THE LIFE AND DEATH OF Mr. Tho. Wilson, MINISTER OF MAIDSTONE, In the County of Kent, M. A.  
Printed in the Year 1672.   

To the Christian READER, Especially those of Maidstone in Kent, who were Hearers of, and held Communion with Mr. Wilson.  
HOw great the force of examples is to draw Men to good or evil, is evilent to the World by daily experience. The Governors of Families and Parishes, are usually the Looking Glasses, by which inferiors dress themselves. And most look rather to their doings than their sayings. Hereupon the Orator tells us, Non solum obsunt superiores, quod illi ipsi corrum patitur, sed etiam quod cotrumpunt: plusquam exemplo quam peccato nocent. Waters do not more constantly vary their savour, according to the veins of the Soil, through which they slide, nor Brutes their natures according to the Climates, in which they live, than men their conversations, according to the examples that are set before them. There is a persuasive power in rational precepts, but a compulsive power in real patterns. It is recorded of Elies' sons (men of vicious lives) that they made (ay e) by their examples, The Lord's people to transgress, 1 Sam. 2. 24. And the Apostle rebukes Peter to his face for his judaizing in those words, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 2 Gal. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Why dost thou bring the Gentiles under a necessity? Why dost thou necessitate them to judaize? Why dost thou far them by thy example to live as do jews. Upon this account God commandeth the jews, to suffer no Caänanites amongst them. They shall not dwell in thy Land, ne forte peccare te faciant in me. A Lapide etc. Saint: Lest they make thee sin against me (i e) by their examples, Exod. 23. 32, 33.  
The mind of man like jacob's sleep, receiveth the tincture and colour of those objects that are presented to it. As the air in which we live, hath a strong influence upon our bodies, and inclines them to health or sickness; so hath the pattern of those amongst whom we live a strong influence upon our Souls, to incline them to virtue or vice. Joseph quickly learns the Court Dialect, to swear by the life of Pharaoh, by living amongst Courtiers, Israel becomes guilty of that horrid sin of Idolatry, by their habitation in Egypt, for the golden Calf, was first fassioned and form in the Iron Furnace. They who walk in the Sun are tauned insensibly; and before they are aware.  
Thus also there is a sweet power and holy efficacy in good examples to draw men to good. Justin Martyr acknowledgeth, that he was converted by observing the pious lives and patient deaths of the Martyrs. The holy conversation of Theodosius in his Family, turned his whole Court into a Nursery of Religion. The strict life and gracious carriage of the Baptist, had so much power on Herod (though bad enough, and above all fear of John, for any thing he could do against him) that he reverenceth him, heareth him gladly and doth many things, Marks 6. ●0. The Sanctity of John had a commanding beauty with it, his Holiness had an awing Majesty in it, which conquered and triumphed in the Conscience of the King. Peter Martyr tells us (Loc Commun. Part. 1. Cap. 1.6.) of a deformed Woman (whose Husband was therein like her) which by looking daily on beautiful Pictures, brought forth fair and comely Children. It's certain God is pleased to give us in his Word, and in the World, many examples of humble, mortised self denying Christians, that we beholding ●hem, might resemble them; Therefore he proounds them in the holy Scriptures, not only for our encouragement in the ways of Godliness, Jam. 5. 10. Heb. 1. 2. But also for our imitation, that we may walk as we have them for an example, 2 Cor. 11. 1. Phil. 3. 17. 20. He sets up those shining lights in the World, not for men to play with or to play by, but for men to work by, to be directed by them in the ways of Life; And our not improving their holy patterns hereunto, is one cause why he takes them from us so soon. If Children and Servants will play by that Candle which is given them to work by, no wonder if he who set it up, put is out, and leave them in the dark.  
Reader, I do here present to thy view in this little Treatise, a great examples of Godliness, one that did not only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not only divide the word aright, but also order his conversation aright. Though he hath been dead some years, yet as Abel being dead, he speaketh to the living by the good example of his life. What Nazienzen saith of the Baptist (who is called the voice of one that cryeth in the Wilderness,) that he was tota vor All voice, made up of voice; a voice in his Habit, a voice in his Diet, a voice in his Dwelling a voice at Home, a voice Abroad, a voice in the Pulpit, a voice out of the Pulpit, a voice in the works and life. So I may speak of this ma●● God without flattery (that is impossible, he being dead) or falsehood (many a live can attest it) that he was all voice; A voice in his Doctrine, and a voice in his Conversation, a voice in his Language, a voice in his carriage, a voice in his Food, in his Raiment, in his Family, in the Street, as well as in the Church. O what a lively pattern of zeal, love, faith, humility, Heavenly mindedness, courage for, and Constancy in the Truth did he set before you, who had the happiness to live under his Ministry. Be you followers of him as he was of Christ, let his zeal inflame you, his love draw out your hearts more to your God and his People, let his humility make you low in your own eyes. His Heavenly mindedness lessen your esteem of the World and all therein and his magnanimity of Spirit, encourage you in the ways of Truth and Holiness against all the opposition that you meet with. Look often on him with the eye of your minds, till you are transformed into his likeness. Can you not remember how often your Spirits have burned within you, whilst be hath been opening Scripture to you; Have not your hearts sometimes been carried up to Heaven in his Prayers. Were you never above in the Mount with him at a Sacrament? when your souls spoke with Peter, Lord 'tis good to be here, O let us build a Tabernacle, and no more go down to a vain empty World. O they are blessed that dwell in thy House, they do ever (and me without infinite cuase) praise thee. Beware you do not abate in your Sacred affections, that you do not leave your first love, that you draw not back and decline in Religion.  
I believe many of you are ready to say with Job, O that I were as in the days of old, as in the days when God preserved me, when his Candle shined upon my head, when the Almighty was yet with me, Job 29.28 O that I were as in the days of ola, as in the days when I sat under Mr. wilson's Ministry; O that I could hear such Sermons, join in such Prayers, partake of such Sacraments, enjoy such seasons for my soul, and see such gracious examples. When you are wishing thus; consider what a mercy it was that you enjoyed him so long; Alas, how many Parishes never had such a Pastor one Month? then bewail your folly in making no better use of him while you had him. Let all your complaint be of yourselves, for your unfruitfulness and unprofitableness under such excellent means, and Spiritual opportunities; And let you care be to make the most of him, more by practising those wholesome precepts, which you remember he gave you, and by writing in your lives after that Copy which he hath set you. I know his memory is dear to you, and your love was great to him, I beseech you, manifest the truth of your love by doing that which (you know) he loved so much. Did he not tell you often. I have no greater joy then to see my Children walking in the Truth. In a word, Zeno Cittiana, when he consulted with the Oracle how he might live well, was answered; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. If he were of the same colour with the dead. It's certain you will live well, if you live like them that died in the lord The Prince of the Powers of the Air, (i e, the Devil) liveth in them, who live according to the course of the world, Eph. 2. 2. The world though it often changeth its customs, and fashions, yet never for the better, as the Chameleon, it turneth in to any colour but white, so that if you will live, according to most amongst when you live, you may do, and be any thing, but what you ought to do and be. But if you be of the colour of them that sleep in Jesus, and resemble the dead in Christ, your lives will be unblameable, your deaths peaceable, your names after death honourable, and your resurrections at the great day comfortable. That you may be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promises, and in special, that you may be your Pastor's Joy and Crown or Rejoicing at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,  
Is the Prayer of your Affectionate Servant in Christ Jesus, G. S.   

THE CONTENTS.  
Chap. 1. 
HIs Birth, Education at School and University.  Chap. II. 
His removal from the University, with the occasion.  Chap. III. 
His first Living in Surry.  Chap. IU. 
His second living in Hampshire.  Chap. V. 
His third living, with the success of his journey into Cumberland.  Chap. VI 
His removal to Otham in Kent, with the occasion of it.  Chap. VII. 
His great success at Otham in Kent, with his faithfulness there.  Chap. VIII. 
His care to sanctify the Sabbath.  Chap. IX. 
His appearance at a Visitation about the Prayer against the Scott.  Chap. X. 
His fresh prosecution by the Archbishop, with a strange Providence.  Chap. XI. 
Strange Providences, Mr. Wilson's freedom obtained by Sir Ed. Deering, with his character of Mr. Wilson.  Chap. XII. 
His removal to Maidstone.  Chap. XIII. 
His care for Otham, and for Reformation at Maidstone.  Chap. XIV. 
His extraordinary diligence and labouriousness on the Lord's day.  Chap. XV. 
The great pains he took with his people on the Weekdays.  Chap. XVI. 
His diligence on all occasions to do good, and his way of Preaching.  Chap. XVII. 
His carriage in his Family.  Chap. XVIII. 
The Reformation which was wrought by his means and Ministry in Maidstone.  Chap. XIX. 
His Courage.  Chap. XX. 
His Zeal.  Chap. XXI. 
His Faith and Heavenly mindedness.  Chap. XXII. 
His natural parts, and great humility.  Chap. XXIII. 
His Wives, and Children.  Chap. XXIV. 
His Sickness and Death.   
After the Chapters, are annexed the Articles objected against him in the Arch-Bishops Court, with his answers to them.  
Verses on his Death.   

THE LIFE and DEATH OF Mr. THO. WILSON, Minister at Maidonestone, in the County of Kent.  

CHAP. I. His Birth, Education at School, and University.  
THomas Wilson was born at Catterlon, in the County of Cumberland in the year 1601. His Parents were sober and honest, and of a competent Estate, being of the best sort of Yeomen in those parts. As soon as his Age would permit, he was sent to School at Blentow i● the saith County, where under Mr. Wilkinson his Schoolmaster, he profited beyond, expectation; and far excelled all his fellows. He was observed in his youth to have a sharp wit, large memory, and to be very much given to his Book; whereby his friends had hopes that he would in time (as indeed he did) prove a great instrument of good.  
His great proficiency at School, encouraged his Parents to send him to the University before he was seventeen years of Age, where (viz. at Christ's College in Cambridge) he spent not his time as too many do, male, alind, or nibil agendo, but devoted himself wholly to his Studies, in so much that he was taken notice of by the Master and Fellows, for his diligence and industry: It might have been written over his Study-door, Nulla diel sine linea. And though he did employ his time most there, about Academical Learning, (his acuteness in which did appear above 20 years, after he had left Cambridge,) yet he did not neglect Divinity, but in order to his design of serving God in the Ministry, (if he saw fit) read both Positive and Polemical Authors: But of all Books none was so dear to him, or read so much by him, as the Holy Scriptures, for as the great Apostle saith of Timothy, I may say of him, From a Child he knew the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make wise to Salvation. Before he was Bachelor of Arts he had read (as he told me) Tremel. and jun. on the whole Bible, three times over.   

CHAP. II. His removal from the University, with the occasion.  
SOmetime after he had Commenced Bachelor of Arts, he was removed from the University by this Providence. Mr. john Bristol a Reverend Minister of Chawswood in Surry, desired Mr. Mead (that eminent person for Piety and Learning) his Tutor, to send him an able Religious Scholar, to teach School in his House. Mr. Mead presently pitched his thoughts upon his Pupil Mr. Wilson, not knowing how to pleasure Mr. Bristol better, and glad he could answer his request so well.  
At Mr. Bristows he continued four years or there about, instructing the Lads committed to his charge, with great diligence and faithfulness, being far from the temper of Protagoras, who boasted (as Plato reports) that having lived sixty four years, he had spent forty of them in corrupting and debauching young persons, No, he made conscience of his time, and his trust, and gave his Scholar more cause to bless God for their education under him, than Socrates did Plato for his bringing up under such a Master. He hath sometimes told me, that he knew no Calling, except the Ministry, wherein a man might be so serviceable to God as in teaching youth. And is clear that oftentimes Lads are made men at School; If there they suck in ill principles, it will be hard to remove them, if good, they continue with them, Quo semel● est in buta, etc. It is noted by some as one cause of julian's profaneness, that he was bred under two Heathenish Tutors Libanius and jamblicus. Because he saw the Christians so easily to confute the Idolatrous Gentiles, by reason of their good Education, he made a Law, That no Christian should train up his sons with humane Learning. But it was the happiness of Chawswood, that their Children were educated by one who had both a dexterity and fidelity, to teach them Humane and Divine Learning. But Mr. Bristol observing Mr. wilson's fitness and ability for a greater work than instructing Children; and how his heart was set upon the work of the Ministry, (to prepare himself for which he made use of all his vacant hours from the School) did not judge it convenient to deprive the Church any longer of so worthy a Labourer, and therefore though it were a considerable loss to himself and his Parish, to so go so good a man; yet he preferred the public advantage of the Church before his own, and wished Mr. Wilson take himself wholly to Preach.   

