gives this Testimony That it hath been of singular good use to many poor souls for their preparation to that Ordinance And in very deed saith he those questions and answers do more fully furnish a Christian to that whole spiritual duty then any other in any language that I know in so small a compass Master Cotton also mentioneth in the foresaid Epistle a Letter of Master Hildersams to a Gentlewoman against separation which without his consent a Separatist Master Francis Johnson printed and refuted Which saith Master Cotton hath so strongly and clearly convinced the iniquity of that way that I could not but acknowledge in it both the wisedome of God and the weaknesse of the Separatist His wisdome in bringing to light such a beam of the light of his truth by the hand of an adversary against the Authors mind and the weakness of the other to advance the hand of his adversary to give himself and his cause such a deadly wound in open view as neither himself nor all his associates can be able to zeal His judgment and testimony of the Author and his Lectures on John 4. you may read in that Epistle In a private Letter of his from Boston February 3. 1629. to him he mentioneth a Letter he received from a Dutch Minister in London one Timotheus Van Ul-eren who telleth him he had sent sundry of the Books on Iohn 4. to Ministers beyond the Seas who do read them with such great satisfaction that the said Dutch Minister did in the name of many others intreat Master Cotton to beseech Master Hildersam to put forth his Sermons on Psal. 51. and other his lucubrations And accordingly Master Cotton in that Letter writeth thus Since the Sermons already on part of the Psalm do arise to a just and full volume be intreated to hearken to the desires of so many at home and abroad and give them leave to be doing good whilest the rest are preparing You have cause to love the Lord your God with all your might and therefore since those Sermons might be shewing your love to God in working his work before their fellows do not hold back any part of their service to the Church for the present time This his request he renewed in another Letter of Iuly 23. 1629. Having mentioned the testimony and judgment of the Reverend Master Cotton concerning Master Hildersam and his labours whom in his Reply to Master Roger Williams answer of his Letter p. 117. he stileth A man of a thousand I shall insert another testimony of a man deservedly famous in the Church Doctor Preston then Fellow of Queens Colledge in Cambridge concerning the formentioned Lectures on Iohn 4. He having long desired at length obtained of Master Hildersam the Copy of them which he kept a long time and perused and being desired to deliver his opinion of them in his Letter to the Author November 28. 1615. speaketh thus I will say to you faithfully and ingenuously what I think without adding a word more then mine own heart is perswaded of First in general for putting them to the Presse I do not only think that they are worthy of it but so far as any intreaty of mine might prevail I should presse you to it as depriving Gods Church of a very great Benefit if you should refuse In particular besides the profitablenesse of the matter these two things I observe in the reading of it First throughout the whole carriage there appeareth a continued strength that I may so call it without any failing or deficiency without any inequality unevennesse of deformity of some parts with the rest Secondly it is presse and succinst though large the things choice and pertinent and throughly depending each on other In brief so it is there is nothing that need be added and nihil quod amputem So that when I went about to take out some things for mine own use briefly I could not almost tell what to leave out To say all in a word Sir I do think it is such as will answer to your name and such as men would look for from you There are very few writings but wherein we commonly see some failings in these two particulars which I mentioned Besides the method I much like as very judicious which hath not ruled you but you it in a seasonable changing it as your matter lyeth so casting the frame of it that it extorteth not more then is necessary from you nor cutteth off any thing that you would deliver which one precise uniform method strictly kept often doth I hope it will be a good help to Ministers when they read it and bring the metod of Doctrine and Uses into more credit These are Doctor Prestons own words in his Letter Unto this ample and laudable testimony given by these two Worthies this may be added that his most grave and authoritative manner of preaching did give an edge and excellency unto his Ministry Though Master Hildersam in the judgment of these eminent Divines at home and abroad and most others that knew him were a man of such worth and ability and whose labours were so usefull in the Church yet was he for a long time by the then prevailing power in the Church cast aside like a broken vessel After his censure in the High-Commission Court he lived privately a long time sometimes in the City sometimes in the Countrey He was alwaies whether silent or having a liberty to preach a constant student when he was in the Countrey and had conveniency of place and weather he used to walk alone every morning near an hour to meditate In the morning he read constantly a Chapter whence he gathered some observations and wrote them in a Book with the reference to some common-place in the margent which he referred to his Common-place Book by numbers The like he did out of many Books that he read in others which he read he referred the most observable things in them to his Common-place Book by the pages in them As he was much in secret Prayer so was he fervent therein yea frequent in holy ejaculations audibly expressed as was observed by some godly friends whose occasions brought them often near to the place where he studied He was alwaies a diligent frequenter of the publique Assemblies whether he were in the City or Countrey he used often even in his old age to write Sermons in the Church He so highly prized the Ministry of the Word that he would often say He never heard any godly Minister preach though but of weak parts but he got some Benefit by him He sojourned in many Families and alwaies by his godly and amiable carriage got love and esteem of all in the house In all places where he did reside or whether he came occasionally he was alwaies helpfull in Family-Prayers in expounding the Scriptures read and in the repetition of the Sermons preached in the publique Congregation being also willing by private conference to
both in the same Ship and ere it was out of ken two of the Guard were upon the shore to have apprehended Doctor Sands but God gave them a good passage so that they arrived safely at Antwerp and were invited to dinner to Master Locks house and as they were at dinner Master George Gilpin Secretary to the English house came to them and whispering to Doctor Sands said King Philip hath sent to make search for you and to apprehend you hereupon he immediately rose from dinner and though it rained very fast yet he went out at the gate that leads towards Cleveland where meeting with a Wagon he hasted away and came safely to Ausburg in Cleveland where he tarried fourteen daies and then travelled to Strasbourgh where after he had continued one year his Wife came to him There he fell sick of a great Flux which held him nine moneths and brought him to deaths door He had a child also that fell sick of the Plague and died His godly and vertuous Wife also fell sick of a Consumption and died in his armes Whil'st he remained there he was chiefly maintained by one Master Isaac an English Gentleman of Kent and one that suffered exile for the same cause of Christ he so entirely loved him that he was alwaies more ready to give then Doctor Sands was ready to receive so that he gave him above a hundred marks which Doctor Sands afterwards thankfully repayed again After the death of his Wife he travelled to Zurick in Switzerland and there sojourned in the house of Peter Martyr for five weeks space at the end whereof as they sate at dinner news was brought them of Queen Maries death and Doctor Sands by his friends was sent for back to Strasbourgh This news occasioned joy to all but Doctor Sands who was stricken to the heart to think that he was called back to new sorrows Master Bullinger and the other Ministers feasted him before his departure from Zurick and so he returned back to Strasbourgh where he preached and so in the company of Master Grindall he came for England arriving at London upon the Coronation-day of Queen Elizabeth By her for his singular piety and learning he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Worcester An. Christi 1559. and afterwards he was removed to the Bishoprick of London An. Christi 1570. And lastly he succeeded Doctor Grindall in the Archbishoprick of York Anno Christi 1576. In all which places he governed the Church with singular prudence and modesty and having finished his course on earth he went to receive his Crown in Heaven August the eighth Anno Christi 1588. being about the age of sixty and lies