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 7 
 
MEMOIRS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIVES AND WRITINGS 
 
 OF THOSE 
 
 Eminent MiDims, 
 
 WHO CONVENED IN 
 
 THE FAMOUS 
 
 ASSEMBLY AT WESTMINSTER, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 BY JAMES REID, 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. 
 
 The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance," Psalm cxii. 6. 
 PAISLEY: 
 
 PRINTED BY STEPHEN AND ANDREW YOUNG> 
 
 High Street, 
 1815. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE SECOND VOLUME. 
 
 JVlEMOIRS of men of distinguished eminence are both 
 instructive and interesting. In those books, we may 
 see the goodness of Divine Providence, in raising and 
 furnishing proper instruments for every work. In the 
 Memoirs of the brilliant constellation at Westminster, we 
 may see, in particular, sound principles. Christian dis- 
 positions, and a conversation becoming the gospel of 
 Christ. In these, we may clearly see the power of di- 
 vine grace shining forth in all its glory, in real life, sub- 
 duing the inbred corruptions of our fallen nature, and 
 animating to every good word and work. In these, we 
 may see pious and learned men eminently zealous in the 
 advancement of true religion, and earnestly contending 
 for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. In 
 these volumes, we may see the reproaches and persecu- 
 tions which the faithful servants of Jesus Christ have 
 endured for righteousness' sake; those gracious and 
 heavenly principles which supported them in all their 
 tribulations, and the course which they uniformly follow- 
 ed in their way to the better world. 
 
 We are very much indebted to the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster, as we are to our illustrious 
 Reformers in general, both in early and later times, for 
 our civil and religious liberty. They were zealous advo- 
 cates for all that liberty wherev/ith Christ has made his 
 people free. And their labours were not in vain. We 
 enjoy the fruits of these labours. And to rescue from 
 oblivion genuine and impartial accounts of those emi- 
 nent divines, is a tribute which we owe to their memory* 
 
 A 2 
 
Jv Preface. 
 
 The very interesting history of their dilicrent researches 
 both in hterature and in divinity, and of their unwea- 
 ried labours in the cause of their God and their coun- 
 try, well deserves to be faithfully transmitted to the latest 
 posterity. And, true accounts of their avowed and 
 warm attachment to the cause of Christ, of their painful 
 sutfenngs in that cause, and of their triumphant deaths, 
 are justly entitled to all our attention and esteem. 
 
 The author of these Memoirs has spared neither 
 labour nor expense in the collection of materials, and 
 has carefully preserved whatever appeared interesting, 
 entertammg, and useful. When the excc-llencies of those 
 divmes have been exhibited, neither their infirmities, nor 
 the accusations of their adversaries, have been suppress- 
 ed. Impartiality has been studied— There is alv^ays re- 
 ference to the authorities; but sometimes only at the end 
 of the life. — Attention has been given to the true ortho- 
 graphy of the names both of persons and of places. 
 
 After all efforts to obtain information, the account of 
 several lives is very defective, to the great loss oi the in- 
 quisitive reader. This defect was unavoidable at the 
 distance of time, and in my circumstances. After the 
 utmost research, for some years, no more information 
 could be procured. The work will be found very de- 
 fective in its execution, as well as through want of in- 
 formation; and it requires much indulgence from the 
 reader. The author has done what he could, and avail- 
 ed himself of every advantage within his reach, to make 
 the whole work as full and useful as possible. And 
 having given a larger account of it, in the preface to the 
 first volume, he now concludes with wishing, that both 
 the reader and himself may be taught to imbibe the prin- 
 ciples and spirit of those divines, to follow them as far 
 as they followed Christ, in adhering firmly to the cause 
 of true religion, and in propagating it with the same 
 holy zeal. 
 
MEMOIRS, &c. 
 HENRY HALL, B. D. OF NORIFJCH, 
 
 AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Henry hall is marked in Mr Neal's list of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, as giving constant 
 attendance. He was appointed one of the select Com- 
 mittee for the examination and approbation of those mi- 
 nisters who petitioned for sequestered livings. He appears 
 to have been a divine of considerable eminence; for he 
 was employed by the Assembly in work of very great 
 utility and importance. Mr Robert Baillie, one ot the 
 learned Commissioners from the Church of Scotland, to 
 the Assembly at Westminster, reckons Mr Hall among 
 the ablest divines in that venerable Assembly, where he 
 is speaking of him being against the institution of ruling 
 elders by divine right/* 
 
 - One Henry Hall, B. D. some time Fellow of Trinity- 
 college, in Cambridge, has published a Sermon, which 
 is entitled. Heaven Ravished ; or^ A Glorious Prize, 
 achieved by an Heroical Enterprise, Probably, he was 
 the same person, who sat in the Assembly at Westminster; 
 but I am not able to say, certainly. That Sermon was 
 preached from Mat. xi. 1 2. to the Honourable House of 
 Com^mons, at their solemn Fast, May '29, 1644. 4to. 
 pp. 71. — In it he says, "^ A Christian is never so glori- 
 ous, as when he sufters most reproach and ignominy for 
 Christ's sake." Speaking of zeal in religion and reform- 
 ation, according to knowledge, he saySj " Let us all 
 labour to blow up, and to keep alive this sacred fire, up- 
 on the altar of our hearts, that it may injfiame our devo- 
 
 a Baillie's Letters, vol. i. p. 401. 
 
6 Life of Henry Hall. 
 
 tion toward God, kindle our love toward men, and burn 
 out all our own corruptions. Let it never cool with age 
 nor abate with opposition, nor be quenched with any 
 1-oods of persecution." It is a good Sermon. 
 
 HUMPHREY HARBWICK, 
 
 HUMPHREY HARDWICK was one of the super- 
 added d.vmes „i the Assembly. He is represented by 
 Neal as attending constantly during the Session. He 
 seems to have been a considerable sufferer under the op- 
 pressions of the persecuthig prelates, and by the civil 
 war. In his Sermon before the House of Commons, 
 from Psalm cxxvi. 5, G. he speaks of himself as among 
 the silenced ministers. And in his epistle dedicatory to 
 the House of Commons, which is prefixed to that sermon, 
 he says,-- No man, I suppose, hath more cause to be 
 arge in apology than I, having long since had my poor 
 library totally plundered, and myself not able, until this 
 day, to buy one book of considerable value. Besides 
 from the beginning of this war, until the last month, be- 
 mg conversant among arms, where studies are interrupt- 
 ed. But those things I account part of my chief happi- 
 ness on earth, to have suffered much, and done a litfle 
 good m the cause of Christ, and service of the state " 
 He was very zealous in the noble cause of the Reforma- 
 tion. He says, in the Sermon above-mentioned, " Search 
 through the holy Book, and tell me whether any men 
 are so precious in the eyes of Heaven, and the account 
 of G(h1 himself, as those who have been zealous for 
 the reformation of his Church, the carrying on of his 
 cause, the help of his pc-ople against their wicked and 
 profane opposers How highly were Caleb and Joshua 
 esteemed of God for bemg courageous, when others 
 
Life of Humphrey Hardwich 7 
 
 flagged in the business, and shrunk at evil tidings?** 
 Mr Hardwick was a great advocate for the National 
 Covenant. — I have seen only one sermon of his, which is 
 entitled, " The Difficulty of Zion's Deliverance and Re- 
 formation; together with the Activity which her friends 
 should* manifest, during the time that her cause is in agi- 
 tation." It was delivered at Margaret's, Westminster, 
 before the Honourable House of Commons, on Wednes- 
 day morning, the 26th day of June, 1644. 4to. pp. 36. 
 London, 1644. A valuable Sermon. 
 
 ROBERT HARRIS, D. D. 
 
 PASTOR OF HANWELL, A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT 
 WESTMINSTER, AND PRliSIDENT OF 'TRINITY-COLLEGE IN OXFORD. 
 
 Robert Harris was bom at Broad Campden in 
 Gloucestershire, in England, in the year 1578. His fa- 
 ther had the character of a very prudent and intelligent 
 man; and his mother was allowed to be a very religious 
 and charitable woman. Under the tuition of these pa- 
 rents he passed his childhood. He discovered, in this 
 early period of his life, a strong propensity to his play. 
 He acknowledged with compunction, that he greatly pre- 
 ferred his sport to reading the Holy Scriptures at the call 
 of his affectionate parents. This natural averseness to 
 read the Sacred Writings was matter of much grief to 
 him, during his whole life. / acknowledge my trans- 
 gressions: and my sin is ever before me. The carnal 
 mind is emnity against God; for it is not sul)ject to the 
 law of God^ neither indeed can be. This all mankind 
 must feel whether they acknowledge it or not. The sub- 
 ject of this memoir was made to possess the iniquities of 
 his youth. Surely after that I was turned I repented; 
 and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh: 
 I was ashamed, yea, even confounded^ because I did bear 
 the reproach of my youth. He found always, while he was 
 
8 Life of 
 
 a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth, sufficient reason 
 for that appropriate prayer. Remember nnt the sim of my 
 youths nor viij transgressions : according to thy mercy 
 remember thou mc^ for thy goodness sake, O Lord, Psalm 
 XXV. 7. His youthful folly, and disobv-^dience to parental 
 authority and the law of the Lord, made a deep and per- 
 manent impression upon his tender mind, and occasioned 
 much serious exercise of soul. But, according to the 
 proverb, " An untoward boy may make a grod man." 
 This was indeed fully verified, in the notable example 
 which is now before us — His parents, having designed 
 him either for the Law-business, or for the holy ministry, 
 according as his parts and inclination might lead, sent 
 him in due time, to receive his early education at the 
 free-school of Chipping. Campden, in his native countv. 
 Here he was very far from being comfortable in his school- 
 masters. They were often changed upon him, through 
 want of salary; and some of them beat their scholars in 
 a brutal and savage manner, without mercy Such a 
 mode of correction is certainly a disgrace to civilized life. 
 It made very fearful and lasting impressions upon the 
 mind of our young scholar. Though for his own part, 
 he never felt as far as he remembered, the smart of the 
 rod in any school, yet the daily executions upon others, 
 brought such a trembling and sadness on his spirit, 
 that he could not be entirely delivered from so long 
 as he lived. He often said, that such treatment was the 
 bane (ruin) of many school-boys. The inhabitants of 
 Gloucestershire were in a very rude srate, at that time; 
 which should be here observed. He was removed from 
 Chipping. Campden to the school at Worcester, where 
 he was placed under the tuition of Mr Bright, and on 
 the Sabbath day he was a hearer of that learned pastor, 
 Dr Robert Abbots. When accomplished in school-edu- 
 cation, he removed to Magdalen- college, Oxford, in the 
 latter end of the year 1 595. There he shewed an un- 
 common thirst for knowledge; and very soon began to 
 seek and taste the sweetness of all useful learning. He 
 became an excellent scholar, and a famous logician and 
 disputant. And he was called by his tutor, Mr Goffe, 
 
Robert Harris. 9 
 
 Of Gough, to concur with his other pupils in reading the 
 Bible, in prayer, and in the repetition of sermons.* Not 
 being accustomed to this yoke of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 he found it at first somewhat galling. He observed, that 
 he knew few, if any, of the serious, who followed that 
 practice, and yet he was not able to confute it. In this 
 case, he very properly applied unto the Father of Lights 
 for direction. Prayer is the natural language of the soul, 
 implonng, in its distress. Divine direction and help. It 
 was, accordingly, an excercise most exactly suited to the 
 condition of our young pupil, who now required light 
 to direct him in the way in which he should go. He 
 humbled himself before the Lord in prayer. He fell 
 down in his study, and entreated that the infinitely wise 
 God would either discover the falsehood, if his tutor had 
 any design upon him to seduce him; or, if this way were 
 pleasing to God, that then He would confirm him in it. 
 He was very soon fully resolved to comply with the whole- 
 some measures of his pious tutor. He bought a Bible, 
 read and studied it, with indefatigable diligence and care, 
 along with some good authors in divinity. In all thy 
 *ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
 He also made great advances in philosophy, and in the 
 Greek and Hebrew languages. He was singularly happy 
 in his tutor. And when Mr GofFe ceased to be his tutor, 
 they agreed to continue their studies and reading toge- 
 ther, for their mutual benefit. In the Hebrew, they had 
 also the concurrence of some other of the fellows, w^ho 
 joined them, one of whom was afterward president. And 
 though Mr Harris was not then complete bachelor in the 
 hall, yet he was readily accepted by the company, being 
 found to be a very diligent student, and equally expert in 
 his grammar, as his companions were. Beside these useful 
 studies, his tutor and he mutually agreed to read the cele- 
 brated Calvin's Institutions by turns. These Institutions 
 appear to have been much read at that time by students, in 
 England. Dr Saunderson, bishopof Lincoln, says; "When 
 I began to set myself to the study of divinity as my pro- 
 
 ♦ See Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. ii. p. 261. 2d edition. 
 
 Vol. H. B 
 
TO Life of 
 
 per business, Calvin's Institutions were recommended to 
 me, as they were generally to all young scholars in those 
 times, as the best and perfectest system of divinity, and 
 the fittest to be laid as a ground work in the study of that 
 profession. And indeed my expectation was not at all 
 deceived, in the reading of those Insritutions." ' — 
 
 Mr Harris, having taken one degree in arts, and continu- 
 ed some time bachelor of arts, turned his attention more 
 particularly to ihe work of the holy ministry. By the 
 Divine blessing upon his studies, and the pious instructions 
 of his excellent tutor, he was brought to a saving know- 
 ledge of the glorious Gospel ot the grace of God, and 
 soon affer became a v. ry eminent Puritan. He generous- 
 ly offered his service in preaching the Gospel, at Chipping- 
 Campden, in his native county. But such is said to have 
 been the ignorance of the times, and the state of religious 
 affairs in that place, that when he came to the church 
 there was no Bible to be found, from which he might 
 read his text. Even in the greater town, he did not 
 know where one could be procured. At length, he was 
 directed to the house of the vicar of the parish, who had 
 a Bible in his possession; but, as it had not been seen for 
 some months, it could scarcely be found. Having, hov/- 
 ever, at last obtained the sacred volume, he went to the 
 church and preached an admirable sermon from Rom. x. 
 1. Brethren^ my heart's desire and prayer to God for 
 Israel is, that theif might he saved: This sermon met 
 with much applause; but the preacher often said, that 
 he lost by the bargain. He found himself in danger of 
 heinii exaittd ahove measure, through the ahimdance of 
 his success and popular applause, which was against the 
 prosperity ot his soul. Beside, his friends solicited him 
 to cease now from pursuing any longer his studies in the 
 University, and come among them, declaring that he 
 already had a sufficiency of human literature His father 
 also, having yet many other children to provide for, 
 wished to have him settled in some place in the church. 
 But he then declined public employment in the church, 
 
 a Sec Toplady's Hist. Proof, vol. ii. eect. 20. 
 
Robert Harris, 1 1 
 
 and importuned his father to allow him what more patri- 
 mony he was pleased to give him, for the farther prose- 
 cution of his studies at Oxford. With much difficuky, 
 he obtained his request, and, with great joy, he returned 
 to the University. But very soon after his return, a 
 dreadful plague invaded that famous seat of learning. 
 The students were dispersed, and he was in great per- 
 plexity. He was averse to return home, and where to 
 go he knew not. But according to the Jewish proverb, 
 *' When the bricks are doubled, then comes Moses.'* 
 He was, in the extrem.ity of his distress, mercifully re- 
 lieved, by Divine Providence. One Mr Doyly, who 
 lived not far from Oxford, a gentleman of a very ancient 
 family, and vf ry friendly to the Gospel of Christ, invited 
 Mr Harris to his house. Mrs Doyly was eminently pious 
 and intelligent, and he w^s peculiarly comfortable in that 
 family. He there met with one Mr Prier, a pious mini- 
 ster, who was then in a very weakly state, and over- bur- 
 dened with preaching both on the Lord's- day, and at 
 extraordinary Fasts, which were appointed on account of 
 the prevalence of the plague. Mr Harris preached some 
 times, through compassion, for Mr Prier, with much ap- 
 probation. His labours being highly acceptable and useful,, 
 he was solicited to continue there for some time, which he 
 did, until the Lord appeared in another call to him. 
 
 The venerable and justly celebrated divine, Mr John 
 Dod, being silenced for non-conformity, and ejected 
 from Hanwell in Oxfordshire, by Dr B-idges bishop of 
 Oxford, Sir Anthony Cope invited Mr Harris to become 
 his successor. He complied with the invitation, and, 
 accordingly, he removed to Hanwell, though with very 
 much grief and fear. Mr Dod, whose labours at Han- 
 well were very numerous, and most extensively useful, 
 being driven from his truly affectionate and beloved peo- 
 ple, they would acknowledge no man as their pastor ex- 
 cept him who had been ejected from Hanwell. It was, 
 however, agreed upon that Mr Harris should preach so 
 long as there was any hope of recovering Mr Dod, their 
 former faithful pastor. During this very unsettled state 
 at Hanwell, archbishop Bancroft presented the place to 
 
 B2 
 
12 Life Of 
 
 one of his chaplains, upon pretence of a lapse. But Sir 
 Anthony Cope, who was then sitting in parliament, to- 
 gether with some other members of the house, waited 
 upon the archbishop, and presented Mr Harris, whom 
 his grace, after a long contest, with vfry great reluctance, 
 admitted. Sir Anthony having formerly spoken in that 
 parliament against insufficient ministers, not without some 
 reflection upon the insufferable proceedings of the arch- 
 bishops and bishops, Bancroft very readily embraced this 
 opportunity of shewing his resentment; and, therefore, 
 he referred Mr Harris to be very strictly examined by 
 his most learned chaplain. The chaplain, after sufficient 
 examination, returned Mr Harris moderately learned. 
 This return proving unsatisfactory to the archbishop, 
 Mr Harris was afterward committed to the examination 
 of bishop Burlow, a man who was most exactly suited 
 to^ Bancroft's wishes. The bishop was a person of great 
 wit and learning, and exceedingly glad of the opportuni- 
 ty. He examined Mr Harris first in divinity, then in 
 other branches of learning, especially in the Greek lan- 
 guage, in which his lordship was allowed to be a cele- 
 brated critic. As the story is related, " They Greeked 
 it until they were both run a-ground for want of words, 
 upon which they burst into a fit of laughter, and so gave 
 it over." Burlow returned to the archbishop, and, de- 
 livering a most favourable testimony, his grace, it is said,, 
 was satisfied. But Mr Harris expressed his fear to become 
 the successor of so eminent a divine as Mr Dod, which 
 Avas not very pleasing to the archbishop, though at that 
 time he courted Mr Dod. 
 
 Mr Harris being now settled as pastor at Hanwell, 
 Mr Seuddcr at Drayton, and Mr Whately at Banbury, 
 they soon became very intimate, and were united in judg- 
 men, in brotherly affection, and also by affinity. Mr 
 Harris married Mr Whately's sister, and Mr Seudder 
 his wife's sister. These divines commonly met together 
 once a-week, to translate and analyse a chapter of the 
 Bible. This laudable practice had a strong tendency to 
 promote brotherly love, their mutual edification, and to 
 excite them to greater diligence in their studies. They 
 
Robert Harris. 1 3 
 
 continued the practice as long as their employments and 
 circumstances admitted. 
 
 Though Mr Harris was comfortably settled, he was 
 called by Divine Providence to endure many trials. Man 
 is born imto trouble^ as the sparks fly upzvard. His faith 
 and patience were much exercised by his wife's long and 
 painful illness, upon the birth of her first child. Mr Dod 
 told hnn, That this affliction v/as designed to season him, 
 and fit him for his arduous work. And Mr Harris him- 
 self often said, '• That he should have been quite spoiled, 
 had he not been thus taken down. Young ministers 
 know not on what ground they tread, till God make 
 them humble." — Now /or a season^ if need be, ye are in 
 heaviness through manifold temptations: 2 hat the trial of 
 your faith, being much more precious than of gold that 
 perisheth, though it be tried with jire, might be found 
 unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing 
 of Jesus Christ. Mr Dod was accustomed to say, " Sanc- 
 tified afflictions are spiritual promotions.*' Mr Harris 
 had the experience of the truth of this judicious saying* 
 After some other troubles, he found much encouragement 
 in his labour in the Lord's vineyard. His people now 
 began to relish his ministry, and the Lord, who alone 
 gives the increase, greatly blessed the works of his hands. 
 He did not feed the flock, over which the Holy Ghost 
 had made him an overseer, with airy notions, and dry 
 speculations, but with genuine knowledge, the sincere 
 milk of the word, that they might thereby grow. His 
 discourses, in general, were adapted to persons of the 
 meanest capacity. His people received least benefit from 
 what cost him most labour, his sermons upon the whole 
 epistle to the Colossians. This has often been verified. 
 When he preached these sermons, he thought that he 
 could not speak in too high a style to a people who were sa 
 well instructed, but at last he found that he was mistaken. 
 Some of his hearers afterward told him, that his labour 
 upon that epistle was lost to them. A lesson to all mini- 
 sters of the Gospel. He greatly excelled in handling and 
 illustrating historical passages of the Sacred Writings. 
 He dispensed to his hearers the substantial provision of 
 
14 
 
 Life of' 
 
 the Gospel. And he carefully provided milk for babes 
 and strong meat for men. He had much zeal for God' 
 and great compassion on precious and immortal souls! 
 And a great and effccliial door kwv opened to him He 
 had many seals to his ministry. And God is said to have 
 so remarkably blessed his labours, that for some time 
 there was not one prayerless family in Han well, nor any 
 person who refused his examination and instruction pre- 
 vious to receiving the Lord's supper. 
 
 The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, 
 was pleased to bless both his ministerial labours, and his 
 outward estate. He was blessed in his basket and store 
 He observed a sensible blessing on the provision of his 
 family. His mcome was not great, his children numer- 
 ous, for whom he kept a tutor, and he was a lover of 
 ftospitality, yet he was increasing, which made him con- 
 ciude that there was a secret blessing on house- keeping. 
 tte said, that he was not able to give an account of his 
 expences and of God's supplies. In this situation he 
 continued about forty years, blessed himself, and made 
 a blessing to his people at Hanwell, and to the people in 
 that neighbourhood, being a constant and laborious 
 preacher, both upon the Lord's day, and upon other 
 occasions, until the commencement of the dreadful civil 
 wars. The bloody battle of Edg-hill, only a few miles 
 distant from Hanwell, was fought on October 23, 1642, 
 being the Lord's day; yet, the wind being contrary, he' 
 did not hear the least noise of it until the public exercises 
 of the day were over; nor could he believe the report of 
 a battle till soldiers, besmeared with blood, came to make 
 It known. From that time his troubles greatly increased; 
 but he bore these with great meekness of spirit, and holy 
 resignation to the sovereign will of God. The civil war 
 spread its terrors through that country. Rude soldiers 
 were quartered upon him, some calling him round-Jiead 
 others wadgmml; but he continued to attend upon his' 
 numerous duiics as at other times. Some of his guests 
 joined with him in family-duties, others scoffed at these 
 because they were not mingled with book-prayers He' 
 continued the course of his ministry every Lord's day and 
 
Robert Harris* 1 5 
 
 most of those persons who quartered upon him, being com- 
 manders and officers, they were civil, both to him and to 
 his family. But one company which was quartered upon 
 him was so outrageous in swearing, that he could not for- 
 bear preaching from James v. ! 2. But above all t/nrtgs, my 
 brethren^ swear not. This discourse so highly offended 
 the company, that they swore they would shoot him if he 
 preached again from that text, supposing it had been by 
 design chosen against them. Undismayed by their fearful 
 threatenings, he courageously proceeded to preach from 
 the same words on the following Sabbath, trusting in the 
 Lord his God, and boldly confirming what he had for- 
 merly advanced on the subject. When he was preaching, 
 he observed a soldier preparing his firelock, as if he de- 
 signed to shoot; but Mr Harris went on without fear, 
 apprehending that the soldier intended only to disturb 
 him, and he finished his discourse without interruption. 
 He endured the severe storm until he had suffered very 
 material injury; but was at length driven from the place. 
 He continued in his station, however, until he saw his 
 tenements in the neighbourhood fired, wood and nurseries 
 of wood destroyed, himself threatened, and at last forced 
 by a Scottish commander to shift for himself, and found 
 some of his neighbours now ready to betray him. 
 
 Mr Harris, being forced from his flock, fled to London, 
 and was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, and preached at St Botalph's church. Bishops- 
 gate, during his attendance upon the Assembly. It is 
 said, that in the Assembly, he heard all, and said htcle. 
 In the year 1646, he was appointed one of the preachers 
 to the University of Oxford; and, the year following, 
 one of the visitors of that University^ Dr Walker, with 
 his common slander, v/hen he meets with the Puritans, 
 observes, that when the visitors proceeded to open their 
 visitation, they began, as they did all the other distin- 
 guished wickednesses of these times, according to their 
 usual hypocrisy, with praijers, and a sermon! The person 
 pitched upon for the office of preaching was. Mr Harris, 
 one of the visitors." Mr Harris, at the same time, took 
 a Walker's Attempt, Part I. p. 127. 
 
16 Life of 
 
 his degree of Doctor of divinity, was made president of 
 Trinity- college, and became rector of Garlington, near 
 Oxford. He governed his college with much prudence, 
 gaining the affections of all the fellows and students, who 
 reverenced him as a father. He was ten years president 
 of that college. He preached on the Lord's day at his 
 parsonage, once a- week in the city of Oxford, and con- 
 stantly in his turn at the University, both in English and 
 in Latin. 
 
 Dr Walker and other royalists have stip^matized him as 
 a notorious pluralist. The Doctor rests the evidence of 
 this slanderous accusation upon the authority of a very 
 scurrilous and abusive letter, which was published in 
 those troublesome times, with a view to expose and pour 
 all manner of contempt upon the Puritans. He also ob- 
 serves, " that he had somewhere read, that in those times, 
 Dr Harris's picture was drawn v/ith one steeple upon his 
 head, and with others coming out of his pockets " * 
 Pluralities should not be justified. They are certainly 
 indefensible. Respecting this charge, Dr Harris himself 
 made the following generous and open declaration He 
 says, ""That though he stood clear in his own conscience, 
 and in the consciences of those persons who best knew 
 him, that he was far from allowing non- residence and a 
 plurality of livings; yet, to such persons as were ignorant 
 of all circumstances, there was some appearance of evil. 
 And that it would, and should be to him, matter of hu- 
 miliation and of caution while he lived, that he had given 
 the least advantage to the adversary. He undoubtedly 
 possessed several benefices; but whether he received the 
 profits of them all, and enjoyed them all at the same time, 
 appears very doubtful. Though Dr Grey denominates 
 him " a fanatical hero, and a professed enemy to the 
 constitution, both in church and state;" yet he partly 
 acquits him of that vile charge, and invaHdates, in a 
 great degree, the authority of the above scurrilous letter, 
 upon which it rested. 
 
 Wood, the famous Oxford historian, brings accusations 
 
 a Walker's Attempt, Part L p. 127. 
 
Robert Harris. 17 
 
 against Dr Harris, which, if true, would prove him to 
 have been one of the very basest of men. He charges 
 him with having taken for his own use two bags of gold, 
 containing one hundred pounds each, which he found 
 among some old rubbish in Trinity-college, soon after he 
 became president. He also affirms, that Dr Harris told 
 most glaring falsehoods, with a view to secure the money 
 to himself.* One very judiciously observes here; "Though 
 our documents will not afford us materials for a complete 
 refutation of these charges; yet the whole of what is assert- 
 ed, and especially the wor^t part of it, is so contrary to the 
 uniform spirit and deportment of this learned and pious 
 divine, that the account appears extremely suspicious, and 
 only designed to reproach the memory of the Puritans.** *» 
 Many attempts, in those times, were made to reproach 
 the memory of the Puritans. They were, like the apostles 
 and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, in former times, 
 accounted as the off-scouring of all things, 
 
 Dr Harris was eminently distinguished by his prudent 
 government of himself and of his family, as well as of his 
 college and of his flock. His government of himself was 
 very remarkable. He 'who has no rule over his own spi- 
 rit is like a city that is broken doxvn, and without walls. 
 But the prudent subject of this memoir had much rule 
 over his own spirit, and was like the standing city, hav- 
 ing strong walls. He was most exactly temperate in the 
 use of all things, confining himself strictly to hours for 
 food, sleep, labour, and recreation. He ate sparingly 
 and seasonably, which had a strong tendency to preserve 
 in him much vigour, even to a great age. His principal 
 time for recreation was the afternoon of Saturday, when 
 he would unbend his mind, and allow himself some harm- 
 less recreation, in order that he might be more vigorous 
 for the important and deeply interesting work of the 
 Lord's- day. — He was very seldom seen angry; but, if at 
 any time, his mind was discomposed by the improper 
 conduct of other persons, he had such a remarkable 
 
 a Wood*s Fasti Oxon. vol. ii. p. 67. 2d edition, 
 b Brook*» Lives of the Puritans, vol. iii. p. 308. 
 
 Vol. IL C 
 
l-.S Life of 
 
 command of himself, that he could very quickly turn his 
 passion into wholesome instruction In his censures of 
 others, he was very sparing, gentle to all, and severe only 
 to himself. He had a very pecuHar gift of forgetting injur- 
 ies, without offering any. He was very mindful of favours. 
 And, in the government of his family, he was not less 
 remarkable. He ruled well his own house. He carefully 
 maintained his authority over his children, v/hich was 
 equally tempered with lenity and gravity. He loved them 
 without shewing fondness, and he ruled them without 
 rigour. As soon as they coul4 speak, they were taught 
 to repeat some historical passages of the Holy Scriptures. 
 As soon as they could walk, they were sent to school. 
 When they were able to recollect any part of a chapter, 
 which had been read, or commit to memory, and bring 
 home any passage of a sermon which they had heard, he 
 began to instruct them in the first principles of religion. 
 When they were farther advanced, he enjoined upon 
 them the practice of religion, and he diligently observed 
 their private performance of religious exercises. He was 
 very attentive unto them every way, carefully observ- 
 ing their capacities, inclinations, and constitutional sins. 
 And he used all caution and means, that they might be 
 enabled, through divine grace, to avoid those sins. His 
 laudable endeavours were crowned, by the blessing of 
 God, with success equal to his largest wishes. He was 
 an example of strict and serious godliness in his family. 
 He was an affectionate and good husband. To his ser- 
 vants he was a kind and gentle master, carefully instruct- 
 ing them and exhorting them unto their duty; and some 
 of them had much reason to bless the Lord that ever 
 they came under his roof. 
 
 He found very much sweet delight in God, and in 
 divine things. He accounted those his best days, when 
 he enjoyed most intercourse with Heaven. Upon a per- 
 son in his sickness asking him how he did, he said, " O, 
 this has been a sweet day, I have had sweet communion 
 with God in Jesus Christ," He had an early sense of 
 religion, though he neither knew the preacher, nor the 
 sermon, by which he was converted. In his self-exami- 
 
Robert Harris. 1 9 
 
 nation, he marked down in writing his evidences for 
 heaven, some times in propositions from the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, and at other times in syllogisms. These evidences 
 he often subscribed in a book which he had for the purpose: 
 but they were best read in the course of his life, which 
 was an exact walking with God, in piety, charity, humi- 
 lity, patience, and an entire dependance upon Him. 
 
 When he had settled his worldly affairs and his chil- 
 dren, and left himself nothing to do but to turn his atten- 
 tion more particularly to preparation for death, the Lord 
 was pleased to visit him with a very sore affliction. His 
 wife, who was eminently religious, having Hved about fifty 
 years with him, was now delivered up to such strong 
 temptations of Satan and horrors of mind, as terrified all 
 spectators. On this mournful occasion, he often said, 
 '' God made it appear to all beholders, that the best man 
 is no more than God makes him. Grace and comfort 
 are all from Him." He bore this heavy afiiiction with 
 much meekness and patience, and it served only, under 
 the blessing of God. to throw greater lustre on his graces, 
 and to excite him unto more diligence and fervour in 
 religious exercises. Nou\ no chastening for the present 
 seemeth to be joyous^ but grievous: nevertheless afterward 
 it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them 
 who are ea:ercised thereby. 
 
 We come now to the close of this laborious and valu- 
 able life, in this world. The following lines were strik- 
 ingly verified in our celebrated preacher, both in the 
 course of his life, and at his death. 
 
 '' I preach, as if I ne'er should preach againj 
 And, as a dying man, to dying men." 
 
 Dr Harris, in his last sickness, being desired to admit 
 company, said, " It is all one to me whether I am'^'kept 
 alone, or have my friends with me. My work is now to 
 arm myself for death, which assaults me, and to apply 
 myself unto that great encounter." Accordingly, he 
 spent his time in prayer, meditation, and reading the 
 Holy Scriptures; especially the book of Psalms, the pro- 
 phecy of Isaiah, and the Gospel by John. He delighted 
 
 C 2 
 
20 Life of 
 
 exceedingly in the 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th., 
 chapters of that Evangelist. And when he became un- 
 able to read himself, he desired his friends to read unto 
 him. He collected the principal things which were con- 
 tained in the chapter, and expounded what seemed to be 
 difficult in it, feeding most sweetly on this spiritual food. 
 Trouble and an2,uisli have taken hold on me; yet thy com- 
 mandmenls are rnij delights. He warmly exhorted those 
 persons who visited and attended him, to seek above all 
 things to obtain the precious grace of faith. He said to 
 them, " You must put on all the spiritual armour of God, 
 and then ro forth in the Lord's strength. Stand in the 
 fight, and the issue shall be glorious: only forget not to 
 call in the help of your General. Do all from him, and 
 under him.*' He hindered none, on the Lord*s-day, from 
 public worship, to attend him; but greatly encouraged 
 them to go unto the house of God. And upon their re- 
 turn, he said, " Come, what have you for me ?** mean- 
 ing that they should repeat to him some part of the ser- 
 mons which they had heard, to which he carefully at- 
 tended. And having given a summary of every sermon, 
 he said, '* O what excellent truths are these ! Lay them 
 up charily, you will have need of them." When his 
 friends came to visit him, being weakly, he said, *' 1 
 cannot speak, but I can hear." Notwithstanding, upon 
 being asked where his comfort lay, he answered. In 
 Christ, and in the free <i:race of God, He derived his 
 comfort from the Lord Jesus Christ, and the unsearchable 
 riches of divine grace, reigning through righteousness 
 unto eternal life. When it was observed that he might 
 take much comfort from his labours and usefulness, he 
 replied, " All is nothing without a Saviour. Without 
 Him my best works would condemn me. Oh ! I am 
 ashamed of them, being mixed with so much sin. Oh ! 
 I am an unprofitable servant. I have not done any thing 
 for God as I ought. Loss of time sits heavy upon my 
 spirit. Work, work apace. Be assured nothing will more 
 trouble you, when you come to die, than that you have 
 done no more for God, who has done so much for you." 
 He farther said, '• I never in all my life saw the worth of 
 
Robert Harris. 21 
 
 Christy nor tasted the sweetness of God's love, in so great 
 a measure as I now do." Here we may observe, That 
 the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed an ail- sufficient Saviour, 
 and the only real support of a departing soul. I cannot 
 refrain transcribing in this place the admirable words of 
 the celebrated Mr Davies, president of the college of 
 New- Jersey, in America, in a letter to his dear friend 
 and brother, when he was beginning to creep back from 
 the valley of the shadow of death, to which he had made 
 a very near approach, using his own words. Mr Davies, 
 in that letter, says, '' In my sickness, I found the un- 
 speakable importance of a Mediator in a religion for sin- 
 ners. O ! I could have given you the word of a dying 
 man for it, that that Jesus whom you preach is indeed 
 a necessary, and an all-sufficient Saviour. Indeed he is 
 the only support for a departing soul. None but Omst, 
 none but ChrisL Had I as many good v^orks as Abraham 
 or Paul, I would not have dared to build my hopes upon 
 such a quicksand, but only on this firm eternal rock.'* * 
 
 When Dr Harris's friends asked what they should do 
 for him, he replied, " You must not only pray for me, 
 but also praise God for his unspeakable mercy to me; 
 and in particular, that he has kept Satan from me, in 
 my weakness. O, how good is God ! Entertain good 
 thoughts of him. However it be with us, we cannot 
 think too well of him, nor too ill of ourselves." The 
 inexpressible goodness of God in Christ seems to have 
 made a very deep and lasting impression upon his religi- 
 ous mind; for in all his wills the following legacy was 
 always renewed; " Also, I bequeath to all my children, 
 and their children's children, to each of them a Bible, 
 with this inscription, None but Christ.** He said to his 
 particular friends, " I am now going home, even quite 
 spent. I am now at the shore, but leave you still tossing 
 * on the sea. Oh ! it is a good time to die in." Nearer 
 the time of his departure, being asked how he did, he 
 said, " In no great pain, I praise God, only weary of 
 my useless life. If God has no more service for me to 
 
 a Middleton's Biogr. Evang. vol. iv. p. 349. 
 
22 Life of 
 
 do here, I could be gladly in heaven, where I shall serve 
 him better, delivered from sin and distractions. I pass 
 from one death to another, yet I fear none. I praise 
 God that I can live, and dare die. If God has more 
 work for me to do here, I am willing to do it, though 
 my infirm body be very weary.'* Afterward, he said, 
 '' I do now no good, I hinder other persons w^ho might 
 be better employed, if 1 were removed. Why should 
 any desire to live, but to do God service ? Now I cease 
 from that, I do not live." When both the violence of 
 his trouble and the advice of his physicians prohibited 
 speech, he called upon those persons who attended him, 
 to read the Holy Scriptures unto him, and upon his son 
 to pray frequently with him. In the immediate views of 
 an approaching eternity, he desired that the eighth chap- 
 ter of the epistle to the Romans should be read unto him. 
 And he professed that he lived and died in that faith 
 which he had preached and printed, and that he now, in 
 the near prospect of death, found the unspeakable com- 
 fort of it; desiring that intimation should be made thereof 
 in that country where he had been longest known. Hav- 
 ing given strong evidence of the excellence and power of 
 that religion, which can support the precious and immor- 
 tal soul, and make the, otherwise very gloomy, prospect 
 of death easy and cheerful, he closed his eyes in peace, 
 pleasingly resigning his soul to God, on the 11 th of Dec. 
 i(y5iy^^ aged eighty years. 
 
 The following brief account has been given of the ex- 
 cellent endowments of Dr Harris. — He was a very hard 
 student, a man of great abilities, and richly furnished 
 with all learning which is necessary to a divine. He 
 was a pure and elegant Latinist, he had a considerable 
 knowledge of the Greek, and was an exact master of the 
 Hebrew language. He was greatly admired as a subtle, 
 clear, and very ready, disputant. He excelled in chro- 
 nology, church-history, the councils, case-divinity, and 
 in the knowledge of the fathers. But his parts were best 
 €een in the pulpit. His gifts and graces eminently ap- 
 peared, in prayer; his affections were warm and elevated; 
 his petitions weighty and substantial; and his language. 
 
Robert Harris, 23 
 
 pertinent, unaffected, and without tautology. He was 
 accounted a judicious divine, and an accomplished preach- 
 er. He preached with much learned plainness, beauti- 
 fully unfolding the grand mysteries of the glorious Gos- 
 pel of the grace of God unto persons of the meanest ca- 
 pacities. In his younger days, about twenty years toge- 
 ther, he wrote his sermons exactly, and committed them to 
 memory, which he could do with much ease. He was very 
 large and particular in the application of his sermons. In 
 prayer and preaching, he had an admirable faculty of 
 engaging the attention, and of warming and raising the 
 affections of his auditory. He was exceedingly charitable 
 to the poor, and eminently distinguished for humility, 
 mortification, and self denial. In short, he was a person 
 of eminent piety and gravity, and was richly furnished 
 with every necessary qualification to render him a com- 
 plete scholar, a wise governor, a profitable preacher, and 
 an excellent Christian. 
 
 Some of his choice sayings follow. He used to say, 
 *^ That a preacher has three books to study: the Bible^ 
 himself^ and the people, — That preaching to the people was 
 but one part of the pastor's duty: he was to live and die in 
 them, as well as for, and with them." — He advised young 
 preachers to pen largely, and to keep their notes for all 
 emergencies. He observed. That the humblest preachers 
 converted the greatest number of souls, not the most 
 choice scholars while unbroken. — That he valued no man 
 for his gifts, but for his humihty under them. — Nor did 
 he expect much from any man, v/ere his parts ever so 
 great, until he was broken by afflictions and temptations. 
 — That so much humility as any man had, so much 
 grace and worth, and no more. — That it was just with 
 God to deny us the comforts of our graces, when we deny 
 him the glory of them. He used to say, that some du- 
 ties which were often in men's mouths, were very difficult 
 to him: as, to deny himself^ in all the extent of that ex- 
 pression ; to live onhf by faiths and a bare promise xdtht 
 out a pa-Jim; to ascribe all to free grace ^ and to Chris- 
 alone; and to love where rve meet with the want of love, 
 and contempt, — He said, " That it was a hard thing for 
 
24 Writings of Robert Harris, 
 
 a saint to forgive himself some faults, even when God 
 has forgiven these. It is hard to continue long in holy 
 thoughts, and to confine our thoughts to the prayers of 
 another person. We know but little of Christ's love, 
 till all be perfected, and spread before us in heaven/' * 
 
 Dr Harris's last will and testament contains much ex- 
 cellent advice to his wife and to his numerous children, 
 but it is too long for insertion in this place. His writings 
 came forth at different times, in their first appearance 
 to the public eye. " The Way to True Happiness, in 
 twenty-four Sermons upon the Beatitudes," Mat. v. 
 and " A Treatise of the New Covenant," from Ezek. xi. 
 19, 20. were both printed at London, in quarto, in 1632. 
 But these and his other writings were afterward collected 
 and published in one volume, small folio, London, 1654. 
 The eminently pious bishop Wilkins passes an high en- 
 comium upon his English Sermons. And his Latin Ser- 
 mons to the clergy have been very highly commended. 
 These are said to have gained the approbation of all per- 
 sons who were skilful in that language. Wood says, that 
 one of his Latin Sermons, from John xxi. 17, 18. with 
 another Latin Sermon of Dr Dan. Featly were printed at 
 Utrecht, in 1657, and both entitled Pedum Pastorale^ 
 he. 
 
 CHARLES HERLEy A. M. 
 
 PASTOR OF WINWICK, IK LANCASHIRE, A MEMBER AND SOME TIME 
 rROLOCUTOR OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Charles HERLE was born at PHdeaux-Herle, 
 near Lystwithyel, or Lostwithiel, in the county of Corn- 
 wall, in England, in the year 1598. He was descended 
 from a good family, and born of honourable parents, 
 
 a CUrk's Lives, and Durham's Life of Dr Harris. 
 
Life of Charles Ilerle, 25 
 
 He was the third son of Ed. Herle, Esq. Wood says, 
 that though his ancestors had Hved several generations iu 
 that place above-mentioned in genteel fashion, yet they 
 were originally of West Herle in Northumberland. He 
 received his education in Exeter college, in Oxford, 
 where he entered a student, in the year 16 1 2, He took 
 his degrees in arts, that of master being completed in the 
 year 1618.. Having finished his studies at the University, 
 he entered upon the ministerial work. He was first set- 
 tled at some place in Devonshire, where, being always 
 accounted a Puritan, he suffered persecution on account 
 of his non-conformity. For, /III v^ho will live godly in 
 Christ Jesus shall sirfftr persecution. Afterward, he be- 
 came rector of Winwick, in Lancashire, which is said to 
 have been one of the richest livings in England. Upon 
 the commencement of the civil war, he took part with 
 the Parliament, was elected one of the Assembly of Di- 
 vines at Westminster, and, upon the death of Dr Twisse, 
 in the year 1646, he was chosen prolocutor to the As- 
 sembly. He took the Covenant, preached frequently 
 before the Parliament, was appointed one of the licensers 
 of the press for books of divinity, in 1643, one of the 
 morning lecturers at the Abbey-church, Westminster, 
 and one of the select committee for the examination and 
 approbation of ministers of the Gospel who petitioned for 
 sequestered livings. And, in the year 1644, he and 
 others, to the number of twenty- one, had full power 
 given them to ordain ministers for a time in the county 
 of Lancaster. Mr Herle was also appointed one of the 
 committee of accommodation, in 1645; and he was one 
 of the committee of learned divines appointed by the 
 Assembly to prepare materials for their Confession of 
 Faith. He subscribed the proposition, '' That Jesus 
 Christ, as King of the church has himself appointed a 
 church-government distinct from the civil magistrate." 
 He %as accounted a moderate presbyterian. In his im- 
 primatur to the Apology of the Independents, he calls it a 
 l-*erformance full of peaceableness, modesty and candour; 
 and though he wrote against it, yet in the preface to his 
 book, which is entitled, " The Independency on Scrip- 
 Vol. IL D 
 
26 Life of 
 
 tures of the Independency of Churches,*' he says, " The 
 difference between us and our brethren who are for In- 
 dependency, is nothing so great as you seemed to conceive 
 it; — at most it does but rulUe a Htrle the fringe, not any 
 way rend the garment of Christ; it is so far from being 
 a fundamentals that it is scarcely a material, difference." 
 — When the Scottish commissioners proposed to leave 
 the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, with a view to 
 i-eturn home, Mr Kerle, who was then prolocutor to the 
 Assembly, spoke in the name of his brethren, and thank- 
 ed the honourable and reverend commissioners from the 
 church of Scotland for their seasonable assistance. Upon 
 this occasion, he excused, in the best m.anner that he 
 could, the Directory's not being so well observed as it 
 ought; and lamented that the Assembly had not power 
 to call offenders to an account. He confessed, that 
 their affrurs were very much embarassed, and that they 
 were still in great confusion. He observed that the 
 Parliament was in great distress, w^hile the common ene- 
 my was high and strong. He added, that their extra- 
 ordinary successes hitherto were owing to the prayers of 
 their brethren of Scotland, and of other Protestants 
 abroad, as well as to their own. He then mentioned with 
 deep concern some other restraints which the Assembly 
 lay under, but that this was not a proper time for redress.* 
 In the year 1647, Mr Herle and Mr Stephen Marshall 
 were appointed to attend the commissioners of Parliament 
 to Scotland, with a view to give the Scots a just account 
 of the affairs of England. After the King's death, Mr 
 ?Ierle retired to his flock and stated ministerial labours 
 in the Lord's vineyard at Winwick, where he continued 
 the remainder of his days, and was very much beloved 
 by his brethren in the ministry in that country. 
 
 In the year 1651, the Earl of Derby having raised a 
 regiment of soldiers for Charles Second, who was then 
 on his march from Scotland, he sent Lieutenant Arundal, 
 with about forty hordes, to Mr H^rle's house at Winwick, 
 which filled the whole family with the utmost consterna- 
 
 a Neal's Hist. Puritans, vol. iii. chap. viii. 
 
Charles Herle. 27 
 
 tion, expecting that they would be immediately plunder- 
 ed and ruined. When Arundal arrived at the house, he 
 said to Mr Herle, " My business is to tell you, that ihe 
 Earl of Derby wishes you to come to him with all speed; 
 and if you will go, there shall be no farther trouble to 
 you nor your family." Mr Herle replied, '' I will go 
 immediately, and wait upon the right honourable the 
 Earl of Derby, my patron;'* and ordered his horse ito 
 be brought out. After some kind entertainment of the 
 lieutenant and his soldiers, Mr Herle accompanied them 
 to the Earl's quarters, who received and treated him with 
 the utmost civility. After some friendly conversation 
 with him, his lordship sent him back, attended by a guard 
 of soldiers. It has also been observed, that, after the 
 battle of Warrington-bridge, in this year, Arundal's 
 forces being routed, and himself wounded, he retired to 
 Mr Herle*s house, where he was treated with the utmost 
 kindness.* Mr Herle was appointed, together with Mr 
 Isaac Ambrose, Mr Edward Gee, and some others, assist- 
 ant to the commissioners for ejecting ignorant and scan- 
 dalous ministers and school-masters in Lancashire. Dr 
 Grey says, that, in this office, he acted " with great 
 severity; and how well he was qualified for such dirty 
 work, his public sermons sufficiently testify.'* He then 
 transcribes from those sermons the following expressions, 
 in order to prove the charge which he has brought against 
 him: '' Do justice to the greatest. Saul's sons are not 
 sparedj no, nor Agag; norBenhadad. though themselves 
 kings. Zimri and Cosbi, though princes of the people, 
 must be pursued to their tents. What an army of mar- 
 tyrs has God given to the fire for our reformation at 
 first ! What a calendar of traitors has he given to the 
 ;gallows, for our preservation since !" Mr Brook, in his 
 account of Mr Herle, well observes here, — " Whether 
 these expressions affiord sufficient evidence of the doctor's 
 charge, or whether he designed it only to reproach the 
 memory of this celebrated divine, every intelligent reader 
 
 a Brook*8 Lives of the Puritans, vol- iii. p. 325. 
 D 2 
 
28 Life of 
 
 will easily judge. The character of Mr Herle is too v/ell 
 established to be at all impaired by any such calumny/' 
 
 The very famous Mr John Howe was ordained at 
 Win wick, by Mr Merle, with the assistance of several 
 other ministers; on which account Mr Howe would some- 
 times say. " That he thought few in modern times had so 
 truly primitive an ordination; for he considered Mr Herle 
 as a primitive bishop." * Dr Fuller says, that he was a 
 good scholar, and esteemed by his partv a deep divine; 
 and that he was so much the Christian, the scholar, and 
 the gentleman, that he could agree in affection with those 
 who differed from him in judgment.^ He died at Win- 
 v/ick, toward the end of Sept' mber., in the year i G59, 
 aged sixty one years; and his remains were mterred in 
 his own church/ 
 
 A few choice sayings of Mr H^rle, which have 
 been collected from his writings. ai*e here subjoined, in 
 order that the reader may obtain a fuller view of his 
 true character. Bii their fruils ye sluill knorn' them, — 
 " Thankfulness is the best renure; it gives the surest 
 title to new mercies. — Religious families are the surest 
 nurseries of religion." And speaking of the influ- 
 ence which the bad example of parents has on their 
 children, he says, " That a Cain will not want others to 
 go oil in /lis riY7//, nor a Jeroboam followers i?i making 
 Israel to sin, — The highest office of government is, to be 
 the nurse, the guardian^ of religion. — Peace without 
 contentment, is but lethargy; safety without it, is but a 
 prison; but contentment without both, is 2i continual feasts 
 a kingdom. The proud man hath no God^ the unpeace- 
 able man hath no nei'Jihmir. the dist>*ustful man hath no 
 Jriend^ but the discontented man harh not himself. — As 
 use gives things perfection, so it '< fulness gives them va- 
 lue. — Let divine truths be bt^lieved. others proved. — Long 
 discourses are over- feathered arrows, that over-shoot the 
 mark, and ordinarily lose both game and labour by weary- 
 ing the attention. Our discourse should be to the matter, 
 
 a Middleton's Biogr. Evarg. vol. iv. Howp. 
 
 b Worthies of England, aii] Church Hist. B. xi. p. 213. 
 
 c "Wood's i^thenje Oxou. vul. ii. 
 
Charles Herle. 29 
 
 as trimming to clothes, rather proper than gaudy ^ rather 
 Jit than J.ne, Affe\.tation in any thing, especially in 
 words, argues more ambition, than ability; and discovers 
 a narrow souL that is fain to take, up forms and examples 
 instead of reason, and dares not write but by a copy. — 
 I/f juries, if we are not wantino; to ourselves, are the 
 greatest advantages^ as well as trials^ m our whol^^ lives. 
 Courtesies, applauses, successes, steal us out of ourselves. 
 Injuries restore us to ourselves again; it is in (nir paliehce 
 *we possess our souls. Would we instead of making a 
 return of injuries on others, make a retirement by them 
 into ourselves, we should find them the best restoratives 
 of our minds to themselves. 
 
 Mr Herle was the author of several practical and con- 
 troversial writings, which praise him in the gate. 
 
 1. Microcovmographij^in Essays and Characters^ 1628; 
 small book. — 2. Conlnnplaiions and Devotions on the 
 several Passages of our blessed Saviour's Death and 
 Passion; a small volume, pp. J46. London, 1631. — 
 S. An Answer to misled Dr Hen. Fearne, according to 
 his own method of his book; 4to. London, 1642. — 
 4. Several Sermons, among which are the following: — 
 A Pair of Compasses for Church and Stale ; a Sermon 
 from Zech. viii. 19. at Margaret's, Westminster, before 
 the Honourable House of Commons, at their monthly 
 Fast, Nov. last, 1642. 4to. London, \6V2.— David's 
 Song o/" three Parts; a Sermon from Psal. xcv. 1. before 
 the Honourable House of Lords, 15th of June, 1643. 
 4to. pp. 29. London, 1643. — David's Reserve and 
 Rescue; a Sermon from 2 Sam. xxi. 16, 17. before the 
 Honourable House of Commons, Nov. 5th, j644. 4to. 
 pp. 18. London, i64.5. — Three Sermons, 1 Kings xxii. 
 22. Wood mentions other Sermons by Mr Herle, but 
 says that he had not then seen these, nor have I seen them; 
 to wit, Abraham's Offerings before the Mayor and Alder- 
 men of London, from Gen. xxii. 2. London, 1644, 
 And a Sermon from 2 Sam. xxii. 22. London, 1644. 
 A Thanksgiving Sermon, before the House of Commons, 
 12th of May, 1646, and a Fast Sermon before ihe House 
 
so Writings of Charlies Herle. 
 
 of Lords, the same year. — 3. The Independenqj on Scrip, 
 tures of the Jndependencij ofChurchtS. In this perform- 
 ance the Question of the Independency of Church govern- 
 ment is temperately stated, fairly argued, and particularly 
 cleared from objeciions. 4to. pp 44. London, 1643. — 
 6. Worldly Foticif and Moral Prudence; the vanittj and 
 Jolly of the one^ and the solidity and usefulness of the 
 other ^ in a moral Discourse; a small book, London, 
 ] 654. This book was prmted again, in the year ] 655, 
 under the title of // isdoras Tripos^ in three Treatises. 
 1. Of Worldly Policy. 2. Of Moral Prudence. 3. Of 
 Christian Wisdom. The vanity of the first, the useful- 
 ness of the second, and the excellency of the third. An 
 excellent book. It was also printed, London, i670. 
 
 RICHARD HEY RICK, A.M. OF MANCHES- 
 
 TER, 
 
 A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Richard HEYRICK was bom in London, and edu- 
 cated in Merchant Taylor's school. He was a younger 
 son of Sir William Heyrick of Beaumannour in Leicester- 
 shire. He became commoner of St John's college in 
 Oxford, in the beginning of the year 16 1 7, aged seven- 
 teen years. In due time, he took the degrees in arts, 
 and was elected fellow of All-Soul's- college, in the same 
 University, in the year 1624, and about that time he 
 entered into holy orders. Afterward he was pastor of a 
 church in Norfolk, and made warden of Christ's college 
 in Manchester, in Lancashire in England, by means of 
 Archbishop Laud. Upon the commencement of the civil 
 wars, he espoused the cause of the Parliament, and was 
 chosen a member of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster. He is called in Neal's list, " Mr Richard Hey- 
 rick of Manchester," and marked as constantly attending 
 the Assembly. He took the Covenant, and is said to 
 
Life of Richard Heyrich. 31 
 
 have been very zealous in promoting the interests of the 
 Reformation. In the year 1 fc>44. Mr Heyrick, and other 
 ministers, to the number of twenty- one, had full power 
 given them by an ordinance which passed the Houses of 
 Parliament, for the benefit of the county of Lancaster, 
 to ordain ministers for a time in that county.* He was 
 concerned in that affair respecting the restoration or ex- 
 pedition of Charles II. into England, after his father's 
 death, which has been called Love\s plot, as he was a 
 principal sufferer on account of it. It was formed by a 
 number of gentlemen and ministers, and designed to raise 
 money by private contribution, to forward the expedition 
 of Charles II. into England; but the object was soon dis- 
 covered and defeated by the great vigilance of the com- 
 monwealth, which had its active spies in all places. The 
 celebrated Mr Christopher Love and Mr Gibbons were 
 made public examples, as a terror to other persons, when 
 some, by petitioning for mercy, and promising submission 
 to the government in time to come, were released, and 
 escaped the severity of the storm. Several persons ab- 
 sconded; but in what manner Mr Heyrick came off, I 
 cannot tell. Be that as it may, he was afterward appoint- 
 ed an assistant to the commissioners for ejecting ignorant 
 and scandalous ministers and school- masters in Lanca- 
 shire. Wood says, " Upon the approach of his Majesty*s 
 Restoration, he seemed to be zealous for it, and turning- 
 about, as many of his party did, he kept his wardenship 
 to his dying day." He died on the sixth day of Aug. 
 J 667, aged 67 years, and his remains were interred in 
 the collegiate church of Manchester. Soon after there 
 was a comely monument put over his grave at the charge 
 of Anna Maria, his v/idow, with a large inscription there- 
 on, which was composed by his ancient and real friend, 
 Thomas Case, Minister of the Gospel in London, who 
 had been intimately acquainted with Mr Heyrick v/hile he 
 was a student in the University of Oxford. This inscrip- 
 tion gives Mr Heyrick a very eminent character, as a 
 person of genteel extraction, a most diligent student, a 
 
 a Neal's Hist. Purit. vol. iii. chap. iv. 
 
S2 Writings of Richard HeyricJc, 
 
 most faithful pastor, and a most watchful guardian of his 
 college. A man of solid judgment, with acute penetra- 
 tion, of singular zeal mingled with remarkable prudence, 
 of great gravity, accompanied with much sweetness of 
 manners and true humility. He is allowed to have beeu 
 a man of great learning.* 
 
 He has published several sermons, am.ong which are 
 the following: — Three sermons preached in the collegiate 
 church of Manchester, from Psalm cxxii. 6. 2 Thess. ii. 
 1 5. and Gen. xlix. 5, 6, 7. London, io4j. — Queen 
 Esther's Resolves: or, A Princeltj Pattern of Heaven- 
 born R^dsolution^ for all the Lovers of God and their 
 countrij; a Sermon preached from Esther iv. IG. before 
 the House of Commons, at the monthly Fast, 27th of 
 May, 1646. 4to. London, 1646 I have seen this 
 sermon, in Wigtonshire, and in Ayrshire, in Scotland. 
 It is said, that he has a sermon from Gal. iv. 16. And 
 Wood mentions a sermon of his from 2 Kings xi. 12. 
 4to. London, 1661. But these tv/o I have not seen. 
 
 CASPAR HICKES, A, M. 
 
 PASTOR OF 1>AUDRAKE TN CORNWALL, AND A MEMBER OF THE 
 ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Caspar HICKES was the son of a Minister, and was 
 ])orn in Berkshire, an inland county in England. He was 
 educated in Trinity-college in Oxford, where he entered 
 in the year i 62 1 , aged sixteen years. He took the de- 
 grees in arts, and entered upon the holy ministry, and at 
 length became pastor of Laudrake, or Law rick, in the 
 county of Cornwall. Here he continued a constant, dili- 
 gent, and faithful preacher, several years, under the 
 mme of a Puritan. Upon the commencement of the 
 
 a Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. ii. 2d edit. 
 
Life ofGaspar Hickes, 33 
 
 civil wai*, he espoused the cause of the Parliament, open- 
 ly and plainly expressed his sentiments in his sermons, 
 and shewed his zeal in that cause. When the royalists 
 entered that country and were prevalent, he found 
 his situation uneasy, and retired to London. He was 
 chosen a member of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, took his seat there, and constantly attended. 
 H-^ preached frequently in London, and sometimes be- 
 fore the Parliament. Afterward, upon the declining of 
 the King's interest, he returned to his pastoral charge in 
 Cornwall. In the year J 654, he was appointed an assis- 
 tant to the commissioners of Cornwall for ejecting igno- 
 rant and scandalous ministers and school- masters in that 
 county. And Wood says, that " ever after, till the Act 
 of Conformity came forth, he was esteemed there the 
 chief of the Presbyterian Ministers." Being ejected, by 
 the Act of Uniformity, in 1 662, from Laudrake, he con- 
 tinued to live there, and near that place, several years^ 
 preaching always as he had opportunity; but in that hon- 
 ourable and good work he met with much trouble and 
 disturbance. Continuing, after May 30. 1670, to preach 
 in his family, to the number which the Act against Con* 
 venticles allowed, with some other persons under sixteen 
 years of age, Mr Winnel, the young parson of Laudrake, 
 was greatly enraged, and informed against him, as keep- 
 ing conventicles, and caused his house to be searched by 
 the officers of the parish, who found but four persons 
 there above the age of sixteen, beside his own family. 
 The furious zealot rode from Justice to Justice to convict 
 Mr Hickes, but the gentlemen in the neighbourhood 
 would not give him any countenance, being sensible that 
 the law was not violated. Upon this he went into De- 
 vonshire, where he found som.e Justices for his purpose, 
 who convicted Mr Hickes ; and taking it for granted that 
 he preached, though there was no proof of it, they levied 
 a^40 upon him. Mr Hickes appealed to the next general 
 sessions, where, contrary to law, he was denied a Jury, 
 and the Justices passed sentence of judgment upon him 
 by vote, and his appeal hereby being made unjust, they 
 beside the ^€40 gave treble cost against him, and at the 
 Vol. IL E 
 
34 fV?itings of Gaspar Hiclces. 
 
 same time loaded him with foul reproaches. Poor dis- 
 senters sometimes have not had common justice. But, 
 Blessed are ije when men shall revile you^ and 'persecute 
 yoii^ and shall say ad manner of evil a<iainst you falsely^ 
 for my sake, JRejoice, and be exceeding ^ilad; Jor great 
 is your i^exvard in htaven : far so persecuted they the pro^ 
 phets who were before you. 
 
 Mr Hickes died in the year 1677, about the seventy- 
 third year of his age. His remdns were buried, accord- 
 ing to his own desire, in the porch of the parish church 
 of Laudrake, and many pious persons attended his funeral. 
 
 He has published some sermons, as. The Glory and 
 Beauty of God' s Portion^ a sermon from Isai. xxviii. 5, 6. 
 before the Honourable House of Commons, at the Public 
 Fast, June 26, 1644. 4to. pp. 43. London, 1644. 
 The Life and Death of David ^ a sermon at the Death of 
 Will. Strode, Esq. from Acts xiii. 36. 4to. Lond. 1 645. 
 The A dvanta<4e of Afflictions^ a sermon from Hos. v, 15. 
 before the House of Peers, Fast, 4to. pp. 3J. London, 
 1645. Dr Calamy says, that he was a good scholar, and 
 a celebrated preacher.* 
 
 THOMAS HILL, D. D. 
 
 ASTOR OF TICHMARSH, IN THE COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON, A 
 MEMBER OF THE ksSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, AND 
 MASTER OF EMANUJiL AND OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 1 HOMAS HILL was born in Worcestershire, in Eng- 
 land, of godly parents, who solemnly dedicated him un- 
 to God in his childhood. This duty, which is shamefully 
 neglected by us, was, among our forefathers, an object 
 of chief attention. His parents also, with great cheerful- 
 ness, resolved to educate him for the important work of 
 
 a Calamy*s Ace. vol. ii. p. 136. Cent. p. 175. Wood's Ath. vol. ii. 
 
Life of Thomas HilL S3 
 
 the holy ministry. And, having received a well directed 
 education in the country, he was afterward sent to Ema- 
 nuel college, in the University of Cambridge. Here, he 
 was eminently distinguished by his close application to his 
 studies, and by his sobriety. The grace of God, which 
 sanctifies our natures, and refines our manners, did now 
 shine in him, with pecuHar lustre, in his early youth. 
 In this critical season of life, he was taught to despise the 
 allurements, the deceitful, and transitory pleasures of 
 sin; and to devote the first and the best of his days to the 
 service of his Maker and Redeemer. Such deportment is 
 most beautiful and becoming in young persons, and high- 
 ly v/orthy of imitation. This justly entitled him to re- 
 spectful notice among the governors of the College^ who, 
 upon examination, elected him scholar of the house. 
 
 Afterward, he went to spend some time, for his farther 
 improvement in useful knowledge and true piety, with 
 the eminently pious and learned^ Mr Cotton, at Boston, 
 in Lincolnshire. Mr Cotton's suitable directions, and 
 his striking and exemplary piety, . were highly beneficial 
 to this well-disposed scholar, and had a powerful tenden- 
 cy to improve his mind, and his religious principles, 
 which continued with him through the whole journev of 
 life. 
 
 He gained a shining and lasting reputation, in a short 
 time, by his piety and learning: and upon his return to 
 the College, he was soon chosen a Fellow, with general 
 approbation, after an uncommonly strict examination. 
 And now, he became a very careful, diligent, and suc- 
 cessful, tutor to young scholars, for some time. He 
 afterward commenced a preacher of the glorious Gospel 
 of the grace of God* His fame soon spread, and he was 
 called to the pastoral charge of Tichmarsh, in Northamp- 
 tonshire, in England, where he discharged the duties of 
 his ministerial office with much steadiness and fidelity, 
 about eight or nine years. He was chosen into the re- 
 spectable Assembly of Divines at Westminster, for the 
 county of Northampton. He was very useful in this 
 public and important service. He was often employed 
 by the Parliament to preach before them at their Fasts, 
 
 E2 
 
36 Life of 
 
 and upon other solemn occasions. While he was at Lon- 
 don, he preached on the Lord's-day at St Mart n*s in the 
 Fields, a large congregation, where he was highly beneficial 
 to many souls. And he was chosen to be one of the Morn- 
 ing Lecturers at Westminster Abbey. He was afterward 
 elected to be Master of Emanuel- college, in the University 
 of Cambridge; and from rhence he was removed to the 
 Mastership of Trinity-college. In these superior stations, 
 this illustrious luminary of the Christian church behaved 
 with great prudence and circumspection. He was princi- 
 pally attentive to promote piety and learning, in these 
 seminaries. He preached very frequently in their chapel, 
 ^nd wrote to their seniors. His views were really noble, 
 and his conduct very suitable to the genius of the religion 
 which he professed He always seconded his arguments, 
 by the victorious power of an exemplary life. That 
 gentleness of manners, which greatly sweetens the inter- 
 course of human society, was very conspicuous in him. 
 In his general behaviour, he was meek and condescend- 
 ing; but he always retained the dignity of his character, 
 and was readily moved with just indignation, at the least 
 appearance of sin and corruption. He was also eminently 
 distinguished by his ardent zeal for the honours, privi- 
 leges, and emoluments,, of the University. He was two 
 years vice-chancellor This eminent divine firmly believ- 
 ed, constantly preached, and strenuously defended, the 
 all-important doctrines of God's sovereignty in his de- 
 crees; — of his free love and grace in election; — of justifi- 
 cation by the imputed righteousness of Christ; — and of 
 the final perseverance of the saints in a state of grace. 
 At his death, he intimated to one of his friends, that he 
 then derived singular comfort from these doctrines, as 
 many other eminent Christians have also done, in this 
 very trying season. 
 
 In his preaching, he was plain, powerful, spiritual, 
 and frequent. Both our blessed Saviour and his apostles 
 preached the glorious Gospel of the grace of God, in the 
 plainest manner. They wisely adapted their discourses even 
 to the meanest capacities of their hearers, whose know- 
 ledge often was as low as their external condition, thai all 
 
Thomas Hill 37 
 
 men might Imaw the Jjord from the least to the greatest. 
 This mode ot preaching, as one well observes, " hath 
 always an air of candour and sincerity, and thereby the 
 labour of tedious inquiry is prevented.'* — Some preachers, 
 in order to conceal unpopular opinions, and to put on an 
 air of orthodoxy, use expressions which may be inter- 
 preted, with equal ease, to divers, and even contrary, 
 purposes. — Remarkable, in this case, is that very striking 
 passage, i Cor. xiv. 8, 9. For if the trumpet give an 
 uncertain sounds xmo shall prepare himself to the battle ? 
 So likewise ye^ ea:cept ye utter by the tongue^ words easy 
 to be understood^ how shall it be known what is spoken ? 
 for ye shall speak into the air. '' If this be a good ar- 
 gument against preaching in an unknov/n tongue, it is 
 equally good against every thing else that disguises, in- 
 stead of unfolding our sentiments of Christianity. The 
 apostlcS used great plainness of speech; and it is an apos- 
 tolical injunction, " If any man speak, let him speak as the 
 oracles of God.*' Let his style be plain and clear, like 
 that of the sacred writings; not dark and ambiguous, like 
 the oracles of the Heathen." * And powerful preaching, 
 calculated to command a reverent attention, to strike the 
 conscience, and to warm and affect the heart, well be- 
 comes ministers of the glorious Gospel of the Son of 
 God. They ought to speak with dignity and holy bold- 
 ness, not fearing the face of man. " Favour should not 
 bribe, nor frowns nor dangers affright us, from deliver- 
 ing our Master's message." " Insipid sermons, in which 
 a pathetic address is wanting, seldom warm the heart, or 
 arouse the hearer. " Soft and drowsy harangues, instead 
 of rousing a secure generation, will rather increase their 
 spiritual lethargy; and a cold preacher will soon have a 
 cold auditory. Jesus has intrusted us with the concerns 
 of his people, a people dearly bought, and greatly be- 
 loved; v^e have to do with souls, that must be happy or 
 miserable for ever; we address them, in the name of 
 God, upon matters of infinite importance; and is it not 
 
 a The Scotch Preacher, vol. i. ser. v. Dr Erskine. 2d edit* 
 b Dr Erskiae, as above. 
 
S8 Life of 
 
 an indignity to Him whose ambassadors we are, to exe- 
 cute our commission coolly, and as if half asleep ? Will 
 it not tempt others to slight our message, if, by the 
 manner of delivering it, we appear to slight it ourselves ? 
 When our own hearts are most impressed with the in- 
 estimable worth of immortal souls; when out of the 
 abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, when our 
 sentiments, style, voice, and gesture, discover how much 
 we are in earnest; rhen we are most Hkely to touch the 
 hearts of our hearers, and make them feel the force of 
 what we say." * And, spiritual preaching, suited to the 
 spiritual state of the flock, and to the dispensations of 
 Divine Providence respecting them, is, undoubtedly, 
 highly useful and important. And, the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and salvation through his name, ought to be frequently 
 preached. The subject of this memoir was a most dili- 
 gent, faithful, and laborious, preacher of the Gospel of 
 Christ, during the whole of his pubhc ministry, and es- 
 pecially toward the period of his life in this world. Be- 
 side his preaching in the University, he set up a lecture 
 every Sabbath- morning, in one church in the tov/n, which 
 was performed only by himself, and cheerfully frequented 
 both by many scholars and inhabitants of the town; and 
 one lecture in another church, every Lord's-day in the 
 afternoon, in which he did bear at least, the fourth part 
 of the burden; and both gratis. He also preached occa- 
 sionally in several adjacent towns and villages; and was 
 instrumental in setting up lectures in some of them, and 
 often assisted at these lectures. When near the end of 
 his journey to the promised land, he was eminently dis- 
 tinguished by his unwearied zeal, and his unremitting in- 
 dustry, in faithfully discharging the trust which was com- 
 mitted to him. He continued stedfast and immoveable^ 
 abways abounding in the work of the Lord; and his la- 
 bours were attended with much success. 
 
 Though naturally modest, yet when the case required, 
 he appeared with boldness and with spirit, in a good cause. 
 Being endowed with a very public spirit, he was deeply in- 
 
 a Dr Erskine's Scr. as above. 
 
Thomas HilL 3d 
 
 terested in the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. His 
 other eminent qualities were richly adorned with much 
 humility, very low thoughts of himself, an agreeable, 
 familiar, and instructive, conversation, an affable conde- 
 scending manner in society, and with true benevolence, 
 which shed its kindly beams for the relief and comfort of 
 many really indigent persons. Like the good Samaritan, 
 he often poured balm into the wounded mind, delivered 
 the poor who cried^ and the fatherless^ and him who had 
 none to help him. 
 
 He was seized with a long continued quartan-ague, 
 which did bear the marks of mortality. In the lucid in- 
 tervals of his trouble, he improved his time, in making 
 close inquiry respecting his peace with Heaven, and his 
 readiness for his passage into the world unknown. — In 
 his short sickness, he expressed to one of his friends, his 
 great comfort and joy, in God's free discriminating elect- 
 ing love. To Dr Tuckney, about half an hour before 
 his departure, who made inquiry respecting the settlement 
 of his outward estate, and of his inward peace, he readily, 
 and without any hesitation, answered. Through the mer- 
 cy of God in Christy his peace was made, and that he 
 quietlij rested in it. Then, with tranquillity, he sudden- 
 ly departed, Dec. 18th 1653, in an advanced age, very 
 much lamented by his acquaintance and brethren. 
 
 Having settled his peace with God, through the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who has made peace 
 by the blood of his cross, the king of terrors appeared 
 now to be transformed into an angel of peace, to waft 
 his immortal soul into the blissful mansions in a better 
 world, where neither sin nor sorrow can enter. The 
 Redeemer's death is the Christian's strongest consolation, 
 and best antidote to the fears of death. And there is al- 
 ways some peculiarity in the death of the real Christian. 
 *' There is a majesty in the death of the Christian: He 
 partakes of the spirit of that world to which he is advan- 
 cing, and he meets his latter end with a face that looks 
 to the heavens." * 
 
 a Logan's Sermons, vol. i, ser. vii. end. — See DrTuckney's Ser, 
 at Dr Hill's Fun. Lon. 1654. and Clark's Lives. 
 
40 Life of 
 
 Mr Neal, in his History of the Puritans, says, that 
 Dr Hill " was a good scholar, and very careful of the 
 Antiquities and Privileges of the University; a strict Cal- 
 vinist, a plain, powerful, and practical. Preacher, and 
 of an holy and unblameable conversation " " A holy 
 life is the most persuasive sermon, expressed too in a 
 language which men of all nations equally understand. 
 It even explains what other sermons mean, instead of 
 needing to be explained by them. Men will see more 
 beauty in a truly virtuous action, than in the most rhe- 
 torical description we can give of it; and then they lose 
 no time, for they see it at once: whereas, besides the 
 necessary expence of time, much skill and address must 
 likewise be employed, to unfold it in such a manner as 
 to make it thoroughly understood and relished/*^ 
 
 Our reformers were eminently distinguished by a holy 
 life, the importance of which is well expressed by Mr 
 Walker. In this way, the ministers of the glorious Gos- 
 pel of the grace of God preached without ceasing. They 
 exhibited continually the amiable religion of Jesus, in 
 their practice, and afforded an easy opportunity of read- 
 ing the wholesome laws of Christ's house every day.— 
 Tliat alone can be accounted true religion, w^hich dwells 
 in the heart, and which constantly displays its peculiar 
 influence in the life — Dr Hill was a divine very eminent 
 for humility and holiness, an excellent and useful preach- 
 er, and of great learning and moderation; but no friend 
 to Arminianism. He used to lay his hand upon his breast, 
 and say, " Every true Christian has something here, that 
 will frame an argument against Arminianism.'* ^ Mr 
 Henry Oatland, one of the ejected ministers, who was 
 one of his pupils, and admitted into Trinin- college while 
 he was master, observes, that he derived unspeakable 
 advantage from Dr Hill's plain but truly excellent method 
 of preaching and advancing Christ. He says, *•' that he 
 learned more of Christ in one year, from Dr HilPs 
 preaching, and almost daily expositions in the chapel, 
 
 a Mr Walker's Sermons, of Edin. vol. i. ser. i. 
 b Firmin'8 Real Christian, p. 26. Edit. 1670. 
 
Thomas Hill. 41 
 
 than he had all his time before in the country." ^ Mr John 
 Machin, another of the ejected ministers, going to the 
 University, without any view to the ministry, or to con- 
 tinue there, on his first going thither, had a gracious 
 change effected in him, chiefly by the preaching of Dr 
 Hill; and that of Dr Arrowsmith was much to his com- 
 fort and edification. No sooner did he find this blessed 
 change in his heart, than his friends found it by his let- 
 ters; by which, together with his exemplary conversa- 
 tion afterward, he was the means of converting his three 
 sisters, and there was room to hope, both his parents, as 
 Mr Palmer informs us, in his Nonconformist's Memorial. 
 Dr Hill was very highly esteemed by the Earl of War- 
 wick, in whose family he became acquainted with Mrs 
 "Willford, governess to the Earl's daughter, whom he af- 
 terward married. When the committee of accommoda- 
 tion was appointed by the House of Lords, to consider 
 the innovations in religion, Dr Hill, with several bishops 
 and other learned divines, was chosen a member of the 
 sub committee, to prepare materials for their debate. 
 And, when the committee of accommodation was revived 
 by order of Parliament, he was appointed one of its 
 learned members.^ — In the University, he diligently em- 
 ployed all his talents and zeal in the advancement of sound 
 learnmg and genuine piety, and in the due observance of 
 college exercises. 
 
 He was the author of several pieces, chiefly sermons 
 before the Parliament, among which are : 1 . The Trade 
 of Truth Advanced., in a Sermon from Pro v. xxiii. 23. 
 to the Honourable House of Commons, at their solemn 
 Fast, 27th of July, 1642. 4to. pp. 59. London, Ib4 2. 
 — 2. The Militant Church T'riumpliant over the Dragon 
 and his Angels; a Sermon preached from Rev. xii. 1 1. 
 to both Houses of Parliament, at an extraordinary Fast, 
 Sistof July, 1643. 4to. pp. 31. London, 1643. — 3. 
 TJie Good Old Way., God's Way to Soulrejreshing Rest; 
 
 a Calamy*8 Contin. vol. ii. p. 885, 
 b Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. 
 
 Vol. IL 
 
42 Writings of Thomas Hill. 
 
 a Sermon from Jer. vi. 1 6. to the Lord Mayor, and Court 
 of Aldermen of London, 24th April, i 6^4, Fast. Lon- 
 don, ] 644 — 4. The Season for Enn^land s Self Reflection^ 
 and Advancing Temple- Work; a Sermon preached from 
 Hag. i. 7, 8. to the two Houses of Parliament, Aug 13, 
 1644, being an extraordinary day of Humiliation. 4to. 
 pp. 37. London, i 644. — 5. The Right Separation En- 
 couraged, in a Sermon preached from 2 Cor. vi. 17, IS, 
 to the Right Honourable the House of Lords, in the Ab- 
 bey-church at Westminster, on Wednesday, Nov. 27th, 
 1644, being the day of the monthly punlic Fast- 4to. 
 pp. S5. London, i645. It is said, that Dr Hill has 
 several other Sermons, but I have not seen these. 
 
 THOMAS HODGES, B. D. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT KENSINGTON, AND A MEMBER OF THE 
 ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 ThOxMAS HODGES was Minister of the Gospel at 
 Kensington, in the county of Middlesex, near London, 
 several years. He was at Kensington when he was chosen 
 to be a member of the Assembly of Divines at Westmin- 
 ster. He took his seat in that Assembly, and gave con- 
 stant attendance during the sessi^m. He vi^as a Cove- 
 nanter, and preached sometimes before the Parliament. 
 Some sermons which he preached before the Parliament 
 were then printed, and are still extant. In a sermon 
 which he preached before the Honourable House of Com- 
 mons, from 2 Pet. ii 2. and in his epistle dedicatory, 
 which is prefixed to that sermon, he complains very much 
 of the growth and spreading of heresy, and of the fruit- 
 fulness of the press in producing many monstrous mis- 
 shapen births. He says, in his address to the learned 
 and brave patriots, «' Is it not time to cry to you for help? 
 There is nothing more excellent than God's truth, nor 
 of more concernment than man's soulj both lie a-bleed- 
 
Life of Thomas Hodges. 4& 
 
 ing." Mr Hodges maintained, as our reformers did, in 
 general, that the care and reformation of reh'gion belong- 
 ed to civil rulers, and constituted one of the principal 
 duties of their office. Accordingly, he farther adds, in 
 the above-mentioned sermon, in addressing the House of 
 Commons, '" I beseech you shew mercy to lovely Truihy 
 that beam of glv)ry, daughter of heaven, that clue of 
 mercy let dovi'n into this dark erring world, to lead us 
 through the many labyrinths ot a benighted mind, erring 
 thoughts, misleading examples, and dark temptations, to 
 bliss and happiness. For she suffers, and is here like to 
 perish from us, and be utterly lost, or at least shrewdly 
 ecHpsed, if you relieve her no:." What have we to 
 leave posterity, so precious as this IV ay of Truths If 
 that be gone, the glory is departed from Israel, and fare- 
 well all. Have we received it from our ancestors in lustre 
 and purity, and is it not grievous to us, that in our time 
 it sh uld be so mangled and defaced, that our children 
 after us, except it be timely prevented, will scarcely be 
 able to distinguish between it and error ? Why did the 
 valiant Martyrs shed their precious blood, but to maintain 
 this voaif of truth ? And shall we lose and let it. go 
 at so cheap a rate, and not mourn for it .? The Jews of 
 old, when they heard blasphemy, used to rend their 
 cloaths, to testify the inward rending of their hearts: Can 
 ours be whole when the foolish people so much defame 
 God's truth, and blaspheme hi>^ name?'* He concludes 
 his sermon, with recommending to the learned auditory, 
 to encourage catechising, whereby poor souls may be 
 taught the principles of religion in the plainest manner, 
 and that there might be milk for babes. — To plant a learn- 
 ed and able Ministry in every eminent place. And here, 
 he says, '' Give me leave to suggest unto you. That there 
 are many learned men in this kingdom, whom God hath 
 not gifted with elocution and other the like abilities for 
 pulpit-work, yet would be very fit to maintain the Truth 
 by their pen, against destroying errors, might they but 
 have encouragement," He adds, '' Settle with all con- 
 venient speed your Confession of Faith, wherein people 
 may take notice what is allowed for Truth, upon mature 
 
 F2 
 
44 Writings of Thomas Hodges. 
 
 debate; — and with little pains discern what is right or 
 wrong." And that error might be effectually suppressed, 
 and truth established, he advises the worthy senators, as 
 the guardians and foster-fathers of Truth, to take special 
 care of the Universities, that learning and piety be suffi- 
 ciently encouraged in these useful fountains. And that 
 reading the Holy Scriptures, and pious exercises, might 
 be more in use among them. Wood says, that after his 
 Majesty *s restoration, Mr Hodges became rector of St 
 Peter's church in Cornhill. London, and dean of Hereford 
 in the place of Dr H Croft who was made bishop thereof 
 in 1661; and that holding that deanery to the time of his 
 death, he was succeeded therein by Dr George Benson 
 about Mid-summer, in the year J 672.* 
 
 His writings. — 1. A Glimpse of God* s Glory; a Sermon 
 from Psalm cxiii .5, 6. before the House of Commons, 
 at their solemn Fast, 28th Sept it 42. 4to pp. 4?. 
 Lond. J 642. — 2. l^w Gronth und Spreading of Heresy; 
 a Sermon from 2 Pet ii. 2. before the Honourable House 
 of Commons, at their public Fast for the growth of here- 
 sy, 1 0th of March i646. 4to. pp. 60. London, 1647. 
 — 3. Inaccessible G hi y: or. The Impossibility of seeing 
 God's Face nhile we are in the body; a Sermon from 
 Exod xxxiii 20. at the funeral of Sir Theod. de Mayerne, 
 in the church of St Martin's in the Fields, on the 30th of 
 March, 1655. 4to. London, 1655. It is said, that h<^ 
 has a Sermon from Gen. i. 3 1 . but I have not seen it, 
 
 a Wood's Fasti Oxon, vol. ii. p. 31. 2d cdit« 
 
JOSHUA HOYLE, D. D. 
 
 PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN, A MFMBER 
 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMlNSltK, MASTER OF UNI- 
 VERSITY.COLLhGE, OXFORD, ANDKING's PROFESSOR OF DlVlNliY 
 IN THAT UNIVERSITY. 
 
 Joshua HOYLE was bom at Sawerby, near Halifax, 
 in Yorkshire, in England, and educated in Magdalen- 
 college, Oxford. Afterward, being invited into Ireland, 
 he became fellow of Trinity college, Dublin. He took 
 his degrees in divinity, and was chosen professor of di- 
 vinity in that University. He was exceedingly eager to 
 redeem the lime, and indefatigable both in his studies and 
 other labours. He seems to have been for some time greatly 
 captivated with scholastic studies, and to have prosecuted 
 these with much success as many eminent reformers have 
 done. But he greatly preferred the study of the Holy 
 Scriptures to that of scholastic theology. He was led to 
 the Sacred Writings as the alone pure fountain of divine 
 truth. He soon became a profound divine; and being 
 now placed in a sphere of great usefulness, he laboured 
 with unwearied assiduity, in promoting the interests of 
 religion. In his daily lectures, as professor of divinity, 
 he expounded the whole Bible, seldom taking more than 
 one verse at a time, which lasted about fifteen years. 
 Some time before he had ended that great work, he be- 
 gan the second exposition of the whole Bible in the church 
 of Trinity college, and in about ten years he went through 
 the greatest part of the sacred volume. He preached and 
 expounded thrice every Sabbath for the far greater part 
 of the year, and also on many extraordinary occasions. 
 To these unwearied labours may be added his learned 
 weekly lectures, as professor, in the controversies, and 
 his elaborate answers to the great champion Bellarmine, 
 one of the most celebrated controversialists of the Romish 
 church. Bellarmine was very highly esteemed by the 
 court of Rome, and had the reputation of being one of 
 
46 Life of 
 
 the most strenuous defenders of the Catholic religion 
 against the reformers. And so very formidable were his 
 controversial labours accounted, that for many years al- 
 most every eminent protestant divine endeavoured to make 
 the arguments ot Bellarmine a particular object of refuta- 
 tion. Ihe great vi^ork which has furnished matter tor 
 this critical warfare, is a Body of Controversy, which 
 was written in Latin, and has been often re- printed, in 4 
 vols, folio. Dr Hoyle boldly and successfully attacked 
 the system of error and corruption in the Romish church. 
 He has discovered to the world that Mifsltrij of Iniquity^ 
 as Hercules did Cacus*s den Or, as Theodosius used 
 those idolatrous temples in Egypt, when all the ri- 
 diculous toys of Pagan priests, and their cheating 
 tricks were brought upon the stage. He prepared an- 
 swers to all Bellarmine, both in word and writing. He 
 began with the cardinal's work respecting the seven sa- 
 craments, which he was more than eight years in finish- 
 ing. Afterward, he proceeded in his answers to the 
 other controversial pieces of the great champion of the 
 Romish church. Dr Hoyle was one of our eminent re- 
 formers, '* who, having forced the strong hold of super- 
 stition. and penetrated the recesses of its temple, tore 
 aside the veil that concealed the monstrous idol which the 
 whole world ignorantly worshipped, dissolved the magic 
 spell by which the human mind was bound, and restored 
 it to liberty." In the year 1634, he sat in the convoca- 
 tion which was held at Dublin. But, upon the com- 
 mencement of the rebellion in Ireland, in the year J64i, 
 he fled from the terrible effusion of blood. According 
 to the computation of the popish priests themselves who 
 were actively employed in this dreadful rebellion, up- 
 ward of one hundred and fiffyfour thousand protestants 
 were massacred in Ireland in the space of a few months: 
 but, during the continuance of that horrid rebellion, ac- 
 cording to Sir J. Temple, there were above three hundred 
 thousand cruelly murdered in cold blood, or ruined in 
 some other way. Cardinal Richelieu was deeply concern- 
 ed in this barbarous massacre; and, according to Rapin, 
 in his History of Eui^land, King Charles I. spread abroad 
 
Joshua Hoyle. 47 
 
 that the Roman Catholics had his authority for what they 
 did. Dr Hoyle's life being exposed to the most imminent 
 hazard, he now returned to England, and became vicar 
 of Stepney, near London; but, according to Wood, he, 
 being too scholastical, did not please the parishioners. 
 Be that as it may, he was always esteemed an eminent 
 Puritan, and a zealous advocate for civil and religious 
 Hberty. While he remained at Stepney, the celebrated 
 Mr Burroughs preached there in the morning, and Mr 
 Greenhill in the afternoon. In the year 1 643, Dr Hoyle 
 was appointed a member of the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, and constantly attended. Dr Calamy says, 
 *' This Dr Hoyle was a member of great esteem and hon- 
 our in the Assembly of Divines, as a master of all the 
 ancient learning of the Greek and Latin fathers, and one 
 who reigned both in his chair and in the pulpit.'* * He 
 was witness against Archbishop Laud at his trial, when 
 he attested that the Archbishop had corrupted the Uni- 
 versity of Dublin, by the arbitrary introduction of the 
 errors of popery and Arminianism, while he was chancel- 
 lor of that University. — He was appointed one of the 
 select committee for the examination and approbation of 
 ministers who petitioned for sequestered livings. In the 
 year 1645, he was elected one of committee of accom- 
 modation; and in 1648, he became master or head of 
 University- college, Oxford, and King's professor of di- 
 vinity in that University, in the room of Dr Saunderson, 
 In the office of professor of divinity he has incurred the 
 severe and unjust animadversion of Dr Walker, who sel- 
 dom fails to dip his pen in the very gall of bitterness, 
 when he meets with the Puritans. This illiberal and 
 abusive writer says, that Dr Hoyle opened his lectures by 
 a speech void of all spirit or learning; and that his lec- 
 tures had neither method nor argument in them, and 
 shewed him to be ignortant even of the most common 
 rules of logic. ** Wood, however, says, that " he was a 
 person of great reading and memory, much devoted to 
 
 a Calamy^s Account, vol. ii. p. 472. 
 b Attempt, part. i. p. HI. 
 
4B Life of John Jaclcson, 
 
 study, and In a manner a stranger to the world and things 
 thereof, profound in the faculty of divinity, a constant 
 preacher, and a noted Puritan.** He was eminently 
 learned, indefatigably industrious, and is allowed to have 
 been as well qualified for an academic as any person of 
 his time. He was eminently distinguished by the un- 
 wearied assiduity with which he laboured in the stations 
 which were assigned to him. He died on the bth of Dec. 
 1 654, and his remains were interred in the old chapel 
 belonging to the University-college. His successors in 
 the offices of master and professor were Mr Francis John- 
 son and Dr John Conant, who were both silenced non- 
 conformists, in 1662. Dr Hoyle was very highly re- 
 spected by the famous Archbishop Usher. In vindication 
 of this eminently learned prelate, he wrote " A Rejoynder 
 to Mr Malone's Reply concerning Real Presence ** 4to. 
 pp. 662. Dublin, 164i. This is a very learned and 
 elaborate work. 
 
 JOHN JACKSON, A. M. 
 
 A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 John JACKSON, in the ordinance of the Parliament, 
 for calling an Assembly of learned and godly divines, is 
 said to be, John Jackson of Marske. In Mr Neal's list 
 of that Assembly, he is styled, John Jackson, A. M. of 
 Queen's college, Cambridge. Wood mentions several 
 persons of the name, as John Jackson, M. A. of Cam- 
 bridge, it seems, born in Lancashire, beneficed in Essex, 
 and author of several tracts of practical divmity, as of A 
 Taste of the Truth as it is in Jesics, &c. A John Jackson, 
 who translated from Latin into English, a book entitled, 
 De Immortalitate Animae. John Jackson, who has an 
 exact Concordance of the Bible. Wood adds: " There 
 
 a Wood'g Athena Oxon. vol. i. Fasti, p. 279. 2d edit. 
 
Life of John Langley. 49 
 
 was also one John Jackson, Parson of Marsh in Rich- 
 mondshire, who hath written, The faithful Minister of 
 Jesus Christ, described by polls]iin<^ the twelve Stones in 
 the Hii^h Priest's Pectoral, &c. London, 1628. This 
 John Jackson was one of the Assembly of Divines, in the 
 year 1643, and Preacher of Gray's- Inn." * Mr Jackson 
 is represented as constantly attending the Assembly dur- 
 ing the session. I have not received any farther informa- 
 tion respecting him. 
 
 JOHN LANG LEY, 
 
 A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 John LANGLEY was Minister of West-Tuderly, in 
 the county of Southampton, in England. He was elected 
 one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, in the 
 year 1 643. He gave constant attendance during the ses- 
 sion He preached to the House of Commons. Wood 
 says, that he became a publisher of several matters of 
 divinity. I have seen and read a sermon of his, which is 
 entitled, The Mournful Note of the DfVe. It was 
 preached from Psalm Ixxiv. 19, 20. at Margaret's, West- 
 minster, before the Honourable House of Commons, at 
 their solemn Fast. Dec. 25, 1644. 4to. pp. .'32. Lon- 
 don, 1 644. I am not able to give any further account of 
 Mr Langley, 
 
 a Wood's Athena Oxon. vol. i. Fasti, p. 279. 2d edit. 
 
 Vol. IL 
 
JOHN LEY, A. M. 
 
 MINISTER OF GREAT BUDWORTH, IN CHESHIRE, AND A MEMBER 
 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 J OHN LEY was born in the ancient borough of War- 
 wick, in England, on the 4th day of Feb. in the year 
 1583. He was descended from those of that name in 
 Cheshire. In due time, he was sent to the free Grammar- 
 school in Warwick. He became a student of Christ's 
 Church- college, Oxford, in the year 1601, where, hav- 
 ing continued a considerable time, he proceeded master 
 of arts. Having finished his studies at the University, he 
 was presented to the vicarage of Great Budworth in Che- 
 shire, where he continued a constant preacher for several 
 years. He was minister of Great Budworth in the year 
 1643, when he was chosen a member of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster. He was made prebendary of 
 the Cathedral church at Chester, and sub-dean thereof, 
 where he had a weekly lecture at St Peter's church, and 
 was once or twice elected member of the convocation. 
 But having always been puritanically inclined, he, upon 
 the commencement of the civil war, espoused the cause 
 of the Parliament, took the covenant, his seat in the As- 
 sembly of Divines, and he was appointed examiner in 
 Latin to that famous Assembly. 
 
 Mr Ley became rector of Ashfield in Cheshire, and for 
 a short time, rector of Astbury in the same county, chair- 
 man of the committee for the examination and approba- 
 tion of ministers, one of the committee of printing, and 
 one of the committee for the ordination of ministers ac- 
 cording to the Presbyterian form. About the year 1 645, 
 he was chosen president of Sion College, and about the 
 same time, he was inducted into the rich living of Bright- 
 well in Berkshire. In the year 1653^ he was appointed 
 one of the tryers of ministers, and, in the following year, 
 an assistant to the commissioners of Berkshire for ejecting 
 
Life of John Ley. 51 
 
 ignorant and scandalous ministers and school-masters. 
 Afcer some time he resigned his Hving of Brightwell, and 
 was presented to that of Solihull in Warwickshire. He 
 contmued in that place some time; but by too much ex- 
 ertion and constant preaching, he broke a blood-vessel; 
 and being disabled in such a manner that he could not 
 fulfil the duties of his office, he resigned his charge, and 
 retired lo Sutton Colfield in the same county, where he 
 lived privately the rest of his days. 
 
 A certain writer has placed Mr Ley at the head of those 
 divines who, he says, ^' encouraged tumults," and whom, 
 in great derision, he styles '- able, holy, faithful, labori- 
 ous, and truly peaceable preachers of the Gospel." The 
 proof of his accusation is contained in Mr Ley's own 
 words, which are as- follows:— " It is not unknown, nor 
 unobserved by the wise, that the ministers have been very 
 serviceable to the civil state, and to the military too; not 
 only by their supplications to God for good success in all 
 their undertakings, and their happy proceedings in all 
 their warhke marches and motions, as at the removal of 
 the ark, Num. x. S5. Rise up, Lord^ and let thine ene- 
 mies he scattered: Let them wJio hate thee, flee before 
 thee; but by their informations and solicitations of the 
 people to engage both their estates and persons in the 
 cause of God and their country." The author, having 
 produced these, and some other citations which are simi- 
 lar, most triumphantly adds: '• After these proofs and 
 declarations of the ministers' zeal and industry for pro- 
 moting, supporting, and carrying on the late bloody, 
 impious, and unnatural war; let any man take upon him 
 any longer to acquit the non- conformist divines of the 
 guilt and consequence of that execrable rebellion."* Such 
 heavy charges should certainly be supported, by very 
 substantial and clear evidence. Though some of the most 
 celebrated nonconformist divines were eminently zealous 
 in the cause of the Parliament, which they firmly believ- 
 ed to be the cause of God and of Truth, will any unpre* 
 
 a L*Estranges* Dissenters* Sayings, part ii, pp. 51, 55. as with 
 Brook, Lives Puritans, vol. iii. under J. Ley. 
 
 G2 
 
52 Writmgs of 
 
 judiced person affirm, that they encouraged tumults^ any 
 more than those divines who were conformable ? No 
 person who is properly acquainted with the history of 
 those very distracted times, and is without the unreason- 
 able hifluence of a bigoted party spirit, will affirm any 
 such thing. Respecting what is called the execrable re- 
 hclJ'wn^ it is well known to all parties, that it originated 
 in the most arbitrary and cruel proceedings of the haughty 
 King and his tyrannical courtiers. Their barbarous and 
 oppressive measures, after many woful years, led to all 
 the horrors of a civil war. If, therefore, there was any 
 such thing as an execrable rebellion^ it may be easily seen 
 who were the guilty persons, in raising, promoting, sup- 
 porting, and carrying it on. 
 
 This eminently learned and laborious divine died on the 
 16th day of May, > 6t)2. aged seventy-nine years, when he 
 rented from his labours^ and his remains were interred in 
 the church at Sutton Colfield. Mr Ley was accounted an 
 excellent preacher an eminently learned and pious divine, 
 deeply read in the fathers and councils, and one of the 
 chief pillars of Presbyterianism.* 
 
 His writings. — 1. An Apology m Defence of the Goieva 
 Nofes on the Bible. These Notes were in Mary's church 
 in Oxford, publicly and severelv reflected on by Dr John 
 How^son. I cannot inform the reader when Mr Ley's 
 Defence w^as printed ; but it is said to have been written 
 about ) 6 1 2. and examined and highly approved by the 
 celebrated Bishop Usher — 2. A Pattern of Piety: or, 
 the relt^ioiis Life and Death of Mrs Jane Ratcliff of 
 Chester Lond. i640 — 3. Several occasional Sermons, 
 in 1640 and the following years, one from Ruth iii. J 1. 
 Lond. 1640. A Monitor of Morlality, in two funeral 
 Sermons, which were occasioned by the death of John 
 Archer. Esq. son and heir of Sir Simon Archer, knight 
 of Warwickshire, and of Mrs Harper of Chester, and her 
 daughter, aged 12 years. 4to London, 1643. A Ser- 
 mon which is entitled, llie Fury of War^ and Folly of 
 
 a Wood's Atheiije Oxon. vol. ii. 2d edit. 
 
