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
place sometimes by slie and false informations against him sometimes by open railing and false libels sometimes by secret backbitings yea at last their malice proceeded so far that they practised his death by poysoning but by Gods good providence the snares were broken and he was delivered Having thus continued Bishop about three years it pleased God to take away that famous English Josiah King Edward and his sister Mary succeeding him the face of Religion was soon altered and this good Bishop amongst others was deprived and clapt up in Prison And though the malice of the then Prelates and Arch-Papists against him was very great who also had sworn his death yet it pleased God most miraculously to preserve and deliver him out of their hands which was effected by this meanes The good King Christian of Denmark having formerly known him at his being in Germany wrote divers times and sued so earnestly and effectually to Queen Mary for him that at last he was dismissed out of Prison and suffered to go over into Denmark There he staied a while and afterwards with the leave of the King went into Germany to his former worthy friend the noble Elector of the Rheine who most willingly received him and restored him to his former Benefice of Burghsaber The reason why he staied no longer with his deliverer the King of Denmark but chose rather to go into the Palatinate was because he could Preach in the Dutch language but not in the Danish Tongue At Burghsaber he remained a faithfull and painfull Preacher all Queen Maries daies till hearing of her death and of the change of Religion under Queen Elizabeth he once again returned into his native Country His Bishoprick was reserved for him till his return and then sundry times profered him but he would by no meanes accept thereof but chose rather to live a more private life yet not out of action for he continued in London teaching and preaching the Gospel so long as the strength of his body would permit and at length being very old and stricken in years he died comfortably and peaceably in the Lord being about eighty years old January 20. Anno Christi 1568. and was honourably buried under a fair Stone in the Chancel of Bartholomews Exchange in London upon which Stone is engraven this Epitaph In obitum Reverendissimi Patris Milonis Coverdale OGDO ASTICHON Hic tandem requiemque ferens finemque laborum Ossa Coverdali mortua Tumbus habet Exoniae qui Praesul erat dignissimus olim Insignis vitae vir probitate suae Octoginta annos grandaevus vixit unus Indignum passus saepius exilium Sic demum variis jactatum casibus ista Excepit gremio terra benigna suo Dr. SANDES The Life of Doctor Sands Archbishop of York who died Anno Christi 1588. EDwin Sands was born of an ancient and worthy Family about the year 1528. and being trained up in Learning he so profited therein both in the Countrey and University that he was chosen Master of Katharine Hall in Cambridge and having Commenced Doctor he was made Vice-Chancellor of that University at which time that blessed King Edward the sixth dying and the Lady Jane Grey being proclaimed Queen as we have heard before the Duke of Northumberland was sent with an Army to apprehend the Lady Mary And when he came to Cambridge he sent for Dr Sands the then Vicechancellor and some other Doctors to sup with him and at supper required Dr Sands to preach on the morrow The warning was short for such an occasion and Auditory yet he refused it not but went home and so to bed The next morning he arose at three a clock and having prayed a good while rose up took his Bible in his hand and closing his eyes earnestly prayed to God that it might fall open at a fit Text for the present occasion and accordingly it opened and the first Text that he cast his eye upon was Joshua 1.16 17 18. And they answered Joshua saying All that thou commandest us we will do and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go according as we hearkened to Moses in all things so will we hearken unto thee only the Lord thy God be with thee as he was with Moses Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment and will not hearken to thy words in all that thou commandest him he shall be put to death only be strong and of a good courage This Text he prosecuted with such prudence and affection as drew many tears from the eyes of his Auditors After Sermon the Duke and other Nobles desired him to Print his Sermon and he only required a day and an halfs time for the writing of it at the end whereof he delivered it to Mr Leaver who was presently to carry it to London to the Presse But just at that instant came one of the Beadles to him weeping and bad him shift for himself for said he the Duke is retired and Queen Mary is proclaimed Dr Sands was nothing troubled herewith but delivered his Sermon to Mr Leaver and so went to dinner to Mr Moores one of the Beadles his great Friend At dinner being of an undaunted courage and cheerfull disposition he was very merry Mistress Moore drinking to him said Mr Vicechancellor I drink to you this being the last time that ever I shall see you which accordingly proved true That night the Duke sent for him to joyn with him in proclaiming Queen Mary and then told him that the Queen was mercifull and that he hoped for a generall pardon to which Dr. Sands answered My life is not dear unto me neither have I done or said any thing that troubleth my conscience For what I spake of the State I have instructions signed by sixteen Counsellors to warrant me therein neither can speeches be treason nor yet have I spoken any thing but what the Word of God and the Lawes of the Land will bear me out in therefore the will of the Lord be done But be you assured my Lord you shall never escape death for if the Queen should spare you they that now shall rule will kill you That night the Duke was apprehended and some were as busie about Dr. Sands but Sir John Gates that lay in the Doctors house drave them away The next day Dr. Sands was walked into the fields when the University in an irregular manner meeting together ordered Dr. Mouse and Dr. Hatcher to go to Dr. Sands his house to fetch away the University Statutes the Keyes and such other things as were in his custody which accordingly they did and Dr. Mouse who the day before was an earnest Protestant was now turned a zealous Papist and a great enemy to Dr. Sands from whom he had received great curtesies That afternoon a Congregation was appointed by them and the bell rang to it when Dr. Sands coming out of the fields sent for the Beadles asking what
Christ in the work of the Ministry and to restrain and reduce not a few from errours and schisme striving by all meanes to retain them in obedience to the Lawes of the land and to provoke them highly to prize and preciously to esteem the peace of the Church and people of God Having continued at Dry-Drayton about the space of twenty or one and twenty years he left it and went from thence to London about the year 1588 or 89. Yet was very carefull before his remove to get an honest and able man to succeed him in that place The causes of his removal were partly the untractablenesse and unteachablenesse of that people amongst whom he had taken such exceeding great paines For besides his publick Preaching and Catechizing his manner was to walk out into the fields and to conferre with his Neighbours as they were at plough And partly he did it upon supposall that he might do farre more good in a more publick place by comforting afflicted consciences wherein the Lord had given him such an admirable dexterity He wholly spent himself in the service of God and his Church and therefore often made use of that saying of the Prophet David The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up He was a little man of stature and usually indifferent well in health but when at any time he was sick he would suffer no body to sit up and watch with him that so he might more freely converse with God He continued not in London above the space of two years but being quite worn out he comfortably and quietly resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1591. and about the sixtieth year of his age He hath a Volume of Sermons and Treatises of Divinity in Print Mr. THO CARTWRIGHT The Life of Master Thomas Cartwright who died Anno Christi 1603. THomas Cartwright was born in Hertfordshire about the year 1535. and being by his Parents kept at School till he was fit for the University He went to Cambridge and was admitted into Saint Johns Colledge Anno 1550. He there followed his Studies exceeding hard and being a man of excellent natural parts he profited in learning more then ordinary He never used to sleep above five houres in a night which custom he continued to his dying day Three years after at the death of King Edward the sixt he left the University and betook himself to the service of a Counsellor yet followed his studies very hard as taking more pleasures therein then in the study of the Law Thus he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths Reign at which time his Master meeting with Doctor Pilkinton Master of Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge he told him of his mans learning and studious disposition the Doctor desired to speak with him and thereby perceiving his great abilities and hopefulnesse with his Masters consent he took him again to Saint Johns Colledge where his proficiency and Progresse both in the Arts and Tongues was so eminent that Anno 1560. he was chosen Fellow in that Colledge and about three years after he was removed to a fellowship in Trinity-Colledge where for his great worth he was ere-long made one of the eight Senior-fellows Anno 1564. Queen Elizabeth coming to Cambridge great Preparation was made for her entertainment and four of the eminentest men in the University being chosen to keep a Philosophy act before her he was one of them who performed it with extraordinary abilities to the great content and satisfaction both of the Queen and his other auditors Anno 1567. He commenced Batchelor of Divinity and three years after he was chosen to be the Lady Margarets Divinity-Reader He read upon the first and second Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles and performed it with such acutenesse of wit and solidity of judgment as caused admiration in his hearers and even at that time he was so famous for his Ministry that when his turn came to preach at Saint Maries the Sextone was fain to take down the windows by reason of the multitudes that came to hear him In his Lectures he was occasioned to discover his judgment about Church-discipline which the Doctors and Heads in the University took very hainously as being dangerous and destructive to the present Hierarchy whereupon he was convented before the Vice-Chancellour Doctor May and other Doctors and examined upon sundry Articles or Propositions of Doctrine delivered by him publickly in his Lectures and elsewhere which they affirmed to be contrary to Religion received and allowed by publick authority in this Realm and thereupon they demanded whether he would stand to or revoke the said Opinions and Doctrines delivered by him Master Cartwright upon deliberation desired that he might have leave to set down in writing what his judgment in those things was and what he would stand to which being granted he drew up in six Propositions what his judgment was and setting his hand to it delivered it to the Vice-Chancellor who thereupon admonished him to revoke the same and upon his refusal punished him by the substraction of his stipend and so he continued in his Lecture that year But the year after Doctor Whitgift being chosen Vice-Chancellour he again convented him before him requiring his absolute answer whether he did mind to teach his Auditors otherwise revoking that he had before taught or whether he would abide in the maintenance of the same Unto this Master Cartwright answered that for the Propositions delivered by him under his hand to Doctor May and now shewed to him they were his own hand writing such as he had openly taught and still continued fully determined to maintain and defend as Truths Hereupon after Master Cartwright had a while withdrawn and the Vice-Chancllor had conferred with the other Doctors Master Cartwright was again called for and this definitive sentence was pronounced against him by the Vice-Chancellour Doctor Whitgift that perceiving that no admonition would help but that he still persisted in the same mind he did therefore pronounce him the said Master Cartwright to be removed from his said Lecture and by his finall decree or sentence did then and there remove him and declare the said Lecture to be void and that he minded according to the foundation thereof to proceed to the Election of a new Reader And further he did then and there by vertue of his Office inhibit the said Master Cartwright from preaching within the University and the Jurisdiction of the same Now that the Reader may be better satisfied what the Arricles were which Master Cartwright drew up and signed with his hand and for which this sentence was passed upon him I shall here set them down in his own words as I have them transcribed out of the Original standing upon Record in the Registry of the University of Cambridge 1. Archiepiscoporum Archidiaconorum nomina simul cum muneribus officiis sunt abolenda 2.