buried in the Collegiate Church of Southwell in Nottingham-shire He was a man of whom it is hard to say whether he were more famous for his admirable vertues or great learning as his Sermons yet extant in print do manifest He left many children of which three were Knights excellently qualified both in mind and body especially Sir Edwin Sands who deserved so well of his Countrey The Life of Master Richard Greenham who died about the year 1591. I Can yet learn nothing concerning the Countrey Parentage or first Education of Mr. Richard Greenham The first place where I find him was in Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge where he followed his Studies so hard and was so eminent for his proficiency in learning that he was chosen Fellow in that Society and after a while he was called to a Pastoral charge at Dry-Drayton not far from Cambridge and like a faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ he spared no paines amongst his people whereby he might advance the good of their souls His constant course was to preach twice on the Lords day and before the evening Sermon to Catechize the young people of the Parish His manner also was to preach on Mundayes Tuesdayes and Wednesdayes and on Thursdayes to catechize the youth and again on Fridayes to preach to his people and that on these week dayes the people might have the better opportunity to attend upon his Ministry his course was to be in the Pulpit in the morning so soon as he could well see He was so earnest and took such extraordinary pains in his preaching that his shirt would usually be as wet with sweating as if it had been drenched in water so that he was forced so soon as he came out of the Pulpit to shift himself and this wonderfull and excessive paines he took all his time Twice a day he prayed in his Family and after Sermon he used to call his servants together and examined them of what they heard and what they remembred And besides all these his publike labours he studied very hard rising every day both Winter and Summer at four of the clock in the morning He was very eminent for his charity to the poor whereof we have this notable Example In a time of scarcity when Barley was at ten groats the Bushell which in those daies was an extraordinary price he by his prudence brought it to passe that the poor had it sold to them for four groats the Bushell of every Husbandman in the Town and thus he effected it There were about twenty Plough-holders in the Town all which he by his holy perswasions drew to an agreement amongst themselves to hire a common granary and therein to lay up Corn for the poor some more some lesse every man accordingly to his ability so that some laid up one Coom some a quarter some three Cooms and Master Greenham himself laid in five Cooms all which was delivered out to the poor at a groat a peck There was one day in the week appointed for all the poor to come and be served at which time every one received according to their charge where there were but two in a Family they received one peck a week and so more according to that proportion only no Family had above three pecks a week He kept but two Beasts himself that the poor might have his straw and when other men sold their straw for two Shillings the dayes thresh he sold his for ten pence So that in that dear time all the poor in the Parish had been well neer famished had it not been for his prudence and liberality which he also continued till the price of Corn abated which was suddainly and extraordinarily for that Corn which was sold for a noble the Bushell was within one moneth after sold for fourteen pence the Bushell But during the fore-mentioned dearth by publike Order the Bushels were cut and made lesse This Master Greenham preached much against and publikely reproved wheresoever he came and withall gave his man a charge that if the Clerk of the Market sent for his Bushell to cut it he should not carry it in which was done accordingly for which he came into some trouble but the Lord delievered him out of the same Also at
of the Queen and State wrote to Master Cartwright earnestly requesting him to undertake the work assuring him also of such aid as should further him in the finishing thereof for which end he sent him one hundred pounds towards the charges of buying Books and procuring Writers which were to be employed by him therein This was Anno 1583. The same year also he was earnestly sollicited by the most learned men of the University of Cambridge by a solemn Epistle with joynt consent written to him to undertake the answer wherein amongst other passages they have these expressions With you we are earnest most Reverend Cartwright that you would set your self against the unhallowed endeavours of these mischievous men either by refuting the whole Book or at least some part thereof It is not for every man Work-man-like to frame Gods Tabernacle but for Bazaleel and Aholiab neither is every one rashly to be thrust forth into the Lords battels but such Captains are to be chosen from amongst Davids Worthies Of which as we acknowledge you to be one by the former battels undergone for the wals of our City the Church we doubt not if you will enter this War which truly you ought to 〈◊〉 according to the Zeal and Piety you bear to your Countrey and Religion but that you fighting for Conscience and Countrey yea even for the very inmost holy place of the Temple will be able to tread underfoot the forces of the Jebusites which set themselves to assault the Tower of David Moreover which may marvellously sharpen the edge of your courage you are not now to fight with a Brother or fellow of the same Religion which maketh the Conflict more faint but with the most inveterate enemies of Jesus Christ c. Then they thus conclude You see to what an honourable fight we invite you Christs business shall be undertaken against Satans Champions We stir you up to fight the battels of our Lord where the Victory is certain which the triumph and applause of the Angels will ensue Our Prayers shall never be wanting unto you Christ without doubt whose cause is defended will be preset with you The Lord Jesus much increase your courage and strength and keep you very long in safety for his Churches good Vale. This was subscribed by Roger Goad William Whittaker Thomas Crook John Ireton William Fulk John Field Nicholas Crane Giles Seintler Richard Gardener William Charke c. But besides these the Reverend Ministers of London and Suffolk did by their several letters earnestly exhort him to this work and Master Cartwright was at last by these importunities drawn to undertake it and neither diligence nor constancy was wanting in him to have carried it on to perfection but he met with such great discouragements and hinderances from Potent Adversaries that he was forced often to lay pen aside yea Arch-Bishop Whitgift sent him a positive command that he should deal no further in it yet afterwards by an Earl and privy Counsellor of great note and some other noble Personages he was at last drawn to take pen in hand again But receiving new discouragements and having such continual employment in the Ministry he lived not to perfect that work Whilst he was at Warwick being silenced by the Bishops he was requested by the Lord Zouch Governour of Gernsey to go with him into that Island with whom he continued some time and in the mean space he substituted one Master Lord a godly and holy Minister then living at Woolstone in his room at the Hospital in Warwick allowing him the greatest part of the profits of the place during his abode there and the rest he caused to be distributed amongst the poor He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world and for riches he sought them not yea he rejected many opportunities whereby he might have enriched himself His usual manner was when he had good summes of gold sent him to take only one piece lest he should seem to slight his Friends kindnesse and to send back the rest with a thankfull acknowledgement of their love and his acceptance of it professing that for that condition wherein God had set him he was as well furnished as they for their high and great places His manner was not to keep any more money in his purse but what might serve for charitable uses He was very bountifull to poor Schollers He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the Town of Warwick besides what he gave to the Prisoners and upon other occasions both at home and abroad For his Houshold affairs he never troubled himself with them but wholly left them to be ordered and managed by the Prudence of his Wife He was very carefull to regulate and order the businesses of the Hospital for the best advantage of the poor Brethren He continued his diligence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age and his usual manner was to rise at two three and four a clock in the morning at the latest both summer and winter notwithstanding that his bodily infirmities were such that he was forced to study continually kneeling upon his knees He was of a very meek and quiet spirit as appears in those conflicts which he had with Doctor Whitgift and Doctor Sutcliffe wherein he used soft words