, or excess in the use of th● Creature, the which that I may perform according to Gods will and pleasure, I d● deign all my own abilities, and fly to his infinite mercy, desiring his special help an● assistance, his spirit to instruct me, his spirit to direct me, his spirit to sanctify me, th● I may be kept blameless, being without sp● till the day of his appearance: my des● hath been, is and shall be upon my bended knees for the furtherance of these motion begun and kindled by his holy spirit which I hope will cherish them till th● flame into an holy fire of Heavenly conversation, the Life of Virtue, the Glory 〈◊〉 Grace.  
Written with my own hand, April 6. 16●● John Angier Perused with comfort, May 1. 165●   

July 19 1657. I found a paper in 〈◊〉 study of May 9 1626. A Bill for Phys● when I was in a Fever in Cambridg abo●● 31 years since, so long hath God lengthened out my life.  
My going to New England was ve● forward, Mr. Newman earnestly invited 〈◊〉 I received Letters from Bristol, April 〈◊〉 1630. That I was expected there to ta● Shipping for N. E. this April, and had m●● kindness offered me, yet the Lord overruled it.  
Upon the coming on of troubles, I had comfort from Zeph. 2.3. It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger. Josiahs' mercy was not to see the evil, Jeremiahs' mercy was to be secured in the midst of sight.  
My Wife died December 12th. One Night after her death, the Children were in the Parlour Praying together; and hearing a noise, I went to the door, and heard my Son at Prayer with his Sister; he acknowledged to God that they had despised Father and Mother, contrary to God's command, and therefore God hath taken away their Mother; he desired God that they might not provoke him by their sin to take away their Father also; which did much affect me.  
Upon a recovery from a sickness unexpectedly, I was much affected with Isa. 33. ult. and in prayer the Lord brought to my mind, Matt. 8.9. affliction is God's servant, if he bid it come, it comes; if he bid it go, it goes.  
At Bolton, I was sent for to visit a godly man that was sick at Great-Leaver, found him in a comfortable condition; he told me, he received his first comfort by my Ministry ●at Denton, Preaching on 1 Cor. 5.7. Christ ●ur passover is sacrificed for us; ten years ago: Blessed be God who gave me this encouragement. He notes in the margin. The fruits of my labours manifested ten years after.   

Nou. 30.— 47. A day of thanksgiving was kept with some friends for the recovery of a Child that had been sick; it should seem they were in the journey, and had small hopes of recovery; the very same day they prayed, the Child revived at night, and gathered strength in the journey sensibly● they were by the sickness of the Child detained against their own minds, and the minds of the people, but God had a special hand in it; for God sent the Pestilence into the Family where they were ●o sojourn and had they gone at the time purposed they had gone into an infected house, and had been shut up there.   

June 18— 71. God gave rest to our aged afflicted Mother, about 3 in the afternoon it being Lords day; it is observable, that the day after God took away our Mother and that supply from her sailed, God se● me notice of some supply out of my own estate, as he had formerly done when the rent of my Land fell in Essex, Phil● 4.19.   

Novem. 19— 72 Died good Bishop W●kins of the Stone, a great loss, he d●ed comfortably, and rejoiced in his moderation whilst he was Bishop: his deat● was much lamented in the City of Chester.   

Aug. 22.— 73. upon hearing that Mr. Case going from home 4 or 5 days, they returning, found themselves Rob to a great value he subjoins, Psal. 73.26. God a portion for ever.   

Octo. 28.— 75. upon reflecting on his Wife's death, he saith, that Octo. 25. she said that in the beginning of her weakness she was something troubled, that she was taken off her employment, and could do nothing; she was concerned about the cares of the Family, and concerning me, that she should leave me in such a condition: But now God had subdued her will, and quieted her heart, she knew not what direction to give, but she had left all with God, and her heart was quiet, she had no trouble at all; she told me one Night, that she thought God sent Hanna Angier into the Family to ●earn her to die. This was a grandchild of his that came from London, weak, and reached Denton with much ado, and soon died of a ●nsumption.   
Upon a day of Thanksgiving, (about a ●ear before Mr. Angier died) for God's great mercy to his Kinsman in an easy journey, his heart being much affected with ●he Providences of God about it; he took occasion to leave upon record in his diary, these observable circumstances to heighten God's praises, and quicken his own, and other● hearts therein.  


Mercies in a Journey, 1673.  
1. Direction in the right way; want of this causeth wandering, labour, and sorrow, Psal. 107.7.  
2. Preservation of Man and Beast, of life and health, from falls, harm, from enemies, robbers, murderers: Some have died in the way, as Rachel, others fallen sick by the way, as 1 Sam. 30.13. It's mercy when God supports in travel, to endure heat and cold; for an Horse to die or be lame in the way, is a great affliction: so daily supply of new strength is mercy.  
3. Comfort in the way and weather when both are good, and company is suitable and comfortable.  
4. Convenient places for rest, and good refreshment for noon and night.  
5. Seasonable provision of necessary food and cheerful entertainment.  
6. Temporary ease from the burden of domestic affairs, both care and labour, the mind and body both are eased, others take the burden upon them for a time.  
7. Variety of objects to delight the sense fair buildings, fruitful fields, pleasant meadows.  
8. Change of air, pleasantness and healthfulness there, by refreshing gales in the heat of the day.  
9 The society of friends whom we visit, and the mutual comfort that ariseth from their meeting after a time of absence, and from their friendly and hearty converse.  
10. Opportunity of understanding more fully how God hath answered our Prayers for them; opportunity of Soul-help, of doing and receiving good by joynt-prayer, and by conference, by declaring experiences, by stirring up one another to what is good. Behold what excellent use a gracious heart and sanctified fancy can make of those common affairs that many of us pass over with a common Spirit! See what a notable sense he had of God's goodness in every thing, to raise up durable Monuments of God's Glory with such sweet inscriptions thereon as may at once both glorify God, and edify men.    