The Presbyterians Champion yet he hath raised up other Worthies who do strenuously gain-say those extravagancies When his nature was enfeebled by constant study and great long-continued labours he passed the time of his languishing sicknesse with a sweet humble divine peaceable spirit He preached in publique so long as bodily ability could bear it and he continued to pray in his Family till strength failed Now his addresses to God were most holy and heavenly as Swan-like Songs the sweetest at last Though he spake not very much during his bodily decays yet the words which he used were solid and savoury Being asked what he thought of himself whether he should now die or recover he answered I do not trouble my self about that matter He often bewailed the infirmities of his life and in special now as at former times his inconsiderate entring upon the weighty Calling of the Ministry but he manifested withall an holy child-like confidence in Christ still strengthening his heart after his humble mourning for sinne with this consideration that the Scripture mentioneth weaknesses in the choicest Saints which were neither totall hinderances to the exercise of their faith in Christ nor to their salvation through grace This question being propounded to him what he now thought concerning his labours part whereof were then printed against the present separation in England He answered that though he had been weary of those controversies which hindered his going on in more profitable studies yet he did not repent of that which he had done only he desired God to pardon the defects which had cleaved unto that and his other services When any mention was made before him of his great labours to do good he would say and this was a speech which he much used If the Lord were not a God pardoning sinnes I was in a miserable condition And however he did say with tears that he had too much respect amongst men and that many judged that to be in him which was not such was his humility yet friends expressing ardent desires of his health for service sake he told them that he could have been content to have lived longer if the Lord had been pleased that he might been further usefull in his place and have born his share in sufferings with his Brethren For he expected a very sparp storm though he hoped it would be but short And he called it The last combate which we should have with Antichrist When towards his end he was asked how he did he would thus answer with a cheerfull contenance Going to heaven apace And as his conversation had for many years been in heaven the Lord who had ripened him for immediate Commu-with himself took him unto himself Octob. 20. 1640. and of his age about 55. The materials of this Narrative concerning the pious fruitfull life of that faithfull Servant of Christ Master John Ball were received from these Ministers of the Gospel and men of known integrity viz. Master John Taylor of Checkley in Staffordshire who was his Countrey-man and of his most ancient acquaintance Master Thomas Langley of Middlewich in Cheshire who besides his former intimatenesse continued under his Ministry above five years he being taken off from the exercise of his own Ministry by Episcopal power Master Simeon Ashe of St. Austins London who for the space of many years had been his bosome Friend and from Master George Crosse of Clifton in Staffordshre who daily conversed with him for sundry moneths both before and in the time of his last sicknesse who all of them do acknowledge themselves obliged to God for the spiritual good gained by this their dearly respected and much honoured Friend and Brother who since his death have been very sensible of their great losse by his removall But they and all others must learn to live upon Divine-immutable-All-sufficiency when creatures do fail Now the Just shall live by his Faith The Life of Doctor Potter who died Anno Christi 1642. BArnaby Pottor was born in Westmerland Anno Christi 1578. within the Baronry of Kendal and brought up at School there till he was fitted for the University Thence he was sent to Queens Colledge in Oxford where he was chosen first a Scholar of the House then a Fellow and afterward Provost Whilest he was Fellow he was a very carefull Tutor to many worthy Gentlemens sons whom he trained up in Learning but especially in true Religion He was a very humble and meek man a man of few words a sweet Preacher and a favourer of strict Professors of Religion It was the fashion and custom of the Fellows after dinner to sit or stand a while at the Hall door and discourse usually of divers points of Religion or of good Writers and sometimes of other trivial matters This man on a certain time when he heard them talk of many trivial things said nothing but observed what they said and when they had done talking he thus bespake them Now my Masters will you hear all your extravagant discourses for I have strictly observed and marked what you said and he told them every whit and they admired him for his memory It was his custom first to write one part of his Sermon and to commit it to memory presently and then another so that he could preach with much facility and upon a little warning He was for a while Lecturer at Abington and at Totnesse in Devonshire where he was much respected Then he proceeded Doctor in Divinity and was preferred by Sir Edward Giles to a Pastoral Charge which Knight was a worthy Gentleman in his Countrey and often chosen a Parliament man for Devon Doctor Potter married the Lady Giles her daughter when he was Doctor but of a years standing Not long after Doctor Ayray a worthy Provost of Qeens Colledge died whereupon he was chosen to succeed him in the Provostship with the unanimous consent of the Fellows when he was far from the University and never dreamed of any such preferment He was also Chaplain in ordinary to Prince Charles and accounted at the Court the penetential Preacher When he had been Provost about the space of ten years he resigned his place and went to his Pastoral charge in the Countrey and there resided yet he had not been there long but King Charles his Master cast a favourable aspect upon him and seeing he had not rewarded him for his long and faithfull service he chose him to be Bishop of Carlisle and though many sued for the place yet he said peremptorily that none but Potter should have it and surely his gracious Master honoured not him so much as he did himself and that age in the freedom of his noble and unexpected choice That which Nazianzen said of Basil may be fitly and properly said of this Bishop He was promoted he did not steal or shuffle himself into the chair he did not invade it the honour sought and followed him
Herring and Master Nicolls before mentioned who died at this good Ladies house were of chief worth Oh! what pathetical Blessings with Exhortations Encouragements and Prayers did this worthy man of God bestow upon this and the Families of other choice Friends before he took his last farewell of his dear native Countrey This Narrative would swell too big if report should be made of generals only in reference unto them who were naturally nearly related unto himself and his gracious Consort besides such who were very dear unto them both in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Some who beheld the last greetings betwixt him and Reverend Master Ball of Whitmore professe that they stick too deep in their breasts to be forgotten for after they had spent together well nigh one day and one night in conference they did like Jonathan and David frequently fall upon one another with mutual embracings they parted and closed again a third and a fourth time and when Master Herring was on horseback and Master Ball on foot they went together often shaking hands over the hedges and upon the finall salutation they comforted each other with this consideration That though they should never see one another again on earth yet they should meet in heaven And Master Herring was so deeply affected with those passages that he said to some of his company Two or three more such parting 's would hinder my journey beyond Seas and yet adding withall Master Ball hath conquered my passions In his passage out of England he with warm affections and heavenly benedictions took his leave of his own and his Wives Sisters with their Husbands whose dwellings were in divers Countries Those two eminently worthy Reverend Divines Master Oliver Bowles of Sutton in Bedfordshire and Master Barry of Cotsmore in Rutland who had married two of his Wives gracious Sisters as they had Brotherly respect in his bosome so they had special visits in his journey towards Holland He was necessitated secretly to take shipping at Yarmouth whither his Brother-in-law Master Bowles did accompany him because the then Arch-bishop had given order that no Scholar nor Minister should passe without License from the Councel-table Now whereas in his journey he had often prayed that God would yet further clear his call into Holland by two special Providences viz. 1. That he might not be examined whether he was a Minister for he professed that he durst not deny his holy calling 2. That God would strengthen him at Sea and grant him a comfortable voyage He had answers of singular grace returned in both He landed at Rotterdam September 20. 1637. and went aside from company so soon as with conveniency he could to blesse the Lord for his safe arrival and for all other favours vouchsafed unto him who had never before been upon the Sea The next day he went in a Waggon to Amsterdam and was met on the way by his dear Colleague with the Elders and Deacons of the Church and many of the English Merchants who expressed much joy for his safe coming unto them By them he was accompanied to the house of his good Friend Master Whittaker where he continued till his removal unto his own house upon the coming over of his Family into Holland His first Sermon was upon Psal. 24.1 The earth is the Lords c. wherein he much insisted upon this consideration That Gods Children still tread upon their Fathers ground whithersoever his Providence doth remove them and he preached with such satisfaction unto the hearts of his hearers that thereby way was made for his future acceptance and service The week following he was presented first unto the Honourable Lords the Magistrates of Amsterdam who kindly accepted him and gave him a gratuity towards the charges of his journey and afterwards to the Reverend Classis where he was lovingly received into that Society and thanks were given unto God for bringing him safe unto them Whereas it was his custom to pray every night before he went into his bed the night before a fasting day appointed by the States to seek direction in their Counsels and successe upon their Armies now before Breda he spake thus to his Son who attended him My heart is more fit for a thansgiving day and it would be so unto me if God would bring over my dearest Christian for that was his Wives name thy tender Mother with her company Come let us pray for them And the next morning when he was ready to go to the Congregation he heard that his dear Wife was come unto Amsterdam by which Providence his spirit being raised unto holy astonishment and admiration he uttered these words Oh what a God do I serve How exceeding mercifull is my God unto me What his prudent and pious coversation was and what high estimation he had in Amsterdam may be understood by the testimony of Master Rulice written by his own hand March 2. 1650. which is as followeth How acceptable and dear Master Herring my once Reverend Colleague was to us all Church Classis Magistrates yea to all who knew him it is publiquely known How faithfully he employed those excellent gifts which God in a large measure bestowed upon him in publique in private in his Sermons in his Advices in Consistory and Classes c. what need I mention for all well know For his private conversation what sweetnesse and inoffensiveness yea exemplary godlinesse did not he shew upon all occasions His sicknesse was lingering his death like a sleep As in his life so in his sicknesse and to his last breath he shewed that his heart was truly stored with patience faith love to God and his People heavenly-mindednesse zeal to the honour of God and with intire love to his Wife and Children But I must break off I hope that Reverend man who undertakes to publish the life and death of my most dear Brother and Colleague will so set it out that it may be a spurre to provoke the living to follow such a worthy Pattern and be a means of quickning many not only to walk faithfully in the way to heaven but also in that great function of the Ministry Thus farre Mr. Rulice The strangenesse of Independent Brethren of England when they came over into Holland was a great trouble unto this reall Saint and his constant Prayers were that they might neither be deceived themselves nor do any hurt unto the Government of the Reformed Churches He often said that those men had need of much caution because the devil in the times of purest Reformation would be a more subtill Angel of light then he was in Luthers daies When his Son returned into England he warned him to take heed of joyning with any part against the Presbyterial Government of the Reformed Churches For I am sure said he it is the Government of Jesus Christ. When the Scots first came into England it was his constant and affectionate Prayer that they might be instruments of
His marriage Conformity strictly pressed Gods good providence over him The trouble of his Wife Gods mercy His return to Newhall The Lady Ferrers respect to him though a Papist His prudence in his Ministry Bishop Neals malice Gods Providence over him His Letter about Master Rediches death Note He is inhibited from preaching But soon restored His last sicknesse His Death An. Christi 1618. His behaviour in his sickness His counsell to his friends His Burial His excellent parts His method in teaching The efficacy of his Ministry He used a form of prayer and why The Scriptures which he preached over His works that were published His zeal against Sectaries and Separatists A Disputation His Charity Doctor Halls character of him His birth and breeding His remove from Cambridge His coming to London His marriage His painfulnesse 1 Cor. 9.2 The effectualnesse of his Ministry Isa. 53.1 and 49.4 Isa. 8.18 1 Cor. 4.15 Jam. 5.20 Dan. 12.3 Luk. 1.16 Rom. 10.1 The danger of unprofitabe hearers 1 Cor. 9.27 Mat. 23.3 His exemplary life What makes a compleat man What makes a compleat Minister His manner of preaching His zeal for the Sabbath His prudence His care of his Family His Apology for quoting the Fathers His faithfulnesse in reproving sin His last sicknesse His death 1 Tim. 4.12 His birth and education His natural and acquired parts His entring into the Ministry His course of life before his Conversion The means and manner his Conversion Power of Prayer His Faith and comfort Confess l. 5. c. 13 14. His going into Ireland The efficacy of his Ministry The places of his first employment The study of the Prophesies His contests with the Bishops Mat. 26.13 The Lady Bowes her great charity His self-denial His patience and courage His carriage amongst his people Special Providence His persecution by Bishop Neal. * Gnats His last sicknesse His last sicknesse He foretels his death His death His strange sicknesse and recovery Satans malice The power of prayer His dispossessing of the devil His Birth His education His going to Cambridge His remove to Queens Colledge His Character His studiousnesse He is chosen Fellow He studies Physick His study of Astrology His Conversion He is chosen to oppose before the King His many Pupils His zeal His diligence The Bishops Hypocrisie His courage His Prudence Master Preston preacheth before the King He is made the Prince his Chaplain His travel in the Low-Countries He is chosen to Lincolns-Inne The Duke of Buckinghams Letter He is chosen Master of Emanuel A special Providence His last sicknesse His Parentage His education His conversion A special Providence His going to Cambridge 2 Cor. 7.6 A special Providence His first Sermon He is chosen Fellow of Christs Colledge but opposed His remove to Ashby His marriage His first silencing His Sermon before the Judge Judge Aderson angry with him He manageth the Petition for Reformation His second silencing The successe of his Ministry He is restored to Ashby His Lectures on John 4. His third silencing Wightman burnt for Heresie Slander He is cited into the High-Commission Court Silenced His sicknesse His second summons into the High-Commission Court His imprisonment He is falsly accused His censure in the High-Commission Court A special Providence He is sent for Leyden His constancy His humility and charity He opposeth the Brownists and Independents Master Cottons testimony of him Dr. Prestons testimony of his Lectures on John 4. His studiousnesse His care to profit by the Word His sicknesse His recovery His Lectures at Ashby on Psal. 35.3 His Lectures on Psal. 51. He is again silenced His last sicknesse His death His burial His charity His Parentage and education His going to Cambridge His Sermon at Pauls Crosse. His painfulnesse in the Ministry The success of his Ministry His piety in private His sicknesse His prudence therein His death His birth and breeding His going to Cambridge His remove to Oxford His going into Northamptonshire Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers Isa. 28.15 Levit. 