CHAP. III. His first Living in Surry.  
THe first Candlestick in which this light was set, was Capel in Surry, where he continued some time, directing others by his holy pattern and judicious diligent Preaching, the way to eternal Life. Though the Parish gave him little or nothing for his pains, yet he was never the less faithful and laborious, for the welfare of their souls, for he sought not theirs but them, not their temporal good, but their spiritual good. Here he had the love and esteem of all Godly persons, both Ministers and people round about and indeed by his holy, Heavenly, humble conversation, he was such a Loadstone, as where ever he came he drew the hearts of sober Christians after him. What Nazianzen saith of Athanasius, I may truly say of him that he was Magnes & Adamas, a Loadstone in his sweet gentle nature, and yet an Adamant in his stout resolute carriage against errors and profaneness.   

CHAP. IU. His second Living in Hampshire.  
HE continued not long at Capel, but upon some reasons, by means of the forementioned Mr. Bristol, he was removed to Farlington (nigh Portsmouth in Hampshire) an ignorant Heathenish place, which he endeavoured so long as he stayed with them to instruct and reform. Though there was little of Religion in his Parishioners, nor scarce any savour of good, yet whilst he abode there the Church was much frequented (Christians flocking in to hear him divers miles round,) and when he was called thence he was much bewailed.  
He stayed not long in Hampshire, and though I am ignorant of the grounds of his frequent removals, (which I suppose were weighty) yet by the sequel I perceive that God intended so able and useful an instrument for more public and general service, and thought not good to confine such great gaifts and graces, to such small Parishes.   

CHAP. V. His third Living in Surry, with the success of his journey into Cumberland.  
HIs next change was to Tedington near Kingston upon Thames, in which place he continued some years, and through the blessing of God with great success of his Ministry, and much acceptance amongst them that feared the Lord. During his abode at Tedington, he (being twenty six years of Age) had a desire to visit his native Country, where his Relations and Friends lived, and it pleased God so to assist him in his labours amongst them, that his journey became profitable for the Conversion of many. While he was in Cumberland, he was requested to Preach in Penroth, a great (if not the greatest) Market Town in the County, where, time out of mind there had been a considerable Market for all sort of food kept every Lord's Day, till nine a Clock in the morning. But after he had Preached two or three Sermons, he prevailed so far with the Ministers and others of the Town, that it was Proclaimed on Tuesday their Weekly Market day. That no person for the time to come, should bring any Victuals or Beware whatsoever to be sold on the Lord's day, but that Saturday should be the time for the Sale of their Commodities. And for many years after, the people did forbear to sell any thing on the Lordsday in that Town.   

CHAP. VI His removal into Kent, with the occasion of it.  
HIs next removal was from Tedington to Otham, within two or three miles of Maidstone in Kent. The occasion is this, there were many serious understanding Christians in Maidstone, much troubled and dejected at the deadness and dulness of that Ministry, under which they lived. Alas, the children asked bread, and their Spiritual Father (by Profession and Office) gave them stones, that their souls were ready to famish for want of food. Whereupon Mr. Robert Swinnoche an active Godly person, one of the Aldermen or Jurats of the Town, got the presentation of Otham, upon the death of the Incumbent, and consulted with his friends and Christian Neighbours, how he might procure an able Minister for that place, aiming herein not only at the benefit of that Parish, but also of the Christians at Maidstone, who might with a little trouble and travail reap the fruit of his labours. In pursuance of this they repaired to London, where they heard of Mr. Wilson, to whom they presently take their journey, hear him Preach at Darking in Surry to their great satisfaction. After Sermon they acquainted him with the cause of their coming, and the sad condition of the good people in those parts, where they lived and desired him to accept the presentation of Otham, He who was never hasty, especially in matters of such weight, asked the judgement of his Neighbour Ministers in the Country, and others of the City of London, who did concur and agree in this, thatin regard of the necessities of those that feared God about Maidstone, and the great opportunity he should enjoy there, of doing good to many souls he ought to embrace the Call. Upon the declaration of their opinion he was presented to Otham, where the Lord was pleased to prosper his Ministry, for the conversion and edification of many.   

CHAP. VII. His great success at Otham in Kent, and his faithfulness there.  
HE was one that did divide the Word aright, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, a Boanerges, a Son of Thunder, in Preaching the Law, to awaken secure senseless sinners, that his hearers might say of him, as one of the Ancients, of St. Paul's Epistles, Non tam verba quam To●itena audiebant, etc. That they heard not so much words as Thunders, when they heard him opening the dreadful curses of the Law, and the terrible wrath of God against sin and sinners. Many a one hath come to him, as the Jailor to the Apostle, trembling and crying out, Sir, what shall I do to be saved? To whom he was a Barnabas, a son of sweet consolation, and could so display the exceeding abundant riches of Divine grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, as to draw and attract their hearts to a cheerful compliance with it, and hearty acceptation of it. He as a faithful Steward gave every one his portion, terror to whom terror belonged, and comfort to whom comfort, whereby (the Holy Ghost setting in with the Word,) a numerous issue of new born children were begotton to Christ. He preached there according to the command in season, and out of season, not only twice every Lord's day, but also every holy day, and at Funerals, though the persons interred were poor, and nothing could be expected for his pains.  
Whilst he was Minister of Otham, many of Maidstone and others several miles about, to my knowledge some seven or eight miles from Otham, did ordinarily attend on his Ministry, and join in Communion with him at the Lords Supper; but the number that flocked after him, (which was so great that his Church would not hold them) was a great eye sore to the profane world, and caused several of the Ministers about him to envy and malign him.   

CHAP. VIII. His care to Sanctify the Sabbath.  
There was at Otham before his coming an ill custom, for the Fulling Mills there abouts, to work every Lord's day, but he convinced the owners so throughly of the unlawfulness thereof, that they forbore presently, and suffered their Mills to lie still on that day many years after he left them.  
But the only wise God, who governeth the world, saw fit for some time to lay this useful person aside, for he had not been many years at Otham, before the Book, commonly called the Book of Sports on the Lord's day, 
Anno Domini 1635.  came forth, and was presented to him, with a Command, that he should publish it the next Lord's day in his Church, which he refused to do, (of which refusal he giveth the reasons, which you may see in his answer to several Articles objected against him, 
Towards the close of the Book.  annexed to this Narrative,) and upon his refusal was suspended ab Officio & Beneficio. Upon his suspension his Cure was committed to such persons as he could not comfortably own or join with, which caused him to remove his Habitation to Maidstone. To the Christians there he was a great help, whilst his suspension lasted, and from them he received some support and supply for himself and his Family.  
Whilst he was at Maidstone he still was solicitous for the good of his people at Otham, and therefore to encourage them to unity, and a Gospel conversation; as also to convince his adversaries, who had causelessly traduced him to be a savourer and a better of Schisms and Divisions; he wrote a Letter to his Parish, wherein the exhorted them to fear the Lord and the King, and to walk in love, etc. and not to nourish in themselves any dislike of Government, or contempt of those whom God had set over them, etc. Which Letter was read on a Lord's Day in his Congregation by Dr. Tuck, (that all his Parishioners might know his judgement, and the advice he judged necessary to give them) without the appointment of Mr. Wilson. The tidings of this Letter and the public reading of it was soon carried to London, and gave such a distaste, that both Mr. Wilson and Dr. Tuck were cited to appear before the High Commission Court, and answer what they had done. Both of them appeared several times to their great trouble and cost, and were notwithstanding all they could allege in their own defence, forced to continue their attendance on the Court, for the space of three years. In this business Dr. Tucks trouble was the greater, because (his body unable to bear riding) he was necessitated to make these long journeys of thirty miles and better on foot.  
During Mr. wilson's suspension, a Neighbour Minister greedy of his Living, commenced a Suit against him, to eject him wholly out of Otham; but his Patron Mr. Swinnoche made good his Title, and so disappointed his Adversary.   

CHAP. IX. His appearance at a Visitation about the Prayer against the Scots.  
HIs suspension continued till the year 1639. about which time the Scots entering England, a Parliament was called; and Archbishop Lawd took off his suspension. But his sufferings were not at an end, for in the year 1640. September 30. he and other Ministers were cited to appear at a Visitation of the Archbishops at Feversham in Kent, to answer their not reading the Prayer against the Scots, and also (as they there heard) to take the new devised Oath ex Officiam; but when he and others of his Brethren presented themselves at the place, they understood that the Oath should be wholly declined, and the only question should be why they did not read the forementioned Prayer: Upon which they consulted together, whether it were be●● to appear before the Vicar General or no. ● was urged by some that the Parliament (whom they apprehended would be some relief and shelter to them) being to sit down on the 3 〈…〉 of November following, it was but prudential for them to hold off at present; and in case they were cited afterwards to Canterbury, to appear only by a Proctor, and protract time as much as might be.  
But upon a serious weighing the reasons for and against their appearing, it was concluded that they would appear, and submit to the will of God, however he should please to dispose of them. Mr. Edward Bright of Gondburst, and Mr. Wilson immediately repaired to the Inn, where Sir Nathaniel Brent, the Archdeacon, and some inferior Officers sat. They no sooner appeared but Mr. Bright was pointed out by one present to the Archdeacon that knew him; who presently asked him his name, and whether he had read the Prayer against the Scots or no? Mr. Bright answered, No: Whereupon the Archdeacon suspended him ab Officio & Beneficio, without admonishing him, or giving him any time to consider of it; which sudden act was deemed even by the Favourites of that Court, to be neither prudential nor Canonical. Though Mr. Wilson stood by when his Brother was suspended, and perceived the service much hotter than he expected; yet he did not fly from his colours, or retreat in the least; But being called, answered to his Name, and being asked whether he had read the Prayer? gave a Negative answer, with this reason: Because in the Rubric before the Common Prayer, it was enjoined that no Prayer should be publicly read, except those that were in the Book of Common-Prayer; but this Prayer against the Scots was not there This unexpected answer puzzled the Archdeacon (being none of the readiest or accuted to reply) and caused him to apply himself to Sir Nathan Brent, who upon information of Mr. wilson's reasons, very ingeniously left the Archdeacon to himself, and refused to meddle in it. Upon which the Archdeacon (the edge of his fury being somewhat abated) proceeded more considerately with Mr. Wilson then with Mr. Bright, and gave him fourteen days time to consider of it, and then to appear again at Canterbury, and answer it.   

CHAP. X. His fresh prosecution by the Archbishop, as also a strange providence.  
BUt for all this present favour, the Archbishop had not done with Mr. Wilson, or in March following, he was again and fresh prosecuted by him. Upon an Holiday in that Month he met at the Personage house, (of which one Mr. Butcher an eminently pious person had a part, of whom di● not my Relation to him forbid me, I could speak much,) after his Sermon in public with several friends, to repeat the Sermon, and seek God by prayer. After the exercises were done (in a Room peculiar to Master Butcher) one knocked at the poor, to which Mrs. Wilson was going, but suddenly started back, fearing a Messenger was come to apprehend her Husband; but the Messenger soon entered into the Room, where Mr. Wilson and his friends were, and putting off his hat, enquired which was Mr. Wilson, pretending some private business with him. Though Mr. Wilson was there in his Gown, having newly Preached and Prayed, and thereby easily to be distinguished from others, yet God so ordered it, that the Messenger observed served him not. Soon after the Messenger came into the Room. Mr. Wilson stepped behind some of his friends, and Mr. Butcher wisely stepped forward, and told the Messenger, that the Room in which they were was his, and that he should look for Mr. Wilson in his own Rooms; upon this he quickly withdrew into the Hall, another Room; in the interim Mr. Wilson went up the Stairs into his Study, and lay close there till night, and then escaped to Mr. George Halls at the Park is Maidstone. The Pursuivant looking about in vain, on second thoughts returns back into the Parlour, into which he first entered, and missing one whom he had seen there before inquires for him, chargeth all there present that they had conveyed Mr. Wilson away, and they must find him out; he also produced his Warrant, under the hands of many privy Counsellors, whereof the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London were two, to attach the body of Thomas Wilson, Rector of Otham, and bring him before them.  
After he had showed his Order, he commanded Mr. Butcher and one Mr. Morgan to assist him in the search of the House for Mr. Wilson. But notwithstanding his diligent search, he missed his desired prey. The Messenger was very angry that he should see him and yet lose him; but when in some threatenings to the persons present, he had given his fury vent, he was somewhat cooler, and after some private discourse with Mrs. Wilson, he took his leave. Before his departure, he said that he had been a Messenger to the Council Table thirty six years, and was never served so before, for as he confessed, he heard him Preach that day in public, and yet when he saw him so soon after (and that in his Gown) he did not know him. But God had an hand in it, Thy Kingdom ruleth over all, Psa. 103. 19 He hath strange ways for the preservation of Men.   