John Ley, 53 
 
 Sin before the House of Commons Fast, April 26, 1643, 
 from Jer. iv. 21, 22. 4to. pp. 74« London, 1643 — 
 4. Sundaif a Sabbath: or, a Preparative Discourse for 
 discussion of Sabbatarian Doubts, 4to. London. I64L 
 He was assisted in this work, by the MSS. and advice of 
 Archbishop Usher. — 5, The Chri-^tian Sabbaih. maintained^ 
 in Answer to a Book of Dr Pocklington, styled. ' Sunday- 
 no Sabbath.' {641 — 6. Defensive Doubts, Hopes, and 
 Reasons, for refusal of the Oath, imposed by the sixth 
 Canon of the Synod- 4to London, 164 1. — 7- A Letter 
 against the Erection of an Altar, written June 29th, J b35, 
 to John. Bishop of Chester, 164 L — 8. Case of Conscience 
 concerning the Sacrament oj the Lord's Supper. 4to, 
 London, 164-1. — 9. A^ Comparison of the Parliamen- 
 tary Protestation with the late Canonical Oath, and the 
 Difference between them; as also the opposition between 
 the Doctrine of the church of England and that of Rome. 
 4to. London, 164L — K). A farther Discussion of the 
 Case of Conscience touching the receiving the Sacrament 
 — Printed with the Comparison. — 1 I . A Discourse con- 
 cerning Puritans. 4to. 164L — 12. Examination of Mr 
 Saltmxarsh's New Query, 4to. pp. i06. with an Epistle 
 prefixed to the Right Honourable Thomas Adams, Lord 
 Mayor of London of ten pages, closely printed, London, 
 1646. Mr Saltmarsh's 'Vew Query was published with 
 a view to delay the establishment of the Presbyterian Go- 
 vernment. And Mr Ley's Examination and Resolution 
 of that New Query, very clearly shews, that it is unsea- 
 sonable, unsound, and opposite to the principles both of 
 true religion and of the state. — 13. Li;>ht for Smoke; or, 
 a clear and distinct Reply to a dark and confused Answer, 
 in a book, made and entitled, ' The Smoke in the Tem- 
 ple, by John Saltmarsh.' To this book is added, Novelio- 
 Mastij'; or, A Scourge for a scurrilous i\ ews-7nonger, 
 in answer to the malevolent aspersions cast upon that 
 Rev. and learned divine, Mr John Ley. 4to. Lon. J 646. 
 — !4. An After- reckoning with Mr Saltmarsh; or, an 
 Appeal to the impartial and conscientious Reader, 1646. 
 — 15. Annotations on the Pentateuch, and on the four 
 
 Vol. IL • H 
 
S4f Writings of John Ley. 
 
 Evangelists, in the English Annotations.* — 16. A learned 
 Defence of Tithes, 1 65 1- 1 6.53. — 17. General Reasons 
 grounded on Equity, Piety, Charity, and Justice, against 
 the payment of a hfth part to sequestered Mii'istcrs, their 
 "Wives and children. 4to. London, lb54-,5,5. — 18. An 
 Acquittance or Discharge from DrE.H. (Edward Hyde) 
 his demand of the fifth part of the Rectory of Brightwell 
 in Berks, pleaded as in the Court of Equity and Con- 
 science, 4to. London, 1654. — 1 9. A Letter to Dr Edward 
 Hyde, in Answer to one of his, occasioned by the late 
 Insurrection at Salisbury, 1 655. — 20. A Debate concern- 
 ing the English liturgv, between E Hyde. D. D. and J. 
 Ley, 4to. London, i656. — 21. A Discourse, or Dispu- 
 tations, chiefly concerning Matters of Religion, 4to. Lon, 
 1658. — 22. Animadversions on two printed books of L 
 Onely, a lay-preacher, 1658. — 23. A consolatory Letter 
 to Dr Bryan, upon the death of his dear son, ;658. — 
 24 Equitable and necessary considerations for the Asso- 
 ciation of Arms in England and Wales. — 25. A Petition 
 to the Protector, by divers, for establishment, as Mini- 
 sters of the Gospel, without induction bv Bishops. — 26. 
 Comparison ol the Oath of the bth Canon of the last Sy- 
 nod of Bishops. — 27. Attestation against errors, &c. — ■ 
 28. Exceptions many and just. 
 
 a See Gataker's Life and Writiogs. 
 
JOHN LIGHTFOOT, D.D. 
 
 A VERY LEARNED ENGLISH DIVINE, AND ABLE COMMENTATOR, WHO 
 FLOURISHED IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, AND WAS A MEMBER 
 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 John LIGHTFOOT was bom in the Rector's house 
 of Stoke-upon-Trent, near Newcastle under Line, in the 
 county of Stafford, in England, upon the 29th day of the 
 month of March, in the year 1602. He was born in 
 the same year, on the same day, and almost at the same 
 hour, with the celebrated Dr Arrowsmith. His father 
 was Mr Thomas Lightfoot, a native of a little village cal- 
 led Shelton, in the parish of Sloke, above-mentioned; 
 a man of great respectability, and was vicar of Uttoxeter, 
 in Staffordshire, thirty- six years. His mother w^as Eliza- 
 beth Bagnall, a gentlewoman of a very respectable fami- 
 ly, of which three males were made knights by Queen 
 Elizabeth, for the martial skill and courage which they 
 displayed in the wars in Ireland against the rebels. The 
 subject of this memoir, was the second of five sons in his 
 father's family. When he had arrived to the age, in 
 which he was capable of learning the rudiments of gram- 
 mar, he was committed to the care of Mr Whitehead, 
 who was school- master at Morton-green, near Congerton, 
 in the county Palatine of Chester. He continued in that 
 place until the month of June, in the year 1617, and then 
 he was sent to Christ's college in Cambridge. He was 
 there admitted under the tuition of the very learned and 
 pious Mr William Chappel, who was then Fellow of that 
 house, and afterward was Doctor of Divinity, and Pro- 
 fessor in Trinity- college, Dublin, and at length Bishop of 
 Cork in Ireland. Mr Lightfoot seems to have profited 
 much, by being, in his early years, committed to the 
 care of eminently learned men. It was the opinion of 
 Tasso's father, when he committed his son to the care of 
 Angehezzo, a man of learning, *' that a boy could not 
 be put too soon under the tuition of men." 
 Vol. II. I 
 
56 Life of 
 
 In the college, Lighfoot gave great specimens of a 
 promising genius and lively wit. He made very great 
 proficiency in his studies; especially in the knowledge of 
 the Latin and Greek languages. His tutor said to some 
 of the heads of the University, that he had a young pupil, 
 meaning Lightfoot, whom he accounted the best orator 
 of all the under-graduates in the town. He continued in 
 the college, until he took the degree of bachelor of arts. 
 He afterward was admitted as an assistant to his former 
 master, Mr Whitehead, who was at that time master of a 
 famous school at Repton in Derbyshire, where he continu- 
 ed a year or two, and made great proficiency in the Greek 
 language. In that station, he was equally agreeable both 
 to the master, and to the boys who were committed to his 
 care. Some time after that, he entered into the holy mini- 
 stry"; and his first settlement was at Norton under Hales, 
 in the county of Salop, or Shropshire in England. When 
 he was there, Sir Rowland Cotton took him into his fa* 
 mily, as his chaplain, being much pleased with his hope- 
 ful parts, upon hearing him preach. There he laid the 
 foundation of that Rabbinical learning, for which he has 
 been very justly and eminently distmguished, both at 
 home and abroad. His eminently learned patron, Sir 
 Rowland Cotton, often questioned him in the Hebrew 
 language, in the knowledge of which he was then only a 
 novice. His great ignorance of that beautiful language 
 made a very deep impression upon his mind. He was 
 greatly ashamed to be baffled by a country gentleman as 
 he confessed he frequently was, especially in a branch of 
 learning which belonged to his profession. The example 
 of his patron was highly useful to him. His singular 
 talents for the Oriental learning began now to be unfold- 
 ed. Indefatigable in his literary researches, while he en- 
 joyed a sound constitution, a vigorous mind, with a 
 friend's company, conversation, and example, he soon 
 acquired an extraordinary store of very useful Rabbinical 
 knowledge, which has certainly made a great accession 
 to the republic of letters, and contributed much to the 
 understanding of the Holy Scriptures. 
 
 Wagenseil says, " John Lightfoot, an Englishman, a 
 
John Lightfoot 5? 
 
 man well versed in Hebrew literature, performed a laud- 
 able work, in explaining the four Evangelists; when out 
 of the Talmud chiefly, he studied to bring light on the 
 sacred writers, and to illustrate some of the more obscure 
 sayings in them. That laborious work I highly value; for 
 the whole is filled with deep learning, and furnishes many 
 things, of which no interpreter ever thought, nor could 
 think of, without skill in the Talmud. Would to God 
 he had Hved to handle all the Sacred books in the same 
 manner." 
 
 Dr Gill, in the preface to his Exposition of the New 
 Testament, edition J 774, says, " Some may think, I have 
 made too much use of Jewish authorities in the following 
 Exposition; my concern is, that I have made no more 
 use of them; and that my reading and observations have 
 not furnished me with more materials of this kind, which 
 I am very well satisfied might be obtained from them. — 
 I have used all diligence, both from my own reading, 
 and from the observations of others, to make it as perfect 
 in this way as I could; and from none have I had so 
 much help and assistance as from the great Dr Lightfoot, 
 who has broke the ice for me, and pointed out the way 
 in which I should proceed, as Wagenseil observes," 
 
 Our late commentators on the Holy Scriptures have, in 
 general, made much useof DrLightfoot's valuable writings. 
 He was without doubt one of the best Oriental scholars 
 of his age; and also well acquainted with the Greek lan- 
 guage — An able commentator, who has thrown much 
 light on the Gospel History. The accurate knowledge 
 of the original languages of the Holy Scriptures, is cer- 
 tainly of the greatest utility and importance, for under- 
 standing these writings. And such persons as devote 
 themselves to the work of the holy ministry, should study, 
 not only a competent, but also a very accurate and criti- 
 cal, knowledge of these deeply interesting languages. As 
 they undertake to explain the Sacred Writings to their 
 fellow creatures, they should spare no pains to understand 
 the languages in which these were originally written. Our 
 author's laudable example may be highly useful to us, in 
 that very delightful and interesting study. 
 
 2 I 
 
58 Life of 
 
 When Sir Rowland Cotton, his good friend, went to 
 reside at London with his family, he followed him in a 
 short time, and having been with him there some space, 
 he returned again to the country, and visited his parents 
 at Stoke. He had formed a design of going into foreign 
 countries for his improvement, but he was persuaded to 
 change his resolution, to the great joy of his parents and 
 friends, upon being chosen and importuned by the inha- 
 bitants of Stone in Staffordshire to be their minister. He 
 continued there about two years. During that time, May 
 21, 1628, he married Joice, the daughter of William 
 Crompton of Stone- Park, Esq. and widow of George 
 Copwood of Dilverne in the county of Stafford. He re- 
 moved from Stone to Hornsey, near London, with a view 
 to enjoy the benefit of Sion- college library, in prosecuting 
 his studies. To that famous library, he frequently re- 
 sorted. Afterward, in the spring of the year 1630, he 
 and his family having gone to Stoke, they remained there 
 until the following September, when Sir Rowland Cotton 
 preferred him to the rectory of Ashley, in the county of 
 Stafford, where he continued in great esteem for twelve 
 years, carefully discharging the duties of his office, and 
 pursuing his Rabbinical studies with indefatigable appli* 
 cation. By his unremitting diligence, his stock of know- 
 ledge very much Increased.— 27?^ hand of the diligefii 
 maJceth rich. 
 
 In the month of June 1 642, he went up to London, 
 and was chosen minister of St Bartholomew's behind the 
 Exchange, and next year he was nominated a member of 
 the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. He is marked 
 in Neal's list, as giving constant attendance during the 
 session. He was appointed one of the select committee 
 for the examination and approbation of ministers who 
 petitioned for livings which had been sequestex'ed. He 
 had a fair opportunity, in that famous Assembly, of dis- 
 playing his eminent abilities, and extraordinary learnings 
 and of both he gave good specimens. He was then not 
 much above forty years of age; and yet he discovered a 
 very extensive knowledge in divinity, in Oriental learning, 
 and in church-government. He very often sp^ke^ when 
 
John Lightfoot. 59 
 
 enquiries into the primitive constitution of the Christian, 
 church were under consideration; and also when places 
 of the Holy Scriptures were produced to stand for proof 
 of such points of doctrine or discipline as were under de- 
 cision. He often gave very remarkable interpretations of 
 controverted places; I say not whether he was right or 
 wrong, leaving the reader to judge for himself. 
 
 When some divines in the Assembly were for gathered 
 churches, consisting onhj of Saints, and produced for 
 that purpose, Rev. xv. 2, — Thou King of Saints; Dr 
 Seaman objected to it, because the reading was doubtful, 
 some copies reading, Thou King of Ages, or Everlasting. 
 And Lightfoot backed him, by shewing, that the Syriac 
 and Arabic read to the same import. King of the World, 
 or of Ages, — When a debate commenced respecting the 
 persons who should read the Holy Scriptures in public, and 
 some were for the pastors doing it themselves, and Gouge 
 and Marshall seemed to be for some expert and sober per- 
 sons of the laity, Lightfoot shewed at large, that none in 
 the Jewish synagogue read the law and the prophets, but 
 public officers, and of the Levitical order. He produced 
 the following arguments for the support of his assertion: 
 Their multitude of universities for the education of the 
 Levites for such purposes, viz. forty-eight; and their 
 curiosity, that not a tittle of the law should be mistaken 
 by those persons who read it. But Mr Reyner urged, 
 that the Levites were not types of the pastors, but the 
 priests were. To this Lightfoot answered, that the Le- 
 vites in the Temple were one thing, and in the Synagogues 
 another; for though these it the Temple were servants 
 to the priests, yet in their Synagogues they were their 
 pastors. — When the bishops, who had been employed to 
 ordain, were voted out of the House, and their jurisdic- 
 tion Ic'id aside, the Assembly brought in this position re- 
 specting Ordination, That in extraordinary cases, some 
 things extraordinary may be done, until a settled order may 
 be had. Lightfoot was of this mind, shewing, that even 
 some positive laws of God gave place not only to necessity, 
 but even to convenience; as the steps to Solomon's altar, 
 and many candlesticks and tables in the Temple. But when 
 
60 Life of 
 
 as a proof of it, that place was produced, 2 Chron. xxix. 
 34, The pi'iest'i xvere too few, so ihat the if could nut flay 
 all the Imrnt'Ojffl^rings ; wherefore their brethren the Lie- 
 vites did lielp them till the work zvas ended, mid lauil the 
 other priests had sanctified themselves. And Bathurst 
 spake to that place to prove it pregnant; and also out of 
 Numb, xviii. 4, .5, 6. and Levit. i, would prove that the 
 Levites had nothing to do in slaying the sacrifices. Light-. 
 foot answered them, and so did Coleman and Selden, 
 who declared the contrary. When voted, it was carried 
 that it was a pregnant place; but Lightfoot gave his ne- 
 gative. — When some in the Assembly called in question 
 the equality of Matthias with the rest of the apostles, be- 
 cause he was chosen by lot, and not immediately called 
 by Christ, he answered. That the lot did argue his im- 
 mediate call. Because the apostles could not ordain him 
 for an apostle by imposidon of their hands, but sought 
 to the immediate imposition of Christ's hands by a lot — 
 A question arose in the Assembly, whether excoinmuni' 
 cation should be done in a Presbytery, or in the presence 
 of the whole church. Some were for it done in the pre- 
 sence of the whole church, bringing as proof, J Cor. v, 4. 
 — When ye are gathered together, &c. Lightfoot said. 
 That the gathering together here respected the heart- 
 burnings among them. That they triumphed one against 
 another in the very act of the incestuous person; and, 
 therefore, he commands them to convene, unite in affec- 
 tion, and agree among themselves. And after two or 
 three debates upon the case of the incestuous person, 
 Lightfoot said again. That this case of the Corinthians 
 was such as cannot be among us; for they were hedged 
 in with the heathen, and the apostle plainly tells, that 
 there was an iniquity among them more than heathenish, 
 V. L Therefore, if he would have the whole church 
 to come together, and cast out this member, for the 
 vindication of the whole church, it is a singular example, 
 and cannot be paralleled among us. — Several members 
 offered 1 Cor. v. 2. for excommunication, and for 
 excluding from the communion; where direction is 
 given that the incestuous person be taken away from 
 
John Lightfoot, 61 
 
 among them. But Lightfoot's judgment was, that this 
 place did not at all respect excommunication. The dis- 
 pute continued the whole day. And when the place was 
 carried for a proof of excommunication, he gave his de- 
 nial. Nor did he relish Mat. xviii. 17. which was also 
 brought for excommunication. He considered it as speak- 
 ing oi offence given from a member to his pastor. — That 
 it spake of shaming an offender, and not of censuring. 
 For that the two or three, ver. lb. not the church, had to 
 do with the offender. — That the Heathen and Publicans 
 had access to sacred thi?igs; but the Jews abhorred their 
 civil society. And this was to be as an heathen ma?! and 
 a publican^ to have no society with such : but to be as a 
 publican included not excommunication. Again, after 
 Herle and Reynolds had spoken for that passage as proving 
 excommunication, he answered them, J. with the ques- 
 tion. Are the two or three here named witnesses, as they 
 would have them ? For it is plain, that these must be ad- 
 monishers. 2 He shewed that the text and speech of 
 our Saviour was upon occasion of the disciples quarrel- 
 ing. Now how improper is it, when he is speaking of 
 offence between brother and brother, to conclude what 
 such an one shall be to the church, and not to the party 
 offended ? 
 
 When the dispute came on between the Independents 
 and the other party respecting Congregations, whether 
 there were more than one in a city, especially in Jerusa- 
 lem ? and Dr Temple doubted whether there were many 
 fixed congregations in that city, and it seemed to him 
 there Vvere not; Ijghtfoot answered in several parti- 
 culars. 1. That such a multitude of pastors as were 
 there at Jerusalem could not suit with one congrega- 
 tion. 2. That there were divers languages, that under- 
 stood not one another; therefore there could not be but 
 divers congregations. 3. That one part of the church 
 had deacons, the other not; therefore we must make 
 a distinction of their congregations. 4. In Acts xii. 12, 
 v/e are informed that Manij were gathered together pray- 
 ing; and yet James and the brethren were not there. — 
 Burroughs and Lightfoot had a controversy respecting 
 
62 Life of 
 
 the five thousand who xvere added to the churchy Acts iv. 
 whether they were new converts, which Lightfoot posi- 
 tiyely declared, and Burroughs denied. And when 
 
 Lightfoot had done. Palmer supported him in that. 
 
 Lightfoot contended, in the Assembly, for p-eneral admis- 
 sion unto the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, explaining 
 the institution of it from the passover, and using the fol- 
 lowing arguments in support of his opinion, i. That 
 though the law forbid the unclean to come to sacred 
 things, yet it gave not power unto any person to repel 
 those who offered themselves to come: nor find we any 
 such example. '2. Circumcision was indifferently ad- 
 ministered to all the seed of Abraham; and therefore all 
 ought to be admitted unto the sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper. 3. Judas received that sacrament; and there- 
 fore the admission should be general. When an instance 
 was produced against his opinion, in his first argument, 
 in the repulsion of Uzziah, 2 Chron. xxvi. he replied, 
 that Uzziah's repulsion was from office and place, and 
 not from the use of holy things. And he added, Grant 
 that the priest then did and might repel the unclean, yet 
 the case was now different; for that uncleanness was ex- 
 ternal, and it might be known whether the persons were 
 purified or not. But a minister cannot now so judge of 
 a man's conscience ; for though he were scandalous yes- 
 terday, yet his repentance may be unfeigned to-day, for 
 aught he knows. When the Assembly opposed to his 
 opinion. Mat vii. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the 
 dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they 
 trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend 
 you, he replied. That this was spoken respecting the 
 safety of the apostles.— That the Jews themselves,*^ who 
 use this proverb, by dogs and swine understand the bitter 
 enemies and prsecutors of the truth. And so our Saviour 
 hereby warrants his disciples, though they preach not to 
 persecutors and enemies, lest it cost them their lives. 
 Respecting Judas, it was urged against his opinion, That 
 though Christ knew the heart, yet the villany of Judas 
 was not known among the disciples. He replied, That 
 Christ had publicly marked him out for a traitor before. 
 
John Lightfoot. 63 
 
 It was also argued. After the sop he went out. He replied. 
 That was no passover nor sacrament, but before it. Upon 
 this the contest became warm, for he seemed in that de- 
 bate to^ oppose the whole Assembly. Liberty was pub- 
 licly given to him and another member to dispute the 
 matter respecting Judas; which they did at large, but in 
 that debate we cannot farther follow them. 
 
 Our author being eminently distinguished in that ve- 
 nerable Assembly, by his learning and integrity, he was 
 by them promoted to the church of Much Munden in 
 Hartfordshire, about the end of the year 1643. 
 
 He was some times appointed to preach before the 
 House of Commons. In a sermon, which he preached 
 before them, at the public Fast, from Luke i. 17, he 
 speaks very warmly against placing the Apocrypha, in 
 the midst of the Bible, between the two Testaments. He 
 says, " It is not a little to be admired, how this Apocry^ 
 pha could ever get such place in the hearts, and in the 
 Bibles of the primitive times, as to come to sit in the very 
 centre of them both." He reckons that this might be 
 partly accounted for, because both the Apocrypha, and 
 the Old and New Testaments, came to the converted Gen- 
 tiles from among the Jews. And because that the Jews 
 alone, for a long time, had enjoyed the knowledge of 
 divinity and religion among them, the converted Gentiles 
 could not but highly esteem their writings. Thus the 
 Apocrypha gained esteem among mankind, in primitive 
 times. He also allows that the prevalence of superstition 
 contributed much to retain the Apocrypha in our Bibles: 
 many persons, without consideration, persisting in doing 
 as their forefathers had done, and in retaining what they 
 had retained. And after admitting, that while ignorance 
 and superstition prevailed, and it became a religion to do 
 as their forefathers had done, retaining the Apocrypha in 
 the Bible might be accounted for, he expresses his great 
 wonder, that the Reformed Churches should still con- 
 tmue to allow it a place in their Bibles, upon their having 
 shaken off the yoke of superstition. He adds, « It is 
 true indeed that they have refused these books out of the 
 camii^ but they have reserved them still la the Bible: as 
 
 Vlo. II. K 
 
64 Life of 
 
 if God should have cast Adam out of the state of happi- 
 ness, and yet have continued him in the place of happi- 
 ness. Not to insist upon this, which is some digression, . 
 you know the counsel of Sarah concerning Ishmael, and 
 in that she outstripped Abraham in the spirit of prophecy, 
 Cast out the bond woman and her son; for the son of the 
 bond woman may not be heir with the son of the free wo- 
 man.** He here calls the Apocrypha, " The wretched 
 Apocrypha^ and this patchery of human invention.'* In 
 the same sermon, he says. That Christ and Antichrist 
 are plainly the seed of the woman, and the seed rf the 
 serpent. And that " he who will seek to make conjunc- 
 tion of Rome and us, will marry light and darkness, God 
 and the Devil, Christ and Antichrist together, and make 
 a friendship between those, between whom God himself 
 hath doomed an enmity while the world endureth." 
 At the conclusion of that sermon, he says, " Let scatter- 
 ed Popery never cloud us again, nor superstition over- 
 whelm us. Let Religion and the Gospel be in all our 
 borders, and peace and truth in all our times." — 
 
 In another sermon, which he preached before the House 
 of Commons, from Rev. xx. 1,2. he says, " It is a ground- 
 work, necessary to be laid by him who will make any 
 thing of the book of Daniel and of the Revelation; That 
 where Daniel ends John begins, and goes no farther 
 back, and where John begins Daniel ends, and goes no 
 farther forward. For Daniel sheweth the state and the 
 persecutors of the Church of the Jews, from the building 
 of Jerusalem by Cyrus, to the destruction of it by Titus, 
 and he goes no farther. And where the beloved prophet 
 Goncludeth the beloved disciple begins, and shews the 
 state and the persecutors of the Christian church, from 
 the destruction of Jerusalem to the end of the world, 
 and revealeth a new Jerusalem coming down from hea- 
 ven when the old one on earth is destroyed, and one 
 persecuting monarchy and state of Rome equalling in mis- 
 chief and cruelty against the church all the four that had 
 gone before it." — In the same sermon, he warmly recom- 
 mended to the House, a Review and Survey of the Tran- 
 slation of the Bible. He said, " I hope you will find 
 
John LightfooU Q5 
 
 some time among your serious employments to think of 
 a review and survey of the translation of the Bible; cer- 
 tainly that might be a work which would very well be- 
 come a reformation, and which would very much redound 
 to your honour. It was the course of Nehemiah, when 
 he was reforming, that he caused the law not only to be 
 read, and the sense given, but also caused the people to 
 understand the readings Neh. viii. 8. And certainly it 
 would not be the least advantage that you might do to 
 the three nations, if not the greatest, it they, by your 
 care and means, might come to understand the proper 
 and genuine reading of the Scripture, by an exact, vigor- 
 ous, and Hvely, translation. I hope, (I say it again) 
 you will find some time, to set a-foot so needful a work. 
 And now you are about purging the Temple, you will 
 look into the Oracle, if there be any thing amiss in that, 
 and remove it.'' — He also earnestly recommended to the 
 Plouse, to take care that none intrude upon the ministry, 
 or to preach the Gospel, who have not a call to that 
 work, and some competent ability for it. He observed, 
 " This is a main well-head from whence flow all the er- 
 rors that are among us, when mechanics, unlettered and 
 ignorant men will take upon them to be preachers, and 
 to instruct others when they need teaching themselves; 
 and this, if it be not stopped, will overflow all vWth a 
 puddle of errors and heresy. You have made good or- 
 ders for stopping and preventing this, but execution is 
 all." He likewise recommended to them, a speedy and 
 effectual settlement of the church; and he expressed his 
 joy in seeing what they had done, in Plaff arming Classes 
 and Preshyteries, which, says he, / verili/ and C07^dially 
 believe is according to the Pattern in the Mount, In the 
 same sermon, he spake very warmly, and with great 
 energy, against the sin and folly of allowing an unre- 
 strained liberty of conscience. He says, That crrat^ is 
 more dangerous than open persecution; for persecution 
 can only destroy the body, but error destroys both body 
 and soul. — " And for Zion's sake, who can hold his 
 peace ? Souls lie a-bleeding by this, as well as bodies by 
 the enemy. The church is undone by this, as the land 
 
 K2 
 
66 Life of 
 
 by them. This spoils our truth, as they do our peace.'* 
 He adds, *' There is great talk of, and pleading for 
 liberty of conscience; that men may do in matters of 
 Religion, as Israel is said to have done in the book of 
 Judges, that which seemeth right in their own eyes. — I 
 shall not determine the question, whether the conscience 
 may be bound or not, though for mine own satisfaction 
 I am resolved that it may/' And he maintains, that it 
 is a truer point in divinity, that an eiTing conscience may 
 be bounds than to hold the contrary opinion. He adds, 
 " But certainly the devil in the conscience may be, nay, 
 he must be bound, or else you act not according to what 
 Christ requireth at your hands. It is true indeed which 
 is so much talked of, that Christ alone must reign in the 
 conscience, but it is as true also, that he doth so by the 
 power that he hath put into the hands of the magistrate, 
 as well as by his word and Spirit.*' 
 
 The learned Lightfoot became master of Katherine-hall, 
 Cambridge, when Dr Spurstow was ejected from that 
 place, for refusing the Engagement. Lightfoot is enrolled 
 among the masters of Katherine-hall, in Dr Fuller's His- 
 tory of the University of Cambridge, page 83, and among 
 the learned writers, page 84, where the author says, that 
 he was an excellent linguist. He enjoyed that mastership, 
 with the sequestered living of Much Munden, which was 
 given him by the Assembly of Divines, till the Restora- 
 tion, when he would have resigned it back into the hands 
 of Dr Spurstow, but he declining it, Lightfoot conformed, 
 and upon his application to the King was confirmed in 
 both his preferments until his death. In 1 652, he took 
 the degree of Doctor in Divinity. His Latii^ discourse 
 was from these words. If ai\y man love not the Lord 
 Jesus Christy let him be Anathema Maranatha, When 
 he was in the University, he preached frequently; and his 
 discourses were highly useful to the students. He always 
 warmly recommended unto them a blameless life, and 
 diligence in their studies. He faithfully warned them to 
 avoid enthusiasm, which at that time greatly prevailed in 
 England.—- In the year 1655, he was chosen Vice-chan- 
 cellor of the University of Cambridge^ and he most 
 
John LightfooL €7 
 
 carefully discharged the duties of his office. — Beside his 
 labours in the University and in the church, and writing 
 many learned books, he also contributed to promote the 
 elaborate works of other eminently learned men. He 
 afforded considerable assistance to Dr Walton, who was 
 afterward bishop of Chester, in his Biblia Polyglotta, or 
 Polyglott Bible, which was printed at London, in 6 vols, 
 iolio, 1657. In that very elaborate work, the sacred text 
 was, with peculiar care, printed, not only in the vulgar 
 Latin, but also in the Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee, Samari- 
 tan, Arabic, Ethiopic, Persic, and Greek, languages, 
 each having its peculiar Latin translation annexed to it; 
 and an apparatus fitted for each, that those different 
 tongues might be the better understood. We are in- 
 formed, that our author was consulted by Dr Walton 
 respecting the whole work, when he proposed to engage 
 in it. Dr Lightfoot seems also to have assisted Dr Custell, 
 Arabic Professor of Cambridge, in his Lea^icon Hepta^ 
 glotton, and the learned Poole, in his Synopsis Criticorum, 
 Dr Lightfoot maintained some peculiar sentiments. 
 L That the Jews shall not be called, but are utterly re- 
 jected. And that the time of their rejection happened 
 before the times of Christ; and was on account of their 
 fond and impious traditions; rather than, as is commonly 
 asserted, after Christ, for their wickedness in murdering 
 their Messiah, and persecuting the Gospel. And that 
 their last and only calling was in the times of Christ and 
 his apostles; when some few of them, viz. A Remnant^ 
 were brought in to the faith of Christ, But that neither 
 then there was, nor ever shall be, any universal calling 
 of them. And that Rom. xi. 5. was very unfit to prove 
 this calling of the Jews to be either universal, or after a 
 great many ages. 2. That the Greek Translation of the 
 Bible by the Seventy was hammered out by the Jews, with 
 more caution than conscience, more craft than sincerity; 
 and that it was done out of political ends to themselves. 
 3. That the Keys were given to Peter alone, as Christ spake 
 only to him. Mat. xvi. 1 9. That is, to open the Gospel to 
 the Gentiles; which was designed, he said, by the kingdom 
 qf heaven. And that it was to this purpose Peter spake. 
 
68 Writings of 
 
 Acts XV. 7. This opinion he openly held in the Assembly 
 of Divines. 4. He did not allow that Binding and Loos- 
 ing related to discipline, but to doctrine. And that be- 
 cause the phrases, to bind and loose were Jev;ish, and 
 most frequent in their writers; and that it belonged only 
 to their teachers, to bind and to loose. And that when 
 the Jews set any apart to be a preacher, they used these 
 words. Take thou liberty to ieach^ what is b'}imd, and 
 what is loose. And we may here add, his peculiar inter- 
 pretation of God's words to Cain, Jf thou dost not nell, 
 sin lieth at the door. Sin, that is not punishment^ to 
 take hold of thee, but a sin-offerings to make atonement 
 for thee. And that, he said, was the common accepta- 
 tion of the Hebrew word, which is rendered sin, in the 
 books of Moses. And that God did not intend to terrify 
 Cain by those words, but rather to keep him from de- 
 spair. 
 
 Upon the restoration of King Charles the Second, it 
 is said, that he was in danger of being deprived of his 
 preferments, but by the good offices of Archbishop Shel- 
 don, and others, he was not only confirmed in the pos- 
 session of these, but was also presented, by the lord- 
 keeper Bridgeman, to a prebendary's place in the cathe- 
 dral of Ely. He died there of a fever, Dec. 6th, 1 675. 
 His remains were interred at Munden. 
 
 Some of Dr Lightfoot's writings were first published 
 separately, in small pieces. His Miscellanies Christian 
 and Judaical, and Others: Penned for Recreation at va- 
 cant hours. A small book, 203 pages. London, 1 629. 
 It was dedicated to Sir Rowland Cotton. The epistle 
 dedicatorv was dated at Hornsey, near London, March 
 5, 1629.' In that epistle, he says, '« My creeping and 
 weak studies, neither able to go, nor to speak for them- 
 selves, do, like Pyrrhus in Plutarch, in silence crave 
 your tuition. — Your encouragement and incitation did 
 first set me forward to the culture of holy tongues, and 
 here I offer you the first fruits of my barren harvest. 
 Your tried learning and tried love assure me, that you 
 can judge soundly, and yet will not judge too heavily of 
 
John Lightfoot. 69 
 
 my weak endeavours; and such a patron my book desir- 
 eth." He published that book, when he was about 
 twenty-seven years of age; and, by the quotations in it, 
 he appears to have studied and read to a very great ex- 
 tent. — His Harmony of the Old Testament was also first 
 published separately. And his Harmony of the four Evan- 
 gelists among themselves and with the Old Testament, 
 Part I st, from the beginning of the Gospel to the baptism 
 of our Saviour. 4to. pp.214. London, ] 644, — Part 2d, 
 4to. pp. 136, from the baptism of our Saviour, to the 
 first passover after. London, 1647. — Part 3d, from the 
 first passover after our Saviour's baptism, to the second. 
 4to. pp. 295. London, 1650. — A Commentary on the 
 Acts of the Apostles, chronical and critical, Part 1st, from 
 v. 1 , to the end of chap. 1 2th, with a brief survey of 
 the contemporary story of the Jews and Romans. 4to. 
 pp. 33 1 . London, 1 645. — And, The Harmony, Chroni- 
 cle and Order, of the New Testament — The text of the 
 four Evangelists methodized — The story of the Acts of 
 the Apostles analized — The Order of the Epistles mani- 
 fested — And the times of the Revelation observed. All 
 illustrated, with variety of observations upon the chiefest 
 difficulties Textual and Talmudical, for clearing of their 
 sense and language. With an additional Discourse con- 
 cerning the Fall of Jerusalem, and the condition of the 
 Jews in that land afterward. This learned and elaborate 
 work was published, in a small folio-form. pp. 195. 
 London, 1655. — I have seen three sermons of his, before 
 the House of Commons, Fast, which were published se- 
 parately; one from Luke i. 17. 4to. pp. 50. Lond. 1643. 
 Another from Rev. xx. 1, 2. 4to. pp. 31. Lond. 1645. 
 And a third from Psalm iv. 4. 4to. pp. S5, Lond. 1647. 
 — The Temple-service as it stood in the days of our Savi- 
 our. 4to. pp. 200. The Temple: especially as it stood 
 in the days of our Saviour. 4to. pp. 286. Lond. 1650. 
 Horae Hebraicae, &c, Leipsic, 1675. 
 
 His Works were published by Mr Strype, in two vo- 
 lumes folio. London, 1684. The first volume contains 
 The Harmony of the Old and New Testaments — Obser- 
 vations on Genesis — An handful of Gleanings out of the 
 
70 Life of 
 
 book of Exodus — A Commentary on the Acts of the 
 Apostles — The Temple-service — Miscellanies — The Tem- 
 ple described, with a map of it drawn by himself. The 
 second volume contains, Horae Hebraicae, or Hebrew 
 and Talmudical Exercitations, on the four Evangelists, 
 the Acts of the Apostles, some chapters of the Epistle to 
 the Romans, and on 1 Cor. translated into English, and 
 published by Mr John Strype, with above forty Sermons, 
 which were preached on several subjects and occasions, and 
 a short tract on the fourth article of the Creed, never before 
 published: All in English. And his Works were printed 
 in Latin at Rotterdam, in 2 vols, folio, I6b6. with a very 
 beautiful frontispiece. And Mr Strype informs us, in his 
 Preface to his Remains, that this learned man's usefulness 
 has been so well known abroad, that there have been two 
 or three impressions of his works there, since his death, 
 the last of which was finished at Franeker, in the year 
 1698, with the addition of different tracts of his Remains. 
 Remfertus, the Professor, and several learned men in 
 that place, had earnestly desired to obtain every produc- 
 tion of Dr Lightfoot's pen for publication, that no notions 
 of so great a man might be lost. Some of his Genuine 
 Remains were published by Mr Strype. London, 1 700. 
 Octavo, pp. 29.5.* I have seen Dr Lightfoot's writings 
 in different parts of Scotland, and in England. 
 
 JOHN BE LA MARCH. 
 
 John DE la march was minister of the French 
 Church. In the year ] 643, he was appointed one of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and assisted his 
 brethren in their arduous work in that Assembly. He 
 was one of those divines who subscribed the proposition, 
 " That Jesus Christ, as King of the Church, hath him- 
 self appointed a church-government, distinct from the 
 
 a Lightfoot's Life prefixed to hisWorks, both Latin and English, 
 and the Preface to some of hia Genuine Remains. 
 
John de la March, 71 
 
 civil magistrate." Lightfoot entered his dissent respecting 
 that proposition, with whom very probably Mr Coleman 
 would have joined, if he had not been seized with sick- 
 ness at that juncture and died.* But many eminent divines 
 readily subscribed it. — From what John de la March has 
 published to the world, he appears to have been a consi- 
 derable sufferer in the cause of Truth, and a very zealous 
 covenanter and reformer. He has published a Treatise on 
 Rev. xviii. 17. which is entitled, " A Complaint of the 
 False Prophet's Mariners, upon the drying up of their 
 Hierarchical Euphrates, as it was publicly preached, in 
 the island of Guernsey, before a sett order of Ministers, 
 expounding in their turns the Revelation of John." 4to. 
 pp. 112. London, 1641. In this publication, the author 
 speaks very warmly against the innovations, the usurpa- 
 tions, and tyrannical government of the prelates, with 
 their attempts to introduce popery. He speaks against 
 the government of the church by Archbishops, diocesean 
 bishops, and all ecclesiastical officers depending on that 
 hierarchy; and in favour of the Presbyterian form of 
 church-government. In the last page of the book, he 
 says, " But above all be careful to commend the rooting 
 out to the very stumps, yea stumps and all of that hie- 
 rarchical antichristian-like church-government, with all 
 the officers thereof, to those who are now fighting the 
 battles of the Lord ; and, in place thereof, labour to have 
 the holy church-discipline of Christ established, counte- 
 nanced, and fully authorised among us; seeing that no 
 man usurp, under what colour or title, how favourable 
 and specious soever it be, any dominion over the Lord's 
 inheritance." — A dedicatory epistle to the House of Com- 
 mons, an Address to the faithful witness of Christ, Mr 
 Henry Burton, and a short Preface, are prefixed to that 
 Performance. In the Address to Mr Burton, the author 
 says; " Worthy Sir, the first draught of this Treatise 
 was conveyed unto you presently after the matter therein 
 contained had been preached in our monthly Propositions, 
 and public meetings duly observed among us, according 
 
 a Neal's Puritans, vol. iii, chap. vii. 
 
 Vol. IL L 
 
72 JAfe of 
 
 to the order pr'^scribeJ ia our Discipline, not unknowa 
 unto you. I'he reason was because of the great interest 
 you had therein, not only in regard of the spiritual 
 brother hood, and former acquaintance, but especially in 
 resp.xt'of the subject thereof You being one of the 
 eminent witnesses of Christ, who had suffered for the 
 testimony of his tru^h, according to the prophecy, R'^v. 
 xi. 7. &c yet then Ivnig uuburied. in one of the public 
 places of l]ie ureat citify C^asile cornet in Guernsey, wh.re 
 some few years before tvvo other brethren, and the author 
 also, for a whole week of months had been unjustly im- 
 prisoned, and unlawfully detamed for the same testimo- 
 ny.*' — Mr H nry Barton, B. D. to whom our author 
 wrote that Address, was eminently courageous in the 
 cause of truth, and a very great sutFerer in the cause of 
 non conf )rmity, under rhe iron rod of the English pre- 
 lates. Hi felt the shocking cru 'Ities of the ruling pre- 
 lates in his tim% and especially those of Laud, the arch- 
 enemy of the Puritans. Mr Henry Barton, and Mr John 
 de la March, seem to have been cnrnpaniniis in trihulat'tun^ 
 and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, 
 
 This isa'l the account that 1 am able to give of Mr John 
 de la March. The reader, who has an opportunity, may 
 see an interesting account of his broths r and companion 
 in tribulation, Mr Henry Burton, in that exc. llent and 
 seasonable work, Brook's Lives of the Puritans, vol. iii. 
 
 STEPHEN MARSHALL, B. D, 
 
 MINISTER OF FINCHIVGFIFLD IN ESSFX, A^D A MFMBER OF THB 
 ASiEMBLY OF DIVINKS A I WESTMIN&TER. 
 
 Stephen Marshall was bom at Godmanchester 
 in Huntingdonshire, in England He received his edu- 
 cation in Emmanuel college Cambridge Dr Full«-r says, 
 *' Thence he went v ry early a Reaper in G"d*\ Harve^ty 
 yet not before he had well sharpened his sickle for that 
 
S(ep^>en Marshall. 7S 
 
 s^vice." He was some time minister at Wttbersfield in 
 E: sex, and alterward he became minister ot Finchlngfield, 
 in the same county. He gained there a very high reputa- 
 tion And Dr Fuller intorms us, that afier several years 
 discontinuance, he came up to Cambridge, to take the 
 degree of Bachelor of Divinity, whore he performed his 
 exercise with general applause. — It is said, that when he 
 was at Finchingfidd he was silenced for non conformity; 
 and tha[ he continued a considerable time under suspen- 
 sion. He was greatly despised and reproached by the 
 opposite party; but he was a man of great worth, and 
 was often called to preach before the Long Parliament, 
 who consulted him in all affairs of importance respecting 
 religion. Dr Full, r says, *" No man was more gracious 
 witn the principal members. He was their trumpet, by 
 wht^m they sounded their solemn Fasts, preaching more 
 public sermons on that occasion, than any four of his 
 function In their sickness he was their confessor, in 
 their assembly their counsellor, in their treaties their cha- 
 pliin, in their disputations their champion." Clarendon 
 says, *' And without doubt, the Archbishop of Canterbury 
 had nevtr so great an influence upon the councils at 
 court, as Mr Marshall and Dr Burgess had upon the 
 Houses of Parliament,*' November i7, 1^40, was ob- 
 served as a day of solemn fasting by the House oi Com- 
 mons at Margaret's church, Westminster, when these 
 two eminent divmes were appomted to conduct the public 
 service of the day. On that solemn occasion, it is said, 
 that they prayed and preached at least seven hours. Upon 
 the important service being ended, the House voted thanks 
 to both the preachers, desiring them to print their ser- 
 m^ms; and for their encouragement in time to comt, a 
 piece of plate was, by order of the House, presented to 
 each person. 
 
 Clarendon, with some other writers of a similar spirit, 
 brings a very heavy charge against Mr Marshall; a charge 
 which is indeed altogether unworthy of any honest man. 
 It respects the ministers' petition which was presented to 
 the Parliament for a reformation of certain grievances in 
 the hierarchy in i640, or 4>. It follows: " Ihe paper 
 
 L2 
 
74 Life of 
 
 which contained the ministers' petition was filled with 
 very few hands, but many other sheets were annexed for 
 the reception of numbers who gave credit to the under- 
 taking But when their names were subscribed, the pe- 
 tition itself was cut off, and a new one, of a very different 
 nature, annexed to the long hst of names; and when 
 some of the ministers complained to Mr Marshall, with 
 whom the petition was lodged, that they never saw the 
 petition to which their names were annexed, but had 
 signed another petition against the canons. Mr Marshall 
 is said to have replied, that it was thought fit by those 
 who understood the business better than they, that the 
 latter petition should be preferred rather than the former." 
 This is certainly a charge of a very high nature, and 
 should have been well substantiated. Dr Walker, not- 
 withstanding his extreme bigotry and enmity against the 
 Puritans, seems not here to give full credit to the noble 
 historian. After he has affirmed that the petition was 
 only the contrivance of some few of the ministers in and 
 about London, and prohabljij of Mr Marshall in particu- 
 lar, he adds only, " that it is probable that Mr Marshall 
 was deeply enough concerned in the affair." He clearly 
 appears unwilling to affirm it as a matter of fact. If, 
 however, the above account had been true, why did 
 not the ministers complain to the Committee which was 
 appointed by the house of Commons to inquire into their 
 regular methods of procuring hands to petitions ? The 
 royal historian answers, that they were prevailed upon to 
 sit still and pass it by; for the truth of which we have 
 only his lordship's word, where we should have had re- 
 ference to clear proof. It has also been observed here, 
 that nothing of that kind appears inRushworth,Whitlocke, 
 or any other impartial writer of those times. The whole 
 affair seems, therefore, to have the appearance of a mere 
 forgery, designed to defame the memory of Mr Marshall 
 and of the rest of the Puritans. 
 
 Wood says, that " upon the approach of the trouble- 
 some times in 1640, Mr Marshall, Mr Calamy, Dr Burgess, 
 and some others, did first whisper in their conventicles, 
 then openly preach, that Jor the cause of religion it was 
 
Stephen Marshall. 75 
 
 lawfiflfor the subjects to take up arms against their la^afid 
 sovereion.'' The celebrated Dr Calamy says, '' As to 
 Mr Stephen Marshall, he was an active man, and did en- 
 courage the taking up arms for securing the constitution, 
 when it appeared not only to him and his brethren, but 
 to a number of as worthy gentlemen as ever sat in St 
 Stephen's chapel, to be in no small danger; but I am 
 not aware that he can be justly charged with any concur- 
 rence in those things, which afterward overthrew the 
 constitution, and tended to confusion. He wrote a de- 
 fence of the side which he took in our civil broils, and I 
 cannot hear that it was ever answered." * 
 
 Mr Marshall, at the same time, took a very active part 
 in the controversy respecting church-government. He 
 was one of the authors of Smect^nmmis^ The learned 
 Dr Kippis says, " it was a production of no small impor- 
 tance in its day; and was drawn up in a style of compo- 
 sition superior to that of the Puritans in general, and, 
 indeed, of many other writers at that period." 
 
 In the time of the civil war, Mr Marshall was appoint- 
 ed chaplain to the Earl of Essex's regiment in the Parlia- 
 ment's army, Dr Grey, in contempt, calls him and 
 Dr Downing " the two famed casuistical divines, and 
 most eminent camp chaplains;*' and charges them on the 
 authority of Clarendon and Echard, with publicly avow- 
 ing, " that the soldiers lately taken prisoners at Brent- 
 ford, and released by the king upon their oaths, that 
 they would never again bear arms against hint, were not 
 obliged by that oath; but by their power they absolved 
 them, and so engaged those miserable wretches in a se- 
 cond rebellion." This has the appearance of forgery, 
 with a view to defame these eminent divines. Priestly 
 absolution was exceedingly remote from their practice, 
 and the object of their utmost abhorrence. Beside, the 
 Parliament's army stood in so little need of these prison- 
 ers, who are said to have been only \50 men, that there 
 is great reason to suspect the truth of the whole account. 
 
 a Calamy^s Contln. vol. ii. p. 737. 
 
76 Life of 
 
 In the year 1643, Mr Marshall wns chnspn one of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and was a most 
 active and valuable member. He was one of those divines 
 in that famous Assembly, who appeared h)r the institution 
 of the ruling elders by divine right.* He stems to have 
 been employed in writing to foreign churches for Mr 
 Baillie says: "Our letter to foreign churches, formed by 
 Mr Marshall, except some clauses belonging to us pur in 
 by Mr Henderson, is now turned into Latin by Mr Arrow- 
 smith.'* ^ In this very public office he could not expect 
 to escape the bitter censures of the opposite parry. One 
 of them, speaking of him as a member of the A sembly, 
 says, " He quickly grows to be master, and is so call* d 
 by all. They sit, not to consult for the reformation of 
 religion in things that are amiss, hut to receive the Par- 
 liament's commands to undo and innovate religion. In 
 which work, or rather drudgery of the devil, our active 
 Stephen needs neither whip nor spur; tooth and nail he 
 bends himself to the overthrow of tne hierarchy, root and 
 branch." 
 
 Mr Marshall and Mr Nye were sent, by order of the 
 English Parliament, to attend the commissioners to Scot- 
 land, whose great object was to establish an agreement 
 with the Scots, desiring their aid in the war, and some 
 of their divines to join those at Westminster, for settling 
 an uniformity of religion and church government in both 
 nations. The commissioners arrived at Edinburgh, Aug, 
 9th, 1 643, and were favourably received by the Assembly, 
 who proposed, as a preliminary, that the two nations 
 should enter into a perpetual covenant for themselves and 
 their posterity, that all things might be done in God's 
 house according to his will. Having appointed some of 
 their number to consult with the English commissioners 
 respecting a proper form, they chose delegates for the 
 Assembly at Westminster, and unanimously advised the 
 Convention of States to assist the English Parliament in 
 the war, chiefly because they apprehended that the war 
 was for religion. The Committee for drawing up the 
 
 a 3aillie's Letters, vol. i, p. 401. b Letters, vol. i. p. 4H* 
 
Stephen Marshall 77 
 
 solemn League and Covenant, delivered it into the As- 
 sembly, Aug iTih. where it was read, and highly ap- 
 plauded, both by ministers and elders, none opposing it 
 except the King's commissioner. It readily passed both 
 the Assembly and Convention in one day, and was dis- 
 patched the next morning to Westminster, with a letter 
 to the two Hjuse.^, wishing that it might be confirmed, 
 and solemnly sworn, and subscribed in both kingdoms, 
 as thf surest and strictest obligation to make them stand 
 and fall together in the noble cause of Religion and Li- 
 berty, — Messrs Marshall and Nye, in their letter to the 
 Assembly at Westminster, under ihe date of Aug i 8th, 
 36+3, assure th'ir brethren, that the Scottish ministers 
 were wholly on the side of the Parliament.* They con- 
 clude their valuable letter, in the following words: " We 
 scarcely ever saw so much of Christ for us as this day, in 
 the Assembly's carrying of this business, such weeping, 
 such rejoicing, such resolution, such pathetical expressions, 
 as we confess hath much refreshed our hearts, before 
 extremely saddened with ill news from our dear country; 
 and hath put us in good hope that this nation, which sets 
 about this business, as becometh the work of God and 
 saving of the kingdoms, shall be the means of lifting up 
 distressed England and Ireland." 
 
 Mr Marshall frequently united with his brethren in the 
 observance of public fasts, when the services were pro- 
 tracted to a great length. On one of these occasions, it 
 is said, that Dr Twisse having commenced the service 
 with a short prayer, " Mr Marshall prayed large two 
 hours, most divinely confessing the sins of the members 
 of the Assembly, in a wonderful, pathetick, and prudent 
 way. Aft^^r, Mr Arrowsmith preached an hour, then a 
 psalm; after which, Mr Vines prayed nearly two hours, 
 M* P timer preached an hour, and Mr Seaman prayed 
 nearly two hours, then a psalm. Mr Henderson then 
 spoke of the evils of the time, and how they were to be 
 
 a Neal'a Hist. vol. iii. chap. ii. Baillie's Letters, vol. i. Letter 
 xxxvi. 
 
78 Life of 
 
 remedied, and Dr Twisse closed the service with a short 
 prayer and blessing." ' 
 
 ^ In the year 1644, Mr Marshall attended the commis- 
 sioners of Parliament at the treaty of Uxbridge. In 1 645, 
 he was chosen one of the Committee of accommodation, 
 to secure the peace of the church, and to promote, as 
 far as possible, the satisfaction of all parties. The fol- 
 lowing year, he was appointed, together with Mr Joseph 
 Caryl, chaplain to the commissioners who were sent to 
 the king at Newcastle, in order to an accommodation for 
 peace. Removing thence, by easy journies, to Holmby- 
 house, in Northamptonshire, the two chaplains perform- 
 ed divine worship there; but his Majesty never attended. 
 He spent his Lord's day in private; and though they 
 waited at table, he would not so much as allow them to 
 ask a blessing. Wood, who mentions this circumstance, 
 relates the following curious anecdote: — " It is said that 
 Marshall did, on a time, put himself more forward than 
 was meet to say grace; and, v/hile he was long in form- 
 ing his chaps, as the manner was among the saints, and 
 making ugly faces, his Majesty said grace himself, and 
 was fallen to his meat, and had eaten up some part of 
 his dinner, before Marshall had ended the blessing; but 
 Caryl was not so imprudent.'* ^ 
 
 In the year J 647, Mr Marshall was appointed, to- 
 gether with Mr Vines, Mr Caryl, and Dr Seaman, to 
 attend the commissioners at the treaty of the Isle of 
 Wight, when he conducted himself with great ability and 
 moderation. The house of Commons having now many 
 important affairs under consideration, Mr Marshall and 
 Mr Nye, by order of the House, Dec. 31,1 647, were 
 desired lo attend the next morning to pray with them, 
 that they might enjoy the direction and blessing of God 
 in their weighty consultations. 
 
 In the year 1654, when the Parliament voted a tolera- 
 tion of all who professed to hold the fundamentals of 
 Christianity, Mr Marshall was appointed one of the 
 
 a Bailie's Letters, vol. ii. pp. 18, 10. 
 
 b Wood's Athenge Oxon, vol. ii. under Caryl, 
 
Stephen Marshall 79 
 
 committee of learned divines, to draw up a catalogue of 
 fundamentals to be presented to the House. About the 
 same time, he was chosen one of the triers. He was 
 justly accounted a very useful as well as adfnired preach- 
 er. Lady Brown, wife to an eminent member of the 
 Long Parliament, was once under great trouble of mind, 
 respecting the salvation of her soul. For some time she 
 refused to attend public worship, though it had formerly 
 been her very great delight. She even asked what she 
 should do there, and said it would only increase her 
 damnation ! In that dismal state of mind, she was per- 
 suaded, and almost forced into the coach to hear Mr 
 Marshall. The sermon was so exactly suited to her case, 
 and so powerfully applied to her disconsolate mind, that 
 she received great satisfaction, was filled with hope of her 
 salvation, and returned home in transports of holy joy." 
 He seems to have given great satisfaction, when he 
 preached in Edinburgh. Mr Baillie says, in his letter 
 above-mentioned: *' On the Sabbath, before noon, in the 
 New Church, we heard Mr Marshall preach with great 
 contentment.*' His sermons which have been printed 
 abound with striking comparisons, and pointed appeals 
 to the hearers; and though they are not adapted to the 
 taste of modern eloquence, it may be very easily seen 
 how they might gain much admiration in those times. 
 
 Mr Marshall has suffered greatly in his name and 
 reputation. Dr Heylin, with his usual modesty, calls 
 him " the great bell-wether of the Presbyterians.*' Mr 
 Echard, with his usual candour, denominates him " a 
 famous incendiary, and assistant to the Parliamentarians." 
 Newcourt calls him " The Geneva-Bull, and a factious and 
 rebellious divine.'* And Wood styles him " a notorious 
 independent, and the archflamen of the rebellious rout." 
 The truth however is, that he never was an independent, 
 but he both lived and died an avowed Presbyterian. And 
 respecting his rebellion, what has been before observed 
 will afford every impartial reader a sufficient refutation of 
 that charge. Dr Fuller had a better opinion of him, and 
 
 a Calamy's Contin. vol. i. pp. 466, 467. 
 
 Vol. IL M 
 
80 Life of 
 
 has classed him among the learned writers of Emmanuel- 
 college, Cambridge, and accounted hnn a mmister "welf 
 qualified for his work. 
 
 Although some persons have suspected him of desert- 
 ing his Presbyterian principles; yet upon his death bed 
 he gave full satisfaction of the contrary. Echard sa)s, 
 " This great Shimei, being taken with a desperate sick- 
 ness, departed the world mad and rating;'^ * than which 
 there never was a more unjust aspersion. He was, indeed, 
 taken ilL and obliged to retire into the country for the 
 benefit of the air, when the Oxford Mercury published 
 to the world that he was distracted, and in his rage con- 
 tinually cried out, that he was damned for adhering to 
 the Parliament in their war against the king. But he 
 lived to refute that unjust calumny, and also published a 
 treatise to prove the lawfulness of defensive war, in cer- 
 tain cases of extremity. Upon his retirement from the 
 city, he spent his last two years at Ipswich. Mr Giles 
 Firmin, minister in Shalford, who knew him in life, and 
 attended him at his death, observes, in a preface to one 
 of Mr Marshall's posthumous sermons, '* That he left 
 behind him few labourers like himself; that he was a 
 Christian in practice as well as in profession; that he liv- 
 ed by faith, and died by faith, and was an ea'ample to the 
 believers^ in "voord^ in conversation^ in charity^ in faith^ 
 and in purity. And when he, together with some other 
 persons, conversed with him respecting his death, he 
 said, " I cannot say, as one did, I have not so lived that 
 I should now be afraid to die; but this I can say, I have 
 so learned Christ, that I am not afraid to die.'* He en- 
 joyed the full use of his understanding to the last; but, 
 for some months previous to his death, he lost his appe- 
 tite and the use of his hands. He died in the month of 
 November, 1 655, when his remains were interred with 
 ^reat funeral solemnity in Westminster-abbey, but were 
 dug up, together with several others, at the restoration.'' 
 The court and bishops were not content with their tri- 
 
 a Echard^s Hist, of Enp. vol ii. p 183. 
 
 b Fuller's Worthies of Eng fol. 1662. Wood's Athenae Oxon. 
 vol. ii. edit. 2d. Neal's Hist. vol. iv. Brookes Puritans, vol. iii. 
 
Stephen MarshalL 8 1 
 
 umphs over the living Presbyterians, but they descended 
 into the grave, and dugf up the bodies of those who had 
 been buried in Westminster- abbey in the late times. 
 When the Emperor Charles the Fifth was at Wurtemberg 
 in J 547, some of his officers desiring him to order the 
 bones of Luther, to be dug up and burnt, he most nobly 
 told them. " I have now nothing further to do with Luther. 
 He has henceforth another Judge, whose jurisdiction it is 
 not lawful for me to usurp. Know that I make not war 
 with the dead, but with the living who still continue to 
 attack me." '' 
 
 Mr Baxter, who v/as well acquainted with Mr Marshall, 
 calls him " a sober and worthy man;" and used to ob- 
 serve, on account of his great moderation, that if all the 
 bishops had been of the same spirit as Archbishop Usher, 
 the independents like Mr Jeremiah Burroughs, and the 
 Presbyterians like iVIr Stephen Marshall, the divisions of 
 the church would sooa have been healed. Mr Marshall 
 appeared and wrote wdth considerable ability against the 
 baptists, and published many sermons which w^ere preach- 
 ed before the Parliament, the titles of some of which have 
 been with diligent search collected for this work. 
 
 Mr Marshall's writings. — L A Sermon preached from 
 2 Chron. xv. 2. before the honourable House of Commons, 
 at their public Fast, Nov. 17, lb40. 4to pp. 50. Lond. 
 1641-1645. — '2. A Peace-offering to God; a Sermon 
 preached from Psal. cxxiv. 6, 7, 8. to the honourable 
 House of Commons, at their public Thanksgiving, for 
 the peace concluded between England and Scotland, Sept. 
 1, i64I. 4to. pp.51. Lond. 1641. — S. Meroz Cursed; 
 or, a Sermon preached from Judges v. 23, to the hon- 
 ourable House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, Feb. 
 23, 1641. 4to. pp. 54. London, 1641. — 4. Reformation 
 and Desolation; or, a Sermon tending to the Discovery 
 of the Symptoms of a People to whom God will by no 
 means be reconciled, preached from 2 Kings xxiii. 25, 26. 
 
 a Anecdotes, vol. iii. 
 M 2 
 
S2 Writings of 
 
 before the Commons, at their public Fast, Dec. 22, 1641 . 
 London, 1 642. — 5. The Song of Moses the servant of 
 God, and the Song of the Lamh, opened in a Sermon 
 preached from Rev. xv. 3, 4. to the honourable House of 
 Commons, at their solemn Thanksgiving, June 15, 1643, 
 for the discovery of a dangerous, desperate, and bloody, 
 design, tending to the utter subversion of the Parliament, 
 and of the famous city of London. 4to. pp. 48. Lond. 
 1 643. — 6. A Copy of a Letter written by Mr Stephen 
 Marshall to a Friend of his in the city, for the necessary 
 Vindication of himself and of his Ministry, against that 
 altogether groundless, most unjust, and ungodly Asper- 
 sion cast upon him by certain Malignants in the city. 
 4to. pp. 30. London, 1643.— 7. The Church's La- 
 7nentation for the Good Man's Loss; delivered in a 
 Sermon from Micah vii. J , 2. to the Right honourable 
 the two Houses of Parliament and the reverend Assembly 
 of Divines, at the Funeral of that excellent Man, John 
 Pym, Esquire, a late Member of the honourable House 
 of Commons, on the 1 5th of Dec. 1 643. 4to. London, 
 1644. — 8. A Sacred Fanegyrick; or, a Sermon of 
 Thanksgiving, preached from 1 Chron. xii. 38, 39, 40, 
 to the two Houses of Parliament, his Excellency the Earl 
 of Essex, the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, and 
 common Council of London, the reverend Assembly of 
 Divines, and Commissioners from the Church of Scotland. 
 4to. pp.32. London, i644. — 9. A Divine Project to 
 save a Kingdom, opened in a Sermon from Numb. xxv. 
 10, II. to the Right honourable the Lord Mayor, antj 
 Court of Aldermen, of the city of London, at their an- 
 niversary meeting, April 22, 1 644. 4to. pp. 44. Lond, 
 1644. — 10. A Sermon of the Baptizing of Infants, preach^ 
 ed from 1 Pet. iii. 21. in Abbey-church, Westminster, 
 at the Morning Lecture appointed by the House of Com- 
 mons. 4to. London, 1644-1645,' pp. 61.— 1 1. Gorf*5 
 Master 'Piece; a Sermon from Psal. cii'. 16, tending to 
 manifest God's glorious appearing in the Building up 
 of Zion, preached before the Right honourable the House 
 of Peers, March 26, 1645. 4to. 1645,— 12. The Strong 
 Helper; or, the Interest and Power of the Prayers of the 
 
Stephen Mar ska IL 83 
 
 Destitute, for the Building up of Zion, opened in a Sermon 
 from Psal. cii. J 7. before the Commons, monthly Fast, 
 April 30, J645. 4to. J 645 — IS. A Sacred Record to be 
 made of God's Mercies to Zion: a Thanksgiving Sermon 
 preached from Psal. cii. IS. to the two Houses of Parlia- 
 ment, the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, and common 
 Council of the city of London, at Christ's church, June 
 19, 1645 — 1645. — 14. A Defence of Infant- Baptism: 
 In Answer to two Treatises, and an Appendix, published 
 by Mr John Tombes. In this treatise, the controversy 
 is fully discussed. The ancient and generally received 
 use of infant- baptism, from the days of the apostles of 
 Christ, until the Anabaptists sprung up in Germany, is 
 manifested; and the arguments for it from the Holy 
 Scriptures maintained, and the objections against it an- 
 swered. This learned and elaborate piece was dedicated^ 
 under the date of April 2, 1646, to the reverend Assembly 
 of Divines and Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, 
 then sitting at Westminster. 4 to. pp. 256, Lond. 1646.- 
 — 15. A Two-edged Sword out oj the mouth of Babes y 
 to execute vengeance upon the enemy and avenger ; a Ser- 
 mon from Psal. viii. 2. before the Lords at Westminster, 
 monthly Fast, 28th Oct. 1616. 4to. London, 1646. — 
 16. The Ri<ihi I understanding of the Times; a Sermon 
 before the Commons, Dec. 30, 1646, Fast, from 1 Chron. 
 xii. 32. 4to. pp.46. London, lb47. — 17. A Thanks- 
 giving Sermon from Joshua xxii. 33. preached to the 
 two Houses of Parliament, in the Abbey church, West- 
 minster, 12th Aug. 1647. 4to. London, lb47. — 18. A 
 Sermon preached from Rom. xii. 4, 5. to the Right hon- 
 ourable the Lord Mayor, and Court of Atdermen of the 
 city of London, at their anniversary meeting, April 1652, 
 wherein the Unity of the Saints with Christ the Head, 
 and especially with the Church the Body, with the duties 
 thence arising, are endeavoured to be cleared. 4ta. Lon. 
 1 652, The second impression, ) ^S?>, It is said that he 
 has sermons from Isai. viii. 9. Zech. vir. 12. & Mat. xi. 12. 
 but I have not seen these, I have seen, " The Power of 
 the Civil Magistrate, in matters of Religion, vindicated j 
 and the extent of his power determined, in a Sermon 
 
84 Life and Writings of 
 
 preached before the Parliament, on a monthly Fast-day," 
 by Mr Marshall, and published by Mr Firmin, London, 
 1657. 
 
 JOHN MAYNARD, A.M. 
 
 MINISrSR OP THE GOSPEL AT MAYFfELn, AND A MEMBER OF HIE 
 ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 John MAYNARD was bom of a genteel family in 
 Sussex, at, or near, Riverfield, in England. He became 
 a commoner of Queen's- college, Oxford, in the begin- 
 ning of the year 16 1 6, compounded for the degree of 
 bachelor of arts as a member of that House, and after- 
 ward translated himself to Magdalen-hall, in the same 
 University. In the year J 622, he took the degree of 
 master of arts, entered into the holy ministry, and at 
 length was settled at Mayfield, in his own country. Upon 
 the commencement of the civil war, he espoused the 
 cause of the Parliament, openly avowed his sentiments, 
 was appointed one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, took the Covenant, and preached sometimes 
 before the members of Parliament. In i654, he was 
 appointed one of the assistants to the commissioners of 
 Sussex, for the ejection of ignorant and scandalous mini- 
 sters and school-masters. A Mr Elias Paul d'Aranda 
 was sometime assistant to Mr Maynard, who was so ge- 
 nerous as to allow him all the tithe, reserving to himself 
 the parsonage-house only, and the glebe. Mr Maynard 
 was ejected from Mayfield, by the Act of Uniformity. 
 After his ejection, he lived in that town, and was gener- 
 ally respected. He was a considerable benelactor to 
 Magdalen-hall, where he received part of his education. 
 Mr Peck, who succeeded him, was fixed on by the patron, 
 with his approbation. He died June 7th, 1665. His re- 
 mains were interred in the church- yard of Mayfield, where 
 he has a tomb-stone, with the following inscription: Thus 
 
John Maynard, 85 
 
 translated. " Sacred to the Memory of the very Reverend 
 John Maynard, of Queen's-college, Oxford, M. A. He 
 was endowed v^ith a penetrating genius; well skilled in 
 History; a divine of irreproachable manners, and of the 
 most venerable gravity, very pious and learned, and a 
 good public speaker. He shone during the space of forty 
 years the light and glory of his flock at Mayfield (by so 
 much the more happy or unhappy.) At length weary of 
 this world, and ripe lor heaven, he departed hence that 
 he might enjoy Christ for ever and ever, June 7th, 1605. 
 He fixed on this spot as the depository of his mortal 
 part." 
 
 Mr Maynard's writings. — I. A Sermon before the 
 House of Commons at their solemn Fast, from Prov. xxiii. 
 "zS, Feb. 26, 1644. 4to. London, 1645. — 2, A Shadow 
 of the Victory of Christ; a Sermon from Phil. iii. 21. 
 before the House of Commons, at Westminster, at their 
 solemn Fast, 28th Oct. 1G46. 4to. London, 1646. — 
 3. The Young Man's Remembrancer, and Old Man's 
 Monitor, 16^)0. — 4. The Law of God ratified by the 
 Gospel of Christ; or, the Harmony of the Doctrine of 
 Faith with the Law of Righteousness, wherein many of 
 the types and rites of the Ceremonial law are unfolded, 
 in several sermons, London, 1674. — 5. The Beauty and 
 Order of the Creation Displayed in the six days' work.^ 
 
 WILLIAM ME WE, B.D. 
 
 W^ILLIAM MEWE was Rector of Essington, or, 
 Eastington, in the county of Gloucester, in England, and 
 one of the members of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster. He is marked in Mr Neal's list as giving constant 
 attendance during the Session. He preached a Sermon at 
 Westminster from Isai. xlii. 24, 25. before the honourable 
 
 a Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. Calamy's Account, vol. ii. 
 Cont. vol. ii. 
 
86 Life of Thomas MicJdethwait. 
 
 House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, Nov. 29, 1 643. 
 This Sermon is entitled, '* The Robbhig and Spoiling of 
 Jacob and Israel." 4to. pp. 48. London, 1643. He 
 has an epistle which is addressed to the House of Com* 
 mons, and is prefixed to that sermon, dated Chancery- 
 lane, 1 9th Dec. 1643. I am not able to give any farther 
 account of Mr Mewe. 
 
 THOMAS MICKLETHJVAIT. 
 
 Thomas MICKLETHWAIT was a member of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and is marked in 
 Mr Neal's list as constantly attending. He was Minister 
 at Cherryburton in Yorkshire. From that place he was 
 called to sit in the Assembly of Divines at Westminster; 
 and from thence he was cast out by the Act of Uniform- 
 ity. He was father to Sir John Micklethwaic, the cele- 
 brated physician. John Micklethwait, the son, had taken 
 the degree of doctor of physic, at Padua in Italy, in 1638, 
 was one of the college of physicians, and president there- 
 of, physician in ordinary to King Charles 11. from whom 
 he received the honour of knighthood. And Dr Calamy 
 says ** the father was no less famous in the country, for 
 his piety, gravity, prudence, and learning, in his profes- 
 sion of divinity, than his son was at London for his skill 
 in the art of medicine."* I have neither seen any writings 
 by Mr Micklethwait, nor found any more information 
 respecting him, in all my researches. 
 
 a Wood's AthensE Oxon. vol. ii. Calamy's Account, vol. ii. 
 Cent, vol, ii. 
 
MATTHEW NEM'COMEN, M. A. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT DEDHAM IN ESSEX, AND A MEMBER OF 
 THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Matthew NEWCOMEN received his education 
 in St John's- college, in Cambridge. He was very highly 
 esteemed there, and eminently distinguished by his wit 
 and his curious parts; which, being afterward sanctified 
 by the power of divine grace, rendered him peculiarly 
 serviceable to the church of God. He succeeded the 
 famous Mr John Rogers at Dedham. Their gifts were 
 very different. Mr Rogers was a grave, severe, and 
 soHd, divine. His great gift lay in the delivery of the 
 solid matter which he had prepared with a peculiar 
 gesture and elocution, so that few persons heard him 
 without trembling at the word of God. He was indeed 
 one of the most awakening preachers of the age. But 
 Mr Newcomen's gifts lay almost every way. And his 
 greatest enemies must allow, that he shewed as much art 
 as piety in his sermons and prayers, and in all his religious 
 services. Dr Collins, in his preface to Mr Fairfax's ser- 
 mon which he preached upon the occasion of his death 
 gives the following account of him. He says, *' That he 
 had thirty years acquaintance with him, and in that time 
 had been well acquainted with many learned and pious 
 persons; but that he never knew any who excelled him 
 considering him as a minister in the pulpit, a disputant 
 in the schools^ and a desirable companion. In the first 
 capacity, his gift in prayer was incomparable. He was a 
 solid, painful, pathetick, and perswasive, preacher." He 
 was a member of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, 
 and constantly attended during the session. And he then 
 preached with Mr Calamy at Aldermanbury. He was 
 employed together with Dr Arrowsmith and Dr Tuckney 
 in drawing up that admirable piece, the Assembly's Cate- 
 chism. He was also one of the commissioners at the 
 
 VojL, ir. N 
 
^8 Life and Writings of 
 
 Savoy. His management of the argument against the 
 Toleration of the Jews, though never printed, made him 
 to be admired by all persons who heard it. He had both 
 many and great offers of preferment, after he was settled 
 at Dedham; but he refused all these offers, and continued 
 there until he was turned out by the Act of Uniformity, 
 in the year 1662. Soon after he was ejected, he was 
 invited to the pastoral charge of the English Church at 
 Leyden in Holland. He accepted that charge more rea- 
 dily, because he knew that he should there have the full 
 liberty of his public ministry, which he preferred to any 
 thing in this world. He was there exceedingly acceptable 
 to Dr Hoornbeck, and the other professors and learned 
 men of those parts. And there he died of a fever, which 
 prevailed much in that city, in the year 1668, or 1669. 
 He was a most accomplished Scholar and Christian. He 
 was eminently distinguished by his universal learning and 
 piety, and by his extraordinary humility and pleasant 
 conversation.* Mr Baxter, in his own life, frequently 
 mentions Mr Newcomen with great respect, as one of 
 the principal ministers concerned in the transactions of 
 those times. 
 
 Mr Newcomen's writings, — Irenicum, a work much 
 commended; but I have not seen it. — A Sermon preach- 
 ed from Neh. iv. 11. before the honourable House of 
 Commons, Nov. 5, 1642. 4to. pp.48. Lond. J 643. 
 — A Sermon preached from Isai. Ixii. 6, 7. before both 
 Houses of Parliament, and the Assembly of Divines, 
 at their solemn Fast, July 7th, 1643. 4to. pp. 34. 
 London, 1643. — A Sermon tending to set forth the 
 Right Use of the Disasters that befall our Armies, from 
 Joshua vii. 10, 1 1. preached before both Houses of Par- 
 liament, at their extraordinary Fast, Sept. 12th, 1044. 
 4to. pp. 41. London, 1644. — The All-Seeing Unseen 
 F.ije of God; a Sermon from Heb. iv. 1 3. before the 
 Commons, Fast, Dec. 3()th, 1646. 4to. Lond. 1647- — 
 The Duty of JSuch as would Walk worthy oj the GoS' 
 
 a Calamy's Account, vol. ii. 
 
Matthew Nexvcomen. S^ 
 
 pel^ to endeavour Union, not Division, 7ior Toleration; 
 opened in a Sermon from Phil. i. '27. at PauPs, upon the 
 Lord's day, Sth Feb. 1646-47. 4to. Loud. 16t6-47. — 
 A Sermon at the Funeral of Mr Samuel Collins, Pastor 
 of Braintree in Essex, 16.57. — A Farewell Sermon in 
 the London Collection, from Rev. iii. 3. — Another 
 Sermon in the Country Collection, which is the last in 
 the volume, from Acts xx. 32. entitled, Ullimum Vale ; 
 or. The last Farewell of a Minister of the Gospel to a 
 beloved peop'e. It consists of 78 pages. Lond. iQQZ,--^ 
 The tiest -Acquaintance, and Highest Honour of Christians, 
 A Discourse on Job xxii. 21. A small book; but a great 
 treasure. London, 1668 & 1679. 
 
 PHILIP NYE, M. A, 
 
 MINISTER OF KIMBOLTON, AND A MEMBFR OF THE ASSEMBLY OP 
 DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Jr HILIP NYE was born of a genteel family in Sussex 
 in England, in the year i596. He entered a commoner 
 of Brazen-nose college, Oxford, 2 1 st of July, 1615. He 
 did not continue long there, but removed to Magdalen- 
 hall, in the same University, where, being put under the 
 care of a Puritanical tutor, he remained until he had taken 
 the degrees in arts. He was a very diligent student, while 
 he continued at Oxford. In due time, he entered into 
 the holy ministry, and officiated sometime at Michael's 
 church, in Cornhill, London, where he was in the year 
 1 630. 
 
 In the year ] 633, upon the death of Archbishop Abbot, 
 Laud was made Archbishop of Canterbury; when he and 
 his brethren renewed their blind zeal in the violent per- 
 secution of the Puritans. Many lecturers were silenced, 
 and their lectures put down. The most eminent divines 
 were often silenced, driven from place to place, and some 
 of them were driven out of the country. Mr Nye, and 
 
 N 2 
 
90 Life of 
 
 others, to escape the fury of the storm, fled to Holland. 
 He crossed the seas, that he might avoid the severe cen- 
 sures of the Episcopal inquisitions, and be free from im- 
 positions, with which he was much dissatisfied. Wood 
 says, that there he continued for the most part at Arn- 
 heim in Guelderland. He returned to England about 
 the beginning of the Long Parliament, and, by the favour 
 of the Earl of Manchester, he became minister of Kim- 
 bolton in Huntingdonshire. In the year 1643, he was 
 appointed one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, 
 sitting in which he had the rectory of Acton near London 
 conferred upon him. He was one of the dissenting bre- 
 thren in that Assembly. Mr Baillie says, speaking of 
 Mr Nye, " When it came to his turn in the Assembly to 
 oppose the presbytery, he had, from Mat. xviii. drawn 
 in a crooked unformal way, which he never could get in 
 a syllogism, the inconsistence of a presbytery with a civil 
 state. In this he was cried down as impertinent. The 
 day following, when he saw the Assembly full of the 
 prime nobles and chief members of both Houses, he en- 
 tered on that argument again, and very boldly offered to 
 demonstrate, that our way of drawing a whole kingdom 
 under one national assembly, is formidable; yea, thrice 
 pernicious to civil states and kingdoms. All cried him 
 down, and some would have had him expelled the Assem- 
 bly as seditious. Mr Henderson shewed, that he spake 
 against the government of our's, and all the Reformed 
 churches, as Lucian and the Pagans were wont to stir up 
 princes and states against the Christian religion. We 
 were all highly offended with him. The Assembly voted 
 him to have spoken against the order; which was the 
 highest of their censures. Maitland was absent; but en- 
 raged when he heard of it. We had many consultations 
 what to do: at last, we were resolved to pursue it no 
 farther, only we would not meet with him, except he 
 acknowledged his fault. The Independents were resolute 
 not to meet without him, and he was resolute to recal 
 nothing of the substance of what he had said. At last, 
 we were intreated by our friends, to shuffle it over the 
 best way might be, and to go on in our business. God, 
 
Philip Nye. 91 
 
 who brings good out of evil, made that miscarriage of 
 Nye a mean to do him some good ; for, ever since, we 
 find him, in all things, the most accommodating man in 
 the company.'* * 
 
 When Mr Baillie is speaking respecting the Indepen- 
 dents having the communion every Sabbath, without any 
 preparation before, or thankvSgiving after; little examina- 
 tion of the people, 2nd the like, he adds: *' Mr Nye told 
 us his private judgement was, that in preaching he thinks 
 the minister shoidd be covered, and the people uncovered; 
 but in the sacrament, the minister should be uncovered, as 
 a servant, and the guests all covered." ^ Mr Baillie also 
 says, '' As for the Assembly, these three weeks, Mr Nye, 
 and his good friend Mr Herle, has kept us on one point 
 of our directory alone, the recommending of the commun- 
 icants coming up to the table to communicate. Their way 
 of communicating, of some at the table, and some about 
 it, without any succession of companies to more tables, is 
 that whereon we stick, and are like to stick longer." ^ 
 
 In 1 643, Mr Nye and Mr Stephen Marshall were sent 
 with the commissioners who went from the English Par- 
 liament into Scotland, in order to obtain and establish an 
 agreement with the Scottish nation, and to desire their 
 assistance. The reader may see more respecting that im- 
 portant business, in the Life of Mr Marshall. — Mr Hume 
 says, in his history of England, chap. Ivii, 1463, " That 
 Marshall and Nye were two clergymen of signal author- 
 ity." — Mr Nye was exceedingly zealous and active in 
 promoting, and in recommending, the Solemn League 
 and Covenant. He dehvered an excellent speech, before 
 the subscribing of that covenant, to the honourable House 
 of Commons, and to the reverend Divines of the Assem- 
 bly, at Margaret's, Westminster, 25\h of Sept. 1643. 
 This speech was published by special order of the House 
 of Commons, and has been repeatedly printed. He was 
 one of the chaplains who attended the commissioners, 
 who went from the Parliament to King Charles L into th^ 
 isle of Wight, in the year 1647. 
 
 a Baillie*s Letters, vol. i. p. 437. 
 b Letters, vol. i. p. 440. c Letters, vol. ii. p- 33. 
 
92 
 
 Life and Writings of 
 
 In the year 1 65S^ he was appointed one of the Tri ts 
 of ministers. In the year 16^4, when the ParLament 
 voted a toleration of all who professed to hold the iuuda- 
 mentals of Christianity, Mr Nye was appointed one of 
 the committee of learned divines, to draw up a catalogue 
 ot the fundamentals to be presented to the House; and he 
 acted in that business. He was also constituted an assist- 
 ant to the commissioners of London for ejecting ignorant 
 and scandalous mmisters and school-masters. He was a 
 principal man in managing the meeting of the congrega- 
 tional churches at the Savoy by the Protector's order, 
 where the Declaration of the Faith and Order and Prac- 
 tice in the congregational churches in England was agreed 
 upon, by their elders and commissioners, Oct. J 2, 1 658, 
 This Declaration was printed, 1 659, and in the following 
 year was translated into Latin by Professor Hornbeck, 
 and published at the end of his Epistola ad Duraem de 
 Jndcpendentismo, There was scarcely a book upon the 
 disciplinarian controversy, which Mr Nye had not looktd 
 into; as may be seen by his little book which is entitled. 
 Beams of former Light^ he. Soon after the restoration 
 of King Charles II. there was an order of Parliament for 
 lodging his papers wdth the Archbishop of Canterbury at 
 Lambeth, where these are said to have remained a consi- 
 derable time. He was a great politician; and it was de- 
 bated in council after the King's restoration, for several 
 hours, whether he should be excepted for life, because 
 he had acted highly against the King, and had been a 
 particular instrument in bringing all things into confusion. 
 The result was, *' That if Philip Nye should after the 
 first of September, in the same year, accept or exercise 
 any office, ecclesiastical, civil, or military, he should to 
 all intents and purposes in law stand as if he had been 
 totally excepted for life." He was ejected from Bartho- 
 lomew behind the Exchange, London, and lived and 
 preached privately as opportunity offered, to a congrega- 
 tion of dissenters. He died in the parish of Michael, 
 Cornhill, or near it, in London, in the month of Septem- 
 ber, in the year 1672, when he was about seventy-six 
 years of age. His remains were buried in Michael's 
 
Flidip Nye. 93 
 
 church, Cornhlll. He left behind him the character of 
 a man of uncommon depth, and one who was seldom if 
 ever out reached. Dr Calamy says, that he had a com- 
 plete History of the Old Puritan Dissenters in manuscript, 
 which was burned at Alderman Clarkson*s, in the fire of 
 London.* 
 
 Mr Nve's writinG:s. — 1. A Letter from Scotland to his 
 Brethren in England concernmg the Success of Affairs 
 there. 4to. London, 1643. Stephen Marshall's name 
 is also subscribed to that Letter. — 2. An Exhortation to 
 the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, for Re- 
 formation and Defence of Religion. London, 1643, and 
 there again once or twice. — 3. The Excellency and Law- 
 fulness of the Solemn League and Covenant, in a speech 
 to the House of Commons, and to the reverend Assembly 
 of ministers, 2cth Sept. 1643. 4to. 2d edit. Lond. 1660. 
 In a collection of Sermons and Speeches, at taking the 
 Covenant, Glasgow, 1741 & 1799. — 4. An Apologetical 
 Narration submitted to the honourable Houses of Parlia- 
 ment. 4to. London, 1 643. He was assisted in this by 
 Goodwin, and others. — 5. An Epistolary Discourse about 
 Toleration. 4to. London, 1644. In this Discourse, 
 Thomas Goodwin and Samuel Hartlib are joined with 
 him. — 6. The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and 
 Power thereof, according to the Word of God, &c. Lond. 
 1644. 2d edition. Wood says, Thomas Goodwin had 
 also a hand in this book. — 7. Mr Anthony Sadler exam- 
 ined. — 8. The Principles of Faith, presented by Thomas 
 Goodwin, Philip Nye, &c. to the committee of Parliament 
 for Religion, by way of explanation to the Proposals for 
 propagating the Gospel. 4to. Lond. 1654. — 9. Beams 
 of former Light, discovering how evil it is to impose 
 doubtful and disputed Forms for Practices upon Ministers, 
 especially under the penalty of ejection for non-conformity 
 unto the same. 4to. Lond. Ib60. — 10. Case of great 
 and present use, &c. 1677. — 11. The Lawfulness of the 
 
 a Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. edit. 2d. Calamy's Account, 
 vol. ii. Cont. vol, i. p. 28. and Nears Puritans, vol. iv. 
 
94 " Life of Henry Pamlcr, 
 
 Oath of Supremacy, and Power of the King in Ecclesiasti- 
 cal Affairs, with Queen Elizabeth's admonition, &c. 4to. 
 Lond. i6S3. It was then reprinted, and in I6S7 being 
 printed again, it was dedicated by Henry Nye, the author's 
 son, to King Charles II. — 12. A Vindication of Dissenters; 
 Proving that their particular Congregations are not in- 
 consistent with the King's Supremacy in Ecclesiastical 
 Affairs — 1683. — IS. Some Account of the Nature, Con- 
 stitution, and Power of Ecclesiastical Courts: Printed 
 with the former. — 14. The Lawfulness of hearing the 
 Public Ministers of the Church of England, 4to. Lond. 
 1683. — He has also a Sermon extant, which was preach- 
 ed from Neh. vi. 1 L to the honourable Citizens of Lon- 
 don, 29th Sept. 1659, being the day of the election of 
 their Lord Mayor. 4to. pp. 29. London, 1661. 
 
 HENRY PAINTER, B. D. OF EXETER, 
 
 AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Henry painter of Exeter was bachelor in divinity. 
 When an ordinance passed both Houses of the English 
 ParUament for calling an Assembly of pious and learned 
 divines, with a view to settle the doctrine, worship, go- 
 vernment, and discipline, of the church, Mr Henry Painter 
 was chosen one of that venerable Assembly, which met 
 at Westminster, in 1643; and he did sit in that Assembly 
 with his brethren, according to the list of those divines 
 which has been transmitted unto us. But in all my re- 
 searches among the writings of those times, I have not 
 yet found any more particular account of Mr Painter. He 
 might probably have his education in the University of 
 Cambridge, as he is not mentioned in Wood's Athena^ 
 Oxonienses. Nor have I found his name among those 
 divines who preached before the Parliament. 
 
HERBERT PALMER, B. D. 
 
 PASTOR OF ASHWELL, IN H ARTFORDSHIRE, A MEMBER OF THE 
 ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, AND MASTER OF 
 QUEEn's-COLLEGE IN CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 Herbert palmer was bom at Wingham, in the 
 county of Kent, in England, and baptized there on the 
 29th of March, in the year J 60 1. He was descended 
 from an ancient and respectable family of that name, 
 which was related to several other notable families, both 
 of the gentry and nobility. His father was Sir Thomas 
 Palmer of Wingham, above-mentioned, and his mother 
 was the eldest daughter of Herbert Pelham of Sussex, 
 Esq. 
 
 The subject of this memoir had a polite and religious 
 education in his father's house, when he was very young. 
 His parents carefully trained him up in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord; and also exerted themselves to 
 improve his intellectual powers in the rudiments of learn- 
 ing. Their instructions were very successful. He 
 learned the French language almost as soon as he 
 could speak. The progress of his opening mind was 
 very remarkable and pleasant. It was soon adorned, 
 both with the precepts of piety and with the principles of 
 literature. Being early impressed with religious thoughts, 
 he applied unto his mother for information respecting 
 God, when he was about four or five years of age. From 
 his childhood, he was well acquainted with the Holy 
 Scriptures, which are able to make us mse unto salvation^ 
 throughjaith which is in Christ Jesus. All other knowledge 
 is but trifling, when compared with the knowledge of the 
 important truths of Divine Revelation. He read these 
 with great delight, and committed portions of them to 
 his memory, which he accounted a very pleasant task. 
 By persevering in these exercises, he soon acquired an 
 accurate knowledge of the Sacred Writings, which was 
 
 Vol. II. 
 
96 Life of 
 
 highly beneficial to him afterward. And this most useful 
 knovvl Jg-, f )r;n?d his taste, enlarged and elevated his 
 mind, and atf )rded him the noblest views of God, and 
 of divine thiuv^s, at the present time. The pious parents 
 pcrsi^vered in their duty. Many inconsiderately imagine, 
 that parents are free iroxn that caretulness and authority 
 which are indispensably necessary, when the blooming 
 youth goes out from the nursery. But it is then that 
 the carefulni'ss and authority of the parents ought to be 
 particularly manifested, in train/ng up their childreji in 
 the way in leh'wli they should ^o The youthful mind 
 cannot be too early circumscribed by the judicious limits 
 and restrictions of parental discrimination and appoint- 
 ment, and while the preceptive part of education is laud- 
 ably dictated, example should conspicuous li/ shhie to 
 establish and enforce its salutary tendency and effects, to 
 allure the observer to an imitation/ The training of 
 youth m a proper manner is, undoubtedly, a very difficult 
 and labourious work. It requires great patience, much 
 firmness of mind, and peculiar prudence, accompanied 
 with pure and devout principles. But the benevolent 
 exertions, and the laudable endeavours, of parents, in 
 training up their children in the way in which they should 
 go. shall not be in vain in the Lord, They shall be 
 crowned with success. The salutary fruits have sometimes 
 immediately appeared; but in other instances, not until a 
 considerable time elapsed. See Prov. xxii 6 And the 
 supposition is entirely false, that the vigour and activity 
 of youth will be blunted, and the temper soured, and 
 become gloomy and austere, by being too early attentive 
 to religious knowledge.^ Sin produces such dismal effects; 
 but not the religion of Jesus, which has a very different 
 tendency. 
 
 The illustrious subject of these pages appears to 
 have been really sanctified from the womb, like that 
 eminent and faithful servant of the Lord, Jeremiah. 
 When our religious youth was asktd what course 
 
 a The Instructor, No 32. p. 250. 
 b i)ee The Instructor, as abovcv 
 
Herbert Palmer^ 97 
 
 of life he should pursue; whether he inclined to be a 
 lawyer, a courtier, a country gentleman, or the like, he 
 constantly replied, That he would be a M nister of J thus 
 Lhmt. When some of his friends su gesied in order to 
 try him effectually, and seemed to dissuade h m by tell- 
 ing him, that this was too mean an empl ynicnt for a 
 gentleman, and that the ministtrs of Jesus Christ were 
 hat< d, despised, and accounted as the off" scouring of the 
 world, and the like, he always replied, '' It was no mat- 
 ter for that; for if the world hated him, yet God would 
 love him." Pensons, who have just conceptions of the 
 excellency of Jesus Christ, of the goodness of his cause, 
 and of the importance of his service, and who know, 
 that they are the objects of his love, are inspir. d with a 
 magnanimity and gladness of heart, which will make 
 them undaunted, easy and happy, in the frightful prospect 
 of the hatred of the world, and even under any p^ rseru- 
 tions from earth or from hell. What the friends of this 
 pious youih suggested unto him, in his early years, afford- 
 ed him a fair opportunity of couniing the cost, before he 
 actually engaged in Christ's pubhc service. Christ warmly 
 recommends this to all his ministers and followers, with 
 the greatest candour. See Mat x. v6 — *2 5. This devout 
 youth deliberately counted the cost, before he publicly 
 appeared in Christ's service; and he also attentively con- 
 sidered what support and comfort Christ had pr.>mised 
 to his faithful servants, in their difficulties and sufl:- rings, 
 espt'cially that they should be beloved by his Heav; nly 
 Father, who would always countenance and assist th-'m. 
 See John xiv. 23. When he looked seriously aroui^d 
 him, he saw no interests, which he thought fit to pref:r 
 to the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. And he 
 was very early dedicated to the honourable service of Je- 
 sus Christ: Choosing rather to suffer aj/lictton uith the 
 people of God., than to enjoy the pleasuj^es of sin for a 
 season: Esteeming the reproach of Chrii>t greater ricJies 
 than the treasures in Egypt, 
 
 His progress in his education was truly admirable. 
 And while others, at vacant hours, pursued their sports 
 and recreations, he constantly attended to his lesson. — 
 
 02 
 
98 Life of 
 
 He had very jast views of parental authority; and most 
 readily obeyed his parents in the Lord, in his early years; 
 and afterward warmly recommended this unto others. 
 
 When he was well instructed in grammar-learning, and 
 in other necessary branches of education, he was admitted 
 Fellow-commoner in St John's- college, in Cambridge, in 
 the year 1615, when he was about fourteen years of age. 
 Here he prosecuted his academical studies with great diii- 
 gence: and the fervour of his spirit in serving the Lord 
 was nothing abated. He took the degree of master of 
 arts, in the year 1 622. He was chosen fellow of Queen's- 
 college in the University of Cambridge, in the year 1623. 
 He was a gentleman, and had an estate of his own, be- 
 side his fellowship, which probably were sufficient for his 
 external support ; yet he cheerfully undertook the charge 
 of many scholars, as this charge was considered to belong 
 to the office. And having been accustomed to religious 
 exercises, and to learning, from his early years, devotion 
 and literature were now very conspicuous in him. And 
 this eminent tutor co;nbined a religious and learned edu- 
 cation in his plan of instruction. He prayed fervently 
 with and for those who were under his tuition in his 
 chamber, and carefully instructed them in the principles 
 of the Christian religion, and of genuine literature. He 
 also warmly recommended to their attentive consideration 
 the public exercises, which were required from them by 
 the college. These divinely appointed means of carrying 
 truth into the heart, and of improving the opening mind, 
 in concurrence with the Divine Blessing, produced their 
 appropriate fruit, and were highly beneficial to many. 
 As this respectable teacher of youth was both very pious, 
 and an accomplished scholar, he was peculiarly attentive 
 to the eternal interests of his pupils, and also to their 
 learning. Religion and learninoj ought always to be com- 
 bined in the education of youth. And both the teacher 
 and the scholar ought to pray fervently to God, that his 
 blessing may accompany their instructions. Without the 
 Divine Blessing, no instructions can be truly profitable to 
 any person. 
 
 This celebrated tutor, while he was fellow of Queen's- 
 
Herbert Palmer, 99 
 
 college, was called and solemnly ordained to the sacred 
 work of the Christian Ministry, to which he was entirely 
 devoted from his childhood, in the year 16'^4. The 
 Anointed Saviour was exceedingly precious to his soul, 
 and, therefore, he solemnly devoted himself to preach to 
 poor perishing sinners the unsearchable riches of Christ, 
 Some have thought, that it is dangerous to encourage any 
 c;ne to think of devoting himselt to the work of the Chris- 
 tian Ministry, until the Saviour has become precious to 
 his soul, whatever his learning may be. '' Those who 
 are acquainted with Gospel lYuth and beheve it, will be 
 able to conceive of reasons why danger is to be appre- 
 hended, in this quarter, without it being necessary that 
 they should disrespect literary attainments. The plain 
 Gospel has nothing in it pleasing to the natural man> and 
 while persons are in this state the pride of learning only- 
 leads them to despise it. It is therefore a wise precaution, 
 which congregational Churches have for some time used^ 
 not to encourage any one to think of devoting himself to 
 the work of the Ministry, till the Saviour has become 
 precious to his soul; and they have not been without 
 frequent warnings that this precaution is not greater than 
 is necessary." * To pay to learning as much respect as is 
 really due to it, and no more, is highly interesting to the 
 Religious World, but the task is very difficult. And any 
 plan that confines the ministerial office to those who have 
 made very considerable advances in learning, seems to be 
 dangerous, as it is founded on a principle which, if it had 
 been always admitted, would have excluded many valu- 
 able characters from pubHc usefulness in the Christian 
 church. These remarks are not designed as unfriendly 
 to learning, but the contrary; and that learning may 
 have as much respect paid to it as is really due, and no 
 more; and chiefly, that the great beauty of the combina- 
 tion of real learning and of saving grace, in the Minister 
 of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, may be clearly seen. God 
 is especially jealous of the honours of his grace, and when 
 learning tends to degrade these, it must become foolish- 
 
 a The Instructor, No. 36. p. 286. 
 
100 Life of 
 
 ness. " And while to the poor the Gospel is preached y 
 so important is its simplicity^ that when this is endangered 
 by any undue deference paid to learning, every friend to 
 vital Christianity should be alarmed.'* * 
 
 The subject of this memoir, beside having an experimen- 
 tal knowledge of the power of Divine grace in his own 
 soul, had also a large measure of gifts conferred on him 
 for the work of the ministry. He had a peculiar delip^ht 
 in that work; chiefly aiming at the good of souls and the 
 glory of God, And the Supreme Lord, who sends labour- 
 ers into his vineyard at his pleasure, did. in his own time, 
 by his special Providence, open a door for the exercise 
 of his gifts in his pubhc Ministry, at Alphage church, in 
 the city of Canterbury, about the year i6'i6. 
 
 It becomes us here to trace the steps of Divine Provi- 
 dence, which gradually terminated in placing him in the 
 Ministry at Canterbury. He was induced to pay a visit 
 to his brother. Sir Thomas Palmer at Wingham. On this 
 occasion, at the solicitation of some friends, he preached 
 a sermon at the Cathedral church in Canterbury, which 
 was highly acceptable to his auditoi*y; especially to those 
 who were truly religious among them. The report of 
 this soon reached an eminently pious and faithful minister 
 of the French church in Canterbury who went to Wing- 
 ham, to obtain an acquaintance with Mr Palmer. " Like 
 loves like,*' This interview was very satisfactory to both 
 persons, and the foundation of a profitable and lasting 
 friendship between them. Mr Delme, the minister of 
 the French church, above-mentioned, solicited Mr Palmer 
 to preach another sermon in Canterbury, which was also 
 highly acceptable to the pious people in that city. They 
 immediately turned their views toward Mr Palmer as a 
 suitable object for them, and expressed their earnest de- 
 sire to enjoy his ministry among them. And feeling them- 
 selves deeply interested in this affair, they applied to the 
 Father of Lights for direction, and succeeded in obtaining 
 the object of their desire, whom they received with the 
 most lively demonstrations of joy and gratitude. At a 
 
 % The Instructor, as above. 
 
Herhert Palmer. - JOI 
 
 Lecture here, he preached on the afternoon of the Lord's- 
 day. The oil of divine grace in his heart, and the graci- 
 ous presence of Christ with him, rendered hiin a burning 
 and a shining hght in that place. This faithful servant 
 of Jesus Christ now laboured with all diligence and with 
 much godly sincerity, in discharging the duties of his 
 office; and especially, in endeavouring to be instrumental 
 in turning men from darkness to light, and from the 
 p( wer of Satan unto God. His sermons were heavenly 
 and practical. He preached the peculiar doctrines of the 
 glorious Gospel of the grace of God, which are the foun- 
 dation of our faith and the source of our comfort. And 
 he was jealous for the honour of the truth as it is in Jesus; 
 earnestly contending for purity both in doctrine and in 
 "Worship, against the false innovations and growing cor- 
 ruptions of the times. He had not such clear views, at 
 this time, respecting the unlawfulness of the government 
 and of some ceremonies in the church, as he afterward 
 obtained; but he strenuously opposed the corrupt inno- 
 vations which were now coming in like a flood, and suc- 
 cessfully fortified his hearers against their pernicious in- 
 fluence, by his wholesome instructions. He was faithful 
 according to his knowledge. His ministry w^as remarkably 
 useful, in promoting the interests of religion, and the 
 welfare of Zion. He was highly beneficial to many, by 
 his heavenly doctrine, by his holy example, and his reli- 
 gious and private conversation. His speech, like that of 
 a genuine disciple of Christ, was always with o;race, with 
 sweetness and courteousness, which rendered it highly 
 acceptable to the hearers, and well seasoned with salt. 
 It is a just complaint, that religious conversation docs not 
 greatly prevail even in religious circles. But ministers of 
 the Gospel of Christ ought to excite others unto this, and 
 set an example themselves. Jlie lips of the righteous feed 
 many. " Spiritual discourse is spiritual food." And 
 appropriate discourse is often highly beneficial. Mr Palmer 
 excelled in this. And he always endeavoured to gain the 
 affections of his hearers, by giving them his friendly ad- 
 vice, especially in difficult and important cases; and by 
 affording them opportunities of private conference, that 
 
102 Life of 
 
 he might the better understand their spiritual condition. 
 This genuine friend of godHness used all means to instruct 
 persons in the righteous ways of the Lord. He visited 
 them, even those of the meanest rank, as often as he could; 
 and allowed them to apply unto him in their distress. He 
 was an excellent casuist; and very helpful to many who 
 came to him with distressed consciences. He was also 
 very serviceable to many by his epistolary correspondence, 
 being instrumental in promoting solid piety both in hearts 
 and in families, in the neighbourhood of Canterbury. 
 Mr Clarke, who wrote a large account of his life, says. 
 That great numbers of his Christian letters were then to 
 be seen. 
 