26.27 28. A special Providence His remove to Woolstone He is opposed by the Bishop His courage He is suspended and excommunicated Absolved by the Archbishop He is accused of treason and imprisoned Sir T. Lucy He is acquitted The Bishop enjoyned to ask him forgivenesse P. Petiver Binley Wood. A special Providence His great pains The success of his Ministry His care in the education of his children Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers His powerfull manner of preaching His last sicknesse His death His Country His going to Cambridge His promotion in the Colledge and University His conversion He is chosen Lecturer in Cambridge Master of Katherine Hall His prudence in the Ministry Mr Dods testimony of his Sermons on Cant. 5. His piety His charity His death His Parentage His remove to Cambridge His Father casts him off He is chosen Fellow Chosen the first Master of Emanuel He commenced Doctor His care of the Colledge His care for young Students His care of Servants He resigned his place His death His birth and education His going to Oxford His remove into Cheshire His improvement of his parts His frequent Fasts and Prayers His constancy His Non-conformity He is ordained Minister His call to Whitmore His marriage His diligent studies His skill in comforting afflicted consciences His indefatigablenesse His unwearied pains on the Sabbath His frequent Fasting and Prayer His readinesse to do good His temperance and meeknesse His frugality His charity His humility His esteem of the weight of the Ministry His humility The necessity of stadying controversies The danger of Separation His high esteem of God His gratitude for mercies His high esteem of Jesus Christ. His prudence His distaste of frowardnesse The means of cure His love to the Church and to his Children His contentednesse His care to keep the Sacraments from pollution His dislike of separation His judgment about Independency His judgement about revelations His humility and modesty His intended works His great abilities His last sicknesse His Faith His humility His death His birth and education His preferments at Oxford His humility His holinesse His Lectures at Abington and Totnes He is chosen Provost of Queens Colledge He is chosen Bishop of Carlisle His painfulnesse His Sermon at the beginning of the Parliament His death A favouerer of godly Ministers Mr. Thomas Richardson now Pastor of Newbold Pace in Warwickshire An enemy to the book of sports His birth and education His conversion He is rejected by his Uncle His going to Cambridge Humane infirmity A special Providence His recovery He is persecuted And entertained by Sir Edward Bois By Sir Edward Anslow His great pains His faithfulnesse His preaching at Battersey His self-deniel His marriage He is again persecuted His Courage He is chosen by the Merchants He erects discipline in the Church Conversion The efficacy of his Ministry Gods judgement on a persecutor His charity His self-denial His return into England His Lecture in Wales His call to Wapping His painfulnesse A
explain himself more fully to them which afterwards he did accordingly And so after long communication and great promises of favour the King gently dismissed him with these words Let every man have his Doctor as himself best liketh this shall be my Doctor His adversaries seeing and hearing this dust never after that time molest him any further He did many excellent works of Piety and Charity and amongst the rest he erected that famous foundation of Pauls School London where one hundred fifty three poor mens sons should be taught freely and for this end he built a very convenient dwelling house for the Schoolmaster He assigned also a large annual stipend both for the Head-Master and Usher whom he willed rather to be chosen out of the number of married men then of single Priests with their suspected chastity He left sundry rents and houses for the payment of those stipends which he committed to the oversight of the Worshipfull company of Mercers in London He caused to be ingraven upon the School in Latine Schola Catechisationis puerorum in Christi Opt. Max. fide bonis literis Anno Christi M.D.X. The first Moderator of this School was Mr William Lilly a man no lesse eminent for his Learning then Dr Collet was for this Foundation he made the Latine Grammer which ever since by authority hath been used in all Schools Dr Collet was very expert in the Scriptures especially in Pauls Epistles which he hath illustrated by his Commentaries He held Justification freely by the merits of Christs and not by our own works He was an enemy to the idle and unchast life of the Popish Clergy He abhorred those that persecuted the Professors of the truth He died Anno Christi 1519. and was buried in Pauls Church upon whose Tomb Mr Lilly engraved this Motto Disce mori mundo vivere disce Deo The Life of Miles Coverdale sometimes Bishop of Exester who died Anno Christi 1568. MIles Coverdale was born in the North of England and from his childhood was much given to learning and by his diligence and industry profited exceedingly therein so that in the reign of King Henry the eighth he was one of the first that professed the Gospel in England He was very well skilled in the Hebrew and translated the Bible into English and wrote sundry Books upon the Scriptures which Doctrine being new and strange in those daies he was much hated and persecuted for it especially by the Bishops whereupon he was forced to fly into the Low-Countries There he printed the Bibles of his Translation and by sending them over and selling them in England he maintained himself But John Stokesly Bishop of London hearing thereof and minding to prevent their dispersing in England enquired diligently where they were to be sold and bought them all up supposing that by this means no Bibles would be had but contrary to his expectation it fell out otherwise for the same money which the Bishop gave for these Books the Merchant sent over to Miles Coverdale by which means he was enabled to Print as many more which he also sent into England This caused the Bishops to pursue him with such eagerness that he was forced to remove himself out of Flanders into Germany and to settle himself under the Palsgrave of the Rheine where he found much favour At first he taught children for his subsistence but having learned the Dutch language the Prince Elector Palatine gave him a Benefice at a place called Burghsaber where he did much good by his Ministry and holy life maintaining himself partly by his Living and partly by the liberality of Thomas Lord Cromwell who was his good Lord and relieved him very much At length when by the happy coming in of King Edward the sixth Religion was altered in England and the Gospel had a free passage he returned into his native Countrey where he did very much good by Preaching At the time of the commotion in Devonshire for Religion he was appointed to go down as Chaplain with the Lord Russell who was sent to suppresse the same and after the work was over for his excellent learning and godly life he was made Bishop of Exester being consecrated thereunto at Lambeth by Tho. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1550. He most worthily performed that Office that was committed to him He preached constantly every Sabbath and Holy day and most commonly twice in the week he read a Divinity Lecture in one Church or other within the City of Exester Considering his Means he was a great lover of Hospitality and kept a very good house He was sober and temperate in his diet holy and blamelesse in his life friendly to the godly liberall to the poor courteous to all men void of pride full of humility abhorring covetousnesse and an enemy to all wickednesse and wicked men whose society he shunned and whom he would in no wise intertain or keep in his house or company His Wife was a most sober chast and godly Matron His houshold another Church in which was exercised all godlinesse and Vertue He suffered no one person to abide in his house who could not give an account of his faith and Religion and who lived not accordingly And as he was very carefull to promote Religion in his Diocess so was he as ready to give direction for good Government in all Ecclesiasticall affairs And because himself was not skillfull therein neither would be hindred from his godly studies nor encumbred with worldly matters and yet judging it meet that the Government should be carried on with all uprightnesse Justice and Equity he sent to Oxford for a learned man to be his Chancellour and by the assistance of his Friends he obtained Mr Robert Weston Doctor of the Civil Law and afterwards Lord Chancellour in Ireland unto whose fidelity he committed his Consistory and the whole charge of his Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction allowing him not only all the Fees belonging thereto but also lodged and found him his Wife and Family horse and man within his own House and gave him a pension of 40lb lb per annum besides which was a very great matter in those daies so liberall was this good Bishop in the allowance which he made to this good Chancellor And surely the Bishop was no more godly and carefull in performing his Office of preaching then his Chancellor was diligent strict and just in doing of his Office without the reproach of partiality or bribery Yet notwithstanding that this godly Bishop lived most holily painfully and virtuously the common people whose old bottels were not capable of new wine could not brook nor digest him and when they could find no other cause this was judged a crime sufficient that he was a Preacher of the Gospel an enemy to Papistry and an honest married man Hereupon many devises were set on foot for his disgrace and removing him out of his
wary manner that no specious occasion could be taken whereby to deprive him of his liberty Yet they were resolved to spit forth their malice against him whether by fair or foul meanes which they thus effected Master Baines having heat his weak body by much straining his voice to speak to so great an Auditory Sermon being ended he retired himself presently to provide for his health which otherwise would have been much endangered They in the mean time going on with their businesse according to their accustomed Lordly way called for Master Baines amongst the rest and upon his not answering though he was not cited thither as to a Court but only intreated to preach as he did Yet for not appearing he was immediately silenced But afterwards the Chancellour being informed that that grosse sentence was illegal and therefore a meer nullity he went another way to work and sending for Master Baines he urged him about subscription and conformity and upon his refusal to make sure work silenced him over again In which businesse he was so conscious to himself of unreasonable and ridiculous dealing that when Master Baines standing to receive that unjust sentence from so corrupt a man lifted up his heart and eyes towards God with an heavenly smiling countenance as his manner was the Chancellour interpreted that gesture to be a scorning of his authority After this Master Baines was perswaded by some of his Friends to make triall of the Archbishops courtesie to whom when he had addressed himself at the very first salutation the gravity and severity of Arch-bishop Bancroft led him sharply to rebuke the good man for a little black-work edging upon his cuffs telling him in a very Episcopal strain that it were a good deed to lay him by the heels for it After which time Master Baines would have no more to do with such absurd and unreasonable men but preached sometimes where he might have liberty and as the weaknesse of his body would suffer The rest of his time he spent in Reading Writing Meditation and Prayer saving that upon occasion he instructed and comforted those that came to him in private wherein he had a very happy and heavenly gift He was indeed all his life after pressed with want not having as he often complained to his friends a place to rest his head in Yet did he never so much as consult with himself about his denying his sincerity and complying with the Bishops of whom and their courses he was wont to say They are a generation of the earth earthly and savour not the wayes of God Whil'st he lived a private life his Wife died and being thunder-struck by the Bishops bolt he had time and leasure to apply his able wit and judgment about the discussing of many questions which if the Prelates had not forced such leasure upon him it may be he would have passed by with others He was of such an holy and heavenly temper that he was reverenced by all good men that knew him His manner was in the summer-time to go from one Gentlemans house to another and happy were they that could get his company He had such a Divine and heavenly Majesty in his countenance that it would awe any man to look upon him Little recreation he used but sometimes to play at Chesse Once he was called by Bishop Harsnet to the Councel-table the Bishop having laid a designe to suspend and banish him under the pretence of keeping Conventicles the reason whereof was this He was an excellent Casuist and thereupon many doubting Christians repaired to him for satisfaction in cases of Conscience which the Bishops would needs have to be keeping of Conventicles When he was accused hereof before the Privy-Councel one of the Noble-men said to him Speak speak for your self Whereupon he made such an excellent speech that in the midst thereof a Nobleman stood up and said He speakes more like an Angel then a man and I dare not stay here to have a hand in any sentence against him upon which speech they dismissed him and he never heard more from them Upon a time he went to the House of Mistresse Sheafe who was his Wives Sister at Cranbrook in Kent where observing that she and others of the Family used to play much at cards and such like games as the custome was and still is too much used in Gentlemens Houses he took occasion on the Sabbath day in his Sermon to speak against such games And it pleased the Lord so to work upon Mistresse Sheafes heart by that Sermon that when she came home she came crying to him saying Oh Brother Why would you thus suffer me to live in sinne to the dishonour of God and would never tell me of it before To which he replied that it was best of all that God had wrought on her by the publick Ministry and that it might not have been so well if he had spoken to her in private He was a man of much communion with God and acquaintance with his own heart observing the daily passages of his life and was much exercised with spiritual conflicts whereby he became the more able to comfort others with the same consolations which himself had received from God He had a deep insight into the Mystery of Gods Grace and mans Corruption as appears by his Commentary upon the Epistle to the Ephesians He was one that sought not after great matters in the world being taken up with comforts and griefes unto which the world is a stranger One that had not all his learning out of Books Of a sharp wit and clear judgment So that though his Meditations were of an higher strain then ordinary yet he had a good dexterity furthered by his love to do good in explaining dark points with lightsome similitudes His Prayer in his Family was not usually above a quarter of an houre long and having respect to the weaknesse and infirmities of his Servants and Children he used to disswade others from tediousnesse in that duty It pleased God to make him an instrument of the conversion of that holy and eminent Servant of Jesus Christ Doctor Sibbs In his last sicknesse he had many doubts and feares and God letting Satan loose upon him he went out of this world with farre lesse comfort then many weaker Christians enjoy He resigned up his spirit into the hands of God in Cambridge Anno Christi 1617. The Life and Death of Master William Bradshaw who died Anno Christi 1618. IT hath from time to time been the lot of divers persons of singular worth and eminent parts that they have lived in obscurity and in a low condition and past their time without that due respect and regard which their excellent endowments might justly have claimed partly through the shortnesse of outward supplies for they get not up easily though never so well deserving that are scanted in that kinde partly by reason of an inward bashfulnesse and