CHAP. XI. Strange Providences; Mr. wilson's freedom obtained by Sir Edward Deering, with his Charactor of Mr. Wilson.  
THe Circumcellians beset the way, which they knew St. Augustine was to go, that they might kill him; but he mistook his way, and so escaped their hands. In Queen Mary's days the Bishop of Winchester pursued Mr. john Fox the Martyrologist to Ipswich; the Bark in which he was, was newly gone out of the Haven, when the Messenger came to take him, and the next day by reason of storms forced to return thither again, the Messenger was departed. Since those days Mr. Parker a learned worthy Preacher was prosecuted by Archbishop Bancrost, for his Book against the Cross, etc. and the Archbishop having intelligence that he was in a Citizen's House in London, thought he had him safe, sent one presently to watch at the door of the house, to see that none stirred out, till others came with authority to search it for Master Parker. The person sent, sat him down at the door, boasting that none should come out, but he would know who and what they were.  
Mr. Parker and his Friends within were in great thoughtfulness what was most addresseable in such a strait; at last it was resolved that Mr. Parker should habit himself like a Citizen and venture out; this way he might possibly escape, if he stayed within, he was sure to be taken. Accordingly, he thus clad came forth, not knowing but that the Waiter was still at the door, but Providence so ordered it, that the Waiter espying a Maid whom he Loved and Courted, walking on the other side of the way, stepped over to her, just at Mr. Parker came forth, so that though the Messenger stayed a very little while with her, but returned again, Mr. Parker was gone; and when the rest came with power to search the house, the person they sought was not to be found. But to return to Mr. Wilson, who hid himself in the Country from the storm till the Parliament sat, at which time he repaired to London, and there continued in some change of Apparal (that he might not be commonly known) till his liberty and freedom was procured, by the means of Sir Edward Deering, one of the Knights of the Shire for Kent, whose character of him in one of his Speeches in Parliament, I shall here insert,  
— Mr. Wilson, for so is your Petitioner named, a Man Orthodox in his Doctrine, conformable in his Life, labourous in Preachings, as any we have, or I do know; He is now separated from his People, to both their griefs, for 'tis not with him as with others, who are glad to set a Pursuivant a work, that they may have an excuse to be out of the Pulpit; It is his delight to Preach.  
Having thus obtained his liberty, he returned to his former charge and wont pains at Otham. Not long after he was chosen by the Parliament a Member of that Reverend, Pious and Learned Assembly of Divines, which sat at Westminster; on which Assembly he usually attended most part of the week, and notwithstanding his pains there, supplied his Cure on the Lord's Day, though his Parish was 35 or 36. miles from London. He was much esteemed in the Assembly, for his solid judicious Discourses as occasion was offered, and his meek humble behaviour.   

CHAP. XII. His removal to Maidstone.  
HIs last remove was to Maidstone, the Shire-Town of Kent, for who so fit for so populous a place (where there is but one English Church) as one of such vast parts exemplary Holiness and strong constitution of body. As soon as the way was opened to his induction into Maidstone, (through the ejection of the old Incumbent, by the Committee of Plundered Ministers) his old Hearers there, whose hearts were close knit to him, longed for his settlement among them. But the Parliament ordering that Plundered Ministers should first be provided for, where any Livings were vacant, they could not at present obtain their desire: For one Master Smith, an able holy man, of the number of the foresaid Ministers, was by the Committee of Plundered Ministers sent down to Maidstone. Mr. Smith had not been long in Maidstone, but a rumour was spread, that eminent persons should be removed to great Towns and Cities, that they might be capable of doing the more good, and that Mr. Wilson should be removed from Otham, to some considerable place. At which news the people of Maidstone were much startled, fearing they should lose their beloved Pastor. To prevent which, they apply themselves to Mr. Smith, desiring him to accept of some other Living, that Maidstone might be free for Mr. Wilson. Mr. Smith considering the vehement desires of the good people after Mr. Wilson, yielded to refer the business to six judicious Ministers of the Assembly, whereof three to be chosen by himself, and three by the Christians of Maidstone. The Ministers met accordingly, and having heard what could be said on both sides, and weigh the matter throughly, gave their advice that it would be best for Mr. Smith to resign the place to Mr. Wilson, which also he did, and having a considerable place, some six or seven miles from Maidstone provided for him, viz. Harrison, he took his own time to remove thither. Thus at last by the good hand of God, Mr. Wilson and the people of Maidstone (who brought him first into Kent) who were long before joined together in heart, were joined together in Habitation, amongst whom he continued with much love and faithfulness, till God called him out of this World.   

CHAP. XIII. His care for Otham, and for Reformation at Maidstone.  
BUt though he left Otham, he did not leave off to care for the souls of his people there, but kept his Title to the place still, (lest the Patron should put in an insufficient Minister, in case he had resigned) and provided them a pious learned faithful man, to whom he gave the whole profits of the Living, for he held not his right to the place upon any carnal account, or for any self ends, but only for the good of the people.  
When he had been some time at Maidstone, he took care about the Reformation of the Church, and due administration of the Sacraments, according to the Word of God, to which end, he did first in his Preaching discover to them the necessity of Church Ordinances and Discipline, the nature of the Subjects thereof, etc. and then God accompanying his diligent endeavours (notwithstanding the obstacles he met with, not only by the profane, but also some that professed the fear of God) he brought it to a good issue, and put it in practice, to the great comfort of them that were Godly.  
Being freed Sea from attendance on the Assembly (they being dissolved) he applied himself to the work of the Ministry, with the greatest diligence that ever I heard or read of any.   

CHAP. XIV. His great diligence and labouriousness on the Lord's Day.  
ON Saturday nights he would usually continue at his Study very late, often till midnight, to prepare himself the better for his task on the Lord's Day. On the Lord's Day morning he would rise by two or three a Clock ordinarily, and was much displeased with himself, if at any time he did oversleep his hour. About seven a clock he came down to his Family, called all together, read some part of Scripture, expounded it, caused those present to give an account what they remembered of his Exposition, Sung some part of a Psalm, Prayed with them, and concluded between eight and nine a Clock that they might all be ready to attend public Ordinances. About nine a Clock he repaired to the Church, and commonly begun with singing two Staves of a Psalm, after which he prayed briefly for assistance in, and a blessing on the Ordinances of God, than he read some part of the old Testament, and expounded (sometimes three or four, sometimes more Verses, as more or less matter was contained in them) for the space of an hour, for he had an Hourglass in his Desk for that end. He had as excellent a faculty in expounding as any I know of. His custom was first to analise the Book, than the Chapters, as he came to treat on them, than he gave the several readings and expositions of the Verses, which he handled. He had jun. Tremel. Piscator. Beza. Calvin. and several others ad rugnem, insomuch that in the assembly of Divines (as Mr. Gibbons sometime of Blackfriars told me, he heard it of his Father one of the Assembly) if at any time they doubted what was the opinion of any of the aforementioned Commentators, Mr. Wilson was called to satisfy them. After he had delivered the several readings and judgements of Expositors, as there was occasion, he drew observations for the coherence, dependence and matter of the Verses, which he very briefly illustrated and applied. Mr. Hutchison on the Gospel of john comes the nearest him of any Comment that I read in English, but he was fuller and larger than Mr. Hutchison. I believe, if his expositions on the whole New Testament, and the far greater part of the Old had been Printed, it would have been an useful Treatise, and more serviceable for the enabling ordinary Christians to understand the mind of God in his Word, than any Comment that is extant. After he had expounded, he spent about an hour in the Pulpit. When he came home to his Family, he constantly went to Prayer with them before Dinner, and begged that the truths delivered out of the Word, might be written by the Spirit of God upon all their hearts. After which he went to his Study, (eating little or no dinner usually) till after his Family had dinned, than he spent some time with them in singing and other religious exercises. In the afternoon in public he did as in the Morning, only his exposition was then on some part of the New Testament.  
After the Evening Worship in public, many Neighbours came to his house, where he called his Family together, asked of them and others present, an account of his Sermons preached that day, most of them present would speak somewhat, one what the Text was, another the division of it, another the Doctrine of it, another the reasons, so others the explications and uses methodically as he had delivered them, all whom he would help and encourage. Hereby their understandings and memories were much advantaged, for they knowing before hand his custom, were the more attentive in hearing, and the more careful to remember what they heard, whereas when the Master of the Family repeats all himself, Children and Servants (who have a natural averseness to, yea hatred of all good) are usually heedless in hearing, and mindless both in public and private of what they hear. After repartition he sung a Psalm and concluded with prayer. Then he went to his quondam Patron's house Mr. Robert Swinnocks to Supper. By that time he had supped, there would be hundred or more gathered together to Mr. Swinnocks house, to join with him in the conclusion of the day.  
Many times to my comfort, I have seen two Rooms, one considerable for largeness, through which persons of all ranks, (the Mayor, Jurates and their Wives by their patterns encouraging others) to worship the great God. After Supper he came among them, begun with a short prayer, then would read the Verses he had expounded in that day, ask what observations were raised from such a Verse, then proceed to the next, so through all the Verses he had expounded forenoon and afternoon, then inquire what the Text were, the Doctrines, the Explications, Reasons, Uses, all in order as preached, seldom named one head himself, but still heartened them to speak, and assisted them when they were at a loss, than they sung a Psalm, and he ended the day with prayer about ten a clock at night.  
Once a month he administered the Lords Supper to a considerable number of solid serious Christians, with that life and warmth in prayer and opening Scripture, that some of his Communicants have thought themselves in the Suburbs of Heaven, when they have joined with him in that Ordinance, in which he spent an hour and half commonly. Thus he Sanctified the Lords Day, spending nine or ten hours in public and private Worship, beside what time he spent in secret duties, in which he was never niggardly; so that the Sabbath, which was a day of rest to others, was a day of great pains and labour to him, yet it was easy, yea delightful to him; and at the end of the day, when those who took not half his pains, have complained of their weariness, he would be exceeding lively and cheerful; such was his great love to his Saviour, and the souls committed to his charge. The Sabbath day to him was a day of light and gladness, and a good day.   