 This pious and benevolent preacher also contributed to 
 the welfare of the French congregation in Canterbury. 
 He could both converse and preach fluently in the French 
 language. And at the request of their eldership, he 
 preached twice to that congregation in the French lan- 
 guage, on solemn days. His labours on these days were 
 highly acceptable to his auditory, and very beneficial to 
 many souls. An aged French lady was so struck with 
 his small stature and child- like look, upon seeing him the 
 first time when he was coming into the pulpit, that she 
 said with a loud voice, Alas / what shall this child say to 
 us ? But upon hearing him pray and preach w^ith gieat 
 fervency, and with much spiritual vigour, she lifted up 
 her hands toward heaven with admiration and joy. bless- 
 ing God for what she had heard/ We are told. That the 
 Scythians, much impressed with the fame of Alexander, 
 were astonished when they found him a little man. 
 
 Mr Palmer's success in his ministry was not without 
 opposition. I'he Gospel of Christ has been very com- 
 monly opposed by wicked and unreasonable men: but 
 when the arm of Jehovah is engaged on the side of those 
 who are employed in preaching it, they may confidently 
 defy the most formidable opposition. Greater is he 
 who is with them, than all who can be against them. 
 Almighty God can make the wrath of man to praise him, 
 
 a Clarke's Lives of eminent divines. 
 
Herbert Palmer. \o^ 
 
 and the remainder of this wrath he can easily restrain. 
 He can make his grace sufficient for his servants, and 
 readily supply all their wants, and confer upon them such 
 honour and happiness as this world cannot purchase. 
 Mr Palmer's piety, zeal and faithfulness, raised enemies 
 against him in this place, among carnal, lukewarm, and 
 Gallio-like, men, who cared Jor none of those tlwip;s; 
 and especially among the cathedralists. His high birth 
 and powerful friends partly intimidated them; yer some of 
 their leaders adventured to exhibit articles against him: but 
 the goodness of his cause, and the solidity of his answers, 
 under Divine Providence, brought him off, at this time. 
 Nevertheless, his lecture in Canterbury was afterward 
 put down with the rest of the Afternoon- sermons, which 
 greatly grieved his pious hearers. By the influence of 
 several persons of great respectability, he was restored for 
 sometime; but removed from Canterbury at last. 
 
 While he was there, his friends at court employed their 
 influence, to have him made one of the prebendaries 
 of Canterbury; but were not successful, for which he 
 often thanked God. He afterward clearly saw, that by 
 this disappointment, he was mercifully delivered from 
 many temptations; for that company were afterward 
 chiefly employed, by the succeeding archbishop, in pro- 
 moting superstitious innovations. Religious characters 
 sometimes have suffered considerable injury by a success- 
 ful change in their circumstances; and disappointment 
 has often proved highly beneficial to them. 
 
 The subject of this memoir removed to Ashwell, in 
 Hartfordshire, in the year 1 632. He was presented to 
 the vicarage there by Laud, who, in his defence before 
 the House of Peers, insisted upon this as one of his good 
 deeds.* Now, as formerly, he was indefatigably labori- 
 ous, in discharging the duties of his oflice. He had just 
 views of the importance of the pastoral charge, the great 
 charge of immortal souls: and his care was chiefly exer- 
 cised respecting thejlock^ over which the Holy Ghost had 
 made him an overseer^ to feed the church of God, which 
 
 a Clarke's Lives. 
 
 Vol. n. P 
 
104 Life Of 
 
 he hath purchased with his own blood. He knew that the 
 important work in which he was engaged was the Lord's, 
 and he persevered in it with unshaken confidence, and 
 with unimpaired vigour. He was now eminently distin- 
 guished, by his increasing diligence and disinterested 
 zeal, in earnestly endeavouring to awaken the people in 
 that place to -attend unto the proper business of Hte, the 
 salvation of their immortal souls; and to personal religion, 
 and practical godliness, as expressions of gratitude for 
 redeeming love, and evidences of union with Christ, and 
 of progress in the ways of the Lord He preached twice 
 every Lord's- day, and frequently beside at other times, 
 when he had opportunity. His heart glowed with a 
 strong desire of promoting the spiritual and eternal in- 
 terests of the people. He particularly studied plainness 
 or simplicity, in his preaching; carefully condescending 
 to the capacities of his hearers. He rather wished to edify 
 them, than to discover his own learning; which he could 
 easily have done. He accommodated his language and 
 expression to the manners and habits of his auditory. 
 The plainness of preaching was most beautifully and ad- 
 vantageously exemplified, in the public discourses of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. With many such parables spake he 
 the word wilo ihem, as they xvere able to hear it. He 
 compared spiritual things with natural, intentionally al- 
 luding to those scenes of life and particular objects with 
 which his hearers were best acquainted, in the respective 
 places where he preached. By such means, these spirit- 
 ual things are better understood, and make deeper im- 
 pression on the mind of the serious and attentive hearer. 
 And ministers of the Gospel, in their preaching and 
 official duties, ought to follow the laudable example of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Our exemplary and edifying preacher was also highly 
 useful to the people, in the time of their trouble. He 
 pointedly availed himself of the advantages of sickness, 
 or of any heavy affliction, that he might be instrumental 
 in itnpressing their minds more effectually respecting their 
 spiritual and eternal interests, when the Lord had softened 
 their hearts, and opened their ears to receive instruction. 
 
Heruert 'Palmer. 10 J 
 
 As their sympathising friend, he endeavoured io slir up 
 their pure mi?ids, hy ivaif of remembrance^ " to review 
 those precious sources of everlasting consolation and good 
 hope through grace, which our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
 G )d even our Father himself hath given us, that they 
 might thankfully improve them, for establishment, growth, 
 and comfort." From the same principles, he was favour- 
 able to funeral sermons, thinking that the minds of man- 
 kind, especially of those who were nearly related, might 
 be advantageously impressed, by exhibiting suitable views 
 of death, and of the eternal world, from appropriate 
 texts of the Holy Scriptures, on such afTectinrj occasions. 
 — He also carefully catechised the people of his charge, 
 both publicly and privately ; instructing them in the prin- 
 ciples of the Christian religion, especially those who w^ere 
 young and ignorant among them. And for their help 
 and encouragement, he composed and published a Cate- 
 chism, entitled '^ An endeavour of making the Principles 
 of the Christian Religion plain and easy;** which was 
 highly approved. His glowing piety, lively zeal, and 
 ministerial faithfulness, also appeared in using all means 
 to reduce disorderly persons into order. The evils which 
 prevailed, as drunkenness, the profanation of the Lord's 
 day, stealing, profane swearing, cursing, slander, whore- 
 dom, quarreling, disobedience to parents and superiors, 
 were the subjects of his severest censures; And he re- 
 peatedly pressed and enjoined those duties which were 
 either neglected or carelessly performed among the people, 
 industriously promoting reformation in the place. He 
 engaged some of his parishioners to concur with him in 
 this arduous work, which they jointly carried on with 
 great vigour and success, according to some excellent 
 resolutions which they unanimously approved and sub- 
 scribed. He accounted it his greatest honour and princi- 
 pal work to be instrumental in doing good to the vSouls of 
 those who attended his ministry. He fully compHed with 
 the following admonition of a celebrated author to his 
 younger brethren in the ministry. " I hope my younger 
 brethren in the ministry will pardon me if I intreat their 
 particular attention to this admonition, Not to give the 
 
 P2 
 
106 Life of 
 
 main part of their time to the curiosities of learning, and 
 only a few fragments of it to their great work, the cure 
 of souU; lest they see cause in their last moments to 
 adopt the words of dying Grotius, perhaps with much 
 more propriety than he could use them: / have lost a 
 life in busy trifangy * He did not leave his people un- 
 instructed; but was constant and zealous in this service 
 of God, that they might be intimately acquainted with 
 their Bibles, and with the method of salvation by the 
 Lord Jesus Christ. '' The divine who spends all his time 
 in study and contemplations, on objects ever so sublime 
 and glorious, while his people are left uninstructed, acts 
 the same part the eagle would do, that should sit staring 
 all day at the sun, while her young ones were starving 
 in the nest.*' ^ 
 
 Mr Palmer was truly and extensively charitable. God's 
 goodness claims our particular attention. It is very con- 
 spicuous, and shines with peculiar lustre, both in his 
 works and in his word. The Lord is good to all; and 
 Ms teiider mercies are over all his works, Psah cxlv. 9. 
 And real Christians, who have the image of God restored 
 to their souls, and the love of God shed abroad in their 
 hearts, by the Holy Spirit given unto them, will natively 
 imbibe, according to their limited capacities, the same 
 benevolent and amiable dispositions which they behold 
 and admire in God. The love of Christ constrains them 
 not to live to themselves, but unto Him who died for 
 them, and in doing good to his followers. Their faith 
 works by love, and excites them to perform works of 
 love. Agreeably to this, our author was peculiarly char- 
 itable and exemplary, especially in giving Bibles to the 
 poor vrho could read, and money to those who could not 
 read, to assist and encourage them in learning. He also 
 contributed readily and largely to the other necessities of 
 indigent persons. The commands of our blessed Lord 
 and Saviour, the exhortations and examples of his apostles, 
 and of the primitive Christians, and the nature of the 
 
 a Proh ! vitam pendidi, operose nihil agendo. 
 b Christian Magazine, vol. vi. p. 366. 
 
Herbert Palmer, 107 
 
 holy calling uf ministers of the glorious Gospel of the 
 grace of God, all harmoniously unite their voice in saying. 
 Feed the hungry^ clothe the nahed^ do ^ood to all, but 
 especialltf unto those xvho are of the household of faith. 
 The poor of this world, who are rich in jailh^ and heirs 
 of the kingdom xohtch God has promiaed to them xcho love 
 Him^ are members of that one glorious body, of which 
 our bh^ssed Lord, Jesus Christ, is the head, as well as 
 tile ricli. When any member of our natural body sufi'ers^ 
 we strenuously endeavour to relieve it. We ought to act 
 in the same manner, respecting the members of Christ's 
 mystical body. And, the gratuitous distribution of Bbles, 
 among the poor, for the supply of th^ir spiritual wants, 
 is certainly highly commendable. We should also, un- 
 doubtedly, assist those pei'sons who cannot read, in learn- 
 ing to read. Reading the Bible is necessary, in order 
 that we may enjoy benefit by it, and comply with the 
 authoritative command of our blessed Lord, Search the 
 Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life. 
 And we should contribute also to the other necessities of 
 poor persons, that they may comfortably enjoy the use of 
 the Holy Scriptures, '\vl imitation of Mr Palmer, and of 
 other eminently pious persons, and above all of our bles- 
 sed Lord and Saviour. And the proper maintenance of 
 an able ministry, to enable persons the better to under- 
 stand and apply the Bible, in wliich institution the poor 
 should have gratuitously their share, ought not here to 
 be overlooked. — How shall theij hear ivithout a preacher? 
 And to the poor the Gospel is preached. 
 
 The order of Mr Palmer's family was very exemplary, 
 like that both of a real Christian and of a faithful minister 
 of the Gospel. His house was, in an eminent sense, a 
 school of religion, where the best instructions for the ad- 
 vantage of souls were always enjoyed. He was peculiarly 
 careful that none should be admitted into his family, but 
 such persons as were either really godly, or at least will- 
 ing to be instructed in the ways of God. He was con- 
 stant in family- worship twice every day, not allowing any 
 member of the family to be absent, when he read to therr* 
 some portion both of the Old and New Testaments, and 
 
lOS Life of 
 
 prayed with them. He also catechised his family twice 
 every week, and likewise required from them some ac- 
 count of the sermons which were preached on the Lord's 
 day, when he repeated these sermons to them, for their 
 edification. He had firmly resolved, that he and Jiis house 
 rcoufci se7^ve the Lord, Religion, in the power of it, will 
 not be confined v/ithin the walls of the church, but will 
 also appear and shine in the family and in the whole con- 
 versation. True religion will be family-religion While 
 he v/as at Ashv/elU the sons of several respectable persons 
 of the nobility and gentry desired to spend some time in 
 his house, that they might have the benefit of his family- 
 instructions and of his learned and pious conversation. 
 He maintained in his house an assistant as a tutor to these 
 young gentlemen. And he required of them the same 
 account in catechising and repetitions as of his own ser- 
 vants. A chapter of the Holy Scriptures was also daily 
 read by one of those gentlemen in course, after dinner 
 and supper, and he whose turn it was to read, was also 
 required to repeat from memory the substance of what he 
 had read. By this practice, much useful knowledge was 
 obtained. Mr Palmer afterward explained what appeared 
 difficult, and made some observations from the most re- 
 markable passages. Beside, he required that after every 
 meal his servants should have some portion of Scripture 
 read among them, or a part of some important religious 
 treatise. He was peculiarly careful that all his family should 
 remc77iber the Sabbath- day y to keep it holy. He required 
 them to cease from their work sooner the night before 
 the Sabbath than on other nights, that they might be 
 better disposed for the religious exercises of the following 
 day. On that day, he called his family together, and enga- 
 ged in prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures, and in singing 
 psalms with them; and in due time, he carefully collected 
 all his family to go with him to the solemn assembly, that 
 they might be present at the whole of the public divine 
 service. In the evening of the day, he required of all his 
 servants, and of the young gentlemen who were in his 
 house, an account of such portions of the Sacred Writings 
 as had been read in public j and warmly exhorted them 
 
Herbert F aimer, 3 09 
 
 to meditate in private upon what they had heard in public. 
 Neither family- worship nor secret devotion were neglected. 
 Mr Palmer allowed no food for the body to be prepared 
 on the Lord*s-day in his house, except what was necessary 
 for a comfortable refreshment. No feasting on that day. 
 If he had known, that any dish which was brought to the 
 table had hindered any of his servants, in preparing it, 
 from attending divine ordinances, he would not eat any 
 part of that dish. He found very great delight in com- 
 munion with God, and was much employed in secret 
 prayer, both on the Lord's day, and on other days. In 
 that divine fellowship, he enjoyed a rich spiritual feast 
 for his soul. He indeed ^joalked with God, He scarcely 
 ever entered upon any business, either by himself, or in 
 company, without first askhig counsel at the mouth of 
 the Lord, He had a very quick and deep sense of his 
 own failings seemingly, in the most minute instances. 
 And though he walked very closely, yet he also walked 
 very humbly, with his God, in a life of evangelical re- 
 pentance and much self-denial. He often set days apart 
 with a view to humble himself in secret, by solemn fast- 
 ing and prayer, at the calls of Divine Providence. He 
 also observed times of solemn thanksgiving for mercies 
 received. Giving thanks always for all things unto God 
 and the Father^ in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 He entered God's gates with thanksgiving, and his courts 
 with praise. He served God with fastings and with pray- 
 ers night and day. He was a very great admirer of the 
 Holy Scriptures; and his accurate knowledge and readi- 
 ness in these were very remarkable. Beside what he 
 read and heard read in his family, he very frequently 
 read by himself some part both of the Old and New Tes- 
 taments, and wrote short meditations and observations 
 on the passages which he thus read. Some hundred 
 sheets of these meditations were left behind him. He 
 could very readily quote chapter and verse of the Sacred 
 Writings, in a great number of instances, with surprizing 
 exactness. He was a most careful observer of Divine 
 Providence, and of its exact agreement with the Word of 
 God. 
 
110 Lye of 
 
 During the year 1 632, he was chosen one of the preach- 
 ers to the University of Cambridge, by which, having 
 proceeded bachelor of divinity about two years before, he 
 had authority to preach as he should have occasion, in 
 any part of England. In the year ] 640, he and the cele- 
 brated Dr Tuckney wer^ chosen clerks of the convocation 
 for the diocese of Lincoln. Being now eminently distin- 
 guished by his learning and piety, he was, in the year 
 1 643, appointed one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, and afterward one of their Assessors, in which 
 place he behaved with great prudence and integrity. In 
 that A^enerable Assembly, he was an illustrious and highly 
 useful member. He was peculiarly distinguished by his 
 excellent talents, and unwearied industry, and was very 
 seldom absent, and never but upon urgent and unavoid- 
 able occasions. That public and honourable service of 
 the church of Christ, which the members of that famous 
 Assembly were employed in, was very delightful to him, 
 and he was richly furnished for it. He had a quick ap- 
 prehension, a very tenacious and vast memory, a solid 
 and steady judgment, and a very ready elocution. In 
 matters which required deliberation, he discovered much 
 Christian prudence. In debates, whether respecting 
 doctrine or discipline, he shewed very great sagacity in 
 searching out the true sense of the Holy Scriptures, a 
 clear understanding, and much strength of reason, in the 
 accurate statement of questions for debate, in confirming 
 the truth, and dissolving objections against it. In his 
 judgment, he was for the Presbyterian form of church- 
 government, the principles of which he well understood, 
 and had great ability to defend. He was an eminent in- 
 strument in promoting that form of church-government. 
 At first, indeed, he was much unsatisfied respecting the 
 divine right of ruling elders, but by the learned debates 
 in the Assembly, he received satisfaction on that subject; 
 especially by the authority of 1 Cor. xii. 'IS^ where gov- 
 ernment is attributed to a distinct rank of officers who 
 are inferior to teachers, and of i Tim. v. 17, which im- 
 plies, that there are other elders who rule well, beside 
 those who labour in the word and doctrine. Mr Baillie, 
 
Herbert Palmer. 1 1 1 
 
 speaking of the dispute in that Assembly, respecting the 
 divine right of ruling elders, says, " When all were tired, 
 it came to the question. There was no doubt but we would 
 have carried it by far most voices ; yet because the oppo- 
 sitcs were men very considerable, above all gracious and 
 learned little Palmer, we agreed upon a committee to sa- 
 tisfy, if it were possible, the dissenters.'* * It appears that 
 the celebrated Mr Palmer, at last, received satisfaction 
 respecting ihat matter. 
 
 Upon his being called to attend the Assembly of divines 
 at Westminster, he was obliged to give up his ordinary 
 residence at Ash well, and could only make some occa- 
 sional visits to that place. He was succeeded at Ashwell 
 by the eminently pious Mr John Crow, who was afterward 
 silenced, in the year 1 662, as Dr Calamy informs us in 
 his Account of the ejected ministers. Mr Palmer having 
 tasted that the Lord was gracious, resolved to employ all 
 his time and talents in the honourable work of the mini- 
 stry, and in promoting the interests of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. He accordingly preached when desired in 
 different churches in and about London. But he was 
 determined in his own mind, to accept the first invitation 
 for the constant exercise of his ministry. And he readily 
 accepted an invitation to Duke's-place, London, though 
 the external support was small. But afterward, having 
 received a very pressing invitation, he became pastor at 
 New Church, Westminster. He was the first pastor of 
 that church. He was succeeded at Duke's-place by Mr, 
 afterward, Dr Thomas Young, an eminent and worthy 
 divine. In each of these situations, Mr Palmer was high- 
 ly esteemed, and his preaching, expounding, catechizing, 
 and other ministerial labours, as formerly, were most 
 abundant. He was always abounding in the work of the 
 Lord. He was also one of those divines, who, by ap- 
 pointment of Parliament, carried on the morning lecture 
 at the Abbey-church, Westminster, It is truly wonder- 
 ful, that a person of such a weakly constitution could 
 perform so much work. But as his day -was^ so was his 
 
 a Baillie's Letters, vol. i. p. 401. 
 
 Vol. II. O 
 
112 Life Of 
 
 strength. He continued frequently to speak in public for 
 the space of six or eight hours on a Sabbath-day, beside 
 spending a considerable time in more private exercises of 
 prayer, repetition of sermons, pious exhortations, and 
 the hke, in the family. When his friends advised him 
 to spare himself, suggesting that so much labour was 
 hurtful to him, and beyond what his constitution admit- 
 ted; he replied, '' That his strength would spend of itself, 
 though he: did nothing; and it could not be better spent 
 than in God's service/* Having now obtained a very 
 high repuration both for learning and piety, he was, on 
 the 1 Ith of April, in the year i64+, constituted master 
 of Queen's CO lege, in Cambridge, by the Earl of Man- 
 chester, who was at that time employed by an ordinance 
 of Parliament, for the reformation of that LFniversity. In 
 that place, he succeeded Dr Edward Martin, who was 
 one of Archbishop Laud's chaplains, and a man of very 
 high principles. Under the peculiar care and encourage- 
 ment of the celebrated new master, the college flourished 
 exceedingly, even to the great admiration of all persons. 
 He laboured with indefatigable industry in promoting 
 both rehgion and learning, in his college. He was ex- 
 ceedingly careful that no person should be admitted to a 
 scholarship or fellowship, who was not both religious and 
 learned; that the whole society should attend the public 
 worship of God, and strictly observe the Lord's- day. He 
 also closely attended to the instruction both of the young 
 scholars, and of the colkge-servants, in the principles of 
 religion. The exercises of common places, or sermons 
 in the chapel, which had formerly been in use, only in 
 term- time, he caused to be continued weekly all the year. 
 And when he was present in the college, he frequently 
 either preached himself, or expounded some part of the 
 Holy Scriptures to them. He looked particularly into 
 the several conversations of all persons. He required the 
 constant performance of public exercises, by persons of all 
 ranks. He used his utmost endeavours to have the college 
 library furnished with good authors. He readily gave him- 
 self, and excited other persons: to give, considerable sums 
 of money for that purpose. And some dues, which were 
 
Herbert Palmer. 1 j 3 
 
 payable to the college, and had been formerly employed in 
 feasting, were, by his means, converted to purchase valua- 
 ble books for the library. He bestowed also a considerable 
 part oh his profits in that place, upon the yearly maintenance 
 of pour scholars. — When any persons solicited him for 
 preterment of their friends, he constantly replied, " That 
 il they were found to deserve it better than others, they 
 should have it; but if otherwise, they must expect to go 
 without it." And his actings were always exactly con- 
 ibrmable to his words. — In his converse with the fellows 
 of the college, he was peculiarly careful to preserve un- 
 animity. His laudable exertions for the benefit of that 
 college were, by the blessing of God, crowned with sur- 
 prizing success. And scarcely, perhaps, was ever any 
 head of a society taken from them with more deep and 
 general sorrow. — In the year 1645, he was appointed, by 
 order of Parhament. one of the committee of accommo- 
 dation. He was one of those divines who subvscribed the 
 proposition, '^ I'hat Jesus Christ, as King of the church, 
 has himself appointed a church-government distinct from 
 the civil magistrate." 
 
 Mr Palmer always firmly adhered to his principles. 
 Though he would very readily deny himself when only 
 his own interest was concerned, he was constantly zealous 
 and unmoved in whatever respected the glory of God and 
 the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. Accordingly, 
 upon his being called to preach at the Bishop of Lincoln's 
 visitation, at Hitchin, he spoke with much faithfulness 
 and freedom against the existing corruptions of the church, 
 not fearing the consequences, though he was very sensible 
 of his great danger. When the disgraceful Book of 
 Sports, bowing to the altar, reading part of the service 
 in the chancel, and other innovations, were enjoined, he 
 firmly resolved rather to lose all, than olfend God by en- 
 couraging superstition and profaneness. But the haughty 
 prelates seem to have been more favourable to him than 
 to some others. He constantly and vigorously opposed 
 the superstitious and unrighteous oath of canonical obedi- 
 ence. He was always a most consistent and conscientious 
 nonconformist. 
 
 Q2 
 
114 Life of 
 
 This eminently learned and pious divine was several 
 times called to preach before the Parliament, when he 
 faithfully and plainly declared what God expected from 
 them, and freely reproved what was amiss. He v/as ac- 
 customed to say, " that he did not in that place preach 
 before them, as before a judge^ but to them authorita- 
 tively, as by commission from God. And how much 
 soever they might be superior to him in other respects, 
 yet he was in that place superior to them, as acting in 
 God*s name; and therefore would not be afraid to speak, 
 whatever was the will of God that he should tell them, 
 notwithstanding any displeasure or danger which might 
 by this means befal him for so doing.*' By his sermons 
 before the Parliament, he has incurred the great displea- 
 sure and severe censure of some historians. But what 
 such writers have advanced, evidently with a design to 
 blacken the memory of one of the best of men, only re- 
 quires to be fairly stated in the author's own words, that 
 it may be completely refuted. And what these scurrilous 
 writers have brought forth against that eminently learned 
 and pious divine, will remain a stigma upon their own 
 character, and a reproach to their memory, as long as 
 men are disposed to read and to examine with candour 
 the impartial records of history. 
 
 Mr Palmer was eminently distinguished for his temper- 
 ance and sobriety. He abstained altogether from strong 
 drink, and he drank wine very sparingly, and only when 
 necessity required. He commonly eat only of one dish 
 at a meal, and that was often not the most delicate. He 
 scarcely used any recreation; but instead of that, he re- 
 freshed himself with the Christian conversation of his 
 friends. He accounted time very precious. 
 
 His last sickness was not long, his constitution being 
 weakly, and his natural strength much spent; but his 
 behaviour was highly pleasing. His conversation wa§ 
 holy and heavenly. He lived piously, and died cheerful* 
 ly, in the exercise of faith, patience, and submission to 
 the will of God. He was much engaged in prayer, for 
 himself, that God would heal the sinfulness of his nature, 
 pardon all his transgressions, deliver him from aia evil 
 
Herbert Palmer, 1 1 5 
 
 heart of unbelief, and from temptation; — teach him to 
 improve all providences, and to live upon Christ and the 
 promises. He also prayed much for the nation, for the 
 church of God, and for all with whom he stood connect- 
 ed. He prayed particularly for Scotland, the churches 
 in France, New England, and foreign plantations. — 
 j^fterv'i^rd, having forgotttn to crave a blessing upon 
 som.ething which was given him, he prayed, "'' Lord, 
 pardon my neglect and forgetfulness of thee. — Lord, 
 glorify thy name in my poor spirit; and let none of thy 
 people ever see me shrink from thee, for Jesus Christ^s 
 sake-" When his friends recommended him to cast the 
 burden of his pains and sickness upon the Lord his God, 
 he said, '' I should act very unworthily, if after I have 
 preached to others, that they should cast their burdens 
 upon God, I should not do so myself." — Having spent 
 his life in the most laborious study, and in promoting 
 the cause of Christ and the interests of true religion, he 
 resigned his spirit to God who gave it, in the firm hope 
 of eternal life, through the Lord Jesus Christ, in the year 
 1647, aged forty-six years. His remains were interred 
 in the New church, Westminster."* 
 
 Mr Palmer was a gentleman of a low bodily stature, 
 and had a weakly constitution; but his soul was richly 
 adorned with a splendid variety of talents and graces. He 
 was highly distinguished by constancy and courage, in 
 the most trying situations, and by unshaken fidelity to his 
 engagements. He v/as indefatigably laborious. He had 
 a competent estate, and chose a single life, and was there- 
 fore able to do much for the benefit of his fellow-creatures. 
 He generously maintained several poor scholars at his own 
 expence, in the college, and at his death, he left a con- 
 siderable sum of money for that purpose. Granger styles 
 him ^' a man of uncommon learning, generosity, and 
 politeness;*' and also observes, " that he possessed a 
 most excellent character; that he wished for peace during 
 the civil war; and that he spoke the French language with 
 as much facility as his mother tongue.** ^ 
 
 a Clark's Lives, and Neal's Puritans. 
 
 b Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. ii. pp. 182, 183. 
 
1 1 6 Writings of 
 
 Mr Palmer's writings. — 1. A7i endeavour of making 
 the Principles of the Christian Religion jjlai?i and easy. 
 In modern times, this book is entitled, The Principles of 
 the Christian Religion made plain and easy. The sixth 
 impression was printed, in 164,5. — '2. Oj making Religion 
 one's Business. — This last and several other piecus were 
 afterward published together, entitled, AIemo?ials of 
 Godliness and Christianity; the eleventh edition of 
 which was printed, London, 1673, and the thirteenth 
 edition, recommended, in a short preface, by Mr 1 ong 
 of London, was printed in 1708. — 3. Sermons preached 
 before the Parliament, one of which is entitled, '•' The 
 Necessity and Encouragement of Utmost Venturing for 
 the Churches Help, together with the Sin, Folly and 
 Mischief of Self-idolizing ; a Sermon from Esther iv. 1 3, 1 4. 
 before the honourable House of Commons, on the day 
 of the monthly solemn Fast, 28th June, 1643/' 4to. 
 pp. 71. London, 1 o43. Another is entitled, " The Glass 
 of God*s Providence toward his Faithful Ones; held forth 
 in a Sermon preached from Psal. xcix. 8. to the two hon- 
 ourable Houses of Parliament, at Margaret's Westminster, 
 Aug. 1 3, 1 644, being an extraordinary Day of Humilia- 
 tion.*' 4to. pp.66, full and close. London, 1644. In 
 this most elaborate and excellent sermon, the learned 
 and pious author exhibits the great failings which the best 
 of men are liable unto, and upon which God is sometimes 
 provoked to take vengeance. The whole is faithfully 
 applied, in a special manner, to a more careful observa- 
 tion of the Solemn National Covenant^ and most particu- 
 larly against the ungodly Toleration, pleaded for under 
 pretence of Liberty of Cotiscience. In the application of 
 the Sermon, he made a motion, that the Covenant should 
 be read every Fast-day. He adds, " I cannot but again 
 say, I am much afraid, it hath been little pondered by 
 the most of us since we have taken it. And undoubtedly 
 the great business aimed at in every rightly observed Fast, 
 is the renewing of a Solemji Covenant with God» It is a 
 duty altogether indispensible. And unto this Covenant 
 we have very great bonds lying upon us to tie us most 
 strictly. We lifted up our hands to God in ?Y, in the day 
 
Herbert Palmer. 1 1 7 
 
 of our calamity, in the time of our fear and trouble, when 
 we were very low. And since that time God hath raised 
 us verij liigh^ in comparison of our condition then, and 
 afforded us a great deal of help, from men and from 
 Himself; and it contains both the general of all our duties 
 to God and man, and very many and most necessary 
 particulars, justly and wisely limited.*' p. 42. — His re- 
 marks respecting Toleration, and other things, may be 
 read with interest. I have seen another Sermon of his 
 from Isai. Iviii. 12. London, 1646. — 4. " The Christian 
 Sabbath Vindicated, in a full Discourse concerning the 
 Sabbath and the Lord*s-day," in which he was assisted 
 by Mr Daniel Cawdrey. 2 vols. 4to. London, 1645, 
 and lb52.* — 5. " Scripture and Reason pleaded for de- 
 fensive Arms," in which he w^as assisted by some other 
 persons; but Mr Clark says, he had the chief hand in 
 that work. — It may be observed here, That though Mr 
 Palmer's judgment was clear respecting the lawfulness of 
 defensive arms, he was positively against offensive arms — 
 I have in my possession an ancient Letter of Mr Palmer's, 
 under the date of Aug. ]4, 1632. which was printed in 
 the Baptist Annual Register, Jan. 1. 1801. at London. 
 It is a valuable and religious letter. And it is said, at 
 the end of the printed letter, " This, with other papers, 
 in Mr Herbert Palmer's own hand writings are in the 
 possession of Dr Rippon.'* 
 
 EDWARD PEALE OF COMPTON. 
 
 Edward PEALE is in the list of the Divines, who 
 met in the famous Assembly at Westminster. And, in 
 the ordinance, which passed both Houses for calling an 
 Assembly of Divines, in 1 1)43, he was appointed one of 
 their number. He is marked in my copy of Neal's list, 
 as giving constant attendance. But I am not able at this 
 time, to give any further account of him. 
 
 a See Mr Cawdrey's Writings, vol. i. p. 220. 
 
ANDREir PERNE, A. M. 
 
 MINISTER OF WILBY, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES 
 AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Andrew PERNE was bom m the year 1596. He 
 seems to have received his education in the University of 
 Cambridge; for he was sometime fellow of Katherine-hall, 
 in that University. Having finished his studies at the 
 University, he, in course of time, became Minister of 
 'Wilby in Northamptonshire, where he continued a labo- 
 rious, zealous, faithful, and successful, preacher, about 
 twenty- seven years. In the year lei-S, Mr Perne was 
 chosen a Member of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, and constantly attended during the whole session. 
 Wood says, that " he was a frequent preacher before the 
 members of the Long Parliament, that began at West- 
 minster, in the year 1040, ran with those times, and 
 published several sermons." And Brook also says, " He 
 often preached before the Parliament, and several of his 
 sermons were published." But I have not been able to 
 ascertain how often he preached before the Parliament, 
 nor what number of his sermons have been published. 
 Nor have any of the above-mentioned authors given us 
 particular information of more than one sermon which 
 he preached before the House of Commons, of which 
 the reader will find an account in its proper place. Upon 
 close search, I have found that Mr Perne preached ano- 
 ther time before the House of Commons, at the thanks- 
 giving for the victory given to the forces under the com- 
 mand of Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkshire, April 23, 
 1644. But the sermon, which was preached from Exod. 
 xxxlv. 6. is said not to be printed, at least at that time. 
 
 Upon his being called up to London to attend the As- 
 sembly, he gained a high reputation, and was offered 
 several considerable preferments; but he refused all these, 
 firmly resolving, with the will of Divine Providence, to 
 
Life of Andrexv Ta^ne. ^ 1 9 
 
 return to his pastoral charge, to his affectionate and be- 
 loved people, at Wilby. In that place, by his awakening 
 sermons, and very exemplary life and conversation, a 
 most signal and comfortable reformation was, under the 
 Divine blessing, speedily effected. His holy life was an 
 excellent practical comment upon his pure doctrine. 
 While he warmlv urged the necessity of holiness upon 
 other persons, he carefully practised it himself. He was 
 a burning and shining light. His people revered and 
 loved him as a father. Mr Ainswcrth says, " He was 
 full of spiritual warmth, filled with an holy mdignation 
 against sin, active in his work, and never more in his 
 element than when he was in the pulpit.'' As his life 
 was holy, so his death was happy. He blessed God that 
 he was not afraid to die; nay, he earnestly desired to be 
 p;one; and often cried out, during his last sickness.— 
 " When will that hour come ? One assault more, and 
 this earthen vessel will be broken, and I shall be with 
 
 God.*' 
 
 He died Dec. 13, 1654, aged about sixty years. Mr 
 Samuel Ainsworth, one of the silenced nonconformists, 
 preached and published his funeral sermon. His remains 
 were interred in the chancel of Wilby church; where, at 
 the foot of the altar, is the following monumental mscrip- 
 tion erected to his memory: Here Ueth interred, Mr 
 Andrew Feme, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a 
 zealous omier ever of God's cause in perilous times, a 
 powerful and successful preacher of the Gospel, a great 
 blessing to this town and country, where he lived twenirj'^ 
 seven years. He departed Dec, 1 3, 1 654/ 
 
 Mr Perne has a place in Burnham's Pious Memorials, 
 and in Lives of the Puritans. 1 have seen only one ser- 
 mon of his, which is entitled, " Gospel-Courage, or a 
 Christian Resolution for God and his Truth ; in a sermon 
 
 a Wood's Athen3. Oxon. vol. i. Fasti, col SO. Neal>s Puritans 
 1. iv. Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. Cat. of the Preachers before 
 
 vo 
 Parliament 
 
 Vol. II. R 
 
120 Life of John Philips. 
 
 preached from Micah iv. 5. before the honourable House 
 of Commons, at Margaret*s, Westminster, at a Publick 
 Fast, the 31st of May, 1643." 4to. pp. 32. London, 
 1643. 
 
 JOHN PHILIPS, 
 
 J OHN PHILIPS is in the list of those eminent divines, 
 who met in the fam.ous Assembly at Westminster. His 
 name is also in the ordinance of Parliament for calling an 
 Assembly of learned and godly divines. In that ordinance, 
 he is said to be, " John Philips of Wrentham." And, 
 in my copy of Neal's list of those divines, he is marked 
 as giving constant attendance in the Assembly, But I 
 have not seen any of his writings, nor found any more 
 account of him. Wood, in his Athenas Oxon. 2d edit. 
 London, i72), mentions different persons of this name. 
 One John Phiiipps, who was bishop of the Isle of Man, 
 and who died in ]633, or about that time; another who 
 wrote A Summons to Repentance, Lond. 15b 4: and one 
 who wrote The Way to Heaven, The first was not our 
 divine; and we have not evidence that any of them was. 
 
 BENJAMIN PICKERING. 
 
 Benjamin Pickering was a member of the As. 
 
 sembly of Divines at Westminster. In the ordinance of 
 Parliament for calling an Assembly of Divines, he is said 
 to be, of East-Hoathly. He seems to have been pastor 
 of that place, when he was called to sit in the Assembly 
 of Divines. In the year 1 644, when he was a member 
 of the Assembly, we are informed, in the title page of a 
 Sermon, which he preached at that time before the House 
 of Commons, that he was minister of God's Word at 
 Buckste^d in Sussex. He wrote his name Pikering. 
 
Life and Writings of Benjamin Pickering. 121 
 
 Mr Pickering has published the above Sermon, which 
 is entitled, '' A Firebrand Pluckt out of the Burning,*' 
 from Zech. iii. 2. 4[o. pp ^«. London, i645. And 
 he has also published a very handsome Epistle, addressed 
 CO the honourable House of Commons, which is prefixed 
 to that Sermon. In this epistle, he exhorts the honour- 
 able senators, to set up a faithful ministry, and to estab- 
 lish judgment and justice in the gates — to let their zeal 
 for the Lord burn,' setting up his worship and ordinances 
 in purity. Lie says, " Be zealous for Christ's cause: 
 delay not to establish his government and discipline with 
 vigour. Proceed so in your reforming, that glory may 
 dwell in our land; that mercy and truth, righteousness 
 and peace may meet together, and kiss each other,— 
 Continue in your integrity, and the Lord will continue 
 a sun and shield to you. — i\lthough Satan be at your 
 right-hand, fear not, so long as our Mediator sits at the 
 right'hand of God." 
 
 The following are some of his remarkable expressions 
 and sayings, in his sermon. " It is the Lord's plea- 
 sure that the condition of his church many times should 
 be such, as the prophet expresseth : / beheld the earthy 
 and, lo^ it was without form and void; and the heavens^ 
 and they had no li^ht^ Jer. iv. 23. Thus it was with 
 God's people in the Babylonish captivity. Heaven and 
 earth, church and commonwealth, were in confusion. 
 The best undertakings meet with greatest discourage- 
 ments — The devil will still be hindering the acting 
 hand, in the things of God. The devil hateth all divine 
 order and pure ordinances, therefore he resists Joshua, 
 in whom the priesthood and divine worship were restor- 
 ed. — Doctrine: God's people may be in the burning, 
 but they shall certainly be rescued and perfectly deliv- 
 ered. — God's wisdom is best seen, when we are at our 
 wit's end ; and the Lord's power is most manifest, when 
 we are at the extremity of misery; when we think and 
 say, we are cut off for our parts. — Every sin makes us as 
 ready to take fire, even as gun powder: let its therefore 
 have grace^ wherehij we maif serve God acceptablij with 
 reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming 
 
 R 2 
 
122 Life of Samuel de la Place* 
 
 fire: and this fire of the enemy is dreadful. — He has now 
 drawn out his sword to avenge the quarrel of his Covenant, 
 and the fire of his anger burns; but he may complain as 
 of old, The Founder melts in vain. — When we are in the 
 burning, look up to Jesus Christ. — In Christ we shall 
 have safety. Labour for the Spirit of comfort; the re- 
 freshings of this Spirit, as living water, will cool the heat 
 of the spent soul. Pray that the Lord would mitigate the 
 flames — and labour to be constant — hold fast the name of 
 Christ."— 
 
 From what our author has published to the world, he 
 appears to have been furnished with considerable abilities, 
 to have been pious and learned, and very courageous in 
 the cause of truth. 
 
 SAMUEL DE LA PLACE, 
 
 Samuel de la place was Minister of the French 
 church, and a member of the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster. His name is in the ordinance of the Par- 
 liament for calling an Assembly of learned and godly di- 
 vines, in the year 1643; and it is also in the list of the 
 divines who met in the Assembly at Westminster that 
 year. And, he was one of the divines in that Assembly, 
 who subscribed the proposition, " That Jesus Christ, as 
 King of the Church, hath himself appointed a church- 
 government distinct from the civil magistrate." — 
 I cannot give any farther account of Mr de la Place. 
 
WILLIAM PRICE, B. D. 
 
 W^ILLIAM PRICE was one of the Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster. His name is both in the ordinance of 
 the Parliament for calling the Assembly, and also in the 
 list of those divines who met in it. In the ordinance of 
 the Parliament, he is said to be, " Mr Price of Paul's 
 Church in Covent- Garden.'* In the title-page of his ser- 
 mon, in 1 646, he is said to be " Pastor of Waltham- 
 Abbey, and one of the Assembly of Divines." And we 
 find, that in the year 1646, Mr Obadiah Sedgwick be- 
 came preacher at Paul's, Covent- Garden. Mr Baillie 
 considers Mr Price among the ablest divines in the As- 
 sembly, when speaking of his being against the institution 
 of the ruling elder by divine right.'' Mr Price subscribed 
 the above-mentioned proposition, respecting Jesus Christ, 
 as King of the Church. 
 
 Mr Price has published a Sermon, which is entitled, 
 " Man's Delinquency attended by Divine Justice, inter- 
 mixed with Mercy; displayed in a Sermon from Ezra ix. 
 6, 7, 8, to the House of Lords assembled in Parliament, 
 in the Abbey. church, Westminster, Nov. 25, 164b. 
 Fast." 4to. London, 1646. In that valuable sermon, 
 Mr Price has the following choice sayings.—" We are 
 ashamed of our glory, and glory in our shame. — When 
 the soul- wounded publican durst not look up to heaven, 
 heaven looked down to him." Speaking of sinning against 
 clear light, he says, " Great knowledge greatens sins; for 
 knowledge is like the unicorn's horn, that doth well in a 
 wise and good man's hand, but ill on a beast's head." I 
 have seen this sermon of Mr Price's both in England and^ 
 in Scotland. 
 
 a Baillie'g Letters, vol. i, p. 401 . 
 
 Vol.. II. S 
 
NICHOLAS PROFFET. 
 
 Nicholas PROFFET was one of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster. His name is both in the ordi- 
 nance of Parliament for calling that Assembly, and also 
 in the list of tho^e divines who met there. And, in Neal's 
 list, he is marked as giving constant attendance during 
 the' session. He was sometime rector of Peter's in Marl- 
 borough, in the county of Wilts. He was in Marlborough, 
 when ^he was appointed by the Parliament to sit in the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster. In the year i 644, 
 it is said, that he was then Minister of Edmonton., and 
 one of the Assembly of Divines. Edmonton is a village 
 of Middlesex, in the nighbourhood of London, and a 
 convenient place for attending the Assembly. 
 
 Mr ProfFet has published a very good and seasonable 
 sermon, which is entitled, '' England's Impenitence un- 
 der Smiting, Causing Anger to Continue, and the De- 
 stroying hand of God to be stretched forth still;" a sermon 
 preached from Isai. ix. 13. before the honourable House 
 of Commons, at a Public Fast, Sept 25, lb44. 4to, pp. 
 48. London, ib45. He was also the author of a very 
 judicious Epistle, which was prefixed to this sermon, and 
 addressed to the honourable House of Commons. 4to. 
 pp 4. Both this sermon and the epistle were again 
 printed at Dumfries, in the year 1799, and dispersed 
 through the south of Scotland, and in several parts of 
 England and Ireland and very highly esteemed by some 
 persons. The author of these Memoirs has a number of 
 the copies of this valuable sermon in hand, price 6d. 
 He is sorry, upon reading the sermon, that he cannot 
 give any farther account of Mr Nicholas ProfFet. 
 
WILLIAM RATIIBAND, M, A. 
 
 W ILLIAM R A fHBAND was a Member of the As- 
 sembly of Divines at Westminster. I cannot find his name 
 la the ordinance of Parliament for calling that Assembly. 
 It IS not in my copy ; but it is found in the list of those 
 Divines who convened in the Assembly at Westminster. 
 In Mr NeaPs list, he is said to be " Mr William Rath- 
 band, of High-gate ;" and is marked as giving constant at- 
 tendance. He seems to have been a superadded Divine. 
 Beside those who were originally appointed to sit in the 
 Assembly, in order to supply vacancies by death, deser- 
 tion, or otherwise, the Parliament named other persons 
 from time to time, who were called superadded Divines. 
 — Mr Rathband preached before the Parliament from 
 Jer. vn. 6^ at their solemn fast, July 31, 1644 ; but the 
 Semon was not then printed. Messrs Simeon Ashe and 
 William Rathband published "A Letter of many Minis, 
 ters in Old England requesting the judgment of their Ere- 
 thren in New England, concerning nine Propositions, kc^ 
 with a Preface, 4to. 1643. There were two eminent Di- 
 vines of this name, in England, about that time, the fa- 
 ther and the son. William Rathband, the father, was a 
 Puritan Divme of great eminence in his day. He preach- 
 ed nineteen years at a Chapel in Lancashire, but after- 
 ward, being much perseciin^d for nonconformitv, he re- 
 moved into Northumberland. Having published a book 
 against the Brownists, which Dr StiUingfleet quoted to 
 prove that preaching, when prohibited by the established 
 laws, was contrary to the doctrine of all the old Noncon- 
 formists ; Mr William Rathband, his son, in a letter to 
 Mr Baxter, assures him, that liis father was not to be 
 reckoned among those who held that sentiment, since he 
 exercised his ministry, though contrary to law, for many 
 years at a Chapel in Lancashire ; and after he was silen- 
 ced he preached in private, as he had opportunity, and the 
 wmes would bear, of which I myself, says he, was some. 
 
 V^oL. IL T 
 
126 Life of WiUiam Rathhand. 
 
 times a witness. Afterward, upon the invitation of a gen- 
 tleman, he exercised his ministry at Belcham, in North- 
 umberland, about a year; and from thence he removed 
 to Ovingham, in the same county, where he preached 
 about a year ; till, being silenced there, he retired into 
 a private family. He had two sons in the ministry, one 
 of whom was a Puritan of considerable eminence ; who, 
 during the civil wars, and upon the reduction of York by 
 the Parliament's forces, was constituted one of the four 
 preachers maintained by the State in that city with honour- 
 able stipends. His other son, the above Mr William 
 Rathband, was one of the silenced Nonconformists in 
 1662 ; and is said to have been one of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster, though Dr Calamy does not 
 mention this, in his Account of him among the ejected or 
 silenced Ministers. In the Account, he says, that Mr 
 Rathband was ejected from Southhold by Burntwood, 
 in the county of Essex, was M. A, brother to Mr 
 Rathband sometime Preacher in the Minster of York. 
 He had his education in Oxon. After many removes he 
 settled at High-gate, where he continued till his death. 
 In the Continuation of the Account, he says, " Mr Slater, 
 who had been acquainted with him above fifty years, 
 preached and published his funeral sermon. They two 
 were of the same college, and under the same tutor. He 
 died in October, 1695. As he is noted for the brother, 
 so was he also the son of an old Nonconformist Minister, 
 Mr William Rathband, who wrote against the Brownists.* 
 I cannot find any other nor further account of Mr 
 Rathband. 
 
 a Calamy 's Ace. vol. ii. Cont. vol. i. Brook's Puritans, rol. ii. 
 
WILLIAM REYNER, B. D. 
 
 BASTOR OF EGGHAM IN SURREY, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEM- 
 BLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 \\ ILLIAM REYNER received his education in the 
 University of Cambridge. He had much success in his 
 ministry, in his younger days, among the gentry. He 
 was offered the Presidentship of Magdalen-College in 
 Oxford, or a Fellowship at Eaton, but he declined accept- 
 ance, because he had preached against Pluralities, and 
 was firmly resolved to act according to his judgment, 
 though his living was not worth above sixty pounds year- 
 ly. He was accounted an eminent divine, and according- 
 ly he was chosen to be a Member of the Assembly of Di- 
 vines at Westminster, and is said to have given constant 
 attendance during the session. He was one of those who 
 subscribed the proposition that " Jesus Christ, as King 
 of the church, hath himself appointed a church- govern- 
 ment distinct from the civil magistrate." He was Minis- 
 ter of Eggham, in the county of Surrey, near London, 
 about forty. six years. He was cast out from that place, . 
 by the Act of Uniformity. He had no visible prospect 
 of a future subsistence when he was ejected ; and yet he 
 lived cheerfully, and was never in want, under, the unre- 
 mitting care of Divine providence. And when he died he 
 was worth little or nothing. He continued in the parish 
 until his death in the year 1666, and left this world with 
 ^ good reputation. He preached privately after his ejec- 
 tion, as far as his ability admitted, and was never disturb- 
 ed. He was greatly aillicted with the stone for many 
 years, though after he was silenced, he never had any 
 acute pains. When he was dead, a stone was taken out 
 of his bladder, weighing ten ounce?, and measuring nine 
 inches and a half, in the form of an heart. He was a 
 man of general learning ; and in particular an eminent 
 Church Historian. He was intimate with Arch-bishop 
 
128 Lijeqf 
 
 Usher, and highly esteemed by him. The famous Non- 
 conformist Divine, Mr Richard Wavel, who greatly ex- 
 alted our Lord Jesus Christ, and the grace of God in 
 him, in his preaching, was sent to live with Mr Reyner 
 of Eggham in Surrey, and studied divinity under his di- 
 rection, when he left the university of Oxford. Upon 
 his being ready for the pulpit, Mr Reyner employed 
 him to preach for him one part of the Lord's day ; and 
 marrying his wife's daughter, he assisted him constantly, 
 as long as he continued to officiate in his church at Egg- 
 ham.* Mr Wavel seems to have profited much, by be- 
 ing under such an instructor. 
 
 Mr Reyner has published " Babylon's Ruining Earth- 
 quake, and the Restoration of Zion ;" a sermon from 
 Hag. ii. 6, 7, before the honourable House of Commons, 
 at Margaret's, Westminster, at their public fast, August 
 ^8th, 1644. 4to. pp. 60. London, J 644. Dr Calamy 
 says that he printed nothing but this one sermon. 
 
 EDWARD REYNOLDS, D. D. 
 
 AN EMIKENT ENGLISH DIVINS, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEAf- 
 BLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 XilDWARD REYNOLDS was born at Southampton, 
 a sea-port town of Hampshire, in England, in the month 
 of Nov. 1593. His father was Austin Reynolds, one of the 
 customers of Southampton. The subject of this Memoir, 
 being bred at the Free- school in that place, became post- 
 master of Mcrton- College, Oxford, in the year 1615, and 
 Probationer- fellow in 1620. This place he obtained by 
 his great knowledge of the Greek language in which he 
 was eminently skilful. And here he was peculiarly dis- 
 tinguished as a good disputant and orator. After he had 
 taken the degree of Master of Arts, he entered into the 
 
 a Calair.y's Ace. vol. ii. p. 656. and Cont. vol. i. pp. S5^ S6. 
 
Edicard Reynolds. 129 
 
 holy mimstry, and became a very eminent preacher. He 
 was sometime Preacher to the honourable Society of Lin. 
 coin's- Inn, and Rector of Braynton in Norrr.amptonshire. 
 Wher\ the civil wars brake out in 1 642, he espoused the 
 cause of the Parliament, " having long before that time 
 been Puritanically affected," as Wood says. In the 
 year 164<3, he was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster, and is represented as giving constant at- 
 tendance during the session. He was appouiced one of 
 the Select committee for the examination and approbation 
 oi those ministers who petitioned for sequestered livings. 
 In 164-5, he v/as chosen one of the Committee of accom- 
 modation.'* He was a covenanter, a frequent preacher la 
 London, and sometimes before the long Parliament, by 
 whom he was appointed in 1 646, one of the six minis- 
 ters to go to Oxford, and preach the scholars into obedi- 
 ence to them. After this he was one of their Visitors in 
 that University, was made Dean of Christ-Church, and 
 Vice-chancellor of the University in 1648, when he pro. 
 ceeded Doctor of Divinity. He was also Vice-chancellor 
 in 1649. But being ejected from his deanery in the lat- 
 ter end of the year i 650, for refusing to take the Engage- 
 ment, he retirv^d to his former charge for sometime He 
 lived afterward mostly in London, and preached there, 
 and became minister for sometime of Lawrence jury. 
 Afterward he struck in with General Monk, wirh a view 
 to bring in the King, using his interest for that end in 
 London, where he was much esteemed. VsTood says that 
 *' in the city of London, he w^as the pride and glory of 
 the Presbyterian party,** He was of very great respect- 
 abiHty among the Calvinists. 
 
 When the secluded Members were restored to Parlia- 
 ment they restored Dr Reynolds to his deanery of Christ- 
 Church, on the 1 Ith of March, 1659. And on the 26th 
 of May, 1660, he, with Mr Edward Calamy, was made 
 chaplain to the king, who was then at Canterbury, in 
 order to his restoration. After this he preached several 
 dmes before the King, and both Houses of Parliament. 
 
 a N^al'g Puritans, vol. iii, chap, ii and yI. 
 
 ■-4/r, 
 
ISO Writings of " 
 
 And in the end of June, being desired to quit his deanery, 
 he was the next month elected, by virtue of the King's 
 letter. Warden of Merton- College, Oxford. He now 
 conformed, and was consecrated bishop of Norwich on 
 the 6th of January following. Wood here observes, that, 
 *' after he had taken the covenant, and had preached 
 against Episcopacy and the ceremonies of the Church of 
 England, he was consecrated thereunto in Peter's church 
 within the city of Westminster." He adds, that " it 
 was verily thought by his contemporaries, that he would 
 have i;iever been giveh to change, had it not been to 
 please a covetous and politic consort, who put him upon 
 those things he did." Be that as it may, he became 
 bishop of Norwich. The times were changed, and too 
 many persons also changed with these. It is a good thing 
 that the heart he established "with grace. Wood says, 
 that *• Dr Reynolds was a person of excellent parts and 
 endowments, of a very good mi, fancy and judgment, a 
 great divine, and much esteemed by all parties for 'his 
 preaching and florid style." Another person, who was 
 well acquainted with him, says, " that he was a man of 
 singular affability, meekness and humility, of great learn- 
 ing, a frequent preacher, and a constant resident."* 
 
 He died on the 28th of July, 1676, about the seventy- 
 sixth year of his age. Neal says that " he was reckoned 
 one of the most eloquent pulpit- men of his age, and a 
 good old Puritan, who never concerned himself with the 
 politics of the Court." 
 
 Dr Reynolds' Writings. — The Vanity of the Creature ^ 
 Eccl. iv. 14, 4 to. — The Sinfulness of Sin ^ with the Use 
 of the Law^ Rom. iv. 9, and vL 12. and vii. 13. — The 
 Life of Christ : or. The Fellowship of the Saints with 
 Him, in his Lijc, Svjferings, and Resurrection. These 
 three Treatises have been all bound together in one vol. 
 4to. Lond. J6S1, and the fourth edit. pp. 535. Lond* 
 1642. — An Explication of the ex. Psalm, 4to. pp. 52.5, 
 Lond. 1632. The second edit. 1635. The third edit. 
 
 a Wood's Athenae Oxon, vpl. n. 
 
Edward Reynolds. 131 
 
 ) 642. — Meditatims on the Holy Sacrament of the Lord*s 
 last Supper. 4to. pp. 240. Lond. 1638. The 2d edit. 
 j647. — IsraeVs Fraijer in the time cf Trouble y with 
 God's gracious Answer thei^eunto, in seven sermons on 
 so many days of solemn humiliation, on tke xivth chap, 
 •of Hos. 4to. Lond. 1 645, and i 64^9. And the first ser- 
 liion also, Lond. i642. — A Treatise of the Passions and 
 PgcuUies of the Soul of Man, 4to. about 500 pages, 
 Lojidon, 1640, 1650, and 1656. All these pieces were 
 collected into one folio volume and printed at London, 
 1658, pp. 1 110, with the author's picture, and entitled, 
 '' The Works of Edward Reynolds, D. D.*'— Thirty of 
 his sermons preached on several solemn occasions, be- 
 tween the year 1634, and that of his death, some of which 
 had been different times printed, were reprinted in the se- 
 cond impression of his Works, Lond. 1 679, large folio, 
 very elegant. He wrote the English Annotations on Ec- 
 clesiastes, which are admirably done. He was also the 
 author of the Epistolary Preface to Burlee's Correptory 
 Correction, &c. of some Notes of T. Pierce of God's 
 Decrees. He is also said to be the author of The Hum- 
 ble Proposals respecting the Engagement. 4to. London, 
 1 650, one sheet. Probably he has written other things 
 which I have not seen. His writings have been much es- 
 teemed, and he is very happy in his similitudes. 
 
 ARTHUR SALWEY. 
 
 PASTOR OF iSEVERN-STOKE, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF 
 DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, 
 
 Arthur SALWEY was Pastor of Severn stoke, in 
 the county of Worcester, in England. In the time of 
 the civil war, he espoused the cause of the Parliament, 
 and was a zealous Reformer. He was a warm friend to 
 the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, and of the re- 
 formation. In the year 1643, he was appointed one of 
 
1^2 Lijh oj 
 
 the Assembly of Divines at \Vestrili^r^ter. He is marked, 
 in Mr Neal's list of those Divines, as giving constant at- 
 tendance during the session. , 
 
 He preached a sermon from 1 Kings xviii. 'Zi , to the 
 Honourable House of Commont, on the ddy of the month- 
 ly fast, 25th Oct. 1 643, at Marg^^ret's, W escminster. I'his 
 sermon is entitled, " Making Siigiiiadzed.'* 4to. pp. 2i. 
 London, •04^4. He has an Kpisde Dedicatory ::) the 
 Honourable House of Commons, which is prefiXvd to the 
 sermon. In the application of tha: sermon, he says : 
 *" Honourable Senators, Hath there not been hoiking with- 
 in your waits ? Have not many or your members un- 
 worthily forsaken ycu> and miserably deserted the glori- 
 ous cause of God ? The Lord open their eyes ana heal 
 their backslidirgs." 
 
 He warmly exhorts to take up the profession of godli* 
 ness upon good grounds, and for right ends. He adds, 
 *' Act in the strength of Jesus Christ, / ca?i do all IfiWi^s^ 
 says the apostle, through Christ uho strengthejis me, 
 Phil. iv. 13. Get your hearts warmed with the love of 
 Jesus Christ, which the apostle calls a constraining love, 
 2 Cor. V. 14, — For love has a compulsive faculty. Re- 
 ward draws, punishment drives j but love is most effica- 
 cious in persuading us unto the discharge of our duty. 
 Lastly, fix your faith upon the promises, study Moses's 
 opticks, eye Him who is invisible. Heb. xi. *27. And 
 eye the threats also. Look upon that good which God pro- 
 miseth, as the greatest good, and upon the evil which he 
 threateneth, as the greatest evil. And Honourable Patriots, 
 I beseech you suffer the word of exhortation. Let it be 
 your chief est care to follow God, in your personal holi- 
 ness, and in promoting a National reformation. Follow 
 him personally. It will be your greatest honour to be 
 his servants. — You have an admirable pattern, the zeal- 
 ous prophet Elijah, a man of such transcendant zeal, 
 that to heighten the expression thereof, some have said 
 of him, that when he drew his mother's breasts, he was 
 seen to suck in fire. I wish from my very soul, that a 
 double portion of his spirit may be given unto you, that 
 you may^ct in his power and spirit. Elijah opposed 
 
Arthur Sal-wey. 133 
 
 idolatry atid oppression, so do ye. Down with Baal's 
 altars, down with Baal's priests : do not, I beseech you, 
 consent unto a toleration of Baal's worship in this king- 
 dom upon any political consideration whatsoever, I have 
 heard that you have already voted that you will never 
 give your consent to the toleration of the Romish ma§s in 
 this kingdom. I will take up the words of David's pray- 
 er, 1 Chron. xxix. 18. " O Lord God of Abraham^ 
 Isaac ^ ando/ li^racl, our fathers^ keep this for ever in the 
 imagination of the thoughts of your hearts," He faith- 
 fully reminds them of their solemn covenants, and of mak- 
 ing the word of God their rule in the reformation of reli- 
 gion. Near the conclusion of the sermon, he says, 
 ** Shortly, I hope, a plat- form of worship, discipline, and 
 government, will be presented unto you, by those whom 
 you have employed for that purpose. I beseech you, bring 
 all unto the touch- stone of the word. Believe it. Wor- 
 thies, that form of government will be best for the state, 
 which is most agreeable unto the word. It hath been 
 often said by the bishops of the government of the Re- 
 formed churches, and they did commonly instance in Pres- 
 bytery, that it was no friend to monarchy. But I am 
 sure that Prelacy is no enemy unto tyranny. The Lord 
 guide you in the managing hereof, that what you shall do 
 herein, may tend unto the glory of God, and the good 
 and peace of his church." The sermon is well composed 
 for the time, I have seen this sermon in different parts 
 of Scotland ; but have not seen any more of the author's 
 writings, which I lament. 
 
 HENRY SCUDDER, B. D. 
 
 PASTOR OF COLLINOBORV, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OJ 
 PIVINES AT WHSTMIN.STiiK. 
 
 XXENRY SCUDDER received his education in Christ' . 
 College, Cambridge. Dr Fuller has placed him among 
 rhe learned writers of that College. He was nf:eru— i 
 Vol. 1L U 
 
1&^ Vjc of 
 
 siimister at Drayton in Oxfordshire. lu thdi sintion, he- 
 was very highly esteemed on account of hit vingular and 
 exemplary piety, his remarkable prudence, awd his ex- 
 cellent ministerial labours. Mr Wiilidm Whateiy, a 
 man of distinguished eminence, being then at Banbury, 
 Mr Robert Harris being placed at Han well, and Mr 
 Scudder at Drayton, there were three eminently pious 
 and learned neighbours, who were closely united, not 
 only in judgment and affection, but also in affinity. Mr 
 Harris married Mr Whately's sister, and Mr Scudder, 
 his wife's sister. Those three eminent men met weekly 
 for some time, and by turns translated and analyzed, 
 each person his chapter of the Bible. Afterward, Mr 
 Scudd€r became pastor of Collingburn- dukes, in Wilt- 
 shire, a county of England. And, in the year 1643, he 
 was chosenone of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, 
 and is said to have constantly attended.^ ^ He v/as one of 
 those divines who subscribed the proposition, " That Je- 
 sus Christ, as King of the church, has himself appointed 
 a church. government distinct from the civil magistrate.'' 
 He was eminently distinguished as the author of a very 
 excellent work, which is entitled, «' The Christian's Dai- 
 ly Walk in Holy Security and Peace.''' This book con- 
 tains familiar directions, clearly shewing how we should 
 walk v/ith God, in the whole course of our lives. It has 
 passed through numerous editions, and is very highly es- 
 teemed, in the present day, among serious Christians. 
 Dr Owen and Mr Richard Baxter have prefixed to it 
 their recommendatory epistles. 
 
 Dr Owen says, " it is now above thirty years ago since 
 I first perused the ensuing treatise. And although until 
 upon this present occasion I never read it, nor to my 
 knowledge saw it since ; yet the impression it left upon 
 me in the days of my youth has, to say no more, contin- 
 ued a grateful remembrance of it upon my mind. Be- 
 ing desired, upon this new edition, to give some testi- 
 mony unto its worth and usefulness, I esteem: myself 
 obliged so to do, by the benefit which I had myself re- 
 ceived from it," And upon informing us that he had 
 then given it another perusal, he adds, *« I shall only ac- 
 
Henry Scudder. 135 
 
 quaint tlie reader, that I am so far from subducting my 
 account, or making an abatement in an esteem thereof, 
 that my respect unto it, and valuation of it, is greatly m- 
 creased ; wherein also I do rejoice, for reasons not here 
 to be mentioned.— There is generally that soundness and 
 itravity in the whole doctrine of the book, that weight of 
 Wisdom in the directions given for practice, that judg- 
 ment in the resolution of doubts and objections, that 
 breathing of a spirit of holiness, zeai, humility, and the 
 fear of the Lord, in the whole; that I judge, and am sa- 
 tisfied dierein, that it will be found of singular use, unto 
 all such as in sincerity desire a compliance with the au- 
 
 thor's design.'* . j i,- u • 
 
 Mr Baxter says, " I remember not any book which is 
 written to be the daily companion of Christians, to guide 
 them in the practice of a holy life, which I prefer before 
 this : I am sure none of my own. For so sound is the 
 doctrine of this book, and so prudent and spiritual, apt 
 and savoury, and all so suited to our ordinary cases and 
 conditions, that I heartily wish no family may be without 
 it. And many a volume, good and useful, are now m 
 religious people's hands, which I had rather were all un- 
 known than this. And I think it more service to the souls 
 t)f men, to call them to the notice and use of such a trea- 
 sure, and to bring such old and excellent writings out of 
 oblivion and the dust, than to encourage very many who 
 overvalue their own, and to promote the multiplication 
 of things common and undigested, to the burying of 
 more excellent treatises in the heap." ^ 
 
 This work was so very highly esteemed, that it was 
 translated into High Dutch, by the eminently learned 
 Mr Theodore Haak, who has translated the Dutch An- 
 notations upon the Bible into English, and is said to have 
 projected the first plan of the Royal Society m London. 
 
 Mr Scudder also wrote the Life of the celebrated Mr 
 William Whately, which is prefixed to his Prototypes, 
 or Examples out of the Book of Genesis, applied to our 
 Instruction and Reformation, folio, London, 1640.* 
 
 a Wood's Athense Oxon, vol. i. p. 621. vol. ii. pp. 717, 81<5. 
 24 ^J. -gnd Brook's Puritans^ vol» ii. 
 
156 Life of 
 
 And our author was one of the preachers before the Par- 
 liament. One of his sermons, which was printed, is en- 
 titled, " God's Warning to England by the Voice of his 
 Rod, delivered in a Sermon, preached at Margaret*s, 
 Westminster, before the Honourable House of Commons, 
 at their Sol ;mn Fast, Oct. SO, 1644." The text is 
 Micah vi. 9. 4to. pp. S5. London, 1644. With a large 
 epistle Dedicatory to the House of Commons prefixed. I 
 have seen this sermon in different parts of Scotland, and 
 also The Christians Daily WaW., the 11th edition, J6T4, 
 recommended to all Professors by Dr Owen, and 
 Mr Baxter. And I have seen the i2th edition of the 
 Christian's Daily Walk, both in Scotland and EnelaRd, 
 London, 1761. * 
 
 XjAzarus seaman, d. d. 
 
 MINISTER OF ALLHALLOWS, BREAD-STREET, LONDON, MASTER OF 
 PETER-HOUSE, CAMBRIDGE, AND ONE OF THE ASSEMBLY ol 
 DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 J_^AZARUS SEAMAN was bom in Leicester, the 
 county.town and capital of Leicestershire, almost in the 
 centre of England, He received his education in Eman- 
 ucl-College, Cambridge ; but as he came to the College, 
 in mean circumstances, he was obliged soon to leave it 
 and to teach School some time for his external support. 
 Dr Calamy says, « that his learning sprang from him- 
 self.*' ^ He seems to have been partly self taught. He was 
 come time Chaplain to the Earl of Northumberland. * He 
 applied himself closely to his studies, and made very 
 great proficiency in different branches of learning. He 
 IS generally allowed to have been an eminently learned 
 man. A sermon, which he preached at Martin's, Lud- 
 gate, was the mean, under Divine Providence, of pro- 
 curing him that lecture. By his remarkable talents and 
 ^pdustry, he soon gained a shining reputation, in the re- 
 
Lazcmis Semnan. 137 
 
 llgioiis and learned world. And he canre to be pastor of 
 AllhalIow5, in Bread-strcet, London. He was present- 
 cd, by Bishop Laud to Bread-street parish, in 1642, by 
 order of Parliament ; but Laud informed the Earl of 
 Northumberland, whose chaplain Mr Seaman was, that 
 put of respect to his Lordship, he had before he receiv- 
 ed that order designed him for that benefice. 
 
 In ) 643, ^.r Seaman was chosen one of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster, and is said to have constantly 
 attended. He appeared very active in the Assembly, and 
 was eminently skilful in managing controversies in divinirv. 
 Mr William Jenkyn, who was intimately acquainted with 
 him, and who at his desire preached his funeral sermon, 
 says ; *' He was a person of a most deep , jnercwg, and eagle- 
 eyed judgment in all points of controversial divinity. He 
 had few equals, if any superiors, in ability to decide and 
 determine a dark and doubtful controversy. K^e could 
 state a theological question with admirable clearness and 
 acuteness, and knew hov/, in a controversy, to cleave, 
 as we say, an hair. Nor was he Ipss able to defend than 
 to find put the truth.** Dr Calamy says, that " he was 
 a great Divine, thoroughly studied in the Original lan» 
 guages of the Holy Scriptures ; always carrying about 
 with him a small Plantin Bible, without points, for his 
 ordinary use. He v/as well studied in the controversy of 
 Church- government, v/hfch was the occasion of his being 
 sent by the Parliament with their Commissioners, when 
 they treated with King Charles L in the Isle of Wight, 
 where his Majesty took particular notice of the Doctor\s 
 singular ability in x\\<i debates about church-government, 
 ^vhich were afterward printed in the Collection of hi<; 
 Majesty's works." 
 
 He was allowed to be a very able disputant. Mr Jen- 
 kyn says, *' I had almost said, an invincible disputant." 
 He adds ; *' His conquests were as many as his conten- 
 tions (debates) with any adversaries of the truth ; and so 
 conspicuous were his abilities herein, that he sometimes 
 disheartened opposers in their very entrance into the lists 
 of disputation with him.'* Upon the invitation of an hon- 
 ourable lady, who was the head of a noble family, and 
 
3 38 Life of 
 
 who had been often solicited by the Romish priests t« 
 change her profession of religion, and become a Roman 
 Catholic, he engaged two of the ablest priests they could 
 select in a dispute, in the presence of both heads of the 
 family for their satisfaction. He silenced these priests re- 
 specting Transuhstantlatmi^ which was the ground of the 
 disputation, at that time, and was the instrument in pre- 
 serving that whole family from a revolt, and in keeping 
 them stedfast in the Protestant Religion. When the craf. 
 ty seducers, who wished only to go over uhere the hedge 
 is lowest^ or like the Philistines, to fight when there are 
 no STcords in Israel^ perceived the great abilities cf their 
 antagonist, they shamefully quitted the field, and never 
 dared either to give or to take the stroke of a formed syL- 
 Jogism, according to Jenkyn. And those persons who 
 were popishly inclined stood amazed, upon this occasion, 
 in seeing the cowardliness of their champions. 
 
 In the year 1644, Mr Seaman was constituted Master 
 of Peter. House, in the University of Cambridge, by the 
 Earl of Manchester, upon having been first examined 
 and approved by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. 
 ITie Earl of Manchester, in pursuance of an ordinance 
 of Parliament, for regulating and reforming the Universi- 
 ty of Cambridge, came in person into the Chapel of Pe- 
 ter- House, on the nth of April, 1644, and, by the au- 
 thority to him com.mitted, did, in that place, declare and 
 publish Mr Lazams Seaman to be constituted Master of 
 the said Peter- House, in the room of Dr Cosins, late 
 Master there, but now justly and lawfully ejected thence : 
 requiring Mr Seaman, then present, to take upon him 
 thatofEce, putting him into the Master's seat, and deliver- 
 ing to him the statutes of the College, in token of his in- 
 vestiture, straitly charging the Fellows, &c. to acknow- 
 Iz^ge and yield obedience to him, as actually Master of 
 the College, and sufficiently authorized to execute that 
 office. Upon his admission, the Earl gave him an in- 
 strument under his hand and seal to the same effect ; and 
 he was required to make the following solemn declara- 
 tion : 
 
 *' I do solemnly and seriously promise, In the presence 
 
Lazancs Seaman. IS9 
 
 ef Almighty God, the Searcher of all hearts, that, dur- 
 ing the time of my continuance in that charge, I shall 
 faithfully labour to promote piety and learning in myself, 
 the fellows, scholars, and students, who do or shall be- 
 long to the said College, agreeably to the late solemn 
 national league and covenant by me sworn and subscribed, 
 with respect to all the good and wholesome statutes of the 
 said College, and of the University, correspondent to the 
 said covenant ; and by all means to procure the welfare, 
 and perfect reformation both of that College and Universi- 
 ty, so far as to me appertains.*' 
 ^ LAZARUS SEAMAN. 
 
 In this high and public station, he discovered his great 
 abilities, learning and usefulness, and was beneficial to many 
 persons. He acquitted himself very honourably. And he 
 gained much reputation in the learned world, when he pro- 
 ceeded Doctorof Divinity. He took this degreeby perform- 
 ing his exercises which were appointed by the statutes of 
 the University ; and did not obtain it by the favour of ma- 
 jesty, which some have accounted the fountain of honour, 
 nor for money. He then displayed his abilities and erudi. 
 tion, in a peculiar manner, ii\ polemical divinity. He as- 
 serted and maintained the Providence of God in disposing\ 
 of political governments : and it is said, that he cast much 
 light upon that subject, which was not well understood be- 
 fore that time, and but little studied. He defended his po- 
 sition with great ability and force of argument. He was 
 generally allowed to be an excellent casuist, a good expo- 
 sitor of the Holy Scriptures, and both a very judicious and 
 moving preacher. In his latter days, he much studied 
 the prophetical parts of the Sacred Writings. He wrote 
 some Notes on the Revelations, which he presented to 
 Lord Warton; but it is said, that these were never printed. 
 He lost all his places at the Restoration, being eject- 
 ed by the Act of Uniformity. He lived afterward a Non- 
 conformist, mostly In Warwich-court^ near Warwich-laae, 
 in London, according to Wood. His patience, under 
 very acute pains, in his last sickness, was triily admira- 
 ble. In the midst of his tortures, he greatly admired 
 free grace, justification by faith through the righteousneas 
 
140 IVrilings of 
 
 of Christ, and highly extolled the glorious Sovereign of 
 the Universe, who is just in all his ways, and holy in all 
 his works. Mr Jenkyn says, '- 1 never admired his schol- 
 arship so much as I did his patience, the lesson in which 
 he grew so perfect in the School of affliction.*' 
 
 He died in peace. Wood says, about the 9th of Sept. 
 3 675, " much hnientcd by the Brethren in regard he 
 was a learned man.*' Mr Jenkyn preached his funerai 
 sermon from 2 Peter i. 15. on the 12ch of Sept. 1675, 
 in which he gives him a very high commendation. He 
 says, that Dr Seaman was a burning and shining lighi ; 
 an interpreter one of a ihousa7id ; a scribe instructed to 
 the Jcingdom of heaven^ like a man who is an householder^ 
 *xho bringeth cut of his treasure things new and old. I 
 may justly say of him. That he was an ocean of Theology^ 
 and that he had so thoroughly digested the whole body 
 of divinity, that he could upon all occasions discourse 
 upon any point without labour. He was a living body 
 of Divinity, and his tongue as the pen of a ready writer. 
 He was a person of great stability and steadiness in the 
 truth. I am confident that he valued one truth of Christ, 
 above all the wealth of both the Indies. — He was deeply 
 and tenderly sensible of the state of the church of Christ. 
 He was ever very inquisitive how it fared with the people 
 of God in foreign parts ; and this not out of Athenian cu- 
 riosity, but out of a public spirit of Christianity. — And 
 he was as near to Gennany, France, yea, to America, in 
 his sympathy and resentments, as he was distant in place. 
 — He was ready to every good -worJc — Industrious and in- 
 defatigable in his Calling — Admirably prudent both in his 
 speech and behaviour — And an example of patience in sujl 
 Jering affliction. 
 
 He left a very valuable Library, which is said to have 
 been the first that was sold in England by auction, and 
 brought seven hundred pounds. He has extant the foU 
 lowing 
 
 Writings. — Solomon's Choice : or, A Precedent for 
 Kings and Princes ^ and all 'who are in Authoritif ; a, 
 sermon from 1 Kings iii, 9, before the Honourable House 
 
Lazarus Seaman. 141 
 
 «f Commons at Margaret's, Westminster, at their public 
 Fast, Sept. 25th, 1644. 4to. pp. 47. Lond. 16454. — The 
 Head of the Church, the Judge of the World : or. The 
 Doctrine of the Day of Judgment briefly Opened and 
 Applied; a sermon preached from Acts xvii. 30, 31, be- 
 fore the House of Peers, at Westminster, Fast, 27th Jan. 
 1646-47. London, 1647. — A Vindication of the Judg* 
 menl of the Reformed Churches^ and Protestant Divines, 
 from Misrepresentations concerning Ordination, and 
 Laying on of Hands, 4to. pp. 96. Lond. 1647. This 
 was in Answer to Mr S. Simpson*s Diatribe, of unor- 
 dained persons preaching. — And a sermon before the 
 Lord Mayor, against Divisions, April 7th, 1650.* Dr 
 Seaman has also a Farewell Sermon from Heb. xiii. 20, 
 21, at his ejectment, at the close of which he observes. 
 That the care of the Church is in the hands of Christ,— 
 that all Providences respecting it, designed to exercise and 
 to try it, must be borne with patience ; approving what 
 he orders, and doing whatever he commands ; with a. 
 cheerful dependence upon the faithfulness of the Great 
 Shepherd of the Sheep, who being brought again from 
 the deady lives for ever ; and a firm reliance on God's 
 Covenant. 
 
 OBADIAH SEDGWICK, B. D. 
 
 PASTOR OF COGGES-HALL IN IS8EX, AND A MEMBER OF THE AS- 
 SEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 ObADIAH SEDGWICK was born in the parish of 
 St. Peter in Marlborough, in Wiltshire, in England,^ in 
 the year 1600. He received his grammatical education 
 at or near the place of his birth. In the year 1616, he 
 wassenttQQjfieen's-College, Oxford; but not continuing 
 
 a C^my's Account, vol. ii. pp. 16, 17. Cont. vol. i. p. 17. 
 Wood's Atheaas Oxon, vol, ii. and Jenkyn's fua, sermon. 
 
 i-fc-^ 
 
i42 Life of 
 
 k>iig there, he retired to Magdalen- hall, in the same Ufii- 
 versrty, where he took the degrees in Arts. Having firi- 
 ished his accadetnical stiidies, he entered into the minis- 
 terial office, and became Chaplain to Lord Horatio Vere, 
 trhom he accompanied to the Low Countries. After his 
 return to bis hative country, he went again to Oxford^ 
 and, upon performing certain exercises, he was admitted 
 to the readirig of the sentences, in the latter end of the 
 year 1 6*29. He was tutor to Matthew Hale, who was af- 
 terward the much celebrated Lord Chief Justice. Leav- 
 ing the University a second time, he became preacher at 
 Mildred's, Bread- street, London ; but was driven from 
 his living ahd the people of his charge, by the merciless 
 Oppression and iron rod of the haughty prelates. In the 
 year 1639, he became minister of Gogges-hall in Essex, 
 ^here he continued two or three years. LTpon the com- 
 toiencement of the civil wars^ he returned to London, 
 jand to his ministry at Mildred's, and was often called to 
 preach before the Parliament. In the year 1642, he be- 
 came Chaplain to Colonel Hollis's regiment, in the Par- 
 liament's Army. In the following year, he was appoint- 
 ied one of the Licensers of the press for books of Divinity, 
 and chosen one of the Assembly of Divines at Westmiii- 
 ster, and he constantly attended. 
 
 He was a very zealous covenanter. Wood says, ** that 
 the Members of Parliament constituted him one of the As- 
 ^embJi/ of Divines^ as being a covenanter to the purpose.'* 
 The same v/riter observes, evidently with a very hostile 
 design, " that while Mr Sedgwick preached at Mildred's^ 
 which was only to exasperate the people to rebel and con- 
 found Episcopacy, it was usual with him, especially ia 
 hot weather, to unbutton his doublet in the puipJt, that 
 his breath might be the longer, and his voice more audi- 
 ble, to rail against the King's party, and those who v/ere 
 iieai* him, whom he called popish counsellors,** The 
 same author adds, *' He was a great leader and abettor 
 of the Reformation pretended to be carried on by the 
 Presbyterians ; whose peaceable maxims, like razors set 
 with oil, cut the throat of majesty with a keen smooth- 
 as8s. This he did in an especial manner, in Sept. 16-143 
 
Obcdiah Sedgwick, 1 43 
 
 when he, with great concernment, told the people, seve- 
 ral times, that God was angry with the army J or not cut^ 
 ilnu: off delitiqiLcnts.'* 
 
 It has also been said, that Mr Sedgwick was ^- a preach* 
 er of treason, rebellion, and nonsense," even in his ser, 
 mons before the Parliament. But his sermons are exr:;nt. 
 and how far he was guilty, every pious and judicious rea* 
 der will easily judge. It has b<?en the common lot oi fha 
 faithful friends and servants of Christ to be loaded with 
 calumnies and reproaches, since the commencement of 
 Christianity. The maiicious Jews laid many and grievous 
 eomplaints against Paitl^ wfdch they could not prove; 
 'while he ansrvered for himself. Neither against the law ot^ 
 the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Ce^ 
 sar, have I offended any thing at all. Acts xxv. 7, 8. 
 
 in the year i64?6, Mr Sedgwick became preacher at 
 Paul's, Covent'garden ; where he was much followed, 
 and is said to have been instrumental in the conversion of 
 many souis. Wotjd says, " that there, as also sons^. 
 rimes in the country, iie kept up the vigour of a Presby- 
 terian ministry, which for divers yesirs prospered accord*, 
 ing to his mind." In the year 1653, or 1654, he v/a$, 
 by the Parliament, appointed one of the Tryers, or exa- 
 miners of ministers ; and in the year following, he was 
 constituted one of the assistant commissioners of Loncloc 
 for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministers and school- 
 masters. He was a very zealous labourer in the Lord's 
 vineyard, and exceedingly active in promoting the work 
 of Reformation. Mr Sedgwick finding at length, that 
 his health began to decline, he resigned his charge, and 
 retired to Marlborough', his native place, where he died 
 about the beginning of Jan. 16^8, aged fifty-seven years, 
 and his remains were interred in the chancel of Oglarn, 
 St. Andrew, near Marlborough. He was esteemed a 
 learned Divine, and an orthodox and admired preacher.* 
 
 His Writings.-^!. Military Discipline for a Christicv. 
 Soldier. Lend. 1 639. — 2, Christ's Counsel to his Lan* 
 
 % Wood's AthensB Oxon, vol. ii, edit, 2. Broak'/B Pmitaaa, ^cLiii 
 
144f Writings of 
 
 guishing Church ef Sardis. Lond. 1640—3. England* s 
 Preservation ; a Sermon from Jer. iv, 3, before Commons, 
 Fast, 25th May, l642. Lond. 1642.— 4. Haman'sVan- 
 ity ; a Sermon from Esther ix. 1, preached to the Hon- 
 curable House of Commons, at their solemn thanksgiv- 
 ing, June 13th, 1643. 4to. pp. 32. Lond. 1643.— 5. A 
 Thanksgiving Sermon, 9th April 1644, from Psa. iii. 8. 
 4to. Lond. i 644. pp. 32.-6. An Ark against a Deluge : 
 or, Safety in Dangerous Times ; a Sermon from Heb. xi. 
 7, before the House of Commons, at their extraordinary 
 Fast, Oct. 22d, 1644. 4to.pp,31. Lond, 1644, and 
 1645.— -7. The Nature and Danger of Heresies ; a Ser- 
 mon from Rev. xii. 15, 16, before Commons, Fast. 4to. 
 pp. 44. Lond. J 647.— 8. Speech in Guildhall, 1643.— 
 9. The best and worst Malignant. 4to. 1648.— 10. Christ 
 the Life, and Death the Gain; a Sermon at the funeral 
 of Rowl. Wilson, a Member of Parliament, from Phil. i. 
 21. 4to. Lond. 1650.-11. The Donating Christian 
 Resolved, Lond. 1653. There is a hook of his entitled. 
 The Douhiing Believer Resolved, Lond, 1641, 12mo. 
 but whether it is the same, or a diHerent book, I cannot 
 tell. — 12, Elisha's Lamentation upon the sudden trans^ 
 lation of Etijah, preached from 2 Kings ii. i^, at the fu- 
 neral of Mr William Strong. 4tt». Lond. ] 654.— 13; 
 The Humbkd Simer Resohed u-hat he should do to be 
 saved: or, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only uay 
 for sensible sinners, discovering the Quality, Olject, Acts, 
 Seat, Stihject, inseparable Co7ic omit ants, and Degrees of 
 Justifying Faith, 4to. pp.'282. Lond. 1656.— 14. The 
 Fountain opened, and tlie Hater of Life flomng, in se- 
 veral Sermons, Irom Isa. Iv. I, 2, 3. 4to. Lond. Ja57.— 
 1 5. The Riches of Grace Displayed, in the Offer 0/ Salva^ 
 Hon to Poor Sinners, in several Sermons from Rev; iii. 20. 
 2d edit. Lond. 1658.-16. The Shepherd oj Israel : or, 
 God*s Pastoral Care over his People, on Psal. x-mlxvitk 
 the Doctrine of Providence practically handled, on Mat. 
 K, e9, SO, 31. 4to. Lond. 1658.-17. Anatomy of Se^ 
 eret Sins. 4to. Lond. 16(J0.— 18. The Parable of the 
 Prodigal 4to. pp. 368. Lend. 1660.— 19. The Bow-^ 
 ek of tender Mercy Scaled in the Everlasting Covenant. 
 
Obadiah Sedgzvick. 145 
 
 folia, pp. 754. Lond. 1661.-20. Synopsis of Christi- 
 anity. — 21. A Catechism. 
 
 I have seen Mr Sedgwick's Writings both ia England 
 and Scotland, 
 
 SIDRACH SIMPSON, B. JD. 
 
 JtXINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, LOKDON, AKD OKE OF THE AS8EMBLV 
 OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 J^IDRACH SIMPSON received his education in the 
 University of Cambridge. He afterward became a cele- 
 brated Preacher in London. His name has often been 
 IKrritten Sydrach Simpson ; but it was written Sidrach 
 JSimpson by himself, and so it is found both in Wood's 
 Athena Oxon, and in the original Hst of those Divines 
 V^ho met at Westminster. He was appointed curate and 
 lecturer of Margaret's Church, Fish street ; but his 
 preaching soon gave offence to Arch- bishop Laud, who, 
 in his metropolitical visitation, in the year 1635, conven- 
 td him before him, with several other Divines, for breach 
 of canons. ^ Most of them having promised submission, 
 they were dismissed. But by the intemperate superstition 
 and bigotry of Laud, and the extreme violence with 
 which he exacted ccnformity, many enbinently pious and 
 faithful Divines were driven out or their native country. 
 Among those were Messrs Thomas Goodwin, Philip Nye, 
 Jeremiah Burroughs,' William Bridge, and Mr Simpson. 
 They all retired to Holland, and were afterward denomi- 
 nated the five pillars of the Independent or Congregation- 
 al party ; and, in the Assembly of Divines, were dis- 
 tinj3;uished by the name of the Dissenting Brethren. 
 
 Upon Mr Simpson's arrival in Holland, he went to 
 Rotterdam ; and seeing the comely order of the English 
 thurch in that place, under the pastoral care of Mr 
 Bridge, he expressed his desire to become a member ; 
 and,^ upon exhibiting the confession of his faith, he was 
 received into their communion. But Mr Simpson, after 
 
M6 Life of 
 
 some time, discovered certain things in that church, 
 which did not meet with his approbation ; and urged the 
 utility and importance of prophesyings, that, after ser- 
 mon on the Lord*sday, the people might express their 
 doubts, and propose questions to the ministers, with a 
 particular view to their better edification. This motion, 
 however, in connection with some other things, produ- 
 ced a misunderstanding between Mr Bridge and Mr Simp- 
 son ; which, at length, caused the latter even to separate 
 himself from the church, and begin a new interest. This 
 new society had a very small beginning, but afterward it 
 considerably increased. Mr Joseph Symonds, another 
 persecuted Puritan, succeeded him in the office of pastor 
 to that church. 
 
 About the commencement of the civil war, Mr 
 Simpson returned to England ; and in the year 1643, 
 he was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster, and he is said to have constantly attended 
 during the session. In all their debates, he conducted 
 himself with great temper and moderation. He was one 
 of the five Divines who published and presented to the 
 House of Commons, " An Apologetical Narration sub- 
 mitted to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, in fa- 
 vour of the Independents. In the year 1645, he was ap- 
 pointed one of the Committee of Accommodation. In 
 the year 1647, he united with his dissenting brethren in 
 presenting their reasons to the Houses of Parliament, 
 against some parts of the Presbyterian government. In 
 the year J 0^50, he u-as appointed, by the Parliamentary 
 Visitors, Master of Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, in the 
 room of Mr Richard Vines, who was turned out for re- 
 fusing th.^ engagement. In 1654, he v/as chosen a Mem- 
 ber or the Committee for drawing \^^ a catalogue of fun^ 
 damentals, to be presented to the Parliament, During 
 the same year, he was constitut<"d, by order of the Coun- 
 cil, one of the commissioners for the approbation of pub- 
 lic preachers ; these commissioners were commonly dis- 
 tinguished by the name of lYijrrs, In the year 1655, 
 he was appointed, by a commission from Cromwell, one 
 of the new Visiijprs of the University Qi Cambridge, J>ur • 
 
Sidrach Simpsoji, 147 
 
 ing the time of the Long Parliament, he gathered a con- 
 gregation in London, upon the plan of the Independents, 
 which assembled in Abchurch, near Cannon- street. 
 
 Mr Simpson was accounted a meek and quiet Divine 
 of considerable learning, of great piety and devotion, and 
 a celebrated preacher. Dr Grey calls him a celebrated 
 preacher of rebeUious principles ; which is plain, he says, 
 from the following passage in one of his sermons; 
 *' Reformation is liable to inhuman treacheries. Pha- 
 raoh's dealing was very treacherous. He bade the peo- 
 ple go ; gave them liberty by proclamation ; and whea 
 he had got them at an advantage, he brought up an arr 
 my to cut them off. The reformmg of the church will 
 meet with such kind of enemies.'* Mr Brook well ob- 
 serves here, *' If the learned Doctor had not been in the 
 habit of ascribing rebellion to the Puritan Divines, he 
 would have found some difficulty in discovering rebellious 
 principles from this passage. And so far from appearing 
 plain from the passage, that he was a celebrated preacher 
 of those principles, we think, it would puzzle all the 
 learning of the two Universities of Oxford and Cambridge 
 to make the discovery." Mr Edwards censures him for 
 attempting to propagate his own sentiments respecting 
 church discipline, liberty of conscience, and universal to- 
 leration. — In his last sickness, he laboured under spirit- 
 ual darkness, and some melancholy apprehensions. In 
 such circumstances, some of his friends and brethren as- 
 sembled at his house, with a view to assist him by their 
 prayers. Their labours were not in vain in the Lord ; 
 for in the evening, when they took their leave of him, he 
 thanked them, and said, " He was now satisfied in his 
 soul," and lifting up his hands toward heaven, cried out, 
 " He is come. He is come,'" and he died that night, in 
 
 the year 1 658.* 
 
 I have seen one sermon by Mr Simpson, which is en- 
 titled, " Reformation's Freservaiioii ; opened in a sermon 
 preached from Isa. iv. 5, at Westminster, before th-e 
 Honourable House of Commons, at their Solemn Fast, 
 July 26th, 1643." 4to. pp. SO. London, 1643. 
 a Ntal and Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. 
 
 1-- 
 
PETER SMITH, D. D. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT BARKWAY, IN HARTPORDSHIRE, 
 IN ENGLAND, AND ONE OF THE ASSEMBLY OE DIVINES AT 
 WESTMINSTER. 
 
 ETER SMITH preached a Sermon from Psal. cvli. 6, 
 before the Honourable House of Commons, at thar Month- 
 ly Fast, May 29th, 1 644. This Sermon was printed, 4to, 
 pp. 46. London, 1644. From this Sermon, he clearly 
 appears to have been furnished with considerable parts, to 
 have been well informed, and no mean scholar. Many 
 learned marginal notes are added to the Sermon. It is 
 judicious, and faithfully applied. The author appears to 
 have been well acquainted with the Greek and Hebrew 
 languages. Dr Smith preached also before the Lords, 
 but that Sermon was not printed. He was appointed one 
 of the Select Committee for the examination and appro- 
 bation of ministers who petitioned for sequestered livings. 
 In the year 1 645, he was chosen one of the Committee of 
 Accommodation. And he was one of those Divines in the 
 Assembly, who subscribed that proposition, " That Jesus 
 Christ, as King of the church, has himself appointed a 
 church. government distinct from the civil magistrate."* 
 
 WILLIAM SPURSTOTFEy D. D. 
 
 WINISTIR Ot HAMPDEN, AND A MEMBIR OP THE ASSEMBLY OF 
 DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, 
 
 \\^ILLIAM SPURSTOWE, was the son zfid heir 
 of William Spurstowe, citizen and merchant of London, 
 but originally descended from the Spurstowes of Spur- 
 
 a Ncal's Hist. vol. in. ctiap. ii. vi, aD«l vii. 
 
Lifk of WUliam Spursiotrt, 149 
 
 stow in Cheshire, according to Wood. He received his 
 education in Katherine-hail, Cambridge, of which he was 
 sometime Fellow. Having finished his studies at the 
 University, he entered into the ministerial office, and 
 became minister of Hampden, in Bucidnghamshire, ia 
 England. In the time of the civil war, he espoused the 
 cause of the Parliament, and was made chaplain to the 
 regiment of the celebrated Mr John Hampden, in the 
 army under the command of the Earl of Essex. 
 
 In the year 1643, he was chosen one of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster, and is represented as constantly 
 attending during the session. About that time, he be- 
 came pastor of jftackaey, near London, in the county of 
 Middlesex. He was appointed by the Assembly one of 
 the Select Committee for the examination and approbatiou 
 of those ministers who petitioned for sequestered livings. 
 Wood says, that he was " a grand Presbyterian.*' He 
 preached some times before the Long Parliament. He 
 was sometime Master of Katherinehall in Cambridge ; 
 but was turned out of his mastership for refusing the en- 
 gagement, and succeeded by the famous Dr Lightfoot. 
 He proceeded Doctor of Divinity. He went with the 
 Commissioners to the Treaty with King Charles at New- 
 port, in the Isle of Wight, and was one of the Commis- 
 sioners at the Savoy. He was ejected from Hackney, by 
 the Act of Uniformity, 1 662. 
 
 Being a sufferer for Nonconformity, he lived about 
 Hackney, exercising his talents in private, as he had op- 
 portunity, until his death. He was preserved in the pes- 
 tilential sickness ; but died not long after, in Jan. or 
 Feb. 1666. It is said, that his remains were interred at 
 Hackney, Feb. 8th, 1666. He died in an advanced 
 age.* 
 
 Dr Spurstowe was eminently distinguished by his great 
 learning, humility, charity, and a cheerful conversation* 
 He enjoyed a very peaceable disposition. Mr Baxter, in 
 his own Life, frequently speaks of Dr Spurstowe, with 
 
 a Wood's Athense Oxon, vol. i. 2d edit. Calamy's Aca. aad 
 Cont. vol. ii. and Neal's Puritsuw. 
 
 Vol. II. Y 
 
150 Writings of 
 
 very gr^at respect. He mentions him among those ** fa- 
 mous and excellent Divines who attended the Earl of Es- 
 sex's army, being chaplain to Mr Hampden's regiment/* 
 And, it appears from the following circumstance which 
 Mr Baxter records, that he was in the habit of particular 
 intimacy with him. It being agreed by the ministers to 
 draw up a Reply to a paper of the bishops, in answer to 
 their exceptions against the Liturgy, he says, B. 1. p. S34, 
 *' This task they also imposed on me, and I went out of 
 town, to Dr Spurstowe's house at Hackney for retire- 
 ment ; where in eight days I drew up a Reply to their 
 Answer." And probably Dr Spurstowe was one of the 
 brttkren^ who, he says, " read and consented to it."— 
 There were some Alms Houses near the church of Hack- 
 ney, that were his gift. And there was a stone before 
 these houses which had this inscription : " William Spur- 
 stowe, D. D. Vicar of the parish of Hackney, out of 
 his pious intention, ordered by his will these six Alms- 
 Houses, for the habitation and dwelling of six poor wi- 
 dows of the said parish, of good life and conversation. 
 And Henry Spurstowe, Esq. and merchant, and brother 
 to the said Dr William Spurstowe, fulfilled his will. 
 Erected and built, in the year 1666." 
 
 His Writings. — He was one of the authors 6f Smec- 
 tymnuus, of which the reader may see an account, in the 
 Life of Mr Calamy. Dr Spurstowe was also the author 
 of the following Pieces ; England's Pattern and Duty ifi 
 its Monthly Fasts; a sermon preached from 1 Sam, vii. 6, 
 to both Houses of Parliament, 2 1st July, 1643, at an ex- 
 traordinary fast. 4to. pp.Sl. London, 1643. — England's 
 eminent Judgments caused by the abuse of God's eminent 
 Mercies; a sermon preached from Ezra ix. 13, 14, i& 
 the Right Honourable House of Lords, in the Abbey 
 Church at Westminster, at the public thanksgiving, 
 Nov. 5, 1644, 4to. pp. 31. London, 1644. — Fast sermon 
 before the House of Commons, 24th June, 1 646. — The 
 Magistrate's Dignity and Duty ; a sermon from PsaL 
 Ixxxii. 2. Oct. -SO, 1653, before the Lord Mayor and 
 Aldermen of the city of London. London, iQSA-. — 
 
William Spurstme 151 
 
 Dealh and the Grave no Bar to a Believer's Happhiess ; 
 a sermon from Psal. xvii. 15, at the funeral of Lady 
 Honor Vyner, July iOth, 1656. London, 1 656.— A Fu- 
 neral sermon for Mr William Taylor of Cole man- street, 
 
 Sept. 12th, 1661 The Wells of ^Salvation Opened: or, 
 
 A Treatise discovering the ?iaitirc\ preciousness^ and 
 usefulness^ of the Gospel Promises, and Rules Jor the 
 right Application of them; a small book. pp. 295. 
 London, 1655, and the second edition, London, 1659. 
 