over-awing modesty accompanied with an undervaluing repute of themselves and their own abilities and partly through the iniquity of the times wherein they have lived and the disaffection of those who have swayed most in the State and Government under which they have resided Such was the condition of that worthy and faithfull servant of the Lord Master William Bradshaw though a man richly endowed as well with such spiritual graces as in truth are of highest esteem being peculiar to Gods favourites that have interest in his Christ as with such gifts and parts also as might and did render him usefull and instrumental for the publick good of Gods people yet never enjoying any plentifull condition howsoever never prone to complain of want nor forward at any time or in any place to put himself forth as having ever a very low and mean conceit of his own parts and admiring in others what his own eye either could not descry or would not take notice of howsoever to others conspicuous enough in himself and being never suffered to continue long quiet in any setled place of more publick imployment through the envy and malice of some that had a jealous eye on him and the disturbances of him in the work of his Ministry set on foot by others ill-affected towards him but accrewing from the same pursued by some of those who were of greatest power and authority in Ecclesiastical affairs and could not brook any that did not in all particulars comply with them and their courses as they conceived him not to do He was born at Bosworth a Market-Town in Leicestershire famous for the Battell fought near to it wherein that bloody Usurper Richard the third lost his Crown attained by the unnatural murther of his two Nephews in their non-age together with his life His Father Nicholas Bradshaw though descended from an ancient Family of the Bradshaws in Lancashire with the crest of whose Coat therefore being a Buck browzing this our Brother used to seal yet living but in a mean condition and being not so well able therefore to train this his Son up in learning as he desired an Uncle that he had at Worcester undertook the education of him whether being Master of the Free-School there as some have supposed or of some other Profession as some other conjecture for that he hath been heard to report that Master William May who was sometime by the Turky Merchants imployed at Aleppo and afterward lived and ended his dayes in or about London a man of more then ordinary skill in the learned languages and in Exposition of Scripture very accurate and exact was Teacher in a publick School at Worcester while he lived there relating withall what a neat man he then was howsoever in his after-dayes he grew Cynically sordid and by his uncouth deportment and jealous disposition made himself nothing so usefull to others as otherwise he might have been But however it was for his Uncles Profession under him who by some Relations of his may not improbably be deemed to have been a Scrivener or publike Notary he was brought up and kept at School untill it pleased God to bereave him of this support by his death After whose decease returning home to his Father at Bosworth he was enforced though very much against his minde and desire to intermit the prosecution of his studies in literature for some space of time His Father now designing him to some other course of life out of despaire of maintaining him in a way so chargeable as his meanes being not large would not reach unto especially having other Children three Sons and two Daughters to provide for besides him But while the disposall of him hung thus in suspence it pleased the Lord who is wont to have a more speciall Providence over those whom in his secret purpose he hath fore-designed unto the work of his Ministry to have them fitted for the same to stir up the spirit of one Master Ainsworth a man of much worth then School-Master at Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire to divert his Parents purpose of disposing him to any other imployment For by his favour having taken notice of his capacity industry eager desire of farther progresse in good literature fitnesse of disposition to be wrought upon to that purpose and by some buds sprouting out from such seeds thereof as had already been sown in him conceiving good hopes of such future fruits as did accordingly ensue he was taken into the Free-School there where he so profited and made so successefull a proceed that after a years continuance being then about eighteen years of age he was deemed sufficiently fitted and furnished for the University and in the year 1589. was together with that worthy man of great renown Joseph Hall after Bishop of Exceter first then of Norwich and Hugh Cholmeley who had both been trained up in the same Schooll with him and did continue also afterward a kinde affection to him and friendly correspondence with him he was admitted into Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge where with them also he followed his studies under the tuition of that reverend Divine Master Gilbie then Fellow of that Colledge being there maintained partly by the allowance of some Gentlemen his fellow-pupils under the same Tutor and partly by some supplies afforded him from two noble Knights of the honourable house of the Hastings Sir Edward and Sir Francis on the latter of whom his Father also had some dependence upon the recommendation and at the motion of that worthy servant of God now with God Master Arthur Hildersham who was himself also allied to that Family In the Colledge with these supports he continued husbanding his time to the best advantage with an abundant blessing of God upon his sedulous endeavoures to a clear evidence of large improvement manifesting it self in such scholerly exercises as his time and place there required in the performance whereof speciall notice was taken of him as an acute and eager disputant untill he had taken both Degrees first that of Batcheler and after that of Master of Arts. But then being not capable of a Fellowship in that Colledge for that the Statutes of the House admitted not above one of the same Shire and of that one for Leicester-shire Master Joseph Hall before-mentioned being of the same time and standing with him was already possessed and having refused a Vicarage endowed with some competent yearly revenue by that Noble Knight Sir Edward Hastings one of his Patrons tendered him not daring yet to adventure on a work of that nature Master Laurence Chaderton then Master of the Colledge and the first from the very foundation of it bearing a singular affection to Master Bradshaw as well for his parts of learning as for his pious deportment but being unable for the cause above-mentioned to bring him in there cast about with himself how to procure a place and get some employment for him elsewhere
length drawn unto and that the rather because Master Johnson had fetcht some Arguments from grounds laid by him in that Treatise against Conformity which it stood Master Bradshaw upon therefore to consider of and give satisfaction unto that which was drawn up by him after perusall and approbation of some on whose judgment he much relied was by their advice sent over to Master Ames who with an Epistle of his own prefixed caused it to be printed in those parts where he then abode Neither was there any Reply ever returned unto it in defence of Master Johnson either by himself while he lived or by any other in his behalf so long as Master Bradshaw survived only many years after Master Bradshaws decease an attempt was made against it by one Master Can of Amsterdam which was not long after returned back upon its Author by a Friend of the deceased And indeed to Separation he was ever very adverse and to withdrawing from the publick places of Assembly or from any part of Gods Worship there used To which purpose shall be related out of his papers in his own words the ensuing passages delivered by him in a Sermon at Longford on Matth. 5.1 It is the great mercy of God toward us that we have no cause to seek the word in deserts and wildernesses in woods and caves and desolate mountains but such worthy edifices as these to assemble in dedicated only to this use And where Gods people have by publick authority such places as these appointed and allowed ordinarily to assemble and meet in we are fouly at least to suspect those Assemblies and the worship done therein which forsake those places and fly into woods and deserts It is true that among the Jews at this time there was the Temple and besides sundry Synagogues answeriing to these Churches of ours and which is more the doors of the Pulpits were generally open to Christ himself and yet our Saviour often taught in other places but this was upon extraordinary occasions such as seldome or never fall out with us and so carried by our Saviour that there was no Schisme or Separation made by him or any of his speciall Disciples or followers from the Assemblies then established And after concerning the places of Assembly themselves It is indeed an honour that those which are in Authority and ability should do to the Worship of God to see that comely and seemly places be dedicated and separated from other common uses thereunto and it is a disgrace and contempt to Gods Worship when men that may remedy it care not how base and contemptible the place of Gods Worship is when men have not that care of the place where the holy Assembly of God meets as they have of their barns and stables As also concerning some circumstances of Gesture used in them From Christ sitting to teach we learn in such externall behaviour to follow our Saviours example that is in matters not doubtfull and controversal at least to conform our selves to such outward fashions as are generally used in those times and that Church wherein we live For example in the like case It is the general custom in our Church that the Ministers preach standing in a seat higher then the People and bare-headed and this gesture is no peculiar gesture but borrowed from the common practice of Orators and such persons as make speeches to solemn Assemblies It 's meet therefore in such cases that we should not be singular and odde but conform to the received fashion of the Church So that if we should sit and preach as Christ did we should not conform to Christ because we should cross that which was the ground why Christ sate Lastly concerning repair to all parts of Gods service from those words And his Disciples came to him c. This also is a matter of order that as much as may be divine Worship should begin when the Congregation is assembled and come together Therefore the Members of an Assembly should make more conscience then usually they do of coming together sooner I urge this the rather because it is a general fault in our Assemblies not committed only by them that care not which end of Religion goeth forward but generally of most that so they come to some part of Gods Worship it is well enough especially if they can come time enough to the beginning of the Sermon Hence many times the Minister with the Clerk are fain to perform a great part of the publick Worship of God alone or with one or two at the most and the rest of the Church come dropping in one after another at their own leasure as though the publick prayers of the Church and reading the Scriptures were a Worship that concerned the Minister and Clerk only and not the whole Church This is the rather related and here inserted because not published to manifest the moderation of the man notwithstanding so much hard measure as he sustained from the hands of those who so grievously abused the power they had in those times Thus have you a rude and crude delineation of this blessed and faithfull Servant of Gods course and race whose life was indeed as a continuall peregrination here upon earth extracted partly from Letters written to him by others communicated for the better making up of this module by Master Samuel Hildersham Pastor of the Church at West-Felton in Shropshire Sonne to that famous man of pious memory Master Arthur Hildersham and Master John Bradshaw at present Minister of the Word at Echingham in Sussex Sonne to this worthy Champion of Christ Jesus both genuine heirs of their Parents best parts and partly from relations of his own and others of good credit his Letters especially to a bosome Friend whom he was wont from time to time thereby to acquaint with most occurrents of note that befell him or did any way concern him while they lived at a distance It might have been more exactly and intirely performed had not some Letters of his been lost and a bundle of others to him miscarried torn by Rats in his absence from the place where they lay the losse whereof in a Letter he much laments and wishes that as many of his Books to save them had undergone the like ill-usage His death was much lamented as by all that knew his parts and how usefull he might farther have been to Gods Church had the Lord been pleased to lengthen out the line of his life so more especially by the well-affected of that Family whereunto he had adhered but in a degree farre above the rest by the head thereof Mistresse Katharine Redich the relict of Master Alexander Redich deprived now of a second stay and principal support for spiritual helps especially since her Husbands decease a very tender-hearted Gentlewoman much addicted to hospitality and of very remarkeable devotion and piety reported by those who were inwardly acquainted with her more retired courses to have been wont constantly to spend privately
instruct the ignorant to satisfie the doubtfull to settle the wavering to comfort the dejected and to encourage all sorts in the exercises of Religion He was much in the house of Mistresse Katherine Redich of Newhall in Derbyshire widdow to Alexander Redich of Redich in Lancashire Esquire his bosome Friend his antient acquaintance and constant dear Friend to his death who survived him not above eight daies the grief for his death hastening as it was supposed her end In her house at Hamstead near London August 21. 1624. he fell sick of a violent Feaver which put him into such danger that the Physicians doubted of his Recovery he over-hearing some intimation of it when he thought none were in the room the Curtains being drawn about his bed he was over-heard by one in the room to speak audibly those words of Psal. 118.17 I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. At that time there was as little hope of his preaching as of his recovery But God in great mercy soon after restored him both to health and liberty The next year viz. June 20. 1625. he was licensed by Doctor Ridley then Vicar-general to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury to preach in the Diocesse of London Lincoln and Coventry and Lichfield under the Seal of that office By vertue of which License he began to preach August 3. 1625. in Ashby Church aforesaid those eight Sermons on Psal. 35.13 concerning Fasting Prayer and Humiliation for sinne which were published since his death viz. 1632. according to his own Copy left under his hand by his Son Master Samuel Hildersam September 28. 1625. he began his one hundred and fifty two Lectures on Psal. 51. published in the like nature 1635. After the last forementioned licensing he was silenced again March 25. 1630. by notice given him from the Court at Leicester of the Kings instructions for every Lecturer to read service in Surplice and Hood and he began to preach again Aug. 2. 1631. and so continued till December 27. 1631. which was the last Sermon that he preached Soon after he fell sick of his last sickness and discerning it to increase he sent for his forenamed Sonne dwelling at West-Felton in Shropshire fourty nine miles from Ashby He with his Wife came to him withall convenient speed January 13. and stayed with him till his death Their company and attendance at that time as alwaies formerly was very contenting and comfortable And of his Daughter-in-law who was by himself propounded as a meet Wife for his dearest Son and in whom he ever took much delight he was heard with affection to ingeminate these words Never man had a kinder Daughter-in-law His disease though not discerned to be so at the first proved the Scorbute the which being a dull and melancholick distemper indisposed him to speak much yet as he shewed wonderfull patience through his whole sicknesse so he used many holy and heavenly expressions to those that attended him or came to visit him who he being so much beloved and honoured in the Countrey were not a few He suggested unto some dear Friends his fears that Wolves would ere long come in amongst them and thereupon earnestly exhorted them to continue stedfast in the truth which they had received And occasion being given to mention those words 1 Tim. 3.5 How shall he take care of the Church of God looking to his Son he said Oh Son Son that care of the Flock is the main thing The most godly people in those parts his constant hearers who had been either converted to Christ or edified and confirmed in grace by his Ministry being very sensible of the great losse which not themselves only but the whole Church of God also would sustain by his death that they might not seem negligent in the use of any means within their reach to prolong his life and their own comfort did resolve amongst themselves to set apart a day that they might solemnly in publique seek the Lord by fasting and Prayer in his behalf wherein they had the hearty help of Master Simeon Ashe both in the morning and afternoon by Sermons and Supplications who did more owe himself unto Master Hildersam then to any other man having been first placed in the University under the tuition of famous Master Thomas Hooker fellow of Emanuel Colledge and afterwards directed and encouraged in his Ministry by his great care and love March 4. being the Lords day he grew very weak and was prayed for in the Congregation in Ashby Church both at the morning and evening exercise His Sonne prayed with him divers times that day and whilest he was praying the last time he departed and slept in the Lord between nine and ten of the clock that night viz. March 4. 1631. Thus he who had diligently heretofore kept the holy rest of the Sabbath did in the close of the Sabbath rest from his labours and having glorified God often both in publique and private on that day before was at last on that day received into glory Master Herring his dear and familiar friend being then at Coventry was sent for the next day and came and preached the Lecture in Ashby Church on Tuesday March 6. in the morning Master Hhildersam having taken order in his Will that there should be no Funeral-Sermon at his Burial and then spake like himself holily discreetly learnedly and affectionately concerning the losse that that Congregation the Countrey and whole Church had sustained by the death of him that was lately dead In the afternoon of that day his body was born by neighbour-Ministers to the grave accompanied by a great multitude both of Ministers and others who expressed much sorrow and lamentation He lived in Ashby aforesaid for the most part yet being often forced to remove his dwelling of fourty three years and six moneths with great successe in his Ministry love and reverence of all sorts He was very charitable to the poor himself and in exciting of his auditors to contribute towards their relief In few Countrey-Congregations in England the Collections for the poor were so large as they were at the Quarter-daies at his Lectures The losse of poor Ashby by his death was exceeding great for he was the Peace-maker amongst neighbours and the Patron of the poor wickednesse was checked and godlinesse cherished by his great care and wisdome He was a Friend to every one in a good cause and it was his unwearied delight to be Christianly seviceable in any kind He lived to a great age considering that his pains in preaching did ordinarily weaken him so much sixty eight years and five moneths yet this happinesse God vouchsafed to him which was more then ordinary that he out-lived not his parts but as his graces increased towards his end so his abilities of invention judgement memory elocution decayed not in his age He left a precious memory behind him had Letters of commendation written in the