When he traveled himself (as he often did) to London, Essex, etc. He was wont to write down the passages of God's Providence daily, and upon his return to collect the sum of them, and to spread them before such neighbours as joined with him in thanksgiving, partly to help them to special matter of praise; but chief that God might lose no part of Glory that was due to him.   

A Very Reverend and Worthy Brother, who was intimately acquainted with Mr. Angier, hath contributed some notices of his own personal knowledge, concerning Mr. Angiers excellency in giving Counsel in difficult Cases of Conscience, wherein he had occasion to consult him; the matter of them being of concernment, and possibly may prove of use to others, I shall here transcribe them.  
The first was about Marriage; the Case is this: In 1654.  
A Worthy young Minister, of excellent Parts and Piety. Tabled in an house near the place where then he was Minister, with a Gentlewoman of serious Piety, of good Birth and Breeding, at full years of Discretion, being 33. years of Age, having 800 l. to her Portion, and so in her own hands that none could hinder her of it; these two upon long time of acquaintance with each other, did desire to Marry on both sides out of an hearty Principle of goodness, wherein they agreed; but there was a Mother in the case of another temper, not religious; had Married a second Husband, and took no care at all of her Daughter, but rather shown her Inclination for her Daughter's marryig with a rich man, though of little Religion; yea, the less Religion, they thought, the better it would please her; so that they doubted much of obtaining her consent; the Case proposed was, Whether her consent (in case it would not be had) must be necessarily obtained, or no Marriage; when only a Mother, and she Married to another, who did diminish the children's Estates, and that with the Mother's Consent? 2. When as the Mother is before prejudiced against a good man, and most of all against a Minister? 3. The Daughter of such an age? 4. Hath her Estate at her own dispose? etc.  
This Case I sent to three Reverend men, and to Mr. Angier; his Answer I shall transcribe.  
Dear Sir,  
It shall not be troublesome to me, but contentful, if by the help of God I may reach forth any the least help to you, or any friend of yours that desires to guide his way right. I do pity your friends, fearing it might be an hour of Temptation to them, and a Cause of much Affliction, especially if their affections be much engaged, which their living together speaks; my advice in this Case is, That the Gentleman make use of some friend or friends to the Mother, that have interest in her, to gain her consent, and if he have no temporal estate equal to hers, or to add something to it; yet to signify that he seeks the party more than the Portion, and to offer this evidence of it, to give way that the Portion be laid out for her use, and the use of Posterity, if the Lord show them that Mercy. If Friends cannot prevail, the Daughter may do well (and it a very hopeful way) humbly to desire her Mother's consent in her own Person; if by neither of these likely and due means, they can prevail; I desire they may be moved still to pray, and wait upon the God of Spirits, who knows his own Counsels, and can secretly incline all Spirits to comply therewith. I cannot advise them to Marry without the Mother's consent obtained, unless she hath formerly set her at Liberty, and delivered her into her own Power. For 1. The Mother hath authority over the Child, as well as the Father, an authority of her own, a joynt-authority with the Father given of God, (Honour thy Father and Mother) an Authority founded by Nature; the Mother being a joynt-cause with the Father of the Child's being; and though the Father be dead, and the Portion be in the Child's hands, according to the last Will, and his Authority be ceased; that takes not away the Authority of the Mother, which was included in the Fathers, but always distinct; and therefore some Wills in bequeathing a Portion to be paid at Marriage, do make the reasonable consent of the Mother a just condition. 2. It may be the Mother hath just reason to deny her consent; amongst others, the want of temporal means (i● that be wanting) which is a greater defect in Ministers conditions, than usually in others, because they having large Spiritual means, and living at the height thereof, or beyond, their Wives at their Death fall so much lower than others, by how much they live higher; the Mother may say, She will provide a Match where Piety and Portion meet. 3. If the Mother should unreasonably deny her Consent; yet we must not run into that we have had so much experience of, of later times, to right ourselves by force and violence, but seek remedy in a regular way. 4. If the Mother be carnal, and they religious, they must be afraid to lay a stumbling-block before her; and though the Scandal will not be so great, being to live in another Country; yet it will be too great, if to any, especially if to a Mother, whose Souls good the Daughter is bound to pray for in a special manner, and to seek by all good means. 5. To Marry without Consent of the Mother, at best, is not a clear Case, but dark and doubtful, and will be an advantage to Temptation assailing tender Consciences; whereby, if their Expectations be crossed one in another, or God send Afflictions; their burden will be much increased, because this Question will soon be moved, Whether they did well to Marry without or against Consent? 6. If Children be left to their own Liberty; yet the Duty they own to their Parent's comfort, and the greater judgement and experience of their Parents, do justly challenge their humble desires of their Counsel, their serious Deliberation thereupon, and great unwillingness to Match without their reasonable consent: Advise your Friends seriously to consider, whether they have not gone out of God's way in engaging their Affections mutually, before Consent sought; if the Lord shall help them herein to repent, it will be a foundation of after-Mercy; the truly Godly are apt to miss it far in these occasions; but Grace will not allow it, when God makes a discovery. Thus I have freely imparted my thoughts to you in this Case, beseeching God to clear the paths of all his Servants, especially his Ministers, who are to carry the light before the people, I rest  
Jan. 22.— 54. Yours in all brotherly Offices, J. Angier.  
(a) The matter of Scandal seems to stick most; and whether, if Providence dispose of the Minister in another Country, this may not be some relief to that, is queried.  
He received the Opinion of others, as well as this, yet he took mightily with Mr. Angiers Counsel; for he saith, Upon the receipt of your Letter, and Mr. Angiers advice in it, To pray and wait upon the God of Spirits, who could sweetly incline all spirits to comply with his counsels; Tho I had prayed daily for it, yet I was put on upon a more earnest begging that Mercy, in much more Faith and Hope, that the Lord will so incline spirits. And about a week after, he had the news that the Gentlewoman had by an humble Letter to her Mother, on this account, obtained, that the Mother did yield to leave her to her own disposal.  