 This excellent Treatise contains the substance of several 
 sermons. Edward Calamy's imprimatur is prefixed to it. 
 In the Preface, the author says, " The Promises 'are the 
 church's store-house, while it is on this side heaven, 
 from v^hence believers in all ages may be filled with com- 
 fort, as every eye is with new light that beholds the sun. 
 So that there is still a great opportunity for the ministers 
 of God to put their sickle into this harvest ; and an en- 
 couragement also to believers to take hold of all helps and 
 advantages that may be afforded them for the clearing of 
 their knowledge, and the quickening of their affections, 
 in the daily use and application of the promises. And 
 if to either, or both of these ends, this small Tract may 
 in the least conduce, I shall seek no other recompence 
 from thee than that I may have an interest in thy prayers, 
 both for an encrease of grace, and of abilities, whereby 
 I may be made more serviceable to the glory of his Name 
 unto whom all ought to live.** 
 
 A Practical Treatise of the excellency and rin^ht use 
 of the GospeU Promises, London, 1658. — The Spiritual 
 Chi/mist : or. Six Decads of Divine Meditations en se- 
 veral subjects ; a small book, pp, 260. London, 1666, 
 and 1668. — The Wiles of Satan ; in a Discourse on 
 3 Cor. ii. 11, Also a small piece. 
 
EDMUND STAUNTON, D. D. 
 
 MINISTER or THE GOSI-SL AT KINGSTON UPON THAMES, PRESIDENT 
 OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD, AND A MEMBER OF TME 
 VENERABLE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTEja. 
 
 Edmund STAUNTON was born at Woburne in 
 Bedfordshire, England, in the year 1 600. He was de- 
 scended from the ancient family of the Stauntons in Bed- 
 fordsliire. His father. Sir Francis Staunton, had several 
 sons, of whose education he was peculiarly careful, while 
 he left them good temporal estates also. He reckoned, 
 that uisdomy or learning, is good with an inheritance^ 
 Eccl. vii. i 1. He accordingly trained up his children in 
 learning, not only that it might be an ornament to them, 
 but also that they might thereby be serviceable to the 
 church or commonwealth. This Edmund, who was one 
 of the youngest, when instructed in grammar- learning, 
 was sent early to Oxford University, and admitted into 
 Corpus Christi Ccllege. Here he applied himself very 
 closely to study, and made extraordinary proficiency in 
 learning. And he obtained such applause, that while he 
 v/as an under graduate, he was chosen a probationer fel- 
 low in that college before eighteen of his seniors. 
 
 When he was about eighteen years of age, he fell dan- 
 gerously sick, and was much exhausted, and near unto 
 death before his disease was understood ; until a skilful 
 physician found that it was a pleurisy, and ordered opening 
 a vein. A surgeon was immediately sent for, but could not 
 readily be found. At length the messenger brought him 
 from a tavern, but he could not perform his work. He 
 struck the patient's arm twice, but no blood came. In this 
 mournful posture, the sottish swinish surgeon left his 
 patient all night. When he had slept himself sober, he 
 came the next morning very early, and knocked at the 
 college gate. Upon this being opened, he ran immedi- 
 ately to Mr Staunton's chamber, and asked if he was yet 
 alive# Upon finding him alive, he speedily opened a 
 
Edmund Staimtoru 153 
 
 vein in his arm, which bled freely; ;ind the patient, 
 though half dead, soon recovered, and became healthy. — 
 Here we may observe, that through the drunkenness of 
 the surgeon, this celebrated person's life was in imminent 
 danger. — This part of our narrative clearly discovers the 
 very awful and dangerous consequences of the sin of 
 drunkenness, with the sottish and swinish nature of that 
 evil, which is full of deadly poison. 
 
 The subject of this Memoir was also another time as 
 remarkably preserved from being drowned. Soon after he 
 had commenced Bachelor of Arts, he went into the water 
 alone to wash himself, and not being able to swim^ he fell 
 into a deep, where he could feel no bottom ; but by the 
 Providence of God he was remarkably delivered. He 
 took hold of a little turf of grass by the side of the bank, 
 by the means of which he climbed up, and was saved under 
 God, and by his Providence. 
 
 These remarkable and merciful deliverances were pre- 
 paratory to that good work of grace, which, about this 
 time, the Author and Finisher of faith began in him. 
 These dangerous circumstances wherein he was, with the 
 wonderful deliverances from them, led him to serious 
 thoughts with regard to his spiritual and eternal state, to 
 close self examination and fervent prayer. 
 
 I shall give the account of this in his own words, as 
 found with Mr Mayo, his Biographer, who says, that he 
 had this account in a manuscript under his own hand* 
 " About the year 1620, I had many sad and serious 
 thoughts concerning my spiritual and eternal state. Then 
 upon the advice of Dr Barcroft, I bought Brinsley's 
 Watch, the second part ; where the sins against the 
 Commandments are set down in order, and I fell upon 
 the work of examinadon ; wherein this seems remarkable, 
 that, reading over the several sins there mentioned, my 
 heart (such was the blindness and deceitfulness of it) 
 cried not guilty of any one of them : Whereupon 1 began 
 to suspect my heart, and calling upon God to enlighten 
 mine eyes, and discover my sins to me, and then reading 
 them over again, I judged myself guilty, very guilty, even 
 of most of the sins there set down and enumerated. Af- 
 
154. Life of 
 
 ter this I lay about two months under a spirit of bondage, 
 being full of fears and inward trouble, so that many times 
 I durst not close mine eyes in the night lest I should awake 
 in hell. I thought every night the devil would come for 
 me, and fetch me away ; but anon, the Lord was graci- 
 ously pleased to shine upon me, and this remarkable pas- 
 sage I shall never forget :— That, being one evening at 
 prayer, all alone in the dark, I remember the chamber 
 well in Corpus Christi College, and the corner of the 
 chamber, I was vefy earnest with God for the manifesta- 
 tion of his love to my soul, and the assurance of pardon 
 for my sins ; and at length I brake out into these words, 
 or words to this purpose : Lord, I will not go out of thy 
 presence ; I will not go oiF from my knees till thou 
 speakest comfort to me ; — whereupon I was immediately 
 filled with a strong persuasion of the love of God to my 
 soul, and with joys unspeakable and full of glory." 
 
 From this period, the study of the holy Scriptures was 
 his peculiar delight ; and he applied himself closely to 
 the diligent reading of them, and to the study of divinity, 
 and determined upon the work of the holy ministry. 
 When he commenced Master of Arts, his father gave him 
 the choice of the three learned professions, a Lawyer, a 
 Physician, or a Preacher. The last of these was his 
 choice. And he told his father, " that he had for some 
 time past inclined his studies that way, and that he esteem- 
 €d the turning of souls to righteousness to be the most 
 desireable work in the world, and that it would have the 
 greater reward hereafter, though the other callings were 
 like to bring in more wealth and honour here." His af- 
 fectionate father did make no opposition to his good de- 
 sign, but rather encouraged his pious resolution. He first 
 preached on the Lord's day afternoon at Witney in Ox- 
 fordshire, about six momhs, and had here his first fruits 
 unto Christ, as Paul had in Achaia, 1 Cor. xvi. 15, being 
 successful in winning souls to him. Here his labours 
 were so acceptable, that people flocked from all parts to 
 hear him. This was not pleasant to the incumbent, who 
 occupied the more time in reading prayers, that Mr 
 Staunton might have the less time for preaching, and then 
 
Edmund Staunton, 1S3 
 
 left the church ; but none foUowed his example except 
 his clerk, whom he would not siifter to read the Psalm. 
 Mr Staunton had preached some time from that text, 
 Bui/ the truthy and sell it not^ Prov. xxiii. 23. — Upou 
 which the incumbent, when he met any coming into the 
 church as he went out, would say, with a sneer, " What, 
 are you going to buy the truth V* His continuance at 
 Witney was very uncertain, and he had great opposition 
 from th? Tninii:ter of the place ; accordingly he removed, 
 and became minister of Bushey in Hertfordshire. Here 
 he had a welcome reception, especially from those who 
 had any savour of religion. Here he preached and cate- 
 chised on the Lord's day, and at other times, with great 
 success ; and many attended his ministry, not only the 
 inhabitants of Bushey, but also those who dwelt at Wat- 
 ford, and other adjacent places. A respectable minister 
 says, " That little time which Edmund Staunton spent 
 in Bushey was not without good success — many persons, 
 m my own hearing, having acknowledged his miniacry t© 
 be the means of their conversion.'* 
 
 xlbout this time, he married the daughter of one Mr 
 Scudamore of Watford, by whom he had one daughter. 
 But when he had been about two years in Bushey, Dr 
 Seaton, of Kingston upon Thames, in Surrey, wishing to 
 have this living, and either making or finding a flaw in 
 his title, soon dispossessed him of it. Dr Seaton's Attor- 
 ney, liking the ingenuity of Mr Staunton, proposed an 
 exchange, to which both parties agreed. Mr Staunton 
 preferred work to wages, and complied the more readily 
 with this proposal, because his opportunities of service 
 would be greater at Kingston. He reckoned his oppor- 
 tunities of doing good his greatest riches. But when Dr 
 Seaton had obtained Bushey, he would not part with Kings- 
 ton ; but either Mr Staunton must be his Curate, or not 
 go there. Mr Staunton related this to Dr Seaton's Attor- 
 ney, who, abhorring such baseness, threatened to find a 
 flaw in his title to Bushey. — And many of the inhabitants 
 of Kingston, who greatly esteemed Mr Staunton's minis- 
 try, so worked the Doctor, that he soon resigned, and 
 Mr Staunton took his place at Kingston upon Thames, ia 
 
J 46 
 
 Lifi of 
 
 the county of Surrey. Here he continued about twenty 
 years, endeavouring to fulfil the ministry which the Lord 
 had given him. And being filled with zeal for the truth 
 he discharged the duties of his office with great diligence 
 and faithfulness. He preached twice on the Lord's day 
 and catechised the younger and ignorant sort of people' 
 teaching them also from house to house, though the town 
 was large and populous. He also set up a weekly lec^ 
 ture, which was supplied by several eminent ministers in 
 their turns. By these means, together with his holv and 
 exemplary life, he was instrumental in working a general 
 reformation in the town, both among magistrates and 
 people. He was loved by all the godly, and feared by 
 the wicked. The good seed then sown did spring up in 
 the place long. And the reformation here was not wholly 
 external ; for when he left that place in the year 1648 
 there were thirty persons who gave him a paper, subscrib! 
 ed by themselves, in which they owned him as their spi- 
 ritual father ; and doubtless, many more could have ad. 
 ded their names to the list. 
 
 He seems to have been very successful this way. When 
 preaching once at V7arborough, near Oxford, one per- 
 son of the congregation was so affected with his first pray. 
 er, that he ran to his own house, (which was at a short 
 distance) and told his wife, that she should make herself 
 ready and come to church, for there was one in the pul- 
 pit who prayed like an angel, so as he never heard the 
 like. The woman hastened away with her husband ; and 
 God so ordered, that this sermon proved a mean of her 
 conversion, and she proved afterward a serious and emi- 
 nent Christian. 
 
 As a preacher, he was very plain, affectionate, and prac- 
 tical. He found, by much and long experience, that a 
 plain way of preaching was most effectual to the ends for 
 which that ordinance was appointed ; and therefore he 
 constantly used it, even in the College and University. 
 He could easily have appeared in another strain ; but he 
 preferred the work of his Master, and the advantage of 
 immortal souls, unto every other consideration. And he 
 was so affectionate, thiit he would not onlif impart the gos* 
 
Edmwid Staimtm, I57 
 
 pd^ but also his very soul, to his hearers. Some say, 
 that the life of preaching Hes in the application ; and here, 
 Mr Mayo saySj he was indeed ever most Hvely. He was** 
 called the Searchinjr Preacher. — This I have observed, 
 savs Mr Mayo, his Biographer, "That in every sermon, 
 he' would speak something still by way of trial and ex- 
 amination, ever and anon he would have his marks of 
 distinction between the precious and the vile, the sincere 
 person and the hypocrite." This story he tells himself, 
 " That having suspicion of one man in his parish, who 
 made a great profession of religion, and often thinking of 
 him in his distinctions ; that very person afterward came 
 to him, and said, you will never leave distinguishing, till 
 vou distincjuish me into hell." And he apphed himself 
 with all diligence to confirm his people in the truth, and 
 to arm them against all false doctrines. He often said, 
 that he was afraid to hear that rebuke from Christ another 
 day, " Thou wicked and slothful servant." When he 
 visited his friends, if they did not ask him to preach, he 
 offered. And he would say, " Is there no work here 
 for a preacher V 
 
 Upon the death of his first wife, he married a second, 
 by whom he had many sons and daughters. Ten of these 
 were buried in one grave, in the parish church of Kings- 
 ton, on whom he laid a fair stone, with this epitaph fairly 
 engraven on it : 
 
 " Here lie the bodies of 
 
 Francis, Richard, Mary, Matthew, Mary, Richard, 
 
 Edmund, Edmund, Sarah, Richard : 
 
 Children, 
 
 whom the Lord graciously gave to 
 
 Edmund Staunton, D. D. 
 
 Late Minister of Kingston upon- Thames, 
 
 now President of C. C, C. in Oxford, 
 
 By Mary his Wife, 
 
 Daughter of Richard Balthrope, Esq. 
 
 Servant to the late Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 Ten children in one grave ! a dreadful sight : 
 Seven sons, and daughters three, Job's number xy^U 
 You II. Z 
 
15B Life of 
 
 Childhood and youth are vain, death reigns o*er all,^ 
 Even those who never sinh'd like Adam's fall. 
 
 But why o'er all ? in the first man ev'ry one 
 Sinned and fell, not he himself alone. 
 Our hope*s in Christ the second Adam ; he 
 Who saves the elect from sin and misery, 
 
 "What's that to us poor children ? 'tis our creedj 
 God is a God to the faithful and their seed. 
 Sleep on, dear children, never more to wake. 
 Till Christ doih raise you, and to glory take/* 
 
 He I'eft only one son living at his death. 
 
 In the year 1 635, when the Book of Sports came out» 
 he was suspended for not reading it, as many more were# 
 He choosed rather to lose his place, than to give coun- 
 tenance i6 sucli an abominable practice. During his sus- 
 pension, he took his degree of Doctor in Divinity at Ox- 
 ford, which, he says, he did to put tlie greater honour 
 upon his sufferings. His exercise was greatly applauded. 
 But there were several Doctors in the University whose 
 fingers itched to deal with him, because he was a Puritan; 
 and a country minister, among whom was one, who was 
 so miserably nonplust by Dr Staunton in the disputation, 
 that the auditors hissed him, and called for a candle, that 
 the Doctor might see his arguments. Doctor Staunton 
 took particular notice of this, with thanksgiving, ascrib- 
 ing all the glory to God ; and making use of that text, 
 him " that honoureth me, I will honour." God gave 
 him liberally in that hour what he should speak, to the 
 confusion of his enemies. And at this time also, he 
 preached in the University, from Mark viii. S6^ when he 
 was signally countenanced from heaven, and the sermon 
 made very successful in doing good. 
 
 When the Assembly of Divines was called at West- 
 minster, Dr Staunton was chosen to be a member of 
 that venerable assembly ; and he was much esteemed 
 there. He v/as several times called upon to preach be- 
 fore the Parliament, and his sermons were ordered to be 
 
Edmund Staunton. 159 
 
 printed. He was also appointed one of the six morning- 
 preachers in Westniinster.abbey. 
 
 In the year 1 61'S, when the Visitors appointed for the 
 University of Oxford discharged Mr Newlin from the 
 headshi}) of Corpus Christi College, Dr Staunton was 
 constituted President, and succeeded him. He continu- 
 ed here above twelve years, till he was ejected for non- 
 conformity by the King's Commij^sioncrs, at the restora- 
 tion, 1660. — While he was President of that College, 
 his whole deportment was very exemplar y« He first put 
 in execution all the statutes, which were most conducive 
 to the advancement of religion and learning, and was 
 often present 2X lectures and other exercises to encourage 
 the strdicus, and reprove the negligent. He set up a 
 divinity. lecture every Lord's day, early, in the College- 
 chapel, for exercising the senior students, and initiating 
 them into the holy ministry. He constantly catechised the 
 juniors publicly every Saturday, and preached once or 
 twice every Lord's day, to the edification of many, beside 
 his constant course in the University.church and College- 
 <:hapeL And, in compassion to the souls of men, he 
 often preached in the country, for which he rather 
 sought opportunities than declined them. And one of the 
 impropriations belonging to the College, about seven 
 miles distant, having but a small stipend, before his time, 
 not sufficient for the external subsistence of a minister, 
 he first went himself, and afterv/ari desired some of the 
 senior Fellows to go over by course, and preach unto 
 the people, which they readily complied with. — When 
 the College affairs called him abroad into remote places, 
 he was always ready to embrace every opportunity of 
 doing good to the souls of mankind. If his business re- 
 quired his stay one day or two in any place, he seldom 
 departed without preaching to the people, — He had a 
 weekly meeting at his own lodgings for prayer and spirit- 
 ual conference, consisting of college-members and others, 
 wherein he bore a principal part ; bringing forth out of his 
 ^richly furnished store of experimental knowledge, things 
 lu)ih new and old.— He was constantly present at the public 
 worship ia the chapel, morning and evening, to observe 
 
160 Life of 
 
 and reprove those who were remiss. And when he sat 
 at meat in the College- hall, he always introduced whole- 
 some discourse, tending to the iiistructicn of those who 
 were present. Spiritual discourse was hi^ meat and 
 drink : His heart taught his hioulh^ and added learning 
 to his lips. When a portion of the holy Scriptures was 
 read at dinner, which was the custom there at that time, 
 that all might feed their souls while they were refreshing 
 their bodies ; and if there were any difficult places in it, 
 he cither propounded them to the Fellows who sac at 
 table with him, for explanation, or performed the task 
 himself, if the chapter read afforded ground for practi- 
 cal observations, it gave great pleasure to the godly to 
 see and hear, hov/ he applied the great things of God^s 
 law^ and raised the mind to some heavenly contemplation. 
 — He was very attentive to introduce such only into the 
 College as discovered some signs of saving grace, or at 
 least such as were docile, apt to learn, and inclinable to 
 that which is good. Accordingly, when any shcolar's 
 place became vacant, and many candidates appeared for 
 it, he desired them, some time before the election, to at- 
 tend him at his lodgings, where he examined them pri- 
 vately, and procured also testimonials concerning them, 
 from such as knew them ; snd if, after examination, such 
 2. number of electors as was requisite could not agree up- 
 on one of them, when, in that case, the election devolv- 
 ed upon him, he always let piety have the honour to 
 turn the scale, if there was an equality, or near it, in 
 other respects. It gave him great pleasure to see parts, 
 learning, and piety, grow together : and indeed they are 
 a happy conjunction; especially in gospel ministers, 
 whose work it is " to make manifest the savour of the 
 knowledge of Christ in every place," 2 Cor. ii^l4. And 
 in such, learning without grace, is like a ship without bal- 
 last ; the least blast of applause is ready to drive him upon 
 . the quick-sands of pride, or upon the rocks of opposition 
 to Christ and to his truth, to his own ruin. Dr Staun- 
 ton's labour here was not in vain in the Lord : By means 
 of his vigilant care, prudent government, and pious ex- 
 ample, religion and learning flourished remarkably in this 
 
Edmund Slaunlon, 161 
 
 College ; and many who were educated under his care, 
 became learned, pious, and useful men. Among these 
 was Mr Joseph Allein, minister of the gospel at Taun- 
 ton, in Somersetshire, and who wiis a great comfort to 
 this holy man, while he continued in tlio College ; and 
 he was revived to hear, that he proved so eminently pi- 
 ous and useful in the church of God. 
 
 When he was discharged from the College, in 1660, 
 he left Oxford, where he had sown much precious seed, 
 and watered it well with his prayei's and tears. His de- 
 parture was very like that of Paul from Ephesus, Acts 
 XX. And recommending himself unto divine Providence 
 to fix the bounds of his habitation, he went first to Rick- 
 mansworth in Hertfordshire, where he was well received 
 by persons of all ranks, as a minister of Jesus Christ. 
 His chief design was to settle an able minister there ; but 
 his best endeavours were ineffectuah However he found 
 the way to that pulpit himself ;-^but because the entrance 
 was narrower than in some other places, he sought out a 
 xvider door and more effcclual, lie preached round about 
 that country, and in the adjacent ones, though an old 
 man, and somewhat infirm, spending and being spent m 
 the service of his great Master, till the Uniformity Act im- 
 posed a general silence upon the Non- conformists, August 
 ]G(i2. After this he was not willing to be idle; for he 
 observed a day of fasting almost every v/eek, either in 
 his own family, or that of some other godly minister or 
 Christian friend. On such occasions, he endeavoured 
 both to humble himself for his own sins, and on account 
 of the abominations which prevailed in the midst of the 
 land— See Ezek. ix, 4. And he discovered such a brok- 
 cnness of spirit and dissolved soul, as those present could 
 not readily forget. He then employed some hours in the 
 word and in prayer often on these extraordina»7 occasions. 
 His wife becoming infirm, he took apartments in a fami- 
 ly at some distance, where he was very useful, so long 
 as he lived there, as there v/as a church in that house. 
 The savour of the knowledge of Christ, and the sense of 
 the power of the world to come, were deeply impressed 
 upon the minds of the inhabitants, during his abode with 
 
J 62 Life of 
 
 ihenl* From thence he removed to another family near 
 St. Alban's, in which town he was instrumental in correct- 
 ing some extravagances. His frequent removals seem to 
 have been designed with a view of doing more extensive 
 servi<:e and good in the church of Christ. His last re- 
 moval of this kind was to a place called Bovingden, a 
 little village in Hertfordshire, famous in history, because 
 x)f this eminent Divine living some time, and dying there. 
 Here he had an offer of all accommodations gratis. He 
 accepted the offer, but what he vSaved this way he expend- 
 ed in charity ; particularly in the distribution of religious 
 books in that village, and the adjacant places. He also 
 gave some part in moivsy to the poor. Here he attended 
 daily to the duties of the family, and was very careful in 
 the instruction of its members. He enjoyed much retire- 
 ment in this place, an object which he loved dearly ; and 
 "had he been- born for himself alone, he would have cho- 
 «en this always, as many worthy men have done, giving 
 retirement the prefer en.ce to the greatest preferments in 
 church or state. But he had not so learned Christ. He 
 often said, " Woe be to me if I preach not the gospel. '* 
 He preached constantly. He was afraid that the Lord 
 would come and find him idle. He often rode to St. Al- 
 ban's, where he w^as useful to many ; and once or twice 
 in the year to London and Kingston. And when he could 
 not preach in a church to many, he preached in a cham- 
 ber to a few ; like Paul, at Macedonia, who preached at 
 the river side to a few hearers of the weaker sex. Acts xvi. 
 IS,-— Neither the place nor the hearers recommend our 
 preaching in the sight of God, He was naturally of an 
 exceeding good temper and disposition, gentle, affable, 
 and courteous to all ; and his natural temper being em- 
 bellishcd with the grace of God, made him exceeding 
 amiable, and very useful in all his conversation. His 
 government of the College savoured much more of leni- 
 ty and mildness, than of sharpness and severity j and yet 
 he kept his College in very good order. 
 
 As a Christian, he was much given to self-examination, 
 a duty which is now much neglected by many. He was 
 very careful to ascertain his evidences for heaven j of 
 
Edmund Staunton. IGS 
 
 which we shall give a specimen here to a believer on the 
 Son of God : He had the witness in himself y 1 John v. 10, 
 particularly efl^cLual calling ; which is accounted a good 
 evidence for heaven, as appears from R.om. viii. SO. 2 
 Pet. i. 10. Change of company ; choosing the society of 
 the godly, and shunning the company of the wicked, 
 Psali. 1. xxvi. 4, 5. cxix. 115. Acts'ix. 26. Univer- 
 sal cb.^dience to all God's commands. Psalm cxix. 6. 
 cxxxix. 2:3, 24. Love to the godly as such, 1 John iii. 
 14. SiFicerity ; desiring more to approve his heart to 
 God, than his ways to men : aiming more at God's ma- 
 nifestadve glory than his own profit, or the applause of 
 others, 2Cor. i,12. Kindly meltings of heart, and deep 
 mournings for sin, upon a sense of Gods free love in 
 Christ Jesus, Zech. xii. 10. 2 Cor. vii. 9. lO. Zea;l for 
 God, and against sin, John ii. 17. 2 Cor. vii. 11. A 
 love of, and an earnest longing for the appearing of 
 Christ, 2 Tim. iv. 8. Heb. ix. 6. Rev. xxii. 20. And 
 a careful sanctification of the Sabbath, Isa. Ivi. 4, ^, and 
 Iviii. 13, 14. These evidences of being born again of 
 water and of the Spirit, he says, he found in himself, 
 through the gracious operation of the holy Spirit upon 
 him, if his heart did not deceive him. 
 
 He kept a journal of God's favours toward him. This 
 was peculiarly helpful to him in the exercise of grace, and 
 in remembrance of the Divine goodness. We are very 
 ready to forget the word which we hear, the sins which 
 we commit, and the benefits which we receive, A jour- 
 nal or diary is very serviceable to keep us in mind of all 
 these things; and a journal of our sins would soon make 
 an awful catalogue, and might be very serviceable to sec 
 them in order before us on days of fisting, and on other 
 occasions, that vv^e might be hereby induc(^d to apply unto 
 the Saviour for pardon and purification.* 
 
 Dr Staunton gave himself to prayer, like David. Mr 
 Mayo, his Biographer, says, " He was the most praying 
 
 H A very cxtPaordinary journal of sins was foimd kxtiiB pocket 
 •f John Morris, who was ex-ecuted at Chtlm.sford, in Essex, Engla»d, 
 for burglary and robbery, as may ha liecu in th« Caiubri4ge Int^h- 
 gewcer, ^5th Aujjust, 179S. 
 
164< Life of 
 
 Christian that ever I was acquainted with." When he 
 came to lodge at any friend's house, his custom was, after 
 saluting such persons as came in his way, to retire to his 
 chamber, and spend some time by himself, before that 
 any friend could speak v/ith him ; and at night again, 
 he shut up himself in his chamber a considerable time 
 before any servant could be admitted. He often said to 
 his godly friends, who came to visit him, *' Come, might 
 not we pray together before v/e part ?" It might indeed 
 be said, that prayer w^as his repast. He often wrestled 
 with God as Jacob did. — He prayed in prayer, says Mr 
 Mayo ; and he generally wept when he made his suppli- 
 cation, both in fellowship with others, and in secret. Mr 
 Mayo says, that he had the following passage under his 
 own hand : — " The glory be God's ; where I have shed 
 one tear in prayer with others, I have, I think, (speaking 
 within compass) shed two in secret betwixt God and mine 
 own soul.'* He ordinarily performed this duty kneeling, 
 even when he was almost overwhelmed by the multitude 
 around him. ^He said, " The humblest gesture, as well 
 as spirit, b^irfe the duty of prayer ; and that he knew 
 no way of wiHestling with the Almighty, like that of lying 
 at his feet, and prostrating ourselves before him. 
 
 He was a very strict observer of the Lord's day. Some 
 have observed, that the sanctification of the Sabbath is one 
 of the first things which a converted person makes con- 
 science of, and that he is no true Christian who is careless 
 with regard to this. — This eminent divine w"as very watch- 
 ful over his thoughts, w^ords, and actions, every day, but 
 more especially on this holy day. It was very rare to hear 
 him speak one idle word, or to see him do one unnecessary- 
 action, upon the Sabbath day. On account of his strictness 
 in the observation of that day, he was like Joshua the high 
 priesr, and his fellows, a man ^wondered at^ Zech. iii. 8. 
 •And he was also boldly censured for this by some. Mr 
 Mayo says, that he spent some Sabbaths wtth him ; but 
 alas! he could not kept pace with him: He wejnt from 
 duty to duty, as bees do from one flower to anolber. 
 From public duty to family duties ; from family duty to 
 closet duties/ alwayVfmding niuch 2\teetriess and comfort 
 
Edmund Staunton, 1 65 
 
 In rnem all. He used to say, " We must always be good 
 husbands of time, especially of holy time : we must not 
 r>pend that time, which is not our own, about our own 
 things." He was accustomed to observe private h^xs. 
 He often passed whole days in prayer and humiliation, 
 both by himself alone, and in conjunction with his fami- 
 ly ; especially before the administration of the sacrament 
 of the Lord's supper, and when hi found any corruption 
 \yithin beginning to prevail, or gain ground. He men- 
 tions one particular instance of spiritual pride, which he 
 was greatly in danger of when a young preacher, and 
 found much subdued by means of this humbling exercise. 
 He set one day apart to make application unto God, with 
 fasting, for strength against that sin ; " and from that 
 day forward he felt the neck and heart of it was broken," 
 which is his own expression. And it was a common sav- 
 ing of his, " That spiritual pride is the special sin of young 
 ministers." Fasting on such occasions, in this manner, 
 v/as the ancient and commendable practice of the saints of 
 the Most High ; but alas ! it is nov/ almost become obso- 
 lete. See 2 Sam. xii. 16. Neh. i. 4 Esth. iv. 16. Dan. 
 ix. S. And yet the strong lusts of our deceitful and des- 
 perately wicked hearts will not be cast out, nor subdued 
 otherwise. Our want of true humility is a great loss here. 
 Dr Staunton's Biographer says, that *' he was clothed all 
 over with humility:" therefore he engaged more readily 
 in this humble, and humbling exercise. Humiliation at- 
 tends humility. He was very familiarly acquainted with 
 the holy Scriptures; and, like Apollas the Jew, who 
 was born at Alexandria, Acts xviii, 24, he was mighty in 
 them, and made much use of them. If a good textuary 
 is a good divine, he excelled in this. His memory was 
 instead of a concordance. He could turn with great rc-a- 
 diness to almost any text of the holy Scriptures, and he 
 discovered great skill therein. He certainly might be 
 called tfie Gospel Doctor, as WickliHe was ; because he 
 was chiefly employed in the study of the holy Scriptures, 
 and they were his principal delight. He delighted more 
 in them th^n the maid in her ornaments, or the bride in 
 her j-ewels. He carried along with him the New Testament, 
 Vol. II. 2 A 
 
3 6G Ltje of 
 
 or the book of Psalms, alwuys. He generaiiy read k 
 portion of the holy Scriptures first on the morning of each 
 day, which was matter of meditation unto him all, the 
 day. And if any proper occasion offered in companvr 
 he raised useful observations therefrom, or proposed such 
 practical questions, as were most condiK.ive to the instruc- 
 tion and benefit of the hearers. In pursuing this plan, 
 " his speech was always with grace, seasoned with salt," 
 Col, iv. 6. As salt is a noble preservative from putre- 
 faction, so was his gracious speech in company, Ironi the 
 errors and sins which prevail among mankind. As salt 
 on meat draweth out, and drieth up noxious humours, 
 and renders it more fit for digestion, and more whole- 
 some for nourishment : so was his well- seasoned speech 
 to the conversation of every company; — and as he weU 
 knew that salt must be rubbed in, and every vacuity fil- 
 led with it, before it can produce ks effects, so he deliv- 
 ered his gracious speeches with much animation and 
 warmth, that they might properly aftect the hearts of his 
 hearers, under the divine blessing.* At night, when he 
 thought of going to bed, he made search for some por- 
 tion of the holy Scriptures, which was suited to his then 
 present thoughts, and that was the subject of his medita- 
 tion when awake. So great was his delight in the law of 
 the Lord his God, that he made it the subject of his me- 
 ditation both day and night. See Psalm i. 1, *>. He 
 seldom wrote any letter, without adding three, four, or 
 more texts of the holy Scriptures, as a postscript ; and 
 these w^ere very pertinent to the occasion of his writing, 
 the condition of the person to whom he wrote, or to the 
 times, and providences of God. His Biographer says, 
 that he received many letters from him, subscribed in 
 this manner. And it was his custom when he visited any 
 person, or met with any friend, to recommend some text 
 of the holy Scriptures unto their consideration at parting. 
 *^* Pray," he would say, " let me have one text of Scrip- 
 ture with you, and think of it when I am gone.'* Re 
 had much zeal for God and for his cause. He was fre- 
 
 a See Dr Staunton'* Christian Conference, page 30. 
 
Edmund Staunton. 167 
 
 quently employed in projecting how he might promote 
 the honour and service of God in the world. And he 
 was fr.xuiently heard saying to his fi lends, " Come, what 
 shall we do for God this day ? How shall we trade with 
 our talents for the advancement of his glory?'' In this, 
 he much resembled the pious Divine, who was educated 
 under his care, Mr Joseph Allcin, concerning vvhom it 
 is recorded, '• That he never arose on the morning with- 
 out some heavculv design of promoting God's glory 
 and the good of souls." Dr Staunton also gave evidence 
 of his eminent zeal for God in sharply reproving sm. 
 Though he seldom siimed in being angry, yet he was 
 often angry with sin, and reproved it. We shall give 
 one instance, where many might be produced. Supping 
 once at an inn, between Oxford and London, where 
 many fellow- travellers did eat together, and one of these 
 abounded in vain and profane discourse -, he spake to him, 
 and laboured to convince him of the evil of sin, and of 
 the curse and wrath of God, which did hang over his 
 head ; and, afterward, he unfolded unto him the exceed- 
 ing riches of God's grace to repenting sinners of man- 
 kind, and his readiness to receive them through Christ 
 Jesus. Having pointed out the disease, he discovered 
 also the remedy. Upon this the person became more 
 silent ; but what farther efi^ct the reproof produced upon 
 him, we are not informed by the narrative : however, 
 the discovery of the riches of divine grace made upon 
 this occasion, greatly afTected a young scholar, who was 
 present. It melted his very heart, under the divine bles- 
 sing, and was a mean to deliver him from a spirit of bon- 
 dage, under which he had been during some months. 
 
 Dr Staunton also excelled in generosity. He devised 
 liberal things, and drew out his soul to the hungry. He 
 was charitable to all nxen, especially to those who were 
 of the household of faith, lie gave liberally to the poor. 
 And " blessed is he who considereth the poor. Ps?l. 
 xli. 1. While others gathered and heaped up money, he 
 dispersed and scattered his abroad, for the benefit of th- 
 poor and need v. His custom was, when he rode abroad, 
 to put as much money into his pocket as he could spar-: 
 
3 68 Life of 
 
 for this purpose ^ and when he met with any indigent 
 persons, he entered into conversation with them, and 
 upon finding that they were proper objects of charity, he 
 afforded them seasonable relief. la this particular, Dr 
 Staunton's custom resembled that of Cimon, the son of 
 Mikiades, the famous Athenian General, who was much 
 renowned for his liberality as well as for his valour. 
 Cornelius Nepos says, concerning Cimon, that '' footmen 
 always followed him with money, that if any one stood 
 in need of his assistance, he might have what he should 
 give him immediately, lest he should seem to deny him, 
 by putting him ofr."^ Such famous examples recal to 
 our mind what is said. Job xxix. 12, 13, '' I delivered 
 the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him who had 
 none to help him. The blessing of him who was ready 
 to" perish came upon me : and I caused the widow*s heart 
 to sing for joy." And also, what is related concerning ■ 
 Cyprian, That he never sent away a widow empty. And 
 he often said, '• Let not that sleep in thy treasuries which 
 may be a benefit to the poor.'* And, it is said, that Mr 
 Fox never refused any one an alms, who asked for Christ s 
 sake. Cornelius Nepos says, concerning Cimon, who 
 is mentioned above, that he was possessed of the greatest 
 liberality : " for he was a man of so great generosity, 
 that when he had estates and gardens in m.any places, he 
 never placed a keeper in them, for the sake of preserving 
 the fruit, lest any should be hindered from enjoying what 
 he possessed at pleasure. — Oftentimes, when he saw any 
 one badly clothed, he gave him his own coat. His supper 
 xvas so dressed for him every day, that he invited all 
 whom he saw in the market-place, not invited elsewhere, 
 which he omitted to do no day. His faithfulness was 
 wanting to none, his service to none, his estate to none: 
 he enriched many : he buried at his own expense, many 
 poor people when dead, who had not left wherewith they 
 might be buried."'^ — ^And all this may be properly applied 
 to our Author, and much more ; for he even excelled 
 Cimon in liberality, as his advantages v/ere far superior. 
 
 a Nep. Cim. 4c b Nep. Cim. 2. 4. 
 
Edm iind Staunton, 169 
 
 He was always ready to give spiritual alms to the poor in 
 spirit, who hungered and thirsted after righteousness, as 
 well as temporal favours to those who were externally 
 indigent. Mr Mayo, his Biographer, says, that " for 
 purse-alms, and spiritual-alms together, I never knew his 
 fellow/' He often visited poor and needy families, or 
 called for them as he passed by, and always left somewhat 
 behind him for the benefit of both soul and body. God 
 conferred upon him a competent estate ; and by shewinrr 
 pity to the poor, he did lend to the Lord, Prov. xix. 17^ 
 thus honouring him with his substance ; accordingly 
 he obliged many by his liberality^ as Nepos says of 
 Alcibiades*'' 
 
 He also excelled in Christian conference. Both his 
 dexterity and delight herein were great ; and as there is a 
 gift of prayer and of preaching-, so without doubt there 
 is a peculiar gift of Christian and godly conference. Our 
 Author enjoyed this to a very great degree : His heart 
 was generally inditing a good matter, and his tongue was 
 like the pen of a ready v/riter. His lips fed many, and 
 did drop as the honey- comb. He always endeavoured to 
 make his discourse profitable to others ; especially by 
 turning their merry and idle talk into that which is seri- 
 ous and useful— and their worldly conversation into a hea- 
 v^nly conversation ; which he could do very handsomely, 
 without giving offence. As Cornelius Nepos says con- 
 cerning Conon, the Athenian, that, when the affairs of 
 his countrymen were in a bad condition, and he had 
 heard that his native city was besieged, '- he did not seek 
 a place where he might live safely himself, but from 
 whence he might be helpful to hi;^ countrymen."^ So 
 Dr Staunton always sought how far he might be helpful 
 to his countrymen, especially by Christian conference. 
 He warned the unruly, comforted the feeble-minded, 
 and instructed the ignorant: even those whom others 
 slighted, and did not reckon worthy of their notice, on 
 account of their meanness and ignorance. He used to 
 i'ay, " That their j^ouls were as precious as the souls of 
 
 a Ncp. Alcib. 3. b \op. Con. '2. 
 
170 Life of 
 
 nobles." When he met with any person occasionaily, 
 either in the house or by the way, though a stranger, he 
 immediately entered into conversation with such ; and 
 would ask what countryman he v/as, and where he was 
 born — and, if he thought that he was born again : here- 
 by taking occasion to explain the nature and necessity of 
 regeneration, as Christ did, in his conference with Nico- 
 demus, a ruler of the Jews, John iii. If he met with 
 humbled and burthened souls, or such as were babes in 
 Christ, he treated them suitably, and gently led them to 
 the wells of salvation. 
 
 His patience and cheerfulness, under afflictions, were 
 very remarkable* Mr Mayo says. That he was one of 
 the greatest patterns of patience that the age produced : 
 He was never seen out of humour, nor heard repining, 
 though his troubles were considerable. His cheerfulness 
 under his afflictions was admirable. He thereby mucl^ 
 recommended the gospel of Christ, and real religion, un- 
 to others. He used to be somewhat merry and cheerful 
 in company ordinarily, that he might the more recom- 
 mend the ways of God, and the religion of Jesus to by- 
 standers ; and it is said that he sometimes had success 
 this way. Suidas informs us, that Macarius, by his plea- 
 sant discourses on all occasions, drew many into the ways 
 of God. Dr Staunton greatly lamented the unnatural 
 hearts and divisions among Christians. 
 
 Upon the whole, what one said with regard to Mr 
 Perkins, may be also applied to Dr Staunton : — " That 
 \ as his preaching was a commentary on his text, so his 
 '^ practice was a comment on his preaching." And, here 
 we have a shining example among the cloud of faithful 
 and active witnesses, for the imitation of all mankind, 
 in their different stations. Here grace or godliness, and 
 fervour of spirit in serving the Lord, are clearly seen : 
 Here religion and reason meet, and act in conjunction, 
 for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind ; and 
 these complete the man. — Yoy^ says an eminent writer, 
 *' Religion is as necessary as reason to complete a man : 
 so that you are not men, but beasts, if you do not rever- 
 ence God's authority, and live in subjection and obedience 
 
Edmujid Staunton. 171 
 
 to him.'*' Let this great and venerable character; this 
 distinguished ornament of his age and country ; this 
 divine, eminent for his ability, piety, dihgence, and m^ 
 teo-rity, be often in our view. _ ^t • • 
 
 The truly ornamental lives of the primitive Christians, 
 and also of our Reformers in later times, were consider- 
 able means, in the hand of the divine Spirit, m produ- 
 cing the rapid and extensive spread of Christ's gospel, and 
 advancing his spiritual kingdom among men. And, m- 
 attention to the adorning the doctrine of God oitr Saviout 
 in all things, hath contributed much to reduce practical 
 religion to its present mournful decayed state, where it 
 hath been long professed. If the publication of such or- 
 namental: lives shall contribute now, in the divme Spirit, 
 in any degree, to quicken and revive us, as in former 
 times, our end is obtained, and God will be glorified, 
 according to Mat. v. 16. .. u • 
 
 This eminent servant of Jesus Christ— this burning 
 and shining light, was at last seized, all on one side, 
 with the dead palsy, on the 8th of July, 1671. His 
 speech mtich failed him, and he afterward spake little and 
 seldom. — A friend coming to visit him, asked how he did. 
 He answered in the words of the holy divinely inspired 
 prophet, *' In measure God debateth with me ; and in 
 the day of the east wind he stayeth his rough wind, Isa. 
 xxvii. 8.— Some time after, he said to a friend who stood 
 by him, " I neither fear death, nor desire life; but am 
 willing to be at God's disposal." A remarkable and very 
 comprehensive saving. Like David, " the man after 
 God's own heart,'' 1 Sam. xiii. 14, confiding in the grace 
 of God, under the pastoral care of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 the great Shepherd ot' the sheep, he feared no evU, though 
 ^walking through tfie vallcij oj the shadow of death, PsaL 
 xxiii. 4. He saw the Ahnighty Reedeemer swallowing 
 up death in victory, 1 Cor. xv. 54. The saying is alsc 
 full of Christian resignatiaii to the sovereign disposing 
 will of Jehovah. 
 
 At another time, lie expressed the following words, 
 
 a Wisheart's theologia, vcl. i. 9?rm. ix. 
 
^^^ Life of 
 
 very audibly i^'' [ know that my Redeemer liveth/' 
 And soon after, he repeated Psalm xxxi. .5, in verse, 
 " Into thine hands, I do commit. 
 
 My spirit ; for thou art pie, 
 O thou Jehovah, God of truth. 
 Who hast redeemed me." 
 While he had ability, he exhorted those around him, 
 to make sure of heaven in the time cf hcahh ; to keep 
 their evidences fair and unblotted ; to remember and keep 
 holy the Sabbath day. He spake with all the fervour of 
 a dymg man, and acted like one who earnestly desired to 
 be instrumental of doing good to souls even with his ex- 
 pirmg breath, in his last moments. When he could not 
 speak himself, he desired others to read the holy Scrip, 
 tures to him ; directing to the places which he most de- 
 sired, which were generally the Psalms. He was either 
 without any pain, or felt very little. In this respect, 
 there was a striking resemblance between Dr Staunton's 
 death, and that of the Rev James Beveridge, Minister of 
 the Associate Congregation of Cambridge, State of New- 
 York, North America. — Mr Beveridge sat up in the bed, 
 and said, " I am a dying man;~I am dying fast; — but 
 as to bodily pain, I am free of it. I feel no more of this 
 than you do; nor is there a man in Barnet, (the place 
 where he died} who is more at ease than I am/'— Did 
 you ever witness any thing similar to this ? The resemb- 
 lance in the deaths of these two eminent servants of Jesus 
 Christ, was not less remarkable witb regard to their use 
 of, and their delight in, the holy Scriptures on their death- 
 bed. Mr Beveridge was chiefly employed for three 
 weeks immediately before his death, in the exercises of 
 prayer and reading the holy Scriptures ; and when he 
 was unable to read himself, he desired others to read in 
 his hearing, directing them to the particular passages, and 
 very often made observations as they went along. And 
 farther, Mr Beveridge, at his departure, with an audible " 
 voice, twice repeated that passage in the book of Job, xix, 
 25, 26, " For I know that my Redeemer livetb, &c."' 
 
 a Chn'ptinn Mag:r.ziiie. vol. iii. Feo. 4, 1799, EJinburoh. 
 
Edmund Staunton. 173 
 
 On the 10th July, Dr Staunton was deprived of the 
 \fSi of speech : He lay four days seemingly in a very 
 comfortable condition, lifting up his eyes and hands to- 
 u'ard heaven, with a smiling and cheerful countenance. 
 A little before his departure, when a minister prayed 
 with him, he discovered much affection during the time 
 of the prayer i, and when prayer was ended, he took the 
 minister by the hand, and held it fast, expressing his in- 
 ward joy in God, and thanks to him, by outward signs. 
 He died oh the 14th of July, 1671, in the seventy. first 
 year of his age. 
 
 His body was interred in the parish- church of Boving- 
 den above-mentioned, under a fair stone, with an epitaph 
 engraven upon it, made by the Rev. Dr Simon Ford, in 
 Latin, English thus :— 
 
 '^ To the memory of 
 
 that learned and very pious man, 
 
 Edmund Staunton, D. D. 
 
 who resigned his soul 
 
 into the hands 
 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 with the greatest peace, 
 
 in the 
 
 7 1 St year of his age, 
 
 on the 14th day of July, 
 
 in the year of our Lord 1671.'"' 
 
 Mr Mayo says, " His modesty was such, that he never 
 judged any thing he did worthy of the press ; yet he con- 
 sented that his Treatise of CImstian Conference should be 
 printed. And, having also by me a manuscript of his, 
 entitled, " A Dialogue between a Minister and a Stran- 
 ger/* I thought good to print rt with the aforesaid Trea- 
 use." 
 
 Dr Calamy says, that he published several Sermons 
 preached before the Lord's and Commons^* and his 
 printed Writings which I have seen are : — 
 
 * See his Life, by Mayo ; Clark's Lives of Eminent Persons^ 
 London, 1683, and Wood's Athense, Oxon. -vol. ii. 
 
 Vol. 1L 2 B 
 
1/4 Writings of Edmund Staimlon. 
 
 ■ 1. Riipes Israelis; the Rock of Israel; a Sermon 
 preached from Deut. xxxli. 31, at Westminster, before 
 ihe House of Commons, at their monthly fast, 24th April, 
 1644'. 4 to. London. 
 
 2. Phiiiehas's Zeal in Execution qI Judgment : or a 
 Divine Remedy for Englaiid*s Misery ; a Sermon preach- 
 ed from Psal. cvi. 30, before the House of Lords, in. 
 Westminster-Abbey, at their solemn monthly last, 30th 
 Oct. 1644. 4to. London, 1645. 
 
 3. A Sermon at Great Milton, from 1 Thess. iv. 14, 
 9th Dec. 1 654, at the funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Wilkinson, 
 late wife of Dr Henry Wilkinson, Principal of Magdalen- 
 Hall, Oxford. Oxon. 1659. 4to. 
 
 4. His Treatise of Christian Conference. Lond. 1673. 
 
 5. A Dialogue or Discourse between a Minister and a 
 Stranger, about Soul-afFairs. London, i 673, and 1774* 
 Both small pieces. 
 
 I suppose that he hath some other Sermons extant, 
 which I have not yet seen. I have seen all the above 
 pieces lately, in the county of Surrey, where he labour- 
 ed many years, except the Oxford Sermon, and in dif- 
 ferent parts of Scotland. He has a Latin Poem, in Bri- 
 tannia Rediviva, 1660, upon King Charles' Return. 
 
 FETER STERRY, B. D. 
 
 PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON, AND ONE OF THE AS- 
 SEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 ETER STERRY was born in the county of Surrey, 
 in England. He received his educadon in Emanuel-Col- 
 lege, Cambridge, where, in the year 1636, he was cho- 
 sen Fellow ; and he continued someilme Fellow of that 
 College. Having finished his studies at the University, 
 he entered into^he holy ministry. During the national 
 troubles and confusions, he appears to have been a very 
 zealous and firm advocate in the cause of the Parliament. 
 
Life of Peter Sterri/, 175 
 
 In the year 1 643, he was appointed one of the Assembly 
 of Divines at Westminster, for the city of London ; and 
 he k siid to have given constant attendance during the 
 session. He sometimes preached at Whitehall, and be- 
 iorc the Parliament, on Vv'hich occasions he declared his 
 sentiments v/ith great freedom. — He was afterward one 
 of Cromwell's Chaplains, and he is styled " a high-flown 
 niystlcal divine/' He is said indeed to have been deeply 
 tinctured with mysticism. Mr I3axter observes, that he 
 was intimate with the famons Sir Henry Vane, who was 
 a principal leader in the House of Commons, and one of 
 those sinsrular characters that are seen but once in an 
 age, and v/as thought to have been of his opinion in reli- 
 gious matters ; and that *' vanity and sterility were never 
 more happily conjoined." Sir Flenry Vane may, perliapSj, 
 be ranked in the first class of mystics ; yet he possessed 
 a genius far above the level of mankind ; and he is said 
 to have spoken like a philosopher upon every subject ex- 
 cept religion. Mr Sterry is said to have imbibed his spi- 
 rit, in religious matters. Sir Benjamin Rudyard said, 
 respecting his obscurity in preaching, that he was " too 
 high for this world, and too low lOi the othei /'* Mr 
 Erbery includes him in the list of those divines v/ho had 
 the knowledge of Christ in the Spirit, and held forth 
 Christ in the Spirit. He Gays, *^ Those men are nearest 
 to Zion, yet are they not come into it. For as every pro- 
 phet shall one day be ashamed of his vision ; yea, prophe- 
 cy itself shall fail; so it is manifest those men are of a 
 dark and deeper speech than can be easily understood j 
 therefore it is not Zion.*' 
 
 In the year 1654, Mr Sterry was appointed one of the 
 Tryers of ministers. The approbation of public minis- 
 ters had hitherto been reserved to i\\Q several Presby- 
 teries in city and country ; but the Protector observing 
 some inconvenience in that method, and being unwilling 
 to intrust the qualification of candidates all over England 
 to a number of Presbyterians only, who might admit none 
 but those of their own persuasion, he contrived a middle 
 
 a Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part i. p. 15, 
 
176 JJfe and Writings of 
 
 way of joining the several parties together, aftd intrust- 
 ing the work to certain commissioners of each denomina- 
 tion ; men of as known abilities and integrity, he says, 
 as any in the nation. This was done by an ordinance of 
 Council, under the date of March 20th, ]654. Mr 
 Sterry was one of those commissioners, who were com- 
 monly called Tryers. Among the commissioners were 
 eight or nine Laymen, the rest were Ministers ; all thirty- 
 eight ; of whom some were Presbyterians, others Inde- 
 pendents, and two or three were Baptists. Any hve were 
 sufficient to approve ; but no number under nine had 
 power to reject a person as unqualified. In case of death, 
 or removal of any of the commissioners, their numbers 
 were to be filled up by the Protector, Oliver Cromwell, 
 and his Council ; or, by the Parliament, if sitting. But 
 some of the Presbyterian divines declined to act in that af- 
 fair, for want of better authority, and because they were 
 not pleased with some of the company.* 
 
 It is said to be related by Ludlow, that when news ar- 
 rived of CromwelFs death, Mr Sterry stood up, and de- 
 sired those about him not to be troubled. *' For, said 
 he, this is good news : because, if he was of great use to 
 the people of God when he was among us, now he will 
 be much more so, being ascended to heaven to sit at the 
 right hand of Jesus Christ, — there to interceecj for us, 
 and to be mindful of us on all occasions." .One observes ; 
 *' This, if true, was flattery or phrenzy in perfection." 
 
 Mr Sterry lived until after the restoration of Jving Char- 
 les II, when he is said to have held a conyeniicle in Lon- 
 don. It has also been remarked, that he and one Sadler 
 were the first who were observed to make a public pro- 
 fession of Platonism in the Univjersity of Cambridge.'' 
 
 Mr Sterry is said to have 'been the author of several 
 tracts. I have seen only the following sermons by him : 
 2 he Spirit's Conviction of Sin opened^ in a sermon from 
 John xvi. 8, before the Honourable House of Commons, 
 Fast, Nov. 26th, 1645. 4to. pp. 36. Lond. 1645, and 
 
 a Neal's PuritanS; vol. iv. chap. iil. b Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. 
 
Peter S terry. \ 77 
 
 1646. — And The Clouds in "which Christ Comes ; a ser- 
 mon from Rev. i. 7, before the House of Commons, Fast, 
 Oct. 27th, 1617. 4to. pp. .76. London, J 648. 
 
 JOHN STRICKLAND, B, D, 
 
 CASTOR OF THE CHURCH AT EDMUND S IN NEW SARUM, AND A 
 MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WE'iTMINSTER. 
 
 m3 OHN STRICKLAND was born of, and descended 
 from, an ancient and genteel family of his name in the 
 county of Westmoreland in the north of England, He 
 received his education in Queen "s- College, Oxford, where 
 he became a Butler, in the beginning of the year 1618, 
 aged seventeen years. He took the degrees of Arts, and 
 entered into the holy ministry. His first preferment was 
 to be chaplain to the Earl of Hertford. In the month of 
 May, in the year 1632, he was admitted Bachelor of Di- 
 vinity; and in December that same year, Sir John Horner 
 presented him to the Rectory of Middleton, or Pudimore 
 Milton, in Somersetshire. Wood says that he was always 
 Piiriranically affected, which is very probable. Upon 
 tile commencement of the civil v/ar, he espoused the 
 cause of the Parliament, and preached frequently to the 
 members, exciting them, as Wood says, '' to proceed in 
 their 1)lessed Came *' He was chosen one of the As- 
 sembly of Divines at Westminster, and is said to have 
 constantly attended. He seems to have been a superad- 
 ded Divine. He was a Covenanter ; and by his fervent 
 zeal for the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, he has 
 incurred the great displeasure of the Royal party. Wood 
 says, that " he prayed several times blaspheinously." 
 But Dr Calamy here observes, ^' He might as well have 
 said he used to come into his pulpit naked, and without 
 a rag of cloaths on ; for the one is not more ridiculous 
 to those who knew the man, than the otlier.'' Wood 
 says, ** that in 1615 or thereabout, he was made Minister 
 
ITS Life and Writings of 
 
 of PetePs le poor in London, whsre he exercised his 
 gifts against the King and his party, and was never want- 
 ing to excite the auditors to carry on the said cause.** 
 Afterward he became pastor of Edmund'3 Church in 
 Salisbury. He was eminently distinguished for expound- 
 ing the holy Scriptures, and for being an excellent Causist. 
 About the year 1654, he was constituted an assistant to 
 the commissioners of Wiltshire for ejecting ignorant and 
 scandalous ministers and schoohiiasters. On the fatal 
 Bartholomew-day, he was turned out of Edmund's parish 
 in New Sarum, by the Act of Uniformity, for his refusal 
 to conform to the service, ceremonies and corruptions, 
 of the church of England. He continued among his 
 people, and preached to them as he had opportunity, and 
 suffered many ways for his Nonconformity. Wood says 
 he had been informed, that for keeping conventicles in, 
 and near, Salisbury, he was several times imprisoned. 
 The faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ have been 
 oftendines m prison. 
 
 He died in the month of October, in the year T 670. 
 He was well in health and dead, in a very short time. He 
 died on the evening of a Lord's day, after he had preach- 
 ed twice, from 2 Pet. i. 1 1, and adnn'nistered the Lord's 
 Supper. Finding himself disordered, he made tins known 
 to these per^oEs who were about him, and then sat down 
 in ?i chOT and &d. His remains were interred on the 
 2^th of Oct. 1670, and accompanied to his grave by a 
 iHiinerou^"? coiFipany of his friends, and Dr Calamy says, 
 *^ His name is remembered with great respect to this day, 
 at Sarum, where his body lies buried in St Edmund's 
 church* yard." The Doctor also says, that Mr Strickland 
 **^ was realiv a great Divine, and generally esteemed." 
 He was accounted a most faithful preacher.* 
 
 Mr Stiicklicd has piiblished several sermons. — 1. God^s 
 IForJr of Merctf^ in Zicn's Misery ; a sermon preached 
 from I;ia. X. 20j before the honourable House of Com- 
 
 a "Wocd's Athaia" Oxon, vol. ii, Calamy's Accoimt, vol. ii. 
 p. 755, Coat. to!, ii. p, 865. 
 
John Strickland, 17^ 
 
 mons at Margaret's, Westminster, Dec. 27, 1643. 4io. 
 pp. 33. London, 1644.-— 2» A Discovery of Peace: or. 
 The Thoughis of the Almighty for the ending of the 
 Feojjle^s Calamities, &c. on Jer. xxix. 1 1. 4to. Lond. 
 1644. — 3. Immanuel: or, 2'he Church Triumphing in 
 God with us ; a sermon preached from Psal. xlvi. 7, 
 before the Right: Honourable House of Lords, in the Ab- 
 bey of Westminster, at their public Thanksgiving, Nov. 
 5th, 1644. 4to. pp. 38. Lond. 1644. — 4. Mercy Re- 
 joicing against Judgment : or, God Waiting to be Gra- 
 cious to a sinful Nation ; a sermon preached from Isa. 
 XXX. 18, before the Honourable House of Commons, in 
 Margaret's, Westminster, Fast, Oct. 29th, 1645. 4to. 
 pp. 28. London, 1645. 
 
 Li his epistle Dedicatory to the House of Com- 
 mons, he desires them to attend carefully to the public 
 schools, to reform the Universities, and to plant the 
 Northern counties of England, at Westmoreland, Cum- 
 berland, and Northumberland, with able ministers 
 of the gospel ; who, by preaching there, and travel- 
 ling about, would communicate light to those who 
 were living in darkness. Mr Strickland assisted Dr 
 Chambers in writing his apology for the Ministers of the 
 county of Wilts. And, perhaps, he has other writings 
 extant, which I have not seen : but Dr Calamy says, 
 that he did not know of any thing he has printed, beside 
 his sermons before the Parliament. 
 
 FRANCIS TAYLOR, B. D, 
 
 PASTOR OF YALDING IN KENT, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEM- 
 BLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Jb RANCIS TAYLOR, A. M. was sometime Rector 
 of Chapham in the county of Surrey, near London. He 
 was afterward pastor of Yalding in Kent. To one of 
 those places he was presented by Archbishop Laud. 
 
J 80 Life and Writings of 
 
 In the year 1643, he was chosen one of the Assembly 
 of Divines at Wesrminster, and is said to have given con- 
 stant attendance during the session. In that venerable 
 Assembly, he was eminently distinguished by his great 
 learning and moderation. He subscribed the Proposition,, 
 That " Jesus Christ, as King of the Church, hath him. 
 self appointed a Church- government distinct from the ci- 
 vil magistrate." He preached some times before the Par. 
 liament : but I have seen only two of these sermons, 
 which are mentioned in their place. His eminent abilities 
 and erudition were most richly displayed in his writings. 
 He wrote the English Annotations upon the book of the 
 Proverbs. He was most peculiarly distinguished for all 
 kinds of Hebrew learning, and the knowledge of Jewish 
 antiquities. He published several very learned and va- 
 luable works, and among these a translation of the Jeru- 
 salem Targum on the Pentaceuch out of the Chaldee into 
 Latin, which he dedicated to the learned Mr Gataker of 
 Rotherhithe. This was accompanied with a Prefatory 
 epistle of the eminently learned Mr Selden to our author. 
 Mr Taylor maintained a learned correspondence with Bo- 
 etius. Archbishop Usher^ and the most celebrated scholars 
 of his time. Among the letters to Archbishop Usher, 
 which are still preserved, there is one from Mr Taylor, 
 dated from Chapham, April, 1 QS5^ written in Latin.* 
 
 Our author removed from Yalding and became preacher 
 in Christ's church in the city of Canterbury, where he 
 appears to have died about the time of the Restoration. 
 He left behind him the character of an able Critic, and of 
 a most celebrated Divine. Mr Neal says, that " he was 
 one of the most considerable Divines of the Assembly.*' 
 Mr Edward Leigh says, that he was " a learned Linguist,, 
 and worthy Divine of the Assembly at Westminster.*'^ 
 
 He had a son of the same name, who, though he lost 
 the sight of both his eyes by the small- pox, while he was 
 a student in Cambridge, became a minister of considera- 
 ble learning, of genuine piety, and of great usefulness, 
 
 a Parr's Life of Usher. Folio, pp. 475, 47C. b Leigli'i Treatise 
 of R^eligion and Learning. Book vi. chap. i. 
 
Francis Tai^lor. 181 
 
 Dr Calamy says, that '^ he had an enlightened mind, 
 though a dark body." But he was ejected from Alphage- 
 Church in Canterbury, for Nonconformity, in 1662; 
 silenced and imprisoned. He was cheerful under all his 
 afflictions. He has left behind him a small book of verses, 
 which is entitled, " Grapes from Canaan ; or, the Be- 
 liever's present Taste of future Glory." In this little book 
 may be read his own views and desires of the heavenly 
 felicity, and also his laudable endeavours to recommend 
 it unto his fellow-creatures. 
 
 The father, the subject of this Memoir, has left be- 
 hind him several very valuable, learned, and pious, writ- 
 ings, to praise him in the gate, and to edify the church 
 of Christ. 
 
 I. Faith of the Church of England, 4to. 1641. — 2. 
 God's Covenant the Church's Plea ; a sermon preached 
 from Psalm Ixxiv. 20, before the Honourable House of 
 Commons, at the Solemn Fast, in Margaret's Church at 
 Westminster, Oct. 29th, 1645. 4to. pp. 29. London, 
 1645. — 3. The Danger of Vows Neglected, and the Ne- 
 cessity of Reformation ; a sermon preached from Gen. 
 XXXV. 1 , before the House of Lords, at a Solemn Fast, 
 in the Abbey. Church, Westminster, May 27th, 1646. 
 4to. pp. 26. Lond. 1 646. — 4. God's Glory in Man's 
 Happiness^ God's Choice^ and Man's DiU2:ence^ and on 
 Justification^ are small Pieces bound together, 16 54. — 
 5. An Exposition of the first nine chapters of the Pro- 
 verbs, 2 vols. 4lo. 1655. 
 
 Beside the Pieces mentioned in the Account of the Au- 
 thor's Life, he has written, Opiiscida Rabbinica, 1654.-^ 
 2'argum Prius et PosteriifS in Eslcra?n. 4 to. pp. )07. 
 Lond. 1655. — Tractatua De Patribus : Rabbi JSathane 
 Autore, In Linguam Latinam Translatiis^ Una cum 7iotis 
 marginalibus, 4to. pp. 142. Lond. 1654. — Capitiila 
 Patrum, And Leigh, as above-mentioned, says, that he 
 and Dr Boot wrote Examen PrcEfationis Mori?ii in Biblia 
 Grceca de Textus Ebraici Corruptioney et Gi^a^ci Au- 
 thoritate. And probably he has other works.* 
 a Neal's PuriUms, vol. iv. Brook's, toI. iii. Calamy's Ace. vol. ii. 
 
 Vol. U. 2 C 
 
THOMAS TEMPLE, D. D. 
 
 MINISTER OF BATTERSEA, AND ONE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DI- 
 VINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 T 
 
 HOMAS TEMPLE was brother to Sir John Tern- 
 pie, Master of the Rolls, and one of his Majesty's Pri- 
 vy Council in Ireland. He was M. A. and sometime 
 Fellow of Trinity-College, Dublin. He afterward resid- 
 ed for some time in Lincoln-College, Oxford. Wood 
 says, that he continued not long in Lincoln- College. He 
 was settled first at Winwick in Northamptonshire, then 
 at Battersea, in the county of Surrey. At this last place 
 he was labouring in the year 1639, having Mr Samuel 
 Wells for his assistant. Upon the commencement of the 
 civil war, he espoused the cause of the Parliament. 
 
 In the year 1 643, he was appointed one of the Licen- 
 sers of the Press for Books of Divinity, and chosen to 
 be one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster ; and 
 he is said to have constantly attended during the session. 
 He was appointed one of the Select Committee for the ex- 
 amination and approbation of those ministers who peti- 
 tioned for sequestered livings. In the year 1645, he 
 was chosen one of the Committee of Accommodation. In 
 each of these public and important offices, he was emi- 
 nently distinguished by his great learning and modera- 
 tion. In the year 1 648, he readily united with his bre- 
 thren, the London ministers, in their declaration and 
 protestation against the death of the King. 
 
 Wood says that he was " a forward preacher ; and a fre- 
 quent preacher before the members of the Long Parlia- 
 ment, and that he has certain sermons in print which he 
 preached before the said members.'** I have seen one of 
 his sermons, which is entitled, Chrisfs Gover7iment in 
 and over his Fcopky from Psalm ii. 6, delivered before 
 
 a Wood's Athenae Oxon^ vol. i. Neal and Brook's Puritans, vl, in. 
 
Life and Wrii'mgs of Thomas TemiyJe. 183 
 
 ihe Honourable House of Commons, at their Public Fast, 
 Oct. 26th, 1642. 4to. pp.50. Lend. 1642. An excel- 
 lent sermon. I have seen it in London, and in diflerent 
 parts of Scotland. — Dr Temple is said to have been a learn- 
 ed divine : but we have not been able to receive any more 
 information respecting him, nor to say when he died. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER TESDALE, A.M. 
 
 PASTOR OF HUSBORNE-TARRANT, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEM- 
 BLY OF DIVINES AT WESTxMINSTER. 
 
 CJhRISTOPHER TESDALE seems to have been 
 born at Abingdon, a market-town in Berkshire in Eng- 
 land ; for Wood says " that he was an Abingdon man 
 born.'* He received his education in New- College, Ox- 
 ford, where he proceeded Master of Arts, on the 10th 
 of June, in the year 1618. He entered into the holy 
 ministry, and became Pastor of Husborne-Tarrant, in 
 the county of Southampton. At the commencement of 
 the civil war, he espoused the cause of the Parliament ; 
 and in the year 1 64S, he was chosen a Member of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and is marked in 
 Mr Neal's list as constantly attending during the session. 
 He was also a preacher before the Long Parliament. 
 
 He has published Hieriisalem : or, A Vision of Peace ; 
 a sermon preached from Psalm cxxii. 6, Pray for the 
 Peace of Jerusalem^ before the Honourable House of 
 Commons, at their monthly Fast, at Margaret's in West- 
 minster, Aug. 28th, 1644. 4to. pp. 30. Lond. 1644.* 
 In his Epistle Dedicatory to the House of Commons, he 
 says : 
 
 " Worthy Fathers of your country. It is said of the 
 Ambassadors of the King of Persia, that coming to Athens, 
 the metropolis of learning, in the time of the Seven Wise 
 Men, they desired that each of them would deliver in his 
 
 It Wood's AthcruE Oxon, vol i. 2d edit. 
 
184 Life of 
 
 sentence that they might report unto their Master the Wis- 
 dom of Greece, which accordingly they did, only one of 
 them was silent : which the Ambassadors observing, en- 
 treated him also to cast in his symbol with the rest. Tell 
 yoar Prince, sairh he, that there are of the Grecians who 
 can hold their peace. Verily, it had been my wisdom to 
 have altogether held my peace in such an audience, or 
 having once spoken, to have proceeded no farther ; but 
 as this sermon, such as it is, came to the birth by your 
 authority, so your command now is the midwifery to 
 bring it forth : — I shall then be your remembrancer by 
 restoring the loss of the ear to the eye. Words, we say, 
 are wind, and unless they be taken upon the wing, even 
 while they are flying, and brought to the press, they are 
 gone and lost. — And now, ever honoured Patriots, that 
 I have been God's remembrancer to you, I will be bold to 
 be your remembrancer to God, that the Lord of Peace 
 himself would give you peace always, and by all means, 
 that he would let you see Jerusalem in prosperity, and 
 peace upon Israel, and in recompence of all your work of. 
 faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope, he would 
 fill you with length of honourable time here, and with a 
 glorious eternity hereafter, 
 
 Your's in the Lord, the meanest and lowest of all 
 my Master's servants, 
 
 CHRISTOPHER TESDALE. 
 In the above-mentioned sermon, he says : " The 
 people were able to say, by their own happy experience, 
 that our Saviour Christ taught as one having authority, 
 and not as the Scribes and Pharisees, those dull Doctors 
 of the Law, who were never able to keep Moses's chair 
 warm, but cold sermons made bold sinners." And in 
 p. 23, he says, " Surely God is about some great work, 
 .he intends some great blessing to the land ; we trust he 
 will bless our eyes with the happy sight of the King in 
 his beauty, the Lord Jesus upon his glorious throne, with 
 all his holy ordinances about him in their purity and 
 power, that in his time the righteous may flourish, and 
 abundance of peace as long as the moon endureth/* 
 And, speaking of fervent prayers with strong cries and 
 
Christopher Tesdale. 185 
 
 tears at the Mercy-seat and the throne of Grace, he says : 
 " A cold suitor begs his own denial ; God will have us 
 Jacobs^ before we shall be Israels, " That which is soon 
 gotten, is as soon forgotten. — Though God keep silence 
 sometimes at our prayers, he will not hold his peace at 
 oar tears, Psalm xxxix. )2." In the application of the 
 sermon, he makes a motion for a new association : " That 
 zealous prayer, sound counsel, constant resolution, and 
 speedy action, be firmly joined together." — In exhorting 
 his hearers to strive together, as fellow. soldiers, with all 
 their might, /or the Faith oj the Gospel, he says : " We 
 must even compass Babylon, as the Israelites did Jericho, 
 yet seven times more in one day, and shout against it with 
 a great shout, before the walls will come down, and the 
 angel cry, Babylon is fallen, is Jallen** 
 
 THOMAS THOROWGOOD, B. D. 
 
 RECTOR OF GRIMSTON, AND ONE OF TME ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES 
 AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 X HOMAS THOROWGOOD received his education 
 in the University of Cambridge, where he proceeded 
 Master of Arts. He entered into the office of the holy 
 ministry, and was afterward Bachelor of Divinity. On 
 the 9th of July, in the year 1622, he, v;ith several other 
 Cambridge Scholars, was incorporated of the University 
 of Oxford. Wood says, " that they were taken into the 
 bosom of this University,'* — In the troublesome times of 
 the civil war, Mr Thorowgood espoused the cause of the 
 Parliament, and was called to preach before them, and 
 chosen one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster ; 
 and is represented as constantly attending. In the Ordi- 
 nance of Parliament for calling an Assembly of Learned 
 and Godly Divines in 164-3, he is said to be " Thomas 
 Thorowgood of Massingham," but in the year 1644, he 
 IS said to be Rector of Grimston, in the county of Nor- 
 folk. 
 
186 Writings of TJiomas Thoro'wgood. 
 
 He has published, Moderatmi Justified, and the Lord's 
 being at hand Improved; a sermon preached from Phil. 
 iv. 5, at Westminster, before the Honourable House of 
 Commons, at their Solemn Fast, Dec. 25th, 1644-. 4to. 
 pp. SS. Lond. 1645. — Jews in America : or, Probabili- 
 ties that the Americans are of that Race, With the Re- 
 moval of some contrary reasonings, and earnest desires 
 for effectual endeavours to make them Christian. 4to. pp. 
 139. Lond. 1650. 
 
 It has been said, that the American Indians have called 
 themselves the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, 
 Mr Thorowgood grounds his conjectures on their own 
 acknowledgment, their rites and customs, and their man- 
 ner of speech, resembling those of the Jev/s, and the like. 
 
 ANTHONY TUCKNEY, D. D. 
 
 MINISTER or BOSTON, MASTER OF EMANUEL AND ST. JOHNS'- 
 COLLEGE, PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY, IN THE UNIVERSITY OF 
 CAMBRIDGE, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMRLY OF DIVINES AT 
 WESTMINSTER, 
 
 NTHONY TUCKNEY was the son of Mr Tuckney, 
 Minister of Kirton, about three miles from Boston in Lin- 
 colnshire. He was born in Sept. 1599, and educated in 
 Emanuel' College, Cambridge. When he had taken the 
 degree v^ Master of Arts, he, for some time left the Col- 
 lege, and became domestic chaplain to the Earl of Lin- 
 coln. But being afterward chosen Feiiow of his College, 
 he returned thither, and continued there till after his 
 commencing Bachelor of Divinity. During that time, 
 he was a most diligent and conscientious tutor. He 
 trained up many pupils, who were afterward highly use- 
 ful both in churcli and state ; and who always retained a 
 grateful remembrance of him. He left the University 
 upon the invitation of the people of Boston, in his native 
 countiy. Upon their solicitation, he became assistant to 
 the celebrated Mr John Cotton, minister of Boston. He 
 
Life of Anthony Tuclmey. 187 
 
 continued In that relation with Mr Cotton, until he re- 
 moved to America. After Mr Cotton's removal to New 
 England, in the year lb33, Mr Tuckney, who had for 
 some time been Mr Cotton's assistant, became his succes- 
 sor in the pastoral office at Boston. He continued his 
 ministry in that place during a sore visitation of Divine 
 Providence by the pestilence ; and he met with some dis- 
 turbance from the Spiritual courts. 
 
 lu the year 1 643, he was called up to London by the 
 Parliament, to sit in the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 minster. He and Mr Coleman were chosen Members of 
 that Assembly for the county of Lincoln. The times 
 being very troublesome and dangerous, during the heat 
 of the war, he took his whole family with him to London, 
 and never returned to dwell in Boston. But, at the de- 
 sire of the people, he retained his title to the place, until 
 the year 1 660, when King Charles the Second came in, 
 and then he resigned it, and Dr Howe succeeded him. 
 After he left the place, he received none of the profits. 
 He was very highly esteemed in the Assembly, and is 
 marked as constantly attending during the session. He 
 was appointed one of the Committee for the examination 
 and approbation of those ministers who petitioned for se- 
 questered places. In 1645, he was chosen one of the 
 Committee of Accommodation. He had a considerable 
 hand in the Assembly's Confession of Faith, and Cate- 
 chism. It is said, that many of the Answers in the Lar- 
 ger Catechism, and particularly the exquisite exposition of 
 the Commandments, were his, and were continued for 
 the most part in the very words which he brought in. 
 
 After he had been some time at London, he was set- 
 tied minister of Michael- Quern, at the upper end of 
 Cheapside, where he continued till 16iS; with the ex- 
 ception, that after he became Master of Emanuel-College, 
 which was in 1645, he spent some months in the year at 
 Cambridge. In 16"48, he removed to Cambridge vviih 
 his family, and was that year Vice-chancellor of the Uni- 
 versity. In the year IC';3, when Dr Thomas Hill died, 
 Dr Arrowsmith v;as chosen Master of Triuity-College, 
 and Dr Tuckney was chosen Master of St. JohnVCollege, 
 
18S Life and Writings cf 
 
 And he succeeded Dr Arrowsmith as Royal Professor. 
 He was eminently courageous in opposing orders sent by 
 the higher powers. He was a man of great humility ; and 
 yet few, if any, ever maintained their authority better 
 than he did in the University when Vice- Chancellor, and 
 in the College of which he was Master. Many gentle- 
 men and ministers sent their sons to that Seminary of 
 learning merely on his account, that they might have the 
 benefit of his instruction. 
 
 After the Restoration of King Charles the Second, he 
 was one of the Commissioners at the Savoy, but had no 
 hope of any accommodation upon seeing how affairs were 
 conducted. Before the time for the conferences was ex- 
 pired, he received a letter from the King, desiring him 
 to resign both his Mastership and Professorship, which 
 if he did, his Majesty, in consideration of his great pains 
 and diligence in discharging the duties of his office, would 
 oblige his successor to give him sufficient legal security, 
 to pay him one hundred pounds yearly during his natur- 
 al life. The Doctor thought that it would answer no 
 good end to contend with the Court in that juncture, and 
 that it would not be long that he could keep his places as 
 things were then managed ; and accordingly, upon re- 
 ceiving the King's letter, with another accompanying it 
 from the Earl of Manchester, he resigned both his places. 
 The annuity which was promised to him was punctually 
 paid him, for several years, by Dr Gunning, who suc- 
 ceeded him. Wood, speaking of this annual allowance 
 to Dr Tuckney, which was given by Dr Gunning, says, 
 " Which act of his, being excellent and singular, is here 
 remembered to his everlasting fame." 
 
 Dr Tuckney is classed among the Ministers, Masters 
 of Colleges, &c. who v/ere ejected or silenced after the 
 Restoration, by, or before, the Act of Uniformity, in 
 Dr Calamy's Account. Dr Tuckney, upon leaving the 
 University of Cambridge, retired with his family to Lon- 
 don, and lived in St. Mary- Axe, and continued there un- 
 til the plague in 1665, preaching sometimes in his own 
 house, and occasionally in the families of several friends. 
 
 In the time of the sickness he lived at Golwick-Hall 
 
A 77 thony TucJancy, 1 39 
 
 Jiear Nottingham; There he was not long after troubled 
 and confined ; but it was in a gentleman's house, where 
 he was treated very civilly, and wichin a few months dis- 
 charged. After the Five- Mile- Act came out, he shifted 
 about in several counties. He removed to Oundle in 
 Northamptonshire, and from that place to Warmingtcn^ 
 in the same county ; and after the dreadful fire of Lon- 
 don in 1 666, in which his Library was burned, he re- 
 moved to Stockerson, m Leicestershire ; and thence to 
 Tottenham, near London, and from that, in 1669, he 
 removed to Spittle-yard, London, where he died in the 
 month of Feb. 1670, in the seventy- first year of his ao-e. 
 And he has left behind him the character of an eminent- 
 ly pious and learned man, a genuine friend, an indefatig- 
 able student, a candid disputant, and an earnest promot- 
 er of truth and godliness. It was his custom to have a 
 sermon preached in the chapel of Emanuel, and of St. 
 John's College, the morning after every public commence- 
 ment, by one who had been of the College. This laud- 
 able custom was carefully observed marly yeai^s, 
 
 ^ Dr Tuckney has several Writings, which praise him 
 in the gate. He published some small Pieces himself : 
 The Balm ofGilead for the Woimds of England ; a ser- 
 mon preached from Jer. viii. 22, at Westminster, before 
 the Honourable House of Commons, at the Solemn Fast, 
 Aug. 30th, 3 643. 4to. pp. 43. Lond. 1643'. This ser- 
 mon was again printed in a small size, Lond. 1654. — 
 Death Disarmed ; and the Grave Swalloxvcd vp in Victo- 
 ty ; a sermon preached from 1 Cor. xv. 55^ at Mary's 
 in Cambridge, Dec. 22d, 1653, at the funeral of Dr 
 Thomas Hillj with an Account of his Life and Death, 
 and two sermons more from the same text, preached af- 
 terward in the same place ; small size, pp. 135. Lond. 
 1654.— ^A^o;ie but Christ ; a sermon from Acts iv. 12, 
 preached at Mary's in Cambridge, on the Commence- 
 ment Sabbaih, July 4th, 1652; to which is annexed, An 
 Inquiry after what hope may be had of the Salvation of 
 Heathen, Jews, Infants, Idiots, &c. nov/ under the Gos- 
 pel. Small j^ize, pp. 143. London, )654. — A Good 
 Vol. IL 2 D 
 
.190 ' Life and IVritings of 
 
 Day Well Improved, in five sermons, from Acts ix. S ] , 
 and a sermon from 2 Tim. i. 13. 16J6. And after his 
 death, were published forty sermons of his upon several 
 occasions, 4to. pp. 6li8. Lend. 1676. And his Prslec- 
 tiones Theologiciii ; Theological Lectures and Exercises, 
 in the University, 4to. Amsterdam, 1G79. In Latin. 
 These Lectures, in which there is a very fine Disserta- 
 tion ag?anst propogating religion by the sword, w^ere re- 
 fused a Licence in England, and therefore were print* 
 ed in Holland.* 
 
 THOMAS VALENTINE, B. D. 
 
 ■! 
 1 
 i\ 
 
 MINISTER OF CHALFONT GILES, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEM- 
 BLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, 
 
 T 
 
 HOMAS VALENTINE was a great sufferer for 
 truth, in the cause of Nonconformity. He felt the shock- 
 ing oppression and cruelty of the ruling prelates in Eng- 
 land, in his time. In the year 1633, when the King, by 
 the recommendation of Laud, republished the Book of 
 Sports, for the encouragement of recreations and pastimes 
 on the Lord's- day, he and his brethren felt the iron rod 
 of their tyrannical oppressors. This profane book open- 
 ed a fiood-gate to every manner of licentiousness, and 
 was the unhappy instrument of very great oppression to 
 many eminently pious and learned divines, and to great 
 number^ of his Majesty^s best subjects. The ruling pre- 
 lates, though not authorized by law, required the clergy 
 to read that book publicly before the congregation. The 
 Puritans refused to read it, and were suspended, and sub- 
 jected to great sufferings, for their refusal. Dr Calamy 
 informs us, that Mr Valentine was suspended by Sir John 
 Lamb, Dean of the Arches, for not reading the Book of 
 
 a, Calamy 's Account, vol, ii. Cont. vol i. Neal's FuritaR?., 
 vols. iii. and iv. 
 
Thomas Valentine. 191 
 
 Sports, And we are also told, that Mr Wroth and Mr 
 Erbery from Wales, Mr James from Gloucestershire, 
 and Mr Thomas Valentine, minister of Chalfont St. Giles, 
 with many others, were brought from various parts of the 
 country, and prosecuted in the High Commission.* Mr 
 Valentine was afterward appointed one of the Assembly 
 of Divines at Westminster, and is represented as constant- 
 ly attending during the session. He has some sermons 
 extant ; which he preached before the Long Parliament. 
 Dr Calamy says, that he was " a very popular and tak- 
 ing preacher." He was ejected from Chalfont St Giles, 
 in the county of Bucks, by the Act of Uniformity.'* 
 
 His Writings. — A sermon from Zeph. iii. 8, before the 
 House of Commons, at their Fast, Dec. 28th, J 642. 4to. 
 Lond. 1643. — 2, '' A Charge against the Jews, and the 
 Christian World, for not coming to Christ, who would 
 have freely given them Eternal Life ;*' a sermon before 
 the Peers, from John v. 40, at Westminster Fast, 26th 
 May, 1667. Lond. 1647. — 3. " Christ's Counsel to 
 Poor and Naked Souls ;" a sermon from Rev. iii. 18, be- 
 fore the Commons, Fast, 29th Sept. 1647. Lond, 
 1647. 
 
 From what Mr Valentine has published to the world, 
 he appears to have been a very sweet evangelical preach- 
 er, and a divine of considerable talents and learning. I 
 have seen his sermons in different parts of Scotland, 
 
 RICHARD Vlh'ES, A. M. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT WEDDINGTON, AND MASTER OP 
 PEMBROKE-HALL, CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 R 
 
 ICHARD VINES was born at Blason, in the county 
 of Leicester, in England, about the year 1600. He waf: 
 
 a Brook's Parttans, vol. i. Tntro<^uction, " pp. 77, and 78. 
 b Calamy 's Acctunt, yoI. ii. 
 
192 Life of 
 
 educated in Magdalen College, Cambridge, \^/here he con- 
 tinued a student some years, and commenced M. A. Dr 
 Fuller, in his History of the University of Cambridge, 
 says, ^' every year this House produced some eminent 
 scholars, as living cheaper, and more private, freer from 
 town- temptations by their remote situation." It produced 
 an eminent scholar indeed, when it produced Mr Vines, 
 Here he displayed much quickness of wit, and pregnancy 
 of parts. And it was observable in him, that while these 
 rendered him lively and acyte, yet he was never wicked 
 nor profane. He was not given to any extravagance in 
 his youth. He studied hard, and made great proficiency. 
 Having finished his courses at the University, he was 
 chosen to be schoolmaster at Hinckley, a small town in 
 Leicestershire, on the borders of the county toward 
 Warwickshire. " A profession wherein many a good 
 minister had been," says Dr Fuller. And Jacombe says, 
 *' I could instance in rare instruments of God s glory, in 
 the church of Christ, who began with that employment ; 
 but Mr Vines is enough to himself, aiid may rather give 
 than take credit from any." 
 
 From being schoolmaster at Hinckley, he was called 
 to, be minister of the gospel at Weddington, a private 
 village, in Vv^arwickshire. Here he laboured very dili- 
 gently and faithfully ; and his niinistrations were attended 
 by many from adjacent places. Caldcot, a small parish 
 near Weddington, falling vacant, w^as giyen to him also. 
 Beside, at the request of several friends, when preaching 
 the gospel of Christ was a rare commodity, and much 
 desired, he undertook a lecture at Nuneaton, a large 
 market- town near him, in the county of Warwick, and 
 about seven miles from Coventry. Ihis lecture was 
 much frequented, and carried on with great profit to the 
 hearers, from whom he had high applause. Both minis- 
 ters and private Christians travelled many miles to hear 
 him. But, at the commencement of the civil war, in jhe 
 year 1 642, he was driven from his house and charge, an^ 
 forced to take shelter in Coventry, with many others, a 
 dty in Warwickshire, situated ninety miles north- west of 
 London, Here he was not iiie^ but set up a morning* 
 
Richard Vines, 193 
 
 lecture, with other ministers. And the inhabitants were 
 so affected with his ministry, that they earnestly desired 
 him to continue with them. And indeed '' // is a pity 
 that great lights should burn out in little rooms ^** says 
 Jacoaibe. 
 
 When the Parliament called an Assembly of Divines in 
 1643, he was nominated a Member of it, chosen to be 
 one of their number for Warwickshire, and deputed to 
 have a share in that great and important work performed 
 by this Venerable Assembly. And Jacombe says, in his 
 sermon at Mr Vines* death, " It was a mercy to the 
 church of God that he was so, for how much service he 
 (iid there in the matter of church-govermnenty may safely 
 be concealed, scarcely be expressed without offence.'* 
 And Fuller, in his Worthies of England, says, he was 
 '' the champion of the party in the Assembly, therefore 
 called their Luther.''' Upon his coming to London, he 
 was chosen to preach some times before the House of 
 Commons at their Solemn Fast ; and was much esteemed 
 for his sound judgment, masculine and nervous oratory. 
 He had then a call to Clanent's Danes, a very large and 
 considerable parish, became minister there, and his 
 preaching is said to have been highly beneficial to many 
 souls, and several persons of quality were his constant 
 hearers. Esse:x-house being in that parish, the Earl of 
 Essex was his frequent hearer, and continued his true 
 friend until his death. After some time, by the solicita- 
 tion of the Earl of Esse?:, he resigned that place and re- 
 moved to Walton in Hertfordshire. Ke afterward ac- 
 cepted an invitation to Lawrence Jewry, Londv)n ; where 
 his excellent talents were still employed in promoting the 
 interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the salvation 
 and happiness of his people. Many flocked to bis minis- 
 try, and his labours were crowned with I'cMiiarkable suc- 
 cess. While pastor of Lawrence Jewry, he was chosen 
 one of the v/eekly lecturers at Michael's, Cornhill. Up- 
 on the death of the Earl of Essex, the Parliament ap- 
 j^ointed a public funeral for him, which was attended 
 with great solemnity in Peter's church, Westminster, 
 when Mr Vines preached his funei:il sermon to a very 
 
194 Life of 
 
 great audience, which was composed of persons of high 
 distinction. 
 
 In the year 1 644, Mr Vines was appointed Master of 
 Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, by the Earl of Manchester ; 
 and, it is said, that he was a most industrious and useful 
 man in his College, having both much learning, and the 
 genuine spirit of government. It has been affirmed, that 
 few persons were better qualified for that exalted station. 
 There he earnestly promoted true religion and sound li- 
 terature to the utmost of his power, and restored the 
 college to a very flourishing condition, until, in the year 
 1649, he was turned out for refusing the engagement, 
 which was a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to 
 many conscientious ministers in England, at that time. — 
 He was appointed by the Parliament one of the Assistant 
 Divines at the Treaty of Uxbridge. Whitlocke, speaking 
 of this treaty, says, " that while Dr Steward and Dr 
 Sheldon argued very positively ^ that the government by 
 bishops was of Divine Right ; Mr Vines and Mr Hen- 
 derson argued as positively^ but more moderately^ to the 
 contrary, and that the government of the church by 
 Presbyteries was of Divine Right.'*^ 
 
 Mr Vines was also chosen a member of the Committee 
 of Accommodation, and was chairman at their meetings. 
 On the subject of a general accommodation of all parties, 
 he wrote an excellent letter to Mr Baxter, discovering 
 his mild and accommodating spirit. In the year 1645, 
 he was one of the Committee of learned Divines appoint- 
 ed by the Assembly to prepare the Confession of Faith. 
 In 164-8, he was appointed, by order of the Parliament, 
 cne of the Assistant Divines at the Treaty of the Isle of 
 Wight ; on which occasion he was greatly applauded by 
 his own party, particularly for proving the sufficiency of 
 Presbyterian Ordination. During the treaty, he had 
 much converse and some disputation with the King. His 
 Majesty highly valued him for his learning and ingenuity, 
 and seldom spoke to him without touching his hat, which 
 Mr Vines returned with most respectful language and 
 gestures, 
 
 a ^VhitloaVs Mem. pp. 119, liJS, 126, as with Brook, 
 
Richard Vines, 195 
 
 When the King was under sentence of death, Mr Vines, 
 Mr Calamy, and other ministers in London, presented 
 their duty to his Majesty, with their humble desires to 
 pray with him, and perform other services, if he would 
 be pleased to accept them. The King returned them 
 thanks for their kind offers and love to his soul, hoping 
 that they and all other good subjects would, in their ad- 
 dresses to God, be mindful of him ; but he declined the 
 services which they offered, having chosen Dr Juxon, in 
 whose abilities to administer comfort to him, he could 
 confide.* — About the year J 653, Mr Vines was appointed, 
 by order of the Parliament, one of the Divines to draw up 
 the Fundamentals, which were to be presented to the 
 House. 
 
 Messrs Ashe and Calamy, who were intimately ac- 
 quainted with Mr Vines, say, that to their knowledge, he 
 was a hearty Presbyterian. And Dr Fuller classes him 
 among those Divines, who in their judgment favoured 
 the Presbyterian discipline, or in process of time were 
 brought over to embrace it.-— He was a very solid, judi- 
 cious, and orthodox divine. He was mighty in the Scrip- 
 tures, and an interpreter one of a thousand. He was a 
 great champion in controversy, and eminently distinguish- 
 ed for giving a mortal wound to error. In his powerful 
 and spiritual ministry, he insisted very much upon the 
 all-important doctrine of justification, which he had 
 thoroughly studied ; greatly debasing man and exalting 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, and his finished righteousness. 
 Toward the conclusion of his ministry, he discovered 
 much earnestness, in driving man out of himself unto the 
 Saviour ; throwing down all false foundations of the 
 hope of heaven, and warmly recommending the only 
 sure foundation which Jehovah has laid in Zion. He se- 
 riously exhorted his hearers to study heart- holiness and a 
 conversation becoming the gospel of Christ. And he 
 knew well how to speak a word in season to wounded 
 spirits. 
 
 After a very laborious and highly useful life, Mr Vines, 
 
 a Wood's Athena« Oxon, vol. ii, 2d edit, p. G99. 
 
1 9Q Life and Writings cf 
 
 at length, became the subject of painful bodily afflicfion. 
 He had formerly a very strong constitution ; but hi^ 
 strength soon be^an to abate after he was settled at Law- 
 rence-Jewry. His infirmities rapidly increased. He was 
 much afflicted with pains in his head, which greatly hurt 
 his sight, that he could not see to read the largest print j 
 nor could any glasses help him. But he would not cease 
 from his public labours in the Lord's vineyard. He was 
 firmly resolved both to spend and to be spent in the ser- 
 vice of the church of Christ : like a candle which wastes 
 itself, to give light unto others. His voice, at last, be- 
 came very low. A few days before his death, when 
 he was preaching at Gregory's church, a rude fellow 
 cried aloud to him, " Lift up your voice, for I cannot 
 hear you :" to whom Mr Vines replied, " Lift you up 
 your ears, for I can speak no louder.'' The day before 
 he died, he preached and administred the Lord's Sup. 
 per ; and about ten o'Clock the same evening, when 
 going to bed, he was seized with a bleeding at the 
 nose, and died quietly and comfortably between two 
 and three o'clock the next morning, aged fifty-five 
 years. His remains were interred, with great lamen- 
 tation, in the church of Lawrence- Jewry, 7th Feb. 
 ] 655 ; when the celebrated Dr Thomas Jacombe 
 preached his funeral sermon, giving him the following 
 high commendation. — He was a burning and shining 
 light in his day, possessing very excellent parts, even 
 taller by the head than most of his brethren. He was 
 an accomplished Scholar, a perfect Master of the Greek 
 language, an excellent philologist, and an admirable 
 orator. He was a ready and close disputant, and ap- 
 peared to the admiration of many, in the Treaties af Ux- 
 bridge and the Isle of Wight. He wished to die praying 
 or preaching. He had an undaunted spirit ; and, like 
 Luther, nothing would hinder him from a courageous and 
 conscientious discharge of his duty. — Mr NewComen calls 
 him, " a most acute disputant, a very happy public 
 speaker, and an eminent divine." He was accounted 
 *' the very prince of preachers, a thorough Cahinist, and 
 a bold honest maxi, without pride and flattery." Dr Fu!- 
 
Richard Vines. 197 
 
 ler styles him "an excellent preacher, and the very 
 champion of the Assembly :** and adds, ** that he was 
 constant to his principles, yet moderate and charitable 
 toward those who differed from him."* Many funeral 
 poems and elegies were composed upon his death, both 
 in Latin and in English, 1 have seen and read thirteen 
 of these. Dr Jacombe says, that he was very averse to 
 print any thing of his own. But Dr Fuller observes, that 
 *' many most able scholars have never publicly appeared 
 in print : nor can their less learning be inferred from 
 their more modesty.'* 
 
 Mr Vines was author of the following learned Writings, 
 which have been printed. 
 
 1. Caleb's Integrity in following the Lord fully ; a ser- 
 mon from Numb. xiv. 24, before the Honourable House 
 of Commons, at their Solemn Fast, Nov. SOth, 1642. 
 Lond. 1642, and 1646. 
 
 2. The Impostures of Seducing Teachers Discovered ; 
 a sermon from Eph. iv. 14, 15, before the Lord Mayor 
 and Court of Aldermen of the City of London, at their 
 Anniversary meeting, April 2Sd, 1644. The 2d edit. 
 Lond. 1656. 
 
 3. A sermon preached from Isa. Ixiii. 8, before the 
 Right Honourable, the Lord's and Commons, at Margar- 
 et's, Westminster, upon Thursday, July 18th, 1644, 
 being the day of Public Thanksgiving for the great victo- 
 ry obtained near York. 4to. pp. 21. Lond. 1 644, and 
 1646. At the conclusion of this sermon, he says, "Fin- 
 ally, let all men fortify their hearts against the evils which 
 follow good success, that we be not made more loose in 
 our Covenant than before ; for we have reason to account 
 this day to be the fruit of ©ur entering and holding fast 
 unto that. I say this day, which shews you the two na- 
 tions formerly two^ now made one in a covenant, in the 
 field together, in a victory together, and in a pulpit to- 
 
 a Fuller's Worthies of England, fol. Lond. 1662. Ch; Hist. Cent. 
 17. Clark's Lives, Neal'« Puritans, vol. iii. and iv. Jacombe'l 
 Fun. Ser. for Mr Vines, 
 
 Vol. 1L 2 E 
 
198 Writings of 
 
 gether, paying unto God his praises, and so let them be 
 tor ever, 072^ Judah yet rulirig with God, and faithful 
 uiih the saints. '^* 
 
 4. llie Posture of David's Spirit, when he was in a 
 Doubtful Condition ; a sermon from 2 Sam. xv. 25, 26, 
 before the House of Commons, Oct. 22d, 1644. Fast, 
 4to. pp. 26. Lond. 3 644. 
 
 5. The Happiness of Israel ; a sermon from Deut, 
 xxxiii. 29, before both Houses of Parliament, the Lord 
 Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London being pre- 
 sent, in Christ's Church, on a day of Solemn Thanksgiving, 
 12th March, 1645. The 2d edit. Lond. 1656. 
 
 6. The Purifying of Unclean Hearts and Hands ; a 
 sermon from James iv. 8, before the Honourable House 
 of Commons, at their Solemn Fast, Jan. 28th, 1646. 4to« 
 pp. 31. Lond. 1646. 
 
 7. Funeral Sermon for the Earl of Essex, from 2 Sam, 
 iii. 38. Oct. 2^^d, 1646. Lond. l646. 
 
 8. The Authors, Nature, and Danger, of Heresy ; a 
 sermon from 2 Pet. ii. 1, before the Commons, 4to. pp. 
 7G. Lond. 1647. 
 
 9. Obedience to Magistrates both Supreme and Subordi* 
 nate, in three sermons from 1 Pet. ii. 13 — 16, and Tit. 
 iii. 1, preached upon the Anniversary election- day of 
 three Lord Mayors successively, Sept. 29th, 1653, 1654, 
 and 1655, at the Church of Lawrence- Jewry, London, 
 1656. 
 
 10. The Corruption of Mind ; a sermon preached from 
 2 Cor. xi. 3, at Paul's, 24th June, 1655. Lond. 1656. 
 
 I have seen these twelve sermons, by Mr Vines, col- 
 lected into one volume, in Scotland. 
 
 Mr Vines was also the author of A Treatise of the 
 Right Insiitiitio7i, Administration^ and Receivings of the 
 Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; delivered in twenty 
 sermons at Lawrence- Jewry, London. Small 4to. pp. 
 376. Lond. 1657, 1660. — Christ the Christianas only 
 Gain, 166 1. — God*s Drawing and Man's Coming to 
 Christ, 1662. — The Saint's Nearness to God, a small 
 piece, Lond, 1662. Dedicated by Wm. Drury to the 
 
Richard Vines. 199 
 
 Countess Dowager of Exeter. It is said, that it was writ- 
 ten upon request of an acquaintance. 
 
 Since writing the above, I have seen the third edition 
 of Mr Vines's Treatise on the Sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper, London, 1677. And my Correspondent at Lon- 
 don says, " a Bookseller told me that he had sold the sin- 
 gle Funeral Sermon for the Earl of Essex, with a Head, 
 by Vines, for 7s. and 6d. to be sent to Scotland." — A 
 Funeral Sermon for Mr William Strong has been men- 
 tioned, in the list of Mr Vines's Writings, but I do not 
 recollect to have seen it. 
 
 When Mr Tines was schoolmaster at Hinckley, he had 
 for one of his pupils Mr John Cleiveland, a noted Royalist 
 and popular Poet in the reign of Charles I, who, it is 
 said, " owed the heaving of his natural fincy, by the 
 choicest elegancies in Greek and Latin, to Mr Vines."* 
 
 a Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. under Vines. 
 
Richard Vines, 199 
 
 Countess Dowager of Exeter. It is said, that it was writ- 
 ten upon request of an acquaintance. 
 