very strong able and healthfull body so that for the greatest part of his life there which was about fourty four years he rod four times a day winter and summer between the two Churches read the Word and preached four times a day administred the Sacraments and performed all other ministerial dutyes in them both He preached uppon several texts in each of the Churches so that divers godly persons old and young went betwixt the two Churches hearing several Sermons to their great profit and comfort Besides this every Holiday he supplied both the Churches sometimes preached but constantly expounded in each of them and for the most part twice a day also and God so blessed his labours that he begat many Sons and Daughters unto God He was very carefull in the education of his children first to train them up in the knowledge and fear of God for which end he would take all opportunities to whet the Word of God upon them when he lay down and when he rose up and as he walked by the way c. and God so blest his labours that he lived to see to his great comfort the work of grace wrought in the hearts of all his seven children And next to this his care was to train up his children in learning and to honest callings often saying that if he could leave them no other portion yet he would give them that education that they should be able to get their own livings in any part of the world where God should cast their lott Towards the latter-end of his life came forth the Book for Recreations on the Sabbath day and some young persons in the Town where he lived being encouraged thereby and by a Popish Landlord which they had would needs have a Whitson-ale and Morris-dance an heathenish sport long before through Gods goodnesse banished out of that town Master Clark laboured by his Ministry to beat down the first rising of this motion but these persons were so backed and encouraged by some that set them on that they would needs prosecute their design notwithstanding all the warnings given them by their faithfull Pastor But God that hath said He that despiseth you despiseth me c. made their sin quickly to find them out in a terrible judgment that suddainly ensued for in that very Barn standing near a Smiths Shop where their revels were most kept there was a violent fire kindled which notwithstanding all help quickly burnt it down and in a strange manner flying against the wind it went from house to house burning down all the houses of the chief of those which had an hand in these prophane sports Master Clark was a man like Apollos mighty in the Scriptures and so studied in the Body of Divinity that upon short warning he could preach very pertinently and profitably He had an excellent pair of lungs and was exceeding powerfull in his Ministry striking shame and terrour into the hearts of the wicked to whom he was a Boanerges and yet withall he was a Barnabas to humbled broken bleeding souls His old age was accompanied with a lingring and painfull disease which yet he bore with great patience and as he came nearer to Heaven so his motion thitherward was more quick and lively Many godly persons came to visit him in his disease and none of them went away without some spiritual and comfortable instructions from him At last having long glorified God on earth and finished his work he went to receive his wages quietly resigning up his spirit unto God November 6. 1634. having lived seventy one years two moneths and nineteen dayes and having been Pastor of Woolstone fourty four years This Master Hugh Clark was my Father The Life of Doctor Sibs who died Anno Christi 1635. RIchard Sibs was born upon the edges of Suffolk near Sudbury and being trained up at School when he was grown ripe and ready for the University he was sent to Cambridge Anno Christi 1595. and was admitted into St. Johns Colledge where he by his sedulity and industry so profited in Learning and approved himself by his godly and blamelesse conversation that he was promoted from one degree to another in the Colledge being chosen first Scholar and then Fellow of that House He also took all the Degrees of the University with general approbation and applause It pleased God to convert him by the Ministry of Mr. Paul Baines whilest he was Lecturer at St. Andrews in Cambridge And when Mr. Sibs had been Master of Arts some while he entred into the Ministry and shortly after was chosen Lecturer himself at Trinity Church in Cambridge To whose Ministry besides the Townsmen many Scholars resorted so that he became a worthy Instrument of begetting many Sons and Daughters unto God besides the edifying and building up of of others He sometimes had a little stammering in the time of his preaching but then his judicious hearers alwaies expected some rare and excellent notion from him About the year 1625. or 26. he was chosen Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge the Government whereof he continued till his dying day and indeed like a faithfull Governour he was alwaies very solicitous and carefull to procure and advance the good of that little House For he procured good means and maintenance by his interest in many worthy Persons for the enlargement of the Colledge and was a means and Instrument to establish learned and Religious Fellows there insomuch as in his time it proved a very famous Society for Piety and Learning both in Fellows and Scholars Dr. SIBBS His Learning was mixed with much humility whereby he alwaies esteemed lowly of himself and was ready to undervalue his own labours though others judged them to breathe spirit and life to be strong of Heaven speaking with authority and power to mens consciences His care in the course of his Ministry was to lay a good foundation in the heads and hearts of his hearers And though he were a wise Master-builder and that in one of the eminentest Auditories for Learning and Piety that was in the Land as was said before yet according to the grace which was given to him which was indeed like that of Elisha in regard of the other Prophets 2 King 1.9 the elder Brothers priviledge a double portion he was still taking all occasions to preach of the Fundamentals to them and amongst the rest of the Incarnation of the Son of God one of the chief Fundamentals of our Faith one of the chief of those wonders in the Mercy-seat which the Cherubims gaze at which the Angels desire to pry into 1 Pet. 1.12 And preaching at severall times and by occasion of so many severall texts of Scripture concerning this Subject there is scarce any one of those incomparable benefits which accrew to us thereby nor any of those holy impressions which the meditation hereof ought to work in our hearts which was not by
him sweetly unfolded as may appear by those Sermons now in Print And therefore saith a Reverend Divine the noted humility of the Author I lesse wonder at finding how often his thoughts dwelt upon the humiliation of Christ. As for his Sermons upon Cant. 5. Reverend and holy Mr. Dod upon the perusall of the Manuscript was so taken with them that he professed that he found them so full of heavenly Treasure and containing such lively expressions of the unvaluable riches of the love of Christ towards all his poor servants that sue and seek unto him for it that by his great importunity he prevailed with Dr. Sibs otherwise much undervaluing his own meditations to commit the same to the Presse to which Mr. Dod gave this attestation I saith he judge it altogether unmeet that such precious matter should be concealed from the publick use I judge these Sermons a very profitable and excellent help both to the understanding of that dark and most Divine Scripture as also to kindle in the heart all heavenly affections towards Jesus Christ the whole frame whereof is carried with such Wisdom Gravity Piety Judgment and Experience that it commends it self to all that are godly wise and I doubt not but they shall find their temptations answered their fainting spirits revived their understandings enlightened and their graces confirmed so that they shall have cause to praise God for the worthy Authors godly and painfull labours Indeed he was throughly studied in the holy Scriptures which made him a man of God perfect throughly furnished unto every good work and as became a faithfull Steward of the manifold graces of God he endeavoured to teach to others the whole counsel of God and to store them with the knowledge of Gods will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding He was a man that enjoyed much communion with God walking in all the Laws of God blamelesse and like John the Baptist was a burning and shining light wasting and spending himself to enlighten others He was upon all occasions very charitable drawing forth not only his Purse in relieving but his very bowels in commiserating the wants and necessities of the poor Members of Christ. He used sometimes in the summer-time to go abroad to the houses of some worthy Personages where he was an Instrument of much good not only by his private labours but by his prudent counsell and advice that upon every occasion he was ready to minister unto them And thus having done his work on earth he went to receive his wages in heaven peaceably and comfortably resigning up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1631. and of his age 58. The Life of Doctor Chaderton who died Anno Christi 1640. LAurence Chaderton was born of an ancient Family at Chatterton in Lancashire about the year 1546. and his Parents being both Papists they trained him up in that Religion yet bred him to learning and when he came to some maturity of years his Father sent him to the Inns of Court But he being not pleased with that kind of life through the motion of Gods holy Spirit who had a work for him to do in another Calling and place left the Inns of Court and went to Cambridge about the twentieth year of his age and the sixth year of Queen Elizabeth And getting some acquaintance in Christs Colledge it pleased God that the Master and Fellows took such a liking to him for his ingenuity and industry that they admitted him into a poor Scholars place Then did he write to his Father to acquaint him with his present condition and to request some means of maintenance from him But his Father disliking his change of place and studies but especially of Religion sent him a Poke with a groat in it to go a beggâ— withall further signifying to him that he was resolved to disinhâ—â—â—â— him which he also did Yet did the Lord support his spirit to preferre an heavenly before an earthly Inheritance and seeing that he had nothing else to trust to he fell close to his studies and through Gods blessing upon the same he so eminently profited in all sorts of Learning that Anno Christi 1567. being but yet Batchelour of Arts he was chosen Fellow of Christs Colledge Anno Christi 1578. he commenced Batchelour of Divinity and the same year October the 26. he preached a Sermon at Pauls Crosse which he also Printed He was chosen Lecturer at St. Clements Church in Cambridge which place he supplied about the space of sixteen years and by his Holy Learned and judicious Sermons did very much good and was succeeded therein by Mr. Michael Bentley Fellow of Christs Colledge a godly plain and profitable Preacher He was a man famous for Gravity Learning and Religion so that when Sir Walter Mildmay Counsellor of State to Queen Elizabeth Chancellor and under-Treasurer of the Exchequer Founded Emanuel Colledge Anno Christi 1584. he made choice of this man for the first Master and when Master Chaderton shewed himself not willing to undertake that great charge Sir Walter replied saying If you will not be the Master I will not be the Founder of it In the beginning of King James his reign he was one of the four Divines for the Conference at Hampton Court chosen by the Ministers that desired a Reformation in the Church Government and for his Learning and sufficiency was the same year chosen to be one of the Translators of the Bible Anno Christi 1612. when the Prince Elector Palatine came to visit Cambridge he would needs have Mr. Chaderton commence Doctor of Divinity which accordingly he did He deserved very well of Emanuel Colledge for whereas the Founder gave allowance for the maintenance of three Fellows only together with the Advouson of Stranground Rectory in Huntingtonshire near Peterburrough Dr. Chaderton procured by his friends and acquaintance allowance for twelve Fellows and above fourty Scholars of the House besides the Advousons of Auler and Northcudberry Rectories as also of the Vicaridge of Dulverton in Summersetshire Piddle-Hinton in Dorcetshire and Loughburrough in Leicestershire of the Noble Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington which Noble man was a great friend to godly Ministers After he was Master of Emanuel his manner was not to suffer any young Scholars to go into the Countrey to Preach till he had heard them first in the Colledge Chappel All his younger daies he used to expound a portion of Scripture twice a week in his Family He was married fifty three years and yet in all that time he never kept any of his Servants from Church to dresse his meat saying that he desired as much to have his servants know God as himself If at any time he had a Servant upon triall though they could do as much work as three others yet if they were given to lying or any other vice he would by no means suffer them to dwell in his house Towards his