CHAP. XV. The great pains he took with his people on the Weekdays.  
YEt he did not think it sufficient to Teach his people on the Lord's Day, but the Town being very populous, and the Parish large, and he rendered thereby uncapable of going from house to house) on the Weekdays he laid out himself in the service of his Lord, for the henefit of his Parish. Every Thursday their Market-day he preached a Lecture, to which many Ministers came, and with much delight sat under him. On friday he met in private with as many of his people as would come together, when sometimes he expounded the Scripture to them, sometimes preached and always sung and prayed with them. And also Mundays or Tursdays, for his day was altered as he saw occasion) he appointed a Conference in the public Meeting place, where the question being before propounded and known, (ex gr. what was the nature of repentance or faith, or what the sighness, or what the means, or what the motives to it) his people prepared to speak to it, and he by his wise courteous carriage and language won their hearts, and drew them to Study the Scriptures and good Books, that they might be able to speak to the purpose. As they spoke when he saw occasion he would help and assist them, yet still take care to keep them in the way of Truth, and that none did go beyond their bounds, or encroach upon the Ministry. After they had spoken, he would gather together their scattered notions, bring them into an orderly method, apply to them suitable Texts of Scripture, add what of his own he thought necessary, and so render the meeting exceeding profitable and comfortable to his flock. I have heard him at one of these Meetings, when the question was about one of the petitions in the Lord's Prayer, to my great advantage and delight, for Christian Communion, managed with prudence, is that which keeps our Religion in breath, and without which it would be ready to die.  
When he laid down this way of Conference, instead thereof he set up Catechising on the Weekdays in public, and this was continued till he had gone through the whole Town, except some Families in the out bounds, which Families he intended also to have Cathechized, but was prevented. He did work the work of him that sent him into the world, spend himself as the Silkworm to clothe, and as the Lamp to direct others, not to bury the Talon in the Napkin of idleness: Indeed those Nurses (Ministers I mean) deserve the greatest condemnation, who let their Children, though they cry, starve to death, because they will not take the pains to draw out their breasts to them.   

CHAP. XVI. His diligence on all occasions to do good, as also his way of Preaching.  
HE was of a noble disposition, very free upon the occasions, to communicate knowledge to others, not like a Whirlpool that sucks all to itself, but as a Fountain to disperse its streams for the refreshment of many. Seldom were any in his company, but they might (if it were not their own fault) receive good by him. He was neither vain in ostentation, nor niggardly in reservation, some might think he did ill to take so much pains on the Lords Days, and on the Weekdays constantly, and on all occasions, to the shortening of his life; but he was sensible he could never labour enough for his Lord, and that God make no difference between nequam & nequaquam, an idle and an evil servant. Hence it was that when he was often advised by his friends to be mindful of his body, and not to work it so hard, he was deaf to all those advice, and was ready to say with Calvin (when counselled by his friends to take care of his health) Would you have my Lord when he comes, to find me idle; and with Dr. Reynolds of Oxford (when the Doctors persuaded him not perdere substantiam propter accidentia) Not propter vitam vivendi perdere causas. I met him once at night at a friends house, when he had traveled near forty miles that day, yet notwithstanding his great weariness, he would spend some time in expounding Scripture to the Family, beside singing and prayer (which he never omitted) before he went to bed.  
St. Augustine's wish was, that Christ when he came to call him by death, might find him aut precautem aut predicautem, either praying or preaching. Truly, such seemed to be the desire of Mr. Wilson, by his indefalligable laboriousness about his Master's business. I never knew him given to any recreation (though never so innocent) but exceeding provident he was of his time, A little after dinner he would sometimes sit and discourse, but usually if he was at home, his Study was his place of abode. He was Hellno librorum, an indefutigable Student, stealing time from his sleep (even when his body called for it) for his Book. It's said of Bradfrod that he slept not above four hours in the night, and that his Book went not out of his hand till sleep came, and that Latimer Winter and Summer at two a Clock in the morning; and of another Martyr that he was spare of meat, sparer of sleep, out sparest of time. Mr. Wilson made much conscience of his time, and especially on the Lord's Day.  
If he were invited to a Feast, he was so zealous for his God, that he commonly after dinner called for a Bible, sung a Psalm, expounded some Verse of Scripture, and prayed with his friends. Mr. Fenner of Essex that eminent servant of Christ, meeting him once at Mr. Butcher's house, was so extremely taken with his active cheerful Spirit for God and Godliness, that he said to Mr. Butcher, I am ashamed of myself, to see how Mr. Wilson gallopeth towards Heaven, and I do but creep on, a Snails pace.  
Though he was a good Linguist, well read in modern and ancient Authors, yet ordinarily he preached (though always rationally and with evidence of reason,) yet in a plain clear stile, by Doctrine, reason, and use, that he might be understood by the meanest capacity. His constant preaching discovered him an able Workman; his Doctrines were always clear from his Text, his heads pertinent to his subject, and he had a rare faculty in applying suitable Scriptures (which is the principal way of convincing the judgement; for 'tis the authority of God must do the work) to all his heads. On the Lord's Day in the afternoon for a considerable time (I suppose till he had gone through all) he preached on the Heads of Divinity, but therein he discovered so much Learning and judgement in his plain preaching, that if his Sermons had been preached at the University, they must have been highly approved.  
He was so much valued for his abilities, that there was scarce any public occasion of Sermons in the County, but he was chosen to be the person to preach them, sometimes he preached before the Judges at the Assize●, twice before the Parliament. What Augustine said of another, I may say of him: Ratuir eloquens, ut intelligenter, ut obedienter andiretur.   

CHAP. XVII. His carriage in his Family, and his exemplary conversation.  
HE was not of the number of them, who are zealous abroad, that they may be well spoken of, but careless at home, what becomes of their Families; but as David, he walked in the midst of his house with a perfect heart, and brought up his Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Cicero saith of Quintus Maximinus, that he was not good only in the sight of the people, but he was better out of their sight: truly he was as good within, as without doors, each morning and evening he read some part of Scripture expounded it, sung part of a Psalm, and prayed with his Family. He would often ask his Children questions about the Principles of Religion, examine them about his Sermons on the Lord's day, and cause them to learn the Scripture without Book.  
As it was said to Mr. Hooper, he governed his house, so that in every corner of it, there was some sinal of virtue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the Scripture. I am sure if Mr. wilson's house was not so, the fault was not the want of a good Governor.  
He prayed often with his wife apart from the rest of his Family, and spent much time in secret prayer, knowing a truth in what Lactantius saith, Non est vera Religio quae cum Templo relinquitur.  
He was very watchful to set a good example before his Children and Servants, knowing that such are led more by the eye then the ear, and more observant of what their Superiors do then what they say. And indeed his whole conversation was a living exposition upon the Gospels that what he taught on the Lord's Day in his Doctrine, he preached over all the week in his life. O how unlike was he to those Ministers that are lovely in their preaching, but loathsome in their practices, whose lives give the lie to their Doctrines. He was exemplary in his converse with all men, and spoke much by his carriage, even when he spoke not a word. His good works were unanswerable, syllogisms invincible demonstrations to convince his Neighbours, whereby he stole their hearts, and won their affections after the beauty of holiness. What Ruffinus saith of Gregory Naziaenzen is true, of him, Gregorius vir per omnia incomparabilis qui verba & operibus clarus, splendissimum lumen scientiae Ecclesiae prebuit; dum ea decuit quae ferit, etc. He practised what he preached, and did according to what he saith; Such Ministers only can make their people believe, that when they dissuade from sin, and persuade to holiness, they are in earnest, and believe what they speak. It was not without cause that in the holy Scriptures, where Epistles are recorded to be sent to two Ministers only, they are both commanded to be examples to their people, 1 Tim 4. 12. Be thou an example of the believers, in Words, in Conversation, in Charity, in Faith, in Purity. Tit. 2. 7. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.   

CHAP. XVIII. The Reformation which was wrought by his means and Ministry in Maidstone.  
MAidstone was formerly a very profane Town, insomuch that I have seen Morrice dancing, Cudgel playing, Stoolball, Crickets, and many other sports openly and publicly on the Lord's Day; I have heard them jeer, and deride, and mock at those who professed Godliness, and went to hear a Sermon on the Lord's Day abroad, when they had none at home. Commonly after the Evening Service, many of them went to the Alehouse, many to walk idly in the Fields. It was their constant custom to ply the conduits on the Lord's Day for the drawing of water. The former vain sinful customs of sports were reform before his coming, but by his preaching he prevailed with them to forebear vain walking, idling at their doors, also to draw their water on Saturday night, which they should have occasion for on the Lords Day. Though the Town was large and full of people, yet you should hardly see one person in the street after the Sermons on the Lord's Day, and I have known when the Mayor hath searched the Inns and Alehouses he hath scarce found one of the Town there. One of the Judges at an Assize was pleased to say, That in all his Circuit he never came to a Town where the Lords Day was so strictly observed. I must say that I scarce ever knew any man so strict as Mr. Wilson in the Sanctification of the Lords day. He so much wrought upon the people there, that in the house where I lived, all Pot herbs were gathered and made ready on the Saturday night, and whatsoever for their Dinners put into a readiness, for the fire on the day before, not a Rose or Flower suffered to be gathered on the Lord's Day. He was much of the mind of the primitive Christian, who being asked Servasti Dominicum, answered Christianus sum, omittere non possum. The Sanctification of that day is exceeding useful to keep up the power of Godliness in our hearts and lives. And as God on that day bestoweth great blessings on them, that humbly and reverently worship him on that Queen of days, that Market day of our souls, Isa. 58. 13, 14. So he hath inflicted dreadful Judgements on the profaners of that day, and when men have neglected to punish them, he hath taken the Sword into his own hand, and done it himself. One example whereof there was in Maidstone when I lived there: In former time that day was much profaned, as I said before, and children were wont to play in the streets on that day. One Sabbath as children were playing near a wall, against which Wagen-wheels were set up, on a sudden there arose a great wind, which blew down a wheel upon one of the Children, and crushed it to death. Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.  
Besides on week days (such was the blessing of God upon his preaching and example) many Family's Morning and Evening did set up religious duties, who never minded them before. You might there, if you walked in the great street about nine and ten a clock in a morning hear singing in many Families, for they commonly sung Morning and Evening, when they read the Word and Prayed.   

CHAP. XIX. His great Courage.  
HE had a strong and undaunted Spirit, not discouraged by any obstacles, which were laid in the way of his duty. He feared God and none else. He was like that Ancient, that when a threatening message of death was sent him, bid the Messenger tell the Empress, Nil timeo nisi peccatum, I fear nothing but sin; Or Rowland Taylor, who being entreated to fly the Marian days, said, I know the cause so good, and the truth so strong on my side, it will by God's grace-appear before their Beads, resists their false doings for I believe I shall never be able to Good so good a service as now.  
He discovered much courage in reproving sin, for as Christ said of the Church of Ephesus, he could not bear those that were evil, were they never so great. Elijah durst speak to Ahab, and Mr. Wilson to the highest person, by way of reprehension, when there was cause for it. If men were bold in sinning, he was as bold in telling them of it, and giving their sins their due accents, yet as wise Physician, he could distinguish between Pimples and Plague sores, between infirmities and scandals, accordingly apply himself to his Patients.   

CHAP. XX. Of his Zeal.  
HE was one that abundantly discovered his zeal for God in embracing all opportunities to do him service, in his great care where ever he came for the strict observation, and right Sanctification of the Lords Day, in his sense of the dishonour done to God by the profaneness and contempt of the ordinaces of God by some, and by the errors and wilful withdrawings from the Ordinances by others; which he bewailed bitterly to his dying day. Some who its hoped had the root of matter in them; questioned his call to the Ministry, nay suspected his call to be Anti-christian and separated from him, though they themselves acknowledges that he was their Spiritual Father, and had begotten them through the Gospel, and he might say to them as the Apostles to the Corinthians, Ye are the Seal of our Ministry, do we need as some others Letters of Commendation to you, ye are our Epistle, known and read of all men; For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ Ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in Tables of stone, but in fleshly Tables of the heart, 2 Cor. 3. 1, 2, 3. How frequently and affectionately did he urge that upon them, that separated in my hearing, Isa. 11, 6, 7, 8, 9 This causeless sinful separation lay near his heart, even when he lay upon his dying bed. The great danger of their souls, as also of those that wholly cast of the care of their eternal good, caused him in the course of his Sermons and Expositions, when the Scriptures led him to it, to reprove their sins sharply, and indeed according to the command of the Holy Ghost, he could do it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, cuttingly that they might be sound in the Faith. Tit. 1. 13. It's reported of Bazil that one hearing much of him, had a great desire to know what manner of man he was; hereupon in a Vision was represented to him a flame of sire, with this motto, Talis est Basilius, such a man is Basil. And truly such a man was Mr. Wilson, meek and cold, when at any time himself was reproached and abused; but as hot as fire in the cause of his God. The zeal of God's house burnt him up. Errors and Heresies were very odious to him, such was his love to the truth. It might be said of him as of Austin, that was Malleus Haereticorum, The Hamer of Heresies and Schisms, I have heard him often quote and comment on those Scriptures, Heb. 10. 25. and 1 john 2. 19 With much warmth and vigour, that if it were possible he might reduce those that went astray. And though such as were touched in their sores were angry, and said, it was passion, and his natural heat was Kitchen fire, the effect of his natural Spirit, yet the judicious knew otherwise, that it was a coal from the Altar, true zeal, the fruit of God's Spirit, in him knowing that he was set 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (as the Apostle speaks, Phil. 1. 17. For the defence of the Gospel. Some of those that separated, were very dear to him, that he might say as David, It was not an enemy that reproached me, than I could have born it willingly, was it he that hated me, that did magnify himself against me? But it was my friend and my acquaintance, we took sweet counsel together, and (formerly) walked to the house of God in Company, Psa. 55. 12, 13, 14. But as dear as they were to him, the Truth of the Gospel were much dearer, Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas. And he was a man of such clear convincing light, and as it is said of Apollo's, Acts 18. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, able, strong, mighty in the Scriptures, that had they not been wilfully blind, or very weak eyed, they must have seen their errors. It is observed by some as a special Providence of God, that the same day in which Pelagius the Heretic was born in Britain, St. Augustine the great Confuter of his Heresy was born in Africa; God so disposing it, that the Poison and the Antidote should come into the World together, I am sure it was a good providence to Maidstone, that when many errors sprung up, there was such an able faithful Husbandman to watch them and root them out, otherwise many more than did, might have fallen from their own steadfastness, and been led away with the errors of the times.   