In a little time after he was settled a Minister in London, and Married, but shortly fell into a Fever, and into the Small pox, whereof he died; and particular Friends understood that he was seized with great Melancholy, and trouble, which (it was thought) killed him; and it was judged it was occasioned by excessive travelling that had surfeited his Body; but if this matter of Consent had been doubtful, what work would it have made with him in such a condition? According to the prudent Suggestion of the fifth Reason in Mr. Angies Answer.  
This was the first Case.  
The second Case was about Presence at Common-Prayer, which I the rather insert, to testify his Judgement and Principle in that Case.  
The Case was represented from an unknown Person to us, in these words, Jan. 10. 1662.  
The grounds of my dissatisfaction concerning the Common-Prayer, are,  
1. The ineffectualness of forms upon my heart. Tho I do not deny the lawfulness of forms, nor Question the experience of others in this or other forms; yet I will say, That though I have to the utmost endeavoured to benefit myself by the several forms I have been necessitated to hear in public and private; yet I could never get any impression made on my heart thereby, though I have (as much as I could) removed prejudice; yet they have been so to me, as if I had had nothing; and this I have observed in myself in several tempers of Spirit, as Joy, Grief, Fear, etc. Nay when my heart hath been in the best frame, and most sensible, then have they been worst of all unto me.  
2. As to this form, my prejudice is so great upon several accounts, that I have no hope of good by it, as having been bred up under its plenty, and tired with its emptiness, and yet surfeited of it; whereby it hath the same effect that such meats have, on which we surfeit; which besides nauseating, neither have I had any good by it, but much hurt many ways.  
3. I cannot hear it without sin; when I have been surprised with it, it hath instead of stirring up Graces, raised Passion, and such Anger, as hath forced me out of the place; and if it be Worship, it should be attended upon as Worship, and the heart go along with it; which if it do not, must not be attended. I find upon the view of my heart at Night, that I have contracted guilt in my not joining cordially in God's Worship, and getting good by it; and by hearing it, increase my sin.  
4. The influence that my intent of hearing it, had upon my heart, which I shall relate something of, though short of what it was. Being in another Country amongst my Friends, I was somewhat troubled what to do; but the Minister being of my acquaintance, though I could not prevail with him to forbear it while I was there; yet he promised me to read very little, which did pretty well satisfy me; but when I heard the first Bell in the Morning, I was something sad to think what a Snare I was come into; but when the next Bell gave notice, I (being in secret Duty) was carried on by such trembling and terrors, with anguish of Spirit, that I was forced from the Duty thereby striving to satisfy myself with arguing the Case; but the more I did strive, the less I prevailed; my weeping and sighing was so extreme, that I thought my heart would have broke. Oh! how was I troubled that ever I set my foot out of doors to come to that place to sin! nothing but sin, and sinful compliance, could I think it to be; and this was much set upon my heart, that if I did hear it thus, I should never have peace in my Conscience more; and the consideration of that great loss by s●inning against light, did much increase and aggravate my perplexity: I called in a godly kinswoman, and shown her of my trouble; we both considered, whether it might not be a Temptation, but could not find it so; she said if it were a sin in me, my staying from it would occasion more; that the Lords day would be profaned by the wrath and bitter words of a Superior. But while I could get no satisfaction, they stayed for me; my nearest Relation bade me never go, except I was better satisfied; several Messengers were sent by some, that it seems would not go without me; so to satisfy them I went, but did not hear any of it; I wish it were (but it is not possible) for me with my Pen to express what I felt in my Spirit in this half hour: No, my Tongue is not able to utter it, and still its fresh upon my thoughts of conforming in this thing, it's brought to my remembrance, I am (as it were) bid to remember my terrors at such a place, on this account.  
All this put together, and duly considered, these Queries I make.  
1. Whether I ought to hear it, as some press, that it is a sin to forbear? or whether it be not sinful in me to hear it? Or whether I may sometimes, as seldom as I can (to avoid the penalties) hear? Or,  
2. Whether upon these accounts of my forbearance, I may comfortably suffer what may be inflicted, and expect support? Or,  
3. If you grant the hearing, whether may it be heard as something by the by, without giving much attention, or with employing my heart with other thoughts and Ejaculations more edifying?  
Thus have I stated my particular Case, owning many Arguments that others use, keeping only to my own case, which may differ from others, not judging what's fit for others to do, or censuring them for what they do; and I should never have put the Question upon this, but upon 2. accounts. 1. Because divers say, it is sin not to go; and then my Case is sad, that must sin either way. 2. The other reason (which was first in my thoughts before I ever heard, or thought any would have held it a Duty to hear) whether I could comfortably suffer in such a cause? Thus I must say, I have not been without many serious thoughts about it (sin I would avoid); Prayers and Tears, and not trouble, I find in my Spirit upon forbearance, though I diligently observe, and I have such a Conscience that will not let me run on in the least sin, but would be telling me oft of it, without leaving me till I have left it, at least, endeavoured and prayed against it; neither do I find any convenience in staying away; but the sending, and waiting in expectation till that's done, and loss of the Scriptures which I read at home, at the same time; that of separation weigh not with me, it being not total, but only from that which is questionable with me, whether it be Worship, and coming to Singing, and public Sermon, Prayer however, it is some comfort, that Mr. Ball calls them, Our Brethren of the Separation.  
Dear Sir,  
The Case you sent me enclosed, calls aloud to the Father of Mercies, and all h● Children for compassion and relief, whic● in his own time he will manifest through ou● Lord Jesus Christ. According to your desire, I shall by the favour and assistance 〈◊〉 the Father of Lights, freely communicate 〈◊〉 you my thoughts in this sad Case.  