latter-end Arminianisme began to sprout up apace in the University and he being fearfull that an Arminian might come to succeed him in his place after his death resolved if he could procure a godly and worthy man to resign his place to him in his life time which accordingly he did to famous Dr. Preston whom he yet survived and saw after him Dr. Sancroft and after him Dr. Holsworth to succeed in his Mastership He was of a very charitable disposition insomuch as if he heard of any godly Minister that was in want he would send them fourty or fifty shillings at a time Though he lived till he was very old yet his sight remained very good as may appear by this example A little before his death an old Servant of his came to see him and found him reading on a Book so that at the first he took no notice of her but when she came nearer lifting up his head he spake to her asking her what a clock it was She told him eleven I have said he here got a Book that I have been reading of ever since eight a clock for I like it very well and yet all that time he had read without Spectacles He lived eighteen years after the Resignation of his Mastership and in November Anno Christi 1640. resigned up his spirit unto God being about the age of ninety four years and was buried in S. Andrews Church Dr. Richard Holsworth the then Master of Emanuel preached his Funerall Sermon and gave him a large and deserved Commendation The Life of Master John Ball who died October 20. 1640. IOhn Ball was born about the year 1585. at Casssington an obscure village a mile from Hanborough in Oxfordshire he being set to School at Yarnton was found so apt to learn that the Schoolmaster prevailed with his Parents though of low estate to continue him Scholar there till he was fitted for the University Gods Providence by means of friends made way for his placing in Brazen-nose Colledge in Oxford where he improved very much in the knowledge of the Arts and he proved a quick disputant When he was Batchelour of Arts wanting meanes for his maintenance to continue longer in the University he accepted a motion made for his removal into the Countrey and was placed in the Lady Cholmleys house in Cheshire as Tutor to her Children where many other Children also were taught by him And though he came raw and ungrounded in Religion as himself was wont to expresse it from Oxford yet within a short time there appeared with the increase of his scholastical abilities the breakings forth of the power of Godlinesse in his conversation unto them who were most religious and judicious there who thereupon took him into their society for mutual edification in the waies of Gods fear Whereas there was great scarcity of godly painful Preachers in that corner of the Countrey in those times he did much frequent the Ministry of Reverend Master John Foord whereby he was not a little edified He had few Books and therefore perused the more seriously such as he had under-hand Calvins life published by Beza and his Commentary upon the Psalms made deep impressions upon his spirit Growing into acquaintance with the most godly people in those parts who much lamented the evils of the times he often associated with them in keeping private daies of Fasting and Prayer Himself with some other honest Christians were often convented to Chester and much troubled there for keeping a Fast on Ascension day their fault being aggravated by the Bishop and his Officers because they fasted upon that holy day As he took not up any opinion or practice till he had well weighed it So was he not much moved by any trouble which assaulted him in his way When others judged him ripe for the Ministry he was not hasty in adventuring upon that Calling because he was sensible of the weight thereof and also desirous to satisfie his conscience concerning the way of entrance by Episcopal subscription And upon the serious studying of the points in controversie betwixt the Bishops and Non-conformists he was dissatisfied to yield unto that subscription which was then strictly commanded Some conflicts he had with the then Bishop of Chester about Non-conformity but though he looked upon a Bishop in those times as a formidable creature yet he came off unshaken Having resolved upon the encouragement given by judicious Divines to enter into the Ministry when God should make a fair way for his admission without subscription by the intercession of Friends he with Master Julines Herring who afterwards was famous for the work of the Lord in Salop were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop being occasionally in London with freedom from the formentioned snare About the year 1610. he was called to be Minister at Whitmore a small village near unto New-Castle in Staffordshire where he was entertained into the house of Edward Mainwaring Esquire a pious and much esteemed Gentleman Here he married a godly Wife whom God had provided as an help meet for him he himself being alwaies a meer Scholar neither much minding nor intermedling in worldly affairs beyond the bounds of his Calling by whom he had six Sonnes and one Daughter Six of his Children were born unto him while he continued in Master Mainwarings Family where he found much love and did much service for every evening he expounded a portion of Scripture which was read in course and many mornings also was helpfull in Catechizing of the Family Hither many Ministers and others had often recourse unto him for counsell where they were alwaies friendly entertained and the Lord blessed that Family very much which doth still shew much kindnesse unto the Children of this good man Afterwards he removed with his own Family unto an house which Master Mainwaring had built for him where he had his seventh and last child born to him and where he dwelt till his death He was a great lover of Learning and therefore laid out in the first years of his Ministry all the money which he could spare from necessary expences in buying good Books with which he was so well acquainted having both a quick understanding and strong memory that he could readily give an account of all passages most remarkable in them He had so well studied Bellarmines controversies that it is scarcely credible what relation he could make ex tempore of them from point to point and shew from particular to particular where the fallacy and the weaknesse of his Arguments did appear And the like might be truly attested in reference unto the Arminian disputes and the other Church-Controversies both in former and latter times It was his custom to read over a Book when once he undertook it and no man could be more cautious in entertaining opinions without much mature consideration having well weighed all arguments produced on both sides both for and
his gifts at Battersey bringing glory to God but the devil again raised up persecution against him One Master King Church-warden of the place was offended at him because he freely reproved sinne and boldly spake against the corruptions that were then in the Church by this man he was presented into the Commissaries Court and by his means cited to appear to answer certain Articles This was about the latter end of Queen Elizabeths reign not long before the coming in of King James Upon this citation he resolved to appear and came to London and being at the door of the Commissaries house Master Egerton his faithfull and Reverend Friend by Providence passing by came to him and having saluted him told him he had heard of the opposition made against him at Battersey and asked him if he would accept of a Call to go beyond the Seas his answer was having returned thanks for his kindnesse that he could not as yet resolve him forasmuch as he stood accused at present and was resolved what ever came of it to defend those Truths that he had publiquely delivered but yet professing a willingnesse to follow Providence whithersoever the Lord should call him Appearing before the Commissary he met with courteous usage and was friendly dismissed for at this time those men feared a change to be brought in by King James Not long after this he was called by the Merchant-adventurers to be Minister to their company beyond Sea whither breaking through all discouragements he went During his abode beyond the Sea at Stoade and Hamborough which was about the space of eleven years and an half he by the advice of the godly learned erected and established Discipline in that Church God did greatly blesse his Ministry and he begat among that little company many Sons and Daughters unto God He had Communion with the Netherland-Dutch Church at Stoade and at Altenon near Hamborough and with the godly that came out of England admitting them being desirous to come to the Lords Table In his Ministry he was very searching many coming and confessing those things which he had never heard of till it came out of their own mouthes In his carriage he was affable and courteous yet grave and awfull so that many durst not for fear do those things that otherwise they were disposed to The Merchants here found the benefit by the orderly carriage of their Factors there Yet here the Devil was not quiet for one of the prime Merchants taking exceptions against his impartiall dealing in his Ministry and the order in the Church threatned by such a day naming it to have him over into England but before that day came himself was summoned by death to another place He was very charitable himself allowing something yearly towards the maintenance of the suspended Ministers here and greatly furthered charity in others By his direction and encouragement Master Jones a rich Batchelour and one of the Elders of his Church bequeathed many thousands of pounds to pious uses which to this day speaks his praise He was eminent in self-denial for being made Executour by the said Master Jones of his last Will and Testament whereby he might have gained much to himself he never rested till he had caused him to alter his Will and to place others in his room Upon the dissolving of that company of Merchants he came over into England and being disappointed of a place in London intended for him by Master Jones he went to Monmouth in Wales and for some time held the Lecture setled there Afterward a Chappel being erected at Wapping he was called to that place and became the first Minister there Here he abode to his death being holy and exemplary in his life and conversation and aboundant in labours preaching constantly thrice a week and catechizing on the Lords day besides The tendernesse of his fatherly care and love of this people he expressed all the time of his living with them but especially in the time of the great sicknesse when remaining with them he preached constantly every Lords day and the Fast dayes notwithstanding all the danger that he was in the infection in that place being much spread and very violent The Providence of God over him at that time was very remarkable For although all the Families round about him were infected and his house adjoyned to the place of Burial yet neither himself nor any of his Family were any waies smitten with it Many were his labours in private being much sought unto both for counsell and for comfort What successe God gave unto his Ministry was evident by the many souls won and built up by him He was very studious and wrote much yet was alwaies averse from publishing any thing though often requested saying that the many Books that were daily set forth hindred the study and reading of the Holy Scriptures Once he committed to the Presse a Catechism fitted for his own Congregation and before his death had finished a large Tractate of the body of Divinity which still lies by He sought the good of all and was a precious savour unto some in whose hearts to this day his memory flourishes He foresaw the ensuing distractions with a grieved heart and raised himself up to comfort by contemplating the approaching time wherein Christ and his truth and his waies shall have the preheminence His judgement concerning some hath proved true asserting often that their principles would not if they continued in them suffer them to sit down on this side Anabaptism He was a Friend of truth and peace and an Instrument of refreshing the bowels of the poor many strangers for his sake giving in largely towards their relief Having finished his course being spent with labours he quietly and comfortably ended his daies and according to his last words went unto his God Anno Christi 1643. and of his age 69. having continued his Ministry at Wapping six and twenty years The Life of Master Julines Herring who died Anno Christi 1644. IUlines Herring was born in Flamber-mayre Parish in Mountgomery-shire 1582. His Father within three years after returned with his Wife and Family into Coventry where his Ancestors had been chief officers of the City in their course almost for the space of two hundred years and where he himself also was Sheriff and Maior living and dying in good estimation there This Julines his Son having had his first education in Shropshire with Master Perkin Minister at More-Chappel his Mothers near Kinsman where he learned the Principles of Religion was brought home unto Coventry where he was trained up in Learning under Reverend Master Tovey who then was Head Schoolmaster there While he was a school-boy he was noted for his diligence in reading the holy Scriptures delighting in those Chapters especially which treat of Faith in Christ and of repentance from sin to God And even then in
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
and the Publican His Faith and Patience were encreased and perfected by his sufferings He longed and thirsted to be with Christ which words he often uttered One of his last speeches was this with his eyes and hands lifted up to Heaven he sighed and said I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. His pains left him not an hour before his death his speech also then leaving him he could not eat nor drink two daies before his death And so quietly and patiently he ended his life making a happy change being fourscore and sixteen years old Anno Christi 1645. The Life of Master Robert Balsom who died Anno Christi 1647. RObert Balsom was born at Shipton-Montague in the County of Somerset Having spent some years in New-in-hall in Oxford upon his removall thence he was entertained by Master Bernard of Batcomb in the aforesaid County to teach School and preach sometimes as his Assistant under whom he greatly improved his abilities for preaching Upon the death of Master Bernard preaching occasionally at a neighbour village call'd Stoke among a company of poor untaught people one that lived thereabouts told him that if such a Minister should come and preach among that people where there was so small encouragement he should think that God had a great work to do upon them Hereupon Master Balsom promised to be their Minister where he enjoyed about fourty pounds a year The successe of his Ministry there was very great insomuch that he hath been heard say that there were but few Sermons that he preached there but he had intelligence that some one or other were converted by them The troubles growing in those parts by reason of our Civil Warres after one or two years abode there he was forced for his own safety to betake himself to Warder Castle in Wiltshire where he had not continued long but the Castle was besieged by the Kings party Upon the news of their approach he was minded to have gone for London but being desired by Colonel Ludlow the Governour of that Castle he remained there during the siege A little before the Castle was delivered up as they were in Treaty about the surrender of it Master Balsom walking upon the roof of the Castle heard three Souldiers say That they had sworn upon the Bible to take away the life of one in the Castle He asked one of them Who is that ye mean Is it our Minister They replyed Yes for he is a Witch which they affirmed upon this ground because the Castle had divers times been very strangely relieved with provision As at one time with a herd of Swine coming down to the gates which they took in and at another time by some Deer and Conies the siege then being not close but straightning them at a distance He asked them what was their names They told him they were the three merry boyes He replyed your names are very unsuitable to the times And so after some farther discourse parted with them After the surrender of the Castle and the enemies entry they presently seized on Master Balsom and clapt him up in a close low room About twelve a clock at night the key of the room was given to the three Souldiets that had sworn his death They having received the key presently entered the room where he was with another Souldier who was hanged the next morning No sooner came they into the room but they put off their hats and standing still lookt on him at a distance saying nothing to him He suspecting them to be the men that had sworn to take away his life spake to them thus Friends what is your business are not ye the men that have sworn to take away my life They answered to this purpose We have taken a wicked oath God forgive us but we will do you no hurt He desired them to come near unto him but they stood trembling perswaded him to make an escape voluntarily offering him their best assistance He answered now I suspect you you are ashamed to take away my life now I am in your hands but would perswade me to a flight that you might with the more colour kill me in the pursuit They assuring him they intended really the setting of him at liberty He asked what they thought would become of them They answered they would go along with him He replyed That you shall not do for if I be taken again I shall be but in the same case I am but if you be taken it will cost you your lives And therefore I will rather suffer the utmost that God shall suffer them to inflict upon me then hazard the lives of those that have shewed themselves so friendly to me Upon this they had him forth into the fresh air and in the mean time made clean his room and so left him The next morning a Councel of War was call'd and as they were debating to put him to death a Captain of the Councel stood up and said I will have no hand in the blood of this man and so went out of the room and no farther progresse was made as concerning him Afterwards they carried him in a Cart to Salisbury As he was carried through the town to the Prison the people of the town entertained him with great scorn and contempt and that night another Councel of War was call'd and packt for the purpose by which he was condemned to be hang'd Hereupon the High Sheriff of the County went unto him into the Prison and after much ill language that he used towards him he told him that he was come to tell him that he must prepare himself to die for he was condemned by the Councel of War to be hang'd the next morning at six a clock but withall assured him that if he would ask pardon of the King for his offence and serve his Majesty for the future as he had formerly served against him he should both save his life and have what preferment he could reasonably desire He answered for me to ask pardon where I am not conscious of an offence were but the part of a fool and to betray my conscience in hope of preferment were but the part of a Knave and if I had neither hope of heaven nor fear of hell I had rather die an honest man then live a fool or a knave The next morning he rose about five a clock being something troubled that he had slept so long About six a clock the Officers came into the room to bring him forth to execution While he was preparing to go with them he heard a Post ride in asking hastily Is the Prisoner yet alive who brought with him a Reprieve from Sir Ralph Hopton to whom he was carried to Winchester As he came to the gates of the town Sir William Ogle the Governour met him and told him that he would feed him with bread and water for two or three daies and then