and hard arguments he could not endure so much as in private to hear his adversaries reproached and if any in his presence used disgracefull speeches of them he would sharply reprove them for it saying That it 's a Christians duty to pray for and not to reproach his adversaries and when Martin Mar-Prelates Book came forth he shewed much dislike of the Satyrical and tart language used therein He was also very humble not enduring to hear any thing spoken in his own commendation or any titles given him which in the least measure savoured of ambition He affected not popularity but avoided it as much as possibly he could Indeed all his ambition was to advance the Kingdom and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ and to promote Gods glory It was the great joy and rejoycing of his heart to hear of the welfare and prosperity of the Churches at home and abroad for this he earnestly and daily prayed and when he heard any ill tydings with Nehemiah he sate down and mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven so that all that conversed with him might easily discern that nothing did affect him in any degree like the good or ill tydings of the Churches state He was frequent in Prayer every day and in his younger years hath risen many times in the night to seek our private places to pray in And as his labours were very great in the work of the Ministry so it pleased the Lord to make them very successefull for the conversion and confirmation of many and for terrour and restraint
though the wound might seem quite cured and he never so much engage forbearance yet frequent apparitions would redintegrate Et nihil facilius quam amor recrudescit Sir Arthur was a very wise man and had experience of the world thanks Master Preston for his faithfulnesse pretends Sir Capel wanted something and desires his Tutor to give him leave to stay a little while untill he could be furnished and then he should be sent to which the Tutor easily consented and so the rest went home and after a while the old man tels Sir Capel he grew in bignesse and it would be fit for him to travell before he setled and he prevails with him to be content But what saies Mistresse Newcomb who is robb'd by this means of her vowed and resolved servant and her crafty Father that beholds so good a morsell snatched from between his teeth do ye think he had forgotten this when Master Preston came to preach within his Jurisdiction Pulvere qui laedunt sed laesi marmore scribunt other injuries perhaps may be forgotten but losse of money is not ploratur lachrymâ—s amissa pecunia veris. Master Preston was not altogether a stranger at the Court however now there was no remedy when he came to New-market he found that Bishop Andrews then Bishop of Ely was chief and that his Jurisdiction in the Commissary was it that was pretended to be affronted and therefore applied himself to him and told him that he did not purpose to offend but being ingaged for to preach at that time could not with honour disappoint the Auditory if he suspected him for any thing desired he would examine him and satisfie himself The Bishop told him the King was told he was an enemy to Formes of Prayer and held no Prayer lawful but conceived and therefore being popular his judgment and opinion might do hurt Master Preston answered that it was a slander for he thought Set Formes lawfull and refused not on all occasions to be present at the Colledge-Prayers and when it was his turn to read them The Bishop answered that he was glad and would inform the King and do him all the good he could and bad him wait a while and then repair again to him for satisfaction in it and so time passed on and there was nothing done There were some at Court that wished well to Master Preston Sed lapsuro assistere formidant were loth to undertake a drooping cause only there was one Doctor Young an honest Scotchman that was Dean of Winchester and he told Master Preston plainly that Bishop Andrews was his greatest adversary and though he gave him good words yet had assured the King that if Master Preston were not for this expeld the University Lord Bishops would not long continue but because Master Preston was accounted and not without cause a learned man he was not willing to appear against him but desired the punishment might be inflicted where the fact was done and that was in the University Master Preston saw now that the Bishop was a Courtier and could give words where deeds were not intended and therefore goes again unto the Bishop and tels him plainly that he or none must put a period to his attendance and that either he would speak unto the King in his behalf or tell him plainly that he would not that he might know whence all this trouble flowed The Bishop paused a while on this bold carriage and at the last bad him come to him such a time again and he would deal with the King in his behalf So he goes unto the King and tels him that however Master Preston was very dangerous and it would be a very great security if he were handsomely expelled yet he doubted it would not hear well if it should be done for this offence for he would be absolved in the opinions and minds of men and be owned and applauded as their Martyr and might perhaps recover and live to be revenged and therefore thought it would be better for to enjoyn him to declare his judgment about Forms of Prayer for that would be accounted a recantation and however would weaken his reputation with the Puritans which would be enough for if they could divide him from his Party they should not fear him for he said his carriage argued confidence in some assistance which when they had removed they should be strong enough at single hand All that the Bishop spake was as if ex tripode and order presently was drawn and sent to the Vice-Chancellor that Master Preston should in Buttolphs Church declare his judgment concerning Formes of Prayer on such a Sunday or else they should immediately proceed against him according to their first instructions Master Preston was glad there was a way out but sensible of the hard hand that had been carried towards him but now there was no remedy and it was vain to strive against the stream but before he could come home the news was all about the Town that Master Preston was to preach a Recantation Sermon at Buttolphs Church on such a day This was good sport to the brave blades who now came crowding as fast as any for to hear and it was no sin now for any body to be from Prayers and indeed there was a very great Assembly though he did all he could to have concealed it So he went on upon his former text and preached a very profitable Sermon concerning growing in grace and directed Prayer as a speciall meanes to make men grow in grace Now that he said was of two sorts either that which was suddain extemporary and conceived or set enjoyned and prescribed before not only for the sense and scope but also words and phrases And whereas some thought this was to stint the spirit he said there was a liberty to use conceived Prayer at other times wherein the spirit might expatiate and inlarge it self and also the intention of the mind though not in extension and variety of language The Blades that came to laugh had no great cause to do it for this passage was at the very close and the Sermon all along before was sharp and searching both sides were silent and went home not without some prints of good upon their spirits Optimus Orator censendus non qui meruit auditorum judicium sed qui abstulit He makes the best speech that binds his Hearers rather to think what was said then who said it The good fellows were nothing so merry at the end as at the beginning of the Sermon Indifferent Hearers praised all and were confirmed in a good opinion of the Preacher Good men were glad he came so well off and was at liberty to preach again where they might hear him himself was troubled lest any thing he said should be mistaken or mis-interpreted as he was apt to be But there were many eyes upon this action and all men waited to see the issue The Courtiers did not like it that after all