 Since writing the above, I have seen the third edition 
 of Mr Vines's Treatise on the Sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper, London, 1677« And my Correspondent at Lon- 
 don says, " a Bookseller told me that he had sold the 
 single Funeral Sermon for the Earl of Essex, with a Head, 
 by Vines, for 76^ and 6d. to be sent to Scotland," — A 
 Funeral Sermon for Mr William Strong has been men- 
 tioned, in the list of Mr Vines's Writings, but I do not 
 recollect to have seen it. 
 
 When Mr Vines was schoolm.aster at Hinckley, he had 
 for one of his pupils Mr John Cleivland, a noted Royalist 
 and popular Poet in the reign of Charles I, who, it is 
 said, " owed the heaving or his natural fancy, by the 
 choicest elegancies in Greek and Latin, to Mr Vines."* 
 
 GEORGE WALKER, B. I). 
 
 CASTOR OF JOHN EVANGELIST's, LONDON, AND A MEMBER OF 
 THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 G 
 
 EORGE WALKER was born at Hawkshead, a mar- 
 ket-town, in Fourness, in Lancashire;, a maritime coun- 
 ty, in the North-west part of England, in the year 1581. 
 He was descended from religious parents, who were high- 
 ly beneficial unto him, in his early years, and peculiarly 
 attentive to his education. It pleased the Lord to visit him, 
 when he was a child, with the small pox, and while those 
 persons who attended him stood expecting his dissolution, 
 he started out of a trance, with the following remarkable 
 ejaculation, or fervent prayer. Lord, ia/re me not away 
 till I have shewed jorth thy praises. Tliis induced his 
 parents, upon his recovery, to devote him in a solemn 
 manner, to the important work of the holy ministry.— 
 
 a Brook's Puritans, vol, iii. under Vines. 
 VoL.lL 2F 
 
s>00 Life oj ^ 
 
 With God ail Ihings are possible. That remarkable visi- 
 tation with the small pox seems to have proved a happy 
 dispensanon, under the divine blessing, to rhe subject of 
 this ?rIemoir, in great mercy laying the foundation of his 
 spirituc^l health in his seemingly dangerous sickness. It 
 is a happy sickness which terminates in the recovery of 
 the soul re God. And the mercy which this unexpected 
 recovery brought with it, was a rich equivalent for all 
 the former sorrows of his relations and attendants. Both 
 his religious parents and himself beaudiully imitated the 
 pious ijraUtudt Oi that good woman, who, when recover- 
 ed by Jesus, i ! inediutehf arose, and ministered to Mm, 
 and to his Jo I louvers. Mat. viii. J 4, J 5. Those lives 
 which are mercifully spared by the goodness of God, and 
 that strength which is renewed by his almighty power, 
 should be faxrhfullyj affectionately, and solemnly, devoted 
 to his most honourable service. Sparing our lives, heal- 
 ing our diserises, and renewing our strength, are certain- 
 ly intended to fit us for action, that we may gratefully 
 minister unto Christ, and unto those who are his, for his 
 sake. Our religious youth, having been highly favoured 
 with the pious instructions of his parents in very early 
 life, found these instructions of peculiar advantage to him, 
 while he was a stranger and pilgrim on the earth. In due 
 time, he received a liberal education in St John's-College, 
 in the University of Cambridge, where he applied vi^ith 
 great assiduity to his studies, and his proficiency was very 
 conspicuous in different parts of literature. He was es- 
 teemed an excellent logician, a good Oriental scholar, 
 and an eminent divine. He proceeded B. 1). in that Col- 
 lege. Having finished his studies at the University, he 
 went to London ; and, in the year 1 6 ' 4, he became Rec- 
 tor of John the Evangelist, in Watling-street. In that 
 place, he continued a faithful and labourious minister of 
 the glorious gospel of the grace of God nearly forty years. 
 He refused all otlier and higher preferments, though fre- 
 quently offered him. He did not preach the gospel of 
 Christ with a view to obtain preferment, but with the no- 
 ble view of being an instrument in gaining precious and 
 immortal souls to his glorious Redeemer, About the 
 
George Wallcer. 201 
 
 same time, he became chaplain to Dr Felton, bishop of 
 Ely, who made choice of him on the very mornir-g of 
 his consecration. And the celebrated Dr Featly made 
 choice of him as his second, in one of his disputations 
 with Father Fisher, the famous Jesuit. IVlr Walker was 
 eminently distinguished by his vt:ry bold and successful 
 opposition to popery, and he readily engaged several 
 times in public disputations against its errors and super- 
 stitions, with some of the most subtle J'^suits. He bold- 
 ly attacked that dreadful system of error and corruption, 
 which is entirely contrary to the pure religion ol the 
 Bible, destructive to the souls of the human race, and 
 inconsistent with both civil and religious liberty. He ju- 
 diciously exposed the falsehoods of the Romish Church, 
 and became very conspicuous as a zealous friend of the 
 Reformation. On the last of May, in the year 1623, he 
 had a public dispute with a popish priest of the name of 
 Smith, before a very large assembly ; and, by the con- 
 sent of both parlies, the account of it was afterward pub- 
 lished, and entitled, " The Sum of a Disputation between 
 Mr Walker, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist, and a 
 Popish Priest, calling himself Mr Smith, but indeed Nor- 
 ris, printed i623, 4to " Wood says that Norris was a 
 Doctor of Divinity, and a publisher of several little popish 
 pamphlets about the same time. In the following year, 
 Mr Walker engaged with Fisher, the Jesuit, and there- 
 upon published Fisher* s Folly Ui^jolded ; or. The Vaiint- 
 ing Jesuit's Chatle77ge Answered, London, 1624. He 
 had many encounters with Fisher, and several other per- 
 sons, who were accounted the most able disputants of the 
 Romish persuasion. 
 
 Mr Walker was a divine of genuine piety, and of very 
 strict Sabbatarian principles. He frequently urged from 
 the pulpit, with great energy, the necessity and propriety 
 of an exact observance of the Lord's- day. The very little 
 respect which is paid to the Lord's day, greatly contri- 
 butes to increase that general inattention and indifference 
 which evidently threaten to unoVrmine the morals and 
 religion of this country The observance of one day in 
 seven, as a day of rest from business, and of engagincr 
 
202 Life of 
 
 in religious exercises, is certainly one of the most ancient 
 and venerable institutions which we have. Experience 
 seems to have established a general idea of both its wisdom 
 and utility. If mankind are capable of religion, as they 
 certainly are, it appears to be of very great importance 
 and utility to them, that there should be, at regular inter- 
 vals, a cessation from labour, and opportunities of receiv- 
 ing religious instruction, and of having serious impres- 
 sions made upon the mind. Mr Walker's very great re- 
 gard for the Sabbath makes a conspicuous appearance in 
 his writings. His sermons, which were afterward printed 
 against the profanation of the Sabbath, and other evil prac- 
 tices and opinions, procured him much trouble, and two 
 years' imprisonment. In the year 1635, having openly 
 avowed his sentiments in one of his sermons, and warmly 
 recommended the holy observance of the Sabbath, as op- 
 posed to a book which was published by Bishop White 
 of Ely, and set forth by pubhc authority, he was conven- 
 ed before Archbishop Laud, when he received canonical 
 admonition. In the year 1638, he was prosecuted and 
 severely censured in the Star-chamber. Having preached 
 a sermon in his own church, with a view to prove that it 
 is a sin to obey the greatest monarch on earthy in those 
 things xvhich stand opposed to the commands of God, he 
 was committed twelve weeks to the custody of a pursui- 
 vant, to whom he paid fees to the amount of twenty 
 pounds. Upon his prosecution, he was shut up ten 
 weeks close prisoner in the Gatehouse, and at last compel- 
 led to enter into a bond of a thousand pounds, to confine 
 himself prisoner in his brother's house at Cheswick, 
 when his living was sequestered. He continued a prison- 
 er about two years, but was afterward released by an or- 
 der of the Parliament. 
 
 His case was laid before the House of Commons, in the 
 year 1 64< 1 , when it was resolved, " That his commit- 
 ment from the Council-table for preaching a sermon, 
 October 14, 1638, and his detainment twelve weeks for 
 the same, is against the law and the liberty of the subject. 
 That the prosecution of the said Walker in the Star cham- 
 ber, for preaching the said sermon, and his close impri?- 
 
George Walker. 20S 
 
 onment thereupon for ten weeks in the Gatehouse, and 
 the payment of twenty pounds tees, is against law and the 
 liberty of the subject, — 
 
 Th;it ihe five passages marked in the sermon, by Mr. 
 Attorney and Sir John Banks, contain no crime* nor 
 deserve any censure, nor he any punishment for them. — 
 That the enforcing the said Walker to enter into the bond 
 of one thousand pounds, for confinement in his brother s 
 house at Cheswick, and his imprisonment there, is against 
 law. — That the sequestration of the parsonage of the said 
 Walker, by Sir John lamb, was done without any war* 
 rant and against the law of the land. — That Walker ought 
 to be restored to his psrsonage, and the whole profits 
 thereof, from the time of the said sequestration, and to 
 have reparation for all such damages as he hath sustained 
 by these several imprisonments, and his case transmitted 
 to the lords." 
 
 After Mr Walker's release from confinement, he re- 
 turned to his benefice and ministerial charge in Watling- 
 Street, London, where he continued the rest of his days 
 without further molestation. Laud, in the height of his 
 pride, affirmed, and bade him assure himself of it, Ihat 
 he should never come into a pulpit to preach any more. 
 But the proud persecuting prelate of Canterbury was 
 once mistaken. Almighty God often controuls the 
 wrath of wicked and unreasonable men, and when it 
 rages like the sea in a storm, he says to it, Hitherto 
 shall thou come, and no further. No weapon ihat is 
 Jormed against thee si lall prosper ; and ever if tongue that 
 shall rise agaiiist thee in judgment thou ahalt condemn . 
 This is the heritage of ihe servants of the Lord, and their 
 righteous7iesb is of me, saiih the Lord, Yet if any man 
 suffer as a Christian, let him not he ashamed ; but let 
 him glorify God on this behalf. Mr Walker^s persecutors 
 could prove nothing against him, but a stcdfast and 
 consistent attachment to divine truth. May it ever be 
 our constant care to preserve consciences void cf offaicc 
 both toicard God and toward man, as he did. And may 
 the unsearchable riches of divine grace always enable os 
 
204 Life of George Walker. 
 
 by well domg, to put to silence the ignorance of foolish 
 men! 
 
 In the year 1 643, Mr Walker was chosen one of the 
 Assemblyof Divines at Westminster, where by his muni- 
 ficent and generous behaviour, he gained a distinguished 
 and shining reputation. He is markc^d in Mr NeaVs hst, 
 as giving constant attendance. In the year following, he 
 was appointed one of the Committee tor the examination 
 and ordination, by imposition of hands, of those persons 
 who were judged qualified to be admitted into the sacred 
 Ministry, The same year he was one of the witnesses 
 against Archbishop Laud at his trial, when he deposed 
 that the archbishop had endeavoured to mrroduce Armi- 
 nianism and the popish superstitions into the church of 
 England. He preached sometimes before the Parliament. 
 Though Wood reproaches him with having preached, 
 after the Long Parliament began, against the King and 
 his followers, and having published several things, which 
 before he was not permitted to do, he united with his 
 brethren, the London ministers, in their protestation 
 against the King's death, declaring that his majesty ought 
 to have been released. He was a member of the first 
 provincial assembly in London, and sometimes chosen 
 moderator. He died in the year 1651, aged about se- 
 venty years, and his remains were interred in his own 
 church in Watling-Street. Dr. Fuller says, '' He was 
 well skilled in the Oriental languages, and an excellent 
 logician and divine. He was a man of a holy life, an 
 humble spirit, and a liberal hand, who deserved well of 
 Zion College library; and who, by his example and per- 
 suasion, advanced about a thousand pounds for the 
 maintenance of preaching ministers in his native country. 
 He ever wrote all his sermons, though making no other 
 use of his notes in the pulpit, than keeping them in his 
 pocket, being wont to say, 'hat he thought he should be 
 out if he had them not about him.'* V/ood allov/s that 
 he was a learned man, but a severe Puritan.* 
 
 a Wood's Athengc, vol. i. 2 edit. Fuller's Worthies of England, 
 1662, folio. Brook's Puritans, vol. iii. Walker's Ser. 
 
Writings of George Walker. 205 
 
 Mr Walker has published, beside the two pieces which 
 are mentioned in the account of his Ule, Socinianism in 
 the Fundamental Feint of Justification Discovered and 
 Confuted. A small book, pp. S55. London, 1641. An 
 excellent work. — The Doctrine of the Holy Weelclij 
 Sabbath, 1641. — Tne Manifold Wisdom of God ; in the 
 divers dispensation of Grace by Jesus Christ. A small 
 book, pp. 173. London, i6^0, 1641. — God made Vi- 
 sible in all his Works, i641. — A Sermon preached from 
 Psalm Iviii 9. before the House of Commons, Fast^ 
 16*44. 4to. pp, 5S. London, i645. 
 
 w 'Uii. ,i mi vtth'immttnr's 
 
 JOHN WALLIS, D. D. 
 
 AN EMINENT MATHEMATICIAN AND DIVINE, SOMETIME SAVILI- 
 AN PROFESSOR OF GEOMETRY, IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OX- 
 rORD, KEEPER OF THE ARCHIVES, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL 
 SOCIETY OF LONDON, SOMETIME ONE OF THE SECRETARIES TO 
 THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, AND CHAPLAIN 
 IN ORDINARY TO KING CHARLES THE SECOND. 
 
 f^ OHN WALLIS was born at Ashford, a large market 
 town in the county of Kent, in England, on the 23d of 
 Nov. 1616. His father was John Wallis, M. A. an 
 eminently pious, learned, and orthodox divine, and 
 minister of Ashford in Kent. His mother was Joanna, 
 daughter of tienry and Sarah Chapman of Godmersham 
 in Kent. His father died Nov. 30, J 622, when he was 
 very young, and he was then and afterward under the 
 tender care of his mother. She was peculiarly careful in 
 the pious and prudent education of all her children ; 
 bringing them up in the nurture and (idnvmitioii of the 
 Lord, 
 
 In the year 1625, there was a great plague in London 
 and many other places, and particulaily in Ashford, 
 which caused many of the inhabitants to remove for their 
 safety. On this occasion, the s'abjcct of^ this Memoir 
 was sent tQ LevQ-repn, nepj- Tc?)te!den. n n-'avkcatown in 
 
206 Lifof 
 
 Kent, to receive his grammatical education. In that place, 
 he was the scholar of Mr James Moffat, a Scotchman, 
 for several years. By him he was well grounded in the 
 technical part of grammar, so as to understand the rules, 
 and the reason of these rules, with their application in 
 such authors as are usually read in grammar-schools. 
 
 Our young scholar was always inclined from his very 
 childhood, not only to learn rules by rote, but also to un- 
 derstand the true meaning and the reasons of these rules. 
 The school at Leygreen at length broke up, when, for 
 learning, he might have gone to the University ; but he 
 was thought too young ; and therefore he was sent, to- 
 ward the end of Dec. in the year 1630, to Felsted -school 
 in Essex, which was at that time a school of good reputa- 
 tion, where he continued two years. By this time, he 
 was well grounded in the Latin and Greek languages, 
 having read several authors in both of these. He was 
 always principally attentive to the grammar. And he 
 had been accustomed in both schools to speak Latin, 
 which rendered that language very familiar to him; 
 and which he afterwards found highly advantageous. He 
 had also learned so much Hebrew as that, by the help of 
 his grammar and dictionary, he could proceed farther 
 without a teacher. Afterward, in the University, he 
 became very accurate in that language, especially in the 
 grammatical part, the changes of points and seat of ac- 
 cents, and read over the Hebrew Bible, or the greater 
 part of it, more than once. The knowledge of Hebrew is 
 unquestionably essential to the knowledge of the Holy 
 vScriptures. The want of that knowledge in Ministers of 
 the Gospel is condemnable. While it is a disgrace to 
 the order, it is a serious loss to the Christian community. 
 — Our celebrated scholar pursued his studies, at all times, 
 with rreat vigour, industry, and success. He was now 
 also so far instructed in the rudiments of logic, music, 
 and the French language. And during a vacation from 
 school, when he was about a fortnight at home with his 
 mother at Ashford, he learned the practical part of com- 
 mon Arithmetic from a younger brother of his, which wa^t 
 
John Wallis. 207 
 
 his first entry into mathematics, a science in which he 
 afterward became very eminent. 
 
 In Dec. 1632, he was sent to the University of Cam- 
 bridge, and there admitted in EmanueUcollege, under 
 the tuition of Mr Anthony Burc;ess, whom he himself 
 saySi was a pious, learned and able scholar, a good dis- 
 putant, a good tutor, an eminent preacher, a sound 
 and orthodox divine, and afterward minister of Sut- 
 ton- Ccfield, in Warwickshire. He there proceeded 
 Bachelor of Arts at the beginning of the year 1637, and 
 Master of Arts in 1640. His literature and talents ap- 
 peared in a very respectable light. He was alv/ays reput- 
 ed one of the best scholars of his rank. — In the year 1640, 
 he entered into the holy ministry. He was ordained by 
 Bishop Curie, who v/as then Bishop of Winchester. He 
 was about a year chaplain to Sir Richard Darby, at But- 
 tercrum, in York-shire. He afterward removed to the 
 family of Lady Vere, widow of Lord Horatio Vere, widi 
 whom he continued about two years. While with her, 
 he was sometimes in London, and sometimes at her house 
 at Castle Hedingham in Essex. He was afterward, about 
 a year, Fellov/ of Queen's College, Cambridge. But, 
 when he married Susanna Clyde, of Northiam, in Essex, 
 March 4th, 1644-5, he quitted that fellowship. 
 
 About the year 1644, he was chosen one of the Scribes 
 or Secretaries to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. 
 He was not in the Assembly from the commencement of 
 the session, nor is his name in the ordinance for calling 
 that Assembly ; but he came into it at the time above-men- 
 tioned, and was one of the Scribes or Secretaries. During 
 his attendance on that Assembly, he Vv-as a minister in 
 London, first in Fcnchurch-street, and afterward in Iron- 
 monger-lane; v/here he continued until his removal to 
 Oxford. There he prosecuted his studies, till he at length 
 attained to such proficiency, as to be reputed one of the 
 first mathematicians of the age in which he lived. He 
 had a most accurate judgment in all mathematical studies; 
 and was successful to admiration in decyphering the most 
 intricate writings ; an argument of a most subtil searching 
 wit and judgment. In a very great variety of cyphered 
 Vol. iL 2 G 
 
208 Life 0/ 
 
 letters, he discovered the mind of the writer, in spite of 
 every method which arc could devise to prevent if. - Our 
 author's own account of his first outset in this business, 
 is as follows. '^ About the b»^ginning of our civil wars, 
 in the year 1642 or 16435 a chaplain of Sir William 
 Waller shewed me one evening just as we were sitting 
 down to supper at Lady Vere's, as a curiosity, an inter- 
 cepted letter written in cypher, and it was, indeed, the 
 first thing i had ever seen of the kind ; and asked me, 
 between jest and earnest, if I could make any thing ot it, 
 and was surprised when I told him, perhaps I might. It 
 w^as about ten o'clock when we rose from supper, and I 
 withdrew from my chamber to consider of it. By the 
 number of different characters in it, there being not more 
 than ^2 or 23, 1 judged it could be no more than a new 
 alphabet ; and before I went to bed I found it out ; which 
 was my first attempt upon decyphering/' H^ must have 
 been endued with a ready turn for conjecture, because 
 in several letters a figure or a character was used for whole 
 words, and beside a great many nulls interspersed, which 
 must have added very much to the difficulty of decypher- 
 ing. He was often employed in that arduous work, and 
 complained of being badly rewarded for his services. 
 
 When Academical studies were much interrupted by 
 the civil wars in both the English Universities, the emi- 
 nently learned men resorted to London, and there formed 
 assemblies. Mr Wallis belonged to one of these, who 
 met once a w^eek, to discourse on philosophical subjects : 
 and this society was the beginninLi of what was afterward 
 incorporated under the name of the Royal Society. In 
 i 649, he became Saviiian Professor of Geometry at Ox- 
 ford, where he passed agreeably the remainder of his days, 
 in the cultivation of those sciences, which he much improv- 
 ed to the honour both of himself and of his country. He 
 opened his lectures on the last day of October, with an 
 inaugural speech ia Latin, which was printed. On May 
 31st, in 1654, he took the degree of Doctor of Divinity, 
 In lt)58, he was chosen Keeper of the Archives of the 
 University of Oxford. Upon the Restoration of King 
 Charles II, he met with great respect j the King himself 
 
John Wallis, 209 
 
 entertained a favourable opinion of him ; he was therefore 
 not only made one of the King's cl;<i plains, but also con- 
 firmed in both his places of Saviiuri Professor and Keeper 
 of the Archives. In 1661, he was appointed one of the 
 Divines, who were empowered to review the Book of 
 Common Pr:i er. He afterwr^rd complied with the terms 
 of the act of Uniformity, and is said to have continued a 
 sreadv conformist to the church of England till his death. 
 He was one of the first members of the Royal Society, 
 and k«q3t a constant correspondence with it by letters and 
 papers, many of which are published in the Transactions 
 of that Society. Lord Brounker, Sir Isaac Newtown, 
 Dr Barrow, Dr Wallis. Mr Gregory, Dr Halley, with 
 other learned men of that day, were the respectable 
 members^ who, in the year 668, formed the Royal 
 Sr»ciety in London." William Brounker. Lord Viscount 
 of CavStle Lyons in Ireland, ana first President of the 
 Roval Society after its incorporation, was engaged in a 
 literary correspondence on mathematical subjects with Dr 
 Wailis.^ And Dr Wallis addressed to the celebrated Mr 
 Boyle his hypothesis on the flux and reflux of the sea, 
 which was printed in the Philosophici^l Tr;^ns3cfions. 1 he 
 v/tinde:- ml memoi-y of our learned author, who could ex- 
 tract the cube root by mere mental process to an hundred 
 places of figures, is said to be well known in England. 
 '1 hrse operations required a seclusion of hirnseH from the 
 external impressions of light, sound, and muscular action. 
 And we are informed that similar mental operations in the 
 case of Mr Brindly, in extraordinary mechanical pursuits, 
 required the same seclusion in the solitude of his bed. — Dr 
 Wallis has attempted to p>ove that Gerbertus, Arch- 
 bishop of Rhcims, afterward Pope Silvester the II, h.'d, 
 before the year ]000, learned the art of Arithmetic as 
 now practised with only nine characters, from the Sara- 
 cens in Spain. Edward Bernard, a learned English as- 
 tronomer and linguist, particularly eminent in Oriental 
 literature, studied mathematics under Dr Wallis. We 
 
 a Monthly Review, vol iv. p. 582. 
 b Gen. Biogr. vol ii, under Brounker. 
 
210 Lifhof 
 
 mention this, because the reputation of an illustrious maa 
 is augmented by that of his disciples. — Dr Wallis*s depth 
 of science and acuteness of intellect led him early to pro- 
 nounce on speculation, the practicability of teaching the 
 deaf to speak, and to verify his theory in the tuition of 
 Mr Whaily, a young gentleman of Northampton, deaf 
 and dumb from his birth. Having fully succeeded in the 
 first essay of his skill, he made a second with the son of 
 Adniiral Pcpham; and was afterv/ard employed in instruct- 
 ing deaf and dumb pupils without teaching them to speak. 
 He was also an eminent divine; and much employed 
 in defence of the Trinity and of the Sabbath, He had 
 a very clear apprehension in divine things, and could 
 accurately distinguish truth from error. — He died, Oct. 
 28th, in 1703. in his 88th year, being 87 years, 3 months, 
 and 5 days old ; leaving behind him one son and two 
 daughters, to lament the Iosg of a good father. His re- 
 mains were interred in the chair of Mary's Church, in 
 Oxford, where a handsome monument is erected to his 
 memory. 
 
 The Monthly Reviewers, in reviewing Dr Wallis's 
 Sermons, which were first published in the year 1791, 
 give him the following character : they say that he was 
 *•' a man of great ability, learning, worth, and celebrity, 
 in his day ; although, as it must happen, in the progress 
 of years, to numbers who, like Dr Wallis, merit a fa- 
 vourable report, his memory has been too much disre- 
 garded. — Though Dr Wallis did not apply to this science, 
 (mathematics) as a business, until he was upward of 
 forty years of age, it presently appeared that he had a 
 genius particularly fitted for the pursuit. He soon be- 
 came eminent : of which he gave proof by the works that 
 he published. He was allowed to be the first mathemati- 
 cian of the time in v;hich he lived, next to Sir Isaac New- 
 ton. One accidental testimony of this, is his ' Commer- 
 cium Epistolicum,' occasioned by a challenge given by 
 Mr Fermate (a Frenchman,) to the English, Dutch, and 
 French mathematicians (except those of Paris,) to answer 
 a numerical question. The Doctor accomplished it with 
 great applause, and received, among other commendations. 
 
John Wallis, 2 1 1 
 
 in a letter addressed to Sir Kenelm Digby, the farther ac- 
 knowledgement, ' Now must Holland yield to England, 
 and Paris to Oxford.' 
 
 In connection, it is proper to mention his acuteness as 
 a (feci/plierer ; in which art he was employed for several 
 years, with great success, although for sometime with but 
 inconsiderable emolument to himself. On the whole, Dr 
 W. must be regarded as a man who stands high in the 
 learned world. As a theologian, he ranked with those wiio 
 at that time claimed the dtnomination of ortLodox, and he 
 appears to have been an adept in ihat kind of diviniry : but, 
 which is far more important, he also appears earnestly soli- 
 citous to advance the true interest of his hv^arers. Learned 
 and skilful he certainly was ; and we apprehend he acted 
 conformably to the noble dictates of virtue, inttgrity and 
 goodness/" This may be considered as a ref^pectable 
 testimony to Dr Wallis's professional character. We 
 are told more particularly, that he had a vigorous con- 
 stitution, a strong mind, calm, serene, and not e:^}^:iy 
 ruffled or discomposed. He was reckoned the glory 
 and ornament both of his country, and of the University. 
 He had a clear apprehension, a solid and penetrating 
 judgment. And he was a most strenuous and warm 
 defender of the all-important doctrine of the Ever- blessed 
 Trinity, and of the Sabbath-day. Memoirs of Dr Walhs, 
 with a fine Portrait, were published in the Universal 
 Magazine for March, 1802, vol. 110, London. 
 
 Dr Wallis's writings are numerous. In 1642, or 4C, 
 he published a book, which v*ras entitled, Trutli Ti'ted^ 
 or Animadversions on Lord Brook's Treatise, called, 1 he 
 JSiatiiye of Truth, This, perhaps, might be thought a ve- 
 ry learned work when it was written, though it may now 
 be reckoned too scholastic, being written in the manner of 
 the Peripatetic philosophy. — In i650, he published some 
 Animadversions on a book written by Mr Baxter, enti- 
 tled, Aphorisms of Justification and. of the Covenant. — 
 About the year 1653, he published his Tr actus dc Lo^ 
 
 a Monthly Review, Ealargcd, y©1. viii. 
 
212 Writings of 
 
 giicfa Cframmaftca Phj/sicm, since many times reprinted. 
 Or; Grd'unicttca LingucE Av^^licmice. cum trac:a i' a'e 
 JLoquela seii sonorum Jormatione, in 8vo. In the piece 
 de Loquela, he informs us, that he has philosophirally* 
 considered the formation of all sounds used in articulate 
 speech, as well of our own, as of any other language 
 that he knew ; by what organs, and in what position, 
 each sound was formed ; with the nice disiinctions of 
 each, wh;ch in some letters of the tiame organ are very 
 subtile : so that by such organs, in such position the 
 breath issuing from the lungs v/ill form such sounds, 
 whether the, person do or do not hear h^nself speak. 
 Pursuing these reflections, he was \<^d to think it posbiijle, 
 that a deaf person might be taught to speak, by being 
 directed so to apply t^ne organs of speech, as the J^ound^ 
 of each letter required, which children learn by imitation 
 and frequent attempts, rather than by art- Thus he 
 undertook to teach some dumb persons to speak, with 
 success. — 
 
 In the year 1 653, was published, in Latin, his Gram- 
 mar of the English tongue, for the UvSe of Foreigners, in 
 a manner entirely different from any thing of the kind, it 
 is said, which has been before or since published. In 
 this ingenious work, a remark is made which may be new 
 to some of our readers ; speaking of words which begin 
 with or, as if, says he, these took their meaning from 
 the cross — among other illustrations, he adds, Richard 
 III, formerly King of England, was called. Crouched' 
 backf not because his back was crooked, but because he 
 wore on his back the form of the cross. — Of this valuable 
 work, a new and handsome edition was printed, in I7()5, 
 at the expence of Mr Thomas Hollis, who was remarkable 
 for appropriating a considerable part of his large estate to 
 acts of iKCultar benevolence, particularly to (he patriotic 
 purpose of reprinting scarce and valuable pubHcations. 
 Of his impressions of those, he usually gave away great 
 numbers, especially to seminaries of learning, in most 
 parts of the globe, as well as to private persons; and 
 such presents were often clothed in the most (legant and 
 expensive binding. He caused a fine portrait of Dr WaU 
 
JoJm Wallis. 213 
 
 lis to be prefixed to his edition of a Latin Grammar, from 
 a dicr.vmg by Cypriar.i, v./hich print is well opied and 
 placed as a froniisp;:ce to the Doctor's sermons 
 
 in 1655, Mr Tru^nidS Hobbes having printed his Trea- 
 tise ^c' Corpore PhiiOSorJuc'}, Dr Waliis, the same > c*ar, 
 pub ished a confutiitlon cF ii in Latin, under the tiil< of 
 J'.^ei.chu^ Geomt'.trice IlobLianuc, which was printed in 
 Octavo at Oxford. This so provoked Mr Hobbes, that 
 in 1656, he published it in Eoghsh, with the addition of 
 what he called, "• Six Lessons to the Professors of Ma- 
 thematics in Oxford," 4to. Upon this. Dr Waliis wrote 
 an answer, in English, entitled, ' Dae Correction for Mr 
 Hobbes; or School Discipline for not saying his L'-s^ons 
 right, 1656.' To thib Mr Hobbes repli -d in a pamphlet, 
 entitled, Stigmai, or M^iks of the Absurd Geometry. &c. 
 of J. Waliis, lo57, 4to, This was immediately rejoin<^d 
 to by Dr W. in ' Hobbiani Puncti Dispunctio/ id.:?; 
 and here the controversy seems to have ended at this time. 
 But in lfv6l, Mr Hobbes printed ' Examinatio.' &c. 
 This caused Dr W. to publish the next year, ' Hobbius 
 Heautontimoruminos/ in Svo. addressed to Mr Boyle. — . 
 In 1657, he collected and published his mathematical 
 works, in two parts, titled, ' Mathesis Universalis/ 4to. 
 — In 165:5, he published in 4to at Oxford, "^ Commer- 
 cium Epistolicum de Questionibus Mathematicis.' He 
 still continued to publish many useful mathematical 
 works. In i67b', he gave an edition of Archimedcs's 
 Avenarius ; and Dimensio Circuli. In 16«2, he pub- 
 lished from the Mss. Claudii Ptulemaei Opus Harmoni- 
 cum. in Gr. v.'ith a Latin version and notes; to which he 
 afterward added an Appendix. — He published several 
 theological pieces. I have seen a quarto vol. ot his theo- 
 logical discourses ; containing 8 Letters and 3 sermons 
 concerning the Blessed Tjinity ; The IJJe of Faith, in 
 two serp.ions, to the University of Oxford ; God's Scrjcr- 
 cignty and Justice, in two serrrons, before the Judges 
 of Assize, from Gen xviii. '^5. — The True Trtamre, 
 two sermons from Mat. vi. 19, 20, 21. God's Deliver' 
 ances of his I'eop/e ; from 2 Cor. i. 10. Of Repentance ; 
 and Discourses conceruing Melchlaedekj Job, and the 
 
214 Writings of John WalUs. 
 
 Titles of the Psalms, &c. London, 1692. He also 
 published two sermons, entitled. The Necessitt/ of Re* 
 generatum ; and The Resurrection As^ierted, — He also 
 wrote a Defence of the Sabbath, respecting which we 
 find a Dissenter expressing himself to him as follows : " I 
 have read over the first part of your Discourse upon the 
 Christian Sabbath ; and liked it so well that I was eager 
 to get the second. In reading thereof I could not but 
 admire the large measure of the understanding which the 
 Lord out of his goodness has been pleased to bestow up- 
 on you above many other pious and learned men.'* — He 
 also wrote ' A Defence of Infant- Baptism,' Oxford, 1697. 
 — I have ' A Brief and Easy Explanation of the Shorter 
 Catechism, which was presented by the Assembly of Di- 
 vines at Westminster to both Houses of Parliament, by 
 Dr Wallis. A small piece, the 8th edition, London, 
 1659. His pamphlets, letters, and books, on several 
 subjects, are very numerous. 
 
 In i 697, the Curators of the press at Oxford thought 
 it for the honour of the University, to collect all his works 
 which had been printed separately, as well in English as 
 in Latin, and to publish these together in Latin. They 
 were accordingly published at Oxford, in lf)99, in 3 vols, 
 folio ; and dedicated to King William.-— A posthumous 
 vol. of 1 3 sermons, vi^ith an ample account of Dr Wallis* 
 life, w^is published at London, in I79i, in 8vo. from the 
 author's original Mss. by his great grandson, Mr William 
 Wallis, who had in possession some valuable Mss. and 
 till lately a rich gold medal, which had been presented to 
 Dr Wallis by the Elector of Brand enburgh, with an hon- 
 ourable inscription and a chain of gold of so great value 
 as to produce from a refiner the sum of sixty-two pounds 
 five shillings. In these sermons, the reader may see both 
 the author*s learning and piety ; with the Calvinistic doc- 
 trines of the Reformation, and of the Holy Scriptures. 
 They may indeed be accounted too Puritaiiical by some 
 persons ; but they will not be the less acceptable on that 
 account to others. The style is plain, and the matter 
 excellent.* 
 
 a Memoirs prefixed to these Sermons, and Universal Magazine, 
 for March 1802, vol. ex. 
 
JOHN WARD. 
 
 J^EVER AL persons of this name were eminently pious, 
 learned, and conscientious nonconformists, in England, 
 about the time that our author lived. John Ward, who, 
 in this place, comes under our consideration, was some- 
 time Minister of the gospel, in Ipswich, the capital of 
 Suffolk, in England. He was one of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster, superadded, and said to have 
 constantly attended. 
 
 I have seen the following sermons, by this Mr Ward. 
 — Gof/ Judging Among the Gods : a sermon from Psalm 
 Ixxxii. I, before the Commons, Fast, 26th ot March, 
 1645. London, 164^5.— The Good^Wiil of Him who 
 Dwelt in the Bush ; or, The Ea^traordinary Happiness 
 of Living Under an Extraordinary Providence : a ser- 
 mon preached from Deut. xxxiii. 16, before the Lords, 
 in the AbbeyXhurch, Westminster, Thanksgiving, 22d 
 of July, 164.5. London, 1645. 
 
 JOHN WHINCOP, D. D. 
 
 J OHN WHINCOP was a member of the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster. His name is found in the or- 
 dinance of Parliament for calling an Assembly of learn- 
 ed and godly Divines ; and he is said to be of St. Mar- 
 tin's in the Fields. In Neal's list, he is described, D. D. 
 and as giving constant attendance during the session. 
 
 A John Whincop, D. D. said to be sometime Fellow ot 
 Trinity College, Cambridge, and about the year 1644, 
 or 1645, Pastor of the Church of Clothall, in Hartford- 
 shire, has two sermons extant, which I have now before 
 me. 1. God's Call to Weeping and Mourning, from 
 Isa. xxii. 12. preached to the House of Commons, at 
 
 Vol. IL 2 H 
 
216 Life of 
 
 their solemn Fast, 4to. pp. 51. London, 1645. — 2» Is- 
 rael's Tears for Distresst-d Zlon, from Poalin cxxxvii. l^ 
 to the House of Lord's, at their solemn Fast, 4to. pp 47. 
 London, 161-5. Probably, though 1 cannot say certain- 
 ly, this was the Dr Whincop, who was a Member of the 
 Westminster Assembly. But be that as it may, I cannot 
 give any farther account of any person of that name. 
 
 JEREMIAH WHITAKER, A, M. 
 
 CASTOR OF STRETTOX, AND OF MARY MAGDALEN BERMONDSEY, 
 IN SOUTHV/ARK, AND A MEMBER OF THE VENERABLE ASSEMBLY 
 OF DIVINES AT WESIMINSIER. 
 
 J 
 
 EREMIAH WHITAKER was born at Wakefield, in 
 Yorkshire, in the year 1599. He was instructed in 
 grammar- learning, at the place of his birth. His early 
 piety was very remarkable. He appears to have been a 
 young convert. The Lord, who hath loved his own 
 chosen ones, mth an everlasting lave^ seems to have 
 drawn him with loving-kindness, in the days of his youth, 
 Jer. xxxi. 3. As an evidence of this, while he was a 
 boy at the school, he discovered strong and warm affec- 
 tions toward such as were religiously disposed. And 
 Christ says, ''* By this shall all men know that ye are my 
 disciples, if ye have love one to another," John xiii. 
 35» This is the livery of his family, the distinguishing 
 character of his disciples.* See 1 John iii. 14. And, 
 he often travelled eight or ten miles, in company with 
 religious persons, to hear an awakening, soul-refreshing, 
 and heart-searching sermon. He also joined with such 
 persons in prayer, and other holy exercises and duties. 
 And being very capable to take notes of sermons, he 
 was peculiarly helpful to those private Christians, with 
 whom he associated, in repeating what they had publicly 
 h^ar^.. ^ *' Then they who feared the Lord spake often 
 
 a Henry, on the place. 
 
Jeremiah WkttaJcer. 217 
 
 one to another," Mai. iii. 16. And, here we may ob- 
 serve, that divine grace makes a very great change upon 
 mankind-sinners, when they commence its subjects. Be- 
 fore, they are under the condemning and enslaving 
 dominion of sm ; being "by nature the children o 
 wrath, even as others," Eph. ii. 3. The grace of God 
 doth not find mankind religious and godly ; but it makes 
 them so. As Seneca said concerning Plato, that^philoso- 
 phy did not find Plato noble, but made him so/ *' By 
 the ^race of God I am what 1 am," 1 Cor. xv. lO. 
 Aud^here we may certainly say, in the language of Juve^ 
 nal, great respect is due to youth of this description ; and 
 the church of Christ ought to be deeply concerned for 
 their welfare.'' Such are the hope of the church. Far- 
 ther, with relation to our young Whitaker, while he was 
 at the grammar-school, there uas Jound some good thing 
 in him toward the Lord God of Israel, \ Kings xiv. IS. 
 For on several occasions, he discovered, a very strong 
 propensity unto the office of the holy ministry. His fa- 
 ther endeavoured earnestly, with repeated solicitations, 
 to dissuade him from that choice ; but could not prevail. 
 And, the pious subject of this Memoir was so far from 
 repenting of his choice, that both now, and afterward, 
 he continued to magnifv that office more and more. He 
 often said, *' I had much rather be a preacher of the 
 gospel, than an emperor." And when he was, by a 
 special designation of Divine providence, vested with that 
 office, he esteemed h the most signal honour of his life 
 to be employed therein. And, as the same objects oi 
 pursuit do not please all men ; but some make choice ot 
 one employment, and others of another, according to their 
 various inclinations :^ So among different choices this 
 was his fixed and permanent choice. Accordingly, 
 when a motion was once made to him, to be the head ot 
 a College in the University, he readily rephed, '' My 
 heart doth more desire to be a constant preacher, than 
 to be the Master of any College in the world." 
 
 a Sen. Epist. 44. 
 
 b Maxima debetur puero reverentia, Juv. 1 4-, 17. 
 
 tn Horace, Ode 1. 
 
218 Life of 
 
 When he was sixteen years of age, being well instruct* 
 cd in grammar-learning, he was sent to the University of 
 Cambridge, and admitted into Sidney College, where he 
 had a liberal education, and proceeded in arts. He was 
 soon held in high reputation for his excellent parts, and 
 scholarship. And his name is enrolled among the learn- 
 ed writers of that College, by Dr Fuller, in his History 
 of the University of Cambridge/ He commenced bach- 
 elor of arts, when he was twenty years of age. After- 
 ward, he taught the free school in Okeham, the chief 
 town in Rutlandshire, where he continued about seven 
 year?. Here he married the daughter of the Rev and 
 eminent William Peachy, minister at Okeham. By her 
 he had four sons, and three daughters. He designed all 
 his sons for the holy ministry, such was his regard for the 
 service of Christ, his Lord and Master. And he lived to 
 see two of them ordained to that office. One died while 
 he was a student in Cambridge. He appointed the other 
 one to be educated for that office. Being vested with that 
 office which he so ardently desired, he entered upon a 
 pastoral charge at Stretton, in the county of Rutland, 
 where he continued a careful, faithful, and diligent mi- 
 nister of the gospel, about the space of thirteen years. 
 He was now in his own element, like a fish in the water, or 
 a bird in the air. Beside his pastoral employment, preach- 
 ing twice every Lord's day at Stretton, he also constantly 
 carried on a weekly lecture at Okeham ; and supported 
 some other institutions of that kind in the neighbourhood. 
 -—He set apart days for fasting and humiliation in secret 
 and private often ; and was very ready to join in such ex- 
 ercises, when called thereto, either in Rutlandshire, or in 
 the adjacent countries. He was equally attentive to family 
 duties, and the devotion of the closet, wherein he ardent- 
 ly sought communion ivith God. His ordinary course 
 in his family was, to worship God, and to expound some 
 part of the Holy Scriptures, twice every day. Beside, 
 he read parts of God's vi^ord in secret ; and he usually 
 read all the epistles in the Greek Testament twice every 
 
 a Hist, page 154-: 
 
Jeremiah Whitaker. H9 
 
 fortnight.* And when by extremity of pain apd weak- 
 liess, he could not read himself, he employed others to 
 read to him. Hence he was mis:hty in the Scriptures^ 
 like Apollos, Acts xviii. 24. This course he earnestly 
 commended to his eldest son, as an exct llent mean, to 
 make him both a ready and a profitable preacher. 
 
 While he lived in Rutlandshire, the book allowing 
 sports on the Lord's day made its appearance. This he 
 refused to read, although it was ardently pressed upon 
 him, both by commands and threatenings. And after- 
 ward, when called to give in his answer relative to a con- 
 tribution among ministers, to maintain a war against the 
 Scots, he openly told the bishop, or his chancellor, that 
 his conscience would not permit him to do it. This an* 
 swer, given with zeal and courage, exposed him to the 
 hazard of losing both his ministry and benefit, as the 
 times then were. Upon this, one of his neighbours, pi- 
 tying him and his family, through false compassion, pay- 
 ed the money required, and subscribed Mr Whiiaktr's 
 name without his knowledge. This was long concealed 
 from him ; but when the deed was made known to him, 
 he expressed his displeasure against it, with many com- 
 plaints, and much grief of heart. 
 
 In the year 1 ti4 3, he was nominated one of the As- 
 sembly of Divines at Westminster, on account of his 
 eminent piety and learning. And he was accounted very 
 useful and advantageous in that Assembly, by his bre- 
 thren there, and acquaintances. Upon his coming to 
 London, he was chosen and called to the pastoral charge 
 of Mary Magdalen Bermondsey, a rectory in South wark. 
 In relation to the acceptance of this charge he consulted 
 many godly and judicious ministers. And with their 
 concurrence and approbation, he accepted it. He was 
 now in Labours more abundant, 2 Cor. xi. 23. Distin- 
 guished from many of his brethren, by more eminent 
 services. He preached three or four sermons generally 
 every week ; two in Southwark, his own charge, one at 
 
 a Clarke's Lives often eminent Divines, Loudon, '^u\y2\ aud 
 Ashe's Sermon at his funeral, pnffc 57- 
 
220 Life of 
 
 Westminster, and one at Christ-Church, London. And 
 when he gave up his lecture at Christ-Church, he under- 
 took another at Stepney. Beside, he was engaged in two 
 lectures quarterly at Michaers Cornhill. And he preach- 
 ed monthly at the morning exercise, or else he assisted 
 on the days of fasting in the conclusion of these exercises. 
 Beside, he preached many occasional sermons, at the dis- 
 pensation of the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and at 
 funerals. Add to all this, his attending the work of the 
 Assembly of Divines. In a word, he never withdrew 
 fi'om any opportunity of preaching, or serving the church 
 oi Christ otherwise, if he was in health. And though 
 he preached so often, his sermons were not mean or 
 empty ; but solid and judicious.^ This narrative may call 
 to our mind, Paul's commendation of Epaphroditus, his 
 brother^ and companion in labour^ who, for the work of 
 Christ was nigh unto deaths not regarding his life, to sup- 
 ply the church's lack of service^ Phil, ii. 2.1 — 30. And 
 it calls upon all students of divinity, and ministers of the 
 gospel, in a particular way, to be active and diligent in 
 the work which Christ hath appointed them. *^ For 
 Christ keeps no servants to be idle. Christ's servants 
 receive their all from him; and our receiving from 
 Christ is in order to our working for him.— The manifes- 
 tation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with- 
 d"* And the slothful servant is the wicked servant; 
 whose doom is tremendous indeed. Mat. xxv. *26 — 30. 
 *^ Whatever our particular snares in life may be, let us 
 think of the doom of the slothful servant^ to awaken our 
 souls, and to deter us from every degree of unfaithful- 
 ness/*^ And let us imitate the diligence and faithfulness 
 ©f this eminently laborious servant ot Jesus Christ. " Set- 
 ting before us excellent examples useth to spur us on to 
 an imitation of them."*^ 
 
 Mr Whitaker was of the Presbyterian persuasion, and 
 Irad a chief hand in composiong the Defence of the Gos- 
 
 a Henry on Mat. xxv. 14. 
 
 b Doddridge on Mat. xxv. 30. Improvement. 
 
 € Wifehart's Theologia, vol. i. Disec, 7. Serm. S4. 
 
Jeremmh Whitaler, 221 
 
 pel Ministry, published in the year 1654, by the Provin- 
 cial Synod ot London. Dr Fuller ranks him among 
 those, in the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, who 
 in their judgment favoured the Presbyterian discipline, 
 who seemed to be pillars^ as on whose abilities the weiit^ht 
 of the work mostly lay.* And Neal says, '* No man was 
 more beloved by the Presbyterian mmisters of London 
 than Mr Whitaker.'"^ He refused the cn-a<^ement; 
 though he was thereby in danger of losing his lecture at 
 Westminster. In these times of awful apostacy, confu- 
 sion, and corruption, he discovered an undaunted cour- 
 age, and much Christian magnanimity, both in public and 
 private, in behalf of truth and holiness, against every 
 prevailing evil, whether error or immorality. In his ser- 
 mons preached at Westminster, from Eph. ii. 2, 3. con- 
 concerning men's walking according to the course of this 
 wortd and futfiUing the lusts of the flesh ; and during 
 the military despotism of Oliver Cromwell, he shewed 
 much zeal for the glory of God, and warm attachment 
 to his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. When the stormy 
 tempest seemed to blow harder and harder ; and the faith- 
 ful were in danger of suffering much for righteousness* 
 sake^ as he was riding with one of his intimate friends, 
 past Tyburn, where many malefactors had been put to 
 death, he stopped his horse, and expressed the following 
 words with great affection : " Oh what a shame is it, thai 
 so many thousands should die for the satisfaction of their 
 lusts, and so few be found willing to lay down their lives 
 for Christ ! Why should not we, in a good cause, and 
 upon a good call, be ready to be hanged for Jesus Christ I 
 It would be an everlasting honour : and it is a thousand 
 times better to die for Christ, to be hanged, or to be 
 burnt for Christ, than to die in our beds.'* 
 
 He much lamented the wars between England, Scot- 
 land, and Holland. He often told an intimate friend of 
 his, that England's breach with Scoihnd, and the blood 
 that was shed, together with the other sad consequences 
 
 a Church Hist. Cent. 17. Book 11. Sect. 9. 
 b Hist. Purit. vol. iv. Chap. 3. 
 
222 Life of 
 
 thereof, had made such impression upon his heart, that 
 the sorrow would never be removed until his death. 
 And, the sufferings both in Holland and England, in 
 the sea- fig h 13, were an heavy burden upon his spirit. 
 
 With relation to his more particular character, as a 
 Christian, the fruits, or graces of the Spirit, mentioned 
 Gal. V 22, 2S. love^ joy^ peace^ long-sufferings gentle- 
 ness, goodness^ jcdth^ meekness^ and temperance^ all 
 shined with remarkable lustre in him. And the Lord 
 very graciously added humility, as a crown to all his 
 other graces. This set a lustre on the whole. He was 
 indeed clothed xiith liumiUty. And we may say with re- 
 gard to him, what Dr Fuller says, concerning Dr John 
 Reynolds, in point of humility : " Admirable that the 
 whole should be so " low, whose several parts were so 
 liighr^ He conversed most familiarly with the poorest 
 Christians, even with babes in Christ; and was very- 
 communicative, " like a tree loaden with fruit, bowing 
 down its branches to all who desired to ease it of the 
 burden thereof."'' And fev/ men of his estate, did so 
 abound in works of charity. He often said, " It is a 
 brave thing, when a man together with a full estate, 
 hath a charitable heart." Sometimes upon special occa* 
 sions, he gave away all the money that he had in the 
 house. He frequently gave twenty shillings to a poor 
 saint ; and he had many experiences of God's gracious 
 returns in such cases. By his last mll^ he gave twenty 
 pounds to the godly poor of his own parish. And while 
 he lived, he greatly abounded in kind and compassionate 
 actions to the necessitous and afflicted saints around him. 
 When he saw the Lord Jesus Christ an hungered, in his 
 disciples and followers, or under any distress, he relieved 
 as far as he could* And such charitable actions, com- 
 prehending all other fruits of faith, will be brought forth, 
 and remembered with peculiar regard on the day ofjudg'* 
 ment, not at all as meritorious causes of salvation, but only 
 as evident testimonies, proofs, and signs of true love to 
 
 a Fuller's Church Hist. Cent. 17. Book 10. Sect. .^. 
 b Fuller's Church Hist, as above. 
 
Jeremiah WhitaJcer. 223 
 
 God, of faith unfeigned, and of subjection to the Lord 
 Jesus Christ in his offices of Mediator, Surety, Saviour, 
 Redeemer, Prophet, Priest, and King. This is evident 
 from Mat. xxv. 35 — 40.* That alms deeds should be 
 remembered with peculiar regard on the day of judgment, 
 was an opinion which early prevailed amonpj the Jews ; 
 as appears by the Chaldee paraphrase on Eccl. ix. 7. 
 which bears a remarkable resemblance to these words 
 of Christ, Mat. xxv. 35, &c. and might perhaps be 
 an imitation of them.** And the saints in glory will be 
 for ever reaping the harvest of these labours of love. Mr 
 Whitaker*s patience, and resignation to the sovereign will 
 of God, were as remarkable, as his works of charity ; 
 but as these will come natively in course, in giving an 
 account of his sickness and death, we shall pass them 
 here. — He was an universal scholar, both in arts and lan- 
 guages; w^ell acquainted, both with the Fathers and 
 Schoolmen. By much study, he had digested the whole 
 body of divinity ; was an acute and solid disputant, ex- 
 cellently versed in cases of conscience, and inferior to 
 none in his acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures. IMr 
 Calamy speaking of him says, " If I should enter upon 
 his commendation, I might truly say what Nazianzen doth 
 of his sister Gorgonia, that I have more cause to fear ifst 
 I should speak below, than above the truth ; for he was 
 a burning and a shining light in this our Israel. A mes- 
 senger, and an interpreter one among a thousand ; a Be- 
 zaleel in God's tabernacle; a true Nathaniel, who, by 
 his integrity, humility, constancy, charity, publicness, 
 and peaceableness of spirit, and by his diligence and faith- 
 fulness in preaching the gospel, made his life both amiable 
 and desirable. I will say of him as it was said of Atha- 
 nasius, that he was an adamant, and a load-stone. To all 
 who conversed with him, he was a load-stone to draw 
 their hearts to love him ; but in the cause of God, and in 
 reference to the truths of Christ, he was an unconquer- 
 able adamant. He was a Jeremiah, both in mourning for, 
 
 a See Dutch Annotations, and Dr Guise on the place. 
 b Dr Doddridge's Note oa Mat. xxv. 40. IMode's Work-. 
 
 Vol, 11. 2 I 
 
224 Life of 
 
 and in witnessing against the sins of the times."*— And 
 Dr Fuller says, he was " a solid divine, and a man made 
 up of piety to God, pity to poor men, and patience in 
 himself. — His liberality knew no bottom but an empty 
 purse ; so bountiful was he to all in want.'*^ And Leigh, 
 in his Treatise of Religious and Learned Men, says, 
 ** Jeremiah Whitaker, my worthy friend, a learned and 
 pious divine of the Assembly, who was a man mighty in 
 the Scriptures, of an humble melting spirit, laborious in 
 his ministerial function, ze^Jous for God's glory, ^ and 
 wonderfully patient in all the time of his heavy affliction." 
 
 He had much interest in the hearts of persons of great 
 eminence, who filled places of power and trust in the na- 
 tion, because of his plainness, and the power of godliness, 
 which did shine very brightly in his conversation. He 
 gained much authority and reputation among all with 
 whom he conversed ; whether in town or country. 
 
 By much study, and hard labour, he was afflicted with 
 various bodily diseases from his youth. In the latter part 
 of his time, he was several years much distressed with the 
 painful distempers of the gout and stone. God corrects 
 his people becatise he loves them, in order to make them 
 partakers of his holiness, that they may learn his law, 
 and 7iot be condcm:^d with the world. Rev. iii. 19. Heb. 
 xii. 5 — 11, 1 Cor. xi. 32. And his sorest chastisements 
 are fruits of his fatherly care. Though the means be 
 grievous, yet they are healthful to the soul, and the end 
 is glorious, 2 Cor. iv. 17. Diseases are God's servants, 
 they come and go at his sovereign appointment, who can 
 bring meat out of the eater, and sweetness out of the 
 strong, 
 
 " Ye saints of God, fresh courage take. 
 And thank him for his grace ; 
 Behind a frowning providence. 
 He hides a gracious face."' 
 
 A Calamy's Epistle prefixed to Mr Ashe's Sermon preached ai 
 Wliitaker's Funeral. 
 b Fuller's Worthies of England. c Cowper- 
 
Jeremiah miitaher* 225 
 
 Notwithstanding the frequent return of those tormenting 
 pains, he attended upon his ministry both at home and 
 abroad, while he was able to creep into the pulpit. And 
 though oftentimes he went halting thither, and full of pain, 
 yet he had no appearance of any distemper, while he was 
 there. He sometimes went upon crutches unto his own 
 congregation. Yea, once he adventured to preach at 
 Michael's Cornhill, when he was scarce able to get into 
 the pulpit, and his friends with much difficulty helped 
 him out of the church homeward.' At other times, when 
 his legs would not serve him, he rode to the church. 
 And when he was by extreme pains taken off from his 
 ministry, he told his intimate friends, that the pains which 
 he felt were not so grieving to his spirit, as his inability 
 for his work in the ministry. He often said, " If I could 
 but preach, I should be much better.'* And he rejoiced 
 with thankfulness, when in the times of weakness, he 
 found himself not worse by preaching. He mentioned 
 such experiences, as arguments to prevail with his friends, 
 to comply with his preaching, when they endeavoured to 
 dissuade him from it, as hurtful to his health. But about 
 the beginning of November, the violent pain of the stone 
 so increased, that he was confined to his bed or chamber, 
 -until his death, on the first of June, Many physicians in 
 London, were consulted, and were very ready to serve 
 him with their advice. They unanimously concluded, that 
 his sharp pains proceeded originally from an ulcer in the 
 kidneys, but immediately from an ulcer in the neck of the 
 bladder, caused by a continual flux of ulcerous matter 
 dropping down upon that part. And on account of the 
 acuteness and quickness of the sense there, his pains 
 were mostly in that place, though the fountain of them 
 was from the kidneys. Several days of prayer and fasting 
 were observed on his account. Mr Ashe says, " 1 never 
 heard of any man so much prayed for, both in public and 
 private. There was no particular case so frequently, so 
 affectionately spread before God in most of the congrega- 
 tions about London as his.*'^ 
 
 a Mr Ashe's Sermon at his Funeral, p. 51-. 
 
 b Ashu's Sermoii at his Funeral, p. 65, and Clarke's Lives. 
 
226 Life of 
 
 During hif? heavy affliction, he had the sweet experi- 
 ence ol very particular manifestations of divine love unto 
 his soul ; and much assurance of God's fatherly love in 
 Cnrist. In his addresses unto God, he constantly claim- 
 ed interest in him ; My God^ and my Father. " For it 
 is the very essence of justifying faith, to attach itself to the 
 Surety, and appropricue what is his as its own."* His 
 coDfid^nce in the God of his salvation, his inward peace 
 and joy, were the supports of his heart under all grinding 
 pains. " My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the 
 stnijgth of my heart, and my portion for ever," Psal, 
 Ixxiii. 26. And, he was confident that mercies were re- 
 markably mingled with all his grievous distempers. Nor 
 did he doubt of the sanctification of all his sharpest afflic- 
 tions, through the grace of God. Accordingly in his 
 supplications to his Maker, he often said : " Consider 
 and save me, for I am thine. How long. Lord, how long 
 shall I not be remembered? Yea, 1 am remembered, 
 blessed be thy name. This is a fiery chariot, but it will 
 carry me to heaven. Blessed be God who hath support- 
 ed me hitherto. And he who hath delivered will deliver. 
 Thou, Lord, never forgettest them who put their trust 
 in thee." When the extremity of a paroxysm had pas- 
 sed over, ihe smiles always returned in his countenance, 
 and he spake concerning the tender mercies of God, 
 which are over all his works, Psal. cxlv. 9. and contem- 
 plated heaven, with great delight. And though he trem- 
 bled when his pains began, he said with a very becoming 
 confidence, " Now in the strength of the mighty God, I 
 will undergo these pains. O, my God, underneath put 
 thine everlasting arms^ and strengthen me." See Deut. 
 xxxiii. 27. Thus when cast down, he was not destroyed, 
 when perplexed, he was not in despair, his heart being 
 fixed, trusting in the Lord. He often told Mr Ashe, his 
 bosom-friend, that notwithstanding all his rentings and 
 roarings, from which he expected no deliverance but by 
 death, he would not for a thousand worlds change estates 
 with the greatest man on earth, living in sin. Wisdom's 
 
 a Christian Magazine, vol, vi. No. 62. p. 95. 
 
Jeremiah Whliaker. 227 
 
 "ways are ways of pleasantness^ and all her paths ere 
 peace^ Prov. iii. 17. Great peace have they who love thy 
 law; and nothing shall offend iheniy Psah cxix, i65. He 
 was far from charging God foolishly; but was all sub- 
 mission to his sovereign will, believing that he did all 
 well. " The way God leads his people may be crocked 
 and dark, but verily it is a right way. Our lot may be 
 greatly variegated with prosperity and adversity : the sun- 
 shine and the shade may fx-equently succeed each other ; 
 but all is well, and shall be well. Our Father in heaven 
 is the Author of the blessed texture in our lot. All our 
 chastisements are in love, and will term mace in our eter- 
 nal happiness. Behold, happy is the man wliom the 
 Lord correcteth "* And the kindness of his heavenly 
 Father was such that Satan was never permitted to shake 
 his confidence, nor dash his hopes. '^ They who trust 
 in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be re- 
 moved, but abideth for ever," Psal. cxxv. 1. And, he 
 accounted the spiritual cordials, and divine supports, 
 which he enjoyed liberally in his great distress, far supe- 
 rior to a deliverance from'the gout, stone, and even death 
 Itself. He also viewed these extraordinary supernatural 
 refreshments, as answers of the many prayers made to 
 God in his behalf. And though it seemed gco^i to his 
 heavenly Father, to deny that ease and recovery much 
 and earnestly begged, he granted what was better for 
 him. And, his case was very like that of the apostle 
 Paul, 2 Con xii. 7, 8, 9. Many have understood Paul's 
 thorn in thejlesh of bodily pa his: and Mr Baxter, being 
 himself subject to a Nephritick disorder, or disease in the 
 reins, supposes it might be the st072e^ or gravel. Be that 
 as it may, the case otherwise is exactly parallel. Very 
 importunate petitions were presented in both cases, that 
 the affliction might be removed, if it were the will of the 
 Lord, or at least moderated in some considerable degree. 
 And such prayers were not in vain; for, though the 
 Hearer of prayer did not entirely and fully indulge the 
 very earnest request, he said to these remarkable subjects 
 
 a Christian Magazine, vol. vi. No. 60. p. 76. 
 
22* Life of 
 
 M^l^fu^^^^^' h '""^'"S'y great condescension, 
 SJ fuffictentjor tkee, to support thee under 
 
 these acute panis, and bitter afflictions. Though I permit 
 them to contmue, which I now choose to do.» LikeT 
 
 rod r"h.. h •\"'* "1"'^^ ^'^ "">'^°« »' 'h^ end of a 
 ^ii f ""^''•' ^^'"' " '"^^ •"°'e. and be more ear- 
 nest and frequent m supplications to the God of his salva- 
 
 r^s annlv n"!''';^.'"'"' ^''■^'"i"^^. and complaints, 
 let us apply to the Throne of Grace, and that blessed 
 Redeemer, who mtercedes before it. for proper assist! 
 ance and rehef. Nor let us be discouraged? though the 
 Jrst or second address, should seem to be disregarded: 
 The third or Jour tk, may be successful. And what, if w; 
 do not succeed to our wish in the immediate answer ? Let 
 
 l;r''"l"^ '''"' ""^ """y ^^ =^^"red by Christ of the suf. 
 fciency ojhs grace. In our weaJmess can he illustrate 
 
 mprmties Heavy afflictions, sanctified, greatly con. 
 tribute to the vigorous exercise of grace. "/'=<'» 
 
 vy affliction, that he might be celebrated as a second Job. 
 itwn.?"^ '?'' saw him in the racking pains of his last 
 sickness, so frequently reiterated, and fo long continued, 
 were persuaded that the Lord had put him into that fur. 
 luce and kept him there, to be a pattern of patience to 
 posterity. He was patient to a wonderful degree, as Cor- 
 nehus Nepos says concerning Epaminondas, Ihe Theban.' 
 n him we have a noble example of constancy and pa- 
 tience worthy of our most attentive consideration. Mr 
 Ashe says indeed, he did roar many times till his throat 
 was dry. but none ever heard him speak one word in the 
 way of murmuring, or discontentment, on account of 
 God s afflicting providence. He took up Job's complaint. 
 Wherefore is light given to him who is in miser/, and 
 Me unto the bitter m soul ; which long for death, but it 
 Cometh not, and dig for it more than for hid treasures; 
 
 a See Doddridge on the place. 
 
 b Doddridge, as above, Improvement. 
 
 c- C. Nep. Epam. Cap. 3. 
 
Jeremiah Whitaker. 229 
 
 which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they 
 can find the grave?*' Job iii. 20—22, But he always 
 expressed the utmost submission to the sovereign will, 
 and good pleasure of the Lord his God. He only discov- 
 ered, that he felt, and was sensible when God touched 
 him. " Insensibility of mind is so far from resignation, 
 that it is one of the sorest judgments on earth, not to 
 grieve when we are afflicted of the Lord.*'* When asked, 
 how he did, he frequently answered : " The bush always 
 burning, but not consumed. Though my pains be too 
 great for the strength of nature, yet they are not above 
 the supports of grace." Under the copious influences 
 of the Spirit of grace and of supplication^ in the abundant 
 effusions of the soul, in holy divine expostulation and 
 prayer, he expressed himself as follows : " O, my God, 
 help ! Father of mercies, pity 1 Do not contend for ever. 
 Consider my frame that I am but dust. My God, who 
 hath made heaven and earth, help me! Oh, give me 
 patience, and inflict what thou wilt ! If my patience 
 was more, my pain would be less. Dear Saviour, where 
 are thy bowels ! Why dost thou make me an astonish- 
 ment to myself and others ? Why dost thou cover thy- 
 self with a thick cloud, that our prayers cannot pass? 
 Blessed is the man who endureth temptation. Lord, this 
 is a sad temptation ; stand by me, and say, It is enough. 
 Am I not thy servant ? Consider, Lord, that I am thy 
 servant. O, these bitter waters of Marah ! Lord, drop 
 sweet comfort into these bitter waters! O the blood 
 of sprinkling ! Lord, the blood of sprinkling ! Lord, 
 that blood which extinguisheth the fire of thine anger ! 
 O that it may allay my burning pains ! I am in a fiery 
 furnace. Lord, be with me, as thou wast with the three 
 children, and bring me out refined from sin! When I 
 have sailed through the ocean of these pains, and look 
 back, I see that none of them can be wanting ! I flee un- 
 to jthee, O my God : hide me under the shadow of thy 
 wings until these terrible storms be overpast," By an 
 attentive consideration of these pious breathings of soul, 
 
 a ChrUtitn Magazine, vol vi. No. GO. pp. 73; 74. 
 
230 Life oj 
 
 we may see, that God in Christ is the believer's only 
 refuge in adversity, unto whom he cries for help.* That 
 the infinitely precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 our ever blessed Redeemer, is the only true cordial drop* 
 which sweetens every affliction, in this life, however bitter. 
 That this blood must be sprinkled upon us, and applied 
 by the special appropriating acts of faith, under the in- 
 fluence of the divine, eternal Spirit of all grace, before 
 we can enjoy the benefit of it. That the genuine chil- 
 dren of God prefer deliverance from sin, to relief from 
 troublec And, that when affliction is sanctified unto us, 
 we will see that it is all necessary, and that no single 
 twig of the rod of any affliction could be wanting. Nor 
 will such wish to have a single twig of the rod taken off.** 
 The subject of this Memoir was ready to acknowledge 
 with David, that God afflicted him in truth and faithful- 
 ness. In these sore afflictions, he clearly saw by faith 
 the God of his salvation, and was taught to believe, that 
 they were far from being against him, but did all work, 
 m concurrence with other dispensations, for his real good 
 and everlasting advantage, Rom. viii. 28. In them, he 
 saw the Creator and Sovereign Lord of the universe, who 
 giveth not account of any of his matters, doing with his 
 creature as he pleased, and fell down upon the ground^ 
 and worshipped him, like Job, his companion in tribula- 
 tion and patience, Job i. 20/ He revered Jehovah, the 
 only-wise God, with his whole soul and heart; and ut- 
 tered the most honourable expressions in his commenda- 
 tion, when in the fire, and upon the rack. Some love- 
 breathings of his pious soul unto his God and Saviour 
 follow : " Good Lord, keep me from dishonouring thy 
 Name by impatience. Oh, who would not, even in 
 burnings, have honourable thoughts of God ! Who that 
 knoweth thee would not fear thee, O Lord, love thee, 
 and honour thee ! Lord, thou givest me no cause to 
 have any hard thought of thee ! Blessed be God there is 
 
 a " Ergo te, rerum pater, invocavi, 
 
 Unum praesidium in malis." Buchanan, Psal. cxlii. 5. 
 b See Evangelical Magazine for Nov. 1797. London, 
 c See Christian Magazine, vol. vi. No. 60. p. 74. Edinburgh. 
 
Jeremiah Whilaker. 231 
 
 nothing of hell in all this ! Blessed be his name for Jesus 
 Clirist, and the revelation of the everlasting gospel. 
 Who knoweth the power of thy wrath ? If it be so heavy 
 upon thy servant here, how heavy shall it be to all those 
 who shall endure it without mixture ! Blessed be God 
 for the peace of mine inward man, when my outward 
 man is so full of trouble. This is a bitter cup, but it is 
 of my Father's mixing, and shall I not drink it ? Yes, 
 Lord, through thy strength 1 will. This is my burden, 
 and I will bear it." Upon any abatement of his pains, 
 he was constantly employed in adoring and blessing the 
 God of his salvation, whose way is in the sea, and his 
 footsteps in the great waters. Upon such occasions, he 
 used the following and similar expressions : " O, what 
 a mercy is it that there is any mitigation, any intermis- 
 sion ! Lord, make me thankful." And turning himself to 
 such as were around him, he often addressed them with 
 the same gracious spirit, as follows : " O. help me to 
 be thankful 1 O, lift up a prayer for me, that I may be 
 thankful! O, what a mercy is this! How much worse 
 might this affliction have been ! I might have been distract- 
 ed, or laid roaring under disquiet and anguish of spirit." 
 In the deeps of his affliction, he always added a mixture 
 of cheerful acknowledgements of God's goodness, giving 
 hearty thanks to him. And this is both most seemly, and 
 also very conducive to the prosperity of the souls of the 
 righteous." And, as the Lord our God punisJieih us less 
 than our iniquities deserve^ Ezra ix. 13. and makes the 
 bitterest afflictions afford the most profitable instructions, 
 there is ground of thanksgiving even for these. Sec Psal. 
 xlix. 12. and cxix. 7i. And " There is not any case 
 incident to a Christian, but if he search thoroughly, there 
 will be found some ground for thanksgiving and rejoicing, 
 though not in himself, yet in God's dealing with him, 
 either for mercies bestowed, or judgments not inflicted, 
 Philip, ii. 27. for, while Paul commandeth them to exer- 
 cise themselves, and chear up one another with giving of 
 thanks, instead of foolish talking and jesting, he suppose 
 
 a See Fcrgusson on Eph. v. 4. 
 
 Vol. H. ^ K 
 
2S« Life of 
 
 eth thero will be always reason of thanksgiving," Eph. r. 
 4/ It is surely of tht- Lord's mercies we are not consuml 
 ed aliocrether. Aii is mercy on this side hell. Why then 
 shoulJ ci living man coaipiain ? Let hiai rather give rhanks. 
 —He often said to his bosom- friend, Mr Ashe. ^' Brother, 
 through mercy, I have not one repining thought against 
 ^od. As another, who died under a very painful dis- 
 ease used to say familiarly, '' Joseph may complain, but 
 he aare not repine.''^ This short speech made a very 
 Geep and sensible mipressicn on Mr Ashe's heart; and 
 moved his affections for him. 
 
 When the time of }>is dissolution drew nearer, his 
 paiss became more violem ; but the grace of God, which 
 was with him, still supported him, and so wonderfully 
 succoured him, that his most violent pains never abated 
 either his niith or his patience. The comfortable evidence 
 which he still enjoyed of a saving interest in the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and the very delightful prospect of his soon 
 joinmg the general assembly of the spirits of just men 
 made perfect, beyond the reach of sin, pain, and deatb, 
 brought his mind into a calm resignation to the sovereign 
 disposing will of God. And animated with the cheerint 
 and well-grounded hope of eternal happiness, built upon 
 tne sure foundation which God hath laid in Zion, his soul 
 was cft^-n filled wiih longing desires, to be with the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, attended vv^ith the greatest holy submission 
 to the will of God. Like Paul, " having a desire to de- 
 part, and to be with Christ ; which is far better," Phil, 
 i. 23. He wished to be where his treasure and desires 
 were ; with Christ. The more the saincs of God are 
 pressed down to the earth by heavy afflictions, do they 
 mount up to heaven in holy affections, when these trou- 
 bles are sanctified to them. He rejoiced in the view of 
 shaking himself from the dust, that his soul, like a bird 
 set at liberty irom its cage, might have full scope, and 
 (iy away m meditaiion, faith, and prayer, with joyful 
 notes ot praise to eternal glory. The following were some 
 
 a Fergusson as above. 
 
 b Evangelical Magazine for Nov. J 79?. London. 
 
Jeremiah Whitaker, 23S 
 
 of his expressions: •* O, my God, break open the pri- 
 son^door, and set my poor captive soul free : but enable 
 me to wait willingly thy time. I desn-e to be dissolved. 
 Never was any man more desirous of life, than I am of 
 death. When will that time come, when I shall neither 
 sin nor sorrow anv more ? When shall mortality put on 
 immortality ? When shall this earthly tabernacle be dis- 
 solved, that I may be clothed upon, with th:^,t house 
 which is from heaven ? Blessed are the dead which die 
 in the Lord, for they rest from their labours ; and follow 
 the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." 
 
 « Lord, I am palnM ; but I resign 
 
 To thy superior will : 
 Tis grace, 'tis wisdom all divine, 
 
 Appoints the pains 1 feel. 
 Dark are thy ways of providence, 
 
 While those who love thee groan : 
 Thy reasons lie concealed from sense. 
 
 Mysterious and unknown. 
 Yet nature may have leave to speak, 
 
 And plead before her God, 
 Lest the o'er-burden'd heart should break 
 
 Beneath thy heavy rod."* 
 
 Such as are of heavenly birth, being made truly wise 
 unto salvation, who have tlieir heart and their treasure in 
 heaven, and are acquainted with real and substantial en- 
 joyments, will look above this world, and all its fading 
 allurements. They who are Christ's are dead to this 
 world. The rvorld is crucified unto them, and they unto 
 the world. Gal. vi. \ 4. Such have crimfied the flesh iviih 
 the affections and lusts. Gal. v. 24. Accordingly, forget^ 
 ting those things w/iich arc behind^ am! reaching forth wu 
 io%ose things uhich are befcyre, they press toward the 
 viarkfor the prize oj the high calling of God in Christ 
 Jesus, Phil. iii. 13, 14. Wearied here, they wish to 
 leave this vale of tears, looki?ig for a city which hath 
 
 9k Watts' Remnants of Time, .'5. 
 
254 Life of 
 
 foundations^ "wliose hiitlder and maker is God^ Heb. xi. 
 .10. Where there is neither sorrow, nor crying, neither 
 shall there he any more pain : for the former things are 
 passed away. Rev, xxi. 4. 
 
 f' The soul that would be truly wise. 
 
 And taste substantial joys, 
 Must rise above this giddy world. 
 
 And all its trifling toys. 
 Our treasure and our heart's with God, 
 
 We die to all on earth ; 
 Our actions prove our words sincere. 
 
 And shew a heavenly birth. 
 Surmount, my soul, this earthly clod. 
 
 And the vain things of time ; 
 Ascend yon bright etherial road. 
 
 And share the bliss divine. 
 Wearied, I turn my eyes around. 
 
 On all things here below ; 
 And wish to quit this vale of tears. 
 
 And to my Saviour go. 
 Adieu, ye suns and rolling stars. 
 
 And all your radiant fires ! 
 To nobler heights my spirit soars. 
 
 To fairer worlds aspires. 
 Away from all earth's dying things. 
 
 My soul impatient flies ; 
 To view the glories of her God, 
 
 Beyond the azure skies. 
 Author and Guardian of my life. 
 
 Sweet source of light divine. 
 And, all endearing names in one, 
 
 My Saviour ! I am thine. 
 What thanks I owe thee, and what love. 
 
 A boundless endless store, 
 Shall echo through the realms above. 
 
 When time shall be no more."* 
 
 ^ Erangelical Magazine, vel. v. No. 56, for Nov. 179*2, 
 
Jeremiah Whilaker. 235 
 
 On the Sabbath seven-night before he died, his pains 
 were very sharp. Notwithstanding, he employed tne 
 greatest part of the time of public worship m fervent 
 Ker with those who attended him H.s petmons then 
 were mostly for the ministers of Chr.st, that ne would 
 accompany his ordinances, with his own power, ana en- 
 able his ministers to speak unto the souls of the hearers 
 ♦« If I forcet thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget 
 her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue 
 cleave to the roof of my mouth; If I prefer not Jerusa- 
 lem above my chief joy," P^al. cxxxvn. 5 Q. H.s sharp 
 pains were sent by the Lord for wise and holy purposes. 
 Thev served to quicken him to the exercise ot prayer, 
 and every good work. The same salutary effects were 
 produced in the pious Psalmist, by the increase of such 
 as troubled him, Psal. iii. 1-4- , The people of God 
 have prayed most feelingly, fervently, and iorcibly when 
 their afflictions were sharpest. See this exemplified in the 
 case of the children of Israel, Judg. in. 8—iS. I" f!iat 
 of Elisha, 2 Kings vi. 16-18. In Hezekiah 2 kings 
 xix 15, 16. In Jehoshaphat the kmg of Judah, when 
 told, that there was a great multitude coming agamst him 
 from beyond the sea on this side Syria, 2 Chron. xx. 2 
 _13. See Isa. xxvi, 16. Hos. v. J 5. Acts vii. 59. 60. 
 And, Jonah slept securely when at ease in the ship, but 
 prayed fervenllij mlo the Lord /is God, by rea^m nflm 
 aifliclion, out of the.fish's bellij, Jonah i. 5. and ii. I, '2. 
 Our hearts are like flint stones, they must be smitien be- 
 fore they will send forth these sparks of devotion. And 
 sharp afflictions are in the band of the Lord our God, 
 like the file and whetstone : they serve to give a keen 
 edge to our faith, love, prayer, and other religious exer- 
 rises.— Heavy afflictions are to the souls of behcyers in 
 Christ, enriched with the graces of the Holy Spint, like 
 weights unto clocks ; they make them go. 1 hey influ- 
 ence the motion of such souls to Christ for grace and re. 
 lief, Hos. V. 1 .5. Psal iii. 3—8. In the remarkable sub- 
 ject of this Memoir, the graces of God did all eminently 
 shine forth, to the glory of their Author, at this time. 
 As Abrahitm's faith. Job's patience, and Paul's courage, 
 
2S5 . Life of 
 
 did shine most Illustriously in the fire of affliction ; so did 
 the grace of God in Whitaker now. When the Lord 
 der.igns to glorify himself by his graces in his people, he 
 will readily find means to draw them forth, unto the view 
 of others. And he may effect this, by sharp pains, often 
 reiterated, as in the case now before us. Having lighted 
 such candles, they must not be put under a bushel ; but 
 made to ^ive light to all who are in the house ; all who 
 come where they are. As his pains increased, the hea- 
 venly graces became more odoriferous. Like aromatic 
 spices, the more they are pounded, the sweeter they 
 
 smell Such as were best acquainted with him reckoned, 
 
 that it was disputable, whether he preached more by the 
 heavenliness of his doctrine, or by the hoHness of his life. 
 But they conclude, thatic is certain, he preached as effec- 
 tually by his sickness and death, as by either his doctrine 
 or his life.* He had such a tender feeling for his friends, 
 that when his pains threatened to come with great violence 
 he entreated them to withdraw from him, that they might 
 not be distressed with his roarings. And, he often thank- 
 ed God 3 that his compassionate friends were not under 
 necessity to remain within the reach of his doleful lamen- 
 tations. 
 
 At the near approach of death, his pains became so fre- 
 quent, as to return every half, hour ; and often every quar- 
 ter; at last, twice or thrice in a quarter of an hour, 
 which did soon exhaust his strength. The night before 
 his death, Mr Ashe, who was his fidus Achates, faithful 
 companion, and equally dear unto him as Jonathan was to 
 David, upon hearing that he was not likely to live ano- 
 ther day, went early in the morning to take his last fare- 
 well of him, fill the heavens he ?w more. At this time, 
 his bodily strength was very much abated. And, his 
 friend finding that he could not speak v/ithout much diffi- 
 culty, he spake the more unto him. He entered upon a 
 conference with him in relation to the approach of his hap- 
 py expected change* And, Mr Ashe's discourse on this 
 occasion was very refreshing, through God's blessing, 
 
 a See Calamy's Preface to Ashe's Sermon at his Funeral. 
 
Jeremiah Whitalcer. 23t 
 
 unto his soul. " The Lord God hath given me the tongue 
 of "the learned, that I should know how to speak a word 
 in season to him who is wearijr Isa. xL 4.^ And a 
 ^vord spoken m due season, how good it isl Prov^ xv, 
 2c5. It is like apples of gold in pictures of stiver, i rov. 
 XXV. 11. Like sound sleep and refreshing rest to the 
 weary ; and as sweet water from the pure nmning stream 
 to'sach as are parched with thirst/— Mr Ashe mmding 
 him, that many of his friends intended to set apart that 
 day in seeking the Lord by supplications m his behaU, 
 desired him to say what in particular he would have them 
 lay before the throne of grace. To this he replied, " Do 
 nor complain but bless God for me, and entreat hi:r. to 
 open the prison-door." Here we see, that others also la- 
 boured in importunate prayers to God, for him, accord^ 
 incr to 2 Cor i. iO, 11. Acts xii. 5—12. When one 
 member suffers, all genuine members of the same one 
 body participate in the sorrows thereof. It is only a Ne< 
 ro who can sit and sing while Rome burn?.. And t.ns 
 pious subject of divine chastisement desired ihzt thanks 
 maf be given bij many on his behalf, « As nothing can 
 be more reasonable, than that mercies obtained by prayer, 
 should be owned in praise."'' And one. well observes, 
 " Our best m.ercies are, by the blessing of God, made 
 to spring out of our bitterest trials. We will remember, 
 with wonder, love, and praise, all the way the Lord 
 led us through the wilderness, to prove us and try us, 
 and to do us good in our latter end. Gratitude is a 
 sister to humility of mind ;■ and the more hvimble^ we 
 are, the more thankful will we be at all times."-^— 
 And he still continued ardently to desire death. It is 
 reported concerning Secundus, that he denominated 
 death, " The wicked man's fear, and the godly man's 
 wish." It was the ardent wish of this godly man. And 
 viewing it disarmed of its sting, by the death of Christ, 
 he considered it as the extinction of sin in him, a deliver- 
 
 a See Virg. Eccl. 5. 45, 46, 47. 
 
 I) Doddridge on 2 Cor. i. 11. 
 
 € Christian Magazine, vol. vi. Nv. 59. Leumas. 
 
3^8 Lift of 
 
 ance from his enemies, a cessation from all his troubles^ 
 the quiet rest of his body, and the freedom of his soul ; 
 making way for his full and uninterrupted enjoyment of 
 God in Christ, as his sure, enriching, satisfying and 
 everlasting portion, through all eternity. And with such 
 views, he as earnestly wished for death, as ever any Jew 
 did for the jubilee ; a year of rejoicing, celebrated every 
 iiftieth year among the Jews, in commemoration of their 
 deliverance out of Egypt. No stranger ever desired more 
 10 be at home, than he wished to be in his heavenly Fa- 
 ther's house where there h fulness of joy ^ and pleasures 
 for evermore^ Psalm xvi. 1 1. And the continual conclu- 
 sion of his prayers was, " Come quickly. Amen. Even 
 so, come. Lord Jesus." — Mr Ashe, laying his hand upon 
 Mr Whitaker's cold hand, covered with a clammy sweet, 
 took his last farewell of him with a sore heart. Upon his 
 departure, the last words, wherewith he addressed him 
 were : " Brother, I thank you, I pray God bless you, and I 
 bless God for you." That day of Mr Ashe*s last inter- 
 view with him was spent in supplications to God for him, at 
 Peter's Cornhill, London. Here Mr Newcomen, quick- 
 ened and assisted the prayers of his friends, in a sermon 
 preached from John xi. 3. 4. insisting especially upon 
 these words, Lord^ behold, he whom ihou lovest is sick. 
 And Mr Jenkin endeavoured to moderate and regulate 
 their sorrows, from Luke xxiii. 28. — Weep not for me* 
 On this evening, he died, cheerfully resigning his soul 
 into the hands of his gracious and merciful Redeemer, 
 upon the first day of June, in the year 1 65^, about the 
 fifty- fifth year of his age. 
 
 After his death, his body was opened, when both his 
 kidneys were found full of ulcers, and one of them swel-* 
 led to an extraordinary bigness, through the abundance 
 of purulent matter in it ; and on the neck of his bladder- 
 was found a stone, about an inch and an half long, and 
 one inch broad, weighing above two ounces, when first 
 taken out ; and also an ulcer which was gangrened, 
 judged to be the cause of his death. All other paf ts oi 
 
Jeremiah WUtalcer. 2f59 
 
 his body were found upon examination firm and sound.* 
 Hence learn. That the best of men may be subjected to 
 the worst of diseases 
 
 Here it may be asked ; Why was a man of such dis- 
 tinguished piety subjected to endure so great a fiilht of 
 affliction, and to encounter so many hardships }^ Or, 
 state the question in the words of Gideon unto the angel 
 of the Lord, Oh^ my Lord^ if the Lord he mlh ics^ 
 why then is all this befallen ua ? Judges vi. 1 3. To this 
 we reply ; There are many ph£enomena in those parts 
 of the universe that come under our particular observa- 
 tion, the reasons and ends of which we cannot now 
 understand. And, a great master of reasoning says, 
 " The proper conduct in such a case, is to believe that 
 there are most wise reasons for these things, though we 
 do not now discern those reasons, and to argue from the 
 uncontested characters of wisdom in things that we do 
 know, that God most wise hath also acted with admira- 
 ble wisdom in those things, the designs and ends of which 
 we do not know. It would be wrong therefore to confine 
 the measures of his wisdom precisely to what appeareth 
 to our narrow apprehensions, in that part of his works 
 which falleth under our immediate inspection. This was 
 the great fault of the Epicureans, and other atheistical 
 philosophers, who, judging by their own various views, 
 urged several things as proofs of the want of wisdom and 
 contrivance, which upon a fuller knowledge of God*s 
 works, furnish farther convincing proofs of the wisdom 
 of the great Former of all things."*^ And tliough it may 
 be difficult for us, who have very contracted views of the 
 Divine administration, and see not afar off, to reconcile 
 such an afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence, as 
 this before us, with the goodness of God, and his ever- 
 lasting love unto his chosen ; vet we may be assured, 
 that it is altogether consistent therewith. The certainty 
 
 a Ashe's Sermon at liis Funeral, Clerk's Lives, and Burnham's 
 Memorials. b See Vn-g. Eccl. 1. 8, 9, "0, 11. 
 
 c Leland's View of Deistical Writers, vol. i. Letter 17. 5th edit. 
 London. 
 
 Vol.. IL 2 L 
 
240 Life of 
 
 hereof may appear, from the mode of reasoning above> 
 and by the infallible testimony of Jehovah himself, Rom. 
 viii. 28, " And we know that all things work together 
 for good to them who love God, to them who are the cal- 
 led according to his purpose." The apostle having taken 
 occasion to hint at many gospel-privileges enjoyed, here 
 adds, that though our afflictions may lie heavy upon us, 
 and though our burdens may be long continued, as in 
 this case; yet we assuredly kmow, that all thtnos, which 
 occur in the course of Divine Providence, either in their 
 present and immediate, or future and more remote con- 
 sequences, do and shall work together Jor real and ever- 
 lasting good to them who sincerely and affectionately luve 
 the Lord their God. It is plain from the whole context, 
 that Providential events are meant, and included under 
 this, expression ; and especially extraordinary afflictive 
 dispensations of Divine Providence/ And since these 
 shall most certainly xvork together for the real and everlast- 
 ing good of God's chosen, they must incontestibly be alto- 
 gether consistent with the goodness of God, and his love 
 to such as are called according to his purpose. This is 
 very beautifully set forth, in a well-known verse, from 
 an illustrious pen, and a pious heart : 
 
 « Good when he gives, supremely good, 
 
 Nor less when he denies ; 
 Even crosses, from his sovereign hand, 
 
 Are blessings in disguise !*' 
 
 How comfortable and animating to the believer m 
 Christ, is this enlivening thought, that all dispensations 
 of Divine Providence whatever, prosperous, or adverse, 
 even the most distressing and afflictive, shall assuredly be 
 directed bv the only wise God, and over-ruled by his 
 almighty power, and infinite goodness, for the temporal, 
 spirhual, and eternal good of his chosen! But what is 
 the m'^aning of this glorious co-operation ? With what 
 or with whom, shall these work together ? To this we 
 
 a Doddridge, Poole. Burkitt, Guyse. 
 
Jeremiah Whi taker. 241 
 
 reply • With God only wise, whose Jdngdom ruleth over 
 al who can bring good out of evil, light out of darkness, 
 and make his people's cross their way to their crown ; 
 with God's blessing, which makes them effectual for the 
 benefit of his people; with his word, ordinances Spirit, 
 srace, mercy, and loving- kindness ; with the taith, hope, 
 patience, and prayers of believers themselves; and with 
 each other: The dispensations of Divine Providence 
 ought not to be considered singly, or separately ; especw 
 ally such of them as are afflictive. Afflictions are God s 
 physic. And, as in matter of physic, if some simples are 
 used alone, they may prove hurtful, rather than effect a 
 cure ; but take them in composition, as made up by the 
 direction of a skilful physician, and they prove an excel- 
 lent medicine. Let us accordingly consider all the dis- 
 pensations of Divine Providence tofieifier, m their con- 
 nection, harmony, and effects; and thus we will see 
 that in the gracious issues of the sharpest afflictions, which 
 the Lord allots any of his people in this world, he brmgs 
 meat out of the eater and sweetness out of the strong. So, 
 the heads of the hviafhan, became meat to such as inha^ 
 bited the wilderness, Psal. Ixxiv. 14/ And with such 
 views, the saints are found saying, " It is good for mc 
 thatl have been afflicted," Psal. cxix. 7L— Dr Leland 
 has an excellent observation on this subject, which I must 
 subjoin here, for the benefit of the reader, and as a cau- 
 tionary remark upon the whole. " It is highly reason- 
 able, that when we meet with any phasnomena, which we 
 cannot reconcile with our ideas of the Divine goodness, we 
 should conclude, that it is only for want ot having the 
 whole of things before us, and of considering them in 
 their connection and harmony, that they appear to us 
 with a disorderly aspect. And it is very just in such a 
 case, to make use of any reasonable hypothesis, which 
 tendeth to set the goodness of God in a fair and consist. 
 
 His body was buried in the church of Mary Magdalen 
 
 a See Wisheart'3 Theologia, vol. i. Disse. 5. Sermon 20. 
 b Leland's View, as above. 
 
242 Life of 
 
 B. rmondsey, on the 6th of June, 1654. His funeral 
 -was attended by a very great multitude of eminently ^od- 
 1} persons, both ministers and others of different ranks 
 Mr Calamy says, that it may be said of him, as it is said 
 of Stephen, that « devout men carried Stephen to his 
 burial, and made great lamentation over him." Many 
 tears were shed on this occasion. 
 
 *' What scenes of sorrow wake the soul to pain ; 
 
 What floods of anguish cloud the sick'ning eye ? 
 O, sons of Pity, pour the melting strain— 
 
 O, sons of Pity, heave the plaintive sigh !"* 
 
 I shall add here two passages from his last Will and 
 Testament, the one expressive of the high estimation 
 which he continued to have of the office of the holy minis- 
 try, until his departure from this world, and the other of 
 the very low opmion, which he always had of himself. 
 And these are given m his own words, and as written with 
 his own hand. " For my son Jeremiah, my desire is 
 tnat he be bred a scholar, and that the Lord would spirit! 
 u>^l!y mcllne his heart, freely to give up himself to the 
 Lord, to serve him in the work of the ministry, wh'ch 
 ca img and employment, though now despised, I do es- 
 teem above ail other in the world ; and do commend it 
 to all mine, that if the Lord bless them with sons, they 
 would commend this calling to their posterity." Here 
 we see one eminenily pious and learned, who had well 
 studied the controversies of the times in opposition to the 
 holy ministry, giving his testimony in favour thereof, up. 
 on his dca^h.bed, when about to give his account unto 
 the Judge of all. And, this is certainly a strong testimo- 
 ny in behalf of the gospel ministry. The other passage 
 is: 'M desire that at my funeral there may be no pomp ; 
 but that so poor a worthless wretch may be privately laid 
 in M.e ground " ^ 
 
 His Funeral Sermon was preached by Mr Ashe, who 
 gave him a large and deserved encomium. And now the 
 
 a Scot'8 Chron. 
 
Jeremiah Whitalcer. 24S 
 
 reader may see, in this Memoir, one of Israel's sons pas- 
 sing through the flood, the tempestuous and storaiy sea 
 of affliction, under the Captain ot Salvation ; the only 
 wise God his Saviour marching in triumph beiore him, 
 and all his malicious enemies behind him smking like lead 
 into the mighty waters. 
 
 «* Across the level bed of sand 
 
 The sons of Isra'l trod ; 
 Behind them sunk the foe like lead. 
 
 Before them march'd their God.'** 
 
 Many poems and elegies were composed on the occa^ 
 sion of his death, by several eminent divines, in and a- 
 bout London; as Jenkin, Jacombe, Robinson, Poole, 
 Needier, Reynolds, and others. I shall subjoin one of 
 these, which well deserves a place here. 
 
 On the death of my dear friend, Mr Jeremiah 
 
 Whitakes. ■ 
 
 " If death be but a servant sent, to call 
 
 The souls of saints to their original ; 
 
 Dear saint, thine was a noble soul, to whom 
 
 Three messengers were sent to call thee home ; 
 
 A stone, an ulcer, and a gangrene too. 
 
 Three deaths to hasten that which one should do ! 
 
 *Twas not because thy soul was deeper set 
 
 Than ours, within its house of clay ; nor yet 
 
 Btcause thou wert unwilling to depart 
 
 Thither, where long before had been thine heart. 
 
 They were not sent to hale, by violence, 
 
 A soul that lingered when 'twas called hence. 
 
 God shew'd how welcome one death was to thee. 
 
 Who didst so meekly entertain all three. 
 
 Thus many deaths God's IsraM did inclose. 
 
 The sea before, behind a sea of foes : 
 
 a Cliristian Magazine, vel. vi. No. CI-. Viator. 
 
244 Life of 
 
 On either side the jaws of mountains high i 
 
 No way from death, but unto death to fly. 
 
 Not to destroy them, but to let them see 
 
 The power of love, which then would set them free. 
 
 Thus Job's four messengers, which did relate 
 
 The doleful story of his ruin'd state : 
 
 And his three friends, who acted Satan's part, 
 
 (He on his flesh, and these upon his heart) 
 
 Who by disputing him into a curse, 
 
 Would make his spirit's torment far the worse. 
 
 Were, by God's wise disposal sent to show 
 
 The strength he on his champion would bestow. 
 
 Thus painters put dark grounds where they intend 
 
 To overlay with finest gold, and lend, 
 
 By deeper shadows, lustre to that face 
 
 On which they mean their choicest skill to place. 
 
 Thus workmen season much with sun and wind 
 
 Those greatest beams which must the building bind, 
 
 While smaller pieces, happ'ly, are put in 
 
 When they come bleeding from the wood, and green. 
 
 Oft, where is greatest grace, God's pleas'd to send 
 
 Great conflicts, those great graces to commend. 
 
 As the six finger'd giant's sword did bring 
 
 The more renown to little David's sling. 
 
 The vanquish'd lion, and the conquer'd bear, 
 
 Prepar'd that holy head a crown to wear. 
 
 The angel wrestled first, and then did bless. 
 
 And made the greater servant to the less. 
 
 Pain was too great for thee, God's grace for pain, 
 
 x\nd made the greater serve the less again. 
 
 Thy pains serv'd thee for glory, and did fit 
 
 The head, on which a crown of life must sit. 
 
 This is God's method, to fetch joy from grief. 
 
 To turn our sorrows unto our relief: 
 
 To save by killing, and to bring to shore. 
 
 By the ship's planks, which was quite broke before. 
 
 And thus a barren womb first took the seed. 
 
 Which did six hundred thousand people breed. 
 
 That seed too must from knife and altar rise. 
 
 And be before a fire a sacrifice. 
 
Jeremiah WUtalcer. 245 
 
 Great preacher of thy heavenly Father's will. 
 
 SrTeach doctrine n>ust be prov^ -ew 
 
 SrViTS-fhy KtXtlrhy hours, 
 
 Krminute'.aughtthymour„.n,au^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Each patient groan, and each behevmg eye. 
 
 Was a new sermon m hrachygraphy. 
 
 When nature roars, without rep.mng words ; 
 
 Grace I -he mouth, when in the bowek swords , 
 
 In midst of torments to triumph o or hell , 
 
 Upon a cross, under the sharpest rod ; 
 This is indeed to preach: th.s .s to show 
 Faith's triumph over nature's greatest woe. 
 Then welcome fiery serpents, scorchmg stmg, 
 WWch d id thee thus to the brazen serpent bring. 
 Then welcome whale, which, though it first devour, 
 
 ^.^^.^-iit'^rtS^rf^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Whosrsoul was heal'd before with Heaven's balm. 
 When spirits' wounds are cur'd though nature groan. 
 An heart of flesh can heal a back of stone. 
 Let conscience have her feast, and let flesh roar. 
 This pain shall make the other's joy the more : 
 As many times,those flowers most fragrant smell, 
 Whkh nearest to some noisome weeds do dwel . 
 Thus have you seen the forge most clearly glow, 
 Sn which the smith doth drops of water throw 
 Koen frosts make fire the hotter, and deep n.ght 
 Causeth celestial lamps to shine more bright, 
 
 » Bracliygrapl.y is tlie art of writing in sliort-hand. 
 
^^^ Writings oj 
 
 And by a dear antiperistasis/ 
 
 The child's distress sweetens the father's kiss, 
 
 A wounded body yields to a sound soul ; 
 
 The joys of this do th* other's pains control. 
 
 As m the day that the sun- beams appear. 
 
 All other lesser stars do disappear. 
 
 When heaven shines, and divine love doth rei^n. 
 
 The soul IS not at leisure to complain j 1 
 
 Internal joy his heart so well composes. 
 
 That they have judg'd their flames a bed of roses. 
 
 But what shall England do, from whence are lopt 
 
 Two of her richest acres, to heaven dropt ?«» 
 
 By loss of these two acres she's more poorj 
 
 Than if she'd lost an hundred lordships more. 
 
 'Twere a good purchase to gain these again, * 
 
 By giving to the sea all Lincoln-fen. 
 
 Two little mines of gold do far surpass 
 
 Huge manors, where the whole vesture is but grass 
 
 Learn we by them, what all men once will say. 
 
 One perch of heav'n's worth the whole globe of clay.'' 
 
 £D. REYNOLDS, D. D. 
 
 Writings of Jeremiah Whitaker. 
 
 1- Christ the Settlement of Unsettled Times: A Ser- 
 mon from Hag. ii. 7. before the House of Commons, at 
 their Public Fast, m Margaret's, Westminster, 25th Jan. 
 1612^ 4to. pp 61. London, 1642. With an Epistle to 
 the House of Commons, of four pages. 
 
 2. The Christian's Great Design on earth, is To at 
 tain assurance /or Heaven : Or, How in this life he may 
 lay hold on Eternal Life : Set forth in a Sermon preach- 
 ed from 1 Tim. vi. 17—19. before the Lord Mayor 
 the Court of Aldermen, and other citizens of London' 
 at a solemn anniversary meeting, 8th April, 1645, 4to! 
 pp. 47. London, 1645. With four pages of an Epistle 
 Dedicatory. ^ 
 
 a Antiperistnsis is the action of opposite qualities ; whereby that 
 opposed becomes stronger. 
 
 b Gataker, and Whitaker; whose names seem to have been ori- 
 gmally written Gatacre, and Whitacrc. See Gataker's Life. 
 