CHAP. XXI. Of Faith and Heavenly mindedness.  
HE was not only sound in the Faith, and did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, hold fast the form of sound words, 2 Tim. 1. 3. But also as Abraham 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, was strong in the Faith, Rom. 4. 20. And in the greatest dangers and difficulties could rely on God, and trust him with himself and all he had. He met with much opposition, (as is before declared) in the work of Ministry from all sorts of persons, both from open enemies and seeming friends, for Satan knowing him so great an enemy to his Kingdom of darkness, both by his life and Doctrine, raised great winds and storms, if it were possible to put out this burning and shining light; But he was undaunted in the midst of all, not moved by any of those things, neither counted he his life dear unto him, so he might finish his course with joy, and the Ministry which he received of the Lord jesus, Acts 20. 24. He minded his own work, consulted his duty, left God's work) the issues and events thereof) to God.  
He was a Rock immovable, though the Waves beat sore upon him, and had often that saying of Luther in his Mouth, Mallem ruore cum Christo quam regnare cum Caesare, I had rather fall with Christ then stand with Caesar. He knew God could and would take care of his own cause and interest, what ever became of him and other instruments. His Lutheran Spirit could argue, Si piam & justam causam defendimus, cur Dei promissis non confidimus? praeter vitans hanc misellam Satanas & Mundus nobis etipere nihil possunt. At vivit, & in sempiternum regnat Christus in cujus tutela consistit veritas: Is nobis aderit, is etiam causam hanc, quae non nostra sed ipsius est, ad optatum producet sinem. If the cause be good that we defend, why do we not trust God who hath made us such gracious promises? The Devil and World can take nothing from us but the miserable life, but Christ lives and reigns for ever, etc.  
He was a man that lived much above the World, the great things thereof were very little in his eyes, though his habitation was on Earth, his conversation was in Heaven. Indeed he had but a small estate, especially considering his great charge, but a poor man may be Earthly and covetous as one that is rich, for covetousness doth not lie in the Chest or Bags, or great Manors, but in the heart. But he was Master of, not a Slave to that little he had. His mind was fitted to his estate, and notwithstanding he had many opportunities and advantages for the getting riches if he had sought them, yet he never made use of them for that purpose. He was wholly taken up with his Treasure in Heaven, and was so far from minding Earthly things, that he seldom or never meddled with Earthly things; but left all to his pious and prudent yoke fellow. I have often admired his indifferency of spirit to the things of this life. O how far was he from the number of many in our days who trouble themselves with Ploughing, and Sowing, and Reaping, (unnecessarily) and worldly concerns, all the Week, and on the Lord's Day, and set their people off with raw indigested confused discourses, and sometimes little better than nonsense. A little before the insurrection in Kent in the year 1648. one hundred pound was brought into Mr. wilson's house, (being a Legacy given his eldest Daughter, by a gracious man Mr. john Bigge, one of the Jurates of Maidstone, and I believe the greatest portion any of his children had) which money in the time of the insurrection was by the Soldiers (when they searched the house for Arms) discovered and taken away (though quickly restored again) Mr. Wilson being then at London. When the Country was quiet, and Mr. Wilson returned again to his dwelling, I asked him whether he was not much troubled, when he heard his money was gone, he answered me (and I do believe him,) I was no more troubled when I heard the money was carried out of my house, than I was when I heard it was brought into my house. I also then enquired of him what frame of spirit he was in, when he went from Maidstone, for the Town & Country being in Arms, many of the mean profane wretches reproached him, when he was going out of the Town, they took his Horse by the Briddle, and twice or thrice brought him back) crying out Wilson, Wilson, Where is your God now? Where is your God now? He told me, truly I thought (when they blasphemously said unto me, Where is your God?) on the Text, My God is in Heaven, and hath done whatsoever he pleased, Ps. 115. 3.   

CHAP. XXII. Of his great natural Abilities, and his Humility.  
GReat were his gifts as well as his graces; God was pleased to bestow on him large natural endowments, whereby he became much the more capable of doing good. He had a quick apprehension, a clear understanding, a deep and sound judgement, and a most tenacious memory. He was none of those Preachers, whose tongues and galloping, whilst sober reason and convincing sense standeth still, or at best doth but creep. He discovered strong judgement in a few words. His body was of a strong constitution, and truly so was his soul. He would presently find out the meaning of ha●d Authors, and what he read was his own; I never knew any of the same strength of memory. Though he was careful to write down his Sermons, Heads, Proofs and explications (as he himself told me) yet I never saw him use any Notes. And he made a good use of his memory, it was not as a child's pocket stuffed with trash, but as the Ark wherein the two Tables were laid up. He had scarce his equal for his remembrance of the Scripture; he was (as I have heard) tried a long time together. One took a Bible, and read a Verse in one Chapter, another Verse in another, went forward and backward, both as to the Books and Chapters, and Verses of the Scripture, and all along he told the Reader the Verse, Chapter, and Book, without any mistake. And to the best of my remembrance, himself told me that he believed, he could tell the Book, Chapter, and Verse, which any should read to him all the day long. Much appeared in his Prayers. I have heard him of a fastday pray an hour together, and most of the time in Scripture Phrases. The Word was dear to him, his daily delight and meditation.  
That which made all his parts useful and amiable, was that he made Hagar to wait on Sarah, and as David consecrated the spoils taken from the Gentiles to the Temple, so he Dedicated his natural accomplishments to his God, and made them serviceable before the advancement of his honour.  
But for all his great natural and gracious accomplishments he was clothed with humility; None thought so low of him as he of himself. His face like Moses shined, that all his judicious friends observed it, and admired it, but he knew it not. He had not the least affectation or show of ostentation in his carnage or language, or any other thing.  
Empty Vessels make the greatest sound and noise, those that are full are more silent. Ignorance and Pride, emptiness and arrogancy are usually concomitants. He knew much, yet the more he knew, the more sensible he was of his ignorance, and nothingness, and unworthiness, and walked the more humbly with his God; as a Bough laden with Fruit, or an Ear with Corn, the fuller and weightier, the more they bend downward; he as the Violet hung down and hid his head, though his fragranacy and sweetness discovered him what he was.  
In his clothes he was always grave and sober, never minding the whimsical modes or fashions, but ever keeping to the same manner of his attire. I stood once with him at his door, when a great Gallant anticly dressed went by, upon which he secretly said, I have made a Covenant with mine eyes, why should I be hold vanity.  
How accomplished was this good man, when he had such rich natural gifts, and such great gracious Habits, which as the Diamond to the Ring add true value to naturals. Alas what are all natural abilities which act grace, but as cyphers which act a figure insignificant, and in God's account standing for nothing; nay, usually the greater part which act grace, the greater profaneness, Satan makes most use of such acute Wits, and sharp Swords to do the more mischief; At best, they are but as Toads with a Pearl in their Heads and Poison in their whole body. But Mr. Wilson had this happiness, to have his great gifts adorned and enamelled with great grace, hourly he became the greater instrument of God's Glory.   

CHAP. XXIII. His Wives, and Children.  
WHen he was about twenty six years of Age, he married a Daughter of Sir— Zinzans, who being in a consumption before she married him, (and as I have heard for love of him, her Parents judging him much below her) died within seven or eight months after her marriage.  
About a year after her death he married Mistress Damaris Cable, (Daughter of Mr. james Cable of London Merchant,) who was a meet help to him in his Civil and Spiritual concerns; by her he had eleven children, one whereof, viz. his eldest son Samuel who feared the Lord in his youth, died young, the other ten he left at his death with his disconsolate Widow. He had little of this world to leave his many Children, (about one hundred pounds a piece, as I have heard, after their Mother's death) but he hath left them much, if we consider the many fervent prayers, which night and day he poured out before the Lord on their behalves. I have read of one that when she came to die told her Children: I have little to leave you, but this I must tell you, there is not one Room in the House, which is not perfumed with prayer for you. Often did good Mr. Wilson cry out to God, O that my children might live in thy sight: Lord come down by thy Spirit into their hearts, lest my children, die, lest they die eternally. The God of all grace, who hath promised to be a God to his and their Seed, in his own day give a gracious answer to all the Requests that are on the sile in Heaven for them. He had the happiness promised, the good man, Psal. 128. 3. Thy Wife shall be as a fruitful Vine, by the sides of thine House: thy Children like Olive Plants round about thy Table. O that he might have that happiness to meet all his Children with joy at the great Day.   