taking great affection to him for his wit and disposition was very carefull of him and taught him not only that humane learning that was fitting for his years but the grounds of the Protestant Religion This his School-master was the first blessed Instrument that God was pleased to make use of to work in him a liking and relish of the Reformed Religion He continued with him till he was fit for the University which was not long For when he was but about thirteen years of age he was placed by his Father the good hand of God still over-ruling him with a very godly and Religious Tutor in Christs Colledge in Cambridge where he concontinued till after he was Master of Arts where he gained much love and esteem for his Piety Learning Ingenuity affability and harmlesse inoffensive witty Converse Mr ARTHVR HILDERSAM Being in this dejected and forlorn condition God that comforteth those that are cast down comforted him by meeting with Mr. John Ireton then Fellow of Christs Colledge after Rector of Kegworth in Leicestershire a man famous for Piety and Learning in London who at their meeting said unto him Arthur why art thou so long from thy Book and losest so much time Alas Sir said he I shall go no more to Cambridge and thereupon told him his condition and the occasion of it Be not discouraged saith Master Ireton thou hast a Noble Kinsman whom I will acquaint with thy case and I doubt not but he will provide for thee Accordingly Master Ireton soon after went to the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Huntingdon Lord President of the North whose Mother and Master Hildersams Mother were Brothers Children and representeth to him the sad condition of his poor Kinsman The Noble Earl gladly embraced this opportunity of doing good and sent for him encouraged him promised him maintenance and gave order to Master Ireton to send him back to Cambridge and to place him with a good Tutor For said he I suppose his Father did place him with a Papist But when Master Ireton assured him the contrary he gave order he should go to his former Tutor of whose love to him and care of him Master Hildersam was wont often to speak When Master Hildersam was Master of Arts he was soon after to Common-place a Colledge-exercise in Divinity not different from a Sermon but in length he being loth to adventure upon that Exercise intreated one of the Fellows his special Friend to supply his place the first time but he out of love refused to gratifie him in that and wished him to remember one Master Sidney Zouch Master of Arts of that Colledge who getting one to supply his place the first time and hearing afterwards some of his own year perform that Exercise so well that he despaired of doing the like could never after be perswaded either to Common-place or preach though he were a very able Scholar The first time he was to Common-place he was much afraid but observing that there sate a very godly man his Friend on th' other side of the Chappel he thought that that man prayed for him which much encouraged him He was of so good repute for his Piety and Learning that by the major part of the Fellows he was chosen Fellow of that Colledge but Dr. Barwell the Master making use of his negative voice stopped him and the matter came to the Visitors two of which viz. Doctor Perne and Doctor Goad favouring his Competitor Master Willet who was afterwards Doctor Willet made him Fellow Not long after he was chosen Divine of Trinity-hall in the said University where he continued till Septemb. the 14 1587. at which time by the foresaid Right Honourable Earl he was called to be and placed Preacher at Ashby de la zauce in Leicestershire The impropriate Tithes of the same Parish being setled upon him for his life by the said Earl and continued to him by the favour of the two succeeding Earls George and Henry untill his death He hath given publique notice to the world of his duty and thankfulnesse to that noble house in his Dedicatory Epistle to his Lectures on Joh. 4. January 5. 1590. He married Mistresse Anne Barfoot Daughter to Master Barfoot of Lamborn-hall in Essex who was a very loving and carefull Wife of him and the like Mother of his Children she survived him about eight years He was silenced in June 1590. and restored again in January 1591. He was instituted and inducted into the Vicaridge of Ashby Octob. 4. 1593. He preached at the Assiises at Leicester in the time of a great dearth July 20. 1596. a godly learned zealous plain and powerfull Sermon upon those words 1 King 18.17 18. And it came to passe when Ahab saw Elijah that Ahab said unto him Art thou he that troubleth Israel And he answered I have not troubled Israel but thou and thy fathers house in that ye have forsaken the Commandements of the Lord and thou hast followed Baalim In the handling of which Text he so offended Judge Aderson that he manifested his anger and displeasure both by his countenance and gesture arising to go away But Master Hildersam speaking some words unto him with ministerial authority he stayed till the Sermon was done After Sermon the Judge would have had the Grand-Jury to have indited him but in those daies it would have been hard to have found a Grand-Jury in Leicestershire that would have done that Some further and greater danger Master Hildersam was in by reason of that Judges displeasure for that Sermon but God in mercy prevented it In the year 1598. there was an attachment sent out of the High-Commission for his apprehension In the beginning of King James his reign when many petitioned for Reformation which Petitions were very modest and moderate subscribed by above seven hundred and fifty godly able Preachers in but twenty five Counties which Petition was directed to the Parliament and other Petitions to his Majesty and the Lords of the Council and to the Bishops he with some few others of his Brethren were chosen and chiefly intrusted to mannage that important businesse to prosecute the Petitions to solicite the cause and if required to dispute it And whereas there were some appointed to deal for those that desired Reformation in the Conference at Hampton Court he with Master Stephen Egerton of London and Master Edward Fleetwood of Lancashire delivered to them some ten demands and requests made by thirty Reverend Ministers in the name of themselves and many others which they intreated them to solicite his Majesty for in the behalf of the Church He was deprived and silenced by William Chaderton then Bishop of Lincolne April 24. 1605. for refusall of subscription and conformity yet after some time by the connivance and favour of William Overton then Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield he preached sometimes in that Diocesse specially at those two famous
home and abroad so was he particular in minding his special Friends before the Lord and the spirituall welfare of his children was so much upon his heart that he daily desired to lodge them in Gods bosome yea he seldome gave thanks either before or after meat especially towards the end of his life without some touch of tendency towards his children in reference unto whom this was one constant Petition That they might never seek great things for themselves in this world And his own practice from his youth proved the sincerity of his heart in this suit because he never looked after nor would entertain any motion of removing for wealth or worldly promotion though his charge was great and his eminency both in ministerial and scholastical gifts with the power of godlinesse which did shine in his whole conversation gained him many Friends and rendred him in their account a man more meet for a place of publique note and resort then the village where he dwelt When the Prelatical opposition against the Non-conformists was hot and high he spake thus unto a Neighbour-Brother Be confident that although all who are now known Non-conformists were dead and gone yet God would rather raise some out of our ashes to protest against Episcopacy and the Ceremonies then suffer that cause to fall unto the ground He would say The Fathers wanted some of our light but we want more of their heat He was exemplarily carefull to preserve Gods Ordinances from pollution and contempt and therefore did alwaies take great pains with his people to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper In his Sermons he was wont to tell his Auditours that their persecuting impoverishing imprisoning and thrusting daggers into their Ministers bodies would not be more grievous then their unworthy communicating at the Lords Table and their unanswerable walking unto the Ordinances of grace dispenced amongst them And when Parents presented their children in the Congregation to be baptized he would very affectionately lay open their duty pressing Sacramental ingagements home to their hearts with strong Arguments and authority ministerial Though no man was known by his Friends who more dis-relished the corruptions in Church-Government and in administrations of holy worship yet he hath sufficiently published unto the world his great dislike of the way of separation from our Church-Assemblies upon such pretences Thus he spake unto a Friend who had moved him to maintain our Church-communion against the Separatists How little am I beholding unto you who drew me from more profitable studies to peruse those sapless speculations He much lamented in his Prayers before God the first breakin gs out of Independency in England both in respect of the present offence and the wofull consequences thereof whereof he was much afraid yea he did very often tell his Friends both in the time of his health and last sicknesse that if God should give opportunity and hopes of Church-reformation that we might be eased of our present grievances the Brethren of the new separation would be found the greatest obstructers thereof His remembrance of the History of former Separations with which he was fully acquainted and his prudential fore-sight of the diducts which would necessarily follow from their Principles viz. Anabaptisme c. together with his wise insight into the dispositions of some persons who then appeared therein these were the grounds of his foretelling the confusions the spreading of pernicious errours and hinderances of Reformation which