I do not apprehend any solid Argument to convince the Conscience in the grounds of dissatisfaction, concerning hearing Common-Prayer mentioned in the Paper. Not in the first, ineffectualness of forms upon the heart. 2. No hope of good by this. 3. She cannot hear it without sin. 4. The influence the intent of hearing had upon her heart. To make these firm grounds for conscience to rest and act upon, must be proved, That set forms in their own nature are the proper causes of the grievances mentioned, which the judgement of this good Woman doth not deny in the first ground, viz. I do not deny the lawfulness of forms, and the Paper itself doth clearly manifest their natural causes. I conceive therefore with submission, that there is much of strong temptation in the Case propounded, which hath met with a double great advantage. 1. The Irresolution of the judgement touching set forms, whether they be lawful or unlawful, obedience or sin; for though there hath been some apprehensions of lawfulness, as in the first ground; yet the reasons have not been of such weight as to bring the Scales of the Judgement to the ground in the case of lawfulness, and there to hold them; but they have been wavering, and by the strong touch of dissatisfaction to forms, the Scale hath been hurried down on the side of unlawfulness, and fixed there, which is the true cause of so great trouble mentioned, in and for hearing Common-Prayer. Because the good Woman hath been drawn by some external motive to act contrary to the present Sentence of Conscience, or at best with a doubting Conscience, which makes an action lawful in itself, unlawful to him that doth it, Rom. 14.5, 14, 19 The second great advantage this temptation hath met with, is a strong prejudice deeply rooted in the affection, and by length of time nourished, and grown to that strength, that it is become like an old grown disease, too strong for the Physic made use of; so that when any thing of reason is offered to the judgement tending to the health of the Soul in this Case, prejudice in the affection (like distempers in the Stomach) doth rise up and forcibly reject it; this is too manifest in the second ground, and is the cause of what's expressed in the third.  
The remedies which by the blessing of God will be effectual to this good Woman, must be suitable to the advantages given to temptation, and such as may take them away. As 1. to endeavour in the use o● God's means, with dependence upon him, t● resolve the judgement, concerning the lawfulness of joining in forms in such Society where God calls us to attend upon his public● Worship. To this end I conceive there 〈◊〉 sufficient light and weight of Reason, 〈◊〉 Mr. Ball's judicious Trial of Separation; but that will not be enough, unless the mind be prepared by Prayer, for the guidance of the Spirit of Truth to receive that Light, and by serious Meditation it prevail to scatter that darkness which causeth doubts, and to dwell there as a guide; this alone will Answer all the Queries. If public Worship be lawfully performed in that way, then it's a duty to join, and the heart must be kept with all diligence, that the way of Communion between God and our Souls be not stopped. 2. The cure of the old grown disease of Prejudice, will need the skill of the heavenly Physician; the cause of this Prejudice was the inward Corruption of the heart, which would not suffer to take gains in God's way, but inclined to flightness and weariness; this corruption was much advantaged by the neglect of it at first, and want of clear Conviction in the point of set-forms, which was its shelter, together with an opinion of serving God better. The means of cure must be gradual, to discern the Corruption of heart which lies at bottom, the neglect of it so long a time, the advantage given to it, to lay them to heart, humbly to confess them before the Lord, to crave pardon through the Blood of Christ, through purging of the heart, and settling of the judgement, which obtained prejudice will be prayed out, and the heart and head return to soundness. Whilst this cure by the blessing of God is in working, special care must be taken to prevent Relapses, by acting with a doubting Conscience.  
Besides, the main spoken to, I observe some subtle Temptation insinuated, viz. 1. That when the heart hath been in the best frame, and most sensible, they have been worst. 2. Find no trouble of Spirit upon forbearance; no wonder, whilst the judgement is unresolved, so great a prejudice remains, and an apprehension of sin in joining. 3. Find no inconvenience in staying away, but sending and waiting till that's done, and loss of Scriptures, which we can read at home the same time. Is loss of part of the public Prayers of the Church, no loss? and is private teaching to be compared with public reading by an Officer of the Church, when they stand in competition? 
Rom. 16.20.  The God of peace bruise Satan under our feet shortly.  
Sir, I have made it my first weekdays work to answer this Case; and hearing of this Messenger, have sealed it up, which will necessitate your trouble of procuring me a Copy at your leisure; for I want time to transcribe, and am too weary; if your thoughts differ from mine upon the Case, deal freely with me. The Lord accept and bless our poor endeavours; remove a● stumbling-blocks, and give light and peace to his dear Servants. Pray for  
Yours, John Angier.  
Other instances I might add, that his Counsel was asked in many important Cases, and his advice was savoury, and usually safe, being grounded upon the Word of God, having the advantage of an holy heart, a clear head, and long experience; one only I shall subjoin, of his advice to a Minister, who desired his Counsel about removing to another place of more advantage for the World, and greater probability of doing good. His Answer by Letter, was in the Negative, saying, I bless God that such temptations do drive you and your people to God the establisher of Zion.— It was an Expression of Dr. Tuckneys to me, It is ill transplanting a Tree that thrives in the Soyl.— Think upon our Saviour's Speech, When I sent you without scrip or staff, lacked you my thing? and they said nothing: Be not solicitous about your means, or the certainty of it; but set your Soul to the work, and Gods secret shall be upon your Tabernacle.— The Minister fixed his staff where he was, according to Mr. Angiers Example and Advice, and never repent it.  
Thus I have briefly given an account of Mr. Angiers solid and grave Answers to some Cases of Conscience, and but a small taste; for it were easy to fill a Volume with his various Letters upon like occasions, to several Persons.   

I Hasten to the part he acted upon the Stage of this World, in the last Scene of his Life, I mean in his Sickness, the gracious words that proceeded from him; for as he lived, so he died; his discourses were Holy, Heavenly, Ministering Grace to the hearers. His mouth spoke wisdom, his tongue talked of judgement; 
Psal. 37.30, 31.  for the law of his God was in his heart. The nearer approaches he made to Heaven, still the more he breathed of Heaven; and though many, yea, most of what he then spoke, escaped the memory of Spectators or Bystanders; yet some glean they committed to writing, which are as follow.  
Upon Thursday, August, 16. 1677. being in a shaking fit, he was more free in discourse, than ordinarily he had been, and said, I find myself weak and feeble, and now think as much on my dear Wife, as at the very first; but God took course to wean me by her long Afflicton. To a Mother he said, Be not sharp or rash with your Children, lest their affections be alienated; when they commit a fault, stay a while till your anger be over, and then counsel and admonish them, maintain love in them, as well as your authority over them.  