CHAP. XXIV. His Sickness and Death.  
THat piety which did shine so brightly in his life, did wonderfully sparkle in his death. The messenger which God sent to call him hence, (for morbus est via ad mortem) was a violent Fever, which he welcomed, as knowing it was sent by a gracious Father to call him home to his Father's House. No guest comes at any time a miss to him that keeps a constant Table, no providence, no not death itself comes at any time amiss to him that is always ready, and dieth daily while he liveth. His Lamps were burning, his Oil was ready in his Vessel, when the Bridegroom came.  
His Fever had continued but a little while, before his friends did Prognosticate, that it would prove mortal, and remove him from thence, whom they loved as their own souls, and under whose Ministry they had sat with so much delight. But what he had been in the course of his life, the same did he continue to be to his death; Though his disease was violent, and his fits often acute and sharp, yet he never complained, he might groan, but he never grumbled; his pain might cause him to mourn, but it did not make him murmur; he reverenced the rod in the hand of his Father, and that Cup which his Father gave him to drink he submitted to. In his extremity his Faith and patience would eminently shine forth to the honour of God and comfort of those that visited him.  
Being sensible of his approaching death, he was exceeding solicitous for the Town and Parish, whereof he was Minister. It's a worthy speech of Laelius in Cicer. de Amicit. Mihi non minori Curae est, qualis respublicae post mortem meam futura sit, quam qualis bodis sit. My care is as great what shall become of the Commonwealth when I am dead, as what it shall do while I live. So this good man was very anxious what should become of this people, when God should call him away. As Moses before he died, was careful to appoint a Successor, that might lead God's people (whom he had brought into the borders) into the Land of Promise the Earthly Canaan. So Mr. Wilson before he died took care for a Successor that might further that good work which he had begun through grace, in many of them, and be helpful to conduct them to their Heavenly Canaan. To this end he called some of the Town, who were wise and gracious) to him, and advised them to consider of some able good Minister to succeed him, and he commended Mr. john Crump a worthy Minister to them as the fittest that he knew to be their Pastor. Afterwards Mr. Crump did succeed him not only in his place, but also in his faithfulness, and diligence, and serviceableness, to the comfort and advantage of the people.  
As jacob before his death called his children together, to direct and advise what should befall them, so he called his Wife and Children to him; desiring his Wife not to be discouraged at his death: or to sorrow as they that have no hope, but to continue to serve God in Christ, to trust God, and to be cheerful in him, adding this for her comfort. Though now we are parted for a time, yet there is a time coming that we shall be joined again, never to part more. His children were most little, but those that were capable, he exhorted to fear God be times, and directing his speech to his eldest daughter, he said, Look to it that you meet me not at the day of judgement in an unregenerate estate. He commended all his Children to the Lord, and left them with him, in much Faith in the Covenant, which God had made to him and his.  
When Christian Friends came to visit him, he always laboured to require their kindness in Godly counsel and exhortations: he wished them to be frequent in reading the Scriptures, to prise highly and meditate much on the promises, to be holy and blameless in their conversations, by no means to forsake but to stick close to ordinances, and to hold on in communion with the people of God in the Town. When Epictetus broke his leg (it's reported of him) he discoursed as if his soul had been in another man's body. And when the bones of Mr. Wilson were sore vexed with the violence of his disease, he would discourse in such a composed Heavenly manner, as if he had ailed nothing.  
When one or two of those who had separated from communion with him, came to see him, he did with much affection bewail their Schism, prayed that God would bring them back again, and told them that he could willingly lay down his life, so they might join in Communion with the other Godly people in the Town.  
As jacob when he was dying worshipped, leaning on his staff, Heb. 11. 21. So he on his dying bed was frequent in praying to and praising his God. It was but two nights before his death, though he were very sick, yet he made his bed his Pulpit, out of which he preached to some that came to see him, concerning the preciousness of the promises, bid them look the 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding rich and precious promises, we are made partakers of the Divine Nature, and concerning the preciousness of Christ to Believers, desired them to turn to 1 Pet. 2. 7. Unto you that believe he is precious; And oh, with what affectionate expressions would this Minister and Member of Christ Commend his head, the Pearl of great Price, and the Promises he had purchased, saying to his visitors, that one Promise was more precious than a World.  
He kept a pure conscience while he lived, and through mercy had a peaceable conscience when he died. It's said of 〈…〉 Lampadius, that being asked on his death bed by one, whether the light did not offend him, clapping his hand on his breast, answered, Hic sat lucis, Here is light within. Mr. Wilson all along in his sickness, manifested much peaceableness and calmness of Spirit. Dr. Taylor when he came within two miles of the place of Execution leapt, saying, God be praised I am almost at home, and have not passed a mile or two: and I shall be at my Father's House.  
Mr. wilson's apprehension that Death drew near, was very comfortable to him. A Gentlewoman of his society coming to take her leave of him (being to remove out of the Town) he pleasantly said to her, What will you say good Mistress Crisp, if I get the start of you and get to Heaven before you get to Dover. When another came to see him, he asked her what she thought of him, who answering truly Sir, I think you are not far from your Father's House; he replied, Oh that is good news indeed, which would make one to laugh for joy. When others spoke to him of his death in a mournful way, he said to them, I bless God who hath suffered me to live so long, to do him some service; and now after I have done the work appointed me, is pleased to call me away so soon. Thus in the breathe of his Faith and hope he departed this Life, and commended his Spirit into the hands of him that redeemed it, and that on the Lord's Day; that day on which he was wont to work so hard, was the day of his entrance into eternal rest, to keep an endless Sabbath.  
He needed no Picture or Monuments to preserve his Memory. His good works (though transient in themselves, are yet permanent in the hearts of many, and) praise him in the Gate, for as Agesitaus dying said, If I have done good, that will be my Monument: if ill, all the Statues you can make will not keep my good name alive.  
He was when he died about 52. years of Age, of a strong constitution for strength, and might in a course of nature (if God had so pleased) have lived much longer. But he brought forth fruit early, and was ripe when others of his age began but to blossom, and therefore no wonder that he was gathered by God so soon. He was in his Meridian, when others were but just peeping above the Horizon, and so might well set before them. It was much desired and prayed for, that his life might have been lengthened; but his time was come, he had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the Faith, and his Master called him to receive his Crown. It may be said of him, as one did of Bishop jewel in Seneca's Phrases, Diu vixit etsi non di● fruit, He lived long and much, though he was not long on Earth; he did not waste out with the rust of idleness, but wear out with labour, yet he was a light that did not blaze out needlessly and unprofitably, but burn out for the enlightening many, and directing them in the way of life, which life he now enjoyeth, and happy are they whom their Lord when he cometh shall find so doing; of a truth I say unto you, he shall make them Rulers over all that he hath, Heb. 12. 43, 44.    

Master Bright Minister of Gondhust in Kent, his Testimony concerning Mr. Wilson, in a Letter directed to a Friend in Maidstone.  
SIR,  
FOr Mr. wilson's practical actings in Preaching and Life, I need say nothing, yourself feelingly and experimentally, knowing more than any can relate; his natural parts were generally known to be very high, in depth of Judgement, readiness of Memory, and quickness of Apprehension; he was the best at much in a little, with clearness of Judgement, and exactness of method, that I have heard, or am ever like to hear. His Spiritual endowments for graces and gifts were answerable; in his Ministerial abilities, he was taller by the head and shoulders than most of his Brethren; his indefatigable pains answerable to his parts, wore out his Spirit, and spent him for good, to be the sooner with God; and that which to me adorned all, was the depth of his humility, in the height of his Sanctity. He had much learned that hard lesson, to receive much from God, yet to be little in his own eyes; his memory is still precious to my thoughts; the general loss is great, yours in particular greater. I shall heartily desire his indefatigable labours, and pious exemplary life, may still live in your lives, in which he dead yet speaketh, etc.  
Yours in Christ, Edward Bright.   

ARTICLES Objected against Mr. Tho. Wilson, Minister of Otham in Kent, April 29. 1635. in the Archbishop's Court, with his Answers thereunto, presented May 28. 1635.  

I. ARTICLE.  
CAnonical Obedience due by Oath, taken at your Institution into your place.  

RESP.  
'Tis true as I understand the Oath, it is according to Cannons, by Law established in the Church of England, and as it is propounded, in omnibus licitis & honestis.    

II. ART.  
That the Minister must have popular Election, as necessary to hold his place.  

RESP.  
I never held such an opinion, neither privately speak, nor publicly Preached such a Tenet.    

III. ART.  
That there is little comfort to a Minister instituted and inducted, without approbation of the people, as you know and believeth are still of this mind, challenging Mr. Cragge the Competitor of the Rectory before Mr. Barrel, with what conscience he could come without their call.  

RESP.  
I know and believe the contrary, viz. that a Minister inducted according to the Cannons and Custom of the Church of England, may with good conscience discharge the place; neither do I think fit my Parish should choose their Minister, nor did I depend on their call, but came in away approved by the Church of England, this I said to Mr. Cragge before Mr. Barrel, the people liked me, and I desire to love them, and that it is a good encouragement for a Minister to take pains among such a people; and he will have little comfort who knows he hath, neither love of the people nor the people, but comes out of love to himself, for the profits and his maintenance, as Mr. Barrel helped him to answer; that was his end.    

IV. ART.  
Conventicles held in my house, and other private houses, in the Town of Otham within this two years, and used exercises of Religion by Law, prohibited, expounded Sermons, read and expounded Scripture to selected Proselytes, to the number of twenty of six present.  

RESP.  
I deny holding of Conventicles, and using exercises of Religion by Law prohibited, and the name, nature or number of Proselytes; but this hath been my practice with my Family in my own house, to examine them what they remembered, and to help them where they could not remember, and I did teach God's Word unto them diligently, as I conceive I was and am bound by God's Word, Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thy House, Deut. 6 6, 7. Uses, moreover I took it to be my duty, as I could to teach by way of exhortation and conference from house to house what I had taught in public, that I might keep back nothing that was profitable, as I am instructed to do, Acts 20. 20. Paul bids the Minister look to his duty, in private towards every member of the Church by his example, as junius de natura Ecclesae citet Libro cap. 2. de Officio Pastoris, Acts 20. 20. So that what I had delivered in public, I might as occasion was offered deliver in private. This is not prohibited by any Law, either Statute or Cannon that I know, but is commanded of God, as I am a Christian in his Word to teach others, Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly, Teaching and Admonishing one another, Col. 3. 16. And it is enjoined by Authors, and Fathers, Zanchy in Col. 3. 16. That the duty of teaching is not only in the Church publicly, but to be much set by, and used in houses privately, and Christians be bound to teach mutually and privately, Chrisostom Archbishop of Constantinople on Gen. Hom. 2. commands, let the Husband tell what we say, that the Wife and Children, and Servants may learn, and the House be a Church, that Satan may be banished; again Hom. 6. Let your speech be spiritual, let one take the Bible in his hands, and his Neighbours being called together, let him water their mind, and his own with Godly speech; Again, Hom. 8. I will, I pray you all to be Teachers, and not only Hearers of our words, but carry our Doctrine to others; Further more, Hom. 10. He that studieth to teach his Neighbours and Brother, doth him a good turn, and God will reward him, and by repeating our sayings, he will hold them better, adding, we may at home after Dinner take the Bible to profit, and to feed the soul with it. Lastly, Hom. 14. I entreat you all that go hence become Teachers and Admonishers, confer with your Neighbours of the things which we have now said, Caesureus Arcletensis Episcopus de cura animae, Hom. 20. teacheth, he that can retain all that we say, let him thank God, and what he retaineth let him always show it to others, adding, let people afterwards repeat what they have heard in a Sermon, saying, Christians ought for their own good to seek and ask if need be, also to give rewards, that some may read over again God's Word unto them.    

V. ART.  
Within four, chiefly two years' last, to permit novelist of Maidstone, to the number of 30. or 10. and lead them riding or going, and in some private houses Collected, or cause to be got together afore Supper 60, 50, or 40. persons repeated Sermons, expounded Scriptures, and afore it and after it made tedious extemporary Prayers, full of Tantologies, delivered scandalous Doctrine, to the perverting and corrupting sundry of his Majesty's Subjects.  

RESP.  
I protest against such Doctrine, and such effect on any, as to be corrupted and perverted, I deny the number or nature of persons, and my Leading any, or Collecting any, or causing any to be gathered together. I have no power to restrain any from hearing Sermons, and it may be their Surties for their parts, and duties did call upon them to hear Sermons. I was upon occasion of my Family lodging and sojourning at Maidstone, necessarily to go home, and I have no reason to shun the way home for any company, in which I knew no ill; a way home being not denied me, and afterwards I examined my Family what they did call to mind of the Sermon, as a Master ought to do: also I prayed at all times, according to the thing of a day in day, and I took it to be no sin, 1 Kings 8. 59 And I am taught to exhort, comfort, and edify others, as Crysostom in Homily, cited, applies that 1 Thes. 5. 11. Babington Bishop of Worcester saith on that fourth Commandment, besides the hearing of the Word on the Sabbaoth; it is our duty and a Godly exercise fit for the day amongst ourselves, or with our Pastor to confer of what hath been said, that he may expound it, as we read, was done by Christ to his Disciples, when they were alone he expounded all thing unto them, Mark 4. 10. and 34. So I have answered as well as I could, when any thing was asked me by any, for I durst not be dumb when I could satisfy them that did not understand, and yet did desire to know the will of God.    

VI ART.  
Refusal to read the King's Declaration for sports on Sundays, and giving disdainful words toward Power, the Apparitor and Officer of the Court.  