we since have sadly suffered under These Reasons of his Prediction which is noised abroad are expressed lest any should imagine him to have inclined to regard injections and impulsions of spirit which some cry up as prophetical His distaste whereof may be evidenced by this one instance viz. Being asked by one who much pretended unto immediate inspirations besides Scripture whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart His answer was this No I blesse God and if I should ever have such phantasies I hope God would give me grace to resist them When there was discourse concerning the new or rather the renewed errours which were broached he would ordinarily say A good Treatise of the sufficiency of the Scriptures would put an end unto these matters His exceeding love to study and his great modesty caused unwillingnesse to go far from home or to appear publique in any kind And if the extraordinary importunity of some much esteemed Friends had not conquered this aversnesse he would in probability never have printed any thing in his own name or have come into the company of persons of chief place and quality yea God was pleased in both these waies to make him serviceable For besides the profit which many have received from his printed Books he was happily instrumentall by conference to preserve some men of chief esteem in regard of their Piety Parts and places of command in the Countries where they lived from warping towards the waies of new separation upon the sollicitation of such who were busie sticklers therein Upon the calling of the Parliament in the year 1640. some hopes being conceived that he might be an instrument of publique benefit to the Church by dealing with some Parliament-men that if further Reformation of things wofully out of order could not be procured men unconformable to the Ceremonies might not be thrust out and kept out of the Ministry in that regard He thereupon took a journey into London with his neighbour and endeared Brother Master Langley but receiving small encouragement to his hopes and endeavours in that kind he returned home with sorrow upon his heart complaining of the many symptomes of Gods displeasure which he saw ready to break out against poor England and resolved to do what service he could in any other way And being convinced that his labours might be profitable to the Church both in the present and succeeding ages he was resolved to lay forth himself for publique service in any kind as his good Friends should advise and in pursuance hereof he designed these three works viz. 1. A Treatise of the Church 2. An Exposition of obscure Scriptures out of all the original Languages 3. A more full Systeme of Divinity by the enlarging of his Catechism For all which he had much good Provision under hand when the Lord saw cause to put an end to his labours And here all those must silence their hearts who knowing him may be apt to judge his removall at this time to be unseasonable with these words which were much in his mouth when God checked hopes by crosse Providences The Lord is wisest God is most wise Many conflicts he had with men of greatest strength as was imagined to maintain the new pathes into which divers had stepped aside But the truth is never was any of them able to stand up under his Arguments Though God was pleased to take him away whom some in scorn called
his child-hood he with two or three School-fellows were so religiously disposed that on play-daies they would pray together and repeat the heads of their Catechisme with the Sermons which they heard upon the last Lords day before they went unto their Lusory exercises Thus this Timothy grew acquainted with God and his Word and the waies of Religion while he was a Child Being very well fitted for the University he was sent unto Cambridge bout the fifteenth year of his age and admitted into Sidney Colledge where he was studious and a good Proficient in Academical Learning When he was Master of Arts coming home to his Father he preached often in Coventry with very good approbation amongst those who were best affected towards the waies of Godlinesse Here he had special encouragements in the study of Divinity from Master Humphrey Fen famous for his Ministry and Non-conformity at Coventry who in the Preface to his last Will and Testament made so full and so open a Protestation against the Hierarchy and Ceremonies that the Prelatical Party would not suffer it to be put among the Records of the Court when the Will was tendred to be proved and his conscience was unsatisfied to enter into the Ministry by Episcopal subscription but through a good Providence he with Master John Ball were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop without that subscription The first place of his setled Ministry was Cawk in Derbyshire a small village whither he was called by means of his much honoured good Friend Master Arthur Hildersam and where he had good incouragements from Master Bainbridge a Gentleman there of good estate and estimation for Religion In this place which was six miles from Derby and three from Ashby de la zouch his peace and liberty was the better preserved because it was a peculiar and so not subject unto Episcopal visitation Here God was pleased to set a broad Seal to his Ministry making him an happy Instrument to build up many who were brought to Christ by Master Hildersams labours and also to turn many others from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God At this time there was great scarcity of good Preachers in those parts whereupon people from twenty towns and villages flocked unto Cawk-Chappel as Doves to the windows every Sabbath day where more congregated especially in summer and in afternoons then the Chappel could contain yet standing at the windows without they might hear the Sermons preached and Scriptures read because Master Herrings voice was clear and strong Hither great companies came in the morning with joyfull expectation of wholesome soul-provisions here they continued all day with cheerfulnesse some bringing their victuals from home with them and others going to a third ordinary provided purposely for the refreshing of strangers and they went from hence in the evening in companies repeating the Sermons and singing Psalms in their return home Here amongst many others Master Simeon Ashe received some of his first impressions and bents towards Religion whom Master Herring loved from his childhood and who lived in his heart and Prayers unto his death And this is a matter considerable that few if any in those parts who were hopefully brought unto God and by the Ministry of Master Hildersam and Master Herring have been turned aside into the by-paths of errour and separation in these broken dividing times but they continue sound in their judgements and holy in their conversations well remembring the principles whereof they were well instructed and grounded by those two Worthies their Fathers in Christ. When he had continued at Cawke about the space of eight years he was forced from thence for Non-conformity by the Prelatical power being informed against by ill-affected men who maligned the great service which he did and envied the great respect which he had in those parts Before he removed from thence the Lord provided for him a most gracious yoak-fellow who was no discouragement but an encouragement rather unto him alwaies both in his services and sufferings for Christ and his cause His Wife was the third Daughter of Master Gellibrand sometimes Preacher to the English company at Flushing in Holland and Grand-child to that man of God Master John Oxenbridge Minister of Southam in Warwickshire and afterwards of Bablick in Coventry where he died and as she came out of a godly stock so she hath expressed and still doth expresse the power of godlinesse in every condition and relation of her life to Gods honour By her he had thirteen Children and as they were happily mutually helpfull in the waies of holinesse so it was their joynt care to educate their posterity in the nurture and fear of the Lord. They were taught the Principles of Religion from their childhood and their tender good Mother according to their Fathers appointment caused them to learn the Proverbs of Solomon by heart Neither was this gracious care in vain for the blossomes and fruits of grace sweetly appear in their lives to the comfort of their Parents and Christian Friends And here this one thing is notable and imitable in this worthy man in reference to his Children viz. That ever before he gave them correction he endeavoured to convince them of their sin against God and sought by tears and prayers for Gods blessing upon that means for their good When the course of his Ministry was interrupted at Cawk and there was no hope of his peaceable continuance there God by means of Master William Rowley a wise religious man and his faithfull Friend was pleased to open a door for the more publique exercise of his Ministry in Shrewsbury Here he preached at Alkmares Church every Tuesday morning and upon the Sabbath also so long as liberty was allowed which Sermon was at one a clock that neither the Ministers of the town might be offended nor other Congregations emptyed by the peoples flocking unto his Ministry The Sermon which he preached on the Lords day he repeated it the same night before Supper at the houses of Master Edward Jones Master George Wright and Master William Rowley by course and whereas some spies were usually sent thither crowding in with the company to pick quarrels he behaved himself so prudently and prayed alwaies so affectionately for the King and present Government that his adversaries gave this testimony of him viz. Though he be scrupulous in matter of Ceremony yet he is a loyal subject unto the King and a true Friend unto the State Beside the great good service which was now done in Salop by his Ministry and private conferences with Christians in reference unto him many other Ministers had the more frequent recourse unto the town Master Pierson Master Nicols c. who were put upon preaching once or oftner before they departed thence whereby knowledge was much increased and the power of Godlinesse much cherished and promoted there But Satan maligning those opportunities of service unto Christ some envious ill-affected