If it please God, I could be glad to live to see the good of the Church, and of my Children; if not, I shall die in the faith of it, that God will remember them when I am gone, it may be then they will bethink themselves, when they have not me to depend upon. God can soon alter their temper if he please.  
To a young Woman that lived in his Family, he said, As you have lived here many years, and by God's help have been of some use, I am glad you are to be disposed of unto so good a Family that have been Children of the Covenant, for the mercy of the Lord is upon thousands of them that fear him; and though you may meet with afflictions, yet I hope God will do you good, and help you to bear them; this was a true prediction; for God laid an heavy hand of affliction upon her husband, and then plucked him away by death, under some astonishing and aggravating circumstances, known to the neighbourhood, yet God supported her very graciously.  
Concerning himself he said, God hath made my condition comfortable in the World, I have lived comfortably, and have kept that which my Father left me; he left me a good Portion, thinking (it may be) that I should never be likely to get much in the world; and I have left it (or what is equivolent) to my Children, and if they make it away, the will of the Lord be done. This is my comfort, I have left no means unused, that I thought might be for their good; and it may be, God may bring them into straits, when I am gone; and when he hath brought them into the wilderness, speak to their hearts.  
My good child Betty! God took away poor Betty! but why should I call her poor? She is rich, being with her best friend: I have had much grief for the loss of my dear Wife, she was dear to me, but her happiness I could never yet envy.  
God hath in some measure given me an humble heart, and hath helped to carry humbly in my place, to Children and to servants; let God have the Glory, in whom alone I have comfort.  
One said to him. Sir, what do you apprehend of yourself? he said, I know not, but I have lived almost two Years above the age of a man; and if God have any further work for me to do, he will recover me; if not, why should I desire to live? I have taken great pains all my life, and never desired to live an idle life, or a life of pleasure, But for me to be with Christ is far better; henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give me.  
His next fit was on Saturday, Aug. 25— Being very restless, one asked him where his pain lay? he said, no great pain, but heat is pain enough; he asked what time a day it was? they said ten a Clock; he said, the day went slowly on, when one is sick; but when well, we think time goes too fast.  
At another time he said, God hath set back the time, as in Hezekiahs' days; but said he, if I could go to Chapel to morrow, I should think all well; but I have no hope of that: But if God have a favour to me, he will bring me back, and show me both it and his holy habitation; if not, let him do as seemeth him good:  
His Daughter coming into the Room, he said, Oh that I could see my Children walking in God's ways and fear! if I could see my Son, his Wise and Children, minding the best things, and walking with God, I could die with comfort. I could much desire I could live to see it; I have Prayed and long waited for God's Salvation: And thou Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind, for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts; if thou seek him, he will he found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever: 1 Chron. 28: 9  
Aug. 27.— Early in the morning, after a restless night, and many weary toss, being unable to lie still, he said, my strength is spent; and added, I may say as Hezekiah, I am oppressed, Lord undertake for me: Isa. 38.14.  
To his cousin he said, We must not decline God's service for difficulty.  
Upon Tuesday, Mr. Constantine, (a worthy Minister) coming to visit him, he desired him to Pray with him; and being asked whether it was not fit for him to pray for him in another room, because the Physicians advised him to forbear company; he said no, but let him pray with me; yet to prevent tediousness, he told them this passage of Mr. Horrocks (which he had oft mentioned in his health) When Mr. Horrocks was sick, Mr. Angier came to visist him, just as Mr. Pike, (another honest Minister) was gone out from him; Mr. Horrocks said, Mr. Angier, you must pray with me; but Mr. Pike hath killed me with a long prayer. When Mr. Constatine was gone, Mr. Angier said, In sickness we are wi●ling to send for the Physician of the Body, and should we not send for the Physician of the Soul? Ministers are the Souls Physicians; we need their help.  
That night he desired that Jam. 5.13. to the end, might be read; and when it was read, he said, Physicians of the body say, let not the Minister pray with the sick; but the Apostle saith, is any sick among you? let him send for the elders of the church. When prayer was done, he said, what a mercy is it! my understanding is as good as ever in all my life; one said to him, Sir I think you understand every thing well, but your own weakness; he answered, I am sensible of weakness and weariness, and burn: but what a mercy is it that though my bones are vexed, my soul is not sore vex also, as david's was! I bless God I am not afraid of death, yet what I may be I know not: Satan may tempt me when his chain is lengthened. One said, No doubt, you will not want peace; he answered, I know not that; though Satan could find no sin in our Saviour, yet he may find matter enough in me; and added, that he had not in his health been altogether free from Satan's Temptations, he had met with his Temptations both in a married and single condition.  
The same night while one rubbed his feet, he said, what a wonderful mercy is it, that the great God should think upon, and bestow his love upon such a poor worm as I am. This he spoke weeping; then said he, I die, but God shall be with you, saying, I cannot leave you a greater comfort than the gracious presence of the great God: he then added. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power: His feet being cold, and swearing, one rubbed them; he said, my body is weak and feeble, an old tree will soon whither, but it must be cherished, and be tenderly cared for, as well as the Soul; for it is the Temple of the Holy Ghost; and doth keep in it an immortal Soul, for a while.  
Although the pangs of death were on him; yet he said, Blessed be God, I feel no pain, but your cold hand; I would wait on God for a little sleep. Lord I wait on thee, remember thy covenant, and thy word to thy Servant, which I have hoped for, and it hath been my support and strength in mine affliction; and through thy strength I have been doing thy will, and endeavouring to keep thy commandments, although in much weakness,; now Lord own thine own servant, do thine own work, make good thy own words; I believe in thee, I hope and wait for thee; hear the Prayers of thy servant, come Lord Jesus.  
Then said he, I love Christ, and he loves me, and there's no love lost betwixt us; I am his, and he is mine, and my desire is towards him.  