Jeremiah WMtaJcer, 247 
 
 S. The Chrislian's Hope Triumphing in these Glo- 
 rious Truths ; — 1. That Christ the ground of hope, is 
 God, and not mere man ; against the Arians, and other 
 unbelievers. — 2. That Christ is the true Messiah, 
 against the unbelieving Jews. — 3. That there is another 
 li[e beside this, against the gross Atht^ist.— 4. That the 
 soul oF man is immortal, and doth not sleep till the day of 
 the resurrection, against the error of some seeming Semi- 
 Atheists. — 5. How the hope of heaven should be attained, 
 while here on earth, against the carnal worldlings. — 6. 
 How this hope may be discerned where it is, and attained 
 where it is not, for the comfort of every poor Christian : 
 in a Sermon preached from 1 Cor, xv. 19. before the 
 House of Lords, in the Abbey Church at Westminster, 
 2Sth May, 1645. Fast, 4to. pp. 52. , London, 1645. 
 
 4. lite Danger of Greatness : Or, Uzziah's Eooaltam 
 tion and Destruction : A Sermon from 2 Chron. xxvi. 
 J 5, 16. Preached before the Lords, Commons, and As- 
 sembly of Divines, 1 4th of Jan. 1 645, being a special day 
 of Humiliation set apart to seek God, for his direction in 
 settling the great work of Church- Government. 4to. pp. 
 44. London, 1646. 
 
 These are all his writings that I have seen, making a 
 small quarto volume. 
 
 HENRY WILKINSON, B. D. 
 
 J'ASTOR OF WADDESDON, AND A MEMBEH OF THE ASSEMBLY OF 
 DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 H 
 
 .^^>- 
 
 ENRY WILKINSON was born in the Vicarage 
 of Halifax, in Yorkshire, England, on the 9th day of 
 October, in the year 1566. He received his education 
 i n Merton-college, Oxford. He made his first entry into 
 the University in 1581. He was related to Sir Henry 
 Saviie, by whose favour he was elected Probationer Fel- 
 low of the College. In the vcar 15S6^ he proceeded in 
 Voi„ II. 2 M 
 
348 Life and Writings v^ 
 
 Arts, applied unto the study of Divinity, and after some , 
 time, he commenced Bachelor of Divinity ; and in the j 
 ve:^r 1601, he became Pastor of Waddesdon in Buck- I 
 inghamshire, where he continued in the laborious and j 
 faithful exercise of the holy ministry forty-six years. He ' 
 married Sarah, the only daughter of Mr Arthur Wake, ,: 
 who is said to have been another zealous Puritan Divine, 1 
 by whom he had six sons and three daughters. His wife ' 
 was a woman of a very amiable character, and they lived : 
 together in a very becoming manner, more than fifty \ 
 years. Mr Wilkinson was a man of considerable learn- 
 ing and piety, and being an old Puritan, as Wood says, .] 
 he was elected one of the Assembly of Divines. It is 
 certain, that he was chosen one of the Assembly of Di.^l 
 vines at Westminster, in 1643, and that his name is in ' 
 the Hst of those Divines who met in the Assembly at 
 Westminster ; but it is said that he spent the most part of ; 
 bis time among his parishioners, by whom he was ex- 1 
 ceedingly beloved and revered. He died at Waddesdon, j 
 on the i9ih of March, 1647, aged eighty- one years. \ 
 His mortal remains were laid in the chancel of his own • 
 church, where, against the south wall, was a monument- 1 
 al inscription erected, of which the following is a transla- 
 tion : '' Henry Wilkinson, forty-six years the faithful i 
 pastor of this church, was born the ninth day of October, ^ 
 1566, and died the J 9th day of March, J 647. He mar. \ 
 ried Sarahs the only daughter of Arthur Wake of Sa^ 
 txey Forest^ in the county of Northampton, with whom ! 
 he lived in holy concord fifty-three years, and by whom j 
 he had nine children, six sons and three daughters. The | 
 remains of the aforesaid Sarah Wilkinson who lived to i 
 the age of seventy years, were laid by the side of her ^ 
 husband, leaving us an example of a most upright and ; 
 holy life, and a reputation scarcely to be exceeded. : 
 John Wilkinson, son of the above, who died Dec. 18, j 
 1664, aged 61 years, was also interred near them." -] 
 
 Our Mr Wilkinson has written and published, " A ■ 
 Catechism for the Use of the Congregation of Waddes- \ 
 don, which has been oftentimes printed. Mr Wood says, \ 
 
of Henry WilJcmson. 249 
 
 ,,. the fourth ^^^ZT'^ TheSebt?Brk; \t\ 
 Our author ^^s «lso pubUshed ^ .^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^.^.^ 
 
 Treatise upon Rom. xw. 8, wn ^^^^ 
 
 *• rhe c iebrat" d Dr Henrf Wilkinson, who comes next 
 in Lr lltand was Margaret Protestor at Ox.ord, and 
 ejected at the Restoration, was his son. 
 
 HENRY niLKJNSOy, D. D. 
 
 .r x-ATirABFT PROFESSOR IN THTT UNIVERSI- 
 j^T WfiSTMIMSTHR. 
 
 "Henry WILKINSOM, son of the above-mentioned 
 Henry Wilkinson, was bom at Waddesdon, '" Buckmg- 
 hamiire, in England. He became a commoner of Mag- 
 Sa^n Ha I, Ox4d, in .622. aged .3 years There he 
 made Rrea proficiency in his studies, took the degrees in 
 Sts became a noted tutor, master of the schools, and 
 3er o? divinity in his house. He entered into the 
 holy ministry ; and in the year 1638, he was admitted 
 bacLbr of divinity, and preached frequently in and near 
 olfod! He was a very celebrated preacher m Oxford 
 about that time. He suffered for his conscientious ree- 
 dom in preaching against the ceremonies and corruptions 
 whTch then greatly%revailed. On the 6th of Sept. in 
 reTo. he preached in his turn in Mary's Church, m 
 Oxford from Rev. iii. 16. So then because thou art 
 fr^Zarrlland neither cold nor hot, I .ill ^ue tl.ee cm 
 ofmu mouth. This sermon gave great oftencc to the 
 I7par.y . Wood says, that it was " ver>- letter ag.inst 
 some ceremonies of the church, very base also and fac 
 
 a Wood-s Athen* Oxon. .ol. ii. Voa] a«d Brook', Puritan.. 
 v©l. ivi. 
 
250 Life and WrWngs ] 
 
 tious, and intended merely to make a party for the Scots " ' 
 He was summoned the same day to make his recantation ' 
 in a form which was then prescribed for him; bat he ^ 
 positive y refused. Upon this refusal, he was suspended ' 
 trom all execution of his ministerial function within the ' 
 University and us precincts, until he should make his re- . 
 
 !;IT'°1"- K pf '^^T'"™"' '° '^^ ^'^■■'8 I'arliament of the \ 
 usage which he had received from the Vice-chancellor of I 
 
 .1. ^''T'n'^- ^P°" ,'^''' ^ '^"P^ °f 'he sermon was ' 
 sent to the Committee of Religion in the House of Com- 
 mens with the excpp-ions against it, and was by them 
 perused; but they finding nothing in it, which could ' 
 make him liable to punishment, they released him from 
 h.s suspension and gave order that his sermon should be i 
 printed, which was accordingly done, Mr Wilkinson ' 
 
 thmii^ whch concern the Lord Jesus Clirht, m^t all con. ) 
 
 fidence, no man ) or bidding him. He had undaunted cou- ' 
 
 rage to oppose all mankind, for the sake of what was ' 
 
 nghf.—he w.is sometime Pastor of Faith's Under Paul'<= ' 
 
 in London ; and was chosen one of the Assembly of Dil ' 
 
 vines at Westminster, and is marked as giving constant i 
 
 attendance dunng the session. He preached several times : 
 
 before the members of Parliament, and became Pastor of ' 
 
 Danstans >n the Jiast^ He was appointed afterward to go \ 
 
 to Oxford with the Parliamentary visitors, and was one ' 
 
 ot those visitors. He was made Senior Fellow of Mar da- 
 
 len-college, and canon of Christ- church. He commen- I 
 
 ced Doctor ot Divinity, and at Cheynell's departure, he I 
 
 became Margaret Professor of the University. After the ' 
 
 Restoration of Charles il. he was ejected, and there. I 
 
 upon retired to London, and lived a noa-conformist. In 
 
 the latter part of his life, he lived at Clapham in Surrey. ; 
 
 pear London, where he had an open meeting, after the ' 
 
 indulgence m 1671 ; and where he died, in the month ' 
 
 of June, 1 675.- vVood says, that he was a good scholar, i 
 
 always a close studant, and an excellent preacher. 
 
 Under his name were published— A Sermon against 
 Lukewarmness in Religion, from Rev. iii. 16. 4to. pp. ^ 
 
of Henry Wilkinson. 251 
 
 39 London, 1 6*1 .—Bahijlon's Ruin, Jerusalem's Ris. 
 im: Fast Sermon from Zech. i. 18—21, before the 
 House of Commons, 25 Oct. 1643. 4to. pp. 32. Lon- 
 don, 1643, and \QA^^,— T lie Gainful Cost : Fast Sermon 
 before the House of Lords, from 1 Chron. xxi./24. 
 Nov. 27, 1644. 4to. pp. 32. Lodon, 1644.—'' Miran- 
 da, Stupenda; or. The Wonderful and Astonishing 
 Mercies which the Lord hath Wrought for England, m 
 Subduing and Captivating the Pride, Power and Pohcy 
 of his Enemies '^ Thanksgiving Sermon from Numb, 
 xxiii. 23, before the House of Commons, 21 July 16:6. 
 London. I64f;.— He has also a S^irmon in the Morning 
 Exercise at Cripple- gate, concerning our danger m thmgs 
 lawful. Another in the Supplement to it, of domg all 
 things in the name of Christ. And a third in that agamst 
 Popery : proving the Pope to be Antichrist, or the Man 
 of Sin/ 
 
 THOMAS WILSON, A. M. 
 
 MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT OTHAM AND MAIDSTONE IN KENT, 
 AND A xMEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 HOMAS WILSON was born at Catterly in the 
 county of Cumberland, in England, in the year 1601. 
 His parents were sober and honest, had a competent 
 estate, and were in good reputation among their neigh- 
 bours. He was early sent to school, where his proficien- 
 cy in learning was great ; and even exceeded expectation. 
 It is said, that he far excelled all his fellows. He had a 
 sharp wit, a large memory, and was very bookish. He 
 was sent to the university of Cambridge, beiorche was 
 seventeen years of age, and admitted there into Christ V 
 college ; where he was greatly admired for his indefatig- 
 able industry, and very great progress in useful learning, 
 
 Wood's Atheuiip Oxon. vol ii. 2 edit. 
 
25^ Life of 
 
 and where he proceeded in arts. No day mthout doing 
 somethings might have been written over the door of hia 
 study. When engaged in academical learning, he did 
 not neglect divinity, nor reading the Holy Scriptures. 
 Fnm a child he knew the Holy Scriptures, which are 
 able to make wise to salvation. The Bible was exceeding- 
 ly precious to him ; and he read much in it. It is said, 
 that, before he was bachelor of arts, he had read Fremel- 
 lius and Junius on the whole Bible, three times oven 
 His bodily constitution, which was strong and healthful, 
 enabled him to apply unweariedly to his studies. 
 
 Upon his leaving the University, he taught school for 
 about four years at Chartwood, in the county of Surrey, 
 employing all his vacant hours in preparation for the holy 
 ministry. Probably, he derived considerable benefit, 
 in his studies, from the Rev. Mr Bristov/, minister of 
 Chartwood, where he was employed in teaching. Mr 
 Bristow is said to have observed Mr Wilson's fitness for 
 the work of the ministry, and to encourage him in going 
 forward to that arduous work, though the want of him 
 was a considerable loss to Mr Bristow and to his parish. 
 Mr Wilson sometimes said, " That he knew no calling, 
 except the ministry, wherein a man might be so service- 
 able to God, as in teaching youth." He entered into the 
 holy ministry at Capel, in the same county, where he 
 had been employed in teaching youth. There, by his 
 judicious preaching, and holy example, he continued 
 some time, directing the people in the way to eternal life. 
 Though he received little or nothing for his labours, he 
 was not the less faithful and diligent in promoting the wel- 
 fare of their souls. He sought not theirs, but them, and 
 was highly esteemed by the people, and by the godly 
 ministers in the neighbourhood. He continued not long 
 at Capel, but removed to Farlington, near Portsmouth, 
 in Hampshire, where he laboured among very ignorant 
 and heathenish people, eadeavouring, by the diligent use 
 of means, to instruct and reform them. He soon removed 
 ^gain from that place to Teddington, near Kingston-upon- 
 Ihames, in the county of Surrey. In this situation, he 
 continued several years, and his labours were crowned 
 
Thomas Wilson. ^^^ 
 
 t uu cnrrp^s He was made a blessing to 
 
 T'' fto visit hi native country, where his relat.ons and 
 f'"'^ lived He was then about twentysix years of age. 
 friends livea. "*=^, 7"*^ c : .1 r^ m^nv nersons. While 
 That visit was H^y benefic ^ to m ny person^^ .^ ^^^^ 
 he was in Cumberland, he was aebireu y 
 
 ;"• hll large .arket.town in t^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 for a long t.me a considerate ma^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ 
 
 had been attended every Lord s^^ay ^^^^^^^ 
 
 brother persons of the town to use me.ns fo ^th^e^re^ 
 formation of f ^^ .^^^^.^^^''^'^ptcLmation was made 
 
 "^■■rTv" of Thet weekly mtrket. « That no person, 
 on the day ot t^^^^ *'" J,^ l^^i„ a„y victuals or aare 
 for the time to c*''"^'/*'*'" ..T" a's day but that Sa- 
 
 person's rehg.on and a gooa ^^^^^^^ .^ 
 
254 Lije of 
 
 thai they should come and keep the gates to sanctify the 
 Sahbath-dai/^ Neh. xiii. 15, 16, 17—19 — 22. 
 
 Mr Wilson's next removal was to Otham near Maid- 
 stone, in the county of Kent. At Otham, he was made 
 the instrament of awakening many careless sinners, of 
 their conversion, and of building them up in faith and 
 holjiiess. Multitudes flocked to attend his ministry from 
 Maidstone and its vicinity; and, in a short time, the 
 church was found too small to contain the people who 
 assembled. The inhabitants of Maidstone were, at that 
 time, badly accommodated with the ministry of the 
 ' word. Alas! when the children asked bread, he who 
 was their spiritual father, by profession and office, gave 
 them only stones. Their souls were famished for want of 
 wholesome spiritual food. Mr Wilson was a faith Jul and 
 xvise steward, who f^ave every one his portion oj meat, in 
 due season. He preached the terrors of the law to those 
 persons, to whom terror belonged ; and to such as came 
 to him trembling, and crying out, Sir, xvhat shall I do 
 to he saved? he was a Barnabas, a son of sxceet conw- 
 latiojL^ He beautifully displayed the unsearchable riches 
 of divine grace, in the Lord Jesus Christ, unto sinners 
 ready to perish. His doctrine was according to godli- 
 ness ; and his chief aim was to glorify God, and to win 
 souls unto Christ. He neither sought to please the fan- 
 cy, nor to gain the applause of his auditory, by the enti-^ 
 clnfj words of man's wisdom. And, in obedience to the 
 divine command, he preached the word, both in season^ 
 znd out of season ; not only twice on every Lord's- day, 
 but also frequently on other days ; and on difierent occa' 
 sions,^ when partial and worldly men reckoned, that his 
 preaching was unseasonable. His great popularity and 
 usefulness soon awakened the envy of profane sinners, 
 and also of several ncighbciiring ministers; but he con- 
 stantly went on without dismay, trusting in the Lord, 
 who, with the blessing which alone makes rich, crowned 
 his labours with great success. He continued to be a 
 verv strict and zealous observer of the Lord's-day ; al- 
 ways using means for checking the profanation of that 
 day, and for promoting reformation^ 
 
Thomas Wilson. ^55 
 
 Notwithstanding Mr Wilson's great labour^ and use- 
 fulness, he was at length silenced for refusing to read the 
 profane Book of Spores. In the month of Apul, ib34, 
 he was inhibited by Archbishop Laud s Vicar^general, 
 from part of his public ministerial exercises. But, upon 
 the publication of the Book of Sports, he refused to read 
 it when the Archbishop sent for him to Lambert h ; and, 
 April ^^9th, 1635, no less than /ourtacn charges were 
 exhibited against him, to each of which he gave his an- 
 swer, May 28th following, l635. All thes- chargps, 
 together with Mr Wilson s answers, are too long for our 
 insertion, in this place ; but we shall here give the charge, 
 with Mr Wilson's answer, respecting the Book of Sports. 
 Char. You refused to read the King's Declaration lor 
 Sports on Sundays, and spoke disdainfully to the Appa- 
 ritor and Officer of the court. 
 
 Ans. I said unto the Apparitor. " Remember you to 
 keep holy the Sabbath day ;" and I said no more. I re- 
 fused to read the Book, not out of contempt of any au- 
 thority, but as being commanded by no law. The Kin,gr'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 do I know of any seal to con- 
 firm it. And seeing there is no penalty threatened, nor 
 authority given, that I know of, to any one to question 
 those persons who refuse to read it, my refusal to read it 
 was upon sufficient grounds of law and conscience ; which, 
 for the satisfaction of this high court, and to clear myself 
 from contempt, I shall briefly express myself thus : His 
 Majesty's express pleasure is, that the laws of the king- 
 dom, and the canons of the church, be observed in all 
 places of the kingdom ; and, therefore, in Kent, and in 
 Otham : but this book, as 1 conceive, is contrary to both. 
 
 It is contrary to the statute laws, Edward VI. Anno 
 
 5, Cap. iii. Caroli, Anno 1, Cap. 1, & Can. 13.--Our 
 Church is against it. It is contrary to the ecclesiastical 
 laws.— It is contrary to the Holy Scriptures, Exod. xx. 
 8. Isa. Iviii. ]3. — It is contrary to the councils. — It is 
 contrary to divines, both ancient and modern ; as Augus- 
 tine, Chrysostom, Irenscus, Ignatius, Babington, Zanchy, 
 Vol. II. 2 N 
 
Q3G Life of 
 
 Junius, and Alsted. — And it is contrary to reason. Mr 
 Wilson enlarges on these topics, in a very judicious 
 manner. 
 
 It evidently appears, that Laud had laid the snare to 
 catch Mr Wilson, chiefly for refusing to read the Book 
 of Sports. And in this, that great oppressor of the Lord's 
 heritage succeeded according to hi:! wishes : tor Mr Wil- 
 son's answers, in which he explicitly declared his refusal 
 to read the Book, were no sooner given, than the proud 
 archbishop haughtily replied, 1 suspend i^oujor ever front 
 your office and benefice till you read it. And this emi- 
 nently pious and laborious s^ rvant of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ continued suspended for about the spdce of four 
 years. About the same time, he w^as committed to Maid- 
 stone jail for non-conformity, but how long he remained 
 in that confmement, I cannot iui^orm the reader. At the 
 expiration of the above period, he was brought into the 
 high commission court by means of the archbishop ; and, 
 to his great cost and trouble, was again prosecuted for 
 the same crimo. 
 
 While Mr Wilson remained under suspension, not be- 
 ing satisfied v/ith the ministry of his successor at Otham, 
 he removed to Maidstone, where he gave some private 
 instructions among his friends, from whom he received 
 some external support, both for himself and for his fami- 
 ly. His malicious enemies, at the same time, traduced 
 his character, and represented him as a favourer of divi- 
 sion. With a view to wipe off that base reproach, he 
 addressed a respectful letter to the parishioners of Otham, 
 warmly exhorting them " to fear God and honour the 
 King, and to walk in love toward each other ; and not 
 to nourish in themselves any dislike of government, or 
 contempt of those whom the Lord had set over them." 
 This letter, for the information and satisfaction of all per- 
 sons, was publicly read to the congregation, by DrTuck, 
 on the Lord's day, without the appointment of Mr Wilson. 
 The news of this affair i^oon reached London, when Mr 
 Wilson and Dr Tuck v;ere cited to appear before the high 
 commission court. Mr Wilson was charged in that court 
 with having sent a scandalous and offensive letter to Ot* 
 
Thomas Wihon. ^^^ 
 
 to, ,o nourish '*7. 'l-.^Tjr^'S^'^rS^m. 
 
 Sf/of making all his journUs on foot, at the distance of 
 
 %i;X"S:^«on's suspension, a neighbouring mi- 
 nuT.r who eaeerly wished to obtain h.s benet.ce, com- 
 Sc^d a plea agaiLt him, with a view ,o eject hun alto 
 S out'of oLm ; but his patron n.nde goo - tu^e 
 
 calkd Laud took off Mr^Wilsc^'s suspens.on But his 
 
 t^eprTer against the Scots. Upon the apr--nce o^ 
 hose ministers, Mr Edward Bright, bemg called fi st 
 «as asked whether he had read that praver ; and when 
 he saTd tha^he had not, the archdeacon unmcd.ately su.- 
 p nd d him both from 'office and benefice -'hout admo- 
 nition or even giving him the least time for cons.dei anon 
 That tvrLical court^fcen proceeded in a very sunima.y 
 ?naun r Mr Wilson, who was a witness of th.s rash pro- 
 
158 Life of i 
 
 cedure, and now perceived that the service was to be ^| 
 much hotter than he had expected, was next called. \ 
 When he was asked whether he had read the prayer i 
 against the Scots, he answered in the negative ; adding, | 
 *• because in the rubnck of the Common Prayer, it is \ 
 enjoined that no prayer shall be publicly read, excepting S 
 those which are contained in the Book of Common Pray. ' 
 er,^ and that prayer against the Scots was. not there." j 
 This very unexpected answer so puzzled and confounded i 
 the archdeacon that he di/l not know what to say. It i 
 cooled his fury, a'*d caused him to proceed more deli- 
 berately w.'th Mr Wilson than he had done with Mr i 
 Bnght. He allowed him fourteen days for consideration, ' 
 and dien he was to deliver his answer at Canterbury ; but ' 
 whether he delivered any other answer, and what follow- ' 
 ed respectmg that case, we are not able to inform the rea- \ 
 i^er, : 
 
 About the same time, a warrant was issued from the ! 
 Lords of the private council, among whom were Archbi- 
 
 shop Laud and the Bishop of London, to apprehend Mr \ 
 
 Thomas Wilson of Otham, and to bring him before them. ! 
 
 -A pursuivant was sent with this warrant to bring Mr ' 
 
 Wilson to London, We are not informed for what crime \ 
 
 this prosecution was raised ; but there is sufficient ground ; 
 io conclude, that it was for the great sin of nonconfbrmi- 
 ty. The pursuivant, having received his warrant, went 
 without delay to Otham ; and though he heard Mr Wil- 
 
 son preach, and was afterward in the same room with him, ; 
 
 yet he escaped out of his-,hands. Mr Wilson, suspecting ' 
 
 him as soon as he entered the room, retired and conceal- i 
 
 ed himself, and so was delivered out of the snare. Our I 
 
 soul is escaped an a hhd out of the snare of the Jowlers : \ 
 
 the snare is broken^ and we are escaped. Our help is in \ 
 
 the name of Jehovah^ who made heaven and earth. — The ; 
 
 zealous pursuivant was exceedingly enraged at his loss; \ 
 
 but upon becoming a little cooler, he said, " that he had ; 
 
 been a messenger to the council-table thirtij^siv years, | 
 and was never so served before," 
 
 ^ Mr Wilson, having, in the goodness of Divine Pro- 
 
 vidence, escaped that dangerous snare, withdrew from i 
 
Thomas WiUon. 259 
 
 the furious storm until the meeting of the Long Parlia- 
 ment when he went to London, and h.s case and pet,- 
 don were presented to the House of Commons. Ihe 
 House appoLed a committee to take his case mto cons.der^ 
 "ion and, Nov. 30,h, 1640, Mr Rouse who w.s o^e 
 of that committee, reported to the house, Ihat Mr 
 Wilson had been suspended four years f^om hr, l.v ng 
 ,v<,rth sixty pounds a-year, only for not readmg the Book 
 of Recreations on thi Lord's day ; that the archbishop 
 himself had suspended him ; and that for throe years he 
 had attended upon the high commission coi^r . ine 
 Houitheretore'resolved, That Mr Wilson I-d just cause 
 of complaint ; and that there was just cause for the House 
 to afford him relief. Upon the presentation of his peti- 
 tion Sir Edward Deering, who was one of the members 
 for Ae couttty of Kem, said, Mr Wilson, your petitioner. 
 is as orthodox in doctrine, as laborious _ m preachmg, 
 and as unblemished in life, as any mm.ster we have. 
 He is now separated from his flock, to both their griefs 
 for it is not whh him as with many others, who are glad 
 to set a pursuivant on work, that they .nay have an ex- 
 cuse to be out of the pulpit ; it is his delight to preach. 
 Sir Edward farther observes respectmg Mr Wilson, 
 " He is now a sufferer, as all good men are, under the 
 general obloquv of a Puritan. The pursuivant watches 
 his door, and divides him and his cure asunder to both 
 their griefs. About a week since, I went to Lambeth, 
 to move that great bishop (too great indeed) to take this 
 danger from off this minister, and to recall the pursuivant. 
 And I did undertake for Mr Wilson, that he would an- 
 swer his accusers, in any of the King's courts at Westmin. 
 ster. The bishop made me answer, ' I am sure that he 
 will not be absent from his cure a twelvemonth together. 
 
 Upon the above resolution of the House of Commons, 
 Mr Wilson was released from his troubles, and returned 
 to his charge and labours at Othain. In the year l()4;J, 
 he was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
 romster, and though at a considerable distance, he con- 
 stantly attended, and also supplied his i'ock on the Lord s 
 ^av. He w?.^ v'-'v much esteemed in the Assembly for hir. 
 
260 Life of \ 
 
 meek and humble deportment, and his grave and judici- \ 
 . ous discourses and counsels. Having continued some ^ 
 time at Otham, he removed to Maidstone, the county- 
 town of Kent, where he remained until his death. Here \ 
 his chief care was to promote the reformation of the i 
 church, and to administer the sacraments, according to i 
 his views of the word of God. In order to this end, he 
 preached particularly upon the necessity of observing ■ 
 scriptural discipline, and the qualifications which were i 
 really necessary to the enjoyment of church-fellowship. 
 Impressed deeply by the sense of duty, and very eager 
 to dispense the divine light of the gospel of the Lord Je- 
 sus Christ, which burned with great ardour in his ovm ' 
 breast, he disengaged himself from this world, and was '' 
 entirely devoted to the interests of the Redeemer's king- ! 
 dom. He met with considerable oppositioa at first, but i 
 by prudence and perseverance, trmfmg in Jehovah^ in \ 
 whom there is everlasting strength^ things were brought > 
 to a favourable issue. 
 
 Mr Wilson laboured indefatigably in discharging the . 
 numerous duties of his office. He discharged the duties ' 
 of the Lord's day, with exceedingly much pious zeal, i 
 and exemplary devotion. He commonly observed the ' 
 following method : he continued his studies on Saturdays 
 very late, often till about midnight, that he might be the : 
 better prepared for the important work of the Lord's day. ! 
 He rose ordinarily by two or three o'clock on the Sab- ; 
 bath morning, and was much displeased with himself if ' 
 he was at any time later. About seven he came out of j 
 his study, and called his family together, when he read 
 and expounded a portion of the Holy Scriptures, requir- 
 ing those persons who were present to give some account I 
 of the expo.sition; then sung some part of a psalm, and ] 
 concluded with prayer. About nine o'clock he went to i 
 church, and entered upon public worship by singing 
 part of a psalm commonly, then prayed for the divine 
 blessing which makes rich, and expounded in the Old i 
 Testament, sometimes three, four, or more, verses, con- 
 tinuing p.bout an hour, in that exercise; tlien, beside 
 singing and prayer, he preached about an hour, and coii- i 
 
Thomas Wilson. 261 
 
 eluded. Then, going home, he constantly prayed with 
 his family before dinner; and afterward, he speni some 
 time wiih them in singing and other religious exercises. 
 In the afternoon, he observed the same method m the 
 pubUc worship as in the morning; only his exposmoti 
 was upon some part of the New Testament. Mr Wilson 
 is said to have been an excellent expositor of the Holy 
 Scriptures ; and well acquainted with Junius, Tremellius, 
 Piscator, Beza, Calvin, and several other commentators. 
 It is said, that his expositions much resembled those of 
 Mr Hutchison on the Gospel of John ; but that he was 
 fuller and larger than Mr Hutchison. The public services 
 of the day being ended, Mr Wilson called his family to- 
 gether, when many neighbours attended, then they re- 
 peated the sermons and expositions, upon which he sung 
 a psalm and concluded with prayer. After this he went 
 to a friend's house in the town, where many attended, 
 and engaged in the same exercises. He administered the 
 Lord's Supper once a month ; with much holy fervour : 
 and, it is said, " that some of the communicants have 
 thought themselves in the suburbs of heaven, when they 
 joined with him in that ordinance, in which he common- 
 ly spent an hour and half.*'— He sanctified the Lord's 
 day, by spending nine or ten hours in public and private 
 worship, beside what time he spent in secret religious ex- 
 ercises. He also delivered, weekly lectures, attended 
 meetings for religious conference, and engaged in cate- 
 chizing. He was a diligent labourer in the Lord's vine- 
 yard, and found his reward in the labour.^ When his 
 friends attempted to dissuade him from such intense appli- 
 cation, he was always deaf to their counsel, saying, 
 •' Would you have my Lord, when he comes, to find me 
 idle ?" He was persuaded that God makes no difference 
 between an idte and an e^il servant. We surely cannot 
 but admire the benevolent exertions of this great and good 
 man. 
 
 Mr Wilson was also very exact in setting a good exam- 
 ple before all persons, and especially before hio children 
 and servants, knowing that inferiors are much influenced 
 ^y the deportment of their superiorf . What he preacbe^!^ 
 
262 Life of 
 
 he practised all the week. In all thhfgs^ he she'wed kim-^ 
 seJJ a patterih of good rvorks. He constantly exemplified 
 his own wholesome instructions. He was a very strict 
 observer of the Sabbath day, and eminently successful in 
 promoting the due observation ot it at Maidstone, as well 
 as at other places. One of the judges noticing this at the 
 assize, publicly declared, that, in all his circuit there was 
 no town where the Lord's day was so strictly observed. 
 All Mr Wilson's fervour was for some time exercised, in 
 promoting the welfare of Maidstone. By his preaching 
 and example, he excited those persons to engage in fami- 
 ly worship who had formerly neglected it. They per- 
 formed it both morning and evening. And, as they sung 
 when they read the word of God and prayed, persons 
 walking in the street, about nine and ten o'clock in the 
 morning, might hear singing of Psalms in many families. 
 This was a plentiful source of joy and gratitude to every 
 mind which was seasoned with genuine piety, Mr Wil- 
 son was a man of a very courageous spirit, and feared no 
 obstacles in the way of duty. Like the Roman Cato, he 
 had " a resolution, a steadiness, and a composure of 
 mind, not to be moved by flattery, nor to be shaken by 
 threats.'* He feared God, and none else. He was like 
 one of the celebrated ancients, who, when a threatening 
 message of death was sent to him, desired the messenger 
 to tell the Empress, I fear tiothing but sin. Mr Wilson 
 discovered much holy courage in reproving sin, and in 
 appearing for the defence of the gospel. He was firmly 
 persuaded, that the Lord would take special care of his 
 own cause, whatever sufFirrings his servants might endure, 
 therefore, when trials came upon them, he said, with 
 Luther, *' I had rather fall with Christ than reign with 
 Csesar." He lived much above this world. His trea- 
 sure was in heaven, and his heart was there also ; as ap- 
 pears from the following anecdote : — At the insurrection 
 in lb48, the soldiers took from him a legacy of a hun- 
 dred pounds left by a friend to his eldest daughter, though 
 it was soon restored. But when the money was gone, 
 upon being asked whether he was not much troubled, 
 he replied, '' No j I was no more troubled when I heard 
 
Thomas Wilson. 263 
 
 that the money was carried out of my house, than I was 
 when I heard that it was brought into if/' And upon 
 being asked what frame of spirit he was in, when the 
 town and county were in arms, and some base and pro- 
 fane wretches reproached him, when he was going out of 
 the town, taking his horse by the bridle, and twice or 
 thrice brought him back, crying aloud, Wilson, Wilson^ 
 Where is your God now? Where is your God now? 
 He replied, " I then thought on that text, My God is in 
 Heaven^ and hath done whatsoever he pleased.'' Psal. cxv. 
 3. With much patience, he beheld the frowns of the 
 great, and heard the scoffs of the vulgar. 
 
 But Mr Wilson's eminent piety, humility, and integri- 
 ty, did shine with peculiar lustre, in his affliction and 
 death. When the Bridegroom came, he had his lamp 
 trimmed, oil in his vessel, and his light burning. He was 
 waiting for the coming of his Lord. And he endured 
 his acute pains with great patience. He sometimes mourn- 
 ed, but he never murmured. He cheerfully submitted to 
 the rod, in the hand of his heavenly Father. When lying 
 upon his death-bed, he called his family around him. He 
 desired his wife not to be discouraged, nor to sorrow as 
 those who have no hope ; but to trust in the Lord her God, 
 in whom there is everlasting strength, and to continue in 
 his service. He warmly exhorted his children to fear 
 God, and directing his speech to his eldest daughter, he 
 said, '* Look to it, that you meet me not at the day of 
 judgment in an unregenerate state." He commended all 
 his children to the Lord, and left them in his hand. 
 When Christian friends came to visit him, his mind 
 seemed to collect new vigour, and he earnestly exhorted 
 them to read the Holy Scriptures, to esteem highly and 
 meditate much on the promises, to be holy in their con- 
 versation, and to attend divine ordinances with all dili- 
 gence. He highly praised God, and spoke much of the 
 preciousness of Christ, and said, that " one promise was 
 more precious than a world." The prospect of his ap- 
 proaching death was very comfortable to him. To a pi- 
 ous lady of his acquaintance, who was leaving Maidstone, 
 he pleasantly said, '' What will you say, good Mrs Crisp, 
 
 Vol. IL 2 O 
 
^6i Life and Writings of Thomas Wilson. 
 
 if I get the start of you, and get to heaven before you ■* 
 
 get to Dover.'* Another person saying, Sir, 1 think you 
 
 are not tar from your Father's house ; he replied, " That \ 
 
 is good news indeed, and is enough to make one leap for , 
 
 joy.** To those who mourned over him, he said, '* I j 
 
 bless God, who has suffered me to live so long to do him j 
 
 some service ; and now I have finished the work appoint- '; 
 
 ed for me, tliut lie is pleased to call me away so soon." ' 
 
 He died in the exercise of faith and hope, commending S 
 
 his spirit into the hands of his dear Redeemer, on the | 
 
 Lord's day» toward the end of the year 1653, aged about | 
 
 fifty- two years. He had a strong constitution, a clear ] 
 
 understanding, a quick invention, a sound judgment, a ' 
 
 a tenacious memory, and was a good scholar, a hard sru- 'i 
 
 dent, well read both in ancient and modern authors, an ; 
 
 excellent preacher, an eminent Christian, and clothed \ 
 
 tvtth hwmiity. Mr Wilson was twice married, and by \ 
 
 his second wife, he had. eleven children, ten of whom i 
 
 were living at his death. Mr J. Wilson, ejected in 1662, ^ 
 
 is supposed to have been a son of his. • 
 
 Our Mr Wilson was author of a sermon preached from J 
 Heb. xi. 2iO» before the. House of Commons, at their so- ' 
 lemn Fast, Sept. 28th, 16^2. This sermon is entitled, 1 
 « Jericho's Down-fail, 4s:o pp. 48, London, 164S. I 
 have not seen any more of Mr Wilson's writings. I have \ 
 seen some Poems which were made upon his much la- \ 
 mented death. We rejoice at seeing the Muses twining 
 garlands for the brow of such a man as Mr Wilson.* \ 
 
 ^< 
 
 a Life of Mr Wilson, printed in the year 1672, and Brook** \ 
 Lives of the Puritans, voL.iii. London, 1813. 
 
FRANCIS WOODCOCK, A. B. 
 
 aiNUIEK IN I-ONI>ON, AND OKt OF THE ASSEMBLY OP DIVINIS 
 AT WESTMISSTER. 
 
 FRA^fCIS WOODCOCK was bom in the city of 
 cTiestcr, the capital of Cheshire, in England, in the year 
 161 4 He received his education in Brazen- nose college, 
 Oxford, where he took one degree in Arts^ He entered 
 into the holy ministry while he wai< at the University, 
 Z was episcopally oikined, soon after which he remov- 
 ed from that seat of learning, and had a charge of souls 
 bestowed upon him. Wood says, that " he >^as a w >S 
 Puritanically affected;" which some persons will account 
 no bad character. Accordingly upon the commence- 
 ment of the differences between the King and the Parlia- 
 ment, he readily espoused the cause ot the latter, and 
 was afterward chosen one of the Assembly o D. vines at 
 Westminster ; and it is said, that he asiduously atter.ded 
 during the whole session. Being brought up t<> London, 
 he wa! chosen Lecturer of Lawrence- Jewry and frequent. 
 ly preached at Olaves in Southwark, to which he was a - 
 terward appointed minister by an ordinance ot Parliament, 
 wh ch was'^dated July K)ih, .646. He took the Cove- 
 Tant with the rest of his brethren, and was chosen Proc- 
 tor to the University of Cambridge. He preached sen^e - 
 al times before the House of Commons -, and some of h s 
 sermons which he preached to that learned and respect- 
 able auditory have been published, am! are still extant. 
 He died in the midst of his days and of his usefulness. 
 Woodsays, that he died in. 65., or thereabotit ; but Mr 
 Brook says that he died in the year I M9, aged th.rty-fn;e 
 vears. His remains were interred in Olaves' church. South- 
 lark. He was esteemed a good scholar and an excellcn 
 preacher.'— Mr Woodcockdiedyoung: but Hooker said ot 
 
 a Wood's Athens Oxen. vol. ii. Brook's Piiritai.s. vol. iii. 
 
266 Life and Writings of Francis Woodcock. 
 
 that famous Prince, Edward the sixth, King of England 
 1 hat though he died young he lived long, for Hfe is in 
 ^tton. And the courtiers of Henry fourth. King of 
 prance, one day complimenting him upon the strength of 
 his constitution and teUing him that he might hve to be 
 eighty years of age; he replied, - The number of our 
 days is reckoned I have often prayed to God for grace. 
 but never for a long Hfe. A man who has Hved well 
 has always lived long enough, however early he may die."* 
 
 Mr Woodcock has written and published,— I. The 
 Two TVitnesses; in several Lectures at Lawrence- Jewry, 
 London, on Rev. xi. 3, &c. with the great Question dis- 
 cussed, Whether the two Witnesses were slain or not? 
 4to. London, i643 — This work was made public by an 
 order from the Committee of the House of Commons, 
 dated April 27, 1643. It was afterward reprinted —2 
 Christ's Warning ^picce. Giving Notice to Every One 
 to Watch and Keep Their Garments: delivered in a Ser- 
 mon at Margaret's, Westminster, before the Honourable 
 House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, from Rev xvi 
 15. Oct. 30, 1644. 4to. pp. 32. London, 1 644,*— 3." 
 i>^5 lalioms ; or, God Paying Every Man in His Own 
 Coin : a Fast Sermon from 1 Sam. ii. 30. before the House 
 of Commons, July 30th, J 645. 4to. London, 1645 
 and 164b —4. Joseph Paraktled by the Present Partial- 
 ment, in Hts Sufferings and Advancement: A Sermon 
 preached from Gen. xlix. 23, 24, before the House of 
 Commons, on their Solemn Day of Thanksdvin?, Feb 
 i9th, 1645, or i646. 4to. London, 1646. 
 
 " The universal friend, so formed to engage. 
 Was far too precious for this world and age. 
 
 Years were denied, for (such his worth and truth) 
 Kind Heaven has call'd him to eternal youth." 
 
 a Anecdotes of Distinguished Persons, vols. i. and iv. 
 
THOMAS YOUNG, D.D. 
 
 MINISTER or STOW-MARKET, AND A MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY 
 OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER, 
 
 HOMAS YOUNG was an eminently learned and 
 pious divine. Mr Brook says^ — " This pious and learn- 
 ed divine was probably educated in the University of 
 Cambridge. He was afterward preacher to the English 
 merchants at Hamburgh ; and, upgn his return to his na- 
 tive country, he became vicar of Stow-markt-t in bufFolk, 
 in which situation he continued almost thirty years. He 
 was a person of great learning, prudence, and piety, and 
 discovered great fidelity and ability in the work of the 
 ministry." — In the year 1643, he was chosen one of the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and proved him- 
 self to be an eminently distinguished member of that il- 
 lustrious body during the whole session He was one of 
 those who reasoned for the divine institution of the ruling 
 elder, in that Assembly, and had an active hand in the 
 Directory for reading of Scriptures, and singmg of 
 Psalms.* Upon being called to London, he was chosen 
 pastor of Duke's-place in the city. In 1645, he was ap- 
 pointed one of the committee of accommodation ; and 
 about the same time he was chosen master of Jesus Col- 
 lege, Cambridge, by the Earl of Manchester. In that 
 eminent and public station, he displayed his great abili- 
 ties, and was highly useful, until he wgs turned out of 
 his place, in the year i650, for refusing the engagement. 
 Upon this he most probably retired to Stow- market, 
 where he afterward died, in the year 1655, and his re» 
 mains were interred in the church under a marble stone, 
 with a monumental inscription. 
 
 a Kaillie'e Letters, toI. 1. pp. 401, and 4.31. 
 
268 Life and Writings of Thomas Young. 
 
 Mr Baker says, that " he left behind him the character 
 of a learned, wise, and pious man." Mr Leigh, in his 
 Treatise of Religious and Learned Men, p. 369, styles 
 him " a learned divine, one very virell versed in the Fath- 
 ers, and the Author of that excellent Treatise, entitled 
 Dies Dominica.^* He was also one of the authors of 
 Smectymnuus.^ — I have seen an excellent Sermon, both 
 in England and Scotland, by Thomas Young, seeming- 
 ly the same divine, entitled, " Hope's Encouragement 
 pointed at, in a Sermon preached from Psalm xx:xi. 24* 
 in Margaret's, Westminster, before the Honourable 
 House of Commons, at the Solemn Fast, Feb. 28th, 
 1643.*' 4to. pp. 38, London, 1644. 
 
 a Ncal and Brook's Puritans, tol, iii. 
 
SCOTTISH C0MMI8SI0NE11S. 
 
 We come now to those eminent Ministers, who were 
 Commissioners from the Church of Scotland to the Assem. 
 biy ot Divines at Westminster. Fuller saysj - As Livy 
 calls the general meeting of ^^^olica Pan-Ltohum this 
 Assembly endeavoured to put on the face of Pan-Britani- 
 cum ''' The English solicited the assistance of some ot 
 the Scottish Divines to join with those at Westmmster, to 
 settle an Uniformity of Religion and Church-government 
 for the two Nations. The request was granted, and 
 Messrs. Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas Samuei 
 Rutherford, George Gillespie, and Robert Bailhe, were 
 by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland ap- 
 pointed in August 1 8th, 1643, to go to London, as 
 Commissioners to the Assembly of Divmes at Westrnm- 
 ster ^— Mr Douglas did not go to London, as all those 
 who w^n-e appointed were not urged to go ; but the other 
 four wem — Ihe writers of the Quarterly Review have 
 Tery lately made a daring attempt, to consign the memo- 
 ry of our Presbyterian ancestors to contempt and oblivion. 
 Th-v have excommunicated from the pale of talent, 
 literature, and common sense, all the Covenanters m a 
 mass ; and they endeavour to vindicate their unjust sen- 
 tence, by a particular reference to two of our pious and 
 eminently learned Commissioners, Messrs. Henderson 
 and Gillespie. An able writer, who has completely 
 rescued our respectable ancestors, and especially our 
 Commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, from the 
 foul aspersions of the Quarterly Reviewers, has made 
 the following just remarks upon this part of their conduct. 
 « They have not only gone wrong in their general state- 
 ment, but through some strange infatuation, and as if to 
 demonstrate their utter ignorance of fact, or their utter 
 
 a Fuller's Church Hist. B. 11. p. 199. 
 
 U Baillif's Letters, vol. i. pp. 154:9, 3:jO, and '3S7. 
 
^'^O LiJeoJ 
 
 contempt of decency, they have ventured to mention and 
 to defame mdividuals, who, though every other « Z>ra^Aer 
 Of the cnvenanr had been a mere niny, deserved noth- 
 ing but esteem and reverence.— Why, it would not be in 
 the least degree more absurd to assert, that Endand 
 durmg the Commonweahh produced no great Poets and 
 then ro quote Milton as an example.'*^ We owe the tri- 
 bute both of respect and of gratitude to the memory of 
 those Commissioners;— of respect for their gifts, and of 
 gratitude for their services. We proceed now to dve 
 some particular account of them. 
 
 ROBERT BAILLIE, D. D. 
 
 AN EMINENT PRESBYTERIAN DIVINE IN THE CHURCH OF SCOT- 
 LAND, IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, AND ONE OF THE COM- 
 MISSIONERS FROM THAT CHURCH TO THE ASSEMBLY OF DI- 
 VINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 ixOBERT BAILLIE was born in Glasgow, in the 
 year j599. His father, Mr Thomas Baillie, was a citi- 
 zen of that place, and son to Baillie of Jerviston, who 
 was a brother of the Family of Carphin, and a branch of 
 the ancient Family of Lamington, all in the county of 
 Lanerk. Baillie of Hoprig and Lamington was a branch 
 of the Baliols, Lords of Galloway. Hoprig, by marry- 
 ing the daughter of the famous Sir WiUiam Wallace, 
 Regent of Scotland, obtained the estate of Lamington! 
 Their second son was the first of the House of Carphin • 
 of whom Jerviston, the predecessor of our author, ad 
 cording to Nisbet's Heraldry. His mother's name' was 
 Helen Gibson, of the stock of the Gibsons of Durie, se- 
 veral of whom were eminently distinguished by making a 
 great figure in the Law. Our Robert Baillie received his 
 education In the University of Glasgow, his native city, 
 
 c Edinburgh Christian Instructor, vol. vli. p. 40G. A very valu- 
 able Publication, which .ustl}- claims the attention of the Public. 
 
Robert Bdillie. 571 
 
 under the care and direction of Mr Sharp, who was then 
 the head of that College. When at the University, he 
 was a remarkable example of great literary diligence, 
 giving always very close attention to his studies. Having 
 taken his degrees in the arts, he turned his thoughts to 
 the study of divinity, to which he applied with indefatig- 
 able industry. And having, about the year 1622, re- 
 ceived orders from Archbishop Law, he was chosen a 
 Regent of Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. 
 While he was in that station, he had, for some years, 
 the care of the education of Lord Montgomery, who, 
 at length, carried him with him to Kilwinning ; to which 
 church he was presented by the Earl of Eglinton. There 
 he lived in the strictest friendship with that noble family, 
 and with his people ; as he did also with his ordinary, 
 the Archbishop of Glasgow, with whom he kept up an e- 
 pistolary correspondence. In the year 1633, he declined, 
 from a principle of modesty, an offer which was made to 
 him of a church in Edinburgh. Being requested, in 1 637, 
 by the Archbishop of Glasgow, to preach a sermon be- 
 fore the General Assembly, in recommendation of the 
 Book of Common-Prayer, and the Canon of the Church, 
 then published and established by authority, he declined 
 the service ; and wrote a handsome letter to the Archbi- 
 shop, assigning the reasons of his refusal. The letter is 
 dated at Kilwinning, Aug. 1 9th, 1637, and is as follows : 
 
 " Please Your Lordship, 
 Your Lordship's letter of the 7th of this instant, I receiv- 
 ed the 13th, late, wherein I am desired to preach the last 
 Wednesday of this instant, before the Assembly, and to 
 frame my sermon to unite my hearers to the obedience 
 and practice of the canon of our church and Service-book, 
 published and established by authority. 1 am much oblig- 
 ed to your Lordship's estimation of my poor gifts, and 
 do humbly thank your Lordship for intending to honour 
 me with so great a service : but withal am sorry that my 
 present disposition necessitates me to decline the charge.r— 
 The truth is, that as yet I have not studied the matters 
 contained in that Book of our Canons and Common-pray- 
 Vot. H. 2 P 
 
272 Life of 
 
 er, onlv I have taken a slight view of them \ whereby, 
 for rhe present, n»y mind is no ways satisfied ; yea, the 
 iitr^e pleasure I have in these books, and the great dis- 
 pkasarc I find the most part have, both of pistors and 
 people wherever I come, conceived of them, have filled 
 my mind with such a measure of grief, that I am scarcely 
 abi:' to preach to my own flock : but to preach in another 
 congregation, and so famous a meeting, upon these mat- 
 ters, I am at this time utterly unable."* 
 
 This spirited refusal greatly served to establish his re- 
 putation with the party who opposed Episcopacy in the 
 Church of Scotland, at that time. At the conKr.cncement 
 of the Reformation, he had his own difficult ies from his 
 education. and his delicacy respecting the King's authority, 
 in complying with some measures of the Covenanters ; but 
 after reasoning, reading and prayer, as he himself says, 
 he came heartily into their measures. And being emi- 
 nently distinguished by his peaceable and healing temper, 
 his uncommon prudence, and solid judgment, he was 
 much employed in the public and important affairs of the 
 church from the year 1637. He was chosen and appoint- 
 ed, in the year \ 638, by his own Presbytery of Irvine, 
 a member of the very famous and memorable Assembly at 
 Glasgow, which was a prelude to the civil war, and of 
 v/hich the reader may see a particular account in Mr 
 Henderson's life. In that Assembly, Mr Baillie display- 
 ed great wisdom, zeal, and learning. He eminently ap- 
 peared as one of the most able and zealous advocates for 
 the Presbyterian cause. And he was peculiarly distin- 
 guished, by his strong opposition to Prelacy and Armin- 
 ianism. He was also a member of all the following Ge- 
 neral Assembl'es of the Church of Scotland, until the 
 year 16j3, excepting when he attended the Assembly of 
 Divines at Westminster. 
 
 He was also one of those eminent ministers who attend- 
 ed the army of the Covenanters, as chaplain, in the years 
 i 63S), and 1640. He says, " 1 furnished to half a dozen 
 
 » Letters, vol. i. pp. 11, 12. 
 
Robert BailUe. 273 
 
 of ffood fellows, muskets and pikes, m& to my boy a 
 bro!d sword. I carried .r.yseit as the tash.on was. a 
 sword, and a couple of Du^ch pistols at my saud.e; d». 1 
 promise for the offence of no man, excepting a robber m 
 the way : for it was our part alone to pray and to preach 
 for the encouragement of our countrymen, which I did 
 most cheertullv to the utn.ost of my power.-Every com- 
 pany had. fleeing at the captain's tent.door, a brave new 
 colour, stamped with the Scottish arms, and this motto, 
 For Chrut's Crown and Covenant, in golden letters. — 
 Ke adds • '* Had you lent your ear m the morning, or 
 especially' at even, and heard in the tents the sound of 
 some signing psalms, some praying and some reading 
 Scripture, ye would have been refreshed.— For myself I 
 never found my mind in better temper than it was all that 
 time since I came from home, till my head was agam 
 homeward ; for I was as a man who had taken my leave 
 from the world, and was resolved to die m that service, 
 without return. I found the favour of God shining upon 
 me. and a sweet, meek, humble, yet strong and vehe- 
 ment spirit leading me all along ; but I was no sooner on 
 mv way westward, after the conclusion of the peace, 
 than my old security returned.""— Mr Baillie was present 
 during the whole treaty with the King, which commenced 
 at Kippon, and was concluded at London. And as one 
 of the most able and zealous advocates tor the Presbyte- 
 rian cause, he was, in Ib40, sent by the covenanting 
 Lords of Scotland to London, to draw up an accusation 
 against Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, for attempting 
 , to obtrude unwelcome innovations upon the Church ot 
 ' Scotland. While he was in England upon that occasion, 
 he wrote to the Presbytery of Irvine a large 2nd regular 
 account of the state of public affairs, and sent them, a- 
 mong other things, a particular Journal of the proceed, 
 ings in the trial of the Earl of Strafford.' N<^t long alter 
 his return to his own country, in the year 1642, h-- was 
 appointed Joint Professor of Divinity, with Mr David 
 
 a Letters, vol. i. pp. 17*, 775, lIC b Vol. i. p.^lT.-;. 
 
 c Letters, vol. i. pp. 219—297. 
 
274 Life Of 
 
 Dickson, in the University of Glasgow. And his repu- 
 tation was become so high, that he had before this received 
 invitations from the other three Scottish Universities, all 
 of which he refused . He continued in his Professorship till 
 the Restoration f but his discharge of the duties of it was 
 interrupted, for a considerable time, by his residence in 
 England. As a divine eminently learned, and of approv- 
 ed orthodoxy, he was, in the year 1643, chosen one of 
 the Commissioners from the Church of Scotland to the 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster. Though he did 
 not distinguish himself by speaking much in the debates 
 of that Assembly, he appears to have been very useful in 
 it. He entirely concurred in the principles and views of 
 its leading members ; and gained great reputation by his 
 writings. He wrote an account of the state of public af- 
 fairs, and of the proceedings of the Assembly, while he 
 was at London, which is very interesting. When he 
 took his leave of the Assembly, the Prolocutor, in the 
 name of the Assembly, gave him an honourable testimo- 
 ny, and thanks for his labours.* He remained there al- 
 most all the time that the Assembly was sitting ; and re- 
 turned to his own country in the latter end of the year 
 1646. When that Assembly rose, the English Parlia- 
 ment made him a handsome present of silver-plate, with 
 an inscription, intimating that it was a token of their great 
 respect to him, and to be viewed as an acknowledgement 
 of his good services. It was long carefully preserved in 
 the house of Carnbrae, in the county of Lanerk, an an- 
 cient seat of the Baillies. 
 
 Mr Baillie was an eminent confident of the Marquis of 
 Argyle, of the Earls of Cassils, Eglinton, Lauderale and 
 Loudon, of Lord Balmerino, Sir Archibald Johnston, 
 Lord Warriston, and others of the chief managers among 
 the Covenanters. He thereby obtained the most correct 
 knowledge of the papers and most important transactions 
 of those times, which he very carefully collected and 
 preserved. 
 
 ' He was exceedingly averse to Episcopacy, but he was 
 a Letters, vo], ii. p. 252. 
 
Sohert Baillie. 275 
 
 not deficient m loyality. The General Assembly of 
 Scotland had so much confidence in his attachment to the 
 House of Stuart, that, after the execution of King Charles 
 I in 1649 they appointed him one of the embassy from 
 their body' to Charles II. at the Hague, after he was pro- 
 claimed in Scotland. Upon that occasion Mr Baillie ad- 
 dressed the King in a loyal speech, expressmg in the 
 strongest terms his joy and that of his brethren m his sue 
 cession to the throne, and their great abhorrence of the 
 murder of his royal father. In his sentiments on this ev- 
 ent, it appears, that the Presbyterian Divines of that pe- 
 riod, both at home and abroad, very generally agreed.— 
 Under Cromwell's usurpation, he joined with the party 
 called Resolutioners, and wrote several of the papers on 
 that side. He had a strong aversion to toleration, and 
 availed himself of every opportunity in testifying against 
 it. He seldom omits any oportunity of shewing his dis- 
 approbation of the doctrine of toleration, either in his 
 Letters, or in his other writings.— After the Restoration 
 of King Charles II. Mr Baillie, on the 23d of Jan. 1661, 
 by the interest of the Earl of Lauderdale, with whom he 
 was a great favourite, was made Principal of the Univer- 
 sity of Glasgow, upon the removal of Mr Patrick Gilles- 
 pie, who had been patronised by Cromwell. It is said, 
 by several writers, that Mr Baillie had the offer of a Bi- 
 shopric, which he absolutely refused. This is highly 
 probable. 
 
 He was very highly esteemed by some of the most em- 
 inent Biblical and classical scholars on the Continent in his 
 time; as Spanheim, Salmasius, Rivet, Leusdcn, and 
 Constantine L. Empereur. In his Letters, he writes as 
 a man of great piety and intellect, and is found inquiring 
 at his correspondent in Holland for the best and most re- 
 cent publications on Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic, litera- 
 ture, and even on mathematical science ; all which shews 
 at once the great variety and extent of his own attain- 
 ments, and also his earnest desire to promote the interests 
 of that academical institution with which he was intimate. 
 ly connected. — He was an excellent linguist. By his in- 
 defatigable industry, he acquired the knowledge of twelve 
 
276 Life of 
 
 or thirteen languages ; and he could write a Latin style, 
 which, in the opinion of learned men, might well become 
 the Augustan age, and of which his Opu^ Chronolo-kum 
 is a decisive proof — Mr Baillie was averse to funeral ser- 
 mons, when he was in London. Speaking ot Mr Pym's 
 funeral, he says ; " Marshall had a most eloquent and 
 pertinent funeral sermon ; which we would not hear ; for 
 funeral sermons we must have away.*'* He was twice 
 married. By his first wife, Lilias Fleming, he had ssve- 
 ral children; and by his second wife. Principal Strang's 
 daughter, he had one daughter, Margaret, who was 
 married to Mr Walkingshaw of Barrowfield. PrincipaL 
 Baillie continued most firmly attached to the Presbyterian 
 government, and in opposition to Prelacy, to the end of his 
 life. As a proof of this, an eminent historian says ; '* I 
 have it from an unquestionable hand, one of his scholars, 
 who afterward was his successor, and waited on him a 
 few weeks before his death, that he died a firm Presby- 
 terian, and under a rooted aversion to Prelacy in this 
 church. My author desired Mr Baillie's judgment of the 
 courses which this church was so fast running into. His 
 words to him were ; * Prelacy is now coming in like a 
 iand'Jiood ; for my share, I have considered that contro- 
 versy as far as I was able, and after all my inquiry I find 
 it, (Prelacy) and am persuaded that it is inconsistent with 
 Scripture, contrary to pure and primitive antiquity, and 
 diametrically opposite to the true interest of those lands.' "^ 
 And during his last illness, when he was visited by the 
 newly. made Archbishop of Glasgow, he is said to have 
 addressed himself to him in the tollowing words : '' Mr 
 Andrew, I will not call you my Lord. King Charles 
 would have made me one of these Lords : but I do not 
 find in the New Testament, that Christ has any Lords in 
 his house." However, he treated the Archbishop very 
 courteously. The coming in of Prelacy, like a land^ood, 
 brake his heart, and had a strong tendency to hasten his 
 dissolution. This is evident from two original letters un- 
 der his own hand, to the Earl of Lauderale, the one dat- 
 
 a Letters, vol. i p. ^09. b Wodrow's Hist. vol. i. p. 128. 
 
Robert Baillie. 277 
 
 . T icA ififiO and the other April 18th, 1661, 
 't r^re JJU IrSrvTd in Wodrow's History. His 
 Sh fa -d him'in the S.ria, of the year in ,662 and 
 he died in the month of July that same year, aged C. 
 
 ^^xt Author of the Appendix to Archbishop Spottis- 
 ^ V Hktorv speaking of Principal BaiUie, says res- 
 ^Ztl h"m " Robert BaiUie, Professor of Divimty. 
 E aft. rwTrd Principal, a learned and modest man , 
 ?houeh hrpublished'some very violent writmgs, yet 
 these flowed rather from the instigation of other persons 
 than his own inclinations. He has eft a grea evidence 
 of his diUgcnce and learning in his Opus Chronolo^i- 
 
 '"And the celebrated Mr Wodrow, irt his History of 
 
 .hAnfferines of the Church of Scotland, has given the 
 
 o lowtg c&^ of Principal BaiUie. '^Mr Robert 
 
 Ba ufe may most justly be reckoned among the great men 
 
 of his ime, and was' an honour to his country, for as 
 
 profound a^d universal learning, h.s exact and solid 
 
 fudgement, that vast variety of languages which he un- 
 
 dcrS, to the number of twelve or thirteen and h.s 
 
 t. ng a Latin style which might become the Augustan 
 
 age. ^But I need not enlarge on his character ; hu xvn-ks 
 
 do prahc him in the gates.'"' 
 
 Mr BaiUie's Writings ^^177 Defence of the Befor^a. 
 lion of the Church of Scotland agams. Mr Max.veU, B^hop 
 ot Ross -A faroM beluetn the Scoiluh Service-Booh , 
 and,heR<mhh Missal, Brevm^v. 6,c.-Qu.riesanent i.e 
 ^frwce.liook —The Cante>hurian Se-f-U>mwtwn.— ,}>i. 
 M^eWArL,anum -A Treatise on Scottish Ep^scopa. 
 cy.-Lat>en.tsm.-Satan the Leader in chc) to all who 
 resist the Reparotwn ol Z>o.>. A sermon preached front 
 Zuch iii 1 /to th.- House of Commons, at their solemn 
 Fast Feb •jyih,lb44 4to. London, — A sermon from Isa. 
 Ixiii.'l7. before the Lords, July 30th, 1045. Fasf, 4to. pp. 
 
 a Wodrow-s Mist. vol. i. p. 128. BaiUie's Life prefixed to hi. 
 Letters, and Stevcneon's Hist. Preface. 
 
278 LifeoJ 
 
 44. London j 1645. — A Dissuasive from the Errors of the 
 time, especially of the Independents, 4to. pp. 252. Lon- 
 don, 1645. A second part of the Dissuasive, 4to» pp. 
 179, and a long Preface, London, 1647. — A Reply to the 
 Modest Inquirer. — Opus Historicim ayid Chronoiogicum ; 
 folio, B. 1. pp. 307. B. 2. pp. 151. with a frontispiece, 
 printed at Amsterdam, 1668. It is written in classical 
 and elegant Latin, and clearly proves that the author was 
 a man of deep research and of very extensive knowledge. 
 Letters, and Journals, in 2 vols. 8vo. vol. i. pp. 456'. 
 vol. ii. pp. 462. Edinburgh, 1775. The Journals con- 
 tain a History of the General Assembly at Glasgow in 
 163S; an Account of the Earl of Strafford's Trial; of 
 the General Assemblies, in 1641, and in 1643. 
 
 GEORGE GILLESPIE, 
 
 MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FROM 
 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TO THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT 
 WESTMINSTER. 
 
 G 
 
 EORGE GILLESPIE was the son of Mr John 
 Gillespie, who some time was minister of the Gospel at 
 Kirkaldy, a royal burgh and market -town of Fifeshire, 
 in Scotland. Wood says, that George Gillespie, the 
 .subject of this Memoir, was educated in the University of 
 St Andrew's. He received a good classical education, 
 and made very great proficiency in his studies. He was 
 some time chaplain, in the Family of the Earl of Cassils, 
 and waited on Lord Kennedy. He was also some time 
 chaplain to the Viscount of Kenmure. — He was ordained 
 minister of Wemyss, with the imposition of hands, by the 
 Presbytery of Kirkcaldy, without the acknowledgement 
 of the bishop. He was one of those illustrious reformers, 
 who subscribed, as minister at Wemyss, the National 
 Covenant which was agreed upon and sworn, in the year 
 
George Gillespie. 279 
 
 1638.* Baillie, speaking of Mr George Gillespie, calls 
 him " a youth who waited on Lord Kennedy/' and says 
 that he " was admitted to the Kirk of Weems, maugre 
 St Andrew's beard, by the Presbytery." Our author 
 adds, '* this same youth is now given out also, by those 
 who should know, for the author of the EngUbh Popish 
 Ceremonies, whereof we all do marvel ; for though he 
 had gotten the papers, and help of the chief of that side ; 
 yet the composition would seem to be far above such an 
 age : but if that book be truly of his making, I admire 
 the man, though I mislike much of his matter ; yea, I 
 think, he may prove among the best wits of this isle.** 
 Mr Baillie was a witness of the display of Mr Gillespie's 
 abilities and learning, in the famous Assembly at West- 
 minster. Stevenson says, that Mr Gillespie was the 
 author of the anonymous piece above-mentioned ; and 
 that it was discharged by a proclamation, in the year 
 1 637, as being of too corrosive a quality for the weak 
 stomachs of the bishops.^ In it the will-worship of Epis- 
 copacy is exposed, Mr Gillespie eminently appeared, at 
 a very seasonable time, as one of the most able and zeal- 
 ous advocates for the Presbyterian cause. His literature 
 and talents were highly respectable ; and diligently em- 
 ployed in promoting the interests of the Redeemer's king- 
 dom. He was a real friend to the work of Reformation ; 
 and strongly averse to Prelacy, to Erastianism, and to all 
 corruption. At the venerable Assembly which convened 
 at Glasgow, in 163«, he preached a very learned and 
 judicious sermon, explaining these words, llie king's 
 heart is in the hand of the Lord, Sec. This discourse 
 did not altogether escape censure ; for the Earl of Ar- 
 gyle thought that Mr Gillespie touched the royal prerog- 
 ative too nearly, and very gravely admonished the Assem- 
 bly to let authority alone, which all took in good part ; 
 and the moderator very prudently supported what Argyle 
 had said, in a most judicious and beautiful speech.** 
 At the General Assembly which met at Edinburgh, 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. 292, & 32G. b Baillie, vol. i. pp. 67, 68. 
 c History, vol. ii. p. 217. d J>tevenson, vol, ii. p. 605- 
 
 Vol . U. 2 Q 
 
280 IMe of 
 
 .16-1.1, Mr Gillespie bad a call from the town of Aberdeen 
 to be their minister ; but the Lord Commissioner and him* 
 self app-;i:*.d in his ca:is \ and managed it so well, that 
 he was continued at Wcinyss.* But in «642, the General 
 Assembly consented unto his transportation to the city of 
 Kdinburgri.^ And he was one ot those four eminent 
 ministers, who were sent as Commissioners from the 
 Church of Scotland, to the famous Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, in the year 1G4-3. He was but a young 
 man when he weni: to that Assembly. There, however, 
 he reasoned and conducted himself with all the skill and 
 pvudeiice of a veteran. Equally acute and learned, he 
 <:om!nanded respectful attention when he spake. He even 
 ventured to contend, with the eminently learned SddL^i 
 and Lighcfoot, w^ho were at that time the great cham- 
 pions in the Erasrian controversy, and truly formidable 
 for their extraordinary acquaintance with Jewish antiqui. 
 ties and Rabinical learning *^ Against those eminent op- 
 ponenis, Mr Gillespie laboured with success, in proving 
 two courts among the Jews, from Deut. xvii. 1'2. re» 
 sp^CTing one going up from one court to another ; that 
 is, for appeals, as he strongly urged from hence : The 
 man who will d) prcsumptao/.i'sli/^ and will not hearken 
 tent) ike priest who standeik to minister there before the 
 Lord thf God, or unto the judge ^ even that man 6hall 
 die : Making the priest to hold one caurt, and the judge 
 another. — And cerrainly to contend with such men on 
 the field of controversv, required great store of erudition 
 and much power of intellect. Mr Baillie, one of his 
 colleagues in that Assembly, who had the best opportuni- 
 ty of being well acquainted with his abihties and learning, 
 speaks of him as folio v/s. '' How many and how learned 
 debates we had, in twelve or thirteen sessions, from nine 
 to half two, it were long to relate. None in all the com- 
 pany did reason more, and more pertinently, than Mr 
 Gillespie. That is an excellent youth ; my heart blesses 
 God in his behalf" And when Acts xiv. 23. was pro- 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 979. Baillie, vol. i. pp» 306, 307. 
 
 b Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 1063. 
 
 c LightfootVllcm. Prcf. pp. 13, 17, 18. 
 
George GiUesp'e. 281 
 
 ducf^d for a proof of the power which the apostles 1 id 
 of ordination, and after much debate, was going to be 
 voiced, Baillie says ; '' Very learned and ac( ute Mr Gd- 
 lespie, a singular ornament of our Church, than whom 
 not one in the whole A<^sembly speaks to better purpose, 
 and with better acceptance by all the hearers, advertised, 
 that the Greek word, o\ purpose by the Episcopal tr?ns. 
 lators turned orduinhi::, was truly chu ing, importing ^he 
 people's suffrages in ellecting their officers. Hence arose 
 a tough debate, that took up two whole sf^s&ions. Mr 
 Henderson's overture ended the plea." And agiin. the 
 same author says; '' We get good help in our Assembly- 
 debates of my Lord Wciriston ; but of none more than ot 
 that noble youth Mr Gillespir^. I truly admire his facul-, 
 ty, and bless God, as for all my colleagues, so for him 
 in that faculty with the first of the whole Assembly." 
 And, in a letter to Mr Robi.rt Blair, dated March '26th, 
 1644, the same writer says: Mr G. Gillespie, .however 
 1 had a good opinion of his gifts, yet I profess he has 
 much deceived me. Of a truth there is no man whose 
 parts in a publick dispute, I do so admire. He has 
 studied so -accurately all the points which ever yet came 
 to our Assembly, he has gotten so ready, so assured, so 
 solid a way of publick debating, that though there are m 
 the Assembly divers very excellent men, yet, in my poor 
 judgement, there is not one who speaks more rationally, 
 and to the point, than thar brave you^h has i^ver done; 
 so that his absence would be prejudlci?.! to our whole 
 cause, and unpleasant to all here who wish it well.* 
 And it has been said, that once when both the Parlia- 
 meiit and the Assembly were convened, and a long studi- 
 ed discourse was made'in favour of Era^riiiiism, to which 
 none seemed readily to offer any answer, that, xMr Gilles- 
 pie, being urgtd by his brethrLP, the Scottish Comm.is- 
 sioners, repeated the substance of the whole discourse, 
 and refuted it, to the admiration of all persons who were 
 present. And what struck them most was, that though 
 it was common for the members to take notes of what 
 
 a Baillie, vol. i. pp. drO?, 419, HI, andlSl. 
 
282 Lije of 
 
 was spc^ken in the Assembly as helpful to their memory, 
 and Mr Gillespie appeared to be so employed during the 
 delivery of that speech to which he afterward made a 
 reply, yet th^^ persons who sat next him declared, that 
 upon looking into his note book, they found nothing of 
 that speech written, but in different places, Lord^ se7id 
 hiiht-^-Lord^ give assiitance-^Lord^ dejetid thine own 
 cause. 
 
 After his return to his own country from London, he 
 was much employed in the public affairs of the Church of 
 Scotland And, having been eminently distinguished in 
 the Assembly of Divines at Westminster for his erudition 
 and zeal in the cause of truth, he was chosen Moderator 
 of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 
 which convened at Edinburgh on the 1 '2th of July, 1 648» 
 In this Assembly, several good acts were made in appro- 
 bation and favour of the covenanted work of Reformation. 
 And, in it, Mr Gillespie was nominated one of those mi- 
 nisters who should prosecute the Treaty of Uniformity in 
 Religion with the English Parliament and their Assembly 
 of Divmes * But in a short time after this, he was seiz- 
 ed with sickness. Mr Rutherford, in a letter to him, 
 when on his death-bed, dated St. Andrews, Sept. *<tf7th, 
 1648, says: " I dare say nothing against his dispensa- 
 tion ; I hope to follow quickly. The heirs who are not 
 there before you, are posting with haste after you, and 
 none shall take your lodging over your head. Be not 
 heavy : the life of faith is now called for ; doing was 
 never rtckoned in your accounts ; though Christ in and 
 by y>^u haih done more than by twenty, yea, an hundred 
 gray-baired and godly pastors. Believing now is your 
 last. Look to that word, Gal. ii. 2( . — Ye must leave 
 the wife to a more choice Husband, and the children to 
 a bei ter Father. If ye leave any testimony to the Lord's 
 work and covenant, against both malignants and sectaries, 
 whifhT suppose may be needful, let it be under your 
 hand, and subscribed before faithful witnesses." — Mr 
 
 a Stevensen, vol. xii. pp. 1260, 1281. Acts of General Assembly^ 
 ^t. 1682. 
 
George Gillespie. 28S 
 
 Gillespie was always firmly attached to the work of Re- 
 formation, and left a faithful testimony m favour of it 
 and against all the prevailing evils of that time. He died 
 toward the end ot the year 1648; some say about the 
 17th of Dec. He was very little past the pnme of life 
 and his death was greatly lamented. And the Public had 
 such sense of his real worth, that first the Committee of 
 Estates, and then the Parliament, ordered one thousand 
 pounds sterling to be given to his widow and children ; 
 but through the troubles of the times that viras not paid 
 
 Of Mr Gillespie's abilities, both natural and acquired, 
 we have the most irrefragable proofs, in the testimony ot 
 his co-temporaries, and also in the excellent writings 
 which he has left behind him. With the origmal lan- 
 guages of the Holy Scriptures he was intimately acquaint- 
 ed • his knowledge of antiquity was extensive and pro- 
 found ; and his talent, both for written argument and 
 extemporary debate, has been generally allowed. We are 
 much indebted to him, for that remarkable patience and 
 ardour of research, which have enabled him to cast very 
 great light on the deeply interesting subject of Church- 
 government. In all his labours, he seems to have been 
 truly active and zealous for the Lord God of Hosts, and 
 to have been well directed in his zeal, by the Spirit of wis- 
 dom and of holiness. 
 
 Mr Gillespie has left behind him the following learned 
 writings. Beside The English Popish Ceremonies^ ob- 
 truded upon the Church of Scotland, above-mentioned, 
 4to. 1637, and 1660, said to be his; we have his Aiser. 
 Hon of the Government of the Church of Scotland, pub- 
 lished in 1641, in which he successfully combats the 
 Independent Scheme. — A sermon preached from Ezek. 
 xliii. 11. to the House of Commons, at their Solemn 
 Fast, March 27th, 1644. 4to. pp. 42. London, 1644. 
 A sermon from Mai. iii. 2. to the House of Peers, Fast, 
 27th of Aug. 1645. 4to. pp 30. London, 1645. — 
 Aaron's Rod Blossoming ; Or, The Divine Ordinance of 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 1285. 
 
284 Life of 
 
 Church-Government Vinrf leafed. 4 to. pp. 590, Lon- 
 don, 1 >46.* In this elaborate work, the Erasrian doc- 
 trint- is clearly and triumphantly refut'^d. Mr Gillespie'a 
 pieces on the Erastiaw controversy, in answer to Mr 
 Coleman, are mentioned in Mr Cv>lenK<n\s Life, 
 M<7fe Axilis^ by Mr Gillespie, 4to. pp. 56. Lond, 
 1646. — His Treatise of Miscelimnf Questions was printed 
 at Edinburgh, 1649. 4to. pp. 28 1. And one of these 
 Cases was selected, and printed agiin at Paisley, 1791, 
 in a Collection. 
 
 ALEXANDER HENDERSON, 
 
 MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERSF 
 FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TO THE ASSEMBLY OF DI- 
 VINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 T 
 
 HE memory of eminent men, who have performed 
 services of great importance to their country, and wha 
 have filled conspicuous places with much reputation, 
 ought to be greatly respected. In such respect is the 
 memory of that illustrious statesman, the strenuous, yet 
 temperate, Assertor of the liberties of his country, John 
 Humpden, still held by his grateful countrymen, that, it 
 is said, some years ago, one of his descendants being 
 deficient in an account of public mont^y, he was exonerat- 
 ed from the debt due to Government by an Act of Par- 
 liament, particularly expressing that it was for the ser- 
 vices his illustrious relation had done to his country that 
 this mark of favour was shown to him.'* Certainly less 
 honour ought not to be paid to the memory of this emi- 
 nent Reformer, who is the subject of the following Me- 
 moir, and who cheerfully performed many remarkable 
 services of very great importance to his country, and to 
 the church of Christ. And, both his character, and the 
 
 a See Coleman's Life. 
 
 b Anecdotes of distinguished Persons, vol. iii. 3d edit. London. 
 
Alexander Hendenon. 285 
 
 nartkulars of his life, are highly inttresting to us, who 
 Ee" rotess,on of adherence to Reformat.on.pnnc.p es 
 Alexander Henderson pr.bably was born about the 
 vear 158-J. But ot his parents, ot the place o h,s bn-th, 
 ^ol the circun,s,ances of rhe early part ot h.s hfe, I have 
 not be™ able to obtain any authentic information. Being 
 ^tended for ihe service ot .he church he was sent to the 
 University of St. Andrew's, to complete his educatu^n 
 ab..ut the commencement ot the Hih century. Here ne 
 was eminently distinguished by his rare abilities, and close 
 application to his studies. And he soon became very con- 
 spicuous for his great proficiency in different branches of 
 learnine, which justly entitled him to respecrtui notice. 
 And after having finished the usual course of studies, 
 and passed his degrees with applause, he was chosen 
 teacher of a class of philosophy and rhetoric in the above- 
 mentioned University." He was one of the profes^sors of 
 St. Andrew's in the year 1611 ; for Ins name is afhxed to 
 a letter of thanks to the king, on occasion ot his having 
 founded a library in the College, by the Rector, Deans 
 of Faculty, and other masters of the University ot bt. 
 Andrew's, dated 4th May 1611." 
 
 'Ihe Church ot Scotland was in a very deplorable con- 
 dition, about this time. The liberty of her Assemblies 
 was greatly infringed ; for the king claimed an absolute 
 power over them, and arbitrarily changed both the time 
 and place of meeting by his proclamations.' Ministers in 
 the Church were commonly introduced to vote as bishops 
 in the Parliament. And some ot them were craftily no- 
 minated to the titles ot bishoprics on the occasion." The 
 king reckoned, that equality among ministers could not 
 agree with a monarchy ; and that without bishops- the 
 three Estates in Parliament could not be firmly established ; 
 and therefore he very warmly and artfully urged the crea. 
 
 a Whitelocke's Memorials, p. 123. 
 
 b Wodrow's Mss. fol. No. .'H. Advocates' Library, as with the 
 Christian Magazine, vol. x. No ll'i. 
 
 c Caldorwood's Hist Church of Scotland, page 435. .\;in. IfiOO. 
 p. 459. Ann. Ifi02. |)p. 490, 491. Ann. IB05. 
 
 U Caldcrwood'e His!, p. 44i3. 
 
286 Life of \ 
 
 tion of bishops/ And these creatures of his basely flat- ] 
 tered him, in his crafty designs ; and he conferred upon \ 
 fhem preferment and worldly grandeur. And thus Epis- \ 
 copacy, closely attended with its numerous train of evils, \ 
 was keenly obtruded upon the Church of Christ in Scot-i 
 land, after she had deliberately, religiously, and very so- \ 
 lemnly, cast off this heavy and insufferable yoke. And, 
 that the way might be the more speedily prepared, and ] 
 the gates the more easily and widely opened, for the en- \ 
 trance of Episcopacy^ with its large train of ceremonies, - 
 and external splendour, into the city of the Lord, her ^ 
 most able ministers, and eminently faithful watchmen, ; 
 were most shamefully and unjustly silenced, imprisoned, ; 
 and either banished from the king's dominions, under the ] 
 pain of death, as the six imprisoned in Blackness were, ] 
 or forcibly driven into obscure and remote corners of the ^ 
 land, where only a small number could be profited by \ 
 their ministry, and where they had no opportunity of ef- i 
 fectually opposing the corrupt measures of the king and \ 
 court. That renowned servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, ' 
 most powerful preacher, and zealous and courageous op. i 
 ponent of Episcopacy, Mr Robert Bruce, was very un- ! 
 fairly excluded from his ministry in Edinburgh, and left i 
 In this condition, even at the time of the king's exaltation, ' 
 and removal from Edinburgh to London. And, after Mr \ 
 Bruce had been much harassed, and inhibited to preachy ^ 
 he was shut up in Inverness, a town in the north of \ 
 Scotland, on the 27th Aug. 1605, where he remained'' 
 four years, teached every Sabbath before noon, and every \ 
 Wednesday.^ And, these earnest Contenders for the : 
 Jaith which was once delivered unto the saints^ Mr An- 
 drew Melvil, and Mr John Davidson, were detained in \ 
 confinement, at the king's removal to London, though = 
 the prison-doors were readily opened, on the way, a; he . 
 proceeded in his journey, for the liberty of persons of a j 
 very different description. "" And strong attempts were ' 
 
 a Calderwood. p. 428, &c. \ 
 
 b Calderwood's Hist. pp. 470—47,^, 495, 496. 
 
 c Calderwood, p. 478. ; 
 
Alemnder Henderson, 287 
 
 made to corrupt the seminaries of learning, by casting 
 out sound teachers, and placing in their room, corrupt 
 and time-serving men, who greatly encouraged the Court- 
 measures. And, youth bemg put under the tuition of 
 such teachers, the poison, which they industriously cast 
 into the fountains, was very speedily disseminated through 
 the whole land. 
 
 In this very dismal state of affairs, Mr Henderson, be- 
 ing then a young man of great abilities, eagerly desired 
 preferment ; and is said to have become a warm advocate 
 for the new measures. Bishop Guthrie says, " This Mr 
 Henderson had been in his youth very Episcopal, in tok- 
 en whereof, being a professor of philosophy in St. An- 
 drew's, he did, at the laureation of his class, choose Arch- 
 bishop Gladstanes for his patron, with a very flattering 
 dedication, for the which he had the kirk of Leuchars 
 given him shortly after.*** Though the authority, it 
 must be allowed, is not the very best, especially when 
 Mr Henderson is brought to our view, yet there is 
 reason to think that what the Bishop here says of him is 
 not without foundation. Mr Henderson is said to have 
 been very much inclined to Episcopacy in the early part 
 of his hfe ; and obtaining the parish of Leuchars through 
 the patronage of Archbishop Gladstanes, his settlement 
 there wes very unpopular. On the day of his ordination, 
 such was the opposition of the people, that they firmly 
 secured the church doors, and the ministers who attend- 
 ed, together with the Presentee, were obliged to break in 
 by the window. Mr Henderson not only was known to 
 be a defender of those corruptions to which many of the 
 people in Scotland were exceedingly averse ; but it also 
 appears that at the entrance into his ministry, he discov- 
 ered little or no regard to the spiritual interests of the 
 flock upon whom he had been obtruded. But he had not 
 been long minister of Leuchars, when a most happy and 
 important change was produced on the state of his mind. 
 This remarkable change had a great influence upon the 
 whole of his future conduct. About that time, the cele- 
 
 a Bishop Guthrie's Memoirs, p. 24. 
 
 Vol. IL 2 R 
 
288 Life tf 
 
 brated Mr Robert Bruce, who had been banished from 
 Edinburgh, had obtained Uberty to return Irom Inver« 
 ness, the place of his confinement. He improved his 
 freedom in preaching the glorious Gospel of the Grace of \ 
 God, as he had opportunity. Multitudes attended hi$ , 
 ministry, particularly on fast-days and at communions. \ 
 Mr Henderson, hearing of a communion in the neighs 1 
 bourhood, at which Mr Bruce was expected to assist, ( 
 went secretly to the place, and took his seat in a dark ; 
 corner of the church, where he would be most concealed* >; 
 Mr Bruce entered the pulpir, and after a solemn pause, : 
 in his usual manner, which fixed Mr Henderson's atten- 
 tion upon him, he read, in due time, wuh his accustom- ; 
 ed emphasis and deliberation, these words as his text, , 
 Verily, 'eerily^ I say unto ijou^ He thai enlervih not by ^ 
 the door into the sheep'/old^ but climbeth up borne oihef \ 
 "way^ the same is a thief and a robber, John x. i. i 
 Words most peculiarly descriptive of the character of . 
 an intruder, and so literally applicable to the manner in ^ 
 which Mr Henderson entered upon his ministry at Leuch- j 
 ars, went like drawn ^words to his heart. He who care- «•' 
 fully endeavoured to hide himself from the view of his ■ 
 fellow-creatures, soon found that he was under the eye \ 
 of his Creator and Redeemer. He felt the powerful ; 
 effects of the word of God, when the ministry of it is ac.| 
 companied with the agency of the Holy Spirit. His con-i 
 science was deeply convicted, and he readily yielded to 1 
 the irresistible force of divine truth. What he heard on j 
 this occasion, from that eminent servant of the Lord Je- ' 
 sus Christ, was by the divine blessing, the means of his ' 
 conversion. And we are told, that ever after he retain- j 
 ed a very great affection for his spiritual father, Mr Bruce, ;^ 
 and often mentioned him with marks of the highest res-i 
 pect.* ; 
 
 Mr Henderson's change of mind was soon seen rn bis'^ 
 whole deportment He now became a diligent and'' 
 faithful labourer in the Lord's vineyard. He was pecufi* j 
 arly zealous and active in promoting the spiritual welfare • 
 
 a Steyensoa's Hist. p. 604. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 289 
 
 of the people of his pastoral charge. He used his utmost 
 endeavours to remove the offence which he had given, 
 by the manner of his first entrance among them. It may 
 not be amiss to hear his own address to his brethren, m 
 the famous Assembly at Glasgow, upon this interesting 
 subject, a considerable time after this period. " Ihere 
 are divers among us who have had no such warrant for 
 our entry to the ministry, as were to be wished. Alas ! 
 how many of us have rather sought the kirk, tbm the 
 kirk sought us ! How many have rather gotten the kirk 
 given to them, than they have been givtn to the kirk for 
 the good thereof I And yet there must be a great differ- 
 cnce put between those who have lived many years m an 
 unlawful office without warrant of God, and therefore 
 must be abominable in the sight of God, and those who 
 in some respects have entered unlawfully, and with an 
 ill conscience, and afterward have come to see the evd of 
 this, and to do what in them lies to repair the injury. 
 The one is like a marriage altogether unlawful, and null 
 in itself; the other is like a marriage in some respects 
 unlawful and inexpedient, but that may be mended by 
 the diligence and fidelity of the parties in doing their duty 
 afterwards : so should it be with us who entered lately 
 into the calling of the ministry. If there were any faults 
 or wrong steps in onr entry, (as who of us are free t) 
 acknowledge the Lord's calling of us, if we have smce 
 got a seal from Heaven of our ministry, and^let us labour 
 with diligence and faithfulness in our office.*'* 
 
 Mr Henderson now became a decided Presbyterian. 
 He viewed the courses of the prevailing party m the 
 Church of Scotland very differently from what he had 
 formerly done, when he was guided by a worldly spirit, 
 and by ambitious views. He very prudently, first fully 
 satisfied himself by deliberate and minute inquiry, that 
 Presbytery was more conformable to the Holy Scriptures, 
 more favourable to the interests of practical religion, and 
 more consistent with the liberties of the people, than 
 that ecclesiastical system which had been lately introdu- 
 
 » Sermon b«fore the Assembly at Glassow, pp. H, l-'5. 163g. 
 
290 Life of \ 
 
 ced. Upon a candid and patient investigation of the exist- ^ 
 ing controversy, he was firmly persuaded that Episcopa- I 
 cy was equally unauthorised by the word of God, and . 
 inconsistent with the reformed constitution of the Church \ 
 of Scotland/ From that period, he was very active in ' 
 opposing prelatical government, and in resisting those ; 
 most imprudent and despotic measures by which the ' 
 Court made a bold attempt to procure a general submsi. ] 
 sion to itself. And throughout the whole of the arduous j 
 conflict which he maintained, he was eminently distin- i 
 guished by his ardent zeal, undaunted courage, dexterity ' 
 m argument and debate, and peculiar skill in the man- \ 
 agement of the most difficult affairs. He was earnestly ' 
 solicited to take an active and leading part, in the most ; 
 important transactions of his time. And he always se- \ 
 cured the confidence of his own party, and commanded ' 
 the respect of his opponents. His conduct uniformly 
 gave high satisfaction to the numerous and respectable ' 
 body whose views he promoted, and they constantly i 
 turned their eye to him in cases of peculiar delicacy and ' 
 moment.'' \ 
 
 From the time that Episcopal government had first ; 
 been obtruded upon the Church of Scotland, a scheme j 
 was contrived to render her worship also conformable to 
 the English model After different preparatory steps, ' 
 an Assembly was suddenly convened at Perth, in the \ 
 year 1618. To that Assembly the King invited by his ^ 
 letters, above thirty nobl(rmen and gentlemen, who were \ 
 sensible that it was his Majesty's earnest desire to have 
 the form of worship in the Church of Scotland changed, \ 
 and the many and various rites of the English Church \ 
 introduced among the Scotch people, that the union of \ 
 the two kingdtims might be the stronger. In this ecclesi- \ 
 astical assembly, by the most unbecoming influence, \ 
 several superstitious innovations were authorised, and \ 
 the five following articles admitted, which are commonly •' 
 styled the Five Articles of Perth. These were, kneel- ' 
 
 a See the first of his Papers to the King at Newcastle. ■ 
 
 b The Edinburgh Christian Instructor, vol. vii. pp. 406, 407. •^'; 
 
A lexander Henderson. 29 1 
 
 injr at the sacrament of the Lord's supper ; the celel ra- 
 tion of five holy days, the nativity, pai^sion, resiirrecion 
 and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the debcent 
 of the Holy Spirit ; private baptism ; the private adrranis. 
 tration of the Lord's supper ; and episcopal confirnvation ' 
 Among ihe faithful ministers of the Gospel, who had 
 the coura'^e to appear in opposition to these innovations, 
 and to argue against them with great force of truth, we 
 find the r° ^pectable name of xMr Altxander Henderswi 
 of LeucJiars. It is very remarkable, that a propi-^4 
 was made in that Assembly for the trirslarion oi Mr 
 Henderson, and of his friend, Mr William Scot of 
 Coupar, to E^linburgh. Ihis proposal was seemingly 
 maae vuh the view of soothing the inhabuants ot th^t 
 city, and of procuring a more ready submission to an- 
 other acts ot that Assembly. It is very probia^le loai 
 they had not any real design of settling; those ab^e advo- 
 cates for the cause of truth and of nonconformity in that 
 eminent station. Calderwood expressly says, that the 
 bishops meant no such thing in earnest '^ But the propo 
 sal clearly shows, that Mr Htndersun was very highi/ 
 esteemed, even at that early period, by the faithful part 
 of the Church of Scotland, with whom he was then inti- 
 mately connected. 
 
 In the month of Aug. 16i9, Mr Henderson and two 
 other ministers were called before the Court of High 
 Commission in St. Andrew's, charged with composing 
 and publishing a book, entitled i*erth Assembly, prov- 
 ing the nullity of that Assembly, and with raising a con. 
 tribution to defray the expence of printing the work. 
 They appeared, and are said to have answered for 
 themselves with such wisdom, that the bishops could 
 gain no advantage against them, and were obliged to 
 dismiss them with threatenings.'' 
 
 When Mr Henderson enjoyed his beloved retirement, 
 he spent a considerable part of his time in reading, and 
 in those studies which were afterward highly useful to 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist vol. i. p. 194'. 
 b Hist. Church of Scotland, p. 713. 
 r. Christian Magazine, vol. x. p, 221. 
 
292 Life Of 
 
 Mm in the public services of the church and of his coun. 
 try. And besile diligently discharging the pastoral du- 
 ties in his own congregation, he met occasionally with 
 his brethren at fasts and communions, when, by their 
 sermons and conferences, they mutually encouraged 
 each oiher in firmly adhering to the good old principles 
 of the Church of Scotland ; and joined in fervent prayer 
 to Ahnighty God for deliverance from those evils under 
 which they groaned, Mr Livingston mentions Mr 
 HL-nderson as one of those eminently pious and able 
 ministers with whom he became acquainted in attending 
 such solemn occasions, between the years 1626 and 
 1630, the memory of whom, he says, is very precious 
 and refreshing/ Mr Henderson was alwa) s indefatigable 
 in his labours. And he was inflexible in his attachment 
 to truth and rectitude of conduct. But in spite of the 
 superiority of his talents, and of the purity of his inten- 
 tions, he was very often harassed by calumnies and 
 misrepresentations. Bishop Guthrie represents the 
 tumult which was produced by the first reading of the 
 Liturgy in Edinburgh, on the 2yd of July, i637, as the 
 result of a previous consultation in the month of April, 
 when he says Mr Alexander Henderson came from the 
 brethren in Fife, and Mr David Dickson from those in 
 the west, and, in concert with Lord Balmerino and Sir 
 Thomas Hope, engaged certain matrons to put the first 
 affront upon the Service-book.'' But this story is at 
 variance with the Official accounts, not only of the Town, 
 council of Edinburgh, and of the Privy- council, but also 
 of his Majesty, which expressly declare, that, upon the 
 strictest inquiry, it appeared that the tumult was raised 
 by the meaner people, without any influence, concert, 
 or interference^ of the better classes.^ Mr Henderson 
 had no hand in any such affairs, but publicly exposed 
 their dangerous tendency. — On March 9th, 1637, we 
 
 a Life of Mr John Liringston, p. 12. 
 b Bishop Guthrie's Memoirs, pp. 25, 24. 
 c Large Declaration, pp. 23, 4-0. Burnet's Memoins of D. Ha- 
 *iulton, p. 32, 
 
Alexander Hendermi. 293 
 
 find the eminently pious Mr Rutherford writing to him 
 as follows : '' As tor your case, my reverend and dear- 
 est brother, ye are the talking of the north an.l south ; 
 and looked to so as if ye were all chrystal glass. Your 
 motes and dust should soon be proclaimed, and trumpets 
 blown at your slips ; bu: I know that ye have laid help 
 upon One who is niijjhiy. Intrust not your comforts to 
 men's airy and fro«n.y applause, neither lay your down- 
 castings on the tongU' s o{ sult-mockers and reproachers 
 of godliness.— God has called you to Christ's side, and 
 the wind is now in Christ's face in this land ; and seeing 
 ye are with Him, ye cannot expect the lee side or the 
 sunny side of the brae : but I know that ye have resolved 
 to take Christ upon any terms whatsoever ''* — The Arch- 
 bishop of St Andrew's, with a view to deter other per- 
 sons, gave a charge to Mr Henderson, and to other two 
 ministers, to purchase each of them two copies of the 
 Liturgv, for the use of their parishes, within fifteen days, 
 under the pain of r-^bellion. Mr Henderson went to 
 Edinburgh, and, in the month of Au^. Ib'37, presented 
 a petition to the Privy -council for himself and his brethren, 
 stating their objections, and desiring a suspension of tae 
 charge. Upon, this petition, and others of a similir na- 
 ture, being very Providentially presented about the same 
 time, a favourable answer was obtained from the Coun- 
 cil. And an account was transmitted to London respect- 
 ing the people's great aversion to conformity. This step 
 w^as of very great utility and importance, as it directed 
 those persons in general who were aggrieved to a regular 
 mode of obtaining redress. And we are informed, that 
 the Privy -council having then testified their aversion 
 to enforce the novations, did afterward, on different 
 interesting occasions, befriend and promote the cause of 
 the petitioners.** From that time, Mr Henderson was 
 eminently distinguished by his great activity in all the 
 measures of the petitioners ; and his prudence and dili- 
 gence contributed very much to bring those measures to 
 
 a Rutherford's Letters. 
 
 b Stevenson's Hist. vol. ii. p. 190. Baillie's Letters, vol. i. 
 Letter li. and Christ. Mag. vol. x. p. 225. 
 
294 Life of 
 
 at comfortable conclusion. His worth was soon discover- 
 ed, and he was frequently employed in the most import- 
 ant and delicate transactions of the times. 
 
 When the National Covenant was agreed upon and 
 sworn, in the year 1638, oar illustrious Reformer was 
 called forth to act a very conspicuous part. On the first 
 of March, that year, the covenant was sworn with uplift- 
 ed hands, and subscribed in the Grey-friars Church, 
 Edinburgh, by thousands of the nobility, gentry, burges- 
 ses, ministers of the Gospel, and commons, assembled 
 from almost all parts of Scotland ; and copies of it being 
 circulated throughout the kingjdom, it was generally 
 sworn with great alacrity. This memorable deed, of 
 which it would be highly improper to forget the respect- 
 able authors, was prepared by Mr Henderson, and Archi- 
 bald Johnston, afterward of Warringston, an advocate, 
 in whom the supplicants chiefly confided ; and revised by 
 Balmerino, Loudon, and Rothes.* Mr Henderson, with 
 those noblemen who have been mentioned, subscrib- 
 ed the covenant on that solemn occasion. The inhabit- 
 ants of the kingdom were now divided into Covenanters 
 and Non-covenanters. And some of the Covenanters had 
 submitted to the Bishops, and conformed to the Articles 
 of Perth, who were yet accounted orthodox preachers, 
 and zealous opposers of Popery and Arminianism, as 
 Messrs Robert Baillie, Henry Rollock, John Bell, And- 
 rew and Robert Ramsay, who, upon the first appearance 
 of the Service-book, joined with their brethren against the 
 innovations. Others of the Covenanters would not con- 
 form to the Articles of Perth, among whom were Messrs 
 Henderson, Dickson, Rutherford, Blair, Cant, and the 
 two Livingstons.^ — When the Marquis of Hamilton was 
 sent by the King, to act as his high commissioner, with a 
 view to suppress the Covenanters, who had several con- 
 ferences with him without success, he at last told them 
 that the Books of canons and liturgy should be dischar- 
 ged, on condition that the Covenanters would give up their 
 
 a Laing's Hist. Scotland, vol. i. B. ii, p. 134'. Stevenson, vol. ii. 
 pp. 291, 292. b Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. 294?, 295. 
 
A lexander Henrfersm. 29ir 
 
 Covenant. This proposal exceedingly displeased all the 
 Covenanters and had a strong tend- ncy to txcite ihv'in 
 unto gnarer vigilance and activity, in supporting and vin- 
 dicating that most solemn deed. Upon this the celebra<-. 
 ed Mr Henderson was agdin set to work, and the public 
 were soon favoured with sufficient reasons why the Cove- 
 nanters could not upon any terms give up their covenant, 
 nor even pass from any part of it. — The King's commis- 
 sioner afterward heard Mr Henderson preach, and con* 
 ferred with him in private respecting the state of alTairs, 
 which had the desired effect of soothing the Covenanters 
 into a belief of his affection to them.* It seems to have 
 been about that time, that the city of Edinburgh fixed 
 thtir eyes upon Mr Henderson, for one of their mini- 
 sters. Among other articles of information sent up to 
 the Scottish Bibhops, who were then at London, by their 
 friends in Scotland, was the following : " rhat-the Coun- 
 cil of Edinburgh have made choice of Mr Alexander 
 Henderson to be helper to Mr Andrew Ramsay, and 
 intend to admit him without advice or consent of the 
 Bishops." 
 
 In the month of July, 1638, the Tables at Edinburgh 
 sent the Earls of Mv^ntrose and Kinghorn, and Lord 
 Coupar, with Messrs H*-nderson, Dickson, and Cant, 
 to the north country, with a view to use their influence 
 in persuading the inhabitants to take the covenant, par- 
 ticularly those of Aberdeen, who, by m< ans of their 
 Doctors of divinity, of the university, and of the Marquis 
 of Huntley, had hitherto declined to join with their 
 brethren in other parts of the kingdom, l^pnn their ar- 
 rival at Aberdeen, they were but coldly rect ived. 1 he 
 Doctors presented unto them fourteen captious and ensnar- 
 ing demands respecting the covenant which they had 
 drawn up with great care ard art. Difftrtnt pv^pers pas- 
 sed between the Doctors and the dtputtd ministtrs of the 
 Covenanters on this subject, which were published, 
 Ihose papers of the latter are said to have been written 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. ?>\\ — 3.'>2. 
 
 b Burnet's Memoirs ot'D. Hamilton, p. 4L 
 
 *2 S 
 
295 Life: of 
 
 by Mr Henderson. The deputies, being otherwise ''\ 
 eijgdged, and steins; no prospect of removing the preji- 
 d^ 'AS of th(i»' r'pponents, desisted from the controversy. 
 