spake to them to this purpose Friends I wonder at the providence of God in bringing you hither at this time for otherwise I must have sent for you And so declaring to them what had hapned to the afflicted man he desired them to spend some part of the night with him in seeking God for him which accordingly they did The next morning Master Balsom going to visit him again found him in a comfortable condition and asking of him how he did He answered Through the goodnesse of God I have overcome and am now as full of comfort as I was before of trouble And so continued all that day cheerfull but in great weaknesse and the next morning died no disease appearing upon him After some time of Master Balsom's abode there he was earnestly intreated to return into his own Countrey to which for some important reasons he was inclined but was as earnestly importuned by many of the inhabitants of Barwick either to abide with them or to return again to them And after many other Arguments as he was just parting with them as their last Argument to perswade him to stay with him they presented him with a list of about threescore that had been as they were verily perswaded savingly wrought on by his Ministry during the time of his continuance there He left them but with a mind of returning to them again if providence crost it not but his return was prevented by his death which hapned about two year after as he was endeavouring to get himself free from the place where he then was to return to them In which space of time he did much good as in converting many so in reducing many that were drawn away by Sectaries The Life of Master Herbert Palmer B. D. late Master of Queens-Colledge in Cambridge who died Anno Christi 1647. HErbert Palmer was descended of an ancient Family of that name allied to divers other Families of note of the Nobility and Gentry His Father was Sir Thomas Palmer of Wingham in East-Kent about six miles distant from Canterbury His Mother was the eldest Daughter of Herbert Pelham of Crawley in Sussex Esquire He was born at Wingham and was there baptized March 29. 1601. He had the happinesse of a prudent and pious Education His Father beside his Piety being a very wise man and of a more then ordinary understanding as well in State-affairs as those of a more private concernment His Mother beside her Prudence and other accomplishments more then ordinary in her sex was also eminently religious and both of them exceeding carefull of his education Himself also being even from his infancy much addicted to the serious study both of Religion and Learning in both of which he had made more then ordinary Proficiency in a short time and continued the exercise and improvement of them afterward The Symptomes of Grace and Piety began betimes to put themselves forth to the view and observation of others as soon almost as the exercise and use of reason so that we may not without good ground esteem him sanctified even from the Womb. When he was about the age of four or five years he would cry to go to his Lady-mother That he might hear somewhat of God So soon had these her Religious discourses made pleasing impressions on his apprehension Neither did these and such like expressions of affection to good things soon vanish away as childish apprehensions use to do but continued and encreased according as his years and the use of reason increased Mr. HERBERT PALMER He was early acquainted with the Book of God which he much delighted in and read with great affection insomuch that while he was but a child little more then five years old he wept in reading the story of Joseph and took much pleasure in learning of Chapters by heart And here was laid the first foundation of that great exactnesse in the knowledge of the Scriptures to which he did afterwards attain He had excellent natural parts both intellectual and moral which as they were soon capable of being imployed so they were soon set on work his Parents vigilancy being such that they suffered no time to be neglected He learned the French tongue almost as soon as he could speak English even so soon as that he hath often affirmed he did not remember his learning of it And he did afterwards attain so great exactnesse of speaking and preaching in that language together with a perfect knowledge of the state and affairs of that Kingdom especially of the Protestant Churches amongst them that he was often by strangers thought to be a native French-man and did not doubt but to entertain discourse with any person of that Nation for some hours together in their own language concerning the affairs of that Kingdom who should not be able by his discourse to distinguish him from a native French-man but judge him to be born and bred in France so well was he furnished with an exact knowledge both of the Propriety and due Pronunciation of that language and of the persons places and affairs of that Kingdom and the Churches therein A thing not often seen in one who had never been out of England When he learned the Latine tongue with such other parts of learning as younger years are usually imployed in at School his diligence and proficiency therein was such as produced both commendation and admiration And while others at vacant hours were following their sports and recreations he was constantly observed to be reading studiously by himself taking as much pleasure in good imployments as others in sports and counting that the best Passe-time wherein the time was best passed His carriage towards his Parents was dutifull and obsequious not only during his Minority but even afterwards which was very evident in that honour and reverend respect which he continued to expresse to his godly aged Mother to the day of her death which hapned not long before his own being also a special helper to her in the waies of holinesse And what he thus practised himself he did frequently commend to others being alwaies though himself unmarried a great asserter of Parental authority as well from that great emphasis which God puts upon it through the whole current of Scripture as from those remarkable judgments which in Scripture and in his own experience he had observed to be inflicted on disobedient and undutifull children whom as he was wont to say he had scarce ever known to escape some visible judgment for it in this life though possibly otherwise godly persons as also from those unavoidable mischiefs which do frequently ensue in Civil Societies where the authority of Superiours is vilified or contemned and which if well considered will be often found to take their first rise and original from the contempt of Paternal authority He was about the year 1615. admitted Fellow-Commoner in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge
of unbelief that I may not depart from thee the living God Deliver me from tentation Accept of Jesus Christ for me Teach me to improve all Providences To live upon the Promises Let Christ be my life O Lord let me never shrink from thee For the good of the publique Lord turn the heart of this Nation and all our hearts Turn the heart of the King Sanctifie the Parliament and make them faithfull Blesse the Assembly and make them faithful and upright with thee Let not the Army do unworthily but what thou would have them to do Blesse all the Ministers For other Nations Lord do good to Scotland and the Churches in France Blesse New-England and forrain plantations For the places to which he was related Lord provide a faithfull man for Queens-Colledge A faithfull man for this place New-Church in Westminster A faithfull Pastor for those in the Countrey For Friends and those about him Lord remember all those that have shewed kindnesse to me and have taken pains with me and recompence them Thou hast promised that he which giveth a Cup of water in the name of a Disciple and he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall have a Prophets reward Afterwards having forgotten to crave a blessing upon somewhat given him to take he prayed Lord pardon my neglect and forgetfulnesse of thee and deliver from tentation and the evil of tentation Thou art holy if thou shouldst forsake us Our Fathers trusted in thee and were delivered Lord glorifie thy name in my poor spirit and let none of thy people ever see me shrink from thee for Jesus Christ his sake Being spoken to to cast the burden of his sicknesse and pain upon God he answered I should do very unworthily if when I have preached to others that they should cast their burdens upon God I should not do so my self In these and many other the like Christian expressions he did manifest the same savour of holinesse even to the time of his death which had been constantly discovered in the time of his life He departed this life Anno Christi 1647. and of his age 46. having served God faithfully and painfully in his generation being a very great Instrument of much good and an excellent pattern for imitation His body lieth interred in the New-Church at Westminster and his memory yet liveth in the minds of those that knew him The Life of Gaspar Colinius Great Admirall of France GAsppar Colinius or Coligni was descended of a very Ancient and Honourable Family his Predecessors had Kingly Priviledges in their own Country as the Power of Life and Death of Coining Money Imposing Taxes and Tributes c. His Father was Gaspar de Colonia or Colinius who lived under King Francis the first and had to Wife Ludovica Monmorancy the Sister of Annas Monmorancy Great Constable of France When in the year 1522. the Admirall Bonivet had taken Fontaraby in the Confines of Spain as soon as he was returned into France the Spaniards came and besieged it with a great Army The siege lasted twelve moneths whereby the Inhabitants suffered much extremity by reason of Famine King Francis hearing of it commanded this Gaspar to raise an Army and relieve Fontaraby which Army he presently Levied but in his march he fell sick and died at Ax August 4. Anno Christi 1522 leaving three Sons behind him Odet Gaspar and Francis Ludovica his Widow was made one of the Ladies of Honour to the Queen of France and was very carefull of the education of her Sons and lived a most chaste and vertuous life all the remainder of her daies dying in Paris Anno Christi 1547. Pope Clement the seventh seeking to increase his Authority in France made the elder Brother Odet a Cardinall knowing that by reason of the eminency of his Family he might be very usefull to him By which means the Inheritance fell to this our Gaspar the second Brother who was born Feb. 16. Anno Christi 1517. whose ingenuity and towardlinesse appearing in his childhood his Mother was very carefull of his education and for his Instruction in Learning she made choice of Nicholas Beraldus to be his Schoolmaster a man famous in those daies in France She also provided him Tutors to instruct him in Military Arts of such as were most skilfull therein This Gaspar being thus furnished both for Peace and Warre when he came to the age of twenty four the Dolphin of France the Kings eldest Son besieging Baion at that time Gaspar went to serve under him and to put in practice what he had before gotten in the Theory In which Service he shewed much alacrity and courage and in advancing near to the enemies Trenches he was wounded with a Bullet in his throat The same year also the King having intelligence that his and the enemies Army were ready to joyn battell in Insubria Gaspar obtaining leave hastened thither and in that battell gave great proof of his Valour and Prudence so that shortly after K. Francis dying and his Son Henry succeeding to the Crown he advanced him to great honour and whereas his Uncle Annas Monmorancy was Generall of the Horse he made this Gaspar Colonel of a Regiment of Foot In which Office he carried himself so well that in a little space he gat much repute for his Justice Valour and Prudence and thereby became very gratefull to the common people For whereas the Souldiers formerly by their rapines and plunderings used much to oppresse them this new Colonel kept them in awe by military Discipline especially he severely punished them for incontinency swearing and blasphemy and his Orders were so generally approved of that shortly after the King put them amongst his Military Laws The same King also advanced him to greater honour taking a great liking to him making him one of his own Horsemen which vulgarly are called of the Kings Order And whereas contention arose about that time between the King of France and King Henry the eighth of England about the Town of Bulloine which a little before upon conditions of peace had been pawned to the English the King of France distrusting the English made this Gaspar Governour of all that Countrey who presently going into Picardy whither King Henry of France had sent an Army to besiege Bulloine He with admirable art and diligence built a Castle near to it which was such a shelter to the French and did so hinder the Sallies of the English that in a short time they were forced to treat about surrendring of the City For the finishing of which Treaty the whole businesse was referred by the King of France to our Gaspar and his Uncle Rupipontius which being ended and the Town surrendred Gaspar returned to the King and was shortly after made the Great Admirall of France which amongst the French is counted the greatest honour in the Kingdom having the command of the Sea and
or ten hours and now by the same mercy I am wholly freed from them I promise thee that in these great Feasts and Pastimes I will trouble none Once again Farewell Thy most loving Husband Chattillion About the same time their Counsels for the Massacre being not yet ripened the King with the greatest demonstrations of good will that might be thus accosts the Admirall My Father Remember what you have undertaken to me that you will be injurious to none of the Guises whilst you are in the Court they also have interchangeably given their faith that they will carry themselves honourably and modestly towards you And truly I put as great trust as may be in your words but I have not the same confidence in their promises For besides that I know that the Guises seek occasion of revenge I know their disposition to be bold and haughty and with what great favour and affection the people of Paris do follow them It would be a great grief to me if they who have brought into the City many men of Warre notably furnished with arms under colour of coming to the marriage solemnity should go about any thing for your destruction which would extreamly reflect upon me and therefore I think it fit if you be of the same minde to bring a Regiment of Praetorian Souldiers into the City under the command of such men meaning some that were least suspected who may not only be ready for the publique securiry but upon all emergencies if turbulent spirits should attempt any thing against you This friendly speech so prevailed with the Admirall that he gave his consent and so a Regiment was brought in without the suspition of the Protestants which afterwards helped to cut their throats Five daies after as the Admirall came from the Court where he had been all that morning accompanied with twelve or fifteen Gentlemen being on foot about a hundred paces from the Louure walking softly and reading a Petition just over-against the house of one Villemure a Canon and Tutor to the young Duke of Guise one shot with an Harquebush at him through a lattice window the Gun was laden with three brasse bullets one whereof brake his forefinger of his right hand the other two pierced his left arm He that shot it had a horse ready at the back door whereon being mounted he escaped through St. Anthonies gate where finding a Spanish Jennet held ready for him he posted away to the place appointed for his retreat The door of the house being burst open the Harquebush was found with a Lacquey and another servant who belonged to Challey Steward of the Kings house and a great dealer in the Duke of Guises affairs who also the day before had brought this Harquibushier to that house desiring