One being present with him from Manchester, he asked of all his friends and acquaintance there, and desired to be remembered to them, charging them to live in love and peace; he said, entreat them to pray to God for me, and that will do me more good than their presents; and being told that many of the people of God were praying for him, he said, Who am I a poor creature, that God's people should be so concerned for me! I fear lest they should offend in being too earnest with God for my life, for who knows but the Lord may hear prayers, and may bring me back from the greve, as he is wont to do?  
Afterwards he perceiving that others did suspect his death, he desired the 48th of Genesis is to be read, where (said he) old Jacob blessed his Sons, and the 49. Where altar he had spoken to them by a Spirit of Prophecy, and commanded them, 
Gen. 49. v. 33.  he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people. And when they had done reading, he spoke to them one by one, and prayed for a blessing for them; kissing the Children, he took leave of them, and desired a Psalm to be sung, and he said, sing it cheerfully (Psal. 45.) It contains Christ's love to the Church, and the Church's love to Christ.  
Then he appointed his Grandson to read a Chapter, (Jer. 23.) it concerns, saith he, slothful Shepherds, God's Soul abhorred them, and he will curse their labours, they shall not profit the people; they are fit for no use; adding, God will make a Bosom, and sweep all such out of his house; no man, said he, will have a tenant that will not Till his land, but let house and ground go to ruin: God will take special care of his house.  
Then he said, John, take counsel at your best friends, they will give you good Counsel, and set you good Example; meddle not with wicked, light, and vain persons: remember the words of your dying Grandfather; then he desired the 14th of John to be read, concerning Christ's sending the Spirit.  
Then he prayed earnestly for the Church, that God would hear the Prayers of his people, and return to these nations, and set at liberty his Ministers and People; Oh, said he, that God would magnify the riches of his Grace, for his poor Church, for the sake of Christ, for we are an unworthy people; but thy Son died to purchase the pardon of sin, and reconciliation, and is set at thy right hand, pleading our cause; Father hear him, for us, and be at peace with us. Remember what hath been done and suffered for reformation, and the precious Blood of thy Saints, which hath been shed, this is the seed of thy Church; remember the prayers of such as are now with thee, and of such as are yet alive, in the behalf of their seed, and the seed of thy Church, and fetch in such as are going astray from thee, and put a stop to their course of sin; rebuke that profane spirit that is gone out in the Nation; revive the work of reformation, of tenderness of conscience, and brokenness of heart, that sometimes thy people have ●ad; remove the hardness of heart, and that lukewarm frame of spirit that hath sized upon us: return, O Lord, to the many thousands of those that are seeking thee in ●hese Nations; how long, Lord, wilt thou ●e angry with thy people in these Nations, ●nd deny to answer their prayers? O Lord, thy poor people have been many ●ears pleading with thee, for the King's Majesty; make him indeed a Josiah, a Nursing Father to thy Church; make him a terror to ●vil doers, and an encouragement to them ●hat do well; Father, thy people are wait●ag on thee, when wilt thou return to thy ●oor broken scattered flock? Lord hum●le them for sin that hath provoked thee to ●is great heat of thy wrath; thou hast ●ercy in store, and waitest to be gracious, ●t we are not fit for mercy; But Lord, ●ake thy people fit; thou hast bid us ask ●at we will in thy son's name, and thou wilt ●ve it. Lord increase our faith, and work 〈◊〉 thy great Name, and thy own Glory; ●vance thy Son's Kingdom, and bring down ●e Kingdom of Satan; purge and purify thy Church, but destroy it not; thou ha● appeared for thy Church many times when it hath been very low, and thy people have sinned grievously against thee, as we have done; and thereby brought themselves into straits, yet thou hast heard their cries, and wrought for thy name, that it should not be polluted. Zion lies in the dust, thy Church is sore broken; many of thy servants are gathered to thyself 〈◊〉 they are not to be seen or heard any more in the World; their prayers are ceased tha● stood in the gap, to turn away thy wrath from us. Lord revive conversion-work; le● not the Womb of thy Church be barre● and unfruitful; is thy work quite done 〈◊〉 O Lord, art thou resolved to leave this Nation? hast not thou many elect Souls ye● to be brought in? dear Father, hear tho● the Prayers of Parents for their poor Children; do not cast off the seed of th● Church; let them not be as unfruitful Branches that are fit for no use, but to bu● Lord prevent Popery and Idolatry; let 〈◊〉 not leave our Children worse than our Parents' left us; let there be pure Doctri●● Worship, and discipline in thy house according to thy mind; continue the priviled●● purchased with the blood of thy Son, 〈◊〉 the use of thy Church, which thy pe● stand in so much need of, that we and our posterity may praise thee, and future generations may set their hope in God, and declare what thou hast done.  
And for the Congregation, he said, Thine they were, and thou hast committed them to me, thy poor servant; for this 46 years I have been labouring among them; according to my poor ability thou hast bestowed on me I have endeavoured to bring them over to thee; now I am no more to be with them; Father I commit them to thee again, as I have done many a time; take thou the charge of them, see to them, provide for them; double thy spirit on thy servant; bless his labours among them, let many Souls be brought into thy Kingdom of Grace, and made fit for the Kingdom of Glory; let thy word abide with them; Lord, tarry with thy people here, send down thy Spirit so freely, so plainly, so sully— these last words he often repeated.  
These were the workings of his gracious heart, vented Godwards in Heavenly ejaculations, and uttered in such broken expressions; ●he was restless, and in several postures; one said, Sir are you not sore pained? he said ●o, blessed be God, I feel no pain, but the flesh will stir.  