RESP.  
I said unto the Apparitor, remember you to keep Holy the Sabbaoth day, and added no more words. I refused to read the Book mentioned, not out of any contempt of any Authority, but as being commanded by no Law, for the King's Majesty doth not in the Book command or appoint the Minister to read it, nor it to be read but published; neither came it with, nor know I of any Seal to confirm it, so that I dared not take notice of it to be the King's Book, for as I understand all his Majesty's Writs, Proclamations, and Mandates, use to come with a Seal; and his Majesty intended (as I conceive) not to trouble any that refused to read it, seeing there is no penalty threatened, nor authority given (that I know of) to any to question them that refuse to read it; my refusal to read it was upon sufficient grounds of Law and Conscience, which for satisfaction to his High Court, and to clear me from contempt, I shall here by way of Answer briefly and fully express thus: His Majesty's express Pleasure is, that the Laws of the Kingdom and Cannons of the Church be observed in all places of the Kingdom, Book, Pag. 8. and therefore in Kent and in Otham; now this Book as I conceive is contrary to both.  
1. It is against the Law, as the Statute Edward VI. Anno 5. Cap. 3. Christians on all Holy days and times appointed, should apply themselves, only and wholly unto holy works, properly appertaining to true Religion, and such times be dedicated only to God and his true Worship, and be separated from all profane uses; but say I, no civil recreation is any part of God's true Worship, the Stature Caroli, Anno 1. Cap. 1. the Holy keeping of the Lords day is a principal of the true service of God, and it is now profaned by a disorderly sort of people, by interludes, and other unlawful exercises and pastimes, the 13. Cannon, all manner of persons shall keep the Lords Day, according to God's Holy will and pleasure.  
2. Our Church is against it,  
First, In Homilies, which contain Godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times. We keep now the first day of the week, which is our Sunday, and make that our Sabbaoth; by the fourth Commandment, God Commands one standing day in the Week, and all Men, and Women, and Children, and Servants, be to keep it in a holy rest, and use it Holily, and give themselves wholly to Heavenly exercise of God's true Religion and Service, but I say Archery, Maypoles, May-games, Dance, Morrice-dancing, and the like be not exercises of Gods true Religion and Service.  
Secondly, In the Liturgy, a Minister in enjoined to read the fourth Commandment, Remember thou keep Holy the Sabbaoth Day; and all are to entreat God's Mercy, to incline their hearts to keep this Law, Ps. 118. 24. is appointed to be read on Easter day, as proper to it, it shows, V. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it, so that the Lord instituted it.  
Bishop Andrews on Easter-day 1611. Preaching on that Psalm 118. Psal. 22. etc.  
Thirdly, In the Exhortation, fit for the time upon the Fast-days 1625. declaring the apparent cause of the Plague, saith the Lord's Day is not kept holy but polluted, and the Ministry of the Word despised, and in the end of that Book mention is made of Plays, Pastimes, Idleness, Drunkenness, the proper sins of our Nation, which pulled God's wrath upon us, and I dare not by reading seem to allow, what did bring the Plague of God on the Land that year.  
3. It is against Scriptures, Exod. 20. 8. Remember the Sabbaoth-Day to keep it Holy; where we are commanded to keep holy the Lord's Day, as I learn out of Authors Zanchy on the fourth Commandment, we keep holy the Lord's Day and Sanctify it; junius in Animadvers. in Bellar. Controu. Lib. 7. Cap. 10. The Lord's Day answereth to the Sabaoth and its proportionable to it, and is commanded in Exod. 20. 8. again in Gen. 2. 82. This Law is established by the fourth Commandment of the Decologue to be observed of all. Alexander Alensis, Tom. 3. Q. 32. Memb. 4. Art. 4. In the observation of the Sabboath is commanded, the observation of the Lords Day, chiefly according to intermination, Isa. 58. 13. If thou turn thy foot from the Sabboath, from doing thy pleasure on my Holy Day, and call the Sabbaoth a delight, the Holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasures, nor speaking thine own words; and Cultetus in locum saith. they took away the Sabbaoth by scandalous deeds, that hinder God's worship, as drinking, sports, and idle wand'ring. Isa. 56. 2. The man is blest that keepeth the Sabbaoth from polluting it, Vers. 4. God rewards such abundantly, Vers. 67. Such a one shall be made joyful in God's House, which is true in the day of the Gospel, when God's House is a House for Prayers for all people.  
4. It is against Counsels: Concil. Toletan. 4. cited by Zanchy on the fourth Commandment, Let there be no dancing on Holy Festivals, nor filthy Songs, but let all be at leisure for Godly duties, and Divine Worship, Concil. Laodice, Cannon 59 In the Church there ought not to be sung any common Service, nor Books be Read, besides the Connonical Scripture, but only the Sacred Volumes of the Old and New Testament.  
5. It is against Divines, Ancient, Augustine on the Ps. 32. concio, It's better to Delve then to Dance on the Sabbaoth, and on john 1. Tract. 3. It's better to Spin then to Dance on the Sabbaoth.  
Chrysost. on Gen. Hom. 10. God intimateth from the beginning, that in the circle of the Week one whole entire day should be separated, and set by for Spiritual works, Ireneus, Lib. 4. Cap. 30. The Sabbaoth requires, and Teaches the continuance of the whole day in the service of God, Ignatius in Epistol. ad magnes, Let every one keep the Sabbaoth Spiritually, rejoicing in the Meditation of the Law, not in the recreation of body, let every one that loveth Christ, now keep holy the Lord's Day.  
2. Modern and late Divines, Rabington Bishop of Worcester, on the fourth Commandment saith, to keep Holy the Sabbaoth day, is to separate and consecrate it to all Godly exercise, wherein our Faith and Obedience to God is shown.  
Zanchy on the fourth Commandment, All the day is to be consecrated to the Worship of God, by day, understanding the true natural day; the true observing of the Sabbaoth, is, that we do not what we please, but what Gods will is; the rest on Holy days is not to be set a part, for our lusts and pleasure, plays, and sins, but for Gods worship only; They do not keep holy a day, which instead of God's worship, give themselves to pleasure.  
junius on Numbers 15. He who neglected the Sabbaoth, in the least observation, was guilty of casting off the whole worship of God.  
Alsted Catech. on the fourth Commandment, after Sermon the Sabbaoth is profaned, by being spent in given to Plays, Dancing, Idleness, etc.  
6. It's against Schoolmen, Alexander Alensis, Tom. 3. Q. 32. Memb. 4. Art. 4. morrally in the fourth Commandment is forbid any work that hinders one's leisure to wait upon God.  
Thomas Aquinas, Sum. Theol. 22. Quest. 122. Art. 1. in observing the Sabbaoth, the end is that a man may be at leisure for Heavenly things.  
7. Reasons be against it.  

I. Reason.  
If any civil work be forbid on the Lord's Day, then civil recreations, for honest pleasure calls a man away from things Spiritual; Zanchy on the fourth Commandment as well as honest labour, recreation breaks the rest as much as civil work.   

II. Reason.  
If recreations civil be not fit for consecrated places, than not fit for consecrated times, fo 〈…〉 me that is holy, is the measure of holy Actions, for divers be called holy, not from the formal cause, but final, as ordained to holy things; Zanchy on the fourth Commandment, A day applied to civil works is no more holy but common, and a thing consecrated is profaned; by a civil use, and is not the Lords Day profaned by sports, though civil; now Recreations, Archery, May-games, Dancing, Morris-dancing, may not be in consecrated places, Cannon 88 no Plays, and to play and dance is all one, as Exod. 32. 6, 19 And therefore not sit for consecrated times, as the Lords Day is, for greater is he that Sanctified the Day, than he that Sanctified the place, whether it were by the Lord, or the Apostle, or the Church. Now I know not why they may not be fittest in consecrated places, if they be most sit for consecrated times; and I cannot in conscience read that which I take to be against man's Law, and our Church, the Scriptures, Councils, Divines, Ancient, and Modern Schoolmen, and Reasons, but think myself bound for conscience towards God, to maintain the Truth and Holiness of the two Testaments, and to keep the Commands of God, and the Faith of Jesus Christ, as a Preacher of Christ's everlasting Gospel, lest people should think Preaching to be yea and nay.     

VII. ARTICLE.  
1633. When Commission came for reparation of St. Paul's; in work to build sumptuous Temples, is to justify Anti-christ Writings, Host 8. 14.  

RESP.  
I know not the time of the Commission for St. Paul's reparation, I deny such words, for I handled that Text, Luke 7. 35. Wisdom is justified of all her Children; Showing that all the Children of God justify Christ, which doth reprove them that justify Antichrist, in erecting Altars to sin, and in building Temples for Idols, alleging for this, Host 8. 11. 14. Ephraim hath made many Altars to sin; Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and Buildeth Temples, according to the mind of the Prophet as I learned out of Authors, Learned Zanchy, Pareus, Ribera, who all understand it of Temples, wherein they placed, honoured, and adorned Idols, by forgetting God, and out of contempt of God, brought in a different worship.    

VIII. ART.  
About the end of April 1634. he bid take heed of dealing with High Priests, servants, in great scorn and derision.  

REPS.  
I deny both time and words, but in May handling, 2 Tim. 2. 12. If we deny him, he will deny us: persuading people not to deny Christ, I admonished them to avoid, as pernicious unnecessary company, with the enemies of Christ, producing Peter's example, who being brought into the High Priest Hall amongst the Servants, denied his Master, affirming it, was dangerous company, naming the very words of the Text, as is usually done by Writers, Preachers, john 18. 16. Peter is brought in, standing with the Servants and Officers, is questioned by one of the High Priest Servants, Vers. 26. denied Christ upon it, Vers. 27. which I spoke in the fear and sight of God,    

IX. ART.  
At Boxley-Inn 29. 1632. no man can have a broken heart that hath two Steeples, moaning two Benefices, alleging, Acts 20 20.  

RESP.  
I never spoke such words, but at the funeral of a grave ancient and learned Minister; I did not exhort but entreat Ministers to prepare to give an account of their Life and Livings, showing the vanity of Men, that plead for pluralities, saying, That, were a man's heart broken, it would not bear the weight of three Churches, and I followed in this no private opinions, but the general Tenet of Divines.  
1. Ancients, Chrysostom Tom. 5. Pag 104. Edit Paris 1536. When that the Pastor is away, great danger is at hand, seeing there is none which can defend and keep the Flock. Damasus cited by Dr. Willet, saith, men that put people over to others, seem like Strumpets, which put their Infants as soon as they be born to other Nurses to be brought up, that they may sooner fill themselves with filth.  
2. Modern Bishops, Bishop jewel, on 1 Thes. 2. 17, 18. and on john 6. Non residents and plurality men, that hunt after many livings, serve their Belly, seek to be rich, destroy the souls of many, bring confusion and shame into God's House, be blind Guides, and the darkness of this World, be the remnant of the wicked Inhabitants of jericho, and the overthrow of jerusalem, resist the passage of God's people, towards the Land of Promise, the curse of God will fall on them, the blood of God's People shall be required at their hands, they bring the Abomination of desolation in the Holy place, they suffer the flock of Christ to perish for lack of knowledge, Pilkington Bp. of Durham 1585. saith there is remaining among us a sort, not Popish as they pretend, but earnest builders of God's cause in their own opinion, where indeed they be overthrowers of it, which are in effect as ill Pharisees as the Papists be; They will take a Benefice and Cure of souls, promising solemnly to feed the Flock, but when they have turned their back, they have a Dispensation in a Box to lie from it, and flock; and flout whosoever would have them continue there, and do their duty; contending, by Law they may do it, and stand on their defence, Domine nos exempri sumus, God in mercy grant such unprofitable Caterpillars, some remorse of conscience, that they may become Pillars to uphold God's Church, and not poulers of his people, the great God will take a strict account of them at the last day, when their dispensation may not be pleaded, nor will be allowed, nor the dispenser can justly excuse himself nor them, but both like Wolves and Hirelings shall be changed, Vae Pastor. & Idolum, Zach. 11. woe to the Idol Shephard that leaveth the Flock, Vers. 17. and Ezek. 3. Their blood will I require at thine hand, on Nehem. 3. Pag. 45. 46. Bishop Downam on the fourth Commandment calleth non residenss alin. against the fourth Commandment, and on the fifth Commandment saith, it ariseth of covetousness.  
Bishop Carleton in vita Gilpini a most holy and famous man, writeth that Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durnham, would have given Gilpin a Living, and a Dispensation to hold it, but he answered, The Devil would not be held from destroying the people with a Dispensation; and adds, I fear it will be a vain answer, when God calls me to an account, to say, I was dispensed with all, I cannot in conscience reap profit, and another take the pains, when another was promised him to feed the people.  
2. Doctors, Doctor Challener, Math. 29. 6. saith, If we budge from our station, Satan will immediately find entrance, pronouncing a woe to the idle Shepherd that leaveth the Flock, adding before God's Tribunal, men must be proceeded against, not by common Law.  
Dr. Willet on 1 Sam. 17. 28. saith, non residency, and pluralities be the scandal of God's Church, hinders the due service of the Churches, 'tis Robbery, worse than of goods, excludes many sufficient men, and so any step in, that the Blind and the Lame keep sick, as 2 Sam. 5.8. Saying to have many Cures, is unlawful, producing jodocus Gallus: They shall go to Heaven by their Vicar, and to Hell in their Parsons.  
Cannons Anno 1571. show the absence of the Shepherd from the Lords Flock, and that careless negligence which we do see in many, and forsaking the Ministry, is a thing in itself to be abhorred and odious to the people, and pernicious to the Church of God.  
4. Reasons against pluralities, 

1. Plurality men cannot do their duties, which be mentioned in Ezek. 34. 4. Therefore may not hold the place.  
2. They that have pluralities, feed themselves and not their Flock, therefore they be base Shepherd's, Ezek. 34. 1. 8.  
3. A good Minister is to feed by example, which requires residence and presence, I Pet. 5. 8. Take heed to the Flock in your own person, as Zyra, Acts 20.28. And so I understand that place.  
4. They that love Christ themselves, must feed the Flock of Christ themselves, for loving Christ and feeding his Sheep, be spoken both to one person, john 21. 15. Now a personal duty may not be put of to another, as praying, hearing, reading, receiving Sacraments, and doing good works, and I cannot see how feeding the Flock of Christ in a man's own person, can be put off with the manifesting his love to Christ.  
5. If our Church or Flock may need many Pastors, than one Pastor is hardly sufficient for three Churches or Flocks twenty miles distant, but one Church or Flock may need many Pastors, Phil. 1. 1. Bishop's plural musculus, & Calvin in locum, Ergo one Pastor is hardly sufficient.      