much good but of no blood nor division between the two Nations He was one of Gods special Remembrancers in behalf of England begging fervently that the Lords and Commons in Parliament might be preserved from the two destructive rocks of pride and self-interests He poured out his soul before the Almighty that he would appear for the Non-conformists cause in England and set up the Presbyterial Government according to the Scripture Rules He often professed himself to be no enemy unto the Persons of Bishops but an opposite to their Pride and Prelaticall Rule When news came unto him of the Battell at Edge-hill thus he spake with tears Oh Lord wilt thou write Englands Reformation in red Letters of her own blood yet preserve thine own People and maintain thine own cause for Jesus Christ sake He greatly bewailed the obstructing of Church reformation in England by them who professed themselves zealous for Reformation and it was no small offence unto him to hear of the Letters which came from some Independents at London into Holland wherein falshoods were reported to the reproach of some Presbyterians his known godly Friends in England He was a true Nathaniel indeed in whose spirit there was no guile and therefore all falshood and unworthy juglings were an abomination to his heart There was an holy harmoniousnesse in his whole conversation his life was a well-spun thread from the beginning to the end and tended much to the honour of his Profession and particular Calling Although he walked exactly with God and maintained the comfort of constant peace with him yet Satan was suffered to give him one furious assault the night before he died as was perceived by those who were then with him for rising upon his knees with his hands lifted up he spake these words He is overcome overcome through the strength of my Lord and only Saviour Jesus unto whom I am now going to keep a Sabbath in glory And next morning March 28. 1644. being the Sabbath day about the time when he was wont to go unto ministerial work in the publique Congregagation and the sixty two year of his life he was taken from his labours into rest unto the spirits of just men made perfect in Heaven where he shall sing Hallelujahs for evermore The Life of Master John Dod who died Anno Christi 1645. IOhn Dod was born in Cheshire at a town called Shotlidge bordering on Wales not far from Malpus His Parents had a convenient estate worth a hundred marks a year which went to the eldest Brother This John was the youngest of seventeen and much beloved of his Parents He was sent to School to West-Chester and when he was about fourteen years old he was disposed of to Jesus Colledge in Cambridge where though he had little acquaintance yet the Lord prospering his studies he was chosen first Scholar and after Fellow in that Colledge he there remained near sixteen years The manner of his Conversion was thus The Steward or Boucher of the Colledge accused him to the Master for the non-payment of a considerable summe of money due for one of his Pupils which Master Dod had truly paid but he forgot to set it down Hereupon there was a vehement contest betwixt them about this businesse and the vexation of mind that he should be accounted a defrauder did so trouble Master Dod that he fell into a Feaver and was dangerously sick yet all this while he was but in a natural estate For though he had some good skill in the Theorick part of Divinity yet he was without any application and his affliction was this that he should be blamed for that which he from the Law and light of nature hated All his sorrow as yet was but worldly sorrow and as himself saies he neither did nor could tell how to pray At length the Lord put into his heart that Scripture Rom. 7. The Law is spiritual but I am carnal and sold under sinne and presently his sins came upon him like armed men and the tyde of his thoughts was turned and he left musing how he was wronged and seriously considered how he had offended God and he betook himself to great humiliation and earnestly besought the Lord for pardon and peace in Jesus Christ. Yet for some time he could find no comfort but going on to seek the Lord there follows after much humiliation much consolation and the Lord sealed to him that his sins were washed away with the blood of Christ. Then did he desire his accuser to come to him and told him that though he had accounted him to be his great enemy yet now he acknowledged him to be his good Friend for that he was a means to bring him unto God And afterwards it so fell out by Gods good Providence that it came to this mans remembrance that Master Dod had paid him the money and he was very sorrowfull for the wrong which he had done him and did him all the right he could for the healing of his name and Master Dod said that he had not a more faithfull Friend in all the Colledge during his abode there then this man proved When he was some years standing Master of Art he was appointed to oppose in the Philosophy Act at the Commencement which he did with great approbation insomuch as it was desired that he should dispute again the next Commencement but that he avoided When he preached his first Sermon in the University he had bestowed much pains about it binding himself to words and phrases but in his Sermon he was at a Non-plus whereupon he resolved afterwards never to pen his Sermon verbatim but his usuall manner was to write only the Analysis of his Text the proofs of Scripture for the Doctrines with the Reasons and Uses and so leaving the rest to meditation in which course he never found defect And whereas Doctor Fulk Doctor Chaderton Doctor Whitaker and some others had their frequent meeting to expound the Scriptures and therein they chose the Epistle to the Hebrews they were pleased from their loving respect to Master Dod to take in him amongst them While he continued Fellow of Jesus Colledge by the importunity of some godly people of Ely he went weekly and preached amongst them in that City where the Lord gave a great blessing to his Ministry His removall from Cambridge to Hanwel in Oxfordshire was thus occasioned Master Cope afterwards Sir Anthony Cope a man of eminent note who was much wrought upon by Master Dods Ministry sent a Letter to Doctor Chaderton to provide him a Minister for Hanwel which was then vacant Doctor Chaderton moved Master Dod to go to the place and after he had been a while and preached severall Sermons by the desire and consent of the people and by the approbation of the neighbour Ministers who had heard him he was setled as their Pastor While he was at Hanwel he preached twice every Sabbath catechizing also
he contracted great debts taking up money upon use to enable him to it yea he pawned his very Wives Jewels Bracelets Rings and other rich furniture thereby to furnish himself with money by which means he did so weaken his estate that in the end of this third Civil Warre he was forced in a Councel of the Princes to move for some allowance wherewith to sustain his Family About this time he wrote another Letter to his Sons and the Sons of his Brother Andelot who were still at Rochel under the same Tutor the tenour whereof was this Truly it would be very gratefull unto me if I had opportunity to see you and to speak face to face but seeing I am deprived of that happiness I thought fit by this Epistle to admonish you alwaies to set Piety and the fear of God before your faces especially at this time when you find by experience that there is no trusting to those things which are called Goods Our hope must be placed elsewhere then in this world and other things must be sought after then those which we see with our eyes and handle with our hands but because to do that is not in our own powers we must earnestly pray unto God that he would lead us in that way which is most sure and safe neither yet must you expect that that way will prove pleasant and delicate and abounding with worldly felicity For Christ himself who hath gone before us and is our Captain and Ensign bearer must be imitated by us Men indeed have dispoiled us of those things which are fading and transitory but if we be willing and carefull to submit to the will of God we shall be happy and it shall be well with us at the last for those men have wronged you not for any injury you ever did them but out of a hatred against me which also proceeds from hence because the Lord is pleased to honour me by being an Instrument of assisting has afflicted Church and therefore if for this cause we suffer losse and inconveniences we have no reason to grieve for it but rather to assure our selves that he will give us such a reward as men shall not be able to take from us I have many other things to write to you of if I had leasure but for the present I have enough if I may admonish and request you for Gods sake that you go on valiantly in the study of vertue and that in all your words and actions you shew an aborrency of all vices be obedient to your Master and your other Governours that though I seldom see you yet I may hear that you increase in Piety and good Manners To conclude I pray if it be the will of God that whatsoever further befals us either in our estates or persons we may have it sanctified to us for our spiritual good and I heartily pray to God that he will be a refuge and help unto you and a defence in this your minority Fare you well From Xantone Octob. 