 A A after pi etching in diffterent p'ac^s, an J producing | 
 
 soil argum.nts tor subscribing the covenant, and taking ,; 
 
 prirt in the work of reformarion, and procuring ihe bub- v 
 
 Sv' Dfions of sonte hundreds in Aberdeen, and in other 1 
 
 pajts. I hey returned to their constituents.* ,? 
 
 iVir Henderson was called to make a very publ'c ap- | 
 
 peaiance, in the' much and justly c lebrated Assembly \ 
 
 vhich met at GLsgow, on the 21st Novemb r ihji'^. '\ 
 
 The petitioners contniuing indefarigably diUgent, and ^ 
 
 b'.:ii'g most firmly united, and very much animated \n \ 
 
 the det.rceof truth, he Court was obliged to grant iheir \ 
 
 reasonable demands by calling a General Assembly and \ 
 
 a Parllamerr, that the iiarional grievances might be duly ? 
 
 consici rtd'and fairly redressed. | 
 
 This very respecrable Assembly convened in the High* \ 
 
 church of Glasgow : and, beside a very great coLCOU>se | 
 
 of the people, all the nobility and gentry of any family j 
 
 or interest were present, either as members, assessors, or ^ 
 
 spectaiors. And, the multitudes assembled on this so- '^i 
 
 Itmn occasion were so very great, that the members could \ 
 
 scarcely obtain entrance, even by the assistance of the | 
 
 magistrates, with their town-guard, the noblemen, and | 
 
 gentlemen, and the High-commissioner himself in person, \ 
 who, at first, sometimes made way for the members.* 
 After solemn fasting, and a very good and pertinent 
 
 sermon preached from Revelation i. 12, 13 — / ^aw ] 
 
 ievrn .' olden candhsfkks ; At d in tht mtdsi of the 'even \ 
 
 condk6tick6 ont tiht untu the Son of mav, clotht'd with a ] 
 
 garment down to the foot, mid }:iri about the paps with a ] 
 goJdtn girdle, by Mr Juhn B« 11, who did also constitute 
 
 the Ass' mbly in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the \ 
 alone King and Head of his church, and moderate until 
 
 another was chosen, the Assembly engaged in the i 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. ^72 — 375- BailUe, vol. i. pp. 72^ 73. 
 
 b Hume's Hist. England, vol. vi, chap, liii 1638. Baillie*! 
 Letters, vol. i. Let. x. pp. 96, 97. Stevtusons Hist. Church cf 
 Scotland, vol. ii, chap. iii. 1638. 
 
 'i 
 
Alexander Henderson, 297 
 
 choice of a Moderator.* Bat, at the same time, a Je- 
 cUnarar- was prest-nred from the Bishop^, that is a pro- 
 tes .iti )n a^-iin^t the legaJKv of che Ass. mbiy. And the 
 M;.rqaisot Hamilton. \ht Kms^'s Commissioner, warmly 
 insisted that this should first be read. Ir was objected, 
 tV;ac there was no Assembly without a Mod era for, and 
 therefore they ought necessarily lo b<gin with \ s < I c- 
 tion. The High-commisMoner seeing that he could i.ot 
 prevail, protested against the refusal to read ihc declina- 
 ture before the choice of a Moderator, an J ord- r d . is 
 protestation to be entered. Before ihe choice, f- e Royal 
 C -mmissioner entered another protest, that this choice 
 should neither prejudice the Kinji's prerog^'tivt, n< r any 
 law of the kingdom, nor bar the King from takmg t gal 
 exceptions, either against the person eUct^d, or the (Sec- 
 tion irsclf At length, all objections against d using a 
 Moderator beine: overcome, Mr Alexarui r Hen^ trs( n, 
 as a minister eminently qualified tu fill th.u exalt, d stat! .n 
 in a proper manner, by his possessing great authority, 
 much resolution, and uncommon prudence, was unani- 
 mously chost-n Moderator of the Assembly, and most 
 cheerfully called to the chair.*' His distinguished con^ 
 duct, in former times, clearly proved, that he could 
 readily act in a very difficult situation. And, in the 
 very crrical state of affairs, when discussions of the great- 
 cs[ importance were expected, and a very great concourse 
 ot people assembled to witness these, he cenaii.ly was a 
 very proper person to fill the Moderator's chair. Under 
 the sp< cial care of Divine Providence, ther^ are, at all 
 times, such " innumerable gradations of ability, and end. 
 less vari.iies of study and mclination, tha/ no employ. 
 ment can be vacant for want of a man qualified to dis. 
 charge it.'*' 1 his is particulaily true, \^iih reference 
 uri'o the church of Christ, for which ample provision is 
 always made. Mr Henderson, having solemnly consti- 
 
 a Baillie and Stevenson, as above. 
 
 b Riipin's Hist. England, vol ii. Book. 19. 1638. p. 306. See 
 also, Hal Hie and Stevenson, as above, 
 c Rauibler, vol. iv. No. 160. 
 
298 Life of 
 
 tuted the Assembly, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 afterward addressed the members in a very beautiful 
 and appropriate speech. He soon gained the good 
 opinion and confidence of the members, especially of 
 such of them who were not formerly much acquainted 
 with him ; and was honoured with m^irks of disringuish- 
 ed esteem. He bthaved very respectfully unto all, and 
 at the same time wiih that particular firmness and inde- 
 pendence which became the President of a tree Assembly. 
 ]V'ir Robert Baillie, who was a member of this vvnerable 
 Assembly, and who wrote an history of it, says, speak- 
 ing coucernir^g the Moderator's prayers : *' Among that 
 man's otht^r good parts, that was one, a faculty of grave, 
 good, and zealous prayer, according to the matter in 
 hand ; which he exercised, withv^ut fagging, (fainting) 
 to the la^t day of our meeting/** 
 
 The rare abilities, which strongly marked Mr Hen- 
 derson's character, w; n particularly brought to the 
 touch- stone, by the R.^vil commissioner's premature dis- 
 solution ol this great Assembly, and the txconmumca- 
 tion of the Bishops. And. bringing his rare abilities to 
 the touch-stone, on ^hese remarkable occasions, was like 
 friction to the diamond : fVr their excellence was then 
 sufficiently attested ; they shined with additional lustre, 
 and they excited new adn)irafion. 
 
 Although the King had called this Assembly, he 
 seemingly had no dcsi^m to allow [hem fairly to proceed 
 in the discussion of their business. A firm determination 
 hwd been entered into, of utterly abolishing episcopacy ;** 
 which the nation now groaned under, and which many 
 ardently wished deliverance from. But the King was 
 evidently against the abolition of episcopacy; and so 
 would not allow this Assembly to consider and redress 
 grievances, but only to cause to be registered such con- 
 cessions, flowing from himself, as he necessarily granted 
 in present circumstances. And, it was very observable, 
 that the King's commissioner did not formally consent to 
 
 a Baillie's t.etters. Lot. x. vol i. p. 101. 
 b Hume's Hist. vol. vi. chap. liii. 1638» 
 
Alexavder Henderson. 299 
 
 any part of the Assembly's procedure It was his cus- 
 torn to Rive his voice rather by ^vay of permission, tliaa 
 to say a?iy thing that might imply his direct assent ; l.r 
 he seemincly resolved, to keep hims. It in all his worus 
 and deeds' so free, that he might, when he would dis. 
 avow all that was done, or to be done, in that Assemblv. 
 But the members coiibidered themselves as a free Assem- 
 blv and were firmlv resolved both to claim, and to ex- 
 ercise that glorious liberty, and great authoriry, which 
 the Lord Je^us C.hrist. as the King and Head ot his church, 
 had conferred upon therr. The King's commissioner had 
 formerly urged, that prior to the trial of commisions, 
 the declinaiure of the Bishr-ps should be read But he 
 was told, th.t the Ass. mhly was not formed or fuPy 
 cons.ituted uitil the commissions of elections wire exam- 
 ined. and the commissioners who were present, known 
 to be duly authorised. This was an affair of great im- 
 portance ; for as the declinature contained reasons to 
 shew that the election of the greatest part of the commis- 
 sioners was null, it was easily seen, that these reasons 
 would come too late, after the power ot the commission- 
 ers should be allowed, and they admitted as members of 
 the AssembU-. When the Royal commissioner could not 
 obtain his desire, he entered his protest. The deciina. 
 ture of the Bishops was at last read, at the repeated re- 
 quest of the Commissi- mer, wherein they pretended to 
 prove the ill( galiry of this Assembly; and also was an- 
 swered very K-arnedly and solidly by the Assembly. 
 The Assembly proceeding in course to vote themselves 
 competent judges of the libels raised against them ; when 
 the Moderaior stated the qu-stion, Whtther this Assem- 
 bly found themselves the judges of the Bishops, notwith- 
 standing their declinature ? tiie Royal commissioner inter- 
 posed, and declared that if they pretended to as.^ume a 
 right to judge the Bi-hops, he could not give his consent, 
 nor continue any longer with them. Upon this, he made 
 a speech, the substance of which may be seen in St :ven. 
 3on's History, and delivered the King's concessions to 
 
 a Baillie's Letters as above. 
 
SCO Life of 
 
 the clt rk ^o be r«ad and regisr^red.' After the clerk 
 had pihiiclv ^*faJ thtse concessions, the Moderator 
 addrus.N'^d ihe Ro\al commissioner in a very grave and 
 ^< 11 digest'd speech, which iollous: > 
 
 **• h w II becometh us, his Maj sty's subjt^cts corvrn* 
 €d in this lionoarable and reverend Asseml-ly, wjrh )ll 
 thankfulness lo receive so fu:l a testim i.y ot his Majes- 
 ty's goodness, and not fo und' rvalue th<^ .smallest crumbs 
 of comtort that i A\ to us of his IVl<.j sty's liberality. 
 Wan our hearts we do ackno>\ ledge before Gd, and 
 WKh our mouths do we dvsire to tesiify to the wovjd, 
 bow far we think oursehes <bliged to our driad sover- 
 eign, wi.vhing that the secret ? hough's ti t ur he-arts, and 
 the way whernn we have v alked in lime pist were made 
 manifest !o him It hath been ih glory of the Reform- 
 ed Churches, and we account it cur glory in a special 
 manntr, to give utuo kings and magistrates what btlorgs 
 to their places : and, as we know the /z.'V/ command of 
 the law to be a precept of the .second table, so do we 
 acknowledge it to be the first of that kind and that, 
 next unto pit ty tfjward God we are obliged to lovaly 
 and obedience to our king* 1 here is nothing due to 
 kings and princes in Uiatters ecclesiastical, u h»ch, / 
 tru^t shall be denied bv (his assembly to our Ka.g ; fer, 
 beside aurhoriry and power in matters civil, to a ( •hf isti- 
 an kmg belong^^h, i Lif-p^cn'on ovcr the aflairs of the 
 church. u4n(/ he otoj^ht vnt <mh) dH}<^enliif to watc'' iner 
 eccicf>UJSt/caf ptrsons^ but cd o oxer tccltsia^tnal matters, 
 2. Ihe vnidicaiion ot religion doth also belong to the 
 King, for whom it is most proper, bv his authority, to 
 vindicate religion from contempt and all abuse, he being 
 keeper also ot the^y^rs/ table of the law. 3. Ihe sanc- 
 tions also are in his M jesty*s hand, to confirm, by his 
 royal authority, the constitutions of the kirk, and give 
 them the strength of a law. 4. His Ma jest v also hath 
 the power of correcfi'>n : he both may and ought to 
 compel kirk-men in the performance of the duties which 
 
 a Rapin's Hist England, vol. ii. Book 19. 1638. Stevenson'* 
 Hibt. vol ii. chap. iii. 
 
Alrrander ^Tende^^on. tOX 
 
 Grd requires of them, 5. The coercive p'-w^r also be- 
 lor r. to Che prince, who haih power troai God to re- 
 strain by his f, rror and Hathority from what becometh 
 n>t their places and c.hniRs b. Fhe Christian ma^is- 
 trate hath pow r to omvucate assembh.s, wh -n he hads 
 th- pre<sincr ..if irs of the c'uirch callinej for then ; and 
 in ASseMibli^'s wh Ml ih- v are conven 1. his power is Rreat. 
 ). As hf IS a rtirisn.n, having -he judgimnt ot discre. 
 ti n in all ni, i.r^ d hateable and controverted. ^J. As 
 h.^ is king or mav btr.^te, he must have the judgment of 
 h'S em nent place md high vocaMon, to discern what 
 concerns ihe >pirnual wt\i n and salvation of his subjects. 
 And i. as' a magistrate singularly gifted ^^uh more 
 than ordinary gilis of knowledge and authon y. And 
 we heartily acknowledge that your Grace, as his M.^jes- 
 ty's High-commissioner, and representing his Royal per- 
 son, hath an eminent place in this reverend and honour- 
 able Assr-moly, ^rsl, we hop? as a good (".hristian, nej^t^ 
 as 'iis Mai-sty s Hrcrh-comTnis^ioner ; and ///m//// as one 
 endued wuh singular ^ifrs. and fitted in a sp- cial manner 
 for this employment. Far be it from us to deny any 
 thing that is due, either to those who are in supreme 
 authorifv, or to -uch as are del gated by and subordmac- 
 ed to them. When Al. xandt r the Great came to Jeru- 
 sal m, he d-^ sired that his image might be set up in the 
 temple. This the J wsdid modestly r-tuse as inconsistent 
 with the law, which was the law of G >d. but liberally 
 ofF^-red v^hat was in their power, and more honourable 
 for the king, viz I'hat they would b ^nn in tfie reck- 
 oning of time from his coming to J rusakm and would 
 call all their first born sons by his namt^. What is ours, 
 let it be given to Caesar, but let God, by whom k-ngs 
 rc-ign, have his (^wn place. Lf t Christ Jcsus% the K ng 
 of kings have his own preroga.ive, by wi.ose trrace our 
 Yu^ rrigmih, and we pray that he may reign long and 
 prosperously over us." 
 
 This paiheiic and judicious speech does honour borh to 
 the literary abilities, and to the good sense, of the author. 
 It acruraielv discriminates between the power of the 
 rhurch.officer, and of the civil magistrate, respecting 
 
 ^ ''--^ 
 
302 Life of 
 
 ecclesiastical affairs ; and contains an explicit declaration 
 th.' the Assembly were sincerely disposed to give unto 
 th ir Ki'i':^ and his Conmission^r. all that hon )ur and 
 ot).di(nce which corresponded with the duty which they 
 O'jv.d to Kiin who was King of kiiii^s and Lord of lords. 
 It appears to me clearly expressive of kfn^s hemi^ nurs- 
 W' ftthers o^ the church, Isa. xUx. 23. Kings shall not 
 oniy join themselves to the church of Christ ; but they 
 sh;»il also u^se rh^-ir power and authority for the increase 
 and defence of it ' — The speech is worthy of transmission 
 to posterity ; and may be of solid and tasting benefic to 
 them. The Royal commissioner received it with signs of 
 pleasure, and of satisfacrion ; as appears by his following 
 address to the Moderator, in way of reply : "Sir. You 
 h.iv. spoken as b- cometh a good Christian, and a dutiful 
 subject, and I am hopeful that you will conduct yourself 
 wif h that deference which you owe to our Royal sovereign, 
 all of whose commands will (I trust) be found agreeable 
 to the commandments of God." The Moderator repli- 
 ed that the Assembly being indicted by his Majesty, and 
 consisting of such members, r(egularly authorised, as by 
 the acts and practice in former times, had a right to re- 
 present the church, they considered themselves as a free 
 Assembly ; and he trusted that all things in it would be 
 conducted conformable to the law of Gjd and reason ; 
 that they would not advance one step but as clear light 
 should chalk out the way before them, and that they 
 would make it evidently appear to all men, that they were 
 afraid to walk in another way : ajjd that they were hope- 
 ful that their King, being su^h ^ lov.r of righteousness, 
 needed only to have truth clearly pointed out before h m, 
 and, when this was done, that his Majesty would fall in 
 love with it. Upon thi^, the Moderator again asked the 
 members, If he should pur the question. Whether or not 
 the As-embly found themselves competent judges of the 
 Bishops ? But the Commissioner urged that this question 
 should be deferred. The Moderator said, '" Nay, with 
 your Grace's permission, that cannot be ;; for it is fit t» 
 
 Dutch Annot. in loc. 
 
AleTander Henderson. S03 
 
 be put only after the declinarure hath been under consid* 
 cration." Tiie Coiiimio8i()nv.^r repeared, that, in rhis case, 
 he behoved fo wirh.iraw. Mr H-iulerson replied, '• I 
 wish the contrary Irom the bottom ot my heart, atid that 
 your Grace would continue to favour us with your pre- 
 sence, wichou^ obstructing the work and freedom o^ the 
 Assembly." — Bat the Commissioiur plainly declared, al- 
 ter vsome other observations had been made, th^)t he 
 could nor continue any lung-.r, and urging the Modera- 
 tor to conclude with prayer, without etFtct. he oid, in 
 his Majesty's name, dissolve the Assembly, prohibiting 
 tht-ir turrh' r procedure/ He is said to have ^iven th se 
 four pnncipal reasons. I. Lav-elders w^re mtroduced 
 into the Assembly to vote there. *J. The mmisiers cho- 
 sen commissioners, were elected by lay-elders, contrary 
 to custom and practice. 3 The few commissioners cho- 
 S' n contrary to the instructions of the Tabfs, had been 
 thrown out by mere cavils. 4. Fhe citi^d Bishops were 
 to be tried by persons who had already declared against 
 them.** Seemingly, the Commissiontr had the King's 
 positive orders to dissolve the Assembly, if they should 
 attempt to try the Bishops/ Mr Hume says, this mea- 
 sure was forese<^n, and little regarded. The Court still 
 continued to sir, and to finish their business. 
 
 Upon the Commissioner's departure, the Moderator 
 deliverd the following animating speech to the Assembly. 
 *' All who are present know how this Asst mbly was in- 
 dicted, and what power we allow to our Sovereign in 
 matters 'rcclesiastic : But though we havt- acknowledged 
 the power of Christian kings for convenitig Assemblies, 
 and their power in them, vet that must not derogate 
 from Christ's right, for he hath given warrant to convo- 
 cate Assemblies, whether magistrates consent or not. 
 Therefore, seeing we perceive his Grace, my lord Com- 
 missioner, to be zealous of his Royal master's commands, 
 have not we as good reason to be zealous toward our 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist. vol. ii. chap, iii 
 
 b Rapin's Hist. England, vol ii. Book 19. 1638. 
 
 t Rapin as above. 
 
 2 T 
 
304 Life of 
 
 Lord, and to maintain th^ liberties and privileges of his 
 kingdom ? Vou all know that the work in hand hath had 
 many difficuities, and ytt hith. rto the Lord hath helped 
 and borne u? through rhem all; tht^efort; it becometh us 
 not to be discouragtd at our being deprived of human 
 authority, but rather that ought to be a powerful motive 
 to us to double our courage in answering the end for 
 which we are convened.'** Mr Henderson had the hap- 
 py talent of suiting his expressions in his speeches to 
 present circumstances ; and thereby greatly encouraging 
 the Assembly amid the difficuldes which they had to en- 
 counter. Having delivered this speech, he desired that 
 if any other of the reverend or honourable members plea- 
 sed, they might speak a word for the encourngtment of 
 their brethren, as God should put it in their hearts. 
 Upon this, Messrs David Dickson, Henry Rollock, 
 Andrew Cant, and Andrew Ramsay, of the cletgy, 
 Loudon of the nobility, Kcir of the gentry, and Mr 
 Robert Cunningham of the boroughs, delivered beauti- 
 ful and pathetic speech-^s to the same purpose.^ By these, 
 both the other mt mbers, and many spectators, were 
 greatly animated vvi h a lively sense of present duty, and 
 of the beauty of the Truth, as it is in Jesus. They were 
 inspired with fresh courage. And the Moderator now 
 put the question, Whether they would adhere to the 
 protestation against the Royal commissioner's departure 
 and contmue constituted until they finished their business 
 All, except about five, did first with up-lifted hands 
 and afterward by a formal vote, deckre their resolution 
 to remain together until they finished the weighty busi 
 ness, which urgently demanded their consideration. 
 And, under the enlivening smiles and gracious influen 
 ces of approving Heaven, this renowned Assembly pro 
 ceeded in their most arduous work, with much success, 
 They clearly displayed, on every occasion, great faithful 
 ness, constancy, and consistency. 1 heir measures am 
 
 ply proved, that they were certainly directed by unerring 
 
 » 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist, as above. 
 
 b Baillie and Stevenson. 
 
 o Christian Magazine, vol. x. No, 113, p. 265* 
 
Alexander Henderson. 305 
 
 Visdom and goodness. And their difficulties only excif 
 cd them unto the performance of their duty, and awak- 
 ened their holy ardour. And the effects of perseverance, 
 coura e, and zeal, were clearly seen in their conduct * 
 
 Ihe- last question of importance during that day was, 
 Whether the Assembly do find themselves lawful and 
 competent judges of the pret. nded Archbishops and Bish- 
 ops of this kmgdom, and of the complaint given in 
 against them and their adherents, notwithstanding their 
 declinature and protestation ? Mr Stevenson says, that 
 according to Mr Baillie, all voted affirmatively, but, ac- 
 cording to the Journal, three or four voted in the nega- 
 tive ^ 
 
 A proclamation was issued against the Assembly, and 
 published with great solemnity, at the market cros'? of 
 Glasgow. But opposition in the course of dutv, rather 
 animated, than discouraged, the members of this vener- 
 able body. " Thus may all the opposition that we meet 
 with in the course of our duty, animate, rather than 
 overbear, our resolution in performing it!'**" 
 
 At the opening of the next session, Mr Henderson 
 again addressed the Assembly, and recommended gravity, 
 quietness, and order, as in the sight of God ; because 
 they ought to have their judgments exercised concern- 
 ing the matter in hand, and their minds elevated to God 
 for light and direction He added the following modest 
 and beautiful remark : " Not that he assumed any thing 
 to himself, but he was bold to dinct them in that 
 wherein he had the consent of their own mmds '"* This 
 very seasonable recommendation was punctually observ- 
 ed, during the whole time of the sitting of this famous 
 Assembly. 
 
 The Earl of Argyle returned to the Assembly this 
 session, whose presence grea'ly encouraged them. And 
 the Moderator earnestly entreated him, that, thoa^h he 
 
 a See Ferguson's Roman Republic, vol iii. chap, xxvii. p. 400. 
 edit. Edin. 1799 
 
 b See Stevenson's Hist. vol. ii. p. 566 & BalHie's Letters, vol. i. 
 p. 119. 
 
 c D Mldrid^'e's Fam. Expos, on Luke iv. 31. Improvement 
 
 il Stevenson's Hist. vol. ii. p. 51$. 
 
 ,_-— ^•— -^>-^^- > V. ^__^.^ 
 
S06 Life of 
 
 was not a member of the Assembly, yet for the commoii 
 Interest which he had in the church, he would be plea- 
 sed to countenance their meetings and bear testimony to 
 the rectitude of rheir proceedings ; which he readily 
 promised, and faithfully pertor ned * Wh^n Argvle 
 desired an explanation of the Cfn'essian of Faith or Co- 
 venant^ the Moderator said, '• Ahhougii we do not com- 
 pare the Conjeiision of any reform <d Church with the 
 word of God, and are far from r ck ouing j)ur Con/esston 
 a rule of faith, but on if a form c t Oh fc's-^ion, yet we 
 have great reason to account honourably of it. Other 
 chuicn.es give a lar, e ttrstimony th. r-fo, and it were a 
 shame for us rot to have th^ same good opinion of u ; 
 and, that we may have this, it is necessary that we 
 clearly understand the par?icular articles confined in the 
 san:e. especially such as have been controverted. Ye all 
 know what a gr at ado hath been reade ab(-ur tS-.s mat- 
 ter, some subscribing wi-h an interpretation exclusive 
 of the service book and canons and others subscribihg 
 the short CofiftmiU of F(vt!i.^ with the gen»^ral bond 
 lately urged by his Majesty, without the applies iioq 
 made by the ctmncil to the sense in which it wa^ origin- 
 ally sworn:*' therefore he hoped that wh'-^t should be 
 now offered v*'ould adniinister light that should sh.ne to 
 others; bu% because ir would nqure a long time to 
 hear and peruse all the acts and books necessary for 
 clearing the Con^easion^ he proposed that a committee 
 might be natped f(^r that purpose, to which the Assem- 
 bly readily agreed.'' 
 
 When there was a near prospect of pronouncing sen- 
 tence against some ministers who had been tried before 
 their respective presbyteri^s, found guiliy, and suspend- 
 ed, but remitted for an higher censure to the judgment 
 of the Assembly, the Moderator dtlivfrc^d a grave and 
 judicious discourse on the power of the cl-urch/ And, 
 at the reading of the processes agninst the persons, he 
 
 a Baillic's Letters, vol. i. p. 119. SteVenson* Hist, vol ii. 
 pp. 575, 576. 
 
 b 8tevenson's Hist. vol. ii. pp. 585, 586. 
 9 See Stevenson's Hist, vol, ii. p. 597, &c. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 307 
 
 iustly observed, That they ought to be heard with a feel- 
 ing; stnse of compassion toward the guiUy persons, and 
 also with joy that the Lord was putting lorth his hand 
 for the purging of his own house. When this respecta- 
 ble Assembly justly condemned six preceding corrupt 
 Assemblies, the Moderator's observation was: - 1 his 
 Assembly have unanimously condemned these Assembles, 
 and I hope they shall be looked on as so many beacons, 
 that we strike not again on such rocks."* ^"^.*J^ ^.f" 
 horted that the several judicatures should now iaithtully 
 use that power which the Lord had freely committed to 
 them. Before sentence was given against the Bishop 
 of Galloway, the Moderator delivered a speech to the 
 Assembly, to conciliate their mmds to the step mtend. 
 cd. In this he said ; " The preaching of false doc- 
 trine and venomous poison of that kind, to seduce the 
 people from their profession to popery and idolatry, 
 must have a great censure. And this man's breach ot 
 the caveats, bringing in of the service book, which you 
 bavp already condemned for th- ureat guilt involved m 
 it, and declining this lau^^u! As.er.hly, abstractmg from 
 hi> uer?onal faults, deservah no less than excommunica- 
 tion— Itis known to you that the Church of Scotland 
 hav • been in use to excofMinurncUe papists and persons 
 dis.-bedient to the discipline ot the church, from partak- 
 ing of th. holv com.:v:Uia .n ; and seeing the Bishops are 
 giiiltvin botu these respect.^, why should not that high 
 censure be inflict d on them ? What a reverend father, 
 Mr Andrew M iv;l. said of Archbishop Adamson, Jh^it 
 the old serpent h tl .^o .sm^?^ hin ivUh ava^'^ce, and he 
 swelltd so eJorbnawhuiV! pride, as thrtamml the de- 
 Struction ot the wlidt bodif it h - uere mn cut off. doth 
 evidently hold of the p^'e.sent prott^nded Bishops : and 
 therefore, it seems necessary that the last mean be essay. 
 ed. And let us solicit God' to make his ordinance effec- 
 tual for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may 
 be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.'"' 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. 600, 610. 
 \ Stevenson, vol. ii. p, 618, «1'C. 
 
308 Life of 
 
 The Assembly, having tinished the processes of th^ 
 Bishops, agrttd ar ihe close iji iheir 1 9th Session, that 
 the beiitences which were passed against them should be 
 pubhcl) pronounced next day by the Moderator, in the 
 presence of the Assembly, alter a sermon preached by 
 him suitable to the solemn occasion. He shewed great 
 avtrrsion to this arduous work; but all agreed that he 
 should perform it. In vain he pleaded his fatigue, the 
 multiplicity of affairs by which his attention was greatly 
 perplexed, and the shortness of time for preparation- 
 no excuse was admitted. Accordingly, at the time ap- 
 pointed, Mr Hrnderson preached before a very large 
 auditory, from Fsalm ex, 1. Ih^ Lord >aid unto my 
 Lord, sit thou at wij riuht hand, until 1 wake thine ene- 
 mies ihy footstool, Mr Baillie, who heard it, gives it 
 the character of a good and learned sermon.' After 
 delivering the sermon, he mentioned the Assembly's 
 appointment, named the eight Bishops to be excommu- 
 nicated, and afterward caused an abstract of the evidence 
 against the Bishops to be publicly read by the clerk of 
 the Assembly, for the satisfaction of the people, upon 
 which he made some observations, shewing that they 
 justly deserved the fearful sentence of excommunication. 
 Upon this the Assembly's sentence against the Bishops 
 vyas presented and heard ; after which the Moderator de- 
 sired the concurrence of the congregation of God's pec 
 pie in this solemn action, fully and accurately shewing 
 their warrant for it, and the necessity of it, from the 
 word of God, particularly, from Mat xviii 17, ig. 
 1 Cor. v. 1— b. 1 Tim. i. '20. He said, '' Truly 
 if the Lord had directed to another remedy for these 
 men, the kirk of Scotland would have been glad to use 
 it ; but there is no other known mean to keep them from 
 the condemnation of the devil, lor the mortifying of their 
 flesh, and saving of thtir souls, than this." After this, 
 he most fervently and gravely called upon God by pray- 
 er : Prayer being ended, the Moderator pronounced the 
 
 a Baillie's Letters^ vol. i. Let. x. p. UO. Stevenson, vol. ii. 
 p. 638. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 309 
 
 ".ntence of excommunication in these words: « Since 
 TeeS>t persons he/ore-mcntioned have declared ,l,em. 
 2fr. n r.«-..rv t. the communion ./ >amt,, '" h^^mthout 
 tve of lile eternal, <n,d to be staves of stn : Iherefore 
 ^rthlpLple of God assM me,l>er or'.s^a^ 
 and I a.> their mouth, l« Ihe A-vm^ '/ /J'^ t^-K^rnal 
 Go/ and,; his Son the Lord Jesus Chn^t, acconlmg 
 Tthe .lireclin of ihi^ As^emhly, Do hxcommumcate 
 %etide"ht o.rsons f.om We p;rlicipalm, o the sacra. 
 tnTsJrU ihe co.,mun,on of the us„.le chn,jh and 
 Zo, the praters of the chwC. and so lon^ a. hereon- 
 Zueobstmate, dtsclnr.e^ yu all as r,e u-mhf not be 
 Zrtalcers of, heir vengeance, f>om h'eepmg ann religious 
 SwsTip Lh them ; and thus ,ive them ov.r.nto the 
 hand o/tt,e devil, assuring yu m the name of ^,e Lord 
 Jesus, that except their repentance he ex.dent he fearful 
 irS and ven/eance of the God of l,eaven shall overtake 
 Zemeven in this life, and ajterthis world everlasting 
 
 "^HeTdXd « Beloved, let us not think that this fear- 
 ful sentence'is merely the wind of man's vo.ce ; surely 
 these unhappy men shall find the truth of « It .s true, 
 a farther blmdnes of mind, and hardness o heart, is one 
 part of the execution of this sentence; but >t may be 
 that the Lord of heaven shall kythe some sensible judg- 
 ment upon some of them, whereby they tjiay be made 
 spectacles of his wraih, except they repent. 
 ^ At the same time, the Moderator intimated the Assenf». 
 bly's sentence of deposition, with reference to others. 
 The whole work was very awful and solemn. Mr Bail- 
 lie who was present, says, That the Moderator pronoun- 
 ced the sentences " in a very dreadful and grave manner. 
 And the whole Assembly must certainly be considered as 
 « deeply affected, and filled with the mingling emotions 
 of admiration, pity, and awe." And Mr Henderson 
 gave such a sample of his abilities, m this arduous work, 
 
 a The Bishops' Doom, pp. 28—38. 
 b The Rishops' Doom, pp. 40— VJ. 
 e BaUlie's Letters, vol. i. p. Ul. 
 
SIO Life of 
 
 that we may safely venture to consider bim as fully equal 
 to the task, that was imposed upon him. Whatever 
 some may think with reference to these awful sentences 
 ot deposition and excommunication, persons of candour 
 will undoubtedly fi'id among the deposed and excom- 
 municated, both characters and actions which deserved 
 the severest censure. On the following day a petition 
 from St Andrew*s was presented to the Assembly, supplf- 
 cating that Mr Alexander Henderson of Leuchars should 
 be removed to that city. This was keenly opposed by 
 the Commissioners from Edinburgh, who earnestly plead- 
 ed that he was already their elected minister, Vhey also 
 warmly urged their priviledge of transporting from any 
 part ot the kingdom. Mr Henderson himsjif was ex- 
 tremely averse to remove from his present charge, to 
 any other pbce ; and forcibly opposed his removal in 
 the Assembly He pleaded that he was too old a plant 
 to take root in another soil It is said H? was at 
 that time fifty three years of age.* He also urg:-d, 
 that he might be more useful where he was taan m a 
 more public station. And, i\ he was to be removed, 
 his great love of retirement, which has, in all ages, 
 closely adhered to intelligent and elevated minds, greatly 
 ipcliued him to St Andrew's, rather than to Edinburgh. 
 After a verv warm contest between these two places, 
 wliich continue- d vsqme days, Mr Baillie says two or three, 
 it carried by votes, much against Mr H nderson's incli- 
 nation, that he should be translated to Edinburgh. Up- 
 on the Assembly's decision, he submitted, having obtain- 
 ed a pr mise that he should be allowed to remove unto 
 a country charge, if his health should require it, or 
 when the infirmities of oldag^ should overtake him**. 
 
 When the Assembly had finished their business, Mr 
 Henderson addressed himself to them in a very judicious 
 and appropriate speech of considerable length. \ speech 
 delivered on so remarkable an occasion \A/as likely in sub- 
 
 a Christian Mairazino, vol. x. No. 113. p. 966. 
 b Bailiie's Letters, vol. i. p. 142. Stevenson's Hist. vol. iJ. 
 p. 642. 
 
Akxander Henderson. 311 
 
 stance to be preservrd ; and may be seen in Stevenson's 
 History/ In this able speech, he modestly apologised 
 for tiis own infirmities in discharging the duties of his sta- 
 tion ; candidly acknowledged the admirable diligence, 
 faiihiulness, and zeal of all ranks; reminded them 
 gratefully to remember the wonderful goodness of Al- 
 mighty God to Scotland, when the time of the promise 
 drew near, that tlie isics sinadd wait jor hh law, and in 
 later times, when their adversaries were accounted the 
 head, and they only the tail and especially during the 
 sitting of this famous Assembly. He reminded them of 
 their wonderful and most glorious deliverance from the 
 galling v^^'^ '^■hich mtther theij nnr thtir jathers were 
 able to bear. " Now," said he, " we are freed of the 
 service-book, which was a book of slavery indeed ; of 
 the book of canons which tied us in spiritual bondage ; 
 of the book of ordination, which was a yoke put on the 
 neck of faithful ministers ; of the high-commission, which 
 was a guard to keep us all under that slavery ; and of 
 the civil places of church-men, which was the splendour 
 of all these evils ; and the Lord has led captivity captive, 
 and made lords slaves. Seeing then that the Lord has 
 granted us liberty, what should we do less than labour 
 to be sensible of our liberty ? We are like a man that 
 has lain long in irons, v. ho, after they are off, and he 
 redeemed, feels not his liberty tor a time, but the smart 
 of them makes him apprehend that they are on him still : 
 so it is with us ; we do not yet feel our liberty, therefore, 
 it were good for us to keep the bounds of our liberty 
 wherewith Christ has made us free, and not to be en- 
 tangled again with the yoke of bondage. — A courtier 
 once degraded, doth scarcely ever regain his credit ; and 
 it doth especially hold true in spiritual things. I grant 
 the Lord can miraculously give eyes to the blind, and 
 raise the dead, as we are witnesses this day, having 
 ourselves been brought back to him, after we had run 
 far on in a course of defection : but take heed of at 
 second defection ; and rathv r tndure the greatest extre- 
 
 a Stevenson's History, vol. ii. ohap. iii. pp. 665—673. 
 
 Vol. IL 2 U 
 
312 ^ Life of 
 
 mity than be entangled again v/ith the yoke of bondage. 
 I grant the cross is hard to look upon ; but if we get 
 strength from our Lord, it shall be an easy yoke. Re- 
 member the plague of Laodicea for lukewarmness. and 
 beware of her sin ; for ye know that the Lord threatens 
 to spue them out of his mouth. — Concerning the nobles, 
 barons, and burgesses, who have attended here, I must 
 say, and may say it confidently from the Lord's word, 
 1 hey tvho honour God, he iv/ll honour them, — And, I 
 dare not dissemble, that in a special manner my heart is 
 toward these nobles, whose hearts the Lord hath moved 
 to be chief instruments in this work. Ye know they, 
 like the tops of the mountains, were first discovered in 
 this deluge, which made the little vallies hope to be 
 delivered from it also ; and so it is come to pass. I re- 
 member to have read, that in the eastern countries, 
 where they worship the sun, a multitude being assem- 
 bled in the morning for that end, and striving who 
 should first see their mistaken deity, a servant turned 
 his face to the west, which all the rest accounted foolish, 
 yet he obtained the first sight of the sun shining on the 
 top of the western mountains. So truly he would have 
 been thought a foolish man, who, a few years ago, 
 would have looked for such things of our nobles as we 
 now see ; yet our Lord Jesus hath nobilitated them ; so 
 that contrary to their station, which is subject to mani- 
 fold temptations, and the age of severals of them, which 
 uses not to see much beauty or contentment in such af- 
 fairs, they have taken part in our trials, and had a chief 
 hand in all the conclusions which we have brought to 
 pass, and their liberality hath abounded to many on this 
 occasion. The Sun of Righteoumess has been pleased 
 to shine forth on thes^ mountains, and long, long, may 
 he shine on them, for the comfort of the hills, and re- 
 freshing of the vallies, may the blessing of God be on 
 them and their families, and we trust it shall be seen to 
 be so to the generations following.'' In this remarkable 
 speech, Mr Henderson did not overlook the King ; and 
 warmly recommended a favourable construction of his 
 opposition to them. He warmly expressed his high 
 
Alexander Henderson. 313 
 
 sense of the distinguished harmony which had conspicu- 
 
 oTs!; appeared ^^^^^^S^^Sl^.X 
 been assiduously employed m correcnng J 
 
 .„d gross abuses .^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 S' ^He' nc del ti^t elaborate and well-digested 
 sneech with gratefully acknowleging the very hcpiu^le 
 treatmenTwhkh the members of this respectable Assem- 
 bly had kildlv received from the inhabitants of the city 
 o '^G asgow and the particular countet.ance and aid 
 affoTded^the; by their chief magistrate. He jusdy ub- 
 foined « The best recompence we can make them, is to 
 iray for the blessing of God to thetrt, aijd to give them 
 TtL te of our labours, by visiting their University, «id 
 any other thing that is in our power, without prejudice 
 o'the church ff God ; that so the kingdom of our Lord 
 
 Jesusmay be f^'^^^^^^'j^^^ie'^^^^^^^^ 
 SSrSir- wtn Mr Heterson had ended 
 Sfsptch he desired Mr David Dickson, Mr Andrew 
 Ramsay and some ot the nobles, to supply what he had 
 IS: The two above named^had discou.es to the 
 same purpose with the Moderator's speech The Mode 
 rator judged, that the countenance given to 'his As 
 sembly by th; Earl of Argyle deserved respectful notice 
 he therefore, mentioned him with approbation ; and 
 Sn sty Sed that his Lordship had sooner joined 
 hen T buThe hoped God had reserved b- or he b t 
 ime and that he would honour him here and herealter. 
 n^o'n "his Argyle delivered an extemporary speech. 
 wCn A gyle hid ended, the Moderator thanked him 
 This speLh, supported it in a short d's^-e^^ ^^^^'^ 
 afterward concluded that yery long .=?»'! so ^^^^^^J™- 
 bly with prayer, singing the cxxxui P^^l-^'/^J 7^. 
 noLcing ?he\postolical b^-ng Up n h^.,jh As^ 
 sembly rose in triumph. And Mr ntnu^ 
 have no-^ cast down ,he -mils oj J'^'f;°^Xel£li' 
 huUdetli them beware of the curse of Hiel the Betheine. 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ii. pp. 673— €70- 
 
314 1 Life of 
 
 And thus Episcopacy, the High Commission Court, 
 the Articles ot Perth, the Canons and the Liturgy, were 
 aboHshed and declared unlawful : and the whole fabric, 
 which James and Charles, in a long course of years, had 
 been rearing whh much care and policv, fell at once 
 to the ground/ The church of Christ now gained a 
 glorious victory ; much resembling Csesar s victory over 
 Pharnaces, son of Mirhradates, kujg of Pontus, whom 
 Cassar, in his war with Pompey, very quickly discomfit- 
 ed,'' The trophies of Cassai's victory over Pharnaces 
 were distinguished by labels, containing the famous 
 words, " 1 came, I saw, I vanquished/''^ When the 
 members of this celebrated Assembly came to Gla^gow5 
 they saw a very formidable army of lordly Bishops, and 
 their adherents, against them with the Marquis ot Ham- 
 ilton, the Archbish..>p of Canterbury, and the King him. 
 self, at their head. But by the special aid of the Lord 
 their G(.d, th(7 obtained a complete victory over them 
 all. Thty came. Ihey saw They vanu ids lied ! 
 
 Mr Hmde^rson's elevatt d station, and his great activity, 
 in this Assembly, fully exposed him to the violent resent- 
 ment both of the Court and of the Bishops, And, from 
 this, neither the strict propriety, nor the singular moder- 
 aticn, of his conduct, could protect him. It is said, that 
 Dr Bilcanqual, who had attended the Assembly, and 
 sgented the cause of the BiFhops, sermed studiously to 
 oppose himself to the Moderator ; and on one occasion, 
 during a debate, illiberally reminded him, that he, wich 
 others of his brethren, had once patronised those mea- 
 sures which he now so much reprobated. Mr Hender- 
 son prudemly treated this reflection with dignified silence ; 
 and none of the members seemingly judged a reply ne- 
 cessary.d In the Lar^e DeclaraPou, drawn up by Dr 
 Balcanqual, and published in the King's name. Mr Hen- 
 derson is called '' The prime and most rigid Covenanter 
 
 a Hume's Hist. England, vol. vi. chap. liii. 
 b Ainswortli's Lat/Oict. under Pharnaces. 
 c Ferguson's Roman Republic, vol. iv. chap, xxviiie The woril^ 
 jn the original are, Veni, vidi, vici. 
 
 d Christian Magazine, vol. x. No. 113. p. 267^ 
 
Alexander Henderson. SIS 
 
 in the kingdom."* Archbishop Laud, in a letter to 
 the Marquis of Hamikon, says, that the only thing, in 
 the full account sent him of the- proceedings of this 
 Assembly, which required an answer, was, " I'hat Mr 
 Alexander Henderson, who went all this while for a 
 quiet and calm-spirited man, hath shewn himself a most 
 violent and passionate man, and a Moderator without 
 moderation." Nor was the Primate at any loss to ac- 
 count for this transformation of the Iamb into the lion ; 
 for he adds, " Truly, my Lord, never did I see any 
 man of that humour, (the Presbyterian,) but he was deep- 
 dyed in some violence or other ; and it would have been 
 a wonder to me, if Henderson had held free,*'** But 
 one very justly observes here, " The censures of men 
 disappointed in the mad proj-^ct of subjugating a whole 
 nati )n under tyranny and superstition, will be regarded 
 as praises by all good Christians and patriots.'"^ 
 
 When the members of the above-mentioned General 
 Assembly returned home, they carefully intimated their 
 conclusions ; and thereby the knowledge of what was 
 done was both speedily and widely circulated And as 
 soon as it was known at Court, that the Assembly con- 
 tinued to sit after they were dissolved by the Roy?! Com- 
 missioner, and that the people greatly approved their 
 conduct and conclusions, (he King meditated revenge, 
 and inconsiderately resolved to raise an army to reduce 
 them unto obedience, thinking that their actions might 
 justify his recourse to arms. While the inhabitants of 
 Scotland were making preparations during the winter 
 in 1639, for defending themselves against the hostile in- 
 vasion from England, Mr Henderson's able pen was 
 much employed in several publications, in vindication of 
 their proceedings. By order of the Deputies, he drew 
 up a paper, entitled, " The Remonstrance of the No- 
 bility, Barons, Burgesses, Ministers, and Commons, 
 within the Kingdom of Scotland, vindicating them and 
 
 a Large Decl. p. 237. as with the Christian Magazine, 
 b Burnet's Memoir of D. Hamilton, p. 109. 
 <s Christian Magazine, as above. 
 
316 - Life of 
 
 their proceedings, from the crimes wherewith they are 
 charged by the late proclamation in England, Feb. 27th 
 1639.'* This paper,, after being revised and approved 
 by the Deputies, was published and industriously circu- 
 lated by their friends in England, and was very advan- 
 tageous to their cause in that country. He also drew up 
 ** Instructions for defensive arms." The intention of this 
 was, to give information and satisfaction to all among 
 themselves, with reference unto the just and necessary 
 defensive war into which they were forced. He did this, 
 according to our information, somewhat against his in- 
 clination ; and being hastily composed, and the subject 
 delicate, he declined making it public by printing. But, 
 though he would not allow it to go to the press, it was 
 read from many pulpits, as the production of their best 
 penman. And one Corbet, a deposed minister, who fled 
 to Ireland, carried a copy with him, and published it 
 with an answer, which contained little matter, but much 
 spiteful venom, according to Mr Baillie, who flourished 
 at that time/ 
 
 When the magnanimous appearance of the Scots, and 
 the indifference which the English discctvered in the 
 cause, induced the King to listen unto overtures of 
 peace, Mr Henderson was appointed one of the Commis- 
 sioners from the Scottish army, to carry on the treaty of 
 pacification, in the month of June, 1639 ^ This ap- 
 pointment clearly shows, that Mr Henderson was held 
 in the highest veneration and esteem by his countrymen. 
 He and Mr Archibald Johnstone declined going to the 
 English camp with the rest of the Commissioners on the 
 first day of the treaty ; but, upon receiving information, 
 that the King noticed their absence, they attended the 
 next meeting on a following day. The King was much 
 delighted with Mr Henderson's discourse/ — And dur- 
 ing the whole treaty Mr Henderson eminently displayed 
 his rare abilities, as on other remarkable occasions, 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist. vol. ii. chap iv. Baillie's Letters, vol. i, 
 pp. 151,152. 
 
 b Bishop Gutlirie's Memoirs, p. 58. 
 c Baillie's Letters, vol. i. p. 180. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 317 
 
 Bishop Bumet has observed, that it was strange to see 
 Mr Henderson, who had most vigorously opposed the 
 Bishops for meddling in civil affairs, made a Comm.ss.on- 
 "r fo?this treaty, and employed n s.gnmg a paper so 
 purely civil as that of the pacificat.on was.' BvU an at- 
 Lntivl consideration, and close companson ot the two 
 cases will very clearly shew, that this reflect.on i 
 groundless. The present was evident y a very cnt.cal 
 fnd an e.traordinar'y conjuncture ; and m extraord|nary 
 cases, extraordinary things may be done. All that was 
 dear to the people was at stake; and certa.iily al the.r 
 talents should then have been called forth and employed 
 Beside, religion was undoubtedly the chief ground of 
 fhe quarrel, and, therefore, it's interests must have been 
 deeply concerned in the termination thereof. And the 
 articles of the pacification proceeded upon the king s 
 declaration, erigag-g that all eccles.a^jcal f^^^^oM 
 be determined by the assemblies or the church ; that 
 General Assemblies should be called once a-year ; that, 
 as the King would not own their Assembly at Glasgow, 
 so neither should they be urged to disown it ; and that 
 a full and free Assembly should be convened at Edin- 
 burgh on the 12th of August for the settlement of mat- 
 ters: When these things are candidly considered, the 
 presenceof a Minister of the Gospel, who could explam 
 difficult things, and watch over the church s rights, may 
 be easily vindicated.' And this reason is expressly 
 assigned in the Act of the Committee of Parliament, em- 
 powering the Commissioners for a treaty of peace, m the 
 vear 1640. " And because many things may occur 
 concerning the Church and her Assemblies, therefore, 
 beside those of the Estates, we nominate and appoint, 
 Mr Alexander Henderson and Mr Archibald Johnstone, 
 whom we adjoin /or that effect." But this is entirely 
 different from Bishops sitting as lords of Parl.anient, or 
 filling the highest offices of State, which, beside other 
 
 a Burnet's Memoirs of D. Hamilton. . ,, ■ t 
 
 b Bishop Guthrie's Memoirs, p. .W. Christian ]VIaga/.iue, vol. 
 X. No. 114. p. 30G. 
 
3J» Life of 
 
 evils, render it impossible for them to attend to the im- 
 portant duties of their ecclesiastical function.' 
 
 Mr Henderson was one of the fourteen chief persons 
 among the Covenanters, who were required by an order 
 from the Kmg to go to his Court at Berwick, and meet 
 R!?hnr "'.-'"■ "'^ Scottish army was disbanded. 
 Bishop Guthne says, that the King's design in requiring 
 the a.tendance of these fourteen Scottish Covenanter! 
 was, that he might consult with them concerning the 
 way of his incoming, to hold the Assembly and Parlia- 
 merit m person.- Bishop Burnet says. The true reason 
 Of hat me^ssage was, to try what fair treatment might do 
 with the Scots.' But Sir James Balfour, ii on Hn,. at 
 arms, expressly says, that this was a trap laid foi"the 
 chief of the Covenanters, by the advice of some corrupt 
 counsellors ; and that it was owing to a kind advertise- 
 ment from some of their friends at Court, that they es- 
 caped the snare.- An alarm having speedily spread of a 
 design against these persons, they were stopped, by the 
 popu.ace, when they were setting out on their journey to 
 Berwick, an he Water-gate of Edinburgh. Their horses 
 were taken from them, and they were obliged to return, 
 and ordered to stay at home : nor was it judged prudent 
 ^at they should afterward proceed on their journey. 
 This measure greatly offended the King, who, without 
 waiting the Assembly or Parliament, set out on his re- 
 turn to London, the 29th of July.' 
 
 At the opening of the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland, which met at Edinburgh upon 
 Monday the I '2th of August, 1639, Mr Henderson, the 
 former iVl<,derator, preached from Acts v. 33.— Toward 
 the conclusion of his discour<;e, he addressed himself in 
 very suitable exhortations both to the Earl of Traquaire, 
 the Koyal Commissioner, and to the members of the 
 Assembly. To ihe Royal Commissioner he said, « We 
 
 a Chrislian Magazine, vol. x. as above. 
 
 I) Gutlirit's iMeiiioirs, p. 61. 
 
 c Buni,-t's Memoirs of D. Hamilton, p. 14,8. 
 
 o Stevenson, vol. ill. pp. 762, 763. 
 
 <" Stpvenson. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 3 19 
 
 beseech your Grace to see that Caesar have his own, but 
 let him not have what is due to God, by whom kings 
 reign. God hath exaUed your Grace to many high 
 places within these few years, and is doing so more es- 
 pecially now: be thankful, and labour to exalt Christ s 
 throne. Some are exalted like Haman, some like Mor- 
 decai ; and I pray God that these eminent parts where- 
 with he hath endowed you may be used aright. When 
 the Israelites came out of Egypt, they gave all the silver 
 and gold they had carried thence for the building of the 
 tabernacle. In like manner, your Grace must employ 
 all your parts and endowments for building up the 
 church of God in this land." 
 
 He addressed the members of the Assembly in the 
 following manner : " Right Honourable, Worshipful 
 and Reverend, constantly go on in your zeal. True zeal 
 does not cool, but the longer it burns the more fervent 
 will it grow. If it shall please God, that by your means 
 the light of the Gospel shall be continued, and that you 
 have the honour of being instruments of a blessed Refor- 
 mation, it shall be useful and comfortable to yourselves 
 and to your posterity. But let your zeal be always 
 tempered with an holy moderation ; for zeal is a good 
 servant, but a bad master : like a ship that hath a i^uU 
 sail and no rudder. We have much need of Christian 
 prudence, for ye know what advantages some have at- 
 tempted to take of us this way. For this reason, let it 
 be seen to the world, that Presbytery, the government 
 we contend for in the church, can consist very well with 
 monarchy in the state, and thereby we shall gain the 
 favour of our King, and God shall get the glory."* 
 
 Mr Henderson's speeches and particular addresses, on 
 such occasions, were of very great utility and impor- 
 tance unto the church. The Royal commissioner earn- 
 estly requested, at this time, that Mr Henderson, the 
 former Moderator, should be continued in that station, 
 out of respect to Mr Henderson's rare abilities, as he 
 solemnly protested, but rather, as was suspected, to 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist. vol. iii. chap. il. pp. 770, 771 - 
 Vol. 11. 2 X 
 
320 Life of 
 
 support the King's pretensions to the right of nominating 
 their Moderator, and continuing him at pleasure. But 
 the Assembly vigorously opposed this motion of the 
 Commissioner, as too much favouring the practice of 
 the constant moderator^ which formerly had been em- 
 ployed for the introduction of Episcopacy : and no man 
 discovered greater aversion to the motion than Mr Hen- 
 derson himself.* Mr David Dickson, minister at Irvine, 
 was, by a great majority, chosen Moderator. He is re- 
 presented by Bishop Guthrie, as greatly inferior to Mr 
 Henderson, in that station. And the Bishop says, that 
 it had been worse with Mr Dickson, '' were it not that 
 Mr Henderson sat at his elbow as his coadjutor/'* 
 Whether this representation of Mr Dickson is just or not, 
 it serves to show that Mr Henderson was very highly es- 
 teemed, even by the Episcopal party. Mr Dickson gave 
 thanks, in the Assembly's name, to their last Moderaor, 
 foV the quick understanding, solid judgment, and great 
 diligence, which he had displayed in that office, to the 
 conviction even of his enemies/ And, when this As- 
 sembly condemned Episcopacy as unlawful, and contra- 
 ry to the word of God f and the Royal commissioner 
 desired reasons of this condemnation, Mr Henderson, 
 with the Moderator, and Mr x\ndrew Ramsay, shewed 
 that Episcopacy is only an human institution, that it 
 hath been destructive to the discipline ot the church, and 
 introductory to popery, superstition and idolatry.* A 
 motion was made by Mr Henderson, concerning the 
 expedience of drawing up a Confession, positively con- 
 demning the errors and imm.oralities charged on, and 
 defended, or practised, by any ministers, and clearing 
 the doctrine of the Church of Scotland, in opposition to 
 them, that none might afterward pretend ignorance. 
 The Synod of Dort adopted this method with the Armini- 
 ans. Mr Henderson's motion, in imitation of that Synod, 
 ' was unanimously approved, and a committee named for 
 
 a Stevenson, as above, p. 772. 
 
 b Bishop Guthrie's Memoirs, p. 62. 
 
 c Stevenson, vol iii. p. 772. d Guthrie's Memoirs as above. 
 
 e Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 777. 
 
A lexander Henderson. 32 1 
 
 the purpose. But if they brought the matters referred 
 to them, unto a conclusion, their report has not reached 
 us.* Mr Henderson preached an excellent sermon, at 
 the opening of the Parliament, at Edinburgh, concerning 
 the utility and importance of magistracy, from 1 Tun. 
 ii. 1, 2, 3, on the 31st of August, 1639.^ 
 
 The Town-council of Edinburgh, who were the patrons 
 and governors of the University of that city, having an- 
 nually visited the College since the year 1614, the Rector 
 was the more remiss in his office. The Council now 
 resolved, that, instead of these periodical visitations of 
 the College, they should annually chuse a Rector, whom 
 they should direct, and ascertain the powers of his office, 
 by articles framed for that end. Agreeably to this reso. 
 lution, they chose Mr Alexander Henderson, one of the 
 ministers of Edinburgh, Rector of the University, in the 
 year l640, ordaining a silver mace to be borne before 
 him on all solemnities, and appointing certain members 
 of the Town-council, ministers of Edinburgh, and pro- 
 fessors in the College, his assessors. They drew up in- 
 structions, authorising him to superintend all matters 
 respecting the College, whether connected with it*s re- 
 venues, fabric, the education of youth, or the conduct 
 of the principal professors, and other members of the 
 University, and their conformity to the regulations; 
 with power to the Rector to admonish offenders, and in 
 case of their obstinacy, to make report to the Council, 
 and to judge and determine upon triffing disputes be- 
 tween the members among themselves. The custody of 
 the matriculation-roll was also given to the Rector, and 
 the students ordained to be matriculated in his presence, 
 and that of the Principal, and of the Professors of the 
 class, to which the students respectively belonged. He 
 was also to be furnished with an inventory of the CoU 
 lege-revenues, and donations in it*s favour. The Rec- 
 tor continued to exercise his office, some years. But 
 the troubles which distracted the nation, and the want 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. iii. pp. 789, 790. 
 b Stevenson, vol. iii. chap. iii. p. 807. 
 
822 Life of 
 
 of regular records of this University, at that lime, ren- 
 der it impracticable for us to ascertain when that office 
 was discontinued, or how the College was governed for 
 a considerable period of time/ 
 
 When the war was renewed with the Scots, and they 
 were declared rebels, Mr Henderson was again called 
 from his peaceful habitation. Each regiment was attend* 
 ed v.'ith a chaplain, one of the most eminent ministers in 
 the bounds where they were raised, as Messrs Alexand« 
 er Henderson, Robert Blair, John Livingston, Robert 
 Baillie, Andrew Cant, George Gillespie, and others 
 who were vested with Presbyterial authority, and were 
 to perform every part of the ministerial function to them, 
 proper in such circumstances.'' In the beginning of 
 August in ] 640, the several regiments arrived at Dunse, 
 where they were reviewed by their General : and the 
 army marched into England on the '20th of August that 
 year, with great courage and success. Notwithstanding 
 these warlike measures, the Covenanters still preserved 
 the most pathetic and the most submissive language. 
 They declared that they entered England, with no other 
 view, than to obtain access to the King's presence, and to 
 lay their grievances and their humble petition at his roy- 
 al feet. At Newburn upon Tyne, some miles above 
 Newcastle, they were opposed by a detachment of 4,500 
 men under Conway, who seemed resolute to dispute with 
 them the passage of the river. The Scots first entreated 
 them, with great civility, not to stop them in their 
 march to their gracious Sovereign ; but the English 
 would not listen to them. Upon this the Scottish army 
 attacked the English with great bravery, killed several, 
 and chased the rest from their ground, obtaining a sig- 
 nal victory over them, upon the 28th of August, in the 
 year 1640. And such a panic seized the whole English 
 army, that the forces at Newcastle fled immediately to 
 Durham ; and not yet thinking themselves safe, they de- 
 serted that town, and retreated into Yorkshire. Their 
 
 a Arnot's Hist, of Edinburgh, B. iii. chap. iii. , 
 
 b Stevenson, vol. iii. chap v. p. 897. Livingston's Life, period iv. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 323 
 
 consternation on this occasion is said to have been inex- 
 pressible * And, in their flight, both officers and sol- 
 diers declared, that they would not fight to maintain the 
 pride and power of the Bishops. 
 
 Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi. HoR. ,Ep. 1, 2, 14. 
 * When doating Monarchs urge 
 Unsound resolves, their Subjects feel the scourge.' Francis. 
 
 The Scots took possession of Neweastle ; and though 
 sufficiently elated with their victory, they preserved ex- 
 act discipline, and persevered in their resolution of pay- 
 ing every thing, in order still to maintain the appearance 
 of an amicable correspondence with England.'' Mr Hen- 
 derson, the eminent subject of these pages, preached in 
 the Great Church of Newcastle, on the Sabbath day, to 
 a large auditory." This benevolent and enlightened Re- 
 former had an enlarged capacity of action, and ot useful- 
 ness : and his labours contributed essentially to the good 
 of the Public, on many occasions. Public usefulness to 
 others, when the Lord requires it, ought to be prefer- 
 red to retirement, and to our own special pleasures; 
 for it is more blessed to give, than to receive.*^ The 
 nation v/as now universally and highly discontented. 
 And, the great success of the Scottish army, and the 
 very distressed condition in which the King was, obliged 
 him to accede to proposals of peace a second time : and 
 a treaty relative to this was agreed to, and commenced 
 at Rippon in Yorkshire, which afterward was transferred 
 to London.' Mr Henderson was appointed one of the 
 Commissioners for this treaty.^ The state of society 
 both civil and religious requires, that some persons of 
 distinguished abilities should be employed to consult 
 what may be most advantaegous to the body. " It is 
 not one of the least advantages derived from the division 
 of labour which takes place in a refmed state of society, 
 
 a Hume's History, vol. vi. chap. llii. Stevenson, vol. iii. pp. 
 916, 924. b Hume's History, vol. vi. chap. iiii. 
 
 c Guthiie's Memoirs, p. 83. Baillie's Letters, vol. i. p. 204.. 
 Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 926. d Henry on Matt, xxviii. 7. vol. v. 
 
 e Hume's History, as above. 
 
 £ Guthrie's Memoirs, p. 87. Stevenson, vol. iii. 
 
S24 Life of 
 
 that there Is one class of men, whose occupation is to 
 think for the benefit of the rest ; and who, by the con- 
 stant application of vigorous talents to the great object of 
 public good, may produce effects which could never be 
 expected from casual exertions.*'* On this remarkable 
 occasion, the foundation was laid of that happy conjunc- 
 tion between Scotland and England, both in civil and 
 religious affairs, which was afterward most solemnly ra- 
 tified by oath. The Scottish Commissioners, agreeably 
 to instructions received from their constituents, warmly 
 urged unity in religion, and uniformity in church-go- 
 vernment, as a special means for the preservation of 
 peace between the two kingdoms. At the same time, 
 they delivered to the English Commissioners, a paper, 
 which is said to have been drawn up by Mr Henderson, 
 stating very forcibly the grounds and reasons of what 
 they urged, and condescending upon measures for car- 
 rying it into effect, which paper was transmitted to the 
 English Parliament. This paper was of great impor- 
 tance, and is still preserved in MS.'' And an abstract of 
 it is given by Stevenson, vol. iii, p. 963. A favourable 
 answer was given by the King and Parliament, to the 
 above demand, intimating in general, their approbation 
 of the affection which the Scottish subjects had expressed 
 in their desire of having uniformity of church govern- 
 ment in both nations; and that, as the Parliament had 
 already taken into consideration the reformation of 
 church -government, so they will proceed therein in due 
 time, as shall best conduce to the glory of God, the 
 peace of the church, and of both kingdoms.*" This 
 answer was ratified as one of the articles of the treaty.'' 
 
 Mr Henderson was very laborious, while he was in 
 London, attending the above-mentioned treaty, which 
 was continued about nine months. The Scottish Com- 
 missioners found every advantage in conducting their 
 
 a Monthly Review Enlarged, vol. xxiii. p. 291. 
 b The Christian Magazine, vol. x. p. 308. 
 c Stevenson, vol. iii. pp. 965, 966. 
 
 (1 Articles of the Large Treaty, p. 25. Christian Magazine, as 
 above. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 325 
 
 treaty ; yet it was not hastily concluded. They were 
 lodged in the city, and had an intimate correspondence 
 with the citizens, with the magistrates, and with the 
 popular leaders in both Houses of Parliament. They 
 warmly recommended the Religion of Jesus, and the 
 Reformation for which they earnestly contended ; and 
 were the happy instruments of doing much good in that 
 great metropolis. Antholine's church was assigned them 
 for their public worship ; and here their chaplains open- 
 ly worshipped God in the Presbyterian form. Multi- 
 tudes of all ranks attended this church : and there was 
 a great revival of religion in London, at this time.* Mr 
 Henderson now eminently distinguished himself, by em- 
 ploying all his influence and abilities, in promoting 
 whatever was favourable to the amelioration of mankind. 
 Beside taking his turn with the other eminent divines, 
 who attended the Scottish Commissioners as chaplains, 
 in Antholine's church, he and they were often employed 
 in preaching for the London ministers, both on the Sab- 
 bath and on other davs.^ He prepared several useful 
 tracts for the press. At the desire of the English minis- 
 ters he wrote some very good reasons for the removal of 
 Bishops out of the church, which were printed, in H)41. 
 And Mr Baillie, in a letter to the Presbytery of Irvine, 
 dated, London, Feb. 28th, 1^41, says: "Think not 
 that any of us live here to be idle. Mr Henderson has 
 ready now a short treatise much called for, of our 
 Church-discipline. Mr Gillespie has the Grounds of 
 Presbyterian Government Well Asserted. Mr Blair, a 
 Pertinent Answer to Bishop Hall's Remonstrance. All 
 these are ready for the pres?."'' The polishing of many 
 important papers was committed to Mr Henderson : and 
 he generally composed those respecting the Church. 
 
 While Mr Henderson was in London, he had a pri- 
 vate conference with the King, The particular object 
 
 a Hume's History of England, vol. vi. chap. liv. 16iO. x-Vud 
 Stevenson, vol. iii. pp. 941— S)6S, 969. 
 
 b Laing's History of Scollanti, vol. i. p. 184. Stevenson, vol. 
 iii. p. 968. 
 
 c Baillie's Letters, vol. i. pp. t.^36, 237, 245. Sec p. 233. 
 
326 Life oj 
 
 of this conference was, to procure some assistance for 
 the Scottish Universities, from the rents formerly appro* 
 priafed to the Bishops. He was well received, and had 
 ground to expect that his request v/ould be obtained.* — 
 Mr Henderson returned to Edinburgh toward the end 
 of July in 1641. The General Assembly of the Church 
 of Scotland had met at St Andrew's, on the '20th of 
 July, according to the appointment of the former As- 
 sembly. But the Parliament, who were sitting in Edin- 
 burgh, sent Lord Cassils, witho thers, to the Assembly at 
 St Andrew's, most earnestly entreating them to translate 
 themselves to Edinburgh, for the convenience of those 
 who were chosen members of both, before chusing- a 
 Moderator, or entering on any business of importance. 
 Many most ardently desired, that Mr Henderson, who 
 was not then returned from London, should act as Mo- 
 derator of this meeting, and the members agreed that 
 they should meet at Edmburgh on the 27th of July, and 
 that the former Moderator should preside until that time. 
 Mr Henderson had been elected a member of this As- 
 sembly ; but, as it was uncertain that he could be pre- 
 sent, his constituents had chosen Mr Andrew Fairful to 
 supply his place, in case of his absence, and Mr Fairful 
 had taken his seat at St Andrew's. Mr Fairful proposed 
 to give his seat to Mr Henderson, upon his arrival. 
 This was most keenly opposed by Mr Calderwood, 
 though he was not a member, but only allowed by fa- 
 vour to sit in the Assembly. He warmly urged that 
 Mr Henderson's commission could not now be received; 
 and, in this, he was seconded, by Mr Henderson him- 
 self. But, upon voting, Mr Henderson's commission 
 was unanimously received, and sustained by the Assem- 
 bly : and he was chosen to be their Moderator, under 
 declaration, that neither that translation, without first 
 chusing a new Moderator, nor election of one, whose 
 place as a member was supplied before he came, should 
 be drawn into a precedent. Mr Henderson earnestly 
 deprecated the burden of moderating, afthis time, but 
 
 a Baillie, vol. i. p. 242. 
 
Alexander Henderson. S2i7 
 
 It was laid upon him, by a plurality of votes. Mr (^ald- 
 crwood still insisted upon the great irregul.n'v oi irans- 
 latin^ the Assembly without a permanent Moderator, and 
 of choosing one to be Moderator who had no Commission. 
 But though he spake both peevishly and unreasonably on 
 this subject, Mr Henderson treated him most respectful- 
 ly, on this occasion, bearing all with much patience. 
 And prior to the dissolution of this meeting. Mr Hen- 
 derson publicly said, he regretted, that Mr Calderwood, 
 who had deserved well of this Church, had been so long 
 neglected, and readily procured a recommendation of 
 him by the Assembly, in consequence of which he was 
 soon afterward admitted to the church ot Pencaitland.* 
 
 Mr Henderson desired that some letters should be read, 
 which he had brought from England, addressed to the 
 Assembly. One of these was from several Ministers m 
 London and it's vicinity, exjDressing their approbation of 
 the proceedings in Scotland, in the work of Reformation, 
 and their expectation that the Scottish discipline would 
 soon be established in England. And they desired ad- 
 vice from the Assembly with reference to the opmions of 
 some of their brethren, who w^ere inclined to independ- 
 ency, and popular government in the church. The As- 
 sembly appointed Mr Henderson to write an answer to 
 the brethren in England ; which he did with accuracy.'^ 
 Both letters may be seen in the printed Acts of this As- 
 
 sembly. . t ,t tt j 
 
 From the particular observations which Mr Henderson 
 had made, during his late residence in London, and front 
 the friendly intercourse which he enjoyed there, both 
 with ministers and people, he clearly perceived that there 
 would soon be a change in the English Church ; and that 
 there was a considerable prospect of their approaching 
 to greater conformity with the Church of Scotland. This 
 beautiful conformity was certainly an object of great uti- 
 lity and importance; and Mr Henderson most heartily 
 concurred with his brethren in promoting it. As one of 
 
 a Baillie's Letters, vol. i. Let. xxx, Steyenson, vol. iii. 
 •Iiap vi. ^ Biiilli*, as above. 
 
 Vol.' IL 2 Y 
 
S28 Life of 
 
 the late Commissioners for the above-mentioned treaty, 
 he eminently distinguished himself by endeavouring ta 
 advance this conformity. Agreeably to this he prudent- 
 ly and seasonably moved, that the Assembly should take 
 steps for drawing up a Confession of Faith, a Catechism, 
 a Directory for all the parts of the public worship, and 
 a Platform of government, in which the English and the 
 Scots probably might afterward agree. This notable 
 motion was unanimously approved ; and the burden of 
 that labour v/as laid on the mover ; liberty being given 
 him, at the same time, to abstain from preaching when 
 he should find it necessary in attending to this very in* 
 teresting business, and also of calling in the aid o\ such 
 of his brethren as he pleased. He declined this very 
 arduous task, but it was left upon him.* And, proba- 
 bly, this early appointment greatly contributed to pre- 
 pare him for giving assistance in that useful and impor- 
 tant work, when it was afterward undertaken by the 
 famous Assembly at Westminster.^ 
 
 While this Assembly were sitting, Mr Henderson 
 petitioned for liberty to be translated from Edinburgh. 
 He particularly urged that his voice was not sufficient 
 for any church in the town ; that he was always unheal- 
 thy there, and not so in any other place ; that to keep 
 him there was to kill him ; and that, in the act for his 
 transportation, from Leuchars, there was an express 
 clause, which allowed him the liberty that he now craved, 
 when the public comniotions were settled, if he found 
 that he was unhealthful in that town. The Assembly 
 were greatly perplexed by his insisting upon this petition. 
 The inhabitants of Edinburgh were extremely averse to 
 his removal. Beside the loss of that eminent man, they 
 considered the transportation of any of their ministers by 
 Assemblies, as a very dangerous precedent. And they 
 offered to purchase an house and gardens for Mr Hen- 
 derson, in an airy situation ; and farther intimated for 
 his encouragement, that he might cease from preaching, 
 
 a Bailiie's Letters, vol. i Let. xxx. p. 30^. 
 b t^hristian Magazine, "^ol. x. p. 310. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 329 
 
 when he 'judged this necessary ; and use his freedom in 
 Zom. to the country, at any time, when the state ot h.s 
 health required. They were the n>ore averse to h.s re- 
 moval, as a petition had been presented to the Assembly 
 for his transportation to St AndreWs, to be Frmc.p ot 
 the University there. He contmued to 'n^'^^ J^^ ^.s ''- 
 berty. Some reckoned that his great earnestness for a 
 removal from Edinburgh arose from h.s displeasure at 
 the keen speeches of some of the inhabitants against h.m, 
 on account of his opposition to their humour for innova. 
 dons: but he affirmed that his health was the sole 
 grouted of his petition ; that if his health did not fail, he 
 would continue at Edinburgh, even though liberty was 
 now given him to remove ; and that, if he did remove 
 he would not go to St Andrew's, but to some quiet 
 country-charge. His earnest petition was at last granted, 
 which much grieved many of the inhabitants o Ed,n. 
 burgh :• but he either did not find his removal aftei ward 
 necessarv, or he was p.-tvailed upon not to use that liber- 
 ty which with much difficulty he now obtained 
 
 The Kinsr revisited Scotland, that he might be present 
 in person at the Parliament, in his native kingdom, leav- 
 ing both Houses of the English Parliament sitting at 
 Westminster, in the month of August, 16*1. He was 
 obliged now to cultivate the attachment of the Scot h 
 nation for the support of his throne. He attended pub- 
 lic worship, on'the Sabbath-day, after his arrival at 
 Edinburgh, and heard Mr Henderson preach, the fo.e- 
 noon, in the Abbey-Church, from Romans xi. J6. t 
 is said, that he did not attend m the afternoon ; bu. 
 Mr Henderson having conversed with him relative to 
 this, he afterward punctually attended the public wm- 
 ship. Mr Henderson waited on the Kmg as h.s cl-u.pl an 
 and was appointed to provide preachers for his Ma^es y 
 during the time that he was in Scotland, he having de- 
 dared, that he would conform to their mode of worship 
 while he was among them. And he attended regularly 
 
 a Baillie's Letters, vol. i. pp. 31 4-, 315. 
 
 b Clarendon, vol. i. P.. in. p- W^- f 
 
330 Life of 
 
 family -worship in the palace, morninpf and evening, aa 
 performed by his chaplain in tht^ Scottish form. And 
 he exhibited no symptom of dissatisfaction with the want 
 of a liturgy and the ceremonies. His whole deportment 
 at this time, afforded some hope to his Scottish subjects, 
 who were not thoroughly arquaimed with his chardCfer, 
 that he would not oppose but encourage the work of 
 Reform ;non. On the last day of the mreting of this 
 Parliament, when great solemnny was observed, the 
 King seated on his throne, and the Estates in their places, 
 Mr Henderson began with prayer ; <md when the busi- 
 ness was finished, he closed the meeting with a sermon. 
 The revenues of the Bishoprics were divided at this ^--me : 
 and Mr Henderson now eminently exerted himself in fa- 
 vour of (he Scottish Univtrsities. And what belonged 
 to the Bishopric of Edinburgh, and Priory, was, by his 
 influence, though not without difficulty, procured for 
 the University of that city. The emoluments of the 
 Chapel royal, amounting to about 4000 merks yearly, 
 were conferred upon Mr Henderson, as a recompense 
 for his laborious aiid expensive services in the cause of 
 the public The King was. in general, very accommo- 
 dating and favourable to the Scottish nation, in this visit, 
 wishing to obtain their concurrence ;^gainst the English 
 Parliament. Argyle was created a Marquis : and the 
 Lords Loudon and Lindsay, were raised to the dignity of 
 Earls, And al! parties were so well pleased, that when 
 the King returned to England, it was said. '' That he 
 departed a contented King from a contented People "* 
 But duplicity strongly marked the King's character, 
 and the Scots were afraid to depend upon him, and, 
 therefore, were obliged to join the Knglish Parliament, 
 and assist them in recovering their liberties and religion. 
 Mr Henderson was much employed in managing the 
 correspondence wirh England respecting reformation, 
 and religious uniformity during the year 164^2. The 
 English Parliament having agreed to abolish Episcopacy, 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. ili — Acts of Assembly, edit. 1682. p. 12^. 
 Ncal's Hist. Purit. vol, ii. cfiap. ix. * 
 
Alexander Henderson. 331 
 
 requested that some ministers should be sent from the 
 Church of Scotland to assist in the Synod which they 
 ■had resolved to convene. The Commission of the Gen- 
 eral Assembly of the Church of Scotland, bemg fully 
 authorised by them, met, and nominated Commissioners, 
 who were appointed that they might be ready K. go to 
 England as soon as it should be necessary. Mr Hender- 
 son was one of those, who came under this appointmait, 
 by the Committee. He was very averse to the apP^'nt- 
 ment. protesting that in his former journey, bethought 
 that he should have died before he arrived atLonaoii. 
 But he could not be excused, and at last acquiesced, 
 complaining, that several persons were very forward m 
 imposing heavy burdens upon him, and atterward em- 
 phfyed Themselves in inventing or receiving calumnies, 
 or reports, which were injurious to his character.— I his 
 iourney was hindered for some time, by the contusions 
 which attended the civil war." Mr Henderson earnestly 
 wished a reconciliation of the parties, upon honourable 
 terms. Bishop Burnet says, That he joined with a num- 
 ber of leading men in an invitation to the Queen to come 
 to Scotland, upon terms consistent with her safety and 
 honour, with a view of promoting a mediation ; but the 
 King rejected this proposition." Mr Henderson aitcn- 
 ward went in person to the King at Oxiord, with the 
 Commissioners from the State, who were sent to otter 
 the mediation of the Scottish nation. But their aid vvas 
 more desired than their intercession. Accordingly, 
 their mission was unwelcome, and their reception un.a- 
 vourable. Their powers were questioned, to interpose 
 in the internal dissensions of England, as conservators 
 of peace between the two kingdoms: and their impor- 
 tunate demand of religious uniformity did not relish. 
 They were reviled and threatened by the royalists and 
 recalled in disgust. At the first interview, the Kmg en- 
 deavoured to convince Mr Henderson of the justice and 
 jiecessity of his arms ; but when he found that Mr Hen- 
 
 a Haillie's Letters, vol. i. pp. StO, 350. 
 k Memoirs »iV>. Hamilton, p. 201. 
 
'S32 Lije of 
 
 derson was not so credulous as he expected,, his behavi- 
 our toward him was entirely different, and frowns ap- 
 peared in his countenance. Mr Henderson presented to 
 the King, an humble Petition from the Commissioners 
 of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 
 dated Jan, 4th \Q^'3. And it is said, that Mr Hender- 
 son w^as the author of the Petition, which is very proba- 
 ble/ It contains a complaint of the insolence of Papists, 
 and of others disaffected to the Reformation of Religion, 
 suppHcating the King to apply his royal authority^ for 
 disbanding their forces, and preventing their bloody 
 projects ; — for religious uniformity, an Assembly of 
 Divines, the removal of the great mountain of Prelacy, 
 and for promoting the glorious work of Reformation. 
 The Petition may be seen in its original state, as given 
 in by Mr Henderson, in Clarendon's History :^ and also 
 the King's answer to it, which was not favourable. 
 While Mr Henderson remained at Oxford, some of the 
 Doctors wished to engage him in controversy, respecting 
 Churchwgovernment, but, judging that it was unbecom- 
 ing his character, as a Representative of the Church of 
 Scotland, to dispute with private individuals, and view- 
 ing them as disposed to cavil rather than to give or to 
 receive information, he signified that his business was 
 with the King. It is said, that a Popish Dr Taylor 
 challenged Mr Henderson to a public dispute at Oxford ; 
 so insolent were Papists become through the Royal favour/ 
 Clarendon is greatly offended at the distance, or, as he 
 calls it, the. great insolence^ which Mr Henderson dis- 
 covered at this time.** But upon his return to Edin- 
 burgh, he gave a full account of his proceedings with 
 the King to the Commissioners of the Church, who ex- 
 pressed their entire satisfaction with his whole conduct, 
 and their judgement was fully approved by the next 
 Assembly, who readily pronounced his carriage to have 
 been " faithful and wise.'*^ 
 
 a BailHc, vol. i. pp. 358, 359. 
 
 b Book vi. vol. iii. pp. 175 — 180. Svo. vol. ii. fol. p. 134, &c. 
 
 c Christian Magazine, vol. x. p. 313. 
 
 d Clarendon's Hist. vol. iii. p. 180. B. vi. 
 
 e Baillie, vol. i. p. 359. Christ. Mag. as above. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 333 
 
 The Scots were greatly dissatisfied with the uncivil 
 treatment which their Commissioners had received at 
 Oxford, and being now fully convinced that the meas- 
 ures of the Royal party were highly dangerous to both 
 countries, they soon afterward entered into a very close 
 alliance with the English Parliament. Upon this, Mr 
 Henderson was sent, to London, where he spent the 
 greater part of his remaining days on the earth. 
 
 The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 
 which convened at Edinburgh, on the 2d of Aug. in the 
 vear 1643, was particularly distinguished by the pres- 
 ence ol Commissioners from the English Parliament, 
 and the formation of the famous Solemn League and 
 Covenant. Keeping in view the deeply interestmg busi- 
 ness of that Assembly, their attention was again turned 
 to Mr Henderson as Moderator, and he was the thud 
 time unanimously called to the chair. Mr Baillie says, 
 «' Our greatest consultation was for the Moderator. We 
 foresaw great business was to be in hand ; strangers 
 were to be present ; and the minds of many brethren 
 were exasperated. Mr Henderson was the only man 
 meet for the time.*'" Every thing was decently and pro- 
 perly conducted, in the presence of the English Com- 
 missioners ; Sir William Armyn, Sir Henry Vane, 
 younger, Mr Hatcher, and Mr Darley, with two Minis- 
 ters of the Gospel, Mr Stephen Marshall, and Mr 
 Philip Nye. After an appropriate introduction, said to 
 have been drawn by Mr Marshall, and Sir Henry 
 Vane, these delegates presented their commission from 
 both Houses of the English Parliament, giving very am- 
 ple power to the Earl of Rutland, Lord Grey, and these 
 four above-mentioned, to treat with the Scottish Cove- 
 nanters, and to the two Ministers, to assist in ecclesiasti- 
 cal alfairs, according to their instructions given or to be 
 given, or to any four of them. They also presented a 
 declaration of both Houses to the General Assembly of 
 the Church of Scotland, shewing their care of reforming 
 religion,, and tht^ir desire that some of the Scottish Di* 
 
 a Baillie^ vol. i. p. 374. 
 
S3* Life oj 
 
 vines should join with their Assembly of Divines for that 
 end * The Royalists were a furious and vindictive party, 
 and very hostile to the liberties and religion of the nation. 
 And when the royal arms were triumphant, the English 
 Parliament implored the fraternal aid of the Scots, earn- 
 estly soliciting their immediate help. And with a view 
 to unite the nations in a very close alliance in mutual 
 reformation and defence, a Covenant was proposed. 
 The English at first were for a civil League, and the 
 Scots for a religious Covenant. Mr Henderson gave 
 them a draught of a Covenant which he had composed. 
 This at length obtained the assent of the three Commit- 
 tees, of the English Parliament, of the Convention of 
 Estates, and of the General Assembly. Being adopted 
 by them, it was immediately transmitted to the General 
 Assembly and Convention. And being introduced into 
 the Assembly by a very grave and appropriate speech 
 from the Moderator, it was received with the highest ap- 
 plause, and adopted with tears of much joy. It was 
 read distinctly the second time, by the Moderator. 
 And, upon both ministers and ruling elders, in general, 
 being asked, and having freely delivered their sentiments 
 respecting it, the catalogue was read, and all readily 
 and unanmiously assented. On the afternoon, it passed 
 the Convention of Estates, with the same cordial appro- 
 bation, and it was appointed to be transmitted to the 
 English Parliament for their approbation. The General 
 Assembly of the Church of Scotland renewed the appoint- 
 ment of their Commission respecting the members who 
 were to be sent from them to assist the Assembly of 
 Divines sitting at Westminster : and Mr Henderson was 
 appointed to set out immediately for London, with a 
 view to obtain the ratification of the Solemn League and 
 Covenant, 
 
 On the 30th of August, Mr Henderson sailed from 
 Leith for London, in company with other Commission- 
 ers.** The Covenant having been approved by both 
 Houses of the English Parliameni, and by the Assembly 
 
 a Baillie, vol. i. p. 380. b Baillie, vol. i. pp. 3S0--390. 
 
Alex^ander Henderson, 333 
 
 ©f Divines at Westminster, the members of the latter, ' 
 with those of the House of Commons, convened in 
 Margaret's Church, Westminster, upon the 2jth of 
 September ; and having first solemnly sv/orn, afterward 
 subscribed it. Immediately before they proceeded in 
 that most important v^^ork, Mr Henderson delivered a 
 very appropriate and encouraging speech to them, ia 
 which he very judiciously and warmly recommended the 
 duty, as acceptable to God, and well pleasing in his 
 sight — exemplified by the people of God, and by other 
 reformed churches and kingdoms, both in former and 
 later times, — as very necessary — and crowned with the 
 most surprising success. The reader will find the speech 
 at the conclusion of this work. 
 
 Mr Henderson acted a very conspicuous part in assist- 
 ing the Assembly of Di^^ines at Westminster, as a Com- 
 missioner from the Church of Scotland. His deport- 
 ment v.'as very grave, and highly becoming the dignity 
 of his station ; and great deference was paid to his opini- 
 ons. He always discovered uprightness in his designs, 
 and was indefatigable in the application of his talents. 
 He honourably maintained a sway over men, who, in 1 j <; 
 point of acuteness and erudition, have seldom been 
 equalled. And when it became necessary to vindicate 
 the principles of the Church of Scotland, and of the oth- 
 er Reformed Churches, from slanderous charges, he 
 spoke with great facility, and most judiciously. His 
 wisdom was seen in speaking with great propriety on the 
 various subjects which were discussed. And his rare 
 abilities were peculiarly displayed in reconciling contend- 
 ing interests, and in preserving harmony among the 
 members of the Assembly, in the prosecution of that 
 cause, which they had all solemnly sworn to promote. 
 Several very striking instances of this kind occur in the 
 History of the proceedings of that truly Venerable Assem- 
 bly/ But he always most strenuously resisted every 
 attempt which was made, with a view to introduce any 
 principles which were opposite to those of the Church 
 
 a See Baillle's Letters, vol. i. pp. 401, 420. 
 Vol. II. 2 Z 
 
S36 Life Of 
 
 of Scotland, and of other Reformed and Presbyterian 
 Churches. Accordingly, he stated himself equally in 
 opposition to the schemes of the Independents, and of a 
 strong party in the House of Commons, who had im- 
 bibed Erastian principles, denying the Divine right -of 
 Church-government, and wishing to subject the proceed- 
 ings of Church judicatories to the controul and review of 
 the Parliament.' — In the debates of the Assembly, there 
 was often much heat. This was partly owing to their 
 divesting their Prolocutor, or Moderator, of all power, 
 as the House of Commons did their Speaker, and con- 
 verting him into a mere chair ^ using the langua;:!;e of one 
 who was a witness of their proceedings. Mr Henderson 
 greatly lamented this evil, and on a fast- day, after the 
 religious exercises were ended, he embraced the oppor- 
 tunity of bringing the members to a free and brotherly 
 conference on the subject, in which having seen their 
 fault, they resolved to guard against such excesses in 
 time to come.** In the beginning of the year 1645, Mr 
 Henderson was appointed to assist the Commissioners of 
 the two Parliaments, in the treaty between them and the 
 King, at Uxbridge. The Parliamentary Commissioners 
 were instructed to demand the abolition of Episcopacy, 
 and the ratification of the Presbyterian government. 
 The King's Commissioners objected to the abolition of 
 Episcopacy, upon which it was agreed to hear the 
 Divines on both sides. Mr Henderson, in an elaborate 
 speech, which Clarendon allows was not without elo- 
 quence, opened the cause, and took up that ground 
 which offered fairest for bringing the controversy to a 
 speedy conclusion. Waving the dispute respecting the 
 lawfulness of Episcopacy, he said, " That the question 
 was not, " Whether the government of the Church by 
 Bishops was lawful, but whether it was so necessary that 
 Christianity could not subsist v^'ithout it ?*' He argued 
 that it was not ; and that the question could not be an- 
 swered in the affirmative, without condemning all other 
 
 ^ a Baillie, vol. ii. pp. 31, 68, 18:>, 194, 195. 
 b Christ. Mag. vol. x. p. 352.. 
 
Alexmider Henderson. 337 
 
 Reformed Churches. — That the English Parliament had 
 found Episcopacy a very inconvenient and corrupt gov- 
 ernment.— That the Hierarchy had been a public griev- 
 ance from the Reformation downward, — That the Bishops 
 had always encouraged Popery, and retained many su- 
 perstitious rites and customs in their worship and govern- 
 ment ; and had lately brought in many innovations, and 
 made a nearer approach to the Roman Communion, to 
 the great scandal of the Protestant Churches of Germany, 
 France, Scotland, and Holland. — That^ the Prelates had 
 embroiled the British Island, and kindled the flame 
 which raged through the three kingdoms. — That for 
 these reasons the Parliament had resolved to change this 
 inconvenient and mischievous government, and to set up 
 another in it's room, more naturally formed for the ad- 
 vancement of piety. — And that this alteration was the 
 best expedient to unite all Protestant Churches, and to 
 extinguish the remains of Popery : nor could he con- 
 ceive that His Majesty's conscience could be urged 
 against this salutary' change, seeing that he had agreed 
 to the suppression of Prelacy in Scotland, 
 
 But the advocates for Episcopacy were fully determin- 
 ed not to hazard their cause upon such grounds as were 
 plain to all, but endeavoured to involve the question, by 
 introducing the dispute at large respecting Episcopal 
 government. Dr Stewart, who was Commissioner for 
 the King in religious affairs, enlarged upon the apostoli- 
 cal institution of Episcopacy, and endeavoured to prove, 
 that without Bishops the sacerdotal character could not 
 be conveyed, nor the sacraments administered to any 
 significancy. Dr Stewart said, that the debate was too 
 general, and desired that they should dispute syllogis- 
 tically, as became scholars, to which Mr Henderson 
 readily agreed. The dispute continued a considerable 
 time ; and though each party claimed the victory, as is 
 common, yet, it was said by some auditors, who must 
 be allowed not to have been prejudised in favour of Pres- 
 bytery, that while Mr Henderson equalled the King's 
 
558 Life of 
 
 Commissioners in learning, he surpassed them in mo- 
 desty.* 
 
 The treaty was broken off without success, and Mr 
 Henderson retarned to London, and continued to assist 
 the Assembly of D vines in their arduous work. Ihis 
 year, his health began visibly to decline. He suffered 
 repeated attacks of the gravel, and other diseases which 
 of course follow upon confinement and hard study. ^ 
 
 Toward the end of the year i645, it was judged ne- 
 cessary that Mr Henderson, with some other persons, 
 should go to Scotland, with a view to procure a better 
 correspondence among the nobility and others ; but he 
 was detained by the weather, want of health, important 
 business, and the importunity ot friends in London/ 
 
 The King's affairs, which had been some time on the 
 decline, were entirely rumed, in the spring of lb46. 
 Upon this, he cast himself into the Scottish army who 
 retired with him to Nfwcastle When he arrived there, 
 he sent for Mr Henderson, who was his Chaplain to 
 come to him. The only measure which then promised a 
 settlement to the nation, and ihv Kuig's restoration to the 
 actual exercise of his authority, was his taking the Cove- 
 nant and spet^dily consenting to the establishment of the 
 Presbyterian Reformation in both kingdoms. Mr Hen- 
 derson was judged the best qualified person to deal with, 
 the Kin respectmg a compiinnce, and the removal of 
 any difficulties with which his mind might be embarrassed. 
 And notwithstanding M- ii;afitntss for the journey, he 
 complied with the Kmg'b request, enforced by the advTce 
 and entreaties ot his fellowconjmissioners ; clearly shew- 
 ing his public spirit for the advancement of the interests 
 of the Rcdec-mer's kingdom, and for the good of his 
 country He arrived at Newcastle about the middle of 
 the month of May. He received a kind welcome from 
 his Myjestv, but he soon perceived that he would not 
 comply with the requisitions of his Parliaments. The 
 
 a Neal's Puritans, 1645. Whitelocke, pp. 123, 127. Claren- 
 (ion, B viii. Collier^ vol. ii p. 837- " 
 
 b Baillie, Vol ii. p. 109. B. viii. c Baillie, vol. ii. pp. 170, 171^ 
 
Alexander Henderson* 339 
 
 King signified that he could not in conscience consent to 
 the abolition of Episcopacy ; and proposed that Mr Hen- 
 derson should carry on a dispute with some Episcopal 
 Divines, of whose names he gave him a list, in his pre- 
 sence. This Mr Henderson declined, as what he had 
 no authority to undertake, and no reason to expect, 
 when he complied with his Majesty's request in coming 
 to Newcastle. Mr Henderson also added, " that sucli 
 disputations had seldom any good effect, m ending con- 
 troversies, and that, in the present instance ; such a 
 mode would be exceedingly prejudicial to his Majesty s 
 affairs. A\\ that I intended was a free, yet modest ex- 
 pression of my motives, and inducements, which drew 
 my mind to the disHke of Episcopal government, where- 
 in I was bred in the University/' It was, therefore, 
 agreed, that the King's scruples, should be discussed m 
 a series of papers, which should pass privately between 
 him and Mr Henderson. The papers are eight m num- 
 ber, five by his Majesty, and three by Mr Henderson ; 
 continued from some time in May, until the 16th of July. 
 On that occasion, Mr Henderson gave the mtatuated 
 ' Monarch a very good advice, to leave off exciting learn- 
 . ed men to dispute respecting the power or prerogative ot 
 Kings and Princes by which he had lost very much. 
 The neglect of that advice cost him both his crown and 
 his life. Perceiving that he obstinately adhered to opin- 
 ions which were disowned by all the moderate Episcopa- 
 lians, and maintained by those only who had acted as 
 base incendiaries between the King and his Parhaments, 
 Mr Henderson declined entering farther into a fruitless 
 
 contest. . ,r TT J » 
 
 During the conference with the King, Mr Henderson s 
 health, which was considerably impaired when he came 
 to Newcastle, grew much worse. H^s constitution was 
 now worn out with great labour and travel. His col- 
 leagues at London, greatly alarmed with the accounts 
 whTch they received respecting him, wrote to him, earn- 
 estly entreating that he would be careful of himself, and 
 not allow vexation on account of the King's obduracy to 
 prey upon his spirits, and increase his disorder. Mr 
 
340 Life of 
 
 Balllle, in a letter addressed to him, under the date of 
 May 16, 1646, says, " If that man now go to tinkle on 
 Bishops, and Delinquents, and such foolish toys, it seems 
 he is mad. If he have the least grace and wisdom, he 
 may, by God's mercy, presently end the miseries, 
 wherein himself, and many more, are likely else to sink. 
 Let me entreat you for one thing, when you have done 
 your uttermost, if God is pleased to deny the success, 
 not to vex yourself more than is meet. When we hear 
 of your health and courage, it will refresh us." In ano- 
 ther letter, dated Aug. 4, Mr Baillie writes to him as 
 follows : " Your sickness has much grieved my heart. 
 It is a part of my 'prayers to God, to restore you to health, 
 and continue your service at this so necessary a time. 
 We never had so much need of you as now. The King s 
 madness has confounded us all. We know well the 
 weioht that lies on your heart.*' And in another letter, 
 dated Aug. 13, 1646, he says: " Your weakness is 
 much regretted here by many. To me it is one of the 
 sad presages of the evils coming. If it be the Lord's 
 will, it is my hearty prayer oft-times, that you might be 
 lent to us yet for some time." 
 
 Mr Henderson, having now concluded that his disease 
 was mortal, resolved to return to Scotland. But before 
 he left Newcastle, he obtained an audience from the King, 
 and having again reminded him of the very critical situation 
 of his affairs, he took a final farewell of him, having 
 faithfully discharged the duties of his commission, 
 and of that employment which placed him about his 
 Majesty's person, in the fulfilling of which he had enjoyed 
 very little satisfaction. In dealing with the King, Mr 
 Henderson only failed where he evidently could not suc^ 
 ceed. He went to his native country by sea, and arrived 
 at Edinburgh on the 1 1th of Aug. 1646, very sick and 
 much exhausted. He continued so weak, that he was 
 not able to speak much. But he enjoyed great peace of 
 mind, and expressed himself, in what he was able to say, 
 very much to the comfort of his brethren and Christian 
 acquaintance who visited him. In a short confession of 
 faith, which was afterward found among his papers. 
 
Alexander FIe?iderson. S41 
 
 and written with his own hand, expressing, at the trying 
 hour, his dying thoughts, among other mercies, he de< 
 Clares himself " most of all obliged to the grace and 
 goodness of God, for calling him to believe the promises 
 of the Gospel, and for exalting him to be a preacher of 
 these to others, and to be a willing, though weak m- 
 strument, in this great and wonderful work of Reforma- 
 tion, which he earnestly beseecheth the Lord to brmg to 
 a happy conclusion.*' He rested from his labours, sick-' 
 ness, and sorrow, on the 19th of Aug. 1646.^ He died 
 within eight days after his arrival in Scotland.'' Mr Li- 
 vingston, in his Characteristics, at the end of his Life, de- 
 clares that he was present, and saw Mr Henderson die 
 with great peace and comfort. Bailiie says, " That he 
 died as he Uved, in great modesty, piety, and faith.'*'' 
 
 His mortal remains were interred in Grayfriar's church- 
 yard, Edinburgh. As he had no family of his own, his 
 nephew, Mr George Henderson, performed the last kind 
 office of humanity to his earthly part, and erected a mo- 
 nument over his grave with appropriate inscriptions, 
 which testify that Mr Henderson was very highly esteem* 
 cd by all classes. His Ufe was much desired, and his 
 death greatly lamented, both in Scotland and England. 
 A London newspaper. Perfect Diurnal, No. \62, un- 
 der the date of Aug. 31, 1646, says, '■' This day— the 
 only news was by letters from the North, and first of all 
 a sad lamentation for the death of Mr Henderson." 
 After the Restoration, when all indignity was done to 
 the work of Reformation, and to those persons who had 
 been most active in promoting it, the Earl of Middleton, 
 the King's Commissioner, procured an order of Parlia- 
 ment in July 1662, for erasing the inscriptions, , and dis- 
 figuring his monument.' But at the Revolution, the 
 monument was repaired, and the inscriptions replaced. 
 It still stands entire on the south-west side of the Grey- 
 
 a Christ. Mag. vol. x. p. 394-. Acts of Ass. ed. 1682. p. 4-21. 
 
 b Baillie's Letters, vol. ii. p. 232. 
 
 c Woodrow's Hist. vol. i. p. 152. Ludlow's Detect, of Ilolmg- 
 
 worth's Forgeries;. 
 