that he might be well intertained the Lacquey also was sent that morning by this Harquebushier whose name was Maurevel to the Duke of Guises Groom of his Stable requiring that the Horse should be ready that was promised him The Admirall being brought to his lodging shewed singular piety and patience Chyrurgions were sent for and amongst the rest Ambrose Pareus the Kings Chyrurgion who began first with his finger which he cut off but his pincers not being keen he opened and pressed them three times before he could cut it off Then he lanced both those places in his arm which the bullets had pierced all which the Admirall bore not only with a couragious heart but with a constant countenance insomuch as seeing his Friends to weep which held his arm whilst the incisions were made he said unto them My Friends why do you weep I judge my self happy that bear these wounds for the cause of my God And withall looking upon Monsieur Merlin his Minister he said These wounds my Friends are Gods blessings the smart indeed of them is troublesome but I acknowledge the will of my Lord God therein and I bless his Majesty who hath been pleased thus to honour me and to lay any pain upon me for his holy name sake let us beg of him that he will enable me to presevere unto the end And seeing Monsieur Merlin to weep and lament he said to him My Merlin you should rather comfort me To whom he answered Indeed there can be no greater comfort then to think upon the honour which God hath done you in judging you worthy for his Name and Religions sake to suffer these pains My Merlin answered the Admirall if God should have dealt with me aâ—cording to my deserts or have used his power over me he must have deâ—â— far more severely with me but blessed be his Name who hath dealt so mildly and lovingly with me his unworthy Servant Then said another that stood by Go on with this your piety foâ— God ought to be praised by you who hath left the greatest part saâ— and untouched for which cause you have greater reason to admire hâ—â— mercy in these wounds then to complain of his justice especialâ—â— considering that neither your head nor your mind are wounded Thâ—â— said Merlin You do very well Sir that you turn your thoughts froâ— these murtherers to God for truly it was his hand that inflicted theiâ— wounds neither ought you at all to think upon the blâ—ody-mindednesse of your adversaries Truly said the Admirall I freely and from my heart forgive both him that shot at me and those also that set him on for I know assuredly that it is not in their power to hurt me no though they should kill me for my death is a most certain passage to eternal life Thâ— same words he shortly after spake to Marshall Danvill when he came to visit him And whereas Monsieur Merlin told him that the afflictions and calamities which happen to Gods Children use to quicken theâ— more in Prayer The Admirall thereupon with an audible voice and fervent soul poured out this Prayer unto God O Lord God and my heavenly Father have mercy upon me for thy tender mercies sake Remember not against me my former iniquities neither charge me with the sins of my youth If thou Lord shouldst strictly mark what is done amiss or shouldst impute to us our breach of Covenant what flesh could stand before thee or endure thine anger As for me disclaiming all false gods and worship I only call upon thee the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and worship thee alone for Christ his sake I beseech thee to bestow thy holy Spirit upon me and give me the grace of patience I only trust in thy mercies all my hope and confidence is placed on that alone whether thou pleasest to inflict present death upon me or to spare my life to do thee further service Behold Lord I am prepared to submit to thy will in either nothing doubting but if thou pleasest to inflict death upon me thou wilt presently admit me into thine everlasting Kingdom But if Lord thou sufferest me to live longer here grant O
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
she declared her willingnesse to obtain the recovery of her former health and for that end she refused no good means prescribed for her by her learned Physicians Again when she perceived her sicknesse to increase upon her and that she grew worse and worse she was no whit appaled thereat but shewed her self to be armed with an invincible constancy to undergo the utmost that death could do against her preparing her self willingly for that last conflict And when she saw her Ladies and Gentlewomen weeping about her bed she blamed them for it saying Weep not for me I pray you for as much as God doth by this sicknesse call me hence to enjoy a better life and now I may enter into the desired Haven towards which this frail vessel of mine hath been a long time steering Yet she shewed her self grieved that she wanted opportunity to reward them and many more of her Family and Train which had done her faithfull service as she could have wished excusing her self to them and professing that it was not want of good will but her being prevented by this her suddain sicknesse But said she I will not fail to give order about the same to the utmost of my ability In the end perceiving her strength to decay more and more she gave order to have her last Will and Testament made and thereby setled her outward estate And the 8 of June which was the day before she died she called for a Minister and finding that she was drawing nigh unto her end she desired him to speak somewhat largely of the temptations which Satan is wont to assail Gods Elect withall in their last conflict To this the Minister answered Indeed that is the hour wherein the sworn enemy of all the faithfull doth most busily bestirre himself if possible to deprive them of the comfort of their salvation not sparing especially at that time to set upon them with might and sleight but yet even then the Lord is not nor will be wanting to his filling their hearts with such joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost as shall make them in the end more then conquerours His first Engine wherewith he would drive them to despair is by presenting before their eyes the innumerable heaps of their sinnes and pollutions wherewith they have been any way defiled in their whole life and then he presents to them Gods justice before which no flesh can be able to subsist unlesse it were pure and spotlesse whence he infers that such miserable sinners can expect and look for nothing but utter death and condemnation But against these assaults we must as David Psal. 52. set the infinite multitudes of Gods compassions which do infinitely surpasse the multitudes of our sinnes And as for the justice of God we confesse that no creature that is defiled by sinne can abide to be strictly examined by it if God should call us to a severe account but we know that God will never enter into judgment with those that believe in his Son but imputes unto them that righteousness and obedience which was accomplished by him which is sufficient to oppose against the justice of God therefore in it alone we must expect to stand before his face and not by our own dignity and worthinesse Indeed if we were to appear before the seat of Justice to receive there what we have deserved we had good reason to be overwhelmed in utter despair but turning our eyes upon him who being the eternal Son of God hath clothed himself with our humane nature to bear on him the same punishment that was due to our sinnes and thereby hath acquitted us then Gods justice doth no whit affright us but rather yields us assured comfort because God being just cannot require the same debt twice Having therefore received full and perfect satisfaction from Christ whom he hath ordained to be our surety and who hath paid our debts for us thence we gather assurance that he will no more require it at our hands To which purpose these sentences are to be well observed It is Christ who hath born our grief and carried our sorrows The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed That we all like sheep have gone astray and have turned every one to his own way and the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all Christ is our peace and the propitiation for our sins The Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world Upon these considerations Gods justice need not terrifie such as believe in Christ of whose righteousnesse and redemption they are made partakers seeing that Jesus Christ who knew no sin was made sin that is an oblation for sin for us that we might be made the righteousnesse of God in him I grant said he that these things belong not to all indifferently but only unto such as believing in the Son of God do wholly cast themselves upon the merit of his death and passion which as St. Peter saith is sufficient for their salvation Act. 4.12 Then did he ask her whether she placed her whole trust and confidence on Christ crucified who died for her sins and rose again for her justification To this the godly Queen answered that she neither expected salvation righteousnesse nor life from any else but only from her Saviour Jesus Christ being assured that his merit alone did abundantly suffice for the full satisfaction for all her sins albeit they were innumerable This being your faith Madam quoth the Minister you cannot come into condemnation but are passed from death to life neither need you fear Gods Seat of Justice since it is turned into a Throne of mercy and grace unto you and therefore the hour of death will be exceeding welcome to you being but a sweet passage into a far better life as also the time in which all tears shall be wiped from your eyes therefore I beseech you Madam think often of that sweet Text Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord for they rest from their labours and their works follow them Now the time approaches wherein you shall enjoy the beatificiall vision the society of your Husband Christ the fellowship of the blessed Angels and celestial Spirits with the holy Patriachs Prophets Apostles and Martyrs of Christ partaking with them in the same felicity and glory He also further said Madam If it should please God by this your sicknesse to put an end to this weary Pilgrimage of yours and to call you home to himself as by some evident signs it appears that he will Are you willing to go unto him To this she answered with much Christian courage Yea with all my heart Then said he Good Madam Open the eyes of your Faith and behold Jesus your great Redeemer sitting at the right hand of his Father reaching out his hand to receive you to himself Are you Madam willing to go unto him Yes I assure saith she most willing and much more willing
then to linger here below in this world where I see nothing but vanity Then he asked her if they should go to prayer with her which she desiring they performed it by her whilst this pious Lady manifested her ardent affection in calling upon God Prayer being ended the Minister discerning in her the undoubted testimonies of unfeigned Repentance and of the sorrow that she conceived for the offences which she had committed against God together with the assured confidence which she had in his mercies as a Minister of the Gospel and Ambassadour of the Son of God by the authority given to him having the word of reconciliation committed to him he assured her in the Name of Christ that all her sinnes were forgiven by God and that they should never come in account against her at his judgment seat yea that she should no more doubt thereof then if the Son of God from Heaven should say unto her Daughter be of good comfort thy sins are forgiven thee And to the end that troubled consciences might the better be quieted Christ hath used these words speaking to his Ministers saying Whose sins ye remit they are remitted c. And the reason is because the Word which they pronounce is not the word of a mortall man but of the immortall God being of no lesse weight then if himself uttered the same Then he asked her Majesty if she accepted of so gracious a message which assured her of the free pardon of all her sins Yes saith she with all my heart and make no doubt thereof Not long after came in the Admirall Coligni and with him another Minister to whom she gave ear a good space together his speech tending to prepare her for death and when he had finished his speech he also prayed with her which she attended to with great affection Then she requested that those two Ministers might stay all night with her in her chamber and that they would in no wise leave her The greatest part of this night was spent in holy admonitions which these Ministers gave to this gracious Lady one after another besides which she required them to read to her some Chapters of the holy Scriptures which were pertinent to her condition and so they read out of St. Johns Gospel from the fourteenth to the end of the seventeenth Chapter After which they went to prayer with her which being ended the Queen desired to take some rest but it was not long ere she commanded them to read again Whereupon one of them made choice of certain of David's Psalms full of ardent and affectionate prayers suting to this Princesse present condition by reason of her affliction and for a conclusion read Psal. 31. wherein the Prophet amongst other things doth commend his spirit into the hands of God Because saith he thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth Then the Queen willed them to pray with her again and thus was the most part of that night spent in such holy exercises during all which time the Ministers never discerned in her the least sign of impatience notwithstanding the violence of her affliction Yea whereas immediately before her sickness she had shewed how affectionately she was bent to provide things most magnificent for the day of her Sons Marriage according as the State of so great an alliance required yet it was admirable to observe that after this sicknesse had seized on her God wrought in her such a neglect and forgetfulnesse of all such matters that she never shewed to have so much as a thought thereof This night being thus spent and past by this Noble Queen she persevering in the expressions of such like affections and ardency of faith the next morning between eight and nine of the clock she departed this life to take possession of a far better sweetly yielding up her spirit into the hands of God June 9. Anno Christi 1572. being the sixth day after she fell sick and of her age 44. She had her perfect speech and memory even to the hour of her death shewing not only that staidnesse and soundnesse of judgement which ever in times past she had in the care about the salvation of her soul but also in the well settlement of her worldly affairs The King made as if he had conceived great grief for her death putting on mourning attire wherein also the whole Court followed his example lest by this suddain accident their Counsels and futurh desperate designs might be prevented Also to avoid all jealousies and suspitions of her being poisoned by reason of her suddain sicknesse and death her body was opened by sundry expert and learned Doctors of Physick and Chyrurgery who found her Heart and Liver very sound only some scirrousnesse on one side of her Lungs but her Head they might not open where the malady lay by which means the discovery of it was prevented Anonymus Soli Deo Gloria FINIS A TABLE OF The Principal things contained in this Part OF THE LIVES A. AFflictions profitable to Gods children p. 202 Antinomians practice 52 Apostacy plagued by God 25 Assurance to be sought 211 Astrologers are lyers 99 B. BIble is translated into English 4 Bishops enemies to godly Ministers and to the power of Godlinesse 1 2 20 21 28 29 30 41 46 48 53 58 61 63 89 106 109 146 148 149 162 163 185 189 191 201 223 A Bishop enjoyned to ask a Minister forgivenesse in his own Congregation 163 C. CHarity eminent 88 151 155 168 174 191 202 225 Charity of good Ministers 2 13 14 24 76 186 237 240 Comfort at death 142 Comforting afflicted consciences 16 173 202 204 Constancy 151 171 297 Contentation 55 177 171 Conversion 27 86 99 144 184 199 Conversion of a Jaylor 9 Courage 245 270 283 Courage of Gods Ministers 9 43 109 163 186 214 222 239 D. DEath desired 203 Death not feared 208 Devil dispossessed by Prayer 91 216 E. ENvy 46 Examples prevalent 294 F. FAith 86 180 205 207 267 285 Family cared for and well instructed 5 72 164 169 190 226 248 262 267 295 Fasting and Prayer 171 174 200 203 228 Fidelity 27 246 Flight refused in time of persecution 9 10 Flight embraced 12 Friendship sincere 391 221 Frugality 174 G. GRatitude 27 39 176 H. DAnger of unprofitable Hearers 81 Heretick burned 147 Hospitality 200 202 Humility 249 Humility of Gods Ministers 25 39 55 151 174 179 180 182 187 191 206 209 210 222 224 I. INgratitude 56 Joy unspeakable 25 202 L. Life exemplary 81 Long life why a blessing 303 M. WHat makes a compleat Man 81 What makes a compleat Minister 82 Meeknesse of Gods Ministers 25 174 207 Ministers cared for by God 5 6 10 11 Ministers dearly loved 195 Ministers falsly accused 52 Ministry of the Word successefull 21 25 30 67 79 87 89 147 158 164 167 186 201 213 217 231 P. PArents honoured 219 Painfulnesse in Preaching 1 5 14 22 41 46 56 157 164 173