16. 1568. Castellonius The Admirall and all the Commanders of his Army having often consulted about their future proceedings resolved to strengthen all their garrisons and so with their light Horse to go into Tholouse where they of the Religion held Montalban a place very strong both by Nature and Art who also had gotten together a good summe of money for paying the German Auxiliaries besides they hoped by passing over the two Rivers of Garone and Lotters to joyn to themselves those forces which were under the command of Mongomry a man of great authority by reason of his skill and experience in military affairs who also had lately by the assistance of his forces quieted Berne that belonged to the Prince of Navarr This journey by reason of the roughnesse of the way proved very difficult and painfull especially considering that the enemies had Garrisoned all the Cities and broken down all the Bridges where they were to passe yet at length with much difficulty they came to Montalban from whence the Admirall sent to the King and Queen-mother in in his own and in the names of all that were with him humbly intreating them that they would not suffer so many valiant and gallant men as were in both Armies mutually to shed the blood each of other but that rather out of their clemency they would put an end to those mischiefs that the contrary was the counsell of some Cardinals and Bishops that never came into the field to try the miseries of Warre or else of certain Italians that rejoyced in the ruines of France and that it was extream madnesse to suppose that two huedred thousand Protestants to whom so many of the Nobility had joyned themselves could so easily be suppressed and destroyed Besides also it could not be but in those Warres many Papists must be great sufferers as well as the Protestants some in their persons and others in their estates and Families That the speeches of the Courtiers were unworthy the Kings Majesty who used commonly to say That the King would not spare his Popish Subjects so he might destroy his adversaries For it was the voice of a Tyrant not of a King to say Pereant amici dum unà in mici intercidant Let my friends perish whilst mine enemies fall together with them That the conditions of Peace were easie viz. That the Decrees made by the States of Orleance and the Edicts of Paris might be renewed and established whereby the Protestants were allowed certain places for publique Worship These Messengers being dispatched away they presently resolved to passe the River Oaronna which was between theirs and Mongomries forces but the passage seemed very difficult by reason of the breadth depth and swiftnesse of the River whereupon the Admirall resolved to take in the Town of Marian which stands upon the Rivers bank which he also did and Mongomry coming to the other bank the Admirall intended to make a Bridge which also with admirable art and industry he effected and so in two daies space passed the German horse over it but the night after a Ship coming swiftly along the stream brake down the Bridge so that they were forced to make a new one of Boats whereby Mongomries Army came over safe to them and the German horse also which brought up his rear and so having stayed there two daies for the refreshing of his men he led his Army to Tholouse and took in all the neighbouring Towns either by storm or surrender though he had only two great Guns in his Train which he brought with him from Montalban And the Protestant Army was the more incensed against them of Tholouse because say they they have been violent to burn them of our Religion They beheaded Captain Rapin who carried them the Edict of Peace from the King they have also committed many other insolencies which now cry for vengeance and God hath put an opportunity into our hands which we must not neglect
those that were stout of hand to lodge about him Now it was observed that armed men rambled up and down in the City every where and about the Louure also that the common people grumbled and gave forth threatning speeches The Admirall being informed of these things sent one to the King to tell him of it The King answered that there was no cause why Coligni should be affraid for that these things were done by his command to represse the motions of the people who were stirred up by the Guises and therefore bad him to rest assured It was also told Teligni that Porters were seen carrying Arms into the Louure but he slighted it saying that these were unnecessary suspitions the Arms being carried in for the winning of a Castle in the Louure that was built for sport Presently the Duke of Guise to whom the charge was chiefly committed to see the businesse executed calling together the Captains of the Popish Swissers and the Tribunes of the French bands late in the night he discovered to them what the will of the King was that the hour was come wherein by the Kings commandement punishments should be inflicted on the head and by consequence upon the whole faction of the Rebels that the beast was caught and entangled in the net and therefore they must do their endeavoer that he might not escape Be not therefore said he wanting to so fit an occasion of carrying home a most glorious triumph over the enemies of the Kingdom the victory is easie the spoils will be rich and great which you may obtain as the rewards of your good service without shedding your own blood Then were the Swissers placed about the Louure unto whom certain bands of French men were added and charge was given them that they should suffer none of the King of Navarrs nor of the Prince of Conde's men to come forth Cossen also was charged with his Harquibushiers to suffer none to come out of the Admirals house That evening Guercius with some others had profered Teligni to keep guard in the Admirals house suspecting danger but he told them that there was no need for them so to trouble themselves and so with gracious words dismissed them by which means it came to passe that none lodged in the Admirals house but Cornaton Labonnius Yolett the Master of his Horse Merlin his Chaplain Paraeus the Kings Chyrurgeon and some four or five Servants Teligni was gone to the next house where he lay with his Wife In the Admirals Court were the five Swissers whom the King of Navarr had sent him Then did the Duke of Guise send for John Caronius lately made Provost of Merchants whom he commanded to signifie to the Aldermen that they should bid those in their severall Wards to appear in Arms at the Town-house about midnight to understand the Kings pleasure He commanded also Macellus who was very gracious with the people to signifie to them that liberty was given them from the King to take arms to destroy Coligni and all the other Rebels that therefore they should see diligently that they spared none nor suffered them any where to be concealed That order should be taken to do the like in all other Cities of the Kingdom who would follow the example of Paris That the sign for the beginning the assualt should be the ringing of the little Bell in the Palace That the sign whereby they should know one another should be a white handkerchief about their left arm or a white crosse in their hats That therefore they should come armed in good numbers and with good courages taking care to have candles lighted in their windows that no tumult might arise before the sign was given And thus the Duke of Guise and the bastard of Engolisme did all they could that things might be effected according to the agreement At midnight the Queen-Mother fearing the Kings wavering who was somewhat startled at the horridnesse of the fact reproved him for it saying that by his delaies he would overslip so fair an occasion offered by God for the utter vanquishing of his enemies The King being netled with this which seemed to charge him with cowardlinesse commanded