On Wednesday Night, about two a clock Aug. 29. 1677 he begun to speak after this manner.— I commit myself into the hands of that God, who gave me my being, who hath been a good God, and a loving Father to me, and into the hands of Jesus Christ my Saviour, who loved me, and gave himself for me, and bore the burden of my sins; and into the hands of the Holy Spirit, who hath sanctified me throughout in Soul, Body, and Spirit— And for my Children that have been a great grief of heart to me, that have been very sinful; good Lord pardon their sins in the Blood of thy own Son.— For my Son that hath greatly played the Prodigal, hedge up his way with thorns, and make a stone-wall, bring him into such straits, that he may begin to bethink himself, and say, In my Father's house is Bread enough.— That at last he may return.— For my children's Children, Lord I commit them into thy hands, and all my dear Friends and their Children.— And for my People whom I received from thy hands, to take care of, and instruct, to Preach thy word unto, and pray for, Lord thou knowest, in some measure of uprightness of heart I have done it, and in some measure my life hath been according to my doctrine.— Lord forgive the sins of my life, the sins of my ministry, and the sins of my People.— I desire to bless thee for what good thou hast done by my Ministry among them, and for those Souls thou hast already brought into Heaven.— And now Lord, I commit them into thy hands, who art the chief shepherd, they are thy flock, help them to live in love and peace; Oh that strifes and contentions might cease.— And thou who hast kept an open door for thy people in this place, when it hath been shut elsewhere for a long space; Lord keep it open still, until thou shalt open the rest.— Oh, remember thy Ministers. Take care of them,— provide for this congregation; and if thou shalt incline the heart of my Kinsman to stay amongst them, (who hath been trained up in my Family for these ten years, and they have known his manner of life, his Doctrine, his parts, and abilities for the Ministry)— if thou see it good, make way in the heart of thy servan● H. And those that have power in this place, to use their endeavour, that he may continue here.— This is my desire.— Lord remember thy People in these nations,— Papists are striving, and some of the mere formalists care not what becomes of the Protestant interest.— If Popery comes in like a flood,— Lord put a stop to it. Yea, put an end to it.— Stir up the heart of our King, and the King of the Swedes., against the Whore of Rome, that thinks she sits as a queen and is no widow.— Oh stir up the ten Kings against her—  
Then he added a request for accommodation of a difference betwixt two persons (whom he names) in his congregation, that he might see it healed before he die— And for some others that had made detection in practice, and were fallen off to looseness, and vain company-keeping, who were children of Godly Parents, that at last God would bring them home by sound repentance.— Concluding, he begs that the Lord will bring down ill houses of iniquity, meaning Alehouses.  
He added that night— Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; but when we are absent from the body, than we shall be present with the Lord, therefore we labour.—  
The just shall live by his faith.—  
Read we the 20th of Acts where Paul fent for the elders of the Church of Eph●su●, and gave them charge, and took his leave of them.  
Read the 1. Thes. 4.12 to the end; adding, It is a great priviledg●, that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and be with him, before they that are alive at his coming shall be changed.  
Thus his Holy Soul mounting upwards by gradual ascents, breathes out its self into the bosom of God, being mellowed and ripened for Glory. In all these we may take notice of, 1. His public-spiritedness, still his heart was carried out for the Church, No man like-minded, 
Phil. 2.20.  who naturally cared for the spiritual state of souls, and of Zion. 2 His hatred of sin, Love to Holiness, Righteousness, Peace, and earnest desires to promote the interest of Christ, living and dying, at home, abroad. 3. His sweet serenity and composedness of Spirit, looking this grim sergeant of Death, the King of Terrors, full in the face without amazement, meeting it is his friend, giving him possession of his Father's house. 4 His endeared love to the word of God, delighting to have it read, sounding in his ears, and tipping his tongue with Scripture-Language, because his heart was throughly drenched therein. Thus this Holy man lived, and thus he died; thus he believed, thus he Preached, professed his hopes of a life to come; and thus he entered into his rest, and possesseth that purchased and perfect inheritance; who would not thus live! what Atheist would not thus die! however a carnal heart may possibly say as that wicked Roister who with his companion visited dying Ambrose, and hearing his Holy discourses and confident welcoming approaching death with comfort, he turns him to that swaggering Russian, saying, Oh that I might live with thee, and die with Ambrose! and thus could Balaam, Num● 23.10. that devilish Wizzard, and covetous conjurer, say, let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his, [Heb. Let my Soul or my life be with the Righteous] but they that would follow this blessed Saint into the upper region, must enter in at the right door by sound conversion, and go forth, and go on in the footsteps of the flock, travelling gradually in the paths of sanctity, till we advance to the mount of God: and though it be a rare thing to follow these Worthies, [passubus aequis] with such long strides, and quick motion; yet sincerity in our setting out, diligence in pursuit, and perseverance in holding on to the end, may by the blessing of God bring us to the goal and garland of Glory; and though we cannot attain the exploits and honour of the first three of King David's worthies, yet may we be faithful soldiers in this noble Army of the followers of the Lamb, at last the Crown of Glory may be by the grace of God set upon our triumphant heads; and if there be degrees of Glory, yet the least vessel shall be filled, and the meanest Saint shall be sully loaden with that exceeding and eternal weight of Glory: for such and so great is that joy, that it cannot enter into the most extensive and capacious receivers, but they must enter into their Master's joy; as if ten thousand millions of Bottles of different sizes were cast into the vast ocean, they would all be abundantly filled; so every Saint shall say with David, Psal. 17.15 As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.  
Nor is it difficult for an Angelified Soul set at liberty from the prison of the flesh, to soar aloft with speed into these celestial regions, especially having such a royal guard of Angels to attend it, though it is said that from Earth to Heaven it is an hundred and sixty millions of miles; yet how quickly and safely can that blessed Convoy convey it into the presence-chamber of that Glorious King? Oh how well did this gracious Soul know the way thither, where he had been daily visiting the great God by faith and prayer; he was not a stranger to the laws of that Country, nor unacquainted with the manner of that Court above; but as he walked with his God, and was joined to that heavenly soicety; so doubtless he kept up some communion with those blessed spirits above, as they have an ineffable way of intercourse and correspondence amongst themselves; yet have we no Scripture ground to pray to, or expect answers from them; happy they that have faithfully improved their gifts and graces whilst conversant below; remember their dying speeches, and imitate their lovely lively examples.  
IT might now be expected that I should further unfold Elijahs Mantle, by recording those pithy and pertinent Speeches that dropped from him. But as that hath been occasionally rehearsed already, in the preceding Narrative; so I fear those that were conversant about him, were not so observant of those gracious words that proceeded from him in his health, as in his sickness; otherwise we might have enriched the world with some useful and Holy observations, suitable to several occasions, sacred and civil.  