X. ART.  
Scandalising Governors and Government of the Church of England, as Persecutors of Gods faithful Ministers and people, disgressing from the Text.  

RESP.  
'Tis not true in the whole, nor any part thereof.    

XI. ART.  
April 1633. Delivered a dangerous Doctrine, that if a Magistrate make a penal Law, if the Subject that transgresseth it suffer, he is quit from sin.  

RESP.  
I deny Time, Month, Year, and Words, for such a Doctrine I never taught, nor read, nor heard, till I heard this Article, and I abhor it and disclaim it as a dangerous Doctrine, but May the 10 th' 1632. handling those words, Eph. 4. 6. There is one God and Father, of all, observing the Godly, be all children of one Father; I exhorted them not to censure rashly their Brethren for indifferent things.    

XII. ART.  
April 22. 1634. Lecturing and expounding after Inhibition by the Vicar General.  

REPS.  
'Tis not so, I did not Preach but upon the Lords Days and Holy days, neither did I expound, yet I had a Licence to expound, and was not forbid expounding (but only Preaching) for I heard not a word of the prohibition of it: yet upon prayer days appointed by the Church, viz. Wenesdays, Frydays, all the Eves, constantly I did instruct by Question and Answer in the Catechism, such as came to Prayers, for which I had my Institution and Licence, from which I never had prohibition, nor is it any sin against God or Man, so far as I can understand.    

XIII. ART.  
Deemed and accounted a man against the Church of England, and for Schism draw aside after me.  

RESP.  
I deny the whole and every part.    

XIV. ART.  
The promises be true by Voice and Fame.  

RESP.  
I believe what is in the Answer confessed, and deny what is in the Answer denied in any part.     

Additional Answers  

I. ART.  
BEing upon occasion absent, I procured one to Read Prayers and Preach on Palm Sunday.  

RESP.  
I was suspended ab Officio, and so by the leave of Sir Nathaniel Brent, who left it to me, I procured one to supply the place.    

II. ART.  
A Letter scandalous and offensive was sent to Otham to nourish Schism, and tending to confirm people in the dislike of Government.  

RESP.  
A Letter was writ and sent to the Parishioners of Otham, which I know not who hath, nor did I keep any Copy of it; but I know, belief and remember, the sum of it was to exhort them to fear God and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change; to walk by Faith and in Love, and to call upon God, but I utterly deny all occasion of derogating from the Church of England, or confirmation of any in the dislike of Government, and protest against all such Aspersions and Imputations of Schism or scandal, neither did I direct it to any to read it, nor intended, or desired it should be read at Church.    

III. ART.  
I or Dr. Tuck for reading the Letter in the Church against Orthodoxal Ministers and Cannons, and Governors.  

RESP.  
This Article appertaineth not to me at all, further than is above answered.    

IV. ART.  
The premises be true by Voice and Fame.  

RESP.  
'Tis contrary to truth in every part, but as is above confessed.  
Credo Credita nego negata.  
Th. WILSON.  
Rector de Otham in Kent.     

On the much lamented Death of my sincerely, honoured and beloved Friend Mr. Thomas Wilson Pastor of Maidstone in Kent, and to many more reverend Minister.  

IF grief can help to versify,  
And passion Poets make, I'll try,  
Though long diceased, to sigh a Verse,  
To offer at a Kingdom's Hearse.  
And not sit mute in discontent,  
Sorrow will kill, that hath no vent.   

I could my soul in sadness sleep.  
I could whole Floods of Waters weep.  
I could as Niobe bomoan  
Myself, till turned into a stone.  
I could become an Heraclite,  
And spend in tears each day and night.  
Or Hermit like to some close Cell  
Retire, and say, Vain mirth Farewell,  
Alas t'th World what can I view?  
But what bid me, bid joy Adien.  
I see Monsters of vice abound,  
Even Hell appearing above ground;  
And Devils of the humane race,  
Daring the Almighty to his Fate.  
Such as can teach Nero to sin,  
To whom no past Age hath equal been.   

I see the Shepherd's laid to sleep,  
Who tender were of th'harmless Sheep;  
Whilst ravenous Wolf's and Bears survive,  
Who only to devour them strive.  
I see to set the greatest lights,  
And hastening on us darksome nights.  
All this I see and can't prevent.  
And is't unlawful to lament?  
What Marble is not wet with Tears,  
When such a doleful change appears?   

The great Assembly once renowned,  
(Whost fame in Foreign parts did sound)  
Displaced on Earth, in haste remove  
Their Session to their House above.  
Seraphic Twisse went first 'tis true  
As Prolocutor, it was his due:  
Then Borroughs, Marshal, Whitaker, Hill.  
Gouge, Gataker, Ash, Vines, White, still  
Sharp Swords scon'st cut their Sheaths, Pern, Strong,  
Spurstow, Tuckey, Calamy, they throng  
The Gate of Bliss, as if they fear  
That Heaven would fill, ere they got there.  
But why such waist, Death, hast no measure?  
Dost think 't no Theft to rob the Treasure  
Of th' Church? or art become so wise,  
To seize first on the richest Prize?  
Or are thy Laws so strict they can't,  
The Benefit of th'Clergy grant?  
Or is't thine aim to cast the stone,  
Where thou mayst kill many in one?  
Thou needst not shake the Pulpit Glass,  
Look with what hast the Sand doth pass.  
Their work though great, is quickly done,  
And too soon out of sight, they're gone.   

They can't themselves who others save,  
Nor though great Clarks, decline a Grave.  
Scarce have I fully dried my eyes  
For one, but strait another dies;  
Now Wilson's gone, that gallant mind,  
That lofty soul that thither inclined  
Whilst here, and always did aspire,  
To join with the Celestial Quire.  
Whose head a Living Library,  
Whose heart the Ark wherein did lie  
The Law, whose Prayers could Heaven storm,  
Whose Preaching Sodoms did reform.  
Oft did he break the stony heart,  
Then bind it up with Heavenly art.  
His Life the Gospel did expound,  
And's Comment in the Text was sound.  
Had I as many Mouths to fill  
With's Praise, as he in Tongues had skill,  
All were unable to set forth  
His great, his large, his matchless worth.  
Had I his Grace, his gifts, I'd vie,  
With a whole Kingdom's Ministry.   

He's with the rest, the praise to Sing,  
Of our most loving Lord and King,  
These no dissenting Brethren be,  
But all as one, in one agree.  
One mouth, one mind, one heart, one way,  
No strife, which side shall bear the sway.  
(All doubts resolved, all knots untied,  
All Truth i'th' God of Truth espied,)  
With hottest love they there embrace  
Each other, full of perfect grace:  
Their glory's great, their wealth is vast,  
But oh the pleasure that they taste  
I'th' Tree of Life, and in the sight  
Of that blessed face, that's all delight:  
What Tongue can tell? what mind can think?  
What joy 'tis of this Spring to drink.   

Go fawning World, tempt me no more,  
With thy skin deep fading store,  
Thy best, thy whole is but a Toy  
To that these happy souls enjoy.  
My God invites to Angels fare,  
To which thy Trash cannot compare.  
On Swinish Husks why should I feed,  
When I may eat what's Meat indeed.   

Lord why should I contented be,  
Whilst I am thus absent from thee.  
Can there be day without the Sun,  
Or bodies live when Souls are gone.  
Thou art my Sun, my Soul, and I  
Absent from that do daily die.  
What do I here, when all's above,  
That is deserving of my Love,  
My God, my Christ, my Friends are there,  
My heart, my hopes, what do I here?  
O let my Heaven born soul expire  
Itself in sallies, and desire  
Only to rest, and make its stay,  
Where thou art all in all for ay.  
O come thou down with speed to me,  
Or take me quickly up to thee.   
G. S.   

Epitaphium Thomae Wilsoni, aliquando Madi Pastoris.  
Wilsoni hic teanem Lectores cernitis rumbram.  
Long hac clava magis stella micausque fuit,  
Sic fust in vitae Wilsonus sicque recessu,  
Sic nobis detue vivere sleque mori.  
Englished.  
Lo here of Wilson but a shadow slight,  
He was a Star of more illustrious light;  
Such Wilson was in Life, such in his Death,  
God grant we may so live, so yield our breath.  

I Obitam Reverendi nec non Eruditi Theologi Thomae Wilsoni, olim Madi in Cantio Pastoris Fidelissimi Epicedium.  
Quo fugis eximiae virtutis magne Sacerdos?  
Doctrinae Princeps quo fugis? O quid agis?  
Hostibus infestis pugnare relinquis agis,  
Palma quibus celebris te Duce certa suit.  
Dic quibus in terris habeant certamine duro,  
Quae Natura tibi dona stupenda dedit?  
Dic ubi cor largum, cerebrumque est, mentis acumen,  
Ac tua lingua fluens, quove reperta loco?  
Te coluere Patres, te quaeque Scientia norit,  
Incaluere Artes servido a more tui.  
Tullius alter eras, nec non facundus Apollos,  
Doctrinae Decus, ac Religionis honos  
AEtatis Phaenix, O terque quaterque beate  
Ingenio, literis, sed Pierare magis.  
Exemplum clarum probitatis, voce docebas  
Et vitâ, omnimode sacra statuta Dei.  
Sol velut innumeros radios jaculatus ubique,  
Spargebas Tenebras luce micante ingras.  
Te semel extincto, quam densa caligo secuta est,  
Quantum nostra statim pectora noctis habent,  
Napeo eras Terris summo sulgore coruscans,  
Jam Caelis, nobis quám cito stella cadens,  
Curribus igniferis rapide super aethera vectus,  
Sedibus aeternis, est tibi plena quies:  
Non tua maesta satis praesenti funera versu  
Plangam, te lachrymis secla futura gemenr.  
Te bene perpetuam famae meruisse columnam  
Quis negat, at quinam marmora digna sciat  
Solvo Parentales vitus, mihi chare Valeto  
Dum tibi me miserum hinc, ultima sata vocant.  
Sic slerit G. S.   


REader, Lo here, a soul raised up so high  
As if extracted all by Chemistry.  
Nothing I see, but what I dare to call  
(And without pardon) Quint essential.   

His memory a Miracle to hold  
The Testaments at large both New and Old.  
His intellect so radiant, which can  
Cope with the Sun, when i'th' Meridian.  
So big with learning that in him we see  
Not Student, but an University.   

His Graces when raised up and show the bead,  
Ours like Stars hasten for shame to best,  
What Mortal ever owned so blessed a state?  
Thus here on Earth, Heaven to anticipate?   
FINIS.