the matter to be put in execution which word the Queen-Mother speedily taking hold of caused the little Bell to be rung in St. Germanes Church about an hour before day Aug. 24. being St. Bartholmews day and on a Sabbath Presently the Duke of Guise with Engolisme and d' Aumal went to the Admirals house where Cossen watched and a noise being raised the Admirall was awakned with it and heard of a sedition yet rested secure relying upon the Kings word and favour But the tumult growing greater when he perceived a Gun to be discharged in his Court he then conjectured though too late that which was the truth and so rising out of his bed and putting on his night-gown he stood and prayed against the wall Then came a servant to Labonnius and told him that there was one at the door who by the command of the King desired to be brought to the Admirall Labonnius therefore taking the keys ran down and opened the door then did Cossen catch at him and stabbed him with his dagger and so with his Harquebushiers he set upon the rest killing some and chasing away others Thus all things were filled with noise and another door at the stair foot was easily broken open and one of the five Swissers sent by the King of Navarr was slain yet were the stairs so barricado'd with chests that he could not presently enter In the mean time Monsieur Merlin went to prayer with the Admirall and the rest and at the end thereof a servant coming in said to the Admirall Master It is God who calleth us to himself they have broken into the house neither is there any ability to resist Then said the Admirall I have prepared my self for death a good while ago shift you for yourselves if possibly you can for your endeavour to help me would be in vain I commend my soul into Gods hand It was observed that the Admirals countenance was no more troubled then if no danger were at hand Thuanus relates his words thus I perceive what is in doing I was never afraid of death and I am ready to undergo it patiently for which I have long since prepared my self I bless God that I shall die in the Lord through whose grace I am elected to an hope of everlasting life I now need no longer any help of man You therefore my Friends get ye hence so soon as ye can lest ye be involved in my calamity and your Wives hereafter say that I was the cause of your destruction The presence of God to whose goodness I commend my soul which will presently fly out of my body is aboundantly sufficient for me Then all his company gat up into an upper room and crept out at a window upon the tiles and by the
of all your sins by the shedding of his blood for you Yea said she I do believing that he is my only Saviour and Mediatour and I look for salvation from none other knowing that he hath abundantly satisfied for the sins of all his people and therefore I am assured that God for his sake according to his gracious promise in him will have mercy upon me During all the time of her sicknesse she ceased not to continue in such fruitfull and comfortable communications sometimes intermixing them with most affectionate sighs to God as a testimony of that hope and desire she had of enjoying his presence often uttering these words O my God in thy good time deliver me from this body of death and from the miseries of this present life that I may no more offend thee and that I may attain to the felicity which thou in thy Word hast promised to bestow upon me Neither did she manifest her pious affection by words only but by her constant and cheerfull countenance so farre forth as the vehemency of her disease would suffer thereby giving a clear testimony to all that beheld her that the fear of death could not drive her from the stedfastnesse of her Faith The Minister also went often to prayer with her the usual tenor whereof was this which follows O Lord our God We confesse here before thy Divine Majesty that we are altogether unworthy of thine infinite mercies by reason of our manifold iniquities and that we are so farre from deserving to be heard of thee in our requests that we are rather worthy that thou shouldst reject both our persons and our prayers But seeing it hath pleased thee to make us a gracious promise of hearing and granting our requests we humbly beseech thee freely to forgive all our offences and to cover them under the obedience and righteousness of thy dear Son that through him our selves and our services may be well pleasing unto thee For Lord we acknowledge that all our afflictions are measured out to us by thine hand who art a most just Judge in regard that we have every way provoked thee to wrath by our infinite sinnings against thee yea by our rebellions which now testifie against us For alas Lord our life hath been no way answerable to that perfect obedience which thou by thy holy Law dost justly require at our hands which we from day to day do transgress and therefore do here cast down our selves at this time before thy glorious presence unfeignedly acknowledging our misery and wretchedness from the very bottom of our hearts Yet Lord mercy is with thee and because thou art our Father therefore thou desirest not the death of sinners but rather that they should convert and live For this cause we now fall down before the throne of thy grace with confidence of obtaining thy wonted mercy which thou hast promised to such as call upon thee in truth beseeching thee who art the Father of mercies to have compassion on all such as thou hast humbled under thy mighty hand but more especially on this thy Servant the Queen who lieth here before thee sick of a dangerous disease that as thou hast righteously afflicted her for her sinnes which she also doth with us acknowledge so it would please thee in pardoning them all to her for thy beloved Sons sake to grant that she may profit by this thy correcting hand for the time to come Above all O Lord give her a sweet sense yea full assurance of thy eternal joys that so she may with the greater patience take down this bitter potion ministred unto her from thy hand and that the sole desire of enjoying thy presence may cause her to forget all worldly greatness and magnificence knowing that they are nothing in respect of the glory which is now set before her Endue her also with meekness of minde to bear the tediousnesse of her affliction for though the spirit be willing yet the flesh is weak yea full of resisting and unbelief that so receiving all things from thee as from a Father she may the more willingly submit her will to thine And because O good God thou hast made her hitherto an happy Instrument for the advancement of thy glory and defence of thy poor afflicted people we pray thee if it may stand with thy good pleasure restore her to health again that so the excellent work that thou hast by her means begun may not be left unperfected but by vertue of this her deliverance she may with renewed strength undertake the same in better sort then ever heretofore especially for the well educating and training up the Children that thou hast given her But Lord if thou hast a purpose now to call her home to thy self who are we that we should contradict thy holy will Only we pray thee that thou wouldst confirm her more and more in the knowledge of thy blessed Gospel and thereby also in the certainty of her salvation which thou hast given her by Faith in thy Son Jesus Christ that thus she may not cease to sanctifie and call upon thy holy Name to her last breath And as touching our selves who are here by thy good providence gathered together about her being in bodily health give us to know the uncertainty and brevity of our life that so according to our duty we may behold the same in this mirror that thou hast set before us as knowing that even the greatest in the world are subject to the same calamities as well as the small that so our chief care may be to employ the remainder of our time to thine honour and service All which we crave of thee in the Name of Jesus Christ thy Son our only Mediatour and Advocate Amen During the time of prayer she ceased not with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven to fetch many deep sighs especially when mention was made of the mercy of God in Christ which he extendeth to poor sinners so that all present might evidently see that her heart and affections were joyned to the Prayer that was made by and for her And whilst she thus lay she still continued in her holy desires to depart hence that she might be with Christ taking great delight in the holy and Christian exhortations which were made to her by many godly and learned men who came to visit her to whom also she manifested no small testimonies of that faith and hope which she had in God touching the salvation of her soul by her holy and savory speeches which for brevity sake are omitted Yea although the Lord exercised her much with the sense of her inward disease yet could you not at any time discern any speech favouring of discontentment or impatience to proceed out of her mouth nay scarcely so much as a groan But if at any time she found any refreshings from the violence of her disease there being no malady so vehement which hath not some intermissions and breathing times