1. An eminent Divine took notice, that Mr. Angier said, he would not be rich, or that he wished not to be rich, or have his Relations rich; nay, that he was really afraid of it; probably respecting it not, mentioning that of the Apostle 1 Tim. 6.9, 10. or that Prov. 30.8, 9  
2. Again, he used to observe, that Religion was most in the Country, rather than Towns and Cities: or that ordinarily the power of Godliness, simplicity, sincerity, are found among Husbandmen rather than tradesmen.  
3. That in Cities, Towns, and among the trading part, there was much excess in diet, apparel; that they spoilt their bodies. and were less serious in discourse, and laborious in their callings.  
4. That he did not judge it fit to call any Gentlewoman, Madam, except she was a Lady indeed; adding, that men never called women, Madams, but since they loved other women better than their wives.  
5. Again, he used to say, there is nothing wherein Godly persons are more apt to miss it, than in the business of Marriage, both upon their own account, and their Children.  
6. Again, he used to say, it's an hard matter to see another blessed with success in his Ministry, and our own labours blasted, and not to grudge or be discontented thereat.  
7. Again, if God will help me to take care of my duty, I will leave him to take care both of my maintenance, and of the fruit of my labours.  
8. He said, when persons have laid their dead relations, or friends, in the grave, they say, they have been performing the last office for them; but they are mistaken, for they have yet something to do for their names or posterity.  
I cannot at present call to mind any more, though this must be imputed rather to our nonobservance than to his barrenness; yet there is some passages that I meet with in the life of David Chytreus, a Germane Divine, th● are so pat to the frame of this holy man● Spirit, and consonant to his ordinary language, that I shall conclude this Narrative therewith: summa me a sapientia est, qu●● scio me nihil sapere, etc. The chiefest part of my wisdom is to know that I want wisdom; nor do I expect to receive any thing upon the confidence of my own understanding, but I still fetch both counsels and reasons of all that I am to do from God alone; and keep myself within the limits of my calling; the sum of my piety is, that I daily acknowledge and bewail my own impiety, and would willingly be more Godly; Christ is the Glory and splendour of our name, who for us is made Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption, with whom we shall live to all eternity. Indeed we neither own nor desire a glorious name, nor popular splendour upon earth; and if we were formerly tickled thereby, our repentance hath made us contemn it; and are taught by long and sweet experience, and now find the comfort of it, when death approacheth, That the life of Christ within us, and a life to Christ, will afford us the greatest comfort; tho alas too late begun, Isa. 38.3, 4. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, and said Remember now O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.  
2 Cor. 1.12. for our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, sit by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to unwards.  
1 John 1.7. The blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.  
HALLELUJAH.   
FINIS   

Books Printed for, and are to be sold by Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside.  
SERMONS on the whole Epistle of Saint Paul to the Colossians, by Mr. J. Daille, translated into English by E.S. with Dr. Tho. Goodwin's, and Dr. John Owen's Epistles Recommendatory.  
An Exposition of Christ's Temptation on Matth. 4. and Peter's Sermon to Cornelius; and circumspect walking, by Dr. Tho. Taylor.  
A practical Exposition on the 3d Chapter of the first Epistle of Saint Paul to the Cor●ithians, with the Godly man's choice, on Psal. 4 v 6, 7, 8. by Anthony Burgess.  
Dr. Donns 4 to Sermons, being his 3 Volumes.  
Pareus Exposition on the Revelations.  
Choice and practical Expositions on 4 select Psalms, viz. 

The fourth Psalm in eight  
The forty second Psalms in ten  
The fifty first Psalms in twenty  
The sixty third Psalms in seven Sermons    
Forty six Sermons upon the whole eighth Chapter of the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. Both by Tho. Horton, D. D. late Minister of Saint Helen's.  
An Analytical Exposition of Genesis, and of twenty three Chapters of Exodus, by George Hughes, D D.  
One hundred Select Sermons on several Texts, by Tho. Horton.  
The Door of Salvation opened by the Key of Regeneration, by George Swinnock, M. A.  
An Antidote against Quakerism, by Steph. Scandret.  
An Exposition on the five first Chapters, of Ezekiel, with useful observations thereupon, by William Greenhil.  
The Gospel Covenant opened, by Pet. Bulkley.  
The Fiery-Jesuit, or an Historical-Collection of the rise, increase, doctrines and deeds of the Jesuits, exposed to view for the sake of London.  
Horologiographia optica; Dyaling, universal and particular, speculative and practical; together with a description of the Court of Arts, by a new Method; by Sylvanus Morgan.  
The practical Divinity of the Papists discovered to be destructive to true Religion, and men's souls, by J. Clarkson.  
The Creatures goodness as they came out of God's 〈◊〉, and the goodman's 〈◊〉 to the bruit-creature, in two Sermons by Tho. Hodges, B.D.  
Certain considerations tending to promote Peace and Unity amongst Protestants.  
The Saints triumph over the last enemy, in a Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. James Janeway, by Nath. Vincent.  
The Morning-Lecture against Popery, or the principal errors of the Church of Rome detected and confuted in a Morning Lecture, preached by several Ministers of the Gospel in or near London.  
Four useful discourses: (1) The art of improving a full and prosperous condition for the Glory of God; being an appendix to the art of Contentment, in three Sermons, on Philip. 4.12. (2) Christian submission, on 1 Sam. 3.18. (3) Christ a Christians life and death is gain, on Phil. 1.21. (4) The Gospel of peace sent to the sons of peace, in six Sermons, on Luke 10.5, 6. by Jeremiah Burroughs.  
Dr. Wild's Letter of Thanks or Poems.  
A new Copy-Book of all sorts of useful hands.  
Canaan's Calamity.  
The intercourse of Divine Love between Christ and the Church, or the particular believing soul: in several Lectures on the whole second Chap. of Cant by John Calli●s, D.D.