342 Life of 
 
 friar's church. It is a quadrangular pillar, with an urn 
 at the top, 
 
 Mr Henderson having died, soon after his conferences 
 with the King at Newcastle, the Episcopalians industri- 
 ously circulated the report, that he was not only van- 
 quished, but also converted by his Royal antagonist. But 
 this report had not the least shadow of foundation, and 
 was very keenly contradicted by the concurring testimony 
 of all who had access to be well acquainted with Mr Hen- 
 derson's sentiments during that time. But this was not 
 enough, for about two years after his death, a Declara- 
 tion in Mr Henderson's name, the forgery of a Scots 
 Episcopal Divine, was published, in which he was re* 
 presented as expressing great contrition for acceding to 
 the proceedings ot the Presbyterians. Upon the appear- 
 ance of that base pamphlet, the General Assembly of 
 the Church of Scotland called and examined several per- 
 sons, who were present with Mr Henderson during the 
 conferences at Newcastle, and also during the time which 
 elapsed from his return to Edinburgh till his death, who 
 declared that he had continued to the last constant and un- 
 altered in his sentiments ; upon which the Assembly pas- 
 sed an act, declaring '' the said pamphlet forged, scan- 
 dalous, and false, and the author and contriver of the 
 same void of charity and a good conscience, and a gross 
 liar and calumniator, led by the spirit of the accuser of 
 the brethren."* About the middle of the 18th century, 
 this convicted forgery was credulously revived by Mr 
 Ruddiman, who, notwithstanding his eminent learning, 
 is well known to have had the weakest prejudices on the 
 subject of Jacobitism and Episcopacy. This v/as tri- 
 umphantly exposed by Mr Logan.^ 
 
 When Mr Henderson had finished his academical 
 studies at St Andrew's, he was chosen Professor of 
 philosophy and rhetoric in that University. His talents 
 and acquirements sufficiently recommended him to the 
 office. Upon the change of his mind, he became a 
 
 a Acts of Assembly, p. 420, &c. edit. 1682. 
 
 b See Logan's second Letter to Ruddiman, 1799. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 34S 
 
 faithful Minister of thfe Gospel, and a decided Presbyte- 
 rian. Educated in Episcopal sentiments, and having the 
 fairest prospects of preferment in a rising hierarchy, he 
 readily sacrificed his high expectations to the word of 
 God, and to the d-ep convictions of his own conscience. 
 He cheerfully espoused a cause, which, though honour- 
 able in the sight of God, was much despised and borne 
 down by men who were high in place. He strongly re- 
 sisted ecclesiastical oppression, and earnestly contended 
 Jar the Jaith which nri^ once dtlivcred unto the saints. 
 He was very highly esteemed by all ranks of the people, 
 who were attached to the cause of Truth, and had much 
 influence wiih both the Nobility and Clergy, even with 
 the greatest and wisest men of the kingdom. ^ He was 
 called from his delightful retirement to the assistance^ of 
 his dear countrymen, who groaned under the oppression 
 of ambitious prelates, who were greatly supported by an 
 arbitrary Court and corrupt Statesmen. '' Though he 
 sighed after his original solitude, and suffered from the 
 fatigues and anxiety to which he was subjected, yet he 
 did not relinquish his station, nor shrink from the diffi- 
 cult tasks imposed upon him, until his feeble and shat- 
 tered constitution sunk under them, and he fell a martyr 
 to the cause.'*'— Clarendon, with all his prejudices 
 against Mr Henderson, cannot deny that he was eloquent 
 though he is pleased" to say, that he had more eloquence 
 or rhetoric than logic.'' Bishop Guthrie, in his Mc 
 moirs, p. ^24, says ; " Upon Mr Henderson all the minis- 
 try of that judgment depended ; and no wonder, for in 
 gravity, learning, wisdom, and state-policy, he far 
 exceeded any of them." Pinkerton, in his Iconographia 
 Scotica, calls him, " the Franklin of the Scottish com- 
 motions." And Grainger, a clergyman of the Church 
 of England, gives the followinor character of him : "Mr 
 Henderson, the chief of the Scottish Clergy in this reign, 
 was learned, eloquent, polite, and perfectly versed in 
 the knowledge ot mankind. He was at the helm of 
 
 a Christian Magazine, vol. x. p. S9S. 
 h Clarendon's Historv^ B. viii. 
 Vol. II. ' .3 A 
 
S44f Writings of 
 
 affairs in the General Assemblies in Scotland, and was 
 sent into England in the double capacity of a divine 
 an:i plenipotentiary. He knew how to rouse the people 
 to war, and to negotiate a peace. Whenever he preach- 
 ed, it was to a crowded audience, and when he pleaded 
 or argued, he- was regarded with mute attention."* 
 And, a very lace writer, of great respectability, says: 
 '^ Mr Henderson had talents and acquirements which fit- 
 ted him for rising to eminence ; that eminence he actual- 
 ly attained and preserved ; and nothing but shameful 
 ignorance or ruthless bigotry will deny him the praise of 
 having been both a great and a good man."^ It is 
 certain, that he held a very conspicuous piAce, among 
 our worthy Reformers, and was well known and highly 
 respected for his judicious, faithful, and important servi- 
 ces, in the cause of Christianity, which render the par* 
 ticulars of his Life deeply interesting to us. And to give 
 such a name a distinguished place in the rolls of Biogra- 
 phy, is a debt of gratitude which the public are bound to 
 pay, in return for benefits received. 
 
 Mr Henderson having been much employed in public 
 affairs, had little time to prepare works for the press. 
 But the few sermons of his which were published, al« 
 though hastily composed amid much business and many 
 avocations, afford very favourable specimens of his talents, 
 and clearly shew that in pulpit orat^ory he was inferior to 
 none of his contemporaries. His compositions are dis- 
 tinguished by accurate thinking, appropriate illustration, 
 and elegant simplicity of language, — and bear marks of 
 a vigorous and well cultivated mind. These probably 
 will be perused with great avidity by some persons at 
 this present time, and may become an important record 
 to posterity. Beside the pieces mentioned in his Life, I 
 have seen the following sermons under his name, which 
 are still extant. 
 
 1. A Sermon preached from Ezra vii. 23. to the Hon- 
 
 a Grainger's Biog. Hist vol i. p. 416, first edition. 
 
 b Edinburgh Christian Instructor, vol. vii. p. 408. 1813. 
 
Alexander Henderson. 34-5 
 
 jurable House of Comm6ns, at their solemn Fast, 
 Wednesday, Dec. 27th, 1643. 4to. pp_. 36. London, 
 1644 Mr Baillie calls it " A most gracious, wise, and 
 learned Sermon."— 2. A Sermon preached from Mar. 
 xiv al. before the Lords and Commons assembled m 
 Parliament, in Margaret's Church, Westminster, 10th 
 of July. 1644. Thanksgiving, 4to. pp. 24. London, 
 1644. and reprinted at Edinburgh in 1644. wiih a 
 large Address prefixed to the Kirk and Kingoom of 
 Scotland, his native country.-3. A Sermon preached 
 from John xviii. 36, HI. before the House of Lords m 
 the Abbey Church, Westminster, solemn Fast, 2Sth ot 
 May, 1645. 4to. pp. 31. London, 1645. His Speech at 
 taking ihe Covenant was printed both at London, and 
 Edinburgh, in 1643. and several times afterward, with 
 the Sermons at taking the Covenant, 
 
 SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, . 
 
 paOFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREw's, 
 *ND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONfiRS FROM THE CHURCH OF SCOT- 
 UnD TO THE ASSE.MBLY^OF DIVINES AT WEST.MINSTEtt. 
 
 Samuel RUTHERFORD is said to have been born 
 of respectable parems, in the parish of Tongueland, near 
 Kirkcudbright, in the south of Scotland. And it has also 
 been said, that when he was a lutlc boy, he narrowly es. 
 caped drowning in a well, from which he was dc ivcled m 
 a very remarkable manner; and that, this wondeilulde- 
 liverance induced his father to dedicate him. unto the.service 
 of his Lord and Saviour, expecting that he might piobab- 
 ly become an eminent man. 1 have the account otlhese 
 things only by tradition ; but upon strict inquiry the au- 
 ■ thority seemed to be good, and therefore I have ventur- 
 ed to memion such circumstances, in the life ot this learn- 
 cd and pious divine, wishing to be corrected, if the ac 
 -ount is found not true. Be these particulars as they 
 
346 Life of 
 
 may, Mr Rutherford had a brother who was the School- 
 master of Kirkcudbright, and being a non- conformist, he 
 was summoned before the High- commission Court, and 
 commanded to resign his charge immediately, and re- 
 move from Kirkcudbright.* The subject of this Memoir 
 was much admired in early Hfe, for the superior abilhies 
 which he possessed. He had a very good classical edu- 
 cation and made great proficiency in his studies. And 
 he soon gained such reputation in the learned world, that 
 he was chosen a Professor in the University of Edinburgh, 
 during the establishment of Episcopacy \^ where it i's said 
 he received his education. 
 
 Afterward, he became Minister of the Gospel at An- 
 woth, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, where he was 
 indeed a burnms^ and shining light some years. Whether 
 Mr Kutherford, and other faithful ministers of that pe- 
 rioll, were ordained by Bishops, or by a Presbytery in- 
 dependent: of Bishops ? is a question which has been 
 much agitated. Stevenson says ; " All that we can as- 
 sert concerning that matter, after the most inquisitive 
 search, is, that until the beginning of the year 1628, 
 some few preachers v^^ere suffered to enter the ministry 
 without bonformiity, and of this number we suppose Mr 
 Rutherford and Mr Douglas may be reckoned, because 
 they were ordained before the door came to be more 
 closely shut upon honest preachers.'*'' In what year Mr 
 Rutherford was settled at Anwoth, I cannot say ; but there 
 is one of his letters dated at Anwoth. June 6th, 1624, 
 by which it may appear that he was there before that 
 time. He laboured with very great diligence and zeal, in 
 the Lord's vineyard, in that place. 
 
 In June, 1630, he was summoned before the High- 
 commission Court ; and though that diet was deserted, and 
 the summons passed from for the time, he did not always 
 escape. He was again summoned before the same Court^ 
 and accused by the Bishop of Galloway for non- conform- 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. i. p. 151. 
 
 I) Edinburgh Christian Instructor, vol. vii, p. 411. 
 
 c Stevenson, vol. i. p. 70. 
 
Samuel Rutlierford. 34-7 
 
 ity, particularly for preaching against Perth Articles, and 
 writing a book, entitled, Ea^ercKatimies opilooeiica' pro 
 dh'ma gralia^ which did cm up Arminianism, and much 
 vex the Episcopal clergy/ He appeared before llie Court, 
 but declined their jurisdiction, and refused to give the 
 Bishops their titles. Lord Lorn favoured him to the ut- 
 most of his power ; but the affair was carried against Mr 
 Rutherford, and he was deprived upon the '27th ot July, 
 1636, and discharged to exercise any part of his ministry 
 within Scotland, under pain of rebellion, and ordered to 
 confine himselt, within six months, to Aberdeen, and its 
 neighbourhood, during the King's pleasure. He yielded, 
 and went to the place of his confinement. 
 
 The confinement in Aberdeen is one of the most 
 interesting circumstances in the life of this eminently 
 pious Christian, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. 
 And the manner in which he employed his time during 
 that confinement, stronj^ly marks his religious character, 
 and is honourable to religion itself. From Aberdeen he 
 wrote many of his truly excellent and religious letters, 
 which eminently prove that very strong consolations are 
 reserved for the people of God in their per.'^eculions /or 
 righteousness^ sake ; and that they may count those very 
 days of their confinement as the sweetest hours of their 
 life, in a fair prison. We are told, that the confinemeht 
 of M. de Voltaire in the Bastille was not prejudicial to his 
 talents. He there composed several works, part of which 
 he retained in his memory, and wrote the rest on the walls 
 with a coal, or on the lead of the windows with the point 
 of a pin.'' Nor was Mr Rutherford's confinement in 
 Aberdeen prejudicial to his talents, in the least degree, 
 as clearly appears by his eminently pious letters, which 
 were written there. He employed his talents in doing 
 good ; and his several epistles composed in that confine- 
 ment, have been highly beneficial to many persons,* and 
 are still much admired by the pious mind, 
 
 Mr Rutherford seemingly enjoyed the particular ac- 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. i. pp. 148 — 150. 
 
 h Voltaire's Memoirs, Knglisli, Dublin, 1786, p. 2f>. 
 
548 Life 0) 
 
 compllshment of that exceedingly great and precious pro- 
 mise of Christ, And^ fo, I am wilh you aiway^ even unto 
 ike end ot the world. 1 am with you, to carry you com- 
 fortably and honourably through the manifold difficulties 
 which ye may meet with in this present evil world. I am 
 with you, to support you, and to plead your cause : with 
 you in all your services, and in all your sufferings. 
 When ye pass through the deep waters of affliction, and 
 the violent fires of persecution, I shall most certainly be 
 with you : both in the pulpit and in the prison ; lo, I am 
 with you/ 
 
 The weight of the chains, and the horrors of the inner 
 prison., hindered not Paul and Silas trom praying, and 
 singing praises unto God at midnight, Acts xvi. 24, 25. 
 They greatly rejoiced that God had accounted them war' 
 thy^ conferring upon them the honour and the grace, to 
 suffer. for the cause and doctrine of Jesus Christ. See 
 Acts v. 4i. Nor could all the severities, cunningly 
 contrived by the most malicious enemies, interrupt that 
 soul-solacing, and sweet spiritual intercourse, which these 
 notable prisoners enjoyed with their God and Saviour. 
 In like manner, Mr Rutherford's confinement in Aber- 
 deen hindered him not from praying, and singing praises 
 unto the God of his salvation ; while he much rejoiced 
 that he was accounted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, 
 his renowned Lord, and Almighty Saviour, Nor could 
 all the hardships to which he was subjected impair in the 
 least degree, that most sweet spiritual intercourse which 
 he now enjoyed with Heaven. His soul was richly stor- 
 ed with the truly comforting influences of divine grace, 
 and with the sv/eet religious experiences, which mark 
 the real Christian. The Father of mercies, and the God 
 of all comjort most abundantly comforted him in all his 
 tribulations : For as the sufferings of Christ abounded in 
 hiin, so his co7i$oladon also abounded by Christ ; as his 
 admirable letters dated at Aberdeen sufficiently prove. 
 
 Mr Rutherford delighted exceedingly, in preaching 
 the glorious gospel of the grace of God unto sinners who 
 
 a See Henry on Mat. xxviii. 20. vol. v. 
 
Samuel Rutherford. 34» 
 
 were ready to perish ; and, therefore, his silence on the 
 Lord's day, under his confinement, was peculiarly dis- 
 stressing unto his well-disposed mind. He says, m a let- 
 ter to Lady Kenmure, dated, Aberdeen, Nov. ^22d, i636 ; 
 " my silence on the Lord's day keeps me from being ex- 
 alted above measure.— I have wrestled long with this saa 
 silence. I said, what aileth Christ at my service t And 
 my soul has been at pleading with Christ ; and at yea 
 and nay : but I will yield to him, providing rhat my suf- 
 fering may preach more than my tongue did ; for I gave 
 not Christ an inch, but for twice as good again. In a 
 word, I am a fool, and he is God. I will hold my 
 peace hereafter." In the same letter, he says ; '' My 
 adversaries have sent me here to be feasted with love-ban- 
 quets, with my Royal High, High, and Princely Kmg Je- 
 sus. O how sweet are the suffermgs of Christ, tor 
 Christ '—It were a sweet and honourable death', to ^le 
 for the honour of that Royal and Princely King Jesus. 
 This love is a mystery to the world. I would not have 
 believed that there was so much in Christ as there is. 
 Come and see, maketh Christ to be known in his excel- 
 lency and glory.'* r - a 
 Mr Rutherford was then the object of oppression and 
 of persecution, and' the victim of lawless' power ; but he 
 enjoyed the consolations of the Gospel of Christ, in very 
 great abundance, under all his sufferings. He suftered 
 in a good cause ; for the Truth of Christ. He was suffi. 
 ciently armed ; but his corrupt judges and persecutors 
 were naked, and exposed to the terrible indignation o. 
 Almighty God. 
 
 " Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just, 
 And he but naked, tho' lock'd up in steel. 
 Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted." 
 Mr Rutherford continued in his confinement nearly 
 two years, until he was informed that the Privy-council 
 had received in a decfmature against the High-commission, 
 - and then he adventured to return home unto Anwoth* 
 This was a joyful event both to himself and to all persons 
 who were' concerned. Divine Providence having merci- 
 fully restored him to his flock, in the year 1638, he 
 
350 Life of 
 
 again laboured with great diligence among them. Ma* 
 ny persons attended his ministry from all quarters, in 
 that neicrhbourhood. The people had an ardent desire 
 for the preaching of the glorious gospel of the grace 
 of God, in purity and power, which was rarely to be 
 found, at that time, in that country. But at Anwoth, 
 the Lord God of salvation did make waters to break out 
 in the xvilderne'iS, and streams in the desert, to give drink 
 tmto his people, his chose?!. The solitary pl>9ce did then 
 rejoice ejcceedinglij^ and blossom abundantlij as the rose. 
 
 Mr Rutherford attended- the famous and venerable As- 
 sembly, which convened at Glasgow, on the 21st of Nov. 
 1638. Wz was one of the Commissioners from the Pres- 
 bytery of Kirkcudbright to that Assembly, His name is 
 still found standing in the roll of the members, as their mi- 
 nister at Anwoth. He gave them a satisfactory account of 
 all his proceedings respecting his confinement at Aberdeen, 
 and of the causes thereof. He was appointed by them 
 one of the Select Committee for considering the Service- 
 book, the Book of Canons and Ordination, and the 
 High-commission Court, that posterity might well know 
 what great and signal mercy the Lord God of salvation 
 had shewed, in delivering his church from these. And 
 also that the world might know, that the supplications 
 against these books had been just, and that some monu- 
 ments of their wickedness might be left, to the succeeding 
 generations. — Mr Rutherford was also appointed by that 
 famous Assembly to be Professor of divinity, in the New 
 College of St. Andrew's. He opposed his transportation 
 to the utmost of his power ; but his objections are said 
 to have turned out rather to be reasons for his compliance, 
 with the call which was given to him. Yet in one thing 
 the Assembly were obliged to yield unto him. He said, 
 that the High- commission never did him a v/orse turn 
 than to stop his mouth from preaching the gospel ; that 
 there was a woe to him if he preached not the gospel, and 
 that he knew not who could go between him and that woe. 
 And so he was allowed to be both colleague to the ce- 
 lebrated Mr Robert Blair, who was transported from 
 Air to Sr. Andrew's, about that time, in preaching; 
 
Samuel Rutherford. 351 
 
 ,he dorlous gospel of the grace of God and also to be 
 eacher of divinity. And, by means o h>s mdefafgable 
 abours, both in teaching in the schools, and preachmg 
 In the congregation, S. Andrew's -s soon el 
 distinguished for piety and learning. Under his care^a 
 number of young men were trained up or the holy mi- 
 mstry, who caine io he burning and shming Itghh, m 
 the Church of Scotland.' , ,• • • \,^a t^r- 
 
 Mr Rutherford was also eminently distinguished for 
 encouraging the people in the private duties of re ig.on. 
 In the year .6*0, when a charge was brought before 
 he General Assembly, at the instance of Mr Henry 
 Gu'Hrie, minister of Stirling, afterward bishop ot Dun- 
 keld against private Society-meetings, which theij pre. 
 vailed in the land, on which much reasoning ensued, the 
 one side allowing that a paper which had been before 
 drawn up by Mr Henderson should be agreed unto re- 
 spectin/tbe order to be observed in these meetings ; but 
 c!u hrie and his party opposed that motion. Mr Ruther- 
 ford, who was befc/e silent, cast in the following syllo- 
 gism, and required them all to answer it : ' What Scrip- 
 mr^does warrant, an Assembly may not d^charge ; but 
 private meetings for exercises of religion. Scripture war- 
 ?Ints Mai. iii 16. James v. 16. These things could no 
 be Sne^x public meetings." The Earl of Seaforth and 
 Mr Guthrie, did not relish Mr Rutherfora s logical syl- 
 Wisms ; and shewed that they were very averse to be 
 roubled with any more of these. It is said, that Seaforth 
 hided Mr RuthJrford ; and then Guthrie with his party 
 thought to have carried all their own w'ay, and to obta 
 a ^smission of all private meetings ; but they met with 
 oDDO^i'ion, and could only have an act passed respecting 
 TeZtrn^' of fannlyJorsMp. Mr Rutherford, in a 
 tatS ha"s defended' the lawfulness of these private 
 religious meetings, in a very high degree. 
 
 ^e was appointed one ot the Committee f?>-.n«nagmg 
 ,he negotiations between the Assembly at Edinburgh in 
 
 a Stevenson's Hist, vol ii. pp. 476 5HS, 581.. '^fe, ^f ' ^f" 
 b BaiUie, vol. i. pp. 196-1.'00. Stevexiscn, vol, nu p. 887, &v. 
 
 Vol. II. ^' B 
 
552 Life of 
 
 1 643, and the English Commissioners, when the Solemn 
 League and Covenant was formed ' 
 
 As a divine eminently learned, and of approved ortho- 
 doxy, he was, in the year I64S, chosen one of the 
 Commissioners from the Church of Scotland to the As- 
 sembly of the Divines at Westminster. He was highly 
 useful in that famous Assembly, and distinguished him- 
 self by spraking to good purpose in their debates. Mr 
 Baillie, speaking of the debates respecting the ruling el- 
 ders, says; ''Sundry timps., Messrs Henderson, Ru- 
 therford, and Gillespie, all three, spoke exceedingly 
 well." And again the same v/rirer says ; " Had not God 
 sent Messrs Henderson, Rutherford, and Gillespie, 
 among them, 1 see not that ever they could agree on 
 any settled government/'^ Mr Rutherford and his bre- 
 thren displayed the most ardent zeal and faithfulness, in 
 that Assembly, espxially in settling Church- government. 
 And, Mr Rutherford, in particular, took his full share 
 in the discussions which were carried on there, display- 
 ing much learning and knowledge even of the Rabbinical 
 writings, and combating on some occasions the eminently 
 learned Lightfoot with vigour and success.*^ During his 
 residence at London, he published his Lex Rex, and 
 some other learned works against the Erastians, Anabap- 
 tists,- Independents, and other Sectaries, greatly prevail- 
 ing there at that time, Mr Baillie, speaking of this As- 
 sembly, says : " Mr Rutherford's other large book against 
 the Independents is in the press, and will do good."* 
 And, in a letter to Mr Robert Blair, dated March 26th, 
 16"44, Mr Baillie calls Mr Rutherford '' his sweet Col- 
 league." He says further ; " Thanks to God, never 
 Colleagues had a greater harmony ; for to this hour not 
 the least difference between any of us, either State or 
 Church Commissioners, in any thing. — Mr Samuel, for 
 the great parts God has given him, and special ac- 
 quaintance with the question in hand, is very necessary 
 
 a Stevenson, vol. fii. p. 1086. 
 
 b Baillie, vol. i. p. 40!. vol. ii p, II. 
 
 c Lightfoot's Remarks, Preface, pp. 12 — 32. 
 
 J Baillie, vol. i. p. 414. 
 
Samuel RutJwrford. 353 
 
 here ; especially because of his book, which is daily en- 
 larging, and it will not come off the press yet for some 
 time It is very likely, whenever it comes out, it shall 
 have some short affronting reply; and judge now if it 
 be not necessary that he shmild not be ht-rt? to answer for 
 himself."* And Mr Flavd says, that Mr Rutherford ap- 
 peared seasonably and successfully against the Familists 
 in England. His own words are : " Our late Familists 
 in England, of whom Henry Nichols was the chief lead- 
 er, who decried the written word as a dead letter; and 
 set up their own tond conceits and fancies under the no- 
 tion of the Spirit ; against whom, that heavenly and 
 learned man, Mr Samuel Rutherford, seasonably and 
 successfully appear^."'' And Mr Baillie, in a letter lor 
 Glasgow, July 14th, 1646, again says: ''Mr Ruther- 
 ford, Mr Gillespie, and your friend also, are all in the 
 press again, for the defence of our Church, and truth of 
 God, against diverse enemies." And in a letter to Mr 
 David Dickson, the same writer says : " Mr Rut her- 
 ford's large piece against the Antinomians will in a few days 
 come abroad/' Oct. 1D46. When the principal busi- 
 ness of the famous Assembly at Westminster was nearly 
 settled, Mr Rutherford, upon the 24th of Oct. 1647, 
 moved, that it might be recorded in the books,, that the 
 Assembly had enjoyed the assisstance of the Commissior- 
 ers of the Church of Scotland, during all the time that 
 they had been debating and perfecting these four things 
 mentioned in the Solemn League: Their composing 
 a Directory for public worship, an Uniform Confession 
 of Faith, a Form of Church government and Discipline, 
 and a Public Catechism. Upon this, Mr Rutherford 
 and the other Commissioners took their leave of the 
 Assembly, and* returned home. Upon that occasion, 
 Mr Herle, who was then Prolocutor, arose, and in the 
 name of the Assembly, thanked the honourable and re- 
 verend Commissioners for their assistance.' 
 
 .a Baillie, vol. i. pp. 450, 45l. 
 
 b Flavel's Works, Blow at the Root, Cause xiv. 
 
 c Stevenson, vol. iii. p. 1181. 
 
^54 Lijfe Of 
 
 Mr Rutherford's reputation was highly raised, by his 
 writings in Latin against the Arminians and Jesuits. 
 And he had a call to be Professor of Diunity and of the 
 Hebrew tongue, in the newly erected University in 
 Harderwych. Mr Spang, in a letter to his Cousin Mr 
 Baillie, dated, March 19th, 1649, says: " Mr Samuel 
 Rutherford is called to be Professor of divinity and the 
 Hebrew tongue, in the newly erected University in Har- 
 derwych. You might be well advised at home what to 
 do, if our kirk can want such a man in the great scarce- 
 ness of such. It is not his English he writes that com- 
 mendeth him, as his Latin Treatise against the Jet^uits 
 and Arminians,*'* And the motion was made in the 
 General Assembly of the Church of ^^cotland, in 1649, 
 for the transportation of Mr Rutherford to the Universi- 
 ty of Edinburgh ; but Mr Baillie says, that this was 
 thought absurd.** In that Assembly, Mr Rutherford 
 gave his voice for the popular election of ministers. Mr 
 Baillie, speaking of their great debate, says : " We had 
 greatest debate for an act of election of ministers. Mr 
 David Caiderwood was peremptory, that according to the 
 Second Book of Discipline, the election should be given 
 to the Presbytery, with power to the major part of the 
 people to dissent, upon reason to be judged of by the 
 Presbytery. Mr Rutherford and Mr Wood were as 
 peremptory to put the power and voices of election in 
 the body of the people, contradistinct from their elder- 
 ship ; but the most of us were in Mr Gillespie's mind, 
 in his Miscellanies, that the direction was the Presbytery's, 
 the election the Session's, and the consent the people's."*" 
 Mr Rutherford had an invitation to the Divinity-chair, 
 in the University of Utrecht in Holland ; an invitation, 
 we mention it to his honour, which he patriotically de- 
 clined to accept, only because he could not think of de* 
 serting his own country at that very critical period. 
 During the time of Cromwell's usurpation, he continu- 
 
 a Baillie, vol. ii. p. 327. 
 fe Baillie, vol. ii. p. 342. 
 e Baillie, vol. ii. p. 339- 
 
Samuel Rutherford. S'^ 
 
 ed to labour with unabated zeal in his Master's service 
 He faithfully discharged his official duties, and testmcd 
 against the Lundless^oleration, and the unscriptural te 
 nets of the Sectaries which .hen greatly prevailed^ When 
 "h? unhappy difference commenced between those per- 
 sons who'^ were called the Protesters, and the Public 
 Resolutioners, in i6oO, and in .651, Mr Rutherford 
 £ned the Protesters, and gave faithful warning against 
 ihese Public Resolutions.'- lhe're..imony of some mi_ 
 Lis" rs, in the shires of Perth and Fife, for the wiole of 
 the covenanted work of Reformation in Scotland, Eng- 
 land, &c. was subscribed by Mr Rutherford, Oct lb58 
 King Charles 11. upon his restoration, soon declared 
 his displeasure with the Protesters, the opposers of the 
 above mentioned Resolutions; and some of them were 
 the first sufferers in the bloody and hornd persecution 
 which followed. And, Mr Wodrow says, that « lu a 
 little time, the whole honest Presbyterian nimisters were 
 ■ struck at, and sent to the furnace to unite them. 
 
 On the I9th of Sept. 1660, a proclamation was pub- 
 Ushed against that famous book, entitled Lex ilex 
 which was written by our author, Mr Rutherford, and 
 had been printed at London, in the year 16-44, and 
 The Causes of God's Wrath, supposed to be drawn up 
 bv Mr James Guthrie. Both the authors, and the prm- 
 ters and the dispersers of those books were accounted 
 rebellious and seditious persons. The books were con- 
 sidered as containing many things injurious to the King 
 full of treasonable matter, and laymg the foundation and 
 seeds of rebellion, and the like. The copies were called 
 in and ordered to be delivered to Mr Robert Dalglcish, 
 his Majesty's Solicitor, in less than a month ; ^uh a de- 
 claration, that all and every one who, f «' 'he 15 h ot 
 October, shall have any copies of these books, shall no. 
 only be esteemed enemies to the King, but also be pun- 
 ished accordingly both in their persons and estates. 1 ne 
 
 a Tl.e reader who Wishes to know the rise and nature of these 
 Resolutions, may consult Wodrow's History, Introduction. 
 Id Wodrow, vol. i. Introduction, p. 5. 
 
^56 Life of 
 
 books were burned at Edinburgh, by the hand of the 
 hangman, on the i7th of October 1660. It was much 
 easier to burn those books than to answer them.* It is a 
 vain and senseless attempt, by an arbitrary and unright- 
 eous act, to extinguish the light of truth, and defraud 
 posterity of due information. Genius and piety will 
 thrive under all oppressors. Persecute the author, and 
 you will enhance the value of his work. Tyrants and all 
 persons who have imbibed their senseless and barbarous 
 policy, have found this to be true. By proscribing ta- 
 lents, the oppressors of the Lord's heritage have record- 
 ed their own eternal disgrace, and inadvertently given 
 the writer a passport to immortality. Several copies of 
 Lex Rex, which I have seen, are still preserved in good 
 condition, in different parts of Scotland, and in London. 
 And the sentiments which it contains cannot be destroy- 
 ed, by fire, nor by any despot in the universe. It is re- 
 ported, that when King Charles saw Lex Rex, he said. 
 That it would scarcely ever get an answer. Nor did it 
 ever receive any answer, as far as I know ; but men in 
 power most keenly directed all their vengeance against 
 it, by condemning and burning it. This pitiful and spite- 
 ful conduct served only to increase the reputation of the 
 book, and was the occasion of it's being more generally 
 sought and read. The fire is a conclusive, but not a 
 convincing, argument, says a late writer. The truth is, 
 that fire will certainly destroy any book ; but it refutes 
 no book. And burning is not a very good substitute for 
 argument, though coo many have applied to it, when 
 they could not answer their opponents by fair reasoning. 
 The Parliament were to have had an indictment laid 
 before them against Mr Rutherford, if his death had not 
 prevented it. After Lex Rex had been burnt at the 
 cross of Edinburgh and at the gate of the New College 
 of St Andrew's, where he was Professor of divinity ; they 
 were pleased, when he was evidently dying, to cite him 
 to appear before them at Edinburgh, to answer unto a 
 charge of high treason. But he was called to appear be- 
 
 a Wodrow, vol. i. pp. 10, 16. 
 
Samuel Rutherford. S57 
 
 fore a higher tribunal, completely beyond their jurisdic- 
 tion, where his Judge was his friend." 
 
 When he was on his death-bed, he greatly lamented 
 that he was hindered from bearing witness to the glorious 
 work of Reformation since the year 1638, and givmg his 
 public testimony against the evil courses of the present 
 time But we are told that he was enabled to give a 
 large and faithful testimony against the sinful courses ot 
 that time, which he subscribed about twelve days before 
 his death, being full of joy and peace in believing. 
 
 Durincr the time of his last sickness, he uttered many 
 very savoury speeches, speaking much in commendation 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of his honourable service, 
 especially when the time of his departure was neat- 
 Some of his last and dying expressions were : " I shall 
 shine I shall see Him as He is, and all the fair company 
 with Him, and shall have my large share. It is not easy 
 to be a Christian ; but I have obtained the victory through 
 Him who loved me, and Christ is holding forth his arms 
 to embrace me. I have had my fears and faintings, like 
 other sinful men to be carried creditably through ; but 
 as sure as ever he spake to me in his word, his Spirit 
 witnessed to my heart, saying. Fear not, he had accept- 
 ed my suffering, and the out-gate should not be mat- 
 ter of prayer, but of praise." He also said, , " rhy Tvord 
 was found, and I did eat it, and it was to me the joy and 
 rejoicins of mif heart." And a short time before his 
 death, after some fainting, he said, '• Now I feel, 1 be- 
 lieve, I enjoy, I rejoice." And turning to IVlr Blair, 
 who was present, he said ; " I feed upon manna I have 
 angels' food, my eyes shall see my Redeemer, 1 know 
 that He shall stand at the latter day on the earth and^l 
 shall be caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air. 
 And afterward he said, " I sleep in Christ, and when I 
 ■ awake I shall be satisfied with his likeness. O for arms 
 to embrace Him." And to a person speaking respect- 
 inc his painfulness in the ministry, he cried out, " 1 dis- 
 claim all, the port 1 would be in at, is redemption and 
 
 a Wodrow. vol. i. pp. "T. "''• 
 
.^58 Life Q) 
 
 forgiveness of sins through Christ's blood." We are in. 
 formed that a gentleman who called on the Rev. J. New- j 
 ton in London, a short time before his death, mentioned \ 
 to him how useful he had been by his writings : " I need . 
 ^ none of these sweet-meats," said the good old man. Of , 
 the same mind was Mr Rutherford, who bemg full of . 
 the Holy Spirit, the Comiorter, yea, as it were overcome - 
 with sensible enjoyment, he breathed out his soul into the , 
 hands of his God ; and his last words were. Glory, 
 glory dwells in Emma?iuel\i land. He died in the month , 
 of March 1661, the very day before the Act Rescissory : 
 was passed in the Parliament * 
 
 Mr Wodrow gives his character as follows : " That J 
 bright shining light, Mr Samuel Rutherford, may very 
 justly come in among the sufferers, during this session ' 
 of Parhament. Certainly he was a inartyr both in his | 
 own resolution, and in men's designs and determination. ^ 
 He is so well known to the learned and pious world, that I 
 I need say very little of him. Such who knew him best, i 
 were in a strait whether to admire him most for his sub- ; 
 lime genius in the school, and peculiar exactness in mat-^ 
 er of "dispute and controversy, or his famihar condescen. : 
 sions in the pulpit, where he was one of the most moy- ■ 
 ing and affectionate preachers in his time, or perhaps m ; 
 any age of the church.— He seems to have outdone him-, 
 self as well as every body else, in his admirable, and^ 
 every way singular, Letters ; which though jested uponi 
 by profane wits, because of some familiar expressions,: 
 yet will be owned by all who have any reHsh of piety,, 
 to contain such sublime flights of devotion, and to be, 
 frauehted with such massy thoughts, as loudly speak a 
 soul united to Jesus Christ in the closest embraces and; 
 must needs at once ravish and edify every serious reader, : 
 —And Mr Baillie in his Letters, says : '^ Mr Ruther-. 
 ford has an excellent gift both of preaching and of pray- 
 er, and, which helps all to the people's mind, fells all the^ 
 fourteen bishops, and houghs the ceremonies. And 
 
 a Wodrow a. above, and Fleming, Fulfil. Scnp. vol. i. p. 359. 
 Ed. 1801. ^ Baillie, vol. i. p. 5^ .i 
 
Samuel Rutherford. 859 
 
 Dr Cotton Mather, in his Student and Preacher, when 
 mentioning Scottish writers, reckons Mr Rutherford 
 among the champions for the doctrines o* Grace. And 
 an eminent late writer, speaking ol Mr Rutherford, re- 
 fers us to his Lex Rex, and to his posthumous work, en- 
 titled, Examen Arminianismi, ■ as contammg decisive 
 proof of his erudition. Respecting the latter work, that 
 writer adds: « It is spoken of by Nethenus, Voetius, and 
 Essenus, theological Professors, at Utrecht, in terms ot 
 the highest commendation. And, indeed, on looking m- 
 to it, any competent judge must at once be satisfied that 
 it deserves all the praises which those divines have be- 
 stowed upon it The Reviewers expressed a most favour- 
 able opinion of the " Refutation of Calvinism, and of 
 course heaped upon its author all the laudatory epithets 
 which reverence for a bishop could suggest And yet we 
 will venture to affirm, that, in point of knowledge of the 
 subject discussed, fairness of statement and conclusive- 
 ness of reasoning, the bishop of Lincoln's Refutation of 
 Calvinism, is inferior by many degrees, to Mr Ruther- 
 ford's Examen Arminianismi.'" With Latin, Greek, 
 and Hebrew, he was very familiar. And he employed 
 these languages as means of procuring useful information 
 to himself, and of communicating it to others. And it 
 has been observed, that " even were he to be judged ot 
 by his faculty in making Latin verses, the judgment 
 would be favourable ; for we might produce verses of his 
 composition, in which we could challenge the Quarterly 
 Reviewers to detect one false quantity or one unclassical 
 word "" He seems to have been much above the level 
 of ordinary men. He had a liberal education, and his 
 attainments were proportionate to his advantages. He 
 was eminently distinguished for talent, learning fervent 
 piety, and indefatigable industry and zeal in his Royaf 
 Master's service. 
 
 a Edin. Christ. Instru*. toI. vii. p. +12. 
 b Edin. Christ. Instruc. 
 
 Vol. 1L « C 
 
360 Writings of 
 
 Mr Rutherford's writings are numerous. — 1. Exerci- 
 tationes Apologeticae pro Divina Gratia, Contra Jesuitas et 
 Arminianos. Amsterdam, 1 636. This is a book of a small 
 size, containing above 400 pages. A vindication of the 
 orthodox doctrine of the divine decrees, of the efBcacy of 
 divine grace, and of man*s free-will, against the Jesuits and 
 Arminians. It is written in Latin. — 2. A Peaceable and 
 Temperate Plea for Paul's Presbytery in Scotland. 4to. 
 pp. 326, London, 1642, — 3. The True Right of Pres- 
 byteries. 4to. pp. 780, .or thereabout, London, 1644. 
 — 4. Lex Rex. 4to. London, 1 644, and again in 1 648. 
 pp. 457. — 5. A Sermon preached from Dan. vi. 26, to 
 the House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, Jan. 1644. 
 4to. pp. 64, London, 1644. — 6. A Sermon preached 
 from Luke viii. 22 — 25, to the House of Lords, in the 
 Abbey Church, Westminster, 25th of June, - 645. 4to. 
 London, 1 645. These Sermons were also printed seve- 
 ral times with his Trial and Triumph of Faith, and be- 
 side, reprinted, Edinburgh, 170b>.— 7. The Trial and 
 Triumph of Faith, London, 1645 ; both in 4to. and in 
 a small size; and London, 1652 j and Edinburgh, i721; 
 and Glasgow, 1743. I do not recollect to have seen 
 any more editions of this book, though it may perhaps 
 have passed through more. — 8. His Divine Right of 
 Church government and Excommunication. 4to. Lon. 
 don, 1646. — 9. Christ Dying, and Drawing Sinners to 
 Himself. 4to. pp. 598, London, 1647 : and Edinburgh, 
 1727: and Glasgow, 1803, in 8vo. pp. 730. — 10. A 
 Survey of the Spiritual Antichrist, in two parts. P. L 
 pp. 354. P. IL pp. 239. 4to. London, 1648.— 11. A 
 Free Disputation against Pretended Liberty of Conscience. 
 4to pp. 410, London, l649. — 12. Disputatio Scholastica 
 De Divina Providentia, 4to. pp. 620. Edinburgh, 1649. 
 This learned and elaborate book respecting Divine Provi- 
 dence, against Jesuits, Arminians, and Socinians, is 
 written in Latin ; and contains the substance of several 
 Lectures delivered to the Students of Divinity in the 
 University of St. Andrew's. — 13. The Covenant of 
 Grace Opened. 4to. pp. 368. Edinburgh, 1655.— 
 1 4. A Survey of the Survey of that Sum of Church Discip- 
 
Samuel Rutherford. 561 
 
 line, by Mr Thomas Hooker ; 4to. above 500 pages, 
 London, 1658. — 15. Influences of the Life of Grace. 
 4to. pp. 438. London, 1 659.— 1 6. His Rehgious Letters, 
 which breathe a spirit of ardent and elevated piety, have 
 been often printed. The first edition is said to have been 
 printed, in the year 1 664 ; but I have not seen a copy 
 of that, nor of the 2d edit. 1 have seen a copy of the 
 3d edit, printed in the year 1675. An advertisement is 
 prefixed to this edition, intimating that the Author had 
 begun a large Commentary on Isaiah, and completed seve- 
 ral chapters, when the troubles of the times and his last 
 sickness seized him ; but the manuscript could not be 
 found after his death. The 4th edit, of his Letters was 
 printed in 1692; of which I have seen several copies. 
 The 5th edit. Edinburgh, 1724: and Edinburgh, 1738, 
 said to be the 6th edit, of which I have seen 5 copies. 
 These Letters were printed at Glasgow, 1765. This is 
 said to be the 9th edit, and unto it is added, the Author's 
 Testimony to the Covenanted work of Reformation, and 
 some of his Dying words, with a large Preface and Post- 
 script, which had been left out in some former ediru»ns. 
 The lOth and 1 ith editions, Glasgow, 1783, and '796 : 
 and the 12th edit. Aberdeen, 1802, price 5s. where a 
 considerable number of those extraordinary Letters were 
 first conceived and written. Beside the above-mentioned 
 editions, I have seen copies of an edition, said to be the 
 6th, Edinburgh, primed by E. & J. Robertson, 1761, 
 in 2 vols. Some of the editions which have been notu 
 ced are in 8vo. others in a lesser size, and are well known 
 in this country. Some of those very valuable Letters 
 have been printed separately, for the accommodation of 
 poor persons; as that to his Parishioners and the one to 
 the Professors of Christ and of his Truth, in Ireland : 
 Glasgow, 1771. We are informed, that Mr Ruther. 
 ford's Letters were habitually read and greatly valued, 
 by the late Rev. Mr Cecil, an English Episcopal Clergy- 
 man, eminently distinguished both for fervent piety and 
 
362 Writings of Samuel Rutherford. 
 
 intellectual vigour.* And the Rev. Robert Traill, some 
 time minister of the Gospel in London, in a letter to his 
 wife, under his banishment, says — '"Nexr unto your Bible, 
 read some good godly books, as worthy IVlr Rutherford's 
 Letters, a book which has done much good to some souls, 
 and will do good to more."^ — 17. Examen Arminianismi, 
 formerly mentioned, was reviewed and publisheo by Ne- 
 thenus, Professor of Divinity at Utrecht in Holland, and 
 was printed there, in the year 1668. ^1r TrailL alrea- 
 dy mentioned, when he retired to his father in Holland, 
 1667, was employed some time in assisting Nethenus, in 
 the publication of this book of Mr Rutherford's. — 18, 
 A Practical Discourse, on Mat. ix, 27-— 3], respecting 
 the Power and Prevalence of Faith and Prayer ; printed 
 in the year i7iJ. Small piece. Several Sermons have 
 been printed separately, under Mr Rutherford's name, 
 beside those formerly mentioned ; as the Lamb s Mar- 
 riage, from Rev. xix. 7, &c. Glasgow, 1775. — Heav- 
 enly Salutations, with pleasant Conferences between 
 Christ and his people, preached from Cant. ii. 1 4 — J 7, 
 at Anwoth, before the Communion, in 1630. Glasgow, 
 177s — Glad Tidings to the People of God ; or, Com- 
 fort afforded in views of Death, from Rev xxi. 4 — 8, 
 preached in Kirkcudbright, at the Communion, May jOth, 
 16J33. Glasgow. 1 779, — Tfie Cruel Watchmen. Glas- 
 gow, i784 — Christ's Love to his Church, Cant. ii. 
 8 — i'2. Glasgow, i79H. And a small collection of his 
 Sermons, preached at Sacramental Occasions, was first 
 published a» Glasgow, ■ 802 ; of which I have dispersed 
 some dC'Zt ns, in ih^ South of Scotland, I have also seen 
 An Exhortation at a Communion, to a Scots ('ongrei^a- 
 tion in London, by Mr Rutherford. Second edition, 
 Glasgow, 804. Price Two-pence. I have seen all his 
 abovt-mentioned Writings, in different parts of Scotland, 
 excepc that on Church Discipline, which 1 saw in Lon- 
 don, with a great part of his other Writings. 
 
 a Edin. Christ. Instruc. vol. vii. p. 411. 
 b Traill's Works, vol. iv. Glasgow, 179$. 
 
ADONIRAM BY FIELD, A. M. 
 
 •ME Of THE SCRIBES TO THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WEST- 
 
 MINSTER. 
 
 ^j^DONIRAM BYFIELD received his education in 
 Emanuel College, Cambridge. He came to be particular- 
 Iv known, in the year I64i, by being chosen chaplain to 
 Sir Henry Calmly's regiment, in the army of the Parlia- 
 ment, under the Earl of Essex. In the foUowmg year, 
 he was appointed Scribe to the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, being according to Wood, " a mcst zeal- 
 ous Covenanter*' ^ . ^. i_ j 
 
 Upon the first publication of the Directory, by order 
 of the Parliament, the profits arising from the sale of it 
 were bestowed upon Messrs Byfield and Roborough, 
 who sold the copy, it is said, for several hundred pounds. 
 In the year 1646, when the " Confession of Faith'' was 
 drawn up by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, 
 Messrs Byfield, Thomas Wilson, and Stanley Gower, 
 were appointed as a Committee to collect proofs of the 
 various articles from the Holy Scriptures ; all of which, 
 upon the examination of the Assembly, were inserted in 
 the margin. And the year following, when the Confes- 
 sion of Faith was printed, Mr Byfield, by appointment 
 of the House of Commons, deUvered a copy to each 
 member of the House with Scripture proofs, signed, 
 
 Charles Herle, Prolocutor, 
 Corn, Burgess, ? Assessors, 
 Herbert Palmer, 3 
 Henry Roborough, 7 5^^.^^^^ a 
 Adoniram Byhelcl,3 
 Mr Byfield was some time Rector of Fulham in the 
 county ot Middlesex ; and after the wars, he became 
 minister of Collingborn-Ducis, in Wiltshire. Upon his 
 
 9. Neal's PuritanS; v«l. iif- chap. Tiij. 
 
564. Life of 
 
 removal to the last mentioned place, he was appointed 
 an assistant to the Commissioners in the county of Wilts 
 for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministers and school- 
 masters. 
 
 Granger says, that Mr Byfield is one of those few 
 writers, who have, by name, been stigmatised by Butler, 
 in his Hudibras. This may be true, and he might be, 
 as indeed he was, an eminently pious and useful Divine. 
 He observes, that Mr Byfield was said to have been a 
 broken apothecary ; that he was of special note ; and a 
 very active zealot in the busy and boisterous reign of 
 Charles I. ; and then adds, that his portrait was published, 
 " with a wind mill on his head, and the Devil blowing 
 the sails." But the best of men and ministers have, in 
 all ages and countries, suffered the vile reproaches of the 
 world lying in wickedness. — All who mil live g'dly in 
 Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Such persons have 
 frequently been accounted " the offscouring of all things." 
 
 Mr Byfield, with some other persons, assisted Dr 
 Chambers in compiling his " Apology for the Ministers 
 in Wiltshire." London, 1654, He died about the time 
 of the restoration of Charles 11. in 1660. Mr Isaac 
 Knight, his successor at Fulham, and Mr Daniel Bur- 
 gess, his successor at CoUingborn, were both ejected 
 Non-conformists in 1662.'' 
 
 BENRY RO BOROUGH, 
 
 PASTOR OF Leonard's, eastcheap, London, and scribe of the 
 
 ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER. 
 
 H 
 
 ENRY ROBOROUGH was chosen one of the 
 Scribes to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and, 
 about the same time, appointed Pastor of Leonard's, 
 Eastcheap, London, which he held until his death. He 
 was one of the Committee of Divines who were appointed 
 
 a Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. Brook's Puritans, vol. iw. 
 
Henry Roborough. 365 
 
 to examine and ordain candidates for the holy ministry 
 by fmpo.ition of hands, in the year 164*. And he united 
 with his brethren, the London mmisters, m their decla- 
 mi^n against the death of the King.-The profits of 
 or inting the Directory being given to hun and Mr Byfield, 
 fhe 2r Scribe of the Assembly they are sa.d to have 
 sold the copyright for several hundred pounds. Mi 
 Robo ough lU in the year 1650, and was succeeded in 
 his living by Mr Matthew^ Barker, one of the silenced 
 Nonconformists, in 1662.' 
 
 I have only seen of Mr Henry Roborough's Writings 
 "The Doctrine of Justification Cleared and Vindicated 
 from Arminian, Socinian, and Popish Errors. Or, an 
 Answer to Mr John Goodwin's Animadversions upon Mr 
 George Walker's Defence of the true sense of R°«'-';: 
 Vs Together with an Examination of the said Mr 
 John Goodwin's Treatise of Justification.-Where.n the 
 Imputation of Faith in a proper sense is denied and con- 
 fated : and the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness is 
 affirmed and proved." 4to. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Wishing to make the above work as complete as 
 JSSe the following additional information respecting 
 a few of those Eminent Divines who convened >« the ta 
 mous .Assembly at Westminster, which has been received 
 dnce the commencement of the work, is here subjoined. 
 
 After the Account of the birth of John A-aROWSMiTH, 
 who was born at Gateshead, near Newcastle-upon-l yne 
 March 29, lC02, vol. i. p. 106, add; he received his 
 education in St John's College, Cambridge, and was 
 
 a Neal and Brook's Puvltans, vol. i"- CaUmy's Cent. vol. ii 
 p. 743. Fuller's Church Hist. B. xi. p. 22;J. 
 
366 Appendix. 
 
 afterward chosen Fellow of Kathrine-hall, in the same 
 University. He was elected one of the University preach- 
 ers, was beneficed at Lynn in Norfolk, afterward preach- 
 er at St Martin's, Ironmongers- lane, London, and chos- 
 en one of the Assembly of Divines. He is said to have 
 constantly attended during the Session ; and he united 
 with several of his brethren in drawing up the Assembly's 
 Catechism ', and was one of the Divines approved by the 
 Parliament to be consulted in Ecclesiastical matters. 
 Brook's Puritans^ vol. iii, — He died in Feb. 1659, aged 
 51 years. 
 
 Mr Ashe. — In addition to his Writings, I have seen 
 another Sermon of his, entitled. Self-surrender unto God 
 Opened and Applied ; in a Sermon from 2 Chron. xxx. 
 8. before the House of Commons, at Westminster, Fast, 
 Feb. 23, 1647. London, 1647.— It is said, that Mr 
 Ashe has also a Sermon before the Parliament from Gen. 
 xxii. 14. but I have not seen it. — 
 
 Mr. Backhurst, or Bathurst, — I have now found 
 that Mr Bathurst was appointed by the Assembly at 
 Westminster, one of the select Committee for the exam- - 
 ination and approbation of those ministers who petitioned 
 for sequestered livings. Neal's Puritans , vol. iii. chap. ii. 
 
 Mr Oliver Bowles. — This venerable Divine was 
 Fellov/ of Queen's College, Cambridge, where he most 
 probably received his education. He was a man of great 
 piety, an excellent Scholar, and a celebrated Tutor. 
 The famous Dr Preston was one of his pupils. Upon 
 his removal from the University, he became Rector of 
 Sutton in Bedfordshire, about the beginning of the year 
 1607. — The Assembly at Westminster, of which he 
 was a very useful member, having made a motion to the 
 Parliament for a fast, previous to their entering upon 
 business, Mr Bowles and Mr Newcomen were appointed 
 to preach before both Houses and the Assembly, and 
 the sermons were ordered to be published. Brook* & 
 Puritans J vol, iii. 
 
Appendix. 367 
 
 Mr Bowles's work, entitled, De Pa^tore Evm^elico, 
 was published by his son, and dedicated to the Earl of 
 Manchester. Dr Calamy calls th,s an excellent book ; 
 and adds that it was a book not suffered to creep out m 
 the time of rampant episcopacy, not tor any evil m it, but 
 because some men do not care to be put "PO" t"" "^"^^ 
 work. Mr Bowles's son, Edward who pubhshed this 
 book, was one of the ministers m the city of York, and 
 is clLsed among the ejected m.n.sters. Calamy s Ac 
 count, vol. ii. p. 779.— vol. i. p. 190. 
 
 William Carter.-W. Carter was born in the year 
 160,5.— In 1654, he was appointed one of the Iryers ot 
 public preachers.-He was an excellent scholar, an ad- 
 mired preacher, and a man of most exemplary piety.- 
 To his writings, add ; he is said to have been author 
 l\ sermon emitled, Israers Peace wilh God Benjavuris 
 Ovmhro-m; preached before the House of Commons, 
 Fast, 1642. Brook's Punt. vol. ui. 
 
 Confessim of Failh and other Pieces Composed by the 
 Svlrend and Venerable Assembly of Dtvtnes at 
 Westminster, 
 
 The Confession of Faith, The Larger and Shorter Gate- 
 chisms The Form of Presbyterial Churchjovernment, 
 ■■:Sdo Ordination of Ministers with The Dn-ectory for 
 te Public Worship of God, all agreed upon by the As- 
 sembly of Divines at Westminster, with the assistance of 
 h^Commissioners from the Church o Scotland and ex- 
 amined and approved by the General Assembly of that 
 cTurch, are very valuable works These exce lent Cont- 
 posUion; arethe fruits of the ^o-bined and mdefatigab e 
 labours, and of the long and learned debates, of the il- 
 lusSs Divines who convened a, Westminster, in the 
 Sev nteenth Century. In writing the Lives. part.ciUar 
 Son has been paid to the diligence and activity of the 
 respective members in the formation of the above-men- 
 Vol. II. 3 D 
 
^^8 Appendix, 
 
 tioned Pieces, as far as good information could be obtain- 
 ed. And it is evident, that the Scottish Commissioners 
 signahzed themselves, in settling the Presbyterial form 
 of Church-government, as they did also in other per. 
 lormances. ^ 
 
 The Confession of Faith, and the other Pieces, com- 
 posed by this famous Assembly of Divines, have been 
 highly beneficial to the Christian Church, and much com- 
 mended by some eminent men. These have passed 
 through a great number of editions. I once intended to 
 have given a more particular Account of these Writings • 
 but circumstances will not admit. My daily labour is°be- 
 yond my ability; and the avocations from this work h-^vc 
 been numerous. Of course, it has already been Jar too 
 long delayed, m bringing it to a termination. Materials 
 have been collected, with a view to give some Account of 
 the editions, which the Westminster Confession of Faith 
 Catechisms, &c, have passed through; but this part of 
 the work cannot now be performed. Some Account also 
 of Mr Robert Douglas, a celebrated minister in his day 
 who was appointed by the General Assembly of the 
 Chui'ch of Scotland, as a Commissioner to the Assembly 
 ot Divines at Westminster, was once intended ; but this 
 must be given up in like manner. I have given all the 
 Account, in my power, of the Scottish Commissioners 
 xvho attended that famous Assembly of Divines, who 
 were Ministers. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 The Compiler of these Memoirs has laboured several 
 years, all the time that he could spare from his other 
 work, in endeavouring to give some Account of a consid- 
 erable number of our illustrious Reformers, the men 
 whom the infinitely great and glorious Sovereign of the 
 Universe raised up, and marked out to be, under Him 
 the salt ot the earth, and the lights oj the zvoHd.— The 
 men, who were made the honoured instruments of the 
 conversion of many sinners to God, and of the edifica- 
 tion of many saints.- The men, whom Divine Provi- 
 dence employed, in fixing the wavering minds of many 
 
Appends. 26^ 
 
 persons, among the unsettled multitude, who were ios- 
 sed to and fro, -md rarritd about with every mml of doc- 
 trine- bytheditihtotmen, and cunning cra)imess -^here- 
 by they lie in wait to deceive.-lht men, who were 
 taught and enabled, under the smiles and mtluences of 
 approving Heaven, to display their talents, learnmg, 
 piety and zeal, in earneUlu contcndtno jor the faiih, 
 l)hich ims mce delivered unto the saints.— L'he men, who 
 entirely devoted themselves to the honourable service 
 of their Lord, in his vineyard, and uniform y sacrificed 
 their own interest to that ot their Redeemer s kmgdom.— 
 The men, who supported, with all their energy, the no- 
 ble cause of divine I'ruth, under manifold privations and 
 sufferings —Men who, were not ashamed of Christ, nor 
 of his xvvrds, bejore an adulterous and sinful generation — 
 And the men who did solemnly swear unto Jehovah, and 
 cheerfully subscribe with their hand unto Him, and great- 
 
 ly rejoiced at the oath. , t. • • u r. i 
 
 It may be observed here, that after the British Revolu- 
 
 tion in 1688, the Westminster Confession of Faith was 
 
 established, as the standard of orthodoxy, and the Pres- 
 
 byterian form of Church-government was also estabhshed, 
 
 in all it's extent, in Scotland; but alas! the Covenants 
 
 were over-looked or forgotten." It is certainly matter of 
 
 great lamentation, that these solemn deeds which our 
 
 Lble ancestors very highly esteemed and rejoiced m, 
 
 should be either over-looked or forgotten. It was one 
 
 design of this publication, to keep these solemn deeds in 
 
 remlmbrance, and excite mankind to turn there attention 
 
 seriously to the Covenanted work of Reformation. But, 
 
 alas' that glorious work seems, at this time, to occupy 
 
 very little of our attention. The time, however, of fav- 
 
 curing Zion will come ; even the time which Jehovah him- 
 
 self has unalterably fixed. For the vision is yet for an 
 
 appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie : 
 
 though it tarry, wait Jor it; because it will surely come, 
 
 it will not tarry. ,.77 ,/^^ 
 
 Let us now hear the conclusion of the whole matter: 
 
 , Laing's Hist. Scot. vol. ii. B. x. p. 216. Anno 1690. 
 
 ^a^^'^^^.^l 
 
 ij^- 
 
^70 Appendix. 
 
 Fear Gnd, and keep his commandments ; for this is the 
 whole fdunjj of man. Let us attend carefully and 
 strictly to both personal and family religion. Let us 
 study to dojistli^, and lO love mercy, and w waU humbly 
 with our God, Let us trusf in the Lord lor ever : for ifi 
 the Lord Jehovah is everlasting stren^tfu Let us endea- 
 vour, throu^xh divine grace, in our station, to be the salt 
 of the earth, and the It-hts of the world; to searcfi tfie 
 Holy Scriptures, bringing all to their test ;— to tru the 
 spirits whether heq are of Gad ;-'to hoid fast that which 
 is good, contendinij: earnf-stly for the faith once delivered 
 to the saints ; mid to folhtw the Lamb whether soevtr He 
 goeth, that we may be also folhtwers of them who through 
 Jaith and paitience inherit the promises. 
 
 And for the aid and encouragement of true Covenanters, 
 and with a view to excite a laudable zeal for the glorious 
 work of Reformation, two excellent Speeches which were 
 delivered before subscribing the Covenant, at Margaret's 
 Chuixh, Westminster, on the 25th of Sep. i64-3, are 
 here subjoined at the end of this work, and as a conclu- 
 sion to it. These Speeches were delivered by two eminent 
 Divines, Messrs Nye and Henderson, and now follow. 
 
 An Ea^hortation made to the Honourable House of Conu 
 mons, and Rererend Diriyies of the Assembly^ by Mx 
 A YEy before he read the Covenant, 
 
 A Great and solemn work (Honourable and Reverend) 
 this day is put into our hands, let us stir up and awaken 
 our hearts unto it. We deal with God as well as with men, 
 and with God in his greatness and excellency, for by him 
 we swear ; and at the same time we have to do with God 
 and his goodness, who now reacheth out unto us a 
 strong and seasonable arm of assistance. The goodness 
 of God procuring succour and help to a sinful and afflict- 
 ed people, (such are we) ought to be matter of fear and 
 trembling even to all that hear of it, Jer. xxxiii, 9, Wf 
 
Appendix, 37 1 
 
 are to exalt and acknowledge him this day, who is fear- 
 ful in praises, swear by that Name which is Holy and 
 Reverend, enter into a Covenant and League that is ne- 
 ver to be forgotten by us nor our posterity, and the trui 
 I hope of it shall be so great, as both we and they shall 
 have cause to remember it with joy ; and such an oattj as 
 for matter, persons, and other circumstances the like 
 hath not been in any age, or oath we read of m sacrea 
 or human stories, ya sufficiently warranted m boin. 
 
 The parties engaging in this League, are three iimg- 
 doms, famous for the knowledge, and the acknowlcdg- 
 ment of Christ above all the kingdoms m the world ; to 
 swear before such a presence, should mould the spirit ot 
 man into a great deal ot reverence : what then to be en- 
 gaged, to be incorporated, and that by sacred oath, wita 
 Inch an high and honourable fraternity ? An oath is to 
 be esteemed so much the more solemn, by how much 
 greater the persons are that swear each to other : as in 
 heaven when God swears to his Son, on earth, when 
 kings swear each to other ; so in this business, where 
 kingdoms swear mutually. 
 
 And as the solemnity of an oath is to be measured by 
 the persons swearing, so by the matter also that is to be 
 sworn to. God would not swear to the covenant ot 
 works, he intended not to honour it so much, it was not 
 to continue, it was not worthy of an oath of his ; but to 
 the covenant of grace, which is the gospel, he swears 
 and repents not of it. God swears for the salvation of 
 men, and of kingdoms : and if kingdoms swear, what 
 subject of an oath becometh them better than the preser- 
 vation and salvation of kingdoms, by estabhshmg the 
 kingdom of a Saviour amongst them, even our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ, who is a Mediator and Saviour tor 
 nations as well as particular persons ? • u , 
 
 The end also is great and honourable, as either ot 
 the former. Two is belter than 07ie, saith he, who best 
 knoweth what is best ; and from whom alone every thing 
 hath the goodness it hath. Association is of oivme oft- 
 spring ; not only the being of creatures, but the putting 
 of them together : the clustre as well as the grape is the 
 
312 Appendix. 
 
 work of God: consort and harmony amongst men, es- 
 pecially amongst saints, is very pleasing unto the Lord ; 
 if when but two or three agree and assent upon any thing 
 on earth, it shall be confirmed in heaven : and for this, 
 because they gather together in his Name, much more 
 when two or three kingdoms shall meet and consent to- 
 gether in Ins Name^ and for his Name, that God may he 
 one^ and his Name one amongst them^ and his presence 
 amidst them. That prayer of Christ seemeth to proceed 
 from a feeling sense of his own blessedness. Father^ that 
 they may be one, as ihou in me, &c. Unity amongst his 
 churches and children must needs therefore be very accep- 
 table unto him : for out of the more deep sense, desires are 
 fetcht from within us, the more pleasing will be the answer 
 of them unto us. Churches and kingdoms are near to God, 
 his patience towards them, his compassions over them more 
 than particular persons, sheweth it plainly. But kingdoms 
 willingly engaging themselves for his kingdom, his Christ, 
 his saints, the purity of religion, his worship and govern- 
 ment, in all particulars, and in all humility sitting down 
 at his feet to receive the law, and the rule from his mouth ; 
 \vhat a price doth he set upon such ? especially, when (as 
 we this day) sensible of our infirmity, of an unfaithful 
 heart not steady with our God, but apt to start from the 
 cause, if we feel the knife or the fire ; who bind ourselves 
 with cords, as a sacrifice to the horns of the altar : we 
 invocate the name of the great God, that his vows, yea, 
 his curse may be upon us, if we do not this ; yea, though 
 we suffer for so doing, that is, if we endeavour not so 
 far as the Lord shall assist us by his grace, to advance the 
 kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ here upon earth, and 
 make Jerusalem once more the praise of the whole world 
 notwithstanding all the contradictions of men. 
 
 What is this but the contents and matter of our oath ? 
 what do we covenant ? what do we vow ? is it not the 
 preservation of religion, where it is reformed, and the 
 reformation of religion, where it needs ? is it not the re- 
 formation of three kingdoms, and a reformation universal, 
 in doctrine, discipline, and worship, in whatsoever the 
 word shall discover unto us ? To practise, is a fruit of love j 
 
Jppendia:. 373 
 
 to reform, a fruit of zeal ; but so to reform, will be a token 
 of great prudence and circumspection in each of these 
 churches : and all this to be done according to God's word, 
 the best rule, and according to the best reformed churches, 
 the best interpreters of this rule. If England hath obtain- 
 ed to any greater perfection in so handling the word of 
 righteousness, and truths, that are according to godliness, 
 as to make men more godly, more righteous : and, if in 
 the Churches of Scotland any more light and beauty in 
 matters of order and discipline, by which their Assem- 
 blies are more orderly : or, if to any other Church, or 
 person, it hath been given better to have learned Christ 
 in any of his ways, than any of us, we shall humbly bow, 
 and kiss their lips that can speak right words unto us, in 
 this matter, and help us into the nearest uniformity with 
 the word and mind of Christ in this great work of refor- 
 mation. 
 
 Honourable and Reverend Brethren, there cannot be a 
 more direct and effectual way to exhort and persuade the 
 wise, and men of sad and serious spirits (and such are you 
 to whom I am commanded to speak this day) than to let in- 
 to their understandings the weight, and worth, and great 
 importance of the work, they are persuaded unto. This 
 oath is such, and in the matter and consequence of it, of 
 such concernment, as I can truly say, it is worthy of us, 
 yea, of all these kingdoms, yea, of all the kingdoms of 
 the world ; for it is swearing fealty and allegiance unto 
 Christ, the King of kings; and a'giving up of all these 
 kingdoms which are in his inheritance, to be subdued 
 more to his throne, and ruled more by his sceptre, upon 
 whose shoulders the government is laid, and, in the in* 
 crease of whose government and peace the?^e shall be no 
 end, Isa. ix. Yea, we find this very thing in the utmost 
 accomplishment of it, to have been the oath of the great- 
 est Angel that ever was, who setting his feet upon two of 
 God's kingdoms, the one upon the sea, the other upon 
 the earth, Hfting up his hand to heaven, as you are to do 
 this day, and so swearing, Rev. x. The effect of that oath 
 you shall find to be this, that the kingdoms of the world 
 become the kingdoms of the Lord and his Christ, and he 
 
374 Appendijc. 
 
 shall reign for ever, Rev. xi» His oath was for the fuH 
 and final accomplishment, this of yours for a gradual, yet 
 a great performance towards it. 
 
 That which the apostles and primitive times did so 
 much and so long pray lor, though never long with 
 much quietness enjoyed, that which our fathers in these 
 latter times have fasted, prayed and mourned after, yet 
 attained not ; even the cause which many dear saints now 
 with God, have furthered by extremest sufferings, po- 
 veriy, imprisonment, banishment, death, even ever since 
 the first dawning of Reformation: that and the very 
 same is the very cause and work that we are come now, 
 through the mercy of Jesus Christ, not only to pray for, 
 bur swear too. And surely it can be no other, but the 
 result and answer of such prayers and tears of such sin- 
 cerity and sufferings, that three kingdoms should be thus 
 born, or rather new born in a day ; that these kmgdoms 
 should be wrought about to so great an engagement, 
 than which nothing is higher: for to this end, kings 
 reign, kingdoms stand, and states are upheld. 
 
 it is a special grace and favour of God unto you Bre- 
 thren, Reverend and Honourable, to vouchsafe you the 
 opportunity, and to put into your hearts (as this day) 
 to engage your lives and estates in matters so much con- 
 cerning him and his glory. And if you should do no 
 more but lay a foundation stone in this ereat work, and 
 by so doing engage posterity after you to finish it, it were 
 honour enough : but there may yet further use be made 
 of you, who'now are to take this oath : you are design- 
 ed as chief master-builders and choice instruments for 
 the effecting of this settled peace and reformation ; which, 
 if the Lord*^shall please to finish in your hands, a greater 
 happiness on earth, nor a greater means to augment your 
 glory and crown in heaven, you are not capable of. And 
 this let me further add for your encouragement, of 
 what extensive good and fruit in the success of it, this 
 very oath may prove to be. we know not. God hath set 
 his covenant lilce the heavens^ not only for duration, but 
 like also for extension. The heavens move and roll 
 about, and so communicate their light, and heat, and 
 
Appendix. Slo 
 
 virtue, to all places and parts of the earth ; so doth the 
 Covenant of God ; so may this gift be given to other cov- 
 enants that are fraTr.<-d to that pattern. How much this 
 Solemn League and Oath may provoke other Reformed 
 Churches to a further reformation of themselves ; what 
 light and heat it may communicate abroad to other parts 
 of the world, it is only in Him to define to whom is given 
 the ufmimends of the tarih pr his inheritance, and work- 
 eth by his exceeding great power, great things out of as 
 small beginnings. 
 
 But however, rhis I am sure of, it is a way m all pro- 
 bability most likely to enable us to preserve and defend 
 our rehgion against our common enemies ; and possibly a 
 more sure foundation this day will be laid for ruining po- 
 pery and prelacy, the chief of them, than as yet we have 
 been led into in any age. 
 
 For popery, it hath been a religion ever dexterous 
 in fencing and mounting itself by association and joint 
 strength. All sorts of professors amongst them are cast 
 into fraternities and brother-hoods ; and these orders care> 
 fully unitfd by vow one with another and under some 
 more general notion of common dependence. Such states 
 also and kingdoms as they have thus made theirs, they 
 endeavour to improve and secure by strict combinations 
 and leagues each to other, witness of late years that La 
 Sainte ligue, the holy league. It will not be unworthy 
 your consideration, whether, seeing the preservation of po- 
 pery hath been by leagues and covenant, God may not 
 make a league or covenant to be the destruction of it. Nay, 
 the very rise of popery seemeth to be after such a manner 
 by kings, that is, kingdoms assenting and agreeing per- 
 haps by some joint covenant (the text saith, with one mtnd, 
 why not then with one mouth) to give their power and 
 strength unto the Beast, and make war against the Lamb, 
 Rev. xvii. where you read the Lamb shall overcome the 
 Beast, and possibly with the same weapons: he is the 
 Lord of lords, and King of kings, he can unite kmgs 
 and kingdoms, and give them one mind also to destroy 
 the whore, and be her utter ruin. And ma^ not this day's 
 work be a happy beginning of such a blessed expedition ? 
 Vol. IL 3 E 
 
576 Appendix, 
 
 Prelacy another common enemy, that we covenant and 
 swear against. What hath been, or what hath the strength 
 of it been, bur a subiile combination of clergy -men formed 
 into a policy or body of their own invention, fraihing them- 
 selves into subordinaMon aiai uepLiidance one upon ano- 
 ther; so that rh mt: rest of each is improved by aU» and 
 a grea' power by ti is means acquired to themselves, as 
 by sad experiet^ce we hav^ lately found. The joints and 
 mt m hers of ihivs body, vou know were knit together by 
 the sacred engagement of an oarh, the oath of canonical 
 obedience as they called it. You remember also with what 
 cunning industry they endeavoured lately to make this oath 
 and covenant more sure for themselves and their posterity, 
 and intended a more public, solemn and universal en. 
 gagtment, than since popt-ry [bis cause of theirs was ever 
 maintained or supported by. And questionless, Ireland 
 and Scotlaiul also must at last have been brought into this 
 holy league with En^j^land But blessed be the Lord, 
 and blessed be his good hand the Parliament, that from the 
 indignation of theiY spirits against so horrid a yoke, have 
 dashed out the very brains oftbis project, and are now this 
 day present before thtf Lord to take and give possession of 
 this blessed ordinance, even an oath and covenant as solemn 
 and of as large extent as they intended theirs, uniting these 
 three kingdoms into such a league and happy combination 
 as will doubtless preserve us and our reformation against 
 them, though their iniquity in the mysteries of it should 
 still be working amongst us. Come therefore (I speak in 
 the words of the Prophet) let us join ourselves to the Lord, 
 and one to another, and each to all, in a perpetual cove* 
 nant fhat bhali not he lor^^otien. 
 
 We are now entering upon a work of the greatest mo- 
 ment and conct rnmeni to us, and to our posterity after us, 
 that ever was undertaken by any of us, or any ot our 
 fore-fathers before us, or neighbouring nations about us ; 
 if the Lord shall bless this our beginning, it will be a 
 happy day, and we shall be a happy people. An oath is 
 a dut) of tho fir^t tonimar-dment. and therefore of the 
 highest and noblest order and rank of duties, therefore 
 
Appendix. 3*7 ( 
 
 must come forth attended with choicest graces, especially 
 with these two, humility, and fear. 
 
 Fear, not only of God, which ought to be in an emi- 
 rient measure, Gen. xxxi. 53. Jacob sware by the tear 
 of his father Isaac, as if he coveied to inherit his father's 
 grace, as well as his father's God : but also, fear of^ an 
 oath It being a dreadful duty, and haih this peculiar, it is 
 estabhshed by the oath of G^d, / have s-wm, that unto 
 me every tongue >haU swear ^ Isa. xlv. 2'6. It is^ made 
 the very character of a saint, he fears an oath, Eccl. ix. 2. 
 
 Humility is another grace rtqui ite. Set your hearts 
 before God in an humble obedient trame ; Deut. ix Thmi 
 Shalt tear the Lord thy God. and serve him. and swear ' 
 hij his name. The apostle raul was sensible of this en- 
 gagement, even in the vtry act of this duty, Rom. i. 9. 
 1 call God to witness^ -whom / serve in mi/ spirtt ; although 
 it be a work of the lips, yet the heart and the whole man 
 must be interested if we expect ths worship to be accept- 
 able, Psal. cxix. U>8. Accept the tree-will <:ffiring o; my 
 mouthy and teach me thujud^nnents. 
 
 Also it must be done m ihe greatest simplicity and plain- 
 ness of spirit, in respect of those with whom we covenant ; 
 we call God as a witness betwixt us who searcheth the 
 heart '."with him, is wi^dnm and sirrmrih, the deceived and 
 deceiver is his. Job xii. l9. He hath wisdom to discov- 
 er, and strength to punish, if our hearts be not upright 
 to our brethren in this matter. Let us be contented with 
 this, that the words of our covenant be bands, it may not 
 be so much as in the desire of our hearts that they should 
 become snares, no not to the weakest and simplest person 
 that ioineth with us. On the whole work, make your 
 address unto God, as Jacob did to his father Isaac, and let 
 there be the like fear and jealousy over your spirits. Gen. 
 xxvii.-12. Ml/ father per adventure will ft el me, and I 
 shall seem to him as a deceiver, and I shall bring a curse 
 upon me, and not a blessing, 
 
 - I take Hberty with more earnestness to press this care 
 upon you, because I have observed, oaths and covenants 
 have been undertaken by us formerly, and by the com- 
 mand of authority, the fruit whereof, though great, yet 
 
olS Appendix, 
 
 not answered our expectation ; the Lord surely hath been 
 displeased with the slightness of our hearts in the work. 
 I beseech you be more watchful, and stir up your ht^.irts 
 with more industry this day than ever before. As it is 
 the last oath you are Hkely to take in this kind, so is it our 
 last refuge, tabula pn^t naufr a gium. It this help us not, 
 we are likely to remain to our dving d^^v, ;^n unhappy 
 people ; but if otherwise, you mil rndtied sw^ar uith all 
 your hearts, and seek the Lord uith t^oor u'htde dt>irey 
 God idll be founds and gwe ifOurestT' und ab 'Ut, 2 Chro. 
 XV. 15. 
 
 And having sworn, and entered into thissole^mn engage- 
 ment to God and man, make conscience to do accordingly, 
 otherwise it is better thou shouldst not vow. EccI, v. As 
 Is said of fasting, it is not the bowmg down of the head 
 for a day, so ot this solemn swearing ; it is not the lifting 
 up of the hand for a day, but an honest and faithful endea- 
 vouring after the contents of this covenant all our days. A 
 truce- breaker is reckoned up amongst the viles? of Chris- 
 tians, 2 Tim. jii. 3 So a covenant- breaker is lifted up 
 amongst the worst of Heathens, Rom. i. 31 . But he that 
 swearetb and changeth not though he swear to his hurt, 
 that is, he that will keep his Covenant and O ith, though 
 the contents of it prove not for him, nay possibly against 
 him, yet he will keep it for his oath's snke, such a one shall 
 have his hahitaiion with the Most Hi^h^ and dwell in his 
 tahtryiacle^ PsaL xv And as for you. Reverend Breth- 
 ren, that are Ministers of the gospel, there is yet another 
 obligation will lie upon you : let us look to ourselves, and 
 make provision to walk answerable to this our Covenant 
 for the gospel's sake ; it will reflect a great asperation 
 upon the truth of the gospel, if we should be false or un- 
 constant in any word or purpose, though in a matter of 
 less consequence, as you can easily, collect from that apo- 
 logy of Vaut^ *2 Con i..t7, i 8, how much more in such 
 a case as this is, if we should be found to purpose, nay 
 more, to vow, and covenant, and sw^ear, and all this ac- 
 cording unto the fleshy and with us there shoidd be^ not- 
 withstanding all these obligations, yea^ yea, and nay nay. 
 
 That we may all who take the Covenant this day, br 
 
Appendix. 379 
 
 constant, immoveble, and abound in this work of the Lord, 
 S we mav not start aside, or give back, or go on unco.n- 
 forlably, there .s a twofold grace or quahhcat>on to be 
 
 '''."wets get courage, spirits that are bold and re- 
 .nl ntP tf is said in Hahai, that the Lord stirred up 
 t^nruiri:^a^lio.ern,^ofJuda^^^^^ 
 nf Imliua the ht"h priest, and the spirit (>l all i he temnant 
 tiffpeope, and they came, and did uork in the h.use 
 % the Lord. The vvork ot God's house, retormat.on- 
 work especially, is a stirring work : read stones, you hnd 
 not any where, retormation made in any age, either in 
 doctrine or discipline, wuhout great stir and opposuion. 
 This was foretold by the same prophet. Chap.... ver^7. 
 the promise is. He will fill '«*• *''«'^ w/A gVorz/ But 
 wha? goeth before, ver. t,. Yet once it ts a hnle ufme and 
 I ^,11 shake the heavens, and the earthy and ^e sea, and 
 the ary land, thatis all nalimis, as m the words toilowmg 
 This place is applied Heb. xii. to the removing Jevv.sh 
 rites, ^he moveables of God's house. The like you find 
 in the apostles' times. Acts xvii. the truth being preached 
 some believed, others did not: here beginneth the stir, 
 ver 6. Those that believed not, took unto themelves 
 certain lewdjellows of the baser sort, and gathered a com- 
 pany, and set all the city in an uproar ; and when hey 
 id done so. complained of the brethren to the rulers 
 as men that turn the xvorld upside down, s^r 6. read also 
 Acts xxi. ii7, SO, 31. In such a vvork therefore, men 
 had need be of stout, resolute, and composed spirits, that 
 we may be able to go on in the main and stir in the 
 midst of such stirs, and not be amazed at any such do- 
 ings. It may possibly happen, that even amongs your- 
 selves, therJwiU be outcries, Sir, you will undo all, saith 
 one, you will put all into confusion, sa.th another ; it 
 YOU take this course, saith a third, we can expect nothing 
 but blood : but a wise statesman, like an experienced sea- 
 man, knoweth the compass of his vessel, and though i 
 heave, toss, and the passengers cry out about h.m ye 
 in the midst of all, he is himself, turneth not aside from 
 his work, but stcereth on his course. I beseech you, let 
 
3B0 Appendix. 
 
 it be seriously considered, if you mean to do any such 
 work in the hoiise ot God as this is ; it you mean to pluck 
 up what many years ago was planted, or to build up what 
 so long ago was pulled down, and to po thrc>ugh with this 
 work, and not be discouraged, you must bt-g ot the Lord 
 this excellent spirit, this resolute stirring spirit, otherwise 
 you will be outspirited, and both you and your cause 
 slighted and dishonoured, 
 
 2. On the other hand, we must labour for humility, 
 piudence, gentleness, meekness. A man may be very 
 zealous and resolute, and yet very meek and mercifuh 
 Jesus Christ was a Lion and yet a Lamb also ; in one place 
 he telleth them, he comtth to %qx\& fire on tht earth: 
 and in another place, rebuketh his disciples foi their fiery 
 spirits, Luke ix. 59. There was the like composition in 
 Moses^ and in Paul; and it is of great use, especially in 
 this work ot reformation. I have not observed any dis- 
 putes carried on with more bitterness in men*s writings, 
 and with more unsanctrfied heat of spirit, yea, and by god- 
 ly men too, than in controversies, about discipline, Church- 
 government, ceremonies, and the like. Surely, to argue 
 about government with such ungoverned passions, to 
 argue for reformation with a spirit so unreformed, is very 
 uncomely. Let us be zealous, as Christ was, to cast out 
 all, to extirpate and root out every plant his heavenly Fa- 
 ther hath not planted ; and yet let us do it in an orderly 
 way, and with the Spirit of Christ, whose servants we are. 
 Ihe servant of ihe Lord must not stiive, but be gentle to 
 all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those 
 that oppose, 2 Tim. ii. '24, 25. We solemnfy engage this 
 day our utmost endeavours for > reformation ; let us re- 
 member this, that too much hear, as well as too much 
 coldness, may harden men in their ways, and hinder re- 
 iormation. 
 
 Brethren, let us come to this blessed work with such a 
 frame ot heart, with such a mind for the present, with 
 such resolutions for the time to come ; let us not be wanting 
 to the opportunity, God hath put into our hands this day ; 
 and then I can promise you, as the prophet, consider this 
 day and upwards^ evenjrom this daij^ that thejoundation 
 
' Appendix, . SSi 
 
 of the Lord's work is laid, consider it, from this dai/ mil 
 Ihle^s ymi. saitk the' Lord. Nay, we have received as 
 it were the first bruits of this promise ; for as it is said oisome 
 men's good works, they are manifest before hand, 1 Tim. 
 V even so may be said of the good work of this day, it 
 is manifest before hand. God hath as it were bebre hand 
 testified his acceptance ; while we were thinking and pur- 
 posing this free will offering, he was protectmg and defend- 
 ing our army, causing our enemies, the enemies ot this 
 work to flee before us, and gave us a victory, not to be 
 despised. Surely this Oath and Covenant shall be Judah s 
 joy, the joy and comfort of this whole kingdom, yea, of 
 all the three kingdoms. , . c . . 
 
 Jesus Christ King of the saints govern us by his Spirit, 
 strengthen us by his power, undertake for us according as 
 he hath sworn, even the oath which he sware to our father 
 Abraham, tluit he would grant unto us, that we being de^ 
 livered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him 
 without fear, in hdiness and righteousness before hm all 
 the days of our life, Lu^e i. Grant unto us also, that 
 when this life is finished, and we gathered to our fathers, 
 tuere may be a generation out of our loins to stand up m 
 this cause, that his great, and reverend name may be 
 exalted from one generation to another, until he himself 
 shall come, and perfect all with his own wisdom : even so 
 come Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen. 
 
 A Speech delivered by Mr 4 LE^Al^rDER Henderson, im- 
 mediately before tlie talcing of tlw Covenant by the 
 House of Commons, and Assembly of Divines. 
 
 Although the time be far spent, yet am I bold (Hon- 
 ourable. Reverend, and beloved in the Lord) to crave, 
 your patience a little. It were both sin and shame to us 
 in this so acceptable a time in this day, which the Lord 
 hath made, to be silent and to say nothing: if we should 
 hold our peace, we could neither be answerable to God, 
 whose cause and work is in hand, nor to this Church and 
 kingdom, unto which we have made so large profcssiorx 
 
SS2 . Appendix. 
 
 of duty, and owe much more ; nor to our native king- 
 dom, so abundant in affection towards you ; nor to our 
 own hearts, which exceedingly rejoice to see this day : 
 we have greater reason than the leprous men sitting in a 
 time of great extremity at the gate of Samaria^ to say one 
 to another. We do not well, this day is a day of good tidings, 
 and we hold our peace ; it is true the Syna?is are not yet 
 fled ; but our hope is through God, that the work begun 
 this day, being sincerely performed and faithfully pursued, 
 shall put to flight, not only the Syrians ah^ BabylonianSy 
 but all other enemies of the Church of God, of the king's 
 honour, and of our liberty and peace. 
 
 For it is acceptable to God, and well pleasing in his 
 sight, when his people come willingly in the day of his 
 power (and how shall they not be willing in the day of 
 his power ?) to enter into a religious Covenant with him, 
 and amongst themselves whatsoever be the condition of 
 the people of God, whether in sorrow and humiliation 
 before deliverance, or in rejoicing and thanksgiving after 
 deliverance. This is it which the Lord waits for at their 
 hands, which they have been used to perform, and with 
 which he hath been so well pleased, that it hath been the 
 fountain of many deliverances and blessings unto them. 
 When a people beginneth to forget God, he lifteth up his 
 hand against them and smiteth them : and when his people 
 humbled before him, lift up their hands not only in suppli- 
 cation, but in Covenant before the most High God, he is 
 pleased (such is his mercy and wonderful compassion) 
 first, to lift up his hand unto them, saying, I am the Lord 
 your GocL as we have it three times in two verses of the 
 twentieth of Ezekiel : and next he str^^tcheth out his hand 
 against his enemies and theirs. It is the best work of faith, 
 to join in Covenant with God, the best work of love and 
 Christian communion to join in Covenant with the people 
 of God ; the best work of the best zeal, to join in Cov- 
 enant for reformation, against the enemies of God and 
 religion ; the best work of true loyalty, to join in Cove- 
 nant for the preservation of our king and superiors ; and 
 the best proof of natural affection, (and to be without na- 
 tural affection, is one of the great sins of the Gentiles) to 
 
Jppendi:v. S8S 
 
 join in Covenant for defence of our native country, liber- 
 ties, and laws. Such, as from these necessary ends do 
 with-draw, and are not willing to enter into Covenant, 
 have reason to enter into their own hearts, and to look 
 into their own faith, love, zeal, loyalty, and natural affec- 
 tion. 
 
 As it is acceptable to God, so have we for it the prece- 
 dent and example, not only of the people of God of old, 
 of the reformed Churches of G^rmrt//^, and the Low Coun- 
 tries ; but of our own noble and Christian progenitors in 
 the time of the danger of religion, which is expressed in 
 the Covenant itself. The defect was, they went not on 
 throughly to enter in a solemn Covenant, an happiness 
 reserved for this time ; which had they done, the corrup- 
 tions and calamities of these days might have been pre- 
 vented. And if the Lord shall be pleased to move, loose, 
 and enlarge the hearts of his people in His Majesty's do- 
 minions to take this Covenant, not in simulation, nor in 
 lukewarmness, as those that are almost persuaded to be 
 Christians, but as becometh the people of God, it shall 
 be the prevention of many evils and miseries, and a mean 
 of many and rich blessings, spiritual and temporal to our- 
 selves, our little ones, and the posterity that shall come 
 after us for many generations. 
 
 The near and neighbouring example of the Church and 
 Kingdom of Scotland^ is in this case worthy of our best 
 observation : when the Prelates there, were grown by 
 their rents and lordly dignities, by their exorbitant power 
 over all sorts of his Majesty's subjects, mi'iisters and o- 
 thers, by their places in Parliament, Council, College of 
 Justice, Exchequer, and High Commission, to a mon- 
 strous dominion and greatness, and like giants, setting 
 their one foot on the neck of the Church, and the other 
 on the neck of the State, were become intolerably insolent. 
 And when the people of God through their oppression in 
 religion, liberties and laws, and what was dearest unto 
 them, were brought so low that they choosed rather to 
 die, than to live in such slavery, or to live in any other 
 place, rather than in their own native country : then did 
 the Lord say, / have seen, I have seen the affliction of 
 
 Vol. IL 3 F 
 
584 Appendix, 
 
 my people^ and I have heard their groaning^ and am 
 com^^ down to dt liver them. Yhe beginnings were small, 
 and contenipribie in the eyes of the presumptuous enemies, 
 such as used to be the beginnings of the greatest works 
 of God ; but we;re so seconded and continually followed 
 by the undeniable evidences ot Divine Providence, lead- 
 ing them forward from one step to another, that their 
 mountain became strong in the end. No tongue can tell 
 whit motions filled the hearts, what tears were poured 
 forth from the eyes, and what cries came from the mouths 
 of many thousands in that land, when they found an un- 
 wonted flame warming their breasts, and perceived the 
 power of God raising them from the dead, and creating 
 for them a new world, wherein should dwell religion and 
 righteousness. When they were destitute both of monies 
 and munition, which next unto the spirit and arms of men, 
 are the sinews of war, the Lord brought them forth out 
 of his hid treasures, which was wonderful in their eyes, 
 anvl matter of astonishment to their hearts; when they 
 were many times at a pause in their deliberations, and 
 brought to such perplexity, that they knew not what to 
 choose or to do for prosecuting the work of God, only 
 their eyes were towards him ; not only the fears and fu- 
 ries, but the plots also and policies of the adversaries, 
 opened the way unto them, their devices were turned 
 upon their own heads, and served for the promoting of 
 the work of God, The purity of their intentions elevated 
 above base and earthly respects, and the constant peace 
 of their hearts in the midst of many dangers, did bear 
 them out against'the malicious accusations and aspersions 
 put upon their actions : all which, were sensible impres- 
 sions of the good Providence ot God, and legible charac- 
 ters of his work ; which as the Church and Kingdom of 
 Ens;lnnd exercised at this time with greater difficulty than 
 theirs, have in part already found ; so shall the parallel 
 be perfected to their greater comfort in the faithful pur- 
 suing of the work unto the end. 
 
 Necessity, which hath in it a kind of sovereignity, and 
 is a law above all laws, and therefore is said to have no 
 law, doth mightily press the Church and Kingdom of iScot- 
 
Appendix* 385 
 
 Ia7id at this time. It is no small comfort unto them, that 
 they have not been idle and at ease, bui have used all good 
 and lawful means of suppUcarions, declarations and remon- 
 strances to His Majesty, for quenching the combustion in 
 this Kingdom : and after all these, that they sent Com- 
 missioners to His Majesty, humbly to mediate for a re- 
 concilement and pacification : but the offer of their hum- 
 ble service was rejected from no other reason, but that 
 they had no warrant nor capacity for such a mediation ; 
 and that the intermixture of the government of the Church 
 of England, with the civil government of the Kingdom, 
 was such a mystery as could not be understood by them. 
 Although it be true, which was at that time often replied, 
 that the eight demand of the treaty, and the answer given 
 thereunto, concerning the uniformity of religion, was a 
 sufficient ground of capacity ; and the proceedings ot the 
 Houses of Parliament against Episcopal government, as a 
 stumbling block hindering Reformation, and as a prejudice 
 to the Civil State, was ground enough for their informa- 
 tion. Ihe Commissioners having returned from his Ma- 
 jesty without success, and the miseries of In land, the 
 distresses of England, and the dangers and pressures of 
 the Kingdom of Scotland, growing to greater extremity ; 
 such as were intrusted with the public affairs of the King- 
 dom, were necessitate, according to the practice of for- 
 mer times, His Majesty having denied a Parliament, to call 
 a Convention of the Estates, tor considering of the present 
 affairs, and for providing the best remedies: which im- 
 mediately upon their meeting, by the special Providence 
 of God, did receive information of diverse treacherous 
 attempts of papists in all the three Kingdoms, as if they 
 had been called for that effect. And by the same Pro- 
 vidence, Commissioners were sent from both Houses ol 
 Parliament, to consider with the Estate s of the Kingdom, 
 of ScoUavd, of such articles and propositions, as might 
 make the conjunction betwixt the two nations, more bene- 
 ficial and effectual for the securing of religion and liberty 
 against papists and prelates with their adherents. Then- 
 consultations with the Commissioners of ^he General As- 
 sembly, did in the end bring forth a Covenant, as the 
 
^jSG Appendix, 
 
 only mean after all other have been essayed, for the de- 
 liverance of England and Ireland out of the depths of af- 
 fliction, preservation of the C'hurch an Kingdom of ScoU 
 land from the extremity of misery, and the safety of our 
 native King and his kingdoms, from destruction and deso- 
 lation. This is the manifold necessity, which nature, re- 
 ligion, loyalty and love hath laid upon thv m. 
 
 Nor is it unknown in this Honourable, Reverend and 
 wise Audience, what errors and heresies in ducirine ; what 
 superstition and idolatry in worship, what usurpation and 
 tyranny in government, what cruelty against the souls 
 and bodies of the saints have been set on foot, exercised, 
 and executed for many generations, and now of late by 
 the Roman Church. All which we hope through the 
 blessing of God upon this work shail be brought to an 
 end. Had the Pope at Rome the knowledge of what is 
 doing this day in Fmiland. and were this Covenant writ- 
 ten on the plaisrer of the wall over against him, where 
 he sitteih Be/s/i a zzar Aike in his sacrilegious pomp, it 
 would make his heari to tremble, his countenance to 
 change, his head and mitre to shake, his joints to loose, 
 and all his cardinals and prelates to be asiojiished. 
 
 When the reformed Churches, which by their letters 
 have been exciting us to Christian communion and sym- 
 pathy in this time of the danger of religion and distress of 
 the godly, shall hear of this blessed conjunction for uni- 
 formity in religion, according to the word of God and the 
 defence thereof, it shall quicken their hearts against the 
 heaviness of oppressing sorrows and fears ; and be no o- 
 ther than a beginning of a jubilee and joyful deliverance 
 unto them, from the antichristian yoke and tyranny. 
 
 Upon these and the like considerations, we are very 
 confident, that the Church and Kingdom of Scotland will 
 most cheerfully join ''n this Covenant ; at the first motion 
 whereof, their bov/els were moved within them. And 
 to give testimony of this our confidence, we who are 
 Commissioners from the General Assembly, although we 
 have no particular and express Commission for that end 
 (not from want of willingness, but of foresight) offer to 
 join our hearts and hands unto it, being assured, that the 
 
Appendix, 387 
 
 Lord in his own time will, against all opposition, even a- 
 gainst the gates of hell, crown it with a blesbing from hea- 
 ven. The word of God is for it, as you have been now 
 resolved by the consent and testimony of a Reverend As- 
 sembly of so many godly, learned, and great Divines, 
 In your own sense and experience, you will find, that al- 
 though, while you are assaulted or exercised with worldly 
 cares and fears, your thoughts may somewhat trouble and 
 divert you ; yet at other times, when upon seeking of God 
 in private or public, as in the evening of a well spent Sab- 
 bath or day ot fast and humiliation, your disposition is 
 more spiritual and leaving the world behind you; you 
 have found access unto God through Jesus Christ; the 
 bent and inclinations of your hearts will be strongest to 
 go through with this work. It is a good testimony that 
 our designs and ways are agreeable to the will of God, if 
 we affect them most when our hearts are furthest from the 
 world, and our temper is most spiritual and heavenly, 
 and least carnal and earthly. As the word of God, so 
 the prayers of the people of God in all the reformed 
 Churches are for us and on our side. It were more ter- 
 rible than an army, to hear that there were any fervent 
 supplications to God against us : blasphemies, curses, and 
 horrid imprecations there be, proceeding from another 
 spirit, and that is all. That Divine Providence also which 
 hath maintained this cause, and supported his servants in 
 a marvellous manner unto this day, and which this time 
 past hath kept things in an equal balance and vicissitude 
 of success, will, we trust from this day forth, through 
 the weight of this Covenant, cast the balance and make 
 religion and righteousness to prevail, to the glory of God, 
 the honour of our King, the confusion of our common 
 enemies, and the comfort and safety of the people of God : 
 which may He grant, who is able to do above any thing 
 (hat we can ask or think* 
 
 END OF VOL. II. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 OF VOLUME IL 
 
 Page. 
 
 Preface, ----. -,--iii 
 
 Henry Hall, B. D of Norwich, - 5 
 
 Humphrey Hardwick, ---. ..-6 
 
 Robert Harris, D D. 7 
 
 Charles Herle, AM. 24? 
 
 Richard Heyrick, A. M. of Manchester, SO 
 
 Gasper Hicks, A. M 32 
 
 Thomas Hill, D. D - 34 
 
 Thomas Hodges, B. D. 42 
 
 Joshua Hoyle, D. D 45 
 
 John Jackson, A. M. ----- .-48 
 
 John Langley, -- ..---49 
 
 John Ley, A. M. - - - 50 
 
 John Lightfoot, D. D. . - - 55 
 
 John De La March, 70 
 
 Stephen Marshall, B. D. 72 
 
 John Maynard, A. M. - 84 
 
 William Mewe, B. D. 85 
 
 Thomas Micklethwait, 86 
 
 Matthew Newcomen, M. A. 87 
 
 Philip Nye, M. A. - 89 
 
 Henry Painter, B. D of Exeter, ---94 
 
 Herbert Palmer, B. D. 95 
 
 Edward Peale of Compton, -----------117 
 
 Andrew Perne, A.M. 1^8 
 
 John Philips, - - - - 120 
 
 Benjamin Pickering, --lo. 
 
 Samuel De La Place, --- .--- 12- 
 
Contents. 389 
 
 Page. 
 
 William Price, B. D. 123 
 
 Nicholas Proffet, ^^^ 
 
 William Rathbaud, MA. 125 
 
 William Reyner 
 
 B.a 127 
 
 Edward Reynolds, D. D. 128 
 
 1 Q I 
 
 Arthur Solway, - , ^^^ 
 
 Henry Scudder, B D. • - - - 13^ 
 
 Lazarus Seaman, D. D. 136 
 
 Obadiah Sedgwick, B D. 14^1 
 
 Richard Simpson, B. D. 14-5 
 
 Peter Smith, D D 1^8 
 
 William Spurstow, D. D. - . - • 2^* 
 
 Edmond Staunton, D. D. 152 
 
 Peter Sterry, B. D. 17^ 
 
 John Strickland, B. D. 1'77 
 
 Francis Taylor, B. D. 179 
 
 Thomas Temple, D. D. 1^2 
 
 Christopher Tesdale, AM. r IS^ 
 
 Thomas Thorowgood, B D. 1^^ 
 
 Anthony Tuckney, D. D. - - - 1^^ 
 
 Thomas Valentine, B. D. ' - - 1^^ 
 
 Richard Vines, AM. 1^1 
 
 George Walker, B. D. - . - - 199 
 
 John Wallis, D. D. ----- - 205 
 
 John Ward, 215 
 
 John Whincop, D. D. i^- 
 
 Jeremiah Whitaker, A. M. - - - * 216 
 
 Henry Wilkinson, B. D. 247 
 
 Thomas Wilson, A. M. 251 
 
 Francis Woodcock, A. B. - 265 
 
 Thomas Young, D. D. 267 
 
 SCOTTISH COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 Robert BailHe, D. D. - -. 270 
 
 George Gillespie, 278 
 
 Alexander Henderson^ -- 284? 
 
 Samuel Rutherford, 34-5 
 
590 Contents, 
 
 SCRIBES. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Adoniram Byfield, A. M. 365 
 
 Henry Roborough, 3(54 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Additional Information, --. 365 
 
 Confession of Faith, «&c. - 367 
 
 Mr Nye's Speech, ----- 37O 
 
 Mr Henderson's Speech, 381 
 
 S. YOUNG, PRINTER, 
 
■r^^e#;.^-% 
 
 r